DAY 12
In my classic, mommy-overcommits-style, I told my child and her teacher, that I would speak to 80 thirds graders about Australia. This was part of a “virtual trip around the world.”
You may ask what my qualifications are for this engagement. Well, over ten years ago, I spent a few months there. Clearly those teachers were desperate, because that is a bit of a stretch.
Prior to The Simple Year, I would have been set for this. I have all kinds of fabulous photos, pamphlets, souvenirs and currency I could have used. But, those things are in storage. And, I couldn’t just go out and buy 80 plastic boomerangs and a roll of kangaroo stickers from the supreme maker of cheap plastic toys, Oriental Trading Company. If you don’t know Oriental Trading Company, it is a catalog company that has the distinction of selling ONLY useless junk, in LARGE quantities. It has been my go-to place for bouncy balls, glow necklaces and tiki party supplies for years.
Instead, I crafted a Power Point presentation, complete with rainfall stats in a chart. I was actually pretty pleased with it until; my third grade test audience had a look. She was not impressed.
It was clear to me; I needed visuals, and a food component.
I’m just going to sum up the food preparation by saying I declared a Vegemite emergency and paid three times the cost of the actual product to have it overnighted to my home. (And this is OK, because Vegemite is a consumable…I think)
Here is a photo of my kitchen at about 1 AM the night before.
There they are, 83 lamington (an Australian baked goodie), an empty beer bottle (that was for the cook, not the recipe) and a huge mess. Probably not Pinterest worthy, but a success in my opinion.
And then a miracle occurred.
Just prior to the event, I was at a thrift store poking around and suddenly I spotted it, nearly buried on the bottom shelf- a BOOMERANG! I lunged for it and clasped it to my chest, as if there was suddenly going to be a rush on second hand boomerangs and I was going to have to fight the crowd. At that moment, I felt like I had won an award.
Yesterday was the presentation. I talked about cassowary poop, flying doctors, jellyfish nets and other important things to third graders. I was rewarded on the way home by Kayla telling me I was the best “talker” they had. It was a great moment.
Until I remembered I forgot to show them the boomerang…
Kerry,
With a big notice……..I could have produced the boomarang that you purchased in Australia for Matt. In my madness of keeping everything I am sure it is around my house somewhere. (Thinking about it I am pretty sure it is in the closet).
You made me smile tonight. You are a great mommy!!!
Toughest audience ever!
Too funny! This is going to be a hoot, glad someone posted about your blog on your FB wall 😀
This was such fun reading–you made my day–keep writing please!!
Did you mean Vegemite was a consumable or combustible? That stuff is nasty!!! Good job keeping a crowd of 3rd graders entertained while they were accidentally learning. I think you had them at cassowary poop….
awesome story! Vegemite is yummy Paula..if you grew up on it like I did.
I didn’t grow up on it, but I like it in small doses, kind of like licking a beef bouillon cube, kind of an umami flavor
I just found this blog! What a great story. Thank you for sharing – I’m looking forward to reading more and am very inspired. 🙂
Thanks!
I just found this blog. OMG, you made lamingtons. As an Australian, I applaud your dedication. And I love the post about not giving hubby “the bird.”