My last day of work yesterday was nice. I cut out more newspaper clippings and helped sort some of her catalogs. Mrs. Maus and her husband have a business (one of many) called Corporate Incentives and Gifts. You know when companies give out magnets or chip clips and things with their name and logo on it? All those catalogs were from the companies that make the stuff. Buttons, shopping bags, magnets, pens, even clocks, day planners, and umbrellas. I sorted a bunch of them, but then I realized that there were stacks more. She told me that if I have some time, I could come up on a Saturday morning and do them. I may do that, after she gets back from North Carolina. (She went to study photography at this camp in the mountains.) I still have that pesky service hour left.
At the spur of the moment, I invited Greg to the piano recital last night. He was complaining that he was bored, and I figured it couldn't hurt. He wound up driving us there (along with Mrs. Maus and Abby, another of her students who lives up here). There's no air conditioning in the room we used, so it was hot as well as long. As usual, I got nervous and my hands shook when it was my turn. To compund difficulties, that piano is atrocious. It has no touch, which sucks, because my touch has gotten much better lately. I still got many compliments, though, which is always greatly appreaciated. And I got to spend some time with Greg; he's gone to New York until school starts.
I sent several emails yesterday to prospective mentors, but I don't have any responses yet. This wouldn't be so nerve-wracking had I
started it earlier in the summer, like I should have. Argh. Considering the little time I've had to work with (which is no one's fault except my own), I think I'm doing fairly well.
I am the only one I've heard of yet who has room 327 for first period. (Homeroom cards went out yesterday.) That means (a) I don't have RP first period, which I didn't think was possible, (b) I might have math (PreCal BC) first period, which sucks so much because I believe first-thing math classes are evil, and (c) I might have AP Lit first period, which is not so bad, and I know Soraci's on that end, so I might have her. I hate not knowing things, but I'm getting used to it. It is Oxon Hill policy to never tell anyone anything until just before (or after!) they need to know it. If you want something done, do it yourself. If you need to know something, hunt down the right person and ask outright. If you don't have time, make it. If you don't do anything, nothing will be done right.
My biography (
Chopin's Funeral, Benita Eisler) wasn't bad. Only 200 pages. Chopin was Polish, but he lived in France, and the author kept using French terms in the book. I mean, I remember what
emigré means, but would every reader? The review is always tricky. I tend to summarize for about two pages and talk about the book itself for the last page. I just don't have that much to say about it, you know?
I spent my morning at MVA with my dad on a totally wasted trip. He's adamant about going back tomorrow morning, which sucks because (a) MVA opens at 8:30am, (b) that means I have to get up around 6am, and (c) I have to wake up early on my last sleep-in Saturday before school. So what if (c) is lazy and selfish? I'm entitled to that sometimes.
Friday Five: The Last Time
1. When was the last time you laughed?
Yesterday evening. Specifically, Greg was looking at one of the other students' music as asked what the "big curvy things" were. I laughed and told him they're called slurs.
2. Who was the last person you had an argument with?
My dad this morning at MVA. When dealing with administration in any form, I like to be overprepared, to expect the most hassle and the worst luck possible. Hindsight is 20/20; I only remembered that we didn't have
everything when it was too late to compensate. And he nearly called me by my mom's name. He said "Val-" then corrected himself, which only irritated me further. (Her name is Valerie.)
3. Who was the last person you emailed?
The Undergraduate Biology Department at UMCP. Part of my oh-my-gosh-I-need-a-mentor search.
4. When was the last time you bathed?
This morning.
5. What was the last thing you ate?
Cheese, Sausage, and Pepperoni Bagel Bites, some Tostitos Scoops (no dip; I like 'em plain), and water. Nowhere near nutritional, but my meals rarely ever are. Sad, but true.
