Family Meeting #2

Well, we had our 2^nd meeting together as one big family this past Saturday.  It is so interesting getting to know everyone and their perspective on our journey.  We went through all of our curriculum development project ideas for the United Nations Millennium Development Goals.   If you do not know what the Millennium Development Goals are, you may click on this link, and you can understand why we are taking this trip: http://www.un.org/millenniumgoals/

This is my skeleton of a plan:  I'll be working with Goal #2, which is Universal Primary Education.  I want to explore the differences in the actual schools among the different geographical areas (north and south) of India, the difference in the philosophy of education between the peoples of rural and urban areas of India, and also see how the caste system still affects education among the different levels. 

After watching a few episodes of a show called “Indian School,” and realizing that I’m the only K-12 administrator going on this journey, I’d like to also talk to some of the principals and assistant principals of the schools we go to in order to get an idea of their job descriptions, philosophy of education, etc. 

On a lighter note, we found out who we are sitting next to on our 15 hour flights.  Thankfully I got placed by Connie, a fellow H-E-B ISD-er!  I still don’t know who my roommate will be.  It’s like trying to figure out who to marry or something.  I mean, this person will have to deal with me for an entire month!  She made need a crash course taught by Corey, Jen (college roommate for 3 years) and Kara C. and Janelle (college roommate for one year).  Well, plus the suitemates that had to put up with me, too (Kallie and Melissa).  At least we are all still friends after all these years!  That should say something, right?!  

Maybe we’ll figure out that roommate stuff next week.  I’m also hoping to get the itinerary of exactly when and where we are going.  I can’t publish it on my blog, unfortunately, but you’ll find out about the cities as they happen.  My biggest problem right now is trying to figure out my packing situation.  I can only take one suitcase, and it has to be 40 lbs. or under.  That’s a bit stressful.  I did a practice packing round, and I realized I had too many clothes packed.  I refuse to cut back on my 17 pairs of underwear.  I just feel like that’s a necessity since I can’t send them to the washateria (not sure of the Indian word for it) like the rest of my clothes because of the culture.  I seriously thought about buying 17 more pair and just throwing them away, but for my luck I’d dispose of them in some special holy place, get arrested, and be on an episode of “Locked Up Abroad.”

Art, Advice, and Inquiries

I had a contest with all of the art students at our school, which had them creating posters of mixed media representing something about Central JH, Texas, or America.  Some of them took some very creative liberty, but they were fantastic.  I chose 22 of them, and will now take them with me to India and donate them to the schools and orphanages that we visit.  They all did such  great job, and were also rewarded with ice cream, a picture of them with their art, a letter of congratulations, and eventually a certificate with a picture of where it will hang. 

When talking to the art students, several of them had some very random thoughts, advice, and questions.  I have one student that was so concerned that I would be walking barefoot that he made the point to talk to me several times about the diseases I could contract by walking barefoot in the streets of India.  I thanked him each time for his advice.  Another student was concerned about me drinking the water, and I explained that I wouldn’t drink it, brush my teeth with it, eat any fresh fruits or veggies off of the street, etc.  They then questioned how I would know how many bottles of water to use in order to take a bath.  I had to promise not to drink the tap water while I bathed or showered (like Charlotte did in SATC 2).  After word got around that I was going, several students had some great questions about it being so close to Pakistan, and if I was scared of a terrorist attack.  I assured them that I would try to be safe and make wise decisions (like I tell them to do).  I had one student that was confused about how all of the Indians “got over there” since they “started over here.”  I explained the difference between a person from India and a Native American.  This is why I love junior high kids!

What not to wear!

Wow!  We just finished another school year with our students.  I can’t believe how fast time goes by.  I’m still on contract for a few more weeks, but with just the office people here, it’s amazing how much more I can accomplish!   Now it’s time to finish up this dissertation and start focusing on getting my body and mind ready for India. 

When I normally pack for a vacation in which the destination is a warm, tropical climate (Hawaii is the most tropical place I've been), I typically opt for the shorts that my mom says are too short for my age, and tank tops that I don’t care if strangers see me in because my husband tells me I’m gorgeous.  My shorts are usually jorts (jean shorts) and my other outfits are made with synthetic fabrics such as polyester, rayon, etc.  I will also bring some tennis shoes and flip flops depending on the activities we have planned.  I don’t plan on wearing a t-shirt over my swimsuit because there is always someone at the beach or pool much larger and much less-covered.  (Just because they make it in your size doesn’t mean you need to wear it.)  Well, when it’s going to be as hot and humid as they say it is, most of my wardrobe didn’t make the cut.  It's either too risque (for parts of India), not made from the right material, or just not sensible.

I’m pretty much finished up with buying stuff for my trip.  If you are interested in the plus size spring and summer fashion for elderly women at WalMart, then I’ll model it for you.  It’s all very sensible, comfortable, and 100% cotton…don’t judge!  We have been instructed to wear 100% linen or 100% cotton because it’s light and breathes.  I haven’t been very specific with you all about the weather.  It is monsoon season, so it’s high humidity and between 100 to 120 degrees.  The rain comes through quite often just to make it feel like a sauna.  They were very up front about this before we applied, so I knew this going into it.  Considering I’m not one to like anything requiring me to sweat, I have already been dealing with this and preparing for the worst.  But hey…I’ll be in India!

Today I met my new family!

Well, today was the first time all of us who are going to India met each other.  There a total of 18 of us, just 6 from H-E-B ISD.  I didn't know anyone but Bhavani, who is in charge of Asian Languages and Arabic in our district.  I had met Aditi and Jennifer at the interview, but other than that, it was just 14 other strangers!  It is so crazy to think that this group of people will be my family and friends while we experience life-changing explorations and discoveries.  You know how it is when you go into a classroom and don't know anyone?  You start to scan for a seat, wonder if anyone will talk to you, and scan the room for who will be your first friend?  Maybe it's just all of the years I've spent with junior high kids.  Everyone was very friendly, and we all seemed to hit it off just fine.  We all had so many questions, and the answers and other information that were given to us almost seemed too much to take in.  We started our day with samosas, a potato and spice-filled pastry that has been fried.  Some of us in the CJH office have had them and are big fans, I mean really...who doesn't like fried potatoes? 

A large group of us went to lunch together at Pho V Noodle House in Bedford (love that place!).  Aren't we so multicultural?  We discussed our fears, expectations, silly questions we didn't want to ask in front of everyone, and got to know about each other. 

After lunch, we watched the first part of the Story of India, an informative and beautiful PBS special.  More time for questions, and it was already over!  The day went by so quickly, and I can't wait until we all meet again!

This is the samosa and the delicious green sauce (not to be confused with my Casa Ole green sauce) with which it is served, and the little mild sweet square.

Indian Visa Trip to Houston

I left Thursday night after a hectic and hurried job at packing. I finally got off (without any dogs or a husband), got more passport pictures made (once again, no photoshopping could be done to it), filled up with gas, and headed south.  I made good time with only one stop at Buc-ee's.  I got up this morning, triple checked that I had everything ready, had coffee with my dad, stopped by to visit Gram, and then headed to Westheimer. 

Now, you have to understand that I took off today just to go get my Visa.  Not only is it a Friday (Good Friday), which in the world of junior high assistant principals is a sin to do, but it is also a make up day, which makes it even more taboo.  I was going to make sure that everything was perfect and ready for me to get a Visa!  I read all of the instructions Online, and I had to change out my purse because it said that I could only bring in a lady's pouch that had to meet all of these requirements and not be made out of certain materials.  I also couldn't bring in a bag with my papers except for a clear plastic bag with only the necessary paperwork.  There were many more constraints, but that is all I'll bore you with.  I had a gallon-sized ziplock bag with my application and passport in it, and then I had my little travel purse with just my wallet, phone (in the off position), and keys.  I was ready to be patted down and walk through a metal detector.  So I get there, and it's just a suite in an office building with a few walk up, bullet-proof windows.  The other lady in there had a purse that I would consider much larger than a pouch, and no clear plastic bag.  I'm pretty sure the guy that helped me was making fun of me for being such a dork.  I had made an appointment and everything, just to wait 2 minutes, and be finished in 3 minutes.  That was it!  It was so underwhelming that it was sad.  Well, there was this one Indian guy that was yelling and arguing at the lady behind the protective glass, and that was entertaining. 

Do not be dismayed!  Sprinkles was literally just on the other side of the railroad tracks!  (See previous post)  I stopped, got my predetermined flavors, and headed home.  I even stopped to get stamps, got my car washed, and then took my dad for a light lunch.  We're waiting for my mom to be home, and then we're headed to the beach!

About a two weeks after I composed this, I received my passport back in the mail with my visa in it.  It makes me feel so patriotic and official!

This is the little building of suites where the Travisa office is located.

Indian food place right next door!

Sprinkles Cupcakes!  Delish!

Coming soon to C,K,&K...

Is it too soon to assume that you would know what C, K, & K means?  A little ambitious?  Moving along...

My fantastic mother-in-law, Lora, has a frequent saying, “Oh my Lou!” It’s really quite charming in her East Texas accent, but I’ve heard it so much that I say it now, too. There’s been some discussion on how the last word is spelled…l-o-u, l-o-o, etc. That being said, I’ve decided to dedicate a part of my blog to her saying. Welcome to “Oh My Loo!” My biggest fear about going to India is the fearful equation of: stomach troubles + lack of toilet paper + the hole-in-the-ground for toilets + correct squatting position = troublesome times. Yes, I will do a photo documentary of the loos (restrooms) I visit on my journey. Odd? Yes! A bit offensive? Perhaps! After 11 years with junior high kids, I will tell you that bathroom humor makes me laugh, so just go with it!

Visa and Sprinkles

I did finally send in my application of the trip to Aditi, who is helping head this trip.  I am a little nervous about getting my Visa for the trip.  I know that as soon as I get my passport, I’ll be heading home and then spending a day at the Indian Embassy and at Travisa Outsourcing place to gain my Visa.  Don’t you think it’s funny that India outsources stuff, too?  So I pulled up the map to see if the place is near my dad’s building in downtown Houston because if I planned it just right, I could probably get a lunch and/or dinner out of him.  Imagine to my surprise when I pulled up the map and literally it had two landmarks pointed out:  The Travisa office and SPRINKLES CUPCAKES (which is right down the road)!  I fail to understand how Google Maps would know I’m a big girl with a love for the overpriced cupcake, but that made my whole day!  Not only will I get my Visa, but I will also be able to snag a couple of delectable delights without having to share with Corey because he’s back home at work!  Even though I can only afford a couple of them, it will be worth waiting in line however long it takes to get my Visa!  Hopefully it will all go as planned, but if it doesn’t, it usually comes with a good over-dramatic story!