Saturday, October 4, 2014

What happens in Vegas

If one has a blog, I suppose one should use it.  

This post is going to include the 2 things I have learned this week.  


1.  Chocolate is a strong motivator.  I had a student slip out before the bell.  I hate that.  Don't do it.  That is what I told them.  So then I emailed his mother.  I happen to relate well to her and her family, and she replied that he will do whatever it takes to apologize.  

The next day he looked properly chastized and very ashamed and said, "Miss Helm, I'm sorry, what can I do to make it up to you?"  I being the proper teacher, said "Student,  bring me chocolate and all is well." 

 He looked at me, "what?"    I said, "You heard me," and continued tuning.  
Here is what I got for my troubles.  I think he is forgiven.  He told he his mom said he had to tie the bow.
 2.  Students do stupid things even though you tell them a million times.  I always tell them to keep their cases closed when not using them.  She dropped her bow, endpin first and this is where it landed.  I don't feel too bad because its a white $69.00 violin from Amazon I can't tune.  Does that make me a bad teacher?



Two weeks ago, I had the best company!  I haven't seen my nephew in two years and I like that he and his sister can come and visit!!

She came because there was a very large music festival. He came because he is awesome!  We didn't make it in time to see the band I wanted to, but oh well it still was fun.  This particular band, according to my nephew, is the epitome of teenybopper angst music.  He was right, but I still enjoyed myself.  I give them a little slack because one member is from New Zealand.  I think that is a valid reason.  I think I wished a little that I was younger and knew all these things, but oh well.  




 She is having so much fun!
Afterwards we went exploring.  I hadn't been to the Linq so we went.  




I told her she needed to pose because there was a fountain!



I think she looks super great in this picture.  Probably because she can be taller in the frame.  Everyone needs a touristy picture.  I like the guy waving or fist pumping in the background.



 My attempt.  I don't think it is even very profile picture worthy but oh well.


 We explored the Flamingo casino.  It was actually pretty fun!  I wouldn't mind going again.



 

 We found ducks.  And the Koi were humungaginormous!  I really have never seen them that big.  I used to think I would want a pond with Koi.  Nevermind.






 I took a picture just at the right moment.



 Of course after this we went to the Bellagio.  I had loved their display of kites and things that they had the previous week and so I was very excited, but they had changed it!!! I was so sad!  But this one was beautiful too.


Third time's a charm.


 I liked the bears! They were so cute but this picture has a very awkward angle.  Oh well.  I thought they were awesome!


I don't have any pictures of us by the fountains or with our gelato which in my opinion was the best part.  We just chatted with our gelato and passed our cups of delicious goodness around to each other  for tasting, which we just do naturally.  Family habits don't die I guess. We talked about how our family is super weird and very cool. We talked a long time.  It was the best!  
The highlights: in what other family would there have to be a rule no singing at the table?  Right?!?  We talked about our absolute favorite moments of our parents, family reunions, nicknames.  Me not having aunt in front of my name with them, the strange things our family members do.  I learned new things about my sister and brother-in-law from their children :)  They learned new things about their grandparents.  Sorry, you won't get to read any of those things here.  I don't think anyone will tell you either.  What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas don'tcha know.  

3 comments:

helmhq said...

Sounds like you had fun with your visitors . And..sounds like you are getting aquatinted with your new location. I'm pretty sure you will soon be loving it just as you have the other places you've lived. They all have their good points and a few less positive, but you can concentrate on the good! Besides when we come to see you, you can show us what you have discovered.
I want to go birding with you...no one else is that excited about it. :)

Smart Helm said...

Good job at documenting the visit! You sound like a very good host... just like I was :) The belagio is the best ever.

I think that was a great response to your student. Chocolate can fix many ills, from hurt feeling up to dementors and everything in between...

Montana at the Helm said...

Man, is that how I need to get more chocolate? Become a teacher and use it as a consequence??? I guess I will just buy my own since I have no desire to be a teacher. Darn!