Actually

I'm not dead, but thanks for asking. No, I'm still here, at least in theory. In reality, my presence is mediated by a) continued special ed insanity that breaks my heart because it has been hurting my kid, but happily I think we're almost at a point where we can feel confident that they're through messing around with him. Then there's b) the job, which gets crazier every time I turn around, but at least it's still entertaining, that is when I'm not having a nervous breakdown. Help is on the way there too in the form of additional staffing. Finally there is c) my regular life, which is really chaotic enough as is.
So you might well imagine that I have much to report including a sweater,some new projects, a new-to-me car, and the departure of a wheel. But right now I'm stealing a few moments on the Treo at McD's playspace (desperate times, school vacation day, partner away on business...you do the math). I do promise to try to post, but can't promise when.

Comments

[Lee Ann]

I miss you madly. And occasionally, also sanely.

[Sara]

I knew you were dead and knew you were crazy busy. I am desperate to see the new sweater though...

[Juno]

I'm awfully glad you're only mad not dead.

[The Feminist Mafia]

Glad to see you here!
For the record - that Autumn Rose photo on Flickr - you don't think that will suffice for a FO photo, right? We need to see that worn. Just sayin'. Because clearly you need someone else giving you a hard time. I'm good for something, clearly.
We'll be here when you're ready.

[Carrie]

Isn't it infuriating that the people who are supposed to help your kid are the ones who screw things up the most? Sigh.
I hope things get wonderful and less chaotic soon. (You have twins, so I assume "less chaotic" is the best we can hope for, right?)

[melissaknits]

Glad you're not dead. Sibling just dealt with a near-miss special ed issue with my nephew that boiled down to "He's a boy." And they all wondered why I home schooled...

[kathleen]

As long as you're taking care of yourself in the craziness, take all the time you need. We'll be here... xoxo

[Norma]

Hey, I think you DID just post. *hugs*

:D

[Jody]

Thanks for updating, it's always good to hear from you, however briefly.

I hope the departing wheel wasn't off the new-to-you car... ;-)

[claudia]

Dude. Hang in there.

[Barbara M.]

I think we all understand (or remember...Mine are all grown up) the chaos years. But I miss you! Please check in more often... the treo is fine!

Barbara M.

[JoVE]

Glad to hear that the extra staffing is coming through and that you are finally getting what you need for H. with the IEP. Getting that right at the beginning should make a huge difference later on.

[Emma.]

Hi !

:0)

[Laurie]

We're here when you need us. And we want to listen.

[Carole]

Hey baby - Thanks for checking in. I worry when you're gone so long.

[joan]

Another member of the fan base and support team says good to hear from you!

[Justine]

glad your not dead as well, that would be tragic.

[Judy]

Hang in there.

[julia fc]

I know how the sped crises can eat up energy, really. My boy is in his third year, but there is light at the end of the tunnel, even though I can now see how long it is. Hang in there, and enjoy that car.

[Ruth]

Hang in there! You are missed.

[Cece]

I miss you! But take of yourself first, I'll survive.

Although I do want to see the sweater on the actual person, and when you have the time, need a bit of a spinning lesson on my wheel! WOOT!

[Beth S.]

I miss you, too. :-(

I really hope the wheel going away was a positive development--like trading up for a nicer one, or for the karmic good of decluttering/simplifying...

[Jenny]

Sounds quite familiar, although in my job I get to regularly tell those sped folks how they're doing it wrong. One of my little dudes gets speech (now through the school district), and it was a bitch getting them to do all the compliance stuff they needed to get done, when it needed to get done. Ugh. I hope things are smoothing out a bit for you guys, though! Miss hearing your voice, so to speak, but I haven't posted anything since July, so I'm just as bad. I need to redesign and have time to breathe and think a complete thought. Take care!

[Another Cate]

The special ed IEP zoo is no fun, and you're never sure you've come up with the "right" solution. Or at least, I wasn't. But now he's almost 13 and although he's a very quirky kid (like his parents, honestly), no IEPs are needed and he's doing great.

Just remember that they work for YOU. And the IEP contractually binds them to help your son. I sort of missed the IEP once we no longer qualified -- that contract part of things was very soothing.

[amysue]

Glad to see you and totally get the crazed part of life. Noah's IEP meeting was last week and it was 2+ hours of me advocating my ass off for him and finally, after over a year of banging my head against the wall getting the services and accommodations signed, sealed and (soon I hope) delivered. And I worked for the state doing this stuff at one point so I can't imagine what parents with no experience in this area do! Sneaky me though, this time I made sure the log book going back and forth is in the IEP so that they can't "forget" otherwise I have no idea what they're doing there and how I can mirror things at home.
Sigh.
Anyway, I'm hoping to be out your way again soon for a WEBS crawl and then a visit further away to MASSMOCA so maybe we'll see you if you're free (heh).
Be Well.