New on the Bookshelf

I just recently purchased Chopsticks: A Cultural and Culinary History. I'm looking forward to reading this book about the historical use of chopsticks in China and the evolution of culinary delights based on its use. While I'm usually interested in any book on food, this one is special as I get ready for an upcoming trip to China. Can't wait to dive in.

My Annual Post

So apparently I now write once a year in March. And it looks like it's March, so here I am. Seattle in March isn't always that great, but this winter/spring has been unbelievable. The weather has been mild, and there have been a lot of sunny days. Lovely. And have I mentioned my niece and nephew??? Adorbs. Kylee is training with chopsticks: My nephew, Conner, is my walking partner - we always go on adventures: Here's Kylee posing for the camera: I'm a giddy aunt.

The Salt Lick in Driftwood, TX

9 months later...and I'm here

So it turns out, I'm a bad blogger. Maybe it says something about the quality of my life. Something to mull over. (Note to self: find something interesting to do). What have I been up to? The usual. I work, have fun, and repeat. One of the joys, though, has been visiting my nephew and niece, Conner and Kylee. I will have to get pics up of them, especially of Kylee, who will be turning a year old in a couple of months. At first Kylee was very wary of me (read: she screamed every time she saw me). I really think she's warming up to me now. I think. We'll see if she openly cries when she sees me.

Chile - Check!

I was fortunate this summer to be the recipient of a teacher-in-residence program grant. I spent three weeks in Chile, traveling to three different cities: Valparaiso, Concepcion, and Santiago. I enjoyed Chilean hospitality through home stay families, wonderful families, who taught me much about Chilean culture, food, and generosity. My main job while I was there was to teach English classes, conduct workshops, and carry out teacher observations. I was a busy girl, but this was truly a trip that I won't soon forget.