ESL Class Update

The library called...I now have 17 students enrolled. I have rarely felt this inadequate and ill prepared. Eff. Advice is welcomed.

Salvar al Mundo

Translation (according to some translation website I Googled): saving the world.

The VITAL (Volunteers in Tutoring Adult Learners) program at the library needed an ESL (English as a Second Language, for those who don't know) teacher for a class of ten(ish) adults who are native Spanish speakers. Classes are for two hours every Monday, and it's only for six weeks to start with. I'm not sure what level the learners are, so I'm a bit in the dark. I'm quite nervous. I can walk into a classroom full of kids from all sorts of backgrounds, with all sorts of problems, and rock it. I have no idea how to teach adults. I've been through some training, but it's never enough without real experience. I hardly feel like a real adult myself. Let's not even begin to consider the fact that they've probably had a life that's a hundred times more difficult than mine. Crap. I better get it together before tomorrow evening. :o\

I just spent three hours making worksheets and planning activities for the first class.

ANNNNND I have a midterm on Tuesday and one on Wednesday. SHOOT MEEEEEEE.

I don't want you to think I'm complaining about it...well...I am complaining, but I really want to do it. School this semester is really getting me down, and being able to teach and help other people, I get my spirit back. It helps remind me why I'm working my ass off right now. It may take up a little extra time and energy, but it's what's keeping me going right now.

I scheduled my classes for next semester, and they seem SO exciting! I'm taking:
Public Organizations
Intergovernmental System Management
Public Management and Contracting
The Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector

After I finish with Stats and Econ, I can finally get into coursework I enjoy. The first semester at SPEA is kind of like basic training and hazing all mixed into one. It sucks, but everyone goes through it, and we're all going through it together. It's quite a bonding experience.

*sigh* I need to get to sleep early tonight. I'm listening to Disney tunes like a weirdo, and singing loud enough for people two floors up to hear (whatever--they should just enjoy the free concert). I will leave you with a little taste of my Disney concert.

I can show you world
Shining, shimmering, splendid.
Tell me, Princess, now when did you last let your heart decide.
I can open your eyes
Take you wonder by wonder
Over, sideways, and under on a magic carpet ride
A WHOLE NEW WOOOOOOOOORLD
A new fantastic point of view
No one to tell us no
Or where to go
Or say we're only dreaming.
A WHOLE NEW WOOOOOOOOORLD
A dazzling place I never knew
But when I'm WAAAY up here,
It's crystal clear
That now I'm in a whole new world with youuuuuuuu.

Hope you enjoyed that as much as the person in Apt. 3C did. HAHA!

Goodnight!

Suzeriffic.

Culinary Mastermind/Domestic Goddess in Training

My life is filled with strong, beautiful domestic goddesses. Between my grandmothers, my mother, and Laura, I have a lot of people to seek advice and wisdom from, and a lot to live up to! Women, be proud: I made my first crock pot meal. Yes, it's a bit "Honey, I'm home," Mrs. Cleaver, whitewash the fence, but I am very proud of myself.

In case you'd like to know my not-so-secret, but oh-so-yummy chili recipe, here it is:

3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite sized pieces
1 can white corn*
1 can black beans*
1 can chili beans*
2 cans fire roasted tomatoes* (I love tomatoes. Feel free to use 1 can)
*pour all the juices in the crock pot

hot sauce
cilantro (add a few minutes before serving)
cayenne pepper
pepper
Old Bay (This is the spice that gives the chili a unique and freaking delicious flavor)

Regarding the spices, add however much you like. I have an iron tongue and LIVE for cayenne pepper, and I just cook for myself, so i use a few tablespoons of it.

I created this throw together recipe because this was all I had in my poor grad student pantry. I encourage you to add all sorts of things. If it's gross, you're out 56cents (I get my Koger canned veggies on sale!), and you've eliminated one more ingredient from you PERFECT chili recipe. Why stick with what your great grandmother/grandmother/mother made? Learn from their wisdom, be bold, and create your own culinary adventure! OH! It's like the Choose Your Own Adventure book othe kitchen. Oh, I feel a new recipe book concept forming... :o)

I'm in a much better mood than last post, by the way. I took my Econ quiz (ehh...we'll see how that went), and I'm going to pretend I don't have a Public Management midterm on Tuesday and a Stats midterm on Wednesday until AFTER I hang out at Yogi's the Speons tonight. I think that after a few minipitchers of Killian's, I will feel much better about spending my weekend canoodling with my textbooks.

Well, I'm wrapping up. I am quite skuzzy, and a shower is next on the agenda.

Miss and love you all!

Suz

Discouraged

I hate life right now.

Let me correct myself: I have my life regarding all things mathematical. Stats and Econ have not only taken over nearly every waking thought, but have destroyed my morale to the point that I sometimes reconsider whether I will survive this semester. I know things will be MUCH better next semester when I'm enrolled in classes which are in my concentrations and I will actually enjoy. Right now, I'm getting buy on a smile and a prayer. I HATE anything mathematical. Shoot me.

I'm going back to studying for my econ quiz tomorrow. I am beginning to hate life.

All I want for Christmas is an easier schedule...and, if anyone who wants to buy me a Christmas present is reading, I also want gift cards to Express or money for rent. Those would be nice, too.

:o( Cheer ups are welcomed.