I subbed today in a preschool autism class. What an incredible whirlwind of a day! There was screaming, crying, laughing, spinning, clapping, running, whining and spitting. And that was the first five minutes!! We had 4 autistic 3-4 year olds and 2 non-autistic kids who are in the class to model good behavior to the others. And TWO aides (you know how I love a class with an aide - two is even better!!). One boy was brand new - this was his first day ever in school. He turned three YESTERDAY. Poor baby, by the time he left school at 3:20pm, he was hoarse. He cried the entire day, well, except for the hour or so he napped. He decided I was the one he liked and he clung to me. That is unfortunate because I'm a sub. So, poor little guy, his only friend won't be there tomorrow.
That makes me sad. Makes me feel bad that I ever even held him. Honestly, it would have been better if he had no friend today than have his only friend never show up again. I was trying to help, but I think I did the wrong thing. I can imagine his little face dropping when he comes to that horrible place where he cries all day and the only person he could tolerate at all and who hugged him tight and whispered to him to calm him down isn't there. (sigh)
It was a good day - I love special ed, and the autism class is quickly becoming one of my favorite classes. But, I realized today that I can do more harm than good even when I have only the best of intentions. I'm going to say a prayer for Brian tomorrow that he will LOVE the regular teacher right off the bat.
Poor Brian.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Things you learn when you blog...
I have learned many things since I started blogging nearly a year ago. First, I have re-learned how much I enjoy the discipline of writing every day. Ok, well, almost every day. OK, ONCE A WEEK OR SO. Sheesh, people! Picky, picky. :)
I have also learned a lot about myself. I think that goes with putting your writing out there for everyone and his/her dog to read...and comment on. I have learned that some people think I'm hilarious (thank you to those!!), some people think I'm a good writer (thank you to those!!), some people are related to me and feel a responsibility to keep up (hey, thanks!) and some people just drop in occasionally to make sure I'm still breathing (and thank you for that too).
It has been fun to recount stories that, when they were happening, were not so hilarious, but in the retelling, can make you bust a gut! I especially enjoyed the most recent relocating story. If you have not read that one, check out the end of May 2008. It's quite a journey, and involved me contemplating murder, or at the bare minimum, assault. If I do say so myself, it's hi-freakin'-larious! At the time? Not so much.
Blogging has a way of making me introspective. For example, it was while blogging about it that I realized that I was actually kind of enjoying substitute teaching. I mean, what other job can give you the experiences I've had and allow me to meet such (ahem) colorful characters? Writing about it made me laugh, even when at the time, I was crying. (7-yr-old bathroom cell phoners crying wolf...)
So, thank you for reading, and thank you for commenting, and thank you for dropping in occasionally to make sure I'm still breathing. I hope you'll continue, and I'll try to keep it funny for the most part!
I have also learned a lot about myself. I think that goes with putting your writing out there for everyone and his/her dog to read...and comment on. I have learned that some people think I'm hilarious (thank you to those!!), some people think I'm a good writer (thank you to those!!), some people are related to me and feel a responsibility to keep up (hey, thanks!) and some people just drop in occasionally to make sure I'm still breathing (and thank you for that too).
It has been fun to recount stories that, when they were happening, were not so hilarious, but in the retelling, can make you bust a gut! I especially enjoyed the most recent relocating story. If you have not read that one, check out the end of May 2008. It's quite a journey, and involved me contemplating murder, or at the bare minimum, assault. If I do say so myself, it's hi-freakin'-larious! At the time? Not so much.
Blogging has a way of making me introspective. For example, it was while blogging about it that I realized that I was actually kind of enjoying substitute teaching. I mean, what other job can give you the experiences I've had and allow me to meet such (ahem) colorful characters? Writing about it made me laugh, even when at the time, I was crying. (7-yr-old bathroom cell phoners crying wolf...)
So, thank you for reading, and thank you for commenting, and thank you for dropping in occasionally to make sure I'm still breathing. I hope you'll continue, and I'll try to keep it funny for the most part!
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Yet another of my pet peeves
I have lots of pet peeves, and as I get older, they seem to multiply!! My pet peeves run the gamut of silly (apostrophes, open cabinet doors, toilet paper rolls, grocery carts in parking lots, etc) to serious. I have a lot more silly than serious pet peeves, but today I feel compelled to wax eloquently about a serious one.
IT DOES NOT MATTER IF YOU LIKE YOUR IN-LAWS. IT ONLY MATTERS IF THEY LIKE YOU.
Ok, I said it. Now I feel better.
I remember the trip Divine Hubby and I took to his family's house for Christmas in 1993. I was meeting most of them for the first time (and there are a lot of them...), and I was very nervous. I NEVER EVER wondered if I would like them. I was EXTREMELY concerned that they. like. me. I was hoping to join their family, not the other way around. I was determined to make a good impression. I do not remember ever wondering or contemplating if I liked them. As it happens, I absolutely love all of them, but that was not the goal.
There is a member of Divine Hubby's family who is causing great strife and he or she is an in-law. He or she does not like other members of the DH family. He or she is very young, and I am convinced he or she is not aware of the damage being done because of his or her selfish behavior. It is very painful for all of us, and sadly, I see no change coming soon. The DH family has been through more than our share of heartache and sadness in the past few months, and this silly, petty, selfish behavior on the part of this one in-law is only making everything worse. It is such a sad situation, and relationships are becoming strained to the breaking point because of this ONE PERSON. The family member married to this particular in-law is aware of the situation (it is so nasty, it would be impossible not to be) but says he or she is operating on loyalty to his or her spouse as he or she was brought up to do.
On the off-chance the parties I am discussing actually read this blog, I have a message, a plea and a thought.
1. Family is everything. A large part of your family is gone forever, and any offenses or problems can never be fixed with that person. Don't assume the rest of your family will always be there. Will you be able to live with your and your spouse's recent actions if the rest of your family were gone tomorrow? I wouldn't be able to live with it, were it me.
2. Your family is struggling and suffering. I do not diminish your suffering, but all of us wish you would share that with us. We miss you. We love you. We want you to return to the family. Come to Christmas or Thanksgiving celebrations. Call your grandmother. Call your cousins and aunts and uncles. Check in. Get involved, like you used to be. WE MISS YOU!
3. Just a thought. I love Divine Hubby dearly, but if he demanded I have nothing to do with my family, I'd have told him to change his attitude or take a hike years ago. Learn from your family members: sadly, sometimes, spouses come and go. Moms and Dads are forever. You have a great family. DO NOT LET ANYONE TAKE THEM FROM YOU. You are young, and you will regret it bitterly later in life if you continue on this path.
Sorry to get so personal on this blog, but I have such heartache about this situation, and although we have all tried in various ways, it does not seem to have a solution. The only solution, in my opinion, is a 180 degree change in attitude for this one single solitary person. So you don't like a family member or two.
SO WHAT. Being part of a family means embracing them regardless of personality conflicts or dislike. Breaking up a family (which is what you have done) is a terrible terrible TERRIBLE act.
**I understand that there are situations where inlaws or family must be ex-communicated, due to blatant abuse or poisonous relationships. As far as I know, this situation is simply a case of personality conflict. I am not discounting your situation if it is different.**
IT DOES NOT MATTER IF YOU LIKE YOUR IN-LAWS. IT ONLY MATTERS IF THEY LIKE YOU.
Ok, I said it. Now I feel better.
I remember the trip Divine Hubby and I took to his family's house for Christmas in 1993. I was meeting most of them for the first time (and there are a lot of them...), and I was very nervous. I NEVER EVER wondered if I would like them. I was EXTREMELY concerned that they. like. me. I was hoping to join their family, not the other way around. I was determined to make a good impression. I do not remember ever wondering or contemplating if I liked them. As it happens, I absolutely love all of them, but that was not the goal.
There is a member of Divine Hubby's family who is causing great strife and he or she is an in-law. He or she does not like other members of the DH family. He or she is very young, and I am convinced he or she is not aware of the damage being done because of his or her selfish behavior. It is very painful for all of us, and sadly, I see no change coming soon. The DH family has been through more than our share of heartache and sadness in the past few months, and this silly, petty, selfish behavior on the part of this one in-law is only making everything worse. It is such a sad situation, and relationships are becoming strained to the breaking point because of this ONE PERSON. The family member married to this particular in-law is aware of the situation (it is so nasty, it would be impossible not to be) but says he or she is operating on loyalty to his or her spouse as he or she was brought up to do.
On the off-chance the parties I am discussing actually read this blog, I have a message, a plea and a thought.
1. Family is everything. A large part of your family is gone forever, and any offenses or problems can never be fixed with that person. Don't assume the rest of your family will always be there. Will you be able to live with your and your spouse's recent actions if the rest of your family were gone tomorrow? I wouldn't be able to live with it, were it me.
2. Your family is struggling and suffering. I do not diminish your suffering, but all of us wish you would share that with us. We miss you. We love you. We want you to return to the family. Come to Christmas or Thanksgiving celebrations. Call your grandmother. Call your cousins and aunts and uncles. Check in. Get involved, like you used to be. WE MISS YOU!
3. Just a thought. I love Divine Hubby dearly, but if he demanded I have nothing to do with my family, I'd have told him to change his attitude or take a hike years ago. Learn from your family members: sadly, sometimes, spouses come and go. Moms and Dads are forever. You have a great family. DO NOT LET ANYONE TAKE THEM FROM YOU. You are young, and you will regret it bitterly later in life if you continue on this path.
Sorry to get so personal on this blog, but I have such heartache about this situation, and although we have all tried in various ways, it does not seem to have a solution. The only solution, in my opinion, is a 180 degree change in attitude for this one single solitary person. So you don't like a family member or two.
SO WHAT. Being part of a family means embracing them regardless of personality conflicts or dislike. Breaking up a family (which is what you have done) is a terrible terrible TERRIBLE act.
**I understand that there are situations where inlaws or family must be ex-communicated, due to blatant abuse or poisonous relationships. As far as I know, this situation is simply a case of personality conflict. I am not discounting your situation if it is different.**
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Car woes
So, I think I blogged about our BRAND NEW CAR!! Ok, so it's 9 years old and it's a Ford Taurus. But it's only got 55K miles on it and so it's nearly new, plus we paid cash for it, so no car payments...yahoo! We are thrilled with it and are now deciding which of our other cars to get rid of so we're back in the garage again. (Divine hubby is quite the "we manage our stuff so that we can park our cars in the garage" snob...)
The Saab is in the shop, probably forever. It has this quirky little thing about not starting sometimes. And it just won't start until it feels like it. It doesn't happen all of the time, but when it does, we are stranded until the car feels like working again. It's a pain, I'll tell ya. But, because it doesn't happen all of the time, no one has been able to figure out why it does this lovely behavior. So, now that we have the NEW car, we have left the Saab with our favorite Saab mechanic and said, "Please drive it until it won't start for you and then FIX IT!" So, he's had it a week. And although the last day I drove it (last Monday) it did its little thing THREE times in one day, it of course has not misbehaved at all for my beloved mechanic. Behaving like a champ. sigh But, the up-side is, that we have three cars now, so our plan was to leave it with the Saab guy until it happens.
That was the plan.
Until yesterday.
When Divine Hubby couldn't get the BRAND NEW car to start either.
sigh
So, now the plan is. DH comes home from work (30 minutes). We drive together to the Saab place (40 minutes). We pick up Saab. Drive home (40 minutes). The next day, DH and Chase and I drive to the Ford place (20 minutes) to drop off the Ford for repairs. Then I take DH to work (30 minutes). Then drive back to take Chase to school (30 minutes). Then possibly to work for me. All while praying the Saab doesn't decide to misbehave during any of that time.
It's exhausting just thinking about it! Thankfully, when one buys a 9-yr-old car (even with only 55K miles on it), one plans ahead and buys the extended warranty. So, we at least don't have to pay for this repair. And hopefully it will only take 1 day, in which time we will completely do all of the above AGAIN to give the Saab back to the mechanic so he can drive it some more.
I sure wish NASA or TSA or somebody would hurry up and develop that cool Star Trek beaming thing. Can you imagine how great that would be? I can't wait.
The Saab is in the shop, probably forever. It has this quirky little thing about not starting sometimes. And it just won't start until it feels like it. It doesn't happen all of the time, but when it does, we are stranded until the car feels like working again. It's a pain, I'll tell ya. But, because it doesn't happen all of the time, no one has been able to figure out why it does this lovely behavior. So, now that we have the NEW car, we have left the Saab with our favorite Saab mechanic and said, "Please drive it until it won't start for you and then FIX IT!" So, he's had it a week. And although the last day I drove it (last Monday) it did its little thing THREE times in one day, it of course has not misbehaved at all for my beloved mechanic. Behaving like a champ. sigh But, the up-side is, that we have three cars now, so our plan was to leave it with the Saab guy until it happens.
That was the plan.
Until yesterday.
When Divine Hubby couldn't get the BRAND NEW car to start either.
sigh
So, now the plan is. DH comes home from work (30 minutes). We drive together to the Saab place (40 minutes). We pick up Saab. Drive home (40 minutes). The next day, DH and Chase and I drive to the Ford place (20 minutes) to drop off the Ford for repairs. Then I take DH to work (30 minutes). Then drive back to take Chase to school (30 minutes). Then possibly to work for me. All while praying the Saab doesn't decide to misbehave during any of that time.
It's exhausting just thinking about it! Thankfully, when one buys a 9-yr-old car (even with only 55K miles on it), one plans ahead and buys the extended warranty. So, we at least don't have to pay for this repair. And hopefully it will only take 1 day, in which time we will completely do all of the above AGAIN to give the Saab back to the mechanic so he can drive it some more.
I sure wish NASA or TSA or somebody would hurry up and develop that cool Star Trek beaming thing. Can you imagine how great that would be? I can't wait.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
I am going to tell you how I am feeling RIGHT THIS MOMENT
**...but first, I'm going to digress. I know, how unusual.**
So, I was wondering how a person gets thousands of people to read her blog and gets asked to write guest blogs and becomes a blog goddess. Then it occurred to me that I might have a better chance of any and all of the above if I wrote more than one entry a week.
Huh.
Ok, so back to the topic at hand.
So, STQ, how are you feeling RIGHT THIS MINUTE?
I am feeling superb. We have a new (well extremely used, but new to us) car in the garage, we have some friends who have invited us over for dinner on Valentine's Day, I am enjoying subbing (mostly), the weather has been amazing, I ate a chili dog for dinner (I love me some chili dogs...), we went to church and enjoyed a great service, I am anticipating a girls' weekend here in Sin City, we are leading a Financial Peace University class at our church in a couple of weeks, Chase is officially IN at the school where we want him to go, I have a new book club to look forward to every month, we may be FINALLY getting over the cold we've all been passing around for about 6 weeks, divine hubby enjoys his job, the kitchen is clean (hallelujah), and all is right with the world here in Vegas.
I hope things are great in your corner of the world too. I'm praying for my friends with marriage problems, for my sweet sister-in-law mourning her divine hubby's untimely death, for my friends who have illnesses and for those who have lost jobs or homes due to the economy. I love all of you and wish you a great evening and a great day tomorrow!
So, I was wondering how a person gets thousands of people to read her blog and gets asked to write guest blogs and becomes a blog goddess. Then it occurred to me that I might have a better chance of any and all of the above if I wrote more than one entry a week.
Huh.
Ok, so back to the topic at hand.
So, STQ, how are you feeling RIGHT THIS MINUTE?
I am feeling superb. We have a new (well extremely used, but new to us) car in the garage, we have some friends who have invited us over for dinner on Valentine's Day, I am enjoying subbing (mostly), the weather has been amazing, I ate a chili dog for dinner (I love me some chili dogs...), we went to church and enjoyed a great service, I am anticipating a girls' weekend here in Sin City, we are leading a Financial Peace University class at our church in a couple of weeks, Chase is officially IN at the school where we want him to go, I have a new book club to look forward to every month, we may be FINALLY getting over the cold we've all been passing around for about 6 weeks, divine hubby enjoys his job, the kitchen is clean (hallelujah), and all is right with the world here in Vegas.
I hope things are great in your corner of the world too. I'm praying for my friends with marriage problems, for my sweet sister-in-law mourning her divine hubby's untimely death, for my friends who have illnesses and for those who have lost jobs or homes due to the economy. I love all of you and wish you a great evening and a great day tomorrow!
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Adventures in substituting chapter...6?
I have lost track of how many stories I have told you about my subbing adventures, but today was one of the best.
I subbed in a severely emotionally challenged (SEC) class in an elementary school today. There were 5 boys ranging in age from 6-8 in the class AND I had an aide. (You know how I love a class with an aide...) The boys were absolutely adorable, and the day was a real adventure. For one thing, it was field trip day!! We went bowling for the majority of the morning, and had a wonderful time. Field trips are always fun!
I know I have told you this before, but I love special ed. And these kids were no exception. There was a moment today when one of the boys lost control, overturned a desk in a rage and threw a world-class tantrum. That was a little bit scary, but thankfully, the aide knew how to deal with it and I simply stood out of the line of fire and let her handle it. She had to restrain him physically, and it was hard to watch. That kind of thing happens fairly often in SEC classes, and it was disturbing to me. Another reason I am glad to have an aide!!
Anyway, it was a great day - interesting, educational, entertaining and enjoyable. All the hallmarks of a great day subbing.
I subbed in a severely emotionally challenged (SEC) class in an elementary school today. There were 5 boys ranging in age from 6-8 in the class AND I had an aide. (You know how I love a class with an aide...) The boys were absolutely adorable, and the day was a real adventure. For one thing, it was field trip day!! We went bowling for the majority of the morning, and had a wonderful time. Field trips are always fun!
I know I have told you this before, but I love special ed. And these kids were no exception. There was a moment today when one of the boys lost control, overturned a desk in a rage and threw a world-class tantrum. That was a little bit scary, but thankfully, the aide knew how to deal with it and I simply stood out of the line of fire and let her handle it. She had to restrain him physically, and it was hard to watch. That kind of thing happens fairly often in SEC classes, and it was disturbing to me. Another reason I am glad to have an aide!!
Anyway, it was a great day - interesting, educational, entertaining and enjoyable. All the hallmarks of a great day subbing.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Things that have surprised me lately
1. Subbing.
I have really begun to enjoy subbing, much to my surprise! I have figured out what kinds of classes I enjoy and which ones make me want to run screaming from the room, never to return. I am very surprised to realize that my very very favorite kind of sub job is special ed or resource room. And if it's in an at-risk school, more the better. I love those kids! I don't know if it fulfills some need in me to be needed, or if there even IS a deeper reason. I just love those kids and those jobs. So, since no one wants those jobs BUT me, I can almost always get them! The jobs I loathe are the ones I thought I'd like the most. Yuppie, upper-middle-class schools with little yuppie kids in them. Can't stand em!
2. Vegas.
So, although I will still tell you that this isn't my very favorite place that we've lived, it is really growing on me. For one thing, EVERYONE comes here! Or wants to, anyway. A friend revealed on her FB page that she is getting divorced. Within a span of 48 hours, we have a group of about 10 friends coming out here in April for a girls' weekend. And all I have to do is show up! :) No plane ride, no rescheduling my life, just driving the 10 miles down to the strip and having a great time. I am not sure I could have talked all of those people into coming to Green Bay for a weekend... Anyway, we are about to start teaching a class at our church, Chase has been accepted into our first choice school for Jr/Sr High, we have made some good friends and we are beginning to actually like it here. Ok, so I'm the only one who really needed convincing, but it was a tough sell, and I'm glad to report I'm thawing.
3. My book.
I know, I've not discussed my book recently here. Some of you have emailed and asked me about it. I'm sad to tell you that the agent was a fake. A scam. Giving me false hope and wanting my money. I need to start marketing it again, and I will. I just had to admit that first. I got scammed, and it hurt my feelings...
4. My family.
Divine hubby and I celebrated our 14th anniversary last week. It's funny that on one hand, I can't believe it has been that long, and at the same time, I can't imagine my life without him, Megan and Chase. We've had quite a ride - had more than our share of heartache, difficulty and pain, but also more than our share of love, laughter and joy. Sometimes it is easier to dwell on the problems and wonder "why us??" but we've been so blessed in so many ways, that when I think of the blessings, I have to smile. We've created a home in four states now...and we have the friends and family to show for it. I love my hubby and our life together! :)
So, that's my post for today. I'm feeling introspective and grateful for my life, my family, my job and even my zip code!
I have really begun to enjoy subbing, much to my surprise! I have figured out what kinds of classes I enjoy and which ones make me want to run screaming from the room, never to return. I am very surprised to realize that my very very favorite kind of sub job is special ed or resource room. And if it's in an at-risk school, more the better. I love those kids! I don't know if it fulfills some need in me to be needed, or if there even IS a deeper reason. I just love those kids and those jobs. So, since no one wants those jobs BUT me, I can almost always get them! The jobs I loathe are the ones I thought I'd like the most. Yuppie, upper-middle-class schools with little yuppie kids in them. Can't stand em!
2. Vegas.
So, although I will still tell you that this isn't my very favorite place that we've lived, it is really growing on me. For one thing, EVERYONE comes here! Or wants to, anyway. A friend revealed on her FB page that she is getting divorced. Within a span of 48 hours, we have a group of about 10 friends coming out here in April for a girls' weekend. And all I have to do is show up! :) No plane ride, no rescheduling my life, just driving the 10 miles down to the strip and having a great time. I am not sure I could have talked all of those people into coming to Green Bay for a weekend... Anyway, we are about to start teaching a class at our church, Chase has been accepted into our first choice school for Jr/Sr High, we have made some good friends and we are beginning to actually like it here. Ok, so I'm the only one who really needed convincing, but it was a tough sell, and I'm glad to report I'm thawing.
3. My book.
I know, I've not discussed my book recently here. Some of you have emailed and asked me about it. I'm sad to tell you that the agent was a fake. A scam. Giving me false hope and wanting my money. I need to start marketing it again, and I will. I just had to admit that first. I got scammed, and it hurt my feelings...
4. My family.
Divine hubby and I celebrated our 14th anniversary last week. It's funny that on one hand, I can't believe it has been that long, and at the same time, I can't imagine my life without him, Megan and Chase. We've had quite a ride - had more than our share of heartache, difficulty and pain, but also more than our share of love, laughter and joy. Sometimes it is easier to dwell on the problems and wonder "why us??" but we've been so blessed in so many ways, that when I think of the blessings, I have to smile. We've created a home in four states now...and we have the friends and family to show for it. I love my hubby and our life together! :)
So, that's my post for today. I'm feeling introspective and grateful for my life, my family, my job and even my zip code!
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