World Beat Weekend

It sure started out HOT on Saturday, but after some early morning research during which I found out that if we returned the air conditioner Fred bought I could not get the smaller cheaper one I wanted, because they ALL sold out the evening before. So we got it out of the box, and tried to install it.  It's frustrating because our windows open vertically which makes installation much more difficult.  The bracket that Fred bought wouldn't work.  

Fred took off to be the stage manager at the World Beat Festival, and I proceeded to learn all about air conditioner installation, and then install it. It's not really finished, the cardboard needs to be replaced with plexiglass, but it will NOT fall out, and I basked in the coolness until I had to drag myself into the 98 degree afternoon for my gig at World Beat with the Salem Madrigal Singers.

I had a metal bar cut to hold the top in place, and I also installed brackets underneath.  Either would work on their own, but as it sits directly above our main door, I wanted to be sure it wouldn't fall. 

Yea Yea, I'll get some plexiglass sometime

Salem Madrigal Singers not in costume.  It was too hot so we decided on sundresses. As it was I was afraid my sweat stains would show. 

Fred is an amazing stage manager.  He is very relaxed and accommodating, He also is good at deligating and getting things taken care of. We met up briefly after the show, but he was pretty busy. All day in the heat.  I'm glad he came home with only a slight sunburn on the backs of his knees. 

I came home after the show, made a salad, ate, and laid down.  I have had very little energy.  Its kind of like I'm sick and tired. 

This morning I got up, went to get Ruben from his dad early, then we went to World Beat at 10:20 am. This winter I was dancing with a Polynesian dance group.  I had told my friend LeRina that just because I couldn't dance with them anymore (foot and hip issues) I'd still like to help out.  She asked me to help with costumes.  As the dancers wore 6 very different very intricate costumes I was quite busy backstage.  The sweaty dancers could hardly dress themselves, and do their hair and makeup fast enough. During the last song I was called up to drum for the dancers as well.  I had a great time.  I wasn't sad I didn't get to dance, but boy I wish I could have worn the costume.  I have a thing for cool costumes.  

Mia, LeRina's daughter who I helped costume, and the other dancers waiting to go on. 

LeRina in the huge floppy hat

Yusef who looked "Beautiful" in his boy skirt.  He was only supposed to dance one number, but you couldn't keep him off the stage. 

One of these is the white dress I sewed for our Christmas show, I sold it to a new dancer. 

I asked Ru to take some pictures from where he was sitting in the audience.  He took two, then played on my phone till the battery died. 

After the dancing Ru and I went to say Hi to Freddie, at his stage, and then we went home briefly to get me a fresh iced tea. We drove to LeRina's house and hung out with her family and friends for an after party, and also we celebrated the birthday and going away of our friend Joanne's Japanese exchange student. There was great food, a pinyata, cake, ice cream, and an epic water fight. Of course I had to drag Ruben outside for it because he was playing Five Nights at Freddies on his computer with Enrique. 

Sushi with spam?

Plugged in 

When we got home Ru wanted to play more games but I told him no.  He needed to go do something else.  He chose to go find his friend Leanna, and they both came in asking to play more video games.  I told them no. They played a game of candy land then asked if they could go to Leanna's apartment.  I said yes even though they are probably playing her video games.