Thursday, August 30, 2012
What day is it?
First, read this:
http://www.patheos.com/blogs/goodletters/2012/08/in-defense-of-fine-china/
Ironically, my china was mentioned pointedly only a week ago. I love my china. It is a part of my personality, my memory and my sense of home and hearth. Half of my ambitions for a new home revolve around finally having a dining room and maybe even a table to put my china on. I was, last week, asked, "Are you...Southern?" Actually, I come from two very different varieties of southern family. I didn't realize that china was so tell-tale!
And, of course, you are wondering how the preparations for J-Fest are going. Well...I've passed nightmares, and have progressed to complete sleeplessness. And the imperfections in my lower back have been reminding me of their existence. Tonight is going to be rough.
As for the weekend, it should be very doable...but might be rained out completely. Curse you, Issac. I am not in the mood to have my J-Fest hurricained away. Not that I would be more so at some other time...
I helped Grant make a collage for school. I has a guy playing baseball, a picture of the 4 of us, a picture of himself, a list of his favorite foods (PB&J, ice cream, chocolate) and a list of his favorite animals (dinosaurs, sharks, polar bears and poison dart frogs) and his two favorite movies: How to Train Your Dragon, and Superman. Oh, yes....it also had angry birds ALL OVER IT.
Brother is having a bad week. Let's just say some new stuff broke, causing other new stuff to break, and that he is none to happy with the situation.
In other news....J-Fest is two days away! I have most of my clothes and tabi socks set out.
Hope you are about to have a great weekend!!! Come to the show!
Rain, rain, go away! Come again Monday at 3:45pm.
Monday, August 27, 2012
Nightmares
Last night I had nightmares involving having to write an article about some people I went to high school with, but didn't know that well, and then finding out that The Rolla Daily News already had printed a similar article, with photos. Earlier this week I had a dream that my car rolled into a small spring fed river and that I was trying to push the window out (unsuccessfully) and I could see my brother and was yelling for him, but he totally didn't hear me.
Feeling ineffectual much?
Speaking of nightmares, remember how the Japanese Festival is this weekend and we are performing at Cohen Amphitheater in the Missouri Botanical Gardens? Outside? Remember that? Well, pretty much everything that could prevent this from going smoothly is lining up in front of me. I'm knocking on wood that no one will be physically injured, 'cause that's next, apparently.
Firstly, there are two kinds of sickness going around St. Louis right now - a sinus infection causing virus, and a stomach virus. A kid from a house suffering from each of these dropped by my house on Saturday. I've been drinking orange juice ever since.
And now it seems that we are getting hurricane weather. When shall it arrive in Missouri? Oh yeah - this weekend. Nice. Well, if the percentages stay the same (unlikely) and are somewhat accurate (also unlikely), it looks like Monday will be the worst, and that Saturday and Sunday might not be so bad. Please cross your fingers that this tropical storm stops to tie its shoe and that we don't get wet weather until Monday evening.
Naturally, with 4 business days until the show, I've been told that I will need to acquire some geta to wear as footwear for the dance I'm doing near the end of the show. I shopped online, but nothing can get here before Monday (but probably Tuesday, since Monday is a holiday.) So I guess I'll take my chances shopping when I get to the festival. Where am I going to get that much cash? Maybe I can pay Halloweena by check for my yukata and use that cash...
My yukata is all but finished. I think it's going to look quite pretty. It will be short, but the material was not as wide as expected, so we're lucky I have one at all.
Oh, and I have been elected as the person to announce the community group during their performance. I'm playing on their songs with them, too. You should come and watch. That's right before our show on Sunday. .....Provided we don't get rained out.
Newsletter's going out today. It had to be trimmed significantly for length, but I think it will be fine.
Just took the kids to school. They seem to be settling in to school pretty well, and enjoying it. I don't know what to say about Grant. We had that "picnic" on Saturday, which was supposed to be his birthday party. No one came. Partly that was because of the rain. I put on the invitations that if it rained we would stay home. Well, it started to rain just as we got to the park. Our dear friends, the Frankes, showed up. We love them. And we waited for 45 minutes, then just went back to our house to play with the Frankes. Ryan and Grant played Stratego, then Ryan and Josh played Stratego. There was some using Josh's family crest as target practice for the new Nerf gun, and some movie watching, and then we went to Two Dudes Barbecue for dinner. Afterward, our neighbors dropped by for a while - at least the ones who weren't sick.
*sigh*
I still need a babysitter for a week from Friday, when I have to run off to play taiko in Springfield.
Well, we're keeping as sane as we can. I have to get through this week, this weekend, next week, and next weekend before I get a real rest, but I think I can make it. Besides. This stuff is fun.
Friday, August 24, 2012
It's FRIIIIDAY!
Who's Sub. Certified? This guy. ....girl. Anyway, I guess I can stop stressing about whether or not they got my transcripts. Next stop, EMPLOYMENT!
Actually, the next stop is J-Fest, and we all know it. There is NO stopping until J-Fest. No. I am even going to start my J-Fest laundry this weekend. Gotta find all my tabi socks, etc. And I need three days worth of blacks. I've already been drooling over the extended forecast. It says Saturday will be hot, but Sunday... 8)
Tomorrow we'll be at the athletic complex in the afternoon. Come on by, and bring your families. I'll provide the juice boxes.
Josh finally called his sister who had a baby. He still hasn't mentioned visiting, but that's up to him. I did sort of arrange for him to offer to take his baby sister to J-Fest with a friend on the Saturday. Well, she wanted to go!! She's going to have a great time. Yay!
As for my own family, I sent my brother an especially awesome recipe, but he responded that he is too busy right now to try it out. Pharmacy school has officially started. Not much word from Mom and Dad - same ol', same ol'. Work and stuff. My mom swims and does Yoga, too. It's hard to make time for with her current schedule. She had company last weekend, but I didn't talk to her long enough to get the scoop.
Did I mention that Josh is going to be late tonight?
The kids still love school. They seem pretty happy, and always have cheerful stories to tell me. Abbie did get in trouble this week for talking in class, but then she made up for it, yesterday, by getting the best behavior score. (This year, you start at green, and can go up to purple, or down to red. So far, Abbie's had 2 greens, 1 blue, a yellow, and orange and a purple. Very colorful. Not very consistent.) Grant has math homework every night, and Abbie has math that she did in class that I have to sign. My only concern is that Grant hasn't had placement tests for reading yet.
I'm also relieved to report that there is no music lesson on Labor Day. (Whew!)
So - I am now going to practice Sumo In St. Louis for the remainder of the day. First draft of the Newsletter has been sent for corrections, and it's time to "relax". (If by "relax", you mean study a difficult song that is giving you nightmares.) Have a happy Friday.
Actually, the next stop is J-Fest, and we all know it. There is NO stopping until J-Fest. No. I am even going to start my J-Fest laundry this weekend. Gotta find all my tabi socks, etc. And I need three days worth of blacks. I've already been drooling over the extended forecast. It says Saturday will be hot, but Sunday... 8)
Tomorrow we'll be at the athletic complex in the afternoon. Come on by, and bring your families. I'll provide the juice boxes.
Josh finally called his sister who had a baby. He still hasn't mentioned visiting, but that's up to him. I did sort of arrange for him to offer to take his baby sister to J-Fest with a friend on the Saturday. Well, she wanted to go!! She's going to have a great time. Yay!
As for my own family, I sent my brother an especially awesome recipe, but he responded that he is too busy right now to try it out. Pharmacy school has officially started. Not much word from Mom and Dad - same ol', same ol'. Work and stuff. My mom swims and does Yoga, too. It's hard to make time for with her current schedule. She had company last weekend, but I didn't talk to her long enough to get the scoop.
Did I mention that Josh is going to be late tonight?
The kids still love school. They seem pretty happy, and always have cheerful stories to tell me. Abbie did get in trouble this week for talking in class, but then she made up for it, yesterday, by getting the best behavior score. (This year, you start at green, and can go up to purple, or down to red. So far, Abbie's had 2 greens, 1 blue, a yellow, and orange and a purple. Very colorful. Not very consistent.) Grant has math homework every night, and Abbie has math that she did in class that I have to sign. My only concern is that Grant hasn't had placement tests for reading yet.
I'm also relieved to report that there is no music lesson on Labor Day. (Whew!)
So - I am now going to practice Sumo In St. Louis for the remainder of the day. First draft of the Newsletter has been sent for corrections, and it's time to "relax". (If by "relax", you mean study a difficult song that is giving you nightmares.) Have a happy Friday.
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
CRAZY PEOPLE
That's right, Folks, it's J-fest time! This is our last week for regular rehearsal, and next week starts the run-through practices. All practices from this point on are expected to run late, tensions are high, and the amount of last minute **** that has appeared is impressive.
Most of the negativity is actually behind the scenes this year. A few people are mad at everyone, and everyone is mad at a few people. No outward hostility....yet. Lets all cross our fingers that I am not one of those who erupt venomous lava at anyone. I bought some chocolate, just in case I feel tempted.
My big deal is that I have a song that I don't feel even remotely proficient on, but instead of practicing it today, I send a bunch of emails related to the taiko newsletter I'm writing. It was medium insane. There are two people who each assume the other is going to take care of a certain type of volunteer. That's not going to end well. I tried to draw attention to it, but the attention was all drawn to me instead. D'oh.
So, are you going to the festival? You should. I'm inviting you. You know you want to come! There will be awesome food, neat merchandise, performers everywhere, Sumo wrestlers and TAIKO! What more could you possibly ask for? A taiko CD? No problem! Taiko T-shirts? We have plenty - plus a brand new design! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TgYKpSf5adg&feature=BFa&list=PL839367C4070AE4AF
You get the point. Come to the show.
Taiko and the Japanese festival are not the only things in my life that are going on right now, but, alas, I must go fetch the kids from school now. Have a happy day!!!
Most of the negativity is actually behind the scenes this year. A few people are mad at everyone, and everyone is mad at a few people. No outward hostility....yet. Lets all cross our fingers that I am not one of those who erupt venomous lava at anyone. I bought some chocolate, just in case I feel tempted.
My big deal is that I have a song that I don't feel even remotely proficient on, but instead of practicing it today, I send a bunch of emails related to the taiko newsletter I'm writing. It was medium insane. There are two people who each assume the other is going to take care of a certain type of volunteer. That's not going to end well. I tried to draw attention to it, but the attention was all drawn to me instead. D'oh.
So, are you going to the festival? You should. I'm inviting you. You know you want to come! There will be awesome food, neat merchandise, performers everywhere, Sumo wrestlers and TAIKO! What more could you possibly ask for? A taiko CD? No problem! Taiko T-shirts? We have plenty - plus a brand new design! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TgYKpSf5adg&feature=BFa&list=PL839367C4070AE4AF
You get the point. Come to the show.
Taiko and the Japanese festival are not the only things in my life that are going on right now, but, alas, I must go fetch the kids from school now. Have a happy day!!!
Monday, August 20, 2012
Not As Expected
It rained while I we were at music lessons, I think.
The big thing about today is that, being the fist Monday since school started, it would be the first time I tried to get from the crazy school parking lot all the way to the music teacher's house in Wentzville without being late. In an attempt to be in the front of the "pick up" line, I got to the school an hour before dismissal. Yes, you read that correctly. An HOUR. And I wasn't even the first one. I was the fourth car to get there. Abbie came out with the first group, but Grant didn't. This is not really what parents like to have happen. Fortunately, just as I was asking where he was, Grant showed up, and we did the leaving thing. We drove to Wentzville, and when we got there, I realized that....well, we were a little early. We were a half hour early. Well, good. That means I don't have to get to the school an hour early.
Nothing remotely interesting to make for dinner tonight.
Weekend was good. On Saturday, we replaced Grant's shoes and had Chick-fil-A (in a non-political way). In the evening, we met Teresa for dinner at Sushi Ai. She took her sister and baby niece, and I took Josh and the kids. We ate a ton. It was yummy. Good prices, too. It's a little too far for us to eat all the time, but next time we're in the area we will probably make the effort. We had a nice time.
I rode with Teresa to her sister's to drop them off, then we went to Joo Joo for karaoke with the taiko buddies! But part of me wishes I had just gone by myself. I'm not sure she enjoyed it. I hope she did a little, though.
There was lots of crazy singing, and crazy Korean film clips in the background, and laughing and general craziness. I liked it, but I'm not sure it was worth the price. With luck we will find a similar but better option. And SOON, because I am still trying to get a Christmas Karaoke Taiko Party. Or, as Andrew insists, HanukKaraoke.
Sunday, I taikoed all day. I left home just before 9, picked up Michelle, had practice from 10-noon, did an interview for Laura's documentary, practiced the dance with Hitomi, practiced Hanabi with the community group, then did the community group practice until 3, mopped, took Michelle home, and made it back to my house just before 5. I remember feeding the kids, but I couldn't tell you what. I was tired, and my memory is kinda fuzzy. A little later, we played Munchkin for Family Game Night. It looked for a second like I was going to have some uncharacteristically good luck. It didn't last past the first draw, though. Josh was winning most of the game, but I stopped him, once, and then while none of us were looking, Abbie snuck in with the win.
Well, Josh is home. Tonight I will bathe some kids and make some lunches and such like. Tomorrow, I start on the taiko newsletter.
Happy week to you!
The big thing about today is that, being the fist Monday since school started, it would be the first time I tried to get from the crazy school parking lot all the way to the music teacher's house in Wentzville without being late. In an attempt to be in the front of the "pick up" line, I got to the school an hour before dismissal. Yes, you read that correctly. An HOUR. And I wasn't even the first one. I was the fourth car to get there. Abbie came out with the first group, but Grant didn't. This is not really what parents like to have happen. Fortunately, just as I was asking where he was, Grant showed up, and we did the leaving thing. We drove to Wentzville, and when we got there, I realized that....well, we were a little early. We were a half hour early. Well, good. That means I don't have to get to the school an hour early.
Nothing remotely interesting to make for dinner tonight.
Weekend was good. On Saturday, we replaced Grant's shoes and had Chick-fil-A (in a non-political way). In the evening, we met Teresa for dinner at Sushi Ai. She took her sister and baby niece, and I took Josh and the kids. We ate a ton. It was yummy. Good prices, too. It's a little too far for us to eat all the time, but next time we're in the area we will probably make the effort. We had a nice time.
I rode with Teresa to her sister's to drop them off, then we went to Joo Joo for karaoke with the taiko buddies! But part of me wishes I had just gone by myself. I'm not sure she enjoyed it. I hope she did a little, though.
There was lots of crazy singing, and crazy Korean film clips in the background, and laughing and general craziness. I liked it, but I'm not sure it was worth the price. With luck we will find a similar but better option. And SOON, because I am still trying to get a Christmas Karaoke Taiko Party. Or, as Andrew insists, HanukKaraoke.
Sunday, I taikoed all day. I left home just before 9, picked up Michelle, had practice from 10-noon, did an interview for Laura's documentary, practiced the dance with Hitomi, practiced Hanabi with the community group, then did the community group practice until 3, mopped, took Michelle home, and made it back to my house just before 5. I remember feeding the kids, but I couldn't tell you what. I was tired, and my memory is kinda fuzzy. A little later, we played Munchkin for Family Game Night. It looked for a second like I was going to have some uncharacteristically good luck. It didn't last past the first draw, though. Josh was winning most of the game, but I stopped him, once, and then while none of us were looking, Abbie snuck in with the win.
Well, Josh is home. Tonight I will bathe some kids and make some lunches and such like. Tomorrow, I start on the taiko newsletter.
Happy week to you!
Friday, August 17, 2012
Rant/Over-reaction/Sulk Over
So I'm all done pitching my fit.
I picked the kids up yesterday - I see that picking the kids up is going to be a stressful and patience testing time of day, and I dread seeing how an icy parking lot contributes - and we had our First Day of School dinner. I made an especially delicious glazed chicken wing recipe of mine, and also a whipped fruit salad....and some other stuff, but the fruit salad was the new thing. It makes a ton, and is great tasting. I might bring it to the next picnic thing I have/go to.
Grant was especially quiet. This is not usual for Grant. He told me he was tired, and I believe it, but I was expecting an account of his day, and I got more this morning on the way to school than I did last night, and that was when he told me that Cierra shared her crayons with him, because he didn't have any. What!? What happened to the 4 boxes I sent with him? Anyway, the point was that Grant didn't volunteer much about his day, and that leads to the fact that I am now officially concerned.
Abbie told me that her teacher went to have her baby, and the substitute was there. She told me the names of all her friends from her old school who are now in her class (I couldn't really keep up), and she told me that she couldn't remember who she sat by at lunch, but that it was fun.
Today, Abbie forgot her lunch at home, so I had to bring it to school.
I cleaned the bathroom, but haven't done much else today. I'm about to start practicing some taiko stuff. Josh will be back today...sometime.
Did I mention that Josh's sister, Becky, had her baby? A girl, named Ali Renee. And Josh and Becky's fraternal grandmother called me today because Becky didn't call her when the baby was born. Is it not bad enough that I get fussed for my OWN shortcomings?
A dear friend of mine is in town this weekend, and I am stealing her to come and sing karaoke with me and some taiko friends. I'm excited, but it didn't occur to me until this second that I don't know what clothes to wear. Oops. Oh, well. I have tomorrow to do emergency laundry if it's needed. So far, we haven't been able to find a sitter, so that means it gets to be Josh. I feel guilty about that of course, but it's been a lot longer since I hung out with my friends than since I hung out with Josh. Besides, he had drinks with co-workers last night. It's my turn. I even sound guilty, don't I? Well, I feel bad. That's just me. And I also don't want anyone to think that Josh being stuck home with the kids is related to his being on the Bad List.
I still have a headache. How long is this sinus thing going to last?? I declared myself healthy 5 days ago!
I need to get Grant new shoes tomorrow. Remember how he waited until we were leaving for school to mention it? I feel like there is something else I've been meaning to get, also, but can't think of it just now. Hmm...
Really wanted to make tea this morning. Maybe I will next week, if the kids don't forget anything they need.
Have you made your Labor Day plans yet? You should come to the Botanical Gardens in St. Louis and see us play taiko at the Japanese Festival. You really should. It's going to be great. Here's some info from our facebook page. I hope you can view it:
https://www.facebook.com/#!/events/305976309500965/
Please come!!! ^_^ And come and see me after. That would make my day.
Thursday, August 16, 2012
I'm going to despond now.
Today is the first day of school. Grant is now in 2nd Grade, and Abbie is in 1st grade. I will spare you the details. Other people's charming toddlers and babies are sometimes worthy of interest, but no one wants to hear about my schoolchildren except me. I get it.
I am having a rough day. Don't roll your eyes! It has very little to do with the empty nest-ness. Yes, I miss the kids, but that was to be expected and I'm not worried about them or anything, so it's no big deal. However, Grant waited until this morning to tell me that his shoe is broken. The rushing out and buying shoes thing will have to wait until tomorrow. Then, I realized that no one gave me my official paper to pick up the kids tonight, so I had to run to the office in my grungy Dropping Off The Kids, No One Will See Me uniform. I hadn't been home long when Josh called. Was he calling to see how the kids did this morning? No. Ask me how I was holding up? No. He was calling to say that they were all going to stay another night, and to ASK IF THAT WAS OKAY.
***
Sorry. I'm back. I had to go storm around and swear for a second. To continue: If you know you have already asked too much of someone and are about to do it again, do us all a favor - do not put it in the form of a question. "This is what needs to be done, I'm so sorry that it is a pain," is so much better than, "Is this okay?" because the answer is no. It's not okay. You knew it was not okay. I am not going to now pretend that it is. I'm not going to give you permission to do something that you wouldn't forgo if I didn't give it. DO NOT try to make it look like I have a say in the matter.
Now The First Day of School is no longer a fun holiday. I can't even bring myself up enough to continue the delusion. Who cares? It's a day. They are all just days. I don't know why I bother, really. Things are only important because you want them to be, and if you have to work this hard, and still it's not important to anyone except yourself...
Nevermind.
Still no sub. certificate. No plans to move (a good thing, since we can't actually afford a new house). No progress anywhere. And now I have to tell the kids that their daddy won't be home tonight like he promised.
I watched a French movie. It's called The Closet. Pretty cute. I like Michelle LaRoche. Her part wasn't huge, though. And it starred Daniel Auteil and Gerard Depardieu, which is amusing to anyone who has ever seen Jean de Florette, as they were both in that as well.
I'm making fancy new food for our fancy celebratory dinner tonight. Not that I have an appetite anymore. But I will do my best to be cheerful in front of the only two people who really give a shit if I live or die.
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
Summer's Decline
How are you feeling today, Friends? I am considerably better. I do have a slight headache, but I expect it won't interfere much with my day. My sinuses are approaching normal, too.
The weather has been such a relief! Cooler temperatures - today it is a mere 75 degrees! - and a small amount of moisture. My lawn is starting to look in need of attention, and that hasn't happened since May!
We've all had haircuts. It was going to happen today, but instead we got them Saturday. Saturday was Josh's company picnic. We had a good time at a really neat park, and then were going to eat out. (Josh's group got a bonus, but since he hadn't been an employee long enough to qualify, his boss gave him a gift card.) There were a few hours in between, and instead of spend the increasingly valuable gas to go back to Warrenton, we did haircuts in Wentzville in the interim. (The kids both got short school haircuts. And I got bangs that look just as terrible as they did last time I had them...in Jr. High.)
Does anyone know WHY gas just went up again, just as it was approaching the high side of reasonable? I guess I should just blame the election year....
I have officially met both the kids' teachers. I went and had meetings with them both at the school yesterday, immediately after music lessons. Abbie's teacher we might not actually see again until October....her first baby is due the first day of school. And Grant's teacher is the mother of one of his kindergarten friends, who he hopes to be in the same reading class with.
Taiko is in full swing. And all sorts of unnecessary bothers have been brought up there, too. I wonder why we are voting on and ordering new uniforms now instead of waiting one month to be at our leisure? And I nearly fell out of my chair when I read today that the newest member was told that if she wasn't on a song being practiced, she didn't need to worry about coming to practice. That is exactly the opposite of what I was told my first year. "I don't care if you will be on a drum or not - you will attend ALL practices in the month of August!!" I have been asking off especially just to be with my kids on their first day of school these last two years. Now I can't tell if I feel like an idiot for overworking myself, or if I feel disgusted at the recent lax attitude toward dedication.
I'm a little nervous about playing Sumo in St. Louis tonight.... I'm having trouble finding a source to learn it from.
Josh is on his first business trip. The kids and I brought the shoes he forgot to his work today. He will be home around bedtime on the first day of school. When he first told me about the trip I was pretty much ready to skin him alive. Not only will he be missing the first day of school after I went to serious trouble to make it a Big and Important Day (see "asking off especially" above), but I will be taking Grant and Abbie to my in-laws' house today. That adds considerably to my travel time and gas consumption, plus it means making two stops on the way home instead of one (dropping off Michelle) when I am super tired, and it also means potentially being fussed for waking people up, and it WILL mean waking my kids up from their sleep and carrying them out to the car. And I will be alone with two dogs and two kids for three days. Are you starting to see just how sweet and docile I have been regarding this trip? Well, I did sort of threaten his life when he first told me...but since then, I swear I've been cooperative.
Shrinking all his underwear was an accident, I swear!!!
Just kidding. No laundry accidents....yet.
So, did I tell you that I actually got an email from my brother? The title was Japanese for "HELP!" Turns out he wanted recipes. His new roommate, it turns out, is a great cook, and now Brother must improve to remain competitive. *sigh* Men...
I am crossing my fingers that the weather is similarly pleasant during both of my approaching taiko weekends. It would really REALLY be a help.
The weather has been such a relief! Cooler temperatures - today it is a mere 75 degrees! - and a small amount of moisture. My lawn is starting to look in need of attention, and that hasn't happened since May!
We've all had haircuts. It was going to happen today, but instead we got them Saturday. Saturday was Josh's company picnic. We had a good time at a really neat park, and then were going to eat out. (Josh's group got a bonus, but since he hadn't been an employee long enough to qualify, his boss gave him a gift card.) There were a few hours in between, and instead of spend the increasingly valuable gas to go back to Warrenton, we did haircuts in Wentzville in the interim. (The kids both got short school haircuts. And I got bangs that look just as terrible as they did last time I had them...in Jr. High.)
Does anyone know WHY gas just went up again, just as it was approaching the high side of reasonable? I guess I should just blame the election year....
I have officially met both the kids' teachers. I went and had meetings with them both at the school yesterday, immediately after music lessons. Abbie's teacher we might not actually see again until October....her first baby is due the first day of school. And Grant's teacher is the mother of one of his kindergarten friends, who he hopes to be in the same reading class with.
Taiko is in full swing. And all sorts of unnecessary bothers have been brought up there, too. I wonder why we are voting on and ordering new uniforms now instead of waiting one month to be at our leisure? And I nearly fell out of my chair when I read today that the newest member was told that if she wasn't on a song being practiced, she didn't need to worry about coming to practice. That is exactly the opposite of what I was told my first year. "I don't care if you will be on a drum or not - you will attend ALL practices in the month of August!!" I have been asking off especially just to be with my kids on their first day of school these last two years. Now I can't tell if I feel like an idiot for overworking myself, or if I feel disgusted at the recent lax attitude toward dedication.
I'm a little nervous about playing Sumo in St. Louis tonight.... I'm having trouble finding a source to learn it from.
Josh is on his first business trip. The kids and I brought the shoes he forgot to his work today. He will be home around bedtime on the first day of school. When he first told me about the trip I was pretty much ready to skin him alive. Not only will he be missing the first day of school after I went to serious trouble to make it a Big and Important Day (see "asking off especially" above), but I will be taking Grant and Abbie to my in-laws' house today. That adds considerably to my travel time and gas consumption, plus it means making two stops on the way home instead of one (dropping off Michelle) when I am super tired, and it also means potentially being fussed for waking people up, and it WILL mean waking my kids up from their sleep and carrying them out to the car. And I will be alone with two dogs and two kids for three days. Are you starting to see just how sweet and docile I have been regarding this trip? Well, I did sort of threaten his life when he first told me...but since then, I swear I've been cooperative.
Shrinking all his underwear was an accident, I swear!!!
Just kidding. No laundry accidents....yet.
So, did I tell you that I actually got an email from my brother? The title was Japanese for "HELP!" Turns out he wanted recipes. His new roommate, it turns out, is a great cook, and now Brother must improve to remain competitive. *sigh* Men...
I am crossing my fingers that the weather is similarly pleasant during both of my approaching taiko weekends. It would really REALLY be a help.
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
Zero to Sick in Sixty Seconds.
Normally, the separation between me being healthy and me being sick is a single sneeze. You know - that sneeze. Somehow, that sneeze missed its train yesterday, and was not able to attend the ceremony. I walked in the door from taiko practice, and suddenly felt terrible. Feeling terrible when walking in the door after taiko practice is not, in itself, news worthy. In fact, it's rather commonplace. It was the style in which I felt terrible that was significant. I walked in, and suddenly was a sick person. I was already aware that there is a sinus thing going around, but was feeling pretty big and tough, since I hadn't caught it. Well...so much for that. Should have known, really. I always catch those!
So today I have been feverish and headachey, and my sinuses hurt. I was completely surprised yesterday when I stood up and pulled a leg muscle without having done anything strenuous, but now I wonder if it was a sign of my system weakening.
I've been reading. I uploaded some steampunk thing, thinking it was a short story, but it turns out to be a novel. And a little (read LOT) too descriptive in the bedroom scenes. I'm not really a reader of romance novels, and I'm not interested in 50 Shades of Grey. I kinda gloss over that to get back to the industrial theft and blackmail and mystery part. But I'm kind of tired of it, now, and anxious to be done with it.
I'm also still waiting for the book I didn't actually offer to lend someone to be returned.
Josh should be leaving to take his finals by now. Lets all wish him luck, eh?
I'm about halfway done with the paperwork involved with becoming a substitute teacher. My transcripts have been sent, and my DESE application completed and my appointment for fingerprint-based background check is scheduled, but I haven't gone in for it, yet. Then, I should get my certificate, and then can apply as sub in this district. I was planning on using multiple districts, but if that means I have to get the background check done each time, I'm not sure I can afford it!
Practices for J-fest are going pretty well. I need to be listening to Sumo in St. Louis in my spare time to learn the slappy part better....but not just now. I might go and lie down. Maybe if I rest enough, I will only be sick for a day or so. What do you think?
Wishing you a happy and healthy Wednesday. Maybe it will rain someday....
So today I have been feverish and headachey, and my sinuses hurt. I was completely surprised yesterday when I stood up and pulled a leg muscle without having done anything strenuous, but now I wonder if it was a sign of my system weakening.
I've been reading. I uploaded some steampunk thing, thinking it was a short story, but it turns out to be a novel. And a little (read LOT) too descriptive in the bedroom scenes. I'm not really a reader of romance novels, and I'm not interested in 50 Shades of Grey. I kinda gloss over that to get back to the industrial theft and blackmail and mystery part. But I'm kind of tired of it, now, and anxious to be done with it.
I'm also still waiting for the book I didn't actually offer to lend someone to be returned.
Josh should be leaving to take his finals by now. Lets all wish him luck, eh?
I'm about halfway done with the paperwork involved with becoming a substitute teacher. My transcripts have been sent, and my DESE application completed and my appointment for fingerprint-based background check is scheduled, but I haven't gone in for it, yet. Then, I should get my certificate, and then can apply as sub in this district. I was planning on using multiple districts, but if that means I have to get the background check done each time, I'm not sure I can afford it!
Practices for J-fest are going pretty well. I need to be listening to Sumo in St. Louis in my spare time to learn the slappy part better....but not just now. I might go and lie down. Maybe if I rest enough, I will only be sick for a day or so. What do you think?
Wishing you a happy and healthy Wednesday. Maybe it will rain someday....
Monday, August 6, 2012
August 6!
Curiouser and Curiouser!
Sorry. Couldn't help it.
So, today the Curiosity Rover landed on Mars and delivered its first pictures! Today is also my brother's birthday! What a cool thing to happen on one's birthday, no?
Here are some songs to listen to in honor of Brother's birthday:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sNT8SMlqLJA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n4zRe_wvJw8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HT4RainY-lY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VzV9QExGFQs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OzF3wMVWHs0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MXhc3VHRdK0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FlDGFrP4NgI
We arrived safely home from our trip to Tan-Tar-A resort at The Lake of the Ozarks. My favorite part might just be the breakfast buffet. Serious yum. Anyway, we got in on Friday, took a walk in the heat to find out where everything was located, and settled in. There were two rooms with a communicating door. The rooms were huge. Bub read some of Hugo to the kids, and then we pretty much went to bed. In the morning, we had breakfast. I had potatoes, eggs, and pound cake with strawberries on top. Abbie had oatmeal with raisins and brown sugar on top. Grant had a waffle with blueberries and whipped cream. These are some examples of the yumminess. I don't know why, but we had the birthday part right after breakfast. Yay for cake and presents. Then, we went to the pool by the lake. It had a big slide, and the pool itself was 3'6" all the way across, and had waterfalls in one part. The water was freezing, though, so after a while we went to the indoor pool in our building. Very fun! The hot tub was especially nice. Then we went to Sbarro for lunch. HUGE, greasy pizza. Yum. And then we walked back to the rooms. The boys took the kids to play mini golf, and mom and I watched The Prince and the Show Girl with Marylin Monroe and Laurence Olivier. I'm probably going to make someone angry now, because I know how people feel about Marylin....but she was so ridiculously untalented. After that, it was off to another swimming pool until dinner. Dinner was the low point of the whole trip. I told my parents that my kids would be hungry about 5:30, so about then we went back to the rooms, but even though we voted and the majority wanted to send someone out into "town" for fast food and eat it in the rooms, it took so long to search the phone book and such, that at 6:30 I just gave the kids leftover pizza. Then, after it was too late, the boys went to burger king. Me and mom took the no longer hungry children to play at an indoor water park. They had a great time, and we didn't leave until bedtime. Dad finished reading Hugo to the kids, and we went to get some well earned sleep. For breakfast, I had an omelet, and more pound cake and strawberries. We all had hot chocolate as a going away gesture. Then, we fed toast and biscuits to the many, many ducks down by the dock. They were pretty great. And we saw some HUGE carp, too. There is no fishing there, and so the carp grew the size of small children. Back in the rooms, we taught the kids to play Battleship - my mom gave it to Grant for his birthday, and then it was time to check out.
After I drove home, I went to get school supplies for the kids. I am trying to block that out of my memory. There were cute little grandmothers violently pushing the carts of total strangers out of the way, shouting, swearing, and lots of complaining. One thing there was none of, however, and that was No. 2 pencils. I got everything else, and then gratefully removed myself from the store.
Today, I am about to call my brother and then take the kids to music lessons. I wonder what I should cook for dinner.
Well, I can't wait to see what Curiosity sends us! And we might be able to get some Olympics on our TV today. Josh says we get one channel by antenna. We shall see. Wishing you all a wonderful Monday - or as close as you can get.
Sorry. Couldn't help it.
So, today the Curiosity Rover landed on Mars and delivered its first pictures! Today is also my brother's birthday! What a cool thing to happen on one's birthday, no?
Here are some songs to listen to in honor of Brother's birthday:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sNT8SMlqLJA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n4zRe_wvJw8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HT4RainY-lY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VzV9QExGFQs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OzF3wMVWHs0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MXhc3VHRdK0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FlDGFrP4NgI
We arrived safely home from our trip to Tan-Tar-A resort at The Lake of the Ozarks. My favorite part might just be the breakfast buffet. Serious yum. Anyway, we got in on Friday, took a walk in the heat to find out where everything was located, and settled in. There were two rooms with a communicating door. The rooms were huge. Bub read some of Hugo to the kids, and then we pretty much went to bed. In the morning, we had breakfast. I had potatoes, eggs, and pound cake with strawberries on top. Abbie had oatmeal with raisins and brown sugar on top. Grant had a waffle with blueberries and whipped cream. These are some examples of the yumminess. I don't know why, but we had the birthday part right after breakfast. Yay for cake and presents. Then, we went to the pool by the lake. It had a big slide, and the pool itself was 3'6" all the way across, and had waterfalls in one part. The water was freezing, though, so after a while we went to the indoor pool in our building. Very fun! The hot tub was especially nice. Then we went to Sbarro for lunch. HUGE, greasy pizza. Yum. And then we walked back to the rooms. The boys took the kids to play mini golf, and mom and I watched The Prince and the Show Girl with Marylin Monroe and Laurence Olivier. I'm probably going to make someone angry now, because I know how people feel about Marylin....but she was so ridiculously untalented. After that, it was off to another swimming pool until dinner. Dinner was the low point of the whole trip. I told my parents that my kids would be hungry about 5:30, so about then we went back to the rooms, but even though we voted and the majority wanted to send someone out into "town" for fast food and eat it in the rooms, it took so long to search the phone book and such, that at 6:30 I just gave the kids leftover pizza. Then, after it was too late, the boys went to burger king. Me and mom took the no longer hungry children to play at an indoor water park. They had a great time, and we didn't leave until bedtime. Dad finished reading Hugo to the kids, and we went to get some well earned sleep. For breakfast, I had an omelet, and more pound cake and strawberries. We all had hot chocolate as a going away gesture. Then, we fed toast and biscuits to the many, many ducks down by the dock. They were pretty great. And we saw some HUGE carp, too. There is no fishing there, and so the carp grew the size of small children. Back in the rooms, we taught the kids to play Battleship - my mom gave it to Grant for his birthday, and then it was time to check out.
After I drove home, I went to get school supplies for the kids. I am trying to block that out of my memory. There were cute little grandmothers violently pushing the carts of total strangers out of the way, shouting, swearing, and lots of complaining. One thing there was none of, however, and that was No. 2 pencils. I got everything else, and then gratefully removed myself from the store.
Today, I am about to call my brother and then take the kids to music lessons. I wonder what I should cook for dinner.
Well, I can't wait to see what Curiosity sends us! And we might be able to get some Olympics on our TV today. Josh says we get one channel by antenna. We shall see. Wishing you all a wonderful Monday - or as close as you can get.
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
The Elusive Grown-up Nap
Hello, Friends! I hope you are having a good day today. Happy August! Today is my dad's birthday. Shall we listen to some songs in his honor? He's not much of an Internet guy, but I can imagine he'd get a kick out of it:
http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3D4EPZp5k2sgo&h=nAQE71OC6AQHSZMzbtIgl3V1fmoBmUfKiao76akMPMwHKxg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M0Zdu6bNAlo&feature=fvst
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7yCitBvhB4c&feature=results_video&playnext=1&list=PL8E1C49BA7EE2B3E3
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fi2XCsPKlY8
Those are some of the songs my dad plays. Here are some that he just likes:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jqVrNK4uiB4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fsjFi4KkOZc&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sSxM8hMQh_I (I had to hunt for the one with the giggle at the end. His favorite part.)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-2wutEzjy_E
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bRrss4kBi2M
And here are some that we sing together:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ykU8iSKkJR0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KKQbcJyVKR0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=92NpzXXpQtg (please ignore cheesy intro)
This week I have been doing a lot for taiko. I wrote the Newsletter and posted an add for a sublease, complete with photos and descriptions. I also lead practice last night. Michelle and I weren't really expecting anyone, but half of the community class showed up, and I basically re-taught Sunday's class for those who were absent, and then we reviewed Kagura, Isami, Hanabi and the movement drill. We worked hard, and cleaned up 10 minutes early (Michelle and I had already been there a half hour before the rest showed up, so we were TRIED). I was hoping to actually get home early, but didn't. First, we took El to where her mom was so she wouldn't be locked out after dark, and that happened to be MacDonalds, so Michelle got dinner. THEN we went home.
Today at swim lessons Grant jumped off the diving board by himself. Abbie didn't. I think she was upset about it. If it doesn't rain, we will try tomorrow. I was so worried at her quietness that I passed up the grocery store. Then I had to turn around in the radio station's parking lot (not very roomy for my big CRV). I made it to Wal-Mart and had turned off the car and put up the shade when I realized that I didn't have my purse! I decided to go home. Fate was against my buying milk. I was actually emotionally and physically exhausted. We sat down to watch some Veggietales, and I fell asleep. The phone woke me up (very jarring) about 20 minutes later.
We've decided to get haircuts on the week that school starts. It starts on Thursday, and we are getting them on Tuesday. Abbie wants to have shorter hair for school, and I agree.
Did I tell you the weekend plans have changed? No more cabin camping. Mom has decided on Tan-Tar-A instead. So - fancy hotel/resorting instead. It might end up being a good call to go somewhere with an indoor pool - there is rain back in the forecast. Very different packing, though. Thought I was done with laundry but I can see that I'm not. I was also hoping to see my grandmother, but I talked to her on the phone yesterday and she will be off enjoying herself at a wedding. We are making plans, though, for the fall. Usually we go to the apple festival together, but this year she will be coming back from her youngest daughter's house. She wanted me and Josh and the kids to come and sleep at her house and use it while she was away, but I think I have found a better plan: we will camp in her field. Now it's okay that the camping part of this weekend to have been altered. Plus the weather will be a little cooler then.
I also talked to Brother today. He was in high spirits. He's moving into his week-day home in Denver for school. Orientation starts th 10th and goes for a week. Then school. His birthday is next Monday, but so far he doesn't have plans. I told him it would be better to celebrate in Denver with all the new and unexplored eating places. He sounded like he agreed.
I have to get a new cell phone today. Josh's broke, and he says we need to replace them at the same time. It will be an Iphone. I don't know anything about them. I'm actually quite upset, instead of excited. I'm trying not to be a wet blanket, though. I know how he's looking forward to all of this.
Tonight I shall make zuchinni and squash in butter with onion and orange bell pepper. And.....chicken strips, maybe?
Wishing you all a pleasant day. Think of my dad, if you've met him. Or you can just listen to his songs. Even if you haven't.
http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3D4EPZp5k2sgo&h=nAQE71OC6AQHSZMzbtIgl3V1fmoBmUfKiao76akMPMwHKxg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M0Zdu6bNAlo&feature=fvst
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7yCitBvhB4c&feature=results_video&playnext=1&list=PL8E1C49BA7EE2B3E3
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fi2XCsPKlY8
Those are some of the songs my dad plays. Here are some that he just likes:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jqVrNK4uiB4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fsjFi4KkOZc&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sSxM8hMQh_I (I had to hunt for the one with the giggle at the end. His favorite part.)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-2wutEzjy_E
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bRrss4kBi2M
And here are some that we sing together:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ykU8iSKkJR0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KKQbcJyVKR0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=92NpzXXpQtg (please ignore cheesy intro)
This week I have been doing a lot for taiko. I wrote the Newsletter and posted an add for a sublease, complete with photos and descriptions. I also lead practice last night. Michelle and I weren't really expecting anyone, but half of the community class showed up, and I basically re-taught Sunday's class for those who were absent, and then we reviewed Kagura, Isami, Hanabi and the movement drill. We worked hard, and cleaned up 10 minutes early (Michelle and I had already been there a half hour before the rest showed up, so we were TRIED). I was hoping to actually get home early, but didn't. First, we took El to where her mom was so she wouldn't be locked out after dark, and that happened to be MacDonalds, so Michelle got dinner. THEN we went home.
Today at swim lessons Grant jumped off the diving board by himself. Abbie didn't. I think she was upset about it. If it doesn't rain, we will try tomorrow. I was so worried at her quietness that I passed up the grocery store. Then I had to turn around in the radio station's parking lot (not very roomy for my big CRV). I made it to Wal-Mart and had turned off the car and put up the shade when I realized that I didn't have my purse! I decided to go home. Fate was against my buying milk. I was actually emotionally and physically exhausted. We sat down to watch some Veggietales, and I fell asleep. The phone woke me up (very jarring) about 20 minutes later.
We've decided to get haircuts on the week that school starts. It starts on Thursday, and we are getting them on Tuesday. Abbie wants to have shorter hair for school, and I agree.
Did I tell you the weekend plans have changed? No more cabin camping. Mom has decided on Tan-Tar-A instead. So - fancy hotel/resorting instead. It might end up being a good call to go somewhere with an indoor pool - there is rain back in the forecast. Very different packing, though. Thought I was done with laundry but I can see that I'm not. I was also hoping to see my grandmother, but I talked to her on the phone yesterday and she will be off enjoying herself at a wedding. We are making plans, though, for the fall. Usually we go to the apple festival together, but this year she will be coming back from her youngest daughter's house. She wanted me and Josh and the kids to come and sleep at her house and use it while she was away, but I think I have found a better plan: we will camp in her field. Now it's okay that the camping part of this weekend to have been altered. Plus the weather will be a little cooler then.
I also talked to Brother today. He was in high spirits. He's moving into his week-day home in Denver for school. Orientation starts th 10th and goes for a week. Then school. His birthday is next Monday, but so far he doesn't have plans. I told him it would be better to celebrate in Denver with all the new and unexplored eating places. He sounded like he agreed.
I have to get a new cell phone today. Josh's broke, and he says we need to replace them at the same time. It will be an Iphone. I don't know anything about them. I'm actually quite upset, instead of excited. I'm trying not to be a wet blanket, though. I know how he's looking forward to all of this.
Tonight I shall make zuchinni and squash in butter with onion and orange bell pepper. And.....chicken strips, maybe?
Wishing you all a pleasant day. Think of my dad, if you've met him. Or you can just listen to his songs. Even if you haven't.