Today I was in a classroom for ED (emotionally disturbed) kids. I wasn't sure what to expect, because the injury rate among ED teachers is fairly high. However, nobody got hurt, so I judge it to be a good day. (Lack of injury is my barometer for a good day with ED kids!)

Actually, because it is so close to the end of the school year, we did not do a lot of instruction. They did a little bit of spelling and math, and the rest of the day was just down time, which is probably what they need.

We started off the day with five kids, and one went home sick almost first thing. Then another got picked up early, so we were down to three kids and three teachers. A couple of them had issues at various points, but all in all they were pretty good, speaking as one who is not normally in that room. We had, at the end of the day, three adults to three kids, which is a good ratio.

Tomorrow is kindergarten, at another school. It should be a good day - I've been in this class before. I like teaching the little guys!

I've been away for a few days . . . okay, like a week! I went to my 20-year college reunion last weekend and had a fabulous time. It's so good to catch up with old friends and professors, and see the beautiful campus!

Today I was teaching 4th grade. In science, they were learning about birds. As a preface to the lesson, I asked them if they knew what the state bird was. Since we're in Maryland, the state bird is the oriole. After getting the correct answer, I told them we probably have orioles around here, but I don't recognize them without their uniforms on. The first class just looked at me blankly, but a couple of kids in the second group got it and then they all started laughing (with the exception of one kid who told me it was so funny he forgot to laugh!).

I like to inject a bit of humor into the lessons whenever possible - makes it more fun for the students, and for me!

I haven't said a lot about relationships thus far, although I threatened to in my first post. Okay, I haven't said anything. And this blog is really not about relationships, except insofar as they relate to my everyday life.

I was in a bad marriage for 12 1/2 years, have been separated/divorced for another 5 1/2, and have done my share of dating. Somehow it's very different when you are middle-aged and have kids to consider. For me, my children always come first. I haven't introduced them to most of the guys I have dated, because I don't want them to get attached and then have to let go.

It's a whole different ball game to be dating when you're middle-aged and have family responsibilities, as opposed to when you are young and (relatively) carefree. I was in a bad marriage for 12 1/2 years, and have been separated/divorced for another 5 1/2. Still, it's tough to navigate when there are others involved. You have to know who you are and what you want.

I think you just have to figure out what your deal-breakers are. For me, it's abuse, wanting more kids (I love my daughters, but am not having any more children), and rooting for the Dallas Cowboys.