Yes it's true. I'm a mommy.

Ha ha. Had YOU fooled. David and I are the proud "parents" of two scorpions named Grimm and Reaper. They were my present to David since he has been so cool with my whole Hedgehog obsession.

Updated Slide Show

At the 2007 ASW!

Well it's ASW (Autism Society of Wisconsin) Conference time again! This year I spent most of my time sitting in the BBA booth, but I did get to see a few great presenters. First I saw Susan Stokes, an SLP and an Autism Consultant for CESA 6. Her presentation was very good and centered around the affects that the inability to communicate effectively can have on someone. Unfortunately, her presentation ran long and she had to be cut off! I also got to see Temple Grandin for a second time! Needless to say, her presentation was wonderful (as always!) I also got to see Glenis Benson. She spoke about what threatening behavior communicates and a little about Postive Behavior Support, which I am a big believer in. As always, it was a wonderful conference and I look forward to going again next year!

This week in Rachael Land. . . . . . .

Well--it's offical. As of TUESDAY, I will have my Master's Degree completed!!!! I am sooo excited! But--this leaves me two new challenges (1) Picking my degree for my PH.D. (what do you all think, psych or social work?), (2) starting to pay off my student loans. Unfortunately, with no raise in sight and gas prices going up day by day (my job requires about 700-1000 miles traveled PER WEEK), I think I may have to start looking for something new.


Self-taught manager.
One of the major faults where I work is the lack of training in the area of management and staff training. These are two skills that I have worked hard to start developing in myself, with my own training, on my own time. Currently I'm reading the following books:

1. The seven habits of highly effective people
2. Put first things first
3. The art of leadership
4. The seven habits of highly effective people workbook
5. Don't sweat the small stuff (I'm also reading the one about work and I have the workbook for this one too).

Hedgehog update

I have officially moved up the waiting list! As of tonight, I'm still sitting at number eight on the waiting list. Check out the hedgies at Hedgie Delight (where I'm getting my future hoglet). Here are some links to some EXCELLENT hedgehog info (just in case you wanted to know).

1. Chins and Quills Forum
2. International Hedgehog Association
3. Hedgehog Central

From the Como Park Conservatory

When I head over to MN, one of my favorite places to go is the Como Zoo Conservatory.
This photo was taken during the Orchid Show.

More on my way to work. . . .

A few recent photos.

On my way to work. . .

One of the "weird" things that I love the most and want to photograph almost obsessively is old run down houses. With all the driving I do, I drive past many during the week. . .but I don't usually have my camera with me. I happened to have my camera with me today as I drove past this one.

Holey Moley--21 lbs gone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So--for all you folks looking for my WW update. . I'm down 21 lbs! ;-) Here's me at Heather's graduation last June (Heather is David's sister).


And here are few recent photos--taken within the month.


I think you can really see it in my face. ;-)

From Ms. Mamma!

One book that changed your life:
I don't really have any books that changed my life. One book that I am really enjoying right now is, The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People. I began to develope better managment stratagies, but I think it will help me a "better person." Probably a little cheesy I know, but I'm young and I can always work on a better me! ;-)

One book you read more than once:
I'm a sucker for ANY thing by Stephen King. Horror is, by far, my favorite genre. I have read most of his older work many times, but I've read The Shining the most.

One book you want on a desert island:
Probably one the Worst Case Senario books!!! Also, Atlas Shrugged. I read a lot of Ayn Rand when I was in high school. I used to really enjoy her work.

One book that made you cry:
Hmm--I've been reading mostly trade books for my job, so I haven't really read anything that has caused me to tear up lately!!! I read most of the Clan of the Cave Bear series when I was in highschool. There were some parts in them that made me cry.

One book that made you laugh:
Confessions of a Shopaholic. Yes--it IS 'chicklit.' But it was a good book. I'd probably read that one again.

One book you wish would have been written:
Yes, I really am happy (a gal's guide to NOT being married).

One book you wish had never been written:
So the book that I putting here is a book that I actually enjoyed, but because I was REQUIRED to read it for a college humanities course and then over analyse it, I didn't really get a chance to enjoy it. I might read it again. The Old Gringo.

One book you are currently (re)reading (again & again):
I'm sad to say that I am not rereading anything right now.

One book you have been meaning to read:
I've been meaning to read Beowulf again. Again, this was a high school favorite of mine.

Three people you will tag:
Oh my! I don't have enough regular blog readers to do any tagging!!! ;-)

Okay all you "anonymous visitors"!

Leave me a comment or something!!! ;-) Except you, Greg--Thanks! ;-)

Slide Show and Map

Weight Watchers Update and Seven Habits of Highly Effective People.

WEIGHT WATCHERS
So I haven't posted in sometime about my Weight Watchers journey. There has just been so much going on. School. Work. And lately, the Hedgehog obsession! But--things are going great with WW. I'm down almost 20lbs. It feels surreal. My knees no longer bother me. I can see my clavicles. Old clothes fit again. I'm just about half way to my goal and it has been surprisingly easy. I currently subscribe to Pointing My Way to a New Life, by far the best WW forum I have found. It's very positive and very supportive and has been a big part of my success so far. Anyway--if you'd like to see where I started, how I'm doing, and where I'm heading, here is my Weigh In Journal that I fill in every week.

SEVEN HABITS OF HIGHLY EFFECTIVE PEOPLE
Another personal update that I'd like to fill everyone in on is my reading of , written by Steven Covey. This is a fantastic book and I would recommend EVERYONE take a small peek at it. I originally picked it up because I wanted to improve my supervisory techniques for my job, but this book is really about improving one's self as whole. I've just finished up habit number 1, "be proactive," and I am beginning to read about habit number 2, begin with the end in mind." I have been working VERY hard at being proactive but it is a skill that I need to continue to work on. I am the classic reactive person and this is NOT who I want to be.

Some blogs writing about Hedgies. . . . .

Yes, it's true. I have become obsessed! I'm on a waiting list with Hedgie Delight. See? There's my name in the number 10 slot. It's going to be awhile before my future Hedgie arrives, so I am researching, researching, and researching more.

Below are some links to some blogs of people who have apprently become just as obessesed as I have.

Harley's Bachelor Pad
The Quackometer Blog
Hedgehogs in the Wild!
Make a wheel sensor
The Hog Blog

I now belong to following Hedgehog Forums and Groups
Chins and Quills
Hedgehog World
Hedgehog Central
Hedgehog Help
Hedgehog Welfare

I am looking to join The International Hedgehog Association soon too.

So I need a hobby. . . .

Okay-- well, yes, I know that it has been awhile since I have posted. I was told by the dbf (dear boyfriend), David, that I need a hobby. I guess engrossing myself in all things related to my field of work, going to the spa, shopping for COACH handbags, or doing the whole WW thing, are NOT a hobbies!!! Hardy har har har. All jokes aside, I think he's right. I spend a lot of time defining myself by my work and this REALLY should stop because, although I love my job very much and I am passionate about what I do, I need to take a break sometimes.

So. . . . . I have thought long and hard and I have decided to get a hedgehog. Not only will caring for this pet be a good source of stress relief, but careing for this cute little critter should be a good way to meet new people. ;-) I have contacted this breeder and I hope to get on their waiting list soon. It looks like I'll be waiting until about May to pick up my new little hedgie and until then I am reading all hedgehog related info and trying to gather my supplies.

So--watch for photos soon!

Check out this video.

Mark Leland Video

Watch this Video.

Watch this Video.

You Tube, believe it or not, has some great Autism related posts. Some are geared toward different therapy approaches and others are geared toward advocacy and acceptance. I invite all my fellow folks who support people with autism to check them out. Some may sadden you and others may enlighten you to a different perspective. Take a look.

RDI techniques
RDI 1
RDI 2
RDI 3

A different Perspective
Perspective 1
Perspective 2
Perspective 3
Perspective 4
Perspective 5
Perspective 6
Perspective 7

A parent calling out for help (make sure you read the clip on the side)
Help 1

Only in Wisconsin

So. . .this morning I woke up to a white car piled with some of that white fluff. Yesterday was the true first snow, but it wasn't sticking. This morning, however, was another story.

In bigger news. . . . . I'm getting four wisdom teeth pulled out today. This should be interesting since I have a HUGE dental phobia. UGH.

The telephone game

Does any one remember the telephone game? It's the game where you whisper something in someone's ear and that person whispers it to the next and by the end what ever you said turned into something completely different? Sounds a little like gossip right? At two of the teams I supervise, in one town in particular, there two big games of telephone going on. Gossip. Gossip. Gossip. And one very mad staff over the whole thing. It's all just rediculous. Adults should NOT act this way. At least in "rachael land" adults should not act this way. Needless to say, I am involved in a very complicated game of telephone and a whole lot of "he said, she said." Ugh. I moved away from a tiny little town to try and get away from that sort of thing.

So. . . .in tune with what I am currently experiencing here is a little info about office gossip and how to stop it (hopefully).


Where's the line between telling others something interesting about someone else ... and gossip?

We often start conversations by telling an interesting tidbit or piece of information about another person. When we do, those conversations quickly degrade into gossip.

When is conversation one of concern for another, and when does it cross the line into gossip?

Consider this conversation:

Ted: Bob, did you hear about Tim? He got a great promotion.
Bob: Really? What for?
Ted: Apparently he did a job for the boss and the boss liked it; so Tim got the promotion. I think they're friends, and that probably helped.

Gossip? Or sharing good news about a coworker? Gossip.

Do you know where Ted crossed the line between sharing Tim's good news and gossiping? As soon as Ted put in his own speculation about the reason Tim got the promotion.

Seems fairly clear cut. What about this next scenario:

Millie: Margaret, I just want to let you know that Sally isn't feeling well today; so if you have to take her any projects be patient with her.
Margaret: What's wrong? Is she sick?
Millie: Well, you know she went to the doctor the other day. Apparently, the doctor gave her some bad news. She's been feeling under the weather; I think the doctor confirmed what she suspected.
Margaret: What did she suspect? Is it serious?
Millie: I think so. I don't want to say, but ...
Margaret: What? You can tell me; I want to be able to help her if I can.
Millie: Well, I know she had her mammogram last week. I wouldn't be surprised it something showed up on that. Poor Sally. Margaret: Oh my gosh, you mean cancer?
Millie: I don't know, but...

... and the conversation goes on, with Sally getting sicker by the minute. And poor Sally doesn't have a clue she's become the target of someone else's gossip.

Learning to tell the difference
To determine whether a conversation is degrading into gossip, we need to decide upon the motives of the participants (us and them) for sharing the information.

Is our motive to attract attention and to feel the center of it all for a moment or two? Is our motive to promote the best interest of the subject of the conversation ... or to promote our own self-interests?

If our purpose is to promote ourselves, to get a bit of attention, to feel center-stage for a moment or two, then we are gossiping rather than having a conversation. And isn't that exactly what Millie is doing in this case? Are her interests really to help Sally?

No. Millie is merely using Sally - and what she speculates about Sally's situation - as leverage to gain attention for herself. It is a power play.

Why should we be concerned whether we slip into gossip on occasion?
Isn't it okay - every now and then - to talk about other people? In a word, NO! When we participate in gossip, we run the risk of damaging our credibility.

And our credibility is the one thing in business and personal relationships we should strive to protect at all times. Our credibility determines how much others are willing to trust us: with information, assignments, responsibilities.

If we think that a little idle chitchat won't hurt, think again.

Consider for a moment: do you know people at your job you'd never trust with a confidence? Why is that? What did they do that damaged their credibility and trustworthiness in your eyes?

Was it gossip, perhaps?

How, then, can we test our conversations to ensure that we are not participating in gossip?
By asking ourselves our true motivation for participating in conversations about other people ... and by being honest with our answers.

When we honestly assess our motives, we'll discover that most of the time when we're talking about someone who isn't present-we are gossiping.

How can we protect against participating in gossip?
A sure-fire way to stop gossip in its tracks is to guard our tongues before speaking to anyone about anyone else.

Ask, "What is my motive for telling what I'm about to tell?" If it's to get attention or to make ourselves more popular or important, then our motives are wrong and we should refrain from speaking.

What about when others start gossiping to you?
Simply ask them why they are telling you whatever it is they are telling. If they say they just wanted you to know so you'd understand why Sally is a little down these days, politely say "I'll talk with Sally right now and let her know you told me about her situation. Perhaps she needs some comfort."

You'll know right away if the person who told you about Sally's situation is uncomfortable with that. And then you'll be able to surmise the real motive behind why they wanted to talk about Sally.

Stopping gossip in its tracks
When you find yourself in a situation where you suspect gossip is about to take place, try some of these lines to extricate yourself:


I'm uncomfortable talking about Tim when he is not present to tell his side of the story. Lets hold this conversation until he can be with us.

Is this something Sally specifically asked you to tell me? If so, I'll be sure to let her know you filled me in.

When I hear you talk about other people and their situations, I wonder whether you talk about me to others.

Can we wait to talk about this until (Tim/Sally) can be with us? Thanks.

Is what you are about to tell me something you would say if (Tim/Sally) were here?

You may not be too popular with the people who like to gossip when you start using these lines with them. But your main concern should be protecting your credibility-and your privacy. You will quickly learn to whom you can safely tell your secrets and from whom you should steer clear.



Dr. Tracy Peterson Turner is an expert in both written and verbal communication. She knows the traps most professionals fall in to when attempting to communicate with those in their work environments, and provides her clients with proven strategies to avoid them. Within the framework of her highly-acclaimed company, Managerial Impact, Dr. Turner brings her expertise to those corporations who want their managers to communicate more effectively and to individuals who want to get their messages heard. She is the author of 5 Critical Communication Vehicles, a book that helps managers communicate more effectively every day.

Here are a few links for ideas when dealing with work place gossip:
Healing the Harm of Gossip
Gossip Issues
Office Gossip

A favorite of mine

Come to Your Senses - National Sensory Awareness Week - October 25-31, 2006!

The first National Sensory Awareness Day in October of last year was a huge success! Now, let's build on that with a whole week of awareness.

Sensory Spotlight


Sensory Buddies, Unite!

Izzy McBusy, the official representative of National Sensory Awareness Week, knows what it's like to have sensory issues - she's a sensory kid, too! Izzy says, "Sometimes when we're out with our parents, shopping, traveling, or at a restaurant, movie, or party, we can get really overwhelmed and even uncooperative. Our moms, dads, friends, or relatives get some really weird looks when people don't understand how hard it is to avoid or control how we are feeling."

"Let's tell the world we are 'sensory kids.' Maybe people will 'get it' about what's going on in our world."

To learn more about how you can promote Sensory Awareness Week go to the Sensory Awareness Week website.
Sensory Resources

You'll find information about a special t-shirt, designed by Izzy, that helps promote sensory awareness; information that you can print out and pass out to doctors, therapists, teachers, and family members to help educate them about sensory issues; and much more!

Feeling a little thoughtful again

So today, once again, one of my poor kiddos is sick. There is really something going around. This usually does happen for the first few monthes after school starts. Hopefully everyone will start felling well soon!!!

I've been doing some thinking this morning and, wow, I am lucky. I am so lucky to have job where I can take time off if I need to for what ever reason. That I can arrange my schedule as needed to suite my needs and my family's needs. This is a nice thing. Now--I'll be honest. I'm not rich by any stretch of the American idea of wealthiness. My salary is nice, but not huge or anything. But you know what? In my mind I am rich. I am able to get up and go to a job that I love. I am able to do something that is my PASSION. How many people get to say that?

From my MYSPACE blog. . . .

gettin' old
Current mood: thoughtful

So. . .I'm feeling pretty old these days. I mean--I feel YOUNG (much younger than most folks my age I guess) but my body feels like it should starting feeling OLD. Gettin' closer to 30. I know my brain is feeling old because I OVERTHINK everything. UGH.

Not married. Same man for N-I-N-E years! Okay. . . so I really like that part. I mean, he and I have our ups and downs but 99% things are awesome. We balance each other. He's quite and reserved. I'm LOUD, outwardly PLAYFUL. . . . . . .we're a good fit.

Anyway, I look back on my life and I think about all the things that I am thankful and happy for but I also think about all the areas where I don't have closure. Things that I started but got lost along the way. I had so many visions of what my life SHOULD have been and I can't help but see what it isn't. There are so many things that I am grateful for.

So many things that I love. David. My Dad. My career. My educational goals. I'm breaking free from a LOT of debt that I accumulated. My friends.

But there are so many things that are still nagging at me. Did I make my mother proud? Will my brothers ever connect with my dad again? Will always be stuck in the middle? Have I done enough to help the children I serve? Will I ever get out of this county and see what is REALLY out there? Ph.D? Have I made enough mistakes in life to REALLY learn my lesson or have I made TOO many? Do I REALLY "sweat the small stuff" as my dad says? Can I make myself stop that?

hmmm. . . . . I guess that's enough thinking for now! Don't want to hurt myself! hardy har har har har

Currently listening : The Dutchess By Fergie Release date: By 19 September, 2006