As a rule of thumb the average back-to-work time for non-supported individuals is six or more months,

It broadcasts your availability to the work 'universe' without any of the reserve normally found in job-hunting encounters.

I've never yet met an untalented person.

I am hoping and praying they open school (on time), ... You have to try and compromise and work together, but don't let the kids suffer.

Try really, really hard not to judge your own work too harshly.

'Middle school' is used as shorthand for a time when things change. It's a time a lot of kids feel like they don't even have one good friend.