Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Backpacks Are Unfashionable

I just don’t want to look like a turtle, OK? But after my first three days of school, carrying a folder, a dictionary, a big text book, a notebook, a journal, a sweater and my purse, and walking to and from my car parked at least 4 blocks away from campus (on purpose for exercise) I went and bought myself a bag (not a backpack) I found on clearance at Target. I can’t wait to see how it feels to walk all that way and have fairly free arms and hands.

School is fun, so far. I’m just taking an English class right now for that’s all that was left by the time I registered. It is transferrable to any university, not a prerequisite or a just-for-fun course, so that makes it feel even more worthwhile. I have to admit, I am surprised at how remedial the work has been these first three days. Yes, we have had homework every night and we also do writing assignments in class daily but it’s all easy stuff, like a high school class—“Ok, partner up with someone and answer the questions on page 248” (ugh, I’m not a fan of partnering up in class), or “Who would like to read the next paragraph?”. We answer tons of true-or-false and multiple choice questions, as if the teacher only wants to know that we’re reading the passages she assigns. Just like high school. The class is only five quick weeks long and I can’t help but wonder if and when it’s going to get challenging. Maybe this is exactly what I need to ease myself back into studentry.
(that's the Pasadena Public Library)
Since when does it cost $14 for a paperback novel? It seems like yesterday I paid about $4.95. Those days are over. Well, I’m not paying that much for a paperback. Thanks for my new library card, Pasadena! By the way, this library reminds me of the one in Ghostbusters! I want to start spending more (alone) time there. Raquel is spending the week at her great-grandparent’s house. I dropped her off on Monday. We had a nice visit before I left and I also brought home a giant zucchini from their lovely garden. It's as big as a newborn baby human... Maxine is such a sweet thing. She does a lot of dancing now—twisting, bouncing and bobbing her head. She has a favorite commercial, too. It’s an El Pollo Loco ad about their chicken sliders (I think). Maxine suddenly is afraid of some things: the face of James in the Thomas and Friends series and also the little Collie statue next to Grandma Emma’s piano at her house (see picture above). She laughs and shouts funny things all the time but she has not yet said a real word. She enjoys feeding herself and wants nothing to do with baby food but I actually enjoy being able to give her pieces of what I’m eating now that her digestive system is ready for it. Oh, a funny thing: if your feet are in her reach, she lays on them, like she’s snuggling or kissing them. I think it’s because we have always kissed her feet ever since she was born. She’s returning the love. Jose is still looking for work but I’m confident he will find something soon. He knows a lot of people, people who can help him find what he’s looking for. We’re living on our last bit of cash but I have to say it’s been nice having him home since his restaurant closed down last week. He’s very supportive of me going to school and I am grateful for that support.
Thanks for checking in on us!

10 comments:

Prolifegirly said...

i like all the pictures of grandma's house. So comforting there.
do all of your classes you took before count or do you have to start completely over? Yeah, i hated working in groups. I also took a 6 week english course in NY and it was retarded. but my teacher admitted he was a communist. My english 102 teacher (a pretty young woman) was a lot better and i loved writing in her class. Have you ever taken a speech course? they suck. lol. but anyway, wouldn't you rather be in a dumb class with dumb kids that make you feel less intimidated to say/do stuff? well, good luck. i'm kind of excited to eventually get to do johns homework when he goes lol.

Sarah Jane said...

Yes, I am sorta glad I'm among less-brainy people but I still feel like I don't belong there. We have to do a research paper and an oral presentation at the end of the summer session and I'm really not happy about that. I hate talking in front of the class. I even got a library book yesterday about how to not be afraid to give a speech!
I haven't transferred my transcripts over yet so I don't know if any of the old stuff counts.

Jenny said...

i love the picture of grandpa holding cheez its and talking to raquel on the front porch. that is something i'll always remember about him. the squash on grandma's table looks so yummy!!

Jose said...

i love how no one really comments on the last paragraph. I love how your family supports me.

Sarah Jane said...

:(

Cafe Pasadena said...

This year must be the year of the Zucchini for women.

Anonymous said...

Boo hoo on Jose. Where's your side of the family comments?
Nevermind.

Iris said...

I know you guys are going to make it through. Times are super tough for all of us now. Jose is always looking to take care of his girls. I know it, because I have seen him work hard at it. You guys are the cutest family I know. You are blessed to have each other. ANNNNND you and Jose make the cutest wittle babies! <3

By the way, you are just taking some awesome pictures!

You're very admirable, Sarah. I look up to you a lot :D

Sarah Jane said...

Iris, you say the best things! I didn't know you looked up to me. Awwww!

Anonymous said...

jose, grow up and you'll have all the support you need. ;)