November 20, 2010

I have taught English as a Second Language for many years.  I teach a Speech Lab class in which students watch videos designed to promote discussion. Last night we watched the video about Thanksgiving.  It gives some historical background on the Pligrims and Native Americans, and then it shows mini-interviews with Americans from different states telling what they do on Thanksgiving.  I hate to admit it, but I'm always a little embarrassed at how boring our holiday seems! Many of the Americans interviewed state that they eat a big dinner, and then they watch football or a movie, or play board games. After that, they eat again! My Hispanic students shake their heads in amazement over how subdued this "celebration" seems.  I always ask them how they spend Thanksgiving, and they report that after their dinner (which often includes turkey and rice), they dance! Last night I asked how many of them dance on Thankgiving.  Every hand went up.  They are incredulous that no dancing takes place at my house.  When I tell them I can't imagine my family dancing together, I can tell that they feel sorry for me.  How is it we Americans never acquired the dancing tradition? I was thinking this morning that I've never seen my father dance.  At the end of the class, I encouraged them to try the pumpkin pie this year.  They encouraged me to dance.  So, here it is.  I challenge Americans to fight the urge to sleep after dinner this Thanksgiving, turn up the music, and put on your dancing shoes. Let me know how that goes.

November 7, 2010

11/7/10 So, I’ve decided not to work on Sundays or Fridays anymore. Thus, I must become a published author. This is the beginning of brainstorming for my book. I watched a few minutes of Joel Osteen this morning. I like him, but he seems too good to be true. He said that God doesn’t give us Oak trees; rather, he gives us acorns. This is my acorn. I am planting it and watering it today.

I’ve never been one to believe that everything happens for a reason. I mean, I was taking my dog on a leisurely Sunday morning walk today, something that we don’t get to do too often, and I was suddenly consumed with having to go to the bathroom. I found myself rushing my dog instead of enjoying the sunny, breezy weather. Did that happen for a reason? I think not. However, I do think that certain people cross our path for a reason. These may be seemingly insignificant people, such as the older Cuban architect I met at the library yesterday. He needed help finding a DVD, but somehow we got on the topic of Haiti. He had an architectural plan to help with Haiti’s housing crisis in the aftermath of the 2010 earthquake. He was expressing dismay that he couldn’t cut through the red tape in this country or that one to put his plan into action. I’m not sure why I met him. He seemed like a caring person that wanted to use his abilities to help the world. It’s always inspiring to see people who have reached a certain age and have managed to retain some idealism. I told him to be patient and keep trying. Maybe he needed to hear that from someone. I guess we’re all on this planet to encourage one another, to reaffirm one another. Sometimes when I’m at the Reference Desk, I will sneak a peek at Craigslist. There is a section called “Missed Connections.” I find it fascinating. Here’s one I saw today:
“Publix on university and pines – m4w (Hollywood, FL):
I saw you in the produce section and again in line at the deli. You looked really cute in your hoodie and sweat pants. We made eye contact a few times, I couldn’t think of anything to say to you though. I probably should have just said hi. )” These little entries always kill me. First, it’s a very romantic notion that your one-in-a-million person would read Missed Connections on Craigslist. Second, it shows that sometimes we just want a do-over in life. Would he have said “hi” if he could go back in time? Why is it so hard to reach out to other people? I think too many horrible news stories have made us afraid of each other. I guess sometimes we just have to take a chance. I hope the Publix man says “hi” next time. And I hope that the cutie in the hoodie doesn’t think he’s a serial killer. Lessons for today? Be alert to the goodness in others; it may be the encouragement you need. Second, don’t forget to plant acorns.

November 14, 2010

Being responsible for another’s well-being can be an overwhelming experience.  I’ll never forget when my daughter Natalia fell off a bouncy-ball (those large balls with a handle that you “ride”) the night before our big Easter party.  She was giddy with excitement as any six-year-old would be anticipating the festivities. In the blink of an eye, Natalia hit her face on the corner of a piece of furniture and literally had a hole in her face! We rushed her to the emergency room and had a shaky night waiting hours for a plastic surgeon, seeing her get stitches, and falling into bed in at the crack of a dawn– only a few hours before guests would arrive. Events such as these always shake me to the core.  I’ve had my dog Snoopy for 14 years.  He’s been my constant companion through good and bad.  He’s truly a delight to behold: the quintessential fluffy white dog with intelligent brown eyes.  I’ve always said that God made my childhood favorite stuffed animal “Pinkie” come to life when Snoopy came to me. This weekend he became quite sick just a day after his annual vaccinations.  I came home from teaching night school at the community college to find him in dire straits. While he usually has remarkable energy for a dog his age, he looked quite forlorn and seemed to have become terribly stiff in the hind quarters. I petted him for a while and he seemed to calm down.  I was worried, but decided it might be best for him to try to rest.  We both went to bed.  I awoke at 2:00 in the morning to find him panting and distressed.  That was it. We made our way to an emergency animal hospital. He had a high temperature and elevated white blood cell count. The next morning we went to his vet and he was admitted to the hospital.  I cried on the way home, upset that I had to leave him alone. This morning I called the vet, and thankfully, he is doing better.  Although he chewed off his IV during the night, his temperature was normal and his white blood cell count lower.  The vet wanted to keep him another night. They recommended that I not visit since it could get him excited and then depressed when I left again.  I am relieved and exhausted.  I am reminded of how fragile life is, and I am trying to convince myself that life is wonderful despite these sad, frightening episodes.