Justin Pyfrom's Blog, page 9

My Audition Piece (Special Post)

As promised, here is my audition piece. As it turns out, it wasn’t my story that got me a rejection, it was my undergrad GPA. So, you know, I actually feel a little bit better about that. Anyway, I hope you enjoy my little short story.

Paciencia y Fe

By Justin Pyfrom

Inspired by the musical/movie In The Heights, Paciencia y Fe is a science fiction short story that explores the theme of legacy. At the same time, it serves as a love letter to my little brother, who is part of the Latinx community.

Camilla opened her eyes and took in her surroundings. A small sigh of blissful relief exits her lips as more of the environment unveiled itself to her. It was her park. And, it wasn’t just the whole park that made her smile. It was the fact that she was in her favorite section in her park. The red bench under the tree at the lake. It was uncanny. Every detail was vivid and identical to the way she remembered. Ever her favorite bench was there; the one next to the big tree.

As she walked over to it, she let everything sink in. The buildings were as high as the heavens, each of them that become a part of her escuela at some point or another. The many trees that her grandchildren would play with the other kids in the neighborhood. It always brought a smile to her face to see kids being kids. It was her favorite pastime along with feeding the birds.

She turned to sit down and noticed a bag of bread crumbs. When she picked up the bag, the birds immediately waddled toward her. Their feet, trotting with happiness and hunger, wasted no time in surrounding her feet. A chuckle came out of her as she began to feed them. It was something she did every day. She remembered telling everybody who asked that it was her “quality time with the block”. No one ever questioned that and some would even join her from time to time.

As Camilla fed the ducks, she took a moment to look over the park for the third time. Then, she looked to see that the sun was indeed bright, but not enough to hurt her eyes. She didn’t feel any discomfort from staring at it. Moreover, the weather was clear; there was no wind.

Eso es extraño, she thought to herself. Suddenly, everything clicked for her and she let out a light chuckle before finally saying, “I know you’re here.”

Then, just as quickly as a light-heartedly “Seriously?” was heard, a young man appeared next to Camilla with a smile. He looked to be in his late-teenage years and wearing a black dress shirt, vest, jeans, and formal shoes. His appearance was something she had not expected and he looked to be used to it. “You know, immersion is already difficult to pull off. But it’s damn near impossible for you lots.”

“It’s because we already know what you’re coming,” Camilla pointed out with a motherly tone.

“Right,” the teen plopped his head into his palms, “Can’t blame me for trying. It is a neat trick, right?”

Camilla chucked another handful of bread crumbs, “But why all of this? Shouldn’t you just take my soul and be done with it.”

The teen arched his eyebrows for a moment before laughing, “That’s never going to get old.” Seeing Camilla with a blank expression, he explained, “I’m an angel of death – not my boss. Name’s Abraham.”

“Camilla,” she nodded. Then, she stopped for a moment before adding, “Actually, it’s Camilla Eugenia Yamilé Irma. But everyone called me ‘Abuela Camilla’ – or just Abuela.”

Abraham blinked, “Called?”

“Well, given that you’re here…”

“Oh…right?”

“I told you,” Camilla smiled, chucking another handful of crumbs, “when you are a certain age, we’ve come to expect you eventually.”

“Well then,” the angel smiled, “Pleasure to meet you, Senora Camilla.” He snapped his fingers to make an identical bag of bread crumbs appear in his hands. “So, why the park,” he began to feed the birds, “why not your birthplace or your apartment with your grandkids?”

“You’re the angel. Shouldn’t you know?”

Abraham shrugged at the question. “Maybe. But I’ve learned that people of a certain age love to share their stories.”

“You’re not here to reap me,” she asked, flinging more crumbs at the birds. Camilla was a woman who lived her life on auto-pilot for most of her youth. The only time she got a chance to breathe was at the park, feeding the birds. “Because,” she added with a tone of humbleness, “I’m ready.”

“He gathers that,” Abraham concurred with a smile, “but he’s waiting for something.” Camilla paused to look at the young man with a look expressing explanation. However, she was only met with a shrug and a look that says “You know what I know”.

“Paciencia y fe,” she sighed, giving a small nod.

He tilted his head. “Hm?”

“This community,” Camilla looked out at her surroundings, “has such a history that’s always evolving. Changing with the time. Whether it was for better or worse, we always had to move along with it. Some changes were more overwhelming than others. So, when that happens, I always did two things.”

“Feed the birds,” Abraham guessed.

She nodded, “And repeat ‘Paciencia y fe’.” She gestured to the whole park. “The community may change but this park was always frozen in time. I think that’s why I loved it so much.”

As she spoke, the park gradually came to life, occupying itself with the people of the community. Kids playing tag, teens playing football and American football with each other and the adults, and women gossiping about the latest current events. She even saw the usual men using the environment to work out. And, all the while, as everyone greeted her and welcomed her, Camilla could remember always being there for her community – either by feeding the birds or handing out food and water for everybody. Seeing all of this made her smile wide as she looked at Abraham. “Nice trick, little ángel.”

“Well, you’re doing most of the work,” he cited with a nod and matching smile. He watched as everybody greeted her in their native tongue as well as take a moment to either check in or check up on her. “You were quite the popular one.”

Camilla laughed, “Comes with age, hijo.” As she pointed to each of the adults in the park, Camilla talked about how she either taught them as their teacher and/or tanned their hide when their parents weren’t around. He further explained that the role of a teacher doesn’t stop in the classroom. That being a teacher is only half of the job, especially for the ones who didn’t have parents.

“And what about the ones with parents?”

“Not all parents are capable – or willing,” she sighed before going into another explanation. He went into detail about how the majority of her students were like most of the kids in her community. They had loving partners who were struggling, being forced to choose between paying the rent or buying groceries. She knew that they were kids carrying an unfair burden and didn’t want them to lose what was left of their youth.

“How did you do that?”

“I did what mi madre did,” she mused with a gingerly toss of bread crumbs, “And her mama before her.” She turned to Abraham, who was listening with great enthusiasm and gave a smile that would give to all of the kids. “You just show them that you’re there. That you will always be there.” She gave him a little nod before tilting her head. “That’s really what every child needs. To know that you’re always there to listen.”

Abraham took a moment to feed the birds with her. Camilla could tell that the silence was something that he wasn’t accustomed to. Moreover, it was evident that there was a question weighing on his mind. “Most of the parents didn’t appreciate my ‘meddling’ and thought they could scare me.” It was the look of shock revolting from a teenage angel of death that told her everything. She had been used to this response but it was also clear that he hadn’t experienced much in his past life. “Oh, don’t worry, cabrito. I had my mother’s spirit,” she gingerly stressed with a smile, “Stubborn, tough, and with a strong backhand. I even had my chancletas ready for them.”

“Them.” Abraham gave a puzzled look as he wanted to confirm, “You mean the kids?”

“No, hijo mío, los padres,” Camilla laughed as she went feeding the birds, “I’ve hit more of them with my chancletas than their children.”

“Chancletas,” Abraham struggled to repeat.

Camilla chuckled as she pointed to her wiggling flip-flops.

Abraham’s eye widened at that statement. “You hit the parents – with your scandals?”

Camilla couldn’t help it. She let out a laugh that caused the birds to fly away for a second before quickly returning to her feet. She then looked back at the angel as she asked, “How many Latin abuelita have you spoken to?”

He took a moment before answering, “I think you’re the first one, senora.”

She nodded, let out a “Hm”, and explained, “Well, mi hijo, we give respect to everyone so we demand the same from – and for – everyone. We don’t care about your position or status. Respect is something you’re given at birth so it’s something that needs to be shared.”

“I get that,” he nodded.

“In fact,” she grinned, “Let me tell you about one stubborn cabrona.” As Abraham leaned in, Camilla regale the young angel on how she had to “parent” a mother. She spoke about how it was becoming public knowledge that the mother was more interested in being a party girl than a responsible adult before the news got to her house. Being raised by a single mother, she was raised with the understanding that it was unacceptable for a mother to put any before her child. But, when she confronted the mother to express her concerns, the mother didn’t want to hear any of it. So, she took a more physical approach.

“You hit a parent,” Abraham widened his eyes in complete shock.

“Hijo,” Camilla arched her eyebrows, “hit means one. I whipped her. I may have been a school teacher but I’m also a parent.”

“You were a school teacher?” His tone was more of disbelief than quizzical.

“Si,” she nodded. Abraham assumed she was focusing more on the question than the tone. “I was a maid before that. With my mommy, while working my way through college.” She paused to think about something before adding, “Dealt with a lot of cruelty from a lot of entitled fanáticos.” She closed her eyes for a moment to hear every hateful thing she and her mother had to listen to. You better clean this mess! You better learn English! You better not be late! You better pull your weight! But then she opened her eyes and just smiled, “But it was all worth it in the end.”

“Yeah?”

“Aye, si, mira,” Camilla pointed to the three kids playing football. Abraham could see that two boys were in their school uniform while a younger girl was in typical street sportswear. All of whom were enjoying each other’s company. “Mi tres Ángeles.”

Abraham took a single look at them. He saw that they were all of different skin colors and body types and felt as though he had to state the obvious. “They look nothing alike.”

“No me diga,” she quipped, “but they’re brothers and sisters, nonetheless. I made sure of that.”

“You raised them?”

“Claro,” Camilla said with pride, “I mean I raised everybody on this block at some point or another.” She pointed to the bigger of the two boys and introduced him as Jeremy, before explaining that she found him trying to steal from a bodega. He was always hungry and his father was either too drunk or too high to feed him leaving him with no choice. So, she decided to not only stop Jeremy – but also help him. Soon, Jeremy was staying over every night and, eventually, he was living there with his father being none-the-wiser.

“What about the other one,” Abraham pointed to the boy running next to Jeremy. The boy was shorter than Jeremy but a little bit bigger than him.

“Oh ho ho,” Camilla chuckled with motherly glee, “Jeremiah, mi pequeño alborotador. He found me, believe it or not.”

“I can, actually,” Abraham smiled, “You seem to be quite popular.”

“Not popular, hijo,” she shakes her head, “But I am known. So well-known that Jeremiah found my house after he ran away from home. His mom was someone who had no problem with scaring and lying to get what she wants and everybody was afraid of her including Jeremiah.” She stared at her kids before continuing, “The boy was terrified when he came to me…and his mother was furious. She tried to scare me and I tore into her with my chancletas – in front of everybody. Gave her a good hiding.”

“Really?!”

Camilla laughed, “Well, my young angel, one thing everyone in my community knows is I have one rule when it comes down to kids: You don’t hurt them in any way.” Again, she looked at her kids and nodded her head towards the young girl, “Carla, my youngest one, her parents gave her to me when she was a baby.”

“That’s heartbreaking,” Abraham held his chest, “I mean…that’s really heartbreaking.”

“Si,” Camilla nodded, “But it happens. She didn’t have the maturity or the finance to take care of a baby. She cried for hours before leaving so she could get her life back on track. I don’t know if she did or not. But all I know is that she never came back for her and I became her legal guardian.”

Abraham arched his eyebrows, “What about their birth parents?”

She shook her head to the question before replying, “Never knew them.”

Abraham, “None of them?”

“They never asked,” she shrugged, “Plus, they’re out living their lives now.” She pointed to each of them as she said, “Teacher. Soldier. Traveler. All with a successful career and all with wonderful families. They’re doing just fine on their own which means, in their eyes, I’ve done my job right. And, because of that, they didn’t see a need in knowing their parents.”

“They didn’t want to know them?”

“El pasado es el pasado,” she waved her hand in dismissal. “I always taught people to never dwell on the past. Look but never stay.”

“Even you?”

“Especially me, papito,” Camilla confirmed, “I’ve seen so much pain in my youth. But it is all outweighed by the good that I’ve done for my community. Well, I think it does. You could never be sure since…you know?”

“Yeah, I know,” Abraham agreed as he continued to watch Camilla’s final moments. “So, what about your grandkids? What’s going to become of them?”

“How do you mean?”

“Aren’t you worried?”

Camilla shook her head, “Not particularly.” She resumes feeding the birds with a grin on her face. “That’s the thing about being a mother to some and a grandmother to many more, papito. I give support and create a foundation so they can get up if they fall.”

“But…”

She knew what he was about to say next and she just kept feeding the birds. “They’re going to be fine, Abraham,” she stressed. As she flung the last bit of the bread crumbs, Camilla rose from her seat to look at Abraham. “I know they will.” Then, a laugh burst out of her, realizing the irony of her surroundings. “Take about freezing the moment, huh?

Abraham smirked at that comment; a reaction that she didn’t see coming. She was about to ask about it only for him to put a finger to his mouth. Then, he moved his finger to his ear. Camilla followed the gesture only to hear a faint melody.

Alabanza…

She looked at Abraham whose smile grew a little wider. As he remained in his seat, his arms stretched out across the bench and his head leaned back as he listens.

Alabanza…

Camilla took a moment to try and find the source. However, Abraham, without much movement, just shook his head, again, motioning her to listen.

Alabanza a dona Camilla, senor…

Camilla watched as Abraham gestured to the street behind him. She could see everyone in the community gathering around her place. With her three now-grown children leading them, everyone held their candles and raised them to the sky as they sing “Alabanza”. Her three now-grown children are in the front, leading them.

Alabanza…

“I suppose you’ve influenced more people than you thought,” Abraham stood up.

Letting out a heavy sigh of relief, Camilla looked up at the heavens as she said, “Ay, Mama, look what we did.”

“Are you ready,” he stretched out his hand towards her, “because I think it’s time.”

“As I said,” she returned the gesture, “when you’re my age, you’re always ready.”

“Are you sure?”

“Paciencia y fe, papito,” she smiled warmly.

“Right,” he nodded, “Paciencia y fe. I really like that.” Abraham gingerly lifted himself and Camilla off the ground. He looked up towards the heavens and let their spirits soar higher with each graceful memory.

“So, did my mom and her mother before her,” Camilla smiled, “You think I’ll see them, again?

“I don’t doubt, Senora Camilla,” Abraham smiled, “I mean…if they are anything like you.”

“They’re better, hijo. I can promise you that.”

“Then I can’t wait to meet them.”

I hope you enjoyed the story. Please don’t forget to follow me on my social media platforms (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Goodreads) on my web page’s right side. Also, I do love hearing suggestions of what books to read outside of my norm (Science fiction and fantasy) as I am a part of the Goodreads’ reading challenge for 2022. My goal is to read 180 books this year and I’m already at 150. August is going to be the month of heaving audiobooks and writing.

Well…This Took A Turn

My summer was going great. I got to visit friends. I was making enormous progress on my LGBTQ Crimeverse. I was relaxing with my gaming time while checking in with my family. Then, I got some bad news…like a few hours ago.

I didn’t get into my dream Master’s Program.

Yeah, I just found out at 10:18 am and, honestly, I don’t know how to feel. Honestly, I thought my audition piece was good. I was told that it was heartfelt and nostalgic. One even said that it was straight out of the Twilight Zone. That made me smile the most as Rob Sterlin has been one of my biggest inspirations.

But, alas, the university I applied for didn’t think so. They refused my application. Of course, I’m going to call them and get a better understanding but I can’t tell you how much this hurts. I’m trying my hardest not to cry and my friends are offering me words of support and encouragement.

My brother is more pissed than I am, but I think it’s because he has always seen me as his hero. I had to remind him that I’m not Superman. He didn’t want to hear that.

Well, I’m going to wait until the university opens to have a little tat-a-tat with them. At least, then, I can get some closure and lay out my options with them. If anything, I just might have to go for a MA in Creative Writing with them and try again in six months.

Man, this feels like a gut punch.

Anyway, please, don’t forget to follow me on my social media platforms (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Goodreads) on my web page’s right side. Also, I do love hearing suggestions of what books to read outside of my norm (Science fiction and fantasy) as I am a part of the Goodreads’ reading challenge for 2022. My goal is to read 180 books this year and I’m already at 148. August is going to be the month of heaving audiobooks and writing.

July’s Book for 2022 Reading Challenge

For the month of July, I have read 10 books. These are the books I loved during the month of July.

These are the books I really liked during the month of July.

These are the books I liked during the month of July.

Whistling While I’m Writing

Since the 3rd of this month, I have been working on the first installment of my LGBTQ+ Crimeverse series. The details of the series I’m still keeping to myself as I’m still ironing out all the logistics around the series. You know, how many series are going to take up this universe, the models, the photographers, ghostwriters (if necessary), among other things. But, right now, I’m grinning ear-to-ear.

I mean, after years of worldbuilding, character designing, researching, plotting, and outlining, I finally got to work on my first installment. And when I say work, I mean “WORK!”. As I am writing this blog post, I have already finished three chapters and am almost halfway through the fourth chapter.

Well, I wouldn’t call them chapters as, for this series, anyway, they function more like episodes. I got the idea from Boystown, one of my favorite literary LGBTQ+ soap operas, since I will have A LOT of moving parts in various areas – both in and out of the Gayborhood. Oh! Did I mention this is my love letter to my city’s gay village (The Gayborhood)?

Well, now you know, that’s the only thing I’m going to tell you until AFTER I’m done with the first book. However, given the speed at which I’m writing, I’ll be able to talk a little bit about it next month or so. Yeah, I’m finding myself smiling (and singing) while I’m writing. I’m enjoying myself with this series. I can’t whistle, but I’m just so overjoyed right now. I think my readers are going to feel the same way.

I have so much to share in the coming months. Not just about this crimeverse, but also about my revival Dimensions series, a “sinfully delightful” project I’m working on, and the next step to my Short Story Project.

To my writers out there, whistle while you’re working. Enjoy the process.

Now, please, don’t forget to follow me on my social media platforms (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Goodreads) on my web page’s right side. Also, I do love hearing suggestions of what books to read outside of my norm (Science fiction and fantasy) as I am a part of the Goodreads’ reading challenge for 2022. My goal is to read 180 books this year and I’m already at 133. August is going to be the month of heaving audiobooks and writing.

A Brilliant Start to the Holiday

So, I just got back from my holiday trip to Chongqing. It was much needed and my friends were beyond happy to see me. I mean, of course, we had weChat and our western social media, but it’s something simply delightful about being next to the people you care about. Here. Let me tell you about it.

Wait! Let me get this out of the way, first. I booked the worst hotel in my life.  The hotel receptionist was cold and racist towards me despite me having the three documents that were needed for hotel booking, including the actual booking. You know, passport, proof of vaccination, and recent negative testing. All that razzle dazzle. But, despite all of that, I was still subject to having the cops called on me and treated with zero respect or trust. I had to do something completely out of character for me: I had to write a negative review to warn other foreigners about this level of cruelty.

Anyway, that negative moment was outweighed by the numerous loving and welcoming greetings I got from my friends. First, I went to my old employment (Owen) and meet up with my old colleagues, especially Debbie. She was the first one who let me shadow her classes and showed me around Owen while actively working with me. She was the first Chinese friend I made and she was overjoyed to see me. We spent hours reflecting on old memories while she grilled me on how I was settling into Nanchang. The other ladies there were just as happy to see me, but Debbie and I have a particular bond.

The next one was Sawyer, my old supervisor. He was a student in Canada who is a proud Papa Bear. Again, we kept up with each other on WeChat. But to sit down and talk to each other. There is no replacement for that physically emotional connection, let me tell you. Now, he’s a principal of an international school and wishes I could come back to Chongqing so we can work together again. I had to break his heart and tell him happy at Limai and he understood. We did agree to show resources, though.

Later, I got to meet up with my old boss, Hamed, a very sexy Egyptian DILF (I have called him a DILF on numerous occasions). He is one of the few people in the world that can talk about controversal topics without putting emotions into the conversation. It’s refreshing to do that. Plus, he gave me some good news about him returning to Egypt with his children so they can be among a slightly freer culture/country. Additionally, he agreed to do one more literary project with me even though he has read the literary inspiration for this project (can’t tell you which book is it, yet; I will soon). Anyway, we stayed up into the late night talking and talking.

Later on, in the week, I met up with my D&D buddies and went to a tattoo parlor that recently opened. My Russian buddy, Xander, knew the owner and he was already planning to go there to support her. We, including our friend Tom, wanted to play catch up on everything and we did just that. We talked about D&D and how our campaigns were coming along. Spoiler Alert! I haven’t found a group to play with, yet. Then, it happened. My ADHD sort of kicked in because, while we were getting drinks and exploring the place, I suddenly got hit with an idea.

I already wanted a tattoo. I already had the picture of what I wanted. And I was in the right place to do it. So, I got my seventh tattoo right then and there; it was my favorite pokemon of all time, Espeon. And, later on, I’m going to get another Pokemon tattoo of my favorite water-type Pokemon, Milotic. My students are going to flip out when they see it.

I got to meet up with Martin and Ahmed, my photography friends, where we got to catch up on life and art. Later, I got to meet up with Abercombie (youngest and cutest), Hulk (irony; he’s built but very humble), Liu Kang (he looks like him), and Tony Jaa  (he knows Muay Thai and kickboxing) (nicknames I gave to my friends who worked at the gym I used to work out at) and we ended up eating out. I even got to make a new friend while visiting. Yeah…this holiday trip was very much needed and I thank God that I finally got to breathe.

Now, please, don’t forget to follow me on my social media platforms (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Goodreads) on my web page’s right side. Also, I do love hearing suggestions of what books to read outside of my norm (Science fiction and fantasy) as I am a part of the Goodreads’ reading challenge for 2022. My goal is to read 180 books this year and I’m already at 129. So, you’re going to see an uptick in books since I’m on holiday.

June’s Book for 2022 Reading Challenge

For the month of June, I have read 14 books. These are the books I loved during the month of April.

These are the books I really liked during the month of May.

These are the books I liked during the month of May.

Finally! School Is Out!!

Finally…finally…FINALLY!!! I am done with the 2021-2022 school year and my students are finally able to enjoy their summer holiday.  This week has been trying for both myself and my students for many reasons.

One main reason is that NOBODY wants to be there. Let me explain. See, the government told everybody that there were going to be two more weeks added to the school year. One week after and one week before.

Normal, right?

Well, they told them it was optional and all the parents said “My students won’t be there.” Then, not liking the answer, the government decided to “persuade” them to change their mind. So, I came to work thinking I was just going to stay in my office and complete the rest of my teacher’s duties, only to see my students in their classroom – and they were not happy. I asked them what happened and they told me with a rage I’d never seen from them. Luckily, we made it work. Summer Homework, anyone?

Yeah, I gave my eighth graders summer homework and I decided to have them do it in class and, if they finish their daily assignment, they can play – or watch – whatever they want. Normally, it’s UNO and TikTok. This week was easygoing for the most part and the teachers were pleased with me. And, with that, my holiday can finally begin. Thank God, too!!

Now, please, don’t forget to follow me on my social media platforms (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Goodreads) on my web page’s right side. Also, I do love hearing suggestions of what books to read outside of my norm (Science fiction and fantasy) as I am a part of the Goodreads’ reading challenge for 2022. My goal is to read 180 books this year and I’m already at 127. I’m kind of slowing down a bit, huh?

End of A School Year

As of today, I have completed my first year as a big boy teacher and I am so proud of myself.  If you recall, my first job as an educator was at a training center (Owen) and I loved every bit of it. The students were wonderful, my colleagues were supportive sweethearts, and my main boss was cool. The only problem I had with the training center, aside from my immediate supervisor, was that it wasn’t my speed. But Limai, on the other hand…

Limai gave me the freedom I needed to teach my students in a way that would be helpful and insightful. They were even considerate enough to let me bring in books from the West that I grew up on while introducing reading programs. What was even more amazing was the fact that the students and their parents were loving it. Or, at least, I think they did.

Speaking of the students, I got to see two classes graduate with great honors. One of my twelfth graders got a huge scholarship to a university in the States while my eighth graders were surprised – and happy – that I was going to be their teacher for next year’s ELA.  They had shocked Pikachu’s face. Additionally, my seventh graders have improved the most throughout the years. Bear in mind, that one of my students had a mom who tried to bribe me as she did with the other teachers (she was pissed when I didn’t budge) and another student couldn’t link a sentence together. Now, they are speaking in full words and semi-complete sentences.

Now that China has banned Western textbooks (yes! they’ve done that), my school has to change the way we teach our students due to accommodate the new ridiculous laws. We also have to fix up the new ELA Room as well as expand the Reading Program to the rest of the room. I honestly can’t wait to see what the new school year has in store for me and my students and how I can improve on my teaching abilities.

Now, please, don’t forget to follow me on my social media platforms (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Goodreads) on my web page’s right side. Also, I do love hearing suggestions of what books to read outside of my norm (Science fiction and fantasy) as I am a part of the Goodreads’ reading challenge for 2022. My goal is to read 180 books this year and I’m already at 125.

Teaching, Writing, and Networking…Fucking Hell…

This week was beyond hectic for my colleagues and me. All of us spent the week reviewing everything for our students’ finals next week. Most of us have more than two grades to teach and, in turn, review (I had three, but my Twelfth Grader graduated). That alone is enough to drain us mentally. But, alas, I’m not just a teacher.

So, as I said in previous posts, I teach three grades: 7th, 8th, and 12th. Since my twelfth graders graduated, I only had to help two grades study for their exams. Honestly, it wasn’t hard for Grade 8 as they were just practicing for their oral exam. Grade 7, on the other hand, was a different story. Those students have the attention span of a hummingbird. You know have no idea how many times I had to refocus them. I even had to remind them that I would be teaching them next year and, if they fail, I would be a completely different teacher. That was a magic promise that got them to act right.

I also got to do an exit interview for one of my Twelfth Grade students, Jason, who will be moving to Arizona for university. It caught both of us off-guard and, apparently, he would only do if I was the one interviewing him. That was something I didn’t see coming. Everybody told me that he connect with me the most and never believed it until now. I’m really honored.

On top of that,  I had been working with a Brazilian photographer, Santrosa Batidão, and the studio, Audácia Records, on the same literary project that I have working on with two other photographers. The model that we chose, Carlos Ximenes, was someone I met on Blued, a dating app, and we started chatting for about a year or so. It took a while on both our ends, but he finally got the opportunity to model for a book cover. Please do follow their Instagram by clicking on the picture:

Carlos Ximenes

 

I think I’m going to interview Carlos later on when I’m ready to release the Portuguese version. He is such a nice guy and I want to the world to know more about him. Just can’t figure out if I want it to be a video interview or a paper.

Additionally, I had to coordinate between three other photographers and models because I’m going to have this novella is five different languages. I swear, Fiverr and Upwork is going to make a killing off of me because finding translators is going to be a new adventure for me.

Anyway, I still have to moderate my students’ exams which means I still have to some work to do. Oh! I also have summer holiday homework to create and assign which is harder than I thought. It’s mainly because I don’t like the idea of kids doing work during the summer, they should be relaxing and having fun. But, alas, it’s China and I actually like their parents because they really want their kids to do well oversea. They were even okay with the fact that I would only give them an hour’s worth of homework a day so I guess a compromise has been created.

Now, please, don’t forget to follow me on my social media platforms (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Goodreads) on my web page’s right side. Also, I do love hearing suggestions of what books to read outside of my norm (Science fiction and fantasy) as I am a part of the Goodreads’ reading challenge for 2022. My goal is to read 180 books this year and I’m already at 124.

Oh, before I forgot, I got something for you all – a gift. Well, more of a teaser, but, nonetheless, a gift.

https://www.dimensionaltales.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/video-finalizado.mp4

 

I’m Still Just Full of Pride Despite It All

The Chinese government is a fickled thing. They have laws against discrimination against the LGBTQ community, and, yet, they have laws banning games and media that have feminine men in them. Yeah…talk about hypocritical. They don’t even allow any PRIDE Parade anymore because it was “going against the harmony of China”. Nevertheless, I’m still swelling with PRIDE. Let me tell you why.

I came out to myself when I was in college. I always felt like it was no one’s busy regarding my sexuality. In my mind, if I want you to know, you’ll know. A few of my friends didn’t like that and would complain about it, but I would quickly point out that I’m not obligated to share all parts of myself with anybody. I’ll tell you when I’m ready and not a moment sooner. I lost a few friends at that moment, but gain so many more because of it.

Now, a decade or so later, I’m a fabulously gay man teaching aboard and prancing through his writing career. I’m happy that I’m out and about. I even got to help people guide themselves out of their closets on their terms and I’m friends with them through it all. You have no idea the feeling that overcomes you when you reassure someone that there’s nothing wrong with them. That they are beautiful, regardless of what people may – or may not – be saying about them. It’s a feeling like no other.

Now, there is a small problem that I’m currently facing…

I’m not pleased about the fact that I wasn’t able to go to PRIDE. China made it a rule that teachers who work at a school with less than 3000 students can’t reenter China upon leaving. So, I can’t go to any PRIDE Parade this year – or for the next four years. I must admit…I’m mildly disappointed. Correction: I’m pretty damn pissed.

But, I have to remind myself that when I’m done with China and moving to Europe. From there, I can act like a fool at any PRIDE that I want to participate in. I get to be as silly and raunchy as I have always been. In the words of Vanessa from In The Heights, it won’t be long now…any day.

But, until then, I still have so much work to do and goals to complete…

Now, please, don’t forget to follow me on my social media platforms (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Goodreads) which are on the right side of my web page. Also, I do love hearing suggestions of what books to read outside of my norm (Science fiction and fantasy) as I am a part of the Goodreads’ reading challenge for 2022. My goal is to read 180 books this year and I’m already at 122. Good grief, I’m already halfway through the year. My brother says it’s unfair since I’m always around books as I’m an ELA teacher.