Brazil feels more and more like home. It's been three months since I moved here, and I have adjusted, bro. The Brazilian people are lovely, the food is lovely, the culture is lovely. My Portuguese improves every day, mostly because... Continue Reading →
The thing about teaching is that every week holds its own mysteries and moments of joy. The job changes every day, because you can't count on kids for anything. They are unpredictable monsters that you want to squeeze in either... Continue Reading →
"I am not Chinese. She is not Chinese. We are not Chinese. Are we Chinese? That's my marker. That is my desk. She is a professor. How do you write your last name? Is your mom Russian?" Yeah. If you want... Continue Reading →
Today I celebrate one month in Rio! And I am happy and I am at peace. It's not all rainbows and caipirihnas and capybaras, but I'm content for the first time in a year. I haven't cried in a month, which is a record... Continue Reading →
One day until I board a plane and leave for Brazil! oh. em. goodness. Absolutely all my prayers were focused on being able to pick up the visa today (Friday). Because my flight is on Sunday. There was no room for error. To get... Continue Reading →
I've officially purchased my ticket to Brazil. I have an actual date (a week after they wanted me there, but did you know that getting a work visa requires the blood of a virgin and dragon fire and all kinds... Continue Reading →
While in London, a city I have been to before, I just wanted to walk. I was so excited to be off the tour bus, out of a hostel (getting a bit too old for bunk beds and drunk strangers stumbling... Continue Reading →
I started my unexpected teaching career with nothing: I didn't know Latin, I'd never taught, never even been in a private school, wasn't affiliated with the church...In my interview, I literally told the principal "I don't know why you'd hire... Continue Reading →
Kummerspeck (German) Excess weight gained from emotional overeating. Literally, grief bacon. As a brain break a few days ago, I showed my students a list of words from a Mental Floss article about words that exist in languages except English... Continue Reading →
My boyfriend went to Canada a few weeks ago, and told me over the phone he had bought me a present that he couldn't wait to give to me upon his return. I have visions of cute little maple-leaf things,... Continue Reading →
Today in Spanish class, one of the activities asked where one could learn Spanish in our community, and what were some reasons why one would want to study Spanish. One student, who is definitely smart, funny, and mature, answered "well, all... Continue Reading →
As a teacher, many images come to mind when I think of things that may "define" me. You can probably think of them, too. Meetings, emails, grading papers, ink all over my hand, students, brown bag lunches, the copy machine,... Continue Reading →
Sunglasses Always Fit 