The Future of Teaching

Just thought I should inform the blog side of the world that I (Charlene) have a long term subbing position lined up from Oct 1st until Thanksgiving break (maternity leave) teaching Chemistry! It's within the same department I did my student teaching with so I already know the teacher and other department members. I also will know a good chunk of the students from the Biology classes I student taught and have substituted in. I'm subbing a half day this coming Monday for this teacher while she goes to a doctor's appointment. I don't get benefits during this term and I won't get a pay bump until the 21st day of working. If something happens and it goes until 60 days then I'll get benefits! Tricky stuff. I'll be happy to have a consistent daily schedule!

3 YEARS STRONG

Yesterday Charlene and I celebrated our 3rd anniversary!!! (yes, three exclamations for three years.) We celebrated by tango dancing - Argentinian style.

Let me say, the past three years have been the best three years of my life. Living with the most beautiful, smart, adventurous, and dangerous woman I can think of has been worth every second - every smile, every kiss, every touch, as well as every cross-armed glare, every fight, and every burnt dinner.

I love you Charlene!

ALSO, Ben came and spent the week with us in Fargo. It's been a ton of fun, and we've packed it full of productivity, people, and food (our three favorite things.) Ben and I have been working on a "Adirondack Settee" which is basically a wider version of the original Adirondack chair. Ben and I have made it our project for while we're here - because it feels weird to spend too much time having fun when you don't do some work - so, we've mixed the two together.

Yes, Ben operates power tools. (ladies, take note)

Char'$ Million $ Idea

Chemistry Crayons! So that when little one's (or anyone) plays with crayons they are also learning the colors that various chemicals make/are in various states! These crayons are the culmination of my nerdiness and craftiness and I LOVE THEM! So even if I don't make millions....I appreciate my time and energy!

Here's my Etsy listing for them: http://www.etsy.com/listing/53073009/educational-chemistry-crayons-complete

Edible Arrangements

For the past two months, Charlene has been helping a student pass her online college chemistry course. It was technically a pre-pre-chem class that was only supposed to eat up 15 hours of time a week, but the instructor was ridiculous and the student usually spend at least 20 hours a week at Sylvan and then several more hours at home doing work or collecting supplies for labs. Plus what was asked of the students was much more intense and in depth than necessary for this level of chemistry. In the end, the student passed with at least a "B" and Charlene filled out a scathing course review. To show her gratitude, the student bought her an "Edible Arrangement". Not a flower arrangement....but a fruit/chocolate one! DELICIOUS!!!

Thank you Andrés Iniesta

Charlene is still very happy that Spain won. She could just watch that match over and over.... well played on both sides (minus the record number of flags)... the only thing that could have made it better is if David Villa had scored and then won the Golden Boot award! But I'll survive this way too!

Red Lentil and Cauliflower Curry

Another great recipe...

This recipe just tastes delicious. The spice level depents on which type of curry powder you use so don't worry about it being spicy unless you want it to be!



Red Lentil and Cauliflower Curry

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 piece fresh ginger, grated (about 1/2 inch big)
• 1 large parsnip, peeled and chopped
• 1 tablespoon curry powder
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 1/2 cups red lentils, sorted and rinsed
• 4 cups vegetable stock
• 1 1/2-2 lbs cauliflower, trimmed and sliced into small florets (about 1 medium head)
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt

Directions

1. Have all the ingredients prepped and ready to go. Heat the oil in a stockpot over medium heat. Add the onions and cook about 5-7 minutes, until translucent. Add the grated ginger and cook 1 minute. Add the spices and cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly, then add the parsnip and cook another minute.

2. Pour in the vegetable stock and then the lentils. Cover the pot, raise the heat to high and allow to boil for 1 minute. Stir, cover the pot and lower heat to medium-low. Simmer the lentils for 10 minutes or until yellow and mushy.

3. Add the cauliflower florets and stir to ensure they are evenly coated.

4. Partially cover and simmer for 20 minutes, until cauliflower is tender but not mushy. Remove from heat and stir in cilantro, lime juice and salt. Let the curry sit, covered, for about 15 minutes before enjoying.
   

The Cosmos

Back to Memorial Day weekend......after spending the best morning EVER at the Ingalls homestead....we kept on heading West. We stopped in Mitchell and saw the corn palace....and didn't stay long. We made it to the Black Hills just in time to convince Char's mom that taking us out to eat was a better idea than ordering in pizza. I don't remember where we ate but it was pretty darn delicious! Then we spend the rest of the evening convincing Char's mom that we should go to The Cosmos instead of Mount Rushmore (everyone had been there but Shannon - apparently Luke has been upwards of 7 times!). We succeeded in the morning and headed out on the road...

Strang pic, eh? At The Cosmos there supposedly is a unique gravitational pull that messes with your mind. When you stand up straight according to gravity your eyes tell you you're off base!

I should have fallen down if it weren't for the special gravity!

Oh Trent....still a mouth breather...

He's floating!

The three guys had been moving around on the "T" thing and their heights would vary even though it was level. This pic was taken after the last rotation where they were all obviously surprised at how things had changed!