Browse Month: September 2008

Substitution!

This morning I got word that the lead instructor of my class had a death in the family and that she would be out for a week.  I called the Director of the OT program and she said that class was still being held but that they would have to figure out who was going to teach it.  I attended the class as expected and met the other two assistant instructors.  One assistant gave the first hour of lecture, then I co-taught the next two hours, and then they asked me to give the last hour of lecture!!  The students already had notes to go off of so all I had to do was talk and elaborate on the bullet points.  Luckily this is a clinical/practical class and the topic I talked about was about stuff that I can pretty much do in my sleep so it was pretty easy…and a lot of fun!  I wasn’t nervous and I said “um” only twice.  So, I have officially had my first lecture as a Graduate School Assistant Professor.  AWESOME.

Belize Recap

One week ago we were on our way home from Belize.  After hours of sifting through 818 photos, I’ve managed to narrow it down to 285.  Phew!  Instead of one full photo album, I divided it up into three for your viewing pleasure.

Airports & Caye Caulker, Belize (August 23-26)

San Ignacio, Belize & Tikal, Guatemala (August 26-28)

Caye Ambergris/San Pedro, Belize & Airport (August 28-30)

Overall, it was a relaxing yet adventurous trip.  I loved seeing all the creatures under the water, on land, and in the trees.  The Optio W30 did well underwater and in the rain and my Nikkor 18-200mm lens was the perfect travel lens despite its weight and heft.  I couldn’t believe how close I could get to the monkeys and birds up in the trees.  It practically doubled as binoculars in the jungle!  The Mayan ruins were amazing and our guide was a really cool guy.  We’ve met some interesting people along the way and made two friends who live nearby.  I came home with some color on my face and the bug bites weren’t all that bad.  I also LOVED my mosquito-repellent shirt and Keen sandals.  They were definitely worth the money.  It was also helpful to wear convertible pants and the little washcloth I brought along with me everywhere was often a lifesaver.

Dramamine is my friend on sailboats and having your own snorkel gear really ensures a hassle-free snorkeling trip – no seasickness and no water in the goggles!!  The food was yummy but can get old if you’re not into beans and seafood.  I LOVED the shrimp and salsa everywhere I dined.  Their lobster is also very tasty.  Panades, salbutes, and Johnny Cakes are AWESOME and have been added to my repertoire of foods.

Tips for Belize:

  • Bring plenty of US dollars to change when you get there.  You’ll get the best exchange rate at the airport in Belize City.  Make sure you have lots of small bills (in Belizean dollars) for tip and small purchases.
  • Pack light and be prepared for some crazy humidity.
  • Bring along some Ziploc bags to protect your belongings from the downpours and humidity.
  • Bring bug spray and beware of biting flies.
  • Use lots of sunscreen when you’re out in the sun ‘cuz the rays are strong.
  • The water is generally clean but when in doubt, order Belikin beer. 🙂
  • For sailing on Caye Caulker, go with Raggamuffin Tours.
  • For a Tikal guide, find Elias at Casa Blanca Guest House in San Ignacio.

OK. Enjoy the photos!! Peace out.

Birthday Boy

It’s Jesse’s birthday today and he’s a whoppin’ 33 years old today!

In his 33 years of life, he has managed to do a few things with himself…

  • learned to play the recorder, piano, and guitar
  • taught himself how to cook and has become quite the home chef
  • completed a triathlon and century
  • bought two homes
  • got to Level 70 in WoW
  • married me

He’s already had an omelet breakfast prepared by yours truly and we’re going to Michael Mina tonight for dinner. I wish I could buy him a sailboat for his birthday but we’z po’.  Maybe next year.

UPDATE:

Here’s a photo of Jes and his birthday dessert.  It’s called Seasonal Berries Three Ways.  Dinner was yummy and we all went home with full bellies.

Double Memory Lane

Yesterday I had to take the day off from work to go to Employee Health and HR for my teaching job.  It was the first time I was back on campus since graduation 7 years ago and it was pretty neat to wander around the halls again.  In between my two appointments, I stopped in on the first day of class.  I was asked to stand in front of about 40 grad students and introduce myself to everyone, which was a little weird.  I guess it’s a good thing that I’m not scheduled to give my two lectures until mid-November.  I should know everyone by then.

That same afternoon, I was pleasantly surprised to receive a letter from Yoon!  It said that she was cleaning her apartment and found some old photos that she’s been holding onto for 7 years.  Along with the letter were several photos of the day that Jes proposed to me, which also happened to be on my graduation from OT school.  What a great way to accompany my walk down memory lane.  Thanks for the photos, Yoon!!

Food with Friends

On Labor Day, we had an impromptu BBQ.  Dayantha and Krissy were in town for a family event and came over on Monday to hang out and sleep over.  We prepared some of Susie’s mom’s spicy pork and bulgogi along with some chili lime wings that Jes prepared.  We grilled on the fourth floor and used the common area to enjoy our meal and watch the Bruins win their season opener in overtime.

Later, we brought everyone back up to the condo so that Koa could show off his toys to Kona and Smush.

7 months and Good Friends

We are at the end of Month 7 in our “We Have No Car” Experiment.  This also marks the time in which a car will be occupying our parking spot once again.  I will be starting my teaching job on September 8th and the Sokol-Juns have kindly allowed us to borrow their car for the next 4 months.  Thanks guys!!  We bought insurance, registered the CR-V under our names, will be purchasing two new tires, and will gladly babysit Jack as needed.  It’s going to be weird having a car again but I’m sure I’ll get used to it very soon.  🙂