A JOYFUL NOISE

Things that I have been thinking of for over two years now: FLASHBACK: Rewind myself to my undergraduate classes and post-baccalaureate class,(8 YRS AGO!!) especially my special education classes. Loved it. Loved learning about special students and was actually extremely interested in emotional disturbed children area of special education. I graduated w/ a psych degree in 2002 w/ a minor in Special education. I took one post baccalaureate class because at first, I thought I should go ahead and go for my teaching licenses. I loved learning about Behavior Modification, but as I went through the class it was more evident teaching children wasn't for me. My mock behavior plans were well liked by my professor that it was (and still is) being used as a guide for other students to use when they write mock behavior plans. During my years at PVI and now at RTCSB, I continue to enjoy working with special needs clients, especially participating as a team member to help tho...

For over a month, me and two other folks (Jen and Pam) con coked a surprise baby shower for my best friend, Liz. Liz and Ben are adopting a baby and he should be here in a couple of weeks (yay). It was fun to plan this whole deal. It was SO hard to keep it a secret; the most fun part of it was that Ben, her hubby, was in on the plans too! We changed initial plans but eventually it came together. Pam was going to take Liz, Jenn and I out to "lunch" at Outback to "discuss" fund raising ideas. Ok so it started out around 8:30a.m. Saturday, Jan 16. Jen and Liz were outside Sharp Shopper trying to sell some baked goods as a fund raiser. Pam stopped by to drop off some hot chocolate and reminded the ladies about Outback (actually, Pam "invited" Jenn in front of Liz...but of course, we all knew who was going to be at outback! haha) I didn't get there till 10:15 because, well, I NEED A DAY TO SLEEP IN! I promised Liz to help her sell the goods...

You would think that someone who had gone through surgery almost every year or even twice a year (three times a year as a child) for 30 yrs would get used to it or even get used to hospitals, doctors, etc. No, I'm not scared of them; I just don't particularly care to be near it. Even if I have to visit a client or friend--it gives an uneasy feeling. I know most surgeries, if not all, is really "elective". You don't HAVE to have it, but it's suggested for your own health and comfort. I chose surgery since all the other non-surgery electives have "failed" and I have been in a great deal more pain than mid last year. I am constantly finding myself these past few months asking "why" and hearing no answers. Since October, my shoulder has been very sore; PLUS I've fallen twice and injured my back (ongoing PT now) I get myself all worked up and let the simple things in life or work affect me in a personal matter. It's not ...

This past Thursday January 7, 2010, I (along w/ three other staff) had the opportunity to take a group of clients out to JMU. No, we weren't visiting my wonderful ala mata, we were attending hearing that consisted of several of VA state legislators to oppose Gov Kaine's proposed Medicaid cuts. Grafton-Stovel Theater was packed from people all over the place. So many people spoke that my clients didn't even get their turn since we had to leave earlier than usual to get back to the center in time. My clients are neat.....they are cool....they are funny.....they are sweet; most of all they are smart. Yes, they have a disability, mainly DD, but they knew why they were there---to fight for themselves and for others like them; I was there to support them and to also fight. As we were all preparing to go to JMU, I (along w/ other staff) helped these clients organize their thoughts about the whole idea that Kaine has to cut Medicaid, to not allow Medicaid to pay for certain t...