I’ve been struggling to create my About page for awhile; for those of you who have clicked on the non-functioning link you may have noted this lack of history. I may make some adjustments in the future, but here’s some stuff about me.
You already know I work in an inner city school as a resource teacher, in the U. S. you may refer to my position as a special ed. type teacher. My students may have a learning disability, behavioural challenges or some combination of both. Alternatively, they may purely have some struggles with their day to day work.
I used to work in residential treatment. I have always worked with youth who are survivors of various types of abuse (physical, sexual, emotional). I began as a front line worker and moved into an administrative role. I miss the social work aspect and wish life had made it possible to remain in my previous career. This, however, does not mean I do not find my current career both satisfying and rewarding. I certainly hope I am making a positive difference in my students’ school experience.
I am a cancer survivor. I had surgery to remove the tumor, 6 months of chemotherapy and 6 weeks of daily radiation. This was in 1999 and 2000. So far so good, I attribute my survival to good care and good luck. I have issues with anyone including good attitude, because I’ve known several patients who had a good attitude and they’re not here now. Our society has a propensity for blaming victims, one of my pet peeves. I may make a list of my pet peeves one day.
I am in a long term relationship and we have a daughter who is almost 14. It is she to whom I refer to as the Princess or Princess G. She loves to write and has made some guest “writings” (here, here, here and most noteably here) on GeminiGirl. She will be moving on to her own site.
I have a cat, named Chloe, who spent many nights with me when I was “enjoying” the side effects of chemo and radiation. She was an amazing support and I hope if she ever needs me like I needed her, I will be there for her.
I have a strong feminist perspective on life. This being said, I do not like it when people slam men. My feminist education (PDF) recognizes the existence of oppression within our society and its negative effect. I am cognizant of white power and privilege; who holds the power, predominantly white men, with white women also holding significant power. There are many groups of human beings within our society who are marginalized by their color, race, ethnicity and/or sexual orientation.
There is way too much of us and them in our society. We are all in this world together. We need to find a way to embrace and enjoy diversity and difference.
I love reading, writing, hanging out with my friends and family, scented candles, movies, being outdoors, the ocean, “curling up”, lip gloss, clothes, animals, my hammock, my fireplace, vacations, massages, reflexology, downhill skiing, ice skating, hiking, music, living in the moment.
I am not sure on any given day what Gemini will choose to write about, but I am certain most of the foregoing will be reflected in some manner.
Gemini