First Sign Language Class

Our class tonight was really great. We each got our name signs and then learned some basic words. I've decided to keep track of the words that we learn here, so in case I forget my worksheets I will always be able to look up what I should be practicing. Jason and I have also decided to add five words of our own each week.

Words we should know

Alphabet
Numbers 1-20
Ready
Again
Please
Slow
Practice
Volunteer
Problem
How
Who
What
When
Where
Why
Which
Trouble


I
Tired
Try
You
Yours
Me
Mine
Name
Sign


Hungry
Last
Motivation
Tall
Good
Help
Read
Book
Flower

Mmm... Thai spring rolls

Here's a look at my first attempt at making spring rolls and cooking with tofu. I think they turned out pretty good, although I think I'll use a different dipping sauce next time. The peanut sauce is ok, but I think hoisin sauce will be better.

What have I learned from this adventure?
(1) We have a great oriental market near our house.
(2) Rice paper is a bizarre, but very cool creation.
(3) Fish sauce is absolutely disgusting, and unfortunately the smell lingers in the kitchen for days.

I guess two out of three isn't bad.

Happy Thursday!

Things are good here in Tallahassee. Now that my summer travel is complete I am getting back into my routine. Work during the day, hit the gym for an hour in the evening, and then head home to watch a movie with the cats. It's been very pleasant, but the cats are starting to become a bit too clingy for my liking. It will be nice when Jason gets back in a week so they can go back to sleeping with him and leave me in peace. :-)

Congratulations are in order for Ian -- I'm so glad that you decided to take that new job. I know ya'll will love to be back in CA. By the way, the ASL class starts a week from today, so be prepared to receive videos via email to keep you updated on our progress. For those who don't know, Jason and I are going to be taking a course on American Sign Language for an hour each week for eight weeks. We decided it's high time that we pick up the skills necessary to keep up with Aspen and Bree.

In other news, a high school friend of mine, Lauren, is moving to Tallahassee on August 1. She's starting law school at FSU this fall, and I'm hoping that her transition from NYC to T-town is an easy one. It's going to be nice to have an old friend so close by, even if it will only be for a year.

I guess that's it for now. A paper I have to read for work is calling my name, so I should go. I hope you're all doing well, and I wish you a great upcoming weekend.

Love--JP

San Diego

Greetings from chilly southern CA! Last night I was able to meet up with my sister, her husband, and their friends for dinner and then treat them to dessert at my math conference's poster session. It was great to see them after two years apart, although after being deluged by math they may be looking forward to another two years away from me. Just kidding!

While I am lounging here at the resort, my equal half is busting his butt on the farm in PA. Here he is with my grampa and brother after a long day making hay (almost 900 bales). It's good to see that he's still in one piece, but then again, he still has at least two more weeks of hard labor. :-)