Teatopia

You Know You're Pregnant When . . .

. . . You can't stop eating rotten cabage (kimchi) and just a couple months ago you'd sooner have eaten poop.

Good News Revealed

I feel like poo-poo. I think I had some of you thinking it was baby news, but it's not. Actually, it's something we needed before the peanut arrives. We got a new car! Because I'm extra emotional, I was very sad to see "Buddy" (James's old car) go. I am keeping mine because it's newer. The new car is an L series Saturn. The other car was a Saturn too, as is mine. We like our Saturns. :-)

Miracle Bracelets

I have been so nauseous lately, so much so that I haven't felt like doing anything. But then I found my miracle bracelets: Seabands, like you'd wear on a cruise for seasickness. They are awesome! They use acu-pressure on your wrists, based on Chinese medicine. The Chinese are so smart!

We're Off!

We've boarded and we're about to leave! It's a nice plane and we have our own TV's! But poor James is sitting next to someone with bad BO. Ciao! =

Waiting at the Gate

Although I'm excited, we've had some rough spots in the last couple hours. It took 30 mins to check-in. The woman was so rude to us and she lost James's ticket. We were at the counter-- how could she have lost it? Where? It's still not all straightened out. She also checked me in under my maiden name (my passport is 4 years old, but there's an amendment in the back that she should've checked when my ticket was in a different name). Then a woman who flies often told us that when we arrive in Senegal, we have to sit on the plane for an hour while the plane is re-fueled and then people will come on the plane to inspect us and spray us with pesticide. Another person also confirmed this. It's going to be quite a trip, but when I look out the window I smile. Total flying time to Johannesburg: 17 hours non-stop, then another few to Capetown. Whew!

First in Line

Here we are ready to check in, but the counter doesn't open until 1:45. Apparently, SA Airways only has evening flights. We had to check out of our hotel, so we would've been early even if we'd known. It's ok though because we're first in line to check in!

Absolutely Giddy!

We've arrived in NYC safely. Our gate at JFK Airport was next to the South African Airways terminal and I got a sneak preview of where we'll be tomorrow. I saw a brightly colored plane at a gate and also the advertisement above. We also changed some money over at the airport, so now I've got some rand. :-) We just ordered a pizza to our room, but I'll post again from my cell phone at the South African gate tomorrow. :-)

Again I Ask . . .

why was I dreading this? These people gave me South African wine and samosas at cocktail hour after the seminars yesterday. Just look at what I had for lunch! Apparently, they knew the way to my heart. I've been attending the sessions for English teachers and I have gained such a wealth of knowledge on international literature. There are now about 10 books I badly want to read! I can't wait to share some of them with my students. I didn't even mention where I am really . . . I am attending a 3 day seminar in Atlanta at CASIE (the Center for Advanced Studies in International Education). This place is so British-- I love it! There are quite a few South Africans. :-)

The Way to My Heart

What was I complaining about? This conference is awesome! (and I don't mean because of the amazing international spread they had for us at lunch). This whole training seminar this week is based on internationalism. I teach for the International Baccalaureate Program-- an international approach to learning. There are IB schools in 119 different countries. Well, back to class!

Mint Julep and Chocolate Cheesecake

Look what my period made me eat!

Just Chillin'

Bubble Tea

Last night I made bubble tea from a kit, but I used colored tapioca pearls I bought in Atlanta. It was good and reminded me of our time in Korea.

Thai Tea in a Can

I bought some of these at the World Market yesterday. I really love this stuff. Have you had Thai iced tea before?

Giving and Receiving

At school, we have a "Secret Santa" thing going all year. It's really nice because I can expect a surprise for most holidays or special occasions. Tonight I picked up some goodies for my secret pal: a gardening magazine, a gerber daisy plant, some gummy worms, gummy life-savers, and some kitty note-paper. I know it's a bit hard to see the goodies, because I have two very curious pups!

And then . . . I also received something today! After seeing Rachel's earrings in her wedding picture, I decided to check out the site where she ordered them. I loved these cupcake earrings and these sushi ones, so James ordered them for me for Easter. Cute, huh?

Food and a Flick

Lunch with mom @ Panera . . .

. . . and "Pooh's Heffalump Movie" (I've loved Pooh since I was a kid)

Old Friends

I may have 2 dogs of my own, but I will always love the family dog I had when I lived at home. We miss eachother still, but I visit a few times a week.

Pina Colada Muffins

Last night I baked Pina Colada muffins (more like cupcakes really) and they turned out superbly. They are totally addicting! To keep myself from eating too many, I decided to bring the remainder into work today, but all of a sudden I am feeling selfish and am considering hiding them until the end of the day when they can come back home with me so I can eat them all anyway. *evil grin* Click below for the recipe. 1 box coconut flavored cake mix (or you could use yellow cake mix) 1 t. pure coconut extract 1 t. pure rum extract 1 C. flaked coconut 1 can crushed pineapple - (8 oz.) with liquid 1 can coconut icing Preheat oven to 350° F. Prepare the cake batter according to package directions. Add the remaining ingredients to the batter and mix for 1 minute. (Do not over-mix.) Fill greased muffin cups 3/4 full and bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until golden. Let cool on wire racks. Serve. Yield 24 Muffins

We're On Our Way

Right now we're at the airport in Sterling, VA waiting for our flight to Atlanta. We've been from the Washington-Dulles airport in VA, to northen MD for a night at James's grandma's house, to various places in PA (including Lancaster where the Amish people live) while staying at my mom-in-law's house, and today back to MD before coming here to the airport. It's been a nice trip and we've seen a lot of family. We're eating a quick bite at California Pizza Kitchen and then off to Starbucks before our flight at 8:00.

Guess What?

I found out that I'm related to our president by marriage (through my husband). Cool.

Spike

This is my nephew's dog. Isn't he cute?

MD & PA

We arrived last night in Maryland-- 3 hours late. We stayed with James's grandma who lives just north of Baltimore, about an hour from where I used to live. Today we visited White Marsh Town Center (pictured below) with stores like Ikea, Omaha Steaks, Birkenstock, and a really cute pet boutique. Later in the afternoon, we went into Baltimore to visit James's uncle and aunt, George and Georgette (how cute is that?). Now, after a drive, we are at James's mom's house in Pennsylvania-- about a 1/2 hour south of York. Tomorrow we're going into York to go shopping, so I'll be sure to report (and include a pic of my adorable 2 yr. old nephew Xavier).

Osaka

Today we had lunch at Osaka, a cute, little sushi bar. We needed to fill our bellies before battling the crowds Christmas shopping. We started with miso soup and ginger salad. I had teriyaki chicken with vegetables, white rice, and green tea. James had chicken udon soup.

Off to Florida

This morning my hubby is leaving for Florida for a week to attend a convention. James is the chief software engineer for a company that designs and implements military training programs for the department of defense. He goes every year and always comes home with some cool things. I will miss him, but I plan to finish Christmas shopping for him and get everything wrapped. Drive safely, hun!

Bun Bo Xao

The other night I put together some Vietnamese Noodle bowls. They turned out well and tasted pretty authentic. I posted this recipe a while back, but this time we made it with chicken, marinated in ginger, garlic, water, sugar, salt, vegetable oil, and soy sauce.

The Cannon Brewpub

Tonight James and I had dinner at a local pub where they make a variety of beers. We split a veggie pizza with cheese, broccoli, artichokes, mushrooms, onions, and tomatoes. We also shared a beer sampler which was kind of fun and different because I've never drank a whole beer before. I'm just not a beer person. I liked a couple of them, especially one that had a coffee aftertaste.

Christmas Shopping

Today we are Christmas shopping just outside of Atlanta. I'll post more about it later, but for now, here's the yummy Massaman Curry I had for lunch.

The rest: I promised to post more later. We went to Starbucks and I had an egg nog latte and we also went and had tea at Tea Fusions. We shopped at Williams-Sonoma and I bought some yummy egg nog waffle/pancake mix too.

Christmas Made In The South

This afternoon I went to a craft fair with my mom and look what she bought me. The sign says "Tea Time" and stupid me cut off the Christmas teapot in the snowman's (or snowwoman's) hand.

Gingerbread Cupcakes with Pumpkin Cream Cheese Icing

I made these delicious cupcakes today. It's another great recipe from Rachael Ray. The recipe says to top them with crystalized ginger, but I grated a little fresh nutmeg for the top of mine. You could also do powdered sugar or sprinkles. Click below for the recipe. 1 box prepared gingerbread mix, prepared to package directions for cake 8 ounces cream cheese, softened 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree 1/4 teaspoon grated nutmeg 1 orange, zested 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 3 1/2 cups powdered confectioners' sugar Shaved crystalized ginger, for garnish Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Divide prepared cake mix into nonstick muffin tins and bake for 20 minutes. The batter will make 8 to 10 muffins, depending on the size of your tin. Turn muffins out of tins to cool. Beat cream cheese, pumpkin, nutmeg, orange zest and vanilla with hand mixer at medium speed. Beat in sugar until frosting is fluffy. Frost cupcakes and top with crystalized ginger.

New/Used Laptop

I really have been wanting a laptop, but really haven't had the budget to buy one (if I buy one, I'll buy a really good one). Luckily, I just inherited this one from my sister. It's certainly not new, but its perfect for my purposes, which include typing lesson plans and such at cafes. I've always wanted to sit there with my mocha or tea and type on my laptop. I feel like Carrie from Sex and the City.

Orchid

While I was grocery shopping today, I stumbled upon this pretty, purple orchid. It was on sale and I just had to have it. Orchids are so beautiful. They're probably my favorite flower.

Making Work Bearable

I often have meetings during planning, but when I don't, this is my ideal break: grading papers (I'm supposed to be productive during planning), Rachael Ray on the tv, and a caramel Frappuccino on my desk.

Trick-or-treating

Doggys' love Trick-or-treating too. They seem to think the kids come to see them. :-)

Dogs

"Dogs leave paw prints on your heart."

Lunch

Today I had a doctors appointment, so James and I got to meet for lunch. James had Pad Thai and I had Rama Curry.

New Friends

Today we met our new friends Eva and Chris in Peachtree City for lunch. Eva and I began corresponding when she found my blog and told me that she and her husband Chris were about to move to Georgia. They live in Atlanta and we live in Columbus, so we're about an hour and a half apart. We make frequent trips to Atlanta, so it won't be hard to maintain a friendship. We had a great time and we're looking forward to seeing them again.

Hump Day

I am so glad to be more than halfway done the week. I have been to the hospital almost every day for a week and a half to see my grandma who is recovering pretty well from from a knee replacement. I love visiting her, but I am exhausted and I'll be glad when she goes home Friday so I can start going straight home after work. I am already thinking about the weekend. I don't know what we're going to do yet, but it will probably involve movies and good meals. :-)

El Vaquero

Tonight James and I had a great Mexican meal. Mexican food is near and dear to our hearts because we had our honeymoon there. Tonight I had chili relleno, a beef enchalada, rice and beans, and a marguerita. James had shrimp and cheese nachos. We're going to have a movie fest now for as long as we can stay awake.

Lunch

Cafeteria food (eggplant casserole and greens) and a little something from home. Looking at my lunch, can you tell I'm in the south? (except for the Korean noodle soup of course).

Support

We just left the hospital where my grandma is awaiting a knee replacement in the morning. Please keep her in your prayers. She means the world to me.

Coffee

There's nothing like an iced peanut butter cupuccinno to put a smile on my face!

Mayuri Cuisine

It's finally here-- the grand opening of Columbus's first Indian rertaurant! We went for lunch today and enjoyed a great, big buffet with all our favorites: tandoori chicken, vegetable pakora, sambar (a spicy pureed lentil soup perfect for dipping), naan, and an awesome rice pudding. James had a mango lassi and I had what I thought would be chai, but ended up being more like hot, black milk tea. It was quite crowded for just having opened, which is comforting. Sometimes these places don't always do so well.

Cats and Dogs

Whoever said that cats and dogs don't like eachother? Our dogs play with this sweet cat from next door all the time.

Oriental Food & Gifts

Tonight we went to the Asian grocery to pick up some bottled green tea and canned Korean fruit drinks (they have real chunks of fruit floating around). We fell in love with these in Korea. We also bought some frozen udon noodles for soups and stir-frying. Yum! I love grocery shopping trips.

Teapots

Even the storage cabinet in my classroom has teapots on it.

Gracie

I like Mommy's new phone!

Sick

This morning I felt sniffly so I made myself some earl grey tea at work. I'm definitely getting a cold. Don't you hate that feeling? By the way, this is my first mobloggin' post. :-)