You will be what you will to be...

This will be a relatively quick post, since I have a class in half an hour. Luckily, it's a class that I've already given a few different times, so I feel prepared for it.

What's new in my life? Not a lot, to be honest. I don't have internet access with Eliud's family right now, due to a few technical issues. If any of you were expecting a Skype call or a quick update, have my sincerest apologies.

There for a few days I was a bit down. The hustle and bustle of working 40+ hours per week, plus taking public transportation for over two hours every day was starting to wear on me, but I picked up and read through a nice little book called "As A Man Thinketh," which talks about the benefits of positive thinking.

The book talks about how an enlightened person can be content in all situations. As I found myself groaning as I was crammed into the bus next to someone, or flinching as yet another poor salesperson passed by selling chewing gum or coloring books for 10 pesos, I immediately asked myself what I could do to make the day better.

And I discovered something. As I looked around at people who had been something I loathed (due to being crammed next to them, or having been shoved by them as they tried to grab a seat), I tried to see them as individuals, rather than as a mass of people hurrying around the city. Can they help it that such behavior is normal to them? No. Do I have to behave that way? Absolutely not.

My policy on public transportation now is to put others first at all costs. If an elderly woman hobbles onto the subway, I'll let her have my seat. If someone falls into me on a rough stop, I laugh and tell them not to worry.

All in all, this has made the experience much more bearable (if not enjoyable at times). Why? Because I can feel good about how I am treating others.

The other night a US penny fell out of my bag, and I noticed that someone had picked it up and was looking at it across the aisle from me on the shuttle. That started a conversation, and in the end, the guy gave me 10 pesos for the shuttle fare, instead of me having to pay with the 200 peso bill that I had in my pocket. (10 pesos is a little less than a dollar, so 200 is about 20 dollars for all those who think I'm carrying around too much money) In the end, I ended up making a friend in a place I normally despise.

Next week on Tuesday I should be moving into my apartment, if all goes according to plan. This will be a nice change, since I will have my own space and some room to stretch out. It will also help me to start feeling more adapted here in Mexico City.

On Thursday, my friend Alex, from Costa Rica, will be coming to Mexico for about a week. We plan on checking out all the usual sights here (El Palacio de Bellas Artes, El Castillo de Chapultepec), as well as the Aztec pyramids at Teotihaucan, which I cannot wait to see. Whenever my camera decides to finally cooperate in uploading pictures, or I buy a new USB cable, I'll try to share the experience with you as best I can.

What else can I say? Things are going well here. I stay busy, so I don't have time to get into too much trouble, but one day soon I plan to go out and "get lost" in the city with a friend. I need to do some exploring, and my plan is to explore Polanco and a few other nicer areas. Don't worry (Uncle Guy), I won't put myself in any situation that people do not recommend here.

Ah, a few more things. The more I teach, the more I learn about my students. I have students who are interior designers, flight attendants, businessmen, lobbyists, and auditors. I have 12 year olds and 60 year olds. But yesterday I had a chance to learn about a student who makes quilts. Since I currently find myself in need of bedding materials, I asked her to bring pictures of her quilts for me to see. I saw a few, and I have to say, the quilters in Kentucky would be hard-pressed to compete. Her work is awesome.

And that's it. I'm trying to think of a few things to do with my students as extra activities. I need recommendations based on English-speaking culture, so anyone who has any ideas is welcomed to share them. So far I've thought about starting to share books with my students, starting a bi-monthly movie, and teaching them to cook American dishes (like real fried chicken, jambalaya, etc.).

I hope all of you are well. Come visit me in Mexico.

-Buster