November 15, 2006
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Mediation
I am a sucker.
I totally downloaded the episode of “The Office” this week from iTunes despite the fact that I had already seen it two or three times (don’t ask) simply because of the brilliant marketing technique of the release of a “Producer’s Cut” of the episode. IT HAS TEN EXTRA MINUTES! So besides the fact that I’m a sucker for great advertising and marketing, it was also totally worth it. There was a funny subplot where Creed, once he thought the branch was closing, sold all of his computer equipment and made $1200. Throughout the episode it kept showing people coming up and bartering with him for his stuff (well, Dunder-Mifflin’s stuff). This totally made the line at the end “We’re all going out to (bar name), Creed’s buying shots” make more sense. I thought it was super cool!
Noah’s mediation—we did not reach settlement I had an additional paragraph describing what went on during the whole thing, but it’s possibly highly against the law to post all of those details on the internet!
The good news is, since this is such a big deal for all of special ed law—due to a new law passed in mid October affecting all such cases—we are going to be setting precedent. Everyone knows about our case…and there are civil liberties and federal defendants that are knocking at the door to get a piece of this case should we go to federal court (which we might). It’s crazy to think about it, but hopefully the district will want to avoid a messy, expensive, drawn-out battle like that and settle before it gets to that point.
I have to say that there was something odd about this whole meeting. I had the most perplexing range of emotions while we were in there. My natural tendency when meeting or interacting with people I haven’t met before is to be friendly. However, given the situation, I felt great animosity towards the representatives from the school district. Not hatred, or anger—I just felt like they were my mortal enemies—like Lex Luthor or something. I made no attempts at being friendly, nor did I desire to. I can hardly explain it—it was a cold feeling. I did not like it at all.
On a side note: as I was sitting there listening to our lawyer talk with their lawyer, I realized that I should never be a lawyer. Regardless of the $400 an hour they make, you’d always have to be arguing! I don’t like arguing! I would hate being a lawyer…but, since Christy and I am that way, it’s GREAT having someone to do the fighting for you. We are so thankful for him. We should always have a lawyer! Yahoo!
I had a great class tonight (Music Business) and a good video chat with the producer and director of the show I’m writing for Concordia in May. Video conferencing is sweet—I love Apple!
Comments (6)
I, on the other hand…was being super friendly with them. Hey, it was intentional- they’re people too!
I love Creed.
It is hard to be friendly with those who seem to be against you, when you’re just trying to look out for the well fair of your child. Your child that you love sooo deeply and are trying to protect to the best of your ability… tough spot to be in! But, as Christy has demonstrated, it may be hard but not impossible to do. My prayers are with you guys! Give your sweet boys a big hug for me!
You two are the best advocates that Noah could ever have….well except for God. Just think, if it actually does go to trial, and you win, maybe they will call the new law “Noahs Law”. God has you in this battle for a reason, and I know with His help you will win the war. I know what you mean about not being friendly to the people who want to withhold the help Noah needs, but thats why God gave you Christy. You two make a perfect pair, and with Gods help and much prayer anything is possible. Hang in there my friend.
“….a good video chat with the producer and director for the show I’m writting” WOW!!!! How exciting……. did you ever think you would be saying those words? I will remember this blogg when you recieve your first Oscar…or Dove Award,…..and you will my friend, you will.
Lex Luther. haha. Got a nice little laugh out of that.
^Yep. I’m with Val.