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!
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!
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.
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!
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!
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
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
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.
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?
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.
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.
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