11 May 2025

This week brought some changes to my life. Choir, teaching English, and even some clothing.

I have been dreading going back to choir, after the Easter break. I should have gone back on Monday. But instead, I went to a Cinco de Mayo party hosted by my fellow classmates, Marc and Laurel. That was a lot more fun!

When Thursday came, I sent a message to my contact there and said that I’m taking a break and would plan to return to the choir in September. It’s just been more frustrating lately than rewarding. I love the music. I love the other choir members. I love the venues and events that we get to be a part of. But I have felt like the director does not respect the choir. He treats the group and individuals really badly. So rather than go with a chip on my shoulder, I decided to take a break. I may look into other choirs. Or the break may be enough, and I may go back in September. But for now, I’ll enjoy the summer without that added stress.

Also on Wednesday, Dima told me that that would be our last session working together. I’m sad. It will be a loss. But it’s time. I have really loved working with him and being a part of his project to create a YouTube channel teaching web programming…something I knew nothing about…neither web programming, nor how to create an educational YouTube channel.

After six months of working on it, last week, he published his latest full course on HTML/CSS. When it was all said and done, he had over 8 hours of content, more than 200 lessons and more than 100 homework assignments, with all of the supporting details and materials. I’m so proud of him for all he has accomplished.

Now, he wants to shift his focus to moving to London. He really wants to be in an English-speaking environment and not in Spain. So, I want to support him in pursuing his dream. He will be looking for a job in web programming that will help provide a working visa. That will take some focus and time. I’ll miss working with him.

I may look for other English students in the Fall. But I know that I don’t want to do lesson planning. So we’ll see.

Also on Wednesday, I did something a little crazy. As I was walking home from school, I stopped to talk to my group of “parachianos.” This is the group of men who meet in the park next to my house each day to drink and eat their lunch.

We were laughing and talking, when someone said how well dressed and what a gentleman I was. I laughed and thanked him. Then another guy suggested that we exchange shirts. So, right there, we did. I took off my shirt and gave it him. He took off his and gave it to me.

One other change comes tomorrow. My school is moving to a new building. It’s only a couple blocks from the old location. But it’s a sign that the school is growing.

That was my week.

I said it last week and I’ll say it again, to my mom, to those who are like a mom to me, and to all moms,

Happy Mother’s Day!