Writing the story on the so-called "urban tribes" this weekend was both fun and stressful. It was fun to intermingle with the subjects of my story, the goths, punks, emos, etc. I was painfully reminded every second that I am very, very mainstream, but not quite cool enough to be hipster. I did put on eyeliner and wear a second set of earrings and skinny jeans, as if it might help my cause. And I did share a tender moment with the 18-year-old goth mentioned in my story, who nervously approached me 20 minutes after the interview and asked me to hang out afterwards. It took me back to high school, so much to the point where I almost forgot I didn't have to say 'yes' just to keep things from being awkward in the hallways. However, despite my efforts, I think I solidified my sociocultural status when I bought tickets to the Backstreet Boys concert for next Thursday. I'm going with Laura and her co-worker, and I think it might involve a nice tequila drink beforehand to erase whatever is left of our dignity. Sidenote: I've always loved 98 Degrees more.
Putting the story together was a bit stressful because I didn't start out with a clear direction. The article was supposed to be focused on the results of a discussion by anthropologists on these "urban tribes." However, everything they said was pretty boring and academic, so much so that I left before they started passing out the complimentary glasses of wine. My patience was also tested because I had been walking around for a combined 3 hours, the result of an ATM machine eating my debit card and me having little cash (thereby only able to afford a couple 2 peso, or 15-cent, metro rides and one 20 peso cab ride post-conference). Walking around in floppy flats didn't help much either. After visiting the Glorieta de Insurgentes and the El Chopo street market, I was able to gather enough inspiration to create my own focus for the story. But, I still had to put the finishing touches on at 9 a.m. Sunday morning, very painful since I'd gone to bed at 4 after a very successful party at the apartment.
Speaking of which, we had a very successful party. Unfortunately, Drewbie was out of town, so Paul and I were the lone hosts. According to Facebook, there was an "80's Crunk" theme, but only six of us picked up on it, apparently. I eventually changed out of my black spandex bike shorts to blend in a little bit better, though I did retain my J.Lo-esque gold hoop earrings and blossoming fro. We had a great turnout, so great that when I answered the door, strangers said they were friends of 'so-and-so' at the party, who was also a stranger. Paul and I bought a mop and carpet cleaner the next day.
Things at the school are slowly but surely improving. I actually filled out a space in my lesson planner last night, though I guess I have 16 more weeks to fill out. One of the toddler teachers today told me that I was quiet and nice with the kids, which in a way is good because it counters the other teachers' more strict, stern approaches, but is also negative because the kids know they can get away with anything. I thought it would be an inappropriate time to tell my co-worker that I often fantasize about striking them with heavy metal chains across the face. Just kidding! Maybe just a plush teddy bear across the face. I also got paid for the first two weeks...tax free! [insert undocumented immigrant joke here].
Another toddler teacher gave me this necklace yesterday as a gift. Precious!
No comments:
Post a Comment