Taking a Step Back

If you ask Isabela what she wants to be when she grows up, she will undoubtedly tell you, "a singer!" oh, boy! I have no idea even where to begin with humoring this love. I keep saying I will look into it. Maybe contact the church where she used to attend a group musical class. Funny, in the three classes she took in SongPlay when she was 3&4 yrs old, you would be lucky to see her utter a word. I knew she was happy to be there, even if all she would usually do is observe, from the sidelines. But, my friend would remind me not to put too much weight on it and gave me a very reasonable explanation. Now, if you see her, she memorizes any song, any tune, and can quickly perform the act. She embraces all genres, from The Fray to Gloria Trevi (spanish) to even classical music. Although, there is a special love for her "Bible songs", as she calls them. She has never cared for any material objects, that's until she got her itouch.




(Isabela snapped this pic of my iphone screen)

I thought it would be a good idea to purchase the device for Isabela for Christmas. She was so drawn to my iPhone for educational apps and even more so, for music, that I thought she should have her own device. Of course, I had every intention on having strict ground rules. While I wanted her to enjoy her music library, I knew that there had to be a healthy time limit for usage. Isabela seemed to understand our rationale once we explained it to her on day#2 with it. But, the more she thought about it, she asked me, "Mami, why do you use your iPhone so much?" I explained to her the multitude of uses. The more I got into my explanation, I started realizing that I was probably using some features for subplanting reasons. It made me realize that I was using certain apps like Facebook, Twitter and even email to correspond with family and friends, at random times throughout the day. I know it's the modern way, but with a 5 year old who is with me most of her life, I knew I had to change something. This little girl is a listener. And because I don't speak English to her, I thought It would be a good idea for her to hear me speak lots of it. So, what to do?? I have significantly disconnected from cyber social world, limit email, and use my voice to telephone everyone, well, mostly everyone. Ok, I admit, text is still there! That's easier to be sly with, and doesn't require attention to grammar and wealth of context. I have to say, it's really nice to talk with my friends on a daily or almost-daily basis. Sometimes it's for 4 minutes, sometimes longer. I especially love seeing them! But, the point is that Isabela is watching me really connect with my people. She hears my expression, watches my body language and listens to my words, conveying community. It's kinda an old-fashioned way, but it's working ok for me! (Don't worry Crystal, I still periodically snoop on your Facebook! Bad, old habit)

Now, back to this love for music... I am so glad she feels so connected to so many notes. I will figure something out, Isabela. There has to be more than your almighty, Taylor Swift?!


-- Posted from my iPhone

Keeping it Short

In a period of 18 months, I went from occasionally sending a 10 cent text message, to signing up for a monthly 200 text message plan with my cellular phone provider to now the unlimited version. Where is that getting me? As I was walking (supposed to be running) at the park with Crystal, there was a point in which I was texting with 3 different friends and emailing one other one. As I was trying to communicate my messages across, I was trying to be swift and creatively using as little words as possible without failing to effectively get my message across. We weren't talking about anything profound, but important enough like simply coordinating our social calendars. But, in the midst of hurried conversations, I wondered, "Will we get to the point in which the intimate, verbal conversations are few and far in between. Should we be concerned that we will lose any core connection in the vast cyber world?" It was a scary thought.

But, even with the fear, I continued with my text messaging basking in the thrill of high productivity. As a matter of fact, hours later, after waiting in line today at the Apple store for almost 3 hours for crystal's highly desired iphone, I again, confirmed with the representative that we needed unlimited text messaging on all of our phones. I guess I am not that worried....4 different conversations while I was exercising...niiice!!!