Day 12 and The Case of the Extra Camera

I saw this sign while I was in Moran yesterday. It made me laugh and laugh. Where I come from "The British are coming!" is a warning...not something to get excited about...Using that exact phrase announcing a new school...it was funny to me.

Yeah...Sorry it's blurry. I couldn't get the camera to focus just right.

Speaking of camera, here's a litle something for you:

Today while waiting patiently for class proper to start, sipping my green tea and reading there came a timid *knock* at the door. "Come in" I said, I know that chances are the student has no idea what I said, but hearing a voice let's them enter. Expecting perhaps the daily delivery of milk or some memos from the office I am intrigued by the two packages precariously balanced in the little boys arms. I take them from him with a "thank you" and hand them to Helen. "ABN?" I ask as the only other packages we've ever received were either books we'd ordered or from ABN. "Yes," She replied trying to open the larger of the two boxes. Now I'm getting excited. Last time ABN had sent something it had been prizes for placing in the English Newscast contest. The students and I were given BlueQ Media players. What delights were in store for us this time? Helen struggled with the package and I handed her a pair of scissors. Still muttering to herself I overheard "Digital Camera" "Digital Camera?" I ask, really excited now, "In the other box" she answered. Finally the box reveals its contents, blindingly white paper, elegant calligraphy, gold embossed peacocks and trim, followed by four blue velvet folders, obviously to display the awards in. They are gorgeous, one for each student...The camera box remains. "And the Camera?" I press Helen. "For the school." "So just the students get certificates?" "No, I have certificate. At Official Government meeting. Special certificate for ABN and for open class. Native Speaker."
I am ashamed to admit jealousy reared it's ugly head in me. I wanted an award. I'd like a certificate. Sure the kids deserved something, after all it had been their performance, but I wrote the script. I spent hours practicing with the Girls, correcting their pronunciation, making sure when they memorized it they didn't make any mistakes. Grrr...All Helen did was tell me what the topic was and tell the students to see me. I'm better now, but I was a little hurt at the time. I felt a wee bit bitter...I do a lot and Helen gets the recognition. I don't mind too much because it's her career and just a pit stop for me. AND when the s*** hits the fan she has to deal with it not me...but still...I'd like a certificate of recognition. Or a new camera.