I think I can safely say that today was a good day. All of my classes were missing some key firecrackers, and their absence made the day as pleasant as could be. It's simply amazing how much stress some students cause, simply by being their inattentive, chattery selves. Today was a bit of a revelation in that regard.

I've been toying with the idea of writing a series of profiles based on my students...you know, just to keep the old narrative faculties firing. The only problem (?) is that I absolutely couldn't publish them here for reasons of privacy...and it's been so long since I just wrote for myself that I almost forget how.

Self-discipline is a funny muscle and it shrinks when you don't pay attention to it.

Tonight I went back to the doctor's office for a post-anti-depressant follow up. She's very pleased with my progress, although she continued to stress the importance of individual counselling and regular exercise. I've gained three pounds since my last visit, which brings me almost up to the weight I was before all of this sturm und drang begun. I can't say that I'm completely pleased with that fact, but then again, it wasn't too long ago that the sight of food was enough to turn my stomach altogether. I still vividly remember the joy of having an appetite again.

After the appointment, I drove to my parents' house for a quick visit. The three of us ended up taking a trip to the License Bureau to get my Nova card switched over, which meant a good hour in line while I regaled them with stories from my class (like the fact that one of my students likes to check out his nipple ring in the middle of class. Teresa & I often laugh over the fact that our most-used saying as teachers is an incredulous, "what are you doing?") We all went out for dinner after, celebrating my now-legal driving status with a whole bunch of food and cider. Now that I'm home, I can't wait to fall into bed.

To hell with lesson planning. I'm just pleased that we finished Act I of Macbeth in the one class and that the literacy exam is next week for my other class. The writer's circle I've given up on, at least for the time being. I suppose that the weekend could bring renewed vigour. Or, you know, not.