Monday, December 26, 2011

Thankful for NPR

I've been struggling lately, wrestling with issues of race, identity, prejudice and disenfranchisement. I was contemplating an entry diverting from my positive message to address the distress I've been feeling about the way Asian people are treated in western cultures. The rough draft in my head was angry, frustrated, and without hope. And then I listened to NPR.


The Takeaway on WNYC is reviewing their top shows of the year. In an interview with local NYC DJ Jay Smooth they discussed considering our relationship with race as something needing constant maintainace, like brushing our teeth, not as an absolute, like whether or not you have tonsils. This is incredibly liberating. I think some of my trepidations around correcting people's racist statements about Asian people has come from knowing that I make errors, too. I have had no trouble stopping students from using "gay" or "retarded" as slurs, responding immediately "we don't use that word that way here". Reframing the response to race-based statements to "that statement sounds prejudiced" or "people can find that statement offensive" takes the shame and blame from the situation. The "model minority" myth makes it complicated to address these issue. When someone says something derogatory about another group its easier to say "we don't talk about people that way." When someone is lauding the math skills of a person because they are of one race its couched in a positive statement - how do you tell people not to talk positively about a group? I'm feeling more empowered, which makes me hope I can empower my students, and create some positive change in the world. Thank you Celeste, John, Jay and NPR!

Sunday, October 16, 2011

Accidental Glutening

Transitioning to a gluten free (gf) diet has been good so far. There are so many choices and products, I'm glad to be doing this now and not 10 years ago when things were so well labeled.

Today I accidentally glutened myself. The security office at work helped me out, and I wanted to make them some brownies to thank them. Old habits die hard, and I tasted the batter. Two hours later and my legs are led and I'm getting snoozy. A very important lesson learned.



Friday, October 14, 2011

Gluten free and loving life

I've mentioned a few times that I have been sick with mysterious symptoms since May 2010 (a year and a half). I consulted a nutritionist and she put me on a 900 calorie diet (imagine living on the equivalent of 9 100 calorie yogurts a day). And yet I couldn't drop any weight. My partner was worried about my nutrition, so we decided to try a juicing diet we saw in http://www.fatsickandnearlydead.com/ .

I will admit I didn't follow the reboot to the letter. I juiced two meals a day and ate one. Two days in I started to feel great - and none of the warned side effects. Then I had a sandwich and it all fell apart. The bread! It was the bread! I've been gluten free for about two weeks and haven't felt better in years. I'm slowly losing weight but more importantly I feel good and feel like myself. I have requested an appointment with a gastroenterologist to confirm, but life is good!



Sunday, July 10, 2011

This weekend my partner and I went to a wedding for a friend we have known for six years, for a couple who has been together for five. It was wonderful to be able to share in their day, to see the two of them so happy. It was wonderful to get to spend the weekend with my partner, too. The weather was lovely, the drive was easy, and the company was great.

Congratulations T&K!

Monday, July 4, 2011

Poem for July 4th

I Like Americans
by Edna St. Vincent Millay

I like Americans.

You may say what you will, they are the nicest people in the world.

They sleep with their windows open.

Their bathtubs are never dry.

They are not grown up yet.

They still believe in Santa Claus.

They are terribly in earnest. But they laugh at everything…

I like Americans.

They give the matches free…

I like Americans. They are the only men in the world, the sight of whom in their shirt-sleeves is not rumpled, embryonic and agonizing…

I like Americans. They carry such pretty umbrellas. The Avenue de l’Opera on a rainy day is just an avenue on a rainy day. But Fifth Avenue on a rainy day is an old-fashioned garden under a shower…

They are always rocking the boat.

I like Americans. They either shoot the whole nickel, or give up the bones.

You may say what you will, they are the nicest people in the world.

Found in Caroline Kennedy's book, read aloud here by Stephen Colbert and Caroline Kennedy

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Social support

I hate to admit I'm still sick, but it's true. I went for a second opinion from the endocrinologist today. These appointments are scary, they're hard, and they're taxing, particularly when you aren't feeling well and need help the most. Today I had both my boyfriend and my bestfriend there to give me support. I dont know if we are any closer to an answer, but having these two with me made the whole experience more manageable.

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Floral Kindness

As the academic year draws to an end, the IEP meetings are increasingly heated. I try to bolster myself the best I can, reminding myself I have tried to be the best practitioner I can every day.


After my second meeting involving lawyers on both sides on a Monday, a teacher pulled me aside in the hall. Usually this means I have more work coming or a child hiding in a bathroom, but this was not the case! She wanted to tell me I exuded such a calm energy, and was just so positive, she had watched me the entire meeting. She said I reminded her of a Gerber daisy. That kindness made my day.



Photo Credit: hyperboreanchaerie.wordpress.com

Saturday, April 30, 2011

Vindication

As a new practitioner to school psychology (first year getting paid!), I of course have some trepidations about my skills as anyone working without a net should. A new decision from the Dept of Elementary and Secondary Education from the department of special education made it possible for school psychologists to find children with attention issues eligible for services without a doctor's diagnosis. This has led to a massive influx of attention assessments for me, resulting in a need to be extremely well versed in all the facets of attention and cognitive processes.

I had a student in first grade referred to me for an attention assessment. I sent home the appropriate protocols to the parents and teacher, and did a classroom observation. Looking at the student, it did not look purely attentional. I took my notes, mulled it over in my head and waited for the protocols to come in. I got both in just before vacation, and lo, they were inconclusive. I had just purchased the BRIEF, as I had been seeing an increasing number of students looking more executive functioning than attention impaired. Surprise! The student came up with issues in memory and executive functioning, not attention!

I would not have diagnosed that particular student as having an attention disability, because the evidence was so inconclusive. It was a wonderful feeling, scoring the BRIEF, to find yes, my instincts were on point.

Monday, April 25, 2011

Things that are awesome

Another super stellar day that makes me want to rip my hair out and choke someone else with it. So, now, a list of things that are awesome to balance out the horror.

1. Super friends willing to drive getaway cars and alibi my crazy self, who clearly understand this crazy bs life.
2. My partner, who lets me call to rant, rave, shout, and curse.
3. Cat yoga http://www.moderncat.net/2007/11/16/perfect-gift-yoga-loving-cat-owner/
4. Coffee
5. Old-er school hip hop (including Lauryn Hill's Doo Wop (That Thing) and B2K's Bump Bump Bump)
6. New business cards, and new business card holders
7. Hugs from first graders, and the way they really do believe when I tell them things are going to be okay.
8. Safe shoes with colorful dresses.
9. A boss who has my back, and is confident in my skills even when I'm not.
10. Spring is finally coming to New England.

What is awesome to you?

Saturday, April 9, 2011

"But getting the wind knocked out of you is the only way to remind your lungs how much they like the taste of air."

I don't believe in coincidences. I believe that we are where we need to be -whether that is easy or hard - for some reason. We may not know why now, or ever, but we have a purpose and a lesson greater than ourselves as individuals. We just need to be open to that experience - open minds, open hearts - to be able to live to our own fullest potential.


One early morning I woke up, and checked my facebook. A friend had posted a link to a video on youtube, about the red sox/yankees rivalry in one home. It was a bit of a sad video as the father (a red sox fan) was harsh with his young son (an about 4-year-old yankees fan). The boy's older brother (about age seven?) stepped in to comfort him, which redeemed the video. I then clicked over to the "featured" tab, to see what was new. And through no coincidence I found this performance by Sarah Kay at TED: (make sure to stay tuned to the end - she does two poems, "B" first, and "Hiroshima" at the end)






Things have been hard recently - hard at work, hard in life - but hearing these words reminded me that I'm not alone in that; that other people are struggling, too. Its not about who has it the "worst", its about how we are handling what we are given today. Someone else feels like "When you step out of the phone booth and try to fly and the very people you want to save are the ones standing on your cape." And that each day is called the present for now, so I should try to focus on that, making an impact today, not when I get around to it, when I'm feeling better, or when I have time. To be the "permanent shadow of positive light" for the people in my life - my students, my coworkers, my friends, my family, my partner. I don't want to change anyone, because I wouldn't learn from them if I tried. I want to support them, to listen to them, to be there in a way that in however-many years it takes, they look back and think, "Miss M. was there for me" or "Meghan accepted me for who I am", even though I am imperfect myself.

Sunday, March 27, 2011

"I believe through any trial there is always a way"

I found myself singing "The Inscription of Hope" this afternoon. We sang this song with Central Middle School's choir in... 1996/97? Written by Z. Randall Stroope, it is attributed in part to a writing found on a basement wall during the second world war, by a Jewish person hiding in Germany. I hope you enjoy it.



Colburn Children's Choir sings an "Inscription of Hope" at their annual Winter Concert in Los Angeles, Ca, December 2008

Sunday, March 20, 2011

Today I had the fortune to go to yoga for an hour of de-stressing. I will also have a body talk session tonight, which I am looking forward to.

Yesterday, my wonderful partner took me on a surprise visit to my alma mater Clark University. Of course, I visited for a few moments with papa Freud.


Saturday, February 26, 2011

Continued praise

The appointment on Friday went very well. We're testing more things (including my thyroid and cortisol levels), and hopefully we'll find some answers. I am so thankful for wonderful doctors, access to comprehensive medical care, and all the wonderful people who support me.

Thursday, February 24, 2011

BIG praise!

As some of you know I've been battling health problems since May 2010 and my weight since, well, as long as I can remember. I've come to believe these two things might, in fact, be connected. Despite consistent dieting my weight hasn't gone down. I met with Dr. Adolf Karchmer at Beth Israel yesterday. I must admit I was not the kindest patient around, but he was still wonderful. We decided that a consult with an endocrinologist may be helpful. I got the call just a few moments ago - they will see me tomorrow.

I don't know who specifically to thank, but I'm giving all the praise I can. Thank you Dr. Karchmer, thank you Dr. Gavrilla for having an opening, thank you family who made me so stubborn, and to the higher power out there as well.

Hoping and praying things go well tomorrow. I don't expect definitive answers, but hopefully a start!

Monday, February 21, 2011

Cultivating an attitude of gratitude

This month's NASP Communiqué, (Jan/Feb 2011, Vol. 39, #5), featured an article by Jeffrey J. Froh, & Giacomo Bono entitled Gratitude in Youth: A Review of Gratitude Interventions and Some Ideas for Applications. I encourage you to read the article, it is a good primer on how we can increase cour gratitude and that of children (and thus over all quality of life).

If you have any trouble accessing the article (which could happen, I'm not super internet savvy), let me know and I'll email a copy as well.

Today I am thankful for..

  • February vacation
  • Sleeping in
  • Beautiful, luxurious soaps
  • A new job for a dear friend
  • No class this week
  • Good television marathons to watch on DVD while slowing producing reports
  • Optimism, resiliency, hope
  • Access to quality health care
  • The possibility that maybe, someday soon, I'll have the answers I'm looking for
  • Coffee.

Friday, February 11, 2011

Sign of spring - Red Sox spring training coverage starts on the news Monday!

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Dancing and singing in the car makes morning traffic so much more tolerable. The smiles from fellow travelers are nice too. Have a good day everyone!

Sunday, February 6, 2011

Finding blessings everywhere

When things are tough, or I have to do something I really don't want to, I try to flip it around. If I don't want to go to the doctor I remind myself to be thankful I have access to quality health care. I don't want to study or go to class, I need to be thankful for the opportunity to learn and better myself. One of my friends from college puts it this way on her facebook profile:

"If you're DRIVING your old car...PRAISE God because you could be riding the BUS;
If you're RIDING the bus...PRAISE God because you could be WALKING;
If you're WALKING...PRAISE God because you could be sitting in a WHEELCHAIR;
If you're sitting in a WHEELCHAIR...PRAISE God because you could be lying in a HOSPITAL BED;
If you're lying in a HOSPITAL BED...PRAISE God because you could be RESTING 6 Feet under;
If you're Resting 6 FEET UNDER...PRAISE God because JESUS CHRIST is the RESURRECTION and the LIGHT!!!
In all things, give GOD PRAISE!!!!"

Whatever higher power you believe in or don't, the sentiment of thankfulness is the same.

I'm unendingly tired, but thankful I had the chance to try and accomplish things today.

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Stew

As the snow continues to pile up outside, the snow days are ticked off on the calendar and the summer vacation days cut off, optimism is getting harder to come by. Today I made lamb stew to stave off the winter blues. It turned out really well, and was a nice reward for shoveling the front porch, sidewalk, and driveway.

Lamb Stew

1 lb boneless lamb
1 cup onion, diced
1 cup carrots, sliced
1 cup potato, sliced
1 cup turnip, sliced

Saute lamb in pan with onion, still tender but mostly cooked. Drain fat, put in pan for stew. Add veggies, add water (enough to cover the contents), bring to a boil, let simmer approximately two hours or until all veggies are tender.

Now the toughest part - thickening the stew. I have never been able to get this just right, but what I was instructed to do (by my father) was to add some water to flour, mix and add to the stew, allowing it to heat a bit further. This website gives a bit better description for the novice.

I prefer a stew heavier on veggies, so I used two pounds of carrots, a whole turnip, and six red potatoes, with the pound of lamb (kabob style) meat.

The thing that made it 100% easier today was the new mandoline slicer I bought for myself - an hours long chopping process which made me hate turnips even though I love them, to take under an hour. I did slice my finger cleaning the blade - slicing with it using the safety settings were a-okay. I'll do another post another day on the wonders of this kitchen tool.

Stay safe and warm, friends!

Sunday, January 30, 2011

Alternative treatment

For eight months I have been falling asleep every few hours, had tremendous fatigue in my arms and legs, a strange rash only on my joints, and accompanying headaches. The only thing that has brought me any relief is BodyTalk. I see Angela Scala, typically once a month, and feel more at peace every time. I have a session today, and have been looking forward to it since Wednesday. Today, I am thankful for people willing to help, for alternatives to traditional medicine, and the ability to access the services.

Saturday, January 29, 2011

Health

My grandmother had a tumor removed from her colon on Wednesday, and she is doing very well. She is in good spirits, and healing well. We'll find out soon what the biopsy says, but for now I'm thankful she is healing well.

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Teamwork

Today I was blessed to work with a great team. We have a new in-district inclusion program for kids with emotional and behavioral disabilities, starting just this September. It has had its ups and downs, which happens in all programs for students with these kinds of profiles. Today we had a meeting with our outside consultant, and he helped us understand that even though times get tough (especially in January!) we are doing the right thing for our kids. Today, being part of such a wonderful and attentive team made me say thank you.

I also was let into traffic despite a looong line of preschool parents dropping off their little ones. It let me get on with my day, on to school number two for consult number two, and then on to school three for the day.

I am also thankful for having a home and safe car with all the cold and snow we have had. And an adorable dog who is always happy to see me, snuggle and play.

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Coming back

Hello again, blog friends.

I've been away for a while, because I have been sick. I've seen scores of doctors, had dozens of tests run and there isn't much to report. I have an appointment on Thursday to rule out another thing, but I'm clearly not overly optimistic. With how terrible I still feel, and how consistently busy my schedule keeps me I don't have much time to photograph. I do at times have a few moments to blog, and have found some joy in my work as a school psychologist north of Boston. For a while, at least until I feel better, I'll try to update at least with words. Positive outlooks and positive energy are important for the health as well.


Today was a day of tough meetings, after a tough day of counseling the day before and my first Spanish class last night (my day lasted from leaving the house at 6AM, returning at 10PM). The best part of my day was pulling out the WISC-IV kit, and testing a first grader. She was sweet, and kind, and excited to learn. We took a walk, and learned all about birds, amphibians, reptiles and mammals from the 5th grade posters. She was so excited, engaged in my questions and still wanted to learn more. Moments like this remind me of why I love this work.

Stay safe and warm friends - its very cold here in MA and another winter storm is coming!