That’s a lot of occupancy in a little space lol
5 Likes
When my goddaughters were kids they used to call my home “The pet shop”. I’m back on that herp again pretty hard.
3 Likes
Well I’m not employed so I don’t have anything fun to say other than my uncle is in the USAF, he has been to mainly African and European countries. List of countries I believe
South Sudan
Somalia
Ethiopia
Kenya
Colombia
Venezuela
Norway
And almost Australia.
He also used to have a Chinese water dragon.
3 Likes
I would like to go here someday. I love the Latin-American countries. They are just so dangerous though… I am fine with the venomous snakes, spiders, and scorpions, but am super scared of the hard-to-see things like mosquitoes, ticks and leeches. 
2 Likes
Awesome picture, looks like the look I used to give to my kids when they were winding me up or annoying me 
But yours is better.
5 Likes
My first work was as a lab technician in research, I loved it. I had my own lab and the white coat was so cool. (chemistry mainly, but later a bit of biology)
When older I moved into health care, but missed my lab so much i built a lab in my spare bedroom.
The cartoon Dexter’s laboratory inspired me to do that a bit 
. bit of a nerd i Guess. 
2 Likes
IDD stands for “Intellectual and/or Developmental Disability.” I’m in the US. Not sure if that’s a US-specific term or not.
One thing this job has taught me is that everyone has talents and strengths, regardless of their diagnoses or level of independence. We have one client who is non-verbal and has a deformity in his right hand, which limits his ability to use ASL (American Sign Language). But he’s sharp as a tack mentally, and I’m continually amazed by the creative ways he finds to communicate. One time he was trying to ask me what time it was, and I just wasn’t catching on to the gestures he was using. Finally he grabbed my head, turned my face to the analog clock in the room, pointed at it, and raised his eyebrows to indicate he was asking a question. I finally got the hint, and felt like a bit of an idiot for not catching on sooner, haha. As I’ve spent more time with him, I’ve started to learn more of the modified signs he uses to communicate. He’s also one of the kindest, most empathetic, and most patient human beings I’ve ever met. Any time he sees or senses that a client or staff is feeling sad, unwell, or is otherwise having a hard time for some reason, he’s always willing to do anything he can to help.
…and that’s just one example. I could go on and on about our amazing clients, because they’re all remarkable people in one way or another. I’ve learned (and continue to learn) so much from them, and it really is a privilege to work with them.
5 Likes
But I would argue its not a disability, its a learning difference that society is not geared up to meet…
The UK call lit a learning disability, similar, but they are wrong. Some of the people with those labels can out preform the highest academics in their field if their learning is tailored to their needs, if not in other areas like love…
3 Likes
Yeah, I agree.
2 Likes
@jawramik that’s why I trashed my 10 year science career for my current less fanatically lucrative career.
People with those labels need a chance to shine, reach their potentials, and teach us how to be more about humanity and what it is to be human.
2 Likes
This may be well known, but data from experts on psychology believe that some of the great and respected scientists such as Albert Einstein and even Isaac Newton suffered from Intellectual “disabilities”. Now and forever more, will they be respected and remembered as some of the greatest minds in history.
I agree @ascended. It is not correct to think that we without these trials in life are above those with challenges such as this. I personally think they are stronger in many aspects having experienced the unique circumstances they have faced.
4 Likes
@verinium i had been thinking about a thread like this! Was that the first Nor’easter we got?
As someone who has worked with IDD peeps for 20 years, I LOVE the fact you adore your job! Makes me so happy! I wasn’t a fan of working with adults as much as the kiddos, but I coached a lot of adults for Special O. But I love the kids and schooling most. But I still keep in touch with the adults that I taught when they were in HS. 
@jawramik
On that note…I teach middle school, primarily kids with LD (Learning Disabilities) as well as a case manager. I also get to teach ELA & History, which are both my favorites. Both kids and adults are fascinated by my zoo.
Early o’clock on picture day.
5 Likes
Here’s where my true passion lies. Making music. You can check it out here.
I’m on the right.
Bloodrunner
I also have an office job where I get most of my income from.
7 Likes
That is a sick audio board! I am a live digital audio engineer. That is where I feel most at home lol.
3 Likes
Oh really? That’s so badass. I was gonna go into music production but I decided to stay the musician.
3 Likes
Thanks, I enjoy it, I hopefully will be working for my church as a mentioned above. I also use an Avid Venue at the church.
3 Likes
In addition to science, I am also a bit of an artist,
just a few of many examples------- hope you enjoy
.
Photographs-
.
Oil paintings :
6 Likes
Pretty awesome stuff!
1 Like
Those are incredible ! You have been given a gift .
1 Like
I have been in the construction trades since the age of 15 . Most of which has been focused on residential construction. New construction, additions, remodeling and repairs.
I’ve been blessed twice throughout my career. The first when I was a young apprentice. A master carpenter took me under his wing.
The second was meeting a true craftsman. Another older guy who was like a father to me.
Rebuilt from the foundation up after a fire destroyed the original structure.
Here’s some work done recently at the church I belong to.
Kitchen remodel
Uploading: 20220428_202657.jpg…
Uploading: 20220401_170308.jpg…
Children’s play room
Basement storage space.
5 Likes