Bread Crazies

Yeah, so the first time I really tried to make real bread (as opposed to bannana cakey bread or something like that) was with one of my best friends when we were about 16 years old. What resulted was a hard rock of wheat with a doughy center. So it was with anticipation for the worst that I set out to make rolls for this year's Thanksgiving party.

At times, I was calm and composed, or at least looked fairly so.

At other times, I was intensely agitated with the bread making process.

The above picture is of me with the first batch of a doubled recipe, and I had a whole other batch to go! Though the rolls didn't turn out as ideal as I had hoped, they weren't a flop either. That's an encouragement! Maybe I'll be a little more relaxed the next time I have to make real bread.

Cairo Copy Cat

So, yes, I admit, I am definitely copy catting a friend's blog about our trip to Cairo. When you see my post, friend, you'll know just how impressed I was with your's. :)

Why was I in Cairo?! For an educational convention. Most of our time was spent attending seminars, but there was a little free time for leisurely breakfasts, sight seeing, and such.

Hotel breakfast. Time to relax, great laughter, and refills on coffee. Sweet! My friend (and traveling buddy) and I with our Egyptian headdresses purchased from the Khan El Khalili market place. I know this is a rather lame picture, but it's the only one I have of the pyramids. :( Still, you can see the pyramids' shapes, and that has got to count for something. For those of you planning on visiting the pyramids some day, I recommend that you go to see them in the day. Us again....only this time on the Nile River! The Gala Dinner, hosted on a Nile riverboat, was the last part of the convention. The food was delicious, but what sticks out even more so in my mind was the incredible live jazz band.

Overall, I'm glad I went, and...I'm glad to be home again. :)

Exciting Airplane Ride

When it came time for me to get ready for a teaching convention in Cairo, I wasn't pumped. I'd just traveled the previous weekend and wasn't looking forward to packing again.


Once I'd arrived at the airport, however, the excitement began. First of all, the plane was on it's way to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and this fact alone excited me. My two traveling companions and I made a game out of trying to figure out who was Egyptian, who was Saudi, and who was from some other country (the origin of which we would try to guess as well). What fun!


Here I am sitting next to two Saudies. Much of their time was spent reading a Zahara magazine. Way on the other side of the aisle sat my two traveling companions. :)



















The excitement continued when we realized that one of the flight attendents is a mother to some of our students. She invited us up to the front of the airplane, where she offered us sodas, fruit, cheese, and more. Then she invited us to go into the cockpit. That was cool! The lights were bright in the dark compartment, and the pilots seemed to be effortlessly controlling the plane. I sat behind them and was amazed with how they could simultaneously fly a plane and engage me in conversation about music, flying planes, and more.

Breakfast with Friends

Cookie Day...formally known as the Eid

The Eid (celebration) comes at the end of Ramadan and is marked by several traditions, such as giving presents to family members and taking cookies to relatives and close friends. Hence the name "cookie day." Because visitors might come at any time throughout the day, most women stay at home to avoid missing their guests. And when the guests come, they are served cookies and mint tea.

It was with this in mind that I headed out to visit friends yesterday morning. On the way to one of my friend's homes, I was astounded to see how many people were making their way to the mosque for morning prayer. As I looked down the street I saw a seemingly endless river of people...all flowing in one direction.
It was wonderful to spend time with friends on this day that is so important to them. We had our cookies and tea, but best of all, we had a great time together.

Slow Dancing With George

George and I had this dance in honor of Abdul Muhib, our school's former Biology teacher.

Happy Birthday, Abdul Muhib!!! Hope everything's going well with you.

Cuturally Rich Lute Music

Three friends and I attended a lute concert Saturday night. The trio performed several ancient songs, during which many in the audience sang along. They also performed many of their own oriental pieces. It was nice to just sit and relax as they played through the evening.

My Roommate's Popcorn B-Day

We celebrated Melissa's birthday not too long ago. The theme was popcorn, and I'm telling you, we had POPCORN....caramel popcorn, marshmellow popcorn, chocolate popcorn, buttered popcorn, salted popcorn, plain popcorn, you name it. The popcorn was not the be-all, end-all of the party, of course. We also played games and watched "Back to the Future Part II," which took us back to the 80's. In all, it was a fun evening with friends. Here's Melissa after having opened up one of her presents.

Happy Birthday, Melissa!

My Sisters

I have two dear sisters---Sarah and Mary.

I don't yet have a picture of Sarah on my blog, so here's one...

Sarah lives about 15 minutes from my parents' home, so I was able to see her alot. Throughout my high school and college years, I spent several vacations with Sarah and her family. What wonderful times these were! This summer, Sarah and her husband invited me to join their family for a road trip to KS. How generous they were!

I don't yet have a picture of Mary by herself, but you can see her in pictures below. Mary was staying with my parents this summer, so I saw her almost every day. It was nice to know that she was just across the hall from me...just like when we were growing up. This summer, we had two spontanious "slumber parties" where we just stayed up and talked and laughed into the wee hours of the morning. We regretted it the next morning, but it was well worth the fatigue.

Airport Goodbyes

Dad, Mom, and Mary took me to the airport to say goodbye (My dad's taking the picture). Saying goodbye is difficult, and that's all there is to it. I'm so thankful for e-mail.

The Yummy Apple Barn

Mary, John, my mom, and I went to the Apple Barn for lunch. As usual, the apple fritters were very good. If you're ever passing through Pidgeon Fordge, TN, I recommend the Apple Barn!

Comfortable Reading

I just love this picture of David reading...it's fun. He knows how to read comfortably.

Elizabeth THREE

My first niece ever---Elizabeth---turned three, and so in the tradition of the family, a full-fledged birthday party was thrown. Here are a few pictures from the special occasion. The baby doll gift was definitely a favorite of many of the children.

Visiting College

Seeing the music building brought back a flood of memories. Two of my cool professors, Dr. Milligan and Dr. Forrester, just happened to be there.

My Japanese friend Kumi and I get together every summer. This time, we met for dinner at the local Japanese restaurant.

The Hernandez family included me in their family during my college years. My last year there, I had the priviledge of teaching one of their daughters the flute. Here are Roseanna and I playing a few duets.

"Tomato Worm"

My dad and I were at the kitchen table working on our various computer projects when my mom came in from the garden. "Elissa, I need you to help me with a tomato worm."
"A tomato worm?" I replied. I was wondering what could be so difficult about getting rid of a worm. I obediently went to help with the worm, and was shocked by what I saw. This was no normal worm. Six feet up the tomato plant was a 2 1/2 inch long, 1/2 inch diameter thick caterpillar/worm (?) with a horn coming off the end of it.

The thought of touching the worm grossed me out, so I ran back up to the kitchen, retrieved a napkin, and returned for the task. On the step ladder, I positioned myself across from the worm. We looked at each other. At least, I think he was looking at me. Then I placed the napkin around the worm and gently pulled. Nothing happened. The caterpillar's suction-like "feet" were gripping the branch so tight that I couldn't pull him off. So, my mom handed me a pair of scissors, and I cut the whole branch off.

Being a little bit curious about the worm, I decided not to let it go right away, but to take it in and watch it from time to time while I did my work. My friend Courtney called, and while we were talking, I was trying to probe the caterpillar's feet off of the branch. When I got to the feet closest to its head, he lashed out like a snake toward my finger. Out of shock and fear, I screamed! This scream received a stern, comical look from my dad and, I'm sure, shock and amazement from Courtney.

For some reason, I could NOT leave the worm alone. I probed him again, he jerked his head out at me again, and I screamed again! By the second time, I was very embarrassed. Thankfully, the people who witnessed my screaming have known me for a long time and forgave me quickly.

What did I do with the worm? I took him to the neighbor's yard and plopped him over the fence. I know what you're thinking: "You should treat your neighbor as you would want to be treated." The good news about this story is that our neighbor doesn't have tomato plants. Poor worm, though! No tomato leaves to eat!

So, this post is written in honor of "the tomato worm."

My Dad

It was great to be able to spend alot of time with my dad this summer. He works throughout the day, but the nice thing is that he works at home. We had many great times together while working on our invidvidual projects on our individual computers.

Here he is honing his mechanical engineering research papers. I'm proud of my dad for his hard work and dedication.

Even when I'm way across on the other side of the ocean, it's nice to know he's thinking of me and praying for me.

My Mother

My mother is wonderful! She's a light, a testimony, and an encouragement to me. Wednesday, August 9th was her birthday. In celebration, my sister Mary and I made breakfast in bed for the birthday girl and my Dad treated us all to Red Lobster's.

The next day, some scheming was going on. My sister invited me over for iced tea and just some time together. I enjoyed being with her and the kids, but the thought did occur to me that I had completely abandoned my mother in the midst of her dinner preparations! Sarah, her family and I would soon go over and join my mom and dad for the wonderful dinner I knew she was putting together.

When we arrived at my parents' home, my child-hood friends Courtney and Leslie were there to greet me. I thought that Courtney had brought Leslie over to see me, as I had not seen her in ages, so this was a pleasant surprise.

While I was visitng with my friends, my nephew Timothy hugged me and piped out, "Happy Birthday, Aunt Elissa!" I was a little taken a back and thought he was confused. So I said, "You can go tell that to Grandma, Timothy." Off he ran into the kitchen to follow my suggestion.

Not long after this, everyone came out of the kitchen singing "Happy Birthday," and they were all looking at ME! My birthday's not until November! I was so confused and puzzled, but everything started to make sense when Sarah pinned a "birthday girl" pin on my shirt.

They had a full fledged birthday party for me, with steak, scalloped potatoes, watermelon and many other additions. Oh, and we had angel food cake with strawberries and whipped cream. Yummy!

Afterwards, I was showered with presents. My mother had planned this because she and my dad haven't been with me to celebrate my birthday for the past six years. She wanted to "give me" her birthday. Pure sweetness!

My only very slight vexation was that they celebrated my future birthday instead of celebrating my past birthday. :)

Here's my wonderful mother and me...with my gifts.

Mama Mia Notes

Ok, so there is a story behind this song...lest you think I've gone off the deep end.
The other day, I was interrupted during a flute/piano jamming session. My parents were ready for us to go out. I reluctantly put my flute away and, while getting ready, enjoyed composing and performing this cheesy song.

Mama mia

"I play the violino, and I am Italiano.
I went to see mama mia, and she said to me, 'bambino, do not play the violino. '
'Oh,' I said, 'Mama mia, mama mia, mama mia, I want to play the violino;
Mama mia, mama mia, mama mia, why don't you let me play the Violino?!' "


~A spontaniously improvised operetic spoof, sung with much malismatic movement. Ad lib to your heart's content, and don't forget to sing with an Italian accent.

Grandpa and Grandma in Manhattan

Our next stop was Manhattan, KS, the home of my mom's parents. They moved there from Iowa in 1966.

My grandpa always gives me a bear hug the first time he sees me. It's his trademark, and it isn't just any normal bear hug, mind you. It's like being in a vice grip. He's a retired veterinarian, and as such, he can tell some wild stories about cats, pythons, etc. Here's Grandpa holding onto the beard of a billy goat while David watches.

Grandma showered us with hospitality. I was amazed by how efficiently she put full course meals together. I wonder....,"will I ever be that fast?"

It was good to see my grandparents again.

Kansas City, KS

Our next stop was Kansas City, KS, the home of three of my mom's six brothers and sisters. We stayed with my Uncle Dave and Aunt Susan. Many of the family came to visit, and it was great to catch up with them.

Two of my cousins (Sarah and Rebekah), my nephew Michael and I.

My Uncle Tim thouroughly enjoyed being attacked by his four great nephews.

St.Louis

St. Louis is a very happening city with activities all over the place. We went to the top of the famous arch, took a cruise along the historic Mississippi River, and toured the science museum.


I happened upon a band concert at a park nearby where we stayed. The music was fanfarish and patriotic and created an uplifting atmosphere in the night air. Apparently there are two free classical and jazz concerts every single week! Oh, the thought of it!

On the Road

My sister Sarah, her husband, their six kids and I loaded up in their 11-seat-passenger van for a road trip to Kansas. I was amazed at how well the kids did considering the many miles we drove. They were quite enjoyable. :) Listening to "The Little Princess" and "Little Women" helped pass the time. Highlights included a day in St. Louis and time spent with Kansas family.

David's Double Digits

My nephew David turned double digits last week. It's hard to believe he's already 10! I remember my 10th birthday. My dad smiled at me and said, "This is an important birthday, because you'll never be one digit again. You're double digits now!" When he said that, the number 10 took on a different meaning for me. I was no longer just one year older---I was "double digits".

I shared with David what my dad had shared with me on my 10th birthday. It was so much fun to pass that down! Here he is with some of his friends (he's the one in the middle).

As part of David's celebration, he had 8 other boys over for outside games. I enjoyed watching from the safety of the garage as the boys chased each other with high-powered water guns. The fight was merciless, and I was glad that my title of "Aunt" gave me immunity from being soaked. It was kind of funny. I could see that a few of the boys wanted to pelt me, but they held back.

The definite highlight for me was "the balloon drop." The boys took turns standing below a 2nd story window, while my brother-in-law dropped water balloons on them. The goal?: Catching four water balloons in a grocery bag. The game get's harder with each balloon that's caught because the balloons weigh the bag down and make it more difficult to open. So, balloons were landing everywhere, and were even hitting the boys.

Here is little Sophia with her very own water balloon.

The Green Cyclops

What do you think? :-)

Old Friends

Courtney and I go back a long ways, all the way to the 3rd grade.

I guess you could say that we're old friends, yet...young at heart!

Courtney, her husband Steve, and I went out for Italian cuisine and then to their home. It was so great to catch up, look at pictures, and meet the pets that they've aquired.

"Dixie" the great dane, with her toe nails painted pink, sat like a lady as she chomped down on her grunting hedge hog. Brought back memories of my hedge hog "Spike."

My Biggest Bro

My parents and I took a road trip up to Maryland to see my brother Stephen and his family. Our time together was oh too short!

World Cup Crazies

I took the train into Frankfurt in search of a distinctly German restaurant and found "Suppen & Bratwurst" (Soup and Sausage). Pretty guten.

After lunch, I entered what looked to be a quaint little book store. Quite the contrary---the fairly small entrance room opened up into a massive four-story book store! I enjoyed the beautiful display flags hanging from the ceiling in celebration of the World Cup.

There were two Starbucks within five minutes walking distance from each other. Though not a Starbucks frequenter, I was in the mood for a splurge. I chose a chilled-white-chocolate-mousse-mocha that was devine.

How cool it was to be in Germany during the World Cup! The craziness had swept across the population, and they were stirred up. Young men were yelling chants, while men and women alike had painted flags on their cheeks.

Us Ladies in Frankfurt

Us ladies---Lauren, Tasha, Karen D., and I took the same flight to Frankfurt, Germany. We spent several hours chatting, resting, and walking around. While on one of these airport adventures, Lauren and I found a perfume display with a manican man kicking a soccer ball. Ha! I don't quite see the connection, but that's ok because we got some great pictures with "the manican man." When we passed by the display later, there was a huge crowd gathered around as a man kicked a soccer ball towards a tv generated goal. I gave it a try, and to my surprise, won a complimentary bottle of Cool Water perfume!

Lauren and I found a machine that takes your picture, paints the colors of a flag on your face, and then charges you to put the picture on a cigerette accessory. We had our pictures taken, and the flags painted on, but we made the unanimous decision, however, to not continue with the process.

Traveling with these friends was a nice change from my usual solo travels. When you're by yourself, you only have yourself to laugh with.

Class Fun

My last classes were a piece of cake. Here's a heated game of musical chairs.

Looking Forward

I am so looking forward to seeing family in just two more days! :)

I can hardly believe it's just two more days---the thought of being on the other side of the Atlantic just doesn't seem real to me yet.

Here I go!

Missing

Ahhhhhhhhhh! I am going to miss it here! Yes, two months seems like such a long time. I'm especially going to miss people (those living overseas with me). Thankfully, we have our blogs, and most of us will be here by late August.
There are a few who are moving, and things will not be the same without them:

Linda, Abdul Muhib, Lisa D., Victoria, and Sarah,

The Lord bless you and keep you.

The Lord make His face to shine upon you,

and give you peace, and give you peace.

The Lord lift His countenance upon you,

and be gracious unto you, be gracious.

The Lord be gracious, gracious unto you. Amen.

Baby, baby!

I recently heard some good news. There's another family baby on the way, and that means that now I have 10 nephews and nieces to love: David, Stephen, Timothy, Michael, Elizabeth, Grace, Faith, Sophia, John Mark, and ?..... Congratulations, sister and bro-in-law!

Woe is Me

I had my first horrific ironing experience yesterday. A loud and foreboding sizzle sent up steam within less than a second. I jerked the iron back to find a gaping 3-inch-diameter-hole in my favorite skirt! Eeek! It's quite impressive looking---a perfect circle. I decided, however, that a picture would be too depressing.

Morning Waves

Today was my first day back surfing since December. The waves were rather small, as you can see in the above picture. Actually, that's not really me, and the waves were much smaller than this, but I thought it appropriate that a surfing post have a surfing picture. The temperature today was just about perfect, and the water and sky were beautiful hues of blue.

So what do I have for all of this? An hour and a half of bliss, a tan, and two red knees. I had failed to anticipate the wet suit riding up above my knees.

Trumpet Blast

This is the first year that the school has had a band, and I am loving it! These are my three trumpeters: the loudest instrumentalists in the band.

My Roomie and Me!

Here's Melissa and I at the same farewell party. We've been roommates since I first came in August 2004, and we'll be roommates again next year.