Monday: Sue left me alone with the class that afternoon because she had to go to a funeral. I had to bribe one of the little boys who is normally a real pillto be good for me but hey--I didn't let him get the better of me. And I praised him unceasingly which really boosted his spirits. All of the kids were really well behaved and I felt good about the whole experience--mostly because I didn't have someone watching over my shoulder and making me honkin' nervous! At recess I had a group of fifth/sixth grade girls asked me where I was from in America. I explained to them where Indiana was and then they proceeded to ask me if I knew any movie stars. Come on girls, CA is way honkin' far away from IN! :) They were cute and of course I told them that I didn't...although I think my parents could pass for movie stars...I mean, they had me, that's enough to make them famous :). I drove on the wrong side of hte road today (well it was the right side here). Cecelia almost had a heartattach--but I take no blame because it was her idea! I must say that I didn't exactly love the experience either but nobody got injured and no animals were injured during the adventure. The whole thing is way too counterintuitive for me. And the highlight was definately when I flicked the windsheild wipers on instead of the turn signal--once again, not my fault that it is on the other side of the steering wheel!
Tuesday: Cecelia let me drive again today (not my idea again). She needed to pick up her car from the shop and so I drove the truck home. I just kept telling myself "My side next to the center line, my side next to the center line". It actually worked quite well and I survived wtih flying colors (or colours). Cecelia watched me in her rearview mirror and said I looked much more relaxed--no joke, she wasn't sitting next to me with sweaty palms. The Branch taught me how to play netball today. I would say that it is a lot like ultimate frisbee but each position is restricted to certain areas of the court. And oh yea, there is a basketball court at each end (minus the backboard). It was a lot of fun and I think I actually got the hang of it by the end (although I wouldn't let them switch positions on me--one was more than enough to think about)! Cecelia is trying her little heart out to set me up with the only eligible bachelor in the Branch. But no worries Dad, I haven't said more than a dozen words to the kid. :) And his name is Sam, we know how well the last boy named Sam went... enough said!
Wednesday: That's today! We had an assembly today celebrating NAIDOC, which I belive stands for National Aboriginal Indiginous Day of Celebration. It was really cool. A former teacher came back and did a smoke ceremony. Apparantly she is an Elder of her tribe and she blessed up that the ancient fathers of the land would protect us. There were also two dancing groups. One group of boys did traditional dances in loinclothes and all smeared wtih white paint. They were really cool, especially the ones where they acted like kangaroos. It was crazy how much they were able to really mimick the mannerisms of a kangaroo! Spekaing of kangaroo, I got to try kangaroo meat, it was surprisingly good. You just have to get past the fact that you are eating kangaroo. :) AFter the assembly the principal, Mr. Newgent, was talking to my class and forgot my name. The little darlings told him that I was, "Miss Steffen from America". Man, I can't wait until they day that they introduce me without my nationality. Cute kids.
That's really all of the excitement of the last couple of days. Every day is an adventure and I will be going to Sydney this weekend so I will hopefully have lots to talk about! Love you all, thanks for the emails!