To 'Vivre' or Not To 'Vivre'...

Joie de Vivre! Pronunciation: `jwâ du'veevru
Definition: [noun] a keen enjoyment of living
Do you ever stop and think about where you are in life? Are you happy? Are you serving your purpose? Are you making the right decisions? Are you following your hearts desire? Do you have the job you always dreamt about? Are you driving the car you always admired? Is your income where you want it to be? What really matters?

Earlier this month, ‘Shake’ returned home from a much deserved trip to France. With my inability to meet her for a coffee and divulge in the details of her trip, we decided to spend a few quality minutes on a poorly connected phone call. We discussed our key life experiences of the month and ‘Shake’s’ main concern was our ‘lack’ of time. Here’s how our conversation took place…

“How can time be flying by so fast, I can’t believe I will be turning 80 in ONLY 52 years!” she expressed with concern.
“Umm, HELLOO….there’s still another five decades before we even get there, why worry about that now. At least you’ll still be over 5’ tall, how about me? I’ll barely be three feet by the time I reach 80!” I replied.

Why is life such a constant rush? Everyone is in such a hurry to ‘get there’. Whether it’s a hurry to get the job we want, a hurry to buy a car, a hurry to get married or a hurry to meet our deadlines, we’re always running for something. If for once we can close our eyes and picture ourselves old and gray lying in a bed taking our last breath of air, what is the one accomplishment we would be proud of? Would we really stop and think about the job we had, or the cars we drove, or the money we made or didn’t make? Or would we stop and remember the life experiences we shared with our loved ones? Success is the accomplishment of the goals we set for ourselves; maybe it’s time we stop and think if our ‘goals’ are really aspirations that deserve our time and energy. It’s important to stop and smell the flowers!

Here in Mexico, it’s amazing how everyone enjoys life and how calm everyone is. My first teachers’ meeting was last week on Tuesday at 10:30am. I made sure to get to school with plenty of time to spare to ensure my prompt arrival at the meeting. Much to my surprise, the rest of the teachers calmly strolled in fifteen minutes after the scheduled time, laughing and conversing. No one was stressed, no one ever stresses, or so it seems. I have learned to do the same. I don’t rush. Nor do I stress. When any appointment is scheduled here, you can be certain either it will be a ‘no show’, or an ‘hour later’ show. The Maryann before would be freaking out. Now, I am learning to take a step back, stay calm and be patient. It’s the new ‘moi’, new and improved! Life is an escapade and has so much more to offer than worry, stress, and haste. We need to think ‘outside-of-the-box’ and make things happen. I have been agonizing the past week over a temporary gym membership I got at a local fitness club. What was my dilemma? Well, the thought of going alone scared the crap out of me. It’s funny how little we think about doing the simplest things when we are in our own element. Being in a foreign country is different. Every morning I woke up ready to go and try the new gym, then, like a young child in school, I ‘imagined’ I had a stomach ache and decided I would go the next day instead. Well, by the time I actually gained the courage to go, my temporary pass was on its second last day, what a waste! Earlier on this week,‘V’ was in Detroit so no one was home. I needed to face my fears. I got in the car, drove to the gym, and did an hour of cardio. Then, I decided I would stay for the afternoon Pilates class, but, my enthusiasm quickly faded when I saw the swarm of girls, probably the ‘regulars’, lined-up at the door ready to take the class. Was I intimidated? Yes! Not because I couldn’t do the class, but because I’m not 100% fluent in Spanish. What if the instructor asked us to lie on the ground and stretch, and I misunderstood and did a head stand instead?! CAN YOU IMAGINE?? My point is, I took the chance, earned the courage, and went to the gym! I felt great leaving the facility; I accomplished my goal for the day! I even asked for the locker key in Spanish. I’m GUUUD!!! So, lesson of the day, don’t settle for anything. Are-you- nervous-to-go-to-a-gym-in-a-foreign-country-because-you-don’t-speak-the-language-very- well – GET OVER YOURSELF and just do it! Are you unsatisfied with your job? Look for a new one. Are you unhappy in your relationship? Leave. Are you impatient? BE PATIENT! The answers are simpler than we think. Our ‘Joie do vivre’ is for us to find!! Take a trip, plan a night out, sign up for that dance class you always wanted….enjoy life, and avoid stress. This way, you’ll be sure to have significant accomplishments to think about when you’re taking your last breath, 52 years from now!

I Am Teacher – Hear Me Roar.

I have made it a constant mental note, embedded in my head. ‘You may be ‘petite’, but you are not small!’ I must be assertive. I was wearing a black and white floral stripped skirt with a black shirt and my flat shoes. I walked through the doors my head held up high. No one could tell my nerves were in shambles, at least I hoped. My first introduction was warm and loving. I followed the Program Coordinator through an outdoor walkway leading me to a classroom with windows. The curtains were being pulled in every which direction as students fought over to get a glimpse of their new teacher from Canada. The door slowly opened and in I walked. There I stood, amongst thirty-one nine year olds waiting to hear my every word, waiting to hear me speak. “Hello everyone,” I said. “Hello Meesees Perri!” the students replied. Then, like a rush of water, arms started flinging in the air, WHAT DO I DO??!?! DO I DUCK!?! Were they about to throw paper airplanes at me?! Or tomatoes?! Or tacos?! Soon after I realized they were putting their hands up to ask me questions! They wanted to know everything about me! Where am I from? How many languages do I speak? Do I speak Spanish? How old am I? Then, THE question came. A dreadful moment when I had to take a minute to think of an appropriate answer….. “Why are you so small?” WHAT? I did not just get asked that by a measly nine year old!! “Ok, think Maryann. What will be my answer?” I thought. I stopped. I stuttered. I couldn’t think?! Sweat dripped down my forehead. Could the students tell I was lost for words? My answer was – “I am small because…..” AY CRAP! I don’t remember what I said. From this day forward I have blocked that memory down with my sister’s traumatic tonsillectomy and her scar face incident. The rest is all a blur. Soon after, the bell rang and the students got up to leave. Before I knew it, a few of the little girls were lined up to give me a kiss on the cheek and a warm welcoming hug. The Program Coordinator then looked at me and said “They like you, get used to the hugs & kisses.” WOW – THEY LIKE ME?? Could it be because we have something in common – like our size? Or do they think I am totally cool? I hope it’s the latter. This is fantastic!! My first day of observing the class was last Monday. My anxiety quickly faded by recess. The kids are a breath of fresh air. The commencement of the day included three-hundred students standing in an outdoor area singing the Mexican national anthem. Each and every student proudly stood there with arms lifted to their chests, their hands on their hearts. Yep, that was a strange moment for me. Should I have done the same? Was I disrespectful for not having done the same? I don’t know. All I can say is I was grateful when it ended because the awkward moment was over. Or so I thought. Much to my surprise, I suddenly heard my name over the microphone as the English Program Coordinator called me to the front to ‘introduce the new teacher from Canada’. I felt my face turn red. Was this really happening? I stood there. Dumb founded. I was being scrutinized like a new exhibit at the zoo. A rare bread, the only 'non-Mexican' person in the school. Yep, not everyone has seen one of me. There I stood for observation…and soon, the humility was over. The rest of the day was spent in a classroom with grade 4 students. I watched the teacher give lessons in grammar, spelling and science. I watched some kids misbehave. I also watched them participate in their daily reading comprehension. It was an amazing day. I am slowly immersing into a culture that has been nothing but warm and welcoming. This past week, I have been teaching classes by myself. The kids apparently adore me, or so I was told at my first parent teacher meeting. Wow! Now, when class is over and my students prepare to leave, I have a long lineup of 9 year olds (including the boys) waiting to give me a kiss & hug good-bye. It's an amazing feeling. I am 'Meesees Perri', their favourite teacher from Canada!

Saying Goodbye Isn't Easy, See You Later Is!

Here I am. In a foreign country where the sun permanently shines, the heat is unbearable, the people are friendly and where the air is filled with the scent of burning leaves. It’s our second week in Mexico and thank goodness I had my sister & ‘K’ here to help us settle in our new home. My last two weeks in Toronto were a true test of my capabilities and strength as a person – a little person at that. It was like a full time job with crucial deadlines to be met. With my notebook in one hand and my cell phone in the other, I was determined to get things done in preparation for our departure to a new life. Saying goodbye to our friends and family was not the easiest thing to do, but verbal promises of their frequent visits have turned my sadness into anticipation. It will also be hard not having our parents nearby. I hate knowing they’re not only a few minutes away. Who will I run to for a warm parental hug or an ‘it’s ok’ when I need to hear those comforting words? No matter how far life takes us, I know in my heart our parents will always be there supporting our every move. That’s what makes things even harder. It was also heart wrenching to say goodbye to the ‘G7’ who were frequently by my side offering all their help and support. As a stream of tears rolled down my cheek, ‘Shake’ whispered in my ear “Mar, you are my ‘bestest’ friend, what will I do without you?” Those heartfelt words are what keep me believing everything will be ok.

Our voyage to Mexico was a hellish experience, to say the least. With Rock & Roll (our doggies) in their crates, my sister and I hauled them around exhaustedly, checking them in and out of two different airports and hoping they made it to their final destination in one piece. Geez, was that ever a struggle! Roll was fine, but Rock wasn’t. Even after giving him a mild sedative, he was unusually stressed out - barking at everyone in sight. Imagine a 105 lbs me, pulling a crate three times my size through the crowded walkways of Mexico City Airport. Every Pedro, Jorge, Juan and José stopped to see what lay in this large crate under my sweaty palms. Each time, Rock made it known he was there. With a ferocious growl and the shaking of the ground, it seemed like a wild animal was waiting to break loose. Picture it? Umm, SO NOT funny! Upon our arrival in Hermosillo, the guys were there waiting to offer us their helping hands in ending our journey. I burst into tears. I MADE IT! All the planning, preparation and organization brought me to where I need to be. I am finally here…dogs, husband and all! Our first few days have been exhilarating. Our house is beautiful, the pool is refreshing and the city is filled with warmth and welcome. The tacos have been our favourite night time meal at a local outdoor patio called ‘Jaaz’ (pronounce YAAZ) where Mexicans gather to celebrate the flavour of their most prized dish. A soft tortilla filled with cheese, steak strips, guacamole, a sweltering hot sauce and several other toppings make for the most mouth watering experience. So, all in all, it’s been ok, I suppose. It was difficult when my sister and ‘K’ left us on Wednesday; at least they were here to help make our first week as enjoyable as possible. When we dropped them off at the airport, I hugged them tight. I told my sister I will miss her and in doing so, I cried. But I did not say goodbye…even though my heart ached to see her go, I had to be strong. I looked her in the eyes, held my chin up high and forcefully blurted out the following words - “I’ll see you later!”
Because I know I will.