One of my student’s is turning 15 this week and I was honored (and surprised and delighted) to be invited to her Quinceanera. Since the invitation said 4:00, and I had no idea if there was a schedule of activities and I’m by nature a totally OCD punctual person, I arrived at 4:00.
Birthday Girl: Mrs. Juggling! You’re early!
Mrs. Juggling: The invitation said 4:00
Birthday Girl: We just put that because Mexican people are always 3 hours late!
It was okay though because her much older siblings and their spouses and friends that were there to decorate were lovely people and I got to know them really well. Time flew and soon enough more people started arriving—among them three other students of mine.
It was my intention to sit out the dancing because: a) I was the only white person and not familiar with the music b) I have no rhythm and c) I was unable to fortify myself with an adult beverage.
The four girls were having none of it. “But Mrs. Juggling, you’re not allowed to say no to the birthday girl.” So Mrs. Juggling shook her groove thing and had a great time doing it. I loved the group dance, the bouncy Mexican music and the babies on the dance floor. They loved me being out there—I even got applause (I’m sure was for effort, not skill, but still!).
It was truly a lovely experience and I would have loved to stay longer, but as I pointed out to the girls even if they skip school tomorrow I have to be there bright and early!
* Dancing Shoes
The winner of last week’s book giveaway was #12, Nancye Davis—congrats and send me your snail mail; I’ll get everyone’s books in the mail this week.
My piece of advice for just about anything is: "Listen to everyone's advice but in the end do what your heart tells you to do."
nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net
Posted by: Nancye Davis | May 22, 2010 at 09:26 AM