Garden

Last summer we joined a community garden. The first crop of veggies, mostly tomatoes and beets, wasn't so great. Well, the beets were pretty good. Anyway, we've since learned a lot about gardening, and new crops of tomatoes, lettuce, eggplant, garlic, parsley, thyme and beets are looking good. Problem is, gardening is expensive, something I never realized. When you finish with mulch, stakes, plant food, etc., each veggie ends up costing a lot!  It's great to see the new life springing up in the garden, but we gotta figure out how to keep the costs manageable. I think 10 bucks a tomatoe is kinda pricey!

Computer Class

I find the computer class is challenging in a way that is different from my other classes. I guess it's the techology part that sets it apart.  I don't consider myself a technical person, so it's pretty stressful to figure this stuff out. On the other hand, I like that the design involves not only an orderly process but also creative decisions. It's cool to stand back, look at the screen and be able to say, "I made that." It's more satisfying in a way than finishing a paper. And to think that just a few weeks ago, I didn't even know the meaning of  hyperlink!

A Job Offer

A couple months ago I started applying to private language schools for teaching jobs so I could get some experience. I got two call-backs. When I went on the interviews, I was told that I didn't have enough (make that any!) experience. I don't know why the interviewers had me come in since it was clear from my resume that was the case. Anyhow, last weekend I got a call from one of the schools. They offered me a job teaching accent reduction. I didn't see THAT coming! Is that phonology? I couldn't take the job because I'd already accepted something else (outside of teaching). I was very encouraged, though, about someday being able to  get a teaching job. By the way, is accent reduction a good thing?

Mob Wives

Mob Wives is a reality TV show that I discovered last weekend on VH1. It's a train wreck kind of a series -- so terribly crazy that you can't stop watching. I watched 4 episodes. The premise of the series is how 4 Staten Island wives and daughters of mafia guys (who are connected to infamous crime families like the Gottis, Gambinos and Bonannos) cope while their men are imprisoned. Here's how it's advertised: "The men do the crime, but the women do the time." Catchy, huh?!

Some of the women have kids, but that doesn't stop them from pulling each other's hair, wringing necks, swearing and brawling. Nice. Apparently, there's bad blood between some of them.

This is a culture I never knew existed. It has its own slang/idioms, style of dress (tiger print seems popular) and behavior.  Just when you think the Kardashians or the Houswives of Whatever are over-the-top, reality TV finds new subcultures to mine.

Friday the 13th

I'm not a superstitious person, but last night (Friday the 13th!) a family member got into a car accident on his way home from work. Luckily, no one was hurt ... except the car, of course -- smashed right front. Still driveable but sad to see. And so the insurance nightmare begins. Dam_ you, Friday the 13th!

Lentil Soup Recipe

One of you asked for my lentil soup recipe, so here it is:

1 lb dried lentils
2 yellow onions, chopped
8 stalks celery, diced
4-6 carrots, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 c (or less if you like) olive oil or whatever oil
2 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp dried thyme (or 1 tbsp fresh)
3 quarts chicken stock/broth (or water)
1/4 c tomato paste
2 tbsps red wine or red wine vinegar

Heat oil and saute on medium heat onions, celery, carrots, garlic, salt, pepper, cumin and thyme until veggies are tender and translucent, about 15 minutes. Add dried lentils, stock, tomato paste. Cover and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for about an hour or until lentils are cooked through. Check the seasonings. add the red wine/red wine vinegar and serve hot. Enjoy!

Mother's Day Present

I made my mom lentil soup and baked chicken with pasta and red saude. The dishes turned out really good. My mom was happy. Happy Mothers Day!