Keeping up with life...

I was sure that I would do better this Fall with keeping up my blog. I have found a true blessing in having a little extra time on my hands. The funny thing is, despite that extra time, I still feel like I’m bustling around and keeping busy.

Last year I took on a huge responsibility of teaching high school English with a total of 6 different classes over the whole year. I am thoroughly enjoying the lack of papers to grade and not having to plan for hours after school each day! My new position as ESL coordinator has been challenging but enjoyable. I am working on creating a stronger department and requirements for the ESL students at our school. I am also loving my 7th grade ESL kids that I teach. They are energetic and fun to teach!

Last year Clinton and I chaperoned the 7th grade trip to the cloud forest, Mindo. This year I went again. Clinton had to stay back because of coaching. My biggest triumph during the trip was zip-lining upside-down! It was called “el murciélago” or “the bat.” Unfortunately I didn’t have my picture taken but here’s a picture online I found of a similar position (again—this is not me! Haha).

At the butterfly garden in Mindo....

Me and one of my students....



I have been doing a lot of cooking because Clinton comes home around 7 each night after coaching. That’s been keeping me busy with trying to find new things to cook with ingredients that I can find here. My favorite find recently has been butternut squash soup. It’s been a great Fall reminder even when there are no changing leaves or cooler temperatures here. I use something called “zapallo” which is what we use here in place of pumpkin for recipes—but essentially it’s a squash shaped like a pumpkin!

Here's the recipe:
http://www.ourbestbites.com/2009/10/butternut-squash-soup/

Clinton continues to stay busy with work and coaching. The volleyball season is almost over, but soon basketball will start. Clinton has his moments of feeling overwhelmed and stressed, however he continues to go strong and especially enjoys coaching and teaching a business consumer math (anything that involves spreadsheets—if you know Clinton—he loves!).

I have been taking Salsa lessons with three other friends once a week. It’s been an enjoyable form of exercise and a little bit of culture thrown in! We’ve shared many, many laughs during our lessons and even try to practice once in a while on a Saturday.

Today is the last day of our first vacation break of the year. It was the day of the dead and also independence day for one of the cities in Ecuador. Our first day off was Wednesday, so it was a sizable vacation. We traveled to a nearby beach with three other couples and had a relaxing time out there! I love November because of Thanksgiving and how close it is to December break! Clinton and I will be coming home for Christmas, most importantly to attend and be apart of his brother, Ted’s, wedding. We’re flying in on December 15th and will spending the first half of vacation in PA with Clinton’s family and then on to the NY area to be with my family. I am literally crossing off each day on my calendar in anticipation for this trip!

At the beach..

The Boys....

The Girls....