A pendulum upswing of sorts

Somehow, things feel a little better today.

The meeting with the principal and the parents went as well as could have been expected. She lied through her teeth, and I didn't feel like I was given enough of a chance to respond, but it was still as good as probably can be expected, at least with the low expectations I have for support of teachers in the BCPSS. I don't know what's going to happen, but I did find myself having fun out there today coaching against our big rivals. We didn't win, like we haven't for a decade against this team, but the game was close and my players really showed a lot of heart. The game literally ended with our bases loaded, two outs, and a full count - unfortunately, the kid struck out to end the game. But I had to throw my little left-hander - who throws just hard enough to dent a milk carton - out there because I have about four other kids whose arms are about to fall off. The kid doesn't throw hard, but he pitches smart, and he really did here; it was really a joy to watch him. Unfortunately, their pitcher was college ball ready and just dominated us. We play them again next week, and I'm heartened by the fact that we fought hard, we got a few runs, and that they made about five errors, meaning that this team is beatable. We play them on Thursday at home for the final game of the season. Woah.

Earlier today, I don't think I've ever wanted to be at school less. It makes me mad that I've let one lying parent get in my head, but it's another reminder of how I'm the type of person who thrives on positivity. Last night, I had thoughts for the first time in years of job-searching. Chicago was beckoning me with its basically functional large urban school district and closer geography to my family. Today, though, I was brought back to life by my baseball team, the same baseball team that I was heartbroken by the day before.

Tomorrow, my goal is to not have kids ask me all day, "What's wrong, Mr. E? You look upset." Because, yes, I was. Hopefully, I won't be tomorrow. Things are feeling a little bit better.