Please click (or copy and paste)the link below to vote for my photo--as many times a you want.
It is really important to me.
Thanks so much.
I hope everyone has a great summer!
Debbie
http://www.brickfish.com/Pages/PhotosAlbums/PhotoView.aspx?picid=898326_90604084&=ecc_all_PPIMEMAIL&isep=1&pbapi=2462680&pbvi=84329343
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Friday, May 15, 2009
Our Last Class !
Wow! I can't believe the semester is over already! It really went fast. Tomorrow, our Final exam, will be our last day. I have to say I will really miss our Saturday mornings together. It felt more like a "play date" than a college course, but I learned more with you all and especially our dear Prof. Murphy. He brought so much joy and laughter into the class--it made learning so much fun!
I never really liked English classes from High School, and I have to admit I was kind of bummed when I found out I had to take an English course, especially on writing essays. But, I have learned so much, have worked through my fears of writing and have even been awarded one scholarship so far (don't have answers to the other 15I sent out yet), but it would not have ever happened if I wasn't in Murphy's class,
I have a desire to write a book one of these days, as I have an amazing story to tell. I know this has been one of the stepping stones I needed to begin that journey.
Well, I just want to tell everyone how much I enjoyed this class and I will truly miss my Saturday mornings with you all.
Mr. Murphy--you have been a blessing and truly an inspiration for me to continue my
studies. I hope we can all still keep in touch--this blog thing has been a blast!
Good luck to you all! I hope everyone fulfills their dreams--life is too short--explore all your desires--you never know-you just might get what you pray for!
God Bless.
Debbie
I never really liked English classes from High School, and I have to admit I was kind of bummed when I found out I had to take an English course, especially on writing essays. But, I have learned so much, have worked through my fears of writing and have even been awarded one scholarship so far (don't have answers to the other 15I sent out yet), but it would not have ever happened if I wasn't in Murphy's class,
I have a desire to write a book one of these days, as I have an amazing story to tell. I know this has been one of the stepping stones I needed to begin that journey.
Well, I just want to tell everyone how much I enjoyed this class and I will truly miss my Saturday mornings with you all.
Mr. Murphy--you have been a blessing and truly an inspiration for me to continue my
studies. I hope we can all still keep in touch--this blog thing has been a blast!
Good luck to you all! I hope everyone fulfills their dreams--life is too short--explore all your desires--you never know-you just might get what you pray for!
God Bless.
Debbie
May 1 - My Anxiety attack!
This morning, on my way to my Tai-Chi class my mind was flooded with all the hymns I remembered from church services...I was trying to stay as positive as I could, then as I was parking I got the call I was waiting for from my sister--it was either going to be good or bad news (stroke or not)......Well, she told me she asked the doctor what the results were of the cat scan from yesterday---he said I don't have to --look at your father! He was sitting up--was talking-eating and even tried to get up by himself to go to the bathroom! What a remarkable
100 % improvement from yesterday--as my sister described--he "looked like a stroke victim".
It turns out that he had a little bit of air in the blood/brain--and it just took 3 days to disperse.
He will still need some rehab--but he will make a full recovery! All my prayers were answered!
BUT--as soon as my sister told me the good news--a flood of emotions came out of me---I cried uncontrollably for about 20 minutes--almost like a anxiety attack--thank God I was on my way to Tai-Chi. My classmates embraced me--and my instructor talked me down--and helped me "beathe" I was sobbing so bad, I could hardly breath. It was just 4 days of pent up emotions that just all came out at once--I was trying to be the "big sister" keeping her spirits up-she was the one going back/forth to the hospital everyday...and here I am 3000 miles away.
Later in the day I even got to talk to him! He was lucent, and sounded the same to me--just a little groggy and slow--but who wouldn't be after having open heart surgery?! Do you know they actually put your body temp to almost freezing - stop your heart , attach you to a maching that works your heart & lungs to keep your organs alive while they operate (you're actually dead during the operation) and then they bring you back to life once they reattach the heart from the machine. AMAZING ! He was happy he said to have "a valve job" and wants to go home because he has a lot of work to do......Anyway, I am rambling--only because this seems to be some kind of therapy for me--to let it out from fingers to paper....very therapeutic.
So Josh -- what do you think about the topic FEELINGS for our category essay!? I sure am hot on that one today---I felt almost everyone in the book--fear, anxiety, helplessness, loneliness, frustration, happiness, confusion, yadayadayada....
I hope you get to see this before tomorrow.
Debbie
May 1, 2009 10:23 PM
100 % improvement from yesterday--as my sister described--he "looked like a stroke victim".
It turns out that he had a little bit of air in the blood/brain--and it just took 3 days to disperse.
He will still need some rehab--but he will make a full recovery! All my prayers were answered!
BUT--as soon as my sister told me the good news--a flood of emotions came out of me---I cried uncontrollably for about 20 minutes--almost like a anxiety attack--thank God I was on my way to Tai-Chi. My classmates embraced me--and my instructor talked me down--and helped me "beathe" I was sobbing so bad, I could hardly breath. It was just 4 days of pent up emotions that just all came out at once--I was trying to be the "big sister" keeping her spirits up-she was the one going back/forth to the hospital everyday...and here I am 3000 miles away.
Later in the day I even got to talk to him! He was lucent, and sounded the same to me--just a little groggy and slow--but who wouldn't be after having open heart surgery?! Do you know they actually put your body temp to almost freezing - stop your heart , attach you to a maching that works your heart & lungs to keep your organs alive while they operate (you're actually dead during the operation) and then they bring you back to life once they reattach the heart from the machine. AMAZING ! He was happy he said to have "a valve job" and wants to go home because he has a lot of work to do......Anyway, I am rambling--only because this seems to be some kind of therapy for me--to let it out from fingers to paper....very therapeutic.
So Josh -- what do you think about the topic FEELINGS for our category essay!? I sure am hot on that one today---I felt almost everyone in the book--fear, anxiety, helplessness, loneliness, frustration, happiness, confusion, yadayadayada....
I hope you get to see this before tomorrow.
Debbie
May 1, 2009 10:23 PM
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Classification Essay -
Debbie Suer
Joel Murphy
English 51
Classification Essay
May 9, 2009
Peeling the Onion of Anxiety Disorders
Getting to the core of emotional anxiety is similar to peeling the layers off an onion. Many components of emotional anxiety can build up over time or come on suddenly. Three types of anxiety disorders are panic disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Fortunately, the idea of working with a psychologist or family therapist is widely accepted in our society today. However, when not dealt with, these emotions can be extremely detrimental to our physical health. It is known that the stress of these anxiety disorders can be a
factor in heart disease and cancer. Therefore, it is always best to try to get to the root of a problem before these states of emotion reek havoc over our bodies.
Panic disorder is displayed by feelings of terror that strike suddenly and repeatedly, usually without warning. There can also be the feeling of impending doom – that something horrific is going to happen at any given moment. I had personal experience with this phenomenon at one time in my life. For example, as I was driving on the freeway, the sudden fear that the big truck in the next lane would turn and topple over on my car and crush me, overwhelmed me. In addition, maybe an earthquake will happen while in an elevator, or in a large city with tall buildings. These types of fear will sometimes limit the quality of life because you are too afraid to participate in certain daily activities. A panic attack can cause increased heart rate, sweating, trembling, numbness and shortness of breath.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder plagues their victims by constant thoughts or fears that cause them to perform certain rituals or routines. The disturbing thoughts are called obsessions,and the rituals performed are called compulsions. An example is a person with an unreasonable fear of germs who constantly washes his or her hands. Another common compulsion that displays urgent, repetitive behavior, is re-checking, for example, making sure that all the doors and windows are locked before they leave the house, then checking again, and again – just to make sure. People with this disorder also have a tendancy to count items, for example, paper clips, lines on the road, boxes on a shelf, etc.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a condition that can develop following a traumatic and/or terrifying event, such as a sexual or physical assault, a natural disaster, or the unexpected death of a loved one. People with PTSD often have lasting and frightening thoughts and memories of the event, and tend to be emotionally numb. Being exposed to the event may have threatened death or serious injury. The person will react with intense fear,helplessness and horror. The traumatic event is persistently reexperienced through dreams, recollections or even
the sudden feeling that the event was actually occurring
Anxiety is a normal and very common human experience. The anticipation of potentialthreats and dangers usually help us to avoid them. It is, however, when these worries become unrealistic and result in chronic uneasiness, fear of impending doom, bouts of terror and panic, then time to seek out professional help. Usually with either a psychiatrist who can prescribe medicine to help reduce the symptoms of the disorder, such as anti-depressants or anti-anxiety medication and/or a psychologist, who will help to facilitate psychotherapy sessions by
group or individual counseling. It is usually a slow process that helps people by talking through their feelings, and “peel away” the layers of their problems, to help understand and deal with the disorder. Sometimes cognitive-behavioral therapy is used. This is where the person is taught how to recognize and change their behaviors and thought patterns that lead to the disturbing feelings in the first place. Dietary and lifestyle changes are also beneficial.
My advise to anyone that is suffering from any of these anxiety disorders would be to go to their primary care physician to get a referral to a treatment facility or clinic that has the appropriate health care professional suited for their needs. There has been a steady decline of people occupying hospital beds with anxiety disorders, largely because psychotherapeutic drugs,and psychotherapy, allowing people to be released more quickly, as out-patients and finally be
able to go about their daily lives without the burden of such devistating feelings.
.
Joel Murphy
English 51
Classification Essay
May 9, 2009
Peeling the Onion of Anxiety Disorders
Getting to the core of emotional anxiety is similar to peeling the layers off an onion. Many components of emotional anxiety can build up over time or come on suddenly. Three types of anxiety disorders are panic disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Fortunately, the idea of working with a psychologist or family therapist is widely accepted in our society today. However, when not dealt with, these emotions can be extremely detrimental to our physical health. It is known that the stress of these anxiety disorders can be a
factor in heart disease and cancer. Therefore, it is always best to try to get to the root of a problem before these states of emotion reek havoc over our bodies.
Panic disorder is displayed by feelings of terror that strike suddenly and repeatedly, usually without warning. There can also be the feeling of impending doom – that something horrific is going to happen at any given moment. I had personal experience with this phenomenon at one time in my life. For example, as I was driving on the freeway, the sudden fear that the big truck in the next lane would turn and topple over on my car and crush me, overwhelmed me. In addition, maybe an earthquake will happen while in an elevator, or in a large city with tall buildings. These types of fear will sometimes limit the quality of life because you are too afraid to participate in certain daily activities. A panic attack can cause increased heart rate, sweating, trembling, numbness and shortness of breath.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder plagues their victims by constant thoughts or fears that cause them to perform certain rituals or routines. The disturbing thoughts are called obsessions,and the rituals performed are called compulsions. An example is a person with an unreasonable fear of germs who constantly washes his or her hands. Another common compulsion that displays urgent, repetitive behavior, is re-checking, for example, making sure that all the doors and windows are locked before they leave the house, then checking again, and again – just to make sure. People with this disorder also have a tendancy to count items, for example, paper clips, lines on the road, boxes on a shelf, etc.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a condition that can develop following a traumatic and/or terrifying event, such as a sexual or physical assault, a natural disaster, or the unexpected death of a loved one. People with PTSD often have lasting and frightening thoughts and memories of the event, and tend to be emotionally numb. Being exposed to the event may have threatened death or serious injury. The person will react with intense fear,helplessness and horror. The traumatic event is persistently reexperienced through dreams, recollections or even
the sudden feeling that the event was actually occurring
Anxiety is a normal and very common human experience. The anticipation of potentialthreats and dangers usually help us to avoid them. It is, however, when these worries become unrealistic and result in chronic uneasiness, fear of impending doom, bouts of terror and panic, then time to seek out professional help. Usually with either a psychiatrist who can prescribe medicine to help reduce the symptoms of the disorder, such as anti-depressants or anti-anxiety medication and/or a psychologist, who will help to facilitate psychotherapy sessions by
group or individual counseling. It is usually a slow process that helps people by talking through their feelings, and “peel away” the layers of their problems, to help understand and deal with the disorder. Sometimes cognitive-behavioral therapy is used. This is where the person is taught how to recognize and change their behaviors and thought patterns that lead to the disturbing feelings in the first place. Dietary and lifestyle changes are also beneficial.
My advise to anyone that is suffering from any of these anxiety disorders would be to go to their primary care physician to get a referral to a treatment facility or clinic that has the appropriate health care professional suited for their needs. There has been a steady decline of people occupying hospital beds with anxiety disorders, largely because psychotherapeutic drugs,and psychotherapy, allowing people to be released more quickly, as out-patients and finally be
able to go about their daily lives without the burden of such devistating feelings.
.
Friday, May 8, 2009
How I got my idea for my classification essay-My Dad is finally home!
If anyone saw my blog last Thursday, I had a weird experience on the next day--Friday (a week ago today). I had Tai Chi class at 10:15aam. I made sure to arrive early so I could call my sister in NY while I was parked and safe, as I knew by then (3 hour time difference) she would be giving me either good news or bad. Our fear was that he might have had a stroke during the operation, as the Drs. said he wasn't responding to their vocal commands when he woke up (it took 2 1/2 days). He was still very groggy--and was having trouble moving his right elbow and shoulder (fingers were ok). I was trying to be as upbeat and positive as I could for my little sister (by 3 years) who was actually in NY with him. What she didn't know was that I was full of fear, remembering how our Uncle (Dad's brother) had a blocked artery cleaned out and had a stroke on the table. All his words were jumbled up--he would call a pack of ciggaretts a "truck" and got very mad when you didn't know what he meant. He lived the rest of his life like that--and I just couldn't see my father ever being like that. Even though he is 82, he has a body of a 45 year old--has an energy level that runs circles around me..
WELL-just as I parked the car, my cell phone rang--Patty said "He is going to be alright! He is talking, remembering, can walk, etc.just still very drugged up from the anesthesia." It was wonderful news,, but all I could do was sob thankful tears--then I broke out into a full flegged anxiety attack! I could not stop crying--she said she would talk to me when I calmed down...Thank God I was at my Tai CHi class, so my classmates all embraced me and my instructor helped me "come back down" and BREATHE--It took about 20 minutes for me to stop. She said "I think that's a little more than just your father coming out"--I guess all the pent up emotion from the past week worrying about my Dad along with my own stress just exploded like a bottle cap off a bottle. It actually felt great and I happened to be at the best place possible for something like that to happen..Well, he just came home from the hospital yesterday and we are all very excited. He is his old self--joking around about "how much work he has to do and that he just had a "valve job".
I guess that's why I wanted to write about feelings for the classification essay....I sure experienced just about every one you could imagine during that small period of time.
I haven't heard from Josh yet, so I might have to do this on my own.
See you all tomorrow!
Debbie
WELL-just as I parked the car, my cell phone rang--Patty said "He is going to be alright! He is talking, remembering, can walk, etc.just still very drugged up from the anesthesia." It was wonderful news,, but all I could do was sob thankful tears--then I broke out into a full flegged anxiety attack! I could not stop crying--she said she would talk to me when I calmed down...Thank God I was at my Tai CHi class, so my classmates all embraced me and my instructor helped me "come back down" and BREATHE--It took about 20 minutes for me to stop. She said "I think that's a little more than just your father coming out"--I guess all the pent up emotion from the past week worrying about my Dad along with my own stress just exploded like a bottle cap off a bottle. It actually felt great and I happened to be at the best place possible for something like that to happen..Well, he just came home from the hospital yesterday and we are all very excited. He is his old self--joking around about "how much work he has to do and that he just had a "valve job".
I guess that's why I wanted to write about feelings for the classification essay....I sure experienced just about every one you could imagine during that small period of time.
I haven't heard from Josh yet, so I might have to do this on my own.
See you all tomorrow!
Debbie
Friday, May 1, 2009
Career essay- finally finished.....I'm too tired-lots of emotion today!
Debbie Suer
English 51
Joel Murphy
Career Research
2 May 2009
Substance Abuse Counselor
It seems odd to me that at one time in my life, I had a substance abuse problem, and now I am investigating the profession of counseling to others in order to help them achieve sobriety, as I have over the last 21 years. It is fitting, however, that once you have gone through an experience, it is easier to identify with someone else. My goal is to assist, as many people as I can that are still suffering with addiction in their lives. I will explore all the pertinent components required to make an educated decision based on the information I collect regarding the training required, duties I would perform, salary, and in job outlook for my future as well as the big question – Is this what I really want to do?
Training
In order to achieve the California Association of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors (CAADAC) certification, 36 credits are required, which are broken down into an average of two to three credits each of 13 courses. (College of the Desert 1,2). Some of these courses can be taken simultaneously depending on the pre-requisite classes. Supervised positions can be obtained also if I choose to continue and complete a non-transferable Associates of Arts (AA) degree, whereby 61 credits would be required (College of the Desert 1). A Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree is required if I want to conduct more therapeutic activities in my work. A Masters (MA) degree is preferable, especially for clinical counseling psychology, social service work, marriage and family therapy and education with addiction psychology. California recognizes certifications as being sufficient (Jones-Cage). It is important for all types of counselors to be adequately knowledgeable and have a clear understanding of the nature of all various drugs and the vast differences between them in order to counsel alcohol/substance abusers with credibility (Kennedy and Charles 181). I will go as far as I need to go to enter the division of whatever field that I pursue.
Duties
The duties will depend on whether or not the certificate is completed. Some drug rehabilitation facilities will hire if the candidate is emerged in his/her studies. Some places will offer internship while still completing degrees/certificates. Charting a patient’s progress, as well as facilitating a twelve-step program may be just a few of the duties on the entry-level job. According to Professor Jones-Cage, other duties may include intake interviews, assessments, and individual therapy sessions. Many treatment and rehabilitation facilities have different approaches, and will take into consideration the degree of education the counselor has (Jones-Cage).
Counselors usually first survey the symptoms of drug abuse, but are not generally the primary agents of treatment. They work as a team with medical professionals and are helpful by assisting in the appropriate treatment decision for each individual. General symptoms that are evident are changes in schoolwork and attendance, changes in physical appearance, unusual emotional outbreaks and changes in social patterns and behaviors. These are just a few of the signs that counselors look for in determining if a patient has a substance abuse problem (Kennedy and Charles 189).
The counselor should be active in the following four functions: prevention, therapy, open lines of communication and by keeping current on the drug scene. These functions will help the counselor in assessing certain conditions and help determine which type of treatment a patient should be referred to. Sometimes long-term treatment involves group therapy, family therapy and self-help groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous (Kennedy and Charles 191). A strong desire to help people, inspire, respect, trust and exhibit confidence should be the main qualifications for anyone interested in becoming a counselor.
Salary
I am finding out that the starting salary can be between $31,340 and $53,750 dollars a year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics1). These variations will depend on which category of employment is pursued: elementary and secondary schools, junior colleges, colleges, Universities professional colleges as well as individual and family services and vocational rehabilitation services, are just some of the options. (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 6). Professor Jones-Cage suggested in her email to me that here in the Coachella Valley, entry level salaries can be as low as $25,000 dollars and can go up to as much as $60,000 dollars annually. These broad ranges also take into account whether or not the facility is a non-profit or for-profit organization (Cage-Jones). It seems that the highest paid counselors among substance abuse, mental health and rehabilitation counselors are those employed by the government. Hospitals and social service agencies follow. The least paid are usually employees of residential care facilities (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 6).
Job Outlook
During my recent Alcohol and Drug studies class last Monday, April 27, Professor Cage-Jones mentioned that she had attended a convention last week end where she found that this industry would have a much greater demand as compared to now, as well as more stringent qualifications. The industry wants to standardize counselors, in almost the same way that the nursing profession does. Mental health professionals and medical doctors are not as trained in the studies of addiction as the addiction counselors are (and some do not want to be). This will put a greater demand in the field of substance abuse and dependence counselors (Jones-Cage). There is also a more explicitly accepted train of thought in this field, as we see in society today, especially with the flood of media attention as soon as a celebrity announces s/he has a substance abuse problem.
Working with others, mentoring and guiding both young children and adults have always come easy for me. I see I have a long road ahead of me, but my clear view of what I want to accomplish after my education has not changed. I feel confident that my current studies along with my personal experiences with substance abuse will help solidify a strong career path for me in this growing industry.
Works Cited (Doesn't paste correctly)r
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-09 Edition Apr. 2008. Counselors. 25 Apr. 2009 < http://data.bls.gov/egi- bin/print.pl/oco/ocos067.htm>
“Human Services.” College of the Desert. 23 Apr. 2009
Jones-Cage, Chris. Personal Interview. 27 Apr. 2009
Jones-Cage, Chris “A few short questions from Debbie Suer (HSAD 001-Mon nt class).”
E-mail to Debbie Suer. 29 Apr. 2009
Kennedy, Eugene and Sara C. Charles, M.D. On Becoming a Counselor. New York: The
Crossroad Publishing Company. 2001
English 51
Joel Murphy
Career Research
2 May 2009
Substance Abuse Counselor
It seems odd to me that at one time in my life, I had a substance abuse problem, and now I am investigating the profession of counseling to others in order to help them achieve sobriety, as I have over the last 21 years. It is fitting, however, that once you have gone through an experience, it is easier to identify with someone else. My goal is to assist, as many people as I can that are still suffering with addiction in their lives. I will explore all the pertinent components required to make an educated decision based on the information I collect regarding the training required, duties I would perform, salary, and in job outlook for my future as well as the big question – Is this what I really want to do?
Training
In order to achieve the California Association of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors (CAADAC) certification, 36 credits are required, which are broken down into an average of two to three credits each of 13 courses. (College of the Desert 1,2). Some of these courses can be taken simultaneously depending on the pre-requisite classes. Supervised positions can be obtained also if I choose to continue and complete a non-transferable Associates of Arts (AA) degree, whereby 61 credits would be required (College of the Desert 1). A Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree is required if I want to conduct more therapeutic activities in my work. A Masters (MA) degree is preferable, especially for clinical counseling psychology, social service work, marriage and family therapy and education with addiction psychology. California recognizes certifications as being sufficient (Jones-Cage). It is important for all types of counselors to be adequately knowledgeable and have a clear understanding of the nature of all various drugs and the vast differences between them in order to counsel alcohol/substance abusers with credibility (Kennedy and Charles 181). I will go as far as I need to go to enter the division of whatever field that I pursue.
Duties
The duties will depend on whether or not the certificate is completed. Some drug rehabilitation facilities will hire if the candidate is emerged in his/her studies. Some places will offer internship while still completing degrees/certificates. Charting a patient’s progress, as well as facilitating a twelve-step program may be just a few of the duties on the entry-level job. According to Professor Jones-Cage, other duties may include intake interviews, assessments, and individual therapy sessions. Many treatment and rehabilitation facilities have different approaches, and will take into consideration the degree of education the counselor has (Jones-Cage).
Counselors usually first survey the symptoms of drug abuse, but are not generally the primary agents of treatment. They work as a team with medical professionals and are helpful by assisting in the appropriate treatment decision for each individual. General symptoms that are evident are changes in schoolwork and attendance, changes in physical appearance, unusual emotional outbreaks and changes in social patterns and behaviors. These are just a few of the signs that counselors look for in determining if a patient has a substance abuse problem (Kennedy and Charles 189).
The counselor should be active in the following four functions: prevention, therapy, open lines of communication and by keeping current on the drug scene. These functions will help the counselor in assessing certain conditions and help determine which type of treatment a patient should be referred to. Sometimes long-term treatment involves group therapy, family therapy and self-help groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous (Kennedy and Charles 191). A strong desire to help people, inspire, respect, trust and exhibit confidence should be the main qualifications for anyone interested in becoming a counselor.
Salary
I am finding out that the starting salary can be between $31,340 and $53,750 dollars a year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics1). These variations will depend on which category of employment is pursued: elementary and secondary schools, junior colleges, colleges, Universities professional colleges as well as individual and family services and vocational rehabilitation services, are just some of the options. (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 6). Professor Jones-Cage suggested in her email to me that here in the Coachella Valley, entry level salaries can be as low as $25,000 dollars and can go up to as much as $60,000 dollars annually. These broad ranges also take into account whether or not the facility is a non-profit or for-profit organization (Cage-Jones). It seems that the highest paid counselors among substance abuse, mental health and rehabilitation counselors are those employed by the government. Hospitals and social service agencies follow. The least paid are usually employees of residential care facilities (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 6).
Job Outlook
During my recent Alcohol and Drug studies class last Monday, April 27, Professor Cage-Jones mentioned that she had attended a convention last week end where she found that this industry would have a much greater demand as compared to now, as well as more stringent qualifications. The industry wants to standardize counselors, in almost the same way that the nursing profession does. Mental health professionals and medical doctors are not as trained in the studies of addiction as the addiction counselors are (and some do not want to be). This will put a greater demand in the field of substance abuse and dependence counselors (Jones-Cage). There is also a more explicitly accepted train of thought in this field, as we see in society today, especially with the flood of media attention as soon as a celebrity announces s/he has a substance abuse problem.
Working with others, mentoring and guiding both young children and adults have always come easy for me. I see I have a long road ahead of me, but my clear view of what I want to accomplish after my education has not changed. I feel confident that my current studies along with my personal experiences with substance abuse will help solidify a strong career path for me in this growing industry.
Works Cited (Doesn't paste correctly)r
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-09 Edition Apr. 2008. Counselors. 25 Apr. 2009 < http://data.bls.gov/egi- bin/print.pl/oco/ocos067.htm>
“Human Services.” College of the Desert. 23 Apr. 2009
Jones-Cage, Chris. Personal Interview. 27 Apr. 2009
Jones-Cage, Chris “A few short questions from Debbie Suer (HSAD 001-Mon nt class).”
E-mail to Debbie Suer. 29 Apr. 2009
Kennedy, Eugene and Sara C. Charles, M.D. On Becoming a Counselor. New York: The
Crossroad Publishing Company. 2001
Thursday, April 30, 2009
A little distracted this week......
I am still working on the career research essay--should bring into lab for tutor review today or tomorrow..BUT- whoever reads this, please say a prayer for my Father, who is in St. Francis Hospital on Long Island...he had a heart valve replaced Tuesday, and as of now--is still not all the way out of the anesthesia....it's hard to keep my thoughts on my work until I know he is safe and "out of the woods". He is still in ICU.
Friday, April 24, 2009
I'm So excited!! Just received the "Girlfriend Factor" Scholarship
WOW--what an honor...Out of tons of applicants, only 6 of us were newly awarded this scholarship--which will at least help pay for the books and supplies. They had an award luncheon at Ruth's Chris. There were at least 100 people there.. A little intimidating at first, but I had no problem getting up to "tell my story" and let them know how honored I felt to be selected to be a Coachella Valley "Girlfriend". Check out their web page.. Soon my picture and story will be there under "recipients". http://www.thegirlfriendfactor.org/.
I applied for about 10 other scholarships! I hope I will be just as lucky, but there are lots more competition in the others, especially, the COD scholarship.
I never, ever thought I would even attempt to apply. The process is tedious and most of them require that you write an essay about yourself, etc. Well, props to Murphy--ever since I've been going to his class, my fear of writing has diminished and I find it easier and easier each time--when the topic is about something I can relate to or have had personal experience with.
If you haven't tried it--give it a shot. What have you got to loose? Nothing--but if you don't even try, then you do loose out.
Good night for now--see you all tomorrow!
I applied for about 10 other scholarships! I hope I will be just as lucky, but there are lots more competition in the others, especially, the COD scholarship.
I never, ever thought I would even attempt to apply. The process is tedious and most of them require that you write an essay about yourself, etc. Well, props to Murphy--ever since I've been going to his class, my fear of writing has diminished and I find it easier and easier each time--when the topic is about something I can relate to or have had personal experience with.
If you haven't tried it--give it a shot. What have you got to loose? Nothing--but if you don't even try, then you do loose out.
Good night for now--see you all tomorrow!
Finally-the definition essay is finished!
Debbie Suer
Joel Murphy
English 51
25 April 2009
County Adoption
The word adoption is not in the mainstream families’ dialogue, but for a small percentage, the word means the world to them. Adoption is having the parental rights of a child’s biological birth parent(s) permanently and legally transferred to the adoptive parent(s) (Department of Public Social Services 4). It is a most rewarding, yet challenging concept that takes an enormous amount of time, patience, diligence, open-mindedness, humility and most of all, commitment. Once you finally come to that painstaking decision to parent someone else’s biological child as your own, there is no turning back.
There are other aspects of parentless children, for example, foster care and group homes. They are not, however, a permanent solution for these children. Many of these children are removed from their homes due to neglect or abuse. Their worlds have been shattered. Fortunately, some group homes take in these children, where they do their best to accommodate the children’s needs, offer hope, guidance and healing from the scars of mistrust and abandonment. They are usually between the ages of six to twelve and go to school during the day. They have access to counseling and medical management, if needed (Father’s Heart Ranch). Unfortunately, sometimes these victims get lost in the system. Many of them fall into the same patterns they grew up observing from their parents, and have considerable trouble with drugs, violence and crime. Even though individual foster homes as well as group homes do all they can to prevent violent or malevolent behavior, once these children are put into the system, they tend to follow a very bumpy road.
The people who will be the guides, educators and professionals that you deal with when attempting to adopt a child, are going to be Riverside County Department of Public Social Services (DPSS) social workers who specialize in teaching the adoptive parent how to parent. (Department of Public Social Services 3). A very lengthy process must be carried out before you are given a foster/adoptive license. Fingerprinting, criminal background checks, child abuse index clearing, self-autobiographies including home study evaluations, and home safety inspection, budget information, health screening, CPR/first aid certification, letters of recommendation, emergency disaster plan and fire inspection in addition to 3 months of extensive classroom training (Community Care Licensing).
Child Protective Services (CPS), also a division of DPSS, takes on the role of removing children from unsafe and unhealthy situations. Those children are then placed in temporary foster homes or group homes until a more permanent solution is decided for them. All too often, only the babies, toddlers and pre-school age children find permanent homes. Other specialized social workers within DPSS assist in the actual matching and placement of a child from the foster system to the adoptive parents. (Department of Public Social Services 1)
Adoption was a scary word for me to comprehend at one point in my life. Over the last eight years, I have concluded that being an adoptive parent is the most rewarding life experience ever. I cannot even begin to explain the feeling I get when my children come up to me and call me “Mommy”. I have saved them from what would have otherwise been a life of “hell”. I believe that every parent should have to go through the same kind of parenting courses before they give birth to a child. I’m not saying that they must get a license (as the adoptive parents need to get), but that they go through at least half of the scrutiny that adoptive parents go through, so maybe there would not be so many children “in the system” in the first place.
The adoptive social workers do an amazing job in so far as being the guides for which adoptive parents need to rely on. They are there to assist, teach, and even do the final placement of a child into your home. The CPS social worker, at the other end of the spectrum, has a very difficult job. Taking a child out of his/her home due to violence, abuse or neglect, or away from his/her mother in the hospital because the child was born addicted to a drug(s), for instance, is heart wrenching. The social workers and I do have the same interests as far as making sure that all little souls deserve the very best care, love and devotion they need to thrive and grow into healthy productive human beings.
I happened to be extremely lucky with the experience of adopting through the county. My husband and I were able to adopt both of our children, who happen to be blood siblings, before they were 4 months old. This gave them the benefit of having a secure and nurturing environment as infants. They were spared from being stuck in the foster/group home system. I believe my desires are being met day by day and year by year. It has been over ten years since I began my journey and just yesterday my daughter came home from school with a flyer inviting parents to attend a 15 hour – ten session Parent Education Course presented by Catholic Charities San Bernadino/Riverside (Cooperative Parenting). Therefore, little by little, I believe our society is finally starting to head in the right direction - by teaching our parents how to parent.
Works Cited
Department of Public Social Services. 2006. 26 March 2009
<http://dpss.co.riverside.ca.us/ChildProtectiveServices.aspx>.
Catholic Charities San Bernadino/Riverside, 2009. Cooperative Parenting.
Father’s Heart Ranch. 2007. 21 April 2009
< http://www.fathersheartranch.com/>
State of California Department of Social Services Community Care Licensing Division.
Foster Family Home Orientation. Riverside, 1998.
Joel Murphy
English 51
25 April 2009
County Adoption
The word adoption is not in the mainstream families’ dialogue, but for a small percentage, the word means the world to them. Adoption is having the parental rights of a child’s biological birth parent(s) permanently and legally transferred to the adoptive parent(s) (Department of Public Social Services 4). It is a most rewarding, yet challenging concept that takes an enormous amount of time, patience, diligence, open-mindedness, humility and most of all, commitment. Once you finally come to that painstaking decision to parent someone else’s biological child as your own, there is no turning back.
There are other aspects of parentless children, for example, foster care and group homes. They are not, however, a permanent solution for these children. Many of these children are removed from their homes due to neglect or abuse. Their worlds have been shattered. Fortunately, some group homes take in these children, where they do their best to accommodate the children’s needs, offer hope, guidance and healing from the scars of mistrust and abandonment. They are usually between the ages of six to twelve and go to school during the day. They have access to counseling and medical management, if needed (Father’s Heart Ranch). Unfortunately, sometimes these victims get lost in the system. Many of them fall into the same patterns they grew up observing from their parents, and have considerable trouble with drugs, violence and crime. Even though individual foster homes as well as group homes do all they can to prevent violent or malevolent behavior, once these children are put into the system, they tend to follow a very bumpy road.
The people who will be the guides, educators and professionals that you deal with when attempting to adopt a child, are going to be Riverside County Department of Public Social Services (DPSS) social workers who specialize in teaching the adoptive parent how to parent. (Department of Public Social Services 3). A very lengthy process must be carried out before you are given a foster/adoptive license. Fingerprinting, criminal background checks, child abuse index clearing, self-autobiographies including home study evaluations, and home safety inspection, budget information, health screening, CPR/first aid certification, letters of recommendation, emergency disaster plan and fire inspection in addition to 3 months of extensive classroom training (Community Care Licensing).
Child Protective Services (CPS), also a division of DPSS, takes on the role of removing children from unsafe and unhealthy situations. Those children are then placed in temporary foster homes or group homes until a more permanent solution is decided for them. All too often, only the babies, toddlers and pre-school age children find permanent homes. Other specialized social workers within DPSS assist in the actual matching and placement of a child from the foster system to the adoptive parents. (Department of Public Social Services 1)
Adoption was a scary word for me to comprehend at one point in my life. Over the last eight years, I have concluded that being an adoptive parent is the most rewarding life experience ever. I cannot even begin to explain the feeling I get when my children come up to me and call me “Mommy”. I have saved them from what would have otherwise been a life of “hell”. I believe that every parent should have to go through the same kind of parenting courses before they give birth to a child. I’m not saying that they must get a license (as the adoptive parents need to get), but that they go through at least half of the scrutiny that adoptive parents go through, so maybe there would not be so many children “in the system” in the first place.
The adoptive social workers do an amazing job in so far as being the guides for which adoptive parents need to rely on. They are there to assist, teach, and even do the final placement of a child into your home. The CPS social worker, at the other end of the spectrum, has a very difficult job. Taking a child out of his/her home due to violence, abuse or neglect, or away from his/her mother in the hospital because the child was born addicted to a drug(s), for instance, is heart wrenching. The social workers and I do have the same interests as far as making sure that all little souls deserve the very best care, love and devotion they need to thrive and grow into healthy productive human beings.
I happened to be extremely lucky with the experience of adopting through the county. My husband and I were able to adopt both of our children, who happen to be blood siblings, before they were 4 months old. This gave them the benefit of having a secure and nurturing environment as infants. They were spared from being stuck in the foster/group home system. I believe my desires are being met day by day and year by year. It has been over ten years since I began my journey and just yesterday my daughter came home from school with a flyer inviting parents to attend a 15 hour – ten session Parent Education Course presented by Catholic Charities San Bernadino/Riverside (Cooperative Parenting). Therefore, little by little, I believe our society is finally starting to head in the right direction - by teaching our parents how to parent.
Works Cited
Department of Public Social Services. 2006. 26 March 2009
<http://dpss.co.riverside.ca.us/ChildProtectiveServices.aspx>.
Catholic Charities San Bernadino/Riverside, 2009. Cooperative Parenting.
Father’s Heart Ranch. 2007. 21 April 2009
< http://www.fathersheartranch.com/>
State of California Department of Social Services Community Care Licensing Division.
Foster Family Home Orientation. Riverside, 1998.
Friday, April 3, 2009
Definition Essay 1st draft
Debbie Suer
Joel Murphy
English 51
18 April 2009
Adoption
The word adoption is not in the mainstream families’ dialogue, but for a small percentage, the word means the world to them. Adoption is having the parental rights of a child’s biological birth parent(s) permanently and legally transferred to the adoptive parent(s). It is a most rewarding, yet challenging concept that takes an enormous amount of time, patience, diligence, open-mindedness, humility and most of all commitment. Once you finally come to that painstaking decision to parent someone else’s biological child as your own, there is no turning back.
There are other aspects of parentless children, for example, foster care and group homes. They are not, however, a permanent solution for these children. Unfortunately, sometimes these deprived victims get “lost” in the system. There is also private adoption, but those guidelines and procedures go down an entirely different path. The people who will be the guides, educators and professionals that you deal with when attempting to adopt a child, are going to be; Riverside County Department of Public Social Services (dpss.cps.adoption.3) social workers who specialize in teaching the adoptive parent how to parent. Child Protective Services, also a division of DPSS, play the role of removing children from unsafe and unhealthy situations. There are also specialized social workers who assist in the actual matching and placement of a child from the foster system to the adoptive parents. (dpss.cps.1)
Adoption was a scary word for me to comprehend at one point in my life. Over the last seven years, I have concluded that being an adoptive parent is the most rewarding life experience ever. I cannot even begin to explain the feeling I get when my children come up to me and call me “Mommy”. I have saved them from what would have otherwise been a life of “hell”. I believe that every parent should have to go through the same kind of parenting courses before they give birth to a child. I’m not saying that they must get a license (as the adoptive parents need to get), but that they go through at least half of the scrutiny that adoptive parents go through, so maybe there would not be so many children “in the system” in the first place.
The social workers do an amazing job in so far as being the guides for which adoptive parents need to rely on. They are needed in our society on many levels. The child protective services social worker, at the other end of the spectrum, has a very difficult job. Taking a child out of his/her home due to violence, abuse or neglect, or away from his/her mother in the hospital because the child was born addicted to a drug, for instance, is heart wrenching. The social workers and I do have the same interests as far as making sure that all little souls deserve the very best care, love and devotion they need to thrive and grow into healthy productive human beings.
I happened to be extremely lucky with the experience of adopting through the county as opposed to a private/open adoption. I believe my desires are being met day by day and year by year. It has been over seven years since I began my journey and just yesterday my daughter came home from school with a flyer inviting parents to attend a 15 hour – ten session Parent Education Course presented by RCDPSS (Cooperative Parenting). Therefore, little by little, I believe our society is finally starting to head in the right direction by “teaching” our parents how to parent.
Works sited
http://dpss.co.riverside.ca.us/ChildProtectiveServices.aspx
Cooperative Parenting. Catholic Charities San Bernadino/Riverside
Joel Murphy
English 51
18 April 2009
Adoption
The word adoption is not in the mainstream families’ dialogue, but for a small percentage, the word means the world to them. Adoption is having the parental rights of a child’s biological birth parent(s) permanently and legally transferred to the adoptive parent(s). It is a most rewarding, yet challenging concept that takes an enormous amount of time, patience, diligence, open-mindedness, humility and most of all commitment. Once you finally come to that painstaking decision to parent someone else’s biological child as your own, there is no turning back.
There are other aspects of parentless children, for example, foster care and group homes. They are not, however, a permanent solution for these children. Unfortunately, sometimes these deprived victims get “lost” in the system. There is also private adoption, but those guidelines and procedures go down an entirely different path. The people who will be the guides, educators and professionals that you deal with when attempting to adopt a child, are going to be; Riverside County Department of Public Social Services (dpss.cps.adoption.3) social workers who specialize in teaching the adoptive parent how to parent. Child Protective Services, also a division of DPSS, play the role of removing children from unsafe and unhealthy situations. There are also specialized social workers who assist in the actual matching and placement of a child from the foster system to the adoptive parents. (dpss.cps.1)
Adoption was a scary word for me to comprehend at one point in my life. Over the last seven years, I have concluded that being an adoptive parent is the most rewarding life experience ever. I cannot even begin to explain the feeling I get when my children come up to me and call me “Mommy”. I have saved them from what would have otherwise been a life of “hell”. I believe that every parent should have to go through the same kind of parenting courses before they give birth to a child. I’m not saying that they must get a license (as the adoptive parents need to get), but that they go through at least half of the scrutiny that adoptive parents go through, so maybe there would not be so many children “in the system” in the first place.
The social workers do an amazing job in so far as being the guides for which adoptive parents need to rely on. They are needed in our society on many levels. The child protective services social worker, at the other end of the spectrum, has a very difficult job. Taking a child out of his/her home due to violence, abuse or neglect, or away from his/her mother in the hospital because the child was born addicted to a drug, for instance, is heart wrenching. The social workers and I do have the same interests as far as making sure that all little souls deserve the very best care, love and devotion they need to thrive and grow into healthy productive human beings.
I happened to be extremely lucky with the experience of adopting through the county as opposed to a private/open adoption. I believe my desires are being met day by day and year by year. It has been over seven years since I began my journey and just yesterday my daughter came home from school with a flyer inviting parents to attend a 15 hour – ten session Parent Education Course presented by RCDPSS (Cooperative Parenting). Therefore, little by little, I believe our society is finally starting to head in the right direction by “teaching” our parents how to parent.
Works sited
http://dpss.co.riverside.ca.us/ChildProtectiveServices.aspx
Cooperative Parenting. Catholic Charities San Bernadino/Riverside
Mid-term questions
Debbie Suer
Joel Murphy
English 51
28 March 2009
#1 Descriptive essay – what do you need to do in this type (2-3 sentences)
To write a descriptive essay, you first need to grab the readers attention in your
introduction with either a quote, question or statement. The first paragraph needs to end with the thesis statement stating what you are describing. Define your subject matter by having a paragraph mentioning what it has to do with each of the five senses. The conclusion should go beyond the subject.
#2 Process essay. Into-how many steps, body – go through the steps, conc – now you can…..
How many times have you thrown away that soda can or milk carton in the trash without ever giving it a second thought? Well, let me tell you in just three easy steps how you can turn that unwanted trash into dollars to put in your pocket instead. Recycling is big business in these tough economic times. Let it work for you.
First, gather up a few containers or plastic bags. One can be for cans, another for glass and a third for plastic. Then, start in your own home by gathering up and make a commitment to yourself to set these items aside in their proper containers. Last, when these are full to capacity, bring them to your local recycling facility and cash them in.
You will be surprised how fast this money adds up. Maybe you can set aside a special “piggy bank” and watch it grow. When you feel confident enough with how your own systems works, branch out into your community and watch how fast your efforts begin to pay off big time. Involve your children, if you can. Maybe one day you might even own your own recycling facility.
Joel Murphy
English 51
28 March 2009
#1 Descriptive essay – what do you need to do in this type (2-3 sentences)
To write a descriptive essay, you first need to grab the readers attention in your
introduction with either a quote, question or statement. The first paragraph needs to end with the thesis statement stating what you are describing. Define your subject matter by having a paragraph mentioning what it has to do with each of the five senses. The conclusion should go beyond the subject.
#2 Process essay. Into-how many steps, body – go through the steps, conc – now you can…..
How many times have you thrown away that soda can or milk carton in the trash without ever giving it a second thought? Well, let me tell you in just three easy steps how you can turn that unwanted trash into dollars to put in your pocket instead. Recycling is big business in these tough economic times. Let it work for you.
First, gather up a few containers or plastic bags. One can be for cans, another for glass and a third for plastic. Then, start in your own home by gathering up and make a commitment to yourself to set these items aside in their proper containers. Last, when these are full to capacity, bring them to your local recycling facility and cash them in.
You will be surprised how fast this money adds up. Maybe you can set aside a special “piggy bank” and watch it grow. When you feel confident enough with how your own systems works, branch out into your community and watch how fast your efforts begin to pay off big time. Involve your children, if you can. Maybe one day you might even own your own recycling facility.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Mid term jitters
Midterm - 3 questions
1 Descriptive Eassay in 2-3 sentences (1 point)
What do you need to do in this type?
2. Process Essay
3 paragraphs (3 points)
a. intro
b. body (go through the steps)
c. conclusion - what you can now do...go beyond
3. Definition essay - Extended Outline (6 Points)
I. Introdutcion
concept in 1-2 sentences
II. Contrast/Negation
what the concept is not in 2-3 sentences
III. Experts (minimum 2)
3+ sentences for each/cite them
IV. Author's opinion
what you think the concept is and why
V. Fuse III & IV together
best of each in 3-8 sentences
VI Conclusion
2-3 sentences
BRING IN SOURCES - print out
1 Descriptive Eassay in 2-3 sentences (1 point)
What do you need to do in this type?
2. Process Essay
3 paragraphs (3 points)
a. intro
b. body (go through the steps)
c. conclusion - what you can now do...go beyond
3. Definition essay - Extended Outline (6 Points)
I. Introdutcion
concept in 1-2 sentences
II. Contrast/Negation
what the concept is not in 2-3 sentences
III. Experts (minimum 2)
3+ sentences for each/cite them
IV. Author's opinion
what you think the concept is and why
V. Fuse III & IV together
best of each in 3-8 sentences
VI Conclusion
2-3 sentences
BRING IN SOURCES - print out
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Final Draft-Process Essay "Exonerated"
Debbie Suer
Joel Murphy
English 51
14 March 2009
Exonerated
Have you ever been pulled over by a motorcycle police officer? Did he write out your speeding ticket and just drive away, leaving you with a feeling of embarrassment, shame, anger and bewilderment? One particular experience I had has changed my attitude. I can tell you all about how to contest a traffic ticket, win and even get your money back.
First, try to look very sad when the officer pulls you over. Do not get angry. Do everything he asks in a very cooperative manner. Show remorse, sadness and the willingness to comply, ant at this point, you can even start to shed a tear or two. If you are lucky, the officer will give a little hint (as he did in my case). He told me not to worry and that everything will be fine. Just read the back of the ticket very carefully and do everything it says to do about requesting a trial by declaration. “Vehicle Code section 40902 allows a defendant to contest a citation in writing without having to make a personal court appearance.” This procedure is called a “trial by written declaration”.
Next, a letter must be written to the court in reference to your citation number stating that you are contesting the violation by way of requesting a trial by written declaration. An important statement that needs to make in this letter is that if the judge feels it necessary to find you guilty, you want to request the right to attend traffic school. Physically bring this letter to the county clerk and pay the fine. The clerk, at that point, will give you the necessary paperwork to contest the ticket.
Once you have that form, fill it out completely, sign it and attach your written statement of what exactly happened along with any descriptive photographs or diagrams you want to include as evidence. For example, the speed limit sign (if one was posted), weather conditions, street grading (if there was a hill), and if there were any cars in front or behind you. These factors can help your case to prove there was reasonable doubt. Your written statement must include the following legal language, “I declare under penalty of perjury that this statement is true and correct.” Each written statement and proof of evidence must be signed and dated (these statements are called “declarations”).
One last trip to the courthouse is necessary. After the clerk receives the declaration, the clerk will notify the officer who issued the citation. The officer will be given the opportunity to submit his declaration regarding the citation, by a specific date. Now you wait with anticipation and hope that the officer will not respond in time, or at all. Once that date has passed, the court will notify you by mail of its decision.
Experience has shown that most motorcycle police officers do not take the time to do all the above necessary steps. As time passes, the Judge will most likely rule in your favor. This process will take some time, patience and diligence on your part, but your efforts may pay
off in the end, as it did in my case. Once that long awaited envelope comes in the mail, carefully open it and you might just be as surprised, as I was, by finding a refund check and the words “Exoneration $167.40. One (1) count dismissed in the interest of justice. Infraction hearing concluded. Hearing disposed. Defendant released.”
This gave me such a feeling of exuberance and pure satisfaction indicating that my hard work and perseverance paid off. So, if a motorcycle police officer ever pulls you over for a speeding ticket, try not to overreact and maybe you too can beat the system by being very careful and reading everything on the back of the ticket. Then do whatever is in your power to try to contest the citation without ever appearing in court - as I did.
Joel Murphy
English 51
14 March 2009
Exonerated
Have you ever been pulled over by a motorcycle police officer? Did he write out your speeding ticket and just drive away, leaving you with a feeling of embarrassment, shame, anger and bewilderment? One particular experience I had has changed my attitude. I can tell you all about how to contest a traffic ticket, win and even get your money back.
First, try to look very sad when the officer pulls you over. Do not get angry. Do everything he asks in a very cooperative manner. Show remorse, sadness and the willingness to comply, ant at this point, you can even start to shed a tear or two. If you are lucky, the officer will give a little hint (as he did in my case). He told me not to worry and that everything will be fine. Just read the back of the ticket very carefully and do everything it says to do about requesting a trial by declaration. “Vehicle Code section 40902 allows a defendant to contest a citation in writing without having to make a personal court appearance.” This procedure is called a “trial by written declaration”.
Next, a letter must be written to the court in reference to your citation number stating that you are contesting the violation by way of requesting a trial by written declaration. An important statement that needs to make in this letter is that if the judge feels it necessary to find you guilty, you want to request the right to attend traffic school. Physically bring this letter to the county clerk and pay the fine. The clerk, at that point, will give you the necessary paperwork to contest the ticket.
Once you have that form, fill it out completely, sign it and attach your written statement of what exactly happened along with any descriptive photographs or diagrams you want to include as evidence. For example, the speed limit sign (if one was posted), weather conditions, street grading (if there was a hill), and if there were any cars in front or behind you. These factors can help your case to prove there was reasonable doubt. Your written statement must include the following legal language, “I declare under penalty of perjury that this statement is true and correct.” Each written statement and proof of evidence must be signed and dated (these statements are called “declarations”).
One last trip to the courthouse is necessary. After the clerk receives the declaration, the clerk will notify the officer who issued the citation. The officer will be given the opportunity to submit his declaration regarding the citation, by a specific date. Now you wait with anticipation and hope that the officer will not respond in time, or at all. Once that date has passed, the court will notify you by mail of its decision.
Experience has shown that most motorcycle police officers do not take the time to do all the above necessary steps. As time passes, the Judge will most likely rule in your favor. This process will take some time, patience and diligence on your part, but your efforts may pay
off in the end, as it did in my case. Once that long awaited envelope comes in the mail, carefully open it and you might just be as surprised, as I was, by finding a refund check and the words “Exoneration $167.40. One (1) count dismissed in the interest of justice. Infraction hearing concluded. Hearing disposed. Defendant released.”
This gave me such a feeling of exuberance and pure satisfaction indicating that my hard work and perseverance paid off. So, if a motorcycle police officer ever pulls you over for a speeding ticket, try not to overreact and maybe you too can beat the system by being very careful and reading everything on the back of the ticket. Then do whatever is in your power to try to contest the citation without ever appearing in court - as I did.
Friday, March 6, 2009
Facebook is a Kick!
I just started on Facebook and feel like a KID again! I have connected with almost 20 of my old friends from back home, Seaford (Island Trees High School, Levittown, NY) My next door neighbor & I grew up in the playpen together all the way through high school-we lost touch for a few years, but have been in contact and visit each other whenever we travel cross country. It's all the others that are amazing me!! About 5 kids from the street I grew up on to kids I went to Kindergarden with. It is so much fun being able to be in instant touch at the push of a key! I am just sorry that we didn't have this kind of technology sooner. It's almost 37 years since I graduated high school (OOPS-giving away my age) but that is not even relavent. You are as old as you feel. Having 2 young children (4 & 7) and now FACEBOOK--I just feel like a kid all over again! Everyday I am getting more and more requests to ""confirm ...as a friend".
3rd draft-Process Essay "Exonerated"
Debbie Suer
Joel Murphy
English 51
14 March 2009
Exonerated
Have you ever been pulled over by a motorcycle police officer? Did he write out your speeding ticket and just drive away, leaving you with a feeling of embarrassment, shame, anger and bewilderment? One particular experience I had has changed my attitude. I can tell you all about how to contest a traffic ticket, win and even get your money back.
Joel Murphy
English 51
14 March 2009
Exonerated
Have you ever been pulled over by a motorcycle police officer? Did he write out your speeding ticket and just drive away, leaving you with a feeling of embarrassment, shame, anger and bewilderment? One particular experience I had has changed my attitude. I can tell you all about how to contest a traffic ticket, win and even get your money back.
First, try to look very sad when the officer pulls you over. Do not get angry. Do everything he asks in a very cooperative manner. Show some remorse, sadness and the willingness to comply, and at this point, you can even start to shed a tear or two. If you are lucky, the officer will give a little hint (as he did in my case). He told me not to worry and that everything will be fine. Just read the back of the ticket very carefully and do everything it says to do about requesting a trial by declaration. “Vehicle Code section 40902 allows a defendant to contest a citation in writing without having to make a personal court appearance.” This procedure is called a “trial by written declaration”.
Next, a letter must be written to the court in reference to your citation number stating that you are contesting the violation by way of requesting a trial by written declaration. An important statement that needs to make in this letter is that if the judge feels it necessary to find you guilty, you want to request the right to attend traffic school. Physically bring this letter to the county clerk and pay the fine. The clerk, at that point, will give you the necessary paperwork to contest the ticket.
Once you have that form, fill it out completely, sign it and attach your written statement of what exactly happened along with any descriptive photographs or diagrams you want to include as evidence. For example, the speed limit sign (if one was posted), weather conditions, street grading (if there was a hill), and if there were any cars in front or behind you. These factors can help your case, to prove there was reasonable doubt. Your written statement must include the following legal language, “I declare under penalty of perjury that this statement is true and correct.” Each written statement and proof of evidence must be signed and dated (these statements are called “declarations”).
One last trip to the courthouse is necessary. After the clerk receives the declaration, the clerk will notify the officer who issued the citation. The officer will be given the opportunity to submit his declaration regarding the citation, by a specific date. Now you wait with anticipation and hope that the officer will not respond in time, or at all. Once that date has passed, the court will notify you by mail of its decision.
Experience has shown that most motorcycle police officers do not take the time to do all the above necessary steps. As time passes, the judge will most likely rule in your favor. This process will take some time, patience and diligence on your part, but your efforts will pay off in the end, as it did in my case. Once that long awaited envelope comes in the mail, carefully open it up and you might just be as surprised as I was, by finding a check and the words “Exoneration $167.40. One (1) count dismissed in the interest of justice. Infraction hearing concluded. Hearing disposed. Defendant released.”
This gave me such a feeling of exuberance and pure satisfaction that my hard work and perseverance paid off. So if a motorcycle police officer ever pulls you over for a speeding ticket, try not to overreact and maybe you too can beat the system by being careful to read everything on the back of the ticket and do everything in your power to try and contest it without appearing in court, as I did.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Rough 1st draft of my process essay "Exonerated"
Exonerated
Have you ever been pulled over by a motorcycle police officer? Did he write out your speeding ticket and just drive away, leaving you with a feeling of embarrassment, shame, anger and bewilderment? One particular experience I had has changed my attitude. I can tell you all about how to lodge a complaint, win and even get your money back.
First, you need to look very sad when the officer pulls you over. You cannot get angry. Do everything he asks you to do in a very cooperative manner. You do need to show remorse,
sadness and the willingness to comply, but you can at this point now start to shed a tear or two.
If you are lucky, the officer will give you a little hint (as he did in my case). He told me not to
worry and that everything will be fine. Just read the back of the ticket very carefully and do
everything it says to do about requesting a trial by declaration. Vehicle Code section 40902 allows a defendant to contest a citation in writing without having to make a personal court appearance. This procedure is called a “trial by written declaration”
Now you need to write a letter to the court in reference to your citation number stating that you are contesting the violation by way of requesting a trial by written declaration. An important statement you need to make in this letter is that if the Judge feels it necessary to find you guilty, you want to request the right to attend traffic school. You need to physically bring this letter to the county clerk and pay the fine. The clerk, at that point, will give you the necessary paperwork to fill out stating your case.
Once you have that form, you fill it out completely, sign it and attach your written statement of what exactly happened along with any descriptive photographs or diagrams you want to include as evidence. Your written statement must include the following language. “I declare under penalty of perjury that this statement is true and correct.” You must sign and date each written statement (these statements are called “declarations”).
After the clerk receives the declaration, the clerk will notify the officer who issued you the citation. The officer will be given the opportunity to submit a declaration regarding the citation by a specific date. You will be notified by mail of the court’s decision.
Experience has shown that these motorcycle police officers do not take the time to do all the above necessary steps. As time passes, the Judge will most likely rule in your favor. It will take some time, patience and diligence, but your efforts will pay off in the end, once you get that long awaited envelope in the mail. You carefully open it up to find a check and the words Exoneration $167.40. One (1) count dismissed in the interest of justice. Infraction hearing
concluded, hearing disposed. Defendant released.
Have you ever been pulled over by a motorcycle police officer? Did he write out your speeding ticket and just drive away, leaving you with a feeling of embarrassment, shame, anger and bewilderment? One particular experience I had has changed my attitude. I can tell you all about how to lodge a complaint, win and even get your money back.
First, you need to look very sad when the officer pulls you over. You cannot get angry. Do everything he asks you to do in a very cooperative manner. You do need to show remorse,
sadness and the willingness to comply, but you can at this point now start to shed a tear or two.
If you are lucky, the officer will give you a little hint (as he did in my case). He told me not to
worry and that everything will be fine. Just read the back of the ticket very carefully and do
everything it says to do about requesting a trial by declaration. Vehicle Code section 40902 allows a defendant to contest a citation in writing without having to make a personal court appearance. This procedure is called a “trial by written declaration”
Now you need to write a letter to the court in reference to your citation number stating that you are contesting the violation by way of requesting a trial by written declaration. An important statement you need to make in this letter is that if the Judge feels it necessary to find you guilty, you want to request the right to attend traffic school. You need to physically bring this letter to the county clerk and pay the fine. The clerk, at that point, will give you the necessary paperwork to fill out stating your case.
Once you have that form, you fill it out completely, sign it and attach your written statement of what exactly happened along with any descriptive photographs or diagrams you want to include as evidence. Your written statement must include the following language. “I declare under penalty of perjury that this statement is true and correct.” You must sign and date each written statement (these statements are called “declarations”).
After the clerk receives the declaration, the clerk will notify the officer who issued you the citation. The officer will be given the opportunity to submit a declaration regarding the citation by a specific date. You will be notified by mail of the court’s decision.
Experience has shown that these motorcycle police officers do not take the time to do all the above necessary steps. As time passes, the Judge will most likely rule in your favor. It will take some time, patience and diligence, but your efforts will pay off in the end, once you get that long awaited envelope in the mail. You carefully open it up to find a check and the words Exoneration $167.40. One (1) count dismissed in the interest of justice. Infraction hearing
concluded, hearing disposed. Defendant released.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Trying to decide on a process essay topic--
I am torn between writing about the steps to "lodge a comlpaint and win" and "Steps to get an Adoptive/Foster License" I am afraid the later will be too long (it's too easy for me to go on & on-I need to cut down) but the subject is very dear to my heart. I believe I can convince the reader how important it is to "be aware and to learn" how to parent BEFORE they give birth! Maybe there wouldn't be so many children "out there" in the system! It is a crying shame and I know first hand how these poor children suffer due to the neglect of their parents-both inside the womb and out.
The other topic is how to get a speeding ticket exonerated.. I did this by diligently executing all the required steps to request a trial by declaration. It wasn't too difficult, just tedious. It worked in the end, because I got a FULL refund of my fine of $167.40 and the cash bail was EXONERATED, the citation was DISMISSED in the interest of justice! I'm sure this would be easier. Maybe I can write about the other subject for another project. I will check with Aaron in the lab and see what he thinks.
The other topic is how to get a speeding ticket exonerated.. I did this by diligently executing all the required steps to request a trial by declaration. It wasn't too difficult, just tedious. It worked in the end, because I got a FULL refund of my fine of $167.40 and the cash bail was EXONERATED, the citation was DISMISSED in the interest of justice! I'm sure this would be easier. Maybe I can write about the other subject for another project. I will check with Aaron in the lab and see what he thinks.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Final Draft-Descriptive Essay
Debbie Suer
Joel Murphy
English 51
28 February 2009
From Sixteen to Four
Have you ever been in a room with fourteen children? Well, that was how you would describe my living room for the past eight years. I can remember when our home was our own. The transformation from a daycare playroom back to a home living room has had an enormous positive impact on my family’s stress level.
The experience started in the summer of 2008. The economic recession was beginning to show its ugly head when one by one my clients were loosing their jobs; therefore, there was no need for daycare. I continued to keep my fulltime assistant, who was my right hand, but when my client load went from fourteen to eight, I no longer could afford her salary. That Christmas was a sad one. I had to let her go. I handled the next six months all by myself. Between my own two children, who were now getting older and jealous of my time spent with others’ children, and working alone, I had to make the hardest decision I ever made. My husband and I had to close down the daycare business for the summer or I would loose my mind!
When the living room was a daycare, it was the first room you saw when you walked into the house. Upon entering, the view was remarkable! It was cheery, bright, colorful and extremely energetic. The furniture consisted mostly of primary colored plastic. There also was a pink and white square plastic table with blue and white plastic chairs. They were mini size, of course. Now, when you walk into the living room there are normal adult size couches in warm colors, a coffee table, a comfortable chair and a television/home theater system. Much easier on the eyes I would say.
The colored plastic furniture had its purpose, but one cannot compare the feel of a cold hard plastic mini chair set to that of a nice warm, soft couch. It sure was a busy place when as many as fourteen little ones were playing with their array of hard plastic toys, like trucks, dolls, and baby strollers. Everything had to be wiped clean, due to either sticky fingers, runny noses or “an accident”. I could just tell what type of mess I was up against by touching it.
The living room became known as “the playroom” for the children. I cannot even begin to describe the noise factor we put up with over the years! We absorbed noise levels that would make a subway station sound like a warm summer breeze. There were honking cars, talking dolls, squeaking rubber ducks, singing books, not to mention babies crying and toddlers having temper tantrums. On top of that, our large loveable Old English Sheepdog would bark at the top of his lungs as soon as anyone rang the doorbell and our African Grey Parrott would mimic all the above mentioned sounds in addition to the microwave, the garbage disposal, the telephone, and even my own voice! That has toned down now, only to the ruckus that my own two children can make.
The playroom also had a distinctive combination of odors, ranging from good to bad. There was the mere scent of plastic to the smell of crayons, paint, glue, even dirty diapers, temporarily, of course. The nice smells were at least Desitin ointment, Johnson’s Baby powder, and even that tropical aroma of sunscreen when we went in the pool. I do miss some of those memories, but now I am content with the scent of a nice vanilla candle or potpourri, which we could not use for licensing and safety reasons.
The decision to make this transformation was a difficult one. I knew I took some risks. I did plan to open up again in the fall for a “before and after care homework helper club” for older schoolchildren, but it backfired on me. Little did I know that the elementary school around the corner would set up their own after care program at half the amount of money that I would have charged. This discovery was not made until August! I had to regroup and turn direction.
I made the decision to change careers and go to College of the Desert for a higher education. My family has benefited because we are back to as normal a schedule as possible, without the distraction of fourteen other bodies in our home. I do miss being a caregiver, but my own family needs me more and our stress level has returned to some kind of normalcy. I can look to the future with a positive outlook in knowing that what I am trying to accomplish will be in all our best interests in the end. I do believe things happen for a reason, and when one door closes, another one opens.
.
Joel Murphy
English 51
28 February 2009
From Sixteen to Four
Have you ever been in a room with fourteen children? Well, that was how you would describe my living room for the past eight years. I can remember when our home was our own. The transformation from a daycare playroom back to a home living room has had an enormous positive impact on my family’s stress level.
The experience started in the summer of 2008. The economic recession was beginning to show its ugly head when one by one my clients were loosing their jobs; therefore, there was no need for daycare. I continued to keep my fulltime assistant, who was my right hand, but when my client load went from fourteen to eight, I no longer could afford her salary. That Christmas was a sad one. I had to let her go. I handled the next six months all by myself. Between my own two children, who were now getting older and jealous of my time spent with others’ children, and working alone, I had to make the hardest decision I ever made. My husband and I had to close down the daycare business for the summer or I would loose my mind!
When the living room was a daycare, it was the first room you saw when you walked into the house. Upon entering, the view was remarkable! It was cheery, bright, colorful and extremely energetic. The furniture consisted mostly of primary colored plastic. There also was a pink and white square plastic table with blue and white plastic chairs. They were mini size, of course. Now, when you walk into the living room there are normal adult size couches in warm colors, a coffee table, a comfortable chair and a television/home theater system. Much easier on the eyes I would say.
The colored plastic furniture had its purpose, but one cannot compare the feel of a cold hard plastic mini chair set to that of a nice warm, soft couch. It sure was a busy place when as many as fourteen little ones were playing with their array of hard plastic toys, like trucks, dolls, and baby strollers. Everything had to be wiped clean, due to either sticky fingers, runny noses or “an accident”. I could just tell what type of mess I was up against by touching it.
The living room became known as “the playroom” for the children. I cannot even begin to describe the noise factor we put up with over the years! We absorbed noise levels that would make a subway station sound like a warm summer breeze. There were honking cars, talking dolls, squeaking rubber ducks, singing books, not to mention babies crying and toddlers having temper tantrums. On top of that, our large loveable Old English Sheepdog would bark at the top of his lungs as soon as anyone rang the doorbell and our African Grey Parrott would mimic all the above mentioned sounds in addition to the microwave, the garbage disposal, the telephone, and even my own voice! That has toned down now, only to the ruckus that my own two children can make.
The playroom also had a distinctive combination of odors, ranging from good to bad. There was the mere scent of plastic to the smell of crayons, paint, glue, even dirty diapers, temporarily, of course. The nice smells were at least Desitin ointment, Johnson’s Baby powder, and even that tropical aroma of sunscreen when we went in the pool. I do miss some of those memories, but now I am content with the scent of a nice vanilla candle or potpourri, which we could not use for licensing and safety reasons.
The decision to make this transformation was a difficult one. I knew I took some risks. I did plan to open up again in the fall for a “before and after care homework helper club” for older schoolchildren, but it backfired on me. Little did I know that the elementary school around the corner would set up their own after care program at half the amount of money that I would have charged. This discovery was not made until August! I had to regroup and turn direction.
I made the decision to change careers and go to College of the Desert for a higher education. My family has benefited because we are back to as normal a schedule as possible, without the distraction of fourteen other bodies in our home. I do miss being a caregiver, but my own family needs me more and our stress level has returned to some kind of normalcy. I can look to the future with a positive outlook in knowing that what I am trying to accomplish will be in all our best interests in the end. I do believe things happen for a reason, and when one door closes, another one opens.
.
Homework Assignment Pages 4-17
Debbie Suer
Joel Murphy
English 51
Homework Assignment for 28 Feb 09
Finding my best space--is definately in my office at my computer after all the daily chores have been done including-dishes washed, kids clothes layed out for the next day, kids bathed and asleep-usually not until 8-9PM
Writing techniques
1. Listing - Brainshtoming by listing all your ideas on paper as they pop out of your head.
2. Freewriting - Write on paper whatever comes to mind first and going on from there.
3. Looping - Use lots of pieces of paper, like freewring and finding a center of gravity sentence from them to loop together.
4. The Boomerang - Go over a subject in different directions with opposite points of viewa, as a variation of the above mentioned forms.
5. Clustering - Start in the center of a piece of paper with a main idea in a circle and branch out from that into different clusters of circles.
6. Cubing - Use a 6 sided cube to roll a subject mentally around.
7.Interviewing - Discuss the who, what, where, & whens by interviewing classmates, friends, family or professionals.
8. The Cross Examination - Use the same technique as "the interview", but with yourself.
9. Sketching - Draw, sketch, make cartoons of pictures in your mind as a visual aid.
10. Dramitizing the subject - Like cubing, make a "star" with your ideas at each point and roll them around in your mind as if it were a drama or play.
Joel Murphy
English 51
Homework Assignment for 28 Feb 09
Finding my best space--is definately in my office at my computer after all the daily chores have been done including-dishes washed, kids clothes layed out for the next day, kids bathed and asleep-usually not until 8-9PM
Writing techniques
1. Listing - Brainshtoming by listing all your ideas on paper as they pop out of your head.
2. Freewriting - Write on paper whatever comes to mind first and going on from there.
3. Looping - Use lots of pieces of paper, like freewring and finding a center of gravity sentence from them to loop together.
4. The Boomerang - Go over a subject in different directions with opposite points of viewa, as a variation of the above mentioned forms.
5. Clustering - Start in the center of a piece of paper with a main idea in a circle and branch out from that into different clusters of circles.
6. Cubing - Use a 6 sided cube to roll a subject mentally around.
7.Interviewing - Discuss the who, what, where, & whens by interviewing classmates, friends, family or professionals.
8. The Cross Examination - Use the same technique as "the interview", but with yourself.
9. Sketching - Draw, sketch, make cartoons of pictures in your mind as a visual aid.
10. Dramitizing the subject - Like cubing, make a "star" with your ideas at each point and roll them around in your mind as if it were a drama or play.
The Descriptive Essay is finally finished!
This has been an amazing experience. My essay has been read by too many people with too many ideas of their own. I took what I needed and left the rest. My most challenging issues were getting conflicting information from so called "experts" on tense and number writing.
I just hope I didn't scew it up by changing it --again! These have only been tiny changes, but changes, nontheless.
I will be happy when it is finally in Murphy's hands!
I am happy with it--it made me laugh to myself, so I hope he gets a kick out of it also.
I just hope I didn't scew it up by changing it --again! These have only been tiny changes, but changes, nontheless.
I will be happy when it is finally in Murphy's hands!
I am happy with it--it made me laugh to myself, so I hope he gets a kick out of it also.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
3rd draft
Debbie Suer
Joel Murphy
English 51
11 February 2009
From 16 to 4
Have you ever been in a room with 14 children? Well, that was how you would describe my living room for the past 8 years. The transformation from a Day Care Playroom back to a home Living Room has had an enormous positive impact on my family.
The experience started in the summer of 2008. The economic recession was beginning to show its’ ugly head when one by one my clients were loosing their jobs, therefore, no need for Day Care. I continued to keep my full time assistant, who was my right hand, but when my client load went from fourteen to eight, I no longer could afford her salary. That Christmas was a sad one. I had to let her go. I handled the next 6 months all by myself. Between my own two children, who were now getting older and jealous of my time spent with others’ children, and working alone, I had to make the hardest decision I ever made. We had to close it down or I would loose my mind!
The Living Room is the first room you see when you walk into the house. Upon entering, view would be a remarkable sight. It was cheery, bright, colorful and extremely energetic. The furniture consisted mostly of primary colored plastic. There also was a pink and white square plastic table with blue and white plastic chairs. They were mini size, of course. Now when you walk in the Living Room there are normal adult size couches in warm colors, a coffee table, a chair and a T.V home theater system. Much easier on the eyes I would say.
The colored plastic furniture had its’ purpose, but one cannot compare the feel of a cold hard plastic mini chair set to that of a nice warm, soft couch. It sure was a busy place when as many as 14 little ones were playing with their array of hard plastic toys, like trucks, dolls, and baby strollers. Everything had to be wiped clean due to either sticky fingers, snotty noses or “an accident”. I could just tell by touching it what type of mess I was up against.
The Living Room became know as the “Playroom” for the children. I cannot even begin to describe the noise factor we put up with over the years! We absorbed noise levels that would make a subway station sound like a warm summer breeze. There were honking cars, talking dolls, squeaking rubber ducks, singing books, not to mention babies crying and toddlers having temper tantrums. On top of that our large loveable Old English Sheepdog would bark at the top of his lungs as soon as anyone rang the doorbell and our African Grey Parrott would be mimicking all the above mentioned sounds in addition to the microwave, the garbage disposal, the telephone, and even my own voice! That has toned down now, only to the ruckus that my own two children can make.
The playroom also had a distinctive combination of odors, ranging from good to bad. There was the mere scent of plastic to the smell of crayons, paint, glue, even dirty diapers, temporarily, of course. The nice smells were at least Destin, Johnson’s Baby Powder, and even that tropical aroma of sunscreen when we went in the pool. I do miss some of those, but now I am content with the scent of a nice vanilla candle or potpourri, which we could not use for licensing and safety reasons.
The decision to make this transformation was a difficult one. We knew we took some risks. We did plan to open up again in the fall for “Before and After Care” as a Homework Helper Club for older schoolchildren, but it backfired on us. Little did we know that the Elementary School around the corner would set up their own After Care program at half the amount of money that I would charge. This was not discovered until August! I had to regroup and turn direction.
I made the decision to change careers and go to C.O.D. for a higher education. My family has benefited because we are back to as normal a schedule as possible, without the distraction of fourteen other bodies in our home. I do miss being a caregiver, but my own family needs me more. I can look to the future with a positive outlook in knowing that what I am trying to accomplish will be in all our best interests in the end. I do believe things happen for a reason, and when one door closes, another one opens.
.
Joel Murphy
English 51
11 February 2009
From 16 to 4
Have you ever been in a room with 14 children? Well, that was how you would describe my living room for the past 8 years. The transformation from a Day Care Playroom back to a home Living Room has had an enormous positive impact on my family.
The experience started in the summer of 2008. The economic recession was beginning to show its’ ugly head when one by one my clients were loosing their jobs, therefore, no need for Day Care. I continued to keep my full time assistant, who was my right hand, but when my client load went from fourteen to eight, I no longer could afford her salary. That Christmas was a sad one. I had to let her go. I handled the next 6 months all by myself. Between my own two children, who were now getting older and jealous of my time spent with others’ children, and working alone, I had to make the hardest decision I ever made. We had to close it down or I would loose my mind!
The Living Room is the first room you see when you walk into the house. Upon entering, view would be a remarkable sight. It was cheery, bright, colorful and extremely energetic. The furniture consisted mostly of primary colored plastic. There also was a pink and white square plastic table with blue and white plastic chairs. They were mini size, of course. Now when you walk in the Living Room there are normal adult size couches in warm colors, a coffee table, a chair and a T.V home theater system. Much easier on the eyes I would say.
The colored plastic furniture had its’ purpose, but one cannot compare the feel of a cold hard plastic mini chair set to that of a nice warm, soft couch. It sure was a busy place when as many as 14 little ones were playing with their array of hard plastic toys, like trucks, dolls, and baby strollers. Everything had to be wiped clean due to either sticky fingers, snotty noses or “an accident”. I could just tell by touching it what type of mess I was up against.
The Living Room became know as the “Playroom” for the children. I cannot even begin to describe the noise factor we put up with over the years! We absorbed noise levels that would make a subway station sound like a warm summer breeze. There were honking cars, talking dolls, squeaking rubber ducks, singing books, not to mention babies crying and toddlers having temper tantrums. On top of that our large loveable Old English Sheepdog would bark at the top of his lungs as soon as anyone rang the doorbell and our African Grey Parrott would be mimicking all the above mentioned sounds in addition to the microwave, the garbage disposal, the telephone, and even my own voice! That has toned down now, only to the ruckus that my own two children can make.
The playroom also had a distinctive combination of odors, ranging from good to bad. There was the mere scent of plastic to the smell of crayons, paint, glue, even dirty diapers, temporarily, of course. The nice smells were at least Destin, Johnson’s Baby Powder, and even that tropical aroma of sunscreen when we went in the pool. I do miss some of those, but now I am content with the scent of a nice vanilla candle or potpourri, which we could not use for licensing and safety reasons.
The decision to make this transformation was a difficult one. We knew we took some risks. We did plan to open up again in the fall for “Before and After Care” as a Homework Helper Club for older schoolchildren, but it backfired on us. Little did we know that the Elementary School around the corner would set up their own After Care program at half the amount of money that I would charge. This was not discovered until August! I had to regroup and turn direction.
I made the decision to change careers and go to C.O.D. for a higher education. My family has benefited because we are back to as normal a schedule as possible, without the distraction of fourteen other bodies in our home. I do miss being a caregiver, but my own family needs me more. I can look to the future with a positive outlook in knowing that what I am trying to accomplish will be in all our best interests in the end. I do believe things happen for a reason, and when one door closes, another one opens.
.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
2nd draft Descriptive Essay
Debbie Suer
Joel Murphy
English 51
11February2009
Joel Murphy
English 51
11February2009
From 16 to 4
Have you ever been in a room with 14 children? Well, that was how you would describe my living room for the past 8 years. The transformation from a Day Care Playroom back to a home Living Room has had an enormous positive impact on my family.
The experience started in the summer of 2008. The economic recession was beginning to show its’ ugly head when one by one my customers were loosing their jobs, therefore, no need for Day Care. I continued to keep my full time assistant, who was my right hand, but when my customer load went from fourteen to eight, I no longer could afford her salary. That Christmas was a sad one. I had to let her go. I handled the next 6 months all by myself. Between my own two children, who were now getting older and jealous of my time spent with others’ children, and working alone, I had to make the hardest decision I ever made. We had to close it down or I would loose my mind!
The Living Room is the first room you see when you walk into the house. Upon entering, view would be a cheerful, bright, colorful and energetic sight to behold. The furniture consisted of primary colored plastic. Now when you walk in the Living Room there are normal adult couches in warm colors, a coffee table, a chair and T.V home theater system. Much easier on the eyes, yes?
The colored plastic furniture had its’ purpose, but one cannot compare the feel of a cold hard plastic mini chair set to that of a nice warm, soft couch. It sure was a busy place when as many as 14 little ones were playing with their array of hard plastic toys, like trucks, dolls, and baby strollers.
The Living Room became know as the “Playroom” for the children. I cannot even begin to describe the noise factor we put up with over the years! There were honking cars, talking dolls, squeaking rubber ducks, singing books, not to mention babies crying and toddlers having temper tantrums. That has toned down now, only to the ruckus that my own two children can make.
The playroom also had a distinctive combination of odors, ranging from good to bad. There was the mere scent of plastic to the smell of crayons, paint, glue, even dirty diapers, temporarily, of course. The nice smells were at least Destin, Johnson’s Baby Powder, and even that tropical aroma of sunscreen when we went in the pool. I do miss some of those, but now I am content with the scent of a nice vanilla candle or potpourri, which we could not use for licensing and safety reasons.
The decision to make this transformation was a difficult one. We knew we took some risks. We did plan to open up again in the fall for “Before and After Care” as a Homework Helper Club for older schoolchildren, but it backfired on us. Little did we know that the Elementary School around the corner would set up their own After Care program at half the amount of money that I would charge. This was not discovered until August! I had to regroup and turn direction.
I made the decision to change careers and go to C.O.D. for a higher education. My family has benefited because we are back to as normal a schedule as possible, without the distraction of fourteen other bodies in our home. I do miss being a caregiver, but my own family needs me more. I can look to the future with a positive outlook in knowing that what I am trying to accomplish will be in all our best interests in the end. I do believe things happen for a reason, and when one door closes, another one opens.
.
.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Inside my Fridge
Oh, I forgot-we were supposed to comment on that essay from last Saturday.
Well, I thought the essay was rather uninterestuing/boring until the writer mentioned missing her home and Mother. It was only then she got my attention. I think she should have woven that information into her piece. She also didn't explain why her part of the fridge was so bare (only water and health bar?) Again, it needed more information about the connection of "home/Mom" to that.
Well, I thought the essay was rather uninterestuing/boring until the writer mentioned missing her home and Mother. It was only then she got my attention. I think she should have woven that information into her piece. She also didn't explain why her part of the fridge was so bare (only water and health bar?) Again, it needed more information about the connection of "home/Mom" to that.
English Lab!
Hey--what was that? Joel Murphy didn't tell us about "AllWrite"!
I finally met the infamous Tanya yesterday and she handed me a paper with tons of score summary boxes--maybe I missed it, but this was news to me.
Anyway, with the 2 weeks many of us missed from the lab (as it was closed by 2pm) I hope we can make it up, along with writing an essay!
I wonder if we can get the program somehow and download it to our home computers I will ask Tanya today.
I finally met the infamous Tanya yesterday and she handed me a paper with tons of score summary boxes--maybe I missed it, but this was news to me.
Anyway, with the 2 weeks many of us missed from the lab (as it was closed by 2pm) I hope we can make it up, along with writing an essay!
I wonder if we can get the program somehow and download it to our home computers I will ask Tanya today.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
This is very new to me. I'm sure I will get the hang of it very soon, though. I'm a quick learner and very technically savy. My brother, who is 13 years younger than me & has a PhD in clinical psychology, has taught me alot. He got me on Facebook and we use SKYPE all the time as he lives in SFO and my sister & Dad live in NY. It's great to be able to just click and have a cyber conversation!
It was a pleasure meeting Joel Murphy today in English 51. He was very interesting to listen to. He kept my attention due to his fantastic sense of humor, which kept the atmosphere in the classroom very light. It is a small class, so I'm sure we will get to know each other pretty quickly.
I think I might be the oldest one there, besides the guy sitting behind me (sorry-don't know your name yet) I think Mr Murphy said you graduated in 75--well I have you beat--I graduated high school in 72! This is an amazing "remolding" of my life.
I know it will be a challenge, but I'm looking forward to do my best and have a good attitude about it. The one BIG advantage we older ones have is LIFE experiences. You can't learn that--it just comes from hands on experiences with all aspects of life that these small frys haven't even got any idea of yet! It's really neat, though, to have such a diverse mix. I am looking forward to next Saturday morning.
It was a pleasure meeting Joel Murphy today in English 51. He was very interesting to listen to. He kept my attention due to his fantastic sense of humor, which kept the atmosphere in the classroom very light. It is a small class, so I'm sure we will get to know each other pretty quickly.
I think I might be the oldest one there, besides the guy sitting behind me (sorry-don't know your name yet) I think Mr Murphy said you graduated in 75--well I have you beat--I graduated high school in 72! This is an amazing "remolding" of my life.
I know it will be a challenge, but I'm looking forward to do my best and have a good attitude about it. The one BIG advantage we older ones have is LIFE experiences. You can't learn that--it just comes from hands on experiences with all aspects of life that these small frys haven't even got any idea of yet! It's really neat, though, to have such a diverse mix. I am looking forward to next Saturday morning.
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