I started a new job on Monday at a school for kids with special needs. The kids are all 14 and 15 with various cognitive issues, learning disabilities, and behavior problems (as well as raging hormones). They are pretty great, though, and I'm really enjoying my job so far. I thought it would be fun to post some of the funny comments that they have made to me and will keep posting the higlights as time goes on.
Upon hearing that I don't have a TV, one of my students was flabbergasted. As he was leaving the class on Thursday he said, "Claire, it is SO EMBARASSING that you don't have a TV." He can't fathom what one would do at home without a TV.
ANother student, waxing philosophical on his classmates, who were doing some hard core flirting in the corner and mooning over Zac Efron, star of High School Musical 1 & 2 said with a big sigh and with much longing (because he too would love to have a girlfriend), "These guys...no matter how young they are, they always want to find love." I had to really concentrate to keep from cracking up. He was SO serious. I think I said something like, "Well, I think that EVERYONE wants to be loved."
Anyway, it's a great experience and something I'm really enjoying so hopefully things will continue to go well!
Wednesday, September 05, 2007
The Arrival of Captain Finchley!
Finchley came home with me on Thursday evening. I got to the shelter early, so we had plenty of time to bond before he had to go into the car sickness inducing cab (I got car sick. He managed just fine.)
Within a couple of hours, Finchley was settled right in:
He was purring and very curious about the house and, especially, the windows. As I type, he's sitting on the window sill with his paws hanging out of the window, watching some pigeons who are roosting in the eaves of the building next door. He has knocked all the pictures off the windowsill and claimed it as his own.
He also has a fascination with the bathroom and, in particular, the shower. He is not into water in the same way that Emma is, but he does like to watch it come out of the spout and stares intensely at the shower nozzle after I finish showering. He also likes to chill in the tub.
Finchley was so brave that he didn't even hide under the bed or in a closet, so we felt like he would be able to handle meeting Spike through the back door. Spike was NOT impressed and threw a major strop at the door, complete with high pitched yowling and failed attempts to attack (glass...what a wonderful and confusing invention.) I'm not sure that the garden is in Finchley's future.
Last night, Finchley broke into the cat food and helped himself. He also snuggled with us for a while and this morning he played with his favorite toy: a string with aluminum foil attached to each end. Finchley gets the string, then carries it back to the bedroom, where he stands over it and yowls. After a few rounds of this game, he gets so excited that he starts panting, so we have to take the string away and hide it in a drawer.
It's so fun having a cat again!
Within a couple of hours, Finchley was settled right in:
He was purring and very curious about the house and, especially, the windows. As I type, he's sitting on the window sill with his paws hanging out of the window, watching some pigeons who are roosting in the eaves of the building next door. He has knocked all the pictures off the windowsill and claimed it as his own.
He also has a fascination with the bathroom and, in particular, the shower. He is not into water in the same way that Emma is, but he does like to watch it come out of the spout and stares intensely at the shower nozzle after I finish showering. He also likes to chill in the tub.
Finchley was so brave that he didn't even hide under the bed or in a closet, so we felt like he would be able to handle meeting Spike through the back door. Spike was NOT impressed and threw a major strop at the door, complete with high pitched yowling and failed attempts to attack (glass...what a wonderful and confusing invention.) I'm not sure that the garden is in Finchley's future.
Last night, Finchley broke into the cat food and helped himself. He also snuggled with us for a while and this morning he played with his favorite toy: a string with aluminum foil attached to each end. Finchley gets the string, then carries it back to the bedroom, where he stands over it and yowls. After a few rounds of this game, he gets so excited that he starts panting, so we have to take the string away and hide it in a drawer.
It's so fun having a cat again!
Happy Birthday to Jim!!
Yesterday, Jim turned 32! Here are some pictures of his birthday celebration (a big party with me!)
First, we went for a stroll in Queen Mary's Garden in Regent's Park. The weather was beautiful and Jim looked hamdsome in front of this urban waterfall and then with the beautiful roses, which are in full bloom! There were also some very cute ducklings peeping about and causing much excitement for a small child (and us).
After the roses and ducklings, we explored a few sculpture before having a nice dinner at the Garden Cafe in the park. We could hear the outdoor theatre starting its 8:00 show nearby.
And finally: Birthday Cake! Most of the cake was eaten by my new co-workers today (I'm trying to make friends through baking), but we did enjoy a slice each last night and I saved a big chunk for Jim to eat at his leisure.
Spike came by to give Jim some birthday love. He probably isn't going to be super happy when Finchley moves in.
Happy Birthday Jim!!!!!
First, we went for a stroll in Queen Mary's Garden in Regent's Park. The weather was beautiful and Jim looked hamdsome in front of this urban waterfall and then with the beautiful roses, which are in full bloom! There were also some very cute ducklings peeping about and causing much excitement for a small child (and us).
After the roses and ducklings, we explored a few sculpture before having a nice dinner at the Garden Cafe in the park. We could hear the outdoor theatre starting its 8:00 show nearby.
And finally: Birthday Cake! Most of the cake was eaten by my new co-workers today (I'm trying to make friends through baking), but we did enjoy a slice each last night and I saved a big chunk for Jim to eat at his leisure.
Spike came by to give Jim some birthday love. He probably isn't going to be super happy when Finchley moves in.
Happy Birthday Jim!!!!!
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