Things I've learned in Mexico... so far

Sorry I haven't been able to post-- I don't really have access to a computer very often. I can usually use the one at the school, but the internet hasn't been working for a while. I finally went over to a friend's house and I'm using her computer, so unfortunately no pictures today. I can tell you about what has happened so far, though.

1. Cockroaches are not that scary if they aren't on your body. When they are though, it's the creepiest feeling in the world. I was taking a shower one morning and I felt something on my leg, so I kicked to get it off. I looked down. Yeah, ROACH. Totally the grossest thing ever. So then I started running away from it in the shower, but it kept following me. I finally splashed some water on it and it flipped over, so I was safe. Oh man, it was crazy. Anyway, I've gotten over that hurdle, so I guess it's downhill from here.

2. Mexicans know Mexico is scary. My family has big pieces of glass cemented on the top of their 15-foot-high walls so people don't try to get in. The outer doors are always really thick metal- whether it's a big sheet of metal or metal bars, it's pretty secure. They also always walk in the middle of the street at night so bad things don't happen. For all you worriers out there, don't worry. My family here is probably more worried than you are. They take every precaution possible and don't let me walk anywhere without them.

3. Mexicans don't know how to use an oven. Really, they don't. In every Mexican house I've been to here, they always store things in the oven like their big pans and griddles and stuff. It's super weird.

4. Mexican men are really blunt. Well, actually, all Mexicans are blunt. But especially the men. I was walking with one of the other teachers, Tracy, and this guy was like "So where are you from?" And we were like, "Oh, the US" (He was talking in English). And then he said to me, "Oh cool. Well, do you want to go get dinner with me and then see a movie?" And I was like "Whoa. Uhh... I gotta go now...." So yes, it's official, I've been asked out on a date here. There was no fooling around with this guy. I think people in the States could take a lesson or two from this guy.

5. Zumba classes are way more intense here than in the US. Or at least at BYU-Idaho. And they're always taught by gay guys. ALWAYS. Man, those guys can move their hips like gyroscopes. One guy wore sunglasses the whole time we were doing the class, which was weird, but he loved looking at himself so he had to be looking his best I guess. I think that being a Zumba instructor was the best career choice for him because he can just look at himself all day long. Gay guys here also have nails that are pointed. They're really long and they're cut so that they come to a point at the top. Unfortunately, the word for gay in Spanish is gay, so we can't talk about it in class.

6. Everyone who cooks for Americans asks if the food is too spicy. I, personally, can handle a lot of spice, so I always tell them no, but they always ask. They're afraid of making it too spicy for us gringos. I appreciate that, but I'm totally cool with it.

7. You cannot avoid street food. I was always told, "Don't eat the street food! You'll get sick!" But the families here buy chicken and pork off the street and cook with it anyway. There is just no way around it. I decided to bite the bullet and go for it so that I could get used to street food. I did end up getting pretty sick on Sunday, but it gave my family permission to dote on me, and they love doing that. We had to have the whole spiel about no tea or coffee or alcohol that day, but luckily they brought me herbal tea, so I didn't have to turn it down. But after that one time that I told them, they have defended me ever since. If someone ever offers me coffee, Marta will always speak up first- "No no, ella no toma cafe." It's nice.

8. There is a special way that you eat with tortillas. You can eat it like a taco, but there is a special way you do it. You break off a piece of it and fold it in a particular way (it's too hard to explain without pictures), and then you eat everything like that. Potatoes, soup, beans, everything. Usually there's no silverware. It's been fun to see the look on their faces when I eat stuff with a fork. They always say "No, with your hands!" It's been fun to learn a new way of eating.

Overall, life here is so great. I've only taught the ninos once since I've been here, but it's okay. I will get better at teaching eventually. To be honest, yesterday was pretty bad. I was almost in tears after the first class. I felt like I was really thrown into the lion's den. The second class went a lot better, but I just don't know what to do about that first class. There are so many kids in it, they're super crazy hyper, and I really don't have any idea what I'm doing. The school in Mexico is kind of unorganized right at this second because we don't have a lot of teachers here. Everything is just packed and it's really hard to teach the ILP program with too many kids. I'll get the hang of it, but yesterday was pretty disastrous. They said in training that you'll get it in about a month. I guess we'll see how it goes.

Hope everything is good in the States. Life here is pretty amazing. I really do love it here, and I'm glad I get to be here for so long. Thanks to everyone, especially the fam, for all your support. Love you guys!!!

A Literary Mash-Up

Okay so a month ago, I talked about great literature, and I encouraged people to read a classic. While trying to decide which book to pick, finals happened. I got so slammed with projects and papers and my job that I was out of the reading game for a little while. Don't you worry, I did read something this past month. But when I moved back home, I had a thought cross my mind: What makes the classics classics? What kinds of books have been put out within my lifetime that would be considered good literature? So I decided to do a little experiment. I was going to compare my reading of something like Pride and Prejudice and something that came out in our lifetime: Harry Potter.

Before you fly off the handle about having the audacity to compare something so great as Pride and Prejudice with something so minimal as Harry Potter, I'd like to clarify. I know perfectly well that Jane Austen could outdo J.K. Rowling every day of her life. I was comparing how I read it. How did I feel while reading it? Does this book make me want to be a better person? What does it say about life? How can I implement the things that are said in this book in my own life? I thought Harry Potter would put up a fairly decent fight. And, let's face it: the wizarding world is a pretty amazing place. And I think the patronus charm is really cool. My patronus would take the form of an otter.

So after reading the first two (and part of the third), here's what I have come up with. I think that the Harry Potter books are wonderful. They, for certain, have some literary qualities. But they don't fit the criterion of a truly literary book. The plot makes the book. A plot-based book could never stand up to the characterization and symbolism and diction that a Jane Austen book has. Take Mr. Darcy, for example. Sure, there is plot in Jane Austen's book, but the character Mr. Darcy can stand by himself. People have written volumes about Mr. Darcy. Every girl wants a Mr. Darcy in their life. Not only did Austen build a great character in Mr. Darcy, a protagonist, but she also built the side characters, like Mr. and Mrs. Bennet, Mary (Lizzy's sister), Mr. Collins, etc. In my small opinion, the reason that Pride and Prejudice is literary is because Austen created characters and let their actions reflect their nature, thus creating plot. Let me reiterate: The characters created the plot by merely being themselves. The greatest pieces of the plot in that story are the unveiling of the true natures of two men: Mr. Darcy and Mr. Wickham. Characterization runs the plot in literary works.

Now let's take that to Harry Potter. Events just happen to Harry Potter and his friends. He receives an invisibility cloak, which enables him to sneak around the castle by night and discover secret passageways. Hagrid happens to let things slip to our three heroes more often than it should. Plot plot plot. And plot is exciting. It's just not literary.

But like I mentioned before, it does have literary characteristics. Dumbledore, for example, provides the best literary nourishment. He has all these great one liners that change your life forever. He embodies the stereotypical cute old man, yet demonstrates great strength of character when needed. That's why everyone loves Dumbledore! J.K. Rowling took the time to develop his character for the reader and gave him the role of "the wise one with all the answers." It is this redeeming quality that makes the Harry Potter books worthwhile. Dumbledore's words do make me want to change my life. They do something for my soul. They teach truth. So while I cannot say that the Harry Potter books are literary, I still stand behind them. And props to J.K. Rowling for getting millions of children all across America (and the world, for that matter) to pick up a book and read 700 pages.

So thanks J.K. Rowling, for creating a wonderful world of imagination for the youth.

To My Chicas: Chelsabelle

I have been blessed with so many wonderful women in my life. After trying to talk about all of them in one blog post, I decided that they each deserved their own blog post. I have too much to say about my girls that I would cheat everyone out if I didn't explain in more detail. Like I've learned in my English classes about writing: talk more about less. So the chica that's been on my mind a lot lately is my sweet roommate from last semester- Chelsie Whitney.

This past winter, I moved into a new complex where I didn't know anyone. I was just thrown into the mix. But I had the opportunity to live with 4 beautiful, wonderful girls, one of whom was Chelsie.

When we first met, we found out that we had taken photography from the same teacher at the same time! What a wonderful coincidence that was. We were able to learn about photography together and practice on each other and our other roommates. She and I had so much fun talking about our teacher's clothes (she was so well put together, of course). We both aspired to be like our teacher. But what Chelsie didn't realize was that I just wanted to be like her.

Learning about her and her story showed me how tough a woman can be. She is the strongest girl I know--overcoming incredible odds with such grace. I was lucky enough to live with her for 14 weeks. And over those 14 weeks I grew to love such a wonderful and awe-inspiring girl. From conquering cancer to shipping off her soul mate, Chelsie mustered through it all.

She is also a party animal. Our Winter Semester theme song was "Rolling in the Deep" by Adele. I could always count on her to be ready to go do something crazy- like going to Denny's at Midnight or blasting music and yelling at the top of our lungs, then going to a cupcake place called Cocoa Bean for their delicious cupcakes and hot chocolate. Being a fellow English major, she and I were able to discuss literature and professors we've both had.

Chelsabelle, here is to you. I love you TONS, and I know you can do anything. Thank you for being my big sister. I can't wait to get to live with you again! Have fun in China!

Isn't she beautiful?! And she is even more beautiful on the inside.

Today I'm grateful for...

I thought that since I've been using so many words lately that it would be a nice change of pace to explain with pictures. Enjoy!




























(For the record, it's a picture of my glasses)

Hard Work

I'm feeling a little long-winded right now, so buckle your seat belts; this is going to be a long (and hopefully enjoyable for you) ride.

I would like to share with you something that is personal, and yet, I feel is very pertinent to everyone's lives. It was something that was given to me in my patriarchal blessing:

"Remember that these blessings are contingent upon your willingness to work hard and stay close to your Heavenly Father."

These words have come to my mind on several occasions, and with good reason. One of the faults I have is that I love to sleep. I love lounging around, avoiding things that need to get done. I love finding excuses to not do things. Oh the power went out? Sweet, can't do my homework! Oh, my pencil broke? Man, guess I can't write this anymore. I am in constant awe of how lazy I am, especially since I have been thinking about how little formal education matters to me. (Okay for the record, I am not completely against formal education. I do like it. I like learning from teachers and having them help me discover things. However, it is definitely not all it's cracked up to be. I'm in it for the piece of paper. And for the awesome English Department Faculty at BYU-Idaho.) If I ever cross I teacher that I think is boring or not well organized, my attention and dedication is out the window. The classes I get the lowest grades in are always the easiest classes. They are the ones that I forget about the little discussion board post I'm supposed to have online by midnight. They are the ones that I think missing one assignment here and there will not be that big of a deal but eventually add up.

I had the opportunity to talk to my "other parents" (Bob and Gail Fletcher) who currently live in New Hampshire. A couple of summers ago (2007), I was blessed to be able to go and live with them for a whole month. I learned so much from them while in their care. I called them last Saturday to catch up with them, and I spoke with Bob about my thoughts on education. For the record, I would consider him one of the smartest people in my acquaintance. He is very well read, was a computer technician for many years, and knew just about everything about anything you can name. He is someone of whom I aspire to be like. That day we talked, he said, "Sylvia, I never got a degree past a high school diploma." I was in shock. I couldn't believe someone of his high intelligence would not have gone on to college. He proceeded to tell me that he went to 2 years of college before deciding that it wasn't worth his time to jump through the "University Hoops" anymore. He went to work as a computer programmer and did very well in his job. He told me, however, that because of this choice, he had to work a lot harder to convince the people he was working for that he deserved a raise or promotion or whatever would come along. There were other people going for that same job that did have bachelor's degrees that looked smarter because of it. "I was held back in a lot of things because I didn't have a piece of paper. I had more experience in the field, I had more knowledge on the subject, but they had a stamp of approval from a university, and for that, I had to explain my way through a lot of things. So even though it may not be worth it to you, it will be worth it to have that signature."

We then proceeded to talk about the course of action I should take while I was in college. He pointed out that I have been blessed and cursed with the ability to be a good test taker. I have always been able to do well on tests with minimal studying. Why cursed, do you ask? Well, it's the minimal studying part. I don't usually have to work hard to get the grade I want. Because of this, I haven't developed the same kind of work ethic that those who have to work hard to get good grades have. It's not that I can't work hard for a class. The classes that are hard for me I work hard in and put forth every effort I can because it means so much more to me to get an A in those classes than some junk generals class. It's the easy ones that get me. Getting a B in a class I was perfectly capable of getting an A in has helped me see this flaw more clearly. So what is the solution to my lack of motivation?

I asked Bob this very question and he gave me some good advice. He said, "Have you ever heard of the dilemma people face where they think 'Should I take the easy class and be bored but get an A or take the hard class and learn a lot and get a B?' My answer: Take the hard class and get an A. Show them what you're made of. And those A's will mean that you worked hard and learned a lot in the process." My motivation stems from doing something that other people think I shouldn't be able to do. The best A I got was the A in the English 325 class (junior-level class) I took my second semester here. I had to work hard. I had to go to a tutor. I had to study. But I got the hang of it. And those of you who know me well know how much I love grammar--that class was the class I learned it in. I am the TA for that class now (I am still not a Junior and I'm going to go teach it next Friday!). So the solution to my lack of motivation is to take the hard road.

A quote from Elder Richard L. Evans says something interesting about this subject:

“Life offers you two precious gifts—one is time, the other freedom of choice, the freedom to buy with your time what you will. You are free to exchange your allotment of time for thrills. You may trade it for base desires. You may invest it in greed. …

“Yours is the freedom to choose. But these are no bargains, for in them you find no lasting satisfaction.

“Every day, every hour, every minute of your span of mortal years must sometime be accounted for. And it is in this life that you walk by faith and prove yourself able to choose good over evil, right over wrong, enduring happiness over mere amusement. And your eternal reward will be according to your choosing.

“A prophet of God has said: ‘Men are that they might have joy’—a joy that includes a fullness of life, a life dedicated to service, to love and harmony in the home, and the fruits of honest toil—an acceptance of the Gospel of Jesus Christ—of its requirements and commandments.

“Only in these will you find true happiness, the happiness which doesn’t fade with the lights and the music and the crowds.”

We have the power. We have the opportunity to accomplish great things. We have been given time and choice to do with our time what we will. I can promise you blessings will come from our Heavenly Father if you choose to work hard and make good use of your time. So what will you choose to do with your time?

Learning Away from College

So seeing as today is July (according to my calculations, there was no June), I felt like an update was in order. I am home alone in my apartment this fourth of July weekend, and I am actually really loving it. I love my roommates. Don't get me wrong. They are so much fun to be with and talk to. In fact, sometimes we talk too much. But I have 2 (almost 3) engaged roommates, so it's not like they feel like hanging out with me all the time anyway. Thus, not having them here is a little relieving. No, I don't have to share the TV. Yes, I can take up the whole couch. Yes, I can play my music really loud whilst writing a blog post. And that brings us to where we are now. Welcome!

I want to talk about something that has been on my mind a lot lately, and that is education. Since I'm in college, I always like to take into consideration what I am learning and how it would apply to my life. Fortunately, I am taking classes (for the most part) that I really enjoy and can apply to my future career or life. I have to give a hand to the language department at BYU-Idaho. After 1 year of studying Spanish, I feel really competent. I write emails to people all in Spanish, order my food in Spanish, and sometimes go to a Spanish branch in Archer. The way the Language Department is set up is perfect for my brain. I understand that it may not be for everyone, but I am happy with how I have been taught. Not only this, but I get to go serve in Mexico for 4 months and solidify the Spanish I have been studying for the past year.

I am taking 2 English classes this semester, and I just like English in general. One of them is a General Education credit (Foundations, as it is called here)--it's an advanced critical thinking and writing course. That class is okay, but it's not my favorite. The class that I have grown the most in is my English 314 class--Advanced Literary and Research Analysis. It has really improved my writing. I have looked at certain pieces of literature much more closely. I have been enlightened by the literature that "everyone talks about." Take Emily Dickinson for example. Everyone knows who that is. But I never understood what the big deal was until I had to write a 5 page paper on one of her poems. That was so enlightening.

So as much as we all hate tests, writing papers, reading chapters out of books, is there any good in it? To an extent. I think if it is something you want to learn about, writing a paper about it can prove to be a good way to understand it better. In my English class last semester, we talked about how sometimes you don't really know what you think about something until you are forced to put it into words. I really believe that. When you want to articulate something, you have to phrase it just right so that you get the correct message across. And that includes thinking critically about it.

I do think, however, there is a lot of room for education outside of an institution. People in the old days didn't have formal education, and yet they are so much smarter than we are. How is it possible that they could be smarter than us when we are being educated for 12+ years? Many contributors to the literary canon educated themselves by mere reading. So that is the direction I am going now as well. I got a bunch of books that were recommended to me for my specific bad habits in writing. I have a problem with using words that I believe are synonyms, but they really aren't. I don't truly know the precise definition of some things, even though I've been using those words for years. For instance, one of the words I misplaced is association. What I really meant was connection. Can you see the difference between association and connection? If you are connected to someone, you have a closer relationship than if you are associated with them. Word precision is something I'm struggling with. So the medicinal book to fix this? Anything by Jonathan Swift (according to Brother Weeks, my mentor professor), especially Guliver's Travels. Brother Weeks says that Jonathan Swift uses some of the most precise language ever written. So why not go to the experts?

My education this semester has been so much more than just my classes. I have read a lot more than I usually do, and it has been very enlightening. I love reading, and I have come to appreciate the classics and understand why they are considered classic. They have something to give you everyday of your life. If you are living, you can apply the principles taught in these books. Can Transformers do that? Well, it may have some pretty awesome graphics, but it is superficial. It only scratches the surface while these books explore life and the inner workings thereof. So the challenge for the next month is this: Read a classic. Yes, it might be boring at first, but just give it a chance. There is a reason it's a classic, so go find out the reason for yourself! I know you won't regret it. You can do it!

The Cost of Idiocy

Boy am I grateful for my mom. She called me today and said, "I think you're getting overdrafted in your bank account. Would you mind looking and seeing how much money you have left in your checking account?" I did. Overdraft? Yes. Whose fault? My stupid thought: "We need to have a fetchin' DVD Player in our apartment so we can watch movies with friends!" Ay. I'm so happy that we have a DVD player, but instead of the $30 dollars I paid for it, I paid $60 on top of that in overdraft charges because I got excited. What a joke! I wouldn't buy a DVD player for $90! But looky here, I just did.

How many times do I neglect doing the little stuff, like checking my bank account and not going off of memory how much I have in there, and get really upset when things blow up? Well, if I had just looked for Pete's sake (or my own in this case, I suppose) I would have only paid $30 for a DVD player. Good grief I feel like an idiot.

So now I ask myself, what other things do I do just like that? Do I expect my body to run on 3 hours of sleep then get angry when I fall asleep in class? Do I expect my ipod to sing to me all the time then get upset when it dies? Stretching things to their limits all the time makes it so that I can't get anything done.

Lesson learned: check ups now save lots of money later!