Work\Health Update

Four weeks ago school (work for me) started here in the Salt Lake City School District. I would be lying if I said I was not nervous regarding my ability to work full time. The good news is that I have not missed one day of work! Dustin and I consider this quite an accomplishment and are grateful for the energy and health I have been blessed with. The only work I have missed is for doctor appointments that were made previous to the start of school.
I work at Northwest Middle School in Rose Park. For those of you who do not know, Rose Park is considered the "hard core" inner city part of Salt Lake. Northwest is comprised of 75% Hispanics, 10% Caucasians, 8% African-Americans, and 7% other. (Mostly refugees form various parts of Africa, Thailand, Bosnia, Pakistan, and other countries) I am a Para-Professional in the self contained behavior classroom. My supervising teacher is a wonderful teacher who has amazing classroom management skills. The bedrock to running an effective classroom and being an effective teacher is classroom management. The class is for seventh and eighth graders who display behavior that violates the "safe school policy." Currently the class has six students and they are meshing well.
I am looking forward to a great year working full time at Northwest. If I am successful, I will be looking into a full time teaching position next year. I am grateful for my health, my family, my wonderful husband, and all the people supporting me in my endeavors. Love to all.
Libby

Happy 89th Birthday Grandma Haglund

On Sunday, all Haglunds that could, met at Grandma's house for a birthday celebration. There was cake, ice cream, and A LOT of birthday cards. Everyone, from the great-grandchildren on up sent Grandma a birthday card with a two dollar bill enclosed. When the grandchildren were younger, Grandma would send them a birthday card with a two dollar bill in it. Betsy came up with the idea to have every member of the family do the same for her. Kudos Betsy! Dustin and I are so happy to have such a wonderful Grandma. A Grandma who calls to see how we are doing. A Grandma who we admire for the example she sets. A Grandma who laughs and cries with us, but most of all, a Grandma who loves us. Happy Birthday Grandma!

Spinal Tap

On Friday September 5th I had a spinal tap, also known as a lumbar puncture. Dr. Foley ordered that I have one done to rule out lesions on the spinal cord that the MRI can't see. It came back inconclusive which is the same as negative. I am happy that I am still lesion free but not happy that the test will be repeated every year. It was very uncomfortable and caused me a great deal of anxiety and panic. If I did not know that they threaded a 9cm needle up through my spinal cord I might have been a little more composed. First they gave me a shot of lido-cane in my lower back. I did not mind that part at all. It is the needle that follows that got me sweating. I was having an anxiety attack on the table and literally soaked the pillow case my head was resting on in sweat. The nurse helped me to calm down which I really appreciated. After about thirty minutes they got a clear sample and finished the procedure.
Again, thanks to family and friends for your love and support. It is felt and sustains us, especially when things get hard.
Love
Libby and Dustin