Almost done...

Report cards printed, copies made, portfolios completed... all that's left is speaking to parents (which will probably be the hardest part of it all considering the language barrier) and the Year End Concert. Speaking of, we had a walk-through rehearsal at the Ha Noi National Convention Center where the concert is being held. This place is HUGE and the kids look like ants dancing around the stage. The Convention center is absolutely stunning, with a very modern ceiling that looks like rolling waves (supposed to be reminiscent of a dragon) grand staircases, and a gigantic head of Ho Chi Minh. The bust of Uncle Ho was particularly funny since they had to move it off the stage when we came in to do the walk0through. I was standing in the wings with my class waiting to go on stage when all of a sudden this monumental shoulder pokes through the curtain. I pushed my kids back towards the wall, not sure exactly what was to follow. Sure enough, the tell-tale Ho Chi Minh wisdom beard peaked through next, followed by the hint of a smile and his gigantic golden eyes. The huge bust was being carried by 5 grunting men, which actually gave the impression that Ho Chi Minh himself was grunting from the weight of his colossal head. Just as they found a place to put him down, one of my students thought it would be a good idea to turn off the lights. Of course, screaming ensues, and the guys struggling with Ho Chi Minh got very upset as they did not want to injure any part of their dear Uncle Ho. After some berating, the lights were on, Ho was in a nice resting spot, and my kids filed onto stage. As we were heading out, I noticed a bunch of cameras and lights in an area to my left. Sure enough, it was auditions for Viet Nam Idol, which I found particularly funny. Some of the clothes being sported by the wannabe Idols were, erm, interesting to say the least. I had half a mind to get in line and sign up, but then figured that I can't sing any Vietnamese songs so I wouldn't be much of a hit...
I've begun to expand my range of Vietnamese dishes, with some My Xao Hai San my most recent success (stir fried noodles with seafood and vegetables). I also just purchased a cute little rice cooker, but am waiting for a friend to show me how to use it correctly, since they tend to be a bit fussy. We have an ancient rice cooker at home from Japan which is so easy to use and always produces perfect rice. I was expecting the same level of excellence since my rice cooker is Asian and all, but no dice. If the amount of water isn't perfect, neither is the rice. Hmpf! Once I get that down, some nice rice stir-fry is next up.
2 short weeks until my mom arrives! Getting so excited to show her around, hopefully the jet lag doesn't leave her impression of her initial week in Ha Noi to be a lackluster daze.
Well, I'm off to put my John Hancock on 45 report cards... the last official part of my paperwork until a month of freedom!