The last few weeks/months has been an adventure. Let me summarize:
Easter Sunday (April 12,2009): wake up at 3:30 with the most intense pain of my life. A short twelve hours later, I gave birth to a 1.8mm kidney stone. I've named him Bastard, since he only has one parent. Please do not send gifts - I washed Bastard down the sink because I was tired of his attitude.
Mother's day weekend (Friday May 8, just four weeks later): wake up at about 5:00am, with the same feeling having returned. This time I had someone else drive me to the emergency room. (thank God for the Krumm's; they are the best neighbors ever). Sometime Sunday afternoon -after three days of labor- I gave birth to Bastard's 3mm brother. I didn't name him. I just flushed him. Good riddance.
The scans and xrays (those things are expensive) showed I had only two stones, and those are both gone. Hopefully I'm done with that experience.
This last Saturday I woke up to excruciating pain (amazing adjective to use considering I've had two kidney stones) in my hand. Went back to the ER - they love me there - was in surgery by 10 for an infection in my hand that had gotten out of control in a few hours.
My hand hurts from typing, so I'll finish the story later.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Monday, February 2, 2009
25 Random Things About Me
I was recently tagged on Facebook. I thought I'd post these random things here also.
1. I once shot 64 in a golf tournament. That’s 8 under par. It was incredibly easy. The hole seemed as big as a barrel, so every putt dropped. Once in a lifetime score, at least for me.
2. I once shot 29 on nine holes, at Luana Hills Country Club in Hawaii. This was my back nine: par, birdie, eagle, birdie, birdie, birdie, par, birdie, par.
3. When I load paper into the printer, I have to make sure that the new paper goes under the old paper. It wouldn’t be fair for the new paper to go on top. The old paper would feel left out and unused.
4. People who refuse to put shopping carts into the parking lot corrals the right way shouldn’t be allowed to shop. How hard is it to take an extra 20 steps and put the cart away? And put it in straight? My OCD tendencies (no, I’m not diagnosed) can’t walk by the corral without straightening the carts.
5. I’ve only owned 3 vehicles my entire life. I got a 1966 Volkswagen Bug when I was 14. I had it until 3 years ago. I bought a 1989 Ford Ranger with 25,000 miles on it. I sold it a year ago with 230,000 miles. Now I own a 1995 Ford Ranger. I wonder how long it will last.
6. I am an award winning Photographer, having won multiple ribbons in the Twin Falls County Fair. However, that streak is probably over. I was so disappointed in last year’s judging, I won’t be entering any photographs this year. I’m pretty sure the judges had never actually seen a photograph before the fair.
7. I am President-Elect of the Idaho School Counselor Association Conference. In July of this year I will officially be President. It was a landslide win when I ran for office. I ran unopposed.
8. As of my last count, I own 471 things, which includes: 2 forks (yes, only 2), 2 dogs, 1 truck, 1 house, a couch, and 11 pairs of socks.
9. I was featured on “The Story with Dick Gordon,” a American Public Media syndicated radio show.
10. I did NOT watch the Superbowl. I don’t own a TV (see #8).
11. I know I should, but I don’t know how to “deep clean” the bathroom. It’s lucky to get a bleach bath once in a while.
12. I love to play online poker on Full Tilt Poker, play chips only. Starting with the free 1000 chips, my bank is currently at 1.1 million.
13. Photography is my passion. I’m not really artistic or creative in any other way.
14. I can recite the alphabet backwards, as quickly as Bruce James. And to take his challenge of a more useless talent, I can sing the alphabet backwards.
15. The kids at school usually call me Mr. M. The Younger kids (1st or 2nd grade) find out that my “real name” is McNaught, they think they’ve discovered some secret.
16. At the end of February, I’ll be speaking at the Washington School Counselor Association conference in Seattle.
17. Since I couldn’t find anything that worked for me, I developed a spreadsheet to track my school counseling activities. I copyrighted the spreadsheet, and have been sharing it with school counselors across the country (hence, #16).
18. I dream every night, and usually remember most of my dreams. I’ve rarely had a week go by without flying in a dream. It always seems so easy in the dream that I wake up wondering why I can’t do it in real life. I dream about one group of friends more than any other: my elementary school friends from Overland Park, Kansas. Although I haven’t had any contact with them in more than 30 years, I dream about them all the time. Especially Ann Rinella.
19. Some part of me really wants to BASE Jump off the Perrine Bridge.
20. I find most issues to be gray, not black and white.
21. I had my first girlfriend when I was 7. She was an older “woman;” I think she was 9. Ellen lived up the street from me in Oakland, New Jersey. We used to hide behind the bushes and decide if we were going to “short kiss or long kiss.” The long ones lasted as much as 5 seconds. Her best friend, who’s name I can’t remember, married us in Ellen’s backyard. Since I was the son of a minister, I told her what words to say. “Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today in the sight of these trees and bushes …”
22. I think voting in the Presidential election in Idaho is meaningless. If I vote Republican, it’s like adding one more grain of sand to a beach. If I vote Democrat, it’s like taking one grain of sand away from the beach. Either way, the beach is still there and dominates the landscape.
23. I’m 42 years old and I’ve never had a cavity.
24. Before I graduated from high school in Hillsboro, Oregon, and before they built the new hospital, I had been in every bed in the emergency room.
25. My middle name is Cecil. I’m named after both my grandfathers. Cecil is my mom’s dad’s middle name, and my dad’s dad’s first name.
1. I once shot 64 in a golf tournament. That’s 8 under par. It was incredibly easy. The hole seemed as big as a barrel, so every putt dropped. Once in a lifetime score, at least for me.
2. I once shot 29 on nine holes, at Luana Hills Country Club in Hawaii. This was my back nine: par, birdie, eagle, birdie, birdie, birdie, par, birdie, par.
3. When I load paper into the printer, I have to make sure that the new paper goes under the old paper. It wouldn’t be fair for the new paper to go on top. The old paper would feel left out and unused.
4. People who refuse to put shopping carts into the parking lot corrals the right way shouldn’t be allowed to shop. How hard is it to take an extra 20 steps and put the cart away? And put it in straight? My OCD tendencies (no, I’m not diagnosed) can’t walk by the corral without straightening the carts.
5. I’ve only owned 3 vehicles my entire life. I got a 1966 Volkswagen Bug when I was 14. I had it until 3 years ago. I bought a 1989 Ford Ranger with 25,000 miles on it. I sold it a year ago with 230,000 miles. Now I own a 1995 Ford Ranger. I wonder how long it will last.
6. I am an award winning Photographer, having won multiple ribbons in the Twin Falls County Fair. However, that streak is probably over. I was so disappointed in last year’s judging, I won’t be entering any photographs this year. I’m pretty sure the judges had never actually seen a photograph before the fair.
7. I am President-Elect of the Idaho School Counselor Association Conference. In July of this year I will officially be President. It was a landslide win when I ran for office. I ran unopposed.
8. As of my last count, I own 471 things, which includes: 2 forks (yes, only 2), 2 dogs, 1 truck, 1 house, a couch, and 11 pairs of socks.
9. I was featured on “The Story with Dick Gordon,” a American Public Media syndicated radio show.
10. I did NOT watch the Superbowl. I don’t own a TV (see #8).
11. I know I should, but I don’t know how to “deep clean” the bathroom. It’s lucky to get a bleach bath once in a while.
12. I love to play online poker on Full Tilt Poker, play chips only. Starting with the free 1000 chips, my bank is currently at 1.1 million.
13. Photography is my passion. I’m not really artistic or creative in any other way.
14. I can recite the alphabet backwards, as quickly as Bruce James. And to take his challenge of a more useless talent, I can sing the alphabet backwards.
15. The kids at school usually call me Mr. M. The Younger kids (1st or 2nd grade) find out that my “real name” is McNaught, they think they’ve discovered some secret.
16. At the end of February, I’ll be speaking at the Washington School Counselor Association conference in Seattle.
17. Since I couldn’t find anything that worked for me, I developed a spreadsheet to track my school counseling activities. I copyrighted the spreadsheet, and have been sharing it with school counselors across the country (hence, #16).
18. I dream every night, and usually remember most of my dreams. I’ve rarely had a week go by without flying in a dream. It always seems so easy in the dream that I wake up wondering why I can’t do it in real life. I dream about one group of friends more than any other: my elementary school friends from Overland Park, Kansas. Although I haven’t had any contact with them in more than 30 years, I dream about them all the time. Especially Ann Rinella.
19. Some part of me really wants to BASE Jump off the Perrine Bridge.
20. I find most issues to be gray, not black and white.
21. I had my first girlfriend when I was 7. She was an older “woman;” I think she was 9. Ellen lived up the street from me in Oakland, New Jersey. We used to hide behind the bushes and decide if we were going to “short kiss or long kiss.” The long ones lasted as much as 5 seconds. Her best friend, who’s name I can’t remember, married us in Ellen’s backyard. Since I was the son of a minister, I told her what words to say. “Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today in the sight of these trees and bushes …”
22. I think voting in the Presidential election in Idaho is meaningless. If I vote Republican, it’s like adding one more grain of sand to a beach. If I vote Democrat, it’s like taking one grain of sand away from the beach. Either way, the beach is still there and dominates the landscape.
23. I’m 42 years old and I’ve never had a cavity.
24. Before I graduated from high school in Hillsboro, Oregon, and before they built the new hospital, I had been in every bed in the emergency room.
25. My middle name is Cecil. I’m named after both my grandfathers. Cecil is my mom’s dad’s middle name, and my dad’s dad’s first name.
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Reader Shout Out
I have to give a personal shout-out to two readers of this blog.
Laurie, who recently commented about being inspired to simplify her life. I'm so glad you found something helpful Laurie.
Kamala, my cousin. After putting up my year-end update, I found out Kamala spent a couple of hours reading. I realized, she must have read the whole blog! Now that's determination. Thanks Kam.
Laurie, who recently commented about being inspired to simplify her life. I'm so glad you found something helpful Laurie.
Kamala, my cousin. After putting up my year-end update, I found out Kamala spent a couple of hours reading. I realized, she must have read the whole blog! Now that's determination. Thanks Kam.
My Documents
First, let me apologize the person I'm stealing this from. I found it somewhere during an internet search. I have no idea where I found, otherwise I would give them credit.
I've been looking for a better way to organize "My Documents" (on my laptop). I had one "My Documents" folder, which is organized, like one filing cabinet. But inside that, way too much disorganization. Nothing made much sense.
Here's the new system, a five folder system.
Folder Zero: Inbox
This is the place for all new files. The key is, everything is cleared out of the inbox at the end of the day. The reason it is folder zero? It's not a real folder, not a place to store anything.
Folder One: Action
This folder is used for anything that needs something done to it: quick edit, rename, send to a friend, etc.
Folder Two: Incubate
I use this one for anything that requires more thought, or something that needs action, but I'm not going to work on it anytime soon. I have some presentations I am working on (although I don't work on them daily), some ideas for papers, projects, etc.
Folder Three: Current Projects
Self-explanatory folder. Right now, there are only 12 things in this folder. When I finish them, they'll move to Action, or folder 4.
Folder Four: Archive
Everything that doesn't fit in one of the other folders, goes here. Obviously, I still want to be able to find things in this folder. The organization of this folder is dynamic, changing often.
Now I actually have more than just five folders in "My Documents." I also have a folder named "Wendell School District." I keep all my work related documents there. I has the same folders and organization under it: Inbox, Action, Incubate, Current Projects, and Archive.
Is this the perfect system? Probably not, but it'll do for now.
I've been looking for a better way to organize "My Documents" (on my laptop). I had one "My Documents" folder, which is organized, like one filing cabinet. But inside that, way too much disorganization. Nothing made much sense.
Here's the new system, a five folder system.
Folder Zero: Inbox
This is the place for all new files. The key is, everything is cleared out of the inbox at the end of the day. The reason it is folder zero? It's not a real folder, not a place to store anything.
Folder One: Action
This folder is used for anything that needs something done to it: quick edit, rename, send to a friend, etc.
Folder Two: Incubate
I use this one for anything that requires more thought, or something that needs action, but I'm not going to work on it anytime soon. I have some presentations I am working on (although I don't work on them daily), some ideas for papers, projects, etc.
Folder Three: Current Projects
Self-explanatory folder. Right now, there are only 12 things in this folder. When I finish them, they'll move to Action, or folder 4.
Folder Four: Archive
Everything that doesn't fit in one of the other folders, goes here. Obviously, I still want to be able to find things in this folder. The organization of this folder is dynamic, changing often.
Now I actually have more than just five folders in "My Documents." I also have a folder named "Wendell School District." I keep all my work related documents there. I has the same folders and organization under it: Inbox, Action, Incubate, Current Projects, and Archive.
Is this the perfect system? Probably not, but it'll do for now.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
What's In Store for 2009?
As the year changes, I like to look back on the previous year, and forward to the next.
What happened last year that was productive? How can I continue that?
What happened last year that was a waste of time and energy? How can I replace that?
Where do I want to be a year from today?
Who do I want to be a year from today?
My 500 Things
Although I've reached that goal, I can see that the process is not complete. I don't have a number in mind anymore. To set one at this point would be ... ... ... pointless? irrelevant? meaningless? arbitrary? futile? I don't know what word I want there.
It seems that the number has become less important than the process and the meaning. 500 was a good starting point. It forced some "sacrifice" and some sincere examination of importance, use and meaning of the things I own. Now, that process has become habit. I often look at the things sitting on my desk, or in my bookshelf, and think, "Now why do I have that? Oh yes, I remember."
It also forces me to look at purchases. Before I buy something I scrutinize the purpose of the purchase.
In 7th grade English at Wendell Middle School, Heather Annis (the teacher) had the kids write biographies of their grandparents. Some kids either didn't have grandparents, or didn't have access to them. Other adults were brought in as surrogate grandparents. I got to be the surrogate grandfather for two kids. It was very fun.
One of the kids quoted me as saying, "When I die, I hope the clothes I'm wearing are my only possessions."
I think that pretty much sums up the goal from here.
What happened last year that was productive? How can I continue that?
What happened last year that was a waste of time and energy? How can I replace that?
Where do I want to be a year from today?
Who do I want to be a year from today?
My 500 Things
Although I've reached that goal, I can see that the process is not complete. I don't have a number in mind anymore. To set one at this point would be ... ... ... pointless? irrelevant? meaningless? arbitrary? futile? I don't know what word I want there.
It seems that the number has become less important than the process and the meaning. 500 was a good starting point. It forced some "sacrifice" and some sincere examination of importance, use and meaning of the things I own. Now, that process has become habit. I often look at the things sitting on my desk, or in my bookshelf, and think, "Now why do I have that? Oh yes, I remember."
It also forces me to look at purchases. Before I buy something I scrutinize the purpose of the purchase.
In 7th grade English at Wendell Middle School, Heather Annis (the teacher) had the kids write biographies of their grandparents. Some kids either didn't have grandparents, or didn't have access to them. Other adults were brought in as surrogate grandparents. I got to be the surrogate grandfather for two kids. It was very fun.
One of the kids quoted me as saying, "When I die, I hope the clothes I'm wearing are my only possessions."
I think that pretty much sums up the goal from here.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
My 500 Things
Now the update you've all been waiting for (all three of you - I thought there was just two, but I discovered another reader).
My goal was to own fewer than 500 things. It has been a continual process of organizing what I own, examining the purpose of ownership with a critical eye (mind) in light of my goal, and either keeping the object or eliminating it.
I've given away a lot of stuff.
As of my latest count, I own 470 things. WOOOOHOOOO!!!!
For a while, I thought 500 was not possible. I could never get down to that few.
Now that I'm there, or below it, it doesn't seem that difficult. I haven't experienced any difficulties. I haven't felt deprived of anything. I've said it before - the more I release, the more free I feel.
I am unencumbered by material possessions. Things don't have as much meaning. Of course there are things I've kept that have only sentimental value. But with my rules, meaning is meaning, purpose is purpose.
I'm trying to live for today. I don't keep things that I might use someday. Someday never seems to get here.
More later.
My goal was to own fewer than 500 things. It has been a continual process of organizing what I own, examining the purpose of ownership with a critical eye (mind) in light of my goal, and either keeping the object or eliminating it.
I've given away a lot of stuff.
As of my latest count, I own 470 things. WOOOOHOOOO!!!!
For a while, I thought 500 was not possible. I could never get down to that few.
Now that I'm there, or below it, it doesn't seem that difficult. I haven't experienced any difficulties. I haven't felt deprived of anything. I've said it before - the more I release, the more free I feel.
I am unencumbered by material possessions. Things don't have as much meaning. Of course there are things I've kept that have only sentimental value. But with my rules, meaning is meaning, purpose is purpose.
I'm trying to live for today. I don't keep things that I might use someday. Someday never seems to get here.
More later.
Leisure Update 2008
I worked at Canyon Springs Golf Course this summer. I even played a few rounds of golf.
I also played a round in Tucson, when I was there for the ASCA LDI. I shot 89, but I was 11 over on the last 4 holes. It was 105 degrees, and I hadn't played much golf. By the time we got to 14, I was out of gas. Considering I was playing with rental clubs on a course I'd never seen before, it was a good round of golf.
I'm still a member of the USGA Mid-Amateur Championship Committee.
I love photography. At the elementary school last year, I put together the yearbook.
The kids actually titled it, although they didn't know that's what they were doing. During recess, whenver they would see me with my camera, someone would run up and say, "Take me a picture." It had about 750 pictures of kids, not your typical yearbook.
I did some senior portraits, and a family portrait session. Both taught me something new:
Photography is my creative outlet, the artistic side of me finding expression. Charging for doing what I love will just corrupt the process.
I had to give up racquetball. I haven't been to the gym in who-knows-how-long. I know I should go; I just don't have the energy or motivation. Maybe this year.
I also played a round in Tucson, when I was there for the ASCA LDI. I shot 89, but I was 11 over on the last 4 holes. It was 105 degrees, and I hadn't played much golf. By the time we got to 14, I was out of gas. Considering I was playing with rental clubs on a course I'd never seen before, it was a good round of golf.
I'm still a member of the USGA Mid-Amateur Championship Committee.
I love photography. At the elementary school last year, I put together the yearbook.
The kids actually titled it, although they didn't know that's what they were doing. During recess, whenver they would see me with my camera, someone would run up and say, "Take me a picture." It had about 750 pictures of kids, not your typical yearbook.
I did some senior portraits, and a family portrait session. Both taught me something new:
- I love taking photos
- I love helping friends
- I hate charging money for doing it
Photography is my creative outlet, the artistic side of me finding expression. Charging for doing what I love will just corrupt the process.
I had to give up racquetball. I haven't been to the gym in who-knows-how-long. I know I should go; I just don't have the energy or motivation. Maybe this year.
Spirituality Update 2008
The journey has been long, and difficult at times. That's not exactly true. It's been difficult more often than not. In fact, I can't think of a single time in the last 2 years when my spiritual walk has been easy. Of course some would say it's not supposed to be easy.
After Thanksgiving, I went through the lowest low of my life. I've never experience true depression, but that was close. Some mornings I was almost frozen with indecision. It was not permanent though. Much of that condition was related to my physical difficulties.
I've been meeting with my pastor, which is helping, a lot.
I've also read two books recently that have made me think, deeply, and consider the nature of my spirituality. The Shack is an amazing book. It has created some strong reactions within the church, especially from fundamentalists, who seem to believe it's heresy. If you read it as non-fiction, or theological discourse, or biblical commentary, prepare to be disappointed.
I read it as a fictional story (which the author makes very clear with the word "FICTION" on the cover). It is a great story of one man's encounter with God and his struggle with life and religion.
On their website another book is recommended: So You Don't Want to Go to Church Anymore. This book made me think even more than The Shack. It's a story about a present day man who meets John, which just might be the original apostle. It addresses our relationship with Jesus, the nature of that interaction, and how God wants us to approach him.
I have not lost my faith, although it certainly has been damaged. The pastor I'm seeing said at one point he lost all faith and had to start over, rediscovering Christ. I think that would be an interesting and worthwhile journey for me.
I'll let you know what happens.
After Thanksgiving, I went through the lowest low of my life. I've never experience true depression, but that was close. Some mornings I was almost frozen with indecision. It was not permanent though. Much of that condition was related to my physical difficulties.
I've been meeting with my pastor, which is helping, a lot.
I've also read two books recently that have made me think, deeply, and consider the nature of my spirituality. The Shack is an amazing book. It has created some strong reactions within the church, especially from fundamentalists, who seem to believe it's heresy. If you read it as non-fiction, or theological discourse, or biblical commentary, prepare to be disappointed.
I read it as a fictional story (which the author makes very clear with the word "FICTION" on the cover). It is a great story of one man's encounter with God and his struggle with life and religion.
On their website another book is recommended: So You Don't Want to Go to Church Anymore. This book made me think even more than The Shack. It's a story about a present day man who meets John, which just might be the original apostle. It addresses our relationship with Jesus, the nature of that interaction, and how God wants us to approach him.
I have not lost my faith, although it certainly has been damaged. The pastor I'm seeing said at one point he lost all faith and had to start over, rediscovering Christ. I think that would be an interesting and worthwhile journey for me.
I'll let you know what happens.
Work Update 2008
I still love my job. I think I have the best school counseling job in the whole state.
There have been some difficulties this year. At the first staff meeting of the year, in each of my schools (elementary and middle), I outlined what I do as a professional school counselor.
Despite this time spent in educating the staff, there are still people who think I don't do anything. One person thinks all I do is hug kids - that's it - and it's only a matter of time before I get in trouble for hugging kids. I don't put too much stock in their opinion. I have no respect for what this person does. I realize their job is necessary, I just don't think they do it well.
I have tried to take the criticisms I've received and use them to help me become a better counselor. Luke Kelsey, the middle school principal, sat me down one day to relay some staff concerns that had been brought to his attention. He is a good principal, who is obviously concerned for all the people in his building. When he offers criticism, I don't get defensive at all. Part of that is my personal growth, part of that is the spirit in which he offers it. I know that if push comes to shove, Luke will support me.
I was surprised that the concerns weren't brought to me by the people who are concerned. Do they not have the guts to confront me? Are they so insecure that they can't offer constructive criticism? Or is it that they just like to complain. At the beginning of the year, they didn't listen to me so they have no idea what I do.
Nothing I can do about inconsiderate people.
The problem is really one of perceptions and I wrote a "Counselor Improvement Plan" to address those perceptions. I have definitely changed my routines, and I don't like all the changes. But the behavior changes have addressed the mis-perceptions about my responsibilities and how I spend my time.
I am currently the President-Elect of the Idaho School Counselor Association (ISCA). When I agreed to run for the office (unopposed, I was so surprised when I won!), I didn't think I was qualified, or capable. That personal perception has changed, due to several factors:
That spreadsheet has continued to evolve. This year at the ISCA Fall Conference, a copy of the spreadsheet was given to every ISCA member. I copyrighted the format even. Where will it go? I don't know. I do know that it seems to be practical, useful and user friendly. At least one school district is now requiring it's counselors to use my program for reporting.
The question is: What will 2009 bring?
I don't know, but won't it be exciting to find out?
There have been some difficulties this year. At the first staff meeting of the year, in each of my schools (elementary and middle), I outlined what I do as a professional school counselor.
Despite this time spent in educating the staff, there are still people who think I don't do anything. One person thinks all I do is hug kids - that's it - and it's only a matter of time before I get in trouble for hugging kids. I don't put too much stock in their opinion. I have no respect for what this person does. I realize their job is necessary, I just don't think they do it well.
I have tried to take the criticisms I've received and use them to help me become a better counselor. Luke Kelsey, the middle school principal, sat me down one day to relay some staff concerns that had been brought to his attention. He is a good principal, who is obviously concerned for all the people in his building. When he offers criticism, I don't get defensive at all. Part of that is my personal growth, part of that is the spirit in which he offers it. I know that if push comes to shove, Luke will support me.
I was surprised that the concerns weren't brought to me by the people who are concerned. Do they not have the guts to confront me? Are they so insecure that they can't offer constructive criticism? Or is it that they just like to complain. At the beginning of the year, they didn't listen to me so they have no idea what I do.
Nothing I can do about inconsiderate people.
The problem is really one of perceptions and I wrote a "Counselor Improvement Plan" to address those perceptions. I have definitely changed my routines, and I don't like all the changes. But the behavior changes have addressed the mis-perceptions about my responsibilities and how I spend my time.
I am currently the President-Elect of the Idaho School Counselor Association (ISCA). When I agreed to run for the office (unopposed, I was so surprised when I won!), I didn't think I was qualified, or capable. That personal perception has changed, due to several factors:
- Anne Jensen, she is the ISCA President this year. She is an amazing person to work with. So efficient, so capable, so compassionate, and highly respected within the counseling community. Being around her is not only making me more confident, it's making me more capable. She and I are moving ISCA in a positive direction, and the ISCA Board is supportive of the changes we have initiated.
- I attended the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) national conference and Leadership Development Institute (LDI) this last summer. Both were amazing experiences. Those experiences showed me that I can run a state association, and that I don't have to do it alone. We have so many incredible counselors in Idaho. As next year's ISCA president, my job will be to tap that talent.
- I have presented my name to current ASCA board members, letting them know that I would like to be involved on the national level. At the conference I set a personal goal of being ASCA President in 10 years. Check back in 2018 and I'll let you know what happened.
That spreadsheet has continued to evolve. This year at the ISCA Fall Conference, a copy of the spreadsheet was given to every ISCA member. I copyrighted the format even. Where will it go? I don't know. I do know that it seems to be practical, useful and user friendly. At least one school district is now requiring it's counselors to use my program for reporting.
The question is: What will 2009 bring?
I don't know, but won't it be exciting to find out?
Financial Update 2008
Although it's been a long time (it's getting close to 10 years now), at one point in my adult life I was in financial trouble. More specifically, credit card trouble. I wanted to be the one to pay for dinner, to buy my family and friends nice gifts. I did not want to admit or recognize that I'm not a millionaire. Everything went on credit cards and soon the debt was more than I could handle. How did it get so out of control?
I made a decision to take control of the situation, and my finances. I cleared it up.
When I moved to Twin Falls, I used my house to pay off the last of the debt. Now, four and half years later, I still have no credit card debt. Yes, I use it, but I pay it off. I recently received the last bill for 2008. I owed $19.20, which I paid in full (rather than paying the $10 minimum payment). My only debts are my mortgage and my student loans. I do owe my parents, in my mind at least. They've been kind enough to write-off what I owe. But I've kept track and I hope to pay them back one day.
If I could pay off my student loans ($40,000 worth), I'd be so happy. It should only take me about 107 years to pay it off.
I have a goal this year for saving more money. I've set a goal, I have a plan, and I hope to have that much in savings by this time 2009. It does help that I don't buy as much as I used to. Gas and food are still expensive, and I spend way too much on medical, but I have enough for today.
I recently finished a great book, So You Don't Want to Go to Church Anymore. I'll write more about that in the Spirituality Update section, but one character in the book says that God does not promise to get me through the year, or the month, or the week. He doesn't promise to make the money last through the end of the month. He does promise to get me through today. There will be enough for today: enough money, enough energy, enough family, enough friends, enough time. I guess I can't really ask for more.
I made a decision to take control of the situation, and my finances. I cleared it up.
When I moved to Twin Falls, I used my house to pay off the last of the debt. Now, four and half years later, I still have no credit card debt. Yes, I use it, but I pay it off. I recently received the last bill for 2008. I owed $19.20, which I paid in full (rather than paying the $10 minimum payment). My only debts are my mortgage and my student loans. I do owe my parents, in my mind at least. They've been kind enough to write-off what I owe. But I've kept track and I hope to pay them back one day.
If I could pay off my student loans ($40,000 worth), I'd be so happy. It should only take me about 107 years to pay it off.
I have a goal this year for saving more money. I've set a goal, I have a plan, and I hope to have that much in savings by this time 2009. It does help that I don't buy as much as I used to. Gas and food are still expensive, and I spend way too much on medical, but I have enough for today.
I recently finished a great book, So You Don't Want to Go to Church Anymore. I'll write more about that in the Spirituality Update section, but one character in the book says that God does not promise to get me through the year, or the month, or the week. He doesn't promise to make the money last through the end of the month. He does promise to get me through today. There will be enough for today: enough money, enough energy, enough family, enough friends, enough time. I guess I can't really ask for more.
Why Write?
Junot Díaz said about writers: "What we do might be done in solitude and with great desperation, but it tends to produce exactly the opposite. It tends to produce community and in many people hope and joy."
taken from The Writer's Almanac for December 31, 2008.
taken from The Writer's Almanac for December 31, 2008.
Health Update 2008
My rheumatoid arthritis seems to be stable. Although it hasn't gotten worse, it also hasn't gotten any better. I never thought I would be one of those people who require a pillbox to remember what pills I'm supposed to take on what days. I can't believe how many meds I'm on.
Because RA is an auto-immune disease, and the medication to combat it lowers my immunity, I seem to be susceptible to everything. If there's a germ, virus, bacteria in Idaho, I'll catch it. I've had so many sinus infections (or maybe it's been just one infection that I've had for 3 years now) I can't remember what it's like to breathe normally. I use a neti pot twice a day, sometimes 3, which certainly helps, but it doesn't solve the problem.
About 2 months ago my lower right leg was swollen. I dismissed it for a while as a symptom of the arthritis. It had started with a swollen ankle, so I didn't think much of it. At school one day, I showed it to our resident EMT, Sue Sawers, just to get her opinion. (We actually have two paramedics in the middle school, which is very comforting).
"Sue, what do you think this is?"
"Chris, I think you should call your doctor."
"Okay, I'll see if I can call him this week."
"No, I think you should call today."
So I called the doctor.
"My leg is swollen below the knee, and an EMT in the building said I should call for an appointment."
"Chris, I think we'll get you in as soon as possible. Can you be here at 12:30?"
The doctor sent me right over to the ultrasound, where they found a blood clot.
My doctor told me, "Not very long ago I would have put you in the hospital for 4 or 5 days."
Fortunately, they now have outpatient therapy. I was able to take home the necessary blood-thinning injections until the coumadin took affect. The downside? I had to stay at home for a week with my leg up. Do you know how hard it was to keep my leg up all day? I hated it. After a week at home, I needed to get out of the house, so I went back to work, for a full day. I know, it wasn't very smart.
I ended up taking the rest of that week off because that one day took so much out of me.
At one point I was fighting the blood clot, arthritis, sinus infection, ear infection, and cough all at the same time. I'm not ashamed to admit, I wasn't winning any of those battles, let alone the war.
I had to get some support socks to keep my leg from exploding. Who knew a doctor could give a prescription for those things? I didn't.
The ear infection reached its worse during Thanksgiving. I spent the weekend at my parents' house trying not to die. At least that's what it felt like. It was a horrible weekend, but I'm glad I was around family.
I don't think my sinuses will ever clear up, but it's bearable.
I think ear infections are probably the new norm for me. I'm going to talk with my ENT (not EMT) about tubes in my ears.
I only have a month left on blood thinners, then we'll see if the blood clot is still there.
The RA hasn't taken away every activity, but it has taken some of the most fun. If my health stays the way it is now, I'll survive, not thrive, but survive.
Because RA is an auto-immune disease, and the medication to combat it lowers my immunity, I seem to be susceptible to everything. If there's a germ, virus, bacteria in Idaho, I'll catch it. I've had so many sinus infections (or maybe it's been just one infection that I've had for 3 years now) I can't remember what it's like to breathe normally. I use a neti pot twice a day, sometimes 3, which certainly helps, but it doesn't solve the problem.
About 2 months ago my lower right leg was swollen. I dismissed it for a while as a symptom of the arthritis. It had started with a swollen ankle, so I didn't think much of it. At school one day, I showed it to our resident EMT, Sue Sawers, just to get her opinion. (We actually have two paramedics in the middle school, which is very comforting).
"Sue, what do you think this is?"
"Chris, I think you should call your doctor."
"Okay, I'll see if I can call him this week."
"No, I think you should call today."
So I called the doctor.
"My leg is swollen below the knee, and an EMT in the building said I should call for an appointment."
"Chris, I think we'll get you in as soon as possible. Can you be here at 12:30?"
The doctor sent me right over to the ultrasound, where they found a blood clot.
My doctor told me, "Not very long ago I would have put you in the hospital for 4 or 5 days."
Fortunately, they now have outpatient therapy. I was able to take home the necessary blood-thinning injections until the coumadin took affect. The downside? I had to stay at home for a week with my leg up. Do you know how hard it was to keep my leg up all day? I hated it. After a week at home, I needed to get out of the house, so I went back to work, for a full day. I know, it wasn't very smart.
I ended up taking the rest of that week off because that one day took so much out of me.
At one point I was fighting the blood clot, arthritis, sinus infection, ear infection, and cough all at the same time. I'm not ashamed to admit, I wasn't winning any of those battles, let alone the war.
I had to get some support socks to keep my leg from exploding. Who knew a doctor could give a prescription for those things? I didn't.
The ear infection reached its worse during Thanksgiving. I spent the weekend at my parents' house trying not to die. At least that's what it felt like. It was a horrible weekend, but I'm glad I was around family.
I don't think my sinuses will ever clear up, but it's bearable.
I think ear infections are probably the new norm for me. I'm going to talk with my ENT (not EMT) about tubes in my ears.
I only have a month left on blood thinners, then we'll see if the blood clot is still there.
The RA hasn't taken away every activity, but it has taken some of the most fun. If my health stays the way it is now, I'll survive, not thrive, but survive.
2008 Year-End Summary/Update
For everyone who reads this blog, I promised an update, and since this is the last day of the year, I probably should get to it. But, I don't want to put both of you through the task of reading a huge amount of text all at once, so I'm not going to put it all in one update. I'm going to spread it throughout the day, focusing on different areas of my life.
There have been so many things happen this year, so many chances for blog postings. The problem was, much of what I went through, and my personal reactions to them, were not public fodder. My thoughts and emotions this year - in relation to so many situations - were not something I want to share with the whole world, I mean with both people who read this blog. In fact, some of it I didn't want to share even with those closest to me. Some things are better kept private.
Here are the areas I think I'll be posting on today:
Health
Finances
Work
Spirituality
Leisure
and of course, the whole reason for this blog in the first place: my 500 things. I'll save this one for last because ... just because.
There have been so many things happen this year, so many chances for blog postings. The problem was, much of what I went through, and my personal reactions to them, were not public fodder. My thoughts and emotions this year - in relation to so many situations - were not something I want to share with the whole world, I mean with both people who read this blog. In fact, some of it I didn't want to share even with those closest to me. Some things are better kept private.
Here are the areas I think I'll be posting on today:
Health
Finances
Work
Spirituality
Leisure
and of course, the whole reason for this blog in the first place: my 500 things. I'll save this one for last because ... just because.
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