I'd often wondered if I'd be able to do it.

As an omnivore and one who enjoys eating meat, I'd often question if I'd actually be able to kill a living creature in order to eat it. While tonight, I discovered that yes, I can. But it wasn't pleasant. At least not until I was eating it.

I dropped 4 live lobsters into a steamer basket. This is almost worse than dropping them into boiling water I think because they aren't initially aware of how bad it is going to be. Then once I stuffed them in (and I had to, to get the lid on), I could hear them rattling against the lid for the first 7 or so minutes. I ignored their cries and kept reading (Pride and Prejudice - it's so good! who knew?!). And after 20 minutes, opened the lid to reveal 4 bright red lobsters which my family and I devoured.

Here I am kissing mine good-bye:


My sister, newly arrived to Maine ate hers almost instantly and declared "I eat 9 oz of protein a meal, you know! (Actually, no I didn't) I'll need two next time." Um, ok.


My dad had fun playing with his.


As did my mom:


This was my dad's 3rd lobster in 6 meals. Here he is at lunch with my mom looking on.


Not to worry, she also had lobster, but in the form of a club sandwich. Me, I had a salad. There's only so much of eating out that I can take (never thought you'd hear me say that, huh?).

Maine - first impressions

It's humid in Maine. Seriously, disgustingly (though I have a low tolerance for humidity) humid. However, the view from the back deck of our rental house (actually the view can be seen from every room in the place) is awesome. See:



Also we found a farmer's market today (you know I love those) and bought goat cheese, sweet corn, sugar snap peas, well you get the picture.

Now if only to avoid being driven crazy by the fact that there is no escape from the people I'm with (my parents). It's not them (for the most part), but more the fact that I ~need~ my alone time.

This post brought to you by the commission for parenthesis in every sentence (great for a mind that's often side tracked).

I'm calling it football

Living in Europe (Moscow is sort of European) for the start of the World Cup was pretty great. I was never that into soccer, but I do enjoy going to sports bars. So I started watching with Bree. And then I got into it. When I'm invested, I'm the person jumping up, almost knocking the table over, screaming.

And man, has there been a lot to cheer about these past two days. My future home, the Netherlands BEAT Brazil yesterday. Since NED was ranked high it's not ~that~ much of an upset, but to the world of football (and to the world, it is football, it's a game played mostly with your feet, it makes sense, America, get over it and start calling it football) fans, I'd say it came as a surprise. And me, I've never enjoyed watching Brazil - whiny, actors the lot of them. So I say "Suck It, Brazil! Enjoy the long flight home." Ha. GO NETHERLANDS!

Then Uruguay and Ghana going to shoot out! I was on the edge of my seat at the end of that match.

And today, what should have been a close game, but no, Germany slaughtered Argentina. Yet another surprise and again awesome because the Argentinian coach, Maradona is, in my opinion, a douche. I'll admit, I laughed at his tears. And we all know I have a thing for Germans.

The most hilarious part of this game was when the announcer used "tantalizing and scintillating" in the same sentence. Dude, I'm watching football (or soccer if you must), not porn.

But if it comes down to Netherlands vs. Germany, I'll be wearing orange.

Ups and Downs

Hm, haven't posted since my pack out day... which is now over 2 weeks ago. I've been everywhere emotionally and haven't known how and what to write here.

I'm still not sure that I could put it all down. I'm really going to miss my students - I would have loved to have continued teaching my grade 10 students as they head into the IB (feel free to send me questions!). I'm going to miss seeing Bree as often as I did. I almost cried saying good-bye to my vegetable lady - she was the first Russian (outside of Bree's boy) who was truly friendly and patient with me and continued to be for 3 years. But in the end, I only cried on the last day of school for teachers.

I spent one more week in Moscow to test out this relationship that had just started. However, even in the few weeks that it lasted had so much more drama than any relationship I'd ever had. I should have known that was a bad sign. I should have trusted my instincts. But I'm a gambler when it comes to love. I'm willing to accept that it will appear when I least expect it and to take a risk to see how the cards fall.

But this, the day that I felt like I was suddenly in a Jerry Springer episode, I should have stopped seeing him then. I know my students think I watch too much How I Met Your Mother, but Ted was right in saying that nothing good happens after 2 a.m. Or if you go to bed super early like I do, after midnight. And too often in the end did I allow myself to see him and make decisions after midnight. So much energy spent there that could have been spent enjoying Moscow. Not that I wasn't enjoying my time, but was the emotional stress worth it? Well, at this moment, I'm thinking not really. And I'm ready to let go of that - easier said than done, but hopefully writing it out will help.

I'm back in Atlanta; I've been here a week. And I've met two new babies. Here I am with my best friend's girl:


My sister had a pool party for her birthday (hence the suit) and here I am with Beth and her son.


I've eaten tacos and bbq. I've made summer pasta salads and a fresh tomato sauce. I've had a minor surgery and was told by the doctor and nurse that I'm the calmest patient they've ever had. Post op, I showed them my tattoo and it all became clear to them that I have a high pain tolerance.

I'll be in Atlanta another week, then off to Maine, Boston, back to Atlanta, Austin, back to Atlanta, then Asheville and then back to Atlanta to fly to Amsterdam. I'm also taking 2 online courses. In so many ways, it appears that I am mildly insane.

Moving Day

It's strange watching strangers pack up your life. I look at the things I've acquired living here - carpets and yarn mostly, but also Russian souvenirs - things I never thought I'd have. As well as the items that have been in so many different houses with me - mostly kitchen wear. I still have the plates that Ashish and I bought together for our first house out of college. My guess is he doesn't have his half anymore, but I should ask him. Because he, way more than me is a collector. Then I've got the board games - a fetish finally honed in California, though I've got 2 chess sets from college days as well.

However, the movers, they don't care about my stuff or my memories, so in just under 3 hours, they've packed up my whole house. In case you're curious, all my wordly possessions, well except for my much missed Kitchen Aid mixer living with Nate and Vero, fit into 50 boxes and 3 suit cases. I love having movers, someone else to lift the heavy boxes, to wrap up all the glasses and pictures. This is the way to go, I may never be able to move my own stuff again. I'm spoiled, I know. It's a problem, but admitting it is the first step, right?

And now, finally, the excitement of leaving Moscow and moving to Amsterdam is starting to set in. I'll miss my friends, I'll miss the school, I may even miss my apartment. But there is very little about this city that I'll miss. I've got another week and a half to try to soak it all in though. I really hope it warms back up… it's only 60 F and has been raining for 2 days straight. It's mid-June people, come on!

I hate this part of moving

Cleaned out the cupboards of the food stuffs that I've bought, but haven't used. I hate that - knowing I've wasted money and food! However, this situation is a bit better as I'll be taking most of it to school and I'm sure people there will take it - nothign sells better than free, right?

I'm less and less ready to leave Moscow every day...

Good Bye AAS

Good Bye AAS
Originally uploaded by Traveling Em

Oscar Night at AAS. I was photographed for the school news paper for an article on leaving teachers. I'm not sure what was done to the photo, because I'm fairly sure I don't look this good on a daily basis, so thanks Balint. It's a great shot!

Secretly I've been a person all along

Well, graduation weekend has come and gone. The school feels really empty without the seniors around. It was a weekend of reflection on my 3 years here, because really after teaching most of this class when they were in grade 10, I knew that I wanted to stay and see them through graduation. I expected to cry, but didn't. Instead, I felt so proud. I can't even imagine what it's like if you're a parent - you must want to explode with the joy of what they do and can do. And when they disappoint, the heart ache must border on wondering if you should call an ambulance.

As a class, these students were not cohesive, which I've related stories of before. However, as individuals, they are amazing and I have no doubt of what they are capable of.

There were fewer teachers than usual at the post-graduation celebration at the Hard Rock. It is strange to share a beer with students, especially for those of us coming from North America. But, I had a good time. Seeing some of my favorite students smoking was awful. Seeing some of my former students who had come back for the ceremony no longer smoking was awesome.

On the way out the door, at a very reasonable 10:45, I was stopped by one of the students. "Ms. S, I don't know if should tell you this or not, but we've found your blog. I went back and read the whole thing and I feel so much more connected to you... you know, as a person."

I'm always conscious of this being, well, on the Internet, and knowing that whatever is here is for public consumption. But I did have a fleeting moment of "should I be worried?" But then, I realized (hoped?) that it was that students aren't used to thinking of their teachers as people with lives outside of the school. But it's true! We are people, maybe we just don't such a good job of making it obvious in the class though.

And while I find it exciting that my readership is now up to potentially 8 (eight!), perhaps instead of googling me, y'all should have been studying. But now that exams and graduation have come and gone and you're on your way to college feel free to comment or send my messages occasionally.

Best of luck, class of 2010.

Cooking with the Seniors

I volunteered to give up several (3) of my prep periods today to teach the seniors a "cooking in college" lesson. We made spaghetti with home made marinara and meatballs as well as these Orange Cheesecake Brownies (they deserve their own link because they were so very good).

I had a blast, it was funny to see who was comfortable in the kitchen - the boys who just dove in, mixing up the meatballs with their hands, there was another who I had to teach how to wash a dish (seriously). There was one girl who was all about the baking (me at a young age, I'm sure) and the others who just sat around watching.

It was a really nice day over all.

And it inspired me... I came home and made a lemon cake.

Coming soon, senior celebration night and graduation and the after-party that teachers are invited to at the Hard Rock. Stay tuned.

Baltic Sunset

Baltic Sunset
Originally uploaded by Traveling Em

Just got back from chaperoning girls tennis in Riga. It was beautiful! We were about 500 meters from the beach. I walked for an hour every morning. Graduation is coming this weekend, the year is flying by.

Not sure if I'm ready for all of this to be over.

Southern France in Pictures - Week 1

This is Mazamet, the town we based out of on our extended spring break holiday. The first day we were there, there was a flower show.



Here are my parents. Mom bought dried lavender, that's what's in the bag.


After that, we went to Carcasonne


The next day to Castres


It was Monday, so everything was closed including the Goya museum, but we got to see the gardens:


But since it was all closed we headed to Minerve (where we loved and bought 6 bottles of the 4 euro wine!)


Then we had a day or two of chilling in Mazamet. We played cards and the neighborhood cats hung out.


Albi with it's incredible cathedral:


Full of delicately carved limestone:


And then back to Mazamet, home of a giant preying mantis.


More photos on flickr.

Karaoke!

You know how normally when you watch karaoke, there are people on stage and as you watch you end up in a shudder, muscles twitching as you struggle for control. Attempting to contain your facial expression (an impossible feat for me) while the person on stage desperately tries to be Whitney Houston. But then there is a person who gets up an knocks your socks off. One who makes the whole crowd go silent, then start tapping their feet and with an occasional "Yeah!" whistle or finger snap.

Bree is in the second category of people. We were in Mazamet. I know you've never heard of it. It's a small French town, near Castres and Carcassonne (more than just a board game, people!) There are 3 pubs in town and the one closest to our B&B, La Paix, has Sunday night karaoke. Bree started with "Hush" by Bjork and well, everyone hushed and listened to her belt it out. I don't know why I was taking photos instead of videoing!

But here she is singing:

Hit the Ground Running

Bree and I got out Friday night, landing in Moscow at 2 a.m. (technically Saturday). After far too few hours of sleep, I was headed to school at 8 a.m. for IB revision sessions. Then Saturday night was prom - James Bond Themed!

Prom was once again held at the US Ambassador's "house." The ball room seats around 150, so I use the word house lightly. There's a picture of him with his family and the Obama's in the foyer. But when it's full of students, it's hard to imagine dignitaries there. The dresses this year were the best I've seen - mostly long, very classy and classic. I wish I had some more pictures of them, but I felt a bit rude and voyeuristic taking them.

Here are the prom king and queen though, my students in grade 10 and in grade 12.



These two were my students in grades 10 and 11.



And these girls, well, one has been in my advisory for 10th and 12th grades, and both of them were heavily involved in and traveled with Thai Challenge this year. Further, they supported my Buffy then Angel addictions and love Joss Wheadon as much as I do.


As always, more photos on flickr.

Sunday was the International Fair. This offered great food but it was SNOW/HAILING and there were waaaayyy to many people for my comfort level. The great thing about the international fair is that they were all speaking languages other than English and Russian!

Sunday night was book club - The Eyre Affair - I LOVE this book. Unfortunately I was the only one...

Then back to a "normal" schedule, except that before break, I agreed to dance in the talent show. I'd forgotten just how much rehearsal time goes into creating a good dance. Mr. A was a huge help with the choreography and yesterday I got up on stage and did a 2 minute solo to All That Jazz - the Bebe Neuwirth version (see her dancing it here).

It's been 12 years since I've been on stage. I'd forgotten how nerve wracking it is to be under the bright lights, not able to see the audience. And since I'd only learned the steps the night before, I forgot half of them. Shockingly, at the end of the night I earned an audience vote to move on to the finals tomorrow night! I'll try to get some photos.

I never thought I'd say this

But I'm ready to go back to Moscow.

We're stuck in Southern France due to the volcanic ash debacle. We're going on our 11th day, of what was supposed to be 7. Thankfully our hosts are AMAZING. Come stay here at Mazamet Central ()

And really this spot, their house, it's all ideal. We've been able to go to Carcassonne (where they filmed Robin Hood Prince of Thieves), Castres and other amazing French towns. The wine (cheap and delicious), the cheese (stinky and delicious), but it's really difficult to send lesson plans from here.

So I'm ready to go home. Meanwhile, I'll go have another pain au chocolat.

Things I want to write about

Reminders for myself of at least 4/5 posts I want to compose:

More about Cappadocia

More about A's visit

Perhaps a birthday/goals for the new year post

About my current trip to Southern France

Have I traveled too much?

Playing with St. Basil's

Playing with St. Basil's
Originally uploaded by Traveling Em

I have things to write about, awesome things I've been doing and have done. But the motivation isn't here at the moment. Instead, I"ll tell you that my dear friend A was just here. She and I have been friends for 13 years. We had fun playing tourist in Moscow. I hope she and her squeeze will come to see me in Amsterdam too :) Her she is holding up part of St Basil's. One of my favorite photos from her time here.

Cappadocia

IMG_1445
Originally uploaded by Traveling Em

I've got some Cappadocia photos up. There's not mine as I forgot my camera!! (Can you believe it? So ridiculous!) However, this gives an impression. It was stunning all the time. It all looked like this, well not true, there were red hills and mountains and many more Fairy Caves. There's more to write, just not today.

Cappadocia - Central Turkey

I'm in central Turkey for Discovery Week with a great group of 16 students. Seriously, best group I've ever traveled with. We did 8 km of hiking yesterday and 15 km of biking today with almost no complaints. And the scenery is stunning, no, stunning is too mild of a word. Breathtaking. I've biked through many spectacular sights - papaya orchards in Thailand, hill country of Laos - but this beats it.

I'll add pictures when I've got a faster internet connection.

In the meantime, I highly recommend looking this region up and planning a trip. It's awesome.

Tom's Shaggy Bread Recipe

I typed it up for Zombie Girl so figured I'd post it too:

Here's the bread recipe:

Ingredients:
Medium/Large Loaf
2/3 c water
1/1.25 c starter
1/1.5 T Kosher salt
1/1.5 c whole-wheat flour
5/~7 c unbleached flour

Plus
For savory bread:
1T/1.5 T dill seed
.25/.4 c chopped fresh dill
1/1.5T whole grain mustard
1 small/1 medium onion, grated

For sweet
.75/1 c brown sugar
.75/1 c chopped dried fruit
.75/1 c chopped nuts
.5/1 T spice of your choice
(We used dried figs, walnuts and nutmeg, though less than a tablespoon)

Mix water and starter (if making savory also mix in dills and mustard). Stir in whole-wheat flour (if making savory, also stir in onion). Stir in 1 cup flour. Stir in salt (delayed so it doesn't kill the yeast in the starter). Add remaining flour 1 cup at a time to form a shaggy, moist batter which just begins to clean the bowl (pull away bringing all surrounding dough with it). (If making savory, stir in ingredients while still quite shaggy).

Cover and allow to sit overnight in a cool place (refrigerator is ok).

In morning, tip out dough onto floured surface using a spoon dipped in flour. "Knead" lightly 5 to 6 times. Form into shape of pan. Line a similarly shaped proofing pan with 2 pieces of "cross-wise" parchment (crossed to make lifting dough out easier) sprayed with oil. Scoop dough and place inside.

Cover and allow to rest in a warm place approximately 4 hours.

0.5 hours preheat oven and pan that you'll bake bread in to 500F.

Remove pan from oven, score the top of the dough and transfer, parchment and all, into preheated pan. Cover and return to oven. Lower temperature to 425. Bake covered, 0.5 hours. Remove lid, continue to bake for 35 - 50 minutes or until internal temperature is 208 - 210F. If browning too quickly, cover loosely with foil.

Allow to stand 5 minutes in vessel. Remove and allow to cool on a wire rack for 1 hour (if you can manage) before slicing.

Shaggy Bread

One of my co-workers had me over to see how he makes bread yesterday. This guy rocks. He brings in some sort of breakfast treat EVERY Monday. It's a great way to start a Monday. It's often a huge loaf of bread that he's made.

He uses a sour-dough starter and it's a no-knead, over-night slow rise. The only difficulty is having the starter. I used to have one going in Vancouver and I think I'll start one again in Amsterdam. In the meantime, I might get some of his because it really was easy. You proof it in a vessel that's a similar shape to the baking pan and proof it on parchment. Then just lift the whole thing into the pre-heated pan when you're ready to bake it.

But all of this I've seen and done before. The best part was getting to see Tom and his wife's collection of Polish pottery. I'm inspired. I'm already planning to rent a car for my October break and drive to Poland. Anyone want to join me?

Here's the bread plus some pottery: