I’ve been sick with a cold and cough the last two days, and haven’t gone to work. And, I don’t feel well enough to really “enjoy” being at home-it’s a real bummer I tell ya. I have a lot to do at work in terms of wrapping up evaluations and testing, and writing reports, but when the body doesn’t cooperate, you can’t do much about it.
When I think of everything I must complete in the next 30 days, I get anxious and then the stress comes. Reports for Personality Assessment (stupid reports) are coming along, and I think I can make my April 15th deadline, but I also am concerned about passing the licensing exam (I still haven’t heard if I passed it or not, and they said I would know in 4 weeks, and it’s BEEN 4 weeks and I STILL don’t know, stupid Educational Testing Service) and , I’m a little concerned about getting all my practicum hours in (an impossibility so I will have to work after school is officially out). I also owe the office at WSU some hours as they let me take a few weeks off to get caught up. That’ll come after school is out too. THEN, I get to look forward to trying to find some sort of job for the summer to make money until I start my real job in the fall-I’d hate to file bankruptcy all because I had a job but I just wasn’t going to get my first paycheck until 60 days after my start date, which puts it at, oh, not that I’m counting, but it will be the END of September. Stupid payroll system. Speaking of jobs, I interviewed for one with a large school district (wink wink) on March 16, but I STILL haven’t heard if they want me or not, and I was told I would hear the first of this week (stupid red tape).
Yeah. I hate the way things are right now. I feel like socking something. Maybe I should go over to my brothers and hit the punching bag.
Thursday, March 30, 2006
Monday, March 27, 2006
Good morning
Good morning! Spring Break is officially over. Time to get back to work. Hope all my fellow students reading this enjoyed a few days of not thinking about school or work. The NASP (National Association of School Psychologists) Convention is going on right now-consider your colleagues who are workin’ hard in Anaheim California. (I’m sure.) NASP delegates, make us proud. Come back with information we can use-and position statements we can adopt in the practice of school psychology. Try to address these issues between catching a few rays, sightseeing, and shopping. Here’s to you!
Sunday, March 26, 2006
Supper on the stove
Driving home from Missouri a few days ago, I traveled a stretch of highway here in Kansas that I wasn’t familiar with. From Independence Kansas to Winfield, US 160 meanders west, and meander is the right word. It takes its own sweet time as the speed limit along this 80 mile portion is 55 miles per hour.
At first, I was impatient. 55! It’s so slow you feel as though you could run down the road on two legs faster. But, the question comes loping around like a happy dog coming to greet the master: Why are you in a hurry? Why do you want to get back to the madness of living in the middle of the big city? The time it took me to drive this 80 miles at 55 miles an hour was indeed, a gift, bestowed on me by Someone who decided I needed to just take an hour or so and let it all go.
The road slopes up and down rolling hills-yes, there are hills in Kansas-and it snakes along curves. There are ranches and farms along the way, sometimes few and far between. I was traveling about sunset, and at the end of the day, the red and orange hues in the horizon guided me onward, westward.
I noticed calves and colts in pastures staying close to moms. Sheep and goats were grazing contentedly. Hawks flew above, and birds sitting on fence posts greeted me with cries of, “There she goes! There she goes!” Around the curve. Up the hill. Down the hill. And around another curve.
This sunset reminds me of times long ago, when as the sun was setting, I’d walk into the warm kitchen at home. The smell of fried potatoes would waft past me, oh, how this delicacy could soothe the soul! There was Mom standing at the stove, stirring warm, delicious things in pots and pans. The TV was on in the living room, and Walter Cronkite’s deep voice talked to me of things I didn’t understand, events which were happening way around the world in a little country he called South Vietnam. Grainy pictures on a black and white screen informed me of disturbing things far, far away from home.
But somehow, someway, I was assured by the scene of a mom cooking up fried potatoes in a warm, cheery kitchen, with a big table set to serve hungry diners. It helped make everything right in my world. If you would have stood outside my house and gazed in the window above the sink, you wouldn’t have seen anything special. No fine china, silverware, or coffee service. No linens or matching glasses. And you sure wouldn’t have seen cherub faces saying, “thanks mom”, or a father who looked like Ward Cleaver. But you would have seen the best thing that was gonna happen for me on that day - supper on the stove.
At first, I was impatient. 55! It’s so slow you feel as though you could run down the road on two legs faster. But, the question comes loping around like a happy dog coming to greet the master: Why are you in a hurry? Why do you want to get back to the madness of living in the middle of the big city? The time it took me to drive this 80 miles at 55 miles an hour was indeed, a gift, bestowed on me by Someone who decided I needed to just take an hour or so and let it all go.
The road slopes up and down rolling hills-yes, there are hills in Kansas-and it snakes along curves. There are ranches and farms along the way, sometimes few and far between. I was traveling about sunset, and at the end of the day, the red and orange hues in the horizon guided me onward, westward.
I noticed calves and colts in pastures staying close to moms. Sheep and goats were grazing contentedly. Hawks flew above, and birds sitting on fence posts greeted me with cries of, “There she goes! There she goes!” Around the curve. Up the hill. Down the hill. And around another curve.
This sunset reminds me of times long ago, when as the sun was setting, I’d walk into the warm kitchen at home. The smell of fried potatoes would waft past me, oh, how this delicacy could soothe the soul! There was Mom standing at the stove, stirring warm, delicious things in pots and pans. The TV was on in the living room, and Walter Cronkite’s deep voice talked to me of things I didn’t understand, events which were happening way around the world in a little country he called South Vietnam. Grainy pictures on a black and white screen informed me of disturbing things far, far away from home.
But somehow, someway, I was assured by the scene of a mom cooking up fried potatoes in a warm, cheery kitchen, with a big table set to serve hungry diners. It helped make everything right in my world. If you would have stood outside my house and gazed in the window above the sink, you wouldn’t have seen anything special. No fine china, silverware, or coffee service. No linens or matching glasses. And you sure wouldn’t have seen cherub faces saying, “thanks mom”, or a father who looked like Ward Cleaver. But you would have seen the best thing that was gonna happen for me on that day - supper on the stove.
Saturday, March 25, 2006
Spring break is OVER
It’s Saturday, the day before the day before spring break ends. I just spent a restful two days in the Branson area with family, arriving back home last night. Restful? Those of you who know Branson, with all the billboards, signs, traffic, and eye pollution as far as you can see might wonder how anyone can even remotely think about “resting” in such an environment.
Depends on where you are. We have discovered a little place to stay tucked down on the end of Indian Point road-it’s not a Hilton Hotel, a Hampton Inn, or even a Best Western, but it suits our purposes for relaxation quite nicely. And the price is right as well. Once you get down there, you can just stay there, and not venture out much. You can cook your own food, or get food to eat at the little grocery across the street, which also serves hot meals. It’s within 300 yards or so of Table Rock Lake, and if you like, during the summer, you can rent a boat or skis. You can make coffee in your room, and in nice weather, there are places to sit outside and visit. We discovered a nice little “Irish” pub within walking distance, maybe a ½ mile or so away. Went inside, and enjoyed the Irish ambience. The proprietor invited us back for lunch the next day, he was serving Mexican food. Ok. Just so I know how THAT works.
We did see a show on Thursday evening, the first one I have been to since I lived in that area 30 years ago. I am a graduate of what is now the College of the Ozarks, having finished school there in 1976. Don’t get me started on what dreams and ambitions I had 30 years ago, and how we end up differently than we ever think we will. That’s a blog for another time and place.
Now I’m back home and it’s early on a Saturday morning. I took my laptop and material to work on reports while I was there. I endured some teasing from a brother who said to me, “Oh, come on. You aren’t going to work while you’re there.” He was right. I did review some things but didn’t type one thing! So today it’s unpacking, laundry, going to the store, and working on reports. AAUUGGHHH.
It was good to visit with Paul and Melissa and Julie as well. Lifelong friends you met in college are fairly rare. Although there have been times that we have gone awhile without corresponding, we have always remained in touch and I am grateful for their friendship. They SOMETIMES read the blog, and I was gently reminded that I need to write in it oftener so that they WILL read it…I get the hint guys!
If you’ve made it this far in this blog, I have other news…my beloved Shockers lost to George Mason last night. I love it that they even made the Sweet Sixteen, and what a deal if they would have gone on. But I’m so proud of them anyway. I’m not a rabid fan, but I sure do cheer them on. Now I don’t care who makes it to the Final Four and onward. I’ve lost all interest!
Depends on where you are. We have discovered a little place to stay tucked down on the end of Indian Point road-it’s not a Hilton Hotel, a Hampton Inn, or even a Best Western, but it suits our purposes for relaxation quite nicely. And the price is right as well. Once you get down there, you can just stay there, and not venture out much. You can cook your own food, or get food to eat at the little grocery across the street, which also serves hot meals. It’s within 300 yards or so of Table Rock Lake, and if you like, during the summer, you can rent a boat or skis. You can make coffee in your room, and in nice weather, there are places to sit outside and visit. We discovered a nice little “Irish” pub within walking distance, maybe a ½ mile or so away. Went inside, and enjoyed the Irish ambience. The proprietor invited us back for lunch the next day, he was serving Mexican food. Ok. Just so I know how THAT works.
We did see a show on Thursday evening, the first one I have been to since I lived in that area 30 years ago. I am a graduate of what is now the College of the Ozarks, having finished school there in 1976. Don’t get me started on what dreams and ambitions I had 30 years ago, and how we end up differently than we ever think we will. That’s a blog for another time and place.
Now I’m back home and it’s early on a Saturday morning. I took my laptop and material to work on reports while I was there. I endured some teasing from a brother who said to me, “Oh, come on. You aren’t going to work while you’re there.” He was right. I did review some things but didn’t type one thing! So today it’s unpacking, laundry, going to the store, and working on reports. AAUUGGHHH.
It was good to visit with Paul and Melissa and Julie as well. Lifelong friends you met in college are fairly rare. Although there have been times that we have gone awhile without corresponding, we have always remained in touch and I am grateful for their friendship. They SOMETIMES read the blog, and I was gently reminded that I need to write in it oftener so that they WILL read it…I get the hint guys!
If you’ve made it this far in this blog, I have other news…my beloved Shockers lost to George Mason last night. I love it that they even made the Sweet Sixteen, and what a deal if they would have gone on. But I’m so proud of them anyway. I’m not a rabid fan, but I sure do cheer them on. Now I don’t care who makes it to the Final Four and onward. I’ve lost all interest!
Saturday, March 18, 2006
I'm here...
See, this is what happens when you have a bad week. The last thing you want to do is update your blog. Then, people talk to you about it. Barbara, I love ya like a daughter…thanks for the reminder!
I said in an email to someone that I feel pulled in about 14 different directions, and part of my energy always goes to creating plans B,C,D, and E just in case Plan A doesn’t work out. It’s a survival strategy and one that I see far too few “young” people doing these days. My kids don’t. And they’ve even watched me do this for years, yet, they are invincible. “Who, me? I need a Plan B? Not me…”
Things are going forward at work. I am evaluating a couple of children who may unfortunately, have disabilities which are relatively rare. This surprises me, considering how small the district is I’m working in. This week, I have also visited with a couple of parents of other kids being served in special education and as always, am struck by their commitment to always want the best for their child, and also, see the best, when others do not. Parents who have been called to raise a child in these most difficult circumstances have my admiration.
This weekend and next week during spring break, I will be toiling on reports for a class I have an incomplete in. But for fun today, I’m making chili, and chicken noodle soup. It’s a gray, rainy day and those comfort foods seemed to fit well. They are like, well, like “home”.
I said in an email to someone that I feel pulled in about 14 different directions, and part of my energy always goes to creating plans B,C,D, and E just in case Plan A doesn’t work out. It’s a survival strategy and one that I see far too few “young” people doing these days. My kids don’t. And they’ve even watched me do this for years, yet, they are invincible. “Who, me? I need a Plan B? Not me…”
Things are going forward at work. I am evaluating a couple of children who may unfortunately, have disabilities which are relatively rare. This surprises me, considering how small the district is I’m working in. This week, I have also visited with a couple of parents of other kids being served in special education and as always, am struck by their commitment to always want the best for their child, and also, see the best, when others do not. Parents who have been called to raise a child in these most difficult circumstances have my admiration.
This weekend and next week during spring break, I will be toiling on reports for a class I have an incomplete in. But for fun today, I’m making chili, and chicken noodle soup. It’s a gray, rainy day and those comfort foods seemed to fit well. They are like, well, like “home”.
Monday, March 06, 2006
Rollin', rollin', rollin', keep those dogies rollin'...
I don’t know-I don’t have a good feeling about the test I took Saturday. I won’t know how I did for four weeks, but I’m going to register to take it again April 29 - just in case I didn’t pass it. It was a great example of a difficult multiple choice. I eliminated two answers on every question almost immediately, then the two that remained were sometimes both correct so you had to pick the best one. I HATE those.
It’s time to get going I guess. How come Monday always comes around so fast? I’m sure people have been asking that ever since we’ve had calendars and the concept of a “weekend”. Some professions don’t offer weekends. I’m thinking (since I live in Kansas), of farmers. Can you imagine…Farmer Brown takes a weekend off. The cows don’t get milked, the tilling doesn’t get done. Machinery doesn’t get fixed, and the wheat stands in the field another two days before it’s cut. I think not.
As my Grandpa used to say, “Hop to it!” Time to get rollin’…
It’s time to get going I guess. How come Monday always comes around so fast? I’m sure people have been asking that ever since we’ve had calendars and the concept of a “weekend”. Some professions don’t offer weekends. I’m thinking (since I live in Kansas), of farmers. Can you imagine…Farmer Brown takes a weekend off. The cows don’t get milked, the tilling doesn’t get done. Machinery doesn’t get fixed, and the wheat stands in the field another two days before it’s cut. I think not.
As my Grandpa used to say, “Hop to it!” Time to get rollin’…
Friday, March 03, 2006
Friday Fun
Another week has gone by without one blog entry since Monday! I’m beginning to figure out that I may lead a boring life…either that, or I don’t have time to sit down and write. Yeah. I like that excuse. “I don’t have time”…it’s a handy generic excuse which causes sympathy to well up in the reader, (please let me stay in my fantasy world).
Tomorrow morning I’m taking the licensing exam for School Psychology. I’ve been reviewing some but I really need to go over some things this evening. I want to pass it the first time so I don’t have to cough up another $135.00 to take it again. And it’s EARLY. It starts at 7:30am. Does anyone’s brain work well enough to take an important exam at 7:30 in the morning? I don’t think so. Tip of the day: Drink your quota of water. A well-hydrated brain works better.
Work is going well, and I’m feeling pretty good, now that Ms. Pancreas is settling down. I am again amazed at how very little I know about the practice of school psychology, even after almost 6 years in school, earning two degrees. There’s nothing like practical experience to help you realize how little you know. I am grateful that I work with three school psychologists who have between them, I would guess, at least 50 years of practice.
But, the field is always changing, and “young” people like me are being trained in new ways of doing things, so maybe on some level, I’m contributing something.
My advice to all of you about to go on practicum: Learn all you can in Diagnostics, and in Personality Assessment. You’re gonna need every scrap of knowledge you can possibly accrue in both of those classes. It’s important to not only have the book knowledge of facts (How is a Learning Disability defined?), but also to know the broad concepts that undergird assessment, test interpretation, and evaluation. I think the information gathering is fairly easy-interviews, observations, the review of school records, and the testing. The hard part is taking all those individual pieces and putting them together to create an accurate picture of the child. Your hypothesis concerning what’s wrong may or may not be true, and if you say it’s true, you better have empirical evidence to back it up.
G, thanks for the email. She emailed me recently in response to my musings regarding God allowing evil to exist. She recently has come through a spiritual awakening, so to speak, and has a fire in her soul I’ve not seen in the 30 years I’ve known her. She’s been in a life-long search for God, going down all kinds of different paths, and some of them, quite dangerous. But she now knows the meaning of the words spoken by Jesus, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes through the Father except by Me.”. I’ve been a witness to her remarkable journey and someday, she’s gonna write a book.
To all who are getting ready to take the licensing exam-may your #2 pencils hang in there with you. May you think clearly and remember well. And may you never forget that there is no such thing as a “standard battery”. (ha)
Tomorrow morning I’m taking the licensing exam for School Psychology. I’ve been reviewing some but I really need to go over some things this evening. I want to pass it the first time so I don’t have to cough up another $135.00 to take it again. And it’s EARLY. It starts at 7:30am. Does anyone’s brain work well enough to take an important exam at 7:30 in the morning? I don’t think so. Tip of the day: Drink your quota of water. A well-hydrated brain works better.
Work is going well, and I’m feeling pretty good, now that Ms. Pancreas is settling down. I am again amazed at how very little I know about the practice of school psychology, even after almost 6 years in school, earning two degrees. There’s nothing like practical experience to help you realize how little you know. I am grateful that I work with three school psychologists who have between them, I would guess, at least 50 years of practice.
But, the field is always changing, and “young” people like me are being trained in new ways of doing things, so maybe on some level, I’m contributing something.
My advice to all of you about to go on practicum: Learn all you can in Diagnostics, and in Personality Assessment. You’re gonna need every scrap of knowledge you can possibly accrue in both of those classes. It’s important to not only have the book knowledge of facts (How is a Learning Disability defined?), but also to know the broad concepts that undergird assessment, test interpretation, and evaluation. I think the information gathering is fairly easy-interviews, observations, the review of school records, and the testing. The hard part is taking all those individual pieces and putting them together to create an accurate picture of the child. Your hypothesis concerning what’s wrong may or may not be true, and if you say it’s true, you better have empirical evidence to back it up.
G, thanks for the email. She emailed me recently in response to my musings regarding God allowing evil to exist. She recently has come through a spiritual awakening, so to speak, and has a fire in her soul I’ve not seen in the 30 years I’ve known her. She’s been in a life-long search for God, going down all kinds of different paths, and some of them, quite dangerous. But she now knows the meaning of the words spoken by Jesus, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes through the Father except by Me.”. I’ve been a witness to her remarkable journey and someday, she’s gonna write a book.
To all who are getting ready to take the licensing exam-may your #2 pencils hang in there with you. May you think clearly and remember well. And may you never forget that there is no such thing as a “standard battery”. (ha)
Monday, February 27, 2006
Ours is not an exact science...
Well, it’s gonna be 70 degrees today… this has got to be the weirdest, warmest, winter I can recall. Not that I’m complaining, but it’s also very dry. We could use a lot of rain, or even a nice snow to help us catch up.
Today I’m working on writing a report for the first evaluation I’ve done “in the field”. Reports “marry” all the information together that you’ve collected on a kid - information gained through observation, interview, testing, review of school records - and hopefully, help explain why this child may or may not have a learning problem. Unless the school district has a standard report form, every psychologist does a report differently. Some are 20-30 pages long. Some are 2 pages long. Even different professors at school have different ways they want you to do reports. But whatever kind of report you do, the bottom line in any report is, does this kid have a problem, and does this problem affect the kid’s academic efforts.
A bright, engaging student I worked with recently has problems visually processing information. One of the consequences of that is that he’s a poor reader – but I know once we can help his very capable teacher figure out ways to help him adapt, he’ll shine. I thought about what might have happened to this child had he been in elementary school back in the 60’s when I was. Kids then were often labeled everything from lazy to mentally retarded, if not “officially”, then certainly unofficially by classmates. One student in my 3rd grade class was relegated to the back of the classroom by the coat closets for a whole year and socially ostracized because he was unable to read, and thus, unable to perform well in school. We assumed he was “stupid”. I’ve always wondered what happened to him.
Today I’m working on writing a report for the first evaluation I’ve done “in the field”. Reports “marry” all the information together that you’ve collected on a kid - information gained through observation, interview, testing, review of school records - and hopefully, help explain why this child may or may not have a learning problem. Unless the school district has a standard report form, every psychologist does a report differently. Some are 20-30 pages long. Some are 2 pages long. Even different professors at school have different ways they want you to do reports. But whatever kind of report you do, the bottom line in any report is, does this kid have a problem, and does this problem affect the kid’s academic efforts.
A bright, engaging student I worked with recently has problems visually processing information. One of the consequences of that is that he’s a poor reader – but I know once we can help his very capable teacher figure out ways to help him adapt, he’ll shine. I thought about what might have happened to this child had he been in elementary school back in the 60’s when I was. Kids then were often labeled everything from lazy to mentally retarded, if not “officially”, then certainly unofficially by classmates. One student in my 3rd grade class was relegated to the back of the classroom by the coat closets for a whole year and socially ostracized because he was unable to read, and thus, unable to perform well in school. We assumed he was “stupid”. I’ve always wondered what happened to him.
Saturday, February 25, 2006
Post Flu
I got the flu, I got over the flu, and I’m just now getting around to doing another blog entry- I’m getting gently “nagged” about it from my sis. “I go to your blog EVERY DAY,” she says. Ok, ok. I’m all over it.
I’ve been wrestling with “mysterious” things this week. As you may know if you live in this area, there have been several cases of rather horrific child abuse making the local news recently. This tends to bring about contemplation of God’s sovereignty and how He can allow what happens in the world. There’s another situation I’m aware of in which there is some intense suffering (this is not a child abuse situation) and, the appearance of God’s unwillingness to do anything to relieve it. In yet another situation, also this week I heard of someone whose grandchild died and now, this person has cut off all relationship with a Creator, and won’t allow anything having to do with God spoken of in their home.
I think every person since the dawn of time has struggled at some point with the question of evil and of God allowing it to exist. It’s a mystery, but in our humanness, we want answers. We want to get it figured out. If you’ve always wondered about these things, be cautious of those that would like to enlighten you. Chances are, they don’t know either. They’ve just found something that fits neatly into their framework of thinking and they may become frustrated with you if it doesn’t fit as neatly within yours.
Work is going well. I keep saying that I’m learning a lot, and really, that’s my number one goal in this job. This week I learned that different school buildings have different “personalities”, so to speak, mainly due to the decisions, goals, and even personality types of the top administrators within the building. I learned that not everyone plays by the same rules, and that some either ignore the rules, or invent their own. And the other thing I relearned, even though I’ve already had this lesson several times in my life, is that you learn more by listening than you ever do by talking. Just listen. Observe. Think. Question. Then listen some more.
I’ve been wrestling with “mysterious” things this week. As you may know if you live in this area, there have been several cases of rather horrific child abuse making the local news recently. This tends to bring about contemplation of God’s sovereignty and how He can allow what happens in the world. There’s another situation I’m aware of in which there is some intense suffering (this is not a child abuse situation) and, the appearance of God’s unwillingness to do anything to relieve it. In yet another situation, also this week I heard of someone whose grandchild died and now, this person has cut off all relationship with a Creator, and won’t allow anything having to do with God spoken of in their home.
I think every person since the dawn of time has struggled at some point with the question of evil and of God allowing it to exist. It’s a mystery, but in our humanness, we want answers. We want to get it figured out. If you’ve always wondered about these things, be cautious of those that would like to enlighten you. Chances are, they don’t know either. They’ve just found something that fits neatly into their framework of thinking and they may become frustrated with you if it doesn’t fit as neatly within yours.
Work is going well. I keep saying that I’m learning a lot, and really, that’s my number one goal in this job. This week I learned that different school buildings have different “personalities”, so to speak, mainly due to the decisions, goals, and even personality types of the top administrators within the building. I learned that not everyone plays by the same rules, and that some either ignore the rules, or invent their own. And the other thing I relearned, even though I’ve already had this lesson several times in my life, is that you learn more by listening than you ever do by talking. Just listen. Observe. Think. Question. Then listen some more.
Tuesday, February 21, 2006
Ta Dah!
I’m back among the living! Did ya miss me? I’ll spare you the gory details, but for the last 4 days I’ve been battling the effects of a stomach virus. I’ll tell ya, there’s nothing like a good old-fashioned stomach flu to help you find your priorities in life. At one point my priorities were focused on a single feat: to lay as perfectly still as I could, without moving not even an eyelid muscle, with the bedspread pulled over my head. I had hoped (in vain) that this meditative posture would help quell the rising tide of…
Well, I digress. After 3 days of water and broth, and one day of the BRAT diet, I am embarking on my first day of “real” food, and will go to work for half a day. (BRAT = bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. It was great. Thanks for asking.) A complicating factor is getting used to a new regimen of diabetes meds, but I think I will survive that too. Ms. Pancreas should be extra happy. I haven’t really made her work very hard the last 4 days. It doesn’t take much insulin to digest water or broth - admit it, Ms. P!
Candice commented that I shouldn’t spend so much blog time yelling at a body part. She’s right! (If you just ignore the behavior of the alleged body part, it will “extinguish” itself. Whatever works…)
So it’s back to thinking more like a school psychologist and less like a flu victim. On my schedule this week, besides another funeral to attend, is to get some information about a “baffling” student no one can quite get a handle on, a little one on one counseling with a student from a situation you can’t imagine anyone surviving intact from, and some time spent learning to give a test I’ve not given before. Fortunately, my first victim of this new test is a young child – I have discovered they are most forgiving when it comes to working with adults who are unsure of themselves.
It’s good to be up and going today.
Well, I digress. After 3 days of water and broth, and one day of the BRAT diet, I am embarking on my first day of “real” food, and will go to work for half a day. (BRAT = bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. It was great. Thanks for asking.) A complicating factor is getting used to a new regimen of diabetes meds, but I think I will survive that too. Ms. Pancreas should be extra happy. I haven’t really made her work very hard the last 4 days. It doesn’t take much insulin to digest water or broth - admit it, Ms. P!
Candice commented that I shouldn’t spend so much blog time yelling at a body part. She’s right! (If you just ignore the behavior of the alleged body part, it will “extinguish” itself. Whatever works…)
So it’s back to thinking more like a school psychologist and less like a flu victim. On my schedule this week, besides another funeral to attend, is to get some information about a “baffling” student no one can quite get a handle on, a little one on one counseling with a student from a situation you can’t imagine anyone surviving intact from, and some time spent learning to give a test I’ve not given before. Fortunately, my first victim of this new test is a young child – I have discovered they are most forgiving when it comes to working with adults who are unsure of themselves.
It’s good to be up and going today.
Thursday, February 16, 2006
A Public Apology to Miss Pancreas
Apparently, my pancreas reads my blog. It (she?) became upset about the entry where I expressed my frustration toward her, and, admittedly, I blamed her for not producing enough insulin for me. I believe I called her “lazy” and I did state (not on this blog, but at other times) that she hasn’t known a good day’s work in several years. I also insinuated that she put my metabolism in a wheelchair.
Well, I’m SORRY! SORRY SORRY SORRY! Little Miss Hoity Toity Pancreas informs me that it isn’t HER fault. It’s the cells of my body. She’s producing insulin, (she says, but how can I believe her), but that the cells are not accepting it. They are “resisting”. They are stubborn and rebellious. They are closed-minded and have their gates shut tight. They passed the Patriot Act a long time ago and not only are they keeping out the terrorists, but they are also keeping out the insulin good guys. It’s the cells’ problem, not hers. So, Miss Particular Prissy Pancreas would like an apology.
Well whatever. I still think it may be because she’s not producing a quality insulin. If it were Sterling Silver Grade A Prime Cut Quality Bar None insulin, they’d probably take it. So now we have an internal war - Miss Pancreas says she’s sending the troops, but the troops are unable to penetrate the borders. Great. I gotta make med changes. It is such a serious situation that I’m being told to increase it four fold. So now the reinforcements are coming in. They’re gonna kick down walls, penetrate barriers, storm gates, and open up those bunkers. And this war will never be over! Great!
Well, I’m SORRY! SORRY SORRY SORRY! Little Miss Hoity Toity Pancreas informs me that it isn’t HER fault. It’s the cells of my body. She’s producing insulin, (she says, but how can I believe her), but that the cells are not accepting it. They are “resisting”. They are stubborn and rebellious. They are closed-minded and have their gates shut tight. They passed the Patriot Act a long time ago and not only are they keeping out the terrorists, but they are also keeping out the insulin good guys. It’s the cells’ problem, not hers. So, Miss Particular Prissy Pancreas would like an apology.
Well whatever. I still think it may be because she’s not producing a quality insulin. If it were Sterling Silver Grade A Prime Cut Quality Bar None insulin, they’d probably take it. So now we have an internal war - Miss Pancreas says she’s sending the troops, but the troops are unable to penetrate the borders. Great. I gotta make med changes. It is such a serious situation that I’m being told to increase it four fold. So now the reinforcements are coming in. They’re gonna kick down walls, penetrate barriers, storm gates, and open up those bunkers. And this war will never be over! Great!
Tuesday, February 14, 2006
Good Morning
Driving to work is always an exercise in appreciating Kansas sunrises. However, now that the day starts earlier, I can see the fulfillment of what the Painter is creating on His sky canvas And the last few days, the words to a hymn going all the way back to the 18th century come to mind. They are:
“When morning gilds the skies my heart awaking cries:May Jesus Christ be praised! Alike at work and prayer, to Jesus I repair: May Jesus Christ be praised!”
You might think the word “repair” is an odd word to use in the text, but one of the definitions of this word is “to go frequently or habitually”. I like that. But I also like thinking of it in a more modern way-to Jesus I go for repairs! Because, man, do I ever feel broken. And, you notice the hymn writer specifically mentions “at work”. They didn’t have school psychologists in the 18th century. So how did HE know I was going to need to think about this text while driving a machine down a highway at speeds he’d never gone in his life?
He didn’t. But I would imagine upon awakening in the mornings, he might have felt broken too. As he began his chores early in the day, he marveled at the sunrises of the Painter - and more than 200 years later, his words live on. They speak to someone who is experiencing a life he could never in his wildest dreams imagine.
There are 14 verses in all to this hymn. See them at: http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/w/h/e/whenmgts.htm
“When morning gilds the skies my heart awaking cries:May Jesus Christ be praised! Alike at work and prayer, to Jesus I repair: May Jesus Christ be praised!”
You might think the word “repair” is an odd word to use in the text, but one of the definitions of this word is “to go frequently or habitually”. I like that. But I also like thinking of it in a more modern way-to Jesus I go for repairs! Because, man, do I ever feel broken. And, you notice the hymn writer specifically mentions “at work”. They didn’t have school psychologists in the 18th century. So how did HE know I was going to need to think about this text while driving a machine down a highway at speeds he’d never gone in his life?
He didn’t. But I would imagine upon awakening in the mornings, he might have felt broken too. As he began his chores early in the day, he marveled at the sunrises of the Painter - and more than 200 years later, his words live on. They speak to someone who is experiencing a life he could never in his wildest dreams imagine.
There are 14 verses in all to this hymn. See them at: http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/w/h/e/whenmgts.htm
Sunday, February 12, 2006
Trying Times
What day is this? I feel like I’ve neglected this blog for several days now but it was a difficult week. A close family friend went to heaven and her service was last Saturday. It was my honor and privilege to play the piano for the service but a little stressful. There were more than 200 people crammed in our little church sanctuary.
Besides doing the work of a practicum student, I’m trying to clear up two incompletes, or else I won’t graduate in May. Wouldn’t that be a kick in the pants…I am making progress on reports I owe but it feels like a whole mountain of work is ahead of me yet. I have a test for licensing coming up on March 4 and haven’t begun to prepare for it. But what’s happening to me isn’t unusual - it’s just life. Everybody has stuff to take care, to deal with, to worry about.
I observed students of varying degrees of disability last Friday in a special education classroom. There was a student with Downs Syndrome, other students with MR diagnoses, and one student with severe multiple disabilities. I came to the swift conclusion that we do not pay our special ed teachers enough, and, we certainly do not pay the paraprofessionals commensurate with the responsibilities we give them.
I think every politician that talks about education reform should visit schools, and not only visit general education classrooms, but look in on classrooms where students with special needs are being served. I think they’d be amazed at the work that goes on in our schools.
Besides doing the work of a practicum student, I’m trying to clear up two incompletes, or else I won’t graduate in May. Wouldn’t that be a kick in the pants…I am making progress on reports I owe but it feels like a whole mountain of work is ahead of me yet. I have a test for licensing coming up on March 4 and haven’t begun to prepare for it. But what’s happening to me isn’t unusual - it’s just life. Everybody has stuff to take care, to deal with, to worry about.
I observed students of varying degrees of disability last Friday in a special education classroom. There was a student with Downs Syndrome, other students with MR diagnoses, and one student with severe multiple disabilities. I came to the swift conclusion that we do not pay our special ed teachers enough, and, we certainly do not pay the paraprofessionals commensurate with the responsibilities we give them.
I think every politician that talks about education reform should visit schools, and not only visit general education classrooms, but look in on classrooms where students with special needs are being served. I think they’d be amazed at the work that goes on in our schools.
Monday, February 06, 2006
Problems Everywhere
Problems Everywhere
I work in a small town, in a small school system. It seems that everyone in the office has grown up there, lived there many years, and knows everyone and everyone’s business. Even those that commute to work in the office and don’t live in that town know a lot of information about the residents and the political workings. I’m a real outsider, going there during the day to learn job skills which I hope will transfer to any school system I choose to work in when I do so for “real”.
I’m not naïve, but what I’m a little surprised at is that the children who live in this area have many of the same catastrophic problems that kids in large cities do. I knew I wasn’t going to experience a “Mayberry” culture but I truly wasn’t expecting to come across so many kids who have been exposed to horrific acts of violence. An eight year old girl, cute as a button, with freckles and an easy smile told me about her aunt’s boyfriend. “He shot her in cold blood” was her assessment of the situation. I’ve also learned of a couple of students who have witnessed parental suicides and others who have been the collateral victims of their parent’s domestic assaults. And because this is a rural area, the production of meth is a big problem. There are several children who have been exposed to this hallucinogen, compromising academic potential. Poverty is an issue there as well, with some single parents not making enough money to pay the rent.
It was said to me this week, “If I hear one more time about how we are doing this all for the kids, I won’t be able to stand it.” Maybe I’m truly naïve, but I thought that’s what I was doing this for. It sure isn’t for the paycheck, the prestige, or the Hollywood acclaim.
No matter where you live or work, there’s always a need for someone to be an advocate for children. Someone who can help give them the best chance they’re going to get in life to make it in this world. You don’t have to be a school psychologist to do that. You just need to be a concerned citizen with a 30 minute time frame during the day to volunteer at a school. Once a week. The same amount of time it takes to watch one rerun of “Everybody Loves Raymond.” And immensely more productive.
I work in a small town, in a small school system. It seems that everyone in the office has grown up there, lived there many years, and knows everyone and everyone’s business. Even those that commute to work in the office and don’t live in that town know a lot of information about the residents and the political workings. I’m a real outsider, going there during the day to learn job skills which I hope will transfer to any school system I choose to work in when I do so for “real”.
I’m not naïve, but what I’m a little surprised at is that the children who live in this area have many of the same catastrophic problems that kids in large cities do. I knew I wasn’t going to experience a “Mayberry” culture but I truly wasn’t expecting to come across so many kids who have been exposed to horrific acts of violence. An eight year old girl, cute as a button, with freckles and an easy smile told me about her aunt’s boyfriend. “He shot her in cold blood” was her assessment of the situation. I’ve also learned of a couple of students who have witnessed parental suicides and others who have been the collateral victims of their parent’s domestic assaults. And because this is a rural area, the production of meth is a big problem. There are several children who have been exposed to this hallucinogen, compromising academic potential. Poverty is an issue there as well, with some single parents not making enough money to pay the rent.
It was said to me this week, “If I hear one more time about how we are doing this all for the kids, I won’t be able to stand it.” Maybe I’m truly naïve, but I thought that’s what I was doing this for. It sure isn’t for the paycheck, the prestige, or the Hollywood acclaim.
No matter where you live or work, there’s always a need for someone to be an advocate for children. Someone who can help give them the best chance they’re going to get in life to make it in this world. You don’t have to be a school psychologist to do that. You just need to be a concerned citizen with a 30 minute time frame during the day to volunteer at a school. Once a week. The same amount of time it takes to watch one rerun of “Everybody Loves Raymond.” And immensely more productive.
Sunday, January 29, 2006
Happy Birthday KANSAS
My home state, Kansas, celebrated a 145th birthday yesterday, January 28. I realize the first thing people don’t necessarily think of when describing Kansas is “beautiful” or “breathtaking”. Words like “flat” and “boring” are much more often used, even by those who claim this state as home. But not by me.
I unabashedly, unashamedly, and unequivocally love Kansas. Kansas and the people who live here are home to me. Even as a child, I loved seeing the golden wheat fields waving in the wind, complimented by a blue sky so beautiful Crayola can’t make a color for it. I love the flatness of the land and how you can see for miles. Until you get to the rolling Flint Hills - there’s a place just west of Salina along I-70 that is breathtaking. The sunrises, the sunsets, the patchwork farmland, the smell of alfalfa, the fields of sunflowers, the clear night skies-Kansas is a treasure to me. One of these days I’d like to own a patch of Kansas soil-I’d be happy with an acre or so. Give me a little John Deere tractor and some bib overalls, and I’d be living in heaven on earth!
I unabashedly, unashamedly, and unequivocally love Kansas. Kansas and the people who live here are home to me. Even as a child, I loved seeing the golden wheat fields waving in the wind, complimented by a blue sky so beautiful Crayola can’t make a color for it. I love the flatness of the land and how you can see for miles. Until you get to the rolling Flint Hills - there’s a place just west of Salina along I-70 that is breathtaking. The sunrises, the sunsets, the patchwork farmland, the smell of alfalfa, the fields of sunflowers, the clear night skies-Kansas is a treasure to me. One of these days I’d like to own a patch of Kansas soil-I’d be happy with an acre or so. Give me a little John Deere tractor and some bib overalls, and I’d be living in heaven on earth!
Wednesday, January 25, 2006
Wednesday, Wednesday
Wednesday, Wednesday, so good to meeee…..Wednesday, Wednesday, it was all I hoped it would beeeee….
So, yeah. Mid week. Things are picking up. I am working at 2 elementary schools, 1 middle school, an alternative school, and a high school. I have 4 people I work for directly, and 2 people I answer to sort of indirectly. I feel extremely disorganized because I’ve met so many people I can’t remember who works at what school…I’m doing good to be at the correct school on the correct day, let alone remember who goes where. I am now called “Mrs. ****” on a regular basis, by both kids and staff, which is sort of odd for me. It makes me feel old because it reminds me that I called my mother-in-law “Mrs. ****” many years ago when she was still living (I never got around to the informal first name basis with her, or the even more casual, “Mom”).
I have some scheduled assessment appointments to help with both initial and re-evaluations, and it looks like I’ll be working in the after school program as well – I may have an opportunity to provide some counseling there to a couple of children who, it was explained to me today, have “issues”.
The schedule isn’t any easier, but I surely do enjoy the drive. It’s an opportunity for me to plan my day on the way there, and to unwind on the way back. What I learned today: Even a school psych who is an “old hand” at her/his job makes mistakes. And after becoming an “old hand”, I will too.
Time to head to church. Changing hats completely, I’m heading up a committee meeting to plan our spring women’s retreat. Then choir practice. Then home. Tomorrow it’s up at dark-thirty to do it again.
So, yeah. Mid week. Things are picking up. I am working at 2 elementary schools, 1 middle school, an alternative school, and a high school. I have 4 people I work for directly, and 2 people I answer to sort of indirectly. I feel extremely disorganized because I’ve met so many people I can’t remember who works at what school…I’m doing good to be at the correct school on the correct day, let alone remember who goes where. I am now called “Mrs. ****” on a regular basis, by both kids and staff, which is sort of odd for me. It makes me feel old because it reminds me that I called my mother-in-law “Mrs. ****” many years ago when she was still living (I never got around to the informal first name basis with her, or the even more casual, “Mom”).
I have some scheduled assessment appointments to help with both initial and re-evaluations, and it looks like I’ll be working in the after school program as well – I may have an opportunity to provide some counseling there to a couple of children who, it was explained to me today, have “issues”.
The schedule isn’t any easier, but I surely do enjoy the drive. It’s an opportunity for me to plan my day on the way there, and to unwind on the way back. What I learned today: Even a school psych who is an “old hand” at her/his job makes mistakes. And after becoming an “old hand”, I will too.
Time to head to church. Changing hats completely, I’m heading up a committee meeting to plan our spring women’s retreat. Then choir practice. Then home. Tomorrow it’s up at dark-thirty to do it again.
Monday, January 23, 2006
"Monday, Monday, so good to meeee.....Monday mornin', it was all I hoped it would beeee...."
If you know that song, you're at least within 10 years of my age. THAT should make you feel better!
Anyhow, yeah. It's Monday. Finished my day still sort of in the "I'm the new person at work" mode. I hate that mode. It's hard to feel part of a group when you can't remember everyone's name because you met like a million and three people already, and you don't want to ask AGAIN for the upteenth time. And, like every other work place, there's the cliques. I was at a lunch Friday where I was sitting between about 4 conversations and didn't participate in any of them, still feeling like an outsider. Those of you who know me well probably don't think I ever feel uncomfortable and out of place in a social/workplace setting, but that's a wrong assumption. I was glad to get back to WSU today because it feels like "home" (that's kinda sad!!)
I'm doing some testing this week, and some observations. It promises to be a little busier than last week. I'm working with two field supervisors who are about as opposite as two people can be and still do the same job. I think THAT will be the most interesting observation I make this entire practicum...how two competently trained professionals can have such a different approach, not only to work but to LIFE.
Greetings to all who read, and may you have a good week.
If you know that song, you're at least within 10 years of my age. THAT should make you feel better!
Anyhow, yeah. It's Monday. Finished my day still sort of in the "I'm the new person at work" mode. I hate that mode. It's hard to feel part of a group when you can't remember everyone's name because you met like a million and three people already, and you don't want to ask AGAIN for the upteenth time. And, like every other work place, there's the cliques. I was at a lunch Friday where I was sitting between about 4 conversations and didn't participate in any of them, still feeling like an outsider. Those of you who know me well probably don't think I ever feel uncomfortable and out of place in a social/workplace setting, but that's a wrong assumption. I was glad to get back to WSU today because it feels like "home" (that's kinda sad!!)
I'm doing some testing this week, and some observations. It promises to be a little busier than last week. I'm working with two field supervisors who are about as opposite as two people can be and still do the same job. I think THAT will be the most interesting observation I make this entire practicum...how two competently trained professionals can have such a different approach, not only to work but to LIFE.
Greetings to all who read, and may you have a good week.
Thursday, January 19, 2006
Oh. Oh. Groan. I'm not young anymore! I've been on this working schedule for three days, and because I'm not getting to bed earlier, I'm really tired. Tonight's the night. I'm really going early. Really I am.
Did you know that if you line up the "B" key on your computer keyboard with your belly button, it will reduce wrist strain? That was one of the first things I learned this week, having received this information from my supervisor in an email. (!!!) But thankfully, I learned other things as well. I learned I can function with half my brain cells asleep, but I also learned you should remain alert while driving the turnpike. I learned that Kansas sunrises are spectacular. I discovered that I have a lot to learn before I can competently provide psychological services to children. And, I'm learning once again, as we all have to at various points in our lives, how to prioritize. Some lessons must be taught more than once.
Did you know that if you line up the "B" key on your computer keyboard with your belly button, it will reduce wrist strain? That was one of the first things I learned this week, having received this information from my supervisor in an email. (!!!) But thankfully, I learned other things as well. I learned I can function with half my brain cells asleep, but I also learned you should remain alert while driving the turnpike. I learned that Kansas sunrises are spectacular. I discovered that I have a lot to learn before I can competently provide psychological services to children. And, I'm learning once again, as we all have to at various points in our lives, how to prioritize. Some lessons must be taught more than once.
Tuesday, January 17, 2006
The First Day
Let’s see. I’ve had my bran cereal. My coffee is standing at attention, ready to perk me up. I’ve packed my lunch. Retrieved my cell phone from the charger. I’m ready. No, I’m not ready. I recall the words of the writer of the Proverbs, perhaps in answer to the question: “How do I achieve success?” He explained it this way: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV
May these words encourage and strengthen you for whatever tasks lie before you, whether you’re starting a new job, or going to an “old” job in a rut that’s been worn deep in many years of daily routine. Perhaps you are struggling with decisions that must be made, critical, serious, decisions. My best advice for what it’s worth, (from this middle-aged person walking through new doors today), is to make them while NOT “leaning on your own understanding.” If you are able to do that, then what follows is certainly true: “Then you will understand what is right and just and fair-every good path. For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul. Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard your ways.” Proverbs 2:9-11 NIV
Have a great day!
May these words encourage and strengthen you for whatever tasks lie before you, whether you’re starting a new job, or going to an “old” job in a rut that’s been worn deep in many years of daily routine. Perhaps you are struggling with decisions that must be made, critical, serious, decisions. My best advice for what it’s worth, (from this middle-aged person walking through new doors today), is to make them while NOT “leaning on your own understanding.” If you are able to do that, then what follows is certainly true: “Then you will understand what is right and just and fair-every good path. For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul. Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard your ways.” Proverbs 2:9-11 NIV
Have a great day!
Thursday, January 12, 2006
The Flu
The last few days have crawled by in a haze of Kleenex, coughing, body aches, and fatigue. When you’ve got the flu, time is warped. It either goes by slowly, when you aren’t able to rest, or it fast forwards by when you DO rest, and sleep during the day. You wake up and squint at the clock…is it really already 4:00pm? It feels like it should be the next morning. Or the day before. Or something.
I’m SO looking forward to feeling normal again. Today I kept a 9:00am appointment, but by the time I got home around noon, I was exhausted. What did our ancestors do when they had the flu? I’m sure there were times my grandmother and great-grandmother did not feel well, but yet, they kept on going. There were no sick days, no vacation days, no leave time, no “calling in sick”, no doctor’s offices to call, no Nyquil, no Advil. They continued to fix meals and wash clothes. They cared for children, tended gardens, milked cows, cleaned chicken houses and barns, and just kept going. I am inspired by these hardworking women. As I sneeze and reach for another Kleenex, (a Puffs PLUS, no less), I wonder if I could have made it. Am I made of the same stuff as these prairie women? I don’t think so…
I’m SO looking forward to feeling normal again. Today I kept a 9:00am appointment, but by the time I got home around noon, I was exhausted. What did our ancestors do when they had the flu? I’m sure there were times my grandmother and great-grandmother did not feel well, but yet, they kept on going. There were no sick days, no vacation days, no leave time, no “calling in sick”, no doctor’s offices to call, no Nyquil, no Advil. They continued to fix meals and wash clothes. They cared for children, tended gardens, milked cows, cleaned chicken houses and barns, and just kept going. I am inspired by these hardworking women. As I sneeze and reach for another Kleenex, (a Puffs PLUS, no less), I wonder if I could have made it. Am I made of the same stuff as these prairie women? I don’t think so…
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)