Husband recently "diagnosed" me with senioritis again. On Saturday, we visited Bro's. As Bro and Husband started building a grill that us newlyweds gave as a "thank you for being the best brothers(-in-law)" gift, FBIL and I went to the market to pick up some fixin's for the new grill. When we got back, their neighbor was with them, and I asked her how school was going. We got to talking about graduate school and then Husband contributed with, "Yeah, she always gets senioritis in the last stretch."
Last night, I totally didn't want to work on reports and IEPs. Husband said, "You totally have senioritis." He's probably right. It's the last stretch of time before I'm done with this assignment...and even though almost all of the tough cases have past, I'm finding it so hard to stay amped for the final run.
I think it's totally psychological though. I.e., this morning, I went to my SDC-Autism site because we had an IEP. The teacher totally blanked on the IEP meeting so during the half hour before, I helped him by cranking out 3 academic goals and finishing both of mine. Okay, so why is it so hard for me to come up with goals for my own kids?? I've been sitting here for like an hour, fretting over what to propose.
Actually, I realized what the problem is with this case. I really don't know the student and how high-profile the case is. It's the unknown that makes this assignment so difficult. For this case, I didn't get enough time to assess the kid who is attending a private school, so the goals that I propose really put my professional assessment skills to the test. Ugh. I'm too tired and lazy to put my skills to the test....senioritis.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Monday, April 13, 2009
Introducing Myself: The New Mrs.!
On Sunday, April 5, 2009, H2B and I tied the knot!
I am still in wedding bliss and getting giddy whenever I refer to H2B as "my husband." I've been practicing and calling him "husband" when I'm talking to him, too (b/c I'm dorky like that!). I still get teary-eyed thinking about our special day. Our Best Man said, "you guys even act like a married couple." Not sure what that meant, but somehow, we took it as a compliment.
Happy one-week (and a day) anniversary to us!
More detailed posts with pictures to come! :)
I am still in wedding bliss and getting giddy whenever I refer to H2B as "my husband." I've been practicing and calling him "husband" when I'm talking to him, too (b/c I'm dorky like that!). I still get teary-eyed thinking about our special day. Our Best Man said, "you guys even act like a married couple." Not sure what that meant, but somehow, we took it as a compliment.
Happy one-week (and a day) anniversary to us!
More detailed posts with pictures to come! :)
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Clean Floors
(Just taking a break from the IEPs...)
Today, I was at another Saturday training. Don't ask why I signed up...The nice thing is that my friend was there, too. The lame thing is that we had to split up into random groups pretty early on so I got stuck with lame groups both times. The ironic thing is that I'm an SLP and both times, my different group mates were SDC teachers yet I ended up coming up with ideas on how to adapt core curriculum material. The cool thing is knowing that I do have that creativity within me to think outside the box and on the fly...b/c really, I always say/think I'm not creative nor spontaneous.
The really funny thing is that I called H2B when I got out and he said, "Your dad stopped by." I was like, what?? I actually thought it was pretty cool and funny that they'd be fine without me home! It was Dad's first time coming over (to drop his new laptop off for H2B to do his magic on). The even more hilarious thing is that when my dad arrived, H2B was in the middle of cleaning up a kitchen flood. Apparently, our washing machine overflowed! That has never happened before!
So funny...just imagining H2B trying to clean it up and my dad trying to help... :)
Back to the grind...
Today, I was at another Saturday training. Don't ask why I signed up...The nice thing is that my friend was there, too. The lame thing is that we had to split up into random groups pretty early on so I got stuck with lame groups both times. The ironic thing is that I'm an SLP and both times, my different group mates were SDC teachers yet I ended up coming up with ideas on how to adapt core curriculum material. The cool thing is knowing that I do have that creativity within me to think outside the box and on the fly...b/c really, I always say/think I'm not creative nor spontaneous.
The really funny thing is that I called H2B when I got out and he said, "Your dad stopped by." I was like, what?? I actually thought it was pretty cool and funny that they'd be fine without me home! It was Dad's first time coming over (to drop his new laptop off for H2B to do his magic on). The even more hilarious thing is that when my dad arrived, H2B was in the middle of cleaning up a kitchen flood. Apparently, our washing machine overflowed! That has never happened before!
So funny...just imagining H2B trying to clean it up and my dad trying to help... :)
Back to the grind...
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Big Girl School
Friends, I am going back to school again... (cue: melodramatic sigh).
Actually, it's not "real" school. Last year, I completed my BCBA coursework, but I need to finish up my 1500 clinical hours...and I am barely halfway there. It has been on quite a hiatus since I started working in Manhattan Beach. So I persuaded my awesome classmate to take an intensive supervision curriculum course with me so that we can clock at least 700 hours by September. My goal is to begin studying for the Board exam over the summer, complete my hours before December, and take the exam next March or whenever it's offered.
In the meantime, I am realizing how valuable it is to be both an SLP and BCBA.
Last Tuesday was my first day with him and it was interesting to say the least. The student is actually not on my caseload; he is supposed to be served by that SLP that caused this whole Manhattan Beach injustice with me. However, I can't help but intervene when I feel that it's necessary. Early on in the morning, the student snuck up on me (as he is known to do prior to attacking you), and he lightly set his nails onto my forearm as if ready to dig in. I just looked at him, smiled, and said hello. He looked at me and said, "hug?" I said, "no hug," and went back to typing.
Later on, all of the students went out for P.E. and I continued working on IEPs. The teacher came storming in with J and I knew right away that the kid must have done something wrong. The teacher tried to have him sit on the "x" on the floor (time-out) and the kid kept flopping over or trying to grab/attack the teacher. I asked the teacher to let me try (realizing that there was a high percentage this kid was going to attack me).
First, I got him to sit in a chair (which the teacher didn't think I/he could). I think that's really important b/c that gives me so much more control. I can prevent him from kicking, have him sitting up (vs. flopping over and laying down on the floor), and redirect his hands all at the same time. After I gained control, we worked on quiet sitting with me redirecting his hands every time he tried to reach out/grab/scratch, etc. I showered tons of positive reinforcement every few seconds ("Good quiet sitting!") as well as time-out from reinforcement when he did something bad (I turned or moved away). I also worked on perspective-taking. The kid kept touching his huge bruises and saying, "it hurts." Just about broke my heart when he looked at me and bawled with puppy dog eyes, "it hurts!" I turned it into a teachable moment and said, "You see how Mr. ___ has bruises from you? It hurts him, too. When you grab or pinch Mr. ___, it hurts him, too. When we play nicely and gently, nobody gets hurt and everyone is happy..." (I'm sure my verbal social story wasn't THAT well-versed but you get the idea.)
FYI: don't worry, a report to DCFS has already been made. I was semi-excited and semi-anxious about the idea of making my first DCFS call as a mandated reporter for serious concerns. At the same time, I was relieved to know that a call has already been made so I don't have to.
I remember on my drive home, I was talking to H2B about what a good day I had. It started with me holding a meeting with the SLP Team in MB and doing a quick training, and then rolling into a good day of work in my SDC class. I told H2B that I haven't had a day like this in a long time where I really felt rewarded as a consummate professional. Since I've been in MB, my professional confidence has definitely built up 3-fold, but I don't realize it b/c I am constantly put down and hearing about my mistakes 4-fold.
The last thing I remember from that day is looking into J's eyes as he looked into mine for what must have been at least half a minute of calm and pure silence, and I thought, "This is my calling. This is what I'm meant to do." It felt good to know that God is always with me and I have a place in this world.
P.S. This is not to say that I am totally awesome at what I do. The next morning, we got a call from the aide riding on the bus with J who said, "he made himself throw up all over his clothes and the bus." So we met them outside and again, I worked with him while the teacher cleaned the bus. That was kool and the gang.
Later on, though, he walked right up to me and grabbed my boob. I was so stunned! I told the aide to enforce a time-out (from reinforcement) for 5 minutes. I was even more upset when I found out the aide didn't. No wonder this kid gets away with everything short of murder...
Actually, it's not "real" school. Last year, I completed my BCBA coursework, but I need to finish up my 1500 clinical hours...and I am barely halfway there. It has been on quite a hiatus since I started working in Manhattan Beach. So I persuaded my awesome classmate to take an intensive supervision curriculum course with me so that we can clock at least 700 hours by September. My goal is to begin studying for the Board exam over the summer, complete my hours before December, and take the exam next March or whenever it's offered.
In the meantime, I am realizing how valuable it is to be both an SLP and BCBA.
- First of all, there are so few BCBAs out there that districts are willing to pay serious dollars. Secondly, there are even fewer SLP-BCBAs around these parts.
- Going through the coursework has really honed my skills especially when working with the kids with severe autism.
Last Tuesday was my first day with him and it was interesting to say the least. The student is actually not on my caseload; he is supposed to be served by that SLP that caused this whole Manhattan Beach injustice with me. However, I can't help but intervene when I feel that it's necessary. Early on in the morning, the student snuck up on me (as he is known to do prior to attacking you), and he lightly set his nails onto my forearm as if ready to dig in. I just looked at him, smiled, and said hello. He looked at me and said, "hug?" I said, "no hug," and went back to typing.
Later on, all of the students went out for P.E. and I continued working on IEPs. The teacher came storming in with J and I knew right away that the kid must have done something wrong. The teacher tried to have him sit on the "x" on the floor (time-out) and the kid kept flopping over or trying to grab/attack the teacher. I asked the teacher to let me try (realizing that there was a high percentage this kid was going to attack me).
First, I got him to sit in a chair (which the teacher didn't think I/he could). I think that's really important b/c that gives me so much more control. I can prevent him from kicking, have him sitting up (vs. flopping over and laying down on the floor), and redirect his hands all at the same time. After I gained control, we worked on quiet sitting with me redirecting his hands every time he tried to reach out/grab/scratch, etc. I showered tons of positive reinforcement every few seconds ("Good quiet sitting!") as well as time-out from reinforcement when he did something bad (I turned or moved away). I also worked on perspective-taking. The kid kept touching his huge bruises and saying, "it hurts." Just about broke my heart when he looked at me and bawled with puppy dog eyes, "it hurts!" I turned it into a teachable moment and said, "You see how Mr. ___ has bruises from you? It hurts him, too. When you grab or pinch Mr. ___, it hurts him, too. When we play nicely and gently, nobody gets hurt and everyone is happy..." (I'm sure my verbal social story wasn't THAT well-versed but you get the idea.)
FYI: don't worry, a report to DCFS has already been made. I was semi-excited and semi-anxious about the idea of making my first DCFS call as a mandated reporter for serious concerns. At the same time, I was relieved to know that a call has already been made so I don't have to.
I remember on my drive home, I was talking to H2B about what a good day I had. It started with me holding a meeting with the SLP Team in MB and doing a quick training, and then rolling into a good day of work in my SDC class. I told H2B that I haven't had a day like this in a long time where I really felt rewarded as a consummate professional. Since I've been in MB, my professional confidence has definitely built up 3-fold, but I don't realize it b/c I am constantly put down and hearing about my mistakes 4-fold.
The last thing I remember from that day is looking into J's eyes as he looked into mine for what must have been at least half a minute of calm and pure silence, and I thought, "This is my calling. This is what I'm meant to do." It felt good to know that God is always with me and I have a place in this world.
*******
P.S. This is not to say that I am totally awesome at what I do. The next morning, we got a call from the aide riding on the bus with J who said, "he made himself throw up all over his clothes and the bus." So we met them outside and again, I worked with him while the teacher cleaned the bus. That was kool and the gang.
Later on, though, he walked right up to me and grabbed my boob. I was so stunned! I told the aide to enforce a time-out (from reinforcement) for 5 minutes. I was even more upset when I found out the aide didn't. No wonder this kid gets away with everything short of murder...
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
171
Incoming nerdy news!
I haven't had an annual exam since 2006, when I was still in grad school (and lab tests were like $12). I was pretty concerned about my health considering my cholesterol was borderline high (205) and my kidneys were supposedly functioning below typical norms. I got my lab test results back and everything came back normal! My cholesterol is 171!
Pretty amazing considering I must have consumed at least a few pounds of seafood and potato chips the two weeks before my blood drawing. On the other hand, I've been maintaining a relatively healthy status since I graduated from grad school. Hooray for me and my cholesterol!
I haven't had an annual exam since 2006, when I was still in grad school (and lab tests were like $12). I was pretty concerned about my health considering my cholesterol was borderline high (205) and my kidneys were supposedly functioning below typical norms. I got my lab test results back and everything came back normal! My cholesterol is 171!
Pretty amazing considering I must have consumed at least a few pounds of seafood and potato chips the two weeks before my blood drawing. On the other hand, I've been maintaining a relatively healthy status since I graduated from grad school. Hooray for me and my cholesterol!
Saturday, February 21, 2009
February Re-Cap
Sadly, my blogging has taken the backseat for some time now. I find myself just wanting to veg and surf the internet than dwell on my thoughts or experiences...not because they've been weird or bad, but more likely out of laziness. In my periodic weak attempt to re-cap events, here goes nothing!
On Wednesday, February 4, 2009, Future Father-in-Law experienced a "mild" heart attack. That was probably the pinnacle of my 4-week long string of horrendous stress. Up until that point, I was seriously experiencing anxiety attacks, praying for God's renewal and strength constantly throughout the day, and asking "why me?" over stupid things (like the 4th flat tire in 3 months). When FMIL called Wednesday night, all my silly stressing and whining came to a screeching halt.
The following morning, H2B flew out to be with his parents. I almost bummed a ride with a co-worker on Friday to be with them, but at the last second, FMIL and H2B said perhaps it was better I stayed home to take care of a couple things and also because they had many relatives driving in from all over on Saturday and we would be visiting the following weekend as originally planned back in December.
That weekend, I was a total hermit (with the exception of constant calls from H2B, helping him make arrangements and whatnot). Bro called a few times and asked what I was doing and I said, "I keep doing the same things: eat, work-out, get on my computer, watch TV, eat, work-out, get on my computer..." He said, "you're like a hamster...so busy." Later on, H2B called and asked what I was doing and I told him the same. Then he asked, "what is the turtle doing?" "Oh, she keeps doing the same thing: sleep, move rocks, swim, bask, sleep, move rocks, swim, bask." I guess we are creatures of habit and routines.
On Sunday, February 8, at 8 AM, FFIL underwent open heart surgery for a quadruple bypass. Thankfully, all went well and he has since been recovering well. I picked H2B up after work on Monday.
On Friday, February 13, H2B again flew out. The following morning, Valentine's Day, FBIL, my bro, and I drove to Vegas. We left around 9 AM and drove straight to Caesar's Palace with one pit stop. After a minor kink in hotel registration, Bro drove me over to Future-in-Laws home, where he met them for the first time. Other relatives had already arrived so H2B and I left shortly after to run errands. When we got back, H2B and I prepared our first delicious, low-sodium, diabetic meal for the 4 of us. I thought it was actually an impressive spread. We steamed salmon, sauteed corn and zucchini, steamed vegetables, and sauteed bell peppers with ginormous shrimp (mainly for me). It was sweet to "double-date" over a home-cooked meal with his parents.
On Sunday morning, H2B and I ran more errands, rushed back to cook lunch for them, and then H2B dropped me off at Red Rock Casino's Spa. That was the highlight of my weekend and totally what I've been anticipating for months! I received a 50-minute Swedish massage that pratically put me to sleep out of pure relaxation. After 3 hours of pampering, I met H2B and we checked in to Red Rock for the night.
We had dinner reservations with Bro and FBIL for 7:30 at Sedona Restaurant and Lounge, but unfortunately, H2B had gotten seriously ill with food poisoning so he stayed back. I courageously drove myself to the restaurant (and of course got lost). Although our meal was undeniably goumet and delicious, service was soOOOoOOoo bad. Still, we enjoyed each other's company over good entrees. After, I went back to the hotel and turned in early.
On Monday, my second highlight took place. H2B and I played slots for an hour before the 4 of us met for a brunch buffet at Red Rock. I love buffets! The line was crazy long and while we were waiting, a pregnant lady in front of us fainted and fell to the floor. We helped her out (as I am an expert at fainting and recovering). In reflecting, I thought it was great how responsible it was that everyone in my party immediately took action...while everyone else standing in line just stared. The lady behind us even commented after, "how embarrassing."
We indulged in a yummy 2-for-1 brunch buffet and then gambled a little after. H2B and I made one last visit to his parents before meeting my bro and FBIL to head back to L.A. Our drive back wasn't too bad, despite crazy rain. We stopped by Yardhouse in Victoria Garden for dinner and then continued all the way home.
It was really a nice, productive mini-vacation. :)
On Wednesday, February 4, 2009, Future Father-in-Law experienced a "mild" heart attack. That was probably the pinnacle of my 4-week long string of horrendous stress. Up until that point, I was seriously experiencing anxiety attacks, praying for God's renewal and strength constantly throughout the day, and asking "why me?" over stupid things (like the 4th flat tire in 3 months). When FMIL called Wednesday night, all my silly stressing and whining came to a screeching halt.
The following morning, H2B flew out to be with his parents. I almost bummed a ride with a co-worker on Friday to be with them, but at the last second, FMIL and H2B said perhaps it was better I stayed home to take care of a couple things and also because they had many relatives driving in from all over on Saturday and we would be visiting the following weekend as originally planned back in December.
That weekend, I was a total hermit (with the exception of constant calls from H2B, helping him make arrangements and whatnot). Bro called a few times and asked what I was doing and I said, "I keep doing the same things: eat, work-out, get on my computer, watch TV, eat, work-out, get on my computer..." He said, "you're like a hamster...so busy." Later on, H2B called and asked what I was doing and I told him the same. Then he asked, "what is the turtle doing?" "Oh, she keeps doing the same thing: sleep, move rocks, swim, bask, sleep, move rocks, swim, bask." I guess we are creatures of habit and routines.
On Sunday, February 8, at 8 AM, FFIL underwent open heart surgery for a quadruple bypass. Thankfully, all went well and he has since been recovering well. I picked H2B up after work on Monday.
On Friday, February 13, H2B again flew out. The following morning, Valentine's Day, FBIL, my bro, and I drove to Vegas. We left around 9 AM and drove straight to Caesar's Palace with one pit stop. After a minor kink in hotel registration, Bro drove me over to Future-in-Laws home, where he met them for the first time. Other relatives had already arrived so H2B and I left shortly after to run errands. When we got back, H2B and I prepared our first delicious, low-sodium, diabetic meal for the 4 of us. I thought it was actually an impressive spread. We steamed salmon, sauteed corn and zucchini, steamed vegetables, and sauteed bell peppers with ginormous shrimp (mainly for me). It was sweet to "double-date" over a home-cooked meal with his parents.
On Sunday morning, H2B and I ran more errands, rushed back to cook lunch for them, and then H2B dropped me off at Red Rock Casino's Spa. That was the highlight of my weekend and totally what I've been anticipating for months! I received a 50-minute Swedish massage that pratically put me to sleep out of pure relaxation. After 3 hours of pampering, I met H2B and we checked in to Red Rock for the night.
We had dinner reservations with Bro and FBIL for 7:30 at Sedona Restaurant and Lounge, but unfortunately, H2B had gotten seriously ill with food poisoning so he stayed back. I courageously drove myself to the restaurant (and of course got lost). Although our meal was undeniably goumet and delicious, service was soOOOoOOoo bad. Still, we enjoyed each other's company over good entrees. After, I went back to the hotel and turned in early.
On Monday, my second highlight took place. H2B and I played slots for an hour before the 4 of us met for a brunch buffet at Red Rock. I love buffets! The line was crazy long and while we were waiting, a pregnant lady in front of us fainted and fell to the floor. We helped her out (as I am an expert at fainting and recovering). In reflecting, I thought it was great how responsible it was that everyone in my party immediately took action...while everyone else standing in line just stared. The lady behind us even commented after, "how embarrassing."
We indulged in a yummy 2-for-1 brunch buffet and then gambled a little after. H2B and I made one last visit to his parents before meeting my bro and FBIL to head back to L.A. Our drive back wasn't too bad, despite crazy rain. We stopped by Yardhouse in Victoria Garden for dinner and then continued all the way home.
It was really a nice, productive mini-vacation. :)
Monday, February 09, 2009
M.A., CCC-SLP
I'm finally officially licensed as a speech-language pathologist!
I am not really going to comment about the fraud I've been committing pretending to practice as a licensed SLP. Although, I don't think anyone really knows that...I mean, even though I've been signing my name, M.A., CCC-SLP, that's not a lie -- I do have my CCC's and M.A.
Too bad when I told H2B, "I'm finally licensed!" he asked, "You got your BCBA?!" No, I'm not even close! :( One thing at a time...
I am not really going to comment about the fraud I've been committing pretending to practice as a licensed SLP. Although, I don't think anyone really knows that...I mean, even though I've been signing my name, M.A., CCC-SLP, that's not a lie -- I do have my CCC's and M.A.
Too bad when I told H2B, "I'm finally licensed!" he asked, "You got your BCBA?!" No, I'm not even close! :( One thing at a time...
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