Yikes

I promise blogging will get back to normal- traveling makes for a difficult timely blog! Look back tomorrow for pics of wedding weekend!

8.4.09- Day 78

Hmmm... not much time to update for tonight, but I worked in the office all day, came home, visited with Al, went to small group, and now I am home. I leave for Steph's wedding tomorrow afternoon (and now have someone to take us- thanks bob and kyla!) More updates to come about the 1st day of school and wedding weekend!

Picture: behold my reading material before bed!

8.3.09- Day 77

Today we had a district-wide special education workshop day. We learned about RtI, IEP's, BEST, and all the other acronyms you could ever want! Really, although there were some boring parts, many parts were informative. I have 3 things I am going to take away:

1) The picture is from one of the workshops I went to (I was actually misplaced into this one). It talked about the vulnerability of individuals with disabilities and the statistics about abuse in their population. It was staggering. 83% of women with developmental disabilities will be sexually abused in their lifetime. 56% of those women will be sexually abused more than 10 times. Individuals with disabilities are 4 times more likely to have personal belongings (such as their bank account, physical items, etc) stolen than the typical population. There were so many other stats as well. We need to give them a voice!

2) Behaviors always have a function- either to escape or to obtain. (this is probably old news for you teachers). I will look at behaviors differently from now on and hopefully have a better approach to dealing with them.

3) Laughter is key. We had a comedian/comic motivational speaker come and talk to us. He reminded me that life is so much fuller, healthier, and lovelier with a little bit of laughter. I am making it my goal as I enter this school year to have more gratitude in my life. I am also going to do my best, but not expect more than that out of myself.

8.2.09- Day 76

First off- I apologize for how blurry the picture is! I took at least 4 and they were all like that! Weird.

Second off- we had a diaper shower for some people in our FPU class tonight, so being a wonderful, responsible friend, I ran to the store about 10 minutes before class to pick up some diapers. I had NO idea how expensive diapers are! It cost $10 for a little pack (granted they were newborn diapers), but still- more expensive than paper towels! (not sure why I was comparing them to paper towels in the first place- that would do no good against baby poop!) Babies go through diapers so fast that I feel like Alan and I need to start saving now just for a diaper fund! Also, I was wondering what people think about cloth diapers. I have thought about this a little and talked about it with pregnant friends. It sounds good in theory, but does anyone do it anymore?

Third off- Alan and I actually attended church together today!!!! (normally he is either working or I am doing Sunday school or power point or he has to work that night so he needs to sleep, etc) Also, ran with Nicole- I really enjoy hanging out with that girl! (and it's fun to have running accountability)

Fourth off- The pic is of Al's new Ipod shuffle- which is soooo cool! And of our FPU envelope system. We refilled today since it is the beginning of the month. The envelope system has been really amazing for us. It helps curb spending like nothing else (and just gives you a tangible reminder of how much money you have spent and how much is left over.) I totally recommend it!

8.1.09- Day 75

Today was my first weekend after being a bigtime working girl! It was busy with Allie's bridal shower in the morning, helping Carissa move in the afternoon, and going up to Greeley to see Alan's "Hunt" grandparents. I enjoyed all of it! I'm so thankful to have wonderful friends and family.