So, got my work done, got my errands run, got my nails done. Now, it's time to do the crossword and relax a little.
Saw a good movie last night -- "Hoot". It's based on the book. Very well done, just about my speed. Rated G. If you get the chance, go see it.
This coming week will be stressful with the emphasis in my workplace on assessing every single person, without leaving anyone out. Somehow, giving a person an exam in a foreign language when they have not studied that language very much -- and some of them are not even literate in their mother tongue -- seems a little ridiculous. But, then, I enjoy a little humor every now and then. People who have just learned to hold a pencil and to make it from the cafeteria to the classroom will be sitting there, bubbling in little circles on a sheet of paper. Then, that little piece of paper will be collected and sent to a big computer, which will analyze their random marks and eventually send back a report which will let everyone know that this child didn't know anything about what he/she was being tested on. Isn't technology grand?!?
A few weeks later, my boss will get another piece of paper and solemnly give it to me, explaining that I have (or have not) made great strides in bringing this person into our society and acquainting them with our written language. In some places, one's very job can be based on how these random circles are colored. Certainly, many dollars are tied to the outcomes, and many people's job satisfaction, promotion, etc. are also intertwined with this spring ritual.
I mean, when you look at it from the child's perspective, it really borders on the surreal. And sitting in a room full of them and trying to keep them quiet after they have marked their random circles is even funnier!! Ha! Ha! Hee! Hee!
Therefore, I bought some supplies today. Peppermints, animal crackers, sunflower seeds, banana chips. A little food now and then, a few jokes, a little reassurance that they are still in the real world and that someone cares about them more than their ability to color little circles on a piece of paper. We'll manage to get through this yet again.
Actually, some of them are quite bright, have studied before they got here, and continue to develop their abilities through tutoring, using the computer, etc. For those, I'll get kudos. For the ones who weren't ever able to study this language before they got here and who don't have a computer or those whose parents don't even know how to read or write in their native language, the next two weeks will be very difficult. Consequently, their struggle will become mine as well.
Patience is my strong suit, fortunately, but it will be sorely tried in the days to come. Just steeling myself.
One thing I'm glad I completed this past week was mailing out invitations to my father's birthday party. I hope most people have received them by now.
I also sent out some little Easter surprises to one son and to my parents. I hope they liked them.
Heard from one of the "sleepless ones" about 8:45 a.m., and he'd just arrived at his destination, after driving all night. Way to go. It's the way young people do things these days. I remember making a few trips like that myself, as a matter of fact. And I remember dating a certain fellow who worked nights, so we did stay up rather late when he was off. True. Couldn't do it now, and wouldn't want to. Different strokes for different folks.
We're getting our yard mulched tomorrow. Paying a guy we know. He already came over and dug up all the weeds. Looking really good. Need to mow, though. Hard to do with a cast...
My dear friend who paints a lot (murals on walls and such) was out shopping today and bought me a new rose bush. I'm excited. Hot pink and fragrant. I'd mentioned to her that I was in the market for a new rose since my old one died. Hope this one survives my "black" thumb.
Well, that's all the news that's fit to share.
The Lord bless you and keep you.