Right now I am in a place I wish I wasn't. But I have no one else to blame but myself and my stupid brain. So, I pray to the Goddess to aid me in this situation and make a vow not to allow myself to get so sloppy again. EVER again. My fate rests in the hands and hearts of a few and I really need the good vibrations that everyone has always send over my way. Dear my! I wish I was someone else at some other time right now! I wish I could just slip a few days or years --- in a comma... and then wake up and find out that everything went according to plan, smooth, no flaws, nothing to worry about. And the thing is that this would be much easier to carry if I had someone to tell me "it's gonna be okay"... other than Kalavan, that is, who even when I know he means well, it's not the same as having a mortal person hold you and tell you these words.

How important it is to have someone by your side in difficult situations! I've never seen this this way, but how true it is. The burden would be so much smoother. And it's not like I don't have friends or family whom I can rely on... but then enter my stupid brain again, who tells me that they have enough problems of their own than to carry on with mine. Either way, I hope I have all things worked up by the end of the day. I have one more card to play and I intend to put on my sad puppy eyes and go with it. At any case, I'm already in deep.

30 Days of Truth -- Day 10

Someone you need to let go, or wish you didn’t know

This one is quite easy. And I know that if he or someone related to him reads this, they're gonna go "oh, you bitch!! after all you did!!!" but to tell the truth, he is half of my life's mistake. The other half, I believe, is dead. The first one I have to add here is Andrew S. Hubbard. I needed to let go and I wish I didn't know him. Why? Several reasons. Mainly is the reason that he believes we're meant to be together --- but I need someone who can stand by me and be the strong one, not someone who needs a constant reminder of my love and devotion towards them. I loved him one, yes, with all my heart and soul... but I don't need a drag down when my wings are much too big and need to fly --- and I don't need someone who will put me through an emotional rollercoaster (or a sentimental blackmail) just to "stay together". Plus, I don't need to carry on the label that he will have to carry for the rest of his life and he knows why (I will not discuss it here). As for the other half, the one I believe is dead, is Alex Blair, or Brian Bradley, or however he wishes to be called. I was told he is dead, so I believe he is. And the thing is that he took something from me -- something that I have yet to build again and I believe I will never regain. So, if he's reading this, for however reason, I ask that he returns what he took because I think I need it to move on. Please.

Si yo pudiera haber sabido

lo que seria de mi alma y mi vida

despues de haberte conocido....

 

Live from Juarez .. it's Saturday Morning!

Teachers of the world!!! (spice up your life!)
Every boy and every girl!! (spice up your life!)
Teachers of the world!!! (spice up your life!!!)
AAAAAWWWW!!! Shake it to the left (if you're having a good time!)


Okay, so don't shake it then...

I am writing this as the teacher group is taking the second mock exam in TKT. Module 2 has to do with lesson planning and material use/resource. The funny thing about it was that most teachers where making all these faces as if to say, "Psh! I already KNOW all this!!" and now that they are taking the mock exam, turns out that it's not as easy as they originally thought it would be.

Suckaaaas!!

TKT Module 3 also started and ended today. Module 3 has to do with teacher-student appropiacy in the classroom... and most of the stuff here is done by teachers in their every day practice. We just need to be reminded of what are we doing and what's the name of what we are doing.

TKT is in full bloom here in Juarez. I remember that a couple of years ago, this test was almost like talking about Alice in Wonderland and hoping to see the Mad Hatter not being Mad no more. But now, the TKT is reality and here I am, waiting for my 1st group to finish the test. This test is to certify English teachers; it's not the same to say "I know English" as to say, "I know how to TEACH English as a Second Language". We've found that out the hard way here in Mexico.

All of the teachers in this group are passionate about their teaching. They are taking this test not only for the curriculum value of it, but because they want to continue to improve their quality in teaching. Koodles for them! I hope that they continue in this path, and that they have the spirits to carry on with their students. Yes, even when I know that some of you out there read this and think "how corny!"




Good thing that we pandas do not need to certify ourselves as pandas. We're cute, smart, and adorable by nature...

..... and yes, we can be quite corny.....

Certifican en Ciudad Juarez a 16 Maestros de Ingles

Certifican a 16 maestros de inglés

Guadalupe Félix
El Diario | 27-11-2009 | 21:29 | Local

Dieciséis catedráticos de diversas universidades e institutos de la localidad fueron certificados como maestros de inglés por la Universidad de Cambridge, se dio a conocer.

Esta es la primera generación de juarenses que logra dicho nombramiento, pues quienes deseaban obtener el certificado tenían que acudir a la Ciudad de México, indicó Alfonso Rodríguez Aguilar, director de la Universidad Regional del Norte (URN).

Mencionó que el curso se impartió a docentes de la materia de inglés, quienes laboran para la URN, el Centro de Lenguas de la Universidad Autónoma de Ciudad Juárez, Instituto Tecnológico de Ciudad Juárez, Universidad Tecnológica de Ciudad Juárez, Colegio Santa Fe y Colegio Sierra Madre.

Comentó que el curso se realizó en esta localidad a petición del personal de la URN, evitando con ello que cada profesor interesado tuviera que trasladarse hasta la capital del país para certificarse.

Indicó que el curso lo iniciaron 35 docentes que imparten clases de inglés, sin embargo lo concluyeron solamente 16.

Durante la capacitación, los participantes aprendieron a redactar correctamente, leer, pensar en inglés y a escuchar a fin de detectar si los alumnos tienen una pronunciación correcta, detalló.

Indicó que en los próximos días dará inicio un nuevo curso de certificación de inglés donde podrán participar todo tipo de profesionistas interesados en impartir sus conocimientos en el idioma extranjero.

Aseguró que la Secretaría de Educación Pública solicita actualmente que los maestros de inglés estén certificados.

Yuvia Hernández, coordinadora de idiomas en la URN, platicó que al inicio los profesores estaban renuentes a acudir a esta localidad por miedo a la inseguridad, sin embargo ahora están dispuestos a dar otro curso. Comentó que los 16 maestros que se certificaron pueden demostrar ahora que están capacitados para impartir clases de inglés a sus alumnos.

I passed!!!

Yes! TKT results are here! I passed! I got a band 3 out of 4 in all 3 modules! ^_____^ ALL the teachers at school passed with 3 out of 4; we're very happy and plan to go out to celebrate.

(sigh!) It has been a rough ride, but I think that the whole experience was one to be remembered. I don't know what other people might think, but I'm definitely all psyched about it. It feels good to have achieved something.

I miss you Mr. L --- if you where here, we would be celebrating over some brewskies on the back of the Main Building and leaving the empty bottles on the old tire, am I right? ^____^

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

A cortar de tajo lo que no sirve y echarle ganas.....:):):)......tres reglas básicas: no es personal, cada uno responsable de sus sentimientos, y la vida no es justa

This sentence means Cut from the root all that is non-useful and keep going... three basic rules: it's not personal, each is responsable for their own actions, and life ain't fair. This has been placed on a dear friend's FB account and it made me feel a little better about the insanity that has been going on.

Let me start from the beginning.

TKT test came and went as scheduled on Saturday the 10th. There was 1 teacher whose exam was not there. Now, maybe it was a mistake from my part, maybe it was a mistake on the capturing of the exams... but the problem is that she wasn't there, in paper. In person, she was. And I completely understand why she would be mad as hell. The problem can be solved. She can take the test in January or March (still pending on what the IHouse situation is) and such... but I still have this nagging feeling about it. True, every nagging feeling I've been having has been proven WRONG every time, and I just hope this time is no exception. I have to confide in my angel, who has never left me to die alone. Right?

Right!

The test, however, was easy. I'm sure I got a lot wrong in module I as I was confused about this teacher situation and lost my focus... but I think that I have a good shot of passing. I hope we get the results soon... and I hope that this teacher situation gets solved through the smooth way. I doubt it, but there is no false alarm in hoping about it, right?

Pooh! I didn't win the Jose Revueltas prize... I shall try again...

I still have one more contest in writing to look forward to, though. And just because I didn't win this one, doesn't mean that the stuff I write is not good.

Tomorrow will be another day, when less stuff that's related to "bad luck" will be going on...

today has been.... okay

New Semester

A new semester is upon us. New students, new schedules, new everything. I find it very exciting but at the same time in fear of what "same old bullshit" is to come. Lots of things have come my way, some good, some bad, some I still can't quite know what the heck are they. But one thing I know is that life moves on and we have to be here to "take the ride"



So...TKT. According to what I have been told by the people who are coming to certify, (BTW, I haven't send in the info they asked for! BAD PANDA!!) it's the first time they come to Juarez. So, this is a big thing! They're very excited about it and apparently I'm the only one who got as excited about it around here -- but that's juts because the squirrel is not around. He would be happy. I need someone to get happy with me!!!

SIGH! I miss La Tenshi!

Birthday is coming soon. I accept gifts.

or candy... or at least a hollah!

It's summertime, ladies and gentlemen

I am finally done with lists. Now, all I have to do is make sure that we have deposited the money for the TKT exams and I AM DONE!! ^_____^

This weekend was extra fun! It all started with me and my friends going to see the Harry Potter 6 movie premiere. I was the only one (THE ONLY ONE!!) wearing my witchy hat. WHAT THE HECK IS WRONG WITH YOU PEOPLE?!! IT'S THE HARRY POTTER PREMIERE!!! You should be wearing your witchy hats!! GAWDS!!! Anyho, the movie ROCKED and we had a blast, even though the movie theatre was so packed that we had to sit on the stairs, hence blocking the emergency exit hahahahahaha!!! But the movie was great. I loved when Adi (my friend's Suky sister) was so spooked with Aragog's dead corpse. That was funny! ^__^

Then, the next day, me and my sister and her hubby went to check out the movie. This has a story behind it. Turns out that in the original plan, it was to be me and the sis going to the premiere. But the hubby (tag along as he is) decided that he wanted to go. But not to the premiere... 'cause he works. So screw the two mega fans who wanted to go to premiere, right? He said "we're going on Friday". Well, the tickets were SOLD out for the IMAX showing on Friday. We ended-up going to the VIP movie section (poor us, right?!). Sis and me were, ga-ga gooing over Mr. Snape. And then there was the annoying as HELL American bastard sitting next to me. It came to a point where I turned to him and said "If you don't shut the fuck up, I SWEAR I'll go all SLYTHERIN on your ASS!!" (exact quote and words)

Saturday came and I wanted to go to Starbucks. It had been a while since I've gone, so I packed-up mah laptop to download stuff while I was there and went. Holy crap! Sure glad I did! They had their 1 YEAR ANNIVERSARY party going on!!!! ^_____^ And you know what that means: FREEBIES!!! I got to taste their new stuff -- FOR FREE! There was cool music, and me and this cool guy started talking and talked for over three hours! His name is Eric. HI ERIC!!!!

Bad news: I lost my cellphone. LG. Black. No camera, no microphone, no bluetooth, no mp3player, no video... just a plain old phone. It was more the sentimental value of this phone than anything else... if you see it, tell it I miss it.

Sunday: Me and the niece went to see Cinderella at the local theathre. It was HILARIOUSLY funny!!!! We had a very good time while watching it. And it almost turned in to a riot too, for there were a lot of people outside and they let us wait to get in for about two hours! Good thing that we were inside the premises and not out, like, in the sun out? Or else it would me L.A. 90's riots all over, with Cinderella and Snow White kids flying through the air.

....... o though, that would have been quite the show, mind you.

Mexico won 4-0 at soccer. It was held at the NEW Texas Stadium... against who? Well, as my father so blissfully pointed out, "Who cares? The important thing is that they won, who cares who the rival was!!!" (Haiti).


^______________^

Listening to "Take 5"

All work and no play makes this panda's head feel woosy

I have been feeling dizzy all morning today. And just as I do --- and it happens all the time -- I get a meeting with my dean today.

A ten minute meeting turned into a 3 hour ordeal that has my head spinning. I don't know if it's the lack of sugar or something else. All I know is that it feels horrible. Need to prepare presentation to sell my program to the Head Dean who comes to Juarez next week. I have a TON of work to do in the next week or two and no desire whatsoever to do it.

I'll do it --- and it will be grand, make no mistake about that.

I have downloaded Grey's Anatomy seasons 2 and 3 and now I am downloading season 4. I am totally obsessed with this series.

I wish I could speak to you about a grand summer vacation, but I can't. It seems that the powers that be have decided to keep me inside a room, either school, home, or hospital, and not let me go have a good time. I wanna go to the beach or to the swimming pool. I need water.

and sex... let us not forget about that.

My sister also wants me to go be her circus monkey on Saturday and amuse all her friends --- all her 4 friends. Amuse? Yes. She wants me to go and read their future in their palms. As if I need to do that. I mean, they all have kids and no husband, it's only logical what they wanna hear and what they don't wanna hear, so I'll just go with what they don't wanna hear because that's usually the truth. Or maybe I'm just saying this because I don't feel with ganas right now...

Yeah, that's probably it.

This song makes me laugh SO HARD!!!

(sigh!)

Yesterday I send the story that's to compete in the National Novel competition in Mexico. The title is "Viddhea" and I hope it wins. Really. Or at least one of those honorable mention awards. I really liked how this story turned out. For schizel.

It's 12 58. I don't want to go home yet.

I feel like the one in the middle

No word yet on TKT late fees. I am beginning to think that I should just pay for the June test and take the bullet. It's not like we're not going to do the thing, we're just going to postpone it -- AGAIN. But I don't want to postpone it. I want to make this work. It's the responsibility deal of me. And I'm cold. It wasn't cold when I left the house... now I am cold.

Yesterday it was the disaster of the expositions. The topic for the English VIII class was "World Cultures" and they were supposed to research cultures and bring a presentation about them... but not culture as "the department of culture in Brazil has issue a statement..." No. It was more like "In Japan, people bow as a sign of respect; the lower the bow, the more respect you show". I explained this detail about three times a day for about two days. They had a week to do this. And I said "If you have questions about the presentation, please tell me because I will count the spelling and grammar errors". So, yesterday they show up... and voiala! The England presentation was more about the history of England... (from 1823 to 1826, the prime minister...); the Sweden one was about the geographical territory (it is located 2330 miles north of...); the Japan one had beautiful background images, but the letters got lost and since the letters got lost, and since the students were reading off the screen, then it was a lost cause; the India presentation was taken off the Slum Dog Millionaire movie, so that was another lost cause; the North Korea presentation was "North Korean" and it basically sucked... Oh! And did I mention they had 10 minutes to present it? If they had not read the entire class, they would have more than enough time to do it... but nooooooooo! They read and read, so their times were up before slide No. 5 came up. The shortest presentation was of 20 slides! 20!! Not even my DVM degree thesis was 20 slides long! Today I plan to have a looong conversation with them -- break the rules and scold them in Spanish, because I swear that if I scold them in English they will not understand diddly squad of what I'm saying.

UTEP Miners won last night and are now in the Final 4 of the Regional Tournament. And It's not like I'm a UTEP fan, but I follow this radio show, "Sports Talk" in 600 AM and I've been following the ups and downs drama of this basketball team all season... so I'm kind of happy that they've made it this far. Plus, this kid, Stephan Jackson? He should play in the NBA.

(sigh!) My father has to go to the nutritionist today. It's a lazy-ass situation. He doesn't wanna go, I don't wanna take him. Is there any way that we can compromise and find common ground?



POST-NOTE (LATER IN THE AFTERNOON)

----- I dunno what's going on, but apparently the images are back on line. Cool! I can see the banner now (at least some of the images are up...) I have decided to take the bullet train with the TKT ... one more month behind. PSHAAH! My boss is not going to be happy about it, but there is not much he can do about it, now is there?

---- Decided to tell students if anyone has ever told them what a "Power point presentation" concept is. So, I've also decided to give them extra credit work in reading comprehension (we're Mexicans, we don't read --- SAD BUT TRUE, PEOPLE!)

--- I am torn between Suky's party and a date... can I bring the date to party? Can I go on Friday to Date and Saturday to Suky's Poker bash?

-- I am torn between e-mailing Federico (one of my old teachers from college) or not. I stumbled upon his wifey the other day at the plant shop (Oh yeah, me and mom went back to get some chili plant... and it was funny because my mom thought it was my BBF Ofelia and Federico's wife and Ofelia HATE each other's guts) and she said he wanted to contact me. Still torn about that.

- Metallica... I want to go to the Mexico City concert.

Sorry about the Images... BUT

As you can see, Blogger is screwing with this panda's images. I've already posted a "Please help me" thingie on the thingie where you ask for help. I'll check it out later on.

Today was very difficult. The TKT is going to drive me crazy but I have faith that everything will work out for the better. We're down 25 000 pesos. That means that we are missing that amount to pay for the tests. Breathe in, breathe out.

Ok... If I had known that the promotions dept. of the University was going to get 16 000 pesos paid FOR DOING NOTHING... then I would have done the same thing. Who was the one who was calling people in the first place? Who pushed and pushed for the course to take place? To go door-to-door (or, rather school-to-school) promoting this thing? Well, I'll tell you, it wasn't promotions. They did a magnificent promotions deal with 5 posters... 5!! Do you know how many schools I visited to promote this thing?! 30! 5 posters... and they got 16 000 pesos for it (16 000 translates roughly as 1400 US moolah, which is still a lot). So, to move the brain wave twisting thingie... I have to contact Cambridge to get a late fee to pay for the tests a little later on. Then, I have to contact the International House people to tell them how much time I managed to BEG Cambridge for. Then, talk to teachers... My teachers paid a little less than the rest of the group, so I'll be asking for their cooperation. A lot of stuff to do in less than three days.

Time to blog? Yes... oh yes.

After toying with idea that maybe the google thingie has problems, and that maybe those problems derive from the fact that my school's internet support is saying that the address is filtering violation... then maybe that explains a lot. I have here a picture I have done and posted over at DeviantART (yuvia.deviantart.com) called "JUAREZ".

... I have to do these sorts of images... or else the coo-coo bananas in me starts going amok.

It's Official --- I'm back in the Game.

I am officially a student -- I start my MA on Friday!

At last! After weeks and months of deliberations, I start my MA in Education on Friday. I'm excited, physiqued, and all ready to become once again a student. They tell me the group is nice and that the teachers are awesome, I sure hope I can fufill the expectations. :)
So, back to the books for me... at least on Fridays and Saturdays. I am really excited and now I am all filled with this new renewed energy. I think I need this... XD

I am a little worried about the TKT results, though. It seems that some teachers haven't paid the course and, thus, I will not be able to pay their test. I hope I can figure it out tomorrow. I hope so.

My friend Angie is still jobless. But I just heard from a teacher that she is opening a daycare (the teacher, not Angie). And I figure, since Angie has experience working with kids and all, I asked the teacher if she needed an art teacher. So, if all goes well, Angie might have a job at this daycare.

The "LEARN** Me Good" Book is AWESOME. It's funny, witty, and it totally pictures what one goes through as a first-year teacher... (a first day for me, for I too gave the Mr Opus speech to my 6th grades my first day...) I totally dig this book.

Sleepy, hungry... excited.

Viva La Panda.

PS: ** -- Sorry Mr Teacher... It's LEARN me good.. I am but sad, sad panda... who gets t shirt and book confused... see? I'm just a PANDA, your technology of books frightens me and spooks me (yeah, recalling old SNL skid of Caveman Lawyer here... I'll go away now)

Live, from the CompuRent, it's the Saturday Edition!

It's Saturday night and I am at CompuRent trying to update this blog as often as I can. I can now tell with out a shadow of a doubt that these computers don't look as cool as they did about three years ago. I love my laptop.

Today was a TKT meeting I had to do. Next week I have to pay for the test, but the teachers are gonna take it 'till May. I thought it might be a little more professional of me to tell them the news up close and personal. I was right. They were grateful. So now we have a study date from this saturday to the next and I need to get my mojo back on track. There is a good cahnce that the ITCJ is going to pay their teachers for the module (and we're talking about 20 teachers probably more) which means more work, hence, a pay raise.

Ca-ching!

But I can look ahead and look forward to a three day weekend. No class on Monday.

I wanted to go to this candle place today but I sort of rather go and tend to Angie. She's all bummed out that she has to move back to her parent's because she doesn't have a job and cannot pay for the rent in her place. It's a set back, I tell her, but if she looks at it in a positive perspective, she doesn't have to worry about the bills for a while and she can focus all her energy on to getting a job and continuing with her Master's.

So, it's Saturday... let's see what's on the Playlist!!

THE PANDA'S PLAYLIST

Today's playlist is brought to you by the fine people who invented mixed drinks in a can... you can now hammer yourself silly while driving without having to go to a bar and have the bartender take your keys... yeey...

1. Bad Girlfriend -- Theory of a DeadmanMy sister says this song is completely HER... which would be so awesome if she wasn't already MARRIED...

2. Possum Kingdom --- The Toadies
This is a sexy vampire song... I love the I would treat you well, my sweet angel... PLUS, I have a lust-on-going relationship with this man's voice...

3. Lost in Emotion -- Lisa Lisa
Because sometimes a panda needs her shot of cheesy 80's music...

4. The Blower's Daughter -- Demien Rice
If you're suffering from a heartbreak, please don't listen to this song because it will only depress you more. This song touches the fibers.. I like it.

5. If You Seek Amy -- Britney Spears
A stroke of genius from miss Spears. I love this song... love me, hate me, say what you want about me but all of the boys and all of the girls are begging to if you seek amy... hahahaha!!! I love it!

6. I kissed a Girl -- Katie Perry
I KISSED A GIRL AND I LIKED IT! THE TASTE OF HER CHERRY CHOPSTICK!! YESSSSSS!!!!

7. Miles Away -- Madonna
Miss Madonna has encapsulated my current situation with a dear friend... He'll always love me more, miles away... This song rocks, I don't care what others say.

8. Ticket to Ride -- The Beatles
I think that The Beatles need no explanation. The BEST rock/pop band there EVER WAS and EVER WILL BE.

9. I hate my Life -- Theory of a Deadman
I hate them hobos too...

10. I'll Fly Away -- Jars of Clay
I know, hum? Quite the shockign turn of events. This song is very inspiring to me. In fact, Jars of Clay is probably my favorite group to get inspired by.

Check 'em out! Tell me what you think... and tell me if you have a favorite song too...

Cheerios!!

TKT -- Live from Module III!

Teaching is the profession that teaches all the other professions

Live, from Juarez, it's TKT Module III! Teachers from all over the city came to take part of this course and realize that they still have a lot to learn.

Teacher's Knowledge Test is a Cambridge certification course that basically certifies teachers to teach English as a second language. In Mexico, all English teachers must be certified as ESL teachers in order to teach... in theory (we all know that this detail does not happen).

So, today is the milestone. These people who are here do not know of the hard work it has taken to bring this course to Juarez. Why? Because not everyone wanted to come by and teach it, that's why. And We have an EXCELLENT teacher in Margarita. Gonna take pics tomorrow and upload them.

Teachers getting ready.

Teachers becoming students and getting ready to rumble.

Hell yeah.

It's HOT

I hate this. I mean, I expect January to have wintery weather, not the heat wave.

Oh well... I guess I'll have to sigh away my wishes that it snows in Juarez any time soon. I mean, what the heck am I expecting if we live in the desert?

Classes will begin next week. This weekend, however, is the Teacher's Knowledge Test certification module III class. Basically, a person from Mexico city flies in and gives the course to 25 teachers who inscribed in it so that at the end we do this Cambridge certification test and get our certification as teachers. It's kind of cool, I mean, there is nothing as funny as the sight of teachers suddenly becoming the student and facing the fact that there are some things that they had no idea they were teaching ("I know that -- I just didn't know what it was CALLED!")

Teachers --- they crack me up.