It seems that over a year ago I thought that the hours in the day would magically extend for me and that on top of the writing for Blogdowntown.com, full-time job, being a parent of two, being a girlfriend, taking online classes, and doing the basic stuff like eating and sleeping I would be able to write a daily journal on life.
Well a year later and not much has changed in my schedule but I have an itch to write and I figured why not blog so you can listen to me? 🙂
A recap of the last year:
I found Bella and Iza a “local” elementary school for them to go to this September, I turned in magnet applications to another school as a back up, and I’m having a hard time letting go of the comfort of Lumbini (their current school) since it is a 15 minute walk from work.
But as we all know money rules the world and I need to save the tuition mullah for other things like say a second bedroom or college- for them not me.
As soon as I thought that I could pat myself on the back and relax after my school hunt was over I realized that it was more of an individual hope for the best solution. I’m worried that the girls will not get into the school through open enrollment, that the magnet bus schedule will make it impossible to go to the back up plan, and what the heck will I do with them for the 3 mos.+ of vacation that LAUSD gives to kids each year.
I did start a parent group so I could start building a sense of community for the girls and myself as a parent and it has gone very well. Downtown L.A. Parents on facebook has 98 members- some of them representing a family other parents each being a member – and the weekly playdates have been incredible.
Our first big meeting reminded me of House on Mango Street when Sandra Cisneros dreams of having homeless people living in her attic..but in a less, less, waaay less creepy way.
The potluck/pool party was at my building’s community room and people were invited through fliers that I left at multiple residential buildings, libraries, and the girls’ school. I sent out emails and invited parents I ran into at the park and told them to spread the word.
You might think that I am absolutely crazy for inviting complete strangers but I felt a sense of security not being specifically at my home and the whole kid thing seemed like a good screening- no kid- no entrance.
It was a great turn out- about 50 people showed up and I made awesome friends which is so hard in L.A.
So now here I am January 2010 and I want to take it to the next level. We’ve met, we’ve chatted now how about that school?
Susana Benavidez 