My new job

The day finally arrived...my first day of my new job!  Since it had been nearly two months since I accepted the position, I was eagerly awaiting the start date.   I have been hired as a part of a grant at a Houston area middle school as an ESL Interventionist tutor to help boost test scores for the ELLs (English Language Learners) that are required to take the state exams.  This particular area has a very high Burmese (Republic of Myanmar) population that are very high need.  Many of the students came to the US from refugee camps and missed years of formal education.   What a shame that these students are required to take the state exams just one year after entering the country...but unfortunately this is the case so plug ahead we will.  Most of them are so sweet and really do want to learn.  Being back in the classroom after 9 months reminds me why I really love teaching ESL.  Now only if I could find an Italian teaching job, too!
Wish me luck as I forge ahead.

Mom and Dad's Visit to Houston Dec 2011/January 2012

Once we made the 5 hour trek from New Orleans to Houston, everyone was starving.  So, we first stopped off at our favorite market to do some grocery shopping...well, more accurately, Eric and my dad grocery shopped, my mom and I went to West Elm.  It was a perfect trade off.  

On our way home, we drove through a very beautiful area of Houston that has very impressive homes with some of the most beautiful holiday lights I've ever seen.  As always, these photos do no do it justice!

 Weeping willow trees all lit up, I absolutely love the way this looks!

 One of the more popular houses.  Many people stop in front of this one to take photos.

 Love the candy cane trees, balls of lights and angels, just perfect!

 Look at how far these trees are lit up!  There are crews and crews of workers setting up these houses, it's amazing the work they do.  

When we arrived back, we realized our tree had died while we were away and it was time to take it down.  Luckily I found a place in Houston where they recycle trees so the only obstacle was getting it out of the house...without getting needles everywhere :)

Dad and Eric working hard

And out goes the tree.....

They decided that instead of bringing the tree through the house, they'd drop it off of the front balcony and it was actually quite successful! 

 Mom putting away the decorations and lights

 NYE toast

We decided to go out to a nearby restaurant for a NYE dinner 

 Happy New Year!!!!

Happy New Year 2012!


One day we went to Discovery Green where we found they have iceskating

At one of our favorite coffee houses.

We had such a wonderful time with my parents visiting.  It was such a great vacation for us all.  We are so happy they were able to spend some quality time with us in Houston.  Until the next visit!!

NOLA - Dec 2011

The day after my parents arrived in Houston (at 11pm), we woke up at 5am the following day to drive to the one and only New Orleans.  It's a 5 hour drive from our house on the same highway the entire time.  It's a boring drive but we made it to New Orleans by noon and were ready to start our day.  

 View of the canal from our hotel.  

Another view. 

When asking friends and colleagues in Houston what to do in New Orleans, most responded with restaurant recommendations.  Between the 4 of us, we had enough places to go for a month, 3 meals a day, with some overlap.  

So, we ventured out to soak in a bit of NOLA and it's charm....and of course to try out some of the delicious restaurants.  

Scenes from NOLA...

And off to Acme Oyster House...we waited in line 45 minutes based on 4 recommendations. 

 Let's just stay Eric and my dad were very happy with their meal :)

 Let the cheesy t-shirt stores begin...

More scenes...

After touring around most of the day, we headed back to the hotel and then back out to one of the oldest restaurants in NOLA, Antoines.   The funny thing is that my mom told my dad not to pack dress shoes or pants, only sneakers and jeans.  We found out that this restaurant was a bit dressy so we went to the mall to buy my dad appropriate clothing and shoes.  My dad protested and said it was ridiculous, and it wouldn't be a problem.  My mom and I insisted.  As soon as we walked into the restaurant, we saw numerous men with jeans and sneakers.  We literally laughed about this for nearly the entire dinner.  

 We were so impressed by our meal, that we told the waiter, many times, after each course.  After our dessert, the chef came out to talk to us...and then gave us a tour of the entire kitchen.  It was pretty darn cool.  Of course, no pics in the kitchen but we were able to see where the famous Oyster Rockerfeller sauce was made and even got the recipe (well, most of it). 

 Near the mystery room, off of the secret room where they drank during prohibition. 

 Closing up the bar (open during prohibition) 

The next day, we introduced my parents to Crossfit with a WOD and then off for another day of eating  touring.  

 We went to a late breakfast at the famed Cafe' Du Monde....on my gosh, they had the best beignets and coffee I have ever tasted....it was surely worth the 35 minute wait. 

 An awesome band that really got the crowd going.  

 The cute man was dancing the entire time. 

 This little boy loved playing the trumpet

 This guy was fixed in this position for the 10 minutes we stood there and watched him.  

 Access Party Rental's competition :)

 The Dungeon from Brooklyn in NOLA :)

 Yes, more eating! This oyster was the most enormous we'd all ever seen!

Enjoying the Carousel Bar at Hotel Montelone

 Our last night..at Howl at the Moon.  

It was an awesome few days in NOLA....til next time!