Beautiful Browned Turkey
Nicole's Evil Stuffing
Bouteille Call Cranberry Chutney
Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Michael's Corn
Green Beans with Shallot Crisps and Walnuts
Gorgeous Fall Salad
Hot Buttered Dinner Rolls
Baked Apples and Sweet Potatoes
Steal-the-Peeler-from-Big-Sister Apple Pie
Dueling Pumpkin Pies a la Jenny
28 November 2008
05 August 2008
Flying!
On Saturday, our friend Marty took us for a flight on his beautiful airplane. We went for Catalina for lunch and a hike, and then flew back to the OC. I flew on the way back, right over the Huntington Beach pier.
This was far less scary than I expected. In fact, I liked it way better than flying commercial. You can read more about it at Michael's site.
30 July 2008
Platy McFatty, Rest In Peace
I am sorry to report the loss of Ms. Platy McFatty this evening.
Her death came not long after her return from fat camp, where she successfully transformed from a morbidly obese fish into a moderately overweight yet stunning lady. Although she died the same day as the earthquake, her death is believed to be unrelated. The family declined an autopsy, wanting to remember her as the happy fish she was.
The Clown Loach Army has declined comment. Mr. Plecostomus said, "she was pretty nice, but shouldn't have eaten all the clown loach food. She should have left the stealing of their food to me."
She was the mother of ten (possibly more) and only ate one of her offspring (that we know of.) Eight of her offspring preceded her into the great beyond. She loved red flakes and carnivore pellets. She was afraid of nothing and no one, and dominated the tank since her arrival.
Platy McFatty is survived by her daughters Zippy and Zippy Jr., and her dear friend Miss Skinny. Private funeral services were held in the upstairs lou.
The Zippy sisters request that in lieu of flowers, mourners send snails for the clown loaches. If the Army is distracted, its pellets will be easier to steal.
Her death came not long after her return from fat camp, where she successfully transformed from a morbidly obese fish into a moderately overweight yet stunning lady. Although she died the same day as the earthquake, her death is believed to be unrelated. The family declined an autopsy, wanting to remember her as the happy fish she was.
The Clown Loach Army has declined comment. Mr. Plecostomus said, "she was pretty nice, but shouldn't have eaten all the clown loach food. She should have left the stealing of their food to me."
She was the mother of ten (possibly more) and only ate one of her offspring (that we know of.) Eight of her offspring preceded her into the great beyond. She loved red flakes and carnivore pellets. She was afraid of nothing and no one, and dominated the tank since her arrival.
Platy McFatty is survived by her daughters Zippy and Zippy Jr., and her dear friend Miss Skinny. Private funeral services were held in the upstairs lou.
The Zippy sisters request that in lieu of flowers, mourners send snails for the clown loaches. If the Army is distracted, its pellets will be easier to steal.
27 July 2008
Not the wisdom teeth!
They apparently have to come out. In my poorly scanned X-Ray, above, you can see that my bottom wisdom teeth are growing sideways into my other teeth. Those regular teeth have old, old fillings that are crumbling, and therefore have to be capped. Therefore, my poor wisdom teeth must go.As my friend Tom pointed out, I can't afford to lose any wisdom.
18 July 2008
My awesome day
Today, I had the honor of meeting Professor Francisco Jiménez . He is the author of several autobiographical works detailing his experiences as an immigrant child of migrant farm workers in California in the 1950s. Jiménez , inspired and helped by teachers, attended Santa Clara University despite crushing poverty, went on to attain graduate degrees at other prestigious universities, and today is a teacher at SCU.
His works inspires kids to believe that change is possible in their lives if they work hard and are willing to reach for futures that sometimes seem impossible.
I've met other authors before, but it was inspirational to see Jiménez speak. He was addressing a small class of English language learners from all over the world who are attending San Jose City College. The students had very limited English skills, but he made them feel comfortable and encouraged them to ask questions. He was gentle and inspiring, and very gracious. He expressed over and over again how much he owed to his teachers, and thanked our little group from the OC for doing what we do.
It was worth the negativity of the annoying people at Ethics Camp this year just to have today's experience. (They don't know where we disappeared to for an hour and a half today! Ditching is fun.)
Jiménez's inscription in my copy of The Circuit, which he was kind enough to sign:
"To Nicole -
With respect, gratitude and admiration."
How cool is that?
17 July 2008
Another Post?
I know. It's amazing.
I'm back at Santa Clara University at Ethics Camp. Truly pathetic that I've posted only once since the last Ethics Camp. Today we were asked to think about what effort we could make to change something in our lives. I'm resolving to put more effort into blogging.
Of course, this might just be me maintaining the Rainbow blog, which I also haven't been doing. In my defense, Michael spends a lot of time in our computer playing poker, so I really can't be blamed. And work blocks blogspot, so that's another way I can't waste time there.
But today was a good day, professionally. I just presented some of my brilliant teaching ideas to alternative ed teachers from all over the state. Although they had a plethora of reasons why they couldn't possibly do what I do (none of them, oddly enough, an honest "I'm too lazy") they were deeply impressed by my stunning classroom activities. This is my favorite. It's an illustrated word wall in the shape of a flag. Obviously. I won't bore all of you with the the teacher-y reasons one must have a word wall as part of one's teaching strategy. I just think it looks cool. :)
Negative people are irritating. I love ethics camp. It's re-energizing and enlightening and soothing. It's a chance to get away from the classroom for a week and be with other professionals who care about students. However, there's always a group of people who are forced to come, and choose to see the week as an assignment rather than a privilege. Why can't they just sit back and enjoy themselves? Why must they criticize and spew their negative attitudes over everyone? They're bringing me down.
I'm back at Santa Clara University at Ethics Camp. Truly pathetic that I've posted only once since the last Ethics Camp. Today we were asked to think about what effort we could make to change something in our lives. I'm resolving to put more effort into blogging.
Of course, this might just be me maintaining the Rainbow blog, which I also haven't been doing. In my defense, Michael spends a lot of time in our computer playing poker, so I really can't be blamed. And work blocks blogspot, so that's another way I can't waste time there.
But today was a good day, professionally. I just presented some of my brilliant teaching ideas to alternative ed teachers from all over the state. Although they had a plethora of reasons why they couldn't possibly do what I do (none of them, oddly enough, an honest "I'm too lazy") they were deeply impressed by my stunning classroom activities. This is my favorite. It's an illustrated word wall in the shape of a flag. Obviously. I won't bore all of you with the the teacher-y reasons one must have a word wall as part of one's teaching strategy. I just think it looks cool. :)
Negative people are irritating. I love ethics camp. It's re-energizing and enlightening and soothing. It's a chance to get away from the classroom for a week and be with other professionals who care about students. However, there's always a group of people who are forced to come, and choose to see the week as an assignment rather than a privilege. Why can't they just sit back and enjoy themselves? Why must they criticize and spew their negative attitudes over everyone? They're bringing me down.
19 February 2008
Tour de Cure 2008!!!
Michael and I are riding in the Tour de Cure again! Woo-hoo!
We're quite excited as always to be helping to raise money for the American Diabetes Association. This disease adversely affects the lives of millions of people every year, including members of our own family. We hope that our efforts make an important contribution to finding a cure.
Please support me by going to my Long Beach Tour de Cure page and making a donation. Or, if you prefer, visit my Napa page and support those Northeners. Every contribution, no matter how small, is greatly appreciated.
I'm also looking forward to raising more money than Michael for the fourth year in a row!
10 July 2007
Ethics Camp
I'm spending a fun-filled week at Santa Clara University at Ethics Camp. This is a teacher thing, and most of you won't be fascinated by details, so I won't give you any.
For those of you who are wondering "what is Santa Clara University?" it's billed as the oldest-operating college in California set on the grounds of the 5th of the famous California missions. However, being a University of the Pacific alumna and former campus tour guide, I am fully aware the UOP was chartered first. Also, perusing SCU's website, I noticed that it was actually a prep school in 1851, not a college. Therefore, I think UOP wins. And it has a better website.
You can't beat Santa Clara for beauty, though. I must admit, it is a gorgeously tended campus full of gardens and lush lawns. However, as I thought when I was a 17-year-old picking a college, it's a bit sterile. You might be stoned if you picked a flower or trampled a blade of grass.
23 June 2007
Graduation!!!
Graduation was today!
For the first time, it was my students graduating!
This is a picture of me with my wonderful graduates, my two favorite students -
Alberto and Darius.
Yes, I cut my hair.... here's me last night after it was done.
I don't look good because I had been crying. Not about the hair, though.
....The crying is a subject for another post.
For the first time, it was my students graduating!
This is a picture of me with my wonderful graduates, my two favorite students -
Alberto and Darius.
Yes, I cut my hair.... here's me last night after it was done.
I don't look good because I had been crying. Not about the hair, though.
....The crying is a subject for another post.
23 May 2007
Yes, I have a personal trainer
Her name is Gina.
This is Gina training some guy who's much stronger than me. I do not look like him when I lift weights. I look much sillier.
For those of you who are unaware, I have lost almost 20 lbs in the last six months. This primarily involved eating less.
About three months ago, I decided I needed to exercise more to go with it. However, I hated running, wasn't biking enough, and eschewed all other forms of exercise. I still hate running, but am now financially obligated to exercise at least twice a week. And Gina's fun. Perhaps my legs will make it up those Tuscany hills in September.
I really need to get in shape because I'm doing something insane this summer.
I'm becoming a middle school teacher.
"Middle school is great," many teachers say. Jenny loved middle school. Tricia would love to teach it someday. However, think 12-14 year olds with raging hormones who have been expelled from their regular middle school. That will be my world.
I will need much energy.
21 May 2007
Another Tour de Cure successfully completed...
107 km (approximately 66 miles) in a little under 5 hours. That includes 7 stops, which is excessive for us.
There's one on Michael's site that's much better. I had to order a different one than him. There's also a photo of me with a celebrity.
All in all, a good day. I raised more money than last year, thanks to my very generous friends. If any of you feel like helping out the American Diabetes Association a little further, I'm only $72 away from a really cute jersey. Of course, that shouldn't be my motivation.
How I managed to gain a lb while biking that far, I can't imagine. Must have been the peanut butter.
- Wardrobe adjustment
- The nicest restroom on the trip
- Peanut butter desperately needed after Newport Coast
- Ferry crossing
- Flat tire immediately after getting off the ferry
- Someone else's flat tire 4 miles later
- Exhaustion Stop for more peanut butter
There's one on Michael's site that's much better. I had to order a different one than him. There's also a photo of me with a celebrity.
All in all, a good day. I raised more money than last year, thanks to my very generous friends. If any of you feel like helping out the American Diabetes Association a little further, I'm only $72 away from a really cute jersey. Of course, that shouldn't be my motivation.
How I managed to gain a lb while biking that far, I can't imagine. Must have been the peanut butter.
15 May 2007
11 May 2007
Who says there aren't freaks in Newport?
In the parking lot of my condo, an old lady with an adorable cocker spaniel... "You're driving me crazy. Be careful or it's off to animal research for you."
Around the corner, in the middle of the street, a guy running full speed down the street, dribbling a basketball.
We went all the way to Red Bluff for my cousin Stacy's wedding last weekend. Here's a picture of her with her eyes closed. Unfortunately, the only picture I took.
My sisters and I wore brown. Glamor says that sunglasses as headband is a "do," which makes me cooler than them. Tricia, you were right, though: drama eyes better than bold lips. Jenny and I look a little hooker.
The wedding was pretty standard Red Bluff. Only I really missed the country band.
We also went to Solvang, which was lots of fun. Michael's site has more info on that.
Around the corner, in the middle of the street, a guy running full speed down the street, dribbling a basketball.
We went all the way to Red Bluff for my cousin Stacy's wedding last weekend. Here's a picture of her with her eyes closed. Unfortunately, the only picture I took.
My sisters and I wore brown. Glamor says that sunglasses as headband is a "do," which makes me cooler than them. Tricia, you were right, though: drama eyes better than bold lips. Jenny and I look a little hooker.
The wedding was pretty standard Red Bluff. Only I really missed the country band.
We also went to Solvang, which was lots of fun. Michael's site has more info on that.
22 March 2007
White People Have Feelings, Too
Why is it that my white friends go out of their way to be politically correct, but non-whites I know, of all race and creed, find it perfectly acceptable to make derogatory comments about white people?
I know as a race we haven't had the best modern history in our treatment of minorities, but does that mean we as individuals should be constantly abused?
My students complain about racism, and then make rude comments about Asian drivers.
At least once a day I hear the phrase, "it's because you're white."
My non-white friends seem to mention race in every conversation. Is that what defines us? And if so, why do they want to be friends with me?
A comment made months ago about a snack I served that still annoys me: "This is so white."
Are white people the only people who eat cheese? I carefully went to the cheese store and selected a beautiful, perfectly balanced selection of cheeses, nuts, and fruit (from all over the world, by the way), sliced and arranged with care and served with a specific lovely wine, and the only comment I get is "this is so white?" I didn't even know the race of the strangers I was going to be having in my home ahead of time! Only white people like cheese? This is news to me!
However, most of my friends are not white, and none of them understand why I'm upset about these kinds of things. I guess I'm lucky I married a white guy, who gets this.
I know as a race we haven't had the best modern history in our treatment of minorities, but does that mean we as individuals should be constantly abused?
My students complain about racism, and then make rude comments about Asian drivers.
At least once a day I hear the phrase, "it's because you're white."
My non-white friends seem to mention race in every conversation. Is that what defines us? And if so, why do they want to be friends with me?
A comment made months ago about a snack I served that still annoys me: "This is so white."
Are white people the only people who eat cheese? I carefully went to the cheese store and selected a beautiful, perfectly balanced selection of cheeses, nuts, and fruit (from all over the world, by the way), sliced and arranged with care and served with a specific lovely wine, and the only comment I get is "this is so white?" I didn't even know the race of the strangers I was going to be having in my home ahead of time! Only white people like cheese? This is news to me!
However, most of my friends are not white, and none of them understand why I'm upset about these kinds of things. I guess I'm lucky I married a white guy, who gets this.
06 March 2007
I've got a roof over my head..."
New bed set up and the bedroom is slowly coming together... still waiting on some linen.
What do you guys think: canopy or no canopy?
What do you guys think: canopy or no canopy?
04 March 2007
Very Sad Bed Day
Last week, I bought a new bed from Crate and Barrel. I love this bed. Unfortunately, it would not fit up our stairs. The 82" posts are permanently attached to the foot board and headboard. The delivery guys tried 4 different ways of getting it up, but it just wouldn't go. I applaud their efforts. I still recommend Crate and Barrel furniture. However, I'm very sad that we will be spending another night with the mattress on the floor. (Of course, today we have a foundation, because that WAS delivered from Sit 'n Sleep.)
Tonight I went Internet surfing and then out to investigate. Cost Plus's bed (below) is almost as cute, and comes in pieces. Luckily, I'm good at putting furniture together! My dad is going to help me pick it up tomorrow. Hopefully, by tomorrow night, we'll have a bed. Wish me luck!
25 February 2007
Tour de Cure!!!
Michael and I are riding in the Tour de Cure again! Woo-hoo!
We're quite excited as always to be helping to raise money for the American Diabetes Association. This disease adversely affects the lives of millions of people every year, including members of our own family. We hope that our efforts make an important contribution to finding a cure.
Please support me by going to my Tour de Cure page and making a donation. Every contribution, no matter how small, is greatly appreciated.
I'm also looking forward to raising more money than Michael for the third year in a row!
16 February 2007
Sharing Isn't Always Caring
I have long wondered what prompts the teenagers in my life to share everything. You know, food, drinks, utensils, clothing, makeup, chap stick, other icky stuff that I wish I didn't know about...
Then I look around at moms of young children who do nothing but "share" with their kids.
At some point very early on, I think we need to teach our children that sharing personal items is not OK. Sometime after nursing but before preschool. If kids are taught that it's OK to share drinks and food and chap stick with mommy, how will they know it's bad to share the juice box with Johnny at school?
I don't think kids differentiate between family and outsiders until a very mature age. When I object to my teenage students sharing, they say things like "it's OK... we share everything at my house." Then they are surprised when they catch everything from colds to cold sores from their friends.
Teach them early. Some things are just personal.
Then I look around at moms of young children who do nothing but "share" with their kids.
At some point very early on, I think we need to teach our children that sharing personal items is not OK. Sometime after nursing but before preschool. If kids are taught that it's OK to share drinks and food and chap stick with mommy, how will they know it's bad to share the juice box with Johnny at school?
I don't think kids differentiate between family and outsiders until a very mature age. When I object to my teenage students sharing, they say things like "it's OK... we share everything at my house." Then they are surprised when they catch everything from colds to cold sores from their friends.
Teach them early. Some things are just personal.
15 February 2007
Happy Valentine's Day
I was busy this morning doing The World's Longest Sudoku Puzzle, so I was a little late getting to school this morning. I was met at the door by an early-bird student, who demanded to know what I "got" for Valentine's Day.
I told her that I wouldn't get anything until this evening. Now I'm not sure what I will tell her.
Michael sent me a case of Bouteille Call, a syrah port from Bonny Doon. When I went to pick up the box (since UPS never delivers when I'm home) I was shocked by its size. I must have asked the poor UPS guy three times if he was sure it was my box, since we usually get wines in twos. When opened, the wine was beautifully individually wrapped in red tissue paper. It's sort of like flowers. They both come in dozens.
The wine isn't dreadful swill, even if it isn't the perfect port. Expect dessert wine if we come to your house. I bought Michael port glasses to go with it, along with a pair of lovely martini glasses he's been admiring.
The dilemma? What to tell my students I got for V-Day... neither the wine nor its name is terribly appropriate classroom conversation. :)
I told her that I wouldn't get anything until this evening. Now I'm not sure what I will tell her.
Michael sent me a case of Bouteille Call, a syrah port from Bonny Doon. When I went to pick up the box (since UPS never delivers when I'm home) I was shocked by its size. I must have asked the poor UPS guy three times if he was sure it was my box, since we usually get wines in twos. When opened, the wine was beautifully individually wrapped in red tissue paper. It's sort of like flowers. They both come in dozens.
The wine isn't dreadful swill, even if it isn't the perfect port. Expect dessert wine if we come to your house. I bought Michael port glasses to go with it, along with a pair of lovely martini glasses he's been admiring.
The dilemma? What to tell my students I got for V-Day... neither the wine nor its name is terribly appropriate classroom conversation. :)
14 February 2007
Blog Intervention
Tate staged a blog intervention for me on Saturday. Funny, I thought we had driven all the way to Napa to see our friends. However, I suppose he has inspired me to update.
Micheal and I did go to SF this weekend. I forgot the camera, so no pics this time. On Napa, we saw the Lindens and did a little bit of wine tasting. On Sunday, we went bed shopping. We looked at this captain's bed, which we had considered ordering online. I'm glad we didn't, because it was surprisingly flimsy. We saw other beds, but none had the necessary requirements. It is surprisingly complicated to buy a bed for a TempurPedic mattress that doesn't invalidate the warranty.
On Sunday night, we had dinner with the Rosens at Bob's Steak & Chop House. The steak was great, but I found it a little disturbing that all of our plates looked identical, even though we had ordered different steaks. They all had steak, a carrot, and our potato choice. Not very imaginative. Our meals pretty much looked like the ones on their website.
On Monday, we met the Lindens again for breakfast at Home Plate. The scones are very yummy. We also wandered around the Ferry Terminal, which is now a whole bunch of upscale stores. The cheese store is amazing.
I miss cheese, but I've lost 14 lbs so far. That's almost worth the cheese deprivation.
Micheal and I did go to SF this weekend. I forgot the camera, so no pics this time. On Napa, we saw the Lindens and did a little bit of wine tasting. On Sunday, we went bed shopping. We looked at this captain's bed, which we had considered ordering online. I'm glad we didn't, because it was surprisingly flimsy. We saw other beds, but none had the necessary requirements. It is surprisingly complicated to buy a bed for a TempurPedic mattress that doesn't invalidate the warranty.
On Sunday night, we had dinner with the Rosens at Bob's Steak & Chop House. The steak was great, but I found it a little disturbing that all of our plates looked identical, even though we had ordered different steaks. They all had steak, a carrot, and our potato choice. Not very imaginative. Our meals pretty much looked like the ones on their website.
On Monday, we met the Lindens again for breakfast at Home Plate. The scones are very yummy. We also wandered around the Ferry Terminal, which is now a whole bunch of upscale stores. The cheese store is amazing.
I miss cheese, but I've lost 14 lbs so far. That's almost worth the cheese deprivation.
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