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!)
Monday, April 20, 2009
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!)
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
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!
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!
Thursday, April 2, 2009
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
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
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...
Monday, March 16, 2009
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!
_________________________________________
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!
Saturday, March 14, 2009
This Week...
*This week, I turned 27. I am another year closer to 30- yipes. Part of me feels like my life is SO "behind schedule," yet I wouldn't have changed many of my decisions in the past. It is really difficult to be waiting, constantly, and wanting my life to be fulfilling in every way. I really need to not compare myself to others so much in this sense! I also need to remember more often that I should be patient with life... it only comes one day at a time. But yeah--I'm working on it. :)
*This week, my sister and her boyfriend brought me a cheerful bouquet of "birthday week" flowers. They sit beautifully on my table and brighten up the entire room.
*This week, I was surprised by, and sang to by, a group of Junior High students. They gave me a box of Cheez-Its (my favorite!) and a chocolate cake to share with my students. It was very thoughtful- and both cake & crackers were delicious!
*This week, I drove up to Flagstaff and had a wonderful dinner at Red Lobster with my parents, sister, and aunt. (Yummy crab alfredo and cheddar bay biscuits!)
*This week, I was invited to attend a Family-Child-Support meeting on behalf of one of my students. It was very insightful as to the home dynamics, and how it impacts my kiddo. I enjoyed the meeting, and am very flattered that they included me as one of the team members.
*This week, I am closer to deciding finally, that I will not be returning to Sedona Oak-Creek School District next school year.
*This week, my stepdad's mother passed away. Helen Lockwood Smith was content, at peace, and very excited about seeing people she loved in heaven. We are sad, but this has been long-accepted by the family, and by Helen herself. We have family in town this weekend, fortunately she got to be with 2 of her kids when she passed. 7/1/1916-3/13/2009. We will always love you, Helen. You were a very remarkable lady!
*This week, school ended for 9 days and the exhausted teachers are now rejoicing that we are on Spring Break.
*This week, I want to clean out my house, organize, and donate a lot of the "things" I don't use or need. Donating them to the One Hockersmith Garage Sale fund, to help raise money to cover the vet bills of my cousin's dog (named "One"). I just have way too much "stuff" for one single person, it's totally unnecessary.
But... I won't start any of that until tomorrow... or maybe the next day!
*This coming week is Spring Break, but I don't intend to do much other than relax & clean. I will probably go up to Flagstaff in a couple of days. The price is right, for spending a few days with my parents and possibly my family down in Tempe.
*This coming week.... I want to sleep. Rest. Lounge. Slug. Be lazy! :)
Have a good week, y'all!
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