TGIF

Happy is at the vet getting "tutored" today; he drooled extensively in my lap en route to the vet's, leading to a somewhat embarrassing "look" for me by the time I got to school. Fortunately, my lightweight pants dried quickly, so I didn't have to go to the gym and find a hot-air dryer!  We are hoping that Happy (aka Mr. Chunky-butt) will get on an animal transport van to New Jersey, where there is a waiting list for pups.

Oh, to live in a place that actually enforces leash laws. And where people are responsible enough to neuter their pets.

Well, maybe not New Jersey....

Been having lots of good discussions at work lately about department matters:  what's the role of reading in college writing classes? what should the relationships be among first-year comp (fyc), the intro lit course, and the introduction to the major course? Given that we have a composition faculty that's diverse in rank, in training, and in philosophy, how (much) can we encourage common goals, procedures, expectations?  They're difficult questions, but engaging to talk about. 

Almost wrote "fun to talk about," but stopped myself, because "fun" isn't correct. It's better than fun, and harder than fun. I'd like students to get that distinction and stop settling for "fun."

Snow Morning!

For the second time this semester, we are having time off from school for s * n * o * w. At least they call it snow here, though a couple of inches of fluffy hardly counts for those of us who've lived in colder climes. Last time we had a storm, the university cancelled classes "until 11am"; then, at about 10, they called it off for the day -- after, of course, I had left for school. Thank goodness for colleagues who have my cell number and know how to use it!

Today we have no classes until 11:30. My first class is not until 11:30 anyway, but it still feels somehow luxurious to be at home in the snow -- walking the dogs, blogging, writing up meeting minutes, working on a student's recommendation letter, looking out the window into the cold world. It's nice.

I claimed a locker at the gym yesterday; no charge, you just get your own lock and put your name up. Three of us have committed to swimming two afternoons a week (we keep each other motivated), and it seems so much more official to have my own locker with its own cute round very purple lock. I can keep deodorant, etc. there and not have to lug everything around. 

Now I'm thinking about a new gym bag, as the plastic-y one I've been using has rips and is actually a bit too large.... Henry David said to beware of enterprises which require new clothes, and I tend to agree, but there is something about making that financial investment which makes you feel more...invested. (Sounds like a lolcat caption.)

RIP Sam

Jane's boyfriend Sam (an older man, pictured below on Jan 14th) was put down a few days ago. He was 11 1/2 and had had a good life, very well loved.  Still sad news.

Home for Happy

Picked up a new foster child today from the woman who does my hair. She's been calling him Happy and, though he was a little timid at first, the name seems to fit.  I'm sending out his photos through the animal club at school, and we'll be getting his shots and "tutoring" this week.

UPDATE Feb 14

Happy is being adopted by a woman in New Jersey and will be going to his new home in a few days, via rescue-van transport.  Happy ending!  He has learned "come" and "potty" and (sort of) "sit" quickly and will be a great pet for his new family.