Monday

Carpal Tunnel syndrome anyone? Actually, I'm not really sure that's what this dull ache in my left hand and wrist is caused by, but something is not right folks. And this isn't the first time it's happened, either. Whatever it is could have been caused by just about anything: too many hours typing, too many hours playing saxophone (or more recently guitar), carrying those groceries back from the store four blocks all in one hand, the video game playing. The possibilities are endless. Hopefully the pain is not.

I've been working with my students the last two weeks, teaching them about the upcoming Independence holiday. They now know that they live in New York, and that New York is in the United States of America. They understand that Independence Day is a birthday of sorts for the U.S.A. and that the colors of the flag are red, white, and blue. (At least most of them understand those points. There are still a few, when asked the question, "What are we celebrating on the fourth of July?", who answer "FIREWORKS!" Yeah, not quite kid, but you get an E for effort.)

Also, I forced persuaded them to clean the classroom this morning. I'm not talking mop and bucket cleaning, but just a bit of tidying. It teaches them to hate their teacher responsibility! I was right there helping them the entire time, fear not.

While cleaning the "kitchen area" the children and I discussed where each item belonged. As it does from time to time, my sarcasm got the better of me when I found cups and bowls in the closet. I asked "Do dishes go in the closet??" Blaze, bless his heart, answered "NO! They go in the dishwasher!" He had a point there, although I was looking for ".. in the cabinet" because we don't have a dishwasher in the classroom.

Finally, the scene that achieved the most giggles of the day: Opening up the play stove and finding the ice cube trays inside. These are teachable moments. "Well, this won't work, will it??" They understood very well that when we put plastic into hot stoves fire will ensue. I suppose that's all I can ask for at this age.

Saturday

AND IN THIS CORNER!! Missy! Weighting in at 10 pounds, and as many inches tall... a Maltese! She arrived with a little pink collar and an army of little squeaking toys. She runs about the apartment barking at items such as the Buddha statue that used to sit in Matthew's fireplace, the fish tank, and any noise that sounds like a knock at the door.

I must admit though, there will be no need to sweep the floors while she's staying here. She makes a wonderful dustmop, being so low to the ground and all. Now if we can only teach her to stop barking at 5am, we'll get along just fine. Otherwise, I'll kick her out the third story window and see if she can fly!

Wednesday

Well the last week has been miserable and exciting all at the same time. Miserable, because summer has finally arrived in NYC, and my lack of a/c (until yesterday) was making it very difficult to sleep. But no worries, the air conditioner has been installed and all is well.

Saturday I went to see Chicago on Broadway at the Ambassador Theater. Good fun was had by all. There were a few aspects that bothered me, though. First, there was no tap dancing in this version. How are you going to do Chicago with no tap dancing?? Also, I could have used a bit more power in the voices of a few of the singers. Nothing I can do about that either, though.

I did come away with a great new shirt, though. It's a 3/4 sleeve (red in color) white babydoll-ish shirt. The back has the Chicago logo on it, and the front reads "He had it coming.....". Enough said.

Sunday brought an unexpected surprise. On the way to the Central Park Zoo, I ran slam into the Puerto Rican day parade. You cannot possibly imagine how many people were there, so I will be kind enough to provide you with a picture.



Two blocks in 45 minutes. Totally uncalled for, if you ask me. After weaving in and out of the sea of Puerto Ricans, the final destination was achieved. Thank goodness this kindly gentleman met me there, with whom I'm immediately fell in love. I think he likes me too... smile for the camera!

Friday

First of all, check my latest post at E301 if you'd like to see just how hot an inferno my apartment is currently.

In other news:
I took my guitar to school for the first time today and played for the children. It was incredible seeing their faces light up when they finally got to sing the song I'd been teaching them all morning. The most amazing part of it all, was that they managed to sing the song in the correct key for the most part. These are 3 and 4-year-olds. That's no small task.

I taught them the first verse of the Whitestripes song We Were Going To Be Friends. The song allows for some wiggle room as far as pitch is concerned, because it uses the same repeating 3 note melody over and over for the lyrics.

Sometimes the small things like this remind me how far I am from where I'm supposed to be, and why I strive so hard to reach that destination.

Wednesday

Well folks. It's finally happened. I have a child in my class who has a plain, simple name. His name is Shawn, and everytime I call out for him, I feel as though I've left half of his name behind somewhere.

It sounds a bit like this: Teodoras? Javaris? Sudani? Eghosa? Adedoyin? Azaria? Alyah? Zyeed? Karenna? Jaydah? Esmeralda? Blaze? Talein? Catalina? Kayla? Shawn?........... er........... Shawn? Are you kidding me? Shouldn't it be... Shawnescha... or Shawnquinche?? No? Just Shawn? Ok, if you insist.

Shawn. Wonders never cease.