One Year Ago

I can't believe that we have lived in Albuquerque for a year as of today! It seems like forever ago that we moved down here, yet the time has also moved so fast.  I remember feeling so overwhelmed, scared, and sad when we first arrived. The first few months really were just a blur.  It probably didn't help that Chris and I both started working the day after we got here.

We have come so far in just a year. I think we are really lucky. We have made many great friends, which makes Abq so much better.  We also have the support of our friends back home too. We know how to get around the city, where to shop, and where to avoid. Chris couldn't be in a better lab. I'm so happy to be at the same school this year teaching the same grade.  And we are expecting our first child in a little over a month. Things are much better. I'm so happy she will have a bilingual birth certificate.

Don't get me wrong, I still miss home, but not as horribly or regularly. It's getting easier to see the positives in ABQ. There are still days where I can't stand it here, but I get to choose my attitude and perceptive.

I think the best part about this move is that Chris and I have truly been there for each other through everything. I couldn't ask for a better friend. We talked about going out for ice cream tonight in honor of our first year here, but I didn't want to because for some reason I have horrible heartburn. Oh well. I'm excited and looking forward to celebrating our 5 year wedding anniversary on Friday (hopefully without heartburn.)

End of Summer - Summer Reflection

I only have 5 more days of Summer Break! (We have the same amount of school days as MN, we just start earlier/end earlier.) I already went back to my classroom to work today! So it's time to reflect a little on my break...

It's been a very relaxing summer. It's my first summer where I haven't worked a 2nd, 3rd, or 4th job. We figured with our travel schedule and baby, it would be better to have some down time.  Here is how I have spent my summer in ABQ...

~ Pool

I have spent many days at the pool reading or with some of my finest ABQ friends. I have also been really good about swimming laps. I do one set of 10 100s - 2 free, 1  breast (repeat), which is nothing compared to what I used to do, but I figure it's better than nothing. I'm that pregnant lady swimming and lounging in my bikini proudly.

I forgot how much I enjoy swimming. I have had a love hate relationship with it for a very long time. This is the first time in about 15 years I have chosen to enter a pool and swim laps for fun. To me I feel more zen or calm swimming laps than doing yoga. It's also the only activity I do now where I can't tell I'm pregnant. Nothing hurts and I'm still somewhat fast. 

swimming flash back!

I'm the one in blue on the block.  Looks like a relay race for the Gators.

Junior year with EHS swim mates. 

~ Nesting

- Crib - check

- Changing table - check

- Car seat - check

- Stroller - check

- Bassinet - check

- Clothes 0 - 6 months washes and put away - check

- Dresser redo project - complete

- Sheets, blankets, burp clothes washed - check

- Hanging decor on walls - in progress

- Daycare - check

- Leave paper work - in progress

- Found long term sub - check

- Thank you notes - on going

- Forgetting things - all the time!

- Cleaning - on going

- Finding a pediatrician - close

Dresser Project

Before - Chris' dresser from college that his old roommate Aaron gave to him

Chris did most of the sanding by hand. I helped out, but he did a much better job.

After - I did the priming, painting, and put on the hardware.

~ Cards from Baby Showers ~

Cute, affordable, and sentimental way to add something to the walls.

I ran low on ribbon and saw an idea for this on pinterest.  These are the cards from my ABQ friends/coworkers. 

We'll share more photos of baby's room later

~ Reading 

Funny! 

Informative, but a little overwhelming

My favorite!

I keep pushing this book to the side...sorry.

~ Netflix 

~ Pinterest inspired project

Chris doesn't like clutter on the fridge door. I was spending some time on pinterest and found this.

I made this

Those are just some of the highlights from my summer break. I really need to start doing shorter posts more regularly. We'll see if that happens.

La gringa

I have a funny little story to share with you.  I had to stop at Walgreens this past week during my prep period so I was trying to rush a little.  I overheard a couple speaking in Spanish and I continued on with what I was doing. No big deal, I will just keep on shopping and eavesdrop on their conversation. I'm not trying to be rude, just practice my comprehension and listening in Spanish. (Yes, I know this is a bad habit.)

The Spanish speaking couple went up to a clerk at Walgreens that appeared to be Hispanic.  They asked if this person spoke Spanish. Unfortunately, this employee didn't speak Spanish.  Another employee that appeared to be Hispanic walked by and asked they other employee why they weren't helping the couple. The first employee explained the language barrier. So the 2nd employee then started to guess what the Spanish speaking couple wanted or needed.  This was hilarious and I enjoyed listening to this greatly!

I starting thinking to myself maybe I should go help them because even though I do not appear to be Hispanic, because I'm not, I do speak Spanish.  I had to think about this for a second since I had to hurry to get back to work.  Then finally I realized I should be helpful.

I went up to the couple and told them I spoke Spanish.  The women's first reaction was to laugh.  She laughed pretty hard. I pretty sure she wasn't laughing at my Spanish. So I said "Sí la gringa* habla español/ Yes the white girl speaks Spanish." She laughed even harder and I had to join her. I explained to both employees what they needed and headed on my way.

New Mexico can really make me laugh sometimes. Everyone here thinks it is so bizarre for a white girl from the Midwest to speak Spanish. They are usually shocked or in disbelief. I don't think it is that surprising. I know lots of white people from the Midwest that speak Spanish. (see photos below - All WI or MN natives that speak Spanish.)  I even know a great number of nonhispanic kids that are learning to read and write first in Spanish in MN.  This just makes me smile and laugh a little.

Juernes (Jueves + Viernes - Thursday + Friday) @ the Reindeer Run

Juernes running Irish for a Day 5k

After an amazing game of Mexican Dominos - a Juernes must!

Juernes ladies celebrating dos bebes!

Now I am familiar with their reaction and can understand it a little more.  Most of the Spanish/Mexican/Latinos of New Mexico have been in the USA longer than my family.  Yes they have darker skin and a Hispanic last name, but many (not all) were taught long ago to assimilate to the majority culture so many don't speak Spanish. Just like the Sladky family stopped speaking Czech to blend in more.  The families that immigrated more recently speak Spanish still.

There are certain areas in ABQ where you will hear more Spanish than English.  I have visited some of those places, and they make me feel like I am in Mexico.  I love listening to La Kalle the Spanish radio station.  Something about listening to Daddy Yankee "Rompe," any Reggaeton, Sharika/JLo in Spanish, or Juanes before school wakes me up and gets me ready to teach! :) (Seriously... this music especially helps me prepare for conferences)

Where I grew up there were a ton of Polish and Irish surnames. Sladky wasn't that crazy of a last name. Here of course my names were a struggle for everyone at first, which they have all mastered now. People grow up here with a plethora of Spanish last names and can pronounce all of them perfectly, but when it comes time to say Bosque they say Basque. It hurts my ears a little, but I just have to smile.  When Chris said Basque, I correctly him as fast as I could.

I have to admit I really enjoy living in a place where there is a lot more diversity throughout the whole state not just in certain neighborhoods in the big city.

*Some people feel that gringa can have a negative or derogatory meaning. I don't feel that way. To me it means a English speaker that speaks Spanish.*

Checking in after 6 Months

I have been a bad blogger recently...sorry.  Life and work have been busy and exciting.  I'll try to do a little better of a job writing more regularly.

It is a little weird to think that we have already lived here for half of a year.  Where has the time gone? I would say we are pretty adjusted to life here now, which is why I was taken by surprise when I missed MPLS terribly on Monday.  I didn't have school so I was alone and had more time on my hands.  I admit that I cried a little.  Sadly, I didn't cry over family or friends...no that would make too much sense.  I cried over the scenery on my drive to work in MN.  A little weird? I could close my eyes and picture it.  I could see myself rounding the corner of our house when I left from the backdoor.  I could see those horrible icy stairs that I only fell down once on my way to the car.  I could picture Lake Calhoun after a fresh snow fall and on a sunny spring morning.  What really got to me were the stupid beautiful trees on Vine Hill Road that lead up to my old school.

Lake Calhoun - Mad at myself that I had to google this photo

The Stupid Beautiful Trees - Photo by S.Johnson an awesome parent of a former student

Can you tell I'm missing the snow?  I know it is crazy, but it feels like it is already spring here. Well, I guess not today.  We had about an inch of snow last night, which has allowed me to blog this morning during my 2 hour delay.  : ) (For the record - Number of years taught in MN - 5- number of snow days - 0- number of snow delays - 1. Number of years taught in NM -0.5- number of snow days -0- number of snow delays - 2. This made me laugh a little.)

Anyway, I have missed home enough to realize a pity party for one is no fun and not very productive.  So I decided to make a list of the things I enjoy about ABQ.

Awesome Things about Albuquerque:

1. The weather is pretty nice.  

2. The food!  I love green chili.

3. The mountains and hiking

4. Cost of living - things are so affordable here!

5. The sky and the clouds. It seems even more blue. A blue I have never seen up North.

6. The moon - a full moon over the Sandias is beautiful - Can the moon seem bigger since I'm higher up?

7. Life is a little more relaxed/less stressful here.  It is the land of manana.

8. The school day is about an hour shorter.

9. My school, coworkers, Amy - I'm pretty happy with my job.

10. The diversity, culture, and history that is present here.

11. The smell of rain is so strong here.  I love it!

I also decided to make a list of things that are currently driving me crazy about this lovely place.

Oh ABQ!:

1. Driving here/drivers - I have never prayed so regularly.Sadly I think I am starting to develop some of these bad driving habits.

2. I miss snow and rain - I know I live in a desert...we don't get these often.

3. Being far away from friends and family.

4. The school day is about an hour shorter. 

5. It can take what seems like forever to get something done. It is the land of manana.

6. Parking lots are more of a challenge with so many big trucks parking in the compact spots. 

This is what I can remember from my mental lists on Monday.  Luckily, there are more positive things than negative things. :)  I'm sure both lists will continue to grow.  

Lastly, I'm super excited for March because we are having visitors from MN come to visit! I can't wait to see their pretty faces and show them the Land of Enchantment!

Clearly MN men know to go to WI to find their beautiful bucky loving brides!

CV and Nicko have been friends since they were kiddos.

I have been friends with Sara since I moved to MN 6 years ago. We instantly bonded over bucky , cheese, and all things WI. She also got me hooked on couch 2 5k.

Best College roomie ever, Jessi!  We have been best buds since freshman year in College.

And her handsome man

If you are ever in the area, let us know.  We love visitors!

SNOW - It's snowing!

Contrary to what you may think, Albuquerque does get cold in the winter.  It's not as cold as Minnesota, but cold enough to wear a winter jacket. We don't get much precipitation - rain or snow. So when it snows (or even rains) it's exciting and a big deal.

Yesterday 10 minutes before our last recess during Math class, it started to snow. I have experienced the excitement of the first snowfall many times while teaching in Minnesota.  None of those experiences prepared me for those 10 minutes. My students were beyond elated and overjoyed. It was adorable to watch and listen to them.  They said it was a blizzard.  Another student hoped there was enough snow to build a snowman at recess. I sadly crushed that child's dream and explained that the snow wouldn't fall that fast in the next 10 minutes.  There were talks of a snow day or a delay.  I just had to laugh a little and help them regroup. Luckily we did finish the lesson just as the bell rang for recess - learning to multiply with the number 7 is very important.

As they hustled out the door for recess, I could hear shrieks of OH MY GOD, OH MY GOD ... It's SNOW!

Can you see the flakes?

So exciting!

I have to admit that it was beautiful to see the huge cotton like snowflakes fall.  It made me think of home. I was so happy for my students and decided I wanted to teach them a little about snow and a heartier winter after recess. (If you can't beat them, join them?)So I ran off to the library to check out A Snowy Day by Jack Ezra Keats in English.  I have it in Spanish and would always read it to my class on snowy days in MN. They were pleased with the lesson plan punt making it more focused on snow.  I told them about the time we cross country skied to the grocery store. They were shocked by this and unfamiliar with cross country skiing.  I found some images online to share with them, and then I pretended to cross country ski.  They thought that was hilarious.  We measured the accumulation in inches and centimeters.  We looked at the radar to see if it was going to keep snowing. I figured that I need to embrace the moment and make it somewhat educational.  Snow is a very special thing here.  (p.s. I love teaching - Can you tell?)

I was a little scared to drive in the snow because of the other drivers, but the roads were just wet. Unfortunately it didn't get above freezing and the wet roads changed to icy ones.  ABQ does not have the same plowing and salting infrastructural like MN and WI. This is why we had 2 hour delay! (I think we had about .5 inches of snow.)  Everything was fine driving to work this morning.  They put a salt/red clay mixture down on the main roads.  All the cars have a little red trim now because of the clay. 24 hours later, almost all the snow has melted.  I will miss it and eagerly await its next arrival.  I hope it happens when I'm at school.  It was priceless to see the kids' reactions.

Proof of the snow on my car.  

I promise I won't blog too frequently about school/work, but this just made my day.  My students have taught me so much about their culture, I wanted to teach them about mine. 

How do you spell ABQ?

We had an idea back in March 2012 that we were going to move to Albuquerque. We weren't 100% sure, but we were excited to visit the city during Chris' interview.  The weekend before we went to ABQ was St. Patrick's Day. We celebrated with our good friends in St. Paul and had a blast!  (I'm laughing and smiling right now remembering that day and our adventure to find a cheeseburger.)

While we were enjoy the festivities, I lamented to my awesome friend that I had no clue how to spell Albuquerque. I was concerned about moving to a city where I would struggle with spelling its name.  She just laughed at me and has remembered this conversation.  She even requested this blog post, which I clearly thought was an amazing idea.

A meeting of the minds - thinking about how to spell ABQ

I have to admit that I was feeling like I was pretty good at spelling Al- bu- que - r- que (That's how I think of it when I write it.) Just as I was growing confidence, I spelled it wrong twice in one day. :( This actually made me laugh pretty hard and reminded me of my friend and our conversation on St. Patrick's Day.

Other enjoyable ABQ spelling moments have happened while on the phone with a representative of a company giving them my information. If the company isn't based here, all the representatives have started to type ABQ on their own and then realized they needed help.  I happily help and reassure them that it is challenging to spell.

Lastly, one of my college friends sent us a Holiday Card this year that me me smile and laugh! LJ, I think you can find the answer to your question in this post. :)

My goal is to be able to spell ALBUQUERQUE with fluency and without errors soon. In the meantime I will still embrace ABQ because it is way easier! Hopefully a few of you improved your spelling of Albuquerque from reading this post.

Let me see your body move!

As I shared a little yesterday, it has been a period of transition and adjustment for me. The first few months were so busy, overwhelming, and stressful with setting up our condo, starting a classroom, switching schools, starting another classroom, and learning the interesting ways of the Land of Enchantment. I would come home from work and basically zone out. I had little energy or motivation to get off the couch.

This is out of my character.  For the past few years, I was excellent at going to the gym 3-5 times a week and/or running. My good friend and college roommate, Jessi, was the kind voice of reason that encouraged me to move aka get my butt off the couch.  (Thank you!) She told me I would feel better once I started a workout routine and she was right.

Halfway through October, I got out of my lazy funk.  With the weather being so nice here, I decided to start the "couch 2 5k" program over from the beginning.  I started over because of the elevation of ABQ.  We are high up, 5,300 ft!  The first time I went for a run, I sounded like an asthmatic child. I completed the program and was in a regular running routine. It made me feel more at home and calm.  I was running in shorts through the first week in December - our neighbors thought I was crazy.

Now it is a bit cooler and I am growing a little bored with running, so we are joining a gym.  I'm very excited because it reminds me of my routine in MPLS.  There has to be a connection between my physical activity and my happiness. Luckily there is a YMCA close to our house and right on my way home from work. The cost of membership is such a deal ~ $58 a month for a family!  I love the cost of living here. They also have one of my favorite classes...

source

Zumba is one of the few times you will see me dance without the aid of adult beverages. It's hilarious!  I look like a fool, but I have a blast/don't care.  It's a great workout!

Another positive is that they have TVs with cable on many of their cardio machines!  I can watch Bravo as I run. Can it get any better?  The best thing the YMCA has to offer is the view from the cardio machines.

SANDIAS! I promise the view is more impressive in person.

- Jane

                                           

How are you? How's NM?

I have grown sick of these questions.  I know how I am suppose to respond.  "I'm good.  NM is so pretty.  How are you?" Putting on a happy face is something I'm good at, but at times it is more challenging to do.  I am pretty sure many of you have felt the same way or gone through a similar situation at one point in your life.

How are you?

Well today I am fine. Yesterday was pretty good too.  I felt happy connecting with friends from all over via email, facebook, texts, and my blog too! The first few months here were pretty rough for me. Overall, I would say each day is getting a little better. Moving away from so many wonderful friends, a job I truly enjoyed, and family close by has been trying. I miss Minnesota - everything about it.  When I moved there 5 years ago, I never thought I would consider it my home one day. Maybe in a few years I will feel the same about New Mexico (trying to stay positive.)  Good things to focus on: I have some great coworkers at school who are becoming my friends too.  My students are very sweet. 

How is Chris?

I'm really happy for him, he is doing really well.  Moving here is probably the best step for his career, which makes it totally worth it for both of us.  His new lab and coworkers are awesome. He will have many professional opportunities here. I think at times he worries about me - it's he a sweetheart (most of the time.) I reassure him that it is getting better and I'll be just fine (maybe a little more moody at times, but I'm working on it.)

How's NM?

There are many things we love about this place and other things that shock us or drive us crazy. :) I'm excited to share these details about NM in individual posts.  They deserve their own shining moment. It really is beautiful here in brownish/blue way.

Overall I think this move will be good for us. We are closer than ever and doing a great job of supporting each other. NM will make us grow and expose us to new experiences we wouldn't have had in MN, but I still miss Minnesota. :)

Proof that NM is pretty...

Northern NM (Ratón Pass) - I took this from the car as we drove down here.

The blue of the sky here is incredible and there are mountains in almost every direction! Something you can't find in MN or WI.

Sandías Mountians - These are our mountains that I love for so many reasons. This photo is from our hike to the crest, due to poor planning (what time we got started - we were running late. shocking  i know.) we didn't make it all the way to the crest.:( Oh well...next time.