Back in Alakamisy. Back to the grind and I’m juggling teaching and film making. Today I used a new technique to calm down a rowdy class, 2nd IV, equivalent to high school sophomores. I pulled out my iphone and set the timer for 5 minutes and announced, “Everyone quiet for 5 minutes.” It was to calm them down and to calm my nerves. Before this I had felt the anger growing. During the quiet session some students buried their heads in their arms. It was an action of a young child. They looked to be both annoyed and ashamed. Like I said, they’re one of my best behaved classes. On the positive side, I’m happy that I’ve found a non-agressive form to address the rowdy and naughty classes.

Today I did something. After teaching I decided to walk into town instead of going home. I saw two of my co-workers who invited me to sit down with them. They also asked me for some of my delicious granola with chocolate, that I bought in Tamatave where the cyclone hit. I was annoyed. They’re always asking for something. I thought of not going inside, then I thought, “This is a great opportunity to sit down and converse with Malagasy folks, and these folks are fellow teachers like me.” So I went in and was playfully an asshole. I was an asshole more to the girl that I’m attracted to. I was having a little fun, but there was some annoyance and anger mixed in there, too. When I said my good bye, she avoided making eye contact with me. Maybe she’s attracted or maybe she didn’t like my cocky behavior. Later, I regretted the whole thing: being an asshole, perhaps too much of an asshole. I’m gunna be more friendly, more funny, more upbeat, next time.

It’s been a good week. Teaching going well. I’m not getting as mad at the kids as I have before. Getting a lot of video editing done, too. Oh, I’ve started watching episodes of Miami Vice. It’s so interesting. I know all the areas and streets. While in Miami I never had a car and walked and too public transportation, I had drank beer and stuff in many back alleys and waterways I know the city like the back of my hand. So I see the difference between then and now.  It stirs a nostalgia that I’m still trying to wrap my mind around.

This week Premiere D1, equivalent to high school Juniors, was rowdy as hell and I had them sit under the sun for 20 minutes. I wasn’t mad. I don’t regret it. It had to be done. I gave them multiple chances to be quiet in class.

Also, I’ve been filming a lot for my weekly vlog that I’m starting. A new film-making technique. I’m enjoying it. And it keeps me busy.