I took a "nap" for a couple of hours. I didn't fully drop off to sleep, I think I was afraid of nightmares, but it felt restful anyway. I listened to a few chapters of Harry Potter and Jim Dale's voice is very calming.

I walked 2 miles despite the migraine and period. If the 5K weren't less than 2 weeks away, I would have skipped it. Although it's odd -- I've noticed this before: when I have a migraine and take a brisk walk, my head hurts MUCH less (sometimes not at all), but then it starts hurting again when I stop. I wonder if it's a blood flow thing.

That makes sense.

Speaking of walking, how are you guys doing?

Speaking of walking, how are you guys doing?

Me? I'm a sofa-shaped ball of lard. A month ago I was up to walking 5 miles a day and for some reason I just quit doing it.

I seriously just walked another mile because I thought it would make my head hurt less.* So I guess I can chalk up 3 miles for today. I am really ready for that 5K, man. And the 1-miler the night before (which I am seriously doing mostly for the extra medal, since I can't eat the coneys or drink the beer they give us [though Tim's nephew has already claimed my coneys and beer]).

*(Did it make my head hurt less? Mayyyyyyybe.)

I should go for a walk/run (also semi-training for a 5K in two weeks!) but it's chilly and almost raining, so I don't wanna. Sitting on my butt instead is so appealing.

I went to the Chiropractor this morning and he confirmed that I have made a mess of things, but he straightened me out. He said to go for it. I may get sore and stiff and unhappy, but it is not causing any real harm and it will get easier.

Swimming, walking, biking. Have the 5k this weekend and another one on Mother's Day. It would be nice to see some actual weight loss, but in the meantime I will settle for having more energy.

I wish I knew what to say about bullying for you, WindSparrow.

You can't use violence, which would work quickly but set the wrong example.

If you cannot apply negative consequences (time out, no dessert, having to do the victim's chores), or perhaps there is a way to use positive reinforcement for good behavior.

Have you ever read any of Torey Hayden's books about her time in special education? That was all about communicating on a deep and basic level. I learned a lot about child management I will probably never use, but that's OK. Books are my superpower.

edit: I am jealous of all Laura's swimming time today.

If you cannot apply negative consequences (time out, no dessert, having to do the victim's chores), or perhaps there is a way to use positive reinforcement for good behavior.

"Time Out" as a concept is not simply forbidden, it is basically used as jargon for a behavioral modification technique that would cost me not just this job but my whole career. I have zero authority to punish, restrict or compel in any way.

This is one of those weird situations that occur only when I am not present. So, I hear about something after the fact, talk it out, try to help people practice the communications skills necessary for getting what they need and want without resorting to bad behavior... Praise for appropriate behavior and catching people doing good things is already happening. It falls apart at random times when I am not there.

I find myself very frustrated in the new position because I am used to having coworkers who are my partners; and at least occassionally having those partnerships be close enough to venture into work spouse territory. I miss that. My immediate supervisor said she would be around one day a week, but she finds it inconvenient to be physically present. "You're doing so well, and anything you need help with, I'm just a phone call away." It's not the same.