This am was Opening Day for Little League. zzzzzzz. A bit of bla bla and waiting.
Ki is playing t-ball (where the kids hit the ball off of a tee versus being pitched to). It is co-ed, mostly boys. Four girls on this team, and they are some of the better players.There are no outs, everyone bats and then the other team is up. So each turn a kid swings until s/he hits one and then runs to first (only) and then with each child up, the run the bases. It can be pure entertainment to watch 5 and 6 year olds play a game they are only somewhat clear on. Lots of dirt hill building and daisy picking in the outfield.
Ki takes the game quite seriously. At the last inning she was catcher. One of the other kids threw the ball in and she tagged a runner out before they stepped on home plate. She knew she got him out and was quite proud. She is not a boastful child, so it was fun to see.
AJ's game was later. We kept him back this year so he is in coach pitch, as he was last year. We ended up knowing a large number of the families, and boys, on his team. So many people there know that he has issues with co-ordination, attention etc. At one point AJ was playing third base and a player hit a pop fly. AJ caught that pop fly. I cheered so hard I almost unhinged myself. Lots of people were cheering, because those pop flies are tough for all the boys to catch. He was so proud to hear all the cheering. He gave the crowd a little victory peace sign.
Go get 'em kiddos.
Saturday, March 31, 2007
Granny and Ki
They are having such a nice time. They are in the other room making up rhymes and stories. Ki sets up lots of imaginary games for them to play, and Granny plays along so well. She always has.
Granny is so good with kids. She always has been. When i was growing up she (and our home) was often the haven for friends of mine from not so desirable family situations.
I hope that Ki will be able to remember her for the fabulous Granny that she is. They go on walks, play cards, read books, play imaginary games. Granny is the very attentive audience for nearly daily "Ki Shows".
At times Ki gets tired of the repetitions from Granny and is snitty, I have to work to control that.
Granny is so good with kids. She always has been. When i was growing up she (and our home) was often the haven for friends of mine from not so desirable family situations.
I hope that Ki will be able to remember her for the fabulous Granny that she is. They go on walks, play cards, read books, play imaginary games. Granny is the very attentive audience for nearly daily "Ki Shows".
At times Ki gets tired of the repetitions from Granny and is snitty, I have to work to control that.
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Updates
In no particular order and with poor grammar
~school district has shat upon my friend and child. no communication, breaking laws, betraying, seemingly supporting an exceptionally crappy teacher. I (and i am no the mama) betrayed, stounded, angry, sad
~Java is a raving psycho puppy to Sierra. I am so sorry Sisi!
~I have a mouth and throat full of kanker, canker, canchor sp? sores. They HURT in a burny, itchy way and are making me irritable.
~A client's Mom brought me a cookie bouquet. So nice! She is thinking of me when her Mom is having total ysterectomy due to cncer
~Another friends Dad recently diagnosed with lung cancer
~Another friends Dad with ramping up leukemia
~There is some shitty stuff going on out there
~school district has shat upon my friend and child. no communication, breaking laws, betraying, seemingly supporting an exceptionally crappy teacher. I (and i am no the mama) betrayed, stounded, angry, sad
~Java is a raving psycho puppy to Sierra. I am so sorry Sisi!
~I have a mouth and throat full of kanker, canker, canchor sp? sores. They HURT in a burny, itchy way and are making me irritable.
~A client's Mom brought me a cookie bouquet. So nice! She is thinking of me when her Mom is having total ysterectomy due to cncer
~Another friends Dad recently diagnosed with lung cancer
~Another friends Dad with ramping up leukemia
~There is some shitty stuff going on out there
Sunday, March 25, 2007
Java
Well the new "baby" has been here for a month now. The initial entry on Java was put in late. Poor peanut was fixed last Th. Hardly slowed her down, but she did end up with a shave job that makes her look like she has some wild bikini-bottom tan.
She is a typical lab, affectionate, wants to please, goofy. She is also a bit fearful of new people and other dogs. Clearly, she has some social issues. So basically, she fits in well with the rest of us. She is also quite clingy, always wants to be with me. This is a problem with me working here with small kids. She barks and bowls then over and wants to be WITH me. Not in the other room with Granny. She goes nuts when she is cornered off. MMM... This will be a fun one to take care of. I'm taking her to dog school in 2 weeks. I already know I'll have the biggest dork in the class. She will be way bigger than the others and barking and feeling anxious. We have had a couple doggie play dates with neighbor dogs already, that should help.
Poor Sierra. Java runs under her, then over her and is constantly standing on her to get her to play. She completely and totally ignores Sierra's growls to be left alone.
There is one interesting story about Java.
Sierra was a wedding gift to us 10 years ago. She has been slowing down and is ready to retire from duck hunting with Pops. Holding down the couch and looking out the window all day has become her permanent hobby. So Pops and I had been talking about getting a second dog. In the fall, for our tenth anniversary, I surprised him with the gift of an already trained hunting lab. But she was not the (expensive) dog she was supposed to be and we returned her. Later, on Cragslist I hooked up with people about 4 or 5 different dogs and came down to the wire every time. One time we even had to go interview. But each time, no go.
We heard about Java (Joanie) from a friend of a friend. She was up to date on her shots and free. To be honest, no one knows if she has "hunting lines" in her family. We're crossing our fingers.
We took her to the vet last week. Her forwarded vet records listed her birthdate as 9/29/06. Her birthdate was the day after our 10th wedding anniversary. That same day last September was the first time, since our wedding, that Pops and returned to the chapel we were married in.
I believe Java is meant to be with us. Like I said, she fits in with the rest of us.
She is a typical lab, affectionate, wants to please, goofy. She is also a bit fearful of new people and other dogs. Clearly, she has some social issues. So basically, she fits in well with the rest of us. She is also quite clingy, always wants to be with me. This is a problem with me working here with small kids. She barks and bowls then over and wants to be WITH me. Not in the other room with Granny. She goes nuts when she is cornered off. MMM... This will be a fun one to take care of. I'm taking her to dog school in 2 weeks. I already know I'll have the biggest dork in the class. She will be way bigger than the others and barking and feeling anxious. We have had a couple doggie play dates with neighbor dogs already, that should help.
Poor Sierra. Java runs under her, then over her and is constantly standing on her to get her to play. She completely and totally ignores Sierra's growls to be left alone.
There is one interesting story about Java.
Sierra was a wedding gift to us 10 years ago. She has been slowing down and is ready to retire from duck hunting with Pops. Holding down the couch and looking out the window all day has become her permanent hobby. So Pops and I had been talking about getting a second dog. In the fall, for our tenth anniversary, I surprised him with the gift of an already trained hunting lab. But she was not the (expensive) dog she was supposed to be and we returned her. Later, on Cragslist I hooked up with people about 4 or 5 different dogs and came down to the wire every time. One time we even had to go interview. But each time, no go.
We heard about Java (Joanie) from a friend of a friend. She was up to date on her shots and free. To be honest, no one knows if she has "hunting lines" in her family. We're crossing our fingers.
We took her to the vet last week. Her forwarded vet records listed her birthdate as 9/29/06. Her birthdate was the day after our 10th wedding anniversary. That same day last September was the first time, since our wedding, that Pops and returned to the chapel we were married in.
I believe Java is meant to be with us. Like I said, she fits in with the rest of us.
Saturday, March 24, 2007
Java joins us
Hi. My name is Java(?)
Well, I’ve been here for about 48 hours now. Before, just yesterday even, my name was Joanie. Now The People are calling me “Java”. The place seems okay, there are lots of things to do here. But before I tell you about that, let me tell you more about myself.
I am a gorgeous, silky-rich dark brown. I am a dog, although The People call me a chocolate Labrador. I was born in Oregon. I was the biggest of 12 pups. When I was six weeks old different people took me home and took care of me because my Mom was too tired from having so very many puppies to feed. Then I kept growing, and at only 5 months I was a big girl weighing in at 40 pounds. The people keep saying things like, “Look at those paws!” and “She has long legs!” and “Her parents must be big”. The Oregon People took good care of me, but I think they thought I was too busy, too much work or something like that. The Little People there got tired of playing with me. I sometimes knocked them over when I was excited. They talked about school for dogs and leashes and following commands, but we never did any of those. So, the Oregon people decided I would be better living with a family who had time to work with me. Next thing I know we are in the car and driving for hours from our home in Medford, Oregon to Redding, California. The Oregon lady takes me to a park and The Pops is there looking at me. I gave him a big bark, I was afraid. Turned out he wasn’t too scary. He had treats and knew how to play. We hung out and then he took me and put me in his car! I just met him! The Oregon People drove away! I’m scared. I sat straight up on the seat behind the Pops and watched his every move. After awhile, I let him pet me. We drove, I slept, we took a break, we drove, and I slept. It was almost dark when he stopped the car for the last time.
“We’re home!” The Pops said.
I am still a bit scared and just want to sit next to The Pops. They introduce me to this other dog (Sierra). She looks and acts like my Mom. She is a bit tubby and moves slow. She is also really grumpy and won’t come play with me.
Later we go in the house and there is a cat (Bear)! I’ve never seen one before! I try and chase him, but he won’t run. He keeps slapping me with his paw; mostly he leaves his claws in. Sometimes I slap him back with my paw. Then when he did finally run-he ran straight toward a door and disappeared thru it! The People said something about a “pet door” but I know that guy is just plain magic. Ten minutes later I found a funky looking cat-like animal. Turns out it’s a guinea pig. Every time I bark he jumps straight up. I barked a lot and he jumped a lot. There are Kid People here, too. They seem fun. I just love water and when they took a bath, I climbed in too.
Later at night time, I am not sure how to get outside or where to go potty. That is all a bit confusing. At bed time I jump into bed with The People and curl up on their heads. They don’t seem to think this is a good idea.
I suppose I’ll be alright here, as long as I can always be right with The People. I hope they know that.
They are calling me Java, instead of Joanie. I’m already figuring it out and come when they call.
Well, I’ve been here for about 48 hours now. Before, just yesterday even, my name was Joanie. Now The People are calling me “Java”. The place seems okay, there are lots of things to do here. But before I tell you about that, let me tell you more about myself.
I am a gorgeous, silky-rich dark brown. I am a dog, although The People call me a chocolate Labrador. I was born in Oregon. I was the biggest of 12 pups. When I was six weeks old different people took me home and took care of me because my Mom was too tired from having so very many puppies to feed. Then I kept growing, and at only 5 months I was a big girl weighing in at 40 pounds. The people keep saying things like, “Look at those paws!” and “She has long legs!” and “Her parents must be big”. The Oregon People took good care of me, but I think they thought I was too busy, too much work or something like that. The Little People there got tired of playing with me. I sometimes knocked them over when I was excited. They talked about school for dogs and leashes and following commands, but we never did any of those. So, the Oregon people decided I would be better living with a family who had time to work with me. Next thing I know we are in the car and driving for hours from our home in Medford, Oregon to Redding, California. The Oregon lady takes me to a park and The Pops is there looking at me. I gave him a big bark, I was afraid. Turned out he wasn’t too scary. He had treats and knew how to play. We hung out and then he took me and put me in his car! I just met him! The Oregon People drove away! I’m scared. I sat straight up on the seat behind the Pops and watched his every move. After awhile, I let him pet me. We drove, I slept, we took a break, we drove, and I slept. It was almost dark when he stopped the car for the last time.
“We’re home!” The Pops said.
I am still a bit scared and just want to sit next to The Pops. They introduce me to this other dog (Sierra). She looks and acts like my Mom. She is a bit tubby and moves slow. She is also really grumpy and won’t come play with me.
Later we go in the house and there is a cat (Bear)! I’ve never seen one before! I try and chase him, but he won’t run. He keeps slapping me with his paw; mostly he leaves his claws in. Sometimes I slap him back with my paw. Then when he did finally run-he ran straight toward a door and disappeared thru it! The People said something about a “pet door” but I know that guy is just plain magic. Ten minutes later I found a funky looking cat-like animal. Turns out it’s a guinea pig. Every time I bark he jumps straight up. I barked a lot and he jumped a lot. There are Kid People here, too. They seem fun. I just love water and when they took a bath, I climbed in too.
Later at night time, I am not sure how to get outside or where to go potty. That is all a bit confusing. At bed time I jump into bed with The People and curl up on their heads. They don’t seem to think this is a good idea.
I suppose I’ll be alright here, as long as I can always be right with The People. I hope they know that.
They are calling me Java, instead of Joanie. I’m already figuring it out and come when they call.
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Teacher Confs and
Today we (Pops and I) had teacher confs for both kids.
Ki is doing great. All "4"'s on a 4 point scale. The teacher also mentioned Smarty Pants Academy ( a local public school that a child has to test into to be able to enter in 3rd grade).
She is warming up to the other kids more and gives them gregarious partings when we leave school, "Bye Mary, see you tomarrow!" She still doesn' t have a close friend really, but I think that will come. I know she will be a good friend when someone gets to know her.
In summary, she is a very bright girl and a kind girl. I am not worried about her. I foresee her to be a kind competent adult who will make her way in this world just fine. She will be good at whatever she chooses to do for work and she will be a good friend, partner and parent.
My ability to really focus on the important things and the larger picture in life is thanks to my experiences as the Mom of AJ. He has given me the gift of perspective, and for that I am grateful.
Ki is doing great. All "4"'s on a 4 point scale. The teacher also mentioned Smarty Pants Academy ( a local public school that a child has to test into to be able to enter in 3rd grade).
She is warming up to the other kids more and gives them gregarious partings when we leave school, "Bye Mary, see you tomarrow!" She still doesn' t have a close friend really, but I think that will come. I know she will be a good friend when someone gets to know her.
In summary, she is a very bright girl and a kind girl. I am not worried about her. I foresee her to be a kind competent adult who will make her way in this world just fine. She will be good at whatever she chooses to do for work and she will be a good friend, partner and parent.
My ability to really focus on the important things and the larger picture in life is thanks to my experiences as the Mom of AJ. He has given me the gift of perspective, and for that I am grateful.
Home work
I'm doing homework with AJ. This can make me f&*%ing nuts. He is SO distractable and snotty at times. I grind, grind, grind my teeth.
Sunday, March 18, 2007
Cussing with the Christians
We were at the pool today. It is Community pool you can join for a fee. It is run by a local conservative Christian church.
I informed AJ he would not be able to go on the diving board-as a chair had been placed acrossit, and there was no life gaurd on. As all things are usually my fault, he started sputtering angry words. Then he swam between the 2 Christian guys and screamed, "God Dammit, Mama."
I informed AJ he would not be able to go on the diving board-as a chair had been placed acrossit, and there was no life gaurd on. As all things are usually my fault, he started sputtering angry words. Then he swam between the 2 Christian guys and screamed, "God Dammit, Mama."
Thursday, March 15, 2007
3 raging tantrum meltdowns in 4 hours
Mom is further agitating kids and then is annoyed by me.
I just keep hearing in my head that Southernwest Airlines commercial line, "Wanna get away?".
When it is a strong feeling it feels more like a flight or fight response. Neither of which is to responsible to act on.
I just want to go eat a mound of good chocolate and a good strong cup of coffee. Like, I'va said before-good thing I don't drink. But it does explain the weight gain.
I just keep hearing in my head that Southernwest Airlines commercial line, "Wanna get away?".
When it is a strong feeling it feels more like a flight or fight response. Neither of which is to responsible to act on.
I just want to go eat a mound of good chocolate and a good strong cup of coffee. Like, I'va said before-good thing I don't drink. But it does explain the weight gain.
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
Burning Down the House
Sunday morning Pops and I took the kids to church and an hour later we were home. I opened the front door and their was a visible smoke layer through out the house and the smell of something burning.
"Mom, are you okay!"
"Yes, Judy, what's wrong?"
"Something is burning!"
I ran to the toaster oven and looked and it was very slightly warm and off. But clearly the culprit. Mom has a habit of broiling (vs toasting) her bread. She thinks it works better that way. There is a timer on the oven, it sometimes sticks. Or you can turn it on and it just stays on. Another piece of this is that as Mom has aged, she has lost her sense of smell.
" Oh, I don't think so. I cleaned the oven. But I don't think I burned anything."
Well I knew she had in that it was morning and all of the above.
"I am pretty sure I didn't cook anything but I'll try to find what it was."
Shortly she showed up with a charred bagel.
"This must be what burned."
She had NO recall of that event and it happened within the last 45 minutes.
"Mom, do you understand why I am worried?"
"Well of course! The house could have burned down."
She gets that.
But she doesn't get how unsafe she is.
Later that day we replaced the dead batteries in the smoke alarms.
"Mom, are you okay!"
"Yes, Judy, what's wrong?"
"Something is burning!"
I ran to the toaster oven and looked and it was very slightly warm and off. But clearly the culprit. Mom has a habit of broiling (vs toasting) her bread. She thinks it works better that way. There is a timer on the oven, it sometimes sticks. Or you can turn it on and it just stays on. Another piece of this is that as Mom has aged, she has lost her sense of smell.
" Oh, I don't think so. I cleaned the oven. But I don't think I burned anything."
Well I knew she had in that it was morning and all of the above.
"I am pretty sure I didn't cook anything but I'll try to find what it was."
Shortly she showed up with a charred bagel.
"This must be what burned."
She had NO recall of that event and it happened within the last 45 minutes.
"Mom, do you understand why I am worried?"
"Well of course! The house could have burned down."
She gets that.
But she doesn't get how unsafe she is.
Later that day we replaced the dead batteries in the smoke alarms.
Sick
Little kids get bunches of colds. If I told parents to keep their child home every time s/he had a runny nose-I'd never work. I use lots of the no-water hand cleaner and don't worry about it.
Today I was working with one of my regular little guys. He had a strong cough and runny nose and seemed tired.
I walked him out to the car and said to the Nanny,
"He seems kinda sick and I'm pretty sure he has a fever."
"Yeah, I know. We kept the kids home from school today. I packed towels on the drive over here because his (twin) sister was vomiting earlier."
"Oh." I said out loud. Inside was more of a "WTF?"
Feeling good about hugging and cuddling that little guy.
Today I was working with one of my regular little guys. He had a strong cough and runny nose and seemed tired.
I walked him out to the car and said to the Nanny,
"He seems kinda sick and I'm pretty sure he has a fever."
"Yeah, I know. We kept the kids home from school today. I packed towels on the drive over here because his (twin) sister was vomiting earlier."
"Oh." I said out loud. Inside was more of a "WTF?"
Feeling good about hugging and cuddling that little guy.
Saturday, March 03, 2007
Soul Train
We have cable at our house. Today I walked in and AJ was watching a '70's classic show.
"Mama, I'm watching Soul Train."
"I see that."
"Why are they dancing."
"Well, that's what they do on this show."
"Oh. Where's the train?"
"Mama, I'm watching Soul Train."
"I see that."
"Why are they dancing."
"Well, that's what they do on this show."
"Oh. Where's the train?"
Monday, February 26, 2007
Some Days seem totally 'typical'
This past Sat. I took AJ to his little league practice and then to a birthday party of a classmate. Those events are so typical. Of course he is still quirky and stands out a bit. But it made me happy. He had a nice time.
Sunday, February 25, 2007
AJ loses a tooth
I helped him compose this letter to the tooth fairy. He left it under his pillow.
Tooth Fairy,
I got bad news for you. I lost my tooth and it is in my tummy, because I swallowed it. I tried to get it out, but I could not get it out. And my tummy really hurts. I hope I still get money.
From,
AJ
Tooth Fairy,
I got bad news for you. I lost my tooth and it is in my tummy, because I swallowed it. I tried to get it out, but I could not get it out. And my tummy really hurts. I hope I still get money.
From,
AJ
Saturday, February 03, 2007
Bla Bla catch up
Well, turns out they did run my picture in the article-with my favorite dog in the world. In fact Double Touble wrote a "press release"and another tiny local paper called and interviewed. Then I told them to call Double Trouble. All of this has turned out to be good internal marketing. Meaning as part of these articles the assistant superintendent, superintendent, and someone from county level SELPA and another local special needs PTA were interviewed. Another reminder for the district that we are out there! I also attended a mtg of PTA board members/presidents from other schools in the district-so they also know we are out there!
I am not sure if AJ hasn't had as many blow ups lately, or I am just in a much better space. I think both. I know I was really depressed there for awhile, day after day. Pops took the kids away for over 24 hours and that was a nice break. Double Trouble and I went to the city. A wild night for both of us homebodies. We each had a massage at a women's Japanese bath house (not a sexual place, but very wacky SF like), had Ethiopian food for dinner and then went to a friend of hers bday party and played poker past midnight. Not a typical night for me! I finally found some pants my big belly (read-FAT-not prego) can fit in. Also enjoying www.zappos.com pick your shoes on line, no tax, free shipping and free shipping to return them. Very cool.
My little clients are such a joy. Such an affectionate, loving lot of little boys. I just love their hugs and when they occasionally pop down in my lap. Some are so excited to see me when they arrive. Okay, so some are really excited to see the dog and the guinea pig when they arrive. However, ranking after my animals isn't too bad. The cuddles and jugs from the 2 year olds are golden. I have 3 chatty 3 and 4 year old boys who have "grown up" and kind of moved themselves out of the little toddler chairs to the larger (kid size) table and chairs. Talking with them is so fun. And they are into more advanced activities. Such as, involved dramatic play and art projects. My dear client Leelo has autism and is 6 now. He has been having these moments of clear loving language that just melts me. Two weeks ago he asked me a number of times during the session, "I love you. Do you love me?" followed by "Let's go see Judy!" and "I wanna hug." He is one snuggly guy. I just love my job. I am blessed and grateful.
I plan to open a clinic in the fall. Ki will be in school more hours of the day then. Ideally, I'd like to bring on 2 other therapists and in a dream world, an OT, also. The concern here is that there is such a shortage of therapists, and finding staff my be hard. Especially since I can't start them out with a full caseload and paycheck. And most especially because I want really good therapists. I don't mind if they are newer to the field, I love mentoring. But it is the therapist who is intelligent, creative, flexible and intuitive that I want to work with. These are the characteristics that make a great therapist, and they are possessed before a degree is ever earned. I can train skills and send them to courses-but I can't train those characteristics. If you are reading and know of a therapist I should pursue, let me know. Or pass my story on.
Aj has a "100 days of school" project due. He is supposed to get 100 of something and find a way to display it and take it to class next week. Kurt and I have been working with him on an idea I came up with/ Aj is interested in (read a bit obsessed) with sports teams, and maps/road names/geography. So Kurt and I sat with him and helped him name pro sports teams and the city they are in. Honestly, I think he came up with 40 or 50 on his own. I typed them into a table format. Yesterday we stopped at AAA and I had him ask for a map of the USA. Today we went and bought stickers that are sports balls. Tomorrow I plan to have him locate the cities (and states) we listed and put a sticker for the corresponding sport (so on San Francisco a baseball for the giants, football for the 49ers etc). I haven't pulled it together in awhile for a good project for him, so I am pleased. Also, b/c Pops is interested in sports so much he has had fun working on this with Aj, too. Tomorrow is the Superbowl. It will be fun to watch with Aj.
For Xmas, Pops gave me tickets for us to go see, "Jersey Boys". We drove up to the city on W night, went out to dinner and then to the show. He got incredible seats, first row loge. And the show was spectacular. Such a treat.
I am not sure if AJ hasn't had as many blow ups lately, or I am just in a much better space. I think both. I know I was really depressed there for awhile, day after day. Pops took the kids away for over 24 hours and that was a nice break. Double Trouble and I went to the city. A wild night for both of us homebodies. We each had a massage at a women's Japanese bath house (not a sexual place, but very wacky SF like), had Ethiopian food for dinner and then went to a friend of hers bday party and played poker past midnight. Not a typical night for me! I finally found some pants my big belly (read-FAT-not prego) can fit in. Also enjoying www.zappos.com pick your shoes on line, no tax, free shipping and free shipping to return them. Very cool.
My little clients are such a joy. Such an affectionate, loving lot of little boys. I just love their hugs and when they occasionally pop down in my lap. Some are so excited to see me when they arrive. Okay, so some are really excited to see the dog and the guinea pig when they arrive. However, ranking after my animals isn't too bad. The cuddles and jugs from the 2 year olds are golden. I have 3 chatty 3 and 4 year old boys who have "grown up" and kind of moved themselves out of the little toddler chairs to the larger (kid size) table and chairs. Talking with them is so fun. And they are into more advanced activities. Such as, involved dramatic play and art projects. My dear client Leelo has autism and is 6 now. He has been having these moments of clear loving language that just melts me. Two weeks ago he asked me a number of times during the session, "I love you. Do you love me?" followed by "Let's go see Judy!" and "I wanna hug." He is one snuggly guy. I just love my job. I am blessed and grateful.
I plan to open a clinic in the fall. Ki will be in school more hours of the day then. Ideally, I'd like to bring on 2 other therapists and in a dream world, an OT, also. The concern here is that there is such a shortage of therapists, and finding staff my be hard. Especially since I can't start them out with a full caseload and paycheck. And most especially because I want really good therapists. I don't mind if they are newer to the field, I love mentoring. But it is the therapist who is intelligent, creative, flexible and intuitive that I want to work with. These are the characteristics that make a great therapist, and they are possessed before a degree is ever earned. I can train skills and send them to courses-but I can't train those characteristics. If you are reading and know of a therapist I should pursue, let me know. Or pass my story on.
Aj has a "100 days of school" project due. He is supposed to get 100 of something and find a way to display it and take it to class next week. Kurt and I have been working with him on an idea I came up with/ Aj is interested in (read a bit obsessed) with sports teams, and maps/road names/geography. So Kurt and I sat with him and helped him name pro sports teams and the city they are in. Honestly, I think he came up with 40 or 50 on his own. I typed them into a table format. Yesterday we stopped at AAA and I had him ask for a map of the USA. Today we went and bought stickers that are sports balls. Tomorrow I plan to have him locate the cities (and states) we listed and put a sticker for the corresponding sport (so on San Francisco a baseball for the giants, football for the 49ers etc). I haven't pulled it together in awhile for a good project for him, so I am pleased. Also, b/c Pops is interested in sports so much he has had fun working on this with Aj, too. Tomorrow is the Superbowl. It will be fun to watch with Aj.
For Xmas, Pops gave me tickets for us to go see, "Jersey Boys". We drove up to the city on W night, went out to dinner and then to the show. He got incredible seats, first row loge. And the show was spectacular. Such a treat.
Sunday, January 28, 2007
PTA 1st mtg
SPECTAR 1st mtg. went great! People showed up that we had no idea were coming! Mom's from other classes, 2 unexpected district people. People seemed very interested. It was even fun despite having to go over bylaws and election stuff.
Sherrie translated to Spanish for a couple of women. 2 people off the floor joined the board, and we seem to have locked in on babysitters for other events. We all introduced ourselves and briefly described our kids. This was a nice touch to add to the sense of community.
We, the originators, were all excited.
43 members signed up (some of them off site grandparents and fathers etc) we ended up with over $400. in membership fees. Part goes to the district and state PTA-but most stays with us and viola we have a started a small, but actual budget!!!
Mon night I go to a mtg to present spectar to district wide PTA's.
I feel the external support for this group and it imakes me happy!!
Sherrie translated to Spanish for a couple of women. 2 people off the floor joined the board, and we seem to have locked in on babysitters for other events. We all introduced ourselves and briefly described our kids. This was a nice touch to add to the sense of community.
We, the originators, were all excited.
43 members signed up (some of them off site grandparents and fathers etc) we ended up with over $400. in membership fees. Part goes to the district and state PTA-but most stays with us and viola we have a started a small, but actual budget!!!
Mon night I go to a mtg to present spectar to district wide PTA's.
I feel the external support for this group and it imakes me happy!!
article ran
Well not picture despite my new haircut!
I guess the pic of me and my dog was, not so oddly enough, irrelavent to the story!
http://www.examiner.com/a-527838~New_PTA_boosts_district_s_special_ed_programs.html
nice write up. Also, the writer ended up doin g advertising of our group via contacting school vice super and county selpa!
I guess the pic of me and my dog was, not so oddly enough, irrelavent to the story!
http://www.examiner.com/a-527838~New_PTA_boosts_district_s_special_ed_programs.html
nice write up. Also, the writer ended up doin g advertising of our group via contacting school vice super and county selpa!
from Jan 22 or 23-justnow posting
Wow. What a day.
I got my hair cut! Woo hoo! Not only has it been months since a haircut. This time it actually has a style. Of course I said I would commit to blow drying, time will tell. Likely “okay” if I don’t blow dry-better if I do and even better if I can ever figure out how the stylist did it!
SF Examiner called yesterday to interview about spectar, the special ed pta I am involved in creating. Then they wanted a picture, and the photographer would come to me. Yikes! I ran out of the house to get my hair cut.
When the photographer arrived he suggested taking my picture with the dog. Kind of ironic b/c he had no idea how much I adore her, or that she is an integral part in my therapy day, etc. He wanted to take my pic with AJ, as he is the child of mine I have identified as having special needs. AJ wasn’t home-but I wouldn’t have done it anyway. And I asked that both of my children be listed so as not to single him out. He is fully included in a regular ed class-I don’t want his pic plastered on some paper as the special needs kid. I have concerns even about putting myself out there; as it not-so-indirectly implies my kids who both can at times “fly under the radar” of looking “typical”.
The first formal mtg of spectar, with “installation” of officers a signing up of charter members, is tomorrow night. I am excited and a bit nervous. But I know it will go great. Even if there are only 15 of us! Hopefully, there will be a fair number of people.
I feel so supported in this endeavor. What was also great about today was that the PTA Pres of my kid’s school called me. (I am also on that PTA board as secretary). She is planning so that next Monday I can attend a mtg of the district various pta/ptos and talk about specter. This is great!
Also got a call from the county provider I contract with and it looks like more clients are headed my way. Yippee!!!
A fabulous day indeed.
I got my hair cut! Woo hoo! Not only has it been months since a haircut. This time it actually has a style. Of course I said I would commit to blow drying, time will tell. Likely “okay” if I don’t blow dry-better if I do and even better if I can ever figure out how the stylist did it!
SF Examiner called yesterday to interview about spectar, the special ed pta I am involved in creating. Then they wanted a picture, and the photographer would come to me. Yikes! I ran out of the house to get my hair cut.
When the photographer arrived he suggested taking my picture with the dog. Kind of ironic b/c he had no idea how much I adore her, or that she is an integral part in my therapy day, etc. He wanted to take my pic with AJ, as he is the child of mine I have identified as having special needs. AJ wasn’t home-but I wouldn’t have done it anyway. And I asked that both of my children be listed so as not to single him out. He is fully included in a regular ed class-I don’t want his pic plastered on some paper as the special needs kid. I have concerns even about putting myself out there; as it not-so-indirectly implies my kids who both can at times “fly under the radar” of looking “typical”.
The first formal mtg of spectar, with “installation” of officers a signing up of charter members, is tomorrow night. I am excited and a bit nervous. But I know it will go great. Even if there are only 15 of us! Hopefully, there will be a fair number of people.
I feel so supported in this endeavor. What was also great about today was that the PTA Pres of my kid’s school called me. (I am also on that PTA board as secretary). She is planning so that next Monday I can attend a mtg of the district various pta/ptos and talk about specter. This is great!
Also got a call from the county provider I contract with and it looks like more clients are headed my way. Yippee!!!
A fabulous day indeed.
Saturday, January 13, 2007
Strep throatish
That's how I feel.
You may know the experience.
Waking up in the middle of the night and trying to swallow around that fire-hot ping pong ball in your throat.
And some funky metallic taste that only briefly disappears with the drinking of hot coffee and mint tra.
You may know the experience.
Waking up in the middle of the night and trying to swallow around that fire-hot ping pong ball in your throat.
And some funky metallic taste that only briefly disappears with the drinking of hot coffee and mint tra.
Friday, January 05, 2007
Escrow Closes
I've been working thru the selling of Mom's condo escrow, termites, house inspectors etc for the last month. It caused me some anxiety, as I have no idea what I am doing. I am so grateful for the realtor we had. She is a friend of my Mom's and just walked me thru everything and really went the extra mile. Including making less than the other realtor on the sale. I trusted her implicitly and it was nice to be able to feel that way. My brother checked in often to see how things were going and said he could fly out here 9from Texas) if he was needed.
So today I got the final message on the machine. Escrow has closed. It is a done deal. I thought I would feel relieved and happy. Instead, I felt a bit sad. It is a marker, another clear chapter closure on that part of her life and my life. I grew up in that town and readily traveled there to stay and visit Mom, Dad and his wife and the few remaining friends there. Mom and her condo were my anchor there. It won't ever be that way again. Some how it just hit me now and I am mourning that chapter closing.
So today I got the final message on the machine. Escrow has closed. It is a done deal. I thought I would feel relieved and happy. Instead, I felt a bit sad. It is a marker, another clear chapter closure on that part of her life and my life. I grew up in that town and readily traveled there to stay and visit Mom, Dad and his wife and the few remaining friends there. Mom and her condo were my anchor there. It won't ever be that way again. Some how it just hit me now and I am mourning that chapter closing.
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