The Home Stretch...

We met a lovely greyhound girl last Sunday. She was very girly and LOVED Scarlett. She was a kisser too. Generous with her sugar, which is how we like em.
The good news...
The paperwork update: we laughed REALLY hard today. My method of doing paperwork so far: I try to figure out how to do a document, then I ponder, which results in a pinch of confusion and a bit of lost sleep. This is followed by an email asking our agency the basics, and another email or phone call asking about the details and just-to-make-sures. So, today I did something huge. I wrote our agency (who has always responded very quickly and in a friendly manner) and asked if there is somewhere I should have this information. She quickly wrote back a heartfelt apology and the DIRECTIONS. With DIRECTIONS this whole adoption thing just got A LOT easier. We were laughing because we were trying to figure out how to do the paperwork ourselves. Now the paperwork list appears easy and without challenge. With directions, I feel like I am again part of a brilliant and competent duo.
The bad news...
School: I need about 150 hours working with adults. Yesterday, the chair of my department called and asked if I would be willing to drive TWO HOURS EACH WAY to a Speech and Language Center that specializes primarily in pediatrics with Autism. According to him, I could get 80 child hours and 20-30 adult hours. I explained that I don't need child hours, just ADULT and I need 150 hours, so 20-30 won't help and it is TWO hours aways from my home. He said "well, yes it would be better if it was around the corner." GRRRRR...I think he just had to pretend to place me somewhere (even though he know it wouldn't help me) because it is his job to place people.
I have been signed up for this ADULT clinic for 2 1/2 years! I have already tried to assign myself, but to no avail. When I asked him about my placement a few months ago, he told me not to worry, he would place me somewhere great. GRRRRR
So, it looks like I will not graduate in December, because I will still need 150 adult hours! I can't do it in the fall because I am already overbooked (school during the day and clinic in the evening).
After the conversation, I decided to call everyone I know that works in, or basically has been to, a hospital...then I threw myself on my bed and cried on and off for 3 hours while watching old Friends episodes (because it is important not to overreact people). But, my husband is amazing. He came home, took me out to a romantic dinner (because I needed a change of scenery), told me I am not a failure, etc. But the cutest part is what I found out he did after I told him. He started emailing people asking them to help me. He even emailed the PRESIDENT of our state organization and SHE WROTE BACK. She can't help, but it was a nice email. Funny stuff. Isn't it funny how boys just instantly feel compelled to try to solve the problem? I would have been just fine with an ear and a glass of wine :)
Our last homestudy visit was rescheduled for this Thursday. She mentioned that she wants to talk a lot about adopting an Ethiopian child (our social worker is from Jamaica, so she may have valuable insights to share!). I'll let you know how it goes!
I started reading "I'm Chocolate, You're Vanilla" and am enjoying it so far. It includes research about when and how children begin developing awareness and ideas about color, race, etc. It's interesting.