Two Steps Forward and One Step Back

..... It's how life goes, right?  Progress and failure, just to keep us in check.  Fate sure does like to kick us in the butt.  I was cruising along here, getting the hang of it, feeling like I might fit in after all.  And then not so much.  School became overwhelming in about a day with outrageous expectations.  Home became lame again and I thought once to often about home.  Now, whose to say that tomorrow won't be grand again.  I just hate the ups and downs.

This weekend I am supposed to go with a student and their family to their private island.  We'll see.  Could be just what I need. 

Here I go again, moving forward.

Somewhere to hang my hat.

I finally moved into a temporary classroom on Wednesday this week.  It's nice to not push a cart around all day.  The room is huge, so we have lots of room to run around and make noise.  I am a little sad that I won't see people as much, I was making friends that way, especially with the Dolphins (the support staff).  In celebration of finishing this phase of the move, Wendy my principal, threw a small gathering at her house.  It was nice to socialize together outside of school and the director, office staff, and dolphins came as well.  My lack of spanish is beginning to annoy me.  Speaking with anyone who doesn't speak english takes a long time and they are mostly frustrated with me.  I really must find a tutor.

I am pretty sure that I will be buying a car here in a few weeks.  It's a two door 2002 Yaris.  And.... it's a manual.  So I will have to learn to drive it.  But, it will be a good story later.

Reasons why I'll never be the same after living in Panama....

1.  People actually bag your groceries for you, follow you to your car, load them, and then open the door for you.

2.  I have a maid who: washes my clothes, folds them, makes my bed, washes my dishes, mops my floor and generally puts everything away that I can't be bothered with.

3.  You don't pump your own gas.  Ever.  At all.

4.  A taxi across town costs 2 dollars.

5.  I can get a manicure and pedicure for under 20 dollars.

6.  I bought a 3 dollar shirt. 

7.  My doorman unloads my groceries/packages.

8.  A six pack of beer cost 2.50.

9.  There aren't cover charges when you go out.

10.  Some man is always willing to buy me a beer.

11.  I can go out and actually afford the offer I always make:  To buy everyone a drink.

12.  There's a bus that drives around town with loud music, strobe lights, and all the alcohol your poor little body can take.

13.  In December, I'll be on the beach.

There's the Sun.... I've missed you.

So this week is proving to be better than the others.  We started auditions for "The Sound of Music" and despite some bumps, I think it will be fun.  It may give my roommate, Simon and I a chance to get to know each other better.  I was told this week that I most likely will be in a temporary classroom by next week.  Not the BEST outcome but better than a cart, right?  I drove some other cars this week, nothing yet, but I am proud of myself for doing it alone.  I finally got caught up on a little email which was great.  AND today they told me I'll be going to Costa Rica for 5 days for professional development!!!  HOW COOL!  And despite being nervous about the (in a whisper) big 25th birthday that is looming, my friend Monique wants to plan something.... which will be the first b-day that I haven't planned for myself since High School.  I am glad for that.  Now all I'm waiting for is that Panamanian hunk that I need for a "dance partner"  :)  So today, for the first time since I've been here I am excited.  Just takes time.  

Honking

Yesterday I spent the day car shopping with my friends Eric and Fancisco.  I finally got to drive in the city.  I was really concerned that I wouldn't be able to but I just jumped right in and I was fine.  I even honked my horn at some jerk.  Here in Panama honking your horn is like another language.  It's cracks me up, however I can see how it can be fun.  The car I drove yesterday was a dump but I am driving one tomorrow that I think will be nice.  It's a bit more than I want to pay, but we'll see.  Having a car will give me back the freedom I need.

Panama Viejo

Jodie and I took our day off to go explore a little.  We went to visit Panama Viejo, the city that was burnt down my pirates.  It was a perfect day to go because it wasn't oppressively hot.  We'll have to go back one day when someone can take us on a tour.  

After this we went to take a salsa lesson.  I had a great time, danced alot, made some friends.  It was nice to finally do something I'm good at.  

Tonight we are celebrating my friend Eric's birthday, so we are having a small gathering at my apartment and then heading out.  You know me, I love birthdays!

Stopping Traffic

Protestors early in the morning.  Stopping traffic.

Protest Time

So the big news this afternoon:  NO SCHOOL TOMORROW!!!!  There is supposed to be a nation-wide protest tomorrow so no school for us!

Professional Development....

Today I got an email from the curriculum coordinator about professional development opportunities and would I be interested..... SO of course I am thinking.... "Sure. I LOVE meetings." Except, IT'S IN COSTA RICA!!!!!! Yeah, and they have music specific sessions! I applied. I'm hoping I am approved!

This wouldn't be so exciting in NC. :)