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Sunday Matters: A Cloudy Start to the Weekend

Sunday Matters

This past week went by quickly. There was lots to do between work and all the other stuff going on but nothing too major. The Girl auditioned for choir but we don’t know if she’s in yet and she didn’t think to ask when the results would be posted. Thanks for all of the good luck wishes. I’ll let you know the outcome.

The track meet yesterday was a long day of cold! The rain held off but I am still trying to defrost my behind after sitting on those metal bleachers.

Track Meet

The Girl got 1st place for the 100m. First time she’s done that. I was at the finish line and it was so close. She was so focused. Maybe because it was so freakin’ cold and she had been out on the field for an hour in staging in nothing but her track uniform, which isn’t much but it was so awesome to see!

The Teen passed his last driving lesson. Time for the real deal now. He’s rehearsing for Dirty Rotten Scoundrels which will be the weekend of the 7th. It’s coming up fast. He finishes his SAT prep class this week and will take the test this Saturday while we are in Simi Valley for JV finals.

I was finally told where my office space will be. It’s got some privacy but it has no view of a window. I DO have two windows but they overlook a hallway. Why? I haven’t a clue. There are shades on them but they are a little transparent. I may feel like I am being watched but maybe not. I will take a picture when I can. The person who is currently there hasn’t packed yet.

Right Now:

Coffee! Lots of it. I am going to church today for my regular service and then taking The Girl to a teen group later in the afternoon. I submitted my application to volunteer in the student ministry. Me! I know. I have a lot on my plate but at the same time, I feel the need to give back. My childhood and other things I have been through have led me here and even though it’s a little scary, I am taking the plunge.

This Week:

We had a logo change at work which has affected all of our webpages, stationary, etc. I will be busy updating what needs to be updated.

Trying to also figure out how to celebrate The Hub’s birthday which is this Saturday. We have a track meet that day and we have to somehow get The Teen to his SAT class which is not in our home town.

Reading:

The Children’s Crusade by Ann Packer. It wasn’t working for me at first, but now that I am at 60%, I find myself reaching for it.

Watching:

Still watching Mad Men. Also got The Girl to see Star Wars IV for the first time. We will be watching V and VI next week. Trying to get ready for the new one coming out. It was fun to see again. A rather simple story line which I actually remembered pretty well. She likes Chewbacca the most!

Making:

Not sure. I have a bunch of chicken. Maybe a chicken stir fry?

Grateful for:

Family time. I love it when we watch a movie as a family and we were able to do that this weekend.

Cannot Wait for Wind / Pinball!

Wind / Pinball

I am so excited! These two novels (Hear the Wind Sing & Pinball, 1973) have finally been translated in English and will be coming out on August 4th in one volume. As part of the Trilogy of the Rat which includes A Wild Sheep Chase & unofficially Dance, Dance, Dance (both I’ve already read), this volume will complete the collection. Look at that cover!

Why is it a trilogy when there are actually four novels? Dance, Dance, Dance was written as a sequel, but it’s actually not a part of the trilogy.

Blurb courtesy of the Book Depository:

The debut short novels–nearly thirty years out of print– by the internationally acclaimed writer, newly retranslated and in one English-language volume for the first time, with a new introduction by the author. These first major works of fiction by Haruki Murakami center on two young men–an unnamed narrator and his friend and former roommate, the Rat. Powerful, at times surreal, stories of loneliness, obsession, and eroticism, these novellas bear all the hallmarks of Murakami’s later books, giving us a fascinating insight into a great writer’s beginnings, and are remarkable works of fiction in their own right. Here too is an exclusive essay by Murakami in which he explores and explains his decision to become a writer. Prequels to the much-beloved classics “A Wild Sheep Chase “and “Dance Dance Dance, ” these early works are essential reading for Murakami completists and contemporary fiction lovers alike.

He’s so famous now, that they don’t even need to include the full title on the cover! I am so freakin’ excited! Is it August yet?