This afternoon started as usual.  I had a 1:45 meeting for an incoming student.  Those usually last no more than two hours.  Unfortunately, this was not one of those.  First of all, I walked into the room and found fifteen people seated around the table.  Uh, usually there’s no more than maybe eight.  Secondly, this child had 30 goals.  We usually have about 15 and that’s already a lot.  Thirdly, the parents brought an advocate and the three of them collectively usurped most of our time with their incompetence and poor auditory processing.  I had to sit through the entire meeting listening to the nuances of each goal being picked apart one at a time.  I only had 4 of my own to share and they didn’t have much to comment on those.   I guess it still beats having to re-write them or being criticized.  So, not only did I have to sit through all the other goals but mine were brushed over like they were insignficant.  At 5:45 pm, I kindly excused myself.  By then, the sun had set, it was really dark outside, and my office was locked!!  Luckily the custodian was next door mopping the floor and I got in.  Phew!  My car keys were in there!  *sigh*  That was four hours of my life I’ll never get back.