10th and Lawrence Streets, N.E. Washington D.C. 20017
Subject: Re: Pets
Date: Sat, 17 Apr 1999 22:35:06 -0400
Pets!
When we were growing up in DC with 7 kids in the household and a
working mother, pets were not an option--but that didn't stop me from
wishing. I've always thought big, and the first pet I can remember
wanting was a horse. In 5th or 6th grade, a couple of us at school
started the Horse Club. I don't think any of you were in it. (read:
none of you wanted to be associated with such a crazy idea). Wait.
Rosie, were you in it? I do remember Carolyn Payne was in it. We would
get together at recess and discuss different types of horses and the
benefits of using western versus english saddles. We would read books
like National Velvet and Misty of Chincoteague. The climax of the club
came when one day we ventured to Rock Creek Park Stables to go horseback
riding. Unfortunately my dream of becoming one with a dashing steed
turned into a comedy skit and the stupid horse wouldn't do anything I
wanted. Off everyone else went and my horse just stood there. I
finally had to be led by the guide. Needless to say, that was the end
of the Horse Club. I went horseback riding for the second time about 8
years ago in Tucson. Scared me to death. It was a great horse, but I
was sure he'd lose his footing going down those canyons. No more riding
animals for me.
Since we've been married, we've had a couple of cats and dogs. Right
now, we have a cat-with-an-Attitude named Misty (we're very unoriginal
with names here) and a yellow parakeet named Tweetie. Misty likes me
and Francesca and hates Pete (she hisses at him quite a bit). Tweetie
only likes Pete and will fly to him and give him kisses--but she pecks
at me. Go figure.
On the people front, Francesca HAS MADE UP HER MIND! She'll be going to
Sweet Briar College in the fall with a partial scholarship. Over the
summer we visited colleges up and down the east coast, and I have to
admit, it was my favorite. It's been hers as well all along, and she
finally admitted that the thought of leaving home had been holding her
back.
Next fall we'll be experiencing the empty-nest syndrome. I for one
plan on staying very busy.
FYI, my job is going GREAT! I love crisis work. I love addicts and
alcoholics. I love people who have a mental illness. Must be because I
feel right at home with them!!! I'm actually sending out a couple of
resumes this weekend, not because I don't like where I'm at, but because
they're closer to home. There's a crisis therapist position advertised
at Montgomery General and another mobile crisis position in Alexandria.
But we'll see... Never hurts to look but I'm definitely not in a hurry
to leave where I'm at.
Hey everyone, any more talk about a summer picnic?
Terry