Live & Learn

Live and learn folks. The one bright part of your day may not be the smartest. I was quietly advised by a caring coworker that my Top 10 list of previous posts was unwise. I never remember that 1- anything on the Internet can be read by anyone 2- People are jerks.

I certainly didn't get in trouble, but I want to preempt that, if at all possible. Most people at work thought it was funny. But you never know. And safe is smart.
What a downer. I didn't think it was that bad.

drum roll please!

Happy Holidays

Holiday season is definitely party season. This week (starting with last weekend) had minimum 6-7 parties, shin-digs, and get-togethers. Jewelry parties, game nights, holiday parties, plus one cannot forget the kick ass little holiday bash at Nanny's nursing home. Epic. Nearly everyone stayed awake! Which is exactly what I was thinking at Matt's UMASS Christmas party. Very few, if any, passed out on the floor- but I had a feeling it was only a matter of time. Very classy crew. I'm so excited this time of year. I'm really trying to make the most of it. Spend time with family, decorate early, presents pretty much out of the way by now, and I've been listening to Christmas carols on 96.1 since Thanksgiving. I can't believe this week marked the one year anniversary of the ice storm. It was one week of freezing uncertainty and nomadic existence I'll never forget. Holiday things were unimportant and half-assed to say the least. Cheap little gifties I picked up for coworkers I hardly knew and unexpected visitors became the gifts I handed out to close family members (sorry, Medines) . It was pathetic and I felt a little embarrassed, but it didn't matter to anyone because we had a shared experience that justified any cut corners (or winter psychosis.) This time around, I hope that collective bond is just as strong and helps me remember the value of friends and family in uncertain times. Happy Holidays, everybody.

(Yeah i said happy holidays. And I'll say it every time. Cause nobody celebrating Christmas with half a brain cares if they hear Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays and it makes everybody else feel nice not to be left out. Plus it saves the trouble of saying "and a happy new year!" Which can be tough to remember after several HOLIDAY cocktails! WOOO)

The Madness I Live With

Just an update from Thursday- for everyone I mentioned my run in with the boss lady, you can tune out now.

Last Thursday, after a stressful week where a friend and colleague of mine was sent home for not following an ineffective procedure during a child's attack on a janitor, tensions were high with the boss lady and on Thursday. I was told to go to Prudy's office because I was in the hot seat. I quickly scanned my brain for anything I may have done wrong. Except i do NOTHING wrong here. The only thing I've ever had the slightest talking to about was for doing too much and taking too much responsibility (apparently it encouraged laziness in others. Too bad laziness was here long before I was!) .

Prudy said to have a seat and explained for what felt like an eternity that several people, including herself, fellow teachers, and the principal have noticed things that I've been doing. She said she needed to discuss my position here. She said it was high time someone spoke to me about them. Would I like to know what they were? I told her yes, but honestly, I was really tallying every mistake she's made (that I have documented) and getting ready to give her the "I can take you down so fast" speech. Because this is BCI and that's what you do to stay alive here.

She said you have been doing an exemplary job. Your performance is truly superior and blah blah blah. She said if times weren't so tough, this would be a promotion talk. Then she proceeded to let me pick of the out of the Treasure Box, a small wooden box of mediocre rewards for good performance, like $5 Dunkin Donuts cards, $2 lottery tickets, candy, pens, and certificates to arrive 1/2 hour late to work. I realized that the past 5-10 times I've been the one earning accolades and prizes, so I really picked this thing empty. I chose some premium M&M's with Almonds, if any one is curious.

This morning I went into Prudy's office and thanked her for her praise. I'm done griping about this job, but that doesn't mean it ever gets easier. It's so rare that we get genuine praise, though we believe enough in its effectiveness to give it to the kids 100's of times everyday. I told her maybe that wasn't the best way to begin positive reinforcement, seeing as I felt like I could throw up from stress/fear afterwards. She said it was duly noted. We'll see. But that, I mean ALL of that, it's just madness, right?

Wedding Daze

I'm officially in withdrawal from Erik & Tracy's wedding. I've been looking forward to last week for months. It came. It rocked. And now it's gone. To me, it sort of felt like they were married already. They already shared a home, a bank account, and of course, Red. The actual wedding and reception were everything you'd expect from Erik & Tracy. Modern, fun, and definitely a little lavish. I still have 6-8 bottles of Erik & Tracy Oil (Rosemary Olive Oil) that were tossed in my huge Foach bag (fake Coach).

Today the kids went to a Thanksgiving dinner at the Manor Restaurant. Good ol' Manor. They do so much free stuff for our kids. The children sat down at a beautifully made table and proceeded to whip apart the carefully folded clothe napkins and pushed away the turkey, rice, potatoes, corn, and stuffing they were offered. They pigged out on candy and cookies, and I frankly didn't stop them. I'm working on saving my energy for the fights that matter. So 3 cups of diet soda? Why the hell not! 4 cookies- go nuts! They danced, or more accurately jumped and swayed and stimmed, their booties off for about 1/2 an hour before the behaviors started, as I most definitely expected them too. Placing highly sensitive autistic children in a room with blaring music and 200 other children spells disaster any way you look at it. Now I'm enjoying a lunch break (minus lunch since I took advantage of a free meal from The Manor) and listening to the sounds of kids who are coming down from their sugar rushes just in time for me to be relaxing on the computer.

Witchy Woman

As I stare at the bulk bottle of extra strength Tylenol in the staff office, I can't help but appreciate the calmer times of last weekend. While Matt was away for boy's weekend, I stumbled on a decent deal to visit Salem. Had I appreciated that it's not more than 1 1/2 hours away, I probably would have made it a day trip, but we had a fabulous time.
We arrived and it was pouring, but very atmospheric. We walked downtown to a Maritime museum (not exactly exciting, but very nice anyway) and saw a short film. Then we went to the New England's Pirate Museum, which I thought was pretty fun. A little cheesy, but very creepy, with the blood- red paint splattered on the floor and the costumed figure hidden at the end of the tour that was actually a living ,breathing tour guide. Then we went to see a play where the audience was encouraged to participate (ew) and got to vote whether or not a woman was sent to a witch trial (yay). I remember seeing this over a decade ago and it was still impressive. Matt and I had a ridiculously overpriced dinner before our ghost tour around Salem, and called it a night. All in all, it was a weekend of nice memories and soggy shoes (thanks, rain).

First Impressions

Since school started a few weeks ago, I've met several new people. I don't necessarily put a whole lot of stock in first impressions. I've known plenty of people who seemed strange or obnoxious, who are simply lovely people (or vice versa). After all, if someone walked in right now and met me for the first time, they'd see someone deep breathing, hunched over a computer, shoveling a half frozen lean pocket in my mouth- not really my best foot forward.

A few of these folks were work related. Jon, fresh to the Basics program was quiet, but ultimately very cool. The only crappy thing about working with him is that he left for greener pastures after 1-2 weeks in (and not a soul here blames him). Another new person is my boss, Prudy. I'm pretty sure everyone outside BCI, and several in, know my opinion of her and writing it on an office computer would be profoundly stupid. Let's just say, I thought she had promise her first day, but I will never be comfortable handling an aggressive child with this lady.

Last weekend, Matt and I went to meet Amanda, Matto's new girlfriend. For everybody curious, Amanda works with Matto at NECC. She's 25 and goes to folk festivals, doesn't smoke, and can handle the absurdly strong drinks Matt pours. I really liked her and as the evening (and drinking) progressed, she started to remind me of a sweet and intelligent version of Steph, without the crazy undertones. They have really similar voices, but let's hope the similarities end there.

Caitlin Update

Just a Caitlin Update- still rising and shining to visit the ABA (applied behavioral analysis) crazy house. New boss, new changes, but nothing I didn't expect- with the exception of my new boss's bipolar management style. Yikes.

Enjoyed last weekend in the camper, but I keep thinking relaxing shouldn't be so much freakin' work! Having a camper is definitely a hobby, rather than a vacation. Can't wait to see Matto and his new girl tonight. Yay!

09/09/09

Last night I read that today's date had specific and numerological significance to several cultures. Apparently, 9 is a magic number. If you multiply 9 by a 2 digit number and add the numbers of the sum, you'll always get 9. Ex. 9x35=315, 3+1+5=9. Spooky. I guess you can do the same for every 2,3,and 4 digit number, too. To Chinese, this is supposed to be a great day. To the Japanese, not so much. To the ABA therapist on her way to work, this means blinding cramps, but less morning workload thanks to coworkers who are grateful for the times I've covered for them and the coffee that fuels them.
If that fails, I say I need to do paperwork and sit quietly- recouping, regrouping. Because I always do my paperwork the previous day, in preparation for the next day's class (silly me for doing what everyone was directed to do last year), I never really have any to do during the day, so I stare vacantly at data sheets and write random letters and cross random things out. I have finally embraced the way of the slacker- but for emergency only.

Back at Basics and I'm excited to see what changes this year. We have a new supervisor and therefore a new attitude and new protocols. Overall there's more of a "Cut the CRAP!" attitude towards behaviors and I think it is about time. I'm sick of hittings, kickings, and listening to screaming while I'm poor-babying, ooing and ahhing and rubbing backs until the widdle schnooky wooky zips his lips and is ready to move on. I prefer complete and instant removal of toys, snacks, and attention.

We're taking the camper to Swanzey this weekend and I'm excited about the fall-like weather all ready! Can't wait to get to the serenity of nature and plug in all my electronics and light a scented candle- if you've smelled our camper, you'll understand.

Summer begins!

Last Wednesday was my last full day at work until August. Thursday, I drove down to PA (minus a working CD player in my car). The idiotic little pop songs I hated last week are the only things running through my head now. I had a great time with my family, crazy though they may be. Maddie is amazing. Years of coursework and field experience in child development now fail me, because whenever I start talking about how advanced she is in so many areas (chatting coherently and sometimes in complete and proper sentences, making very advanced observations for a 2 year old) it just sounds like I'm a proud Auntie. And I am.

I missed Matt and my home a lot and coming home felt great. I love visiting Gburg and seeing my hometown, in all it's summertime glory, while MA was cold and dreary (and has been for 6 months) opened up a can of nostalgia that was tough to choke back.

I was late for my first summer school day. We have an abbreviated schedule this summer- 9-1:30, or 9:15-1:15 for the kids. So far, so good. My student, "the brat" as I not-so-affectionately call him in my head was pretty good! (i'm not calling him that because he has autistic behaviors-those are to be expected. It's the rest of the time and I'm just calling it like I see it).

Next week, is Swanzeycation and I'm trying to get together what Matt and I will contribute. Kirsten- i'll give you a call soon, but what is still needed?

I need a nap! (subject of blog is completely unrelated)

Yesterday, I tried to write a blog and the stupid computer at work messed it up twice! So, I'll just give a lil ol recap.

Friday- I've had enough of this job. I figure everyone feels that way about their work, but I've got to begin considering other employment. Every time I think about it, I say, "well, in this economy..." In this economy, nuttin! Either I finish the year and begin to look for other options and prepare myself for them, or I get a lot tougher and stop minding the exhaustion and injuries. End of story. Friday I strained a muscle in my back doing what has become sadly normal- physical restraint. It was ridiculous pain, but it's fading nicely...FINALLY!

Saturday- I went to Rich's birthday party. If my back hadn't been killing me, I might have had a better time. There was karaoke, live music, boccie ball, ladder ball, and around 9PM, the kids from next door's birthday party came over and danced their 9-year old hearts out. Very cute. Not to mention my darling boyfriend doing Olympian dives into the pool. I didn't know you could be so aerodynamic with all that hair!

Now, I'm sitting on the computer during my 11AM lunch break on the very last full day of school for the year. When I was little, mom told me the reason she didn't get excited about her birthday was because as you got older, you really didn't care about them. I honestly didn't believe her, but the same concept applies to the last day of school now. I'm pleased that I lasted this long, but that's about it. Summer school is round the bend. Same kids, same crap. And our kids don't have a clue what goes on in their worlds, so there's no sense of excitment or conclusion. Just me and my pack of Special K blogging on lunch break, once again.

Blah

URGH! I just finished typing this very nice blog entry and the Blogger gods decided to mess with the computer and erase it. I'll just recap.

Friday- I strained a muscle in my back at work and felt like I'd never move again.
I couldn't even do a load of laundry and Matt had to do all the cleaning- Big Thanks to Matt!

Saturday- I really needed a day in bed. I was already missing a swanky party in Hartford, a moving party in Warren, and I didn't want to be at Rich's birthday party all day. I feel like I really missed out on big fun. Karaoke, Ladder Ball, Bocci ball, live music, and free drinks. I had to take muscle relaxers just to sit around in a chair, so whenever I took them, I couldn't really drink. Bummmmer! I finally gave up watching everyone have a lot of fun around midnight (after having "partied" 8 hours) Still, it was nice to see Matt having such a great time with old friends he hasn't seen in months. I missed them too and it was a very happy setting. Plus NOBODY beats the Caitlinator at Beirut!

Sunday- Picked up camper in the rain, so I didn't see it open. Still, wonderful plans for it. WE HAVE A CAMPER! WOOO!

This week has been on par for craziness and drama at work. Nuff said. Last night, I came home and took a 3hr nap, woke up to eat some soup, and fell back asleep pretty promptly. Nasty headache didn't help matters. This weekend, my plans to go to Hartford were dashed. My friends from work can't make it and I'm not sharing a room with Jenkins. Sorry, Jenks, but that's just how I roll. Still, I was really looking forward to the swanky times in CT. Instead, I will go to Rich's birthday party. I don't know why I'm nervous, but I am. We have to do a quality cleaning because Andrea and Deb are coming to visit, as well as Matto. That'll be nice and I am really looking forward to that. I will enjoy playing host. Well, I hear one of my fave students singing nonsense songs in the hall, so I suppose my lunch break is coming to a close. I'm no longer working for the weekend. I'm working for the summer. YAY!

Lovely weekend

Whenever Matt and I leave a place, I have a habit of saying "Well, that was Lovely!" as soon as we get in the car. I must have said it 10 times this weekend. Friday I did some frantic laundry and straightening (being very liberal with that word) before we headed out to Springfield. We stopped for din din along the way. I'd just like to give a much deserved shout out to the peeps at Spencer Subway for NEVER making us a bad sandwich and always being sweet. Seriously, no cranky teenager cutting corners until it's time to clock out there! We arrived at Springfield at 9ish and about 2hrs later I promptly fell asleep.

Saturday morning, Tracy took me to this heavenly nail place where we got pedicures. I don't think I've ever had a legitimate peddy, so I was delighted to sit in the massage chair with my feet soaking in hot, bubbly water and get my legs and feet rubbed while I watched a movie on the giant plasma in front of me. They even rub your shoulders and back while your tootsies dry! Now my toes are pretty in pink. Tracy, Erik, Matt, and I set up for the cookout. There had to be about 20 people there and I think everyone had a blast! After I dominated at beer pong and said goodbye to all the guests, I hit the hay.

Sunday we left Springfield and headed straight to Todd and Erin's for a cookout. It was much smaller and somehow slightly odd, but still delightful. Molly is a very cute baby. After a few episodes of Deadwood, I was ready for bed. Last night the kitty broke my favorite lamp (the ONLY lamp I can call my own here) and my body woke up for work and gave me a "really...this again?" attitude. Still, another week of working for the weekend! That will be lovely.

Take my facebook quiz about how well you know me! I think it's a toughie, so don't feel bad if it says you know nothing about me!

Patience

The theme of this week is already patience. Sunday, Matt and I lost the camper we had us spending all Saturday evening scheming and dreaming . $350 for pretty good condition with $100 from Matt's parents? We would've been idiots to take it right then and there, but now we feel like idiots for passing it up. I've called the seller (Camper in my contacts list) about 15 times a day and patiently waited for him to pick up. Apparently he has caller ID but no answering machine. WHAAA? Maybe he should buy a used one off the side of the road so he could be reached now and then. Perhaps he could simply tell us it's been sold and we could move on!

Monday was hellish and I spent around 2+ hours in a 3 person hold for a student who was having a hell of a day. I'd like to proudly report I came away with only scratches and minor bruises and ALL MY HAIR- thank you very much. I get a crazy thrill when I'm successful in calming down aggressions without getting my butt kicked. It was a surreal experience and it set a Basics record for longest tantrum. Nothing useful from his Mom's notes, so I'm at a loss. I came home and was beside myself. Tuesday was almost as bad, but I got more breaks from him. What really helped was making dinner myself (kept my brain busy and boosted my confidence) and then vegging out to 2 episodes of Deadwood (HBO western drama Matt's Dad lent us). Last night we watched 3.

My gym habits have fallen by the wayside but I still try to make it 3 times in a week. What actually gets accomplished on the elliptical at a snails pace, I dunno. I'm looking forward to my "summer on Easy St." with 4 day weekends every week, volunteer work, and relaxing by the pool. And as soon as the summer weather can get here, I'll be set.

Weekend Warrior

On Friday, Matt and I went to an event I've been looking forward to for a month. Todd (co-worker who started when I do, sharer of energy drinks, and fellow PA transplant!) participated in a Mixed Martial Arts for Autism cage fight at the Palladium in Worcester. I expected to be disgusted by the brutality, but after the first few punches, it mostly looked like amped up high school wrestling. I got to see some of my co-workers in rare form, which was worth more to me than I can describe! HEHEHE! Oh the delightful drama. As the only one of the BCI crew sober, I was just drinking in the craziness. Todd raised thousands of dollars for his martial arts for autistic kiddos group he created for his son, and everybody had a good time. Afterwards, I was dismayed when my friends from work couldn't keep it together long enough to stick around for drinks afterwards. We went to Jose Murphy's. Took one look, heard the insipid techno, and walked out. I was really bummed we didn't hang out together, but I can't wait to party it up in Hartford on the 20th! Gershon Fox Ballroom, here i come!

Poker Face

Wow. I'm pretty impressed that I'm actually sitting down to do more blogging this week. I've decided that just sitting by myself (only one who has my lunch time is me!) and eating my lunch quietly isn't enough escape from my job. Reading or blogging or a coffee run. These are musts. Fortunately, I've only got 20 days left until my crazy job, with 6 1/2 hour days that feel like 10, get shortened to a summer schedule of a mere 12 hours a week. Nobody panic. I'm salary. Oh, times will be sweet.

This past Friday Matt & I vegged. We went to dinner at Ladd's. It's nice but sometimes I think we're too young for that crowd. Too much of a doily-feel for me. Then we sat around a fire with Kirsten and Dennis for a bit. Saturday we cleaned and Matt Litt arrived. Erik was over to paint so we enjoyed some steak and corn from Matt's baby, his new grill. That night I played my first poker for money. We used change, but still! I did not start pleased because, come on, $2.00 is still a cup of coffee. I felt grinchly because we didn't really budget our cheap steak and breakfast and snacks and soda for Matt Litt and after all that, i didn't feel like him walking away with actual money of mine! Not to worry though. I fleeced his keister. I'm acquainted with the rules and some small techniques, but mostly I thought it was going to be ridiculously harder than it was. Plus you can always tell when my Matt has something. It was fun and not too hard at all! I got about $4-5 off him. WOOOO!!!!

Sunday we had a nice dinner with Matt's parents, Nanny, and Auntie M. I think things went well because I'm enjoying very nice leftovers for lunch. We should do that more often.

Back..sort of

Ok Ok. So I'm blogging one more time. I finally had a lunch break long enough to do so! Coming off a hectic week, a lovely memorial day weekend in NH, and another hectic week, I am pleased to say today should be a piece of cake- literally. Today is the Goddard Learning Center's teacher appreciation party. A double classroom has become a beautifully decorated, ball-like atmosphere. Everyone is dressed to the nines. Everyone except the people at Basics, who never dress up because we have more sense than to wear nice clothes when they will be ripped, spilled on, spit on, and all together destroyed. But it would've been nice to know before we walked in with sweats and jeans (standard professional attire). Still, the kids will have a great meal, snacks, and an entire afternoon of dance party. I can see my students lasting possibly an hour. But still..PARTY!

I've been really lax about going to the gym. It's been so hard to wake up and get myself going that I usually only have 20 minutes and that hasn't been doing me any good. I've been trying. Everyday I wish we had an elliptical or something in the guest room. But that idea gets scoffed at. I'm patiently waiting for Jamma Jacks (a special Friday lunch created by a high functioning class of teens and benefiting said teens with snacks and supplies).

I don't really know if I'll continue blogging, but I have a funny feeling this summer will see me with a lot more time on my hands, soo.....maybe!

Weekend fun

This past weekend was a blast, so I thought I'd let everyone know what we got up to. Friday night neither of us were in the mood to do anything that required moving/doing/being anywhere other than home. I picked up from pizza from Toula's (almost as good as Tommy's- shout out to my Gburg and former Gburg peeps!) We were going to watch a netflix movie, but I spotted the second Ice Age movie, so I fell asleep to that. Saturday I went to the gym and got my hair cut. Arrived in time for Jeff and Matto to come and Ricky, Matt, Matto, and Jeff and I piled into a car and headed off to Nick's surprise birthday cookout. What a gal that Michelle is to plan her husband's surprise party on HER birthday. We mostly hung out in the garage laughing and drinking because the house was packed with family and SRO- barely. We hung around until around 12 and came home and crashed. Sunday was good for chores and in the afternoon, Matt and I took an hour long walk around Rutland. We dined at the Common because neither of us felt like grilling anything like we'd planned. Matt was displeased with his meal. I was ok with my lasagna. Here's Monday. Ready to do it all again!