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Created: March 1, 2003
Latest Update: March 1, 2003
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Site Teaching Modules The Cat Who Suffered Fear of Falling

Site Copyright: Jeanne Curran and Susan R. Takata and Individual Authors, March 2003.
"Fair use" encouraged.

The Cat Who Suffered Fear of Falling.

The Cat who Suffered Fear of Falling
Could Somebody Get These Papers Off the Kitchen Table???

March 6, 2003: Arnold was having chicken. I was having peanut butter and jelly. Tut was asleep on the papers. He had meant to read them for us, but he was tired from hanging out with the neighbor's cat, who had been over for lunch. The smell of the chicken wafted over and woke him as Arnold offered a piece. Mmm, the chicken was good. But he wanted another bite. And so he came a little closer. And then, and then, the whole pile of papers started to tremble, and right off the edge of the table the poor cat slid. Now we've got fear of falling anxiety. This poor teen age cat is having a hard time growing up.

Of course, Cats on Counters would tell us he was a bad cat for being on the table. I'm more inclined to believe we maybe ought to clear the table occasionally. Besides, all we did was giggle. We rather enjoyed having him right there with us. Maybe "bad" is socially defined, just like Quinney said.

Why the cat stories? Well, I've got three theses to read and edit, I've got 72 students, many more than I expected, and an art show to get up by next week. I think the appropriate technical expression is EEK !!! Because I try to have a painting for each issue, one that relates to our discussions, I gotta paint what's in my head. And right now King Tut and Arnold are like a running Charlie Chaplin comedy. They're helping me keep my sanity as I try to figure out which part of retirement it is that i don't understand.

Our topic of the week last week was Over-Reacting to Our Own Over-Reactions. This time of almost war is a time when that happens. I think at least five times a day that there is no possible way I could manage to have 72 students this semester. Then I remember Helen Williams coming in to my office last Thursday and asking "What is it you want me do? Write a paper, or something?" Inshallah (God willing), I had managed to put up the detailed suggestions for submissions. Then I remember Helen telling me that she was working with Angela Cole and Shaundonna (think I got that name right, but I know I've got the person right). And then there weren't 72 students out there. There were Angela and Shaundonna and Helen, and I calmed down. God was willing. We can manage 72 students. I can manage one art show. Shh! Not a good time to remind me about the theses.

Pat and I haven't even figured out where we can put 19 chairs in my house for an art show. We have already over-reacted. Now we're trying to clear space and we're actually beginning to look forward to it. Some of you have asked if you can come. Well, I don't think my house will hold one more person. But, guess what! It's on Tuesday night, March 18. Yeah, that's the day after the deadline Presisdent Bush gave for the start of the war with Iraq. Good timing, hmm?? We considered calling him to ask if he could start the next week, but nah, he's not listening to us about not going to war, is he? So I guess I don't have much chance with postponing it a week.

What we'll do, as soon as the WAR settles down, if the war settles down, we'll have the show here at school. I'll just put up the paintings in a classroom. So you won't miss it, unless the WAR intervenes, in which case it might be over-reacting to worry about one little old art show.

Meanwhile, my teen age cat, victim of the same clutter that defies our clearing enough room for 19 people, provides comic relief and brings me back to a reality in which work and fun and fear and world events all fall gradually into perspective. Inshallah. And Anna, who keeps our house in whatever order she can, said just this week, "I need a kitten. I have to get a kitten." Yes, Anna, I think we all need a kitten. Remarkable how they can shake the globe back into perspective.

On Tuesday, March 11, 2003, Marlene Whittaker responded:

Hi Jeanne, so glad to see you're back in full swing. There is nothing better for the human soul than a funny cat!!!! They're all funny, just some more than others. It is the little things in life, like the amusing things a cat will do that can bring perspective into one's life. Especially at a time like now, filled with so much anxiety about war. The musings of a cat, can ignite a belly laugh so filled with glee that it totally removes us from our negative thoughts or anxieties. My prescription therefore, is that everyone should go to the animal shelter, and get a cat!!!! If not a cat, get a dog, get a monkey, get something that you can put yourself into, that will unconditionally love you back, and give you free, unsolicited entertainment. Make yourself feel good, give of yourself to one that will give you ten fold back. Love and Peace, Marlene
Hmmm, I wonder how a monkey would work out with King Tut???? love and peace, jeanne