I have moved my blog:
fullspectrumnews.wordpress.com
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Some Basics
I've been asked to clarify some definitions.
ABA= Applied Behavioral Analysis. It is the most prominent treatment theory for autism today. It is based in teaching new skills through positive and negative reinforcement. It is based in empirical data and measured by observable results. At its most simple form, it diagnoses behavior through an ABC approach. "A" being the antecedent, the event or environment before a certain behavior occurs, "B" as the behavior, whether positive, negative, or neutral, and "C" as the consequence. In ABA, there is an antecedent for every behavior, and a consequence (whether positive, negative, or neutral) for every behavior as well. By controlling the antecedents and consequences, we can teach appropriate behavior and new skills to autistic children.
VB= Verbal Behavior Intervention. Originally developed by Skinner in the 1950's, this theory has been used to treat autistic children recently to "fill in the gaps of ABA." It is a continuation of ABA and often is referred to as ABA-VB. It is based on contriving the motive of the child to obtain language skills. It is based on the theory that people develop language as a means to obtain something that they want or need. VB breaks this down to observable, measurable language acquisition through following the motive (MO) of the child through reinforcement. For example, a VB therapist might approach a child with a toy, concealed in a paper bag and contrive the child's MO by saying, "I have something super fun in this bag," which is a subtle prompt for the child to ask "What?" When the child does ask "What?" then they are reinforced by being shown what is in the bag. This is called a "Mand for information" and is a very basic principle of VB.
BCBA- Board Certified Behavior Analysis. This is a post-master's degree certifying someone as a behavioral analysist.
I hope that clarifies some of the acronyms I have been using lately. I know that some of the things I have been writing about may only appeal to a specific niche, but I am very passionate about spreading the word about the research I have been doing. If this does not interest you but you know someone that it might interest, please pass it on to somebody who you think it might.
For those who do read this, thank you for your support. I feel this is an issue that needs to be addressed and I am thankful for the people who are speaking up about this with me.
ABA= Applied Behavioral Analysis. It is the most prominent treatment theory for autism today. It is based in teaching new skills through positive and negative reinforcement. It is based in empirical data and measured by observable results. At its most simple form, it diagnoses behavior through an ABC approach. "A" being the antecedent, the event or environment before a certain behavior occurs, "B" as the behavior, whether positive, negative, or neutral, and "C" as the consequence. In ABA, there is an antecedent for every behavior, and a consequence (whether positive, negative, or neutral) for every behavior as well. By controlling the antecedents and consequences, we can teach appropriate behavior and new skills to autistic children.
VB= Verbal Behavior Intervention. Originally developed by Skinner in the 1950's, this theory has been used to treat autistic children recently to "fill in the gaps of ABA." It is a continuation of ABA and often is referred to as ABA-VB. It is based on contriving the motive of the child to obtain language skills. It is based on the theory that people develop language as a means to obtain something that they want or need. VB breaks this down to observable, measurable language acquisition through following the motive (MO) of the child through reinforcement. For example, a VB therapist might approach a child with a toy, concealed in a paper bag and contrive the child's MO by saying, "I have something super fun in this bag," which is a subtle prompt for the child to ask "What?" When the child does ask "What?" then they are reinforced by being shown what is in the bag. This is called a "Mand for information" and is a very basic principle of VB.
BCBA- Board Certified Behavior Analysis. This is a post-master's degree certifying someone as a behavioral analysist.
I hope that clarifies some of the acronyms I have been using lately. I know that some of the things I have been writing about may only appeal to a specific niche, but I am very passionate about spreading the word about the research I have been doing. If this does not interest you but you know someone that it might interest, please pass it on to somebody who you think it might.
For those who do read this, thank you for your support. I feel this is an issue that needs to be addressed and I am thankful for the people who are speaking up about this with me.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Unqualified ABA Therapists
Unnamed Company (the same for-profit company I mentioned earlier) has a reputation "as one of the world’s largest and most experienced organizations effectively treating children with autism," according to multiple sources. I personally know some of the therapists that work for this Unnamed Company, and they are genuine and loving people. However, I question the validity of this company's self proclaimed effectiveness and experience. (I will not disclose the company's name until I have further investigated and am ready to publish my findings. I will refer to it, instead as Unnamed Company).
What are the qualifications to be employed as an ABA Therapist for Unnamed Company? According to their own sources, you must be "pursuing a degree in psychology, education, early childhood development, or related field." Not obtained--pursuing. That leaves the door wide open for many people who may have once taken a psychology class at a community college but dropped out mid semester. That's "pursuing" a degree in psychology, right?
Here's more: this apparently top-notch company provides their new hires with one week of training before they are given the prestigious sounding title of "ABA Therapist." After one so-called "comprehensive" week of training, these pseudo-professionals walk into a family's home offering therapy services to children all over the autism spectrum. Parents are then expected to look to these individuals as the "experts," because of course years of raising your own child with autism means nothing compared to a week of sitting in some powerpoint lectures.
Sadly, the state isn't going to question any ABA company's validity at this point because they are are enjoying autism as a job creation opportunity. Autism has become quite the trendy field to work in. Beyond the trend, however, is a serious developmental disorder. Autism is complex, widespread, and varying (hence "spectrum") disorder that beckons proper scientific, medical, and psychological research. It is not a study that can be mastered, or even vaguely grasped in one week, even on a practical treatment level.
The more I find out about this, the more I am moved to speak out. This Unnamed-Reputable -Company apparently thinks that it is permissible for an individual to conduct intensive behavioral therapy for autistic children after one week of training. They have reduced the science of ABA to a few quick-and-dirty methods, and reduced the study of autism as a means to make money.
A BCBA is a legitimate degree for someone to have in the field of autism. While it is still not regulated, it is an education worth something. I had the opportunity to work directly under a BCBA to provide Verbal Behavior/ABA work for her own son who had autism. I am nowhere near an expert, I was merely a shadow who had the chance to learn a few things from constant training and supervision under my employer's expertise.
At the Sacramento branch of Unnamed Company, not one person holds a BCBA--not the therapists, senior therapists, case managers, case supervisors, or senior supervisor. Does this company legitimately believe they are giving children with autism the best possible services they can provide?
Am I loony for thinking this is messed up?
What are the qualifications to be employed as an ABA Therapist for Unnamed Company? According to their own sources, you must be "pursuing a degree in psychology, education, early childhood development, or related field." Not obtained--pursuing. That leaves the door wide open for many people who may have once taken a psychology class at a community college but dropped out mid semester. That's "pursuing" a degree in psychology, right?
Here's more: this apparently top-notch company provides their new hires with one week of training before they are given the prestigious sounding title of "ABA Therapist." After one so-called "comprehensive" week of training, these pseudo-professionals walk into a family's home offering therapy services to children all over the autism spectrum. Parents are then expected to look to these individuals as the "experts," because of course years of raising your own child with autism means nothing compared to a week of sitting in some powerpoint lectures.
Sadly, the state isn't going to question any ABA company's validity at this point because they are are enjoying autism as a job creation opportunity. Autism has become quite the trendy field to work in. Beyond the trend, however, is a serious developmental disorder. Autism is complex, widespread, and varying (hence "spectrum") disorder that beckons proper scientific, medical, and psychological research. It is not a study that can be mastered, or even vaguely grasped in one week, even on a practical treatment level.
The more I find out about this, the more I am moved to speak out. This Unnamed-Reputable -Company apparently thinks that it is permissible for an individual to conduct intensive behavioral therapy for autistic children after one week of training. They have reduced the science of ABA to a few quick-and-dirty methods, and reduced the study of autism as a means to make money.
A BCBA is a legitimate degree for someone to have in the field of autism. While it is still not regulated, it is an education worth something. I had the opportunity to work directly under a BCBA to provide Verbal Behavior/ABA work for her own son who had autism. I am nowhere near an expert, I was merely a shadow who had the chance to learn a few things from constant training and supervision under my employer's expertise.
At the Sacramento branch of Unnamed Company, not one person holds a BCBA--not the therapists, senior therapists, case managers, case supervisors, or senior supervisor. Does this company legitimately believe they are giving children with autism the best possible services they can provide?
Am I loony for thinking this is messed up?
Monday, April 5, 2010
Get Rich Quick! How State-funded ABA Companies are Exploiting Children with Autism
I smell a scam.
State government and healthcare agencies have decided that the cost of providing behavioral intervention for children with autism will cost 70,000 annually per child. This number was reached under the assumption that therapy will take place 40 hours a week, 52 weeks a year, and that qualified therapists will be paid according to their value. Sounds good?
The catch: In the field of ABA, there is no gage to measure the "quality" of a program or the qualifications of a therapist. There is no mandatory overseeing board that certifies someone as an ABA therapist or approves a company for ABA services. Almost literally, anyone can start an ABA company.
It's almost too easy! Cut the child's hours from 40 hours a week to 25 (as many companies do), naturally dodge service for children all 52 weeks of the year (what parent wants their kids in therapy on Thanksgiving day, etc), and hire anyone off the street and label them as ABA therapists, consultants, case managers, etc, and pay them significantly less then a qualified, educated therapist is worth, and bam, you have a business with a high profit margin all in the name of helping children.
To plug in some numbers, we can see approximately what that profit margin is: If the ninteen-year-old unqualified "therapists" make 13 dollars an hour, servicing families about 25 hours a week and 49 weeks a year, the cost of the therapy program is less than 16,000 for the company.
I called an agency to ask if they were a registered 501-c-3, and after repeating myself five times to clarify what I meant by that, I simplified the question, "A you a non-profit or a for-profit agency?"
Turns out, they are a for-profit company. This means that the profit margin does not go back into the company's services but rather into the hands of the executives and shareholders. Don't forget that the bulk of their profit comes from state-funding (aka taxpayers).
I have seen the type of services these companies offer to desperate families, and it is a joke. Of course, it's a joke that isn't very funny. Having unqualified individuals run 1:1 therapy is often more detrimental for the family than helpful.
Clearly, a change must be made. There needs to be certification of these companies. They need to be scrutinized by a board before the government hands them taxpayer monies. Therapists should be liscenced or approved. Parents deserve to be made aware of their options. Autistic children have the right to the best possible therapy they can get.
My research for this topic has just begun, and I have found that there is very little information on this topic online. (I have a feeling these companies have some pretty good lawyers).
Scams occur all the time. But for some reason, when families of autistic children are exploited at the expense of taxpayers...That curls my blood.
State government and healthcare agencies have decided that the cost of providing behavioral intervention for children with autism will cost 70,000 annually per child. This number was reached under the assumption that therapy will take place 40 hours a week, 52 weeks a year, and that qualified therapists will be paid according to their value. Sounds good?
The catch: In the field of ABA, there is no gage to measure the "quality" of a program or the qualifications of a therapist. There is no mandatory overseeing board that certifies someone as an ABA therapist or approves a company for ABA services. Almost literally, anyone can start an ABA company.
It's almost too easy! Cut the child's hours from 40 hours a week to 25 (as many companies do), naturally dodge service for children all 52 weeks of the year (what parent wants their kids in therapy on Thanksgiving day, etc), and hire anyone off the street and label them as ABA therapists, consultants, case managers, etc, and pay them significantly less then a qualified, educated therapist is worth, and bam, you have a business with a high profit margin all in the name of helping children.
To plug in some numbers, we can see approximately what that profit margin is: If the ninteen-year-old unqualified "therapists" make 13 dollars an hour, servicing families about 25 hours a week and 49 weeks a year, the cost of the therapy program is less than 16,000 for the company.
I called an agency to ask if they were a registered 501-c-3, and after repeating myself five times to clarify what I meant by that, I simplified the question, "A you a non-profit or a for-profit agency?"
Turns out, they are a for-profit company. This means that the profit margin does not go back into the company's services but rather into the hands of the executives and shareholders. Don't forget that the bulk of their profit comes from state-funding (aka taxpayers).
I have seen the type of services these companies offer to desperate families, and it is a joke. Of course, it's a joke that isn't very funny. Having unqualified individuals run 1:1 therapy is often more detrimental for the family than helpful.
Clearly, a change must be made. There needs to be certification of these companies. They need to be scrutinized by a board before the government hands them taxpayer monies. Therapists should be liscenced or approved. Parents deserve to be made aware of their options. Autistic children have the right to the best possible therapy they can get.
My research for this topic has just begun, and I have found that there is very little information on this topic online. (I have a feeling these companies have some pretty good lawyers).
Scams occur all the time. But for some reason, when families of autistic children are exploited at the expense of taxpayers...That curls my blood.
Saturday, April 3, 2010
For Those Who Cannot Speak
I love autistic people.
I hang out with autistic kids more than I do friends my age.
While it is a challenge to understand how they are thinking at times, I get immense satisfaction from seeing their minds work.
They're not stupid; they just think differently than the rest of us "neurotypicals."
It breaks my heart to see the abuse that goes in our state towards individuals with autism. While a lot of positive progress has been made in the last few decades, a lot of awful things still go on behind the curtains. Even some organizations designed to teach and train autistic children are exploiting taxpayer monies and manipulating very, very desperate families.
It's a complicated mess. I am working on an investigation to look deeper into the issue and, hopefully, advocate for change. I will post details later.
Everyday I wrestle with anger over the situation. I feel helpless. I do not possess the expertise to make the impact that I want to.
Today I read this passage, and found it encouraging.
"Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves,
for the rights of all who are destitue.
Speak up and judge fairly;
defend the rights of the poor and needy."
Proverbs 31:8-9
The author uses the words "speak up" which were very meaningful to me beacuse autistic people, quite literally, "cannot speak for themselves." They are brilliant people, bound by the limitations of their verbal skills.
Speak for those who cannot speak for themselves.
You most likely know someone with autism. I encourage you to get to know them and their families. Find out what their needs are. They are interesting, lovable, and fun people. Do just a little research on the disorder-a quick search online will help you in your communication with them. Attend an "Autism Speaks" event. A tiny bit of effort will go a long way. You will be a part of a great movement.
I recommend the book, "Thinking in Pictures" by Temple Grandin. It is an amazing story of an autistic woman who went on to invent major dairy farm equipment that our nation now uses. She perfected an equipment that no "neurotypical" had been able to do.
I am challenged to use my God-given voice to speak up.
I hang out with autistic kids more than I do friends my age.
While it is a challenge to understand how they are thinking at times, I get immense satisfaction from seeing their minds work.
They're not stupid; they just think differently than the rest of us "neurotypicals."
It breaks my heart to see the abuse that goes in our state towards individuals with autism. While a lot of positive progress has been made in the last few decades, a lot of awful things still go on behind the curtains. Even some organizations designed to teach and train autistic children are exploiting taxpayer monies and manipulating very, very desperate families.
It's a complicated mess. I am working on an investigation to look deeper into the issue and, hopefully, advocate for change. I will post details later.
Everyday I wrestle with anger over the situation. I feel helpless. I do not possess the expertise to make the impact that I want to.
Today I read this passage, and found it encouraging.
"Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves,
for the rights of all who are destitue.
Speak up and judge fairly;
defend the rights of the poor and needy."
Proverbs 31:8-9
The author uses the words "speak up" which were very meaningful to me beacuse autistic people, quite literally, "cannot speak for themselves." They are brilliant people, bound by the limitations of their verbal skills.
Speak for those who cannot speak for themselves.
You most likely know someone with autism. I encourage you to get to know them and their families. Find out what their needs are. They are interesting, lovable, and fun people. Do just a little research on the disorder-a quick search online will help you in your communication with them. Attend an "Autism Speaks" event. A tiny bit of effort will go a long way. You will be a part of a great movement.
I recommend the book, "Thinking in Pictures" by Temple Grandin. It is an amazing story of an autistic woman who went on to invent major dairy farm equipment that our nation now uses. She perfected an equipment that no "neurotypical" had been able to do.
I am challenged to use my God-given voice to speak up.
Friday, March 19, 2010
View Larger Map
Forty-five minutes on Google and I've got our entire cross-country trip planned out.
If this trip works out, it might be the biggest adventure of our lives. We'll need some serious chiropractic work afterwards, but I'm sure the memories will be worth it.
My question is, how long does one give themselves to drive across the United States with about six stops in between? Two weeks?
If anyone has driven across the US, please talk to us. Your tips will be appreciated.
Donald Miller's "Through Painted Deserts" comes to mind. If only we had a VW van... Hopefully my little Civic will make it through 3,711 miles.
Here's a big shout out to all our friends and family who don't know we're imposing ourselves yet.
Because "Motel 6" doesn't quite hold the same sentimentality.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Update on the Herbs
The herb garden is loving the California sunshine! Since my last update, I have added star jasmine, gardenia, lemon balm, and pineapple sage. The pineapple sage smells so delicious. They are baby plants right now, but I hope that in the next year or so they will take off. Now the garden just needs work- weeding, brick laying, pruning- to get it all ready for summer.
Boston University
Well, I am accepted to Boston University's graduate program in journalism. While things are still uncertain, I am excited about the posibility of pursuing a lifelong dream. The idea of relocating across the country is daunting, but we are ready for the adventure it will entail!
Monday, March 1, 2010
Time for Spring, I say!
I love California. I love how trees blossom in February, preempting Spring's grand entrance. I love that nurseries are bustling with anxious gardeners come March 1st.
Come July, I am cursing the ugly sizzling black pavement of a Sacramento summer. But for now, my infatuation for California is on a euphoric high.
Did you know that the ocean temperature at an L.A county beach in December is warmer (60 degrees) than an Oregon beach in July (59 degrees)? The baggage claim at the airport in Burbank, CA is outdoors. You can get a genuine tan 8 months out of the year, without succumbing to the rays of a bacteria-infested tanning bed or spraying UV sap on your body. These are a few of the reasons why I will probably always call California home.
Today I added a few more plants to the herb garden. I found Hibiscus at my local nursery. It was their first shipment of the year. Since Hibiscus is a tropical plant, I am safest to keep it potted for the first year or so to protect it from the frost of winter. So far, the tea garden consists of lemon thyme, stevia, lavender, hibiscus, chocolate mint, chamomile, and a few seedlings of lemongrass. They are all in pots on my patio and I seriously stare at them, thinking I will see them grow. I transferred them from the small nursery containers to larger pots, and they have since grown considerably over the last few weeks. The stevia plant tastes so sweet. I have pulled off a few leaves and enjoyed their sugary flavor. I am not the only one that has enjoyed their taste, however as I have noticed small holes in a few leaves. I obviously am not going to spray my plants, but does anyone know of a way to keep my stevia plant from being a bug's dessert?
Right now I am a woman of two very different jobs. I enjoy the change of scenery and the challenge each job presents. I especially enjoy pouring into college writers at the Warrior Writing Center. It feels like a very natural role for me to play. I can't believe I actually get paid to nag people to write better. ;)
I recently read "When Heaven and Earth Changed Places," a personal memoir of a girl who grew up in Vietnam during the "American Invasion." I found it to be an incredibly interesting and honest portrayal of the Vietnam war and the corrupt mess between so many people just fighting for what they thought was right. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn more about Vietnamese history, or wants to read a story of an incredible, strong woman who found in herself the power to overcome.
To balance the heaviness of that read, I found comfort by reverting to a love of my childhood. I am on a obsessive Disney kick. I think going to Disneyland last month really set me off. In the past, I have been prone to occasional outbursts of Disney fanaticism, but this time, it really is bad. Of course, with whatever I am interested in at the time, I pour myself into the research of the topic. So I guess at least I have learned a lot about the history of the company and about Walt himself. I'll post on some of this at a later point.
I officially welcome Spring, on behalf of its most beloved state in the US.
Come July, I am cursing the ugly sizzling black pavement of a Sacramento summer. But for now, my infatuation for California is on a euphoric high.
Did you know that the ocean temperature at an L.A county beach in December is warmer (60 degrees) than an Oregon beach in July (59 degrees)? The baggage claim at the airport in Burbank, CA is outdoors. You can get a genuine tan 8 months out of the year, without succumbing to the rays of a bacteria-infested tanning bed or spraying UV sap on your body. These are a few of the reasons why I will probably always call California home.
Today I added a few more plants to the herb garden. I found Hibiscus at my local nursery. It was their first shipment of the year. Since Hibiscus is a tropical plant, I am safest to keep it potted for the first year or so to protect it from the frost of winter. So far, the tea garden consists of lemon thyme, stevia, lavender, hibiscus, chocolate mint, chamomile, and a few seedlings of lemongrass. They are all in pots on my patio and I seriously stare at them, thinking I will see them grow. I transferred them from the small nursery containers to larger pots, and they have since grown considerably over the last few weeks. The stevia plant tastes so sweet. I have pulled off a few leaves and enjoyed their sugary flavor. I am not the only one that has enjoyed their taste, however as I have noticed small holes in a few leaves. I obviously am not going to spray my plants, but does anyone know of a way to keep my stevia plant from being a bug's dessert?
Right now I am a woman of two very different jobs. I enjoy the change of scenery and the challenge each job presents. I especially enjoy pouring into college writers at the Warrior Writing Center. It feels like a very natural role for me to play. I can't believe I actually get paid to nag people to write better. ;)
I recently read "When Heaven and Earth Changed Places," a personal memoir of a girl who grew up in Vietnam during the "American Invasion." I found it to be an incredibly interesting and honest portrayal of the Vietnam war and the corrupt mess between so many people just fighting for what they thought was right. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn more about Vietnamese history, or wants to read a story of an incredible, strong woman who found in herself the power to overcome.
To balance the heaviness of that read, I found comfort by reverting to a love of my childhood. I am on a obsessive Disney kick. I think going to Disneyland last month really set me off. In the past, I have been prone to occasional outbursts of Disney fanaticism, but this time, it really is bad. Of course, with whatever I am interested in at the time, I pour myself into the research of the topic. So I guess at least I have learned a lot about the history of the company and about Walt himself. I'll post on some of this at a later point.
I officially welcome Spring, on behalf of its most beloved state in the US.
Monday, February 15, 2010
My Stance on Makeup
The other day a friend unintentionally gave me a great compliment. She was explaining to me why she has less in common with me than a few of her other friends. "You're more low maintenance then my other girlfriends," she told me. "You don't take much time to get ready and you don't wear makeup." I guess I hadn't really thought about it before. But I liked the way that sounded. Low Maintenance. I spent the next few days thinking about her words.
I remember when I first realized just how long women spent to get ready. It was when I first moved into college dorms. Other girls my age were spending an hour to achieve a certain look. This was so confusing to me. What could you possibly want to do to your face and hair that would take an entire hour? Well as I lived in the dorms for a longer period of time, I learned from observation what females do. Insecure and surrounded by pressure from girls my age who I found quite glamorous, I began to do what they did. I laboriously worked on my hair and makeup everyday before going out of the building, even if it was just for one class. It's just what everybody did. I didn't really like myself during that period of my life. It didn't feel like me.
My friend Julie never saw the point in wearing makeup. Of all my friends, I can't think of one that I have more fun with than Julie. When I was around her, I never felt pressured to dress up or look perfect. Her self confidence was contagious. With her, I could wear a t-shirt and shorts and feel so naturally beautiful. That competitive edge I felt with so many other female acquaintances was non existent.
If you ask my husband what attracted him to me originally, he will tell you it was how natural and fresh I looked compared to so many girls he knew that slathered on makeup. If there was ever a "low maintenance" period of my life, it was the summer that Josiah and I met. A friend at the time admonished me, telling me that I should attempt look more feminine. "I love you Carly, but you really should put more effort into your apperance," she told me. While these words hurt at the time, I laugh now because little did I know then that I had already caught the eye of my future husband. He apparently found me feminine enough.
Don't think I'm all that self-confident. I don't think I'm such a beauty queen that I look perfect without makeup. But I also know that if I look acceptable without it, why wear it? It takes time (would rather spend it elsewhere), effort (I am chronically lazy), costs money (and obviously a cheapskate), and the people that truly love me will accept me with or without it. I guess that is the definition of low maintenance.
I remember when I first realized just how long women spent to get ready. It was when I first moved into college dorms. Other girls my age were spending an hour to achieve a certain look. This was so confusing to me. What could you possibly want to do to your face and hair that would take an entire hour? Well as I lived in the dorms for a longer period of time, I learned from observation what females do. Insecure and surrounded by pressure from girls my age who I found quite glamorous, I began to do what they did. I laboriously worked on my hair and makeup everyday before going out of the building, even if it was just for one class. It's just what everybody did. I didn't really like myself during that period of my life. It didn't feel like me.
My friend Julie never saw the point in wearing makeup. Of all my friends, I can't think of one that I have more fun with than Julie. When I was around her, I never felt pressured to dress up or look perfect. Her self confidence was contagious. With her, I could wear a t-shirt and shorts and feel so naturally beautiful. That competitive edge I felt with so many other female acquaintances was non existent.
If you ask my husband what attracted him to me originally, he will tell you it was how natural and fresh I looked compared to so many girls he knew that slathered on makeup. If there was ever a "low maintenance" period of my life, it was the summer that Josiah and I met. A friend at the time admonished me, telling me that I should attempt look more feminine. "I love you Carly, but you really should put more effort into your apperance," she told me. While these words hurt at the time, I laugh now because little did I know then that I had already caught the eye of my future husband. He apparently found me feminine enough.
Don't think I'm all that self-confident. I don't think I'm such a beauty queen that I look perfect without makeup. But I also know that if I look acceptable without it, why wear it? It takes time (would rather spend it elsewhere), effort (I am chronically lazy), costs money (and obviously a cheapskate), and the people that truly love me will accept me with or without it. I guess that is the definition of low maintenance.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
I found a place in Vacaville that sells a wide variety of herbs. You can order online, and if you order in bulk you get wholesale prices. I found many of the herbs I need on their website.
Morningsunherbfarm.com
I found all kinds of fun mints like pineapple mint, orange mint, and ginger mint. All the plant guides have warnings about mint, that it is an invasive plant and will grow too quickly. I like this type of plant, maybe that means I won't kill it.
There are a few plants I will have to shop elsewhere for.
Hibiscus is going to be a difficult one to find. Because it is native to tropical environments, It is a tender plant here. I need to grow Hibiscus for that beautiful red color it gives the tea. And the flowers have a higher souce of vitamin C than citrus.
Stevia is a natural sweetener. The leaves zero calories and tastes sweeter than sugar. This is the secret of Yogi tea. I am drinking Yogi's Coconut Thai tea right now, and sure enough, stevia is an ingredient.
I think I am going to start with small plants in containers and transfer them to the ground in the spring.
Morningsunherbfarm.com
I found all kinds of fun mints like pineapple mint, orange mint, and ginger mint. All the plant guides have warnings about mint, that it is an invasive plant and will grow too quickly. I like this type of plant, maybe that means I won't kill it.
There are a few plants I will have to shop elsewhere for.
Hibiscus is going to be a difficult one to find. Because it is native to tropical environments, It is a tender plant here. I need to grow Hibiscus for that beautiful red color it gives the tea. And the flowers have a higher souce of vitamin C than citrus.
Stevia is a natural sweetener. The leaves zero calories and tastes sweeter than sugar. This is the secret of Yogi tea. I am drinking Yogi's Coconut Thai tea right now, and sure enough, stevia is an ingredient.
I think I am going to start with small plants in containers and transfer them to the ground in the spring.
Friday, January 22, 2010
Here is where the herbal tea garden is going to go. It's the only spot on our property that gets enough sun because of all the gigantic sycamore trees shading our yard. I don't know hardly anything about gardening, but I have picked herbs that supposedly grow well here in the Sacramento area and grouped them by how much water they need to flourish. If all goes as well as I hope (and of course it won't, right?), my herb garden will contain these herbs.
Lemon balm
Chamomile
Fennel
Geranium
Ginger
Hibiscus
Jasmine
Lavender
Mint (peppermint, pinnapple mint)
New Jersey Tea
Rasberry and Strawberry
Yarrow
Of course, the tea garden of my imagination also has a romantic iron bench, jasmine wrapping its fragrant blossoms around a white trellis, and butterflies flitting around the blossoms of my plants.
In reality, I'll be happy if I don't kill off the plants in the first few months of keeping them.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Ice and snow everywhere. I now know the meaning of "bitter cold." Californians have no clue.
Across the frozen river to the left are MIT and Harvard.
The public transportation system in Boston is supposedly very easy and efficient. We did not use it this trip. We were babies and relied on the GPS system in Linda's car.
I love the iron gates, the cobblestone sidewalks and the brick buildings.
Being in Boston gave me a sense of American heritage that I have never felt before growing up on the West Coast. History is everywhere.
New York photos will be posted next.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Did you know that the Bull isn't on Wall Street?
It is my fifth night in MA and it's supposed to snow tonight. Today was a wonderful lazy Sunday, beginning with visiting a new church, chinese for lunch, scrapbooking in the afternoon and chili and ice cream for dinner. Yesterday was our big day in New York. We started the day by walking through Columbia University, even though it was a Saturday, just to see the campus. I liked the campus. It seemed to be a bit of a santuary in the middle of a chaotic city. Then we met up with Kyla and Kyle and ate at a little Italian cafe for lunch. Then we hit the streets, the six of us, for some touring. I have been to NYC once before to see a broadway show, but this time we did plenty more. We took the 70 floor elevator ride to the top of the Rockefellar building for incredible panoramic views of the city. I had my first subway experience and I have decided that a subway train-driver would be a great career option for an albino person. We saw the site where the twin towers once were, and stepped into a small museum for 9/11 remembrance. At this site, there is a timeline for the day, beggining at 8:24 am and throughout the day. All six of us could remember where we were the moment we first heard that a plane had crashed into the twin towers. I believe that the entire nation can remember that very moment.
While there, I kept thinking about Haiti in light of the disaster that just occured. It helped put things in perspective.
The rest of the day was spent walking about the financial district and trying to find that darn bull. What do you know, that its not actually on Wall St. We didn't end up finding the bull, but we did take pictures in fron of the Stock Exchange. All in all, it was a fantastic day and I am overly grateful for the Gelsingers who were willing to drive us into the city to meet my cousin. And I am just giddy over the fact that I was able to meet my now-jr. high-math-teacher cousin who I grew up painting toenails and building forts with as grown women in the bustling city of New York. I guess we really have grown up.
While there, I kept thinking about Haiti in light of the disaster that just occured. It helped put things in perspective.
The rest of the day was spent walking about the financial district and trying to find that darn bull. What do you know, that its not actually on Wall St. We didn't end up finding the bull, but we did take pictures in fron of the Stock Exchange. All in all, it was a fantastic day and I am overly grateful for the Gelsingers who were willing to drive us into the city to meet my cousin. And I am just giddy over the fact that I was able to meet my now-jr. high-math-teacher cousin who I grew up painting toenails and building forts with as grown women in the bustling city of New York. I guess we really have grown up.
Monday, January 11, 2010
Bookstores and Boston and Tea.
Whenever I am feeling uninspired, I go to a bookstore. After meandering the store for several hours, browsing all kinds of topics and genres, I return home revived and excited for life. It works everytime. Tonght I bought a paperback copy of Huckleberry Finn. I read the first paragraph and I was convinced it was time to re-read this classic.
Wednesday morning we leave for Boston. At Border's tonight I browsed a few book on exploring Boston by foot. I can't wait! I have never been to Boston before, any suggestions on what we might do? On the agenda is to visit the grad schools I am applying to for next fall and figure out how to get around the city using the wacky color-coordinated public transportation system there, and of course seeing the Gelsinger's new house! Also we plan to meet up my cousin New York City for the day- pay a visit at Columbia and explore the financial district as well.
My newest ambition-and we'll see how this turns out- is to start an herbal tea garden in which I grow my herbs and dry them to make organic loose leaf tea for myself and gifts. I am sure that I will blog about this project along the way, mistakes and all.
I like the bookstore. Where do you go to get inspired?
Wednesday morning we leave for Boston. At Border's tonight I browsed a few book on exploring Boston by foot. I can't wait! I have never been to Boston before, any suggestions on what we might do? On the agenda is to visit the grad schools I am applying to for next fall and figure out how to get around the city using the wacky color-coordinated public transportation system there, and of course seeing the Gelsinger's new house! Also we plan to meet up my cousin New York City for the day- pay a visit at Columbia and explore the financial district as well.
My newest ambition-and we'll see how this turns out- is to start an herbal tea garden in which I grow my herbs and dry them to make organic loose leaf tea for myself and gifts. I am sure that I will blog about this project along the way, mistakes and all.
I like the bookstore. Where do you go to get inspired?
Saturday, January 9, 2010
A Day in the City
Chevy's on the Water- first stop of the day.
Random chess tournaments on Market St.
Four Policemen having a pow-wow at a donut shop. Couldn't pass this picture up.
Osha Thai - a few blocks south of Union Square. The curry and spicy rice dishes are wonderful and the prices are good. The atmosphere is "young singles" so the restarant and bar are pretty loud. Great for people watching, not so great for conversation. Overall, if you like good thai food, this place is worth trying.
Samovar Tea Lounge in the Yerba Buena Gardens. Excellent tea and atmosphere. If you are a tea drinker, I reccomend stopping here for your next trip to the city. http://samovarlife.com/tea-lounge/
Random chess tournaments on Market St.
Four Policemen having a pow-wow at a donut shop. Couldn't pass this picture up.
Osha Thai - a few blocks south of Union Square. The curry and spicy rice dishes are wonderful and the prices are good. The atmosphere is "young singles" so the restarant and bar are pretty loud. Great for people watching, not so great for conversation. Overall, if you like good thai food, this place is worth trying.
Samovar Tea Lounge in the Yerba Buena Gardens. Excellent tea and atmosphere. If you are a tea drinker, I reccomend stopping here for your next trip to the city. http://samovarlife.com/tea-lounge/
Sunday, January 3, 2010
In Quest for a Pet Cow
Last night I had a dream that I was exploring a house that was for sale, while the owners who were trying to sell it were drinking lemonade on the porch, chatting with Josiah. The backyard was lush and green like a tropical oasis. There was a pond with fish thicker than I had ever seen before. Sipping water from the pond was what looked like a cow. I squinted my eyes to see if my mind was playing tricks on me. What made this cow so peculiar is that it was tiny. It was no larger than a medium sized dog. In my dream, I ran over to the miniature black and white cow to pet it. I ran to the owners of the home and to Josiah to ask about this small dairy animal. The female owner smiled at me and said, "Oh yes that's a mini cow. She's my little baby." At this point, I was ecstatic. A miniature cow? Ever since I was five years old I have had dreams of owning a cow and the idea of a mini cow romanced me even more.
I woke up from the dream slightly depressed from the high I experienced in my sleep. Miniature cows don't exist. Right? Curiosity took me to a Google search for "mini cow." An hour later, I found myself on a rabbit trail of research about the mini cow breed. Turns out they do exist, that the market for the breed is growing, and that they are more economical and docile than standard sized cows. In other words, they make good pets. You can imagine my euphoria after I discovered this. My dream has always been to own a pet cow. While other little girls my age were romanced by horses and ponies, I was mesmerized by the black and white cow. Something about having a farm with a dairy cow to milk has captured my heart for years. I would dream about tending to my cow, while painting landscapes of the pastures and of course, writing children's books about the animals on the farm.
As I grew up, I shed a part of that dream in the name of "practicality." But over the last few years, I once again long for that life I dreamt of as a child. Someday I do want to have a small acreage farm with at least a couple (perhaps miniature) cows that I can milk and provide organic dairy for my family and write about the little things that happen on a farm. It's not a dream to save the world, or to gain recognition or fame, but to fulfill some longing for myself that I was nearly born with. Milking a cow might perhaps not be the most noble calling in the world, but it is something that is so ingrained in who I am that for me, it is the noblest of pursuits.
What is it that you really want to do? What is that thing that you were born longing for, and perhaps in your adult life have tossed aside as you "toughen up" to the world? People will always try to tell you that some aspirations are more noble than others. I think this is untrue. Even the most "insignificant" things can have infinite value.
I have admitted my childish, somewhat self-revealing and embarrassing dream. I can't be the only one. Right? What is your secret little "insignificant" dream? I'm not talking about the ones you list in your resume or use to impress an employer during an interview. Yawn.
It could be as ridiculous as owning a pet cow.
I woke up from the dream slightly depressed from the high I experienced in my sleep. Miniature cows don't exist. Right? Curiosity took me to a Google search for "mini cow." An hour later, I found myself on a rabbit trail of research about the mini cow breed. Turns out they do exist, that the market for the breed is growing, and that they are more economical and docile than standard sized cows. In other words, they make good pets. You can imagine my euphoria after I discovered this. My dream has always been to own a pet cow. While other little girls my age were romanced by horses and ponies, I was mesmerized by the black and white cow. Something about having a farm with a dairy cow to milk has captured my heart for years. I would dream about tending to my cow, while painting landscapes of the pastures and of course, writing children's books about the animals on the farm.
As I grew up, I shed a part of that dream in the name of "practicality." But over the last few years, I once again long for that life I dreamt of as a child. Someday I do want to have a small acreage farm with at least a couple (perhaps miniature) cows that I can milk and provide organic dairy for my family and write about the little things that happen on a farm. It's not a dream to save the world, or to gain recognition or fame, but to fulfill some longing for myself that I was nearly born with. Milking a cow might perhaps not be the most noble calling in the world, but it is something that is so ingrained in who I am that for me, it is the noblest of pursuits.
What is it that you really want to do? What is that thing that you were born longing for, and perhaps in your adult life have tossed aside as you "toughen up" to the world? People will always try to tell you that some aspirations are more noble than others. I think this is untrue. Even the most "insignificant" things can have infinite value.
I have admitted my childish, somewhat self-revealing and embarrassing dream. I can't be the only one. Right? What is your secret little "insignificant" dream? I'm not talking about the ones you list in your resume or use to impress an employer during an interview. Yawn.
It could be as ridiculous as owning a pet cow.
Saturday, January 2, 2010
This Wandering Star
When I get to heaven, tie me to a tree
For I'll begin to roam and soon you'll know where I will be
I was born under a wandrin' star
A wandrin' wandrin' star
-From the western musical, "Paint Your Wagon."
I love the humor in these lines. And those of us who were born with restless hearts identify with the truth they capture. Some people are just born with a insatiable thirst for adventure. Perhaps when I get to heaven I will ask to be tied to a tree, but during my time here on earth, I plan to roam until my spirit of adventure is satisfied. And that, I fully realize, may never happen.
For I'll begin to roam and soon you'll know where I will be
I was born under a wandrin' star
A wandrin' wandrin' star
-From the western musical, "Paint Your Wagon."
I love the humor in these lines. And those of us who were born with restless hearts identify with the truth they capture. Some people are just born with a insatiable thirst for adventure. Perhaps when I get to heaven I will ask to be tied to a tree, but during my time here on earth, I plan to roam until my spirit of adventure is satisfied. And that, I fully realize, may never happen.
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