It's a semi-windy, on-the-verge-of-raining-all-day Saturday here in Lower Hutt, and I'm quite enjoying it. I'm about to head off to Fi's parents' place for supper, as Fi's sister Carol is in town from the south island with her adorable daughter Megan (and possibly husband Murray?). Sam is letting me drive his red Miata convertable there.... eeeep! He's going to back it out of the driveway for me, and I'm going to drive it there. Crazy stuff! I'd better be good with it! Hahaha.
I can't believe I'm half way through Term 3 at school now. Isn't it crazy how time flies?! Mom, dad, Karyn, does it feel like I've been gone for over a month already? I don't know about you, but I feel like I just got here. I'm going to have to start planning what I'm doing on my term break, coming up in 5 weeks here... I might even choose to go to Australia during that time and then travel part of the north island (Waitomo, Rotorua, etc.) before going back to school, then take some time at the end of my stay to check out the south island. I'm not sure what my plans are yet though - I might travel the south island on my break and do Australia in November, as originally planned. Whatever I do, it will be fun! I just need to start planning.
I had a good week at school again. Gary had the most unexpected compliment for me on Friday - he said to me "One of my students, whom you've only met once, came up to me today and said 'That Miss Campbell is so nice! And she's SO pretty!'" I know the girl who he was talking about, and although I've only met her once, she says hi to me every time I see her... and she uses my full name too ("Miss Campbell") as opposed to just "Miss," which a lot of the students get into the habit of saying. I've been consistent with my students in that when they ask me a question or say hi to me using just "Miss" I'll pretend like I don't hear them and I'll say "Miss what?" And they reply with "Oh right, Miss Campbell." It's been working well so far - a lot of them will correct themselves automatically now. One of my Year 11 boys had the funniest way of addressing me though... when I was walking around helping my students with their theory work, he called me over and said "Miss," and when I corrected him he said "I mean, I have a question, madame, m'lady." I laughed out loud and said "Miss Campbell will do just fine." It was pretty funny though. That kid has a sense of humour, and what he lacks in focus and work ethic, he makes up for in sincerity.
Our HVHS Music Festival is coming up on Monday night! We have extra rehearsals for Orchestra and Wind Ensemble tomorrow afternoon, so hopefully every last-minute thing will come together then. The orchestra is sounding heaps better than they had been over the past few weeks, so that's promising. I'm conducting "Summertime in Venice" - my debut as a "real" band director! Almost. Haha. The school hall is all set up now, and hopefully we'll be able to fill it with family, friends, and the general public. The hall is usually full for Music Festival - we've got a REALLY good show lined up too, so I wouldn't be surprised if it sells out. It's a jazz theme this year, because there are tons of very talented jazz musicians in our student body, especially in Years 11 and 13. There are a few jazz combos, jazz bands, and even a solo (Mayer, one of my Year 13 students, is playing "Blues for Alice" - I'm excited to hear it! He's a fantastic guitarist). It should be a blast! I'll be sure to have my camera/video camera there so I can have a nice keepsake for when I'm back in Canada. :o)
I'd better get ready for supper now - we're leaving in about 10 minutes. I hope everything is awesome at home! Thanks for the comments everyone... it's so nice to hear from you!!!!!
What do you think of my new template?
3 comments:
Hi Lauren, (thought I sent this twice but it didn't seem to get posted...hopefully it won't show up 3 times)
Just home on my lunch break from the first day back at school. Had to get caught up on your blog entries! Talk to you soon. Love hearing about HVHS and your students!
Hi Lauren. It was so great to meet you on Saturday. I haven't laughed so much in ages over that crazy moment lying on the floor with you and Fiona... (other people, you had to be there!)DO NOT post that photograph! Pity you didn't meet Murray but maybe when you travel to the South Island. Look forward to seeing you again, really enjoy reading about your time at HVHS and Fiona and Sam's place. Cheers, Carol
Oh come on Carol. I actually really wanted to post that picture, just because it gave us so much entertainment. It's good to laugh at yourself publicly every once in a while... come on, have you SEEN that double chin picture of me a few posts back?!?! Hahaha. But really, I'll behave myself and avoid posting it. You're lucky I like you, otherwise that pic would be all over the Internet. :op It was definitely great meeting you, and we'll have to get together on the south island at some point. Give Megan hugs from her new Canadian fan! :o)
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