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.
En honor a la vida/ In honor of life
*Mr. Ma I understand this is an english class but I would like to do this blog in spanish. I will translate it.*(later)
Hoy amanecimos con una noticia debastadora. A las seis de la manana Enrique, mi esposo, recivio una llamada. Era su primo, uno de los mas sercanos, desgaciadamente su hermano fallecio. Gerardo, en paz descanze, era un muchacho joven, fuerte, todo parecia ir muy bien. Nadie sabia que el padeciera de alguna enfermedad. Pero solo amanecio su cuerpo. Cuando Nelly me dijo lo que sucedia no lo pude creer. Muchas cosas pasaron por mi mente, talvez un accidente, nose algo que pudiera explicar como alguien de tan solo 26 anos pudo morir. Nadie se lo explica. Aun siento mi cuerpo pesado es una sensacion inexplicable. Aun no lo puedo entender. Esta situacion me trajo muchas emociones; tristesa, incertidumbre, desgaste emocional. El no era familiar mio directamente pero el echo de haberlo conocido me emfrenta a la realidad de la vida y la muerte. Todos sabemos que algun dia tenemos que morir y lo entendemos pero no lo asimilamos. Siempre esperamos que llegue y no lastime o almenos no nos imaginamos el dolor. Nunca planeamos mas aya del hoy, vivimos ignorando que ese dia llegara. Es ilogico vivir asi y aun asi lo hacemos. Yo se que es undolor muy grande para su familia imediata y sin haber antes vivido una situacion asi me lo puedo imaginar. Me pregunto porque en un momento asi nos lamentamos tanto? Porque no recordamos las cosas buenas de la persona? Porque dejamos que la obscuridad opaque tantos anos de claridad? si ya sabemos que ese dia llegara. El echo de hacerme estas pregutas no quiere decir que lo comprenda, pero porque es asi? Porque tiene que ser asi? Si tenemos alguna inclinacion religiosa sabemos que la distancia es temporal y que al final nos reencontraremos. Se del dolor de saber, que deja tantas cosas incorcretas. Que lo mas logico seria que alguien mayor muriera alguien que ya ha vivido, pero no es asi. Por esta razon siento tanta incertidumbre nadie sabe hasta cuando vas a estar con tus seres queridos. De algo si estoy segura cuado yo muera no quiero que se lamenten, ni que vistan de negro. En honor a la vida quiero que todos vistan de blanco y que enlugar de llorar y lamentarse recuerden los momentos alegres de mi vida. Que celebren mi vida no lamenten mi muerte.
Today we woke up to tragic news. Enrique, my husband, received a call at six in the morning from one of his closest cousins. His cousin's older brother had died. Gerardo, who may rest in peace, was a strong young guy. Everything seemed to be going well. No one was aware of him having any type of disease or complications; he was healthy. But on his bed only his body was found in the morning. When Nelly told me what was going on, I could not believe it. Many things went through my mind. I tried to find an explanation, an accident, something that could explain how someone so young could have died. No one can explain it. I still feel my body heavy with an inexplicable sensation. I still can accept it. This situation brought many feelings; sadness, uncertainty, and such an emotional weariness. He was not my immediate relative, but the fact that I knew him, puts me face to face with reality; life and death. We all know that we have to die; we understand it but not assimilate it. We expect life to end without pain, or at least we never think about the pain death brings with itself. We don’t plan ahead of today, we live ignoring that that day will arrive. It is illogical to live this way, yet we still do it. I know it is a tremendous pain for his immediate family. I have never gone through such situation, but I can imagine the pain. I can’t help but to ask myself; why do we lament so much in a situation like this? Why can’t we think about the good aspects of that person, and all the good things he left behind? Why do we let one moment of darkness opaque so many years of clarity? If we know that day has to and will arrive. The fact that I ask myself such questions does not mean I understand. But, why is it like this? Why does it have to be this way? If we have any type of religious believes, we know the distance in not permanent and that we will be together again. I know that the biggest concern is that he leaves so many things undone. The most logical would be that someone older would die first, someone that has already lived his life. This is why I feel such uncertainty. No one know when is going to be the last time you are going to be with your loved ones. Of one thing I’m sure; when I die, I don’t what anyone to lament on what could have been nor that they dress in black. In honor of life, I want everyone to dress in white. Instead of crying and lamenting my death I would like everyone to remember the happiest moments in my life. Celebrate my life, don’t lament my death.
It was really hard to translate!!!!
Little drama princess
Zidtzielia
This is my little princess a real girly girl. She is one year old and she acts like a true little girl, it amazes me how she is. Enrique, my husband, always says that you have to treat girls and boys equally; meaning that you can't over protect a girl just because she is a girl. She has to be able to run, jump, fall and get up on her own just like boys. So we have done that since she was born. But she is so girly, everything she does is what a girl would do. She is cautious, she loves dresses, she gives drama like no other. It has to be her way and their is no highway. She likes to wear things around her neck and on her head, what ever she finds she'll wear. She lets her aunts do what ever they want to her as long as it involves make up or nail polish. I know she is too young for this, how does she know what make up is? You tell me. She sees us do it, but Enriquito, my son, would too and he never let us mess with him. This is why she amazes me she is only one and you can tell she is a girl. I don't like my sisters putting make up on her or nail polish but they do it once in a while and Zidtzi loves it. She goes up to you and flashes you with her hand and says hui, hui imitating a whistle. We always whistle at her because she likes it, so when ever she needs to be whistled at she lets us know. She also loves to dance, if you want to keep her happy the radio is your best choice. She still doesn't know much and I can already see trouble.
Zidtzielia in the mythology of the Polish and Silesian was the goddess of love.
I am a proud parent all I do is think about my kids. They make me who I am and everything I do is for them, so you will be hearing alot about them.
My Little Batman
We are getting ready for one of the most expected days for my baby. On Saturday his aunt Nelly took him shopping for his costume. He decided he would be Batman this year. This would be his first year as a super hero and he is very exited. Last year he was Captain Sparrow. All day yesterday and today he has been running around the house with his costume on saying "I'm the dark knight". I like watching him and I admire his innocence. My student of the month of September really believes we think he is the real Batman. There is nothing better than looking at him and try to find out what goes through his mind. He fought his dad for about an hour yesterday and of course Batman won.
