God day for Joey yesterday, on the whole, and he was v good for my Dad, who put him to bed whilst Anne and I went to the school parent evening.  Interesting enough for us but we are in contact on such a regular basis with Mrs H that we did not really need to go.  I have, however, been volunteered to go in and give a talk to the class - on the Titanic.  They have been doing something on that and I let slip that my grandparents saw the Titanic being launched in Belfast 100 yrs ago.  And that Joey had been to where the ship was built.  Then it was suggested that I also give a talk on ranching in Brazil and Climate Change!

It will help that there are only 4 kids in his class!

Obama v disappointing last night.  Romney just lies but Obama did not go after his bullshit aggressively enough.  He will have to do better next time.

Dad arrived Monday, great to have him here for over 2 weeks.  Sitting down to watch the first Presidential debate.  Come on Obama!

Not a brilliant start today with Joey reluctant to go to school.  See correspondence below between Anne and Mrs H;

I do understand about the praise and being the center of attention.  Thanks for the reminder though.  He is ok right now, but wasn’t great this morning so I had him lie down for about 25 mins.  Afterwards  he was ready to work.  I think that he should have a lunch break today.  Don’t go to your grave yet.  He is still so much better than he used to be.  See you later. Stephanie

From: Gery Juleff [mailto:gjuleff@hotmail.com]
Sent: Tuesday, October 02, 2012 8:21 AM
To: Stephanie Hoffman
Subject: lunch

Joey really wanted me to pick him up for lunch today. I will plan on a quick lunch with him from 11:45 - 12:30. If he changes his mind, I can drop off lis lunch at 11:45. Just so you know, he was a bit upset about school last night and this morning. Even though we're all delighted with his work ethic and better behaviour he seems to view our praise as slightly patronising. He said he didn't want me making a fuss over him just doing his work. That it isn't anything special or different than what the others are doing. He did seem to want to be praised privately but I think he finds it embarrassing to be praised in front of others for something that isn't truly exceptional. This criticism was directed at me not you but I just wanted you to be aware of his feelings.

This kid is going to put me in an early grave! Anyway, let's hope he has another good, productive day.

Anne
 

And another email from Mrs H;

He just finished another assignment!  Amazing.  (There was a threat of missing recess, but he finished with time left for free reading).

She also told us on Friday that some of the other staff had also commented on Joey's change.  A corner turned?  We have been here before but this time it does seem real.

Few moans from Joey before going to school but not too bad.  gave him wee pep talk about enjoying school and just trying, doing his best.  Seemed to work.  received email from Mrs H;
'He completed 2 sentences in 15 mins. which is a first and really terrific!'

Autumn is coming.  Went out for paper at 0630 and it is cool, very fresh.  First time for months.  Due to warm up today to circa 70 degrees. 

Dad is due out this afternoon for 2 1/2 weeks.  Looking forward to that and hee will enjoy the cooler weather - it was too hot for him back in July.  Too hot for all of us.

Came home to find Joey at the computer - watching another documentary on dinosaurs.  He is keen to be a paleantologist.  We don't like TV, as regular readers will know, but it is good that he has access to this sort of stuff via the internet. 

Big day today - my colleagues from Imperial will find out what conditions BP will attach to their funding for thee bioeconomy plaatform.  Fingers crosssed.