It’s a Thug’s life!

Some of the kids in my group!!!

WEDNESDAY December 15, 2004

Today was our dress rehearsal. I instructed the kids to dress like rappers, not so much like gangsters, but mainstream good-guy-hip-hop-artists. Being the enthusiastic teacher that I am, I woke up this morning with the idea to get decked out myself (a good excuse not to wear my ever-so-NOT stylish uniform). I threw my hair in a high ponytail, put on my baggy cargo jeans, my Puma t-shirt, big hoop earrings, a chain necklace and of course wore my bright lipstick...

My Alumnos at IMARC

Students getting ready to watch rehearsals!!
I got to school just in time to see the chairs being filled with anxious students from all grades and eager parents trying to get a sneak preview....

Two of my students anticipating their turn!!
My students looked AWESOME, INCREDIBLE…to say the least. They were nervous. We made our way to the stage and found seats near the front. Grade by grade, kids were performing various traditional Christmas songs, plays and poems. Grade 1…grade 2...grade 3...then finally came our turn…GRADE 4!! I cheered them on…gave them a pep talk, and off they went to line up. The music started and the show began. I was amazed. The dancing, the coordination, everything came along magnificently. Kids in the audience were clapping to the beat, parents were stomping their feet. I was a proud teacher!! When the music stopped……the kids were pleased and happy with the results. I gave them all high fives and told them they were awesome!!
Tomorrow is the big night. Tomorrow is when the sky will be dark, the lights will be aimed brightly, and the night will be filled with an excitement we have all been looking forward to….I will tell you all how it goes!!

¡La Vida es Mejor, Muy Loca!

Life is better, getting very crazy!!

Ok, my last little rant has quickly faded and the overwhelming response has cleared away my thoughts of being abandoned. Fine…I was wrong. I haven’t been forgotten.

We are only two weeks away from the holidays and much to my surprise my social life has picked up some. I have a social life in Hermosillo, Mexico? You got it! In less than 4 months I have developed a mediocre “social life” that seems to be serving it’s purpose for the time being. A few weeks back, I was invited to a cook-out at a fellow teacher’s house. Everyone buys there own meat, brings their own cerveza and sits around in the backyard taking-in the upbeat sounds of the mariachi music. It was so much fun! It was my first real fiesta, in a typical Mexican home high above the mountain.

This coming week will also be filled with madness. The school is holding its annual Christmas pageant and all the classes have to sing, dance or say a poem. Well, I decided to purchase a CD from Toronto called Jingle Jams, and have the kids sing and dance to a hip hop tune called I Love Christmas. Much to my surprise, they have been able to learn the lyrics and mumble through some words that are difficult to pronounce (rap can be a bit challenging for non-native English speakers). In any case, they are doing surprisingly well. I have also choreographed a dance we’ve been practicing for the past 5 weeks. Watch out Britney, I have some fascinating moves of my own!

Last night (Saturday), we were invited to attend something called a Pastorela at my friend Brenda’s parent’s house. It’s a Mexican tradition where they celebrate the Shepherds arrival in Bethlehem to worship the birth of baby Jesus. Apparently, the Shepherds announced Him to be the Archangel of San Miguel. On the road to Bethlehem, they had to fight against seven mortal sins represented by the devils; helped by the Archangel, who finally succeeded on evil. The objective of the Pastorela is for the Shepherds to find a safe place for baby Jesus to sleep.

Our experience being part of this fiesta was very enchanting. We got to their house just in time to see how the festivities take place. Half the guests were standing outside holding candles, while the other half were inside. Those who were outside started singing a song asking for permission to enter for baby Jesus to sleep, after three tries at various windows around the house, the residents finally invited them in. Walking around with candles in hand, the family entered the house and continued to sing songs. The entrance was followed by the breaking of a piñata and eating traditional Mexican food. It was an amazing experience to witness the celebration. Such warm and loving people, it was truly captivating!

Now for the big news, something that is bound to make a few of you chuckle. I recently started taking private Spanish lessons at school and doing very well, if I may say so myself! Knowing this, the English Program coordinator at IMARC decided I would be the Master of Ceremonies at the school’s concert this week. And, not only will I speak in English, but SPANISH AS WELL!! Umm…ok, not quite sure how that’s going to pan out! I didn’t know how to react. Should I be flattered? Excited? Do they really think I’m capable? Or are they making a spectacle out of me, thinking it will add a special zing to this year’s presentations? Ay caramba! What have I gotten myself into? For those of you interested, my beloved husband has vowed to tape the entire thing.

Well, less than a week to go before I fly home for the holidays… I can’t wait to see everyone!

* Here are some interesting things I learned in my first week of Spanish classes:

Estupido (stupid) is very offensive in northern Mexico however not as much in the Southern part of the country. (Does that make Marc Anthony the controversial Eminem of latin music?!)

Tonto (dummy) is not nearly as offensive in Northern Mexico and widely used amongst children and adults here in Sonora.

Burro (donkey) is a not-so-nice word referring to someone as a donkey, equivalent to idiot.

Now that I think about it, one of my students called me a ‘burra’ not too long ago!!

Little bugger, I’ll show him!

Hope you all enjoy the holidays!!!