Bridge likes bikes, banjos and being in the Pacific Northwest!: 2008-10

Directly after returning from Chicago, I moved, yet again. This time to a different neighborhood in Seattle, about 5.5 miles south of Capitol Hill. I now live on Beacon Hill, which for those of you not familiar with Seattle, it's south of I-90, south of downtown and just east of I-5. It is a mostly residential neighborhood with single family homes, a great Filipino bakery and a marvelous new public library. Both the library and where I go for acupuncture are both about a block and a half from my house.

Yes! I live in a HOUSE! Wooohooo. It has a gigantic front porch, a small front yard and a huge backyard. Below are some pictures.

(Dining Room. left open and empty to work on music, art, yoga, etc.)

(living room a.k.a. for all you Chicagoans "frunchroom", with a piano and drum set for jamming)

(We have a claw foot tub! I have used it more than the shower!)

(You can see that out our bathroom window we have a TRAMPOLINE in the backyard! CAUTION: one can get whiplash when jumping with others, I don't think these were made for adults.)

(My room, not as tiny as the last.)

Along with moving into a new household in a new neighborhood, I have also started a new job. I have begun a teaching job at the EEU, Experimental Education Unit. My official title is Classroom Aide, but I do instruct a good portion of the school day. The EEU is a Seattle Public School run and funded from different companies and schools. It is on the University of Washington campus, behind the University Medical Center. Children who attend this school range from age 6months to 6 years of age. I am an aide in a kindergarten classroom. I work with a head teacher, two assistant teachers and numerous aides and therapists. Our class consists of 17 students. 10 of these students have "special needs"; autism, ADHD, Asberger's Syndrome, Down Syndrome, etc. The other 7 are classified as "normally developing". They are integrated in the classroom and do most of their work, play and instruction together. The curriculum is modified according to each individual child. Their skill and aptitude for academics range greatly within the classroom. Some kids already know how to read on their own, and others are still having trouble writing their name. All of the kids are about 5 years old.

I took this job intending to learn about kids with special needs and disabilities to determine if I really want to go into art therapy and work in such an environment. One of the perks of this job, is that I can observe speech, occupational and music therapy first hand in the classroom. I am learning so much about school and about children's interactions. Eventually I will teach some art projects to my class, and perhaps bring the banjo in for a small lecture on it. They LOVE when the music therapist comes in. As for now, I am still trying to get to know the kids and remember the routine. The organization and structure of kindergarten is all new to me. Being home schooled I was not exposed to Elementary school, and it's difficult sometimes to feel comfortable with the rules and conformity. I am really enjoying the job and feel that I am needed there.

More to come! Happy Autumn! Fall in Seattle is beautiful and despite what people have said, the leaves DO change colors.