Damas y caballeros,
I made it safe and sound to Mexico City, and I'm so glad to be back! It's still a bit surreal to be here again, especially considering just three days ago I was wearing pajamas midday and feasting on Cheezits. It's a weird feeling though...I feel like I fell right back into place with the city and all my friends here, but at the same time, I feel completely new and unfamiliar to the city, as if I'm here for the first time. I'm living in the same 'colonia' as last time, but I'm significantly further north. For example, it took me about 40 minutes to walk to the Starbucks from which I'm currently typing. It used to take me 10. Oops! The man behind me is lovingly stroking his ferret as I type. I'm still in the process of finding my replacement go-to spots, like the bakery, pharmacy, sandwhich shop, etc., but I'm sure it's nothing sensible footwear and an adventurous spirit can't fix!
My apartment is great. Paul and his mom put together just about everything over the weekend, so most of it is settled. The living/dining area is very open and has a balcony that looks out over the city. It's prettier at night though, as I realized today while eating lunch out there that many of our surrounding buildings are abandoned or eyesores. Latin America's tallest skyscraper, Torre Mayor, is also five blocks in front of us, so that consumes most of the view. My room is a "quaint" little space just off the kitchen. It's the would-be maid's quarters, so it's pretty small, but the rent is cheap (hence why I'm living in it). We'll be installing some shelves and putting in a bookcase soon to give me more storage space. I have a walk-in closet though!!! Well, technically it is also my bathroom, and my clothes rack is within arm's reach of the toilet (hence why I bought an air freshner). I also have some plastic shelves stacked to serve as a dresser. The toilet is currently out of order, but hopefully it will be flushing again soon! I have a huge sink, as most of it includes a built-in washboard. There is a shower, but it's pretty unsightly and is in the same tiled space as the sink, so I'll be alternating between Drew's and Paul's for showers.
Tomorrow I'm heading into The News to meet with the new Living editor. I have an assignment this weekend, covering the 2nd annual graffiti contest/exhibition in Estadio Azteca. I'm very thrilled to be working again as a journalist. It's very effective in boosting my self-esteem. I'm not sure when or if they'll have a job for me, but in the meanntime I'll be freelancing and writing as much as I can.
Today was my first day of orientation at the preschool. It's about a 20 minute walk from my house, so it's a perfect location. I'll be working 8:30-1, M-Th and teaching three classes a day. I also get my own smock and a button with my name on it! This week, parents are registering their kids for next year, so I just sat around mostly and read four-year-olds' phonics books. I'll be writing daily lesson plans and have the head lady checking my book the week in advance. I hope she's not alarmed by my repeated attempts to institute nap time or sniff rubber cement.
I was slightly annoyed that the woman in charge of the English program kept telling my future colleagues that I hardly speak any Spanish at all. When I corrected her, she just kind of rolled her eyes. But I realize I'm the biggest English influence there now, as the only native speaker (as far as I know). Even the instructors want to improve their English by speaking to me. So...so much for that Spanish degree, I guess! I observed one class of four-year-olds and, much to my horror, was left alone to teach about 10 three-year-olds. I think only one or two children actually said anything at all, despite my desperate pleas to name off the days of the week or animals on flashcards. I sang "head, shoulders, knees and toes" twice by myself. Then I suggested we color, and they actually responded to that...though one kid refused to put down a fork for a Crayola. Some of them ended up eating the crayons, but fortunately the clock struck 1 p.m. and I was out the door! All of the teachers seem really friendly and helpful, though I'm still not sure if I should speak to them in English or Spanish.
I'm still adjusting quite a bit to life back in Mexico City, though I can unequivocably say I'm glad I came back to stay. I miss and love you all!!!
Maestra Maria
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If you give them all adderall, I bet they will be more attentive in class. I think you have great experience with dealing with young children, considering you grew up with me and J4 who's maturity is decades behind our actually age. Just remember how you felt when you took your first Spanish class, or the first time your teacher refused not to speak in English anymore.. and the whole time you were like wtj is going on.
ReplyDeleteIf you get any children who were difficult like me, and always seeking attention from the peers in the class... I would say the best way to deal with them is keeping them as involved in the class as possible. The less involved they are, they more likely they are to be disruptive. Punishing them directly might make them lash out more. Being kind and attentive to them should give them all the attention they desire. But if you need any help dealing with fuzz like people, let me know!
peace out girl scout
I laughed when you only had one follower.. then I signed up as your second.. dont say I never did anything for you. One day I want you to webcam your teaching bc I think it sounds hilarious. Hope your lungs are adjusting back to the MC just as well as you are! Dont miss you!
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