Betsy and I went to JapanFest earlier today. It was my first time going, but not Betsy’s. We had a nice little time up there. I even ran into one of my students there. It was funny because as I was walking around I thought, “I bet you he’s here.” And then we ran into each other! There were so many people that it’s kinda funny that we even saw each other.

I think the highlight was this shaved ice treat that we tried at the end. It had sweet red beans on it. That was strange but cool. I also liked the archery with the really tall bows.

[tags]Japanfest[/tags]

Betsy and I went to the Border’s Educator’s Appreciation Event on Friday. I got some free coffee and pastries and then filled out a chance to win some stuff.

I told the guy when I put it in the container that I wasn’t going to fold it like the others, because then it would have more surface area and thus a likelier chance to be pulled. We laughed at my educator joke and then we looked around a bit. I had ordered a book specially to get the discount–a children’s book about Frida.

The next day I got a call that I had won some books! It was a set of educational books on Oceans, Dinosaurs, Egypt and Space. Not really what I teach, but I was happy anyway. I have always liked those types of books.

Every week they close 10th Street!  If it’s not the road work, then it’s a festival, and today an ekiden!  I didn’t even know what an ekiden was until Betsy and I were about to turn on to 10th St only to see policemen blocking it and people wearing sashes sashaying by.  They never have any detour signs up.  I suppose they just think you’ll know how to get around them (which we regrettably did not).

The road closing is such a common occurrence that before we set out on Sundays, we even check online fairly regularly to see if there are road closings, but today they didn’t even post it.  By the time we figured out how to get around it, it was already after 10am and then I hate to walk in so late that I just gave up.  So I came home and searched what had just obstructed us.  Here’s the info.  Of course, no mention of road closing, although they do say that the combination of roadwork and the event may cause unforeseen changes.

I haven’t written a “Betsy is great” post in a while.  But, you know what?  She still is.

Dave Matthews is blocking off most of our part of town today. 10th street is completely closed, as well as part of the street we live on. He and his band will be playing a benefit concert for Piedmont Park within walking distance from our house, with over 50,000 people expected, the largest show on his 2007 tour. It’s kinda cool that it’s so close and so big, but since we won’t be attending, it is also slightly inconvenient, hehe. Even though no one is supposed to drive to the concert (because it’s a “green concert” to raise money for Piedmont Park), we’re expecting people to try to park in our neighborhood. Even so, it is still kinda cool.