Done (Almost)

But really, I checked out this weekend. So did the kids, so ultimately things are ok, but I am so ready for a break from the city. Last week's weather was GORGEOUS (70!!) and involved much time outside; this week is back to rainy and people on the streets seem angry or maybe I'm projecting my restlessness or the fact that my ear did that thing again where it temporarily shuts down function (at least I hope it's another temporary deal) or my general disdain for concert season... Anyway, winter weather or not, I'm adequately (read: extremely) prepared to visit the Midwest and more importantly all the lovely PEOPLE who live there!!

I leave Friday morning, and before then I need to:
*Do laundry (Status: In Progress)
*Finish preparing materials for the remainder of the week's lessons
*Pack
*Exercise once more (Outside? C'mon, weather...)
*Make a packing list (this might be helpful to complete before packing)
*Mail things like rent and the Census
*Sweep and vacuum
*Clean out the fridge for things I won't want to smell upon my return
*Regain hearing in my left ear (at least it's a different one this time; talking on the phone is much easier)
*Attend a book club (The Red Tent, Anita Diamant)

Happy Feel-Good Moments of the Week

*Music Instinct--fantastic documentary about the biological evolution and argument for music. Reignited high-minded aspirations regarding my career in music education... (If you have Netflix it's free to stream)

*Great outdoor runs in shorts, around my neighborhood, etc... Summer is just around the corner, right?

*Piecing together student siblings on conference day is way fun and rather enlightening.

*Japhel: "Ms. Phillips, how do you KNOW so much about music??"

*I watched Lost (via Hulu) on my fire escape.

*Our school librarian REALLY gets into holiday costuming... For St. Patrick's day she wore a green boa and streaked her hair kelly green!

*Sometimes it's nice to walk through Times Square (without stopping) simply to appreciate everything that is not Times Square.

*I garnered an interview for a music teacher position at a summer school program downtown with a fabulous schedule and very decent pay... Fingers crossed!!

*Paul Torkelson is on Facebook, which is awesome. Maybe we'll finally set up another dinner...

Love, Hugs, and IOWA ON SATURDAY!!!!
=) KP