Things are really smoothing out as I continue to do damage control. How do I know? At 4 P.M. yesterday, I only had 1 work e-mail to respond to (vs. literally 15-20). AND I was so exhausted that I went to bed at 9 P.M. (been waking up at 5 AM and working nonstop, save drive time and dinner, until 11 P.M.) and woke up at 5 AM and had ZERO e-mails!
I'm serious, I didn't know administrators worked as hard as us. My 3 "bosses" were e-mailing me back and forth until 11 PM all this past week. Insanity.
I'm not out of deep water yet but I'm definitely feeling better. Thanks to all who sent prayers and thoughts. xoxo
Friday, October 31, 2008
Friday, October 24, 2008
First Day of Work (Again)
Although I've been prepping for it since last Thursday, today was officially my first day at my new assignment. I am not at an elementary school in a more upscale district, but I am still servicing my SDC Autism class (320) in my previous district. Boss lady has given me 5 hours of overtime a week, but when I got home last night, H2B said, "Man, you burned through the next 3 weeks' worth of OT in 2 days." For reals, dude. The week has been a busy blur. I've never been so functionally scatterbrained. It's kind of a trip.
Yesterday was my unofficial first day at my new assignment. I attended an IEP and then went back and forth between meetings with my administrator and the schools' administrators. Afterward, I went back to my comfort zone (my 320's classroom in my "old" district) to continue prepping. I called 17 parents up to informally introduce myself for the Friday kiddos and explain that there's been some "restructuring" (i.e., the SLP that was here for 6 weeks who managed to make things almost FUBAR has left). Talk about getting over my phone-anxiety. I almost had a meltdown when I was only on #3 of 17 and the mother said, "yes, I would like to call you back at another time because an interesting comment was made." I was like, WTH? Did I say something wrong or did somebody else say something "interesting"? Talk about intense. I should have said, "Okay, call me back because I'd like to talk about an interesting comment that was made, too." Weirdo.
On the other hand, my first day went relatively well in retrospect. The morning was pretty intense, too, but thankfully, the VTW that works with me and my new work roomie are really awesome ladies. I did some damage control which resulted in a hug from a teacher and appreciation from an extremely high-profile parent. Turns out this parent refused to sign the IEP until they heard that a "new" SLP was replacing that 6-weeker one. By the end of the day, the word around the block (from my work roomie who stops be every teacher's classroom everyday) is that we're sending out a really good positive vibe. Thank God.
I do feel really gnarly about having all this responsibility. Boss lady has made me the lead SLP for the Non-SDC speech kids, meaning I have to supervise a SLPA, VTW, and another SLP as we service 50 kiddos. It doesn't sound like a lot, but it is when these kiddos require so many sessions in one week and parents are ridonkulously demanding. For now, I only provide direct therapy service to the extremely high-profile cases...meaning those that are potentially litigious and have difficult parents.
The good news is that as of yesterday at 3 P.M., my co-workers who have seen me have said that I appear to be handling all of this well.
Translation: I'm no longer visibly freaking out.
Yesterday was my unofficial first day at my new assignment. I attended an IEP and then went back and forth between meetings with my administrator and the schools' administrators. Afterward, I went back to my comfort zone (my 320's classroom in my "old" district) to continue prepping. I called 17 parents up to informally introduce myself for the Friday kiddos and explain that there's been some "restructuring" (i.e., the SLP that was here for 6 weeks who managed to make things almost FUBAR has left). Talk about getting over my phone-anxiety. I almost had a meltdown when I was only on #3 of 17 and the mother said, "yes, I would like to call you back at another time because an interesting comment was made." I was like, WTH? Did I say something wrong or did somebody else say something "interesting"? Talk about intense. I should have said, "Okay, call me back because I'd like to talk about an interesting comment that was made, too." Weirdo.
On the other hand, my first day went relatively well in retrospect. The morning was pretty intense, too, but thankfully, the VTW that works with me and my new work roomie are really awesome ladies. I did some damage control which resulted in a hug from a teacher and appreciation from an extremely high-profile parent. Turns out this parent refused to sign the IEP until they heard that a "new" SLP was replacing that 6-weeker one. By the end of the day, the word around the block (from my work roomie who stops be every teacher's classroom everyday) is that we're sending out a really good positive vibe. Thank God.
I do feel really gnarly about having all this responsibility. Boss lady has made me the lead SLP for the Non-SDC speech kids, meaning I have to supervise a SLPA, VTW, and another SLP as we service 50 kiddos. It doesn't sound like a lot, but it is when these kiddos require so many sessions in one week and parents are ridonkulously demanding. For now, I only provide direct therapy service to the extremely high-profile cases...meaning those that are potentially litigious and have difficult parents.
The good news is that as of yesterday at 3 P.M., my co-workers who have seen me have said that I appear to be handling all of this well.
Translation: I'm no longer visibly freaking out.
Friday, October 17, 2008
Longest Week Ever
I knew it was bad when I went to bad last night realizing that I completely dropped the ball! I forgot I had an IEP at 10 AM this morning!!
This week has been a really long one. In short, I'm being transferred next week to another district. I have been stressing so much that it's ridiculous. I know I just need to go through my motions and once I'm in there doing my thing, it'll be okay.
I am also experiencing the worst separation anxiety. I've been fighting tears all week, thinking about how I won't get to work with my kiddos any more. My boss at least let me keep my County Autism kids.
Today, I saw a bunch of my kids to tell them the sad news. I, of course, had to see DA and CV. I couldn't believe how hard I kept fighting back tears. It's just that I've seen them make soOooO much progress, and it took a lot of trust and time to establish rapport. When they came in, we worked a little bit. They clowned around like usual, but I let them be b/c they really made me laugh, which I totally needed.
At one point, DA said to CV, "Have you been to ___.com?"
I was busting up! They are quick, man. Later, CV saw me reaching under the table from my cart but I kept my hands under the table so they could see what I was doing. CV said, "Ooh, Ms. L--, you better not be texting."
Which I totally was. Dang. Bad example. Of course I totally denied it, though. I swear I fit in so well with these 14 y/o.
During the last 5 minutes, I broke the news that I was leaving. They were soOOoo funny. Both immediately protested and said I was lying (First Stage of Grief: Denial). I told them I wasn't so then they got angry (Second Stage of Grief: Anger), and said they weren't coming to speech any more. LOL I was like, um, you have no choice!
I broke the news to my other SDC kiddos and they were so cute. They protested, too, and said, "What! But you're so nice! No! We don't want somebody else!"
This transition has been one of the hardest things for me b/c of what I will be going into, but through it all, I've been so appreciative of all the support and encouragement I've received from colleagues and my kiddos. It's especially nice to realize that my kiddos actually like me. I will miss them so much. I promised them I'd come back for their graduation. They are, after all, my kids. ;)
This week has been a really long one. In short, I'm being transferred next week to another district. I have been stressing so much that it's ridiculous. I know I just need to go through my motions and once I'm in there doing my thing, it'll be okay.
I am also experiencing the worst separation anxiety. I've been fighting tears all week, thinking about how I won't get to work with my kiddos any more. My boss at least let me keep my County Autism kids.
Today, I saw a bunch of my kids to tell them the sad news. I, of course, had to see DA and CV. I couldn't believe how hard I kept fighting back tears. It's just that I've seen them make soOooO much progress, and it took a lot of trust and time to establish rapport. When they came in, we worked a little bit. They clowned around like usual, but I let them be b/c they really made me laugh, which I totally needed.
At one point, DA said to CV, "Have you been to ___.com?"
CV: No, but have you been to ____.com?
Me: You guys better not be talking about any bad websites.
CV: Hey [CV] Have you seen "Girls Gone Wild"?
Me: Hey! None of that in here!
CV: [CV] Have you seen Ms. L___ on You Tube? It's called, "Ms. L-- Gets Mad."
I was busting up! They are quick, man. Later, CV saw me reaching under the table from my cart but I kept my hands under the table so they could see what I was doing. CV said, "Ooh, Ms. L--, you better not be texting."
Which I totally was. Dang. Bad example. Of course I totally denied it, though. I swear I fit in so well with these 14 y/o.
During the last 5 minutes, I broke the news that I was leaving. They were soOOoo funny. Both immediately protested and said I was lying (First Stage of Grief: Denial). I told them I wasn't so then they got angry (Second Stage of Grief: Anger), and said they weren't coming to speech any more. LOL I was like, um, you have no choice!
I broke the news to my other SDC kiddos and they were so cute. They protested, too, and said, "What! But you're so nice! No! We don't want somebody else!"
This transition has been one of the hardest things for me b/c of what I will be going into, but through it all, I've been so appreciative of all the support and encouragement I've received from colleagues and my kiddos. It's especially nice to realize that my kiddos actually like me. I will miss them so much. I promised them I'd come back for their graduation. They are, after all, my kids. ;)
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Bittersweet Ending
It's been quite a long week despite it only being the end of Hump Day.
Over the weekend, I attended a 2-day training in Yorba Linda. The training was neat in that professionals from various fields presented their latest research on early intervention and identification of autism. I also met the newest SLP to join the division I work for. Little did I know she would become the bane of my existence in less than 3 days.
Yesterday, I was in total euphoria as it was my last day of schooling EVER (I know I say that now but I'm like 99.9% sure of this). Needless to say, I was on Cloud 9 all day, even though I still had to get through a group presentation. We had our monthly SLP meeting right before. That's when my day took a turn.
At the end of the meeting, Boss said, "I need to talk to you. You're not in trouble, but I need to talk to you." Turns out she is moving me to a different assignment like pronto; it's like a whole different ballpark. I am flattered that she thinks I am the most capable, but I am extremely unhappy about it for various huge reasons. I keep praying that by tomorrow, when I meet with her, there will be a better solution.
Over the weekend, I attended a 2-day training in Yorba Linda. The training was neat in that professionals from various fields presented their latest research on early intervention and identification of autism. I also met the newest SLP to join the division I work for. Little did I know she would become the bane of my existence in less than 3 days.
Yesterday, I was in total euphoria as it was my last day of schooling EVER (I know I say that now but I'm like 99.9% sure of this). Needless to say, I was on Cloud 9 all day, even though I still had to get through a group presentation. We had our monthly SLP meeting right before. That's when my day took a turn.
At the end of the meeting, Boss said, "I need to talk to you. You're not in trouble, but I need to talk to you." Turns out she is moving me to a different assignment like pronto; it's like a whole different ballpark. I am flattered that she thinks I am the most capable, but I am extremely unhappy about it for various huge reasons. I keep praying that by tomorrow, when I meet with her, there will be a better solution.
Friday, October 10, 2008
So cute!
I got this picture and I had to share. What handsome fellas!
I keep missing my Aunty Jeany and baby (cousin?) August from New York! She and Baby August have been in L.A., and bro had lunch with them today. Sadly, I still haven't met baby August nor his daddy, Uncle Tom. It's been forever since I saw Aunty Jeany, too. :(
I did, however, get a very sweet voicemail from her. Thank you Aunty Jeany!!! xoxo
Picture + voicemail totally made my day. I had a rough week that ended with a very rough day. But in spite of me having a very rough day at work, I had awesome sessions with my students. Can I just say again that I love my job? I love my job. :)
I keep missing my Aunty Jeany and baby (cousin?) August from New York! She and Baby August have been in L.A., and bro had lunch with them today. Sadly, I still haven't met baby August nor his daddy, Uncle Tom. It's been forever since I saw Aunty Jeany, too. :(
I did, however, get a very sweet voicemail from her. Thank you Aunty Jeany!!! xoxo
Picture + voicemail totally made my day. I had a rough week that ended with a very rough day. But in spite of me having a very rough day at work, I had awesome sessions with my students. Can I just say again that I love my job? I love my job. :)
Thursday, October 02, 2008
A Penny Shy of 30 Cents
Today marks my 29th birthday! In all the relaxation and fun today, I didn't even think once about how old I've turned until about an hour ago.
Last night, I had a date with my bro and FBIL. I got to Chez Carmona around 5 P.M., where Chef Bro was cooking a sumptuous pasta dish a la FBIL's recipe. Creamy sauce consisting of chicken, peas, onion, yellow and red peppers, and spices was delicately poured over rigatoni. FBIL glossed olive oil and sprinkled salt over French bread and then grilled it downstairs. We also had Caesar salad with Japanese cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers, corn, and garbanzo beans. Everything was delicious!
Around 6:15, we made our way to the opening night of Madame Butterfly at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. We stopped by Starbucks, where I tried a Vanilla Bean creme Frappuccino (that tastes like McD's fro-yo). Bro and I picked up tickets while FBIL parked...(and almost didn't make it to the first act!). It was a really neat experience going to an opera. I really didn't know what to expect, but I certainly wasn't expecting what I experienced. One must have a vivid imagination and be able to follow the story line by reading and interpreting the textual translations over the stage. If I hadn't read a synopsis, I don't think I would have gotten the full story. All in all, we agreed that it was a different experience.
Since I got home so late (11:30 p.m.), I really did not want to go to work today, so I called in sick. I was actually able to sleep in a bit and then met bro at Overland Cafe for breakfast at 9:45. We had a nice time, despite my faux pas of knocking over my coffee, which spilled all over my bag. We left around 11 A.M., and I made two pit-stops before returning home.
BF and I were going to go to Lake Shrine on Sunset or the Getty Museum, but since we were leaving our place at 1 PM and planning on going to my favorite Mexican restaurant, we didn't think the timing would work out. We went straight to lunch, where I ordered the chicken fajita for the first time. It was better than I expected! We thoroughly enjoyed our meal.
Afterward, we stopped by the Fox Studios lot in Century City to visit a friend, who hooked up a discount to Season 3 of My Name is Earl! I am soOoooOO excited and can't wait to watch it! Afterwards, we stopped by the Westside Pavilion to shop a bit, but I didn't find anything that I really wanted. Besides, BF bought me a pea coat that will arrive tomorrow and he is getting me a turtle tank for my Lil Focker that I love soOooOo much! :D
Lastly, we stopped by Baskin-Robbins for the traditional birthday cake...only BF bought me 2 cakes (and a real ice-cream milkshake)! He keeps outdoing himself every year! Now, I am just waiting for FBIL and Bro to come over so we can have some delicious cake.
All I wanted for today was to have a nice, relaxing birthday and it certainly was. Thank you to all my friends and family who have wished me a happy birthday!
XOXO
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