Last Day Of Work

Last Friday was my last day of work.  As anticipated, it was a tough day emotionally.  But I guess I feel fortunate to have found a place to work that makes leaving difficult. 

A little background about where I worked... I was a special education teacher in the US.  So when we came over here, I started to research schools in the area to see what my options were.  I started out substituting or "relief teaching" as they call it at two schools.  One was a "regular school" where I worked in the special education unit when they called me in.  The other was a dedicated "special school"- strictly for students with severe needs.  At first I had a hard time wrapping my head around this, because in the US, completely separating students with special needs would never fly.  But I managed to put my opinions around that issue aside, and I really did end up enjoying working at the school, so I was thrilled when they offered me a contract.  I was contracted for three days a week, with the other two days as "call in days" where they would have me come in if someone called in sick, etc.  More often than not, I ended up being there 4-5 days a week.  It was a pretty sweet schedule, and nice to have some flexibility on those two non-contracted days.  Pretty sure I will be totally spoiled/ruined when I go back to the US and have to look for a full time job :-) 

 

 

In the US, I worked with students with mild to moderate disabilities (think- learning disabilities, ADD, autism, dyslexia, behavior issues, etc.).  In this job, the entire school had children with moderate to severe disabilities.  On top of that I was placed in the classroom with the students who were the most severely disabled (think- wheel chairs, non-verbal, feeding, toileting, medications, etc.).  I was SO intimidated at first.  It terrified me to be working with such high risk and high needs students, but it didn't take long for me to end up absolutely loving it.  Sure it wasn't the most glamorous job... especially dealing with feeding, toileting, and lots of lifting... but I really did come to love those kids.  And now I actually will consider looking into working with this population once I start looking for jobs again in the US. 

On top of working with some amazing students at this school, the staff was very welcoming and supportive.  It was a really great environment to work in.  Sure, there was some dysfunction and disorganization- but I think all schools have their fair share of that.  Another thing I loved about this job, is that I got to work in the same classroom with a friend that I had made here- Katie.  She started working at the school in August, and I loved working so closely with a friend. 

At any rate, Friday was the last day of school for everyone since the school years here run on a calendar year.  The Christmas break is their long summer break.  Since it was everyone's last day for the year, I was hoping to kind of fly under the radar.  Wrong.  Every Friday morning, the school gathers for a parade (what we call an assembly).  This morning after the usual National Anthem, classroom presentations, announcements, birthdays, etc., my friend Katie and another teacher I worked with brought me up in front of everyone for the students I worked with to present me with a scrapbook they had made for me.  I was sure I would make it through the day without tears... but once I saw this, it was insta-tears.  No I hadn't been at this school for long, but it was long enough for the school and students to make a real impression on me.  The students are just incredible... and have so much love to give, and gosh are they resilient... and I will miss them so very much. 

 

Field trip to the Botanic Gardens

 

Not to get all doom and gloom, but you know what's a strange feeling?  To know with 99.9% certainty that when you say goodbye to someone that that is the last time you will ever see them.  And unfortunately, this was in the back of my head this day as I said goodbye to the staff and students.  Sure, I guess you never know what will happen.  But in all seriousness, there is a very slim chance that I will have the opportunity to return here.  Which made leaving that day even harder.  BUT, I am so very grateful to have had this opportunity.  These students will always be in my heart, and they have made a big impact on me.

Teddy Bear Picnic

 

 Wednesday, September 18: Only photos

 

Here in Australia, this is the last week of school before a two week school break/holiday.  They run on more of a year-round/calendar year school schedule here.  Anyway, things are pretty laid back at school this last week before vacation- lots of class outings, etc.  Yesterday, I helped chaperone two classes who were going to the park at the Marina to have a Teddy Bear Picnic.  We picnicked with teddy bears, danced by the water, played with the parachute, and chased the birds.  It was a perfect day.  One that didn't feel a bit like work. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

What Is "Normal?"

Thursday, September 5: Pass on some useful advice or information you learned and always remembered.

This prompt reminded me somewhat of one of the prompts from the "Blog Everyday In May" challenge where I wrote about some of the pieces of advice/things I've learned that no one taught me in school.  You can read that post here.  So for today's prompt, I thought I'd focus more on a piece of information I've learned and always remembered. 

I took countless psychology courses as a Psych major during undergrad, then again while working on my masters in Special Education.  Some of the things I learned in these classes I found very useful, while some things of course, were quickly forgotten.  There is one theory/ piece of information, that has really stuck with me though.  I can't even remember in what class this idea was discussed... I wish I had saved the article or book from which I read this theory.  But I didn't... so I'm just going to attempt to summarize from memory and briefly discuss how this idea affects the way I view the world and the people I interact with. 

There is a theory that is gaining momentum in the psychology world that disorders, disabilities, "normalcy" exists on a spectrum.  So basically, rather than a very black and white idea of normal vs. disordered, there is lots of grey area that can represent a huge range of conditions.  The best part of this theory is that everyone, yes everyone, exists on this spectrum in terms of different personality characteristics, feelings, habits,  ability, thought processes, etc.  This idea allows for a huge amount of variance regarding what we consider normal and "not normal." 

I love this idea because I really think it helps take away a lot of the stigma of having a psychological disorder.  If everyone is on this spectrum, it's hard to categorize/stereotype along the lines of "normal" vs. "different/not normal/disordered" etc.  It also acknowledges that we can (and do) move along this spectrum throughout our lives. 

Being a special education teacher, this idea really helps frame how I think about and interact with my students.  I also think this idea is really helpful in the education world, because it falls right in line with the movement toward full inclusion for all students, regardless of ability... which I'm a big proponent of.  I also think this can help us in how we interact with people- both those we know and even strangers.  It can help us to be more compassionate, understanding, accepting, and forgiving. 

I wish I had an actual link to an article about this theory to share, but I just cannot seem to find what I'm looking for.  If I do run across it, I'll add it here. 
 
A pretty serious, somewhat academic topic that's a bit out of the ordinary for my blog, but I guess that's what this challenge is for- to get us thinking about, exploring, and sharing ideas/thoughts. 

Annnndddd because no post is complete without photos, here are a few teaching photos from my special education classrooms over the years :-)

A project my former middle-schoolers did about famous people with disabilities

 

 

Expat to Expat Q & A {August Questions}

Linking up with Belinda and Bailie for this month's Expat to Expat Q & A!

1. What is your favorite food store in your city and why?
Well, to be quite honest, there aren't a whole lot of options.  However, I am pretty loyal to one food/grocery store here in Australia, and that is Woolworth's.  And since it's Australia and everything here is required to be abbreviated, I meant to say "Woolie's."  When I first moved, I was actually kind of nervous about what grocery shopping in another country would be like.  The first couple times, were a little overwhelming and did take like 2 hours, but I've since found that this store does for the most part have most things I need.  Don't get me started on Mexican food ingredients though...

Looks mostly the same as grocery stores in the US...

Except, I'm still getting used to seeing items like this:

 

2. For your answer to number 1 is it ok to buy the store brand items or do you pay extra for a name brand?

I've never been finicky about brand name versus generic.  I pretty much always just buy what is cheaper... and sometimes that is surprisingly the brand name.   

 

3. What do you think is the best way to get about your city? i.e. bus, bike, car, etc.
 

For being a small town, you would think getting around by foot or bike would be a good option here.  Unfortunately, this isn't the case.  Although it is a small town, things are pretty spread out, making a car absolutely necessary.  A bike could be useful in some instances, however, from about September through November, bike riding can be somewhat of a dangerous adventure.  You see, during that time of year, a native bird here- the magpie- is in the middle of its mating and nesting season.  These birds are extremely territorial during that time, and are known to literally stalk and even sometimes become aggressive to people on bikes or those walking/running.  It sounds made up, but it's true!  People brave enough to ride bikes during this time don't do so without ridiculous-looking zip ties poking out of their helmets as a magpie deterrent.  This is no joke, people!

 

via

via

 4.. Which store do you turn to for basics like toilet paper or cleaning supplies?

 There's not really anything similar to Target or Walmart here, which is where I bought those items in the States.  Here, I usually buy basics like TP or cleaning supplies at the grocery store, or sometimes even the pharmacy (which they actually call "the chemist" here).   

 

5. Where do you think is the best place in your city to get a cup of coffee (or beverage you prefer) and catch up with friends?
 

Since Australia has a lot of British influence, morning and afternoon tea/coffee are a pretty big part of daily life here.  So for a small town, there are a surprising number of coffee shops to choose from.  I myself don't like coffee, but I've become quite a chai tea latte aficionado since being here.  My favorite coffee place is probably "The Hungry Cow."  I love this place because it has tons of outdoor seating, and their chai lattes are great.  They also have a really great lunch and dinner menu as well. 

David sitting on one of the many cow seats you can actually sit on at the Hungry Cow

 

Plus these questions from Emma, at Adventures of a London Kiwi:

• What was your “eureka, I’m practically a native” moment?

Truthfully, I don't think I've actually had one of these "eureka" moments yet, in fact, someone jokingly called me "fresh off the boat" just the other day.  I do still feel like a fish out of water most of the time.  Although when I do meet someone from the US who has just moved here, then I do feel pretty "native" in some ways. 

• Does your real accent get in the way?

Yes! I notice this mostly at work.  Although, it's not so much the "accent" that gets in the way, but more the difference in American English vs. Australian English.  There are SO many words and phrases that differ in these supposed "same" languages.  I can't tell you how many "stupid moments" I've had at work when someone asks me something or asks me to do something for them and I have no idea what they're talking about.  Same goes for when I'm communicating with students.  If I tell them to throw something away, go to the restroom, use an eraser, write the letter z or h, or share markers- I get blank stares.  I'm still learning to instead say: put your rubbish in the bin, go to the toilet, use a rubber, write the letter "haych" or "zed," share your textas. 

From the Mouths of Babes

Day 25, Saturday: Something someone told you about yourself that you'll never forget (good or bad).

Just about this very time last year, I had just told my students that I wouldn't be back the next year because of our impending move to Australia.  It was surprising news for both me and them.  Because of the setting in which I teach, I have most of my students for multiple years.  So it was especially hard to think about not being their teacher the next year.  As a teacher, I place a lot of importance on what my students think about me.  Kids are extremely (and sometimes brutally) honest.  They speak their minds and have a certain way of "telling it like it is."  So when I received this letter from one of my students who had been with me for nearly three years, I was so flattered.  I will always remember sweet Kassandra.  Her words were some of the best compliments I've ever received. 

On an unrelated note... while I was looking for the above photo among the other photos of student work/letters that I've saved over the years, I came across this gem and just had to share.  Oh how I miss these amazing (and hilarious!) kiddos!

This was a journal entry responding to "tell me what you did this weekend."  Apparently this second grader was dancing in a club?  This student was very proud of the multi-colored disco ball. 

 

Catch up with my "Blog Every Day in May" challenge here:

Day 1

Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5 (Oops! :-/ I did blog on day 5, just not following the prompt...)
Day 6

Day 7

Day 8

Day 9
Day 10
Day 11
Day 12
Day 13
Day 14

Day 15

Day 16

Day 17

Day 18

Day 19

Day 20 (I broke my streak- I missed this day...)

Day 21

Day 22

Day 23

Day 24

Pictures Worth A Thousand Words

Day 17, Friday: A favorite photo of yourself and why

Because I'm nothing if not indecisive, I had to pick two favorite photos.  If that makes me a cheater, then so be it.  So, without further ado and/or cheating, here they are.

Summer 2006

I love this photo because it represents a very formative time in my life that no doubt brought me to the point where I am in my life today.  This is a photo of me with the very first group of students I taught during my Institute training with Teach for America.  At the time this photo was taken, I had no idea that I would become so passionate about teaching, and I surely did not imagine that I would continue teaching beyond my two year commitment.  Also important to note in this photo is my fellow summer co-teacher in the red shirt, Renee.  I met Renee through Teach For America and we were roommates for our two years in Los Angeles.  Again, at the time this photo was taken, I had no idea that she would one day become my sister-in-law.  Yes, I married one of my very best friend and former roommate's brother.  This photo makes me very grateful for God's plan/fate/serendipity/luck or whatever else you want to call it.  Had the people and experiences that this photo captures not have come together, the life that I love today would be so very different.  Crazy to think about. 

Circa 1984

Now for my "cheat" photo.  I love looking at old photos- especially old family photos, so I just couldn't resist not including one of my favorite old photos.  This is a photo of my pretty mom holding me when I was maybe six months old (?).  I have always loved this photo- I just think it is so sweet.  It sits in a small frame on my night stand, and it always makes me smile.  Someday when I have a baby of my own, I will definitely want to recreate a photo similar to this one.  And no, mom, I am not pregnant nor do I plan on being anytime soon. :-) 

 

Catch up with my "Blog Every Day in May" challenge here:

Day 1

Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5 (Oops! :-/ I did blog on day 5, just not following the prompt...)
Day 6 Day 7

Day 8

Day 9
Day 10
Day 11
Day 12
Day 13
Day 14

Day 15

Day 16

A Day In the Life

Day 15, Wednesday: A Day in the life (include photos from throughout your typical day - this could be "a photo an hour" if you'd like)

I've seen plenty of these "day in the life" posts, and I've always liked the concept.  I love that they capture simple moments in an ordinary day.  So, I was excited to see this prompt for today's post.  However, I didn't realize how difficult this would be.  I kept forgetting to take pictures, and I had no idea how long it would actually take to put together this post.  Also, I almost feel a little embarrassed at how uneventful this day seems.  But, nonetheless, I am glad I finally had a good reason to complete my own "a day in the life" post.  I'm sure it will be fun to look back on in the future!  Here goes...

Wednesday, May 15, 2013

4:40 AM: The dreaded sounding of the alarm.  My husband's alarm went off at 4:25 though, so I'm kind of already awake. 

 

4:54 AM: I don't remember pressing snooze, but apparently I did.  Now I literally have to sprint to get out of bed and throw on clothes since we have to be out the door by 5:05 AM. 

 

5:05 AM: Out the door to take David to work.  Luckily, the drop off spot has recently been changed and it's only a 5 minute drive (it was previously 10-15 minutes).  I get the easy part of this commute.  Poor hubby gets his car ride with me, then rides this bus for 20 minutes to the ferry, 30 minute ferry ride to the island, and then one more bus ride to the office.  Gross. 



 

5:15-6:00 AM: During this time, I am usually SO tempted to get back in bed (and sometimes I do).  However, I've been trying to force myself to stay up after dropping David off so I can work out before getting ready for work. Today I was successful!  To let myself completely wake up, I usually turn on the morning news, and check my email/read blogs for a while. 

6:00 AM: Workout - For the past couple years, I've turned into quite the home workout addict. I've used various workout DVDs/programs, but right now I'm working through the Brazil Butt Lift DVDs.  Not my favorite, but it gets the job done. 

7:20-8:10 AM: Shower, make bed, etc. to get ready for work.

8:10 AM: Out the door by 8:10 at the latest or I'll be late to work.  I took the photo of what is considered "traffic" in this small town.  This was a line of about 10-12 cars MAX waiting to get through a roundabout.  I waited no longer than 3 minutes.  Having lived in and survived the traffic of both Los Angeles and Houston, this is laughable to me. 

8:30 AM: Start my work day.  I work at a school for students with special needs, and Tuesdays and Wednesdays are my days working with the students in the very high needs class.  Most of the students are wheelchair-bound and non-verbal.  While at first intimidated, I now LOVE working with this group.  My day here involves lots of sensory play, intensive interaction, lots of lifting/transferring (sometimes it feels like a second workout for the day), feeding, toileting, etc.  I wish I could include more photos of this part of my day, but unfortunately (for obvious reasons) I can't.  Here are a few peeks though...


Confession: I cheated, this schedule was actually from the day before, but today was very similar

 

 


Lunch time for the kiddos!

Lunch/recess duty for me. Bleh!

1:30 PM: Today was just a half day of work.  I had plans to run some errands before heading home, but I get a text message from a friend right as I'm leaving work asking if I can give her a ride to pick up her car from being serviced. 

3:00 PM (ish): Home.  I didn't get to eat all of my lunch at work (it was a crazy day), so I sit down to finish my lunch while catching up on Dancing With the Stars. 

3:30 PM: Feeling exhausted from work today.  Unfortunately, today was one of the toughest days I've had there since I started.  One of the kiddos was having some really severe medical issues (seizures) off and on for nearly two hours.  And of course, it was a day we were down a teacher aide- so it was pretty chaotic.  And draining.  Usually around this time I try and get some cleaning or errands done, but today I'm beat.  I veg out on the couch finishing DWTS and begin drafting this post.  Days like this can really take a toll, so I definitely needed this break.   

 

4:00 PM: Get side-tracked by a video that a friend sends me of this cutie singing Bruno Mars on the Ellen Show and then end up watching way too many Ellen clips (ADD much?).  You must watch this adorable video.  I dare you not to smile/laugh/cry.

 



4:30 PM: Time to start getting dinner ready.  On the menu tonight: Ginger Sesame Chicken with Broccoli. 

 



5:45 PM: Leave to pick up David from work.  Dark when I drop him off, dark when I pick him up.  No daylight hours together.  Boo :-(



 

6:15 PM: Dinner and catching up on our days.  Followed by throwing our lunches together for the next day. 

 

7:00 PM: Usually around this time, David is exhausted and wants to just veg out in front of the TV.  We usually watch Friends and The Big Bang Theory (two of the few American shows they play here).  Watching the Big Bang Theory with my husband could have been #11 on yesterday's, "What Makes Me Happy" post.  This show cracks him up, and I love when I look over and catch him looking ridiculously happy, like this:

 

9:00 PM on: Between being "old and boring" and our early mornings, this is kind of the beginning of the end of the night for us.  Getting stuff ready for work the next day, getting ready for bed, etc.  Every once in a while, David has to do more work at home in the evenings.  Thankfully, tonight was not one of those nights. 

 

10:00-10:30 PM: Good night!  

 

Catch up with my "Blog Every Day in May" challenge here:

Day 1

Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5 (Oops! :-/ I did blog on day 5, just not following the prompt...)
Day 6

Day 7

Day 8

Day 9
Day 10
Day 11
Day 12
Day 13
Day 14