Cicada:
Exhibit B:
Locust:
yes, I know I live in the South and everyone calls them locusts...does that make it correct? *rolls eyes*
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Cicadas are NOT locusts!
Exhibit A:
Cicada:
Exhibit B:
Locust:
yes, I know I live in the South and everyone calls them locusts...does that make it correct? *rolls eyes*
Cicada:
Exhibit B:
Locust:
yes, I know I live in the South and everyone calls them locusts...does that make it correct? *rolls eyes*
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Two Stories: One Strange; One Hippie
Story One, the strange:
I walk my greyhound Winchester past the Housing Authority apartment building to a large open space. I think it is publicly owned, anyways, it is like a park and that is where W takes care of business (I don't have a yard- but I always clean up after him). We've never seen anyone else walking around in it, so I don't think I'm out of line for letting him go here.
People in the apartments feed outside cats. I don't have a problem with the outside cats. I kinda think they are a nuisance and I think it is sad that they will only have 1/3 the lifespan of an indoor cat. But I am not a cat person, so I tend to ignore them. Winchester however, does not. He stares at them. Intently. For longer than is socially acceptable to stare.
The Adoption Kennel he came from listed him as NOT cat-safe. I knew I wanted to adopt a non-cat-safe grey because so many people pass those over (because of other pets or ill-conceived notions of prey-drive = aggression). His prey-drive has little affect on our life, walks, interactions with big dogs, etc. But small dogs and cats are just too interesting to trust him around. That said, he doesn't really pull on the leash when he spots them, he just stands really still and stares.
So on our walk past the apts. he spots a cat and turns into a statue. After about 30 seconds this woman in the parking lot (a cat-feeder I suspect) asks me "What is your dog doing?"
I replied, "Looking at that cat."
Cat-feeder (CF): "Oh! Don't let him get the cats!!"
Me: "He CAN'T get the cats." Meaning, he is on a leash and I weigh twice as much as he does.
CF: "Don't let him KNOW about the cats!!"
Me: *confused and taken aback* "He SEES the cats..."
Yes, ladies and gentlemen, I have a dog who doesn't have to be told when cats are around he just...knows....spooky, huh? *rolls eyes*
For my hippie story:
I mentioned my Community Supported Agriculture share a while back. It has another perk. Potlucks! I went to a potluck hosted on the Whitton Flower and Produce Farm and met other CSA shareholders! It was fun. I brought sage and thyme biscuits (I grew the herbs myself). There is going to be another this fall.
Small world convirmation no. 1, 493
I met a couple at the potluck whose son was a year ahead of me at my university and was also in the Honor's College. His name sounded familar, and I am sure that I must have seen him around. The lady was originally from the town I teach in, so that is another connection. Nice people.
I walk my greyhound Winchester past the Housing Authority apartment building to a large open space. I think it is publicly owned, anyways, it is like a park and that is where W takes care of business (I don't have a yard- but I always clean up after him). We've never seen anyone else walking around in it, so I don't think I'm out of line for letting him go here.
People in the apartments feed outside cats. I don't have a problem with the outside cats. I kinda think they are a nuisance and I think it is sad that they will only have 1/3 the lifespan of an indoor cat. But I am not a cat person, so I tend to ignore them. Winchester however, does not. He stares at them. Intently. For longer than is socially acceptable to stare.
The Adoption Kennel he came from listed him as NOT cat-safe. I knew I wanted to adopt a non-cat-safe grey because so many people pass those over (because of other pets or ill-conceived notions of prey-drive = aggression). His prey-drive has little affect on our life, walks, interactions with big dogs, etc. But small dogs and cats are just too interesting to trust him around. That said, he doesn't really pull on the leash when he spots them, he just stands really still and stares.
So on our walk past the apts. he spots a cat and turns into a statue. After about 30 seconds this woman in the parking lot (a cat-feeder I suspect) asks me "What is your dog doing?"
I replied, "Looking at that cat."
Cat-feeder (CF): "Oh! Don't let him get the cats!!"
Me: "He CAN'T get the cats." Meaning, he is on a leash and I weigh twice as much as he does.
CF: "Don't let him KNOW about the cats!!"
Me: *confused and taken aback* "He SEES the cats..."
Yes, ladies and gentlemen, I have a dog who doesn't have to be told when cats are around he just...knows....spooky, huh? *rolls eyes*
For my hippie story:
I mentioned my Community Supported Agriculture share a while back. It has another perk. Potlucks! I went to a potluck hosted on the Whitton Flower and Produce Farm and met other CSA shareholders! It was fun. I brought sage and thyme biscuits (I grew the herbs myself). There is going to be another this fall.
Small world convirmation no. 1, 493
I met a couple at the potluck whose son was a year ahead of me at my university and was also in the Honor's College. His name sounded familar, and I am sure that I must have seen him around. The lady was originally from the town I teach in, so that is another connection. Nice people.
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Rant List!
What good is having this thing if I don't rant on it from time to time! I mean, it is not like anyone even reads it, right!?
RANT ONE
Other dog's owners. I'm ranting at the owners, because it is not the dog's fault that it is loose! On the last walk of the night with Winchester last night we saw four off-leash dogs and one on a flexi-lead with an incompetent walker. This was on a 20 minute walk! Not only is it against the law, it is stupid! and dangerous for the dog (and dogs on leashes).
The first dog is one we see often; I don't think he has a home. We've never had any trouble from Medium Brown Dog, but I don't let W get too close, we go the other way.
The second was an odd situation. First, I noticed that there were two children running across the yard behind the Pentecostal church, odd, but not alarming. Then I noticed there was a lab following them, again, not alarming...until they laid flat in the ditch! I wondered briefly if they were hiding from the dog, who was sniffing them, but they saw W and I and said nothing to us about needing help. I watched the dog and the kids for a sec until I decided it was a game, all were happy.
As we rounded the block, a large yellow lab and a small dog stood up in a yard (that I know isn't theirs) and barked at us. While I stood there, a good distance back, and weighed the options they left. Winchester and I continued.
Almost home, I spotted a man standing in the street- creepy, then realized he was walking a small dog. W is not "small animal safe" according to his adoption group but we have made major progress on ignoring the feral (and outdoor-owned) cats on our walks. I am still not comfortable introducing him to small dogs yet (especially not knowing the dog, the owner, it is dark, the muzzle is at home, I'm stressed from all the dogs, etc.). The man and I exchange the customary pleasantries and remark about the weather. I have W on the other side of the street, on the other side of me. He keeps peering around me at this little white dog (too much like a racing lure to trust him with). I continue forward and the man starts up his driveway. All of a sudden something compels him to walk toward us! He wants to introduce them! Nose to nose! (dogs don't naturally greet each other that way, just fyi) W pulls forward! I pull backward and stammer "I don't necessarily want them to meet!" I think it probably sounded a little rude, but I don't really care considering I'm sure he likes his dog without alterations. Geez, what a walk.
This morning, at the place I go but would rather not be, one lady asked me if I could let him out by himself. I told her that I didn't have a fence. She looked like I didn't answer the question, so I told her that I walk him on a leash, he'd run off otherwise. Then she told this story:
Someone in her family, I think she said her son, had a Weimaraner. This dog was allowed to run free and made its way to the gas station. Someone from Jonesboro picked it up, took it to the vet for care, and put an ad in the paper. Her family saw the ad, picked him up and paid the vet bill. Later, the dog did the same thing only a family from LR took him back with them and tried to find his owner. They went to LR and brought the dog home. She told this story not as a cautionary tale, but like it was something funny!
I don't understand the loose-dog can-go-wherever mentality. I mean, my dad lets their lab run in our unfenced front yard, but only when he is out with her and because he knows she won't run off and will come when called.
RANT TWO
Nearly the same as rant one, rant two is LOOSE CATS! I know people will disagree, but I say if you own a cat, keep it indoors! Aside from the fact that indoor cats average 12 years old and often live longer while outdoor cats average 5 years old (which in itself is a pretty convincing statistic) NO ONE WANTS YOUR LOOSE CAT AROUND!
-They eat the birds.
They crap in piss in other people's yards (my dog only goes in public space- roadside and I carry poop bags) and in the sandbox at the park (eek!).
-If unneutered, unspayed they dramactially increase the cat population (and I see enough kittens to know that many are reproducing)
-If you love a cat, why would you drastically shorten it's lifespan?
This morning on our first walk W and I saw a cat (I was dangerously near NOT seeing the cat) in the gutter. I think it is sick. I've seen it before and it always mews so pitifully.
RANT THREE
Busybodies. We all know what they are, what they do, and how they make us feel.
RANT FOUR
Eights $400 table sets, two leather club chairs, and a leather couch for a poorly stocked high school library. Until all students read well I don't think we need a library full of books, not a hotel lobby.
RANT FIVE
Annoyingly long blog posts *blushes*
RANT ONE
Other dog's owners. I'm ranting at the owners, because it is not the dog's fault that it is loose! On the last walk of the night with Winchester last night we saw four off-leash dogs and one on a flexi-lead with an incompetent walker. This was on a 20 minute walk! Not only is it against the law, it is stupid! and dangerous for the dog (and dogs on leashes).
The first dog is one we see often; I don't think he has a home. We've never had any trouble from Medium Brown Dog, but I don't let W get too close, we go the other way.
The second was an odd situation. First, I noticed that there were two children running across the yard behind the Pentecostal church, odd, but not alarming. Then I noticed there was a lab following them, again, not alarming...until they laid flat in the ditch! I wondered briefly if they were hiding from the dog, who was sniffing them, but they saw W and I and said nothing to us about needing help. I watched the dog and the kids for a sec until I decided it was a game, all were happy.
As we rounded the block, a large yellow lab and a small dog stood up in a yard (that I know isn't theirs) and barked at us. While I stood there, a good distance back, and weighed the options they left. Winchester and I continued.
Almost home, I spotted a man standing in the street- creepy, then realized he was walking a small dog. W is not "small animal safe" according to his adoption group but we have made major progress on ignoring the feral (and outdoor-owned) cats on our walks. I am still not comfortable introducing him to small dogs yet (especially not knowing the dog, the owner, it is dark, the muzzle is at home, I'm stressed from all the dogs, etc.). The man and I exchange the customary pleasantries and remark about the weather. I have W on the other side of the street, on the other side of me. He keeps peering around me at this little white dog (too much like a racing lure to trust him with). I continue forward and the man starts up his driveway. All of a sudden something compels him to walk toward us! He wants to introduce them! Nose to nose! (dogs don't naturally greet each other that way, just fyi) W pulls forward! I pull backward and stammer "I don't necessarily want them to meet!" I think it probably sounded a little rude, but I don't really care considering I'm sure he likes his dog without alterations. Geez, what a walk.
This morning, at the place I go but would rather not be, one lady asked me if I could let him out by himself. I told her that I didn't have a fence. She looked like I didn't answer the question, so I told her that I walk him on a leash, he'd run off otherwise. Then she told this story:
Someone in her family, I think she said her son, had a Weimaraner. This dog was allowed to run free and made its way to the gas station. Someone from Jonesboro picked it up, took it to the vet for care, and put an ad in the paper. Her family saw the ad, picked him up and paid the vet bill. Later, the dog did the same thing only a family from LR took him back with them and tried to find his owner. They went to LR and brought the dog home. She told this story not as a cautionary tale, but like it was something funny!
I don't understand the loose-dog can-go-wherever mentality. I mean, my dad lets their lab run in our unfenced front yard, but only when he is out with her and because he knows she won't run off and will come when called.
RANT TWO
Nearly the same as rant one, rant two is LOOSE CATS! I know people will disagree, but I say if you own a cat, keep it indoors! Aside from the fact that indoor cats average 12 years old and often live longer while outdoor cats average 5 years old (which in itself is a pretty convincing statistic) NO ONE WANTS YOUR LOOSE CAT AROUND!
-They eat the birds.
They crap in piss in other people's yards (my dog only goes in public space- roadside and I carry poop bags) and in the sandbox at the park (eek!).
-If unneutered, unspayed they dramactially increase the cat population (and I see enough kittens to know that many are reproducing)
-If you love a cat, why would you drastically shorten it's lifespan?
This morning on our first walk W and I saw a cat (I was dangerously near NOT seeing the cat) in the gutter. I think it is sick. I've seen it before and it always mews so pitifully.
RANT THREE
Busybodies. We all know what they are, what they do, and how they make us feel.
RANT FOUR
Eights $400 table sets, two leather club chairs, and a leather couch for a poorly stocked high school library. Until all students read well I don't think we need a library full of books, not a hotel lobby.
RANT FIVE
Annoyingly long blog posts *blushes*
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Things I want in a house
I am in no position to get a house anytime soon. I know this. And I am renting a great little house for a great low price. But I can still dream can't I?
I think this dreaming was brought on by a house in town I have discovered on my walks with Winchester. It is old, maybe craftsman styling. It has wonderful stonework evocative of the old world and an arched door in a small turret! Yes, this dream house has a small turret for an entryway. But it is not a huge house, and it has not been kept up well. And for me, that adds to the allure.
I want a house with potential, to use a coded real-estate word. I don't want it to be perfect. I want to be able to make it better, to make it mine.
I want quirks. The house I'm in now has quirks. Like a lack of 90 degree angles where the walls meet the ceiling. My dryer is in the kitchen by the stove, while the water is halfway across the house by the shower. These are not exactly the kind of quirks I'm after, although these don't bother me now. I'm thinking more along the lines of the fact that my house was formerly a doctor's office built in 1917 or '18. Another quirk of my current residence that I love is the double doors. I have about 3.5 feet between the interior doors and the exteriors. This is perfect for getting in and out with Winchester and storage.
Good bones, electrical, and plumbing. Give me atrocious wallpaper, mismatched carpet, even drywall issues and I'll fix it. But I there are things that I won't have the expertise or resources to deal with and those are the big things. I want problems that are cosmetic.
Trees. Trees take a long time to grow tall, so I want them already in place.
Garden potential. As a child I loved the book and the movie (the 1993 version) "The Secret Garden". Sure it was a nice plot, but I really loved that the garden had potential and that it was resurrected. When Dickon cuts the rose bark back to show Mary the "quick" proving that the garden is not dead, but dormant it was magical.
Dog friendly yard. I can fence it if need be.
Window over the kitchen sink. I just don't know how anyone gets by without one.
This list could go on and on, but it is probably best that I don't ;)
I think this dreaming was brought on by a house in town I have discovered on my walks with Winchester. It is old, maybe craftsman styling. It has wonderful stonework evocative of the old world and an arched door in a small turret! Yes, this dream house has a small turret for an entryway. But it is not a huge house, and it has not been kept up well. And for me, that adds to the allure.
I want a house with potential, to use a coded real-estate word. I don't want it to be perfect. I want to be able to make it better, to make it mine.
I want quirks. The house I'm in now has quirks. Like a lack of 90 degree angles where the walls meet the ceiling. My dryer is in the kitchen by the stove, while the water is halfway across the house by the shower. These are not exactly the kind of quirks I'm after, although these don't bother me now. I'm thinking more along the lines of the fact that my house was formerly a doctor's office built in 1917 or '18. Another quirk of my current residence that I love is the double doors. I have about 3.5 feet between the interior doors and the exteriors. This is perfect for getting in and out with Winchester and storage.
Good bones, electrical, and plumbing. Give me atrocious wallpaper, mismatched carpet, even drywall issues and I'll fix it. But I there are things that I won't have the expertise or resources to deal with and those are the big things. I want problems that are cosmetic.
Trees. Trees take a long time to grow tall, so I want them already in place.
Garden potential. As a child I loved the book and the movie (the 1993 version) "The Secret Garden". Sure it was a nice plot, but I really loved that the garden had potential and that it was resurrected. When Dickon cuts the rose bark back to show Mary the "quick" proving that the garden is not dead, but dormant it was magical.
Dog friendly yard. I can fence it if need be.
Window over the kitchen sink. I just don't know how anyone gets by without one.
This list could go on and on, but it is probably best that I don't ;)
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Testing the Teachers
As part of a professional development workshop at school the teachers took personality tests. We are talking about learning styles and differentiated instruction (something I'm already familiar with from UCA).
But this is what I scored:
Jung (Myers-Briggs) Typology Test
Your Type is
INFJ
descriptions here and here
I've taken this test several times, first in high school at the suggestion of my art teacher. I've always scored as an INFJ, but I haven't tracked the preference percentages each time.
___________________________________________________________
You are type: Green
GREEN - I'll think about it
Congratulations! You are a primary green. You are an exceptionally creative problem solver who brings your ability to think outside the box to the workplace.
GOLD
Congratulations! You are a primary gold. You're a reliable organizer who can be counted on to implement other people’s ideas and get the job done.
BLUE - To Love and be Loved
Congratulations, you are a primary Blue. Your heart-felt communication style creates peace and harmony in the workplace. You know how to bring out the best in others.
ORANGE
Congratulations, you are a primary Orange. You are a persuasive motivator who knows how to get people moving and excited about projects.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
We took this one in a different workshop, at the beginning of the summer. It is based off Howard Gardner's research into Multiple Intelligences.
Now, it seems a little silly to be taking all this time to take these tests during our in-service. At least, it seems that way to me. But I doubt that many would do it on their own if we were simply given the sites. Our 7th and 8th grade students take a variation of the Gardener's and I am thinking about having my adv. art class take the Myers-Brigs (Jung) test.
I always can't help but think we, educators included, like to take these tests just because it makes us feel good. Whether the test is "Which Disney princess are you?", or trivia, or more academically oriented, we want to feel good at something or special.
But this is what I scored:
Jung (Myers-Briggs) Typology Test
Your Type is
INFJ
| Introverted | Intuitive | Feeling | Judging |
| Strength of the preferences % | |||
| 67 | 88 | 12 | 78 |
descriptions here and here
I've taken this test several times, first in high school at the suggestion of my art teacher. I've always scored as an INFJ, but I haven't tracked the preference percentages each time.
___________________________________________________________
A personality quiz that gives you a color. I think it is just trying to sell me a book.
You are type: Green
|
|
|
|
GREEN - I'll think about it
Congratulations! You are a primary green. You are an exceptionally creative problem solver who brings your ability to think outside the box to the workplace.
GOLD
Congratulations! You are a primary gold. You're a reliable organizer who can be counted on to implement other people’s ideas and get the job done.
BLUE - To Love and be Loved
Congratulations, you are a primary Blue. Your heart-felt communication style creates peace and harmony in the workplace. You know how to bring out the best in others.
ORANGE
Congratulations, you are a primary Orange. You are a persuasive motivator who knows how to get people moving and excited about projects.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
We took this one in a different workshop, at the beginning of the summer. It is based off Howard Gardner's research into Multiple Intelligences.
Now, it seems a little silly to be taking all this time to take these tests during our in-service. At least, it seems that way to me. But I doubt that many would do it on their own if we were simply given the sites. Our 7th and 8th grade students take a variation of the Gardener's and I am thinking about having my adv. art class take the Myers-Brigs (Jung) test.
I always can't help but think we, educators included, like to take these tests just because it makes us feel good. Whether the test is "Which Disney princess are you?", or trivia, or more academically oriented, we want to feel good at something or special.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Procrastination
Here are the things I am putting off:
Dishes: Of all my regular chores I hate washing dishes most. I don't have a dishwasher, but the main problem is that I think the sink is a little lower than is comfortable. It makes me lean over slightly to wash dishes. Of course, if I didn't let them pile up so much I wouldn't have to stand there very long...
Laundry: I don't mind doing it. I kinda like folding it. But still, I haven't done it yet. If it wasn't for my sisters' visit this weekend I probably would put it off longer.
General straightening up: When I was a kid my mom called this 'blitzing'. As in: "Girls, blitz the living room before dinner." While it translates from German into something more akin to lighting, or flash and may conjure up the WWII Blitz of Britain, to me, it will always equate quick cleaning.
Citizen's Duties: Jeremy sent me an email regarding a bill and I have yet to call my senators and representative.
Vacuum: I bought a new vacuum last week! A Bissell Powerforce Bagless. I used it today in the front half of the house (I had Winchester gated in the back half) so I need to go over my bedroom and the spare room. It works much better than the old freebie vac it replaced.
New Shoes: So this is not something that I am really putting off, just something I haven't had a chance to do yet. I need to get some new running shoes. I don't plan to become a runner, it hurts my knees, but Winchester likes to walk fast sometimes and I think jogging with him is fun. We are mostly on the grass, so it is not a huge priority though, so if I were putting it off it would be no big deal.
Cook: I like to cook. Really. But I haven't been interested in doing much of it lately. It is not like frozen food tastes better, or is healthier, or cheaper. It is just...I've been lazy (pretty much the whole gist of this post). But I have a new cookbook and a CSA share, so I'll get around to it ;)
Gear up for school: Don't even get me started about the short notice "professional development" (in-service)...talk about short notice, I found out Monday of this week that Monday of next week we have mandantory PD. If I hadn't randomly gone up to school (to organize my classroom, something I don't get paid for) I wouldn't have found out until today when the letter came.
Finsh cleaning/organizing my classroom
Write my AAE proposal and come up with a title
Wax my car (washed it yesterday)
At least Wincester got a lot done today: eat, sleep, walk, play with toys, play with me, get petted, jump over the gate keeping him in the back room so he could greet me at the door...
Dishes: Of all my regular chores I hate washing dishes most. I don't have a dishwasher, but the main problem is that I think the sink is a little lower than is comfortable. It makes me lean over slightly to wash dishes. Of course, if I didn't let them pile up so much I wouldn't have to stand there very long...
Laundry: I don't mind doing it. I kinda like folding it. But still, I haven't done it yet. If it wasn't for my sisters' visit this weekend I probably would put it off longer.
General straightening up: When I was a kid my mom called this 'blitzing'. As in: "Girls, blitz the living room before dinner." While it translates from German into something more akin to lighting, or flash and may conjure up the WWII Blitz of Britain, to me, it will always equate quick cleaning.
Citizen's Duties: Jeremy sent me an email regarding a bill and I have yet to call my senators and representative.
Vacuum: I bought a new vacuum last week! A Bissell Powerforce Bagless. I used it today in the front half of the house (I had Winchester gated in the back half) so I need to go over my bedroom and the spare room. It works much better than the old freebie vac it replaced.
New Shoes: So this is not something that I am really putting off, just something I haven't had a chance to do yet. I need to get some new running shoes. I don't plan to become a runner, it hurts my knees, but Winchester likes to walk fast sometimes and I think jogging with him is fun. We are mostly on the grass, so it is not a huge priority though, so if I were putting it off it would be no big deal.
Cook: I like to cook. Really. But I haven't been interested in doing much of it lately. It is not like frozen food tastes better, or is healthier, or cheaper. It is just...I've been lazy (pretty much the whole gist of this post). But I have a new cookbook and a CSA share, so I'll get around to it ;)
Gear up for school: Don't even get me started about the short notice "professional development" (in-service)...talk about short notice, I found out Monday of this week that Monday of next week we have mandantory PD. If I hadn't randomly gone up to school (to organize my classroom, something I don't get paid for) I wouldn't have found out until today when the letter came.
Finsh cleaning/organizing my classroom
Write my AAE proposal and come up with a title
Wax my car (washed it yesterday)
At least Wincester got a lot done today: eat, sleep, walk, play with toys, play with me, get petted, jump over the gate keeping him in the back room so he could greet me at the door...Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Winchester
I mentioned in my last post that I have a greyhound, Winchester. He has been home for two weeks and one day!
Here is a list of things that are going really well:
-Housetraining: The greyhounds are on a schedule for "turn-outs" into fenced areas outside the kennel. I kept him on this schedule for the first few days and then we transitioned onto my schedule. One thing I did not teach him was that if he needs to go out, pacing back and forth between me and the door will get him there! Smart boy!
-On leash: I don't have a fenced yard, so that means walks, and lots of them! Greyhounds are accustomed to walking on a leash at the track, so this was nothing new. However, he is doing really well with not lunging at cats we see, and cats are new and interesting to him.
-Playing with toys: From the very first night here, Winchester has played with toys everyday. He has a duck that honks and two squealy hedgehog toys. Happily, he doesn't seem interested in tearing them up. He just tosses them in the air, chases them when I throw, and squeaks them.
-Meeting people: Winchester really likes people. More than I do. It may be good for me that my dog is more out-going than I am! While he doesn't instantly love everyone, he seems more than willing to meet them.
-Traveling in the car: On our first ride together, on the way home from the kennel, Winchester stood for some of the time, but laid down for most of it. On our longest trip, for a weekend at my parents' house, he laid down the whole way and slept most of the time! He also got along with my parents' lab ,Lucy, and she just adored him.
-Waking me up: While this may not sound like a positive, it will be. Winchester makes me want to get up more than any alarm will. And while getting up at 6am in the summer is not really my kind of morning, the long-nosed sweet face staring at me on the edge of the bed is.
-Not chewing on things: While chewing is primarily a puppy teething phase, dogs who haven't lived in a home sometime explore with their teeth. Winchester hasn't taken anything that wasn't his, with the exception of my dustpan the one time I used it last week, and he hasn't chewed anything up.
-Napping: Now all this getting up early leaves me drained in the middle of the day. Since it is sumemr, I can nap. Winchester is always more than willing to curl up in his dog bed in my room while I catch my 30 winks.
Now I am going to knock on wood and attempt to placate fate with a list of things we can work on:
-Seeing his reflection: Winchester had never in his life been away from other greyhound very long or far. So naturally, when I brought him home he began to look for the others. All he found was his reflection, or in his view, an odd greyhound with no scent. He's gotten better. He knows the greyhound reflected in the windows, the side of my car, and the microwave aren't worth paying attention to...but I still have to keep a sheet over my bedroom mirror.
-Stoping on walks: I know I said he walks well on a leash, and that is true...when he is walking. I try to use these little breaks as time to stop and enjoy, vs. tug on his leash...except for when we are stopped in the middle of the road. The smallest thing can distract him...a cat...a person...a leaf...trains...the poop-bag... So our walks are intersperced with ellipsises.
-Training: I've helped to reinforce the training of my parents' dogs, so I think I could handle the basics: sit, down, stay, etc. I've decided though, that a class would be good for both of us. There is one in Memphis that starts in September and I will probably sign up. It is a "clicker training" class, and I've heard that technique works well, especially for grown dogs.
-Being alone: Most greyhounds have never been alone until after their race career ends, if then. They grow up with their siblings, go to train together, and then live at a kennel. Winchester and I are working on "alone-training". I have been leaving for increasing increments of time, so he gets used to being alone and learns that I will come back. I give him a "Kong" filled with peanut butter and kibble when I go, so he usually doesn't care that I am leaving!
-Velcro dog: He has gotten better about not following me everywhere. The first week, if I got up to re-fill my water, he was with me. If I went to the bathroom, he whined at the door. Now I think he knows it is too much effort to get up over every little thing, but if I am out of the room for more that a couple of second he comes to see what I'm doing.
Overall, I couldn't be happier. Even if the transition hadn't been as smooth, I would still say that he is a great dog.
Here is a list of things that are going really well:
-Housetraining: The greyhounds are on a schedule for "turn-outs" into fenced areas outside the kennel. I kept him on this schedule for the first few days and then we transitioned onto my schedule. One thing I did not teach him was that if he needs to go out, pacing back and forth between me and the door will get him there! Smart boy!
-On leash: I don't have a fenced yard, so that means walks, and lots of them! Greyhounds are accustomed to walking on a leash at the track, so this was nothing new. However, he is doing really well with not lunging at cats we see, and cats are new and interesting to him.
-Playing with toys: From the very first night here, Winchester has played with toys everyday. He has a duck that honks and two squealy hedgehog toys. Happily, he doesn't seem interested in tearing them up. He just tosses them in the air, chases them when I throw, and squeaks them.
-Meeting people: Winchester really likes people. More than I do. It may be good for me that my dog is more out-going than I am! While he doesn't instantly love everyone, he seems more than willing to meet them.
-Traveling in the car: On our first ride together, on the way home from the kennel, Winchester stood for some of the time, but laid down for most of it. On our longest trip, for a weekend at my parents' house, he laid down the whole way and slept most of the time! He also got along with my parents' lab ,Lucy, and she just adored him.
-Waking me up: While this may not sound like a positive, it will be. Winchester makes me want to get up more than any alarm will. And while getting up at 6am in the summer is not really my kind of morning, the long-nosed sweet face staring at me on the edge of the bed is.
-Not chewing on things: While chewing is primarily a puppy teething phase, dogs who haven't lived in a home sometime explore with their teeth. Winchester hasn't taken anything that wasn't his, with the exception of my dustpan the one time I used it last week, and he hasn't chewed anything up.
-Napping: Now all this getting up early leaves me drained in the middle of the day. Since it is sumemr, I can nap. Winchester is always more than willing to curl up in his dog bed in my room while I catch my 30 winks.
Now I am going to knock on wood and attempt to placate fate with a list of things we can work on:
-Seeing his reflection: Winchester had never in his life been away from other greyhound very long or far. So naturally, when I brought him home he began to look for the others. All he found was his reflection, or in his view, an odd greyhound with no scent. He's gotten better. He knows the greyhound reflected in the windows, the side of my car, and the microwave aren't worth paying attention to...but I still have to keep a sheet over my bedroom mirror.
-Stoping on walks: I know I said he walks well on a leash, and that is true...when he is walking. I try to use these little breaks as time to stop and enjoy, vs. tug on his leash...except for when we are stopped in the middle of the road. The smallest thing can distract him...a cat...a person...a leaf...trains...the poop-bag... So our walks are intersperced with ellipsises.
-Training: I've helped to reinforce the training of my parents' dogs, so I think I could handle the basics: sit, down, stay, etc. I've decided though, that a class would be good for both of us. There is one in Memphis that starts in September and I will probably sign up. It is a "clicker training" class, and I've heard that technique works well, especially for grown dogs.
-Being alone: Most greyhounds have never been alone until after their race career ends, if then. They grow up with their siblings, go to train together, and then live at a kennel. Winchester and I are working on "alone-training". I have been leaving for increasing increments of time, so he gets used to being alone and learns that I will come back. I give him a "Kong" filled with peanut butter and kibble when I go, so he usually doesn't care that I am leaving!
-Velcro dog: He has gotten better about not following me everywhere. The first week, if I got up to re-fill my water, he was with me. If I went to the bathroom, he whined at the door. Now I think he knows it is too much effort to get up over every little thing, but if I am out of the room for more that a couple of second he comes to see what I'm doing.
Overall, I couldn't be happier. Even if the transition hadn't been as smooth, I would still say that he is a great dog.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
New Directions
Okay, so I don't blog. Now that I am not trying to, maybe I will put this "blog" to better use!
I like lists, so I'll start with that:
Things that have happened recently:
-Last Monday, July 14th, I brought home my retired-racing greyhound Winchester Drive from Mid-South Greyhound Adoption Option! He has been a dream dog (well, other than trying to swallow a bird this morning...). He also got along with my parent's lab, Lucy, when I brought him for a visit this weekend.
-I visited a friend in Champaign and we went to Chicago for the weekend! Art note: We went to the National Museum of Mexican Art
-The family (minus one sister who was in Italy) went to the lake for a week and I caught my first "fish in a boat with a lure", a 14 inch white bass. Yum.
- I am really excited about my new cookbook: "Starting with Ingredients"by Aliza Green
Things I need to work on:
-making artwork- I have materials and ideas, so the hardest part is out of the way
-making powerpoint presentations for school- I don't know if I will have a projector for next year, but I might as well make a case for myself with some kicking ppts for art history lessons
-training for Winchester- there is a class that starts in September and I'll probably sign up for it, but I need to do a little now too (not that he needs much)
-attending art events in Memphis- I would like to start doing this, after all what good is it to be a member at the Brooks Museum if I don't go to their stuff, and hopefully, I'll meet artsy people
-I need to fill out the form for a CSA (community supported agriculture) from Whitton Flower and Produce and take it to the farmer's market in town tomorrow, the tomatoes and peaches I bought last week were great
-I've started a knit bear (I looked for a similarly patterned pic, but no luck) and I need to finish it
-update my school website and add some kind of incentive for students to visit it
-now the long term stuff: GRE, porfolio and slides for MFA app
I like lists, so I'll start with that:
Things that have happened recently:
-Last Monday, July 14th, I brought home my retired-racing greyhound Winchester Drive from Mid-South Greyhound Adoption Option! He has been a dream dog (well, other than trying to swallow a bird this morning...). He also got along with my parent's lab, Lucy, when I brought him for a visit this weekend.
-I visited a friend in Champaign and we went to Chicago for the weekend! Art note: We went to the National Museum of Mexican Art
-The family (minus one sister who was in Italy) went to the lake for a week and I caught my first "fish in a boat with a lure", a 14 inch white bass. Yum.
- I am really excited about my new cookbook: "Starting with Ingredients"by Aliza Green
Things I need to work on:
-making artwork- I have materials and ideas, so the hardest part is out of the way
-making powerpoint presentations for school- I don't know if I will have a projector for next year, but I might as well make a case for myself with some kicking ppts for art history lessons
-training for Winchester- there is a class that starts in September and I'll probably sign up for it, but I need to do a little now too (not that he needs much)
-attending art events in Memphis- I would like to start doing this, after all what good is it to be a member at the Brooks Museum if I don't go to their stuff, and hopefully, I'll meet artsy people
-I need to fill out the form for a CSA (community supported agriculture) from Whitton Flower and Produce and take it to the farmer's market in town tomorrow, the tomatoes and peaches I bought last week were great
-I've started a knit bear (I looked for a similarly patterned pic, but no luck) and I need to finish it
-update my school website and add some kind of incentive for students to visit it
-now the long term stuff: GRE, porfolio and slides for MFA app
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
One Year Later
I have a real job as an art teacher now.
This blog was started as my internship journal, but then fizzled. I think I would like to turn the focus to my artwork, so we will see where that goes.
I haven't been making much artwork, but I have some ideas that I hope to begin on this summer. A lot of my previous art dealt with the "found" object. An interesting aspect of spending most of my time in an art classroom is that my "found objects" are actually by-products of art materials. For example, my ideas are involving paint "skins" from palates that didn't get washed, and paper that has fallen on the floor and is covered in a lace-like pattern of shoeprints.
This blog was started as my internship journal, but then fizzled. I think I would like to turn the focus to my artwork, so we will see where that goes.
I haven't been making much artwork, but I have some ideas that I hope to begin on this summer. A lot of my previous art dealt with the "found" object. An interesting aspect of spending most of my time in an art classroom is that my "found objects" are actually by-products of art materials. For example, my ideas are involving paint "skins" from palates that didn't get washed, and paper that has fallen on the floor and is covered in a lace-like pattern of shoeprints.
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