I was all caught up at school today when it suddenly dawned on me that I only have a few weeks left in my classroom...
...by some miracle, I had the energy to start cleaning out my classroom. It is very odd and strangely satisfying to feel so ecstatic over throwing away paper. I felt like a huge weight was magically lifted off my shoulders when I looked by the trash can and saw 3 trash bags full of FCAT passages. I try not to say never, but I hope to NEVER have to deal with that test ever again! I cannot believe the massive amount of waste 1 test, 1 day out of the year generates.
We've started packing our things in a few boxes with the hope we can give/throw away most of our junk. It's amazing how much crap a few people can amass in a few short years! In order to facilitate packing, we are going by the rule: If we haven't used it/worn it in the last year, it is not following us to another country. Sounds so simple. I did that in my classroom today, and I found I don't actually use anything that is in my cabinets or closets. All my books, papers, etc... have been sitting in the same place since I started teaching. I threw most everything out and kept only those items that will help me, should I get a job teaching or tutoring in Brazil. At home, it is a little more difficult. If I spent money on something, then I feel compelled to keep it. I guess as it gets closer to June, I'll have to really start thinking about what can realistically fit in my suitcases and the boxes we are sending and what needs to be left behind.
I am a little nervous when it comes to the timing of visas and documents needed to get into Brazil. The Brazilian beaurocracy is notorious for being unnecessarily complex. From what a worker at the consulate says, it sounds a little too simple. I just need a police report, passport photoes, and the permanent resident visa form filled out. Apparently, being married for over 5 years to a Brazilian citizen has its advantages. Supposedly the process only takes a few weeks vs. months for newlyweds. What has me nervous are all the little "extras" needed to work in Brazil. I have to have the equivalent of a Social Security card (which can take months to get), register with the Federal Police in Brazil, and get a work book. My plan is to get the police report ASAP and go to the consulate in Miami to apply for the visa over Spring Break.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Monday, March 23, 2009
Mind on My Money
I have devised a somewhat inclusive list of all the costs I foresee incurring in the near future. Keep in mind this list does not include costs of plane tickets, rent, etc.... This list is just for those odds and ends that need to be bought, but can add up quickly! This post will be ongoing and updated as more money is drained from my bank account....
Costs of relocating to Brazil (although I'm still holding out hope for England!):
Costs of relocating to Brazil (although I'm still holding out hope for England!):
- Permanent Visa: $360 (Plus applicable document fees - will update final cost during April)
- Renewal of two Brazilian Passports: $60
- Things on my "must have" list:
- (6 months to 1 year supply of toiletries)
- Women's Razor blades: $50
- Men's Razor blades: $60
- Contacts: $100
- Contact Solution: $30
- Make-up: $75
- Tampons (Apparently, these are a luxury item in Brazil!): $25
- Face wash (See post below.): $20
- Shampoo and Conditioner (The Brazilian versions are watered down...): $30
- Small Appliances that are EXPENSIVE in Brazil
- Small Espresso machine: $50
- Toaster: $20
- Blender: $50
- Alarm clock: $20
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes
A month later, and I've come to the conclusion that me being content in cyberspace and have a therapy session all rolled into one blog is probably not going to happen. So, for the time being, this blog will be open publicly. (Not that the masses are dying to read what I write, but I digress....) I may start a separate, private blog when the Florida Public Education System becomes so overwhelming that I feel I must write an expletive filled post. Those of you who read my Myspace blog probably have a good idea what I am talking about. When this happens (not if), I will put readers who are already following this blog onto my private list. Problem solved. I think...
It seems the decision between England and Brazil has been made for me. England has been in the process of tightening visa requirements for foreigners looking to get sponsored on a work visa. Even though there is a shortage of teachers, it is becoming increasingly difficult to secure a sponsorship visa. If, by some miracle, I am offered a job and a visa to work in England, then I will worry about that "problem" when and if it arises. For now, I will be focusing on Brazil. Visa issues are fairly simple when you already have a right to one. Instead of dwelling on the current debacle that is my job, I will be looking toward the new opportunity and journey I will be embarking on.
Although we have been saving for awhile, the costs associated with moving to another country are astronomical! Add an entire family into the mix and it starts to seem as if money is constantly flowing in an outwardly pattern, away from my bank account. I have plans to post an ongoing chronicle of all these costs. It makes moving much easier when you are married to someone from that country. He already knows what we won't need to bring with us and what we will never be able to find in Brazil. Some of these items, I would never believe had I not been to Brazil once before. Don't ask me why, but one of my strongest (strangest?) memories of Brazil is going from store to store for several days in search of face wash. Every drug store, import store, mall store, and grocery store we went to had a small selection of toner and face moisturizers. NO FACE WASH. I spent 2 months in Brazil and was never able to find any. Needless to say, face wash went on my list of "gotta haves"!
On a personal note, I am glad to announce term 3 is almost over. Final exams are this week; after that, only one more 9-week term is left! State testing is over, so that is a relief. Of course, you never know what the administration is cooking up for us next, so stay tuned!
I don't have a lot of other ideas on where this blog is headed, so feel free to post some ideas.
It seems the decision between England and Brazil has been made for me. England has been in the process of tightening visa requirements for foreigners looking to get sponsored on a work visa. Even though there is a shortage of teachers, it is becoming increasingly difficult to secure a sponsorship visa. If, by some miracle, I am offered a job and a visa to work in England, then I will worry about that "problem" when and if it arises. For now, I will be focusing on Brazil. Visa issues are fairly simple when you already have a right to one. Instead of dwelling on the current debacle that is my job, I will be looking toward the new opportunity and journey I will be embarking on.
Although we have been saving for awhile, the costs associated with moving to another country are astronomical! Add an entire family into the mix and it starts to seem as if money is constantly flowing in an outwardly pattern, away from my bank account. I have plans to post an ongoing chronicle of all these costs. It makes moving much easier when you are married to someone from that country. He already knows what we won't need to bring with us and what we will never be able to find in Brazil. Some of these items, I would never believe had I not been to Brazil once before. Don't ask me why, but one of my strongest (strangest?) memories of Brazil is going from store to store for several days in search of face wash. Every drug store, import store, mall store, and grocery store we went to had a small selection of toner and face moisturizers. NO FACE WASH. I spent 2 months in Brazil and was never able to find any. Needless to say, face wash went on my list of "gotta haves"!
On a personal note, I am glad to announce term 3 is almost over. Final exams are this week; after that, only one more 9-week term is left! State testing is over, so that is a relief. Of course, you never know what the administration is cooking up for us next, so stay tuned!
I don't have a lot of other ideas on where this blog is headed, so feel free to post some ideas.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Should I Stay Or Should I Go?
So, I have started blogging again. I will try to keep everyone updated and informed about my fabulously boring life and simultaneously cause the least amount of damage in my professional life. Yeah, that was my English teacher way of saying no more blogging on myspace or facebook since I am "friends" with some people I would rather not share my personal and/or professional decisions with. I guess if you are reading this you do not fall into that category. Or maybe you do and this message will self-destruct in 5....4....3....2....1.
I always wondered when I would be able to properly use a self-destruct message.
Most people know I am soon to embark on a pretty extraordinary chapter in my life. Although leaving is something I've convinced myself I am ready, willing, and able to do, I am still not 100% sure. If I haven't seen or talked to you, I am contemplating a move either to Brazil or England. Why do I feel I must leave the country...? I don't really have an answer. I guess I am going on the assumption that I am still young enough to survive relocating and maybe even have some fun along the way. Of course, moving an entire family always complicates matters. But, be it England or Brazil, I think the girls will only benefit from the experience.
The biggest factor in the decision to move is my current misery at work. I am ready to be done with the Florida education system. In my opinion, it is broken beyond repair and I will be burnt out in a short amount of time if I stay here. It is really sad that in an inner city school, with all the issues we deal with, the students are never the problem. Public schools have a steep, sink or swim, learning curve; I am proud of the fact that I figured out how to tread the teaching waters. Unfortunately, there has been a shift away from education as we know it and towards 24/7 test prep. The ultimate realization that Florida has more problems than one lowly educator can fix came when English teachers started getting into trouble for teaching grammar, writing, and vocabulary. In English class. In some strange twilight zone moment, I agreed to be co-department head for the English Department. Apparently, English Department is code for Test Prep Department... I am pretty sure I could fill 100 pages detailing all the misadventures to be had in an F school. But, I am trying to look forward and not feel too guilty about abandoning ship.
On to more pressing issues, the decision between England and Brazil is getting very difficult. Brazil has in-laws (could be good OR bad...), a new language, and a chance for Eulalie and Natalie to learn about their other half. England is not a developing country and would allow for a lot of traveling. And, I know the language. Hmmm......
I always wondered when I would be able to properly use a self-destruct message.
Most people know I am soon to embark on a pretty extraordinary chapter in my life. Although leaving is something I've convinced myself I am ready, willing, and able to do, I am still not 100% sure. If I haven't seen or talked to you, I am contemplating a move either to Brazil or England. Why do I feel I must leave the country...? I don't really have an answer. I guess I am going on the assumption that I am still young enough to survive relocating and maybe even have some fun along the way. Of course, moving an entire family always complicates matters. But, be it England or Brazil, I think the girls will only benefit from the experience.
The biggest factor in the decision to move is my current misery at work. I am ready to be done with the Florida education system. In my opinion, it is broken beyond repair and I will be burnt out in a short amount of time if I stay here. It is really sad that in an inner city school, with all the issues we deal with, the students are never the problem. Public schools have a steep, sink or swim, learning curve; I am proud of the fact that I figured out how to tread the teaching waters. Unfortunately, there has been a shift away from education as we know it and towards 24/7 test prep. The ultimate realization that Florida has more problems than one lowly educator can fix came when English teachers started getting into trouble for teaching grammar, writing, and vocabulary. In English class. In some strange twilight zone moment, I agreed to be co-department head for the English Department. Apparently, English Department is code for Test Prep Department... I am pretty sure I could fill 100 pages detailing all the misadventures to be had in an F school. But, I am trying to look forward and not feel too guilty about abandoning ship.
On to more pressing issues, the decision between England and Brazil is getting very difficult. Brazil has in-laws (could be good OR bad...), a new language, and a chance for Eulalie and Natalie to learn about their other half. England is not a developing country and would allow for a lot of traveling. And, I know the language. Hmmm......
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