It is the week of Japanese Festival. I am not short on things to do.
Tomorrow Anja and Markus will be here for the afternoon, evening and night. They leave as we go to work in the morning. That will be Thursday morning, in which I will work, and then leave for the airport to help pick up the Osuwa Daiko and Hakuho Daiko members as they arrive. After that is a rehearsal.
Friday, there is a rehearsal at 3pm, and a spiking rehearsal at 6. Jaci and I will leave early from that and go set up for the welcome party, which starts around 9. Jaci and I will clean up at midnight. Then I will drive for an hour to get home.
I leave around 8:30 in the morning to get to the festival on time. We load at 10, and it just goes on from there. I have responsibilities at the Dashi and at the merchandise table as a PR rep. I also do lots of loading and unloading all day long. Saturday night is the only night I get to go straight home. After all the shows Sunday we are having a dinner, and after all the shows Monday is the farewell party. Then I get up on Tuesday and meet them in the city again for some hostess duty stuff, such as assisted souvenir buying and sight seeing.
Wednesday, I work.
Thursday is the performance practice for Springfield.
Friday, I leave for Springfield.
And it just goes on.
Still planning to go to DC with my dad and see some of his family. We were always very close to his cousin's family. I had a dream about them last night. It was kind of like Wise Children (which I am reading again right now) in the way that periodically in that book there is a moment where everyone from one's past shows up at the same time in full happy carnival mode. My mom's brother was there, too. That makes sense, he really does know my dad's cousin. Then, my grandfather walked in, and my brain knew it was only a dream. In the dream I burst into tears because it wasn't real.
Not the greatest way to wake up.
And today was CRAZY!
Mrs. McC had her baby, and the sub was doing pretty well, but there was something that hadn't happened before the baby, so neither of us were pros at it: Doing the rest of the homework the next day. Someone accidentally took hers home, so I was sent to the office to make a copy. When I got back, three others needed a copy. Back to the office. This time I made a few spares. Next, we had an emergency drill - bus emergency. I kept my class pretty quiet, but we were so slow getting off the bus, we probably would have burned up if it had really been on fire. Instead of my usual evaluations, I also had to teach 3 kids the directions to last night's homework, which they apparently didn't get. Then, on to my usual. When it was time for P.E, the class we were supposed to go with wasn't there. They had a substitute, so I was sent to fetch them. My student was supposed to go to OT and forgot, so they came looking for him. Then, in music, one of the boys went to the bathroom and was gone a really long time. I went to check on him and lo and behold - several boys were trying to convince a GIRL to leave so they could use the bathroom. Luckily for all, I knew her name, and got her out. Then, the other class was late for lunch, and I had to go and fetch them again. Yeesh. Crazy day.
But!
I have to keep my eye on the next thing and not get ahead of myself. So - off to performance rehearsal I go!
Hope you are all having a great weekend!
Here, watch this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nbbTmdX_aNU
Tuesday, August 27, 2013
Thursday, August 22, 2013
Today's Little Surprises
Hello.
The weather is still clear and nice, but a bit on the hot side for me. I feel covered in sweat most of the day, even if it isn't strictly the truth.
Mrs. McC. keeps me very busy. I'm less like a paraprofessional and more like a student teacher. I grade papers, run errands, make copies and test kids on sight words and math facts. I hear in the teacher's lounge that this is not really permitted, but I keep busy and don't mind. I like being helpful. Besides the poor woman is so VERY pregnant. I'd feel awful sending her down to the office herself when I am more than able to do it.
J-fest approaches. The party planning progresses. Life in general is going rather well, really. I rarely have a second to read, but I am re-reading Wise Children by Angela Carter. Have you read it? It's hilarious. And quite lewd.
Also, I watched True Lies last night. So funny.
Today did not go remotely as planned.
I was only with my student for an hour when I was approached by the Vice-Principal. Another para had gone home, and she wanted me to be with another student instead. I said sure. Off I went to be with a kindergarten boy who I actually already knew, having substituted for his para once or twice when he was in the preschool. My only problem was that I hadn't brought any sort of lunch.
It was a long day, and though we had several fits from the boy in question, we really did alright, and managed to get some work done. I got to go to P.E. twice.
The first thing that happened when I got home at the end of the day with Grant and Abbie was that the dog vomited on the carpet.
Between that and vague news about an unwanted person and threats to disrupt J-Fest, I' just wishing it were time for bed. Instead, I'm packing my tabi for the first J-Fest run through practice tonight.
Wish me luck.
By the way, the gym teacher found out about my being a taiko performer, and wants me to ask about a drumming youtube type thing for his students to exercise to. I think it's a cute idea. I will ask.
The weather is still clear and nice, but a bit on the hot side for me. I feel covered in sweat most of the day, even if it isn't strictly the truth.
Mrs. McC. keeps me very busy. I'm less like a paraprofessional and more like a student teacher. I grade papers, run errands, make copies and test kids on sight words and math facts. I hear in the teacher's lounge that this is not really permitted, but I keep busy and don't mind. I like being helpful. Besides the poor woman is so VERY pregnant. I'd feel awful sending her down to the office herself when I am more than able to do it.
J-fest approaches. The party planning progresses. Life in general is going rather well, really. I rarely have a second to read, but I am re-reading Wise Children by Angela Carter. Have you read it? It's hilarious. And quite lewd.
Also, I watched True Lies last night. So funny.
Today did not go remotely as planned.
I was only with my student for an hour when I was approached by the Vice-Principal. Another para had gone home, and she wanted me to be with another student instead. I said sure. Off I went to be with a kindergarten boy who I actually already knew, having substituted for his para once or twice when he was in the preschool. My only problem was that I hadn't brought any sort of lunch.
It was a long day, and though we had several fits from the boy in question, we really did alright, and managed to get some work done. I got to go to P.E. twice.
The first thing that happened when I got home at the end of the day with Grant and Abbie was that the dog vomited on the carpet.
Between that and vague news about an unwanted person and threats to disrupt J-Fest, I' just wishing it were time for bed. Instead, I'm packing my tabi for the first J-Fest run through practice tonight.
Wish me luck.
By the way, the gym teacher found out about my being a taiko performer, and wants me to ask about a drumming youtube type thing for his students to exercise to. I think it's a cute idea. I will ask.
Thursday, August 15, 2013
Now what?
Two days ago, I was thinking, "Why just SAY I'm writing a book? Maybe I should really write something! It's not like I'll have a lot else to do, after September...."
Today, I went to work.
Yes. Work. Substitute paraprofessional work. I took another mornings only, long term assignment at the kids' school. I really do love commuting with them.
Seriously, though, WHAT WAS I THINKING?! This is the busiest month of my life so far, and I decided to add work every morning.
Kind of feeling tired right now.
I want to make a new CD to revitalize myself, but I can't even scratch up enough energy for that. I've been doing little business tasks since I got back, like checking the date of the kids' dentist appointment and setting out clothes for work tomorrow.
Well, I've been staring at this screen a long time. Perhaps it is time for a rest. Tonight is practice, and I have a feeling the road construction on the hwy is going to bring me home very, very late.
Monday, August 12, 2013
It would seem...
It would seem that August is half over already.
ACK!
Tomorrow is the last day of summer vacation for the kids. Also, it is the last day of summer vacation for me, as I am technically employed by the school district. However, I have another training video to watch before I am re-activated. I have decided to do that Wednesday while the kids are having their first day of school.
Tomorrow, though, we shall stay home and do NOTHING. Well, excepting that I have taiko practice in the evening.
I watched Sliding Doors for the first time in years last night. It would seem that if you are a "writer" you can be unemployed and people still think you are useful in some way. I have decided to start telling people I'm writing a book. Although I am not, as the character in Sliding Doors does, going to use that vast judgment-free time to have an affair.
And speaking of movies that Gwyneth Paltrow is in, it would seem that I have been watching Emma for about a decade, never knowing that the actresses who play Mrs. and Miss Bates are the mother and sister of Emma Thompson! How can I have overlooked that bit of trivia?
The kids went to Pizza Pro for the first time today. It was very fun. We were stuffed. It would seem that none of us are particularly good at resisting temptation when faced with a waiter holding fancy pizza under our noses.
I have written the newsletter, and I will re-write it with the corrections, etc. tomorrow. Invitations must also be written...
It would seem that I am both making progress, and am behind schedule.
Le sigh.
So sleepy. It would seem that it is past my bedtime.
ACK!
Tomorrow is the last day of summer vacation for the kids. Also, it is the last day of summer vacation for me, as I am technically employed by the school district. However, I have another training video to watch before I am re-activated. I have decided to do that Wednesday while the kids are having their first day of school.
Tomorrow, though, we shall stay home and do NOTHING. Well, excepting that I have taiko practice in the evening.
I watched Sliding Doors for the first time in years last night. It would seem that if you are a "writer" you can be unemployed and people still think you are useful in some way. I have decided to start telling people I'm writing a book. Although I am not, as the character in Sliding Doors does, going to use that vast judgment-free time to have an affair.
And speaking of movies that Gwyneth Paltrow is in, it would seem that I have been watching Emma for about a decade, never knowing that the actresses who play Mrs. and Miss Bates are the mother and sister of Emma Thompson! How can I have overlooked that bit of trivia?
The kids went to Pizza Pro for the first time today. It was very fun. We were stuffed. It would seem that none of us are particularly good at resisting temptation when faced with a waiter holding fancy pizza under our noses.
I have written the newsletter, and I will re-write it with the corrections, etc. tomorrow. Invitations must also be written...
It would seem that I am both making progress, and am behind schedule.
Le sigh.
So sleepy. It would seem that it is past my bedtime.
Tuesday, August 6, 2013
Running in Front of the Avalanche
So far, so good, stress-wise.
This week, I am planning two large parties, finding new music teachers for the kids, organizing the Dashi sign ups for Japanese Festival, arranging a Last Monday Before School dinner at Culvers, somehow fitting everything into my schedule, doing laundry, figuring out who is coming to Grant's belated birthday dinner at IHOP, getting ready for Josh's company picnic Saturday, writing the August newsletter, paying bills, figuring out what exactly is up with the strange training videos I'm required to watch....including one that I watched last week, getting to practice and making excellent progress (I hope)...can't forget to get gas. Car won't make it out of town if I forget.
Some things that were stress causing have calmed, though. For one thing, both kids had their last games yesterday. Sports season is over! Also, we have probably found a venue for the welcome party, and I can get on with invitations and planning the second party. Plus, I'm pretty sure I have new teachers for the kids' music. With all that is about to happen, I am feeling very serene today.
By the way, this is funny:
http://www.oiselle.com/shop/rundies
Grant thinks that underwear of any kind is intrinsically hilarious. The other day, he and Abbie were playing "password". He would stand in the hallway or in front of a door or doorway and tell her to guess the password of the day. It was usually "underwear".
For the August birthdays, we met my parents at the Lake of the Ozarks and stayed in cabins. It was great! It rained furiously the first night, but we had a screened in porch. Saturday was cool, but rain-less. We had Gran, Uncle Pete and Nanny over for lunch of bratwurst, corn salad and my fruit salad that everyone loved at the 4th of July. Then, there was chocolate birthday cake and presents. And lots, lots, and LOTS of snacks. We took tons of walks (thank goodness for that - some of those snacks were my favorites), swam in the lake, played cards and games, and sang songs. In the evening we tried like crazy to get a good fire going for roasting marshmallows, but the wood we'd bought was terrible! It was much too late for the kids by the time the fire was right. They did, however, get at least one s'more each - made from their own toasted marshmallows. We had fun, even if we came home with insect bites. I have one that is bothering me especially.. Well, several, actually. But fun! Very fun.
My new favorite Italian singer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UEgwLD5OYAw Her eyes are ginormous.
Still reading Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, again. Should I go on to the 5th book next? I really didn't care for it, much. Maybe I will take a quick Wise Children break. One of my favorites, you know.
Oh. I also need to schedule a hair appointment.
Finally replaced my Omiyage bachi. So excited. It feels different when you use ones that are weighted differently, and I just like mine best. Going to taiko like crazy tonight! Grr! Of course....we aren't playing Omiyage tonight.
I hope you are all planning to go to the Japanese Festival at the Missouri Botanical Garden this Labor Day weekend?
I am craving vegetables. Hmm. Probably I am suffering from mal-nutrition. Too many powdered donuts this weekend. But Tastycake makes some darned good ones!!!
Wishing you a pleasant afternoon!
This week, I am planning two large parties, finding new music teachers for the kids, organizing the Dashi sign ups for Japanese Festival, arranging a Last Monday Before School dinner at Culvers, somehow fitting everything into my schedule, doing laundry, figuring out who is coming to Grant's belated birthday dinner at IHOP, getting ready for Josh's company picnic Saturday, writing the August newsletter, paying bills, figuring out what exactly is up with the strange training videos I'm required to watch....including one that I watched last week, getting to practice and making excellent progress (I hope)...can't forget to get gas. Car won't make it out of town if I forget.
Some things that were stress causing have calmed, though. For one thing, both kids had their last games yesterday. Sports season is over! Also, we have probably found a venue for the welcome party, and I can get on with invitations and planning the second party. Plus, I'm pretty sure I have new teachers for the kids' music. With all that is about to happen, I am feeling very serene today.
By the way, this is funny:
http://www.oiselle.com/shop/rundies
Grant thinks that underwear of any kind is intrinsically hilarious. The other day, he and Abbie were playing "password". He would stand in the hallway or in front of a door or doorway and tell her to guess the password of the day. It was usually "underwear".
For the August birthdays, we met my parents at the Lake of the Ozarks and stayed in cabins. It was great! It rained furiously the first night, but we had a screened in porch. Saturday was cool, but rain-less. We had Gran, Uncle Pete and Nanny over for lunch of bratwurst, corn salad and my fruit salad that everyone loved at the 4th of July. Then, there was chocolate birthday cake and presents. And lots, lots, and LOTS of snacks. We took tons of walks (thank goodness for that - some of those snacks were my favorites), swam in the lake, played cards and games, and sang songs. In the evening we tried like crazy to get a good fire going for roasting marshmallows, but the wood we'd bought was terrible! It was much too late for the kids by the time the fire was right. They did, however, get at least one s'more each - made from their own toasted marshmallows. We had fun, even if we came home with insect bites. I have one that is bothering me especially.. Well, several, actually. But fun! Very fun.
My new favorite Italian singer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UEgwLD5OYAw Her eyes are ginormous.
Still reading Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, again. Should I go on to the 5th book next? I really didn't care for it, much. Maybe I will take a quick Wise Children break. One of my favorites, you know.
Oh. I also need to schedule a hair appointment.
Finally replaced my Omiyage bachi. So excited. It feels different when you use ones that are weighted differently, and I just like mine best. Going to taiko like crazy tonight! Grr! Of course....we aren't playing Omiyage tonight.
I hope you are all planning to go to the Japanese Festival at the Missouri Botanical Garden this Labor Day weekend?
I am craving vegetables. Hmm. Probably I am suffering from mal-nutrition. Too many powdered donuts this weekend. But Tastycake makes some darned good ones!!!
Wishing you a pleasant afternoon!