Despite being tremendously stressed about money, life is wonderful. I am really liking Houston and things are going well... I can even see myself staying here for another year (although not to teach). For the first time ever I am somewhat apathetic about flying home for Christmas, I think that is primarily due to the outrageous cost of flying home.

It snowed in Houston yesterday,craziness! But no fears, it is 74 degrees today!

While school continues to be EXTREMELY stressful and hard to deal with... I am progressing with my students. They took a benchmark test on Wednesday and did a FANTASTIC job. My student took a pretest at the beginning of the year and scored a 45%, then they took Benchmark 1 in October and scored a 54%, this week they took benchmark 2 and scored a 74%!!! My principal was very impressed and happy with me, so that made me feel good. It is hard to get positive feedback on what I am doing in my room.

Tonight is both the Teach For America Christmas party as well as the Gallegos Christmas party, I am bringing my friend Jake. It is going to be a ton of fun... last year the Gallegos one got out of had as a little too much Tequilla was served and these Hispanics that I teach with know how to drink it... they're crazy! I am excited to let loose and enjoy a night.

Christina's visit was enjoyable, it was so nice of her to fly down to visit me. We had a low key but very enjoyable time. We went to the Science museum, ate some good food, shopped at the Galleria, and hung out a lot with Jake... the three of us had a bit of a margarita tour and just enjoyed being with each other. The Thanksgiving meal itself turned out really well.... we had to cut the turkey with a pearing knife as we didn't have a carving knife, ooops. Created some humor.

hmmm, I feel like I have so much to say... but I can't think of it right now. Life is going well despite financial problems (having to put new brakes and rotors on my car last week did not help!)

Please write when you can, I miss you all.

Much love, Robert