Random stuff, Roxi, and more random stuff
japra | Dec 12, 2008 | Comments 12
Frost earlier this morning, taken with “the 50″.
Random stuff
Boy, yesterday sure got away from me. I was going to go into town to see the Rothko exhibit at the Tate Modern with my new friend Kathy. However, a sore throat the night before made me change my mind. I am fine now. Emm mentioned yesterday that she had a bit of a sore throat as well and thought she needed to plug in her humidifier. It never even occurred to me that my sore throat was a result of warm, dry air. I’m from the land of 100% humidity 99.9% of the time. We used DEhumidifiers–haha!
Speaking of home… it snowed in Houston a couple of days ago! Some parts of town actually had a little accumulation–enough to make a snowman! So very rare. In a way, I’m sorry I missed it. In another (major) way, I am hoping that it will be 70-degrees and sunny the whole time we’re there. I’d like to thaw out a little bit :-)
Yesterday, after a brief visit to the dreaded and very packed shopping center in the next town, I stayed home, wrapped presents, did a bit of laundry, and helped Roxi study for a organic chemistry test. UGH! I am so glad I’m not in school anymore.
Roxi
Today, Roxi and her advisory (12 kids) are going to a movie and dinner after school. This is a “farewell party” for two of the kids who are leaving to move back to the States after Christmas. Oh, this is the hard part about being an expat! One of the guys is a really good friend of Roxi’s, and actually the other guy is a good friend as well. They will be missed.
At last count, I believe there are four kids from Roxi’s grade leaving at the end of this semester. And as far as I know, I think there is only one kid who will be joining 8th grade in January.
In general, the kids are taking it well, but I know it must be hard. I think it is sweet of the advisor to care enough to use her personal time to chaperone this party. I guess she’ll miss the guys too.
Roxi has informed me that she has a lot to do this weekend to prepare for her exams next week. I just cannot believe the school year is half way through. She did mention that 8th grade has been her favourite grade so far, despite all the teen drama (mostly two girls who like to be in the middle of everything).
Roxi started a new after school club this week. It’s drama still, but this time it’s acting only (no singing). And while there will be a performance at the end of next semester, the drama teacher decided to work with this small group of “the most enthusiastic drama students” and focus on preparing them for the LAMDA exam. Roxi is giddy, and I mean thrilled to the moon about this. One of her goals this year was to get more serious coaching for her acting and singing. As for her singing, Roxi’s voice teacher told her yesterday that she’ll be taking the ABRSM exam later this year. Again, my girl is beside herself with excitement. Her hard work is really paying off! I am so glad that she has something that she is passionate about. And of course, I am so happy she can enjoy her acting and singing AND do well in school. Knock on wood, or as they say here, “touch wood“.
And more random stuff
It’s -1 C (about 30 F). I drove Mr. DJ to the train station early this morning and it looked like someone had sprinkled a light dusting of glitter on the road–very sparkly and pretty. And on the way to school today, we saw the horse and carriage in the roundabout again. Trudy, who was in the back seat, nearly had a fit when she realized that there was a horse in the road. Ever since our Cookham round walk, where she made fast friends with a very sweet horse, Trudy’s nose has been on high alert for a new friend. Apparently the horse this morning smelled friendly enough to want to make her want to jump out of the car and play.
My doorbell rang at 7:30 this morning. It was an Amazon delivery. So early! Tis the season–the poor delivery people.
If you’re in the UK and interested in makeup (for stage or otherwise), Boots is having a sale on this No 7 Artist’s Complete Colour Collection (35 pounds–or half of the retail price). It’s a really nice set of eyeshadow, lipstick, blush, brushes, and more. I’ll be using this for Roxi’s stage/costume makeup for years to come, I think. One thing I like about this set is that the eye shadows are not overly glittery (bad for stage makeup, I understand) and the colours are classic (not weird trendy colours). [edited to add: I just saw that this kit is on sale through TODAY only. So, if you want it...]
And finally…
It’s snowing!
About the Author: JaPRA is an expat Texan living in England with her husband (Mr. DJ), their 17-year old daughter (Roxi), and their dog Trudy.
Dearest JAPRA! No snow here, only a bit of sleet. Poor little daughter has a very sore throat and a fever . . . so she is nesting on the couch for the day.
I need to motivate myself to start cooking and cleaning for our ersatz Christmas celebration tomorrow. At the very least, I should make a list of the all of the jobs that I need to do. Not much in the mood . . .
You are a good mother to help with the organic chemistry! I’m so pleased for Roxi’s dramatic success — although sad that she will be losing friends soon. That is a very hard aspect of expat-ness, although perhaps new and wonderful people will be arriving?
Wasn’t it FUNNY about the snow in Houston. From shorts to snow in 48 hours.
Dearest Bee–Oh your poor little one! How sad to start off the holidays with an illness. We wish her a speedy recovery. I am sure it will help to be snuggled up on the couch. I cannot believe you will be celebrating Christmas tomorrow! Does it seem early to you? I put carols on while I wrapped presents yesterday. I think it helped get me in the spirit. We’ve been rushing around so much lately, it’s hard to really feel in the mood. I probably should bake something. Like your gingerbread men ;-)
And regarding the snow, it’s been flurrying on and off all morning. We’re on again now, but we did have some a little rain about an hour ago. I hope it stays above freezing until after I pick Roxi up this evening!
Happy early Christmas!! I hope you enjoy your celebration. We’ll expect a full report, you know :-) XO
The kids these days are so lucky for all the ways they’re able to keep in touch that we didn’t have.
And…
TRUDY!!!!!!!!!!!
Love the picture, JAPRA! A little frost is so pretty. Oh, and would you mind sending a little snow my way? Ever since that very pathetic snowstorm last weekend, we haven’t had anything but rain. So sad.
Your daughter is a dear! I love her enthusiasm for everything. Oh, and as for the two girls making drama? It’s sad, but it’ll go on for the rest of her life. Isn’t there always at least a woman or two causing drama no matter how old we get?
I love make-up.
What a lovely photo of the frost! It sounds like the busy holiday season is gearing up for you. When do you leave to head back to Texas? I admire Roxi’s love of drama. I enjoyed taking part in my High School plays – from the orchestra pit playing the french horn!
We’re expecting a serious ice/winter storm Sunday night – which means school will be closed and I will get to spend the day baking!
I love the frost pic. It’s great that Roxi has found her passion. That’s important. (So is organic chemistry!) I’ve been seeing a lot of delivery trucks around here too! Jingle bells!
Well – you didn’t miss anything! it snowed all day, but it didn’t stick. it was fun though!!!
Laurie–Thank goodness for email! And poor Trudy. I am not looking forward to taking her to the kennel :-(
Alyson–That is what I told Roxi (about those two girls)! It is amazing how much crazy stuff there is in middle school. I think some of these kids need more to do. Seriously. I think they have too much time on their hands. BTW it’s raining today! A good day for staying in :-)
Rebecca–I am just discovering makeup’s joys. You seem like you have an excellent hand with it! I wish I could take a crash course. I’d like to learn more about skin tones and which colours look good on certain people. And of course, what looks good on stage! I love my new makeup kit. Too fun!
Lucy Lucia–We’ll leave in about a week!!! I hope you have a fun weekend baking and enjoy your “snow day”. As for the musicals, I am so impressed that the students play in the orchestra for the shows. It really blows me away to see how much talent these kids have. Do you still play the French Horn? It’s such a beautiful looking instrument. My husband played trumpet and enjoyed it very much. Sadly he doesn’t play at all anymore.
Christine–All I can say is it is a good thing kids are young and have vast amounts of energy. They can do so much!
Cote de Texas–I am sure there was great rejoicing! I remember how excited I used to get (ok, still get) about snow. If it flurried at all, the teachers would let us out to romp and try to catch snow flakes on our tongues. It’s rainy and gloomy here. Perfect staying in weather. But I hope hope hope for sun and balmy temperatures while we’re in Texas.
Even if it is a bit chilly while you are here, it won’t seem as cold. Now that my daughter has spent her first semester in Virginia, she laughs about our little dips into 50-degree weather! xoxMimsy
Love that shot.
I’m still learning to use my 50. I took some shots of my cookies Friday, but I haven’t had a chance to post.
Mimsy–You are probably right. It has to dip pretty far into the 30s before I need my “big coat”.
BSR–I can’t wait to see your shots–and those cookies! It’s been so hard not to bake. If I bake, then we three have to eat it all… not good for the waistline.