gelato is italian kels...
home tomorrow! cant wait to share stories with all of you!
Saturday, December 15, 2012
Thursday, December 13, 2012
Canadian Checking In
Hello, second family!!!
It has been so nice to catch up on the blog and on Cailin and Connor's adventures! Connor-that bull fight sounds very upsetting. I think Cailin, Grady and I would be in tears sitting in the stands. With gelato...
Things at home have been relatively uneventful, but I have been doing well at my first real job! I'm doing advertising for a local radio station, which sounds a little bit more glamorous than it is. The job entails a lot of cold calling, a lot of rejection, and not as many perks as I had looked forward to. However, I have met a great group of people and have learned a lot. There are 8 salespeople in the office. Jen and Joel are my age, and we go out to eat often. Rene and Rick have been in the radio business for 30+ years, and they have been really great about giving advice and leading the way. Rene also enjoys wearing Christmas sweaters on Fridays even when it is 20 degrees out (Celsius, not Fahrenheit..we are in Canada!) All in all, working 9 to 5 is much more tedious and boring than Middlebury ever was. I find myself missing Vermont a lot and missing the college life even more. Connor's three-hour siestas each afternoon sound like heaven...
Last week I celebrated my birthday at a new restaurant in the old part of Montreal. The group of us then went over to "Chez Serge", a tiny french bar with a mechanical bull and waitresses in leather jackets and cowboy boots. It reminded me of our trip down south to Nashville when Grady and I moved Cailin in!
I've been in touch with Peter (Martone, not Ross!) who has interviewed for an engineering position on a cruise ship. It would take him to the Caribbean for a year and sounds very exciting. Hopefully he can fly some family and friends out to join him if he takes it! I can see Mama Beth enjoying a daquiri poolside...
Last weekend I was in my very first Christmas show with my new singing group, the Lyric Theater Singers. It's mainly a broadway group but they put on a big Christmas concert every December and all three days were sold out! On the last day we even got a standing ovation. It's definitely helped me make friends and enjoy my time back at home since graduation.
My two kittens, Bear and Olivia, have somehow turned into cats overnight. Bear is nine pounds and gaining and eats everything in sight. Olivia is slightly smaller but still eating her way through an expensive amount of kitten food a week. Since we've started putting up Christmas decorations they have gone absolutely mad. Nothing like tinsel and a kitten...
Planning a trip to visit Middlebury next weekend when Cailin, Grady and Connor are home. Looking forward to seeing everyone and seeing snowy Vermont. And if we're lucky maybe Connor will take us skiing!
Here is the program from my show!
Peter, Cailin and I relaxing in Biloxi, Mississipi!
The three of us in Memphis.
Lots of love to everyone. It feels so good to be a part of this blog with you all! :)
xoxox
Kelsey
It has been so nice to catch up on the blog and on Cailin and Connor's adventures! Connor-that bull fight sounds very upsetting. I think Cailin, Grady and I would be in tears sitting in the stands. With gelato...
Things at home have been relatively uneventful, but I have been doing well at my first real job! I'm doing advertising for a local radio station, which sounds a little bit more glamorous than it is. The job entails a lot of cold calling, a lot of rejection, and not as many perks as I had looked forward to. However, I have met a great group of people and have learned a lot. There are 8 salespeople in the office. Jen and Joel are my age, and we go out to eat often. Rene and Rick have been in the radio business for 30+ years, and they have been really great about giving advice and leading the way. Rene also enjoys wearing Christmas sweaters on Fridays even when it is 20 degrees out (Celsius, not Fahrenheit..we are in Canada!) All in all, working 9 to 5 is much more tedious and boring than Middlebury ever was. I find myself missing Vermont a lot and missing the college life even more. Connor's three-hour siestas each afternoon sound like heaven...
Last week I celebrated my birthday at a new restaurant in the old part of Montreal. The group of us then went over to "Chez Serge", a tiny french bar with a mechanical bull and waitresses in leather jackets and cowboy boots. It reminded me of our trip down south to Nashville when Grady and I moved Cailin in!
I've been in touch with Peter (Martone, not Ross!) who has interviewed for an engineering position on a cruise ship. It would take him to the Caribbean for a year and sounds very exciting. Hopefully he can fly some family and friends out to join him if he takes it! I can see Mama Beth enjoying a daquiri poolside...
Last weekend I was in my very first Christmas show with my new singing group, the Lyric Theater Singers. It's mainly a broadway group but they put on a big Christmas concert every December and all three days were sold out! On the last day we even got a standing ovation. It's definitely helped me make friends and enjoy my time back at home since graduation.
My two kittens, Bear and Olivia, have somehow turned into cats overnight. Bear is nine pounds and gaining and eats everything in sight. Olivia is slightly smaller but still eating her way through an expensive amount of kitten food a week. Since we've started putting up Christmas decorations they have gone absolutely mad. Nothing like tinsel and a kitten...
Planning a trip to visit Middlebury next weekend when Cailin, Grady and Connor are home. Looking forward to seeing everyone and seeing snowy Vermont. And if we're lucky maybe Connor will take us skiing!
Lots of love to everyone. It feels so good to be a part of this blog with you all! :)
xoxox
Kelsey
Sunday, December 9, 2012
The end of the first semester!
I'm about to head into the last week of my first semester as a teacher (which means I will soon enough be flying home to all of you! I can't wait!)
Some triumphs from my first 5 months in the classroom:
-Brandon can now sit in his chair for long periods of time and knows 3 shapes. It's been 2 weeks since he's been sent to the office!
-Zechariah's neighbor shared with us that in the beginning of the school year he could not speak, and now he is having conversations with her.
-Sammie, one of my lowest readers, pushed my hand away from his book on Friday and said "I can read it by myself."
-A woman from the state who gave us our formal observation last Thursday said to me, "I have a grand baby who is thirteen months old, and I would love her to be in this pre-k. I love what you're doing in this classroom."
-Jeremy, the youngest Prepster in the whole school, can write his name, knows his shapes and colors, and understands the concept of patterning.
-Traylan knows all of his sight words (we call them "Popcorn Words"). I made him a crown that said "Popcorn Word King" and his mom told me he wore it to bed three nights in a row.
I'm so proud of all my babies and can't wait to share pictures and stories with you when I'm home. Here's a picture of Traylan in his crown.
And a quote that is keeping me going through this last long week:
"Never give up trying to do what you really want to do. Where there is love and inspiration you can not go wrong."
One thing's for sure: I love these babies, and they inspire the heck out of me (even when they are wetting their pants for the 6th time in a week or throwing up on my cowboy boots).
See you soon family!
Some triumphs from my first 5 months in the classroom:
-Brandon can now sit in his chair for long periods of time and knows 3 shapes. It's been 2 weeks since he's been sent to the office!
-Zechariah's neighbor shared with us that in the beginning of the school year he could not speak, and now he is having conversations with her.
-Sammie, one of my lowest readers, pushed my hand away from his book on Friday and said "I can read it by myself."
-A woman from the state who gave us our formal observation last Thursday said to me, "I have a grand baby who is thirteen months old, and I would love her to be in this pre-k. I love what you're doing in this classroom."
-Jeremy, the youngest Prepster in the whole school, can write his name, knows his shapes and colors, and understands the concept of patterning.
-Traylan knows all of his sight words (we call them "Popcorn Words"). I made him a crown that said "Popcorn Word King" and his mom told me he wore it to bed three nights in a row.
I'm so proud of all my babies and can't wait to share pictures and stories with you when I'm home. Here's a picture of Traylan in his crown.
"Never give up trying to do what you really want to do. Where there is love and inspiration you can not go wrong."
One thing's for sure: I love these babies, and they inspire the heck out of me (even when they are wetting their pants for the 6th time in a week or throwing up on my cowboy boots).
See you soon family!
Monday, October 29, 2012
October update
Hello to everyone,
I think an update is long overdue.
The weekend after my last post, a bunch of us, as well as other Middlebury friends from around Europe, converged on Munich, Germany for Oktoberfest.
Here:
This little guy is Aloisius, the angel of beer.
Munich is an incredible city and we had a really fun time. Oktoberfest is kind of like going to Field Days. Lots of people, lots of midway rides and greasy food. But instead of NASCAR tshirts, everyone is wearing leiderhosen. And there's lots of beer. That's all I'm going to say about that. (Except Bo, make sure you go to Oktoberfest when you're in college).
A few weeks later, a group of us stayed with my friends Nick and Bratner, who are studying in Paris for the semester.
Friday everyone went to the Louvre, but my flight was later so I missed out on that which I'm pretty bummed about. But the next day we went to Musee d'Orsay, the French version of MOMA (sort of). I'm taking a class about modern European art, so it was really cool to see a bunch of Monets, Manets, Van Goghs, etc. that we've been talking about, and pretend to know what I'm talking about.
Afterwards we went to huge open air wine festival on the Montmarte, a big hill that overlooks all of Paris. It was rainy and cold, but it was really gorgeous. It's basically the only neighborhood left that wasn't ruined by the Nazis, so its the last of old Paris. I felt pretty French eating a foie gras sandwhich and sipping wine, and got this picture of the Eiffel Tower which I think is pretty cool:
We also had a French street artist do this caricature of us, which is arguably the worst likeness of any of us. In case you were wondering, I am apparently the third from the left.
Arc de Triomphe at night.
For my birthday weekend I went to Prague. I got to see a bunch of Middlebury friends once again, as well as my good high school friend Michael Kellner who is studying there as well.
Prague is such a fun city and I had excellent hosts. We spent all Saturday walking around in the snow (so great to finally see snow!) seeing Prague castle, Charles Bridge, the Lennon wall, the Astronomical clock and all the beautiful architecture, and at night, we went out to a traditional Czech restaurant for my birthday.
Some pictures:
A view of Charles bridge, built in 1357. It was too cold and snowy, but normally the bridge is packed with vendors and entertainers.
The famous astronomical clock, not a very good view of the details, Google it if you want to learn more. Every hour a man at the top of the tower plays a trumpet and a bunch of the figures on the clock start to move. Very cool, especially for a clock built in 1410.
Prague castle in the snow.
A section of the Lennon wall, a big wall that began as a place where students would graffiti anti-Soviet art. The Soviets would whitewash it time after time, but it would just keep getting covered. Now it serves as a monument to John Lennon. It still gets painted over periodically, but just so that the art can change all the time.
One of many statues on the Charles bridge. Thought it looked kind of cool in the snow.
Snow covered Prague from the tower of the Astronomical Clock, with Prague castle in the background.
Back at home things have been pretty slow, with tons of schoolwork all the time. As I'm sure you've read, there have been lots of protests in Madrid against austerity measures and such. Congress is three blocks from my apartment, so I get a firsthand view of the protests. Our professors have explained that people here love protesting more than anything, and even when times are good, people grab whistles and signs and take to the street for really petty things. It's part of the routine here, and if the subway isn't closed down at least 2 days a month because of striking union workers, it's a strange month. But I'm perfectly safe, the protests rarely turn violent, despite what I'm sure the news over there has chosen to show.
We had an adorable kitty for a week, but when I was in Paris he disappeared. When I asked what happened to it, my roommates explained that it got sick, and rather than getting medicine for it, decided to just give it away. All that sleeping, eating, playing video games, and not looking for jobs must have really gotten in the way of taking care of it.
I hope everyone is safe and sound as Hurricane Sandy makes its way north. From what it sounds like, Marley and Grady and Ken and Lauren have the most to worry about in NYC, but I'm sure everyone's taking care of themselves. Thinking of all of you, be safe.
Lots of love always,
Connor
I think an update is long overdue.
The weekend after my last post, a bunch of us, as well as other Middlebury friends from around Europe, converged on Munich, Germany for Oktoberfest.
Here:
Munich is an incredible city and we had a really fun time. Oktoberfest is kind of like going to Field Days. Lots of people, lots of midway rides and greasy food. But instead of NASCAR tshirts, everyone is wearing leiderhosen. And there's lots of beer. That's all I'm going to say about that. (Except Bo, make sure you go to Oktoberfest when you're in college).
A few weeks later, a group of us stayed with my friends Nick and Bratner, who are studying in Paris for the semester.
Friday everyone went to the Louvre, but my flight was later so I missed out on that which I'm pretty bummed about. But the next day we went to Musee d'Orsay, the French version of MOMA (sort of). I'm taking a class about modern European art, so it was really cool to see a bunch of Monets, Manets, Van Goghs, etc. that we've been talking about, and pretend to know what I'm talking about.
Afterwards we went to huge open air wine festival on the Montmarte, a big hill that overlooks all of Paris. It was rainy and cold, but it was really gorgeous. It's basically the only neighborhood left that wasn't ruined by the Nazis, so its the last of old Paris. I felt pretty French eating a foie gras sandwhich and sipping wine, and got this picture of the Eiffel Tower which I think is pretty cool:
For my birthday weekend I went to Prague. I got to see a bunch of Middlebury friends once again, as well as my good high school friend Michael Kellner who is studying there as well.
Prague is such a fun city and I had excellent hosts. We spent all Saturday walking around in the snow (so great to finally see snow!) seeing Prague castle, Charles Bridge, the Lennon wall, the Astronomical clock and all the beautiful architecture, and at night, we went out to a traditional Czech restaurant for my birthday.
Some pictures:
Back at home things have been pretty slow, with tons of schoolwork all the time. As I'm sure you've read, there have been lots of protests in Madrid against austerity measures and such. Congress is three blocks from my apartment, so I get a firsthand view of the protests. Our professors have explained that people here love protesting more than anything, and even when times are good, people grab whistles and signs and take to the street for really petty things. It's part of the routine here, and if the subway isn't closed down at least 2 days a month because of striking union workers, it's a strange month. But I'm perfectly safe, the protests rarely turn violent, despite what I'm sure the news over there has chosen to show.
We had an adorable kitty for a week, but when I was in Paris he disappeared. When I asked what happened to it, my roommates explained that it got sick, and rather than getting medicine for it, decided to just give it away. All that sleeping, eating, playing video games, and not looking for jobs must have really gotten in the way of taking care of it.
I hope everyone is safe and sound as Hurricane Sandy makes its way north. From what it sounds like, Marley and Grady and Ken and Lauren have the most to worry about in NYC, but I'm sure everyone's taking care of themselves. Thinking of all of you, be safe.
Lots of love always,
Connor
Friday, September 21, 2012
First Day of Fall in Madrid
It's a quiet Friday afternoon in Madrid; the perfect time to fill everyone in on my adventures over here!
Honestly I do not have a whole lot to report, since school has started, we've really settled into a routine and we haven't had much of a chance to explore much.
However, last Saturday, as the last part of our orientation, Middlebury chartered a bus and we all drove to Segovia, one of the oldest cities in Madrid. It was absolutely beautiful and a great way to spend the day. Everyone is really embarrassed of the cathedral in Madrid because it looks really French, but the cathedral in Segovia was incredible. Here are a couple pictures, but I don't know if my phone's camera does it justice (really wish I had taken your camera, Pops). The style is called Gotica Florida, which basically means ornate and flowery and renaissancy. Everything was gold and massive and the organ would have made Kevin drool.
There were about 25 side rooms, each one with something like this or artwork.
Nothing makes me happier than a castle, and luckily for me, Segovia has probably Spain's most famous castle. It was the getaway of Isabel and Ferdinand, amongst others.
Also, it was partly the inspiration for the castle at Disneyworld.
Knight; throneroom.
Segovia also has the best preserved Roman aqueduct in the world because the desert climate allowed it to survive perfectly:
Segovia's famous traditional dish is "cochinillo", which is suckling pig. We split one amongst 6 of us. Pretty delish. I ate the kidney and the tongue. Decided to stay away from the nose, eyeballs, brain, and tail.
School is going pretty well, the teachers talk pretty slowly so everyone can understand them, and although the homework takes a lot longer to do since it's in Spanish, there is a lot less of it. One of my classes is called Spanish Art of the 20th Century and half of our classes is just going to famous museums and looking at art, so that's pretty cool. I probably wouldn't be making it to too many museums if not for the class.
One of the most fun, surprisingly, part of living alone has been cooking for myself every night. Last night I made Tortilla Española for everyone in my apartment. It's the most classic Spanish tapas, and I got rave reviews from the natives, so I was pretty happy with the turnout.
I hate that I'll be missing Vermont fall for the first time. Here it's just more heat and sun and dryness. I would kill for some mountains and rivers right about now. Abby had a couple hiking suggestions for me that I am definitely going to try out before too long. In the meantime, feel free to send me some pictures of some foliage or other fall-y things I'm missing out on!
Love you all! Talk soon!
Few more pictures:
City hall in Madrid.
Lake in the middle of Retiro Park where I run everyday.
In Plaza Mayor, one of the bigger and older squares of Madrid.
Honestly I do not have a whole lot to report, since school has started, we've really settled into a routine and we haven't had much of a chance to explore much.
However, last Saturday, as the last part of our orientation, Middlebury chartered a bus and we all drove to Segovia, one of the oldest cities in Madrid. It was absolutely beautiful and a great way to spend the day. Everyone is really embarrassed of the cathedral in Madrid because it looks really French, but the cathedral in Segovia was incredible. Here are a couple pictures, but I don't know if my phone's camera does it justice (really wish I had taken your camera, Pops). The style is called Gotica Florida, which basically means ornate and flowery and renaissancy. Everything was gold and massive and the organ would have made Kevin drool.
Nothing makes me happier than a castle, and luckily for me, Segovia has probably Spain's most famous castle. It was the getaway of Isabel and Ferdinand, amongst others.
Segovia also has the best preserved Roman aqueduct in the world because the desert climate allowed it to survive perfectly:
School is going pretty well, the teachers talk pretty slowly so everyone can understand them, and although the homework takes a lot longer to do since it's in Spanish, there is a lot less of it. One of my classes is called Spanish Art of the 20th Century and half of our classes is just going to famous museums and looking at art, so that's pretty cool. I probably wouldn't be making it to too many museums if not for the class.
I hate that I'll be missing Vermont fall for the first time. Here it's just more heat and sun and dryness. I would kill for some mountains and rivers right about now. Abby had a couple hiking suggestions for me that I am definitely going to try out before too long. In the meantime, feel free to send me some pictures of some foliage or other fall-y things I'm missing out on!
Love you all! Talk soon!
Few more pictures:
In Plaza Mayor, one of the bigger and older squares of Madrid.
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Friday, September 7, 2012
An update and pictures
Hello everyone, haven't had a chance to post in a while due to spotty internet at my hostal, but I finally have an apartment of my own! That process was pretty awful, we spent three days doing nothing except walking around in the incredibly hot sun trying to find apartments. Finally I found one, but I'm glad I waited, because I love what I ended up with. I have a big room in a great neighborhood and I'm living with three young Spanish guys, so my Spanish is going to improve a lot more than most of the other students who are living in student apartments with lots of people who don't speak Spanish very well.
On Sunday we went to our first bullfight. I was really excited for this, but once you're sitting there watching a confused bull get tortured and killed, its a little more difficult to stomach. I'm glad we went for the cultural experience, but I probably wont be going again. We were also really confused about what was happening the whole time, but everyone is really proud of their city and culture so they were more than happy to try to explain what was going on. Every bullfight goes through 6 bulls, and the same thing happens in the same order every time, so I didn't really understand what the excitement was all about, but the people here get very into it.
One good thing about doing so much apartment hunting is that I've gotten to see a lot of the city. Each neighborhood (barrio) has its own feel. Chueca, where our school is, is Madrid's gay neighborhood, so its got lots of alternative, hip places to eat and go out. Sol is the most central neighborhood with bustling nightlife and shops. I live in a barrio called Atocha. It's really nice, and its where the Prado is, as well the botanical gardens and the national congress.
Since school has not started yet, we've been going out at night and getting to know a lot of people. We already have a pretty big network of American students, especially from Duke and Richmond. None of us really have enough courage yet to befriend native Spaniards, but I'm sure as our language skills improve we'll branch out a little. The nightlife is very fun, most people don't go out til midnight or later and everything stays open til 5 or 6 or later.
School starts on Monday, we've been doing orientation and taking some placements tests. Getting back into the routine of school and having to face the fact that I'm not here on vacation is going to be difficult. But at the same time, living out of a suitcase has been stressful as well, and I'm really glad that I finally have a place to live and that my life will be getting back to normal.
Today we went on a walking tour with some helpers from the school. We saw the royal palace and cathedral and went to a huge park. Madrid is more or less a desert climate during the summer so the park is pretty much completely dead right now, but apparently its quite nice during the winter and spring. I forgot my phone so couldn't take any pictures.
It's siesta time here, but I'll write again soon. Love you all and thinking about you!
Some nice looking building.
John in front of some other nice looking building.
Bullfight.
My room.
On Sunday we went to our first bullfight. I was really excited for this, but once you're sitting there watching a confused bull get tortured and killed, its a little more difficult to stomach. I'm glad we went for the cultural experience, but I probably wont be going again. We were also really confused about what was happening the whole time, but everyone is really proud of their city and culture so they were more than happy to try to explain what was going on. Every bullfight goes through 6 bulls, and the same thing happens in the same order every time, so I didn't really understand what the excitement was all about, but the people here get very into it.
One good thing about doing so much apartment hunting is that I've gotten to see a lot of the city. Each neighborhood (barrio) has its own feel. Chueca, where our school is, is Madrid's gay neighborhood, so its got lots of alternative, hip places to eat and go out. Sol is the most central neighborhood with bustling nightlife and shops. I live in a barrio called Atocha. It's really nice, and its where the Prado is, as well the botanical gardens and the national congress.
Since school has not started yet, we've been going out at night and getting to know a lot of people. We already have a pretty big network of American students, especially from Duke and Richmond. None of us really have enough courage yet to befriend native Spaniards, but I'm sure as our language skills improve we'll branch out a little. The nightlife is very fun, most people don't go out til midnight or later and everything stays open til 5 or 6 or later.
School starts on Monday, we've been doing orientation and taking some placements tests. Getting back into the routine of school and having to face the fact that I'm not here on vacation is going to be difficult. But at the same time, living out of a suitcase has been stressful as well, and I'm really glad that I finally have a place to live and that my life will be getting back to normal.
Today we went on a walking tour with some helpers from the school. We saw the royal palace and cathedral and went to a huge park. Madrid is more or less a desert climate during the summer so the park is pretty much completely dead right now, but apparently its quite nice during the winter and spring. I forgot my phone so couldn't take any pictures.
It's siesta time here, but I'll write again soon. Love you all and thinking about you!
Friday, August 31, 2012
hola!
hello to everyone from Madrid!
I've got some down time so I figured I'd fill you all in on my first few days in my new home.
Madrid is just lovely, I wish I had some pictures for you, but I'm not very good about that yet. Right now I'm living in a hostel with Forrest. We'll be living here for a few more days until we find apartments to live in. It's quite nice, we have our own bathroom and TV and fridge, which I stocked today with sandwich supplies and orange juice, etc. so we don't have to buy lunch every day. Our hostel is two doors away from the school I'll be going to, so chances are my apartment will be somewhere in the vicinity as well. It is right in the middle of Madrid.
Madrid is a very old city with narrow streets and alleyways and city squares every few blocks. We are a 5 minute walk from two of the biggest squares, "el Plaza Mayor" y "el Plaza del Sol". Streets shoot off of each of these in every direction and are filled with bars, restaurants, and shops. The nightlife is always very lively, but the first night we were here there was a game between Real Madrid and Barcelona (the two best soccer teams in Spain, and probably the world, and HUGE rivals) in Madrid, so the city was a bit crazy. Madrid won and everyone was driving around in the streets honking horns and waving flags. It was a great way to get thrown into the local culture.
Right now there are 5 of us from Middlebury here, with more and more arriving every day. Nobody knows where we should be going to see cool stuff, so we're all just kind of figuring stuff out as we go. Most people, and everyone over the age of 40, do not speak English, so we're being forced to speak a lot of Spanish, which is good, but also really hard. It makes everyday tasks like getting groceries or finding a bank seem really daunting.
It gets very hot here during the day, so from 2 to 5 everyone goes on a long lunch/ nap ("una siesta") and all the shops shut down. It means the night begins a lot later, but there is a really nice breeze during the night and I'm definitely going to like the schedule here.
Tomorrow were spending the day at a huge park near my hostel and then next week I start orientation.
I'll write again soon, can't wait to hear from everyone, I'm feeling pretty homesick right now.
Love you all!
I've got some down time so I figured I'd fill you all in on my first few days in my new home.
Madrid is just lovely, I wish I had some pictures for you, but I'm not very good about that yet. Right now I'm living in a hostel with Forrest. We'll be living here for a few more days until we find apartments to live in. It's quite nice, we have our own bathroom and TV and fridge, which I stocked today with sandwich supplies and orange juice, etc. so we don't have to buy lunch every day. Our hostel is two doors away from the school I'll be going to, so chances are my apartment will be somewhere in the vicinity as well. It is right in the middle of Madrid.
Madrid is a very old city with narrow streets and alleyways and city squares every few blocks. We are a 5 minute walk from two of the biggest squares, "el Plaza Mayor" y "el Plaza del Sol". Streets shoot off of each of these in every direction and are filled with bars, restaurants, and shops. The nightlife is always very lively, but the first night we were here there was a game between Real Madrid and Barcelona (the two best soccer teams in Spain, and probably the world, and HUGE rivals) in Madrid, so the city was a bit crazy. Madrid won and everyone was driving around in the streets honking horns and waving flags. It was a great way to get thrown into the local culture.
Right now there are 5 of us from Middlebury here, with more and more arriving every day. Nobody knows where we should be going to see cool stuff, so we're all just kind of figuring stuff out as we go. Most people, and everyone over the age of 40, do not speak English, so we're being forced to speak a lot of Spanish, which is good, but also really hard. It makes everyday tasks like getting groceries or finding a bank seem really daunting.
It gets very hot here during the day, so from 2 to 5 everyone goes on a long lunch/ nap ("una siesta") and all the shops shut down. It means the night begins a lot later, but there is a really nice breeze during the night and I'm definitely going to like the schedule here.
Tomorrow were spending the day at a huge park near my hostel and then next week I start orientation.
I'll write again soon, can't wait to hear from everyone, I'm feeling pretty homesick right now.
Love you all!
Thursday, August 16, 2012
A wonderful day at Pre-K!
Today was a great day in Northwestern Pre-K. We were all very busy being artists, putting on puppet shows, building cities with blocks, and cutting up magazines.
In math we talked about the color red and sorted objects from a magic bag into piles of red and not red.
In reading we read "Go Away Big Green Monster!" and then we made our own Big Green Monsters. Aren't they wonderful??
And I also luh all of you!
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
Would you like a comb? I mean some orange juice?
"Ms. Ross you should comb your hair it's gettin all nappy."
I can always count on my Prepsters for honesty.
I know I owe you all a really long blog post updating you on school! It will be coming soon, I promise.
Love you all!
I can always count on my Prepsters for honesty.
I know I owe you all a really long blog post updating you on school! It will be coming soon, I promise.
Love you all!
Monday, July 30, 2012
Cornerstone in the news
Happy Monday Family!
I just wanted to pass on an article about Muslim families and my school (Cornerstone). It's very controversial right now. Cornerstone used to be a private Christian school which is why a lot of Muslim families think it is still Christian, even though now we are a public charter school and not teaching the bible. MCS is sort of taking advantage of that assumption and courting Muslim families to Douglas, even though a lot of the refugees would rather have their kids go to school in their own neighborhood. We also have an amazing ESL teacher and program, and it would be so sad to have the neighborhood kids not benefit from that. Anyway, read the article if you like it's pretty interesting.
http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2012/jul/30/two-public-school-systems-in-memphis-court/
I just wanted to pass on an article about Muslim families and my school (Cornerstone). It's very controversial right now. Cornerstone used to be a private Christian school which is why a lot of Muslim families think it is still Christian, even though now we are a public charter school and not teaching the bible. MCS is sort of taking advantage of that assumption and courting Muslim families to Douglas, even though a lot of the refugees would rather have their kids go to school in their own neighborhood. We also have an amazing ESL teacher and program, and it would be so sad to have the neighborhood kids not benefit from that. Anyway, read the article if you like it's pretty interesting.
http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2012/jul/30/two-public-school-systems-in-memphis-court/
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
tell me I need a puppy...
Thursday, July 19, 2012
Hello from school.
Hi Everyone!
Daddy, won't you please write a book? Maybe a memoir of this summer! I would buy it. Although I'm sure that people would think that you were writing fiction, because some of this stuff just seems too made up. Your editor would probably say something like, "Pete, I'm just not sure that it's believable that 40,000 would gather to listen to bad music in heat like that. No one will buy such fantasy!"
I'm 4 days into my Professional Development (PD) at Cornerstone Prep. It has not been as scary as I thought it would be, it's actually been pretty great. It's a nice feeling to wake up in the morning and look forward to going to work. Of course, I'd love to be sleeping in a few extra hours and having a leisurely time exploring Memphis (like my roommate Shannon is doing), but if I have to be going to work I'm glad that it's here. Shannon has actually been really, really helpful as far as getting the apartment all set up, our electric and water turned on, our accent wall painted, etc because I haven't been around to help with any of it.
I'm very proud because I can now get to and from work without using a GPS. I also have 3 radio stations programmed into my car, and I've grocery shopped at Kroger and I now have a bank account with First Tennessee and I've shared a hee-hee and a ha-ha with my boss (who is significantly less intimidating while wearing cargo-shorts). So all in all I'm nearly a Memphian.
PD consists of a LOT of meetings, practice teaching, and community outreach, as well as setting up classrooms.
The most frustrating part is that the pre-K team is 4 teachers (2 classrooms) and they want our classrooms to be exactly the same, so the 4 of us have to decide everything together. Of course, what I think is the perfect behavior chart, Josh disagrees with, and what Dana thinks is the right way to line up, Sarah disagrees with, and it turns into hours of passive-aggressive, people trying not to hurt each other's feelings, discussions that sound like, "I'm just going to push-back against what you said because I really feel that while your idea is great, it doesn't take into consideration the fact that some students will be at science center while the others are at writing center, and it sounds to me like you're saying that all students should enter from the left side of the classroom, but I was getting the sense that the writing center and the science center are on opposite sides of the room, so I just want to pause and reflect about how we're going to make a positive change. In my opinion." And I'm just sitting there thinking "let it go, Cailin, let it go," because I'm ready to burst. There is so much talking going on alllll the time and we're just not efficient with our words. Do not explain to me again the purpose of small group work. I understand small group work. I have been doing small group work for the past 5 weeks with actual students and all I wanted to know is if small group work will happen before or after lunch. I do not care at this moment what the academic benefits of working in small groups is. GAHHHHHHHHAHHAHAHHFDAKDLJALKDFJALKDJFALKDJFALKSDJFA ODOFAO!!!
But I really like my co-teacher, he just sits there quietly and then sends out an email with his thoughts on all of it because he can't deal with people talking over each other. We will work pretty well together. Except it always takes him about an hour to work up the courage to disagree with me. I'll say something like "I kind of like the idea of having 4 kids working in the math center at a time." and an hour later he'll be like, "Cailin, I kind of think there should only be 3 kids there at a time." And I have to assure him that that's fine, it doesn't break my heart to take one kid out of the math center.
So it's just a lot, a lot of planning because, especially at this age, every single step has to be planned out. How are they going to line up to go to the bathroom? How will you get their attention when they are working in groups? What will the students that finish their work early do? What will the signal be to ask for a tissue?
My brain always feels pretty fried by the time I get home. Usually when I'm home I go work-out at the gym across the street then make dinner (Daddy, I'm cooking!!) and then iron my clothes and go to bed. What a thrill! Most of my friends are gone for the week because they don't start until next Monday or later, so I've had a lot of time alone. Maybe when they all get back I'll start doing more exciting things, although I'm so tired that by 9 I am ready to turn in for the night.
I'm still hoping you all will show up on my doorstep sometime soon!
love you so much!
Daddy, won't you please write a book? Maybe a memoir of this summer! I would buy it. Although I'm sure that people would think that you were writing fiction, because some of this stuff just seems too made up. Your editor would probably say something like, "Pete, I'm just not sure that it's believable that 40,000 would gather to listen to bad music in heat like that. No one will buy such fantasy!"
I'm 4 days into my Professional Development (PD) at Cornerstone Prep. It has not been as scary as I thought it would be, it's actually been pretty great. It's a nice feeling to wake up in the morning and look forward to going to work. Of course, I'd love to be sleeping in a few extra hours and having a leisurely time exploring Memphis (like my roommate Shannon is doing), but if I have to be going to work I'm glad that it's here. Shannon has actually been really, really helpful as far as getting the apartment all set up, our electric and water turned on, our accent wall painted, etc because I haven't been around to help with any of it.
I'm very proud because I can now get to and from work without using a GPS. I also have 3 radio stations programmed into my car, and I've grocery shopped at Kroger and I now have a bank account with First Tennessee and I've shared a hee-hee and a ha-ha with my boss (who is significantly less intimidating while wearing cargo-shorts). So all in all I'm nearly a Memphian.
PD consists of a LOT of meetings, practice teaching, and community outreach, as well as setting up classrooms.
The most frustrating part is that the pre-K team is 4 teachers (2 classrooms) and they want our classrooms to be exactly the same, so the 4 of us have to decide everything together. Of course, what I think is the perfect behavior chart, Josh disagrees with, and what Dana thinks is the right way to line up, Sarah disagrees with, and it turns into hours of passive-aggressive, people trying not to hurt each other's feelings, discussions that sound like, "I'm just going to push-back against what you said because I really feel that while your idea is great, it doesn't take into consideration the fact that some students will be at science center while the others are at writing center, and it sounds to me like you're saying that all students should enter from the left side of the classroom, but I was getting the sense that the writing center and the science center are on opposite sides of the room, so I just want to pause and reflect about how we're going to make a positive change. In my opinion." And I'm just sitting there thinking "let it go, Cailin, let it go," because I'm ready to burst. There is so much talking going on alllll the time and we're just not efficient with our words. Do not explain to me again the purpose of small group work. I understand small group work. I have been doing small group work for the past 5 weeks with actual students and all I wanted to know is if small group work will happen before or after lunch. I do not care at this moment what the academic benefits of working in small groups is. GAHHHHHHHHAHHAHAHHFDAKDLJALKDFJALKDJFALKDJFALKSDJFA ODOFAO!!!
But I really like my co-teacher, he just sits there quietly and then sends out an email with his thoughts on all of it because he can't deal with people talking over each other. We will work pretty well together. Except it always takes him about an hour to work up the courage to disagree with me. I'll say something like "I kind of like the idea of having 4 kids working in the math center at a time." and an hour later he'll be like, "Cailin, I kind of think there should only be 3 kids there at a time." And I have to assure him that that's fine, it doesn't break my heart to take one kid out of the math center.
So it's just a lot, a lot of planning because, especially at this age, every single step has to be planned out. How are they going to line up to go to the bathroom? How will you get their attention when they are working in groups? What will the students that finish their work early do? What will the signal be to ask for a tissue?
My brain always feels pretty fried by the time I get home. Usually when I'm home I go work-out at the gym across the street then make dinner (Daddy, I'm cooking!!) and then iron my clothes and go to bed. What a thrill! Most of my friends are gone for the week because they don't start until next Monday or later, so I've had a lot of time alone. Maybe when they all get back I'll start doing more exciting things, although I'm so tired that by 9 I am ready to turn in for the night.
I'm still hoping you all will show up on my doorstep sometime soon!
love you so much!
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Nothing The Size Of A Quarter Fell On Our Heads At Camp Bisco But...
There’s a haze that covers the festival grounds. But this haze doesn’t settle from the sky above but rises from the ground. Stirred by the feet of 40,000 wandering, shuffling souls. Dirt so fine a golf cart rolling at 2 mph can throw up a Pigpen cloud of dust that lays in your lungs, drifts upward and disappears like water vapor absorbed only to return to earth piggybacking on raindrops that turn to mud before they even hit the ground. Some new form of precipitation coming soon to a weatherman near you.
“Clean me” fingerpainted on the windshield of a ’98 Subaru with a note underneath “Why bother?”.
And heat. Mississippi Delta heat. The Ginzu knife couldn’t slice this air I’m trying to breathe heat. The only relief comes in the form of a wimp of a breeze not big enough to be shared by more than 4 or 5 people at a time. Teasing then moving along. Leaving in its wake heat and sweat so thick tattoos are running like an Al Stewart watercolor. White girls with skin perfectly-boiled Maine lobster red and perfectly-roasted Peking duck crispy.
Like a student who although unassigned always returns to the same classroom seat, I continue to use the same port-a-potty (second on the left, third row from the gyro stand). It’s the one with the Pabst Blue Ribbon Beer can bobbing for dear life in a sea of yuck. As the festival-goers empty bladders the beer can makes its’ way to the surface only to fall each morning when the port-a potties get cleaned. Veterans know the best time to go to the bathroom is right after the septic pumpers have been to town. Toilet paper and clean seats last about as long as a hot dog sits in front of Grandpa Jim.
The people watching is as fascinating as ever and I overcook more than one order of French fries. Do you want ketchup with your neon purple fur-lined boots? Security tries valiantly to hold back swarms of desperate to get to the next show young’uns. Bred somewhere between Barney Fife and an over-zealous campus security weekend extra they feel a need to protect people from errant golf carts making their way to the stage with very important cargo. “You’ll cross this road when I say you’ll cross it. Thanks for understanding.” The septic pumpers seem to get the right of way and I’m ok with that rule.
Best tee shirt so far? A tie between a guy with a really big head wearing a shirt with his own face on it and “You’re grammar suck’s”. Hey I think Jesus is buying a burrito. Jesus or Frank Zappa. Then I realize those 2 are dead and it’s probably a guy named Jack who works during the week at the co-op selling beans in bulk.
Most of the people are very nice and it is fun to talk with folks and find out a little about anyone willing to share. The genuine ones make our day as vendors a little more bearable. Here are some folks I got a chance to talk with for awhile. I told them I was going to post their picture so “Hi guys!”
My Best Customers So Far...
It’s interesting and everyone knows the odds of never seeing these people again are pretty good but it is fun to get to know people this way. Sort of like speed-dating without any consequences.
The music for the most part is god-awful. We used to get the same sound when we failed to properly connect our stereo speakers. I sincerely believe if you can play one really low bass note over and over and over and over again you can be a band. Actually you only have to play the note once and then sit back and let your computer take over. This can’t be what our parents heard when Elvis and Chubby sent them scurrying to their bomb shelters. That was music. With lyrics that dripped with meaning. Sha bittly boo wah wah wah!
So we drag home to hot showers, sharp razors and screened windows with fans in them. And get laundry done. Hopefully in time to leave for Gathering of the Vibes this weekend. Where I believe me and the music will get along much better. Love you all. Peace. Daddy/Peter
Sunday, July 15, 2012
Saturday, July 7, 2012
1 week left!
First, welcome home Connor! Glad you're back in the USA (best country in the world). Expect a call from me soon!
I just have 1 more week left in the Delta. I never thought I'd say it, but I will be sad to go. Mostly I'm going to miss my Mississippi babies, but I've had some great times with the people here and discovered some of the Delta's hidden gems. I guess I can always come back!
My girls wanted to give me braids. Here they are hard at work on my hair.
Wow! What a great job!
Here they are very pleased with their handiwork. Thanks, girlie girls!
I just have 1 more week left in the Delta. I never thought I'd say it, but I will be sad to go. Mostly I'm going to miss my Mississippi babies, but I've had some great times with the people here and discovered some of the Delta's hidden gems. I guess I can always come back!
My girls wanted to give me braids. Here they are hard at work on my hair.
Here they are very pleased with their handiwork. Thanks, girlie girls!
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
Only 4 days until I'm back in the US!
Can't wait to see everyone.
Things are going very well here. Work is still very slow. I have a final evaluation before my last day on Thursday, and I'm a bit nervous, because I haven't done much and can't imagine what they're going to have to say. "Well Mr. Ross, Dutch might not have been your strongest asset, but you sure can wear the hell out of a striped tie". Yeah, probably that. But at the very least, I'm being very proactive and asking everyone if I can help them, so I've covered all my bases and suppose I have nothing to worry about.
We went to Paris for the weekend. It was the most incredible city I've ever been to. Just as big and metropolitan as New York, but instead of filthy and ugly and faceless, it has charm, elegance, and the most beautiful architecture you can imagine. (No offense Ken, Lauren, Grady, and Marley.)
We got there at 11 on Friday night and drove to a hotel in the middle of the city that Felix's dad (Sven) really wanted us to see, but when we got there we found out there was a big fashion show that weekend, and without a reservation, bonne chance of finding rooms. We spent the next two hours driving around, getting farther from the heart of the city and into seedier hotels. Sven was not pleased ("I haven't worked hard the last 30 years to sleep in some youth hostel") but we eventually found something and it was fine. Dinner at 1 am (how European), drinks at a cafe on the Seine until 4, and then into bed for some much needed rest.
We woke up early on Saturday and saw the sights: Eiffel tower, Napoleon's grave, Notre Dame, various other buildings and parks I had never heard of, etc. The Eiffel tower, Notre Dame, and the Louvre (which we saw on Sunday) have 2-3 hour waits so we didn't go in, but just being there was impressive enough. And just wandering around the city is awesome enough, every street has a story, and Sven lived in Paris for 2 years, so he made an excellent tour guide. Every couple of hours we would stop and get coffee and food. We went to the best book store I've ever been to, an English one called the Shakespeare. The downstairs is very small and old and packed with people and books lying everywhere (think Harry Potter) and upstairs is a library with couches and big chairs for people to relax and read. After that we went across the street to a cafe where we got dinner as the sun set over the Notre Dame. Very pituresque.
We drove home late Sunday, and after three nights in a row of staying up until 6 am, I was very exhausted and went right to bed. It is taking my body some time to recover and I've been extremely tired for my first two days of work this week.
Back to work, see you in a few days!
Can't wait to see everyone.
Things are going very well here. Work is still very slow. I have a final evaluation before my last day on Thursday, and I'm a bit nervous, because I haven't done much and can't imagine what they're going to have to say. "Well Mr. Ross, Dutch might not have been your strongest asset, but you sure can wear the hell out of a striped tie". Yeah, probably that. But at the very least, I'm being very proactive and asking everyone if I can help them, so I've covered all my bases and suppose I have nothing to worry about.
We went to Paris for the weekend. It was the most incredible city I've ever been to. Just as big and metropolitan as New York, but instead of filthy and ugly and faceless, it has charm, elegance, and the most beautiful architecture you can imagine. (No offense Ken, Lauren, Grady, and Marley.)
We got there at 11 on Friday night and drove to a hotel in the middle of the city that Felix's dad (Sven) really wanted us to see, but when we got there we found out there was a big fashion show that weekend, and without a reservation, bonne chance of finding rooms. We spent the next two hours driving around, getting farther from the heart of the city and into seedier hotels. Sven was not pleased ("I haven't worked hard the last 30 years to sleep in some youth hostel") but we eventually found something and it was fine. Dinner at 1 am (how European), drinks at a cafe on the Seine until 4, and then into bed for some much needed rest.
We woke up early on Saturday and saw the sights: Eiffel tower, Napoleon's grave, Notre Dame, various other buildings and parks I had never heard of, etc. The Eiffel tower, Notre Dame, and the Louvre (which we saw on Sunday) have 2-3 hour waits so we didn't go in, but just being there was impressive enough. And just wandering around the city is awesome enough, every street has a story, and Sven lived in Paris for 2 years, so he made an excellent tour guide. Every couple of hours we would stop and get coffee and food. We went to the best book store I've ever been to, an English one called the Shakespeare. The downstairs is very small and old and packed with people and books lying everywhere (think Harry Potter) and upstairs is a library with couches and big chairs for people to relax and read. After that we went across the street to a cafe where we got dinner as the sun set over the Notre Dame. Very pituresque.
We drove home late Sunday, and after three nights in a row of staying up until 6 am, I was very exhausted and went right to bed. It is taking my body some time to recover and I've been extremely tired for my first two days of work this week.
Back to work, see you in a few days!
Sunday, July 1, 2012
updates from the Delta
Hi Family!
We're entering the home stretch here in Mississippi! Thank God! Just two more weeks until I get to move back to Memphis. I went back to Memphis for the day yesterday, and it was a great feeling to be driving into the city and feeling so happy to be back, even if only for a few hours. I was there with Shannon, my roommate, and Brittany, one of the girls who is living on the same hall as us. We did a lot of shopping for teacher clothes, went to brunch at the Blue Plate Cafe, and walked around our neighborhood. I hadn't realized how close I was to so much cool stuff! I am about a quarter mile from the Lorraine Motel, the site of Martin Luther King's assassination and home to the National Civil Rights Museum. Also on my street is the Orpheum Theater, an off-Broadway theater and cinema. Their summer movie series is on right now. Luckily I will be back in town for the showings of The Princess Bride and Blazing Saddles. Also a short walk away is the FedEx Forum (where we're going to see Sugarland play on Aug. 24th!), and tons of BBQ restaurants. A short walk to the west is the Mississippi River and lots of parks and walking trails. Here's what the view looks like.
There were a couple of River Boats chugging along as we walked.
It was great to be away from here for awhile and a little hard to drive back to the Delta.
But, last night we drove to Ground Zero, a blues club about 45 min from Delta State. It's a club owned by Morgan Freeman, who periodically pops in and dances. Yes, I've danced on the same floor as Morgan Freeman. He was there just 3 weeks ago! It's such a fun place! Very Mississippi. There is writing all over the walls where people signed their names. Here's my name:
It's famous but not at all fancy. Plastic table cloths are on the tables, they serve the greasiest food (shocker) and lots of beer and there were a ton of locals all out for dancing. And obviously it's all live blues, all night. Every musician except the singer had a lit cigarette hanging out of their mouths the whole time they performed.
My friend Gracie and I stayed basically until closing so we had the dance floor to ourselves. We met Abraham, a man who has been working there for 11 years (he's met Morgan Freeman tons of times and got our phone numbers so he can call us next time he pops in...) He's probably 60 years old and drives the "limo" for the club. The limo looks like it's from 1973. A big band is coming on July 3rd and he's offered to pick 10 of us up in Cleveland in his limo. No charge. Only tip the driver. hmm...an adventure maybe? Gracie and I are trying to find 8 more brave enough to come along for a night of blues and dancing in honor of America.
This week was a really hard one at school, but a really rewarding one. Going into the third week was difficult because it still felt like we had so many more days left here, our kids still hadn't quite warmed up to us, we were exhausted, behavior management in our classroom is much, much harder than we thought it would be, and we're all homesick. The racism and poverty down here is also emotionally exhausting. We see how deeply ingrained racism is down here, and it's very discouraging. Back in Vermont, it feels like racism is so foolish and ignorant and that we all just need to talk it out and get along. But down here it's a deep, deep hatred and mistrust and always on the surface. For the first time down here I'm noticed for being white, and I feel what it feels like to be stigmatized and marginalized because of the color of my skin. I had one little boy come up to be and say, "Ms. Ross, my mama says I'm scared of white people, but I'm not scared of you at all." In a classroom down the hall, one girl was teaching her lesson and a little boy raised his hand.
"Ms., are you white?"
"Yes, I am."
"How did you get to be white?"
"I was born this way."
"I wish I was born white."
It's disgusting and sad that at 4 years old a little boy already feels that there is something wrong with him because of his color, feels that life would be better as a white person.
In another instance, one of my teaching partners was on the phone with a little girl's mom. The girl has been misbehaving a lot, and we've all made calls home about what we can do about it. The teacher who made the call happens to be African American. The mother, also black, goes, "Hold up. Are you black?" and my co-teacher says, "Yes Ma'am, I am."
"Well it's about time that my daughter has a black teacher."
My co-teacher was greatly offended, not only that she was labeled because of the sound of her voice, but also that something like this would matter. It was really upsetting, and it's a terrible feeling to feel guilty about your skin color. I kept thinking, I wish I was black, too, so that her mother trusted me. The whole thing is so ignorant, but so real for many people. It's been really difficult dealing with these emotions and thoughts that I've never had to deal with before.
However, on a more hopeful and happy note, my lessons and behavior management have become a million times better since the beginning of the week. All of us are kind of finding our teaching styles, which makes teaching much more natural and fun. It's so much fun and so delightful when you do it right and when the kids really get it. The babies also trust us now and love us, so coming to class is the best because they just want to tell you the best stories and give lots of hugs and show you how very smart they are.
On Friday it was College Day. All the teachers wore T-Shirts that said their college name on it, and we talked with the kids about what it means to go to college and how important it is to go to school. I brought in my mortar board for them to try on ("Ms. Ross, I like your silly hat!"). They were adorable. Here are a few of my students, all ready for college graduation! Class of 2029!
As soon as Calvin learns his colors he'll be ready for Harvard. This little boy struggles a lot. He get's so frustrated and it breaks my heart. I worked alone with him on Friday with colors and numbers. I showed him how to make a 3. "See Calvin, you make curly-Q's!"
"I wanna try makin dose curly-coos!"
He did manage to draw a 3, but at the end of the lesson I asked what number it was..."Umm, six."
David is the sweetest little boy in the world. He has no teeth between his canines. He has a major speech impediment and would like to be a baseball player when he grows up.
Delvin can't sit still for more than 3 seconds at a time. When asked what he wanted to be when he grew up he responded, "The line leader." Shoot for the stars, buddy!
DeMarion, one of the twins. So smart, but will not open his mouth to speak. He gets so mad at me for making him follow the rules.
DeShaun in the other twin. He's such a clown and the biggest pain in the neck. I'll tell him to say "yes Ma'am" and he looks me straight in the eye and goes "Yes Sir." But this kid is brilliant. When I asked him what he wanted to be when he grew up he said "84 years old." what a little smart ass.
Diamonique is teacher's pet (or at least tries to be). A big ol' tattle-tale.
"Ms. Ross, he cutted me in line!"
"Hey Diamonique, you do you and power through." She doesn't love that answer.
Shakayla doesn't say anything all day long unless absolutely forced. Our big task for the summer is to get her to smile and engage.
Zyionn is a darling child. She loves me and always needs hugs. She gets extremely upset every time she gets disciplined and I always have to reassure her that I love her but it's still not okay to push friends. When she was leaving at the end of the day she said, "Ms. Ross, I'm going to graduate from college." Well, my work here is done. Achievement gap closed!
This is my favorite, favorite picture. Look at how happy this kid is to be smart! He is one of our biggest trouble makers but also a love bug. He's brilliant too.
Here's a little sample of some student work...
Zydarious is a great artist.
This kid didn't quite grasp the math lesson of the day...
and lastly, baby Jaylon. The most special kid. I just want to put him in my pocket and take him home (he's tiny enough that he'd practically fit...his arms are about as thin as butter knives, but he's the one that always makes me feel his muscle).
This kid cracks me up all day long. He was making a pattern with cubes the other day and when he finished he dusted off his hands and said, "My work here is done."
He also tells me a story every afternoon while we wait for the bus to come. It's always a fairy tale, and at the end he always says, "Isn't that hilarious?!" He loves school and gives me about 15 hugs a day.
On Thursday I wore my cowboy boots to school. I walked into the classroom and he said, "Ohhhh Ms. Ross! I love your cowboy boots! Can I hug them?" and the next thing I knew he was on his knees wrapping his little arms around my boots. The he stands up, says, "Ride 'em cowboy." and walks away. I love him. He's so so so bright.
At the beginning of the week I really just wanted to come home. But spending all week with these kiddos is the best. I actually wished it was Monday today because I miss them! They just crack me up. It is going to be really hard to leave them in two weeks.
I miss you all very much! I hope that you will come visit me when I get back to Memphis. I will take you all to the National Civil Rights Museum and the Orpheum theater and to the best BBQ and then we can go dancing at a Blues joint. Look out!
love you!
Cailin
We're entering the home stretch here in Mississippi! Thank God! Just two more weeks until I get to move back to Memphis. I went back to Memphis for the day yesterday, and it was a great feeling to be driving into the city and feeling so happy to be back, even if only for a few hours. I was there with Shannon, my roommate, and Brittany, one of the girls who is living on the same hall as us. We did a lot of shopping for teacher clothes, went to brunch at the Blue Plate Cafe, and walked around our neighborhood. I hadn't realized how close I was to so much cool stuff! I am about a quarter mile from the Lorraine Motel, the site of Martin Luther King's assassination and home to the National Civil Rights Museum. Also on my street is the Orpheum Theater, an off-Broadway theater and cinema. Their summer movie series is on right now. Luckily I will be back in town for the showings of The Princess Bride and Blazing Saddles. Also a short walk away is the FedEx Forum (where we're going to see Sugarland play on Aug. 24th!), and tons of BBQ restaurants. A short walk to the west is the Mississippi River and lots of parks and walking trails. Here's what the view looks like.
It was great to be away from here for awhile and a little hard to drive back to the Delta.
But, last night we drove to Ground Zero, a blues club about 45 min from Delta State. It's a club owned by Morgan Freeman, who periodically pops in and dances. Yes, I've danced on the same floor as Morgan Freeman. He was there just 3 weeks ago! It's such a fun place! Very Mississippi. There is writing all over the walls where people signed their names. Here's my name:
It's famous but not at all fancy. Plastic table cloths are on the tables, they serve the greasiest food (shocker) and lots of beer and there were a ton of locals all out for dancing. And obviously it's all live blues, all night. Every musician except the singer had a lit cigarette hanging out of their mouths the whole time they performed.
My friend Gracie and I stayed basically until closing so we had the dance floor to ourselves. We met Abraham, a man who has been working there for 11 years (he's met Morgan Freeman tons of times and got our phone numbers so he can call us next time he pops in...) He's probably 60 years old and drives the "limo" for the club. The limo looks like it's from 1973. A big band is coming on July 3rd and he's offered to pick 10 of us up in Cleveland in his limo. No charge. Only tip the driver. hmm...an adventure maybe? Gracie and I are trying to find 8 more brave enough to come along for a night of blues and dancing in honor of America.
This week was a really hard one at school, but a really rewarding one. Going into the third week was difficult because it still felt like we had so many more days left here, our kids still hadn't quite warmed up to us, we were exhausted, behavior management in our classroom is much, much harder than we thought it would be, and we're all homesick. The racism and poverty down here is also emotionally exhausting. We see how deeply ingrained racism is down here, and it's very discouraging. Back in Vermont, it feels like racism is so foolish and ignorant and that we all just need to talk it out and get along. But down here it's a deep, deep hatred and mistrust and always on the surface. For the first time down here I'm noticed for being white, and I feel what it feels like to be stigmatized and marginalized because of the color of my skin. I had one little boy come up to be and say, "Ms. Ross, my mama says I'm scared of white people, but I'm not scared of you at all." In a classroom down the hall, one girl was teaching her lesson and a little boy raised his hand.
"Ms., are you white?"
"Yes, I am."
"How did you get to be white?"
"I was born this way."
"I wish I was born white."
It's disgusting and sad that at 4 years old a little boy already feels that there is something wrong with him because of his color, feels that life would be better as a white person.
In another instance, one of my teaching partners was on the phone with a little girl's mom. The girl has been misbehaving a lot, and we've all made calls home about what we can do about it. The teacher who made the call happens to be African American. The mother, also black, goes, "Hold up. Are you black?" and my co-teacher says, "Yes Ma'am, I am."
"Well it's about time that my daughter has a black teacher."
My co-teacher was greatly offended, not only that she was labeled because of the sound of her voice, but also that something like this would matter. It was really upsetting, and it's a terrible feeling to feel guilty about your skin color. I kept thinking, I wish I was black, too, so that her mother trusted me. The whole thing is so ignorant, but so real for many people. It's been really difficult dealing with these emotions and thoughts that I've never had to deal with before.
However, on a more hopeful and happy note, my lessons and behavior management have become a million times better since the beginning of the week. All of us are kind of finding our teaching styles, which makes teaching much more natural and fun. It's so much fun and so delightful when you do it right and when the kids really get it. The babies also trust us now and love us, so coming to class is the best because they just want to tell you the best stories and give lots of hugs and show you how very smart they are.
On Friday it was College Day. All the teachers wore T-Shirts that said their college name on it, and we talked with the kids about what it means to go to college and how important it is to go to school. I brought in my mortar board for them to try on ("Ms. Ross, I like your silly hat!"). They were adorable. Here are a few of my students, all ready for college graduation! Class of 2029!
"I wanna try makin dose curly-coos!"
He did manage to draw a 3, but at the end of the lesson I asked what number it was..."Umm, six."
"Ms. Ross, he cutted me in line!"
"Hey Diamonique, you do you and power through." She doesn't love that answer.
This is my favorite, favorite picture. Look at how happy this kid is to be smart! He is one of our biggest trouble makers but also a love bug. He's brilliant too.
Here's a little sample of some student work...
Zydarious is a great artist.
and lastly, baby Jaylon. The most special kid. I just want to put him in my pocket and take him home (he's tiny enough that he'd practically fit...his arms are about as thin as butter knives, but he's the one that always makes me feel his muscle).
This kid cracks me up all day long. He was making a pattern with cubes the other day and when he finished he dusted off his hands and said, "My work here is done."
He also tells me a story every afternoon while we wait for the bus to come. It's always a fairy tale, and at the end he always says, "Isn't that hilarious?!" He loves school and gives me about 15 hugs a day.
On Thursday I wore my cowboy boots to school. I walked into the classroom and he said, "Ohhhh Ms. Ross! I love your cowboy boots! Can I hug them?" and the next thing I knew he was on his knees wrapping his little arms around my boots. The he stands up, says, "Ride 'em cowboy." and walks away. I love him. He's so so so bright.
At the beginning of the week I really just wanted to come home. But spending all week with these kiddos is the best. I actually wished it was Monday today because I miss them! They just crack me up. It is going to be really hard to leave them in two weeks.
I miss you all very much! I hope that you will come visit me when I get back to Memphis. I will take you all to the National Civil Rights Museum and the Orpheum theater and to the best BBQ and then we can go dancing at a Blues joint. Look out!
love you!
Cailin
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