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Saturday, September 20, 2008

NYSRA


I just spent Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday at NYSRA the New York State Rehabilitation Association Leadership Summit in Albany, NY. I confess, my primary motivation was to get continuing education hours to renew my certification-100 hrs every 5 years. But this was one of the best conferences I have ever attended.
I got some very frightening information on how the Armed Services and the VA are treating PTSD and other injuries. They 'send the soldier for a little r&r' and then back into battle with the intention that the the PTSD will 'go away.' They medicate soldiers while they are in battle with very serious psychotropic medications, so that by the time they actually get to the VA for treatment, they have two problems, PTSD and addiction to prescription medications. Then real and complicated treatment begins for those vets who actually make it into the VA and aren't just medicating themselves with alcohol and more drugs.
I also heard a speaker, William Stillman
, a man with Aspergers syndrome who works as an advocate for individuals with Aspergers and Autism. He is the author of a number of books and made a lot of sense when it comes to the treatment of these individuals. 
I attended a session on the treatment of young people with complex trauma. Wow, so interesting yet so sad.
I met with old friend and made new friends. All in all worth way more than those ceu's!

Friday, September 19, 2008

Fall Equinox Friday Five


Illustration from the "I Love NY" Website NY Leaves!
Fall Equinox Friday Five
It's that time of year, at least north of the equator. The windows are still open, but the darned furnace comes on early in the morning. My husband went out for a walk after an early supper and came home in full darkness.

And yes, where we live, leaves are beginning to turn.

As this vivid season begins, tell us five favorite things about fall:

1) A fragrance
Back in Ohio, growing up, the smell of burning leaves was a favorite fragrance of fall. We don't have that here. But, here, the lack of outstanding smells hearkens the the coming of autumn.

2) A color
Darker colors in clothes, browns, greens. A change from summer.

3) An item of clothing
Well, I have to go our storage container and fast. It's two blocks away. Tweeds, maybe a jacket. Or jackets and blazers in general. Long pants on the weekend. Boots-like the great black ones I got last spring at Woodbury Commons and have never worn!

4) An activity
Enjoying walking around my favorite city, again! Not just rushing from ac's place to ac'd place!

5) A special day
Columbus Day is always nice. A holiday without particular strings. I'm also looking forward to election day this year, and how!