This summer three out of four Dunlaps are involved with SHAPE Players' theater camp.
Allen spends morning at the theater working on back stage production - painting, carpentry, costumes, etc. In general I think he likes what he is doing. What he likes best is hanging out with all the other teenagers who are working there as well.
Kyra is a camper - this means she experiences the fun stuff of camp - learning theater stuff and is part of the production.
I am the choreographer. This means I get to work with over twenty kids of varying ages and dance abilities and most challenging - differing desires to be in theater camp. Overall it is fun and the kids are great, even if they are loud!
The camp is putting on a production of Cinderella next week. They are doing the Disney version and I would have to say they are doing a good job. Lines are memorized, choreography is memorized, the set and costumes look great. Some of the kids are amazing actors and are quite good at getting the audience's attention.
The theater intends to offer an after-school version of this camp a couple of times throughout the school year. I think Kyra is seriously considering this. I am on board to help with choreography. I think Allen will jump ship though and return to cross-country and track.
Showing posts with label SHAPE. Show all posts
Showing posts with label SHAPE. Show all posts
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Sunday, March 13, 2011
As Promised
Opening night is in less than two weeks. I'm definitely getting nervous.
Sunday, January 30, 2011
French
Last week was kind of full, which is why this blog was not.
For the past semester I have been very fortunate to be in a French class that had only three students who showed up for class regularly. That meant that we could practice our French quite a bit. The down side is that now that is time for re-enrollments we don't have enough students for the class to continue.
At the beginner level students can pick and choose between instructors, days and times for their classes. At the intermediate level there is only one of each class. When your class is discontinued, well that is it.
My teacher recommended that we give the advanced class a try. So, a week and a half ago I did. I was a bit afraid, but figured my other options were no French class or repeating these last few months.
In the advanced class I found that I could understand what was going on. My speaking and grammar aren't quite up to the level of the other students but I'm not overly behind either. What that class is doing, I was doing in college, so in theory, my brain could do it once, my brain can do it again.
I did not however wish to fall further behind so for the last week plus I have been attending both French classes to make the transition.
This week I don't have class and then next week, I start the advanced class. Wish me Bonne Chance!
For the past semester I have been very fortunate to be in a French class that had only three students who showed up for class regularly. That meant that we could practice our French quite a bit. The down side is that now that is time for re-enrollments we don't have enough students for the class to continue.
At the beginner level students can pick and choose between instructors, days and times for their classes. At the intermediate level there is only one of each class. When your class is discontinued, well that is it.
My teacher recommended that we give the advanced class a try. So, a week and a half ago I did. I was a bit afraid, but figured my other options were no French class or repeating these last few months.
In the advanced class I found that I could understand what was going on. My speaking and grammar aren't quite up to the level of the other students but I'm not overly behind either. What that class is doing, I was doing in college, so in theory, my brain could do it once, my brain can do it again.
I did not however wish to fall further behind so for the last week plus I have been attending both French classes to make the transition.
This week I don't have class and then next week, I start the advanced class. Wish me Bonne Chance!
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Audition
The last time I participated in community theater I was not yet a mom and not yet married. So let's just say it's been awhile.
This past fall Kyra participated in SHAPE theater's production of Bye Bye Birdie. I have been impressed by SHAPE Players for a number of reasons. Even in just dropping off and picking up Kyra I could tell that the participants were having a good time, respected one another, took their roles seriously, and were giving a significant amount of time to the production. Briefly observing rehearsals I could tell that the production level was high but not unrealistic and that the director is quite talented.
I began to consider if I could possibly make the time commitment to a production. The more I watched the director, the more I wanted to give it a try. (The director recently won an award for best civilian employee of morale/welfare in the entire military - not only for being really good at his job but also his ability to involve a large part of the community - soldiers, civilians, adults, teens, kids, etc)
So last night auditions were held for Tartuffe. Tartuffe is a comedy by Moliere. The play is being done in English not its original French and the director is setting the play in the American South during Reconstruction. The audition notices did alert us that southern accents were required. I started trying to channel my inner Scarlet O'Hara a couple of weeks ago.
The auditions were quite fun. We practiced our southern accents we read short scenes from the play in various combinations so that the director could get a sense of of stage presence, etc. Even though scenes were read out of context by people who had no time to prepare, practice or refine, they were funny. I can only imagine how much better the play will get as it is staged and practiced and refined.
I'm now waiting to hear if I have a part. I hope I do because it was fun. If not, I'll wait and try again next time. Watch this space for news....
This past fall Kyra participated in SHAPE theater's production of Bye Bye Birdie. I have been impressed by SHAPE Players for a number of reasons. Even in just dropping off and picking up Kyra I could tell that the participants were having a good time, respected one another, took their roles seriously, and were giving a significant amount of time to the production. Briefly observing rehearsals I could tell that the production level was high but not unrealistic and that the director is quite talented.
I began to consider if I could possibly make the time commitment to a production. The more I watched the director, the more I wanted to give it a try. (The director recently won an award for best civilian employee of morale/welfare in the entire military - not only for being really good at his job but also his ability to involve a large part of the community - soldiers, civilians, adults, teens, kids, etc)
So last night auditions were held for Tartuffe. Tartuffe is a comedy by Moliere. The play is being done in English not its original French and the director is setting the play in the American South during Reconstruction. The audition notices did alert us that southern accents were required. I started trying to channel my inner Scarlet O'Hara a couple of weeks ago.
The auditions were quite fun. We practiced our southern accents we read short scenes from the play in various combinations so that the director could get a sense of of stage presence, etc. Even though scenes were read out of context by people who had no time to prepare, practice or refine, they were funny. I can only imagine how much better the play will get as it is staged and practiced and refined.
I'm now waiting to hear if I have a part. I hope I do because it was fun. If not, I'll wait and try again next time. Watch this space for news....
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Finally (or how to get a Belgian ID in 12 easy steps)
After several months and several steps the kids and I now have our Belgian IDs. Here's how the process worked for us...
1. On our first full day in Belgium (early August) we went to the in-processing center at SHAPE and visited the Belgian Police desk to fill in the appropriate paper work and have our photos taken.
2. We (the kids and I) returned to the police desk the next week to have our photos retaken as the first set was not deemed acceptable.
3. We began our wait.
4. We waited until mid-September when our temporary SHAPE IDs were about to expire and went back to the Belgian Police desk. They called the county ID desk - no answer. Our SHAPE IDs which allow us access to the base were extended until the end of December.
5. In theory a letter was sent to our house in October saying we could do the next step of the process. We did not receive this letter.
6. In November when Kyle was at the county office he stopped to inquire about the IDs but the office was closed.
7. In December I went to the Belgian Police desk yet again as our IDs were once again about to expire. This time upon calling the county office, there was an answer and a response that we needed to go to the county office to sign and pay for the IDs. The process would not be complete for a few weeks yet, so we had to extend and get new SHAPE IDs yet again.
8. The county office is only open 2-3 hours mid day on week days. The kids had to be present for this part of the process. If it weren't for snow days, we would have had to pull them from school to go sign for their IDs. On a snow day we drove to the county seat, waited for the clerk to find our paper work, paid our euros and each signed our name to a piece of paper.
9. Wait again for letters in the mail.
10. Receive letters.
11. Go to county office again (kids not necessary this time) within the limited hours of a week day. Input PINs for cards. Pick up cards.
12. (still to be completed) return to SHAPE and be issued final SHAPE ID cards good through the length of our stay here.
It only took us five months to complete this process and several trips to SHAPE and/or our county seat.
Before this I was not a fan of the DMV. I have ended up in the wrong line and more than one line and I have waited for hours. However, in most cases when you go to the DMV to get a license or ID or whatever, you usually walk out with it the same day. Not the case here in Belgium. I am quite glad to finally have this process all but done.
1. On our first full day in Belgium (early August) we went to the in-processing center at SHAPE and visited the Belgian Police desk to fill in the appropriate paper work and have our photos taken.
2. We (the kids and I) returned to the police desk the next week to have our photos retaken as the first set was not deemed acceptable.
3. We began our wait.
4. We waited until mid-September when our temporary SHAPE IDs were about to expire and went back to the Belgian Police desk. They called the county ID desk - no answer. Our SHAPE IDs which allow us access to the base were extended until the end of December.
5. In theory a letter was sent to our house in October saying we could do the next step of the process. We did not receive this letter.
6. In November when Kyle was at the county office he stopped to inquire about the IDs but the office was closed.
7. In December I went to the Belgian Police desk yet again as our IDs were once again about to expire. This time upon calling the county office, there was an answer and a response that we needed to go to the county office to sign and pay for the IDs. The process would not be complete for a few weeks yet, so we had to extend and get new SHAPE IDs yet again.
8. The county office is only open 2-3 hours mid day on week days. The kids had to be present for this part of the process. If it weren't for snow days, we would have had to pull them from school to go sign for their IDs. On a snow day we drove to the county seat, waited for the clerk to find our paper work, paid our euros and each signed our name to a piece of paper.
9. Wait again for letters in the mail.
10. Receive letters.
11. Go to county office again (kids not necessary this time) within the limited hours of a week day. Input PINs for cards. Pick up cards.
12. (still to be completed) return to SHAPE and be issued final SHAPE ID cards good through the length of our stay here.
It only took us five months to complete this process and several trips to SHAPE and/or our county seat.
Before this I was not a fan of the DMV. I have ended up in the wrong line and more than one line and I have waited for hours. However, in most cases when you go to the DMV to get a license or ID or whatever, you usually walk out with it the same day. Not the case here in Belgium. I am quite glad to finally have this process all but done.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Healthcare
I'm back (at least I hope I am). Being sick, solo parenting, Kyra finishing the December run of her play and Allen getting sick have all thrown my life and schedule out of whack.
As I have recently had much experience with doctors and healthcare I'll start with that topic and work my way back into daily life and Belgian experiences.
Our main healthcare resource is the SHAPE medical clinic. This clinic serves all SHAPE families (except probably the Belgians). For the Americans it is part of the US military health care facilities around the world. Appointments, lab work, x-rays and prescription medications and over the counter medications are all paid for with tax dollars. So thank you for paying your taxes, we certainly appreciate the healthcare.
The SHAPE clinic handles much of the routine stuff a general practice/urgent care center could handle. The kids got their school physicals there, Allen gets his asthma meds there and I've been treated for a UTI and whatever I'm still battling there.
In September I started experiencing shortness of breath issues (which I now believe were caused by bathroom cleaners but this is undetermined). I saw a couple of doctors there (one Italian, one American) who gave me asthma meds but also realized they needed a bit more information.
There is no pulmonologist at SHAPE clinic, thus they had to refer me out on the local economy. There are staff at the clinic who make the calls to set up the appointments. They work with doctors who speak at least some English.
In Belgium the specialists work at the hospital. Thus when I went for my appointment I went to the hospital. (Now I know how to get there) There is a check-in system involving numbered tickets - like a meat counter at the grocery store.
After checking in I was directed to a different waiting area than the ticket waiting area. There my doctor came to get me. I met with the doctor as well as a technician who administered a breathing test. Even though I am still coughing, these tests indicated all is well.
I left without paying for anything. I am not clear if SHAPE clinic will be billed or if I will receive a bill later or if there won't be any bill. I'll let you know what happens (if it is notable).
Anyways next step is back to the referring doctor at SHAPE to see what follow-up if any is necessary. As all is well, I'm not sure there is any necessary next step. I think the answer to the issue is for me to stop cleaning the bathroom.
So there you go - SHAPE and Belgian healthcare. So far no out of pocket expenses and what I would call a good standard of care (and I'm pretty picky).
As I have recently had much experience with doctors and healthcare I'll start with that topic and work my way back into daily life and Belgian experiences.
Our main healthcare resource is the SHAPE medical clinic. This clinic serves all SHAPE families (except probably the Belgians). For the Americans it is part of the US military health care facilities around the world. Appointments, lab work, x-rays and prescription medications and over the counter medications are all paid for with tax dollars. So thank you for paying your taxes, we certainly appreciate the healthcare.
The SHAPE clinic handles much of the routine stuff a general practice/urgent care center could handle. The kids got their school physicals there, Allen gets his asthma meds there and I've been treated for a UTI and whatever I'm still battling there.
In September I started experiencing shortness of breath issues (which I now believe were caused by bathroom cleaners but this is undetermined). I saw a couple of doctors there (one Italian, one American) who gave me asthma meds but also realized they needed a bit more information.
There is no pulmonologist at SHAPE clinic, thus they had to refer me out on the local economy. There are staff at the clinic who make the calls to set up the appointments. They work with doctors who speak at least some English.
In Belgium the specialists work at the hospital. Thus when I went for my appointment I went to the hospital. (Now I know how to get there) There is a check-in system involving numbered tickets - like a meat counter at the grocery store.
After checking in I was directed to a different waiting area than the ticket waiting area. There my doctor came to get me. I met with the doctor as well as a technician who administered a breathing test. Even though I am still coughing, these tests indicated all is well.
I left without paying for anything. I am not clear if SHAPE clinic will be billed or if I will receive a bill later or if there won't be any bill. I'll let you know what happens (if it is notable).
Anyways next step is back to the referring doctor at SHAPE to see what follow-up if any is necessary. As all is well, I'm not sure there is any necessary next step. I think the answer to the issue is for me to stop cleaning the bathroom.
So there you go - SHAPE and Belgian healthcare. So far no out of pocket expenses and what I would call a good standard of care (and I'm pretty picky).
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Opening Night
Kyra was cast as a "sad faced girl." She and another "sad faced girl" Renee were in the number Put on a Happy Face.
Their characters were sad because Conrad Birdie (a teenaged heart throb) was going off to war.
In the number, Conrad's manager, Albert encourages them to cheer up and put on a happy face. He makes funny faces at them and acts goofy and eventually gets them to smile and dance with him.
The number was cute and all three did a great job with the acting and the dancing.
Kyra is currently quite sick so she's had to push herself to put energy into her performance and she has three more to go this weekend.
She'll make it but after Sunday's matinee I expect she'll go to bed and stay there until Monday morning.
I'll let you know how the weekend goes....
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Soignies
Our house is located in Thieusies which is in the "county" of Soignies. Soignies has a custom of holding a welcome reception for its new residents every six months.
The reception was held at the cultural arts center. There were over a hundred people in attendance. We got to shake hands with the mayor and the council members. The mayor made a short speech welcoming all the new residents and then a short film about the area was shown. Following the film, the SHAPE jazz band offered a concert and following that was a ceremonial toast.
This reception marked the first time that SHAPE families were invited. This was not because Soignies didn't wish to welcome SHAPE families, rather they did not have a way of tracking us down. They worked with SHAPE to make that possible. In addition, they provided an English translator who translated the mayor's remarks.
All in all it was a pleasant evening and while we could not stay for the whole reception, it was nice to be included in such a hospitable tradition.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Alternate Route
Just when I thought I was doing well...
I know how to drive all the places our family goes on a regular basis. I have learned how to navigate around SHAPE, even when they close roads (for no obvious reason). I do not know however, any alternate routes when off SHAPE.
This was painfully clear this morning when a truck fire stopped traffic on the main road between our house and SHAPE. Traffic could only move one way at a time. What is usually a 10 minute trip became a 30 minute trip and I got to experience it both ways!
Most of the route was bordered by fields but there were side roads in parts. These would have been helpful, had I known where they would take me. I do know there is a back road way to reach our house, but knowing it exists and knowing how to navigate it are two different things.
I miss the handy ADC maps I had back home. When stuck in traffic I could get it out, study side streets and plot a course. Here, I just got to sit (twice!).
I've learned basic navigation, I'm getting used to the culture, I'm studying French, now I need to learn alternate routes, either that or I need a tractor so I can just drive through the fields.
I know how to drive all the places our family goes on a regular basis. I have learned how to navigate around SHAPE, even when they close roads (for no obvious reason). I do not know however, any alternate routes when off SHAPE.
This was painfully clear this morning when a truck fire stopped traffic on the main road between our house and SHAPE. Traffic could only move one way at a time. What is usually a 10 minute trip became a 30 minute trip and I got to experience it both ways!
Most of the route was bordered by fields but there were side roads in parts. These would have been helpful, had I known where they would take me. I do know there is a back road way to reach our house, but knowing it exists and knowing how to navigate it are two different things.
I miss the handy ADC maps I had back home. When stuck in traffic I could get it out, study side streets and plot a course. Here, I just got to sit (twice!).
I've learned basic navigation, I'm getting used to the culture, I'm studying French, now I need to learn alternate routes, either that or I need a tractor so I can just drive through the fields.
Saturday, November 6, 2010
SHAPE Library
It is interesting to note what amenities are provided for military and foreign service overseas. We get a PX, a commissary, a gym, school, bowling alley and a library.
I did not have high hopes for the library and those hopes have been met. I will admit Fairfax County will spoil one for almost any other library system. SHAPE library is multi-lingual. The English language section is shared by both the Americans and the British so it is larger than the other sections. There is a decent selection of best-selling authors. So I have access to Steele, Archer, Cussler, etc. It is an opportunity to read authors I have long ignored, to try some new things.
Earlier this year, I wanted to have Kyra read Diary of Anne Frank. Given that we are next to the Netherlands I thought for sure the library would have it - wrong.
The upside is I have found some new authors I enjoy - Sarah Addison Bell and Carol Cassella. I have also encountered some duds - Dixie Cash.
So while the library isn't great, it isn't all bad and has plenty of books I haven't read. I am grateful though, I have a Kindle.
I did not have high hopes for the library and those hopes have been met. I will admit Fairfax County will spoil one for almost any other library system. SHAPE library is multi-lingual. The English language section is shared by both the Americans and the British so it is larger than the other sections. There is a decent selection of best-selling authors. So I have access to Steele, Archer, Cussler, etc. It is an opportunity to read authors I have long ignored, to try some new things.
Earlier this year, I wanted to have Kyra read Diary of Anne Frank. Given that we are next to the Netherlands I thought for sure the library would have it - wrong.
The upside is I have found some new authors I enjoy - Sarah Addison Bell and Carol Cassella. I have also encountered some duds - Dixie Cash.
So while the library isn't great, it isn't all bad and has plenty of books I haven't read. I am grateful though, I have a Kindle.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
I feel like I am back in college when it comes to getting mail.
The Americans have a separate post office on the SHAPE campus. It is a room filled with those little mail boxes with combination locks. Unlike my college mail box, these don't have windows, so I never know whether or not something waits for me behind the little door or not.
The rate at which mail is delivered varies by a good deal. Sometimes it takes 3-4 weeks for a package or letter to reach the states and vice versa. Other times, it takes less than a week. Sometimes we get magazines in a timely manner, at other times we receive three issues of Newsweek or the Economist at once.
It is nice to open the door and find something waiting for us (other than bills). The best find is a yellow card. Yellow cards mean packages!
For packages we have to go to a window, give them our yellow card and our ID. The package room is an interesting study on the shopping habits of Americans at SHAPE. At this time Amazon boxes and Zappos seem to dominate.
It is a wonderful thing to have internet shopping and a US mailing address. There are so many things that are not available to us any other way - soy nut butter, dance shoes, guitar strings, and more. Not every country offers this service to their people serving overseas. I think Canadians have to use international mail to ship and receive. So yes, it it an extra errand but it's worth it.
The Americans have a separate post office on the SHAPE campus. It is a room filled with those little mail boxes with combination locks. Unlike my college mail box, these don't have windows, so I never know whether or not something waits for me behind the little door or not.
The rate at which mail is delivered varies by a good deal. Sometimes it takes 3-4 weeks for a package or letter to reach the states and vice versa. Other times, it takes less than a week. Sometimes we get magazines in a timely manner, at other times we receive three issues of Newsweek or the Economist at once.
It is nice to open the door and find something waiting for us (other than bills). The best find is a yellow card. Yellow cards mean packages!
For packages we have to go to a window, give them our yellow card and our ID. The package room is an interesting study on the shopping habits of Americans at SHAPE. At this time Amazon boxes and Zappos seem to dominate.
It is a wonderful thing to have internet shopping and a US mailing address. There are so many things that are not available to us any other way - soy nut butter, dance shoes, guitar strings, and more. Not every country offers this service to their people serving overseas. I think Canadians have to use international mail to ship and receive. So yes, it it an extra errand but it's worth it.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Back and Forth
This is my life today. Back to the bank to exchange more euros. Then to SHAPE for quick stops at the library and post office. Yet another meeting at the school regarding Kyra's classes. I made a long run to Chievres for weekly food.
Upon walking into the house with arms full of groceries, thinking I had a couple of hours, Allen greeted me with "Can you take me to SHAPE at 1?" He wanted to hang out with friends before his running practice. So yes, I ran him back to SHAPE.
Back home to attend to other chores before I again go to SHAPE to take Kyra to her theater rehearsal followed by dance class.
I think I will have entered and exited SHAPE every two hours today. By the end of today the gate guards should be waving me through instead of checking my ID.
Upon walking into the house with arms full of groceries, thinking I had a couple of hours, Allen greeted me with "Can you take me to SHAPE at 1?" He wanted to hang out with friends before his running practice. So yes, I ran him back to SHAPE.
Back home to attend to other chores before I again go to SHAPE to take Kyra to her theater rehearsal followed by dance class.
I think I will have entered and exited SHAPE every two hours today. By the end of today the gate guards should be waving me through instead of checking my ID.
Monday, October 25, 2010
If it isn't one thing, it's another...
For those of you who are wondering - still no Belgian IDs. Our ID cards that get us admitted to the SHAPE campus have an expiration date of November 1st. They are temporary IDs until we get our Belgian IDs and then we get issued a SHAPE ID good for the length of our stay.
As our Belgian IDs have yet to materialize, the Belgian police gave us a SHAPE ID extension until December 1st. So today I went and updated our SHAPE IDs which meant getting new cards issued. This was fairly painless and didn't require too much waiting. I was feeling really good about getting something done today, until...
I was paying for my groceries and my debit card was not working. So now I have gained myself a trip to the bank tomorrow to get that card sorted out. C'est la vie.
As our Belgian IDs have yet to materialize, the Belgian police gave us a SHAPE ID extension until December 1st. So today I went and updated our SHAPE IDs which meant getting new cards issued. This was fairly painless and didn't require too much waiting. I was feeling really good about getting something done today, until...
I was paying for my groceries and my debit card was not working. So now I have gained myself a trip to the bank tomorrow to get that card sorted out. C'est la vie.
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Announcements
I hate announcements in church. The whole point of going to church on Sunday is to worship God. There is little to nothing in the church news feed (aka announcements) that is worshipful. No one has had their heart warmed or their affections stirred for Jesus because of announcements. (If you have, please tell me I am wrong).
To varying degrees churches do make an attempt to tame this beast. This ranges from letting them run amok - a free for all, anyone talks for any length of time to a tightly tamed only one person talks and makes no more than three.
Given how much I hate them, I find it amusing (and imagine that you will too) that I am now the designated announcement person at the SHAPE chapel. It is Alan Marshall's fault. He coached me into how to make announcements with enthusiasm and in an expedient manner. He also taught me to never ask for volunteers in desperation or for warm bodies and to get it all done in three minutes or less.
This training all came in handy when there was a shortage of chaplain leadership two weeks in a row. The first week, I was asked to announce a huge multi month ministry, the following week, they handed me the welcome, announcements, offering and prayer with ten minutes notice.
I guess all the coaching stuck. I now get to serve God by making announcements....
To varying degrees churches do make an attempt to tame this beast. This ranges from letting them run amok - a free for all, anyone talks for any length of time to a tightly tamed only one person talks and makes no more than three.
Given how much I hate them, I find it amusing (and imagine that you will too) that I am now the designated announcement person at the SHAPE chapel. It is Alan Marshall's fault. He coached me into how to make announcements with enthusiasm and in an expedient manner. He also taught me to never ask for volunteers in desperation or for warm bodies and to get it all done in three minutes or less.
This training all came in handy when there was a shortage of chaplain leadership two weeks in a row. The first week, I was asked to announce a huge multi month ministry, the following week, they handed me the welcome, announcements, offering and prayer with ten minutes notice.
I guess all the coaching stuck. I now get to serve God by making announcements....
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Homecoming Dunlap Style
This weekend was SHAPE homecoming. This past week was spirit week - each day with a theme, such as wacky tacky, pirates vs. ninjas, cartoon characters, green and gold, etc.Friday evening was a parade and a bon fire.
Saturday all the teams had home games/meets.
Saturday evening there was a homecoming dance for the middle school and a homecoming dance for the high school.
In case you have not yet observed this fact - Allen and Kyra are not very formal kids. Allen prefers to wear jeans and t-shirts and Kyra has the same preference. Outside of dance, Kyra doesn't wear dresses or skirts. She is not a girly girl. I was a bit surprised when she asked me if she could order a dress for homecoming.
As you look at the photos of the kids you may be wondering, where is the Dunlap style??
Look down...
Cross Country Meet at SHAPE
Today's meet was notable for two other reasons -
1. The sun was shining
2. The meet was at SHAPE - a home meet.
It was nice not to have to carry an umbrella or break out my Alaska rain gear to watch Allen run. It was also nice not to have to devote an entire day (or more) to watching Allen run. Kyle is giddy contemplating what errands he can do today.The course wasn't overly thrilling. It was simply a loop around the track, football field, gym and surrounding grounds. The runners had to circle three times before crossing the finish line at the 50 yard line.
I helped monitor the course so I was able to watch Allen run by a few times before going to the finish line.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Inefficiencies - A List
1. Belgian IDs - they are required but take forever to get. We applied for ours the first week of August, we are still waiting..... (I did go to the first office where we applied last week - the guy I talked to didn't seem surprised at the length and told me there was nothing I could do to hurry the process. I was told to just wait for the mail)
2. Military Veterinarian - theoretically they have office hours four days a week. After several phone calls and left messages, I managed to talk to a person. They might have two days this month when they care for animals, all the others they are closed.
3. Gas Card - they can be bought at SHAPE all week long, if you have the necessary clearance to get to the window where they are sold. If you don't have clearance, you can buy them at Chievres (40 minute drive away) but only on Mondays. On Monday - the Commissary is closed - so you don't get two trips for the price of one, necessitating greater use of the gas card.
4. Only Kyle can cash checks on base. The base's dollar/euro exchange rate isn't great. Kyle writes and cashes check. Brings home US$ to me. I go to bank in town to deposit/exchange cash. I have to go before 12:30 though - no cash transactions after that time.
5. Houses don't have closets - I understand that Europeans don't have as much stuff as Americans, but still I see them wearing clothing that I presume they would want to hang up when it is not in use.
Some days the inefficiencies are so frustrating they make one want to scream. More and more I can shrug my shoulders, take a deep breath and keep pushing through the craziness to get something accomplished.
2. Military Veterinarian - theoretically they have office hours four days a week. After several phone calls and left messages, I managed to talk to a person. They might have two days this month when they care for animals, all the others they are closed.
3. Gas Card - they can be bought at SHAPE all week long, if you have the necessary clearance to get to the window where they are sold. If you don't have clearance, you can buy them at Chievres (40 minute drive away) but only on Mondays. On Monday - the Commissary is closed - so you don't get two trips for the price of one, necessitating greater use of the gas card.
4. Only Kyle can cash checks on base. The base's dollar/euro exchange rate isn't great. Kyle writes and cashes check. Brings home US$ to me. I go to bank in town to deposit/exchange cash. I have to go before 12:30 though - no cash transactions after that time.
5. Houses don't have closets - I understand that Europeans don't have as much stuff as Americans, but still I see them wearing clothing that I presume they would want to hang up when it is not in use.
Some days the inefficiencies are so frustrating they make one want to scream. More and more I can shrug my shoulders, take a deep breath and keep pushing through the craziness to get something accomplished.
Friday, September 24, 2010
Travel
The opportunity to travel was one of the reasons Kyle and I were excited about coming to Belgium. Within a couple of hours we can be in several different countries, just like many of you in the US can be in several different states within a couple of hours.
What makes travel even easier for us is that SHAPE has a couple of organizations that do all the organizing for you. There is SHAPE Trips and Tours which runs trips on Saturdays and longer ones during school vacations and there is SHAPE Travel Group which runs week day trips.
Trips and Tours offers Saturday day trips to England, the Netherlands, France, Germany, and Luxembourg. Typically these trips leave early in the morning and involve a bus ride of 2-4 hours, some structured tour time and some free time to do as one wishes. During school breaks they organize longer trips - for the Christmas break they are offering a trip to Egypt and during spring break they are offering a trip to a resort near Barcelona.
SHAPE Travel Group is more of a wives' group. Yes men are allowed but it is typically the women who are free to travel in the middle of the week. When I went to Versailles I went with this group. Their upcoming trips are to a spa in Belgium and for shopping in England and in Germany.
It is easy to travel when someone else does most of the work - picking the place, the activity and arranging transportation and driving. We just pay the money and get on the bus.
While we dreamed of frequent travel, we aren't getting out as much as we'd like for the same reasons many of you don't bop around your neighboring states - you and your kids are busy. Even so, we are trying to push ourselves to find the time and make the effort - after all Flat Stanley is begging to have his picture taken in front of more landmarks.
What makes travel even easier for us is that SHAPE has a couple of organizations that do all the organizing for you. There is SHAPE Trips and Tours which runs trips on Saturdays and longer ones during school vacations and there is SHAPE Travel Group which runs week day trips.
Trips and Tours offers Saturday day trips to England, the Netherlands, France, Germany, and Luxembourg. Typically these trips leave early in the morning and involve a bus ride of 2-4 hours, some structured tour time and some free time to do as one wishes. During school breaks they organize longer trips - for the Christmas break they are offering a trip to Egypt and during spring break they are offering a trip to a resort near Barcelona.
SHAPE Travel Group is more of a wives' group. Yes men are allowed but it is typically the women who are free to travel in the middle of the week. When I went to Versailles I went with this group. Their upcoming trips are to a spa in Belgium and for shopping in England and in Germany.
It is easy to travel when someone else does most of the work - picking the place, the activity and arranging transportation and driving. We just pay the money and get on the bus.
While we dreamed of frequent travel, we aren't getting out as much as we'd like for the same reasons many of you don't bop around your neighboring states - you and your kids are busy. Even so, we are trying to push ourselves to find the time and make the effort - after all Flat Stanley is begging to have his picture taken in front of more landmarks.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
French Class
SHAPE (Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe) appropriately enough has a language center. SHAPE employees and their families speak English, French, German, Flemish, Romanian, Greek, Spanish and many other languages. The primary language is English as Americans dominate and we don't speak other languages. In this part of Belgium, the primary language is French. For this reason the language center offers primarily English and French classes, but other languages are available as well.
This week is test week at the language center. Next week classes start.
Today was my placement test. I began studying French when I was in 7th grade (the grade Kyra is in now). I took the French AP test when I was in high school. I minored in French in college. I have studied French. However, it has been a long time since I studied and used my French. I find bits and pieces are coming back to me. I can make my general intent understood.
I'm pretty sure I sound like an idiot as well. When I was registering Kyra for dance classes, I am confident that my subject verb agreement was off, as well as my verb tenses. I think I sounded something like this. "My daughter, she to dance. She dance much. She good. She to dance with girls of more age. She nine classes one year. I make registration for she. I pay?"
My placement test was a ten minute conversation in French with two of the teachers. Where do I live, where did I move from. When did I arrive. Do I have children, how old, etc. Once again my verb tenses were where I struggled.
The language center has 4 levels of instruction - beginner, elementary, intermediate and advanced. Some of these have a further distinction of pre- or + or upper. I have been placed in intermediate +. We'll see how it goes, I start next Tuesday.
This week is test week at the language center. Next week classes start.
Today was my placement test. I began studying French when I was in 7th grade (the grade Kyra is in now). I took the French AP test when I was in high school. I minored in French in college. I have studied French. However, it has been a long time since I studied and used my French. I find bits and pieces are coming back to me. I can make my general intent understood.
I'm pretty sure I sound like an idiot as well. When I was registering Kyra for dance classes, I am confident that my subject verb agreement was off, as well as my verb tenses. I think I sounded something like this. "My daughter, she to dance. She dance much. She good. She to dance with girls of more age. She nine classes one year. I make registration for she. I pay?"
My placement test was a ten minute conversation in French with two of the teachers. Where do I live, where did I move from. When did I arrive. Do I have children, how old, etc. Once again my verb tenses were where I struggled.
The language center has 4 levels of instruction - beginner, elementary, intermediate and advanced. Some of these have a further distinction of pre- or + or upper. I have been placed in intermediate +. We'll see how it goes, I start next Tuesday.
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