there's more to life

than my job. And, though the past couple months of posts have been centered around my (many) struggles and (few) triumphs in teaching I actually have a life outside of school. Shocking, I know.

November 27, 2008 was my first Thanksgiving away from home. I entered the holiday feeling a little glum knowing that I could not enjoy a glass (or two) of wine with my Kuya while cooking or stuff myself with my Auntie's mouthwatering candied yams or hug my Daddy and Momma (who is 58 years young and looks amazing).

Thankfully I know NY's finest Californian transplants. About a dozen of us orphans and Dan, a special guest from home, spent the evening together sharing stories, filling tummies, and watching Home Alone. Though there is nothing like being with family, I feel incredibly blessed to have been surrounded by such convivial and warm hearted people. It was the best first Thanksgiving away from home I could have asked for.

thanks to Van and Ariane for hosting!

lovely ladies

a dinner to remember

***Photos stolen from Van without permission, he won't mind.

oooh child, things are gonna get easier

"Kristine, [your student] has been shot." I received the news only two hours ago.

Thankfully he's in the hospital recovering. Thank God he was only shot in the foot; the incident involved another student (from a neighboring school) who was shot in the back and killed.

Right now I feel numb and just sad. I'm scared for my students and I'm in shock. The world can be so ugly...

My God, I pray for my student and I pray for better days to come.

this is the job that never ends.

There's always something to grade, something to plan, something to analyze, something to improve, something school related that I should be doing at every moment of the day. Or, at least that is what it feels like. Though (for my own mental and emotional health) I make time for myself and for loved ones, I cannot help but feel guilty for not being "productive." So, the time I set aside to catch my breath is not always enjoyed to its fullest. My goodness I'm a wreck, aren't I? Or maybe this is the gauntlet I have to survive as a first year teacher.


P.s. Our president elect is a dream boat.
P.p.s. NY is fricken cold.

everything moves faster here

WOW it is November; which means I've been in NYC for one, two, three, four, FIVE months now!

In just five months the days shortened, temperatures dropped below my California threshold for chilly, and New York grew less scary...or maybe I've grown more comfortable here.

Apparently, no matter how comfy I get in the city according to one of my students I'll still stick out...

Student #1: Miss, did you know you don't look like a New Yorker? You don't walk like a New Yorker, either.
Student #2: What do you mean? Look at her, she'd fit in downtown.
Student #1: Noooo. You know why you don't look like a New Yorker, Miss?
Miss A: Why's that?
Student #1: You're too calm. Didn't you know we all move fast around here? And, we're all angry up here, too Miss. You're too nice.
Miss A: [smiles]

You best believe that I'm a Californian at heart.