February 2008 Archives

Oh Valentine's Day...the blessing or the bane. Fortunately, this year I got to be one of the people wondering why all those others hate the day so much, and was therefore hated by all those others. Because of silly work schedules, Michelle and I celebrated the day on the 13th. We went to a very nice and swanky restaurant for dinner, where we ate very small yet delicious portions of food, and actually ended up feeling quite satisfied. We both also did the sickeningly sickening act of making cards for each other. Michelle made me the best card ever. As for my card for her, I attempted to be out-of-character artistic with it and ended up being so corny that I vomited several times during the inking process. She didn't vomit [in front of me], though, and I guess that's what's most important.

In all, a wonderful evening, and so far 2008 is going rather swimmingly. Next up: Daylight Savings Time Day! Oy, and I haven't even started shopping yet.

The man who opened fire at NIU yesterday was apparently a current student at the University of Illinois studying for a Masters in Social Work. The papers were all saying sociology, but the UIUC phone book says social work. Either way, it's utterly messed up that someone who studies or practices within a field dedicated to eliminating problems like this would commit such an act. I know, it goes without saying. But social work! I cannot understand it. These are people who help the victims of crimes and counsel people with violent tendencies.

I was in Springfield for the ISPA conference yesterday and gave a big ol' important presentation about receptive language and autism. One person showed up. A few others stopped by to ask for handouts because they were just on break from workshops, so I guess I should be happy that there was at least some interest out there. And I had semi-podium with one of those flexible microphone arms. I didn't actually have a microphone, but pretended that I did. As you can clearly see, it was an engaging interactive presentation, despite the sparse attendance: