I am the origami master!

After a Christmas break filled with work, family, presents, more work, and then getting stuck at work because of a snow storm, I finally made it back to school for interim. Interim is about a two week period in which students choose a class to take. But these classes aren't your average history or math class. These are unique classes like rock climbing, a trip to New York, conspiracy theories, or, in my case, origami.

At first, I was not excited about this interim at all. I thought it sounded super lame and nerdy, and I did not want to have to teach people what I was learning. I missed the first class day because the weather post-poned my travels, so I walked into class the second day, not knowing what to expect.

Origami literally means "folding paper." It was started by the Japanese in the 17th century and spread outside Japan in the 1900's. My teacher was a wise and yet hilarious older woman who happened to be a world traveler. She has been to every continent except Antarctica, some of them multiple times. I walked into class, told her my name, and was given a box of paper and other tools. Weapons. My training had begun.

After learning a few common moves and stances (folds and bases, that is), I was ready to dive into the ancient art of paper folding. From there I discovered new models and tricks that allowed me to climb the ladder toward becoming an origami master and achieving my black belt...or whatever it is you get when you become an origami master.....I should probably know that shouldn't I?

On Monday, I will face my final obstacle. During class we are to display our twelve best/favorite models. I hope I have used my weapons wisely to create the best models I possibly could. My training has come down to the final test. Will my creations impress the crowds as well as be enough to earn my origami black belt? I hope it was enough...and if it was then I will soon become *wait for it* and origami MASTER!!! (MASTER, master, master, master...)

I think you get the picture. Let's just say I feel like a really confident young kung-fu student who is about to be honored for achieving master status. While I know quite a lot about origami, I am definitely not an origami master! At least...not yet:)