Submerged into a Culture: Stories from Mexico

Posted by Webb

(UPDATED POST FROM Feb 15, 2011)

It’s hard to write about my time in Mexico. I feel like one post doesn’t do my experience justice, but alas, I shall try.

Once, long ago, I lived in Mexico. I had ventured out to the West Coast, after dropping out of high school, to live and be free.

Oh boy, my momma was so SUPER proud.

I lived in Mexico, about 30-45 minutes south of the San Diego/Tijuana border. I lived in a little town that was pretty rural. It was set high on a mountain (or maybe it was a hill) and most of the homes were built by the families that lived in them. It was the most extreme visual of a ghetto that I’ve ever seen. It was a difficult adjustment, but as time went by, I grew to love that country. For some of the months I lived there I also went to school in San Diego. I would commute to school in the early mornings, cross the border…a LOT of waiting. All with, mind you, THE ABSOLUTE CRAZIEST drivers I have ever known!

I still have no idea how I am alive today. Seriously. Stop signs only existed in my dreams there, and God forbid we stay in the lines as we drive.

I guess lines were truly meant to be crossed.

I crossed this line, the border line, many times and it was so worth it. Living in this part of the world for almost a year and a half really gave a sense of the people, the culture, and more importantly THE FOOD!

I really immersed myself into the culture. I went to the “swap meets” and markets in the mornings, and drove out to the beaches of La Playas and Enseneda whenever I could. There were small “convenient stores” throughout the neighborhoods, and there were “Agua de Frutas” stands that were to DIE for! Agua de Frutas were like this milk icey fruit water. They had all the flavors- peach, strawberry, pineapple, mango- you name it! Sometimes I’d walk over to the internet café and catch up on my blog (then it was xanga). Calimax was the name of the grocery store near my house, and it was a common thing to be offered a cold hot dog…yes COLD on your way past the deli section. (Ummm…YUCK!) Ha ha! Grocery store prices were similar to America, if not cheaper.

Speaking of hot dogs, there were lots of food vendors/stands when I lived in Mexico. You can honestly turn a corner and find one. Tacos, tortas, corn, hotdogs…you name it…it was grilled up and sold at a food stand. Notice the word GRILLED (as in HOT food…not cold!) The first couple months I lived in Mexico, I was very careful not to eat the food or drink the water. I KNEW that if I did, I was bound to get sick…or DIE! Ha ha! As I started to warm up to the idea that food in Mexico is not bad (most of the time) I started to try different taco stands to see which ones I liked best. One day I came across a hot dog stand…and from that point on, my life has never been the same!

This blog has some great history on this famous dish, along with pictures and video. http://masaassassin.blogspot.com/2009/03/short-history-on-mexicos-bacon-wrapped.html

Tijuana Hot Dogs-
Photo from http://masaassassin.blogspot.com/2009/03/short-history-on-mexicos-bacon-wrapped.html

I’m telling ya- hot dogs from TJ are AMAZING!! They come with bacon wrapped around the hot dog, with a warm bun, a bit of mayo and tomatoes. I know that probably doesn’t sound appetizing to some of you…but I promise it is THE BEST hot dog I have ever had!!

Close up of Tijuana Hot Dogs
Photo from: http://www.lunch.com/Reviews/food/Danger_Dog-Photos-1395957-Mexican_Hot_Dogs-267354.html?pid=0

I try to recreate this wonderful treat every now and again. It doesn’t alway work out good. Nothing compares to the real deal….but it is so worth it to try.

Another dish that was unique to this region was fish tacos.

Tres tacos de pescado, por favor. Sin cebolla y crema lite.

On our trips to the beach we would ALWAYS get fish tacos. It only seems right when you are in that part of the world. I could go to Ensenada for a day for less than $20 bucks and leave happy and full. There were times when I would get my hair braided by the sweet little ladies on the beach. They would braid my entire head for $10 American dollars. They would also sell really cute hand-made jewelry and I always caved and purchased a couple of bracelets.

Ladies selling jewelry, rugs, and other traditional items on the beach in Mexico.
Photo from: http://zkahlina.ca/eng/2013/01/16/posada-real-resort-in-cabo/

Sí, quiero dos por favor.

Another fun and inexpensive thing to do on the beach was horseback riding. It was SO cheap. I’m talking $10 bucks for 2 people/2 horses for an hour. We went horseback riding every so often. It was nice to ride at sunset and then go get dinner.

No wonder why people in Mexico are so happy. Seriously. The food, the sights. Family is number one, especially on Sunday mornings. People gather and watch the soccer games and frequent the market throughout the day. Food was always on the grill, music blaring from every house hold. Amazing.

Culture. I miss it.

A unique place to visit in the same region is La Bufadora. It is a marine geyser that shoots water up more than 30 feet into the air. It is one of two in the world, I believe, so it is often FULL of tourists (at least that was my experience!). I went to this site a couple of times, and we brought our friends with us a couple of times too.

La Bufadora- a marine geyser in Mexico.
Photo from: http://www.bajabound.com/destinations/ensenada/labufadora.php

This site has a good 30 second video showing you the geyser. It doesn’t do it justice, but it’ll give you an idea. http://www.bajabound.com/destinations/ensenada/labufadora.php

At one time, toward the beginning of 2004, my friends and I all worked at an outdoor education camp at Big Bear Mountain in San Bernardino, CA. I still lived in Mexico on the weekends, so one weekend I brought our friends Justin and MaryKay to see the sights. It was the best weekend I can remember. We did all of the above and more. My favorite part of that weekend was just cruising down the coast, going south, with the windows open and not knowing where we were going. No map, no paying attention to the road signs. Exactly what I craved.

The drive to Ensenada Mexico.
Photo from: http://www.lastgreatroadtrip.com/baja-off-road-adventure/baja-adventure-part-1-tijauna-ensenada/

No destination, just freedom.

My sister Lizzie came to visit me around my 21st birthday, I think that was 2005 or 2006. I wasn’t living in Mexico anymore during that time, but I took her over the border and we ventured around the country. We had both been to Mexico via the Texas border a couple of times, but she hadn’t seen this part of it. It was so much fun!

In Mexico it is common to see little shops crammed side by side. Shops that featured hats and purses and unique Mexican art filled the bumpy smelly roads we drove on. Kids played tag and soccer in the street while moms chit chatted away. Shop owners greeted patrons with a friendly smile and offered the lowest prices. Prices that would create sales. Provide money for their families, hungry kids.

Little shop in Mexico. These are EVERYWHERE.
Photo from: http://members.virtualtourist.com/m/p/m/1a7650/

Of course I want a hat. Please and thank you. Sometimes, you just don’t barter with the price. Just give them the money. They needed it more than I did….and I was already getting a great price…win win.

Mariscos Becerra, Playas de Tijuana was a seafood restaurant right on the beach where I would frequent. This beach is further north up the coast, right near the San Diego/Tijuana Border line. All I can say is that the food made here MUST have something laced in it…because even after it’s been about 7-8 years- I dream about taking a trip back here and eating their yummy food. They also have a mariachi band that will play for you, and you can sit and watch the ocean ebb and flow while you eat.

BEAUTIFUL. The people. The food. The land. The culture.

Mariscos Becerra, Playas deTijuana Mexico
Photo from: http://www.streetgourmetla.com/2010/07/mariscos-becerra-playas-de-tijuanabc.html

TACOS TACOS TACOS!
Photo from: http://www.streetgourmetla.com/2010/07/mariscos-becerra-playas-de-tijuanabc.html

Another aspect of Mexico were the cars. I drove a Mazda RX7 for a good while.

I also destroyed the clutch in my Mazda RX7.

Multiple times.

Good thing I was dating a guy who knew all about cars- HA!

Drag racing was a big thing when I lived in Tijuana, and it probably still is. Did I race? Nope. Did my friends and family in Mexico? Yep. Scared the bejesus out of me!

This is a picture of the Mazda RX7 I used to drive. I am pretty sure it was a 1987. It sure was fast, and I learned how to drive a stick shift in this baby. (Thus, the burnt out clutch multiple times!) Really good times in that car.

Fast cars and fish tacos = Friday nights.

The music I fell in love with at this time was a sort of modern-spanish-style band. The two people/groups I remember listening to were Maná and Julieta Venegas.

Ladies first- here is one of my FAVORITE songs by Julieta. She is an amazing artist who can play the piano, the guitar, the accordion, and probably many more instruments. Very musical and I appreciate her craft. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jMJ-SAcyriY

And here is a video by Maná. Eres Mi Religión: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mrhcucasAlw&list=SP38EC26401452BB4F&index=10

At one time I knew ALL the words to both of these songs. It’s fun to look back and see the music videos. When I was in Mexico I only had access to this music on my radio in the car! I guess I could have looked it up at one of the internet cafes….ha ha.

Ahhh Mexico. I miss you. I love you. The sand, the hot sun, the colorful sombreros, the corn in the border line with chili and butter, the faint sounds of the soccer game going in the room over where I had my little afternoon naps, the REAL lemon aid- bebida de limón.

Everything.

One day, my husband and I shall return to you. Keep our tab open.

See you soon Mexico
Photo from: http://www.las-gaviotas.com

Take Time: Reflect

Posted by Webb

Working 9 days in a row = less blog posts.

And that is good.

It’s actually REALLY good because I believe we need breaks from our everyday. Writing has become the everyday for me. It’s been good, but the constant posting, I’ve learned through reflection, is not necessary.

Did anyone else notice I was writing that much?

Geez Katie!

Note to self: turn brain off

Luckily my first day off in 9 days started out AMAZING. I discovered 3 things:

1. I am in LOVE with coffee all over again. It actually did something to my system! (What it’s supposed to do everyday, but somehow fails at, due to being forgotten or cold or spilled or….the list can go forever, really).

2. I am in LOVE with this brilliant and beautiful wind outside (where ARE we? Is this really Texas?)

3. I am in LOVE with this moment (for it is times like these that are rare and times like these I crave during this crazy life).

The birds are singing and the beetles are climbing on my window. The kids and my husband are at school.

I am alone at last.

Except for the birds of course. And those beetles.

Being alone and sitting in the quiet has allowed me to think and relax, to try to piece together all that has been torn apart in the last week. The bombing in my hometown, Boston, the explosion in West, Texas. The flooding in the Midwest, the people dying in Syria everyday….the list really doesn’t ever end, does it?

And thus my day has shifted from HAPPY-GO-LUCKY-GIVE-ME-ANOTHER-CUP-OF-JOE- to….well…ummm…..just keep reading, will ya?

Let me just take a minute here to send a shout out to the Boston Police and Fire Fighters and the West, Texas Police and Fire crew. WOW. Y’all rock. Thanks for your service!

Boston’s Finest. This was taken in 2007 when I was in Downtown. Who know’s what I said to convince this cop to take a picture with me…but now, I shall flaunt it

Naturally, the things that are closer to home will create more of a shift in our day-to-day routine, but we can’t forget all the other things that are happening around the world. I urge you to be knowledgeable of what is going on 10 miles away, 10,000 miles away, and beyond. Although I see articles and news feeds regarding all the terrible tragedies, I still feel at a loss as to how I can do anything to fix these things. What can I do? Somehow make use of my Journalism skills? Donate money to the Red Cross? Pray? Cry?

I could do a number of things, but nothing I do will stop the problems of the world from happening. Sorry to burst your bubbles out there, but let’s be honest. All we can really do is pay tribute to all the lives so sadly lost, teach our children/students to do better and BE better, possibly push for justice…it’s a limited list and that sucks. I am not typically a pessimistic person. But I am realistic in this regard.

Sometimes I think about the blog posts that I have shared, and I wonder if my readers think I am oblivious to what goes on in the world. No, I am not. It just seems like an impossible state to reside in, all the negativity of the realities around us. I just try to find a positive spin on life, and share what I can. I try to share a piece of the hope that I have in me- the hope that has kept me going.

“Hope is the only thing stronger than fear.”

― Suzanne Collins, The Hunger Games

My husband has NPR on everyday in the house. We sometimes refer to our habits to that of elderly persons…ahem…living in the 21st century. (Otherwise we would have our noses in those foreign things called NEWSPAPERS)

I have all the latest news apps on my iPhone, radio news in the house and in the car, and email alerts on my computer, as well as a news column constantly going across the top of my internet browser. Sometimes it can be overwhelming, so I freeze up and just focus on what I can, what is in front of me. My kids, my marriage, my work and school…..otherwise I am just stuffed of words and ideas and I just want to vomit with sadness. Rid my system of the poison. What I fail to realize sometimes is that there is a message and a meaning behind all these words. Someone’s story. Someone’s experience.

“There is music in words, and it can be heard you know, by thinking.” ― E.L. Doctorow

If I only had a brain….do dooo dolidly dooot doo dooo.

As I observed in an elementary school the past couple months, I took note of the lessons the teacher was giving the students. A lot of the writing assignments were based on what the students read. They would journal about thoughts that came to them while reading, words that were unclear, and questions they had in connection to the reading.

I think this lesson of reflection is the most important one. In my undergraduate years, as I choreographed I was told to reflect, to step away and consider what my dance means, what it is telling me. In relationships we need to step back, take a breather and think about the other person. When I go to painting classes, I am told to take a step back and reflect on the work I’ve done. Chefs taste the food they cook to see which direction to take next. Writers have editors who help them reflect on meaning and grammar.

Reflection is necessary. It makes us grow. In the words of William Wordsworth…whose words…obviously have worth….

“Habit rules the unreflecting herd.”

In my final semester as an undergrad, I came across a man named A.S. Neill while creating a presentation on Free Schools. He suggests children should do as they freely choose. “I am only just realizing the absolute freedom of my scheme of Education. I see that all outside compulsion is wrong, that inner compulsion is the only value. And if Mary or David wants to laze about, lazing about is the one thing necessary for their personalities at the moment. Every moment of a healthy child’s life is a working moment. A child has no time to sit down or laze. Lazing is abnormal, it is a recovery, and therefore it is necessary when it exists.”

I think this idea rings true for adults too. We all need some time to laze and to be free. Put away your work, your jobs, your responsibilities. Just be.

Recover, reflect.

Sometimes Justin and I will get in the car and drive. It’s nice to just sit and reflect.

I’m not saying go take a vacation every single weekend (ha ha, if only our bank accounts allowed for this sort of luxury!)

I’m saying: TAKE TIME. It’s worth it, I promise.

Even if you just find 10 minutes to yourself a day. Meditate, go to yoga, sit in a quiet and dark room and close your eyes, take a bath (don’t forget to lock the door….your kids WILL find you) Find a way to reflect through not only thinking, but talking too. I find resolution through talking with friends or my husband, sharing my experiences and hearing theirs.

Oh the great exchange of words

“Just as one spoils the stomach by overfeeding and thereby impairs the whole body, so can one overload and choke the mind by giving it too much nourishment. For the more one reads the fewer are the traces left of what one has read; the mind is like a tablet that has been written over and over. Hence it is impossible to reflect; and it is only by reflection that one can assimilate what one has read. If one reads straight ahead without pondering over it later, what has been read does not take root, but is for the most part lost.”

― Arthur Schopenhauer

So for now, I must bid adieu. In the meantime I will drink more coffee (duh), stare at the birds a bit longer, and continue to reflect on what’s happened. Reflecting on what/who pulled the carpet out from under our nation this week, and why. I may never know the answers, but overtime I can express what I am thinking and feeling. So can you. Write a poem, create a dance, channel one of the victims of the blast in West, or the blast in Boston. Share your experience. Read someones story. Donate to the Red Cross, pray, cry.

Cry some more.

Most of all…reflect.

Applesauce It Is

Posted by Webb

Justin’s Tuesday morning class was cancelled last week and today and so I handed the reigns over to him and asked him to bring the kids to school. [insert the Carlton dance here] While he was gone, I made some breakfast for us and got ready for work. Justin had to leave at the same time as me to drive to Abilene for his afternoon classes, so we walked out at the same time. Just as we were leaving, the phone rang.

Ring ring

“Hello?”

“Yes, this is your daughter’s school, Abby threw up and needs to be picked up.”

Annnnnnnd thus begins my day. I kiss my hubby goodbye and frantically call my boss. This has never happened to me before! I have literally NEVER called into work. And I’ve never been in a predicament where my kid was the reason. Such a weird milestone, that’s for sure.

Anyway, after calling into work and rushing over to pick up Abby, we arrived at home and started to piece together a plan for the day.

My cute little baby girl announced with a chipper voice: “I want sneaky snack mommy”

[sneak snack meaning fruit snack]

And here I was thinking she would be crying and miserable most of the day!

“No Abby, when you are sick you can only have crackers or applesauce. Which do you want?”

“Ummmmmmmmmmmmmmm. Ummmmmmmmmmmmmm…APPLESAUCE!”

Applesauce it is

With The Little Mermaid playing, the fireplace going, and a barrier of towels all over Abby’s chair, there wasn’t much else to plan! My kids seem to be pretty easy, even when they are sick. It’s actually easier taking care of them when they are sick because they don’t want to move around a lot, you don’t really have to cook much because they can’t eat a regular meal, and they sleep TONS! Abby started her nap today at 12:30 and woke up at 4pm, meaning I was able to get A LOT done.

Covered Abby’s chair and got the fire going…I think we’re set to go!

As I sat at my desk I began to research how to rid your kids of “The Bug.”

There are so many tips and suggestions out there but what I have found to be useful is the BRAT DIET.

(Bananas, Rice, Applesauce and Toast)

The B.R.A.T. Diet

I’m not doctor, but if your kid is sick try this diet and you’ll be on the right track!

Poor darling

Another thing I would suggest when your child is sick, is to clean EVERYTHING. Lysol is your new best friend. Change the sheets and pillowcases on your child’s bed, wipe down doorknobs and light switches, DO NOT let siblings drink or eat after each other.

The Little Mermaid is always her first choice

Some websites even suggest to quarantine your sick child and to only them out when they are better. With Abby, if I put her in her room by herself she would scream bloody murder until I opened the door and let her out to play. Ha ha, this one isn’t happening folks! At least not at this age!

Abby felt like this much of the day- so glad she is finally feeling better!

Abby felt like this much of the day and I am so glad she is finally feeling better!

Now that our day is coming to a close, I think Abby is feeling better. Tonight we will stick with the B.R.A.T. diet and hope for the best.

If you have any other suggestions for a sick kid, let me know!

Project-Based Schools: A First Look

Posted by Webb

Today I’ve had the pleasure of subbing at a different kind of school. A project-based school!! I’ve only heard good things about it, but until I experienced it today I couldn’t grasp the concepts around it.

I was able to ask all my students questions I had in regards to the setup of the school, and this is what I learned.

Mods. 22 of them to be exact. Each lasting 20 minutes.

Core subjects last 3-4 mods each, and in between core classes students typically have study-type mods where students study, do homework, and catchup on projects etc.

The students work is mostly done/submitted through an online system. It is similar to the college system my school uses- blackboard- but it’s formatted differently and is accessed constantly, not just intermittently like my classes.

The building is set up in a really modern way with lounges and desks everywhere. Couches fill the halls and outlets are provided throughout. Classrooms have tables and desks, again- outlets everywhere.

One other major thing- every student has been issue a MAC that they work on to complete their course work!

ummm…awesome!

I spoke to students who have been at the school for their entire high school career, and some who just arrived.

Educationally speaking every student I spoke to said they loved the set up and felt they were getting the best education.

Socially speaking, I got mixed reviews. One student mentioned that the school is like a small little town where everyone knows everything, so it can be dramatic (for students) every so often. They said its worth it though, because they appreciate the education they are getting.

Overall my experience was positive and pleasant. I have only been there one day, but I look forward to learning more about this type of project-based school.

Anyone else have experience with this type of school? Share your story!

The Education of Experience

Posted by Webb

As many of you know, I am working on my Masters of Arts in Teaching. Recently I completed some observation hours at a local elementary school and decided to share educational background with you so you can see where I’m at.

Let’s start at age 16.

I was living at home and going to school. To make a long story short, I didn’t like school. Even though I was a mostly A student, I wasn’t really interested in my classes. My teachers saw me for about an hour a day. I walked in, sat down, listened, and worked on the assignments.

I was bored.

Outside of school I danced. My teachers were lively and took interest in me. They inquired about my life and school, of course my answer was always “ugggg” when it came to school, but my point is they were interested. They listened and they cared. I didn’t have that at school, and school, unfortunately, is where I spent most of my time.

In my younger years I remember going to school, but I don’t remember reading a lot of books or engaging in a lot of the lessons- I was just kinda there. Naïve maybe? The things I do remember have remnants of fun, hands-on-type activities. Whether that be a computer game in the 4th grade (Oregon Trail-wow what a memory! I LOVED that game!) or the little quizzes in Mr. Baden’s class that always got my mind churning, or even P.E. where we got to climb ropes in the gym. One clear memory is my 1st grade class exploring a creek behind the school. (At least I think it was 1st grade!)

My mom was my preschool teacher and she was amazing. I became so engaged in all that we were doing. Painting and sand buckets and water and boats, the books they read aloud. I mean, I was so young of COURSE I loved these things.

Maybe I just became bored because I grew up? Peter Pan would be so upset to learn how confined my life became because of the restrictions of the school system in our society. Sit down. Don’t talk. Write.

I see some choreography describing this precisely in my near future. Maybe I’ll set it on someone soon. Any takers?

By the way, have y’all heard about The Peter Pan Syndrome? [The supposed psychological phenomenon of immaturity among some men and women, who, like the fictional character, remain childish and fail to assume appropriate adult social roles and responsibilities.

I don’t really think this relates to me, but it’s sad how it relates to so many people around us everyday. Disney needs to put out a cartoon about determination and pushing through the tough times. Bambi and the Lion King are not cutting it. We need a current movie too- maybe that new Nemo/Dory movie will be good? I mean, I don’t think that kids should get their lessons from movies, but you know just as much as I do that this IS the medium that kids learn their lessons nowadays. Why not make it a good lesson about growing up. Parents need to be more involved too.

It takes a village, people. And I’m not talking about the disco group.

Anyway, I guess no one can live up to my mom’s teaching skills? Ha ha! I mean I compare all my learning experiences to being in her class when I was 4. I’ve had a couple good ones, and even the ones I may consider to be “bad” are probably good. I am in no way trying to blame anyone for my journey in the school systems across America. Sometimes kids just go through school and don’t like it. Could they have tried harder? Sure. If someone reached out to me would I have stayed in school? Most likely yes. Sometimes, and probably the majority of the time, students can’t articulate what I’ve discovered after all this time- and that is that I was bored.

I also had to move around a lot. I’m from Boston, and lived in multiple towns and went to multiple schools. Then I moved to Texas and the cycle continued. From 4th grade to 6th grade I went to a private school and it was a good school, but there was (and maybe still is) something in me that rejects the day-to-day of a school system.

Let me be free. Let me explore.

Maybe as a teacher I am leaning more toward a free school or Montessori? Maybe I’ll home school? I wish I could get paid to be a home school teacher! Maybe the payoff isn’t monetary? I love to learn. I just hate to sit and be told how to learn. I need experience. I wonder if that is how most kids feel? How will my kids feel about school if I hated it? And my husband, he was bored too. As a teacher in training I want to find ways to make sure my kids and students enjoy learning- no matter which type of school I work in.

A major factor in all of this is that books and reading could have changed me. I never really had a love of books the way a lot of you have. I had other things to figure out in my life that didn’t fit into the bindings of a nice book. My sister read the Narnia series to me and my other sister and I loved that. We also went to the public library after school every once and a while. It was my favorite time, I remember. They gave me cookies.

You had me at cookie.

If you ask me to remember the science or history or math lessons I learned…forget it! I hated anything that required a book. Even in college I hated books- never read my textbooks, just scanned them enough to understand and get through the work. Discussions are what I really thrived on, not busy work. Face to face conversation where I actually interacted with a human being. If the lesson pertained to my life I was engaged, but if it didn’t, or the teacher didn’t make me believe that it did, I wasn’t.

In fact it wasn’t until about 3 years ago that reading for pleasure actually entered into my life. How sad…right? I’ve been trying to play catch up ever since, but with 3-year-old-twins, my time in school, and a husband in school…there isn’t much time. I have had the joy of reading about 5-6 books though.

Yes. 5…or 6.

This must change! Ha! You can only imagine the emotion I felt when I recently observed this elementary class and heard the numbers of books they read…just this YEAR!

Reading is so important when kids are young, and Justin and I really work hard to encourage Abby and Henry to read. I want them to have opportunities to dive into a book, into another world, to have experiences that teach us. To be content with the words on a page and not feel like it’s forced. The teacher I observed recently had such an eloquent way of getting her students involved in the story. The tools she used were fantastic. If I knew this wouldn’t bother the classroom learning I would have been clapping and nodding my head the entire class. I’ll post about the tools she uses soon- if you’re a mom or a teacher you will love it.

One book I do recall reading and loving, and then reading again was Walk Two Moons. I remembered this book throughout my years of school and it honestly has helped shape me. Its lesson teaches you to put yourself in another persons shoes before you judge what is going on. As time has gone by, since my kids and marriage, I had released my memory of this book, thankfully not the lesson within it.

Last week, when I was sitting and watching this class, the teacher placed a book in my hands and the emotions swelled in my mind.

It was a book by the same author- Sharon Creech.

I’ll be 28 on the 28th of this month, and Sharon Creech’s two books Walk Two Moons and Love That Dog are the two books I can say that I know well. Did you see that part about being 28 years old? And that part about 2 books?

Like I said, I have read a couple more recently- but dang! I am jealous of the education some kids have gotten. And I went to a private elementary school too! Jealous might not be the best word. Maybe I am simply pleased to see how these students are learning. Happily surprised at how many books are integrated into learning.

Pleased. Yes.

To see a teacher who is my dream teacher role model and to be able to learn from her was a great experience, and emotional too. I want to be like her. I want to give my future students the school experiences I never had and/or can’t remember.

I just wish I had someone AT my school in my teenage years who had taken more of an interest in my desires, my engagement. In my experience of working at summer camps, I learned that more interest I show in a topic, the more interested the kids will be. As educators we have to be just as excited about whats on the agenda. It is our responsibility. One of the biggest tips I got from my observation teacher is to read what my students are reading. We all don’t have a lot of time with our busy schedules, but over time, teachers, you can build up a classroom library and add to it as you go.

Like I said- this lady is AMAZING. She reads and discusses books with her students, and when a student and her have a one on one regarding the book, she knows how to ask questions to see which characters they enjoyed…what was surprising to them…questions to consider…vocabulary words to look up…the list goes on. Maybe I am just so shocked at the learning I see happening because I never experienced learning like this? Maybe I did and I just don’t remember?

Speaking of remembering- another thing this teacher does is she has her students write. Writing about different topics, and writing about what they read. She also stresses the point of writing the date on the journal entry- and TEACHES WHY that little detail is important.

Because it helps us see our growth over time. One day I will look back at this post and see the growth from this point until then, and I will remember this little, yet very important lesson.

Going back to my high school years, I was 17 when I dropped out of high school. Boredom seemed to get the best of me. And dreaming, and a first love. I left small town Texas and moved to California.

Dreams can come true.

I lived in San Diego from 2002-2008, and about a year and a half of that time I lived in Mexico.

Age 17-19: The salty air of the coast and the sweet sun that shone down on me every summer as I danced and lazed about with my friends drinking wine, jumping in the ocean waves, and filling my life with love…I grew. I grew to love learning again. Through traveling and culture and people I couldn’t get enough. I needed more. I worked at outdoor education camps and equestrian camps and LEARNED amazing lessons like how to clean a hoof and how to trot on a horse. I physically SAW things in nature at the outdoor ed camps.

I began to ask questions, to ponder. My future was ahead of me and I had options. I had the world at my fingertips.

Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life? –Mary Oliver

I learned the science lessons I was never interested in at school because they were happening right in front of me! I learned about geology and astronomy and plants and animals. I watched the other naturalist teaching and getting kids excited to learn. I saw it happen. I learned. I was excited. This excitement had led me back to school once again. I grew to understand the purpose of school and my purpose to learn. The day I became a California resident is the day I signed up for my first college courses. My teachers at Southwestern College were passionate about the subjects they taught. Mr. Bolland, who I still keep up with to this day, increased my curiosity in philosophy and since then it has only grown. Mary Jo Horvath took my choreography class outside and we developed art by looking at structures around us and creating viewpoint pieces. (this development ultimately became what I now use in my choreography every single time I create a work. I use what is around me to bring me inspiration. I transpose ideas onto dancers and I love it. Speaking of…I need to get back in the studio SOON.)

Anyway….

I became hungry. I found my inner hunger and desire to gain knowledge about any and everything, and I haven’t stopped my pursuit. 3 associate degrees (dance/journalism/general studies), a BA in Dance, and now my MAT (which is in progress) and who knows what’s next!? I’ve always wanted to be a chef at a restaurant, or a baker, a mail lady, and even a florist.

I mean, if it has to do with people or food, I’m there. I love to learn, I love experience, I love to teach. EAT…ha ha!

I wanted to Walk Two Moons and meet people and love people and believe it or not these passions still ring true in my life. I hate the sound of being confined to an office, or a desk all day. I need human interaction to survive. Contact. I also hate the sound of dropout rates, knowing I was a part of that statistic at one point. I hate the sound of the question “what do you want to do when you grow up?”

Do I really have to choose? Can’t I do it all? I’m 28 in 2 weeks and let me just say- I have lived a very fulfilled life thus far. I have done so much- have been so satisfied. I have also struggled, and I have also been blessed beyond measure.

I want to say that you, yes you, I’m talking straight to YOU- you can do anything you want!!! You can do more than just ONE thing!! Why limit your life? Why confine yourself to one idea? If that is what you want and choose that’s great! But if you have had any doubts about the paths in your life- take them all! It is never to late to do what you want!

Side story: one time I yelled this at my husband for about 5 minutes straight with tears down my face “YOU CAN DO ANYTHING! ANYTHING!! ANYTHING! ANYTHING JUSTIN!! ANYTHING!!” I’m not kidding about the 5 minutes straight, or the tears. You can ask him. (I’m not really proud of this moment….but I got my point across yes sir I did!) I had to yell it and repeat to get to him. He hadn’t believed this for a LONG time, and I had to be dramatic in my display for him to get it. Sooooo…how do I get this message across to my students? Ha ha- without having a classroom of parents complaining to me that I scared their child with my yelling?

How? This is the part where you scroll to the bottom and click reply and give me suggestions.

We can all use suggestions and tips. We can all teach each other.

I’ve taken so many satisfying directions in my life, and now I am on yet one more path- teaching. I want to be a teacher so I can reduce that drop out rate. I don’t regret my decisions, but I do know that I have struggled over time. I think that if I followed the traditional path some of the downfalls in my life my not have been written on these pages.

I claim many job titles, and I will claim more as I grow up. Sorry Peter Pan…it happens, don’t worry, I’ll make you proud. I’ve claimed barista, teacher, naturalist, camp counselor, director of theater, server, dance teacher, dancer, writer, editor, designer, choreographer, artist, painter, fashion designer, travel agent, dog walker, barista, mom, wife, friend, chef, blogger….

Currently I’ve added, “wine expert in training” to my list of job titles, and I learned today that my co-workers and I have some things in common. We all took some sort of path through the traditional “college” route. (It may have taken me 8 years, but I did it!) There is a nursing major, a film major, another teacher, and even a mathematician. We all work with wine at the moment- but we’re happy. That is what matters.

I’m sure working here has made us access a good bit of information learned in college, like hospitality, and business, art, passion for people, making speeches about wine to big groups, but you get my point. Some people chose a non-traditional route and that worked for them, some people chose a college degree and those pieces of paper and knowledge are what they actually use in the day to day. It is different for everyone.

My mom is 50 and she is back in school, the president of a student club, AND in the Honor’s society- she kicks ASS! Proof it is NEVER too late. Proof you have the option to change your mind.

Now, I don’t want you to think I am all about these job titles I’ve been talking about. It’s not about those at all. It’s about the experiences that come with them. The interactions that I’ve encountered have given me this unmeasured passion for people and learning. The conversations I’ve had and the people who have told me stories. I love hearing stories. Meeting people and listening to them, sharing a moment. Ahhh.

All this to say, through my observation hours this semester I’ve realized that not only does teaching have a huge impact on students, it also comes with a lot of responsibility. Like I said above, we are the ones responsible for getting out students engaged. Being a substitute has proven this weight of teaching to me, and has forced me to consider what kind of teacher I want to be. What kind of effect I want to have on my students. How I will get them interested. I want to somehow give them the experiences I don’t remember having. I figured out that my most important goal through this program is to figure out how to get my students interested in what we are learning.

This next part may sound a bit cheesy due to recent trends, so you may want to grab another glass of wine to go with it.

YOU ONLY LIVE ONCE. Or as the hipsters nowadays like to say “YOLO.”

It’s true. Our lives our fleeting and you’ve got this one chance, this one opportunity to go out and chase your dreams. I’m not saying you can do everything on your bucket list tomorrow. What I AM saying is that you should try.

Personally I plan and hope to die while pursuing at least SOMEthing. I crave more and more knowledge and art and experiences because that is what makes me happy. It makes me grow.

God knows I hate stagnate.

Who knows if I will end up being a teacher in a classroom, or a choreographer who owns studio or a company? Maybe I’ll organize events and parties? Maybe I’ll do all of these things? Maybe I’ll wash dishes for a living? I don’t really care what it is that will get me through but I do care about the people I will meet. It’s all about the interactions. The stories that will make me laugh and cry.

Sweet Jesus I love a good cry.

Finding what we love can change the world. I hated hearing about what happened in my hometown yesterday. Two bombs went off near the Boston Marathon and 3 people died, many more injured. Luckily my friends and family are okay. I just cannot put the pieces together in my mind. Why would anyone want to do such a sad and horrible thing? Gosh. It makes me angry, but more than anything just so sad. It makes me question. What happened to the person who did this?

How can I as a teacher ensure that my students are being smart and making good choices? There comes the responsibility again. And how can I as a parent ensure my kids are being smart and making good choices? Responsibility. Ahhh, there comes the pressure.

I can do this. I can do this. Just keep going, just keep going.

You must do the thing you think you cannot do. –Eleanor Roosevelt

Stop with the violence. Encourage those around you to do better and be better. Pursue what you love, find something to love. Share your life with someone, volunteer, travel, pray. Do what moves you. Some things in life are sad, and hard to get over- but there are people who care. I care.

This is my official virtual hug- I am wrapping my arms around you, yes YOU and I am saying I care. I’m just a measly little lady who has a big punch of passion but I care.

I don’t feel sad for those who cooped up in an office or work a 9-5. I feel sad for those who are cooped up and UNHAPPY…not pursuing what drives them. Some people are happy doing these jobs I consider to be dreadful. “To each his own.” All I am saying is find your passion and find a way to make it what you do for a living. Help someone today. Share a smile. Open a door.

Oh, and please go hug someone today.

I will not post a cheesy hug picture.

I will NOT post a cheesy hug picture.

I will not post it.

Won’t

Will not.

Uh-uh.

Nope.

DANG IT. JUST LOOK.

Keep Calm and Drink Wine

Posted by Webb

It has only been 3 days since I’ve started to work at Homestead Winery, but the amount of things I have learned is incredible. I am an avid red wine drinker, you can ask anyone, and you can ask to see my empty bottle collection too. However, no matter how much I drink…. talking about the wines always makes me sound like I’m reading the label found on side of some cheap box of wine.

And yes, I have had my shares of boxed wine. I’m not ashamed! I’m just glad that part of my life is over. Ha!

I have been on the other side of this spectrum of tasting and describing however as I am also a coffee lover. I’ve worked at multiple coffee shops since I was 17 and have found it very rewarding and challenging to get a nice cup of joe going. Or a double-tall-non-fat-140-degree -2-pump-toffee-nut-thick-foam-latte.

Yeah, that’ll do.

Side note: when I worked at Starbucks, I had to learn the “proper” way to taste coffee and had to find ways to characterize the taste. We had these awesome little notebooks that we called coffee passports that we would keep track of everything in, like the coffees from around the world. I’m not sure if they still have those around, but I wouldn’t doubt it!

How to taste coffee and how to characterize the flavors

How I learned to characterize the flavors of coffee

Those are pictures taken directly from Starbucks’ corporate website to give you an idea of what we did. These tools have come in handy now that I’ve jumped over to wine country, let me tell ya!

I am going to slowly and surly take you along in my journey in describing these wines. I am definitely not an expert but my passion for good wine will get me there someday.

My palate leans toward a good dry red, but I ain’t prejudice, I’ll take it as it comes! To be honest I used to drink White Zinfandel all the time with my friend Sarah in San Diego. I think she is the one who ultimately introduced me to wine.

After a couple of years of sticking to the White Zins I opened up and tried the reds. I was very reluctant because my palate just wasn’t ready for them yet- the tannins were completely surprising. Tannins are the substance in wine that makes your mouth feel really dry. It comes from the grapes skin and seeds and is typically found in red wines. Over time, and after a forgiving mouth, I tried and eventually began to just love the reds. I especially like pairing them with Italian food and/or chocolate.

Incroyable!! Fantastique!!

There are many things that can help you in describing a wine. I am about to throw some basics at you and I want you to promise you won’t run away.

Promise?

Okay, here goes.

In wine there are many grapes that are used. There are a variety of grapes ranging from white to red to yellow and beyond. When you think of apples, you can say granny smith, red delicious, Fiji, crab apple, green apple, yellow gold apples, the list goes on, same for the grapes.

To name a few of the more popular ones, there are: Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Gewurztraminer, Malbec, Merlot, Muscat, Petite Sirah, Pinot Noir, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah (or as those Aussies like to call it- Shiraz), Viognier, and Zinfandel.

Yes, it’s true. These are all types of GRAPES. Ferment them and add a little magic, let’s say yeast and sugar and BAM- WINE!

These grapes, to make things a little more confusing for you, are distinct to specific regions…and furthermore SUBREGIONS.

As I have come to understand, if a wine has the name or picture of a particular varietal on the label, than it must have at least 75% of that grape present in that wine.

Are you scared yet?

Well, the biggest thing to know is that with each type of grape-comes a different kind of flavor. I read in a wine guidebook: “the combination of soil type, climate, degree of slope, and exposure to the sun constitutes the terroir of a vineyard. The terroir is what makes each vineyard subtly different from its neighbor.” (K.I.S.S. Guide To Wine By: Robert Joseph and Margaret Rand)

Flavor categories in relation to wines are: saltiness, acidity, sweetness, and bitterness. You’ll hear me and other employees at the winery saying things like “this one starts with a nice pear taste and has a honey finish.” And “this one has a green pepper undertone.” You learn these flavors over time, and you’ll also be able to distinguish which flavors you love and which ones you don’t care for.

Like I mentioned above wine is fermented grapes, yeast, and sugar. However, there is a lot more science and time that goes into the process of making a good wine. There are many other details that go along with the science of it, like storage, ingredients, even combinations of grapes, for example.

I encourage you to grab a glass of wine and get to tasting! Start with a big sniff- the aromas are so nice (most of the time) and it really preps you for your first sip.

As I continue exploring with wine I will share my findings, and post short reviews. The first two are from Spain and France, but once I get those posted I will share with you the flavor characteristics of all the wines at Homestead. I can’t wait! The biggest thing I want to leave you with is a list of tips to take into consideration as you start to try new wines!

Take 3 sips before you make your mind up about any wine
Be kind to your palate and start with the dry reds and gradually move over the whites and sweeter wines
If you really can’t stand a wine- pair it with food or chocolate and try it again

I LOVE ALL OUR WINES! Here are some of the wines we currently have on our tasting bar.

Desert Rose- this is a dry Muscat Canelli. This dry white wine is fruity and virtually sugar-free. It has also won many awards!

Bois d’Arc Red- this is a great wine! Full bodied Red that goes great with pasta!

Ivanhoe Knights- this wine is a popular one, let me just say. Ruby Cabernet and Malbec blend. It is classified as bright, intense, and spicy with bell pepper undertones.

Tempranillo- This is similar to Spain’s Tempranillo where it originates. Medium bodied wine with a salty and smoky finish. This is a classic table wine.

White Zinfandel- Semi-sweet wine that is very refreshing. Has hints of strawberries and pears.

Moon Shadow- this is made true to the German style Riesling. This has a flowery start and a honey finish. Really light and amazing!

Chocolate Rose- oh my goodness TO DIE FOR! This doesn’t have that cheap grocery store dairy film inside of it like those cheap kinds. This is pure and clear- and has the most fragrant chocolate taste and smell to it- it’s out of this world! Ruby Cabernet infused with chocolate! How can you say no to this? Just saying!

La Bodega De Mitchell Crema Del Sol (Texas Cream Sherry made by Dr. Mitchell- the man behind the scenes!) I tried this last week and wow! It’s so delicious! Its fortified with brandy and has this amazing butterscotch taste!

Enjoy! Let me know which wines you are tasting! Stop into Homestead Winery!!