Apparently, I have some natural highlights in my hair. I haven't had my hair professionally colored since 2003 so my black hair now is au naturale, which apparently is not a common site in L.A. (I've had several people ask me over the years if my hair is dyed black. When I tell them it's my natural color, they don't believe me!)
Today, my troublemaker SDC-BSC girl came in swinging her braids of black and electric blue hair and sat down to my left for speech. We were having "structured conversation" -- asking and answering questions with each other (i.e., having a normal conversation) when she blurted out, "Did you get white streaks put in your hair?"
WHAT?? :(
"No, it's called white hair caused from stress."
I was soOOOo bummed! BF has been pointing out more and more (with a horrified tone in his voice) at how many white hairs I have. For the past two years, I've effectively covered them up, but over the past year, the area has almost doubled.
I recently joked with BF that I should get bold white highlights like Rogue in X-Men (movie). Sadly, maybe I really should consider it!
Sidenote: Bro says that Mom had premature gray hair. If that's the case, then I guess it makes sense. It's not stress, it's just genetics?
Friday, September 12, 2008
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Picture Day
Today was picture day at my school (work site)! As unphotogenic as I am, I was determined to get a good shot in this year. Last year, the yearbook staff had to track me down on several occasions to try to get a shot. The shot they finally got was totally unplanned. I was in the middle of therapy so my two students scooted to the side as the yearbook staffmember took my picture.
I told BF last night that today was my picture day so he helped me pick out a pink shirt (since white doesn't photograph well for a yearbook, according to Mr. Print Man). He was even sweet enough to iron it for me...b/c I totally suck at ironing (and hate it, as much as I like the way a crisp shirt looks). The SDC-BSC teacher and I got our glamor shots in during 3rd period. The craziest thing is that the students that we cut in front of had been waiting since first period! As we were leaving, we heard some students say, "Hey, those teachers cut to the front of the line!" That was hilariously awesome.
BF and I also surprised each other for dinner. I had gotten Subway for him on my way home, but before I told him, he asked if I wanted to go to Souplantation! That is one of my favorite places to eat! Since he had Subway to look forward to, we agreed on dinner plans. He would drive us to the shopping center and station me at Souplantation while he shopped in the sporting store. That was perfect b/c I hate going with him b/c he takes forever! On the other hand, he hates going with me to Souplantation b/c 1) he doesn't like the place and 2) I eat even longer at buffets (average of 1.5 hours). So I happily ate a lot and at my own slow speed while he happily shopped at his own slow speed. We met up at the perfect time. :)
Yummers! That was a nice, surprise mid-week treat during this exhausting, stressful full first week of little kid school.
I told BF last night that today was my picture day so he helped me pick out a pink shirt (since white doesn't photograph well for a yearbook, according to Mr. Print Man). He was even sweet enough to iron it for me...b/c I totally suck at ironing (and hate it, as much as I like the way a crisp shirt looks). The SDC-BSC teacher and I got our glamor shots in during 3rd period. The craziest thing is that the students that we cut in front of had been waiting since first period! As we were leaving, we heard some students say, "Hey, those teachers cut to the front of the line!" That was hilariously awesome.
BF and I also surprised each other for dinner. I had gotten Subway for him on my way home, but before I told him, he asked if I wanted to go to Souplantation! That is one of my favorite places to eat! Since he had Subway to look forward to, we agreed on dinner plans. He would drive us to the shopping center and station me at Souplantation while he shopped in the sporting store. That was perfect b/c I hate going with him b/c he takes forever! On the other hand, he hates going with me to Souplantation b/c 1) he doesn't like the place and 2) I eat even longer at buffets (average of 1.5 hours). So I happily ate a lot and at my own slow speed while he happily shopped at his own slow speed. We met up at the perfect time. :)
Yummers! That was a nice, surprise mid-week treat during this exhausting, stressful full first week of little kid school.
Monday, September 08, 2008
Pit Stop
I saw a few of my kiddos today, but I took it easy by calling the easier ones. I saw my favorite conversationalist (the one that speaks with the slushiest "s" that I am so determined to correct by the end of this year!). He told me about his summer and about his 3 poodles...It wasn't until after I left that I remembered him offering me a "teacher's discount" if I wanted to buy one of his poodles. As a great conversationalist, he asked what I did this summer. I said, "I'm old...so I did nothing and doing nothing is very relaxing for me!"
Later on, I was coming back from the teacher's lounge when I saw J320 and his aide coming around the corner. (Now that I'm only a few doors down, I get to see my kiddos more frequently outside of therapy.) His aide stopped at the first door and prompted him, "J--! J--! Where are you going? Come back!" There is one thing about J320 that the aide quickly learned; the boy will go wherever he desires. So I walked towards him, expecting him to walk right past me, but instead, he walked right up to me! I was surprised that he still recognized me with my dark sunglasses on. I held my hand out and prompted, "let's go to class; walk all done." He didn't say anything but simply took my pinky, and we walked right back to his classroom. As soon as we stepped inside, he let go and walked off as if nothing had happened.
The aide was standing at the door the entire time and saw that and was both confused and amazed. LOL
That was the best part of my day. It was such a heartwarming experience for me. No words said, just a simple gesture.
Later on, I was coming back from the teacher's lounge when I saw J320 and his aide coming around the corner. (Now that I'm only a few doors down, I get to see my kiddos more frequently outside of therapy.) His aide stopped at the first door and prompted him, "J--! J--! Where are you going? Come back!" There is one thing about J320 that the aide quickly learned; the boy will go wherever he desires. So I walked towards him, expecting him to walk right past me, but instead, he walked right up to me! I was surprised that he still recognized me with my dark sunglasses on. I held my hand out and prompted, "let's go to class; walk all done." He didn't say anything but simply took my pinky, and we walked right back to his classroom. As soon as we stepped inside, he let go and walked off as if nothing had happened.
The aide was standing at the door the entire time and saw that and was both confused and amazed. LOL
That was the best part of my day. It was such a heartwarming experience for me. No words said, just a simple gesture.
Saturday, September 06, 2008
My Pre-Niece-in-Law's Baby Shower
Approximately 7 months ago, BSILF personally announced to BF and me that she and her hubby will have a baby this month. Ever since we received the news, I have been living vicariously through BSILF and all her detailed accounts and e-mails regarding Baby Girl's pre-developmental milestones.
Today, we threw Baby Girl R. a pre-birthday party! I had the honor of participating in the planning of the baby shower with BSILF's relatives. Everything went so perfectly. I arrived at noon to help set-up...and to get acquainted with the biggest surprises of the baby shower. When I first met w/ BSILF's relatives to plan, her Cousin-in-Law shared with me that BSILF's mom and mother-in-law would be flying all the way over from New York as a surprise! I was beyond excited for everyone!
When I arrived to Cousin-in-Law's house, I was re-introduced to Mother and Mother-in-Law. I was also introduced to MIL's sister, whom I hugged and briefly commented, "So you're the mystery guest!" (Since I was in charge of the RSVPs, I knew that there was one more relative coming from NY as a surprise but I didn't know who.) We chatted a bit and helped set up for about an hour. CIL's daughter and I decorated the patio tables by tying pink ribbons and pinning them to the brown table cloths (it was really a great color combination). About 40 minutes before start-time, the three ladies went into the bedroom to hide. Knowing BSILF, we anticipated her either arriving early or on time at the latest. Although there were a few logistical kinks (i.e., Costco messed the cake up so CIL's husband ended up having to go pick it up), everyone was back in time before BSILF arrived.
(Picture taken before pretty pink ribbons were attached.)
CHK brought BSILF and as soon as she was comfortably settled down in the plush sofa, CIL said, "We have a surprised, but we don't want you to get too excited [lest BSILF go into labor]. I'll go get it."
BSILF's reaction was Hallmark classic. Since I was the designated videocamera-woman, I got to see it all. First, her mother walked out and BSILF was absolutely stunned! She didn't even realize that MIL was right behind so I got continuous footage of a second genuinely pleasant surprised reaction. And then one more for Aunty-in-Law! It was really so wonderful to witness all of it.
As more guests arrived, we began with cheese & crackers and M & Ms for appetizers and then quickly rolled into our delicious lunch of chicken, salmon, mac & cheese, and Caesar salad. We all sat outside and enjoyed each other's company. As lunch winded down, we started our first game of guessing flavors of baby food in unlabelled jars. There were 12 of them...and I only got 2! (Who knew there was butternut squash? I sure didn't.)
We moved inside to have delicious carrot cake, and then we played a game of "Who knows Mommy Best?" BSILF really put the pressure on me since I often declare to her that she is one of my best friends. Sadly, I proved not to be!
The few things I knew about BSILF:
Our last activity was to decorate a onesie. Honestly, I had been thinking about this and trying to plot out a cool design ever since we planned this activity back in March! (Only b/c I am soooo uncreative and unartistic but didn't want to make something ugly for our cutie-pie baby girl.) Still, I arrived with no design in mind. BSILF quietly said, "why don't you draw a turtle?" (or something like, "I was sure you'd draw a turtle.") I almost drew a turtle's shell on the back...so that when Baby Girl wore it, she would look like a turtle (this inspiration came from BF. I often tell him that I want a tattoo of a turtle or sea turtle and he teases that I should get my back tatted w/ a turtle's shell. Scary and ugly!). Since I didn't like that idea for myself, I didn't think that would look so cute on Baby Girl. So I ended up just drawing a turtle.
Clumsy me smeared one of the "scute" outlines so I ended up filling up the entire shell at the suggestion of my supportive GFs. :) I was quite proud of it since I am soOOOOOoOOOOoooo not artistic. (Dude, my middle school kids often laugh at my drawings.)
(When I showed artistic BF the pictures above and below, he totally clowned on me,
Today, we threw Baby Girl R. a pre-birthday party! I had the honor of participating in the planning of the baby shower with BSILF's relatives. Everything went so perfectly. I arrived at noon to help set-up...and to get acquainted with the biggest surprises of the baby shower. When I first met w/ BSILF's relatives to plan, her Cousin-in-Law shared with me that BSILF's mom and mother-in-law would be flying all the way over from New York as a surprise! I was beyond excited for everyone!
When I arrived to Cousin-in-Law's house, I was re-introduced to Mother and Mother-in-Law. I was also introduced to MIL's sister, whom I hugged and briefly commented, "So you're the mystery guest!" (Since I was in charge of the RSVPs, I knew that there was one more relative coming from NY as a surprise but I didn't know who.) We chatted a bit and helped set up for about an hour. CIL's daughter and I decorated the patio tables by tying pink ribbons and pinning them to the brown table cloths (it was really a great color combination). About 40 minutes before start-time, the three ladies went into the bedroom to hide. Knowing BSILF, we anticipated her either arriving early or on time at the latest. Although there were a few logistical kinks (i.e., Costco messed the cake up so CIL's husband ended up having to go pick it up), everyone was back in time before BSILF arrived.
(Picture taken before pretty pink ribbons were attached.)CHK brought BSILF and as soon as she was comfortably settled down in the plush sofa, CIL said, "We have a surprised, but we don't want you to get too excited [lest BSILF go into labor]. I'll go get it."
BSILF's reaction was Hallmark classic. Since I was the designated videocamera-woman, I got to see it all. First, her mother walked out and BSILF was absolutely stunned! She didn't even realize that MIL was right behind so I got continuous footage of a second genuinely pleasant surprised reaction. And then one more for Aunty-in-Law! It was really so wonderful to witness all of it.
As more guests arrived, we began with cheese & crackers and M & Ms for appetizers and then quickly rolled into our delicious lunch of chicken, salmon, mac & cheese, and Caesar salad. We all sat outside and enjoyed each other's company. As lunch winded down, we started our first game of guessing flavors of baby food in unlabelled jars. There were 12 of them...and I only got 2! (Who knew there was butternut squash? I sure didn't.)
We moved inside to have delicious carrot cake, and then we played a game of "Who knows Mommy Best?" BSILF really put the pressure on me since I often declare to her that she is one of my best friends. Sadly, I proved not to be!The few things I knew about BSILF:
- Full name
- baby's due date
- night person (vs. day)
- half-credit for favorite dessert (I would have bet all my money that it's anything with pumpkin, but I wrote pumpkin pie...but it was really brownies with pumpkin pie being a very close runner-up)
- Birth location
- First band/singer infatuation -- I had absolutely no clue so I blindly (and jokingly) guessed Queen. She did NOT like that answer. LOL (I am still laughing about the way she responded to my answer!)
- Favorite toy as a child -- no clue either so I put bubbles. She quickly reprimanded, "Apparently you think that I am one of your speech students!" LOLOL (Turned out to be Matchbox cars.)
- Married for 14 years -- I put 15 years b/c I quickly did the math but failed to take into consideration that her wedding date was earlier than her birthday for that year. I always knew that Math wasn't my forget, but that also tested my overall problem-solving skills.
Our last activity was to decorate a onesie. Honestly, I had been thinking about this and trying to plot out a cool design ever since we planned this activity back in March! (Only b/c I am soooo uncreative and unartistic but didn't want to make something ugly for our cutie-pie baby girl.) Still, I arrived with no design in mind. BSILF quietly said, "why don't you draw a turtle?" (or something like, "I was sure you'd draw a turtle.") I almost drew a turtle's shell on the back...so that when Baby Girl wore it, she would look like a turtle (this inspiration came from BF. I often tell him that I want a tattoo of a turtle or sea turtle and he teases that I should get my back tatted w/ a turtle's shell. Scary and ugly!). Since I didn't like that idea for myself, I didn't think that would look so cute on Baby Girl. So I ended up just drawing a turtle.
Clumsy me smeared one of the "scute" outlines so I ended up filling up the entire shell at the suggestion of my supportive GFs. :) I was quite proud of it since I am soOOOOOoOOOOoooo not artistic. (Dude, my middle school kids often laugh at my drawings.)
(When I showed artistic BF the pictures above and below, he totally clowned on me,"Did one of your elementary school students draw that?" -- knowing that I don't work with such young ones!)
Shortly after, BSILF opened up all the adorable gifts for baby girl. OMG, Baby Girl is going to be dressed to the nines in the most adorable outfits!
In retrospect, BF and I unintentionally got gifts from their registry to the theme of "cleanliness." We got this cool bath tub with a self-cleaning system and thermometer, a catch-all-mess floor mat, and booties to keep Baby Girl's feet clean. ;)
After the last guest left, I felt the need to leave, but BSILF said, "no, stay! Just b/c everyone left doesn't mean you have to leave!" So I stayed and got extra BSILF time in. :)
I ended up leaving around 8:30 PM! I was exhausted, but so happy to have spent the day with friends and "family"! :)
I am EAGERLY counting down the days until Baby Girl arrives!!!
Shortly after, BSILF opened up all the adorable gifts for baby girl. OMG, Baby Girl is going to be dressed to the nines in the most adorable outfits!
In retrospect, BF and I unintentionally got gifts from their registry to the theme of "cleanliness." We got this cool bath tub with a self-cleaning system and thermometer, a catch-all-mess floor mat, and booties to keep Baby Girl's feet clean. ;)After the last guest left, I felt the need to leave, but BSILF said, "no, stay! Just b/c everyone left doesn't mean you have to leave!" So I stayed and got extra BSILF time in. :)
I ended up leaving around 8:30 PM! I was exhausted, but so happy to have spent the day with friends and "family"! :)
I am EAGERLY counting down the days until Baby Girl arrives!!!
Friday, September 05, 2008
Zero Week
Was it in college that the first week of class for the school year was called "Zero Week"?
Anywho, I just completed my first week back on the job! It's good to be back for 1) the paycheck and 2) the familiarity. I can still remember last year -- new job, new setting, new people, new students, new everything. Fortunately for me, the procedures haven't changed much so I was able to work pretty efficiently on the beginning of the year stuff. I even got some enthusiastic welcome-backs from the SPED teachers, psych, and autism specialist. I guess I didn't mar too many professional relationships last year. Phew!
It's only the 3rd day of school for the kiddos, but I already have some "friends" that are trying to claim my room as their new hang-out. It's pretty funny to me. Since I moved into a new mofo'n awesome room, I am now literally next door to the SDC-Basic Skills Class (as the teacher explains, her class is "lower than RSP but higher than Severely Handicap." That was much better than my explanation of "they're the lowest short of the SH population."). This year, the teacher said that she will no longer allow her students to hang out in her room during lunch -- only b/c she has them ALL day except for one period (P.E.), so to allow them to stay during lunch was too much. Well, now that they're kicked out for lunch, they've filtered into my room!
Yesterday, I made the "mistake" of letting this one kid, Big D, come in. I like this kid and know him although he isn't on my caseload. He is this kid that completely towers over me and looks intimidating but probably couldn't even hurt a flower. Last year, he used to ask me all the time when I went to pick up his classmates, "Can I go with you?" "How come you don't call me?" (For whatever reason, the SDC-BSC always think going to speech is fun.) I am constantly amazed at how well-mannered, courteous, and polite Big D is. I wish all of my kids were as polite as him. With that being said, I didn't have the heart to kick him out since he was sweating up a storm and didn't want to stand outside in the 90 degree heat -- all of which I can totally relate to -- so I let him hang out in my room for like 15 minutes. I asked if he had met any of the new 6th graders in his class and he said, "Yeah! I was the first and only one to go up to them. I introduced myself and even shook their hands!" I was so impressed even moreso b/c I had asked my girls and the most social one said, "NO! I don't want to. They annoy me anyways." I said to Big D, "That's so nice of you! You're a great role model." He hung out until the bell rang. I thought he didn't hear it so I continued chatting with him to see what would happen. I asked him another question so he answered and then said, "Well, um, I think I better go b/c the bell just rang and I don't want to be late." For whatever reason, I thought that was really funny but also a very polite and responsible way of excusing himself...vs. some of my other kids who act like robots on a timer. Once they hear the bell ring, they stop mid-sentence and run out the door.
Well, today, 3 of my SDC-BSC girls came by to say hello and ask when I would start seeing them. I told them next week and the biggest female trouble-maker on my caseload asked, "are you going to keep us all day?" Imagining having her all day flashed in my mind for a brief second and I practically yelled out, "Oh, [hayal] no!" Instead of letting them hang out, I told them, "Okay, well, see you next week!" Fortunately, their pragmatics are typically developing so they got the hint and left. I walked out to use the Ladies' Room.
When I got back, my new CFY lady who is helping me on Tuesdays and Fridays told me that Big D stopped by.
Other than that relatively sedated experience, nothing too crazy has happened this week. I saw my kiddos with severe autism yesterday, which always gives me a good healthy laugh b/c I have a lot of fun with them during snack time.
Next week is when I hit the floor running and start seeing my kids as regularly as possible. I'm sure I'll have some great stories then...
My goals this year are to:
Anywho, I just completed my first week back on the job! It's good to be back for 1) the paycheck and 2) the familiarity. I can still remember last year -- new job, new setting, new people, new students, new everything. Fortunately for me, the procedures haven't changed much so I was able to work pretty efficiently on the beginning of the year stuff. I even got some enthusiastic welcome-backs from the SPED teachers, psych, and autism specialist. I guess I didn't mar too many professional relationships last year. Phew!
It's only the 3rd day of school for the kiddos, but I already have some "friends" that are trying to claim my room as their new hang-out. It's pretty funny to me. Since I moved into a new mofo'n awesome room, I am now literally next door to the SDC-Basic Skills Class (as the teacher explains, her class is "lower than RSP but higher than Severely Handicap." That was much better than my explanation of "they're the lowest short of the SH population."). This year, the teacher said that she will no longer allow her students to hang out in her room during lunch -- only b/c she has them ALL day except for one period (P.E.), so to allow them to stay during lunch was too much. Well, now that they're kicked out for lunch, they've filtered into my room!
Yesterday, I made the "mistake" of letting this one kid, Big D, come in. I like this kid and know him although he isn't on my caseload. He is this kid that completely towers over me and looks intimidating but probably couldn't even hurt a flower. Last year, he used to ask me all the time when I went to pick up his classmates, "Can I go with you?" "How come you don't call me?" (For whatever reason, the SDC-BSC always think going to speech is fun.) I am constantly amazed at how well-mannered, courteous, and polite Big D is. I wish all of my kids were as polite as him. With that being said, I didn't have the heart to kick him out since he was sweating up a storm and didn't want to stand outside in the 90 degree heat -- all of which I can totally relate to -- so I let him hang out in my room for like 15 minutes. I asked if he had met any of the new 6th graders in his class and he said, "Yeah! I was the first and only one to go up to them. I introduced myself and even shook their hands!" I was so impressed even moreso b/c I had asked my girls and the most social one said, "NO! I don't want to. They annoy me anyways." I said to Big D, "That's so nice of you! You're a great role model." He hung out until the bell rang. I thought he didn't hear it so I continued chatting with him to see what would happen. I asked him another question so he answered and then said, "Well, um, I think I better go b/c the bell just rang and I don't want to be late." For whatever reason, I thought that was really funny but also a very polite and responsible way of excusing himself...vs. some of my other kids who act like robots on a timer. Once they hear the bell ring, they stop mid-sentence and run out the door.
Well, today, 3 of my SDC-BSC girls came by to say hello and ask when I would start seeing them. I told them next week and the biggest female trouble-maker on my caseload asked, "are you going to keep us all day?" Imagining having her all day flashed in my mind for a brief second and I practically yelled out, "Oh, [hayal] no!" Instead of letting them hang out, I told them, "Okay, well, see you next week!" Fortunately, their pragmatics are typically developing so they got the hint and left. I walked out to use the Ladies' Room.
When I got back, my new CFY lady who is helping me on Tuesdays and Fridays told me that Big D stopped by.
Big D: Hi.When I got back and CF told me, I was like, Oh no! The pattern is developing! I better break it now! I didn't have to turn any other kids away today, but I may do the passive-aggressive thing of locking my door and hiding behind the partition for my lunch breaks.
CF: Hi. Can I help you?
Big D: Yes.
[Awkward silence.]
CF:...okay?
Big D: I was here yesterday and [yours truly] let me stay for my lunch. Can I stay again?
CF: Um, I was not aware of this so I'm sorry but I don't think you can stay.
Big D: Okay. Bye.
Other than that relatively sedated experience, nothing too crazy has happened this week. I saw my kiddos with severe autism yesterday, which always gives me a good healthy laugh b/c I have a lot of fun with them during snack time.
Next week is when I hit the floor running and start seeing my kids as regularly as possible. I'm sure I'll have some great stories then...
My goals this year are to:
- hold my end of the year IEPs earlier.
- participate more in school activities.
- get all of my kids to say my name right!
Tuesday, September 02, 2008
First Day Back at Work
In having a relaxing last day of vacation, I didn't feel anxious nor stressed about work when I went to sleep last night. I forced myself to go to bed around 11 PM so I could wake up with 7.5 hours of sleep...instead, I woke up around 1 AM when BF came in to see if I was asleep and give me a few smoochies. After that, I couldn't fall asleep even though I felt exhausted. I tried what webMD suggests -- if you can't fall asleep within half an hour, get up and do something. So I got up and read my newest textbook, thinking it would definitely put me to sleep. I did this cycle about three times and finally fell asleep around 4:30 AM...just to wake up at 6:30 for work.
I get so annoyed when I don't get a good night of sleep and I have no reason not to! Fortunately, today was a teacher's prep day so I wasn't supposed to see any kids.
I got to work around 8:20 (later than planned) and when I pulled into the rear parking lot, a school bus pulled up. I thought, "That's weird; there's no school today," but I shrugged it off since the bus looked empty.
I got to the main office to pick up a key to my new and 10x improved office (wooO-hOoOOO!!!) when the secretary asked loudly, "is Cheryl there??" I was like, uh-oh...turns out the bus driver was wondering where the SDC PAU teacher was. I knew that he wasn't positive about coming in today. I picked up my key and promptly made my way back to the parking lot (opposite end of campus).
When I got there, I could hear two ladies/bus drivers frantically scuffling on the first bus. I climbed onto the bus and saw my ol' pal P320. The two ladies were freaking out, trying to back away from him but simultaneously blocking him from exiting off the bus (they are legally not allowed to let students off the bus without a credentialed teacher or aide). All the while, they were yelling at me, "Watch out! He's scratching and biting!" I was like, "What? [P320] doesn't bite...did he really bite you?" Turns out P320 didn't bite but was putting up a very good fight to get off the bus. It took the 3 of us to settle him back down. It was seriously a struggle that made all 4 of us break out in a sweat. The ladies finally got the seat belt and restraints back on, and I quickly called his mom to explain that there's a misunderstanding; school begins tomorrow.
I dreaded making the call b/c this mom is spread so thin, and I could hear the panic in her voice. I told her I couldn't stay long b/c I was already late for a District meeting, but she desperately asked me to stay with her son until she got there. She hung up and I sat down next to him. Oddly, he was totally his calm self that I'm used to. It was a complete 180 from what we were just experiencing minutes before. I'm not sure what it was -- did he understand when I told him, "there's no school today...Mommy's picking you up now...you're going home"? I've never seen him get aggressive or violent, but recently, this has been a huge concern for many upsetting reasons. (Later, when I was re-telling my brother my morning excitement, he called me the "autism whisperer." =P I'd like to think that I was the stimulus for calming him down b/c I've had a lot of success in the past, but who knows. Like I always tell BF, "I'll ask them my questions when I see them in Heaven.")
His mom called right back and said she was on her way, but I told her to please don't rush; everything is okay, just drive safe. For the next 25 minutes that I sat next to the kiddo, he was soOOoOo calm. None of the aggressive behaviors that he was just exhibiting when the two bus drivers were trying to get him to just sit down. Mom came and picked him up and he climbed into the back seat and buckled his seat belt with ease (I watched out of curiosity b/c I always imagined that they had a special seat belt contraption in their car, but there wasn't any.)
Thankfully, that was as exciting as my day got. Afterwards, I went back to my room and started unpacking. I hung up my "Speech Room" sign that BF designed for me last year. I saw some of the teachers returning from the district meeting so I caught up with them in front of the auditorium and then attended a short campus meeting. Truthfully, I couldn't wait to get back to my AIR CONDITIONED room!!
I had the A/C blasting at 70 degrees the entire time while I unpacked and marveled at how wonderful my new room and set-up is. I don't have a phone yet and still no working clock, but I've gotten used to not having a clock. I like that I am the time-keeper when I have kids in session; "What time is it? Not time for you to leave yet!" Most importantly, I still have a desktop PC, printer, a window, sink, and A/C-heater!
I stayed until about 3:30 and then went to run some errands before the first day of my last BCBA course. I was soOoOOoo sleepy so I had another cup of coffee to stay awake. Thankfully, class ended half an hour early.
I came home to my wonderful BF who had just woken up from a late nap. He didn't sleep all night and by the sound of his laughter, I guessed he was watching our newest favorite show, "My Name is Earl." And he was. :) Even though I had spoken to him a few times today, I had still missed him. It's nice to be home, but I really need to get some sleep as I will see my PAU kiddos tomorrow.
I can imagine my regular speech kiddos passing by my old room -- which is literally back to being a storage room, filled with those gray, cold folding chairs -- and thinking that they no longer have to go to speech since there's no more Speech Room and no "Miss Ling" in sight! Little do they know how wrong they are. Haha!
P.S. My goal this year is to get all of my kiddos to say my name right.
I get so annoyed when I don't get a good night of sleep and I have no reason not to! Fortunately, today was a teacher's prep day so I wasn't supposed to see any kids.
I got to work around 8:20 (later than planned) and when I pulled into the rear parking lot, a school bus pulled up. I thought, "That's weird; there's no school today," but I shrugged it off since the bus looked empty.
I got to the main office to pick up a key to my new and 10x improved office (wooO-hOoOOO!!!) when the secretary asked loudly, "is Cheryl there??" I was like, uh-oh...turns out the bus driver was wondering where the SDC PAU teacher was. I knew that he wasn't positive about coming in today. I picked up my key and promptly made my way back to the parking lot (opposite end of campus).
When I got there, I could hear two ladies/bus drivers frantically scuffling on the first bus. I climbed onto the bus and saw my ol' pal P320. The two ladies were freaking out, trying to back away from him but simultaneously blocking him from exiting off the bus (they are legally not allowed to let students off the bus without a credentialed teacher or aide). All the while, they were yelling at me, "Watch out! He's scratching and biting!" I was like, "What? [P320] doesn't bite...did he really bite you?" Turns out P320 didn't bite but was putting up a very good fight to get off the bus. It took the 3 of us to settle him back down. It was seriously a struggle that made all 4 of us break out in a sweat. The ladies finally got the seat belt and restraints back on, and I quickly called his mom to explain that there's a misunderstanding; school begins tomorrow.
I dreaded making the call b/c this mom is spread so thin, and I could hear the panic in her voice. I told her I couldn't stay long b/c I was already late for a District meeting, but she desperately asked me to stay with her son until she got there. She hung up and I sat down next to him. Oddly, he was totally his calm self that I'm used to. It was a complete 180 from what we were just experiencing minutes before. I'm not sure what it was -- did he understand when I told him, "there's no school today...Mommy's picking you up now...you're going home"? I've never seen him get aggressive or violent, but recently, this has been a huge concern for many upsetting reasons. (Later, when I was re-telling my brother my morning excitement, he called me the "autism whisperer." =P I'd like to think that I was the stimulus for calming him down b/c I've had a lot of success in the past, but who knows. Like I always tell BF, "I'll ask them my questions when I see them in Heaven.")
His mom called right back and said she was on her way, but I told her to please don't rush; everything is okay, just drive safe. For the next 25 minutes that I sat next to the kiddo, he was soOOoOo calm. None of the aggressive behaviors that he was just exhibiting when the two bus drivers were trying to get him to just sit down. Mom came and picked him up and he climbed into the back seat and buckled his seat belt with ease (I watched out of curiosity b/c I always imagined that they had a special seat belt contraption in their car, but there wasn't any.)
Thankfully, that was as exciting as my day got. Afterwards, I went back to my room and started unpacking. I hung up my "Speech Room" sign that BF designed for me last year. I saw some of the teachers returning from the district meeting so I caught up with them in front of the auditorium and then attended a short campus meeting. Truthfully, I couldn't wait to get back to my AIR CONDITIONED room!!
I had the A/C blasting at 70 degrees the entire time while I unpacked and marveled at how wonderful my new room and set-up is. I don't have a phone yet and still no working clock, but I've gotten used to not having a clock. I like that I am the time-keeper when I have kids in session; "What time is it? Not time for you to leave yet!" Most importantly, I still have a desktop PC, printer, a window, sink, and A/C-heater!
I stayed until about 3:30 and then went to run some errands before the first day of my last BCBA course. I was soOoOOoo sleepy so I had another cup of coffee to stay awake. Thankfully, class ended half an hour early.
I came home to my wonderful BF who had just woken up from a late nap. He didn't sleep all night and by the sound of his laughter, I guessed he was watching our newest favorite show, "My Name is Earl." And he was. :) Even though I had spoken to him a few times today, I had still missed him. It's nice to be home, but I really need to get some sleep as I will see my PAU kiddos tomorrow.
I can imagine my regular speech kiddos passing by my old room -- which is literally back to being a storage room, filled with those gray, cold folding chairs -- and thinking that they no longer have to go to speech since there's no more Speech Room and no "Miss Ling" in sight! Little do they know how wrong they are. Haha!
P.S. My goal this year is to get all of my kiddos to say my name right.
Monday, September 01, 2008
Happy Labor (Free) Day!
Today marks the end of my labor-free month-long summer vacation. I got a full-night's rest (quite a rarity just b/c I've always had trouble sleeping) and then quickly got ready for my bro and FBIL to pick me up.
Around 11 AM, we got to Santa Monica and parked at the mall. We walked over to the Coffee Bean to get a much anticipated caffeine fix before heading out to the boardwalk. Along our walk, we passed by the Venice Freakshow, which exhibited a two-headed RES turtle outside that served to entice people in. I was much more fascinated with the two-headed RES than wanting to see a 5-legged dog or 2-headed chicken so we ventured on towards Venice Beach.
We didn't walk all the way to Venice since the sun broke out and we started to feel the heat and the big crowds. I had smothered myself in SPF 50 sunblock but I could still feel the sun's rays slowly browning me. On our way back, we stopped by Sidewalk Cafe to partake in some refreshing alcoholic beverages. My bro and FBIL had a beer while I had a delicious Wider's peach cider. Let me rephrase that -- I had HALF of one (6 oz. of a 5% alcoholic beverage). Afterwards, we walked about another 10 minutes and got back to the car. By the time I got home, it was about 2 PM.
I haven't done the beach walk with my bro and FBIL in a while so this was quite a nice, fun, and relaxing way to end my summer vacation. The weather was perfect and there were lots of sights (and people) to see. I've just been chilling and enjoying the rest of the afternoon doing nothing strenuous or stressful. I even indulged in a half a big bag of peanut M&Ms.
Tomorrow marks the first day of my second year of work as an SLP! The kiddos don't start until Wednesday so I'll have a day to prepare and hopefully get situated in the new office/room that I was told I would be moved to! :)
Around 11 AM, we got to Santa Monica and parked at the mall. We walked over to the Coffee Bean to get a much anticipated caffeine fix before heading out to the boardwalk. Along our walk, we passed by the Venice Freakshow, which exhibited a two-headed RES turtle outside that served to entice people in. I was much more fascinated with the two-headed RES than wanting to see a 5-legged dog or 2-headed chicken so we ventured on towards Venice Beach.
We didn't walk all the way to Venice since the sun broke out and we started to feel the heat and the big crowds. I had smothered myself in SPF 50 sunblock but I could still feel the sun's rays slowly browning me. On our way back, we stopped by Sidewalk Cafe to partake in some refreshing alcoholic beverages. My bro and FBIL had a beer while I had a delicious Wider's peach cider. Let me rephrase that -- I had HALF of one (6 oz. of a 5% alcoholic beverage). Afterwards, we walked about another 10 minutes and got back to the car. By the time I got home, it was about 2 PM.
I haven't done the beach walk with my bro and FBIL in a while so this was quite a nice, fun, and relaxing way to end my summer vacation. The weather was perfect and there were lots of sights (and people) to see. I've just been chilling and enjoying the rest of the afternoon doing nothing strenuous or stressful. I even indulged in a half a big bag of peanut M&Ms.
Tomorrow marks the first day of my second year of work as an SLP! The kiddos don't start until Wednesday so I'll have a day to prepare and hopefully get situated in the new office/room that I was told I would be moved to! :)
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