Yesterday the newest class started: the 160th. Welcome, everyone! It has been great meeting you over the last few days. I wish you a wonderful experience in A-100 and a great career. If I can help with anything, I think you know where to find me!
The welcome reception on Sunday night went off without a hitch. I'm kind of the worrying hostess type, so it was nice to have it all work out so smoothly. And this morning, my fabulous classmates and I escorted all 89 class members to their first official function and had a little breakfast waiting for them there. It was great to hear that welcome speech again on the other side of the mountain and remember how thrilling that moment was, only 3 months ago.
In other news, Spanish is still totally awesome. I'm moving past my reading block and starting to enjoy the puzzle of figuring out what a reading is about. I did great on my first evaluation (in which they measure my progress and decide whether I'm on track to reach my training goal, which I am). My teacher keeps telling me my biggest problems are confidance and nerves. So true, so true.
I still just feel so lucky to be here. Spring is coming. I have a ten minute commute. I am getting paid to learn a language I adore. And soon I'll be off to a beautiful country where I will do a really cool job.
I know so many of you are struggling to keep the hope alive. I never thought I'd make it here. Keep trying.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Checking in
It was a busy week and I wish I was still sleeping. My husband was on a work trip this week and the kids and I were on our own. We had a great week but I stayed up too late each night.
Spanish class is still going great. In addition to 4 hours of class daily, we have an hour of one on one time with our teacher. This week, my teacher spent the hour asking me questions that I have always had trouble answering, like what are the costs of parenting or what is the American dream and how has it changed? I'm learning to take a moment to formulate my answer and then try to point out a few opposing views. It doesn't matter what I say, just that I say it correctly and can defend my position. My teacher pointed out that my problem is confidence and he is so right.
Last night, I started reading a book that my teacher lent me (Secuestrada: Una historia de la vida real) and I was thrilled to find that I am reading it as if it were in English- just enjoying the story rather than struggling to understand the language. I'm proud of myself- I feel like I am really improving.
I don't think I'll be in Spanish class until June, my scheduled end. The language consultants (we each are assigned a consultant to help with language learning strategies) evaluate us periodically to see how we are progressing and whether we are ready to take the test. I think our first evaluation is in a few weeks. I've been very busy with the plans for the incoming 160th A-100 class (I'm the Welcome Committee co-chair), as well as trying to organize my life, so I haven't devoted as much time to Spanish as I'd like. But I plan to get more serious this week.
In case you're wondering, if I test out of Spanish early, I will work with my CDO (Career Development Officer) to find something to keep me busy until my Consular class starts (6/22 I think). I think they could also change my ConGen start date, but either way, I have to do something productive until my scheduled leave date in August (which is not definite yet- I will start to negotiate that with post in a month or two). I would like to take some FSI Management classes or other classes that will be helpful in my work. Another option is to find a "bridge assignment" at Main State. That worries me because of daycare and commute issues, but we'll cross that bridge later.
My Regional Studies class (Central Am and the Caribbean) is also getting more intense. We have to read 5 chapters in this book (although I just noticed there is an updated version of this book as this one ends in 1990 I think!) and prepare for a roundtable over the weekend.
Tonight I'm going to dinner at a Dominican restaurant with most of the current FSI students and their families going to the DR. There will be 20 of us. I'm looking forward to getting to know everyone better!
Alright, time to wrap up. The kids are agitating.
P.S. My son is watching a Dora episode in which she travels around the world. He periodically pipes up with comments about his daycare friends: "R is going to Russia! K is going to China!" Love FSI daycare.
Spanish class is still going great. In addition to 4 hours of class daily, we have an hour of one on one time with our teacher. This week, my teacher spent the hour asking me questions that I have always had trouble answering, like what are the costs of parenting or what is the American dream and how has it changed? I'm learning to take a moment to formulate my answer and then try to point out a few opposing views. It doesn't matter what I say, just that I say it correctly and can defend my position. My teacher pointed out that my problem is confidence and he is so right.
Last night, I started reading a book that my teacher lent me (Secuestrada: Una historia de la vida real) and I was thrilled to find that I am reading it as if it were in English- just enjoying the story rather than struggling to understand the language. I'm proud of myself- I feel like I am really improving.
I don't think I'll be in Spanish class until June, my scheduled end. The language consultants (we each are assigned a consultant to help with language learning strategies) evaluate us periodically to see how we are progressing and whether we are ready to take the test. I think our first evaluation is in a few weeks. I've been very busy with the plans for the incoming 160th A-100 class (I'm the Welcome Committee co-chair), as well as trying to organize my life, so I haven't devoted as much time to Spanish as I'd like. But I plan to get more serious this week.
In case you're wondering, if I test out of Spanish early, I will work with my CDO (Career Development Officer) to find something to keep me busy until my Consular class starts (6/22 I think). I think they could also change my ConGen start date, but either way, I have to do something productive until my scheduled leave date in August (which is not definite yet- I will start to negotiate that with post in a month or two). I would like to take some FSI Management classes or other classes that will be helpful in my work. Another option is to find a "bridge assignment" at Main State. That worries me because of daycare and commute issues, but we'll cross that bridge later.
My Regional Studies class (Central Am and the Caribbean) is also getting more intense. We have to read 5 chapters in this book (although I just noticed there is an updated version of this book as this one ends in 1990 I think!) and prepare for a roundtable over the weekend.
Tonight I'm going to dinner at a Dominican restaurant with most of the current FSI students and their families going to the DR. There will be 20 of us. I'm looking forward to getting to know everyone better!
Alright, time to wrap up. The kids are agitating.
P.S. My son is watching a Dora episode in which she travels around the world. He periodically pipes up with comments about his daycare friends: "R is going to Russia! K is going to China!" Love FSI daycare.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
plugging along
Well, tonight seems a good night to blog. My husband is working late, my son misbehaved and was sent to bed without any stories, and I've finished all my homework. Of course, I could read a book in Spanish....but I am having a serious block with reading right now. More on that in a minute.
Spanish class continues to be fun and interesting. I just love my Venezuelan teacher, who is incredibly charismatic and energetic. He always has time for our questions and really believes in our potential. Apparently our teachers are changed every 4 weeks so that we don't get used to one accent or teaching style, so I'm just trying to appreciate what I have now. Two students were moved out of our class this week. It has been nice to have more speaking time, but I miss my A-100 classmate D.
I love the grammar review we are doing- I think that I have a pretty good grasp of grammar, but have learned that I have more than a few areas to work on. And while I don't love doing presentations, I know they are good for me. But reading is another story. Give me a nice news article to read and I'm happy. But the more complex readings make me want to run away. They are usually about some intangible, ephemeral thing that I cannot grasp, and it drives me crazy! Give me a good article about public health!
Once upon a time, I used to read Isabel Allende for fun. Now, the idea intimidates me. I got a nice easy book, or so I thought, (De como las muchachas Garcia perdieron el acento), but I can't get past the first page. Since I need to score a 3 in reading as well as writing, I'm going to have to get over this block, but right now, it's very strong.
On Tuesday we started our weekly Central America and Spanish-speaking Caribbean Area Studies class. There is a big group of students going to the DR- maybe 10 of us, so that will be fun. I wish the director of this course had a little bit of my Spanish teacher's energy, but I am looking forward to learning the history. Unfortunately, it is hard to make myself read a history book on my own, so this requirement will help.
My husband is trying to fit in some time each night for his Spanish distance learning course. It's not easy- he's working long hours again and it's usually the last thing he does at night. So naturally, he's not making a ton of progress and has been a bit frustrated. I remind him that learning a language takes time - like learning an instrument, you have to keep practicing what you've learned. This morning I was drilling him on the basics during breakfast - como se llama, de donde es, donde vive, etc. It was helpful to him and also had my kids riveted. When I turned to M and asked what his name was, he answered in perfect Spanish and grinned when we cheered for him. He used to speak pretty well for a 4 year old, so I hope it will come back quickly.
I was browsing Amazon for good Spanish DVDs or CDs that really teach kids Spanish with a minimum of English- there are so many to choose from and I really don't want to waste my $$. If you know of a quality, entertaining resource that is heavy on Spanish, please let me know! I have Fun Spanish for kids by Beth Manners, but I really find that it has too much English and what it teaches is not that useful.
What else? Life is still busy, but quieter. Tomorrow is Flag Day for my friends in the 159th! Good luck, everyone! And I'm the Welcome Committee co-chair for the 160th, so we're busy making plans.
Looking forward to seeing my aunties this weekend.
Spanish class continues to be fun and interesting. I just love my Venezuelan teacher, who is incredibly charismatic and energetic. He always has time for our questions and really believes in our potential. Apparently our teachers are changed every 4 weeks so that we don't get used to one accent or teaching style, so I'm just trying to appreciate what I have now. Two students were moved out of our class this week. It has been nice to have more speaking time, but I miss my A-100 classmate D.
I love the grammar review we are doing- I think that I have a pretty good grasp of grammar, but have learned that I have more than a few areas to work on. And while I don't love doing presentations, I know they are good for me. But reading is another story. Give me a nice news article to read and I'm happy. But the more complex readings make me want to run away. They are usually about some intangible, ephemeral thing that I cannot grasp, and it drives me crazy! Give me a good article about public health!
Once upon a time, I used to read Isabel Allende for fun. Now, the idea intimidates me. I got a nice easy book, or so I thought, (De como las muchachas Garcia perdieron el acento), but I can't get past the first page. Since I need to score a 3 in reading as well as writing, I'm going to have to get over this block, but right now, it's very strong.
On Tuesday we started our weekly Central America and Spanish-speaking Caribbean Area Studies class. There is a big group of students going to the DR- maybe 10 of us, so that will be fun. I wish the director of this course had a little bit of my Spanish teacher's energy, but I am looking forward to learning the history. Unfortunately, it is hard to make myself read a history book on my own, so this requirement will help.
My husband is trying to fit in some time each night for his Spanish distance learning course. It's not easy- he's working long hours again and it's usually the last thing he does at night. So naturally, he's not making a ton of progress and has been a bit frustrated. I remind him that learning a language takes time - like learning an instrument, you have to keep practicing what you've learned. This morning I was drilling him on the basics during breakfast - como se llama, de donde es, donde vive, etc. It was helpful to him and also had my kids riveted. When I turned to M and asked what his name was, he answered in perfect Spanish and grinned when we cheered for him. He used to speak pretty well for a 4 year old, so I hope it will come back quickly.
I was browsing Amazon for good Spanish DVDs or CDs that really teach kids Spanish with a minimum of English- there are so many to choose from and I really don't want to waste my $$. If you know of a quality, entertaining resource that is heavy on Spanish, please let me know! I have Fun Spanish for kids by Beth Manners, but I really find that it has too much English and what it teaches is not that useful.
What else? Life is still busy, but quieter. Tomorrow is Flag Day for my friends in the 159th! Good luck, everyone! And I'm the Welcome Committee co-chair for the 160th, so we're busy making plans.
Looking forward to seeing my aunties this weekend.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Tuesday update
Today was day 5 of Spanish class. Seems like things keep changing- we had a few days of substitute teachers and yesterday we learned we have been assigned a new teacher. The first teacher was lovely, but moved very slowly. Our new one moves at a much faster pace, which is great. He's incredibly dynamic and I find myself engaged during the entire 2 hours. He's also Venezuelan, so I feel right at home listening to him (I was an exchange student in Vzla 20 years ago- hola amigos, si estan leyendo!).
Today a new student was added to our class, so there are now 6 of us. It's really too much for intensive language learning- there is a lot of waiting to speak. Last week, I asked the Spanish section to move me to a more challenging class, but I don't know yet whether they will (I will miss "my boys"- my 4 A-100 classmates- if they do!). I certainly don't speak perfectly, and I'm using this time to really work on my grammar and little mistakes that I didn't realize I frequently make. We haven't had much homework yet, so during my ~3 hours of lab time, I kind of jump around from grammar exercises to videos to news. I'm avoiding the literature stuff, which I will surely have to face if they move me up. Not my favorite!
I have to say again how wonderful the schedule is. I'm usually home by 445pm. I am out of the habit of cooking during the week, after years of arriving home at 6:30pm and rushing to feed the kids before packing them off to bed. I have had to remind myself that now I have the time. Of course, the kids want to eat immediately since they refuse to eat their lunch at school. But at least there is time to cook some pasta and vegetables or something simple (vs. frozen veggie burgers or leftovers). We have time to play on the playground. In the summer, I hope to fit in a quick swim after school. It's really a gift and I have to remember to enjoy it, as it won't last too long.
One thing I want to share about the FSI daycare for the parents out there: I never would have thought of this, but one of the best things about the FSI daycare is that all the kids are in the same boat. When we moved here, my son had no idea what was happening- he just knew he was moving to VA near his grandparents. Over the last two months, though, he slowly came to understand that all the kids are going somewhere. His teachers eagerly awaited the news on Flag Day so they could talk about it with him. He proudly tells people he's going to Kindergarten in the DR. He has learned to identify the DR on a map (such as the map carpet in his classroom- how cool is that!) and we talk about who's going where and what language they are going to learn. I can't imagine what this experience would be like w/o that help.
Here are some tidbits for the family. Little M has a new obsession- sharks.
We started off with a few paper sharks.
But they are multiplying. Seriously, all he wants to do is draw sharks, talk about sharks, or read his shark book. We are amazed at his drawing skills, though. 2 months ago he was scribbling and didn't take much interest in art. Now he is making real pictures. His progress is incredible and so is his one-track-mindedness.
I have to share some of the names of these sharks. I swear I don't know where he gets them.
- Dido Racecar Shark
- Square-dom
- M-soap Water Juice
- Stripe Eye Grey
- Super Daddle Battle
- Crangill
In sibling news, L is potty training. We decided to stop waiting for her to show interest (no! I don't want use the big-girl potty!) and have upped the ante with m&ms and other incentives. So far, so good. No pics of that, though.
And here is a picture of the view from our window a few weeks ago. The kids enjoy watching the goings-on outside the window. We are very happy here.
Today a new student was added to our class, so there are now 6 of us. It's really too much for intensive language learning- there is a lot of waiting to speak. Last week, I asked the Spanish section to move me to a more challenging class, but I don't know yet whether they will (I will miss "my boys"- my 4 A-100 classmates- if they do!). I certainly don't speak perfectly, and I'm using this time to really work on my grammar and little mistakes that I didn't realize I frequently make. We haven't had much homework yet, so during my ~3 hours of lab time, I kind of jump around from grammar exercises to videos to news. I'm avoiding the literature stuff, which I will surely have to face if they move me up. Not my favorite!
I have to say again how wonderful the schedule is. I'm usually home by 445pm. I am out of the habit of cooking during the week, after years of arriving home at 6:30pm and rushing to feed the kids before packing them off to bed. I have had to remind myself that now I have the time. Of course, the kids want to eat immediately since they refuse to eat their lunch at school. But at least there is time to cook some pasta and vegetables or something simple (vs. frozen veggie burgers or leftovers). We have time to play on the playground. In the summer, I hope to fit in a quick swim after school. It's really a gift and I have to remember to enjoy it, as it won't last too long.
One thing I want to share about the FSI daycare for the parents out there: I never would have thought of this, but one of the best things about the FSI daycare is that all the kids are in the same boat. When we moved here, my son had no idea what was happening- he just knew he was moving to VA near his grandparents. Over the last two months, though, he slowly came to understand that all the kids are going somewhere. His teachers eagerly awaited the news on Flag Day so they could talk about it with him. He proudly tells people he's going to Kindergarten in the DR. He has learned to identify the DR on a map (such as the map carpet in his classroom- how cool is that!) and we talk about who's going where and what language they are going to learn. I can't imagine what this experience would be like w/o that help.
Here are some tidbits for the family. Little M has a new obsession- sharks.
We started off with a few paper sharks.
 |
| Here he is reading his new shark book from Grammy and Grandpa |
- Dido Racecar Shark
- Square-dom
- M-soap Water Juice
- Stripe Eye Grey
- Super Daddle Battle
- Crangill
In sibling news, L is potty training. We decided to stop waiting for her to show interest (no! I don't want use the big-girl potty!) and have upped the ante with m&ms and other incentives. So far, so good. No pics of that, though.
And here is a picture of the view from our window a few weeks ago. The kids enjoy watching the goings-on outside the window. We are very happy here.
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