I could use a friend right now.
Our trip to Washington D.C, while not particularly restful, was nice, fun and free of any significant unpleasantness. I will upload pictures and tell the story at a later date.
Yesterday, we got our wake up call at 3:30 a.m. eastern time. I was the first driver. I think Frostburg, Virginia might be the name of the mountain town where we had breakfast. The gas stations, etc, were a little far from the exit. At the time it was inconvenient, but the sun began to rise as we got back on the highway, and the scenery was very pretty. We drove all day, obviously. I was driving again when the interstate was closed, and I had to re-route through downtown Indianapolis. Lunch was a Steak N Shake on the Ohio border, and was the best one I've been in for years. We made St. Louis by around dinner time, but got on 44 and went all the way to Rolla to drop off Dad and collect our dogs. Since we hadn't stopped, we also had grilled cheese for dinner. I drove from Rolla back to our house. We got home at 10:30, unloaded, made sure all the school things were ready, and went to bed - exact time unknown.
This morning, I got up, somewhat unwillingly, and made sure the kids ate and were dressed, the dogs fed and teeth brushed. I had to send money for lunch, since there was no time for grocery buying last night. We piled into the car and made to depart amidst some rain and drizzle.
Then, I backed into my neighbor's car. Well, it was a truck. And that makes it sound like I just put the thing into reverse and left the rest up to God. No. I did, in fact, turn the car. I didn't make it, though. My car rubbed the red truck, doing damage to my car, but not to his. Despite the lack of damage, I left him a note with my phone number. (He didn't answer the door.) I took the kids to school, came home, cried for being such a bad neighbor, and went to sleep. The phone woke me. Neighbor wants his car fixed by my insurance company, and wants police called. I really don't know that there is anything to fix, but he insists.
So that's how I've spent my morning. Telling my insurance company and the police. I have a report number and a claim number, and a car in much worse shape than his. I know it is my fault, but I am feeling a little sorry for myself. I'm just so tired. And I had to have a police officer in my house when it hasn't been cleaned, and I haven't showered after a day in the car. And I have to tell people all my mistakes and pretend that it's just business and doesn't matter particularly to me. I was quite helpful. I had all my things together. I smiled and said, "Thank you."
It's shame, you know.
And I'm suddenly not feeling very neighborly. I can't believe that mere minutes before this happened, I was feeling guilty that the dog was barking.
And I also just found out that one of the companies that I've been getting job notifications from is only for Veterans, which I am not. How is it that my email is being confused for my father's AND my husband's? It is all just too much. No regular work, Josh's school loans to pay off, no sleep for days, but too much food, a filthy house that needs attention, empty cupboards, mosquito bites, deadlines but no money...and now a car accident in which I am the bad guy.
Too much for right now. I am going to lie down.
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
Wednesday, September 18, 2013
Tires
Hi. Going to get new tires for the car in a minute. Always bring a book. Hope I don't forget mine.
What do you think of these songs? Pretty great? Well, I like them...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bKuMKVmGkNM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B3aWlt81EwU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=24FsoxcPHTw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iaOpL72FOhc
And then there is this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0pMHQRbjb6w
Oh, and this will make you hungry!!!
http://www.cupcakeproject.com/2013/01/nutella-banana-pull-apart-bread.html
Now, how about those tires...
Monday, September 16, 2013
Occupied? Yes. Employed? No.
Hello!
And how are you?
I am unemployed! Well, not really. I am still and on-call substitute. I even was asked if I can sub on the 19th, but I can't. I shall be out of town.
I have been packing for my trip! For some people "packing" includes making MP3 CDs. I have also completed and submitted the taiko newsletter for September.
So, you see, I am not so much un-occupied as wage-less.
And now for the exciting news! Ready?
My wedding ring is back!
I found it. I was never really without it at all! It was right exactly where I put it. See? I'm not as careless and disorganized as we previously suspected.
It was in my taiko bag, just no where one could access it.
The weather is cooling off, and I am enjoying that. It's even good to see some rain! Although, I have to admit that it is not super exciting rain.
Did you hear that Colorado, mere weeks after the wildfires were finally controlled, is FLOODING? I talked to Brother several times. He is not only fine, but secretly giggling that his roomates' things are all getting flooded and he, who only brought one box worth of belongings, doesn't seem to be getting much water. I keep checking on him, but he seems to be safe and sound.
Doing taiko laundry, and will have my happi in the new bag, soon. It is the new bag ( a re-gift from Josh's mom) that prompted me to search the old one, and is therefore partially and indirectly responsible for my finding my wedding ring.
Not reading anything fun. Suggestions?
Happy day to you!!!
And how are you?
I am unemployed! Well, not really. I am still and on-call substitute. I even was asked if I can sub on the 19th, but I can't. I shall be out of town.
I have been packing for my trip! For some people "packing" includes making MP3 CDs. I have also completed and submitted the taiko newsletter for September.
So, you see, I am not so much un-occupied as wage-less.
And now for the exciting news! Ready?
My wedding ring is back!
I found it. I was never really without it at all! It was right exactly where I put it. See? I'm not as careless and disorganized as we previously suspected.
It was in my taiko bag, just no where one could access it.
The weather is cooling off, and I am enjoying that. It's even good to see some rain! Although, I have to admit that it is not super exciting rain.
Did you hear that Colorado, mere weeks after the wildfires were finally controlled, is FLOODING? I talked to Brother several times. He is not only fine, but secretly giggling that his roomates' things are all getting flooded and he, who only brought one box worth of belongings, doesn't seem to be getting much water. I keep checking on him, but he seems to be safe and sound.
Doing taiko laundry, and will have my happi in the new bag, soon. It is the new bag ( a re-gift from Josh's mom) that prompted me to search the old one, and is therefore partially and indirectly responsible for my finding my wedding ring.
Not reading anything fun. Suggestions?
Happy day to you!!!
Wednesday, September 11, 2013
Self Pity
How's this for a pity party for one? I'm having toast slathered in Nutella for lunch.
Yes, M'am.
First of all, my job ends Friday. This is not cause for sadness at all, because I took it as a long term temporary position, and I knew all along that as soon as the alternative school had room for one of the boys in the resource room, all the paras would go back to their regular schedules, and I would be done. Here's what bugs me, and it might surprise you: Everyone loves me.
No, you didn't mis-hear.
"You are SO good with him!" "You'd make a great teacher." "He is so much better with you. Are you sure you can't stay?" Not to mention countless "we really appreciate you, Rosie"s. Yes, these words make me feel like I've done a good job. But if I've done a good job, why is no one offering me permanent work?
Remember my long term assignment last year? That girl's case worker retired. When she visited the school this month, she was genuinely surprised to find that I wasn't with the same girl full time.
Why wasn't I? What is the big red flag? I don't know what to fix.
All these things are worrying me, without anyone's help. Plus, I'm exhausted from weeks of taiko craziness, and should already be packing for yet another trip, only this time I have kids to get ready, too. So you can imagine my horror when Josh chose yesterday to tell me that he's tired of having to give up his weekends for taiko, and that I need to quit and get a job.
Really.
Let's analyze. When I'm home with the kids all summer, I'm wasting time and doing nothing. When he's with the kids all weekend, he's making a horrible and painful sacrifice. Hmm. And now that his student loans are due, I - who have no debts but the house and car which are joint with him - have to rush out and get a job. LIKE I'M NOT ALREADY TRYING TO DO THAT! He who accrued the debt, however, is to be pitied and supported and given a gold star, without changing a thing. And taiko - which I am actually DOING, is taking up HIS weekend, because he is forced, obviously against his will, to stay home with his children. I've got news for all of you. BOTH weekends, he took the kids and went to play at his friend's house. He did NOT even stay home with them, as scheduled.
Anyway, this fight happened because now that performance season has ended, all the groups are having meetings, and I seem to be in most of them. I was not at practice last night because I needed rest (and ended up doing photo archiving instead, anyway), and then Josh has claimed Sunday. Any hint that I might have to go to practice or stay there has him breathing fire at me as if I chose the date myself. He has not claimed Sunday the 29th, but when I tried to for a Dashi Committee meeting, he exploded, and that is where the charming quote about my getting a job came in.
This post is not supposed to be about Josh's outrageous selfishness, however. It is my turn to be selfish. I am feeling sorry for myself only today, and I have 40 more minutes in which to do it, too. Then, of course, I have to get Grant from the middle school and Abbie from her school and stop at the grocery store and go through the kids' Take Home folders and check their homework and send them to practice music and get them started on those box tops to take to school and cook dinner. You know, all that Nothing that I reportedly do all day.
I think I ate too much Nutella.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sKbMRVFyjW8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HXMtClc844s
Tuesday, September 10, 2013
Tired.
I look tired.
I sound tired.
I feel tired.
I'm tired.
The last two weeks feel like an entire season. So many things have happened. And I made it home safely from all of them!
Thank you, thank you...
First! Anja and Markus! They are so great. Love them.
Second! Osuwa Daiko and Hakuho Daiko: They arrived, and we picked them up from the airport. Actually, I was only involved with picking up Osuwa Daiko, come to find out. Picking people up from the airport is not as easy or nice as it used to be. I didn't care for it. But Makoto-san said, "Sugoi Power!" when I lifted his luggage. That made me giggle. We drove them to the Garden Apartments. I didn't know it, but those apartments are normally used for botanists who are doing research at the garden. Cool, huh? And they are within walking distance of the garden (Missouri Botanical Garden).
Dinner and rehearsal were rushed and crazy. There were guests at the studio. I felt weird and never actually met them, but there were so many more than I had been told about! Quite a crowd! We played a few things for Osuwa Daiko, and they commented.
The next day, I stayed home with the kids in the morning, and then left for St. Louis in the afternoon. We met Hakuho Daiko, and they were very likable. It was fun, but we didn't end up playing, just watching and helping when we could...which was not much. That night was my welcome party. Sadly, one of the Hakuho Daiko girls fell ill and was not able to make it. The party was epic. I had it at Belas Artes, which was a perfect location. We had beer and pizza and snacks and conversation. It was great.
J-Fest was hot. It was not comfortable at all, but we still had fun. Plus, you'll never guess the surprise we had - cookies. Even though he was not here to bring his wife's cookies, Eddie arranged for us to have cookies at the festival. We were so touched! The Sumo wrestlers were glad, too. We give them cookies sometimes.
The first day I played in the Dashi for 3.5 hours, and performed with my own group, and watched Osuwa Daiko with some friends. What I didn't do was eat. I just forgot. Well, I didn't have time. Lots of dizziness. It seemed like forever to get home. Also, as Michelle and I were walking to the cars, they sky opened up and a month's worth of rain instantly dropped onto us. I giggled. It was fun. I like weather. However, the shuttle driver very rudely would not take us to our parking lot. We had to walk a long way from where he dropped us off, and because of that, many of my things got wet. As tired as I was when I finally reached home, I had to take every single thing out of my bag (my next shall be water proof) and lay them out to dry.
The second day, I only spent 2 hours in the Dashi. I had the salmon onigiri for lunch, and bubble tea. I was so excited. I also realized that I was in need of new tabi socks, as the majority of mine are knee length, which wouldn't do in such heat. Sadly, no one was selling any, except the kimono store - notoriously overpriced.
Needs must.
My new elaborately beautiful ankle length tabi socks are black with a pink and gold hydrangea pattern. Have I ever mentioned that hydrangeas were in season when I was in Tokyo? The socks cost twelve dollars. Maybe you didn't hear that. I'll say it again. TWELVE DOLLARS for ONE PAIR of ANKLE LENGTH SOCKS!!!!!
Osuwa Daiko performed at 2 and 7, and we performed at 4:30, I think. I performed with Osuwa Daiko during the 2:00 show for their song Hiryuu Sandan Gaeshi. It was a long but fun day, and ended with us all having Italian food on The Hill for dinner. However, the restaurant wasn't ready for us. We had to stand for 15 minutes. Then, there were some inaccuracies with the bill. Some people were not satisfied with their food, for the price. We were determined to have fun, so fun was had (Laura even whipped out her violin for some fiddle and tango songs, complete with unscripted dancing) but, on the whole, my parties were both infinitely superior.
Last day of J-Fest was hard to get into at first, because it began with a meeting. It wasn't a scheduled meeting, so I was nearly heartbroken. My only free time of the day, which I had promised to my children, was taken up by the meeting. I couldn't properly appreciate being asked to perform with Osuwa Daiko, after their friends Hakuho Daiko had departed, because I was so sad to have the time taken from my family. Now I wouldn't even get to sit by them as they watched the show. However, it is hard not to feel cool when you are on stage with such amazing players. My show was at noon, and theirs was at 2. Then, Jaci and I loaded up and rushed back to the studio to prepare for the farewell party. The set up was not as smooth as the first party. Jaci was in a hurricane sort of mood. Nothing I did was right. I was pretty wound up when people started to arrive. Then, after the food was delivered, I dropped my plate. That was it. I lost it. I cleaned up my mess, snuck away to a back room, and burst into tears. But! No time for that when you are a hostess. Back into the fray I went, and things were fine. In fact, the party was another huge success! The sushi was from Sushi Sen, and it was so good that the Japanese guests were going back for second and third helpings. The cupcakes were by a friend of Andrew's who has a blog spot called Cupcake Project. They were amazing. I am suffering withdrawal. And I wish I could take credit for it, but we also had a lion dance performance by Nine Dragon Academy! Then there was a taiko jam session. Basically, it was a great party.
I bought the kids little hand crocheted Cthuhlus.
Tuesday morning, I was in a rush to get ready. I was so tired, but I had to meet everyone at the brewery for a scheduled tour. I was so worried that the traffic would make me late. I was in panic mode the whole way. Then, my directions proved impossible (don't you hate it when that happens?) and I had to call someone and ask how to get there from what ended up being around the corner. I arrived on time with about 2 minutes to spare - only to discover that I was wearing the wrong shoes. Closed toed shoes only. I couldn't go on the tour, after all. Andrew gave his closed toed shoes to one of the guests, so he and I went on the free tour together. Not all bad. I discovered that they do sell a cider...I've just never run across it for sale. Then, they chose a lunch place, but they took a long time deciding, so I had to rush home and get the kids from school.
To recap: I went all the way to St. Louis to not go on the tour and not have lunch.
Fast forward to this weekend: Springfield festival seemed small after our huge one, but everyone was so sweet and friendly. They always are. It's truly a joy to play for them. My mommy came and saw my show on Saturday, and my neighbor growing up saw it on Sunday. I think I autographed about 7 or so CDs. The other news about Springfield included a fantastic but huge dinner at Haruno, ONI socks for Laura, tequila, too much sunshine and heat, Calpico (Yum!!), and an awesome samurai/ninja show.
And the hotel.
The hotel was the same Howard Johnson that we stayed in last year. I also am inclined to think that Tylar had his wedding reception there. VERY familiar vibes near the ballroom. Theresa and I were rooming together. The room smelled overwhelmingly of mildew, but we decided not to say anything. So minor, right? The first morning, though, we discovered the cause. There was a HOLE in the shower. It leaked all the way to the carpeted area! That was too much. We had to switch rooms. Funnily, Jaci came with us, so she could complain about her air conditioning not working. Also, Michelle said her refrigerator was supposed to be there....but wasn't. Huh??? Then, later, we discovered something. The hotel was closing. THAT DAY. We were the last guests. Ever. I guess that explains why they hadn't fished the telephone receiver out of the swimming pool......
Anyway, It seems like August was so long ago!
This is my last confirmed week at work. I was told to stop by the desk when I get in tomorrow, but I don't think it's about extending anything. They just want me to stay all day tomorrow. I've been applying for jobs, but no luck at all.
This weekend, we need to get the oil changed in my car, and also get new tires for it. Maybe we can have Fox pizza while we wait. Mmmmm! Then, we leave for vacation on Wednesday. WHEW!
And how are you?
I sound tired.
I feel tired.
I'm tired.
The last two weeks feel like an entire season. So many things have happened. And I made it home safely from all of them!
Thank you, thank you...
First! Anja and Markus! They are so great. Love them.
Second! Osuwa Daiko and Hakuho Daiko: They arrived, and we picked them up from the airport. Actually, I was only involved with picking up Osuwa Daiko, come to find out. Picking people up from the airport is not as easy or nice as it used to be. I didn't care for it. But Makoto-san said, "Sugoi Power!" when I lifted his luggage. That made me giggle. We drove them to the Garden Apartments. I didn't know it, but those apartments are normally used for botanists who are doing research at the garden. Cool, huh? And they are within walking distance of the garden (Missouri Botanical Garden).
Dinner and rehearsal were rushed and crazy. There were guests at the studio. I felt weird and never actually met them, but there were so many more than I had been told about! Quite a crowd! We played a few things for Osuwa Daiko, and they commented.
The next day, I stayed home with the kids in the morning, and then left for St. Louis in the afternoon. We met Hakuho Daiko, and they were very likable. It was fun, but we didn't end up playing, just watching and helping when we could...which was not much. That night was my welcome party. Sadly, one of the Hakuho Daiko girls fell ill and was not able to make it. The party was epic. I had it at Belas Artes, which was a perfect location. We had beer and pizza and snacks and conversation. It was great.
J-Fest was hot. It was not comfortable at all, but we still had fun. Plus, you'll never guess the surprise we had - cookies. Even though he was not here to bring his wife's cookies, Eddie arranged for us to have cookies at the festival. We were so touched! The Sumo wrestlers were glad, too. We give them cookies sometimes.
The first day I played in the Dashi for 3.5 hours, and performed with my own group, and watched Osuwa Daiko with some friends. What I didn't do was eat. I just forgot. Well, I didn't have time. Lots of dizziness. It seemed like forever to get home. Also, as Michelle and I were walking to the cars, they sky opened up and a month's worth of rain instantly dropped onto us. I giggled. It was fun. I like weather. However, the shuttle driver very rudely would not take us to our parking lot. We had to walk a long way from where he dropped us off, and because of that, many of my things got wet. As tired as I was when I finally reached home, I had to take every single thing out of my bag (my next shall be water proof) and lay them out to dry.
The second day, I only spent 2 hours in the Dashi. I had the salmon onigiri for lunch, and bubble tea. I was so excited. I also realized that I was in need of new tabi socks, as the majority of mine are knee length, which wouldn't do in such heat. Sadly, no one was selling any, except the kimono store - notoriously overpriced.
Needs must.
My new elaborately beautiful ankle length tabi socks are black with a pink and gold hydrangea pattern. Have I ever mentioned that hydrangeas were in season when I was in Tokyo? The socks cost twelve dollars. Maybe you didn't hear that. I'll say it again. TWELVE DOLLARS for ONE PAIR of ANKLE LENGTH SOCKS!!!!!
Osuwa Daiko performed at 2 and 7, and we performed at 4:30, I think. I performed with Osuwa Daiko during the 2:00 show for their song Hiryuu Sandan Gaeshi. It was a long but fun day, and ended with us all having Italian food on The Hill for dinner. However, the restaurant wasn't ready for us. We had to stand for 15 minutes. Then, there were some inaccuracies with the bill. Some people were not satisfied with their food, for the price. We were determined to have fun, so fun was had (Laura even whipped out her violin for some fiddle and tango songs, complete with unscripted dancing) but, on the whole, my parties were both infinitely superior.
Last day of J-Fest was hard to get into at first, because it began with a meeting. It wasn't a scheduled meeting, so I was nearly heartbroken. My only free time of the day, which I had promised to my children, was taken up by the meeting. I couldn't properly appreciate being asked to perform with Osuwa Daiko, after their friends Hakuho Daiko had departed, because I was so sad to have the time taken from my family. Now I wouldn't even get to sit by them as they watched the show. However, it is hard not to feel cool when you are on stage with such amazing players. My show was at noon, and theirs was at 2. Then, Jaci and I loaded up and rushed back to the studio to prepare for the farewell party. The set up was not as smooth as the first party. Jaci was in a hurricane sort of mood. Nothing I did was right. I was pretty wound up when people started to arrive. Then, after the food was delivered, I dropped my plate. That was it. I lost it. I cleaned up my mess, snuck away to a back room, and burst into tears. But! No time for that when you are a hostess. Back into the fray I went, and things were fine. In fact, the party was another huge success! The sushi was from Sushi Sen, and it was so good that the Japanese guests were going back for second and third helpings. The cupcakes were by a friend of Andrew's who has a blog spot called Cupcake Project. They were amazing. I am suffering withdrawal. And I wish I could take credit for it, but we also had a lion dance performance by Nine Dragon Academy! Then there was a taiko jam session. Basically, it was a great party.
I bought the kids little hand crocheted Cthuhlus.
Tuesday morning, I was in a rush to get ready. I was so tired, but I had to meet everyone at the brewery for a scheduled tour. I was so worried that the traffic would make me late. I was in panic mode the whole way. Then, my directions proved impossible (don't you hate it when that happens?) and I had to call someone and ask how to get there from what ended up being around the corner. I arrived on time with about 2 minutes to spare - only to discover that I was wearing the wrong shoes. Closed toed shoes only. I couldn't go on the tour, after all. Andrew gave his closed toed shoes to one of the guests, so he and I went on the free tour together. Not all bad. I discovered that they do sell a cider...I've just never run across it for sale. Then, they chose a lunch place, but they took a long time deciding, so I had to rush home and get the kids from school.
To recap: I went all the way to St. Louis to not go on the tour and not have lunch.
Fast forward to this weekend: Springfield festival seemed small after our huge one, but everyone was so sweet and friendly. They always are. It's truly a joy to play for them. My mommy came and saw my show on Saturday, and my neighbor growing up saw it on Sunday. I think I autographed about 7 or so CDs. The other news about Springfield included a fantastic but huge dinner at Haruno, ONI socks for Laura, tequila, too much sunshine and heat, Calpico (Yum!!), and an awesome samurai/ninja show.
And the hotel.
The hotel was the same Howard Johnson that we stayed in last year. I also am inclined to think that Tylar had his wedding reception there. VERY familiar vibes near the ballroom. Theresa and I were rooming together. The room smelled overwhelmingly of mildew, but we decided not to say anything. So minor, right? The first morning, though, we discovered the cause. There was a HOLE in the shower. It leaked all the way to the carpeted area! That was too much. We had to switch rooms. Funnily, Jaci came with us, so she could complain about her air conditioning not working. Also, Michelle said her refrigerator was supposed to be there....but wasn't. Huh??? Then, later, we discovered something. The hotel was closing. THAT DAY. We were the last guests. Ever. I guess that explains why they hadn't fished the telephone receiver out of the swimming pool......
Anyway, It seems like August was so long ago!
This is my last confirmed week at work. I was told to stop by the desk when I get in tomorrow, but I don't think it's about extending anything. They just want me to stay all day tomorrow. I've been applying for jobs, but no luck at all.
This weekend, we need to get the oil changed in my car, and also get new tires for it. Maybe we can have Fox pizza while we wait. Mmmmm! Then, we leave for vacation on Wednesday. WHEW!
And how are you?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)