resfriada & temblores

So this past week has been quite a whirlwind.  I must have gone through about 5 rolls of toilet paper.  And no, not because of backside, silly hiney issues but because I was slapped across the face with a major cold, which left me miserable and cranky.  It is Monday and I am still not feeling at all 100%.  Working with my little nuggets is a glorifying experience…but there are some downfalls…one of them being GERMS!....and the occasional desire to punch a concrete wall.

I think I’m doing ok as a professor.  I’ve only made two kids cry so far.  The first was because I wrote a note home to a student’s parents about his behavior and the second because I got too aggressive during recess and I kicked a soccer ball at a kid’s face. 

In addition, I have started to feel a little uncomfortable with a few of my students in one of my first grade classes.  They refer to me as “mama,” and like to give me lots of hugs and kisses.  I always need to reinforce that I am NOT their “mama,” and that I do not have/nor want children.  Today, they took it too a new level.

Matias (the leader of this group) was giving me my normal “child/mother love.”  It was sweet and innocent until he reached up, grabbed my left breast, and said “leche, leche…yo quiero leche.” (Milk, Milk, I want milk).  This is when I had another professor take control of the situation, informing him that Miss Sarah did not have “leche” in her breats.

My bike is the best investment that I have made in Chile.  I now can leave 25 minutes before work and arrive without any problems.  I’ve only hit two pedestrians and one other bike.  The bike crash was not my fault.

Friday night I celebrated my roommate’s birthday with red wine and lasagna.

I spent all day Saturday at a religious retreat that was made mandatory for all new employees at San Ignacio.  I had to be at the school at 7:30AM and I didn’t arrive home until 7:30 at night.  Considering the fact that I am currently in a phase of “religious exploration” and have a low-tolerance for Chilean formalities…it was horrific.   And by horrific…I fell asleep while the priest was talking. Torture.

Fortunately, later that night there was a festival in my neighborhood “Barrio Italia” where all of the art galleries moved their work out into the streets, and there were live bands and free drinks.  Afterwards I went to a friend’s apartment for an asado.

Today was a great day.  I had two of my girlfriends here in Santiago come over and help me make a brunch for a few friends.  I went to the supermarket and bought a bunch of food to cook with.  I wanted to make it a “thank you” meal to all of the people that had taken care of me during my time of financial difficulties.  We made pancakes, French toast, scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, strudel, fruit salad…and even mimosas! It was a great afternoon with a ton of laughs…(I shared stories about my obese childhood)…and everyone left with full bellies and big smiles. Success.

Other than this…everything has been pretty laid back.  I thoroughly enjoy having a routine, waking up in the morning…going to school etc.  I forgot to mention that I got asked to start an English club.  I’ll be getting paid about 200USD extra a month for about 6 hours of work…I’ll take it!

I almost killed my plant Neil.  I knew that I couldn’t handle the pressure of being responsible for another living being.  However, after some critical care, he is starting to turn green and firm again.  I promised myself that I would do better with his feeding schedule this week.

This week is also very exciting because I will have my first visitor.  Carlie, one of my closest friends from Virginia Tech will be coming and staying with me for a few nights.  I hope she is prepared for all of my plans!  I can’t wait to show her my city and introduce her to my Chilean life J

Also, I guess I should mention that I am okay in despite of the news regarding the earthquakes here in Chile.  I am very accustomed to tremors after being in Iquique.  However, this weekend I was a little uncomfortable after the two tremors we experienced here in Santiago.  Saturday morning at around 4:30AM I woke up to my bed slamming the wall.  This one lasted about 20 seconds and was really loud.  Then, last night (Sunday) we had another one that lasted about 40 seconds and was a result of the 7.2 earthquake that hit the southern region of Maule.  For the first time, I could literally feel the ground moving below me…and not in a back and fourth motion but more of a circular motion, jolting everything around.  Although it was a little scary…it was also kind of entertaining.

I finally have my iPod back.  My friend Sebastian took me to the store to get it fixed...I walked out with a new one! Exceeeeeeellent. 

Two things I have been pondering over the past week:

1) Friends of mine told me that in Germany boys sit down to pee….I can’t stop thinking if it’s true or not.….does anyone know/been to Germany?

2) I also saw a midget…using a midget bike.  I am debating on whether the bike was especially made for the midget…or if it was just made for kids.

Congratulations to my brother, James, for getting a new job... :)

Life is going amazing.  I am so content, with everything.

Over and out.

English Department: San Ignacio

                                 Some English Professors at Breakfast: Danitza, Me, Claudia, Tamara

                                 Leo's Birthday (Last Friday): Sebastian, Caroline, Me & Pame

                                                                         Again....

                                                               Caroline & Me :)

all over the place

I started work last week.  I absolutely love it.  Working with first and second graders is so much fun.  I sing songs, act really dumb and get to wear a smock or “apron.” (less pressure to get dressed in the AM) The little boys (remember all boys school) like to touch my hair, my earrings, give me kisses and tons of hugs. Mmmmmmm my heart melts everytime I walk down the hall or into a classroom.

My favorite story is when I met one of my 1^st grade classes.  The other English professor introduced me to the kids by having an “interview with miss Sarah.”  She asked me basic questions in English like “what is your favorite color, etc.” At the end of it she asked if the boys had any questions for “miss sarah.” One little boy raised his hand and said:

“puedes preguntar la miss si ella tiene un pololo?”

(can you ask if the miss has a boyfriend?)

the other professor translated into English “miss sarah…do you have a boyfriend?”

obvious answer, I responded

“no, I do not have a boyfriend.”

the boy looks at me, WINKS and repsonds:

                        “quieres uno?”

                        (do you want one)

6 years old and this kid has more game then 3 quarters of the men I have encountered in my 22 years of life….a mini I don’t even know b ut, needless to say…day 1 and he was awarded favorite/coolest student award…probably should’nt be admitting that.

Today is the international day of women.  I came into school this morning and had rosses on my desk…my boss, a Cuban man…bought all of the women in the office rosses! How sweet.  We were also given cake for breakfast in the teachers lounge....the day is looking GOOD

I also started my other job this week….working at an e-learning company…I’ll be conducting skype telephone calls with business executives who do not have time to take traditional English classes…I’m pretty excited to get the ball rolling with this project … it’s going to be easy labor, working at home and making some $.

I’m buying a bike. I hate the metro and micro in the mornings. Too crowded and too sweaty.  It was so full the other day I saw some fat guy get his stomach get stuck inbetween the metro doors…come on…wait 2 minutes to get on the next one.  Save the rest of us from dry heaving, thanks. There is a bike path from my house to the center…plus when the protests start back up there will sometimes be no public transportation.  It’s the only way. The onlyyyyyyy way

My ipod’s broken. I just bought it 8 months ago. I normally fly through this city jamming and without it I feel lost. I hate hearing everything.  Hopefully my friend can drive me to get it fixed (the apple store is unreachable by metro and id have to switch to go on like 3 dif micros)

Ive been lazy with the guitar. Now that im working from 8 to 7 or 8 at night I’m too tired to practice. Wah … hopefully when I get some money I can pay for lessons or something to keep me motivated. Looks like my tour dates are going to be pushed back to september, i know, i know, i feel your disappointment.

So I know that I have mentioned to some friends how I have had some funny experiences in the dating scene here.  There have been some that have gone really well…and others…terribly bad.  i havea  few rules about dating Chileans…first thing is first….latino men like to be, well, complimentary, and often…they like to use “pet names.”  Now, there is something really cute about being called a “peluchito” (little teddy bear) in Spanish.  However…when a boy, I do not care if you are George Clooney…calls me a “chanchito” (little piggy) or “gordita” (little fatty)…it’s time to CUT. THINGS. OFF.  They are considered terms of “endearment” here…but I’m sorry…being called a “little piggy” is just not flattering, nor acceptable.

 However, the best is yet to come.  After work on the other day i went to get food and a drink with a Chilean guy that I have been crushing on.  After an amazing afternoon and evening I was feeling really good about the situation…and I even considered a goodnight kiss AHH! Towards the end of the date we were sitting on a bench when “he” grabbed my cheek and said “awwwwwwwww que guapa mi jamoncita!!!!!!”

…JAMONCITA!

………….JAMONCITA!

……………………..JAMONCITA?

Well, that was the first time I’ve ever been referred to as a “little tiny ham.” And I sure hope it’s the last.   the date ended, with a hug. Ouch.

Hmmm what else is new?

OH, how could I forget. The story about how karma almost killed me. Literally.

In my last blog post I mentioned how I didn’t receive any valentine’s day gifts from anyone, not even my own mother.  Well, my apologies, mom. Last week i  received a huge box from my 2205 FL address.   Inside, I got photographs to hang in my room, vitamins, some beef jerky and a beautiful red box of valentines day chocolates.  Now, my mom and anyone else who knows me really well knows that I am not a big chocolate fan.  But, on Sunday I had a craving for something sweet and carmely. So, I decided to crack open the box of chocolates and treat myself  to a little carmel surprise.

I bit into the chocolate and to my delight it was filled with coconut, the only thing in this world I am allergic to.  Sitting alone in my Santiago apartment my throat starts to itch…thennnnnnn it starts to close.  I panic and decide to walk myself to the drug store about 4 blocks away. Now, don’t forget, it’s still summer here in Chile.  So as I feel like I’m breathing out of a straw I’m also struggling to breathe due to the intense heat and smog. Well, I reached the drug store, my legs gave out and i passed out in the doors…and caused a huge scene. GRINGA DOWN.

I was given some pills to open my throat…and afterwards, a pill to relax. Now I have no idea what this “relaxing” pill was but I was out. of. IT. I felt like w0o0ooooo0o0oooo0oooooooooooo for the rest of the night. But I survived, with only a little bit of embarrassment of passing out in a drug store, meh no big deal.

Anyway, thanks mom, for the chocolates…and for your attempt at murder…I thought I was far enough away that you would stop plotting ways to get rid of me hhahahaha

My feet smell really bad here. I’m not sure how to handle it.  I have to wash my feet whenever I come home…not normal, I know.  Does anyone have any smelly feet remedies?

I also saw the stars the other night.  I haven’t looked at them in so long. They are a little backwards here.

I have to go teach a class. Second grade B. we will be reviewing school materials and games. Hello, hello, hello…hello how are you?  Hello, hello, hello, I’m fine thanks and you? Da dum da dum da dum

Updates por favor!