Camp Shakespeare: Week the 4th

I am so sorry I've been neglecting you all!

Those of you here at the institute probably know quite well why I haven't been posting. The very fact that it is 12:35 (am) and this is the first chance I"ve had is indicative of this week. So, here is a run-down of excuses (which conveniently double as a summary of major events):

We've been working on classroom applications - unit plans, specifically, so all of my spare computer time has gone into typing lesson plans. Stephanie and I presented today, so I'm feeling much less stress now.

Bats have taken over the 2nd floor of our dorm. Our precautions consist primarily of a pink Post-It note that Stephanie thoughtfully put on the bathroom door reading "Bat in the Bathroom."

It's freaking hot! I know I complained a lot about the temperatures the first week here (and every week since), but seriously, what is with the hot weather? Yesterday's forecast was 103. 103! What the crap!?

Tomorrow is the last official day of the institute. We are having a celebration in the evening, and apparently we the participants are supposed to supply the entertainment. Being good teachers, we naturally formed a committee to handle such matters. I now have the "hello muddah" camp song stuck in my head, after writing 9 verses of the thing.

I've been in denial about this institute ending. I really, really, would like to stay in the green world, despite all my excitement for trying out these ideas with my students next year.

Meg, Christine, Stephanie, and I went to Mass Moca on Wednesday to try to escape the heat. It was a weird museum. I'm not sure which was freakier - the slow-moving, full-scale carnival rides in a dark room; the giant wooden spine with real creepy-crawly creatures in a cabinet underneath it; the iron turds; or the room with a caged lightbulb and tarantula. I did enjoy the "please organize" exhibit with jars of personal belongings, though.

Had a fantastic clowning workshop with Kevin. He told me I "had a very sweet clown" and that I am "Auguste. Definitely Auguste". I need to do more research on Auguste, now.

I was awed and frightened by John Epstein and his lecture on sonnets. I learned a lot, and others there loved the fact that I was picked to read the sonnet that was all about sex. Oral sex, none the less. But, as Johnny said, "Practice safe sonnets."

There's been a lot more, but it's so late and I'm fairly certain there will be no sleep tomorrow. So adieu, my friends, and I'll see you in my dreams.