This is Destiny, I met her today while she "worked" in her mother's taxi cab. She was extremely outspoken in both English and Spanish, and she can spell most of the words on the Dolch list :-)... She also has an excellent sense of fashion. She posed for me, but was dazzled by the flash. I still think it was a cute shot :-)
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Day 47 (365)
I saw the full moon tonight as I walked home from the bus stop... I don't really know why the moon never ceases to amaze me. Maybe it's because I haven't been able to capture a decent image of it.
This is the best I could do...can someone tell me what I'm doing wrong?
This is the best I could do...can someone tell me what I'm doing wrong?
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Day 46 (365)
Duke's first try at light painting.... he was half asleep after a really long day of school, after-school and going to his dad's for a bit. But he wouldn't let me forget I promised him today's picture for light painting... so here it is, It's supposed to say "46"
Day 43 (365)
January 19, 2008
I know this is gonna mess with the order of the picture but It's better late than never.
Does it really get any better than this? a jar that counts your money as you put it in. Why didn't I think of that? :-)
Thanx PanamaRed for pointing that out....I did upload picture #43 to flickr but forgot blog it.... oh no wait! I meant, I did that on purpose to see if you were paying attention :-)
I know this is gonna mess with the order of the picture but It's better late than never.
Does it really get any better than this? a jar that counts your money as you put it in. Why didn't I think of that? :-)
Thanx PanamaRed for pointing that out....I did upload picture #43 to flickr but forgot blog it.... oh no wait! I meant, I did that on purpose to see if you were paying attention :-)
Monday, January 21, 2008
Day 45 (365)
Things you only see in New York.
I met these teenage girls in the bathroom of Toys-r-Us where they were airing out their "body art" with the hand drier. When I left the store I realized there were three boys as well, so I asked them to pose for my picture of the day. They were trying to stand out enough to make it into TRL.
Note that the temperature at the time was 21°F but it felt like 13°F with the wind chill factor
I met these teenage girls in the bathroom of Toys-r-Us where they were airing out their "body art" with the hand drier. When I left the store I realized there were three boys as well, so I asked them to pose for my picture of the day. They were trying to stand out enough to make it into TRL.
Note that the temperature at the time was 21°F but it felt like 13°F with the wind chill factor
Day 44 (365)
The Giants make it to the Superbowl... and just for kicks I decided to text all the Giants fans I know when the Giants were losing in the third quarter, including my ex-hubby....of course I got tons of obscenities texted back to me.
I'm not really into sports and I don't even understand football....but it's always fun to mess with hardcore fans.
I'm not really into sports and I don't even understand football....but it's always fun to mess with hardcore fans.
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Day 42 (365)
January 18, 2007
This is yesterday's entry, I was beat when I got home and couldn't upload or blog.
I stumbled upon this hidden block near my school where the movie Push is being filmed this weekend. The movie is based on the novel by the same name. I've never read the book, but I've heard it's interesting. I didn't recognize many people from the cast, the only names that jumped at me were Lenny Kravitz and Mo'nique.
This is yesterday's entry, I was beat when I got home and couldn't upload or blog.
I stumbled upon this hidden block near my school where the movie Push is being filmed this weekend. The movie is based on the novel by the same name. I've never read the book, but I've heard it's interesting. I didn't recognize many people from the cast, the only names that jumped at me were Lenny Kravitz and Mo'nique.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Day 41 (365)
I tried to get some shots of the falling snow tonight but instead my lens caught a flake, it melted instantly and combined with the light from the flash it created this weird shot of Duke. No flakes showed but I still liked it, so here it is.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Day 40 (365)
We were not cheering or celebrating anything, this came after a discussion on skin color my kindergarteners were having on their own. To clarify things I asked them compare their skin colors to a piece of white paper and a black plastic bag. After about 10 seconds they lost track of what the discussion was about and started to cheer for no reason. That's a typical kindergarten after school lesson :-)
Day 39 (365)
My co-worker's ridiculous JELLY and peanut butter sandwich. I'm personally not very fond of jelly, so I find it a tad repulsive, but he seems to really enjoy it.
I had a really long day yesterday (work, after-school and middle school fair) got home at around 9 and passed out on the couch almost immediately.
I had a really long day yesterday (work, after-school and middle school fair) got home at around 9 and passed out on the couch almost immediately.
Monday, January 14, 2008
Day 38 (365)
Couldn't find time to take a picture today. This is a sheet in a packet given to all staff members during the faculty conference today. I thought it was convenient.
Day 37 (365)
My brother the gamer playing Call of Duty 4 on his Xbox360. Notice how concentrated he is :-)
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Day 36 (365)
Briana at her '70's birthday bash. She actually made this kick-ass shirt with the help of her great mommy, Nao! Luv you guys!!!
Friday, January 11, 2008
Day 35 (365)
It's day 35 for me and I thought it was a nice round number to do something special, so I decided to celebrate with bugs(plastic roaches to be exact). When I went to my third grade class today the kids were still working on a math lesson that involved making arrays of different things and then noticing what quantity the rows and columns made. One student had a 5 X 7 array and since today is Day 35 here it is..... I flipped that last bug on its back to make the shot more dramatic..... I bet you thought I assembled an army of real roaches just for this picture :-)
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Day 34 (365)
Yes that's 7:07 AM and I was already at work. See, today was the last day of the ELA exam for Duke. Finally, the torture is over!! For the past three days I've had to get him to school by 7:15 am so he can eat breakfast with his teacher and classmates and have a chance to relax before the test begins at 9:15am. Those of you who know me well know that getting to work at 8am is challenge itself...Imagine me taking the train at 6:30am each day...seriously. ...anyway, I did it.....anything for Duke :-)
I even managed to be 8 minutes early today!!!
I even managed to be 8 minutes early today!!!
Wednesday, January 09, 2008
Day 33 (365)
My younger brother boasting about being the Connect Four master. Of course, he is... his opponents are all 9 y/o and younger. Seriously, dude, get a life! :-P
Day 32 (365)
January 8, 2008
Dad all prepped for surgery.
I spent the day at the hospital today with my dad. He was having a procedure done on his right eye. He looks a little angry in this picture, but he was really just anxious. Everything went well and he's home resting now.
When I got home I talked to a friend about my existential meltdown and she assured me that I'm better off without those shoes. Even though look so great on the window, a woman would probably fall on her face on Fifth avenue. Strange analogy, but I totally understood it... thanx pipe :-)
Oh! and before I forget. I know you're reading anyway, but thanx for commenting Nao.
Dad all prepped for surgery.
I spent the day at the hospital today with my dad. He was having a procedure done on his right eye. He looks a little angry in this picture, but he was really just anxious. Everything went well and he's home resting now.
When I got home I talked to a friend about my existential meltdown and she assured me that I'm better off without those shoes. Even though look so great on the window, a woman would probably fall on her face on Fifth avenue. Strange analogy, but I totally understood it... thanx pipe :-)
Oh! and before I forget. I know you're reading anyway, but thanx for commenting Nao.
Monday, January 07, 2008
Day 31(365) Harlem!!
Harlem at night... I took this one from the window of the Magic Johnson movie theater in Harlem. I went to see a movie with Duke to help him relax for the big test tomorrow. He, and the rest of NYS's 3rd and 4th graders, will be taking Day ONE of the English Language Arts Assessment.
It's crazy how this testing stuff has gotten so out of control. The stakes keep getting higher and the anxiety of testing keeps crawling down the elementary grades. Soon our Kidergarteners are going to be required to write a five paragraph expository essay explaining the life-cycle of a butterfly or something ridiculous like that.
Anyway, this is one of my favorite views:
1) because 125th st is a busy, fast-paced place with lots to see and buy; and
2) Of course, because the Apollo is there.
Harlem reminds me of simpler days as a college student at CCNY.
It's crazy how this testing stuff has gotten so out of control. The stakes keep getting higher and the anxiety of testing keeps crawling down the elementary grades. Soon our Kidergarteners are going to be required to write a five paragraph expository essay explaining the life-cycle of a butterfly or something ridiculous like that.
Anyway, this is one of my favorite views:
1) because 125th st is a busy, fast-paced place with lots to see and buy; and
2) Of course, because the Apollo is there.
Harlem reminds me of simpler days as a college student at CCNY.
Sunday, January 06, 2008
Day 30 (365)
Duke and Robbie doing homework in the background after Duke set up the question mark tracks in the middle of my living room floor. He no longer plays in his room, instead he has taken over the living room and any other space large enough to set tracks, do an experiment or build with video cassettes. whatever happened to watching TV or playing video games!! :-)
Day 29 (365)
I didnt have much to take a picture of today...I mean I did, but wasn't really inspired. I just snapped this while checking prices for In the Heights; a show opening soon on Broadway . when the verification screen came on I got the word "wornout". for a second I thought they were describing me. How do they know? :-)
Friday, January 04, 2008
Day 28 (365)
I just bought a new wallet and it has dozens of compartments, including six solely devoted to pictures. This is terrible, I have officially turned into one of those people who carries pictures in her wallet just so she can show other people what her kid, cats or middle-aged couples look like.....
The kid in the top picture is obviously Duke (my kid), the cats and the middle-aged couples came with the wallet, but I can't think of anything else to put in there. Every time I open my wallet I'm surprised by the cats and the strangers. This is really making me have second thoughts about this wallet.....
The kid in the top picture is obviously Duke (my kid), the cats and the middle-aged couples came with the wallet, but I can't think of anything else to put in there. Every time I open my wallet I'm surprised by the cats and the strangers. This is really making me have second thoughts about this wallet.....
Thursday, January 03, 2008
Day 27 (365)
Aside from my daily existential breakdown and my hypochondriac tendencies, today I had to care for my bruised ego. This email explains it all, but I'm not sharing its contents... that's the reason it's blurred :-)
I feel I have grown as a person in these past few years and I am coming to a crossroad (as cheesy as that sounds). I'm not as optimistic as I used to be, I have lost some of my hopeless dreamer virtues, and unfortunately I see life for what it actually is and it sucks on most days. But it's moments like this that prove how sometimes I still see the world through a rose-tinted lens filter.
I feel I have grown as a person in these past few years and I am coming to a crossroad (as cheesy as that sounds). I'm not as optimistic as I used to be, I have lost some of my hopeless dreamer virtues, and unfortunately I see life for what it actually is and it sucks on most days. But it's moments like this that prove how sometimes I still see the world through a rose-tinted lens filter.
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
Day 26 (365)
Duke dropped his Nintendo DS last Saturday and a small piece broke off. THe system still works, but unfortunately the piece that broke off helps hold the two screens attached. He hasn't been able to use it since and needless to say has been walking around all depressed. His cousins got DS's for Christmas and Duke was looking forward to pictochatting and doing all the non-sense you can do collectively on it. To make things worse the DS was sold out at all the GameStops, toy stores, electronic stores, Circuit City and BestBuy in the five boroughs and surrounding suburbs. I tried to get it fixed but the damage is a little tricky and I couldn't find anyone that was willing to try. Today after work we got off the bus at Fordham Rd. and decided to try a few of the small video game spots, finally we found a store that had a few consoles left. Duke's face lit up immediately. He's such a great kid and asks for so little that it's hard for me to say no. The good news is I get to keep the broken one....YAY!!!!
Tuesday, January 01, 2008
Day 25 (365)
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!
So 2008 is finally here and I didn't go through any of my rituals this year. No lists, no grapes, no getting wasted, no wearing new clothing, just spent it with family and sipping on Bailey's. I figure, I'll take 2008 as it comes and play it by ear, with no big plans. I'm just wishing for health for me and Duke.
So 2008 is finally here and I didn't go through any of my rituals this year. No lists, no grapes, no getting wasted, no wearing new clothing, just spent it with family and sipping on Bailey's. I figure, I'll take 2008 as it comes and play it by ear, with no big plans. I'm just wishing for health for me and Duke.
Monday, December 31, 2007
Day 24 (365)
I went over to my parent's because my mom decided to make "Sancocho" for New Year's Eve. Sancocho is a thick stew made with different kinds of meat, potato, yucca, plantains and lots of other veggies and spices. It's served with rice and sometimes cassava bread. I think it's really yummy. In this picture my mom is serving me some sancocho and I'm about to eat it :-)
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Day 23 (365)
I Went to Jersey with my mom and two aunts today. I went with the intention to shop, but didn't get to buy much. Waiting for the rest of the people to make up their minds was kinda boring, but it was overall a nice day. We crossed the GWB on the way back and I couldn't resist taking a picture. This is one of my favorite structures in NYC for many reasons. I couldn't take a better photo from the crowded car, but at least it's somewhat centered.
Day 22 (365)
red carpet
I took this one yesterday at Brandon and Ivan's Red Carpet Christmas Party. I didn't think there would be an actual red carpet, but then again it's Brandon, how could I expect any less? Brandon is one of the greatest people I know and I was glad to share this moment with him.
I took this one yesterday at Brandon and Ivan's Red Carpet Christmas Party. I didn't think there would be an actual red carpet, but then again it's Brandon, how could I expect any less? Brandon is one of the greatest people I know and I was glad to share this moment with him.
Friday, December 28, 2007
Day 21 (365)
Went to Bryant Park today to take my cousins ice-skating. I didn't actually skate because my heel pain was pretty bad today. took lots of photos, not many good ones. Photographing ice and snow is harder than it looks. I also tried to capture movement in this one by focusing on the guy with the orange jacket.
In other news, I went to see Juno today with Nao and the cousins. It was really good and there was lots I could relate to.
In other news, I went to see Juno today with Nao and the cousins. It was really good and there was lots I could relate to.
Good Riddance Day
Today the Times Square alliance will be holding an event they call Good Riddance Day . The deal is that people will have the opportunity to shred a list of bad 2007 memories that they want erased or simply put behind them . This serves as a symbolic ceremony to those who are eager to start the new year on a clean slate. It sounded nice for about a minute, so of course I began a mental list of the my bad 2007 memories. I couldn't find a single one that I would actually want erased. The truth is, everything that happened this year taught me something in a way or another. I admit I made a few mistakes, but I don't think erasing them would help. Looking back at my resolution post at the end of 2006 I accomplished most of the things I set myself to.
I do intend to leave procrastination behind for this new year, But maybe I'll wait for 2009 :-)
I do intend to leave procrastination behind for this new year, But maybe I'll wait for 2009 :-)
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Day 20 (365)
Turkey's done! I was standing in front of this store on Fordham Road when I realized the manikins are becoming more and more anatomically correct. Is this really necessary?
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Day 19 (365)
I tried to do a mirror self-portrait with the camera on full auto. The flash confused the autofocus and the image ended up pretty blurred. I decided to keep it because it sort of captures my mood.
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Day 18 (365)
Still under the weather....it sucks to be sick during vacation. cold medicine and lesson planning tonight.
Day 17 (365)
Christmas party at my parents.... ahh...family, stories, alcohol, food and loud music... don't you just love the holidays.
Sunday, December 23, 2007
Day 16 (365)
Finished wrapping all the presents and I'm still a little sick. This is my mom's tree in the dark with the presents around it. I'm still not feeling very Christmasy, but at least the kiddies will be happy tomorrow. (Click on it to see the notes on flickr)
Day 15 (365)
I know I'm being a total Scrooge about this, but there has got to be a law that prohibits this kind of stuff. The door on the right is my door. And no, I did not put up these decorations, my neighbor did. She's a fellow teacher and decorates her door and our section of the hallway at any possible occasion. It's freedom of expression, I guess, but do I have face it every time I leave or enter my apt?
Saturday, December 22, 2007
day 14 (365)
I miss seeing this everyday. By the time I leave work the sun is long gone. maybe I need a light box
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Day 13 (365)
Holiday show at work today. This is Duke's class forming two human menorahs and two human dreidels. Duke is one of the candles :-)
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Day 11 (365)
Good news geeks of the world!! the day has finally come when tagging in binary codes is acceptable. 01100001 01110111 01100101 01110011 01101111 01101101 01100101 00100001 00100001
Monday, December 17, 2007
Day 10 (365)
I didn't get a chance to take a picture today so I ran into my brother's room and took this one. This is my Luis Carlos. My not-so-little little brother who loves talking on the phone. Thank goodness for free night minutes.
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Day 9 (365)
Went to see a play today at Repertorio Español with Nao. It was pretty nice plus it had the hunk of Francisco Gatorno. After the play we ate enchiladas and went to Grand Central for cake and whispering.
Friday, December 14, 2007
Day 7 (365)
I saw my co-worker carrying the boxes and I had to borrow them. It's a game very similar to TROUBLE. Captures my attitude towards just about every aspect of my life at the moment....ironically something happened right after this that made me change the outlook.
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Day 5 (365)
I was organizing my print photos in my closed when I ran into this beauty. It's my first film SLR. It's completely manual!! The funny thing is that it's still loaded with color film and I have no clue what I've shot already with this roll. I wonder....
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Monday, December 10, 2007
Day 3 (365)
On our way home from work at 6pm. Duke is tired, is still obsessed with the idea of making an origami fortune teller. Next stop is Mount Eden...
Sunday, December 09, 2007
DAY 2 (365)
Duke went over to his dad's today and I decided to be bum. I did nothing but sleep and watch netflix movies all day.......but for some reason I kept hearing "duke noises" coming from his room, each time I stopped and tried to figure out what he was doing for a few seconds, just to remember that he wasn't home. when i he finally got home i took this picture of him.
DAY 1 (365)
I began a 365 flickr project yesterday. The deal is I post one photo per day for a whole year. It'll be interesting to see when I get sick of this :-)
**This is the description to yesterday's entry.
I had to work today and felt horrible. One of my students passed me this note... it really brightened up my day, but we really need to work on that spelling..:-P
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Friday, November 23, 2007
fall/winter blues
For the past few weeks now I’ve been slipping into a mild case of fall/winter blues. I hardly enjoy being anywhere other than my bed or the couch. I’ve been dragging myself to work and struggling with the middle school search for Duke. I’ve also been teaching test-prep four days a week after school and on Saturday mornings. And during my time off I hardly go outside. Today I had to step out for a few minutes and realized that it’s daylight what I’ve been missing (among other things I won’t discuss). I took a deep breath and it smelled like winter. It was invigorating. It reminded me how much I love the change of seasons and being able to wear a jacket. The goal for this week is to take a short walk during lunch-time each day and get my circadian rhythm back on track.
Monday, October 29, 2007
FYI: peanuts are legumes too
according to the book of perfectly useless information and the National Peanut Board, the peanut is not a nut, but a legume related to beans and lentils..... that's all I have to say for now.
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
100th post
So blogger says this is my my 100th post, I haven't counted them twice yet to verify but I'll believe it. I think in some kind of weird way it makes sense and it must be the cosmos aligning to commemorate the anniversary of the largest manifestation of my life-long battle with procrastination. So here it goes:
I have discovered netflix and I am catching up with tons of stuff I haven't watched. Sketches of Frank Gehry was the first family film, since Duke and I missed it in the theaters. I just finished watching it and I have to confess I was able to relate a lot more than I actually expected. The documentary starts out by Frank talking about how starting is never easy. He describes a process that involves "avoidance, delay and denial"... and for a second there I felt attacked, as if Gehry would choose me as the topic of his documentary. Then he says "I'm always scared that I'm not gonna know what to do...It's a terrifying moment." And there it is: add a little self-sabotage to this statement and you have an explanation to why I haven't completed my thesis yet. Yes, my thesis. That thing that was due last December and has slept with me, gone on dates with me, traveled with me and has been staring at me from my bedroom wall for the past 9 months. I can't understand why I can't just end this torture. In the end "it's just another paper", as Jeanne says. But my ego won't let me just through something together and hand it in like the rest of my cohort did. I have to add just a little more, find better sources, revise it once more, take it apart, change it all together, maybe change the topic... no wait a minute... I love that topic...
And there's always that voice that keeps saying "just finish it already!!...it's not that big a deal" But it is, at least to me. I wanna be able to hand in something extraordinary, especially after having a whole year to complete it. Or maybe at this point, just completing it would be extraordinary..... I don't know.....
But watching Frank Gehry got me thinking about the way I've lived life in the past decade. Someone recently asked if I felt satisfied with my career choice. I was surprised that I answered with such certainty.... no hesitation at all "Yes, absolutely".... I guess I was surprised because I never actually heard myself say it aloud and fully mean it. I admire Gehry's guts for challenging the way people look at architecture. I can't say I feel compelled to do the same for for my profession, because then I would end up another cliche; or worse, a lifetime movie; or even worse, a Ron Clark. Don't get me wrong, I am not as naive as I used to be in fall 2004, when I thought I could change the world 25 kids at a time. I now know I can... I just need a focused plan to do actually it.
So going back to this being my 100th post and marking some kind of milestone... I think I'm just gonna look at it as the post after #99... that way there's no pressure to finish it and I can actually post it tonight.
I have discovered netflix and I am catching up with tons of stuff I haven't watched. Sketches of Frank Gehry was the first family film, since Duke and I missed it in the theaters. I just finished watching it and I have to confess I was able to relate a lot more than I actually expected. The documentary starts out by Frank talking about how starting is never easy. He describes a process that involves "avoidance, delay and denial"... and for a second there I felt attacked, as if Gehry would choose me as the topic of his documentary. Then he says "I'm always scared that I'm not gonna know what to do...It's a terrifying moment." And there it is: add a little self-sabotage to this statement and you have an explanation to why I haven't completed my thesis yet. Yes, my thesis. That thing that was due last December and has slept with me, gone on dates with me, traveled with me and has been staring at me from my bedroom wall for the past 9 months. I can't understand why I can't just end this torture. In the end "it's just another paper", as Jeanne says. But my ego won't let me just through something together and hand it in like the rest of my cohort did. I have to add just a little more, find better sources, revise it once more, take it apart, change it all together, maybe change the topic... no wait a minute... I love that topic...
And there's always that voice that keeps saying "just finish it already!!...it's not that big a deal" But it is, at least to me. I wanna be able to hand in something extraordinary, especially after having a whole year to complete it. Or maybe at this point, just completing it would be extraordinary..... I don't know.....
But watching Frank Gehry got me thinking about the way I've lived life in the past decade. Someone recently asked if I felt satisfied with my career choice. I was surprised that I answered with such certainty.... no hesitation at all "Yes, absolutely".... I guess I was surprised because I never actually heard myself say it aloud and fully mean it. I admire Gehry's guts for challenging the way people look at architecture. I can't say I feel compelled to do the same for for my profession, because then I would end up another cliche; or worse, a lifetime movie; or even worse, a Ron Clark. Don't get me wrong, I am not as naive as I used to be in fall 2004, when I thought I could change the world 25 kids at a time. I now know I can... I just need a focused plan to do actually it.
So going back to this being my 100th post and marking some kind of milestone... I think I'm just gonna look at it as the post after #99... that way there's no pressure to finish it and I can actually post it tonight.
Sunday, September 09, 2007
Sept 8th
Last night I met up with some friends from a past life, just to realize that I like some people better in the memories I have of them. After a few drinks in a bar so up north that Broadway was almost south again, we headed downtown to Astor to see our beloved Alamo. But in a sudden change of plans we decided to walk to Union Square to reminisce about idealistic philosophies, useless protests and about joining movements for the wrong reasons. There were some expressed feelings of regret, but none from me: I’d make each and every mistake all over again.
We watched the baton ballet girls all dressed in black and dancing with fire; and the random skaters grinding and flipping their skateboards with enviable grace. I was glad to see that despite all the glass and big names, Union Square is still a free non-judgmental place to hang. There was a group of sexually disoriented teenagers, a vigorous smoker, a few homeless people, a girl coming from a Spanish Rock concert where she lost her cellphone and hundreds of other people that only stayed for a few minutes. At about 3am a group of South American guys in their thirties sat near us with a guitar full of old song fragments. I sang from my subconscious sad songs about other people’s past sufferings and I felt relieved. We made friends with the bohemian group and found out they were really from New Jersey and were waiting to get rid of the alcohol in the designated driver’s system. When it was nearly 5am I called it a night and came home to sleep. It was a nice night, the only thing that was missing was my rebel to document it all. If it wasn’t for the gum on my pants I’d think it was a dream.
We watched the baton ballet girls all dressed in black and dancing with fire; and the random skaters grinding and flipping their skateboards with enviable grace. I was glad to see that despite all the glass and big names, Union Square is still a free non-judgmental place to hang. There was a group of sexually disoriented teenagers, a vigorous smoker, a few homeless people, a girl coming from a Spanish Rock concert where she lost her cellphone and hundreds of other people that only stayed for a few minutes. At about 3am a group of South American guys in their thirties sat near us with a guitar full of old song fragments. I sang from my subconscious sad songs about other people’s past sufferings and I felt relieved. We made friends with the bohemian group and found out they were really from New Jersey and were waiting to get rid of the alcohol in the designated driver’s system. When it was nearly 5am I called it a night and came home to sleep. It was a nice night, the only thing that was missing was my rebel to document it all. If it wasn’t for the gum on my pants I’d think it was a dream.
Monday, September 03, 2007
FALLing into place
Fall is upon us, YAY!!!!
I know I haven’t posted anything in a long time, but to be completely honest I don’t even want to think about the last couple of days of my trip. As most of you already know I’m still mourning about my Rebel. The trip as a whole was great. I learned a lot of the education system in the Dominican Republic, people and poverty. Much of it I knew already, but it was different actually witnessing it first hand. Being able to rest away from my life and the sources of stress that come with it was also wonderful. I highly recommend taking 2 months off in a foreign country; then again not everyone is a teacher :-).
But that was summer and now is back to reality. Going back to work relaxed and refreshed is nice, but I’ll be stressed again in no time. Thank goodness for winter and spring breaks and the occasional long weekend :-P
I will upload more pictures soon, of course minus the 500 that were still in my memory card.
mdl
I know I haven’t posted anything in a long time, but to be completely honest I don’t even want to think about the last couple of days of my trip. As most of you already know I’m still mourning about my Rebel. The trip as a whole was great. I learned a lot of the education system in the Dominican Republic, people and poverty. Much of it I knew already, but it was different actually witnessing it first hand. Being able to rest away from my life and the sources of stress that come with it was also wonderful. I highly recommend taking 2 months off in a foreign country; then again not everyone is a teacher :-).
But that was summer and now is back to reality. Going back to work relaxed and refreshed is nice, but I’ll be stressed again in no time. Thank goodness for winter and spring breaks and the occasional long weekend :-P
I will upload more pictures soon, of course minus the 500 that were still in my memory card.
mdl
Saturday, August 18, 2007
Hurricane Dean
Hurricane Dean is passing through the caribbean. It already hit Matinique and Dominica. These islands are located south east of the Domincan Republic. The map above shows where the hurricane is as I write this. As you can see the whole island is covered by it. I am near the north coast and it´s not expected to hit here too badly, but the rain and the wind sure feels like a hurricane is nearby. It´s supposed to be headed for Jamaica and then the gulf of Mexico. Hurricanes make me nervous but I also find them fascinating. It doesn´t help that duke is now obsessed with them. I was born during hurricane David in 1979 and it was one of deadliest for the the island. Every hurricane season people of my parents generation and older have David flashbacks.
Well for now I am stranded because the rain has been non-stop. I was supposed to go to Altos de Chavon on the southern coast today or tomorrow, but that won´t be happening. I´m back to being bored.
mdl
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
postcards
trying to mail postcards from a country with a mail system that is nearly non-existent can be frustrating, but not as frustrating as buying decent postcards to send :-)
Sunday, August 12, 2007
14 days
Two weeks from today I will be back home...frankly, I wish it was a little sooner... duke and I are both a little sick of being here. The experience as a whole has been great but I miss my life. I miss my friends, my family, speaking english or spanglish... I miss salad dressing and organized public transportation...my apartment, my air conditioner, my microwave and my bed. I know 2 weeks is not much, but it seems like an eternity :-)
mdl
mdl
Thursday, August 09, 2007
Birthday
It´s that time of the year again.... as I turn 28 today I don´t feel any older, just wiser(hopefully). I am pretty happy with my life, all things considered. I have wonderful friends, a supportive family, a great kid, health and a job. I can´t ask for much more. My only wish is to continue to enjoy this extended vacation and to be able to readjust to my reality when I get back :-).
mdl
ps: gifts will be accepted after the 26th when I get back, if not digital life is coming up in late september...he he
mdl
ps: gifts will be accepted after the 26th when I get back, if not digital life is coming up in late september...he he
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