New holiday flavor! I had a hard time deciding which "flavor" I'd use, there are so many creative (and cute) layouts!! Best of all- they're free!

www.thecutestblogontheblock.com

Children's International

Meet Asmoni.

(I believe her name is pronounced "Osh-monee" - with the pronounciation help of a friend in India)

I fell in love, instantly, with her bright eyes and wide smile. What a gentle soul she appears to be!

Asmoni is 7 years old and lives in Calcutta, India - one of the poorest regions in the world. Over 4.5 million people live in the city of Calcutta.

Asmoni is sister to brothers Rohit (9 yrs old) and Rokhi (2 yrs old). Asmoni's father is a tailor, earning the family $43/month to live on. Over 60% of this income is spent solely on food. Asmoni's mother is a homemaker. The family lives in a one-room house with a wood burning stove and one wooden bed to sleep five people. The home is constructed of split cane walls, a tile roof, and mud floors. Asmoni's access to water is through a community pump and sanitary facility exists in an open field.

Asmoni is currently 3 feet 6 inches tall and weighs about 30 pounds. She does attend school and enjoys learning languages. Her favorite hobbies include playing with dolls, playing hide and seek, and drawing. She speaks Bengali.

I learned of this organization, Children's International, through research I did on the internet. Their funds support education and nutrition, primarily. While I'm not an ambassador or paid commercialist, I did want to share that I made the decision to sponsor Asmoni. I have so many more material and superficial items than she will ever see in a lifetime, and I can contribute to make one person's life better- even if only by a small fraction.

Because she is now sponsored, she has a team of doctors , teachers, and professionals who look out for her and look after her. She will receive healthcare and medicine, dental care, nutritional assistance, and educational support.

I can spare a small amount of money each month. I know that I have a comfortable bed, electricity, and food each day. I have a job that pays more than Asmoni's father ever will see. I KNOW that I am making a difference in her life, and her family's life.

I am putting together a holiday box to mail her, as well as a letter. I've already received a sponsorship kit and photograph of Asmoni (above) from the company. In a few weeks, I should receive a letter from Asmoni as well as a translated version. I look forwards to learning more about her culture and life. I look forwards to written correspondance over the years, and eventually watching her grow and develop. I look forwards to putting together special-occasion packages and mailing them to her in India. I had so much fun shopping for this little girl recently!

I am so encouraged at having this opportunity to give to someone else. To help and be a part of something positive, and that will benefit for a lifetime. Humbly, I would like to encourage you to also consider making this choice for yourself.

Truthfully? I am SO excited!!

Visit www.Children.org for more information. :)

Sick Day - Long-Anticipated Day - Open-Heart Day

Yesterday, I left work two hours early because I could feel my ears plugging up painfully. My cough also has been increasing. I went ahead and requested a substitute and called off today, as well. I normally plow forth and endure at work, even while sick, because explaining what someone would need to know to "do my job" even for just one day- often takes more time than is worth. Ugh. I called in sick because I also have needed a personal day to rest and get away from the negativity at school. (Read my last post.) I don't enjoy being sick in the least little bit, but I DO enjoy watching the daylight change with the hours as it streams through my forest-view bedroom window. The two dogs, also, are loving that I am here. Their interpretation is, "pet me all day long!" Both are sleeping at the base of my bed right now. Sweet girls.

It's been good to "be home," in the sense of enjoying time to relax, watch a movie (or 3), play on Facebook, and select a new-more-autumn-ish background for my blog. (This background actually has the title of "Lovin' Lindsey." I like its cheerful simplicity- just what I am craving in my life right now.)

Today also has been a big day for several people I "know" online:

Ebe is pregnant!! I am so happy for her and her family- I know they have wanted this for soooo long. It's been such a long and difficult road for them. Time for some happiness in their world, absolutely! I hope they find peace and comfort as they brace themselves for this exciting (and scary) adventure!! Congratulations, Ebe!! You ARE a wonderful mama!

Elle is undergoing open heart surgery as I type. So far, one of the two holes in her heart has been repaired. I don't know this family personally, but I am so encouraged by a family placing hearing aids onto a 6 month old little girl who needs them. She's a beautiful little lady, and I enjoy reading their updates and seeing photographs of little Elle wearing her hearing aids.

Dawn just celebrated her birthday. She's a real-life friend of mine from college, and she is a talented, beautiful soul. Her posts radiate her natural optimism and love of life. I wish I could see her on a regular basis, but am happy we have the wonderful world of internet at the very least. I am so proud of her! Happy birthday, dear friend!! I'd sooooo share a cup of coffee and a cupcake with you if I could! (Additional note: My aunt & uncle just accepted a job at Ventana and are moving from Tempe to Tucson in the next couple of months. We're very close to them, and I'm sooo hoping that we continue to go visit them. With that said- maybe we can actually hang out!)

Here is my favorite go-to recipe for when I feel lousy:
Ginger Honey Tea

1 Inch Piece Fresh Ginger, peeled
2 Cups Water

Juice of 1 Lemon
2 Tbsp Honey, or to taste

1. Cut the ginger into disks.

2. Bring the water and ginger to a boil. Cover, reduce heat to low and let steep for 5-10 minutes.

3. Remove ginger from water.
4. Add the lemon juice and honey to the water and stir to dissolve honey.
5. Serve the tea in your favorite mug.

I often like to make a big batch (double recipe) and refridgerate the rest. Easy to microwave & heat up for repeats! (Make sure to take the ginger root out before storing, or it will be way too spicy!)

Time for this sick girl to take a hot shower and dig out another box of Kleenex.

There was once a time that I loved to sneeze- it felt like a little bit of laughter inside, like how a "giggle" would feel, that little tickle. Now-- after sneezing so often, and painfully-- not so much!

Frustrated Rant -- You've Been Warned!!

I had hopes of posting a cheer-ier (cheery-er?) post about optimism... however...

Lately, I have been feeling pretty frustrated at work- mainly due to a great deal of difficulty with a fellow teacher(s). At night, I have had difficulty finding optimism in my train of thoughts. I also have been having difficulty with "letting go" of these particular issue which has been eating at me for two nights now. I know I am doing all that I can to document my actions (and theirs), and protect myself, as well as to let my supervisors know of the issue(s) at hand. The part that "bothers me" the most is that the kids will yet again pay the price for someone elses' incompetencies. Yet I will continue to push for what is right- the laws of special education are on my side. I just wish (so badly) that it didn't affect me inside so much; to where I'm laying here and unable to sleep for the inability to "turn it off." I know that part of this is my "personal level of expectation"- and I work very hard at this. At being forgiving of myself, as well as striving to do the very best job that I can do. I want to be an advocate for my students, their families, teachers, as well as teach all of these parties to advocate for THEMSELVES. Especially the students. It is harder to help the teachers-- esecially when they aren't willing to allow me. Especially when they refuse to allow me to support my kids despite their legal right to accommodations and modifications. It is so wrong, on so many levels. I have yet to be amazed at how many regular educators that I've worked with, that have this fabled notion-- that their classrooms should be "perfect" with no Special Ed students. That all of the SpEd kids should be in self-contained or Resource environments. Um- no- not realistic, in any way, shape, or form. There are so many students with IEPs who ARE capable and WILLING to try their hardest at regular education coursework. Sometimes they need a little bit of extra support, even some as simple as having a test read aloud to them vs. reading it silently. Some kids need to have more supervision or repetition of directions. All kids can learn- and are legally entitled to a place which doesn't restrict their learning environment. This really eats at me inside, because I know it is wrong when a teacher becomes confrontational about allowing me to provide these supports. It all becomes a frustrated mess of terminology & emotions from here on out. Never a good combination!!

Argh.

Special Education-- and ANY education is difficult enough. Why turn down assistance that is freely given and willingly offered? At no cost other than to see students succeed? Why deny a student (or group of students) the support which is clearly documented and clearly needed? On another, slightly separate note-- why complain endlessly about SpEd bringing down academic achievement scores-- if you do NOTHING to help these kiddos succeed?

How is this fair? Who pays this price? When does this mentality change? When do the walls come down, and the acceptance rise from some depth?

I have been privileged to work with some truly exceptional teachers. Many of them have not- and I believe, never will- be this difficult. Yet, I still don't understand why I see this negative treatment towards SpEd kids so often in my job- I truly don't.

Aren't we supposed to be here for THE KIDS?

End rant.

Tomorrow is another day. I am growing professional confidence and "spine" with each of these said difficulties... Just wish I could take a magical pill and get the same results. It'd sure be a lot easier!! Maybe I'd even get more sleep. Ha!

Although..... Some days, it feels as if it should be -- and I'm totally kidding:

:)

County Fair with Baby "Sha-wa"

My sister and I were the best of friends when we both were small. She is 28 months younger than I. When I was a toddler and proud of my role as a brand-new big sister, I pronounced her name (Sarah) through the side of my mouth, as "Sha-wa." I would frequently refer to her as "Baby Sha-wa." She had dark, curly hair- such a contrast to my thin, straighter-than-straight blonde hair.

We were the best of playmates- share-ers of Cabbage Patch dolls, CareBears, Crayons and bed-tents. Prime taste-testers for cookie dough and mashed potatoes, lovers of pumpkin-pie... Before we realized the unpleasant effects of having to share a bathroom... Before we were both in high school and became so easily annoyed with the other... Before every difference in our interests & personalities seemed monumental. When it was so easy to argue and get mad. It was easy to nit-pick and find faults--often having them ourselves- of course we could not admit it. Growing up, everyone always thought that she was the older sister. You can imagine how much I truly loved that. (Sarcasm.)

Now that we're adults, leading our own lives, and have found ways to accept our differences & similarities. Also now that we are actually living relatively near-by to another, and in the same town-- we've been able to create opportunities to spend time together. And gasp!! We actually enjoy each other! She's spent several months traveling overseas, living in Washington, and I lived in Goodyear & Sedona. Now we both are in Flagstaff. I'm so glad for this chapter in time that allows us to celebrate both our differences and similarities--together.

I drive past her apartment every day on my way to school. Every Friday, I leave her a "love note" from (her) YBS. I have signed my notes to her this way for years- from: "Your Big Sister." I often stick these notes underneath her windshield wipers. I even keep a box of plastic baggies in my car now that we've been getting rain on a regular basis. I often cut out cartoons or fun quotes or jokes, and glue them to these notes. I love that she knows they are from me, and that I'm saying hello. Even if we may not have had time together for a few weeks...

This weekend, we held fast to a long-time family favorite, attending the County Fair!!

I love the people-watching, the scanning-crowds-for-faces-I-know, the families enjoying their day together, couples hand-in-hand, the junior-high kids who think the fair is the next "big deal" and "coolest date ever"... The lights, the scents, the noises... The fair has always been one of my favorite memories and experiences to, well, experience!

We laughed our heads off playing the 2-ticket (often-rigged) arcade games. Our favorite has always been the squirt-water-into the clowns' mouth water gun race. We rarely ever win, but still enjoy it immensely!

Hearing the laughing kids as they ride high above the crowds.

Seeing the children wave at their families below- feeling soooooo high above the world!

Part of people-watching has always been to observe (laugh) at peoples' expressions as they enjoy the carnival rides:
Riding the Zipper...

Riding the Zipper... Around and around the track while being spun backwards, forwards, upside down, and over & over. It's my carnival favorite ride, and most certainly my biggest adrenaline rush of the day! (What could possibly be scary about flipping around and around, upside down, while inside a tiny metal cage!?) This ride also illustrates another difference in my sister & I. Here is Sarah's uncertain reaction:

Eating the several favorite fried fair foods... Curly fries smothered in liquid cheddar cheese. Kettle corn, roasted corn on the cob, Navajo tacos on fry bread, & caramel apples... Sooo unhealthy & sooo delicous-- it is pointless to try to eat healthy! Eating this way is simply part of "the experience"- fact!! (Once a year, folks!!)

Truly-- This was a wonderful day with one of my most favorite people on the planet, certainly one of those that I love so infinitely much.

I can't help but wonder about the future I'd like to have as a mother someday. I hope that if I end up with 2 children, whether they be girl & girl, or boy & girl-- that they love each other as much as I love MY sister. I consider myself incredibly lucky now-- and would consider myself the luckiest mama in the world should my children appreciate each other.

Hoping for an update-y post this weekend. Lots to share about these new chapters unfolding...

In the meantime- I am celebrating Friday!!

(Picture, instead, a teacher wearing jeans, a blouse, and dressy flats...

I don't do that male suit thing!) :)

In these last two months...

These last two months, I have been busy!!

...packing up my Sedona classroom into boxes.

...packing up my Sedona apartment & cleaning quickly & furiously. (Had 3 days to finish packing, clean, garage-sale, & vacate.)

...spending 4 glorious days floating & rafting on the San Juan River, in UT. I travelled with my parents, cousin Beth, dear friend Anneliese, as well as family friends Regina, Jeff, and Craig. We hiked, had water fights, rescued cookies that fell overboard, had mudslide drinks before 10 am, played in the mud, visited ancient Navajo cliff dwellings, played Apples-to-Apples, LAUGHED, shrieked with joy as we paddled down rapids, took silly pictures, gave the lizards in our campsite names & identities, and so many more activities. I loved the time I got to spend underneath the sun- and the wonderful people I got to travel with.

...moved said boxes from Sedona apartment to storage unit here in Flagstaff. (Yep- I moved back to Flagstaff! It's official!)

...had a wonderful, wonderful, WONDERFUL day with my dear friend Crystal and her dog Bones. They came up to Sedona to visit for the day. We had lunch at Junipine, in Oak Creek. Crystal's pregnant with her first baby and we are soooo excited for little boy Beckett to arrive! I loved her visit, and do wish that we had more time together. A welcome break from moving!

...cleaned & organized the upstairs bedroom that I am going to be occupying for about a year. We sorted through about 15 bins full of saved family photographs, childhood artwork, etc.

...unpacking & making this room feel like "home" to me again. It's certainly weird right now, and definitely an adjustment- but it's going to be good.

...going on job interviews with various schools in Flagstaff. One day consisted of 4 interviews, before 12 noon. That was not an experience I want to re-live again anytime soon.

...landing a job with Flagstaff Middle School as a Resource Special Education teacher!! I'm so excited that I get to continue working with 7th & 8th graders. Most people have told me that I'm "nuts, crazy, psycho, insane," for enjoying Middle School. There's something awkward & gawky about the age. I remember MS with such distaste at feeling so out of place socially. I tried so hard to "keep up" with my friends, and wanted so badly to fit in. I remember those years with clarity. I am excited to be working with a team of 4 teachers and an administrator with an extensive wealth of recent, valid, experienced SpEd knowledge!! Better yet, I have returned to a place that was once mine, and those beautiful Peaks that I can view from its backyard.

...spending time with my good friend Anneliese. She is like a younger sister to me. She's returned from Western Washington University, and will be continuing her path as a student at Northern Ariz Univ here in Flagstaff. I'm excited that she's back!

...helping Anneliese/Annie unpack and redecorate her room. Like myself, she also faces returning to "live at home" for budget reasons. Neither of us are that happy about it, but have found some redemption at redecoration!

...helping my mom at her job in the Sinagua High School counseling office. Lots & lots of filing spent during many, many hours inside a hot, stuffy vault. Got paid in Thai food & Starbucks though! Best of all, my mom doesn't have to worry about not being able to get it finished herself. It was a wonderful gift to give her.

...rafted down the Salt River (near Mesa/Phx, AZ) with my aunt Marian, cousin Robin, and Anneliese. We rented inter-tubes and relaxed the entire 3 hours. It was soooo much fun, and I can't wait to go on the Salt again!!

...going to Flagstaff First Friday Art Walk with Beth & Annie. SO MUCH FUN!

...seeing the new Harry Potter movie. I didn't hate the movie at all, and an amazed at how much older the trio appear to be- but do wish I'd re-read the book before going to see it. I was very confused as to the plot, and I had a particularly tough time with their British accents.

...audiology exam. My hearing hasn't improved (rather the opposite in a minor decrease) but my audiologist thinks that I'm a good candidate for a very-newly-released model of hearing aid technology. I'm really excited to see what they can do for me! My current pair is about 6 years old; it's time for a new pair with better & improved technology.

...working out. Crazily enough, I signed up to work out with a group of women 5 x week, meeting from 5:30 to 6:30 AM. Yes, AM. It's effective, fast-paced, modifiable, and motivating. We also are getting pointers on bettering our nutrition and it's already been a lot of fun. Painful, yes, but fun. I am making new friends & though I spend a lot of time physically sore, I am already feeling a lot better that I am actively pursuing some changes for something that's a weak area for me.

...attending the annual Celtic Festival here in Flagstaff. I went with Annie- we walked in the rain for hours but had a great time! We got temporary henna tattoos (I got a bracelet.)

...got myself a new pair of glasses frames (ended up with Coach frames) and also cut off 5'' of my hair off! Short hairdo & new frames surely made me feel like a brand-new girl.

...getting medical needs taken care of, catching up on dentist/eye/ear appointments that are so hard to do during the school year.

...celebrated my younger sisters' 25th birthday! I guess she isn't so "young" anymore- she used to be! What happened to the curly-headed little shadow I used to have? It was a very fun day spent with family.

...(along with the eye appt reference above)- managed to severely bruise my eye as a result of all the moving & boxing up I did in June. I don't think I have ever been through anything as weird & uncomfortable as a bruised eye. I don't mean the skin around my eye- I mean the real eye. It was solidly bright red for almost three weeks. While healing, it began to turn a yellowish color. My vision wasn't impaired at all, I could still see just fine. My eye dr. said that I burst a blood vessel in the thin layers of the eye. A skin bruise would have turned purple but an eye bruise is just blood underneath the fragile thin layers. Very weird!! I had a lot of people ask me about it. (One young man asked me, even, how badly I had hurt the other guy! lol)

...watching "Bachelorette!" I've never watched one of these kinds of series before, but I'm really enjoying this one! (Free episodes online with closed-captioning)
____________________________________________________

...concluding this post. :) I'm tired & have another 5:30 AM workout tomorrow. Saturday I'll be going hiking with Anneliese & new friend Jackie up Mt. Elden! Goodnight... sleep tight.

Four Years of Teaching & First Weekend of Summer Vacation!

If you look closely, you will see the hand of one of the 6th graders, waving to me through the bus window!

This past Friday marks the conclusion of my 4th year in teaching, as school let out for summer vacation. The past 3 weeks have been so hectic, chaotic, and insane- rush, rush, rush- that I actually have slept very little. Despite being on "vacation" a whole 48 hours, my sleep schedule has been very out-of-whack. I slept most of the day yesterday, and awake most the night last night. I hope this crazy no-sleep thing gets kicked back to normal and very soon! It poured rain all day yesterday, as well- which is extremely unusual for northern Arizona. I had the windows open, and the cool air was so refreshing & peaceful. Still wish I'd have been able to sleep better...

I've been thinking a lot, these days, about what I want to accomplish with my immediate future. I don't want to allow another summer to go by, and be as unhappy as I was at this time last year.

• Priority - finish up the last details on paperwork at school. Need to turn in laptop by Fri.
• 2nd priority - gather up school materials so to prepare for new carpeting put into classroom. Already boxed, need to move above floor level.
• 3rd - gather up garage-sale-worthy items. My parents' neighborhood is having its once-yearly, 'hood-wide sale next weekend. Can't argue with an excuse for extra money! I know that I have waaaaay too much extra stuff that I simply do. not. need!
• 4th - establish a summer budget. I don't want my lump sum paycheck to taunt me into shopping sprees! I also want to travel someplace new & have an adventure this summer!
• 5th - finish paperwork to send off to Flagstaff. Inquire with the necessary people & hopefully do some observations.
• 6th - Schedule appointment with NAU's Special Education / Assistive Technology Program. I really want to find out more about their Graduate program.

This list is plenty long enough to start out with!

As a side note, I peeked into a blog titled "The Beautiful Cayman Cindy." Her mother shares the life of her beautiful daughter, Cayman, who was born with Hydrocephaly. I remember learning about the condition briefly in my "Low Incidence" undergraduate SpEd classes @ NAU, but haven't come across the condition since those years. This little girl has come soooo far from where she began, and is making leaps & bounds at her own comfortable speed. She has an amazing cast of supporters helping to ensure that her "film" is the best show that it can be. Mostly, this blog left me wishing SO. MUCH. that the students I've worked with had such a supportive cast behind them every step of the way. What a lucky, amazing little girl. I'm awed, truly. (I'd link to her blog if I knew how- but I'm illiterate when it comes to linky tricks like that! Ha!)

I'm hopeful to get some of that paperwork accomplished today. Nothing difficult, fortunately, just extremely time consuming... I may also start a load of laundry. Sleeping on freshly washed, fabric-softened sheets is sure to guarantee a sucessful night of sleep, right??

For Today: May 20th, 2009

For Today

Outside my window: The sky is gray and cloudy, and the sun is almost fully set. The air is quiet.
I am thankful for: Honey lemonade from New Frontiers
From the kitchen: Sesame bagels and cream cheese
I am wearing: My "life is good" jammies- I always change when I get home from school.
I am reading: "Look Me in the Eye," by John Elder Robison. It's a wonderful and personal tale of a man's perception of the world while strggling with Asperger's Syndrome.
I am hoping: That I can get all of my paperwork completed this week...
I am creating: Helped my mom plan the menu of food we'll eat on our river trip this June!
I am hearing: The washing machine on the rinse cycle, the tv on low volume
Around the house: Sayde is sleeping next to the couch where I am laid out, my cup of lemonade sitting on the table. I have a pile of clean socks to match on the dining room table and a dishwasher full of dishes to put away. Small chores such as those can wait until this weekend- oh wait- I mean- summer vacation!!
One of my favorite things: The coffee creamer called "Italian Sweet Cream." So delicious with my Starbucks espresso roasted coffee every morning. Mmm.
A few plans for the rest of the week: Continuing the file organization/paperwork completion at school. I am hoping to get my list of "to-do's" crossed off, and to keep having the kids boxing up stuff for me. (They will work very eagerly for food!) So much still to do. SO. MUCH.
A happy thought for the day: Evening here, as it's nearly 8 pm. My happy thought for today was getting to see one of my (former) 8th grade students, unexpectedly. BP held its promotion last night, so this student now is now officially a 9th grade freshman. My timing was perfect as I drove by his house as he was at the mailbox. I loved getting to see his smile and hear his laugh at least one more time... It truly brings such happiness to my heart. I will miss him fiercely.

Perhaps I'll put together a post of end-of-year photos... It's been a crazy last few weeks, but they've been FUN. (Mostly. ha.) 1 1/2 more days of the school-year. Hallelujah!

Thoughtful Thursday

If you knew exactly what was around the bend,

would you go anyway?

Comments welcome!

Show Us Where You Live Friday - LIVING ROOMS

This is something I saw occurring on another blogger's page (http://www.kellyskornerblog.com/), and I thought it looked like a lot of fun. If you'd like to join (even after the "Friday" factor- like I did), please do! (Click on the picture above to get to Kelly's blog, where I found this event.) I missed the Kitchen edition last week.

Here is my living room!

Yes-- it's small. Yes-- it's a rental. Yes-- it (often) needs to be vaccummed, and yes-- it has the world's sweetest dog laying there. But best of all, it is all Mine to enjoy! Outside of being in my bed & asleep, this room is where I spend the majority of my time while I'm at home. I have my laptop here, which is where I do paperwork for school or play around on facebook or the internet. TV & movies. I can fall asleep so easily on that couch. I bought the four prints above the couch with my very first paycheck after college (love those bi-monthly deposits!). They are various paintings of Italian countryside, with my favorite colors. The green frame above my (garage sale) entertainment center is a watercolor of Heidelberg, Germany, that I bought from the original artist. Above that city is the first castle that I ever experienced, and remember so clearly. I was in SO much awe on that day - Europe was brand-new to me at that time! My eyes were literally widening every second. LR: Various photographs of loved family & friends. And though it's hard to see above- I have a stunning view of Sedona's famous Bell Rock from that spot on the couch. My living room is sunny and brightly lit during the day, and cool & dark at night. It's become a safe retreat for me, and a quiet haven after a hectic day full of loud & demanding teenagers and crazy staff members. I love that I share it with the best little rez dog in the world, my sweet Sayde. She loves to lay on her pillows, and does so for hours as she watches the quail, birds, and lizards go by in the backyard. My only request is that I wish I could paint the walls; these are currently a pinky-tan, with a lot more pink than tan. It is much mmore apparent in person, not so much in pictures. I notice it all the time, even after 2 years of living here... Fortunately it doesn't show well in pictures!

Thanks for stopping by! Friends and family are welcome here, anytime!

Leavin' on a jet plane...

I'll be back from Chicago on the 28th! Hopefully a fun-filled, photographic post of my family & explorations will come afterwards. (I am hopeful for much smoother travels this time around!)

Brief Update

Awake at 4:00 am to tackle school paperwork... yet here I am making a brief update online. Isn't that the way it usually works?? :)

Brief updates:

-April 22nd-29th, I will be in Chicago with family. We are reuniting there to have a burial for my "grandma," my step-dad Peter's mother. I am really excited to see my cousins again, as it has been far too long; also very excited to travel to a place I've never been. Plans for the week include touring the house that Peter/Siblings grew up in (Winnetka), visiting Lake Michigan, Navy Pier, possibly the Art Institute/Field Museum. We have family gathering from Paris, Montreal, Minneapolis, Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Florida, and the Bahamas (to name a few). Family reunions were among Helen's very favorite things in the world- and she would be so thrilled to have us gathering to celebrate such an amazing woman, so long as we were all together. As I said, I'm very excited about the trip. It will be a perfect excuse to get out of Sedona for awhile, and to rejuvenate my already-exhausted mind & body for the last few weeks of the school year.



-Been slamming down paperwork like there's no tomorrow, these past few weeks. After working from 7:30-4:00 each day, I typically spend 2-3 hours at home working on IEPs, meeting notes, progress reports, documentation, or finishing the neverending project of organizing student files. I've got 3 IEP meetings scheduled for this week, for example. One down, one today, and one tomorrow. Sigh. It's a lot to keep up with, and to keep ahead of, but it's getting done somehow or other.

-Finally am putting the finishing touches on my job applications to Flagstaff Unified School District & Prescott/Humboldt School District(s). I know it is a crummy time to be looking for a new job, with all the tension of the statewide education budget crisis. I still have to be in charge of my own personal budget- and Sedona is NOT working out in that category. I must look at other, less expensive ways of living. Especially since I still am paying for the house in Goodyear that I own, as it's currently not rented. The daily grind and expenses really do add up- even as a party of ONE. I really dislike it, but there really aren't a whole lot of options. Fortunately, though, I can work just about anywhere as a Special Education teacher...


-My Junior High students have spent the last few weeks tackling a junior-high required extensive research paper, for both Language Arts & Social Studies classes. While not every student of mine will live up to his potential (frustratingly so!!!), I am immensely proud of some of my students in this challenge. Many of them do qualify for needing special support in Reading and Writing. They've worked SO hard to research and investigate their topics, interpret articles, write their drafts, ask for help when they need it, and to go through edit after edit after edit. They've done all of this with their heads held high, and their confidence has grown leaps and bounds each day. It's been such an amazing process to watch, and I truly do think the kids are proud of THEMSELVES. What an amazing thing to watch, and be a part of, as their teacher!! These kids do have learning disabilities, and they're motivated and encouraged to tackle on an extensive, 450-point research project. It's been A-M-A-Z-I-N-G and soooooo encouraging!
(It is times like these, and with as wonderful kids as these, that make it REALLY difficult for me to approach the path of possibly leaving Sedona- and them.)

- Time to get that paperwork done. Adios!

April 2nd - World Autism Awareness Day!

Did you know…
1 in 150 children is diagnosed with autism
1 in 94 boys is on the autism spectrum
67 children are diagnosed per day
A new case is diagnosed almost every 20 minutes
More children will be diagnosed with autism this year than with AIDS, diabetes & cancer combined
Autism is the fastest-growing serious developmental disability in the U.S.
Autism costs the nation over $35 billion per year, a figure expected to significantly increase in the next decade
Autism receives less than 5% of the research funding of many less prevalent childhood diseases
Boys are four times more likely than girls to have autism
There is no medical detection or cure for autism

Watch for the Red Flags of Autism

(The following red flags may indicate a child is at risk for atypical development, and is in need of an immediate evaluation.)

In clinical terms, there are a few “absolute indicators,” often referred to as “red flags,” that indicate that a child should be evaluated. For a parent, these are the “red flags” that your child should be screened to ensure that he/she is on the right developmental path. If your baby shows any of these signs, please ask your pediatrician or family practitioner for an immediate evaluation:


No big smiles or other warm, joyful expressions by six months or thereafter
No back-and-forth sharing of sounds, smiles, or other facial expressions by nine months or thereafter
No babbling by 12 months
No back-and-forth gestures, such as pointing, showing, reaching, or waving by 12 months
No words by 16 months
No two-word meaningful phrases (without imitating or repeating) by 24 months
Any loss of speech or babbling or social skills at any age

The "Real" Truth About Cats & Dogs!

"Excerpts from a Dog's Diary"
8:00 am - Dog food! My favorite thing!
9:30 am - A car ride! My favorite thing!
9:40 am - A walk in the park! My favorite thing!
10:30am - Got rubbed and petted! My favorite thing!
12:00pm - Lunch! My favorite thing!
1:00 pm - Played in the yard! My favorite thing!
3:00 pm - Wagged my tail! My favorite thing!
5:00 pm - Milk bones! My favorite thing!
7:00 pm - Got to play ball! My favorite thing!
8:00 pm - Wow! Watched TV with the people! My favorite thing!
11:00 pm - Sleeping on the bed! My favorite thing!

"Excerpts from a Cat's Diary"
Day 983 of my captivity. My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects. They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are fed hash or some sort of dry nuggets. Although I make my contempt for the rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to keep up my strength. The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape. In an attempt to disgust them, I once again vomit on the carpet.

Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet. I had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly demonstrates what I am capable of. However, they merely made condescending comments about what a "good little hunter" I am. B*$t*rd$!

There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event. However, I could hear the noises and smell the food. I overheard that my confinement was due to the power of "allergies." I must learn what this means, and how to use it to my advantage.

Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking. I must try this again tomorrow -- but at the top of the stairs.

I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches. The dog receives special privileges. He is regularly released - and seems to be more than willing to return. He is obviously retarded. The bird has got to be an informant. I observe him communicate with the guards regularly. I am certain that he reports my every move. My captors have arranged protective custody for him in an elevated cell, so he is safe...for now...

Spring Re-Model & About-Me Survey

I am LOVING that it is Monday and that I can lay in bed with my laptop for hours. That is just what I have been doing this morning! I have taken this time to catch up on reading blogs, and have been inspired to re-vamp my own blog. I picked a fun, "spring-y" layout, and re-did my colors. I'm hoping to get a new profile picture up sometime soon. I'm approaching the last months of school with a "happy-positive" attitude, and for me right now, that includes a beautiful (and pink!) transition to Spring. I have always loved Spring- there is something so rejuvenating and refreshing about watching life unfold...


_________________________________________
Here, also, is an "About Me" survey thing that I found. It looked like fun!

Full Name: Lindsey Marie (Unpublished last name!)

DOB/Age: I just turned 27 on March 12th, though I do not feel almsot 30!!

Current Job: Resource Special Education teacher, grades 5-8. I am in my 4th yr of teaching, and while it's extremely challenging- most days, I really love it!

Originally From: Flagstaff, Arizona
Currently Living: Sedona, AZ

Married or Single: Single (and okay with that on most days!)

Siblings: 1 - younger biological sister, 1 - older (step)sister

Best Friend: I met Sarah Ann when we were paired randomly to share a college dorm. Since the day I met her, I knew we'd have a wonderful friendship. I am blessed to have lived with her for 3 years- dorm, apartment, and then a house. She married a single dad last year- a wonderful man- and the four of them live in Prescott Valley, which is about 45 minutes from Sedona. I am inspired by her generosity and patience every time I am with her! She is a wonderful role model for many young women out there, and I'm excited to see what directions her life will take. I also consider my mom and younger sister my best friends.


Natural Hair Color: Brown

Family: My mom & father divorced when I was in 5th grade. My mom met my stepdad when I was in 8th grade- Peter was my math teacher! She attended a meeting at my school, and demanded that my teachers give me what I needed as a student, for my hearing. Peter called one night, impressed by her bravado, and invited himself over. Ten years of relationship later, they are now married and loving life! Peter is my dad in every sense of the word. He brings to the marriage an older stepsister, Stephanie, and Steph's daughter, Rebecca. He brings them- and so much more- to our family!

Childhood sports: I continue to be very un-athletic, so I will stick to this: Reading books!

Mountains or Ocean: Beaches, since I have regular access to mountains!

Sports Car or SUV: Well, I drive a 2005 sedan and love it, but I can enjoy both sports & SUV on occasion!

Favorite TV Show: All things reality! To name a few channels that I watch on a weekly basis - Samantha Brown @ Travel Channell, National Geographic, ABC (Extreme Home Makeover, Supernanny), and there are a few shows not worth admitting publicly...

Favorite Color: That changes daily. I really like pink, green, red-wine, blue and brown.

Favorite Board Game: Hmmm.... I know it's not really a "board" game, but I love Scattergories. Apples to Apples is also fun, as is Balderdash.

Favorite Fast Food: Depends- I can order something from just about any major corporation of fast food & enjoy it. However, I try not to eat it that often!

How Many Times Did You Fail Your Permit/Drivers Test: I didn't fail it either time- I passed! (At 16 yrs old, I did lie on my license application! When I admitted my mom about this lie, afterwards, she asked me all worried-like what I had lied about. I told her that I had written down that my weight was "104" because I actually weighed 98 lbs at the time, and I didn't think they'd let me have a license if I weighed under 100 lbs! Truth.)

Pens or Pencils? PENS! I do not like pencils at all. Weird but true!

Driver or Passenger: I really enjoy being both. I love having control behind the wheel but I also love being able to sleep/relax/look out the windows on occasion! It's a real treat for me to have someone else be the driver, seeing as it's just me in my life. :)

Favorite Actor/Actress: Resse Witherspoon, Meg Ryan, Julia Roberts, Richard Gere, and Sean Connery. (For the record, I completely avoid anything with Jim Carrey or Jack Black in it)

Favorite Movie: Drama, Documentary, Travel, Chick flicks, Musicals...

Pop or Soda: I call it "soda"- my favorite is Mt. Dew

Tea or Coffee: BOTH!! I love a delicious coffee beverage, as well as an ice-cold iced tea on a hot day!

Hand shake or Hug: Hug! I love hugs!

Magazines or Books: Books

3 Personality Traits: Sensitive, honest and caring.

One other little tidbit... I am severely-profoundly hearing impaired. I was born prematurely in 1982, and this earliness required medication & surgery that eventually resulted in hearing loss. I depend on lip-reading in human conversation, loathe talking on the telephone with anyone but my family, and LOVE to watch tv with closed-captions. I'm still waiting for the day that movie theaters offer captions...



Pets: Sayde ("Say-dee"), my 3-year old German Shepherd mix that I adopted just under a year ago. She was adopted from a rescue organization who had picked her up from the Navajo indian reservation with an injured leg. X-rays they did found that she has a lot of buck-shot encased in her body, and her injured leg healed up just a little bit shorter than the rest of her legs. This causes her to have a little "hop" to her step. Despite her characteristic leg, we love hiking and going on the trails. I knew I loved her from the first instant I met her- and she's my little "SpEd dog!" She truly is one of my very best friends, and one of my most favorite personalities in the world! She loves life, is so thankful to have a forever home, and is such a happy girl!


_________________________________________
I'll be heading up to Flagstaff tonight or tomorrow. We have (MORE) rather dramatic events unfoldings within my family right now- I'll save that for another post someday. I am feeling very content today, and I'm gonna hang onto that feeling with all my might!
I've Spring Cleaned my blog, now it's time to Spring Clean my house/garage.
Happy Monday, ladies! I hope your day is wonderful!

Free Online Entertainment

Supposed to be "me" as a super-hero... I don't think so!!