Sunday, November 26, 2006

An Inefficient but Fun Day

Rat B thinks that I am the most efficient Rat b/c I am always on my computer...whether I'm at school or at home. So when she e-mailed today and got no (immediate) response, she started panicking and e-mailed, "You haven't been as efficient in terms of responding to emails this weekend..whats up?"

I cracked up about that!

Today, I was AFK from about 2 PM (and I woke up at 12 PM). I went to Costco, and it was a hectic and crowded as usual. I have to admit that I'm the type that will find an empty aisle (i.e., electronic toothbrush aisle or dishware) and ditch my cart there....but at least I don't leave it in the middle of a busy aisle! Now that drives me bonkers.

Anywho, I got most of the stuff on my list and continued to shop for Holidays from the Heart. I walked past a dude that was older but looked kinda young for his age (possbily b/c he was dressed all trendy) and I happened to make eye contact w/ him b/c he was in my line of sight as I looked at products at my eye level.

A few minutes later, I was back in the clothes area, shopping for Holidays from the Heart again when I looked up to cross an "intersection" and he was there and he said, "hello." I rudely ignored him (I tend to rudely ignore people who have no good business saying 'hello' to me, especially in a store) and kept walking past him.

A few minutes later, I saw him again while I was checking out the books section! I was pretty creeped out by then.

I went to the candy aisle and called my brother up and said, "I think there's a guy following me." As I walked down the candy aisle, I looked towards the end of the aisle, where it's one of the 2 HUGE aisles leading to the open area of cashiers, and The Stalker was looking down the candy aisle, but I don't think he saw me b/c I ducked behind a person.

I quickly rushed to check-out and left. Few, no abductions here. I'm safe.

As I pushed my cart to my car, I noticed a cart behind a car, and I thought about BSILF and her husband. I mean, for reals, how annoying is that and how annoyed would I be if that was my car, right?? Anywho, I walked past it -- with the intention of picking it up when I returned my cart. A lady across the way walked her cart off.....and stashed it with the lone one. When it was my turn, there was a man returning his cart...who just walked right past the THREE (duno where the 3rd one came from). Fine, I stashed my cart (the fourth) and by now, the car owners were back so I politely said to the two older ladies, "These carts aren't mine" DUH! Sometimes I say the stupidest things. "But I'm going to move them out of your way."

I must have forgotten how weak I am b/c goodness gracious, 4 stupid carts were soOOooOO heavy!!! I swear I had to like back off, get a running start to gain some momentum, and then push w/ my whole body!!! I duno how those guys really do it. Even when there's two guys.

I pushed it past about 7 cars -- and had to kind of push them out towards the middle a little and then back closer to the cars b/c one car was really sticking out -- when a parking lot cleaner guy saw me and said, "Here, I'll take care of that." "Thanks." I think the couple sitting in their car in the handicapped spot was like laughing at me, too. =P

I'm sure I was a funny sight. That was my work-out for the day.

I rushed back home to meet my bro, and we visited our Genius relatives and had tons of fun. :) Older Genius Cousin got accepted into Harvard Law! The last I heard from him, he was only toying w/ the idea of applying. Next thing I know (like a month or two later?), he's already accepted. He is applying for a joint JD-MBA program so if all goes according to plans, he'll be back in school next Fall. Younger Genius Cousin is also in the midst of finishing up his college applications. I was so thrilled that he IMd me the other night to ask about UCSD; thrilled that I could actually talk to him as if I actually know something. Heehee. :) I told him to go to Revelle b/c that's where all the nerds go. Hahaha! He didn't like that, but he still put Revelle as his #1 choice. Good boy.

Their doggy Cookie is 9 years old and recently showed signs of arthritis in her hind leg. :( I didn't realize how adorable she is. I guess it's because I don't see her enough. She has the nicest, softest fur, too. I secretly think that Genius Uncle must use super expensive doggy shampoo or something. Haha!

All in all, it was a really nice Sunday evening with the Genius Relatives and Cookie. It will be nice to see them again around Christmas.

Saturday, November 25, 2006

Post-Thanksgiving

I pretty much have a six-day long weekend. Yah!
Thanksgiving was a blast. I got to spend it with my Dad and bro and BF! This year was a little different since Pastor Aunty just moved up North, Dentist Aunty just got a vacation house in Lake Arrowhead, and Ama is up North with Pastor Aunty. So, Dad invited us over for a non-traditional Thanksgiving dinner.

First, BF and I stopped by Future Best Man's house, and then my bro picked me up to go to Dad's for our Thanksgiving dinner. His roomie and my dad cooked a fabulous Chinese dinner with lots of seafood, which I absolutely love (and Dad knows that). We also had a Chinese Turkey.

The first time I ever had a Chinese Turkey was when I was 7 and we lived in Temple City, two blocks away from FBM's current house. I remember the few days before Thanksgiving, my dad had me sit on his lap (as usual) and he explained to me that this year, we would have a Chinese Turkey.
"Dad, what's a Chinese Turkey?"
"You've never had one?"
"No."
"Well, you're in for a surprise!"
When Thanksgiving came, he revealed the Chinese Turkey. It was a roasted duck from Sam Woo. LOL Dad is forever the family prankster, from when he was a little kid, putting frogs in his sisters' shoes...all the way to today.

So, we had a Chinese Turkey this year, too. :) We had a special treat from FBIL; he sent along a casserole dish of his yummy yummy mac & cheese! That was such a nice surprise b/c I told FBM before I left his house that he didn't have to save me a whole plate of food, just save me some of his mac & cheese.

Afterwards, Bro dropped me back off at FBM's where we hung out a bit and then I got a platter of traditional Thanksgiving food: turkey, mac & cheese, mashed potatoes, corn, etc.

Many years ago, when Pastor Aunty still lived in SM, she had us sit around in a circle and say what we were most thankful for that year. Although she only made us do that once, I always think about that time. Even though we didn't have the usual huge family gathering, I am still thinking about all of my family members. I am thankful for the love and support I have from all of my loved ones.

This Thanksgiving was also the first time I got to (kind of) spend it with BF. :)

Tuesday, November 21, 2006

Refresh: Pixillated Rebirth

BF completely re-designed his website today. This time, he went for a clean black and white motif. Although I liked his first version (simple and clean), I like this one even more because it exudes a little more of his personality (in the design border)...and it gives him more credit (i.e., lists more of his clients). ;)

Check it out and leave comments here. www.pixillated.com

As his Executive Personal Assistant, I (begged him to let me) proofread his site b/c it was laced w/ bad grammar...only b/c he pulled his 4th all-nighter in less than 7 days. Utterly insane and he's not even on street Rx. I'm not sure I made the "About" spiel better; it was tough keeping it balanced between preserving his personality and still giving off the impression that he is a professional and takes his career seriously. I don't think he's read it yet, but my changes are published anyways. Ha!

The other 3 all-nighters were spent creating a bangin' site for Op. He's waiting for the final word before it goes live, but as soon as he gets the green light, y'know I'll be bragging about it for him! I'll also have a random tidbit -- that totally caught my interest (one of those, "What a small world!" phenomenons).

P.S. This AM, as I showered, I thought about creating a blog for BF to talk about his work. I think that idea is spawned off of my anticipated separation anxiety from not getting to update the NSSLHA website any more (not that I want to do it forever). Speaking of that, I better go finally post for Holidays from the Hearts!

Lil F is a Winner!!!

I just checked my e-mail and got a private message from redearslider.com. It's official! Lil F is a winner!!

From www.redearslider.com~

We have a new winner! This was easily our best collection of submissions. I would like to express my thanks to the judges and photographers. As you will see, it was a very hard decision and Chanel No. 13 came through, with X3Shift right behind. GPRenegade also received well-deserved attention, but we have always limited ourselves to one winner.


The Gallery page is updated here @ http://www.redearslider.com/index_gallery.html.

.·:*¨¨*:·. .·:*¨¨*:·..·:*¨¨*:·. .·:*¨¨*:·. .·:*¨¨*:·. .·:*¨¨*:·. .·:*¨¨*:·.

The last time she was a Finalist, I told BF that our turtle is a celebrity, but he didn't believe me. Here's proof. Ha! :) I am so proud of my baby. (I am such the crazy beauty pageant mommy.)

Saturday, November 18, 2006

The National Anthem

I'm (slowly) working away on my AAC project while BF is slaving away on his work, too. Despite the intense production taking place, we have the Pacquiao -v- Morales match blaring from our screen. (As a former boxer, BF is a big boxing fan). I'm not so much a big fan of potential TBIs and BF potentially getting a voice disorder. I'm not sure which one he's louder at -- Lakers games or Pacquiao matches.

Anywho, the match got my attention when I suddenly heard a male singing the National Anthem. I even took my earphones off (blaring loud Incubus), turned around, and watched the rest of the rendition. It was a Marine singing and wow, his performance floored me.

It made me realize how much I love hearing the National Anthem sang by a talented singer. It also reminded me of the last time I went to the Dodgers game w/ my family and a 12 y/o sang it absolutely beautifully. I think the National Anthem is the #1 song that makes me tear up (or at least gives me chills) when it's sang just perfectly.

I know, it's Thanksgiving this week, not the 4th of July. I don't care; I was listening to Christmas music last month! :)

Back to work...

P.S. Y'know how it is at the end of the quarter ~ the randomest, sappiest, and funkiest thoughts come out.

Friday, November 17, 2006

Can-do Tude

For the very first time, I went into clinic with a lot of confidence. I'm not sure why, but I will say that for the first time this quarter, I did NOT have a meeting with 2T. Perhaps my can-do attitude of "I don't care what she thinks any more" was a contributing factor, too. Whatever the reason, I felt really good about today's sessions. For the question,"What are one or two things you learned about yourself?" on both of my session evals, I simply wrote, "I can enjoy my clients while still working hard with them."

Both of my sessions went well (IMHO). Miracle was so motivated today b/c her "reward" was making a real PB & J sandwich. :) She also drew me a picture. On top, it says, "Dear teacher | I wish you can be a mice" (Don't ask b/c I don't know what that means either.) Then below the drawing of me with 3 fingers between two flowers encased in a huge heart with some "Chinese characters" is "I love my teacher." That is so sweet! I told her that next time, I'll get her candy canes. She has supposedly never seen/had a candy cane. I don't know if I believe her, but I already bought a dozen strawberry flavored candy canes tonight.

As for the Riddler, he was floored when he saw my Queen CD. I made him "sign" a contract that said, "I, [the Riddler], will: bring the CD back next Tuesday (or give her $2), talk sing-songy and with lots of expression at home and at school, and bring back my homework on Tuesday. 2T came in and busted up my contract-composition (we were past our 50 minute session), so I forgot to write, "Will say, 'it HAS.'"

(BTW, it was his idea to bring it back next Tuesday and to give me $2 if he doesn't.) Honestly, I really did have a lot of fun with both of my kiddos today and for the first time, I really feel like I have made progress with my kids over the course of this quarter (even though my report will say, "goal not met but significant progress was made"). For the first time, I really feel like I did things my way. It's a good feeling. I am still so proud of my kiddos, too.

Thursday, November 16, 2006

Limited Vocabulary

Today, I made up a session with Miracle. It's so much more fun (and less stressful) when it's unsupervised. She actually made me proud, recalling words that I (think I) taught her over the previous sessions. That gave me hope for her limited vocabulary. When I say "limited," I mean, extremely limited (I taught her "knife" last session). I think she needs massive exposure to English b/c she seems to try really hard to pick up new words when I work with her.

At one point, I turned around to pick up some material and she said, "You have something on your back."

Crap!

I thought that I could just ignore it (the way she ignores my questions when she doesn't want to answer).
M: You have a tattoo.
Hm, maybe she really doesn't have an expressive language delay...!
C: How do you know what a tatoo is?
M: I have a tattoo too.
C: Oh really? Where?
M: I had one on my arm but now it's gone.
I wonder if she thinks mine will be gone tomorrow. I hope she doesn't ask to see it tomorrow. I also hope she doesn't go home and ask Mom to find her a HUGE tattoo from a 25 cent vending machine or Cracker Jack box.

Thank goodness my make-up session with Miracle was "unsupervised" today.

Wednesday, November 15, 2006

Pumpkin Pie

I am realizing more and more how much people love pumpkin pie. Today was another roller coaster day. Everybody - sans 2T - made me smile, laugh, and feel warm and fuzzy inside...even strangers.

So today, BSILF was such a cherry-saver. I tried to not be such a baby when I e-mailed her this AM about what a funk I've been in since I checked my e-mail. She immediatley insisted that she help me find/make material for today. I really haven't met anyone who was more than eager to help me out, but she not only offered, but insisted and proceeded before I could even respond! I was so touched!

The funny thing is that we are both great at working on something that we don't really need to work on. So, while she made "categories by function" cards for me, I rushed over to Costco to grab a fresh pumpkin pie to surprise her. The lady had only laid down 6 when I got one. Yeah! So I showed up at BSILF's doorstep w/ the pie. I've been waiting to get her and BF one since they both LOVE pumpkin pie. I got one for BF yesterday, too. Luckily, they both like their pies. OoOOoh, I even got a double-haiku from her! I also got a nice mini-therapy session with the added bonus of a pep talk from her, before I rushed to school to meet with 2T.

Today was the first time I really defended myself. I just didn't care any more. As BF always says, "Everyone has a breaking point," and I reached mine this morning.

My sessions with my kiddos were interesting (but I won't divulge in my observations). The Riddler had me busting up all session though. He can be such a brat at times (but not uncontrollable; just a typical goofy 10 y/o kiddo). One of the paragraphs I had him read aloud said:
For Thanksgiving, my whooooole family is getting together. We will have a biiiiiiiiig turkey. I'm going to eat soooooooooooo much.
Before he read it aloud, he said, "I don't really like turkey." I said, 'Fine, let's change it. What do you like?' He thought about it and said, "Pumpkin pie!" He asked me to bust my laptop out again to play Queen so I let him pull my laptop out and set himself up...while I finished writing instructions on his homework. It was the least I could do. I feel guilty giving him hmwk since he already has so much from school and extra classes.

I have to admit that letting him listen to "We are the Champions" is also for my own enjoyment...b/c then he sings along. Today, he discovered that the lyrics are not, "Good times for losing," but "no time for losers." LOL

Lastly, I couldn't believe that I totally forgot that I had a surprise from BSILF in my school mailbox!! I was soOOooo looking fwd to it since she e-mailed me on Sunday, but then I forgot! When I reached in, I was ecstatic!

BSILF and hubby got me a Finding Nemo Squirt Jiggly light-up pen! It is the coolest pen I have ever received! Thank you BSILF!

Sunday, November 12, 2006

World's Best Cream Puffs

This has been a nice Sunday.

I got about 8 hours of sleep, but as usual, I woke up a lot. The weird part is that I had so many random dreams or thoughts upon awakening. At one point, I woke up and suddenly had the rest of the objectives for my 3rd goal for the Riddler somewhat figured out! I'm surprised I didn't just get up to type it out for fear that I'd forget. When I finally woke up, I did remember and hammered that portion out. I am such a slow-poke so I'm still not done yet. I also dreamt that we had Honey Nut Cheerios in our cereal stash, so when I woke up, I was sad to see that it was just a dream. I've been really craving cereal other than Raisin Bran and Special K, which is all we have right now.

The only annoying part of today is that the turtle has been eating the dock all day, despite me feeding her a lot. She made me so upset that I woke her daddy up to deal with her. I hardly ever wake the BF up, but today, I had to.

I also had a late lunch/early dinner and dessert with bro and FBIL. We went to Yashima and then across the street to Beard Papa's for the most delicious cream puffs I have ever had! Oh, whadya know? Their website claims "World's best cream puffs"!

I just had to take a moment and blog about the nice time I had with bro and FBIL and the delicious cream puffs. I have to admit that I get a secret sense of joy in talking to FBIL about school...like we totally identify with each other (i.e., the stress, the strong dislike for group projects, lack of sleep, etc.). I just feel sorry for my bro who now has two students in his life to sympathize with and counsel. ;)

Saturday, November 11, 2006

Baby Melanie's 1st Birthday

Not having clinic on Friday has thrown my whole weekend off, but in a good way! I'm in disbelief that I still have another day "off." I totally need it since I haven't gotten much schoolwork done (as usual) but for good reasons.

Last night, I drove to Dad's to spend some time with him and get some work done, since BF's friends were over for a play date. I didn't get too much done since I was so sleepy (but I did get some good rest). BF called me in the middle of the night (like good ol' times when we weren't living together) and gave a re-cap of his night with his homies. He's kind of sad, yet happy that everyone is "moving on." At the end, he said half-jokingly, "Now, it's just you and me against the world." Haha. :) Of course I had to correct him with, "It's you, me, and the turtle." Man I love our turtle.

This AM, Dad cooked a ridiculously huge brunch for me. I was deliriously full when he insisted I eat a small scoop of ice-cream to feel less full. I didn't get the logic, but I sure didn't turn it down. Afterwards, I rushed over to my HS friend's parents' house for her baby girl's first birthday party.

As I approached her house, I had such a rush down memory lane and the good ol' HS days. I finally met baby Mel who is such an adorable little doll! I also reconnected with some HS friends. I was quite excited to find out that DY is an OT (who said her school is looking for an SLP). Our other buddy, PL, showed up, too. I really duno how Jac, PL, and I became buddies, but back in HS, PL kinda thought of us as the sisters he never had. Ten years later, I'm still getting a kick out of Jac regulating on PL like an older sister.

Shortly after I got there, baby Mel had to take a nap b/c Dad jacked up her schedule, so we got pushed into the house for a "cooking show." Actually, it was a full-on Saladmaster demo right there in the kitchen. Man, I was sold within 15 mins. An hour later, I was getting antsy to hear the price. (Un)fortunately, the price was way too high for my unemployed self so I had to walk away. It's a good thing I don't watch infomercials.

I shot the breeze with Jac and PL and oggled at Melanie a little more before we had cake. The weirdest moment was when I stood with them in the backyard, and I had the strongest deja vu. It was one of those deja vus that I swore had happened at least 3 times if not more. I had to leave after cake and before presents so I hope she/they liked what we got her.

I've decided from here on that I will give babies language-enhancing gifts (and something fun/cute on the side). I know, I will forever be the aunty that gives boring gifts. I've never bought a b-day gift for a baby before (I don't count baby shower registries), so that was tons of fun looking at all the cool toys and books out. I ended up getting her a Baby Einstein Animal Discovery box set. To desperately spruce it up, I got her Hello Kitty hair accessories. C'mon, every girl should have a Hello Kitty accessory! ;)

I rushed back home to hang out with BF and his sister. Actually, I worked on reports while they played Xbox 360. Now, I'm taking a break before I start on my 2nd ISR revision. It's been a fun and exciting weekend so far. :)

Friday, November 10, 2006

I wish I was in Texas

A month ago, bro asked me to go with him to Texas. I told him I couldn't since school has been utterly and ridiculously insane for me this quarter and I anticipated having to work on lots of assignments. Sadly, bro flew out to Texas on Wednesday morning without me.

Actually, bro flew out there for work, but he wanted me to go with him to visit Mom. Dang! I guess I could have gone since I had no school today! Well, a month ago, I didn't think it was practical nor feasible since I couldn't imagine missing clinic. I also anticipated a busy weekend of projects and assignments. So, I wish I was in Texas, having fun with my bro and Mom.

I can't remember what year we went on Memorial Day weekend to visit Mom. We did a few touristy things with Mom, but it was mostly a vacation for us two, since Mom was quite busy as usual. I just remember we ate a lot, since we didn't know what else to do. Oh yeah, it was ridiculously hot.

I spoke with bro today who said he visited Mom yesterday. I tried to imagine what happened b/c it was such a great story (well, something that my bro and I would/could/did laugh about). Since Mom already had dinner, bro picked her up for dessert.
Mom said, Let's go get ice-cream.
(Interjection: great choice of dessert, Mom, GREAT choice. :)
Mom continued, I know exactly where to go. There's this place with delicious ice-cream. It's soOoOOOOoo good. I'll tell you how to get there.
Bro said, Alright, let's go!
So bro drove while Mom navigated. Finally, they took one last turn.
Mom says, See it? It's right there!
Bro looked and said.........Sonic??
LOL
I thought that was the end of the funny story, but no. Mom said, No, no; it's the place right next door!
I imagine Mom probably laughed at my bro or something. Bro reported back that the ice-cream was good. I didn't get to talk to him long today b/c we've been on bad cell connection all day. The connection on my part was bad b/c I had a horrendous bus day (we tried to talk while I stood on a busy corner of Wilshire Blvd.).
I took the bus to work this morning, with the intention of maximizing schoolwork production. I actually got half of my Dx report done, but it was with great effort. First, I missed TWO buses in the AM. When I got on the 3rd one, the bus driver thought I was an idiot b/c I was jamming my slightly crumpled dollar bill into the slot, so she snatched it and said, "I'll do it. You have to straighten it and then slip it in like this!" Next, she yelled at me for stepping in front of the yellow line. Despite having to transfer, I got to work without any more incidents. Work was work. Once I get into my zone, I just keep going so I ended up staying until 4, which was such a bad idea.

I hate traffic...and I don't like people traffic. (Sometimes, I have a mild bout of claustrophobia.) The Metro 20 came late, but once I got on, I started hammering out more Dx results. At Wilshire/Westwood, the bus driver yells out, "last stop!" I look up to see him looking at me saying again, "last stop!" I'm confused b/c there are 3+ people still seated; why is he singling me out? I guess he knew that I needed to get farther than the Federal Building, since I asked him for a transfer.


Little did I know that there are TWO Metro 20s that have different routes. How retardedly confusing is that? When the "real" 20 came, it was already packed with the 4 o'clockers. I was lucky I got a seat. When we got to my stop, a girl and I booked it b/c we saw the 14 at the light. I almost dropped my presentation papers in the intersection. Come to think of it, I'm surprised they didn't drop, knowing how Murphy's Law hardly gives me a break. I got to the bus on time, but the bus was just chillin' there and not taking passengers. Oh, no wonder there were like 15-20 people just standing there. So the working 14 comes along and it's already packed of course. I pushed and shoved my way to the very back corner and wedged myself in between two dudes. I noticed, though, that they totally scooted away to give me lots of room (did I smell funny or something?). I was in such a funk that I vowed to never take the bus to VR again.

Of course I'm totally thinking of how I can make it work on Monday. As long as I beat the afternoon crowd, it's okay. Today wasn't my first day taking this route, but it was certainly the worst bus trip ever. I seriously thought I was stranded in Westwood. I was too embarrassed to call BF since he insisted I drive, but out of my stubborness, I didn't and told him that I didn't have enough gas.

Well, I sort of didn't. He insists that I have to fill up when I only have 1/4 of a tank left, and I only had 1/4. Truth be told, I usually drive my car until there is literally 5-20 miles left. I mean, 1/4 of a tank with Elsa is almost 100 miles! I went to Costco and filled her up anyways and got her oil changed. Unfortunately, that didn't take away the "Service now!" message that comes on my MFD when I start the engine. Boo. :( Another thing to add onto my Winter Break To-Do List.

Thursday, November 09, 2006

No Clinic Tomorrow!

This week in review~

On Monday, BF and I figured out/decided that our turtle is left-handed. Today, BF figured out that the turtle keeps eating the dock (and making me mad!) is really b/c she is just hungry, despite us feeding her the typical "adult" amount. Although the simple solution is to feed her more, it also contradicts what we know we should be doing -- feeding her less! Adult turtles are supposed to be fed once every other day...not twice a day. Hm. Maybe she is still a baby or adolescent? She's not even two years old yet. She is 5.25 inches, though, which makes her legal and an adult. Man, if height was a predictor of our age, then I'd still be considered a teenager then.

On Tuesday, I got my midterm grade for clinic. That was disappointing but not a surprise nor fun. I think my sessions are also supposed to be no fun. I believe 2T does not like any/much laughter. She was observing Rat B while talking to me and both Rat B and her client erupted in laughter 3 times. Each time, she did not look happy. Last time, she left me and interrupted the session and asked Rat B, "Is this speech therapy??" Anywho, it made me think about how much I really enjoy laughing with my kids and hearing kids laugh. One challenge in therapy is keeping the child motivated (and not bored). Sometimes being a little silly or making the activity a little more fun can go a long way.

Yesterday, I made up a session with the Riddler. He came in wearing his pajamas b/c it was Pajama Day at school. That was great. I promised I'd bring my Queen single CD of "We are the Champions" for him to borrow next week. It's like his all-time fave song, which still cracks me up. I also observed a few more curious habits of his, but none that I will mention in my session evaluation...which I have not turned in yet (the rebel that I am).

Last night, our neighbor gave us a little baggy of yummy mini-mini-M&M-cookies that she baked! That was so nice of her. She's so festive and fun. She even offered to feed our turtle when we are away.

Tonight, we had a dinner midterm b/c our professor is so rad! First of all, he hates giving exams and grades. Second, he is such a nice professor. Third, he likes to cook. Fourth, he likes (to remind us) to have fun. Tonight, he made/brought soul food! Mac & cheese (my fave), collard greens, and corn bread. After the exam, I gave a horrible inservice; "horrible" strictly for bad reasons -- the shorter the presentations were, the sooner we'd get to leave (I think mine was 1.5 minutes) and it wasn't graded (I am quite externally motivated by grades). I feel kind of bad about giving such a bad presentation but my classmates have received at least 10 inservices by now. I'm planning to put more effort into next week's presentation. For reals.

Since today is burger day, I stopped by Jack-in-the-Crack for BF. Of course I had to use my coupon, so I got myself a chicken bruschetta sandwich. It was soOOOOoooOoo good. I was also retardedly impressed with how fast I ate it (half hour? I think that's a record for me!).

Lastly, I am going to bed like right now (or after I fold laundry sitting on the bed). Talk about being tired (which I am), BF hasn't slept since yesterday AM AND he cleaned our place inside out from 6AM to 6PM. I swear our place has not been this clean ever since we moved in. It wasn't even this clean when we moved in. He really puts me to shame when it comes to cleaning...although I would never admit that! I am tired, though...and soOoOOo happy that I don't have clinic tomorrow! Instead, I am going to work and then running some errands.

Busy day tomorrow, too!

Saturday, November 04, 2006

No Firma Los Papeles

Although the whole quarter has been rough for me, I feel like getting through this week was especially a big accomplishment.

Yesterday morning, I meant to prepare some more for my meeting with 2T. Instead, I stopped by Coffee Bean for me, bro, and FBIL before heading over. There, I meant to type some notes up before I headed off to school, but instead, I chatted w/ FBIL re: schools, IEPs, and related stuff. I've never attended an IEP meeting, so he commented on how schools can be extremely aggressive, pressuring the parents as if they had no choice. Oftentimes, the parents don't know any better, so they really think that they do not have a choice over their own kid.

I am actually quite interested in attending an IEP meeting. I think a part of the whole process appeals to me because deep down, all the legal stuff fascinates me. It's also interesting how people who know the law prey on the people who don't.

Anywho, I met with 2T for an hour. I don't get how I can like and not like someone so much. It's like cognitive dissonance at its best/worst. I like her b/c she is full of applicable knowledge and she explains theories and ideas in such an eloquent way. I (think I) could listen to her lecture if I weren't graded on anything except attendance.

One thing she is constantly reminding me of is watching my language (semantics) when speaking to my kiddos. After all, they are here b/c they have a COMD. On the other hand, I know I have a tendency to overestimate my kiddos. They give me an inch, I demand a yard. Is that such a bad thing? What did Vygotsky say about ZOPED and scaffolding?

In my defense, I think it's worked out fine this quarter. I.e., 2T tells me not to say "sentence" to Miracle, as in "tell me the whole thing in one sentence now." Yet, Miracle's done just fine whenever I instruct her by saying that. As for the Riddler, I say whatever comes to mind b/c I secretly think he's a brainiac...just w/ some language problem that we still haven't figured out. I mean, he uses compensatory strategies that amaze me; things that I wouldn't think of doing (considering that am 17 years his senior, that's sad on my part). When I explain a concept to him (another thing that 2T tells me not to do), he'll sit there in silence and cogitate, then look up at me and say, "I get it." And he does.

But I digress.

So I met with 2T and I was supposed to get my midterm eval, but we ran out of time. I met w/ her again for almost another hour to discuss what we should tell Miracle's Mom. In short, we told her about 5 times in 20 minutes, "No firma los papeles." Don't sign any papers on Monday! You gotta love the law. Not doing anything (i.e., signing papers) begins a whole new legal process.

BTW, since I've been in this crying mood, I wanted to cry during our meeting with Miracle's mom. She didn't understand how she could not sign the papers. We didn't understand how she could. Apparently, she didn't know she had a choice; during those meetings where her child's fate is decided, the presenters intimidate and pressure her into signing and mislead her to think she has no choice.

I don't know if I could work in the public school. I think I'd have too many ethical and moral dilemmas.

I came home and worked on my session evals then BF and I headed out to Tiger Lily for a little rendezvous. I wasn't gonna go, but BF wanted to use me as an excuse to come home early. That backfired since his client didn't show up until 11 and then CBR said, "Just chill til 11:15," which was when he began spinning. That of course graduated into, "Wait til I'm done spinning two sets." A couple sets/45 minutes later, we left. It was nice, though, b/c we got to spend a little alone time, then socialize (it's been so long I think I've forgotten how to), and then hit the floor a little again, it's been so long that I think I've forgotten how to; hopefully, everyone else was too faded to notice) before we bounced. All in all, I was glad I went out because it was a really nice break. It was a fun, relaxing night out with the BF. But dang we were exhausted by the time we got home. We stopped by McD's around 12:30 A.M. I was so tired it took me an hour to finish my chicken sandwich and fries. Well, I guess that's not saying much since I usually take 45 minutes. I finished my session evals and just about keeled over.

Today was quite productive w/r/2 chores and schoolwork (although I can't believe it took me 2 hours to clean Lil F's tank! I was so sure I could finish in an hour). I finished my chapter summary and take-home midterm so I could stress a little less when we visit Pastor Aunty tomorrow. For the first time in my life, she is really moving away. Not that I visit her often, but it's still weird to think she is moving away. I am happy for her, though. Pastor Aunty is making a big move up North next weekend to begin a new job. She will still be ministering and pastoring. :) A;sp suprising is that Ama is going with Pastor Aunty to stay until Thanksgiving!

OooOO, I'm so excited that it's holiday season already. I was already getting excited the few days before Halloween. In my eyes, the holiday season has begun!