I had no problems except envy for those who could have a luscious dessert after their meals with coffee. I ate one bite of chocolate and that's all---no cookies, no cake, no pie, not even sweet potato soufflé. So, it was a matter of making up my mind. I ate mostly green vegetables and some turkey. In place of rolls, I did eat a small portion of dressing. My numbers varied little from the usual, so I am proud of myself. I made it through Halloween candy, Thanksgiving, and Christmas without allowing myself to stray. It was hard, and the temptation was great, but the consequences of throwing caution to the wind would have been foolish. It did not justify ignoring what works for me.

I have my next endocrinologist appointment in six weeks. I guess the A1c will tell the story. In April it will be two years since I was diagnosed. Considering that I have had to be my own dr. with my research and this and other forums, I think I have done well. I continue to have higher numbers in the morning, but they are normal after lunch. It's a matter of control and self-discipline to make wrong choices or stay on the right path. I choose right.

I enjoyed the holidays and hope you did too.

retiredteacher

@retiredteacher, You deserve to be proud of yourself. As I used to tell my students, "Give yourself a pat on the back". You may be a retired teacher, but you are still inspiring and teaching us!
Rosemary

I am indeed a retired teacher. I taught forty-two years and expected to die teaching. I taught Advanced Placement English Literature and Composition, Advanced English Language and Composition, and composition for freshmen in college. Teaching was my life, and when I had to retire, a part of me died. I mourn every day that I am no longer in the classroom. It's all I ever did; it was my career and my hobby. I was fortunate to teach in an exclusive private school, so there were no discipline problems. Learning was the emphasis in every area.

Thanks for your kind words.

retiredteacher

@retiredteacher, We need more teachers like you! We need more schools like the one you describe.

I taught for the first 8 years after college in private elementary schools, in fact, my first teaching job was the elementary school that I attended, with my 1st grade teacher now the principal. I got married, moved, had children and stayed at home when they were younger. When I decided to return to classroom, I had unfortunately failed to update my certification. But I did get an amazing job working with grades 1-4 students who were developmentally delayed and some with learning disabilities. I went to school evenings to be recertified. Then I was sent to middle school. It was hard, but one of the most rewarding experiences to see some of the kids develop self confidence. I needed to take an early retirement due to advancing liver disease.

Rosemary

Bless you for teaching younger students. I could not work with that age. But, it's a good thing we are all different and prefer different challenges. It's similar to our diabetes; no two of us have the same problems; we just all are grouped under the diabetes' umbrella. My retirement wasn't early, though I had taught forty-two years. My retirement came as a result of kidney surgery. My plan was not God's plan. I walked out of the classroom in the fall of 2013. Saddest day of my life.

retiredteacher

@retiredteacher -- I admire you for getting through all these holidays. I can imagine it would really be quite hard.

BTW, sounds like you had a very distinguished teaching career.

I have always been very hard on myself; very strict and intolerant of failures. My mother said I was beyond determined. So once I make up my mind, there is no changing it. I decided I would allow only a certain amount of savory food and one bite of chocolate. That's what I did, and it worked. Others enjoyed the sweets and I enjoyed having them enjoy them. That was satisfaction enough for me.

I was very fortunate in my teaching career to be recognized and applauded for my teaching. I have a room in my home devoted to memorabilia from my years of instruction and plaques and trophies, and most special of all, letters, notes, and cards from former students thanking me for being a tough teacher. I had a special letter over the holidays from a student I taught in 1983 (34 years ago). She told me I was the greatest influence in her life and listed all that my teaching did for her. I was really overwhelmed. I miss that contact with my students.

retiredteacher

@retiredteacher I really admire your self- discipline. You should be very pleased with yourself. I have to admit, I have not done as well as you have.
JK

@retiredteacher It’s too bad you had to step down before you wanted to, it sounds like you were such a wonderful teacher. My sister was a teacher, also very loved by most of her students and their parents. When she returned to teaching after having her family she was teaching K and pre K. After retiring she continued to volunteer one day a week. Her husband was a school principal and their daughter is a great teacher too. It’s just in their blood I guess. I could NEVER be a teacher, I am not nearly patient enough. I enjoy children very much but not in large numbers.
JK

@retiredteacher Nice to get a positive report! Must have really boosted you spirits to receive a letter from a student of long ago. Happy for you.