The "emergency funds" for my one-on-one position with Trucker ran out, but I've still continued to work at Beau's school, though now it's mostly filling in for either the school secretary or the canteen lady. It's the latter position that has bee
n the most interesting for me. I spent over a week by myself in a long kitchen-like room with a serving window. I played my iTunes, and danced around the kitchen making the requisite hamburgers, chips (french fries), fish rolls (fried fish sandwiches) and other not-so-nutritious snack bar-y things. I tossed cheese, leftover fish, and the occasional dead mouse (from the mousetrap) to the half-wild cat that lived beneath the adjoining building, and when I was feeling motherly, warmed the students' cookies up in the microwave. I actually enjoyed it my time there, though it wouldn't be something I'd want to do for life.My working as school secretary or canteen lady lets me see (for the most part) the good part of these kids. In each position I seem to have developed a small group of groupies (though strangely, not the same kids) who hang out and talk to me, telling me how beautiful my eyes are and asking questions about Mr. Beau and I. ("How old are you? How old is he again?"). Beau just loves to be asked by the kids why I married him, and if he's secretly rich. *snicker*
Of course, the secretary and canteen lady can't be sick/on vacation all the time, so it's not the most consistent work, though I have managed to work at least one day every week, which helps. It would help more if the accountant didn't manage to muck up EVERY PAYCHECK I've made. Yes, it's true, 8 out of 8 paychecks have had errors (mostly, missing shifts), which has just about made me psycho.
Beau and I have also been taking a Maori language class every Wednesday for 3 h
ours at a time in our community. I was a bit worried that I wouldn't be able to focus for such a long class, but it's gone really well. Our teacher is an older woman who I completely adore. Shaped a bit like a weeble-wobble with more missing than present teeth and a loud, infectious laugh, she makes the class relaxed and fun. Except for Beau and I, the entire class are Maori, mostly women, and range in age from early 20's to senior citizens tottering on canes.I have to admit, of all the languages I've studied, this class is the most supportive environment I've ever been in. In the past, there have been certain languages I've studied where the native or heritage speakers have shown a bit of reluctance in my participation, as if I was invading their secret world. This class totally lacks any competitiveness and there are frequent bouts of applause when a student speaks in class. Also, in true Maori style, there is a giant "tea" about halfway through each class where we all bring food and then stuff ourselves silly on smoked fish, fresh fruit picked off everyone's fruit trees, cakes and homemade soups. I've really enjoyed it, even if I haven't always felt like going.
Nothing too exciting, but that's about it for now. Hopefully this will egg me on to write more...and next time I'll write about when Beau and I spent a day in the local marae (Maori meeting house) with our class.
