Yo tengo un amigo que me ama...

As ususal, so much to say from a matter of 12 hours...

Yesterday afternoon, after lunch, we were getting ready for coffee with Alfredo.  I don't know if I explained, but Alfredo is a guy who teaches in the SEP (public school system) in the afternoons.  He has a full time position at a private school, Monday through friday 7-2.  He also teaches at the language school on Saturdays.  He is also working on his BA.

I met him at the textbook training and he is a friend of Mabel's.  We went to a coffee shop, and of course I don't drink coffee.  And because of the hour, I decided against frappucino and went with tea.  It was an air conditioned place, but I was sweating by the end of the night.

We chatted, mostly in English, which reminded me of being at Batter'd n Fried with Yuri and Samhir speaking only Spanish.  This was the most English I've heard Mabel speak.

It was fun, but most importantly short and sweet.  When talking about how much I loved Kindergarten and how I hoped to do something with Kindergarten here, Alfredo said he could tell I was a Kindergarten teacher by looking at me.  That when I was introduced at the textbook training he could see it in my eyes.  Bypassing the eyes part and the potential comments that no doubt PK or Dad will have about this, I'm moving to the Kindergarten part.  It's so funny to think I look the part.  For the most part, I know my students love me.  And love Spanish class.  But also for the most part, I run a tight ship.  There's not a lot of messing around, and not much gets by me.  This occasionally causes me to wonder why they could like it or me.  I also have a teensy bit of a sarcastic side.  Sarcasm is-and should be- totally and completely lost on small children.  I know I'm where I should be, but I often wonder if my sarcasm and such could be put to use in a middle school or high school.  Anyhow, Jenny Martin, who was once Miss Alexander at Lockeland, is infamous for being exactly what you picture as a Kindergarten teacher.  Well, maybe not all of you.  She has really cute clothes, so it's not that kind of Kindergarten teacher.  She is sweet, she is loving, and she never raises her voice.  She occasionally gets annoyed (though I'm talking once or twice a year), but even then she is the picture of kalm and Kindergarten.  She is what I picture when I think about that grade.  So to hear that I could be seen as a K teacher before knowing that, was a high compliment to me.

Maybe I have arrived!

Alas, coffee night was over, and apparently it was not a "te invito" because we all split the ticket.  Which is fine.  And normal.  And etc.

When we got back home, Mabel asked me if I wanted to go to the birthday party of her friend's sister or if I wanted to go to bed.  I debated.  They tell you not to turn down an invitation in the first weeks as that is the make it or break it time.  However, we all know what bear comes from within this picture of Kindergarten teacher Laura when she does not get enough sleep.  I'm still catching up from the long day of travel, the hustle and bustle as well as the humidity here.  It definitely takes a toll.

I opted to stay home.  I ate a peanut butter sandwich, washed face, brushed teeth, and chatted a bit before bed.

There's a lapse in communication here.  Duh.  But what I mean is, there must be some words that mean something here that they don't in Spanish I and II.  For example, when Mabel and I were discussing the birthday party, I asked what time we would get back and she said 11.  She didn't leave until 11.  I don't know if the communication lapse there is purely the late thing, to if I've missed something with the words.  Again this afternoon, I asked her when Cosette was coming home and she said right now (ahorita) at 7:30.  It was 4.  So right now has a different meaning.  Little things that I'll no doubt pick up on soon.

Bottom line: I'm glad I didn't go to the party.

This morning, I had my alarm set to be ready at 8, when I thought Carmen (Yuri's aunt...for church) was coming.  Ha!  Luckily, I pushed myself to snooze a bit because again I had misunderstood.  They drive almost an hour to get to church.  I thought she said she'd pick me up at 8.  She must've said she was leaving at 8.  She called Mabel at 7:40, when I was eating my eggs (getting that protein in to fill me up until 2) and pan tostado (pre-"toasted" bread) to let us know she'd be here at 8:40.  Shortly after 8:40, she was at the door and off we went.  Her husband was driving (can't remember his name, maybe Mariano), and her two girls were in the back with me: Diana and Mariana.  Mariano (we'll just say that IS his name) dropped us off at church and left.  He's not a Christian and has nothing to do with church except the dropping off and picking up.

Carmen told me that it didn't look like a normal church, but that it was a great church that was growing.  We walked into what looked like a mechanic's shop and went upstairs to the second floor.  It looked a lot like the 2nd or third floor of the church in Cozumel.  It was HOT, but they turned on the air conditioners.  We set up chairs, etc, and Carmen told me that they had a leaders' meeting.  I was welcome to come in but that I could stay out there if I wanted.  I pulled out The Audacity of Hope and was thankful I had brought something to read.  Not really sure why I did.  I read until some people started trickling in.  I met a grandmother who took a great interest in me and why I am here and her granddaughter Melissa who took a great interest in what the States are like.  We talked for awhile.  Then Carmen et al came out of their meeting.

Church was scheduled to start at 10.  Promptly at 10:20 we began.  We sang and sang and sang...de pie (standing).  For over an hour!  Carmen and another woman and two girls were the praise team on stage with the song leader who gives Blake a run for his money in the Backstreet category but not in the vocals category.  Diana played the keyboard and little Mariana (9 years old but TINY, maybe smaller than Cosette) played the drums.  I enjoyed the worship part.  I knew about half of the songs from either Honduras or Cozumel.  The ones I didn't know were easy because the song leader would say the verse right before we were to sing it.  That was great for my listening skills!  When the she-preacher got up to preach, Carmen came and sat with me.  I had been all alone in the front row of chairs; the girls went to class.  She preached for an hourish.  She spoke slowly and clearly which I liked, but her manner or speaking was not my favorite.  Anyone who was with me in the church-searching years knows that that turned me from more than one church!  I'm just picky.  Sorry.

At the end, she was crying.  I had stopped listening long before.  That's just a long day!  And I must say, Chris Smith, you're possibly my all-time fave to listen to, but I think over an hour of preaching after over an hour of singing and praying standing up is just a bit much, even if it's you and Blake Parker.  Maybe it's just me.  Maybe I would enjoy it.  We could try at Christmas.  Or not.

So after the preaching it got weird.  I feel very judgmental saying that and probably am not, because if it's not for me, it's not for me.  If you want details, call me or let's chat sometime, but it was not a happy last 40 minutes or so.  It was very uncomfortable.  And I think it had to do with a little more than cultural differences.  That attributed to some of it since my cultural church has always been for only ONE Sunday, not for plans of ten months' worth, or in Spain, where I met Tracy the first Sunday and she was an American.  That helped the comfort zone thing.

After church, Carmen et al took me by Yuri's church which is the largest in the city and has three services.  Carmen said she would take me to the 5:00 service (pm) if I wanted sometime.  I think yes, please.  I would like to get to know Yuri's friends, and comfort zone.  I think next week, though, we might go to the beach.  Vamos a ver.

Today has been a lazy day since lunch.  But that's fine by me because tomorrow brings busyness and first impressions!

Check back in!

Fiesta, Fiesta (R. Kelly)

I should re-read my previous blog before I start new ones so I don't repeat myself entirely too much, however, I never think of that until I'm already going!

So, let's talk about Friday.  We got up early to take Cosette to school and then go to my meeting with my enlace, Maribel.  Think of her as my supervisor.  The bos I have directly above me.  She has a boss, Ana Luisa (who happens to be my mentor), and she has a boss Mayra Cota.  Mayra's boss is the big boss.

Okay, this is where you're lucky because I just went back and re-read.  But I do think the chain of command (and names) is important.  So you got all that form last blog including the fact that Mayra would be coming at 6.

Six comes and passes.  Mabel had gone at 5 to meet with someone about something (minor details) and she had left Cosette in my care.  No worries; I'm not some unpaid babysitter.  in my care meant that I didn't even see her.  She was outside playing with her friend.  Where we live is called a privada which clearly means private.  What the entails however, is that it's basically condos with a gate and a guard at the gate.  I don't think he has a gun (like the guards everywhere else in most of Latin America), but he only lets in people who he knows or who have tags or I don't know.  He wouldn't even let people in the other day who wanted to pass out ads.  Mabel is the Homeowners Association Treasurer (they don't call it HOA, but I'm giving you the picture), so the guard asked her if they could come in and she gave them permission.

Anyhow, Cosette was playing outside while I waited oh so patiently to hear from Mayra.  She came running in, "MaMA!" I told her she wasn't here and asked if I could help.  She said that her dad was here; could she go with him?  I was about to call her on my cell when I realized he was downstairs and was already on the phone with her.  And off they went for the weekend.  Interesting visitation agreement. I'm still working on the full story.

Mabel came home close to 7 and said she'd gotten a text from Mayra saying she would be here at 7:15.  At 7:30, she walked in the door.  We met, she welcomed me, all was well.  She told me Jessica had called her.  Jessica is with Comexus (I know I'm repeating myself, but I also know there are a lot of names and no faces) in Mexico City.  She asked me what the problem was (in a very nice way, not an ugly "what's your problem?") and we discussed it.  It came out basically that they had yes changed me from Yuri's school because her school is so far and "basica" meaning it doesn't have much in the way of supplies, air conditioning, level of education of the parents, etc.  The school I saw looked to be much the same, but you can't judge a book, right?

So I told her that sounded good to me.  She also asked if I could help with the afternoon English reading program.  It's from 4-6 everyday and the theme is Octavio Paz for this year.  It's basically one week of lessons and the kids change each week.  There will be another teacher with me.  Should be fun and interesting.  So far it's a volunteer position, but they might pay me the difference in hours of what the Fulbright contact says I'll work and how many I'll actually be working.  I think she told me it would come out to about 100 a month.  Dollars, not pesos.  That's good in my book.  Not minimum wage, but more than I was making, and enough to pay my part of the bills.

She also asked who was coming with me to school on Monday (remember, no labor Day here), my enlace (Maribel) or my mentor (Ana Luisa), and the answer was neither.

She said she would go with me and come pick me up.  She also said there was no reason to be early (read: on time) the first day because all I would be doing is getting my schedule, meeting the teachers, and meeting the children.  I'm getting excited writing about it!  I was nervous when talking to her, but now I'm ready and excited!

In the middle of this conversation, three women showed up at the door and came in to join us at the kitchen table.  They were Yuri's mom, sister, and aunt (Carmen who will take me to church tomorrow-gonna be a long day!).  They found out I wasn't going to be at Yuri's school and kind of wowed their eyebrows at where I would be.  It's a great area and has a great private school.  But like any great area, there are all types.  The public school with by the poor kids, but I'm ready for it!  Also, I got the impression that the building was air conditioned and that the parents were supportive, etc.  Yuri's mom said, "Te pusieron en una escuela mas nice."  That made me laugh (they put you in a nicer school, using the English word nice).  She also said that Yuri had seen the pictures of Lockeland and had heard all my stories and was so worried about my being in her school.  Also, that after she got to Nashville and everyone was so great to her that she got more nervous, at which point Mayra interjected that Yuri had emailed her a few weeks ago saying to take really good care of me because everyone in Nashville had been so great to them.  Yay, Nashville!

When everyone left, Mabel told me that a few of her friends were coming over and wanted to meet me and couldn't join us tonight because of a sister's birthday party.  No big deal.  So I got on my computer, watched the Obama speech from the convention and then went downstairs to wait with her.  

In came an engaged couple and we chatted on the back patio for a bit.  Later came Mabel's sister, Maricela (they all seem to begin with Ma, huh? Mabel, Maricela, Mabel, Mayra), whom I had just met the day before.  She's 22 and studying to be a dentist.  She'll be finished in one year I think. 

We're sitting on the patio, which is brick-ish in the plastic outside chairs that are oh-so-popular in Mexico.  I had a Mark Jent moment.  Yep, the legs of the chairs bent on me.  They didn't snap which is good.  But apparently those chairs can't handle the combination of pressure from the hard floor and pressure from above!  That made me really want to start a running plan!

At this point there were five of us, and calls were being made telling us more were coming, so we moved the party out front into the driveway.  The driveway looks like two concrete strips to park on, and grass between.  It is the length of exactly one car.  The car was blocking the driveway in the street (driveway of the privada), so we had the whole "yard."  We munched on chips and raw hotdogs (this is what salchicha is), and they drank beer.  They all said that people who don't drink beer, but live in Culiacan, drink beer.  We shall see.  Literally every time someone got up for more anything, they would ask me if I wanted a beer.

Several times my eyes were closing, because at this time it was 11 (12 my time) and I had had a long, full, busy, hot half-week.  I got wrapped up in a conversation with a Spaniard who is here volunteering for three months before she travels the world after having just graduated college.

By one, I could see that the party was just going to go on forever, so I had to turn in.  I washed my face, brushed my teeth, and armed myself with my mask while the music below me blared on and the rain outside kept falling (it started to sprinkle around 11, but we all stayed out there.  It cooled off a LOT and they all joked that it was special weather for me because they were all freezing and ready to go get their sweaters. Ha!  Yeah right!  By 12:30 it was pouring and we all poured into the house and onto the back covered patio).  I had no trouble sleeping through all this. 

Around 4, I awoke to Mabel standing in my room.  And looking at herself in my full length wall mirror.  I was thinking maybe she just missed her old room when I realized this is Cosette's old room, not hers...  Upon second glance (mind you 4am), I realized it was my balloons from Ana Luisa in the airport!  That made me feel better. :)  The ceiling fan makes them move and they make a little noise.

Mabel had to go to her new school this morning at 9.  She poked her head in and told me she was leaving.  I had my mask on and was dead asleep so when she got back and I was showered, etc, she asked me if I felt bad.  No, Mabel, this is just what tired Laura looks like!  You keep making my social calendar and you'll see a lot of her!

While she was gone, one of Shania's friends called me to tell me that she wanted to invite me sometime, was I busy today.  I knew I had night plans, but I wasn't sure of the day plans.  She was busy, but would be calling me.

Mabel and I made a grocery list and went to the super.  We got some vegetables, thank goodness! :) Spinach and broccoli.  We got plenty of fruit.  That with my peanut butter ought to make a happy gringa for a week or so.  When we got back, Mabel told me of our plans for the day: to her dad's house for laundry and lunch, coffee with a friend of hers that I had met at the textbook training, and the birthday party of the friend's sister from last night.

Her dad is a retired, yet still practicing ob/gyn.  His wife died about 4 years ago.  He was a very nice man who tried hard to make me comfortable.  His house was bigger than Mabel's, but not by a ton.  He kept telling me how small her house was.  He had fans going everywhere, and even though it was miserably hot outside, it was comfortable inside.  Maricela was there with her boyfriend.  We chilled while Mabel did some of her laundry.  Maricela was still in her clothes from the party last night, so she had to shower and such.  When she was ready, we went in her boyfriend's mini-van so we could all fit to the restaurant.  It was called Panama I think.  It's beside the mall where we ate yesterday.  Geographically between his house and ours.

Lunch was GREAT!  I had three shrimp tacos.  I shouldn't've finished them, but I did.  They were that good.  Leaving food on your plate or taking leftovers doesn't seem to be a big thing here.

After lunch, we went to pick up the laundry from Dad's house and Mabel was too tired to drive.  She asked me if I wanted to practice.  HA!  In her 5-speed Sentra.  I asked her if she wanted to arrive alive.

I did it.  Luckily the traffic was super-minimal and I handled it without choking once!  Hard to believe I know.

We got back here and I chatted with Mom and was preparing for my nap while Mabel napped, but then Amanda and I figured out skype for the video call and I talked to her and Turner for a bit.  LOVE this video camera!!!!

Tonight is more fun.  Will let you know!

Oh, Mexico!

James Taylor?  And later Jimmy Buffett?  Well, I've figured it out.  I feel so weird because I'm comfortable with the notion that this is not my life.  This is my adventure for the year.  They told us in DC that there would be cultural things that would drive us crazy, etc.  However, that we were to remember this isn't my life!  Well, I think why I feel so weird is that I've done this enough to know it's not my life.  But living not my life for 10 months is going to be hard.  But I'll soldier on!  I'm not upset or worried, just kinda figuring out my emotions. :)

So this morning was the meeting with my enlace.  She's very nice and helpful.  And she gave the whole presentation in Spanish and outside, because the air was broken in our meeting room.

After, I got my teaching supplies.  There is an interesting system here that the teachers buy the books for the students.  Not with their money, just with their bodies.  So I will have to collect money from them, keep track of it, and then go to the bank to get a check then go to the office to get books for all my students.

So, after writing the name of my school several times and putting some pieces together (I only have to work 3 days a week, Mabel didn't know where the school was and got directions from Ana Luisa even though Yuri had taken her there, etc), I realized that they weren't putting me in Yuri's school.  Shania and Beatriz (in DC) had told me that they might give me options.  It seems, however, they made the choice for me.  I texted Lucas, a teacher in Mexico City who works with Comexus (Fulbright Mexico City) part time and also did a Fulbright teacher exchange before.  I asked him if this was okay and if I should call the directors of Comexus and he said not okay and yes to call.  So I called Jessica (jessica and Maggie are the two names from Comexus you'll read about most) and she asked if that was what I wanted and while one bus (instead of two) for 45 minutes (instead of an hour) was really appealing, not to mention 3 days a week, I told her something about it made me uneasy.  I had emailed Yuri to see if I was right in assuming this was not her school and she said it definitely was not and that it wasn't as good of a school and that she wanted me with her teachers, etc.

While Mabel and I were at the mall (and Cosette) eating lunch (remember that school is out at 12:30 and lunch is at 2), I got a call from one of the supervisors or coordinators or something.  Mayra Cota is her name and she wants to meet with me.  I'm assuming that someone talked to her about this.  I hope it gets fixed!  I know it will get fixed one way or another; it's just a matter of when and how!

For now, I'm "no te preocupes"ing and waiting on Mayra to get here.  Maybe she can solve my problems. :)

At lunch, I had Chinese food.  There are so many kinds of food here.  Their favorite seems to be sushi ("suchi") and it's fried.  Well, the outside is.

Nothing is healthy here.  Nothing. :)

So I think I'm going to have to be an early riser and walk on my street.  Mabel was telling me this morning as we were taking Cosette to school that in the mornings, there are no cars and many people walk or run.  Early would be 5:30 if I'm going to catch the bus before 7.  Oh my grand adventure!

As always, I'll keep you updated!

Amor y brasos.

a ha hush that fuss...

Outkast anyone?

There's so mcuh to tell you about today.

But I must begin with this.  Since I bought my mac, I have been excited about the video chat.  Before I bought it, I was prepared to rig a webcam to my Dell.  Tracy had suggested yahoo chats via video since she does them with her sister in England.

Anyhow, Patrick was on Facebook, so we were chatting and we decided to try out the video chat.

IT WORKED!  Sometimes it's a bit delayed, but that's probably because I have a low (borrowed) signal.  SO- anyone with an AIM screen name and video capability, let's chat!

Back to me....

I checked today, and the numbers before my phone number should be right now.  Good luck with that!

So back to Outkast.  Today was an "everybody move to the back of the bus" day!  Let's see...

After Mabel dropped Cosette off at school, she came back here for me.  We had some breakfast (apple and pan tostado-pre-toasted bread).

We went to one of her schools for some meeting- she just had to talk to the director or something. Then we went to the bank.  I cashed a check that Comexus (Fulbright stationed in Mexico) gave us for whatever we want, and changed half of my cash.  I feel LOADED since the exchange rate is ten to one.  But it's much better having pesos; it just makes life much easier. 

After that, we had to return home so Mabel could take a psychological exam (best I can tell is it's like a background check) for an interview for a job this afternoon.  It was online and took two hours!!!!

It also had things like math, situational ethics.  Weird.  Okay, not weird, different. :)  That's what I tell my students.  And I believe it.  But this test.  Seemed weird. :)

So after that, we were going to try to practice my bus route.  Good news: it only takes one bus to get me to the school.  More good news: the bus is air-conditioned.  More: The last stop is mine.  Why is this good news you ask?  Because, since the ride is almost 45 minutes, I get on early both times ensuring a seat!

So I got on my bus; it's called canal tres because it passes a tv station (channel 3).  It costs me 6 pesos (60 cents for you mathematicians paying attention earlier) both ways.  It's a bumpy ride.

That leads me to the explanation of my title.  We got on, and it was semi-empty.  Mabel took us to the very back of the bus.  I figured she had her reasons.  So I followed.  Well, turns out these drivers are serious about getting places.  There are major and I mean major potholes in the roads.  So we're flying through town and hitting speed bumps.  You can imagine what happens in the back of a bus.  We were flying everywhere, but by this time it was filling up.  So we stayed!  I may not be able to walk after a week of riding the bus!

We were watching our watches because we only had about an hour before Mabel's interview (note: Mabel is pronounced Mah-BELL and can sound like My Bell when spoken in the Barren County accent as noted by PK and Mer and Amanda on our three-way chat tonight).  We got to the school and the bus turned around.  One time I got on a bus in Spain going the wrong way and at the last stop I had to physically get off, and get on again and pay.  Not so in Mexico!  We just stayed put.  By now it's raining a bit (it is the rainy season, not the hot, which is good), and we have to change buses instead of going back tot he house for the car because we're running late!  So we wait in the rain (lucky for us I had my handy dandy new purple umbrella) and have to jump in front of the bus to catch it.  I told you they go places fast.  Mabel told me that they have supervisors at certain stops to make sure they're running on time (contrary to what I'd been taught about Mexicans and their value of time), so they don't go out of their way to see you at the stop.  You have to let them know!  So Mabel threw herself in front of the bus (camion for a littel Spanish lesson) and we got on.  There wasn't exactly room, so we stuffed ourselves at the top of hte stairs, holding onto anything we could.  Since we were flying, this other man tried to get on adn succeeded, but where do you think he was going to go?  He was what you picture in your head when you think of a Mexican man.  He had the hat, the jeans, and he was old.  I was thankful for him, though.  At one point, we lurched and I totally would've fallen if he hadn't been there to save me.  Thank you, 70 year old man!

I'm tellin' ya, they get you there on time.  If you're still alive when you get off the bus, 

that's a bonus!  I should now say the part about how they don't wear seatbelts.  I've already tried to break the habit.  It's TOTALLY habitual.  I don't even notice I'm the only on in the car with mine on until we get somewhere and I undo it!

So we get off the bus, thankfully alive, and run literally to the building where her interview 

is because we're 15 minutes late already.  It's a ten minute run in new flip flops.  They're Borns, so they felt decent, but totally not meant for running!

So I go sit in teh library outside the room where she's on some official woman's computer doing a video interview with someone in another part of the state.

So she came out at 2 and we had to be at my textbook meeting at 3, so we caught another bus.  What an adventurous day.  I though it would be a slow day...HA!  We had to wait a bit.  We got on the bus and went to the mercado downtown to grab a bite.  I had a taco and a vampiro.  Yep, a vampire.  It's a typical dish from here.  I was unimpressed.  The taco, however, blew me away.  And only 10 pesos!  What was strange, er different, was that there were cut cucumbers and radishes out with pepper.  Mabel just picked one up with her fingers, put pepper on it, and ate it.  She asked me if I wanted some, and I declined.  I did however, eat the salsa and guacamole (which is much more liquid here than ours) from the table.  It was probably brave of me to do this (and drink my coca light with ice!), but it was comfortable.  Comfortable is always when you get into trouble, so I'm going to have to pay closer attention.  We scarfed it (because by now it was 2:30 and I hadn't really learned form yesterday's breakfast and didn't eat enough!) and booked it to the hotel (walking).  We got there and there was a party!  Well, drinks and cookies, etc.  Mabel talked to Ana Luisa who is my mentor, yet is a coordinator of the program for the whole city, so I won't see her a ton.  She said she'd be back for me at 6.  I swear she lives in her car, which I suppose is what most would say about me...

My textbook training was very interesting because it was given by the author of the textbook who is British yet has lived in Mexico for 39 years!  She gave the presentation in English and was very animated, but it was stuff I already knew.  It was for brand new teachers.  I am new to the system, but not new to teaching, so I already knew the answers! :)  It went on for almost three hours with one 10 minute break in the middle.  At the end, Ana Luisa introduced me in front of everyone and made the joke that I would accept all invitations.  But it's true!  Here, it's a cultural thing that they prepared us for in DC.  If you invite someone to something, "Te invito" then you're paying, no matter what it is.  So if anyone invites me, you know I'm going!!!

Afterwards, many people came up to me, giving me their cards.  The girl who had sat beside me asked me if I were on facebook and we're already friends.  She lives on my street.  

What are the odds?!

Mabel came for me with Cosette.  Mabel had to talk to Ana Luisa for a bit because Ana Luisa thinks a public school will hire her.  She's meeting with them tomorrow.  Very interesting how these jobs change hands all the time.  Now she has three high school and/or university jobs.  This would be a part time elementary (which she doesn't like, but wants to do because it's in the mornings) in addition to one or two of the others.

Then Ana Luisa told me that the Secretary wants to talk to me still.  That he's been out of town since I've been here, but that he wanted to talk to me Monday.  Ana Luisa's boss, who is the highest boss in the SEP (the public education of public schools) was told by the secretary that she can't meet me and talk to me and welcome me.  That he wants to do it first!  Ha!

So I have chosen my outfit for MOnday to not sweat to much in school and then meet him. :)

After that, Mabel, Cosette and I stopped in the bread store-aka: pastry shop.  I love how 

they do it here.  It's all out.  You walk in and pick up what looks like a cookie sheet with lots of sugar on it.  You get tongs and pick out what you want. 

 You take it to the ladies to put in a paper bag and they write the price. You take it to the cashier and they wrap it in a plastic bag and take your money. 

 It looked delicious, but until I have a workout plan, I have to be careful!

On the way home, Cosette was chatty chatty chatty.  She does nothing if she doesn't tell me the entire plot of a movie I've never heard of or sing all the words to a high school musical song!

She's hilarious.  This picture is her in her uniform.  The following is her being silly (surprise she's a ham!)

 while Mabel is in the background getting her water.

It was 7:00 by the time we were home, so I tried the video conference and got PK.  Then Mer got home so she called me again. Then they got together with Amanda and we did a three way call.  Turner was asleep, but so very cool!  

Amanda took the computer into his room and showed him to us.  He's still adorable for those of you who were worried!

:) Tomorrow is a short day.  Well, the plans are short!  At 8 I have to be at my "training" with my enlace.  I don't know what that word actually means, but it's the person above me who checks my lesson plans, whom I go to when I need something, etc.  That's at 8.  Mabel will drop me off and then pick me back up.  We'll come home and the maid will be here.  

Mom had mentioned before that she had a friend from some Spanish speaking country who had moved to Glasgow.  

She was needing a maid to come every day and neither Mom nor I understood.  

In Guatemala, there was a daily maid.  It's just a cultural thing.  But in this case, it's only twice a week.  Get this: Friday and Saturday.  I would definitely want to spread that clean around.  But again, what do I know?!

I want to look for a gym and a Mailboxes, Etc, but I haven't seen one.  Mabel seems to think the mail is fine, but everyone with Fulbright has told me no.  When I can put my hands on my address again, I will post it.  You're welcome to try.  Letters should be fine via USPO, but if you wanted something bigger than that, they recommend FedEx.  That may just be FORM Mexico TO the US, but maybe not?

Here I am typing to you.  Emily looked at my pictures on Kodak today and we were chatting while Mabel took her test, and she asked me if I were in my room.  I told her yes and on my bed.  She said it made her feel better picturing it in her head....So here it is!

Love to all!  And get an AIM screen name!

:)

Call Me! updated

I have a cell phone.  I'm limited on my info.  But here is what I've put together based on Mom's failed attempt (I left out info...knew I would!) and finding my helpful hints book.

The number is:

country code: 011

country code: 52

cell number: 66-71-95-47-75.

at some point, you have to enter a 1.  i think it is after the 52.

If this isn't right, I'm sorry.  This is my best guess at this point.  

You can do a pre-paid calling card from dialadvantage.com.  You can just click on the words and it should take you there.  It's only like 2 cents per minute to a landline, but Mexico is much like the States and most people are going to only cells.  So, it's 23 cents per minute.  You may be able to get a cheaper card somewhere else?  But there's a free trial on this website and former "Fulbrighters" (their word, not mine....I think it sounds funny) have used it and loved it.

What do I know?

Also, will look into the Mailboxes, Etc to see if I can set up a place for you to contact me via envelope. :)

I hope this is helpful!  Check it out and let me know.

Otherwise, see you on AIM, ichat, gchat or something else?

Love and hugs.

Too Much Time!

I currently have too much time on my hands; I'm excited about this.  It means I will get all unpacked, semi-clean, updated on my blog, and possibly rested.

Since I have free time right now, I want to catch you up on the days before I left as well as the events that have occurred here.  The weekend I left, I was super-busy the whole time.  Meals, fellowship, etc.  I got more gifts in some form of dinero!  An apple gift card from the Smiths, cash from my aunt Lori and uncle Ricky, and extra cash from Dad.  Thanks to all!

My last Sunday at church was nice, and my days following were packed minute to minute.  Monday, I had no car, since Mom and Jack had delivered it to Glasgow for the next little bit.  I took Ashley to work and she let me use her car.  I did little things, but mostly I spent the day by myself.  BAD.  I cried.  I finally realize in my clean room and borrowed car and thank-you note writing that I was leaving.  And not for a vacation.  It seems like a vacation now.  And it very well may feel like a vacation until Christmas, but after Christmas, there will be six more months of teaching, living, hanging out, etc.  And it won't be new anymore.  It all just hit me and I cried and cried.  This, as Bewley put it, makes me human.  But I didn't want to see it that way. :) I wanted to make it the whole time without crying!  I guess you can't change the spots on a leopard or whatever that phrase is.  I boo hooed all day.  That night Ashley and I ate at Lime with Dad and I refrained from crying until I was home again.

Then I slept.  It was only for 3.5 hours, but it was sleep.  You know what sleep does to my swollen-from-crying eyes!  Well, the airport at 4 am on less than 4 hours of sleep doesn't help the situation.

So I cried some more and the guy at security gave me some Kleenex.  I sat at the gate and cried.

I got on the plane and my head bobbed a bit as I slept (more swelling).  I got to Chicago and had to change terminals which required a new security checkpoint. There was not much time and I was not patient on the monorail!

I got to my gate where I was the serious minority- the next ten months of my life!  I was excited to understand all the announcements even before they translated.  I still struggle with the response, but it'll come.

On this plane, AeroMexico, I had a whole row to myself and slept for at least 2 hours, maybe 3!  I got fed a decent breakfast, but slept through the second snack time.

In Guadalajara, I had quite a layover, so I finished reading my new Janet Evanovich book (I started in Chicago) and ate something totally unhealthy.

In Guadalajara, I passed through Customs which is like the lottery; you push a button to decide your fate.  If you get a green light you keep walking; if the light is red they search you.  When I waited at the carousel for my luggage, it never came.  The guards came and looked at my baggage claim ticket and said that it was checked all the way to Culiacan.  Weird, but okay.

When I got off the plane in Culiacan, I walked to the arrival area, and through the doorway, I could see Mabel, her daughter Cosette (6), and Ana Luisa, my mentor who was holding balloons that said "Welcome Home" in English and "Bienvenido" in Spanish.  They were tied to a cute little homemade flower.

I waved to them and waited for my luggage.  Yep, never came.  I talked to one of the AeroMexico guys and he filed a report for me and got Mabel's number and information.

I was a bit deflated, but happy to be here.  The four of us went to Applebee's (Welcome to Mexico!) where my 5:00 pm dinner was paid for.  We chatted about the plans for the week and then headed home.  Cosette wanted to help me unpack and help she did.  My whole personal space thing that I got going on in Tennessee isn't gonna fly so well here...  But she's 6, so I can excuse it.  I just hope this isn't one of those things where in 6 months I wish I had said something!

That was pretty much the day.  I had no pjs, so Mabel gave me some of her stuff to sleep in.  I took a very hot shower (so good to know) and we had oatmeal for dinner around 8.  I did some computer things and went to bed.

This morning came early at 6:45 when Mabel woke me.  She was going to drop Cosette off at school and then we were going to UdO (Universidad de Occidente, one of the 3 places she teaches) where she had to give a placement test.  I met some of her co-workers and then we went to the class in session to give that teacher a break and test the kids.  I just watched.  Before we went up there, all the English teachers had a meeting and the supervisor thought I was another Laura that would be teaching there.  She was talking about observing me and such.  Mabel and I were so confused, but then we figured out the miscommunication!  The test was boring to watch, but it was neat to see a college.  There was a projector and air conditioning and 4o students.  It's a public school which apparently pays less here than private.  The other two places she works are private.

After that, we went to the airport to get my two very large suitcases.  I was so glad to have them.  I had mentally prepared for 4 days without.  I wasn't looking forward to it, but I was mentally prepared.  Thank goodness I didn't have to wait that long!

We then went to the mall and got my cell phone.  I will make a new entry for that so it'll be easy to find on the side of blog whenever you need it.

The phone itself, and the first 20 dollars of Mexican minutes only cost me 40 bucks!  I could've gotten a fancier phone, but who are we kidding, right Melanie?!

:)

Then we went to Walmart so I could get a bath towel (I only have the one for the beach) and some hangers. ($7 for a ten-pack...I miss MY wal-mart)  Then we came home and unloaded a bit.  My toothpaste exploded.  YUK!  But that was it, so I was thankful for that.  I'm still not all put away, but everything is out of the bags...

Baby steps.  Old habits die hard.

Mabel and I went to pick up Cosette from school who was not remotely happy that she'd be spending the afternoon with her grandfather because she needed to give another placement test.  She said he's boring. :) She was super-whiny, and let me tell ya, Spanish whiny is much cuter than English.  Well, for now.

We stopped at a "buffet" to pick up lunch and I got a stuffed chile (not hot, yet not healthy) and spaghetti.  I'm seeing lots of carbs in my Mexican future.  We headed home to eat and I was starving by then.  2:00 will soon be normal for eating, but I ate some fruit and toast at 7.  It was a long seven hours.  I'll do better tomorrow.  In Mexico, it's always tomorrow.  No matter the question.  Manana. :)

Mabel has taken Cosette to her abuelo's, and I'm at the house by myself.  I have done mostly nothing but computer stuff: pictures, blog, email.  I'm about to nap and then put more things away and SHOWER with my stuff.

I suppose I may meet the Secretary of Education still at some point...

I know that tomorrow, either at 8 or 3 (depending which session works better in Mabel's schedule), I have a training on the new textbooks.  Of course it's all new to me!  I think that's it.  This weekend, Mabel is having a Welcome party for me, and we may go to Altata, the beach that's 40 minutes away.  Of course you'll get to know about it.

I'm having trouble posting pictures right now.  Will try more later.

Hola de Culiacan!

I am here!  I wrote a blog in the Guadalajara airport during my three hour layover, but I can't get stinkin' blogspot to copy and paste.  It pastes to the bottom of the screen instead of in the text box...

Anyhow, I'm here.  And I have constant internet access at the house.

I got here without my luggage, but Mabel just this minute came in to tell me they had just called and it's at the airport.  Gracias a Dios!  Let me tell you how cute and fun she is.  She's about as good of a living match as Yuri was a teaching match.  

Tomorrow I'm going with her to the University where she teaches because she has to give a test.  Then we'll pick up my luggage.  Then I may or may not have a meeting with the Secretary of Education for at least the city, maybe for the state?  Then we'll go see the school.  School did start last week, but English (in all schools) will not start until Monday.  Life is good.

Thursday, I have some sort of training on the new textbooks-won't it be fun to have a text from which to teach?! And Friday I have a "small group" meeting with my enlace, who is my advisor/bossish.

Saturday we will attempt to get me completely settled with hangers for my clothes that are now going to be here, a cell phone, a mailboxes, etc box for mail, and the bus system for work starting Monday.  I can't WAIT to see what it's actually like!

Yuri's mother and aunt have both already called wanting to meet me.  Her aunt wants to take me to church which is great.  I think Mabel is neither Catholic nor Christian, so she won't be taking me around the church scene, but she might want to come!

It's going to be an amazing year.  Thanks for your thoughts, prayers, encouragement and support!

More with pictures, etc once I have my room set up. :)

Love and hugs

PS- if you were not on my email list broadcasting my celebrity in the big city of Glasgow, click here and look for August 24.

Also, if you didn't get the email from me saying I'm here and want to be added to my list (which will be infrequent since I'll post on here a lot), email me at senoritaklapheke@gmail.com.  Gracias!

It's still raining t-shirts...and goodbyes!

I meant to not update this again until I was actually "on the ground," as some of the Fulbright people put it, but too much is going to happen... We'll see how much time I have to update.  I want pictures on here, but of course have all the wrong cards and cords, etc.

Dinner with the Mulloys and Prathers (my friend Emily from GSP and her husband and sisters) was amazing.  We ate at Mama Mia's which is by the gas station on Harding and 65 and is really yummy.  It's small and always understaffed, so we got two full hours of pre-Mexico quality time.  It got to be a bit long and painful, but the company was great as usual.

From there I weighed my bags and realized that one bag is 60 pounds with lots of space left, so going to have to make some changes!

Friday morning, I "slept in" again (until 9 when my alarm did wake me this time).  I got going on my plans for the day.  Shower, load up my car with educational boxes to be mailed to Mexico (95 degree day totally negated my shower!), pick up last minute craft necessities from walmart for last minute books I bought on Thursday, drop car off at Firestone for pre-storage oil change, and wait on Leslie to pick me up for our lunch.  The Firestone people at 11:15 guessed it would be 2:00 before my car was ready, which was disheartening, but what was I going to do?  Leslie came by to pick me up and we went to Puffy Muffin in Brentwood.  I had a salad (which I'd wanted/needed at Zoe's on Thursday, but went for a quesadilla instead and was really thankful for the lettuce!).  We had plenty to talk about as usual, even though we had just been together the week before at Jenna's shindig.  Speaking of Jenna, I was on the phone with her while at Walmart (no easy task these days for me to multi-task...used to be the queen of, now can't handle so much), and could NOT find the chenille sticks (aka pipe cleaners).  I walked the circumference, diameter, and every other surface of the store and couldn't find them because they're with the fabric.  But aha! this Walmart (as well as many others apparently) no longer has a fabric area.  I asked for help from a woman with unfortunate bangs and continued my convo with Jenna.

Back to lunch with Leslie.  It was fun, we had a ball as usual, and she offered her intent to give me a phone card, which I explained was thoughtful, but not necessary.  So she bought me lunch instead.  I dealt with that for sure.

When she dropped me off at 12:30, miraculously my car was already ready!  I headed to East Nashville to get just a few more things and to pack and wrap and address and mail my packages.

It was at least a million degrees in the lounge and I didn't want to bother Yuri while she was teaching, so I sweated it out.

I got out of these just as the early-bird parents were forming a line to pick up their children.  Luckily I did not get blocked in.  I would've been a bit fuming.

I went to the post office and only spent 30 bucks on four boxes of shipping.  I thought it would be more, so I was thankful...and I think I'll be reimbursed...?

I went home and was hot and tired and not feeling so good and just chilled on the couch.  I was meeting the teachers at the Wildhorse at 7.  At 6:45, as Ashley and I are making our way downtown, I get a call from Sophia (3rd grade) who is with Yuri in line at the Wildhorse.  Well, there's never a line unless there's a concert and when there's a concert there are no lessons and it's more than 3 dollars to get in.

So, I was crushed, disappointed, sad, etc.  I texted everyone to meet at Big River instead.  We had a great time.  We had seats at a bar-type situation.  Not the bar, but similar, so we could order when we got there, didn't feel guilty for taking a table, etc.  It was a big crowd and I was glad to see everyone!  We were there for a while and I decided we should go to The Big Bang, a piano bar; I'd never been and what better time then before I left for a year?!  I'd always heard it was super-fun, and that it was.  There were plenty of people I knew there (aside from our 10+ crowd of teachers), and they played great song after great song and never took a break. So fun.

There was a party of a gazillion there for Ron's birthday.  I don't know Ron, but his whole posse had t-shirts that said "Seriously..." on the front, and "it's Ron's 50th birthday" on the back.  

Of course, upon entry, after getting us 4 or 6 free passes, Scruggs is on a mission to:

1. Find Ron

2. Make sure he knows we're there and that we're teachers

3. Get a shirt

Check.

Check.

Check.

I have been her summer mission.  She is bound and determined to get me a boyfriend.  Didn't work this summer, but she kept me busy meetin' and greetin'.  All I have to say is, look out Casey Bateman...you may be her new project!   She kept up her intent last night, and by the end of the night, she had a t-shirt that she gave to me.  Be on the lookout for pictures.  

Today is a low key day, and since it's going to rain, I won't be washing my car until tonight or tomorrow afternoon.  I am keeping my new babysitting family that I love, the Hartmans.  It'll be the last time until summer.  

SO WEIRD!

As it gets closer and I keep saying my goodbyes, they don't seem like goodbyes because there are still x days until departure.  But the closer I get, the more real it becomes.  T-4 days and it will be as real as can be!

It's Raining T-Shirts! and PJ's!

Apologies for the lack of blog updates...  It's not for lack of happenings!

So last week, Yuri and I handled our two days of school without students very well.  I did my best to show her all I could about what I do.  That's really hard when you consider I have no curriculum.  Every single thing I teach has come from something I've created or else found in separate sources.  The hardest part of that is that I don't need it written down, so I don't have it written down because it's all in my head.  Say I'm a good teacher, or say I'm lazy; either way, there's no written evidence of what I teach to hand over to a visiting teacher in my classroom.

She was constantly overwhelmed with all that I had.  Most (I'd say 90%) of the things in my room came from my purchases.  That's just the life of a teacher.  But when I started the Spanish program at Lockeland, I wasn't given a budget or handouts, I was just given freedom.

All this to say I did what I could to explain my life in teaching for the course of an academic year in a matter of two days.

On Wednesday, I offered to teach all three levels (8 classes) so she could see my style, the "typical American classroom," and how I used some of the materials I have.  She kept saying my classroom was more like a store than a classroom!

Well, it felt amazing to teach.  I am constantly reminded that I am in the right profession.  Usually it just takes a good day at school to reiterate that.  I did, however, feel strange knowing I wouldn't be there until those students were in the following grade!

Wednesday was the deadline I had set for myself to leave Lockeland and not return.  I knew if I didn't set a deadline, I'd keep teaching and keep "helping" and keep watching until I left.  That would not have been good for any of the parties involved.

Thursday and Friday I busied myself with many things.  Errands, purchases (educational at this point because my dress funds are depleted), etc.  Thursday night, Jenna and Danny were in town and I met them as well as LP and Jackson at Dan McGuiness for dinner.  Jenna had brought my a beachy bag with a journal and tank-and-shorts pajamas for my trip...SO THOUGHTFUL!  Thanks, Jenna!!

Friday night, Megan, Ashley, Yuri, her husband Samhir Benjamin (Sah-MEER Ben-ha-MEAN, who Megan lovingly calls Benji) and I ate at California Pizza Kitchen.  Megan had taken them all over creation and mostly Nolensville Road to get keys made, see Spanish speaking churches, etc.  I got there first and was seated immediately, which was not in my plan, so I waited sola for a bit.  We had a great meal and good company.  I had heard about Yuri's not-so-great first day on Thursday afternoon from Megan.  I knew better than to ask, but I asked anyway, and that's what I get!  Friday, luckily, was better.

After a mostly-Spanish dinner, Megan left us for bed (8:30! the first week of elementary school is VERY draining), and we went shopping.  Ann Taylor Loft had had some sales (okay, dress fund was depleted, but I found some spare change for some tank tops!) including 30% more off their clearance, so I took Yuri there to look for teacher things.  That is a great store for teacher things.  She got a cardigan and top as well as a sturdy teacher bag- very important.  Then we took them back to our house to watch the Titans win in the literal last second against the Raiders in the pre-season.  Ashley got a new tv when the Olympics started, and we have LOVED it!  So we watched on DVR.  It was hilarious.  Those of you who knew me three-four years ago in the pre-Schwartz age will appreciate how similar Yuri and I actually are.  Samhir, owning a Y-chromosome, seems to just understand football.  There is some futbol americano in Mexico, so he's seen it and gets it.  Within the first 10 minutes, there was a significant play (not significant enough, mind you for me to remember, but baby steps people!)  ending in a first down or a tackle or I don't even know what, but I think AShley adn I stood and Samhir clapped enthusiastically.  Yuri asks in English, "They have points now?"  Every exciting play after that, she would ask the same in Spanish, "Puntos?"  It was hysterical, and made me so proud of how far I've come. :)

Saturday, I waited for my water heater to be replaced.  SO FUN!

I'm leaving it at that: I'm an adult now.  I have made mandatory home improvements.

Finally, I told Tom, my water heater guy, and consequently a former student's dad, that I needed to meet Yuri over at school and take care of setting me up for Mexico.  I needed to spend my money (that I'll be reimbursed) on some educational things and who better to tell me what Yuri's school needs than Yuri herself???

I picked her up and we went to Lockeland to copy things and make posters, etc.  We decided to skip the poster route and just buy the things we needed.

We picked up Samhir, and I decided we'd check out teh Rivergate Parent-Teacher Store becuase I'd never been there.  You see where this is going.  It was the closer one to them, but only by a minute or two.

Well, I missed the exit and it's funny up there.  Once you get on Vietnam Vets, you can't get to where you need to be.  I gave up and drove us to Green Hills!  Forty minutes after departing the house, we were at the PT store.  Again, kids in a candy shop.  She thought my classroom was a store?  Even Samhir, who loves shopping as much as most males, was aghast!  We just browsed for about 45 minutes.  Then we got serious.  Her most exciting thing for me to take was a Judy clock.  Any elementary educator will know what that is.  It's a big-enough-to-see clock that moves like a real clock.  You move the minute hand and the hour hand moves like it's supposed to.  We also got enough student clocks for all 40 of her students.  We got other things, but that was definitely the highlight.

Getting them out of there was like pulling teeth!  

I took them home and babysat.

Sunday was church (thankfully no up-front action this time!) and lunch with the Smiths.  After lunch, Matt Hardison helped me figure out lots of extras to my camera.  That was super-helpful and exciting!

Sunday night, I was supposed to go to Bowling Green to visit with Dad but we got our wires crossed.

Monday morning, after opening an account with Bank of America, I headed up that way.  Honey had been there that weekend, so she ate lunch with us and then hustled to Glasgow to stay with my aunt.

Dad and I spent some QT together shopping (thanks for the dresses, et al!) and hanging at the house.  Suzanne's daughter is marrying a friend of mine from high school in a few weeks, so when she wasn't doing wedding stuff, she was hanging, too.

I left at 7ish to get my final USA cut and color.  The cut is typical.  The color is Mexican. :)  It's fine, it's just much darker than usual.  Well, it's black.  But I figure all the better to fit in with the natives.

After the hair maintenance, Dad and I went to dinner and then I slept as hard as I could (I've been running pretty ragged lately with not too much chance of sleeping late) until the morning noise of getting ready for school woke me.  I needed to get on the road to Glasgow anyway, so I headed out at 8ish.

I unloaded my things at Mom's and called Grandmother to tell her Suprise, I'm keeping my car at your house and I need to clean out that side of the garage!

I got over there and there was little cleaning to do, so we chatted for a bit.

When I got back home (to Mom's), Honey was waiting to tell me my final goodbye and head back to Louisville.  I did some stuff around the house, checked a few more things off my to-do list and then went to eat lunch with Grandmother and mom at this place called The Station.  I had a yummy Reuben and had some leftover.

That afternoon, I ran myself ragged trying to find a laptop case.  I went to Walmart, Unique Gifts, Ashley Rae's, Awards, Inc., Kmart, and I think that must be it.  I came up short.  I found one once I got back to Nashville.

Then at 5ish, Mom asked me what I wanted for dinner.  Thinking it was a bit late to be asking, I said, "Whatever."  

"If you could have anything what would it be?"

"Are you fixing chicken nuggets?!"

My birthday meal is always chicken nuggets, green beans, mashed potatoes and fruit salad.  It's not the easiest thing to fix, but it is the most delicious.  The boys would argue that whatever their meal is is the favorite.  Obviously it's not memorable....

The only other time Mom has fixed it when not my birthday was after I came home from abroad one time; I'm thinking Spain, but maybe Australia?

Grandmother came over to eat with Mom, Jack and me, and we all had a grand time.  She didn't leave without stuffing a bill into my pocket...Thanks, Gran-mudder!

I hung around a wee bit after dinner, but needed to get back to Nashville.  I knew that on Wednesday, I could sleep in ISH and that it would be easier in my own bed.  I got home, showed Ashley my new stuff, and then went to bed, but not before getting a "happy."  Ashley's Mimi gives "happy"s.  Well, mine for Tuesday was an oh-so-cute titans shirt, short sleeved, to take to Mexico.  I'm actually considering doing a unit on football (or at least a mini-unit in my unit on Nashville and Tennessee...I don't have to explain all the rules!).  

Wednesday I had set aside to do last minute things at school: copies, copy my files to my jump drive, etc.  I was there for most of the day and got plenty done.  Unfortunately, I had an epiphany last night and will have to return tomorrow.  But while I was there, I was doing my thing while noticing Yuri teaching.  Let me tell you how weird it is to watch someone else do your job!  It was a severely strange feeling.  I was so happy to see how creative she was.  My job is one of necessary creativity; all teaching is.  In my job, though, since there is no text, creativity is your savior.  Since Yuri teaches with textbooks, workbooks and provided flashcards, I thought she would have trouble adjusting to the "freedom" of our curriculum.  She had no problem at all.  Classroom management is a bit different in the States than other places, but that will come.  At the end of the day, she asked for my "advices" on keeping them quiet.  basically I told her she'd have to be a bit mean at times.  

Such is life.

When I got home from Lockeland (and shopping for found laptop case), I had my Microsoft Office disc in the mail from Amanda who gets a major discount at the University of Arizona.  Padding the CD was an "Everything's Hotter in Arizona" t-shirt.  Go ahead and insert your comment here, Patrick.  Last time I was out there, I was wearing a Tucson shirt I had bought in the airport.  Andy and Amanda both (as well as many people in Nsshville) commented on it.  I really like it, but I bought it because I hadn't found a "Hotter" one.  It's so cute and I absolutely can't wait to wear it!

That brings us up to date, more or less, to today!

I slept until I woke up (I know how dumb that sounds, but alarmless is what I mean), and then got started on my day.  I know that I will have plenty of opportunity to do some things with the new Kindergarten English program in Culiacan.  My brain was spinning last night, so after I vacuum packed my clothes (yes, LP, they work GREAT!), I made a list of books and extra things I wanted to buy still for Yuri's school and other educational opportunities.

I went to Border's today and spent 80 bucks!  I'm pumped about what I got!  Then I went to meet Lynn Hopkins, a woman from church that I met when I went on the Honduras trip with the Youth Group a few years ago.  She's an amazing woman, but also a dear friend.  I tell her often that she's my favorite grown-up. :)

So we had lunch at Zoe's and then I went to Davis Kidd to look for a few paperbacks that I had not seen in Borders.  Turns out these books only come in hardback!  BUT- Davis Kidd has a "Golden Apple" program that gives teachers a 20% discount!  I bought another $80 worth of stuff!

I went to the PT store one last time and found a few dollar books that would be great for teaching.

Now I am at the library, my internet connection until I'm at home in Mexico.  Tonight is dinner with Emily, her sisters, and Stephen at Mama Mia's.  Tomorrow holds an oil change, lunch with LP, mailing my educational materials, hopping over to Lockeland one last time, packing, and dinner and dancin' with the teachers.  Saturday is yoga, pool, and goodbye dinner at the Smith Fort.

Sunday, Mom and Jack visit for church and lunch.  After they leave, Ashley and I are getting pedicures and then the church potluck.

Monday I will be carless because Mom and Jack are taking it to Grandmother's for me on Sunday.  Hopefully, I'll be chillin' at the pool all day!

That night, Dad's coming to take us to dinner at Lime, one of my new favorite Nashville hot-spots, and then Tuesday morning it's off to the airport at 3:40 am!

Look for an update next Wednesday or Thursday.

Love to all!

Church, Home, School.

Well, let me give you the run down. On Friday morning, I rose and shined (shone?) at 8 after an exceptionally long night waiting at the airport. Don't remember if I posted. I think no. Anyhow, I missed the big Celebration of Cultures dinner because the super-shuttle seemed to think I needed to leave Alexandria at 5:20 for my 9:25 flight. That's right, and no there was no time change...
Of course my flight was delayed over an hour, so I sat in the Maryland airport for FOUR HOURS (caps needed) waiting on my flight, wishing I was seeing Yuri et al dancing and singing.
Oh, well. Es la vida.
So I dragged myself from peaceful slumber to look at two duplexes. Returned home to shower, clean up, unpack, do laundry, and pick Yuri up from the airport at 12:45. Check. We went straight to the duplexes and decided on a 3 bedroom, newly bought and flipped (if it's still flipping when you rent it), 1.5 miles away duplex. It's conveniently just around the corner from a teacher as well as an amazing family who has already tended to so many needs.
I paid the deposit since she had no bank account yet and not enough cash. We went from there to school which caused butterflies in the stomach. Not for me, obviously; I was excited to be "home."
We walked into the last few minutes of the meeting and then went around the building seeing where everything was.
Then we had Open House/Preview Night from 4-6. It was intense. Many Kindergarten families were unaware of the exchange so had lots of questions and comments. veteran families were surprised and happy to see me and meet Yuri. I used that time to beg for furniture, etc since we finally had a place to call her home!
After the Preview, we had a faculty welcome/goodbye dinner in the library even though I would be there another two weeks, well three days in the building.
Then Yuri and Megan talked since this was their first meeting.
We got home and had plenty to talk about. Ashley was excited to meet her and thought she was as precious as I did. There truly is no other word...she's adorable! Okay, there's one other word, but you know...
We had to get to bed because Saturday brought another busy day.
I knew she needed sleep; she stayed up until 4am Friday before flying to Nashville (SO upset I missed all that), so I decided to go to 9:30 yoga and then come get her to open her bank account. Yoga was amazing...really going to miss that. We got to Suntrust and waited patiently and then were helped by a nice gentleman. Yuri suggested that he be my "honey" which is a popular word with these Mexican girls. I declined.
From there, we went to East Nashville to work at school for an hour or two after lunch as well as see the Tomato Festival. Man was it ever a festival! We drove around for 15 minutes looking for an open space on the street or a parking lot. We finally found one and put in reservations for a table for two at Batter'd and Fried. After 45 minutes (2pm), we were seated. It was well worth the wait. I treated Yuri and she promised to buy the ice cream later.
We went by school, but I didn't have my keys, so while we could get into the building (thanks Megan), we couldn't get into my classroom.
We headed home to do her laundry, rest, and prepare for the Titans! on Ashley's new tv. I could see their names, I could see their colors (to keep the teams separate), and I could even see the ball! I may actually understand this stinkin' sport next season!
There was plenty of chatter during the game. Yuri and I also looked through my English supplies and materials. She was wowed. She promised me she would talk to her principal to see if it would be possible for me to have a classroom (share the library) since my teaching style works best not floating.
This would be a good time to inform/remind you that my teaching day will be from 8-12:30. Let's not forget, however, that I will have 40 kids at a time in unairconditioned classrooms! And also that I will likely be working other places in the afternoons, evenings or weekends. English is so valued in Mexico, that I will be a rock-star! Looking forward to that celebrity.
Right.
So that brings us to Sunday.
Sunday morning, I wanted to take Yuri to Harpeth Hills. She is a Christian, not Catholic (like most of Latin America) and she was saying in DC how much she missed going to church. She had been in the States almost a month and no church. She was telling her husband how she felt far away from God, and he told her that God was in the US, too! Hilarious.
I'm thinking their church at home is most like a Community Church. But I needed HH, so she went with us. We also had a lunch invitation to la Casa Smith after church.
Of course, being on Mexican time, we were late getting there. I had sent Ashley a few minutes ahead, but unfortunately, the only seats in the house were balcony (which I will never do again), or row 2. You can figure out where we sat (see previous parentheses).
So we sang, we heard the announcements, we did all the pre-sermon things.
Then Chris (Ashley's dad) gets up to speak. He speaks using a "Garth Brooks"(his terminology)/"Brittney Spears"(mine) mic, so when I saw the handheld on the pew beside him (directly in front of me...), I wondered whose anniversary it was or birthday, or which missionary was leaving or fill in the blank.
As he spins around from walking up to the pulpit area, I hear, "Laura Klapheke." Any of you reading this know me well enough to imagine the shades of red in my face as well as the expression on it. He said, "I'm so glad to see you there on the second row. It makes it so much easier to come on up here and talk to me." Wow.
So I go up and say that I don't sit that close because I don't like the preaching, to which he responds, "Well, at least you won't have to come far at the invitation."
He asked me what I was doing and I replied, "Right now I'm getting embarrassed, but in two weeks I'm moving to Mexico to teach English for a year." He asked lots of questions, gave me good press, made me use the word Fulbright, and even helped me beg for furniture and other goodies from the congregation for Yuri's new empty-ish house.
AMAZING. This made lots of connections, including a Spanish speaker from Puerto Rico who gave her number and said to call for anything, she'd been in the same position in a new city and would like to help any way she could.
We then went to the Smith Fort for a typically incredible lunch (brisket, twice-baked potatoes, baked beans, squash casserole, etc)-thanks Vick! Yuri was the center of attention, which was nice. It was a great afternoon. We ended lunch with German Chocolate Cake and homemade Butterfinger Ice Cream.
From there, Pastor Chris loaded Bertha (the Smith family van- don't worry Klaphekes, it can't hold a candle to Big Red Clifford) with the table and chairs on loan for the year. We traipsed over to East Nashville and unloaded the table and chairs while the landlord finished painting. Then a parent met me and followed me to my house to get my mattresses. I left Yuri there to pack up while Ashley traded out the van for her car (and coincidentally went to Best Buy to remedy a double charge on her tv causing an unnecessary overdraft). I unloaded the mattresses and waited alone, bored in the empty house while they made the same trek.
From there, we went to the airport to pick up her husband from his 5:40 arrival. After checking with the extra-rude, just awakened (and inconvenienced), nasty, totally-unhelpful Continental lady in the baggage office, she ripped off a sheet of old printer paper (you know the kind from 6th grade with holes on the sides?) and thrust it in our faces. Well, I was confused, so I asked (mistake number 1) what it meant. He was actually on the flight that left Houston at 5:40. I kinda expected that after we had walked all over creation looking for him. Nada. No luggage, no husband.
So we left the airport, got the essentials at Kroger, unpacked them at the house, and returned to the airport. He was there! He had missed his flight because of immigration and customs.
We took them to their house, he approved, and we left.
This morning, I picked Yuri up at 7 so we could get to work and get settled (I like to be there around 7:15 always, but I wanted to especially be there on time/early on the first day). She yawned the whole way, but bless her, she was ready when I got there.
We did some work in my room (and crossed off the 5 things on my list. she thinks my lists are hilarious-how much I try to do and how much I accomplish in a short period of time) and then got to visit every class that she'll be teaching. That was helpful.
Here's a funny: on the way to school, she told me they got cold the night before. The utilities are included, so the heat and air are set between 68 and 72 year-round. I asked her if she needed more winter things or blankets (Ashley and I had given her stuff from our Goodwill piles) and she said no, that she had slept in the sweatshirt I had given her. I was cracking up.
Today was a half-day, so we were out at 12. We went to pick her husband up (After wonderful Senor Streeter dropped off the couch from Senorita Allen's room) and went to lunch at Batter'd and Fried again. She loves it and wanted him to experience it. This time she treated me. It was delicious. She and I both ordered what we'd had on Saturday. Samhir ordered chicken alfredo: neither batter'd nor fried...
I dropped them off, did some more things at school, and then went to yoga. Again, wonderful.
Megan took them shopping for more groceries and household things.
Tomorrow is another day, a full day as a matter of fact, but we won't have students until Wednesday. Thank goodness!

Home again, home again, jiggity jig.

We have a home! We will be moving Yuri in tomorrow. Lots of pics and stories to come soon! She's been staying with me and continues to be absolutely adorable!

Not So Wongderful (TM: Bewley)

Today began better than yesterday; Yuri and I both got up on time! I definitely got ready much faster than she (so fast that I went on down to breakfast), but we made it to the first session with time to spare. The first session was separated, meaning only the Americans were together with an alum in order to learn about teaching/living in Mexico. After that, we had a great session about crossing cultures. That has kinda been the theme the whole week, but it was very hands on and it was a straight-forward comparison between our behaviors versus the rest of the world’s. We got to give input as well as hear from other countries. It was very neat even though it had had the potential to be quite awful.
Lunch was good- Chinese cuisine. Yuri, Shania, and I had realized early in the morning that there was much to talk about and little time left, so we decided to have a working lunch. During this time, they explained the structure of the English Teaching Department of the whole city as well as lists of phone numbers of their friends, family, and colleagues. This was very helpful. They also gave me more options for what I could do. Apparently, after telling me I must be at Yuri’s school yesterday, Maggie got more information and changed her mind a bit. So they told me of some options, and then we were planning on talking to Maggie again before I left.
I feel obligated, though dedicated is a better word, to Yuri’s school. I am interested in working there, though it will not be the most convenient job. Many of the options they gave me included teaching a half day (yes, a half of a half day) at her school and then another option. The most appealing one to me was 8-10:30 at Yuri’s school, then a teaching block at a Kindergarten. This will be the first year for a Kindergarten program in Culiacan. Because of that, there will be a need for teacher training. An additional “teaching load” I may take on is that of training teachers. They seem to think I’m so very qualified, namely because I’m a native speaker. I would love nothing more than to get this K program underway. And I would definitely love being a part of it in the actual classroom.
After lunch, I went to make sure my suitcases were near completion in their packing state so I could just walk out after our afternoon sessions.
The afternoon session with the alum was more about living situations when you’re renting from someone and living alone in the dwelling place. Knowing about bills and such was not applicable to me since I will be paying Mabel directly. They also mentioned things about taxes and power of attorney which Mom of course had already taken care of.
We had a 15 minute stretch break to meet back over at the other hotel in our country groups, so I ran over there in order to print off my receipts from my flight and my super shuttle that would be picking me up at 5:25 to take me to the airport so I could be paid back.
When I left the lab, I saw my Mexicanas and asked them if we could talk to Maggie then since I was leaving.
Basically, what it boils down to is that they’re going to want me to do lots of things. Their intention is good; they want to share the native speaker with as many children and teachers as possible. The important thing to remember is that I am committed only to Yuri’s school. I must be there when she would’ve been there and if there are other opportunities I want to take advantage of, I should.
So we had that talk, we ran into the meeting for which we were 30 minutes late, I signed some forms they were missing from my file, and ran back to the hotel. I said my goodbyes, told Yuri about our possible house for them (!), and got to the lobby to wait.
Yuri waited with me. I was really upset to be missing the Celebration of Cultures dinner from 6-9. I did not know what all it would mean when I booked my flight, nor did I realize I’d have to ride almost 2 hours to the airport.
Now, it’s 9:30, and my 9:25 flight with a 10:30 arrival in Nashville is now a 10:30 flight with an 11:20 arrival in Nashville. Basically, I could’ve seen a good hour or two of the Cultures. I’m so annoyed. I wish I had just made my flight for tomorrow. If I could turn back time…
Tomorrow, I have to look at two housing choices for Yuri, get my house in order in case she’s spending the weekend with me, pick her up from the airport, have a Preview Day at school, have a potluck dinner with the teachers, and have a smile on my face the whole time, after having been deprived of sleep since last Friday and stuffed with information all week and delayed an HOUR while missing a very cool dinner.
Ugh.
Think happy thoughts. I’m out of them.
Well, here’s maybe one..I got all my lists (post-its, scratch notes on books, schedules, and other lists) combined into one list in my legal pad for each issue. I feel organized and ready to tackle the 18 days until I leave!

A Very Wongderful Day (tribute to Bewley)

It has been a very fast paced two days.

Yesterday was the US teachers' day off. Since the Mexico team had been here since Sunday, we had the whole day; other teachers were arriving on Tuesday. Since I hadn't gotten a chance to see the Holocaust Museum this weekend, I decided to spend some quality time there on Tuesday. Yuri had meetings starting at 8, so as she walked out the door, I rolled out of bed.

I got ready and headed downtown. It was nice to really know where I was, where I was going, and how to get there. I got to the museum and got my (free) ticket for 11:30. In my wait time (from 10:15 to 11:30), I saw the Olympic Exhibit in the downstairs and time flew. I read every plaque, saw every photograph, and watched as many videos as possible (minus all the medical experiments). After three hours, it was time to leave. The most important part to me was the video at the end of all the survivors. I made sure I saved time for that. My emotions, somehow, were in check even at the end. Then I walked into the Memory Hall. It was a circular room with quotes on the wall and a flame in the middle. I lost it. Appropriately.

I gathered myself and headed to the Metro to get back for the dinner.

I got back in way more than enough time and took a leisurely shower, made some phone calls, and got ready. Let me say, when the government puts on a dinner, they do not mess around! Everyone cleaned up so nicely, all the State people were in suits, etc, and the place looked incredible! The Mexican team all sat together in three round tables in a room set for 400 or so. Our first speaker was ridiculously boring and non-applicable. Then it was time to eat, so we had delicious salmon with some sauce, crunchy green beans (which I like), and rice. We listened to the National Teacher of the Year, and she was much more interesting. She's from Jackson, Mississippi, so I listened intently, thinking of Kate. Then they released us for the dessert...and wine as well as a paying liquor bar. It seemed very strange to see alcohol at a "school function," but at the same time, seemed totally appropriate at a multi-cultural affair.

I met some people who are going to France from California who worked in Nashville for some time. The wife had taught at Overton while Dr. Hammond was principal, and the husband had worked at Channel 4. It was fun to talk to them. I also ate some very yummy things.

Two mood-ruiners. First, an elderly man whose son will be on exchange and he's traveling with him passed out and the ambulance (and fire trucks) had to come. Then, twenty minutes later, the fire alarm went off, so we evacuated. When we came back in from that, the party had simmered, so Team Mexico went to the bar to hang out. Again, forty minutes later, the alarm went off. We stayed put.

I finally came up to bed around 11, but Yuri and I stayed up yet again!

This morning, my alarm was set for 7 so I could go to breakfast at 7:30 and then jet over to the other hotel to hear Harry Wong at 8:15. At 7:52, Shania knocked on the door. I was still dreaming, so I was happy that Yuri was answering. Then I looked at the clock, bolted out of bed, threw on some clothes and make-up and SPRINTED to the elevator.

I was out of breath and tense when I arrived to the first floor, but was ecstatic to see many of my colleagues chilling at their table. I grabbed a quick bite, and we made it to the other hotel.

I picked up my complimentary copy of The First Days of School and sat. I was pumped to see Harry Wong. His wife, and co-author, came with him and she spoke for a few minutes. He spoke for three hours. It was interesting, common sense that we need to hear many times, and it was fun knowing it was actually the Harry Wong!!!

Then we broke for lunch...other hotel. Then we had a meeting about other Fulbright opportunities and such. Back to first hotel....meeting with each country to discuss specific classroom management strategies. Back to other hotel...discussion for all USians on how to teach your language somewhere else as well as Mexicans and Francophones for how to teach their language in the States. Back to Holiday Inn for dinner and free night.

I have been SCOURING craigslist looking for possible dwelling places for my darling new Mexican friend to no avail... Think very happy thoughts, and call your connections in East Nashville!

Perfect Match...Did you say match? Is there a fire?

Oh goodness!
So I got to the Holiday Inn in Alexandria, VA after a very cheap yet lengthy commute. I checked in and practically ran to the shower. I unpacked several things and got into one of many cute Target dresses and headed down to the ballroom for dinner at 5 (yikes!) and then meetings from 6-9. As I walk in, I immediately notice the family of four on the right. I was jealous of their opportunity. The kids are in immersion programs so already speak Spanish, but WOW! Then four other Americans on the left. It felt awkward at first as our group of 8 felt our way through the getting to know you small talk. Once our leaders arrived, there was more led conversation. We're all from different geographic areas as well as walks of life, so I was a bit uneasy and ready to meet Yuri. I also was hungry, having eaten brunch at 10:30 expecting dinner at 5:00 sharp! They told us we could play a game of seeing which American found his/her exchange partner first. I, of course, recognized Yuri immediately from the pictures we'd sent. She recognized me too and we were ready to hug and get talking, but had to stand in a circle until they asked if anyone knew who belonged to whom.

Finally we ran across the circle and hugged and got chatting right away! Yuri is here with two other women from Culiacan. They are both on one way exchanges because their counterparts backed out at the last minute (June). They are both elementary, so I adopted them too! Their names are Beatriz (Bay-ah-TREECE) and Shania (CHON-yah).

At that point (6ish), we had dinner together in another ballroom. It was fun speaking some Spanish and some English and figuring out who went with whom. I think it's been obvious for months, but it was visible that Yuri and I are a perfect match! She also told me at dinner that she had a room all to herself since her husband did not come to DC (he's coming to Nashville from Culiacan on Sunday) and that if I wanted to I could move in with her. I decided that was a great idea not only because we have so much to talk about relating to the upcoming year, but also because she's fun to be around and the more time I have with her the better. After August 26, I won't see her until Christmas (they can't leave the States once they're here), and then when she comes home for good in June 09.

I had planned on formal meetings from 6-9, so the informal, chatty dinner was a nice change. Around 7:45, some of the "USians" (the Spanish language has a name for us-people from the States- because there are more countries in America than us, but in English we have no such word...USians is a Fulbright addition to the dictionary) wanted to go for a walk and potentially end with a glass of wine. I'd been walking all weekend, as had my three partners in crime (remember Beatriz and Shania have no one, so I'm their counterpart, too!), so we opted to stay here.

We went back to the room and I talked on the phone a wee bit, but then Yuri signaled that she had some videos and pamphlets from Culiacan, to come over to the girls' room when I was finished. I got changed into my workout clothes and headed over there.

We stayed up talking until about 11. I watched the video, I heard stories, and I asked questions. Then Yuri and I looked on craigslist (still unsuccessfully) for housing in E'ville.

This was when I realized the teaching situations for Beatriz and Shania. Shania will be in an Immersion school which will be lots of work! Or she can choose to teach like I do to the English-speaking side of the school. Beatriz will be starting a program much like mine, though I doubt they will have it every day. All three teachers are very nervous about teaching Spanish since they never have before. So they had many questions for me.

Beatriz was falling asleep sitting up, so we left their room and came back to ours. We chatted with each other awhile. Then Yuri chatted on her computer with some friends back home while I ran on the treadmill. When I came back, she was still chatting, so I uploaded pictures, updated my blog, and took a shower. Then I had to blow dry so I could be presentable the following day!

Morning came so early. Primarily because after we turned off the lights at 1am, we kept talking!

We had breakfast at 8 and then sessions with lots of different people all day. The meeting part will not interest any of you. The basic rundown is that we will all have a breakdown (picture my one between my house and the Smiths' during the a/c issue) that will only be amplified by cultural differences. Even though we're language teachers and battle stereotypes and such on a daily basis, once we're living in the culture and working in the culture, our "USianism" will only get stronger and more pronounced.

We also discussed things like the Embassy and Consulates and when to call about different things. Which system to use to mail (FedEx to ensure it makes it). How to spend our educational material supplement. Which questions to ask our counterpart. ETC.

This was all morning and all afternoon. Sometimes together, sometimes separate. We broke for lunch together and then played mixer games to keep us awake (and also to prove some points) before the afternoon session.

When that was over (4:30ish), the Mexicans had to prepare for a cultural presentation, so I went up to our room and got some picture uploading/labeling done as well as starting to update my blog. The girls had decided they wanted to shop around Old Towne before dinner. At the other hotel, they had a sandwich bar for our dinner from 6-10 as well as registration. The Mexican teachers had already registered together earlier in the afternoon. They also were having a hard time adjusting to eating so early, so we decided we'd shop for a bit and then come back for registration and dinner.
When Yuri came back up from the meeting about the cultural presentation, she was exhausted and said she'd rather not go shopping. Did I mind? If only the girl knew how much I value sleep! I told her to nap as long as she wanted, and I'd be shopping with the other two. We walked around and found Gap Outlet. I ended up getting a dress and cardigan (the cardigan was a need because all the rooms are so cold...the dress, not so much a need!) for 20 bucks. Later in the night, Beatriz and Shania explained to me that shopping in Culiacan is much more expensive than here. That surprised me, but then I thought about it. Culiacan has many many things. I think most of the shopping they enjoy comes from US chains, so there is a hike on the prices. All I know is I'm glad to be justified in all my purchases this summer!
We met back up for dinner with Yuri at the other hotel, and I got registered. Since I had just seen all of DC, I decided to unregister for the tour. I wanted to get as much time as possible in the Holocaust Museum.

Our dinner was good, and by 9:00 I could've eaten literal crap and enjoyed it. I was very hungry not having eaten since 12. We invited 4 Colombian teachers and one of their daughters to sit with us. The conversation was very interesting. I had a hard time understanding three of them (well two of them, one didn't talk much), but the fourth spoke clearly and slowly and a lot! I enjoyed hearing about the positive things in Colombia and how there are many dangers, but just like any place you go. I also learned that the Mexican accent is the ideal one for actors. If they cannot speak with the Mexican accent, they will not make it in the entertainment business. Mexico is the Holywood of Latin America. Coming soon to a telenovela near you...Senorita Klapheke!

:)

After that, we rode the shuttle back to the hotel and promised ourselves we would go to sleep immediately. HA! I wanted to share my curriculum with Beatriz and Shania, so they came into our room and we all talked methodology and such for over an hour.

In the middle of a serious conversation, the fire alarm went off! We chose to ignore it for a minute. I said, "I'm sure this is a false alarm." Then I looked at my stuff and thought about my life and said, "I will not burn to the ground saying 'I'm sure this is a false alarm!'"

Out we went. Being teachers, we marched out the front door and across the street to wait an appropriate distance from the possible fire.

The firemen came, the alarm continued, and then they gave us the all clear.
When we got back to the room, Shania, whose second job is as coordinator for the SEP (Secretary of Primary Education- more or less like the Board of Ed.), told me that when I got to Culiacan, I would probably have three teaching options. Since all three of them came, but only one of me is going, I would get to choose. She actually ended up coming up with about 6 different options. Some of the University options seem like fun. That's how I will fill my time...more work. Since I will be the only native speaker in the city, they all want a piece of me!
Shania has better accommodations in her school: her own classroom, air conditioning, technology, etc. The school is also 5-10 minutes from Mabel's house. There are 55-60 kids in a class instead of 38 tops in Yuri's, but they're very well behaved. It seems semi-perfect. I am, however, hesitant. Something in my gut tells me to stick with Yuri's school. The thought of an "exchange" with Yuri, yet being at someone else's school seems strange. There are administrative issues about the materials I will bring and Yuri's school needing them and deserving them. I don't know. I know that Yuri loves her principal. I know from experience that that is very important. I may just wait and check it out when I get there and decide, but I think this is one of those make-it-with-your-gut decisions that I need to feel instead of think about. And no matter the outcome, it's only a year!