Well, it’s been much more than a week.
Cape
There has been TONS going on. I’ve started the new job at Cape Elizabeth. I’m loving the job and the people. I’ve still got a lot to learn, but I’m enjoying the process of getting to know everyone.
I’ve been busy. I’m conscious of not pushing “we did this way back where I was”. Every place is different. Culture, skills, needs, and more dictate the right responses. So, I’ve been busy learning. Busy meeting people. Busy asking questions.
Maine
I do greatly enjoy the roundabouts. There is an elegance to these. An artfulness. I get why some people don’t like them, but I do. It seems like there needs to be a bit of communication. A bit of connection with the other drivers. (Speaking of which, Maine drivers are not exactly the best drivers.)
The House
Hopefully, we are making progress on the garage. The permit has been pulled. I’m meeting with the inspector tomorrow to hopefully get approval and start things rolling. No additional painting.
Shelves
I did get an opportunity to help Kristin build some shelves. I think that she is very happy. We got 5 out of the 8 shelves installed. Now that we have the process down, things are going well. Naturally, this will encourage additional book purchases.
9-11 Anniversary
This year is the 20 year anniversary of the attacks on the US on 9-11. I was an Assistant Principal at Woodworth Middle School when this happened. We had a half-day of school that year. I remember pulling TV’s out to watch the news. We were struggling to understand what was happening (as was everyone else).
I really remember our concern about the community and the kids. There were people threatening to come to Dearborn to “blow up the Arabs”. The community was on high alert. Thing is, the members of the community were actually more “American” than those making threats.
The kids were terrific. They were able to focus on school even with everything else going on. I’d ask, and many of these middle school kids would respond, “It’s cool Mr. Patterson. School is different. We’re safe here. We’re here to learn.” Talk about maturity and rising to the occasion.
