Saturday mornings, what was I thinking? I thought it was going to be easy getting up on Saturdays, well I was wrong. The first day I was there on time, a little scared, not knowing what to expect. Mr. Ma on the other hand knew exactly what to do; start the class making everyone feel stupid or at least lost by walking into the “wrong” class room. Yes, it got me too for a second. I’m glad I’m shy and didn’t have the courage to ask, if I was in the right classroom. I waited and someone did it for me, it was funny. After this I knew it wasn’t going to be as bad as I thought. Until, I found out we had to talk to others, at that moment I thought I was going to die. The first person I talked to probably noticed how pink, red and almost purple I turned. When I got home I realized it wasn’t that bad, instead I realized it was going to help me learn to socialize a little better. Overall I really enjoyed this class and learned a lot, I’m glad I took it even if it was on Saturday mornings.
Proud Mommy
I have always said that I have the brightest kids. All parents say that, I know. My son Enrique is 6, he is in first grade and so far he has brought home a few certificates. At the beginning of the year his teacher wasn't happy with him being in her class because she is a bilingual teacher. Most of the work they do is in Spanish and Enriquito took kinder in English. The Principal and his teacher thought that he wasn't going to be capable of keeping up with everyone else. They wanted him out of her class, but I wanted him to be in bilingual so, I stud up and they had to keep him in her class. To their surprise he was student of the month for September. He has perfect attendance and he came home yesterday with a principal award. I know many kids get all this recognitions too, but I still thing my boy is the best. I felt sad yesterday for not attending to his awards assembly, I didn't know they were having one. I told him I was sorry I didn't make it to his assembly and he said "it's ok mamy, you can come to the next one." I know they will be many others to come and I'm glad he knows that too.
It is very important for my husband and I that our kids learn both languages and that they do it well. I know many parents that say that they don't want to make learning harder for their kids and that's why they only have them learning in English. I respect their ideas, but I think it doesn't matter how much you know but how well you know it. Many know how to speak Spanish, but can they read and write it? I know it is a little more challenging but it wont hurt. I did it and I was old when I started on my second language. I can't deny such privilege to my kids. Therefore, we have decided to have our children learn as many languages as they want and we are starting with English and Spanish. We have to make sure they learn them well; that means they need to know how to speak, read and write in both languages.
out one, many others to go
I really stressed over my midterms. I thought I was going to fail my tests, I really did. I have been to all my classes and done my work, but for some reason I didn't feel sure about what I knew, maybe because everything goes by so fast. Well, I took my tests and I got a B and an A. Not so bad, I don't want to sound like a nerd but I hate B's. I know I could be doing a lot more to have A's in all my classes but there are so many other things going on that I can't quite do that. Ballet Forlklorico is getting very demanding. Performances are coming up and we have to get ready. Usually Moreno Valley High School does a two hour show, that means I have at least 25 dances to get ready. Sunnymead Middle usually does 12, a lot less but it's harder to get middle school kids to pay attention. Other teachers have asked me to help them get their groups together and for some reason I can't say no, so I have other schools to help. Aw!! I'm really looking forward to winter brake.
TESTS!!!!!!!!!!!
Tests are usually the worst part about school, for many. In high school, I was one of the weird girls that would always finish first and get good grades. I did not have to study, most of the time, I knew what I knew and that was it. I didn’t waste my time studying. I always said that the only thing you had to do was; to pay attention during class and do your home work. Well that sound easy and during high school it was, I had nothing better to do. Now things are different. I have no idea what my midterms are going to be about, I have been to all my classes. I have done my homework. So, what am I doing wrong? I have been so stressed lately. I have had more migraines in this months, than what I have ever had in my whole life. I guess that having so many things in my mind while doing homework does not help. I’m writing but I’m not processing the information. I have so much to study. AAaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I had to do it, at least here. I haven’t got a chance to do it anywhere so at least I’ll do it here. AAAAAAAAAAAAaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Mi gordita
My little fatso
When my little girl was born she was a “normal” baby, she weight 6lb. 14 oz. As the days passed she gained weight like no other. On her two week visit she already weight 9lb. By six months she weight 26lbs. Doctors talked about having to do all kinds of exams, but since she was breastfed only, they decided to wait. When she started walking, which was at ten months, she started to lose some of that weight. She has been losing so much weight; by her 12mth checkup they send her to have all kinds of lab work done, this time because of her weight loss. On Tuesday, she had a doctor’s appointment and they told me what I did not want to hear. I nursed my son for 26 months; I believe that one of the best things one as a mother can give to our children is those nurturing moments. You don’t only supply with one of the best nurturing foods, but the bond between you and your child is permanent. For these reasons I had planned to nurse my little girl as long as I could, not exceeding the 26 months. But Zidtzi, does not like to eat solid foods. I have tried to give her all kinds of foods but she won’t have a full meal. She will try everything once, but one to two bites into the meal and she won’t eat any more. Obviously this is not good; whatever I can give her is not enough. She is growing and she needs more than just mommy’s milk. Today she weights 22 lbs. She is a tall little girl and there for she needs more nutrition. So, the doctor told me it was time to stop nursing her. At first I thought “she is crazy, she can’t tell me what to do.” Deep inside I knew she was right, so, I stopped. It has been hard, I see my little girls face and I feel so bad. She still rubs herself against my breast, only making me feel guilty. I have to admit that I am cheating a little. I nurse her during the night. I hope that this goes by fast and that she starts eating better. I am doing all I can to push her into eating, but it is hard.
Ballet Flolklorico
Ballet Folklorico is and has been more than just a passion for dance. When I was in high school, I joined Ballet Folklorico because I liked to dance. I thought that was the only club I fit in. My first opportunity at teaching Ballet Forlklorico came in the summer of 2002. I had no experience. I had helped my peers in high school, but that was it. I have to admit that the first time I taught Ballet Folklorico, it was a disaster. Now I seem to know what to do, and how to handle middle and high school students. It was’t until fall of 2003 when I realized Ballet Folklorico had been more than just an extracurricular activity. My mom always complained and said that that was a waste of time. She might have been right back then. We spent a lot of time practicing and hanging around. She never actually saw me perform, so she really didn’t know how good or bad I was at it.
On November of 2003, after having everything I needed and wanted, I suddenly had nothing. The inevitable finally happened and there was no turning back. I became a single mother of four; my son was 13 months, my little brother was 9 months, my sister was 3 years old, and my brother 15. I have to say this was the worst time of my life. Everything fell on top of me. I had four kids to take care of and a great number of issues to tackle; from monetary to legal. It was at this point when Ballet Folklorico became more than just Ballet Folklorico. It was therapy. Being around so many kids full of energy and passion, helped me a lot. I loved to see their faces full of excitement, when I taught them something different. I forgot about everything that was happening outside the dace room. I was filled with love from all the kids, like if they knew what was going on. I learned how to give myself to them, like they gave themselves to me. I became a real teacher at this point (I don’t have a credential but that’s not what makes a teacher). My passion for Ballet Folklorico grew tremendously. Up to this day all the students that go through Ballet Forlklorico become part of me. We all see each other as a big family. I really appreciate the opportunity of being able to be part of so many kids lives. They teach me so much, I think I learn more from them than what they actually learn from me.
(It takes so much more than just throwing everything out there for a student, of no matter what he or she is learning, to actually learn. It takes time and dedication. That is why; I admire those teachers who actually get a point across.)
Back to School
Going back to school, I thought would be fun and exciting. It has been a long time since I graduated from high school, seven years to be exact. A lot of things have happened since then; I got married, started my family and matured a lot. But there was always an emptiness, not achieving my dreams kept me unhappy. I know I started backwards. I have a great family, and I don’t regret anything I’ve done, but achieving my dreams has and will always be a priority in my life. This is why I decided it was time to get started on the path of my always dreamed life. It has been hard. Taking care of two little ones that demand all the attention in the world doesn’t leave much time for other things. My son, Enrique, started first grade this year. This only means he demands more time; it takes about an extra hour a day to help him with his homework. Kinder was a lot easier. Zidtzi, my little girl, is very hyperactive and wants to be with mommy all the time; this means doing homework includes maneuvering her on one side. I don’t regret going back to school I actually enjoy learning and being out side of my comfort zone. I know this is not normal, but I guess I’m not normal. The only thing about going back to school that I don’t like is that I don’t spend all the time I used to with my babies, and as we move in the semester everything seems to pile up. The good thing is that I am not taking everything I’m learning for granted. Back when I recently graduated from High School I attempted to start college, and fail because I didn’t appreciate the opportunity. My expectancies of school are not being fulfilled but I’m getting a lot more in return. There for, is not fun and exciting but is a great learning experience. I’m learning how to manage my time effectively and patience is definitely going to be one of my mayor qualities.
