It usually takes me about three days to get back into the groove of things in Tohatchi after taking a trip of any length back to the East Coast. It usually takes me about 72 hours to get used not NOT having people, places or things constantly surrounding me. Apparently I lack nouns out here. But it's not all bad. In fact, there are plenty of things I love about living in New Mexico:
1) Fewer calories. The Mustang Gas Station makes a highly fattening pizza, but it can hardy compare with Panera, Einstein Bagels, Thaiphoon, La Madeleine, Cheesecake Factory, sushi bars and Macaroni Grille.
2) Skylines. I'm talking about true lines crossing the sky. No city can beat a Southwest mesa skyline at sunset. I'm a city girl at heart, but my view of the real lights and scrapers out here are more scenic. And environmentally friendly.
3) There's an amazing Pilates instructor in Gallup. I kid you not.
4) Friendliness is the norm. You're expected to know everyone. You're practically expected to be related to everyone out here (except me). If you don't wave when a car or a school bus passes you on the street, you're just plain rude.
5) My mailman doesn't come to my house; I go to his and I stay to chat after picking up my boxes.
6) My kids are learning. Slowly. Their diagnostic scores don't show it, but I swear to God, they're learning... I hope.
7) Speed limit is 75.
8) After half a lifetime of going at breakneck speed, taking extra classes, working three jobs, freelancing, driving through the Beltway... I can now sit back... maybe not to relax, but certainly to think. And to decorate my house. And to cook. And to appreciate everything that I'm NOT doing.
9) The amazing, amazing people, both educated and not, of all heights, intelligences, attitudes and political affiliations. (I live among non-Democrats! Fancy that!). I already know which folks I'll be flying out to my wedding one day in the (far) future.
On the other hand, I'm not sure if getting back into the groove is the best idea. Grooves suggest getting used to things, getting used to routines and, ultimately, being desensitized. It's a good thing to leave New Mexico (and go to Jamaica!) and then return. I found myself shocked when a man approached me and a friend in the Wal-Mart parking lot tonight offering to sell us gold or silver bracelets-- handmade. A month ago I would have just waved him off. People come to my door selling burritos, jewelry and beadwork. I even had a student come by my house at 9 p.m., one night selling pinons so his parents could make enough money to fill up the gas tank for work the next day.
It's comfortable to find a routine and normalcy in things. But just because something is so common, doesn't mean it should stay that way. It's a notion that I have a hard time balancing with certain situations, particularly regarding culture and education. Should I try changing the mind of a family who discourages their child to pursue a higher education because a college degree would inevitably mean the child leaving the area and seemingly ditching their home, family and culture? Is Western education really that important next to traditional ways? Why the heck am I teaching the times tables again when kids are getting sexually abused at home and have no heat??
Nonetheless, when my brain begins to feel a little fried from everything, I just have to remember that I'm just a teacher. I'm just an outsider teaching. And that's all I'm being paid to do. And that's just fine. Because regardless of the beatings and the cold, my kids do learn their times tables.
Your descriptive powers are very much in evidence here. I feel like I have seen the community and gotten to know a few of the people.
Life is indeed filled with contradictions, but your job is not to resolve every one.
Have a good 2006!
Posted by: Phil Nash | January 09, 2006 at 03:58 PM
i admire you. and im sooo pround of you (you are probably one of my favorite friends to brag about).. dont take for granted the fact that you are good. there arent many other true do gooders out there.
spreadable cheese rules!
so do tea parties!
Posted by: liboosh | March 09, 2006 at 09:14 PM