Chi-Town

Sadly, I don't have the time to give updates like I used to. This new assignment has gotten better by the grace of God. I've powered through Kubler-Ross' Cycle of Grief and entered acceptance, but it doesn't mean that I love this site.

I got to get away to Chicago last Wednesday until Saturday (11/19 - 22) for our national SLP convention. The only bumming part was that I didn't have a travel companion. H2B was supposed to come with me, but he ended up not being able to b/c he's been so busy with work. Bro also didn't make it as he's been busy, too. It was my first time traveling alone and I felt so paranoid, adventurous, and independent. Actually, I had a nice transition. Bro dropped me off at the airport last Wednesday and helped me check-in, and I must have triple-checked the steps leading up to the gate (as if I've never traveled before?!? I'm such a dork.).

I was actually with my co-worker/classmate, VS, for the flight and first night. If the flight weren't so turbulent, she would have driven me to drink with the 4-5 hour flight, but we made it through okay. When we landed, we checked in at the Palmer Hilton in Downtown. I planned on spending just that night with her since I had my own room the next few nights (I didn't tell her that H2B ended up not being able to come). Since we got in late, we had dinner at Potter's Lounge in the downstairs lobby.

On Thursday, we woke up early to go to the convention. Conventions are crazy b/c there's a gang of potentially good presentations going on at the same time. The thing that sucked about this one is that they were spread out in two different buildings, so whenever I "shopped" around, it would take me at least 10 minutes of speed-walking to get to the other one if the first one sucked. I chose a bunch of autism ones which were hit and miss. My favorite ones are always the Asperger's Syndrome presentations b/c the presenters and their presentations are very informative, interesting, and entertaining. They're such a wealth of knowledge b/c frankly, I don't think SLPs know enough about how to work with high-functioning autism and Asperger's. It could be so much fun rather than fear of the unknown.

After the convention, we headed back to the hotel and decided on where to eat. I mentioned checking in after dinner but since we wanted to get suggestions for dinner, I approached the front desk before we headed. Thankfully, we did b/c my hotel reservation was completely canceled! I was flipping out inside b/c 1) I could NOT begin to imagine spending all of my nights with VS and 2) I did not tell her that H2B flaked on me! I fervently uttered desperate prayers as I stood waiting to see if there were any rooms. Fortunately, the lady found a room for me.


After that scare, I was ready for a long-anticipated drink. VS and I had dinner at Exchequer, a block away from our hotel. It was a local joint that served "4-star" pizza. Unfortunately, I didn't get to try deep dish pizza b/c VS is a very picky eater (e.g., she looked over at the next table eating deep dish and said, "Just look at that...that looks disgusting!"). She was bad company from the get-go, and I was so ready to be done with dinner and check into my own room before we were even seated (it didn't help that we had to wait half an hour). I had a beer to help me enjoy the evening, but the bad company was a total buzz kill. To add insult to injury, she really needed to go to CVS after dinner, and I couldn't ditch her since my luggage was still in her room.

We got to my room and she finally left me so that I could supposedly wait for H2B to arrive, I took a long, relaxing shower. It was already pretty late so I went to bad after connecting with H2B.

On Friday morning, I took my sweet time getting ready. Instead of waiting in the long Starbucks line in the lobby, I crossed the street and went to the corner one and got my delicious caffeine fix. I hopped on the shuttle to McCormick West and went to a few good and bad presentations. VS met up with me for some...too bad she was still her miserable self; she sat next to me and made loud sarcastic or arrogant comments DURING the presentations. I hate that. A few times in the past, she's pushed me to the edge where I've actually turned to her and said, "shh..." b/c I was so mortified with her behavior and comments!

By the end of the day at the convention, I was really looking forward to spending Friday evening alone. We went back to the hotel and parted ways. I took a long shower to relax and then I put on as many layers as possible and went out into the darkness and cold. It was fun exploring and looking for a place to eat. I ended up eating at Ronny's Steak House (not a real steak house; more like a steak diner) b/c I wanted to hit a local joint.

(My "view" during dinner.)

Afterward, I ventured along State Street and went into Macy's to see their spectacular Christmas tree on the 7th floor and took a few pictures of their renowned holiday window decorations.
I got back to my room around 9:30 took a long shower. I got freaked out when I heard endless knocking on my room door. I kept ignoring it, but after an extra 5 minutes in the shower, I was done. Right when I stepped out, the phone rang. Turns out it was room service! I got an oh-so delicious surprise from FBIL!

(My bro and FBIL are like the best non-traveling companions! They are always sending room service or food deliveries from the comfort of their homes.) Rewind: before I left, FBIL also went to AAA to pick up maps and a tour book so that I could look up places to explore. He is the best FBIL ever!!

On Saturday, I ditched the convention and explored on my own some more. I got my favorite Starbucks drink (but sadly, they didn't get it right like usual...I hate foam!) and headed South on South Michigan, where there were more open sites to see. I passed by the Art Institute of Chicago, stopped by Millenium Park, Soldier Field, and 11th Street Bridge.

Around 10 AM, I had a feeling that I was lost, despite what my mapquest was telling me so I spoke to bro who confirmed that I was going the wrong way if I was looking for Magnificent Mile. I returned to the hotel, checked out, and then headed North towards North Michigan Street. It really ended up closer than a mile...or maybe b/c there were so many spectacular things to see, it didn't feel a mile away.
I headed back to the hotel around 12:30 and stopped by Exchequer again to order 2 ("disgusting") deep dish pizzas to bring home, per bro's suggestion/request. :) I ordered a medium deluxe and a small barbeque chicken. Right when I picked them up, I picked up my luggage and headed to the airport and came home to L.A.

It was so nice to get away for a few days and not think about work...and to kick off the holiday season!

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Best quote I heard from the convention...

"You can only become truly accomplished at something you love. Don't make money your goal. Instead, pursue the things you love doing, and then do them so well that people can't take their eyes off you." ~ Maya Angelou

Something Extra Special

Now that I have an established route driving to dreaded site #2, I've had many mornings where I come to an intersection and need to make a right turn to go down half a block to park. Whenever I stop at that intersection, I have an overwhelming urge to just go straight and see if the beach lays just over the hill.

Since I got this new assignment, I've spent every chance I have walking at the beach to relax and get my mind off of things on the weekends. I listen to music and walk from Venice to Santa Monica and back and take in the air and surroundings. It's something that I've really enjoyed doing ever since the college days (San Diego has beautiful beaches!).

Today was an easy day at Site #2 since we participated in the statewide Disaster Drill, so that knocked off two sessions of therapy. I had to cancel two groups since I had a tri at my beloved Site #1. Today, I decided that it would be the day I see what lays just yonder.

As I left Site #2, I made a right turn (instead of a left) and I was blown away. All you see is (the quaint beach community and just) the pure beautiful Pacific Ocean. I knew that if I just kept going, the street would lead me straight to the pier. I parked at a meter and trotted down to the pier, took a few pictures, and listened and watched the waves before I headed to Site #1.

So far, that is the only perk about Site #2. I hope to discover more perks as the year passes. The assignment isn't so overwhelming any more, now that I have things relatively under control, but I just don't enjoy working there for numerous reasons. I am so glad I still have Site #1, my "extra special" kiddos with autism.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Yesterday, when I arrived at Site #1 for P320's triennial, one of the RSPED teachers ran into me and said, "DA and H keep asking me about you! Every time [stupid Barfeen] calls for them, they beg me to tell her that they have to stay in class for an assignment. They keep asking why you can't work with them...They say, 'we see her on campus and know she still works with her extra special kids; why can't she work with us? We'll change our schedules!'" LOL That is too funny (and sweet). Maybe if they changed their eligibility from Specific Language Impairment to Autism, then I can work with them. Silly kids!

Tough Crowd

This week of work went pretty well with all things considered, until I got ambushed yesterday mid-morning. My work roomie came across really strong after my IEP yesterday morning. (Disclaimer: she is intense b/c everyone there is intense. She was just helping me, trying to make sure I have covered all of my bases, but she just came across stronger than usual, and also said that she had given me two documents that I had no recollection of receiving). At that point, I said, "I just need a minute..." and then I couldn't help it, my eyes welled up.

I guess all of my emotions that I had put on hold for two weeks finally caught up, and I was just so overwhelmed at that point. All week, I felt like I was doing really well, getting things accomplished, climbing the steepest learning curve, keeping level-headed, making sure I don't upset any parents nor staff, and powering through all of those overdue IEPs b/c of stupid Barfeen. Just when I think I have a good hold on things, I am told that there is even more stupid paperwork to fill out and how I should have contacted these parents and teachers 2 weeks ago (when I've only been here less than two weeks and not even at full-time status!). For the love of God, people, give me a break!

I ended up staying at work until 6 P.M. yesterday and missing the staff happy hour/mixer, where I intended to do a little County/SLP P.R., since the teachers can really make or break these IEPs that I case manage...but after the intense day, I had absolutely no desire to use any residual energy to mingle. Besides, I had to finish all of the new paperwork for the IEPs I held and near future ones, since I know I won't have time next week with the holiday and two triennial IEPs at my SDC site and one more long overdue IEP.

An exhausting part of this assignment is having to make sure you don't upset anybody off. In my delirium, I had a moment of clarity. This assignment is only for one year. If I don't make a good impression at the IEP, who cares? I won't ever have to meet with them again. (Well, knock on wood b/c more than half of the mothers don't work so several drop in, call or e-mail, and even stay to watch therapy.) Besides, if they don't feel a connection with me, then they can go on with their bad selves and request for a different SLP. I just want to do my job of seeing their children, but I don't even have much time for that because I'm busy dealing with their hemming and hawing for more services but at their requested times, long IEPs where mothers cry because their son can't produce the "r" sound, and rescheduling so their kids aren't pulled out of music, art, math, language arts, P.E., etc. They actually want us to service their kids after their school hours (grades get out at staggered released time, which further complicates scheduling). Hello! That's what private therapists are for! I know you can afford it!

I had heard that this district is tough because people actually relocate from other places because people know that the parents typically get what they want here (i.e., I see one child INDIVIDUALLY for stuttering!). Holy snikeys, I did NOT know it was on a global scale. People from other countries (i.e., Germany, Europe) actually call the District Office to tell them that they are relocating here for the services. This is surreal. Seriously, if my child ever requires special education services, I promise to not be ridiculous and rule by fear and intimidation.

This week I broke a personal record. I held 5 IEPs and attended an intense SDC one not on my caseload all in the 24 total hours (3.4 days) that I was there. Of course that doesn't include all of the overtime hours and staff meetings that run past our regular work hours. I am exhausted, but I need to write two assessment reports for those two triennials due this week. I can't wait until Winter Break, "Ski Week," Spring Break, and finally Summer Break.

The best news I heard all week was something my boss' secretary shared with my fellow SLP, who is going through the same intensity as me (she serves the SDC autism class at this site). Secretary overheard boss tell someone in her no-nonsense tone over the phone, "No, if [yours truly] wants her site back next year, she is getting it back next year." Talk about hot gossip! Who was she talking to??? Why would she say that?? I know I shouldn't care b/c that means Boss Lady really means it when she says I won't have to come back to this site next year!!

I voted...

...for the first time ever in my life. It was a tough choice, but I'm proud that I voted.

Sports Fan

For Halloween, the Special Education Department at my new assignment decided on dressing up as coaches or in our work-out clothes. I don't think I actually hit the mark but whatever. I wore my Adidas warm-ups, H2B's (huge) black Adidas t-shirt (he insisted that I match), and Adidas wristbands.
At the end of the day, the custodian asked, "Are you a big sports fan?" I told him I was by association. H2B loves sports beginning with "B": baseball, basketball, bowling, and boxing.

This sports fan question keeps coming up. During baseball season, H2B actually tried to teach me the plays and would pop-quiz me, "What a 4-3-1 play?" I still can't meet the criterion for mastery. I keep telling him that maybe if I saw a visual diagram, I'd get it faster.

When the 320 teacher asked me if I watch baseball, I told him how H2B is teaching me and I still can't get it straight. He said, "So you're telling me that you can go through the entire BCBA program, but you can't understand baseball??"

Today, H2B watched a few minutes of football and after a few dumb questions from me, H2B explained that the players have 4 opportunities/plays to move at least 10 yards (don't quote me; I don't even know if I got that straight). I lamely asked him, "So, is it always something [1st/2nd/3rd/4th] down and 10?" "No, it depends on how many yards they cover. It could be 1st and 5."

Before I could say anything else, he said, "I don't think you should try to understand. You know you're not good at Math, and this is like Calculus for you." And then he changed the channel.

End of the First Week in MB

It's been quite a week of climbing mountains to get this point where I feel about 90% in control of my assignment vs. starting at 10% last Friday.

I humbly accepted this new assignment looking at it like it would be a great professional experience for me. What I've learned this week is:

• I can be assertive.
  
• I can make telephone calls to parents who are upset (and projecting their anger on me) without having to practice or have a script. By yesterday, I was impulsively grabbing binders, files, and papers and marching straight over to the phone to make a phone call without thinking of exactly what to say -- and I wasn't wishing to get the parents' answering machine. I actually HOPED to talk to them (b/c I needed to set IEP dates like last week, when I wasn't even there yet. Stupid MM.).
  
• Not having a technologically advanced classroom phone sucks. We use an old skool phone which means no Caller ID and no light to indicate whether I received a voicemail. I thought this was pretty ironic considering how everything else was pretty up to technological standards.
• I can make phone calls unscripted and with 3 other adults listening in without getting all ADD and blushing out of nervousness.
  
• (So far) I can do damage control...well, much better than I had anticipated going into this war zone.
  
• At least half of these parents only care about titles and those extra letters after names which has become my next biggest dilemma to tackle. Maybe I'll be like this when I'm a parent, but for now, it blows to be on the receiving end. The parents aren't even giving my VTW associates a fair chance. It also becomes a potential legal mess, too.
• Everyone brings their A-game. It's crazy and intense.

The good news is that I'm moving through my "phases" much faster than I expected. I actually have part of a weekend to enjoy. Woohoo!

P.S. I saw some of my favorite kiddos on Tuesday and Wednesday (my 320 days in my old hood), and they are so mad at me for leaving! Haha! Well, not really mad. They just really don't like their new SLP. Stupid MM. I take some twisted pleasure in knowing that they really liked having me as their SLP more than her since she also bragged that middle school is her forte and she'll "make them talk."