What's a Guardian to Do?

We've had some problems with threats in local schools lately. I think it all started sometime in September (I was out of the country at the time) when someone wrote something nasty on a washroom mirror at one of the universities in town. The university took this threat very seriously

Since then, there have been at least 8 or more copycat threats made in similar ways. I think it's usually lipstick or something like that on the walls or mirrors of the washrooms. While the first one was at a university, I think the subsequent ones have all been in high schools. Schools remain open but if parents do not feel comfortable sending their kids to school, they may stay home.

Yesterday, a threat was found at the school M&M (our 2 international students) attend. Students were told of the threat and also of the fact that they could stay home if their parents or guardians were concerned for their safety. It is now 8:42 AM and there have been no sightings of M or M. Last night they expressed to me their fears about going to school and weren't sure if they felt comfortable attending (wink, wink, nudge, nudge, snicker, snicker). This is all just a big joke. I told Mauricio that he better not tell his parents because they are somewhat overprotective of him. If they heard about this, I think they'd tell him to get on to the next plane to Brazil. Medardo's family worries little about him and his safety and his father, who happens to be a police officer in Mexico, would probably make him go.

So, for now, they are both safe in their beds and will likely remain there until 2:00 PM or until their stomachs cannot handle another moment of emptiness.

I feel like going up to their rooms and kicking them out of their beds. They are not fearful for their safety. They see this as another excuse to miss a day of school. Mauricio could miss some school, his grades are amazing and he seldom stays home. Medardo is another story. We recently received a letter from the school concerning his frequent absences and the fact that he better not miss any more school because he is in jepardy of failing this term. He doesn't seem to be concerned.

I think that:

• the schools should not give students and parents the option of staying away from school.
• the media needs to stop reporting on these incidents
• the kids who are caught doing this need to be seriously disciplined.
• M & M will be doing some housework or something for me today. This is not going to be a fun day at home.

I'm getting too old for this.

The Menu of our Authentic Mexican Dinner

We had 3 Mexicans, one Brazilian, one German and one Turkish teen here around the supper table today as well as us, the Canadians of Dutch descent. I don't think that happens very often. What is interesting is that they all said that the women do most of the cooking in their countries but most of the best chefs are men.

Mole: They didn't make it from scratch but brought some ready-made from Mexico. I often wonder about the first person who made something like mole. She probably had all kinds of stuff in her kitchen that she didn't know what to do with so she just mushed it all together and came up with mole, a classic Mexican food.

Refried Beans: I've never had such good refried beans. They said that all they did was add some onion and a little salt and pepper. Well, somehow, they taste different made by Mexican hands.

Guacamole Salsa: Here's a great hint all the way from Medardo's mother's kitchen for all you foodies out there. When you make guacamole, keep one of the avocado pits in the sauce. It keeps it from turning that yucky brownish colour. It's true. You've gotta try it.

Fajitas: I know. You think you've had fajitas. Not these. And you've gotta hear the Mexicans say "fajita." It tastes different when they say "fajita."

Ahhhh. Now I've got to walk off some of this delicious food.

Tonight's Dinner

Tonight, Medardo, Heida, and Rudy are cooking an authentic Mexican meal for us today. Medardo has been living with us since September and is attending high school here. His brother Rudy has been here all year too. Heida, their sister is visiting for a while. They asked if I would like it if they cooked a meal for us.

Of course!

It's neat listening to them. Heida is obviously in charge. She's the oldest after all and every now and then I hear some spirited discussion happening where the boys think they have a better idea than Heida. She usually wins.




They are a neat family and I think their mom would be so proud of them!