Friday October 19, 2012

Friday October 19/12 update #259

I spent all morning trying to put together a group of videos and powerpoint shows for AAC so we would have something to try on our new projector.   I confirmed with Chris first that he was not already preparing something.  I knew there was a great Travel Alberta commercial called “Remember to Breathe” that I could not find in any format except YouTube so I contacted them and they finally responded with an MP4 version for me.  I tried to find good Canadian videos as well and thought I had found a Government site with lots of videos but it turns out they are short, and huge….  And you have to apply for permission to download them.   Typical Canadian Government waste of time.

My satellite installer says my loss of many more channels is the result of the migrating Amazonas satellite and that he hopes to have a solution shortly.  Last night I was quite upset when ½ of my chosen few stations from Saturday now read “Scrambled” as well, and I now have no English news station at all! 

I made it over to AAC and started to set up for the projector, etc.   Surprise, surprise, Miguel popped in for 20 seconds to say Hello and was gone again.   Chris came with the projector and laptop and I supplied the internet stick with the content along with the speakers.

I warned the kids that we not tolerate anyone interfering with the projector.  Two brand new smart-ass boys decided to challenge us so they were summarily ejected.  That sure opened the eyes of the others that we were not prepared to put up with any nonsense during the show.  Oddly, Tom and Linda did not warn us they were not showing up but most of the rest came.  Someone decided to pass out milk and cookies during the show and I was not pleased with the constant interruptions and the inevitable spills everywhere.  Usually we save any food to the end, as a reward for good behaviour.

Needless to say, I am again reconsidering my involvement with AAC.  Miguel is never around and the male presence from the community has been lost somewhere.  Almost all the other volunteers have all missed a day this week without notifying anyone.   We almost never know who is going to show up and who is prepared to do what on any given day, even though it has always seemed to work itself out thus far, mostly because Richard is so keen to teach.  What will happen when he and Cathy leave the country in 2 weeks??    I keep hoping to get this organized somehow but we need direction from Miguel, funding, and more volunteers willing to lead activities.  I am going to sleep on this over the weekend again but when it ceases to be fun, and you begin to lose your cool, I think it is time to walk away.

I went next door for he chicken supper and ordered 2 pieces of chicken, firstly because I was hungry, and secondly to see what she would charge.  The supper was wonderful but I wasn’t too thrilled that she wanted $3 this time.   A day full of frustrations, what can I say….. 

That was today’s excitement.   .  Hugs to all.