The one at Ruby's on the Pier

Last weekends adventure!

The one with the engagement pictures

Last Sunday, we went up to Wiens Winery for our engagement session. We were both quite nervous because we do not usually take good pictures. Once we had a glass of wine and relaxed a bit, the pictures seemed to go really well. We get them in 10 days or so and are very excited to see them. We also finished our save the dates..designed them ourselves and printed courtesy of my dad! They are beautiful and will be sent out soon.

As for school....its been really busy as one would expect the beginning of the year to be. So we are in the fourth week of school and we are just finishing up CELDT testing and other ELL and resource tests for placement purposes. Last week, I got one student from another class, this week I got one student from another school Monday, two new students from other districts on Tuesday and I get 7 more...yes 7, transfers from other classes tomorrow. So it is almost like starting the year over. In both my classes I am gaining almost a 1/3 more students...yikes!!! I was spoiled with my smaller class size. Oh well...nothing I can do about it.

The one with Mission San Juan Capistrano

Today we took a day trip to Mission San Juan Capistrano. We started with lunch at El Adobe then headed to the mission. We used the walking tour headsets and learned all about the mission. It had been a while since both of us had been, so it was nice to see what had changed. It was such a beautiful day and did not get too hot until we were ready to leave. There was a lot of traffic, but we made it home safe and sound!

Here are some highlights:

The one with the Update

Wow, I thought it had been a week since I posted, but it has been much, much longer. I am currently working at Emerald Middle School in El Cajon. I am teaching 6th grade English and History and a creative writing elective (which is now the school newspaper). I am completely exhausted, my feet ache and its just been a busy two weeks. I hope the three day weekend will help. Anyways, I will post some pictures and update more over the weekend.

The one with the Sushi

I forgot to post this, but last weekend we made sushi. We used to make it more than we do now because it does take a lot of time. We decided to try some new things this time so we tried using seared tuna, shrimp and scallops. We made several rolls with lots of veggies. Our spicy tuna turned out amazing! I tried making a dynamite roll, which was okay, but I put too much spicy mayo on top. We also tried doing cucumber wrapped rolls which were excellent!

The one with the job and more!

The wait is over! I signed a contract for a full time position as a 6th grade language arts teacher at Emerald Middle School in El Cajon. I will be working with my previous principal!! Also, in talking to one of my friends I realized that all the schools I have taught at are off the same road! It must be lucky! So we have 11 days until school starts, at least one professional development day, two all day staff meetings, and I have to set up a classroom. Hmm...what should a middle school classroom look like? I am guessing I won't need cute name tags for the seats or a prize box of stickers, pencils and erasers. So much to do!

I also went to see an allergist today. I was quite pleased with the way it went. Dr. Pauls asked lots of questions and was quite helpful. I am being tested for a gluten allergy, milk allergy, all common food allergies, and some other stuff to. They took most of my blood, so I hope that something comes of the tests. Unfortunately, these tests can often come up with false negatives or false positives, so if that is the case, strict food diets are in my future. I just hope after 25 years of this problem someone can help figure this out!

The one with Bon Appetit

Today Scott and I went to see Julie and Julia. I have gone to see several of Scott's movies, so it was time he went to see one I wanted to see. A line was actually forming outside the theater so I got in line while Scott got popcorn and a soda. Once I got to my seat I was thinking that some Reeses Pieces sounded good. Although I know I don't need them, a sweet treat sounded good. I didn't want to go back down and lose our seats. Scott came in and guess what he actually bought some Reeses Pieces! I didn't even ask or mention it! Wow..we must really be in sync today. We each had a few and will save the rest for dessert this week. Despite some of Scott's comments during the movie, we both enjoyed it. I have never seen so many elderly people in a theater. WOW! It was funny to listen to them talk about how dark it was in the theater before and during the movie. One group of old people at least 70+ I would say sat in the row in front of us. One lady walked all the way to the end by the wall and sat down. Her husband was getting help walking from what I assumed to be his son. He kept telling him to walk down the isle and sit next to his wife. The old guy responded with "I've known her for 65 years, why do i have to sit next to her? Can't I sit next to someone else, I already know her!" I found this to be quite hilarious. However, no one in his group laughed. As for the movie, I thought the stories were very well paralleled. I also believe I have never seen so much butter in my life. Coming from a person who doesn't EVER use butter (well maybe in brownies)...or like it, I don't know what that says, but if you need suggestions on other ways to flavor food besides butter and salt, just ask! From the foodie inside me, Bon Appetit!