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.
Sunday, August 31, 2008
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.
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