confessions of ....a college graduation and 100th day of school week and Jack!!.....

Confessions of a Graduation!







Me, Ilenie, and Raquel at Ilenie's after party. It was awesome!

Somethings I learned about Graduations:

• They get to pick their music.
• Their gowns (haha) are A LOT prettier and more classier than our see through paper
• Sometimes they have fireworks on stage after throwing their hats in the air
• Their round across the stage is like in 4 different parts. They walk to one person and do something, then to another, then they shake hands with the staff on stage, and then they do a final pose before they go back into line. All the while there are photo shoots going on at each little station.
• Their friends are there to make the most noise, dress ridiculously, dance, and whatever else they decide to do.
• During some ceremonies-this guy with a funny hat looking thing gives each graduate a blessing with this "hat" and then they put their actual cap in place and finish their stations on stage. \
• When they throw their hats up in the air-it is like a big party-they dance, sing, say goodbyes, hug, everyone talks, hangs out, finds friends, etc.
• It is not customary to get gifts or to receive money here.
  

**Oh, in other countries, please ask a lot of questions-maybe even the same questions asked in different ways....For instance, when I was invited to this graduation-I ask Ilenie what I should wear. Well, in all of that-she replied, "You know a big gown/dress and a thing on your head. Well, I was under the impression that it would be like the dress I got for the wedding (see previous posts). And somehow in the conversation I got that we were supposed to wear masks to the party. I don't know. Well, we finally got this straightened out a couple of days before the graduation-so it wasn't a tragic mistake. We've laughed and laughed about this mask all week. It is just one of those things! You laugh at yourself, make a few jokes, and go on.

It was a sweet celebration and I mean "sweet".........bon bon kind of like treats-chocolate covered cake with a strawberry in the middle. I could have eaten the whole tray. But I didn't. I didn't even put any in my purse like the other Brasilians (I don't think this is rude---I think it is actually a compliment to do this).

<-----Ms. Rebeca(our amazing secretary) and the Kindergarten class that loves her.

The 100th day of school almost killed me. No really. By lunchtime my body was screaming "3:05" but it just wasn't a reality. But we had a great time-I mean really really good. Each student had 100 things for snack (most little cookies/cereal/candy) and 100 objects to take home. We made hats with 100 stickers on them and wore them around all day. (Note to self-stickers don't stick well to foam). We counted to 100 A LOT of times. Preschool joined us and that was a little insane, but it is really good for both classes. My students have the chance to help them and they have a chance to see what our class might be like/learn social skills from my students.

I went to Nicolandia-which is like one of our travelling carnivals....except it doesn't travel. So-we went and rode most of the rides, walked around, and I had churros and coco water (kind of crazy sour/sweet/salty coconut like water thingy). It was fun to hang out with my new roommate and to interact with the high school students. :) We got lost because I couldn't remember the "brasilian" name for the park...so we ended up at Central Park Bank (haha) and we wanted to go to parque de cidade. You should have seen the pictures of the rollercoasters and the ferris wheel that I was drawing. Extremely humerous. If I could have had you all in my pocket.....

I'm still running. I did 5-20 minute runs, 1-18 minute run, and took a day off yesterday. I'm working on running 2 miles in 20 minutes (I'm up to 1.87) and getting a good pace before I up the minutes. I might be beginning to like....running....don't tell anyone.

**The Comic Section**

Today in chapel, one of my preschool students clapped/smashed a bug with his hands and then showed everyone his prize all squished in his hand (I won't lie-I was highly amused and had to turn to hide my laughter).

Thales- "He, he did it on perfect" (He should have said "purpose")

We got a turtle as a class pet. We talked about touching the turtle and what could happen. (get sick, go to the doctor). Well, we are also doing a month long unit on dental hygiene. One of my specials teachers came to get them one day and we were talking about "Jack". I said to my very smart class, "What happens if you touch the turtle?" My little British boy replied, "You have to go to the DENTIST!" Okay-I was almost in the floor with that one.