Hello everybody, I just wanna tell you that I've been getting some of new knowledge, this is a sample of my art work....

The Best Teacher... Sue

Sues Class

it's the end.........

of the school year. And, as usual, I feel a mix of emotions. Happy because I will get to spend more time with my family, and I love to see my garden grow and eat fresh vegetables. Sad because I will miss all of you!

Take a minute and think back on this school year. What is it you will remember the most? What do you think was the most important or most interesting thing you learned?

Let me know in the comments!

If I Could Stop the Time...

Have you ever felt like everything around you is not right or it looks like a gray day? I do. Especially one day in my life, a very not good day for anyone.It was when my dad passed away, I can feel right now that horrible emotion of loss that is indescribable.

To begin with, my dad was a great person. He always was there to support me, at school, and anywhere. He taught me how to jump rope, how to be responsible, how to respect others and always to follow my dreams it does not matter if I think that my dreams are too high.

But my father forgot to teach me something really important- he forgot to teach me how to live without him. There are many things that I would like to do with him, many hugs that I miss, many kisses that I didn't give to him and a lot of memories that I would like to tell him. If I could stop the time, I probably demonstrate to my dad that I love him more than yesterday, but not less than tomorrow.

something new!

Ok, so I've been thinking about the summer, and about how we all (even me!) have to keep on learning, even though we won't be in school. Here's a little story:

I attended my first piano lesson today. I've always wanted to learn, but never had the opportunity. My neighbor is a piano teacher, and she said she would teach me. It was scary at first. Then I sat at the piano and my teacher taught me how to play not one, but FOUR scales in one day! I can now play the C, D, E, and F scales on the piano! I couldn't do that when I woke up this morning, but I can now.

Then my teacher had me open one of the books I had brought. It was one of my son's books from about two years ago.... yes, today I began my journey in piano using the same materials my children learned from! I was amazed to learn about so many things I'd seen before, but never really understood. It was like learning a new language! Or algebra!

Anyway, this summer I am going to try and practice piano for at least 1/2 an hour five days a week. I know it will take time and commitment, but I am willing to do it. I'd like you to spend some time thinking about these questions.....

* What do YOU want to learn and practice this summer?
* What are you willing to spend time and effort on?

Because the fact is: if you don't use it, you will lose it.

You are your own best teacher. Always remember that. Read. Write. Divide. Blog. Participate. Speak. Practice. But how? One way, of course, is to use the internet

To help you out, I have made for you a "Delicious" account! I know you probably don't understand how exciting that is yet, but wait until you try it! Basically, a Delicious account is a place to bookmark websites. It's like a giant address book of all your favorite websites, all in one place.

Ok, enough explanation. Check it out for yourselves. There are bookmarks about local organizations and news sources, there are bookmarks that will take you to websites about pronunciation, there are bookmarks for math videos and math practice. There are even bookmarks to help you find something fun and different for you to do this summer!

If YOU find a website that YOU like, you will also be able to add them! I'll teach you how before the year is out.

Ok, are you ready?

Here it is!

Happy Easter!

This Sunday is Easter. In honor of the holiday, I would like to share with you one of my favorite things about the season: The Washington Post Peep Diorama Contest!

You know what Peeps are, right? Those disgusting but yummy marshmallow treats shaped like chicks and bunnies that the Easter bunny sometimes brings?

Anyway, people all around the country vie for the title of TOP PEEP by building a diorama out of, you guessed it, Peeps!! This year, there were more than 1,100 entries.

Then the Washington Post chooses a winner and several runners up.

Even more peeps!

Which one is your favorite?

good morning!

I hope you have been enjoying this beautiful weather. Today is our last testing day, but enjoy your time in the computer lab first.

Here's a little assignment for you for today.....
in the comments section of this post, write an original sentence using a semi-colon or a colon.

A Memory

The days they pass to me, have beautiful memories to me. Filo and Elias were wonderful parents. I remember when my mom prepared the food, all her children arrived from the school, the smell was delicious.

My two brothers, my three sisters, and I sat at the table very impatient and waiting for my father. We stood up looking if my father was coming. We were anxious, and we looked out at the shadow of one stair that was outside the kitchen. My mom said, "When the shadow is on the first stair, we will serve the food because your father will be coming." It was 2:30P.M., but us six kids didn't look at a clock. We looked at the shadow.

We looked out far away at the bridge to see who was coming over the River Chuviscar in the street 28. We saw when my father coming, walking fast, some of us went running to find my father, and others helped mom to prepare the table with the food and all together enjoyed many, many days like this.

Thank you!

One day I decided to go back to Mexico with my kids. We have had a really hard time here. I was without money, food, and someone who can help me. The eight-year-old doesn't want to go, but doesn't have any other option.

When I had everything that I needed to be ready to go, I discovered that I didn't have enough money. One of my partners at school helped me with food, and I had a raffle and sold some things to my fellow students. I was so sad, but my kids made me feel better.

I want to say thanks for everything to my partners at school. You are going to be in my heart forever. Don't forget me!

I will be in Mexico when this story is published for the best teacher, Sue.

The Protector

It all started on an average morning. I didn't think anything unusual was going to happen. No one did.

One day I was going to work. Getting ready, I finished up my breakfast and decided to head off to work. La la la... coming out the out of my neighbor's house. So I asked my neighbor, "Did you invite that person into your house?" She said, "No, he just came in and started coming on to my daughter!" Well that made me furious! So I ran down the stairs and told the guy, "Get the heck out of here!!!"

He slammed his foot on the ground and took off running down the street. The Police returned 2 hours later to explain that the bad guy broke through the glass of a retirement home and attacked some old people in wheel chairs. The Police ended up having to fight the criminal to the ground.They put him in ICU for 4 day.

Feeling great about chasing that criminal out of the neighborhood, I decided to go out and have some fun for the night! We went dancing and drinking. When I returned home the next morning everyone was standing out side. My neighbor Judie said, "Where were you last night?" I said, "Out partying why?" She said, "You know that girl in the corner of the building?" I said , "Yes why!" She said, "She was raped this morning!" I said, "OMG! They didn't get the guy yet?" "No," She answered.

I felt so bad that I was not there. I will get him next time!

Believe it.

The Protector will be there!!!

An Appreciation For Teachers!!

I can still remember the first time I saw 28 kindergartens sprawled on the floor. It was the first time we had to bring snacks to my daughters class.My husband and I only brought some cup cakes and juice as I remember.

This is my daughter's first year in school. She's only 5 years old. As we arrive,we noticed that all the kids were concentrated in class, but I don't know what the cup cakes and juice did to them. Because as soon as they saw what we had brought they went wild. 8 of the 28 kids started talking. The kids that were talking were: Yadira, Reyna, Grettell Angel R,Angel G, Xitlalic, Yaretzy and of course, last but not least, Alexia, my daughter.

They were interrupting the whole class. Mrs.Quijano, their teacher, tried to get their attention back. Their class was about colors,shapes,how to count to certain number, also about sounds. Anyways sounds interesting for a kindergarten kid right!? But not for those ones. As we continue, we noticed something really important for us parents and students. We notice that never appreciate what teachers do for our kids and our selves.

Can you imagine a kindergarten teacher with 28 5 year olds!? I'm sure she gets headaches, bad mood, even an attitude, but they control it. It's part of their job, but they are humans like me and you. In the mean time as parents we don't even try to help them. You know we also can do some volunteer work. We can try to get our kid's teacher a break. I'm not saying 30 or 45 minutes, but a few minutes.

We all need those minutes, if you know what I'm talking about. We really need to start recognizing the effort that teachers do for our kids and for us. So in this letter I would like to give a thank you to Yumi Quijano for putting up with my daughter, and a big thank you to Sue, my G.E.D teacher. Thank you for everything you guys do for my family. Also thank you on behalf of all students like me and my daughter, to all nation wide teachers.

THANK YOU

A QUICK LOOK AT MY LIFE.

I was born in Chicago, Illinois, but my parents decided to live in Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico, when I was only 2 years, then in Monterrey, I studied the elementary, middle, high school, and the University. I graduated law school, passed the bar, and became a criminal lawyer in Monterrey, Nuevo Leon.

I have one son he was born in Colorado Springs. He was born premature when I was 6 months pregnant. When Kevin born, he weighed only about 1 pound he was hospitalized for 3 months at Memorial Hospital. My son and I went to Monterrey Nuevo Leon and the years passed. My son had some difficulty walking, we saw a lot of Doctors and Therapist and nothing, one day my brother told me, "Don't waste more time, you and Kevin come live with me, and you can go to school."

It was a hard decision. I talked to my husband and he told me, "OK no problem, it's for my son's progress", thank God Kevin has better because here the Therapist put more attention for the kids.

I feel bad because my brother pays for a lot of things. The clothes, the food and all the stuff, but someday I will pay him back. I am coming here to Gorman School to learn English and I want to work here in Colorado, using my degree.

My husband and I connect to Internet and we see each other every day. He came to visit us in September 09 with my parents and grandmother, and he came in December 09. It was the best present that my brother gave us; thank God for giving me a big brother to help us, with every thing.

how could colorado springs rock?

Do you like living in Colorado Springs?

If you're answer is no: Why not? What does our city need to make it better? What is it missing? Or what does it have that you wish it DIDN'T?

If your answer is yes: Why do you like it? What are the activities that you and your family enjoy here? And finally.... are there any things that would make a good city even better?

Many people around our city are thinking about these very same questions right now. And they are looking for YOUR input in answer to the question: "How could Colorado Springs rock?"

People from all over town have put down their ideas on post cards, and sent them in, and they are being posted on the web!
Take a look!

If you would like to hear an interview with one of the people who started the icoloradosprings project, and see more postcards, click HERE.

WALLY

Last summer my family and I were on vacation to Texas. My husband is a construction worker, and he was working near Austin TX, in small town called Rockdell. Like everyday he used to go to work at 5:00 AM and come back around 6:30 PM.

One day he called me from work and he told me, that some body placed a picture on the
lunch room for 3 little puppies on sale. He told me that would be a good idea to buy one of those puppies for the kids. I said, " NO,NO AND NO!!" I never been great fan of dogs. I believe it wasn't a good idea to buy a dog. But my husband did not listen to me.

When he came back from work, he told me he bought the puppy, and I got very disappointed.

MY BIG PROBLEM STARTED!!!

But my kids they were very happy. They started to think what are we going to call him? They thought of a bunch of names in to the day. But just one was perfect - WALLY.

When Wally arrived to his new home he was loaded with flies, and I had to wash very good, we had to start training.

Wally wasn't really a good puppy. He bit the shoes, electric wires, chairs, very much everything. I was furious, but my children loved him.
The first 2 months were very hard for me.

After all this time I guess me and Wally get a good relationship. Now I am sure he is another member our family.

I LOVE WALLY!!!!

This is how I feel about you

Roses are not always red
Violets are not always blue.
Here one thing, Ste, I love you.

You're like the sun,
That brightens up my day
I need your air
I can't stay away.

You know I like the rain.
I love to see it roll down your face
I pray everyday.
I'm glad you came my way.

You gave me your heart,and I'll never let it go.
I just want to tell you.
I love YOU Yo.

moving

Packing Boxes
getting rid of some
stuff
Think I am leaving
But
I am not
I might come back
I might not
All I know
Is
I have to go
Before the tears
Start to fall
Like waterfalls


Everyone has a hard time with moving. Even after you get so attached to the place that you are going away from. It is hard but you will make it. You will be able to make new friends, even make new enemies. The words that were told to me by and old friend of mine is, "Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game". No those words are not from a movie, but they are true.

Happy New Year!

I hope you all had a good two week break from school, and are now ready to get back to work! :)



Even the youngest helped out with our Pennies for Peace Campaign!

Christmas Celebration

Sue's crowd

LyA & their Great Teacher


Las Maniwis


Here is all the crowd at the Xmas celebration, thanks to all of Sue's class members to be enjoyable. Merry Christmas to every body.

The Balloon Dog

I was out all day. In the evening I went to take a nice hot shower to get ready for my night out. As I was washing all the shampoo out of my hair, I started thinking. "I wonder why my lights were on in my house when I got home." All of the sudden, I heard my dog going crazy. I jumped out real fast.

I'm on the third level, I looked downstairs to the second level, as my dog was looking at the first level. My dog was barking, growling, and his hair stood up. I tried to tell him to stop, but he would not listen. I thought, "Thank God my son is on the third level with me." I snuck downstairs to where my dog was.

At the corner of my eye, I saw something moving. I almost passed out that's how scared I was. I was ready to grab our gun to protect my family. Since I was so scared, I froze.

I took another look.....

My dog was protecting me from a Spongebob Squarepants balloon! Man I started laughing. I bought that balloon for my son because he was not feeling well. My baby loves balloons.

I will always know that I am in good hands because my dog will protect me from anything, including a balloon.

Christmas with my family

There are about thirty family members sitting in an oval. We are all in the living room. The age group is two months to 80 years old. The adults are sitting in chairs, and the younger kids get kicked out of the chairs, for the teenagers to sit in. The teenagers have sat on the floor for years. It was time for them to finally get a chair. I was thirteen at the time and finally in a chair.

My grandma is now standing in the middle saying a prayer. Then she said, "Lets get started with the gift exchange." She took my uncle's hat off his head, and she put numbers in it to pass around. Everyone took a number. We started with number one of course. A gift exchange is where eveyone grabs a present when it's their turn. there is a catch however, whenever someone grabs a present, and the person who goes next likes the gift that they got,that gives them permission to take the gift. Then that person has to choose another gift.

One year my seven year old cousin knew what a gift was and wanted it. However, my older cousin got it before she did, and she started to cry. It was her favorite bird chirping clock. When it was her turn she ran over and snatched the clock and
said, "Mine! pick another gift!!" Everyone laughed, so did my little cousin.

When the gift exchange was done everyone received hot cocoa. The adults put peppermint schnapps in theirs, while the younger kids got marshmallows. We all sat around the tree and sipped our hot cocoa.

We also enjoyed the family members we were with. I will always remember this Christmas when my cousin got the clock she always wanted. Also as the time I actually got to sit in a chair instead of on the floor.

My Skin Color

When I was a little girl, kids and adults in Mexico, hurt my feelings when they called me "NEGRA". They laughed at my color. That bad experience made me feel sad. At that time, I didn't understand why the people did that to me.

I remember when my son Dario was born. The people came to my house to see the baby's color because they thought he would be dark like me. You can believe so? I had to fight every day with them, but guess what? when I came here and the white girls told me they would like to have my color because they have to be in the sun for a long time, or pay to get some color on their skin.

When I saw black and white people together I just understand that I have to be strong, so now when the people try to say something bad to me I just smile and ask for respect! I'll never let them call me NEGRA and hurt my feelings again. If they do I'll tell something back to them. I don't think that is good to do because no matter what color, nationality, or religion you are, we are humans.

We have feelings, we live over the same earth and under the same sky,right? We always have something to share with the others.

LITTLE MIRACLE

The life gives to you gifts that sometimes surprise you.

When I knew I was pregnant for a second time, I felt a tremendous happiness.

My husband and I were trying to get pregnant since the last year, and we were a little sorrowful because nothing happened. We both had many desires to have another baby, but it was passing one month, and then another..., and... nothing. I don't remember how many pregnancy tests I did myself, but it was several.

Until one day I decided: "I'm not going to feel sad or anxious anymore. Always exist a purpose in life and the baby will arrive at our lives just in time."

And so it was! One month later I was pregnant. I was like if all the universe was conspiring with me to realize my dream. I couldn't believe it!!! I was looking at the pregnancy test for a long period and asking my husband: "Is it true? The test has the two lines on it, right?" "Yes," he told me, patiently. "This is true. We are pregnant."

Wow! At that time I felt so many emotions, because I had been waiting for that moment for a long time; and suddenly, there we are, pregnant!
We are expecting a beautiful boy.

My husband, my son (today he's 6 years-old), and I, we were waiting for this little angel. And finally, he is inside of me. Growing every day, and making us happy with his presence.

We are waiting the blessed and joyful moment when he sees the light of the world for the first time, and we can see it, too.

I believe now that the miracles take this exact form; they come in the precise time. Never before or after. My little miracle did exactly that. He came to me in the right time.

Fighting with the Ink

I will always remember the day when I decided to find a job.I was 16 years old.

I dressed up with a blue mini skirt, white blouse, and high heels.
I got my friends together. We were six, and the search began.

We rode the public bus to a place surround by factories and restaurants.
After filling applications in every place around us we got tired, so we decided to find a place to sit for a little while. We saw a park where guys were playing basketball.

We were dressed up pretty, and we were at the age of flirting, so we decided to sit by the guys. We sat on a bench close to them, and I started chewing the end of my pen. Just then the ink leaped all over my face, neck and my pretty white blouse.
There were not restrooms around us, and we did not have any Kleenex or anything I could use to clean my self. Meanwhile the guys saw the incident, and one of them took off his shirt and gave it to me, so I could clean up.

I was so embarrassed that I cleaned my self, and gave the shirt back with out even thanking him.

Finally I started walking leaving my friends behind, and I never looked back.

My husband and Me

This story started in 1994, when I was just 16 years old and was studying the high school.

One ordinary day; early in the morning, our teacher came into the classroom and told us, "Attention class here is a new guy in our class." He was seated in back quietly and wore sunglasses into the classroom. Finally he stood with vain expression and said: "Hi, my name is Angel".

I looked at him thinking he really looks so handsome but vain also. Anyway he was in our class now. The days in school ran normally and he needed past notes, so he asked me for them. He copied all my notes also my style of notebook; therefore, we started to talk about ourselves and; consequently, started a beautiful and great friendship.

For the next few months we began to be partners, friends and confidants. Literally we were together all day. Early in the morning we were in school, next we did our social service together. Also in the night we talked on the phone several times. The inevitable succeeded. We got engaged!

Four years after that, we got married. And we are still together, with five beautiful kids.

The Dark

There are many things in this world that we fear whether it's something supernatural, the unknown or losing someone we love. Ever since my second sister Guadalupe passed away, I have been terrified of the dark.

It all started 10 years ago. On March 3, 2000, my mom gave birth to my sister Guadalupe. She was born in Denver, Colorado, at the General Hospital. My mom was happy to see her, and so was my dad and I. Then the doctor told my mom and dad that my sister had a problem in her heart and in her brain, and that she wouldn't live for too long.

He said it was better to just leave her at the hospital. We were all sad, crying, hugging one another. The doctor also told us that we had to baptize her right away because she did not have much time.

The following day we had her baptized at the hospital. There were 8 people in the room and my sister. The priest, her 2 godparents, the doctor, my parents and myself. The room was small, the walls were colorless and the 2 big windows on the side. The doctors had my mom dress my sister up in adorable little pink dresses. They took a couple of pictures of her in them.

Later on the doctors told my mom and dad we could take her home. They really disagreed to let her go, but my parents just couldn't stand seeing her there around machines and doctors. Everything was going perfect because she had been with us for 3 months already. We even started doubting what the doctors had said about her dying so soon.

Suddenly one day it happened! You know that feeling you get when you sense something bad is going to happen? Well that's what happened to me. I was nervous, shaking and just felt sick to my stomach, I knew something bad was going to happen. That day was cloudy; the sky was gray. It was a sad day.

My mom, dad sister and me went to Home Depot to buy some wood. My mom was holing my sister in her arms. She had her covered with a warm, pink blanket. My mom kept checking on her to see if she was OK. Then she was going to check again to feed her, but she noticed she was pale and cold. My mom cried, and I ran to get my dad. We rushed to the hospital, but the doctors gave us no hope in her coming back. She was dead.

We did what we had to do. We had a funeral at our house. All our family and friends went. They were all coming in the house with flowers and hugging my parents crying, telling them how sorry they were. There were around 50 people or more that day. We all just sat down praying and looking at my sister in her small white coffin in the living room. I just left to my room and cried.

That night after everybody left, I tried to get some rest. No matter how much I tried to fall asleep I couldn't. All I could do was stare at her crib and imagine her sleeping in there or just crying in the dark. She had a Minnie Mouse crawling doll in her crib that if you touched it it moved.

Then I noticed she started to crawl. I was so scared. So I got the screwdriver my dad kept in my room and walked up towards the crib and pick her up. I opened her and noticed a battery was missing. I knelt down to the ground and cried, wondering if it was a sign. That maybe she was still with us. I ran to the living room to go be by my sister's side. Everything was dark, then I heard her cry and I turned and glanced at her and it was as if her eyes were open half way, I started to shout, "She is alive!"

My mom and dad came running to me and picked me up and held me close to them. I told them what happened and they cried too telling me she was gone and not coming back. Then I tried to sleep in my room, but I couldn't, so I slept with them from that day forward and up to now I have to use a nightlight.

The next day early in the morning we got ready to go bury her. Again family and friends joined us all wearing black- such a depressing color. When that was over my parents noticed I wasn't OK. So my mom and dad got me a psychiatrist for a couple weeks to help me with my sister's death. She never did.

One day she left to another state. And I was left the same.

Alone in the dark room with so many memories.

A different tomar

I don't have a tomar , but I've something that makes me feel with faith, safety, confortable and hope. It is God , my bible, and prayer. Some friends gave me my first bible 7 years ago. I keep it beneath my pillow. I like to read it before I sleep. I learned many things that have impacted my live. When I have a problem or worry, I try search for answers, praying to God how to exit my grief. for me, my tomar is God, prayer and the word of God. This is the vitamin of my heart and my soul that makes me feel with faith and hope.

On the Radio!

Listen!

and leave a comment on the KRCC website, if you want.

the pakul

Ok, so yeah, the pakul is a "men's" hat, but that doesn't mean we can't have some fun!

Part Of Me

What pleasure it is to remember the place and the moment when my mom gave to me a ring on my 12 birthday.

It was at San Joaquin Mexico, In a very humble house.
When she called me to give me the present, she was standing up in the room very close to a petaquilla, and on the top of it was my present. On the wall in front of us was a picture of the Virgin of Guadalupe.

Around the room were three beds, my mom and my dad's bed with a pair of pillows with a crown of purple and yellow pansies she embroidered. In the center of it said. With blue CAPITAL LETTERS." TE QUIERO MUCHO ESPOSO MIO". "I love you soo much my husband". On the other side of the room were my brothers' bed, and the bed my two sisters and I slept in together.

You know what? very close to it was my blue suitcase saving my first communion book, my rosary, some clothes and my red velvet handbag with a little currency.

My mom always made our birthday very special with very simple things. But that day there was a ring, a strong ring, it can stay with me all my life.

Who could imagine she will die six months later? It's why to me to wear my ring it's very significant. I never take it off, I don't see it like a tomar. It is part of me, part of my mom, something she touched.

When I see the ring around my finger, It's like if my mom is surrounding and embracing me, protecting me with her essence, her warmth and her sweet smell. It makes me feel comfortable, secure and safe.

Letter to Greg Mortenson

For the person who has the courage to try change the world, Greg Mortenson:

I'm in English class doing my best to learn and speak this amazing language, but sometimes I feel lost and confused; however, your book has shown me any dream in possible if you really want.
I have five kids, and three of those are in school. One day, they told me something about the pennies and a new school in the mountains. Sincerely I didn't listen, I just gave them the money with a "well if it's for a new school it's ok". Now I understand they were telling me about the "Pennies for Peace" and now I know the entire story about "the new school in the mountains" and the hard work that to entail.

Three Cups of Tea is a wonderful and inspirational story; therefore, make me feel more motivated to earn my goals.
If you could to build a school in Korphe of course I can speak English and be a teacher in the U.S.A
Thanks Greg.

MY SPECIAL TOMAR

Well I wanted to tell you about a Tomar I have. It means everything to me. It's nothing big really, just something small, but worth a lot to me. It is a picture of a little saint my mom gave me. She gave it to me before I left Mexico and came to came to Colorado. I was only 16 years old. She told me to carry it with me while I was on the bus and everything would be ok.

So I did as I was told. I prayed to make it here and I did. I remembered what my mom told me and it made me happpy. I now keep it inside one of my purses, the same purse I was wearing the day I said bye to my mom and dad. I can still remember I was crying when I was getting the tickets until I got to Denver. I really felt as if the world was ending right then and there.

All I was thinking was what did I do? I had left my family when they needed me more than ever. Who was I going to lean on when I needed a shoulder? Who was ever going to give me advice like mom and dad? Who was going to love me more than them? Million of questions ran through my mind and the answers... where? So I got the image out, and cried in the bathroom of the bus station like a child. Then I remembered my mom again. She wouldn't be next to me, but I would have great memories and they would always be in my heart.

I realized, that if you want something in life you have to let go of those you truly love, because that's life and nothing is ever fair. So my Tomar means the world to me because I have memories of my family when I look at the image. It also has a prayer in the back. Only Catholic people belive in Saints and my mom is one of them, but thats good I guess because she cares about me religion or no religion.

everyone has a story to tell....

what's yours?

Check out this website about the Six-Word Memoir project. Make sure you watch the short video it's on the right side of the page.

There's even a book by teens.

Now: write as many six-word-memoirs as you can or want in your composition book.

Then choose your favorite, and post it in the comments.

(bonus points if you can find the run-on sentence in my post!)

Getting the Spirit of Learning

It happened fifteen years ago. When I decided to leave the last grade of high school; because, according to me, I didn't need it.
I had a great job; therefore, I had two cars, lot of "friends", lot of parties: I was popular! My Dad always said to me: "Son you should save some money for the your future"; nevertheless, I didn't pay attention to his words.
Few time after that, something happened. My work contract was over, and the money began to decrease; therefore, my "friends" flew away, and I had to return the cars because they were illegally owned, then I had nothing, except by my self. After the deception, frustration or depression, I was walking around when I saw a school, and some rare force pushed me to enroll in the classes to finish my high school, and I did it.
At this school I met the love of my life; my wife, and she gave me the strength to keep outstanding about everything. Now I got the joy to learn anything; however, I realized there is no wasted time, instead; there is a chance to learn about the mistakes, and do the things in a better way.
Currently I'm a professional with a spirit of learning; however, looking for the success in this great Nation, but first of all, I need to upgrade my knowledge about this wonderful language.

How did I got my tomar?

When I was 10 years old my mom gave me a bracelet. I call this bracelet my "lucky charm".My mom lives in Mexico.That's why she gave the bracelet to remember her everywhere I go.She
gave it so I won't so lonely,sad and to keep up with everything I wanted to do.

Now that I came to Colorado Springs alone without my family when I was 17, it makes me unhappy.I'm trying not to feel like that because I think about my family a lot.I came to the U.S.A. to help my family by working really hard so I could send them some money to Mexico.

Also, the reason that I came here is to finish high school and graduate.The bracelet(lucky charm)that my mom gave me I carry it with me always.I never take it away because it makes me feel like my mom is by my side telling me what's good and what's bad.

Eventually, I feel her hugging me whenever I feel really bad.So my bracelet(lucky charm), it really means something special to me that I can't even explain.That's how I got my tomar.

HIS FIRST GRADUATION

Yeah! He did it!!! I'd be moved for one of the greatest feelings a mom can feel: PROUD. I felt like a peacock with widespread feathers. My son did it! He had his first graduation in his little life: "his graduation from the kindergarten".

This year at school that has passed, was full of challenges for him. It was hard because we had only a few days in Colorado when he started the school with no English for him and I only knew the fundamentals of English, just to communicate simple things to others.

Through the year my son and I were learning together the language with so much effort for both. But when the days passed, then the weeks and months, he felt a little more confident and secure, because he understood the teacher. And of course, I began to see a big change in him and in me, too.

Together, we undertook "The trip to the school life". Now, I look backward and see my child like a brave little person, because he did it great. Nevertheless my child didn't know the language; except "yes" and "thank you", he learned so fast the idioms. That's why I'm so proud of him.

Things that happen when you don't think twice

When I was 19 years old I decided that I needed a vacation, and I went to Mexico.
I left my family behind in the USA.
I spent one month just partying, and drinking with friends. That is all I really wanted to do. I just wanted a get away pass.

On my way back to the USA I got stopped by immigration. They questioned me, took my visa away, and I got sent back to Mexico. When I was back I noticed that I didn't have anything. I didn't leave just my family behind. I left my life. I felt lost and all could think about was my family, because all I have in Mexico is my Grandmother.

It was really hard to think about not seeing my parents for a while. I never realized or appreciated how much I needed my family until that day. Also I thought about how to get back to the USA. I wait in Mexico for two more months, and I came back to the USA. On my way back I dealt with lots of obstacles. I wasn't a citizen, and I lost my visa, so the only way in was illegal. I tried different ways until I was finally with my family.

I used to be a brat and complain about everything. But now I understand that my behavior, and my way to see life wasn't going to take me anywhere.
Until now that same bad decision is getting in my way, because I got married with a USA citizen and I can't get the famous green card.

Wow!

While searching the Internet, I found some amazing videos!

Try this one!

And this one!

There's even a music video!

Chapter 6 - Hard Way Home

In order to practice the art of FLUENCY while reading, I gave you all a section from Chapter 6 in Three Cups of Tea to practice, and then read aloud to the class. I was so absolutely impressed with your expression and pronunciation! I enjoyed listening to you, instead of you listening to me! :)

Let me know if you would like to do this activity again. This also looks interesting. Hmmm....what do you think?

In addition to FLUENCY, we also practiced VOCABULARY. Before reading Chapter 6, each group discovered the words they did not know in their text, and then had to figure out a way to teach them to the class. Here are some photos from that day!

Three Cups of Tea

We have been reading Three Cups of Tea in our class. Here is a picture of one of the schools that is being built, thanks to Greg Mortenson. Click on the photo to see it even bigger!

If you would like some more information about the book, you can go to Greg Mortenson's website and look around. There are also some great photos!

He even has a blog!

When browsing through a blog or a website, make sure you take time to really look and read.

I was wondering what your feelings were about the book so far, or about any thoughts you have from looking at the links above.

Leave your thoughts or feelings in the comments!

COMING TO AMERICA/IMMIGRANTS

This topic is very interesting for me, especially because I am one of them.
The truth is even when a lot of Americans dislike us, mostly of us are good people, who come here with endless desires to progress, to succeed, to get a better status and at the same time to contribute with the economy and development of this wonderful country.

Besides, the hardest and sadder thing for us is to deal and see when people from here try to underestimate and mistreat us just for the simple fact to be LATINOS. When you first come here it is already a cultural shock and we have to add to it, the displeasure and apathy of many americans out there.

Even when I haven't had a personal experience about it yet, I hear about it very often, and I really think that they can't understand that we have rights and duties as they do, even when we weren't originally born in this country. It is more than unfair to have to wake up every morning always thinking who and when will we be rejected today?

By the way, not all the Americans think the same way about Latinos, many of them are cool and opend-minded to respect and accept minorities and foreign cultures without any kind of prejudice or hate feelings at all.

Hopefully this hostility toward us the Latinos could disappear or at least be minimized in the future to live in a better environment here in THE UNITED STATE OF AMERICA.

Miss Sue and friends

How are all of you?
I miss being with you in class. I am staying home as much as I can. I am wating for eye surgery. I have cataracts in both of my eyes. It takes time with the mlitary hospital for the surgery. I am very uncomfortable because my sight is not clear. It makes me have headachs and dizziness.
I hope every one enjoys the beautiful spring


Kisun

Have you ever eatten the brown rice ?

Now, my children bring some money for lunch in school. That way is too easy for mom.

I was in elementary school, it had many funny memories. At six o'clock in the morning, my mom cooked fresh white rice and some of side dishes, like vegetables,fried egg or ham, for my lunch box.

Then mom put lunch in the box made of steel. In winter, every class had a big charcoal stove in the center of the classroom. Many students wanted put their lunch box on the stove because that kept it warm. Whoever sat around the stove they should change the box's position often. If they didn't, whoever's lunch box was closest in the stove, would have to eat rice changed to brown. It would be burned.

This is one of my funny memories in childhood.

99% Chance

Well it all started with this show I watched on t.v. called Myth Busters. It was about a couple of years ago. It was a show about germs in your toilet bowl. Let's just say you have all your stuff that you use in the bathroom (like me) . Someone comes over and uses your bathroom and they flush with the lid open. There is a 99% chance that the germs that just got released are flying around and landing on your toothbrush, makeup, hairbrush, what ever it is, it's there. It always creeps me out when other people use my bathroom. My daughter says I have OCD. That may be, but I will always have the best bathroom in the house. I hate using the public bathroom because there are no lids to close. I have to open the door to flush, so I can get out before it all comes flying back at me. Are there any public bathrooms that are clean and have lids?

Killing Time

When I was about nine or ten years old, I used to dream about driving a car.
I didn't have very many friends, I was pretty shy,but there was this one friend, and he had hookups around the town so we use to make go-carts out of Big Wheels. They were not Motorized so I became the pusher.
They said I was the fastest so we would have races, and we would always win.

I remember even making a make believe car in the backyard of my house. I sat on the ground leaning up against a pole, and made my own car sounds. My sisters would just laugh at me, but they told me later on in life that I sounded just like a race car, and they were impressed at the sounds I made. I would be out there for hours sometimes. But I thought it was the greatest time I ever had.

GOOD FRIENDS

FRIENDS!!!!.Sometimes you have a lot of friends.
But who are your real friends?.
They can be your partner at school,
or your neighbor when you were a child.
To me, in my opinion a real friend is a person who is always by your side.
Not only in the good moments.
A good friend is someone to listen to you when you need to talk,
when you are sad , when you are happy,
when you are sick , when you are healthy.
A good friend is a peson that you can trust.

My Son is Tough!

After my husband just got back from Iraq, my son decided to be a dare devil. My husband as you know was gone for 15 months, and the whole time my son was being very good (At least in this way of which I'm going to be explaining). Obviously kids do get into mischief, but like most kids, my son has never tried a death-defying act.



My son is nine years old, and he loves to skateboard. For Christmas he asked Santa Clause for a skateboard, a skateboard ramp, and then of course he started collecting the little miniature skateboards as well.



Well after he received these things, he did pretty well riding on it. Then last Wednesday night he thought he would surprise his whole family. I get a knock on my door telling me that Anthony (my son) had fallen off his skateboard while coming down the skateboard ramp.



When I ran down the street, it seemed like eternity. The road seemed like it was getting longer and longer, but I finally made it. By the time I got there, there was already a M.P. (Military Police), and she had already contacted the ambulance, and firetruck. When the ambulance came they loaded my son in the vehicle. We got there in five minutes.



As soon as we arrived at the hospital, they sent him directly to X-ray. When we returned from X-ray, we waited for three and a half hours, just so the doctor can either tell us it's broken or not. When the doctor saw us, he asked my son sarcastically, "Do you think your foot is broken?" And Anthony replied jokingly, "Yes!!" Then the doctor said, "Well Anthony you are right!!" Anthony looked at me, then I looked at my husband, and then my husband looked back at the doctor. This was a chain reaction! We all three said, "WHAT!? Is it really broken??" The doctor said, "Yes you did really break it! You broke your first metatarsal." Then Anthony looked at me and his father and said, "My first bone that I broke", with a smile.



That is why I say that my son is tough! Nothing seems or seemed to phase him, he is a straight trooper. I think he is more excited about getting his first cast, but when he got it put on yesterday, he made this comment that made me laugh. He said, " Mom I don't know about this, this cast is feeling like a Four-ton truck!!"

DIA DE SAN JUAN (Day of Saint John)

Mexico is full of traditions that make it so special. Traditions that make it feel like everything where you live had its own life.

In the town where I lived (San Buenaventura, Chihuahua), has a peculiar way to live it and one of the most fun traditions for us is "El dia de San Juan" (the day of Saint John the Baptist) that is June 24th.

For people that don't know, at the Catholic Church this saint was the person who baptized Jesus in the Jordan River.

So, we make this day our own way. A lot of trucks take a ride to the river next to town and fill up with water all the buckets, barrels, tanks, and everything they find to carry up of their trucks.

In the afternoon, the action and the entertainment begin. All the people start a "Water War", watering to everyone on the main street.

It is a day where the adults return to their childhood and the children enjoy the adults.
It is the day that all problems are forgotten.
It is the day where the people feel ALIVE again... because that day they can taste the happiness they forgot through the years.