Well....October has flown by and I haven't blogged since the beginning and next week is already Halloween.:) It will be difficult for me to update you on the whole month so I will do it by little tid bits that have happened:).
Drain
Well, I think I have solved the issue to some degree....I poured some bleach down it and ran hot water! It does have a unpleasant smell but at least I can breathe better than I used to. I am still not sure what the issue is but hopefully it will continue to get better!!
Copa Libertad
Well this event was both an awesome and a pain in the neck time in my life. This is a huge tournament with schools from all over and it is a pretty big deal. It was on Thursday and Friday and continued on the weekend. The thing is that whole week we basically couldn't teach anything new, we couldn't assign homework because of games and practices, and we were to go and support our kids when they played. The plus is that it was great to be able to watch all my kids participate in the different sports. The pain was having to teach something amongst utter chaos of not knowing which kids were going to be there, when they had to leave, and when we were suppose to watch their games. I basically made the decision that we weren't going to do anything those two days. It really was impossible because between girls and boys basketball and soccer for two grades, there was no time left. So for two days, I got to just hang out with my kids and have some fun. I loved watching the girls basketball and it helped that they beat the pants of the other schools hahaha...however, as much as I love basketball, most of the population here doesn't agree with that...so I did end up watching soccer as well. I do enjoy watching my kids play soccer. I think the bonding was actually a good thing for my fourth graders. Most of you know how they are such pistols, but I think bonding with them and watching them in their sports helped create some relationships. Diego the Demon is proof of this. Each day that week, he would ask me if I was going to watch him play or if I liked soccer, or some other random questions. Those days and lately, he seems to be warming up to me and thinking that maybe I am not such a bad person after all. Let's cross our fingers that it continues!!!
Hot dogs wrapped in bacon
Since I have been in Mexico I have wanted a hot dog and well a couple weeks ago, I got my wish:). A bunch of us went to Victor's aunt's house in a different town for a little shindig. It was a pretty good time. Not only did I get a hot dog, but I got one wrapped in bacon. I have never had a hot dog quite like that but I did enjoy it:). It was fun getting away for a while and Victor's aunt was very kind in opening up her house for us!
Tutoring
Well I have another tutor job:). Now I tutor two Alejandros, the one is in 6th grade and the other is in my class. It's funny how I got my second tutoring job because I was walking out of school and this fancy SUV pulls up next to me and the mom rolls the window down and shouts "Are you Alejandro's miss?" I said yes and she offered me the job and asked when I could start haha. This family is loaded and she said that she values education and that is what she wants to put her money in. So my first day she sent me and two boys to Apple Bee's for tutoring. We spent over thirty bucks because the boys could order what they wanted; which included dessert, non alcoholic pina coladas, chicken fingers..etc. I couldn't get over that!!! But it was a fun time with the boys.
Death by Exams
So last week (oct 20-24), we had exams due, which meant each of the teachers had to make 4 exams over everything we have taught the kids since August. I think this is a load of crap and against everything Mrs. Willms taught me in Goal setting and Assessment. I don't understand why when we give daily, weekly, monthly tests to assess our kids, why do we just have to give them an exam just to give them an exam. IT DOESN'T MAKE SENSE!!!! So one day, I was uber pissed because I had to redo my composition exam. I was upset because I feel like I have the tools to make a quality assessment and so based on what I have taught my students and what they should know, I created an assessment. My third graders and fourth graders because they are ESL students, I feel in terms of composition are around the same level. My tests were very similar because of that reason. Well, my coordinator tells me they aren't like the tests from last year. I about died because most of the stuff that was tested last year I haven't taught and it's over my kids' heads. She also wanted me to do cloze paragraphs with them and at this time they are not ready to be assessed on this. I was so upset that I said "fine, I will redo them but I will not put cloze paragraphs in them" and I walked out. So the rest of the week was spent making those exams.
Now it is exam week and I am already hating it because I don't understand the point of them. Also, my kids are 8 years old and I think it is wrong to give them 6 exams!!!! over stuff we have covered since Aug. Not only do they have 6 exams for their English classes, they also have 6 exams for their Spanish classes. Willms HELP ME:)!!!
Technical Difficulties
Well.....last week my computer started having some issues and let me tell you it was really starting to get on my nerves. Here I just spent good money on a computer in March and it was already failing me. I use my computer sooooo much here and all of my grades are on it. I almost had a nervous breakdown because for a while I only had a black screen and I didn't have my grades on my external hard drive. Somehow, after a while I got back on my computer for enough time to put everything on my hard drive. It was frusterating me so much and I didn't know what I was going to do....oof. So I talked to the school's computer engineer and he told me that I have fan problem and that I would need to call dell. Well this news was just great because well I am in Mexico and all the time and work it would be to sent it to get fixed. Well I went to Charro's office at school and was explaining my issue and she called up DELL in Mexico for me. It turns out, if I fill out some paperwork to change my origin from US to Mexico, a DEll dude will come to my house and fix it. Well, I filled out the paperwork and sent it it and it takes about 7 days...so we will see what happens. Cross your fingers, and until it gets fixed Breanna is ever so kindly letting me borrow hers. thanks che:)
B-ball showdown
Last Friday night, I finally gave in and played basketball with the guys and Lesley. They have been asking me every Friday but I have turned them down because I was intimidated and well I haven't played for a long time but I decided to get over myself and play. It turned out to be some of the most fun I have had in a while. Lesley, Kevin, and I were against Tom and Victor. We won hands down and it was AWESOME!! ....and it wasn't because it was 3 against 2 either:)...haha I think I will for sure be back next Friday!!
Dancing Queen Karaoke
This past Friday night, I was invited to a Halloween party by Alba, one of the cousins of the kids I tutor. She is a funny gal and I get along with her very well. So Lesley, Erin and I decided to hit up her party. When we got there, we got some drinks and talked to people but then Erin had the great idea that we should go to a Karaoke bar. So Alba, her friend Damaris, Erin, Lesley, and I headed to La Santa for some sweet singing:). It is really a cute little place and it had a fun atmosphere. The people there were crazy. There was this Spanish lady there and she was belting out Spanish love ballads and she honestly should go pro!:) The girls and I decided on 4 songs; Dancing Queen, Take a Chance on Me, Tengo La Camisa Negra, and Me Enamora. I LOVED every minute of it haha. It was pretty humorous and just as we were getting ready to sing Take a Chance On Me, we saw Eva who is a tutor at the school and she sang along with us. I had a ton of fun and when we got back, I was exhausted!!!
JUANES
Guess what?!!! We scored some Juanes tickets for this coming Sunday!!! I am soooo pumped and those who know me, know I love most of his songs...(right Mollusk and VAL?!!) Breanna went with Charro to pick them up at a liquor store. They are pretty decent seats and were pretty reasonable, too. I can't wait!!:)
Corn dogs and Tilt-A-Whirls
This past Sunday, Breanna, Lesley, Erin, Emily, and I went to the Bosque for a concert in the park. It was a pretty good time. One of Lesley and Erin's students was in the band that was playing. I was impressed with how good those kids were at playing a variety of songs, that included Aladdin, Pocahontas, Benny Goodman style..etc. I could hardly sit still:) It was really relaxing sitting there with a nice breeze listening to that type of music. I enjoyed myself. When it was over, we walked throughout the park and Breanna and I decided to get some corn dogs and they were pretty awesome. Considering the price you pay for a small corn dog at the Freeborn Country Fair, these were just as good for way cheap. Also for 7 pesos, Erin, Emily and I rode the tilt-a-whirl. It was sooo much fun because it was cheap and it lasted longer than it would have at a typical fair. I thought the day at the park was a pretty good pick me up to get ready for the week of exams ahead!!!
Well, I hope that I have updated you enough on my life in the past month...haha I am sorry I got soooo behind..even Breanna's mom told me she was sick of seeing raunchy drains and medicated chihuahuas haha. I am caught up and hopefully won't get so behind again!! Happy Halloween on Friday whoop whoop:)
Friday, October 24, 2008
Sunday, October 5, 2008
a raunchy drain and a medicated chihuahua
This week was a pretty typical week: meaning my third graders were awesome and my fourth graders were awful. It seems to be the trend lately and well they are improving ever so slightly, it just isn't as quick as I want it. I started tutoring for the Balderas family this week. They have three children: 2 boys and 1 girl. Their youngest is in my class but I am tutoring the older brother Alejandro. He is a pretty good kid and I have enjoyed getting to know him thus far. We have a lot of work to do but the great thing is that he wants to learn. It is a pretty nice set-up I get paid 15 dollars an hour and they come and pick me up 3 times a week for an hour. I am hoping it will be a good way to earn some extra cash. The thing that cracks me up but yet is good for me is that the parents only speak Spanish so I really have to work on my Spanish and they are very patient with me.
Speaking of Spanish, I started a conversation Spanish class this week and I am still up in the air about how I feel about it. They are offering two classes, a beginner and a conversation class. I am definitely not a beginner but yet I am not ready for the other one so I am torn. There are about 9 other American teachers in the class and everyone's levels of Spanish vary. However, I would have to say I am the lowest on the scale. Most of them had Spanish in college and studied abroad...so where does that leave me...well no where exactly hahaha....It did however go ok, we had to start out by introducing ourselves, what our job is, where we were born, about our family, and our best friends. I was extremely nervous because it is intimidating to be in that class and my face grew very red up until the time a spoke and while I was speaking. It didn't help that I was the 4th in line, right after 3 pretty fluent speakers. I wanted to die but whatever I it and I thought it was ok because the lady didn't really correct me so...who knows:) We will see how next week goes because I have a feeling it is going to pick up because we are starting a book and that is going to be a challenge for me...and to tell you the truth I'm not sure if I can do it so stay tuned:)
Friday couldn't have come soon enough.:) Breanna's boss Ms Charo brought us home with her and fixed us a delicious meal. Her house is pretty sweet! It was elegantly decorated and smelled amazing! She made us quite a feast that included: chile rellenos, rice, beans, an awesome fresh veggie salad, tortillas, some sort of beef stew, and poppy seed cake for dessert. I was pretty stuffed by the end of it. The one thing that is pretty comical is that I didn't see this little onion bulb under my piece of lettuce when I stabbed and as soon as I bit into it, I realized what it was. my eyes and nose started burning immediately and I wanted to spit it out..but I felt like I shouldn't:)...so I got through it somehow haha. After the meal, we shared stories about our lives and listened to Charo's stories about when she was a kid and let me tell you she is a funny story teller; you can't help but laugh and want her to keep on telling more and more. Most of her stories were about pets and lack of luck when it comes to them. The one that makes me smile the most is she had a cat who her mom spoiled. Her mom would give it actual ground beef in tiny little balls. I can't imagine doing that for one of my cats. I love my cat to death but still!!! After we shared some laughs, Charo took us into the center of town to the market so she could buy some eye stickers for spiders:). Random I know but it was still a good time. Afterwards, she showed us the oldest house in Torreon and promised she would take us on a little adventure sometime. When we got back to her house, her son Cesar and his buddy hopped in the car to take us home. Cesar decided that we needed to stop for ice cream, so we quickly pulled over to what seemed like a house and walked in and a lady was selling chepos ice cream. It really didn't seem like ice cream however. It was like shave ice but a tad creamy. I am not really sure how to explain it but it wasn't too bad and it was really cheap. So we continued on our way home but we stopped by the vet to see how their little chihuahua was because earlier Cesar took it to the vet for a routine teeth cleaning procedure. Apparently it had been having some issues and needed her teeth cleaned. It was a normal procedure but the vet numbed the dog’s entire body. Cesar's amigo got into the car first and showed us how the dog's face looked. We were laughing so badly because we didn't really think the dog would look like this but we were wrong!! The dog's tongue was hanging out of its mouth, there was a bloody cotton ball on his mouth and he looked like he was dead. It was quite a site and we are pretty sure the dog wasn't ready to come home!!! When we finally got home, we ate some pizza and Breanna and I were pooped so she moved her bed into my room for a slumber party and we watched Made of Honor before falling asleep.
Saturday was pretty much a day of relaxation and slow moving haha. We didn't set an alarm and got up when we wanted. We finished the movie we started the night before and I made us some eggs for breakfast. We then watched another movie and I got cleaned up and made us some alfredo, chicken and broccoli greatness. We also decided to watch yet another movie:) and then it was time for me to tutor. Tutoring was fun and at the end we played Mario cart racing! I love that game and my sisters and I would play it by the hour we were kids. Ahhhh the memories:) When I got back, Breanna and I needed to head to Walmart to solve the case of the stinky bathroom.
So my bathroom has had an awful smell since I moved into it and let me tell you, I am not a dirty person. I have scrubbed the toilet, floor, shower, etc. Nothing seems to stop the terrible odor. I got this citrus smelling thing and that didn't seem to help. I knew it was a problem when we would get home and the hallway smelled awful and we knew it was from my room. Breanna even said that one time I smelled like my bathroom. That was THE last straw and something was going to be done. So we headed to Wal-Mart and guess what we saw on the way. Well we saw mountains, Carl's Jr., Wal-Mart, and oh random grazing horses. It was quite the sight. Random. So at Wal-Mart, I got a glade candle, a new shower curtain, and some Mexican Drain-o. When we headed back from Wal-Mart, the horses were still out and about:) and the sky was one of the best ones have I seen in Mexico. I could try and explain it but it wouldn't do it justice. Just trust me on this one:) When we got back, Charlie, Malita, Breanna, and I headed to Ok Maguey. On the way there, we had the best taxi ride. The taxi driver cranked the music because we were singing and having a great time because the songs were; girls just want to have fun, funky town, and Gloria. Very funny but it was one of the best taxi rides and we weren't ready to get out of the car! The restaurant was a very cute little place and the service was awesome. Everyone ordered the same food and drink but me. I got enchiladas and a margarita and everyone else got some meat with cheese over a bed of potatoes and a piña colada. That did sound tasty but I was content with my order. It even came with free ice cream at the end and if that wasn't enough there was a deal where you buy one get one free, so it was a lot cheaper than we thought it would be. When we got home, I tried out my Wal-Mart purchases and hung my new shower curtain. Now my b-room smells like sickness, plastic, and fruity air freshener...and that is not ok!!! Also, Breanna and I decided to have another movie slumber party but we didn't make it, we were out in no time.
Sunday was also a lazy start to the day. I took my time in getting up and Breanna made us some French toast. I was excited to see if my bathroom would be better, but it wasn't at all. I wanted to scream haha....so I decided that I would try baking soda and getting a fan so that meant another trip to Wal-Mart, but it was actually on the way because Breanna and I decided to go to a movie, The Mirrors. It was a CREEPY movie and we were the only ones besides two other people. The theater was huge and it only cost us 4.50 to get in and 5 bucks for an icee and popcorn. I can't complain!!! When we got back from Wal-Mart, we made some quesadilla burgers and they were pretty awesome and I hope to have them again! Then we headed to the school to get some papers to grade and when we got back I had a lovely convo with the rents. Well it is now 11pm and I have school in the am so I better get some shut eye...talk to you soon:)
Speaking of Spanish, I started a conversation Spanish class this week and I am still up in the air about how I feel about it. They are offering two classes, a beginner and a conversation class. I am definitely not a beginner but yet I am not ready for the other one so I am torn. There are about 9 other American teachers in the class and everyone's levels of Spanish vary. However, I would have to say I am the lowest on the scale. Most of them had Spanish in college and studied abroad...so where does that leave me...well no where exactly hahaha....It did however go ok, we had to start out by introducing ourselves, what our job is, where we were born, about our family, and our best friends. I was extremely nervous because it is intimidating to be in that class and my face grew very red up until the time a spoke and while I was speaking. It didn't help that I was the 4th in line, right after 3 pretty fluent speakers. I wanted to die but whatever I it and I thought it was ok because the lady didn't really correct me so...who knows:) We will see how next week goes because I have a feeling it is going to pick up because we are starting a book and that is going to be a challenge for me...and to tell you the truth I'm not sure if I can do it so stay tuned:)
Friday couldn't have come soon enough.:) Breanna's boss Ms Charo brought us home with her and fixed us a delicious meal. Her house is pretty sweet! It was elegantly decorated and smelled amazing! She made us quite a feast that included: chile rellenos, rice, beans, an awesome fresh veggie salad, tortillas, some sort of beef stew, and poppy seed cake for dessert. I was pretty stuffed by the end of it. The one thing that is pretty comical is that I didn't see this little onion bulb under my piece of lettuce when I stabbed and as soon as I bit into it, I realized what it was. my eyes and nose started burning immediately and I wanted to spit it out..but I felt like I shouldn't:)...so I got through it somehow haha. After the meal, we shared stories about our lives and listened to Charo's stories about when she was a kid and let me tell you she is a funny story teller; you can't help but laugh and want her to keep on telling more and more. Most of her stories were about pets and lack of luck when it comes to them. The one that makes me smile the most is she had a cat who her mom spoiled. Her mom would give it actual ground beef in tiny little balls. I can't imagine doing that for one of my cats. I love my cat to death but still!!! After we shared some laughs, Charo took us into the center of town to the market so she could buy some eye stickers for spiders:). Random I know but it was still a good time. Afterwards, she showed us the oldest house in Torreon and promised she would take us on a little adventure sometime. When we got back to her house, her son Cesar and his buddy hopped in the car to take us home. Cesar decided that we needed to stop for ice cream, so we quickly pulled over to what seemed like a house and walked in and a lady was selling chepos ice cream. It really didn't seem like ice cream however. It was like shave ice but a tad creamy. I am not really sure how to explain it but it wasn't too bad and it was really cheap. So we continued on our way home but we stopped by the vet to see how their little chihuahua was because earlier Cesar took it to the vet for a routine teeth cleaning procedure. Apparently it had been having some issues and needed her teeth cleaned. It was a normal procedure but the vet numbed the dog’s entire body. Cesar's amigo got into the car first and showed us how the dog's face looked. We were laughing so badly because we didn't really think the dog would look like this but we were wrong!! The dog's tongue was hanging out of its mouth, there was a bloody cotton ball on his mouth and he looked like he was dead. It was quite a site and we are pretty sure the dog wasn't ready to come home!!! When we finally got home, we ate some pizza and Breanna and I were pooped so she moved her bed into my room for a slumber party and we watched Made of Honor before falling asleep.
Saturday was pretty much a day of relaxation and slow moving haha. We didn't set an alarm and got up when we wanted. We finished the movie we started the night before and I made us some eggs for breakfast. We then watched another movie and I got cleaned up and made us some alfredo, chicken and broccoli greatness. We also decided to watch yet another movie:) and then it was time for me to tutor. Tutoring was fun and at the end we played Mario cart racing! I love that game and my sisters and I would play it by the hour we were kids. Ahhhh the memories:) When I got back, Breanna and I needed to head to Walmart to solve the case of the stinky bathroom.
So my bathroom has had an awful smell since I moved into it and let me tell you, I am not a dirty person. I have scrubbed the toilet, floor, shower, etc. Nothing seems to stop the terrible odor. I got this citrus smelling thing and that didn't seem to help. I knew it was a problem when we would get home and the hallway smelled awful and we knew it was from my room. Breanna even said that one time I smelled like my bathroom. That was THE last straw and something was going to be done. So we headed to Wal-Mart and guess what we saw on the way. Well we saw mountains, Carl's Jr., Wal-Mart, and oh random grazing horses. It was quite the sight. Random. So at Wal-Mart, I got a glade candle, a new shower curtain, and some Mexican Drain-o. When we headed back from Wal-Mart, the horses were still out and about:) and the sky was one of the best ones have I seen in Mexico. I could try and explain it but it wouldn't do it justice. Just trust me on this one:) When we got back, Charlie, Malita, Breanna, and I headed to Ok Maguey. On the way there, we had the best taxi ride. The taxi driver cranked the music because we were singing and having a great time because the songs were; girls just want to have fun, funky town, and Gloria. Very funny but it was one of the best taxi rides and we weren't ready to get out of the car! The restaurant was a very cute little place and the service was awesome. Everyone ordered the same food and drink but me. I got enchiladas and a margarita and everyone else got some meat with cheese over a bed of potatoes and a piña colada. That did sound tasty but I was content with my order. It even came with free ice cream at the end and if that wasn't enough there was a deal where you buy one get one free, so it was a lot cheaper than we thought it would be. When we got home, I tried out my Wal-Mart purchases and hung my new shower curtain. Now my b-room smells like sickness, plastic, and fruity air freshener...and that is not ok!!! Also, Breanna and I decided to have another movie slumber party but we didn't make it, we were out in no time.
Sunday was also a lazy start to the day. I took my time in getting up and Breanna made us some French toast. I was excited to see if my bathroom would be better, but it wasn't at all. I wanted to scream haha....so I decided that I would try baking soda and getting a fan so that meant another trip to Wal-Mart, but it was actually on the way because Breanna and I decided to go to a movie, The Mirrors. It was a CREEPY movie and we were the only ones besides two other people. The theater was huge and it only cost us 4.50 to get in and 5 bucks for an icee and popcorn. I can't complain!!! When we got back from Wal-Mart, we made some quesadilla burgers and they were pretty awesome and I hope to have them again! Then we headed to the school to get some papers to grade and when we got back I had a lovely convo with the rents. Well it is now 11pm and I have school in the am so I better get some shut eye...talk to you soon:)
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