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Mk's Journal

mk
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07/30/2013 22:11 #57953

The most expensive produce ever?
I thought of (e:Paul) the other day when I saw this display of truffles in the produce section. (I think you posted a similar or maybe this exact same picture once!) I can't believe how crazy expensive these things are! I'm tempted to just enter the code into the scale next time I'm there when I'm weighing something else, just to see how much it would be. I wonder how often people buy them?!

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lilho - 08/02/13 14:39
Omg I want one... I love truffles so much. I think Paul actually used to take them and enter a code for a different mushroom. You can't do that anymore though because they are locked up of course... And I don't think they were quite that expensive.
tinypliny - 07/31/13 23:24
Do they keep it under lock and key?? You have to wonder what it tastes like? Piece of authentic hell?

02/19/2012 19:08 #56097

recipe/pinterest
Category: random
So I joined Pinterest a week or so ago. I resisted the temptation for awhile, because I knew it would be extremely addictive. Aaaaand I was right! But it is really fun. I've already gotten some cool recipe ideas. In fact, I tried one tonight and it actually turned out really well! Usually when I try something for the first time I need to tweak it but I don't think I would do anything different. It was super easy but that's the kind of recipe I like. Here's the recipe:
Mine didn't look quite as good as the picture, but that's probably fake food anyway.

Also, I'm up to 3 out of the 9 nominated Best Picture movies. I'm hoping to increase that number somewhat before next Sunday's Oscar bash with (e:mike) and (e:jill).
paul - 02/20/12 16:12
I think (e:Matthew) would like that site.

01/09/2012 21:47 #55880

Finally!!!!!
Mmmmm I just got a Macbook Pro...I'm still drooling a little bit...

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paul - 01/09/12 22:49
Happy macbook pro!

12/05/2011 17:43 #55657

Private schools
So this is my first year teaching in a private school. It's always interesting when I tell people where I teach to see their reaction. Generally, people either look really impressed or like I just told them I recently found out I have a terminal illness. It bothers me that some people's minds automatically go to "private school = no retirement/terrible pay/awful place to work/you must be miserable". Actually I'm not that miserable. Other than the fact that I feel like a new teacher while teaching the younger kids since I haven't done it since 2005, I'm actually pretty happy there. It's been interesting comparing it to public school teaching. Honestly, other than the $ aspect and a couple other minor things, private schools definitely come out on top. It's nice to not worry about budgets or state standards or curriculum mapping and to actually focus on teaching. Plus class sizes are way more manageable and make it possible to really focus on individual kid's needs. (I sound like a commercial) Plus we get a lot more days off than public schools and we're finished about 3 weeks earlier. I'll gladly take enjoying my job and making less money than the other way around. Any day!

The whole world of private schools is new to me in general. I always went to public school and so did all of my friends. I think we all turned out okay, but it makes me wonder if I would be more of a leader, more confident, etc. had I gone to a private school and had more opportunities. Who knows? Anywho, just wanted to put that out there. Did any of you go to private schools? What's your take on them?

metalpeter - 12/05/11 18:53
I didn't go to a Private School but I almost did it was one of my choices.... I think that there are advantages and disadvantages to both.....

Say you struggle a bit as a kid in the school well since people pay to go there that makes them only as strong as the weakest kid so see ya by been nice knowing you... This also ties into the name and the rep of the school....

Now the advantage is that since you pay everyone wants to be there.... Well or at least that is true of the parents... But see that also Raises the bar a bit... Since the parents Pay You have to do a great job....

But see there is more to that then just education.... Not saying everyone in private schools have great families and lots of money and are white... I'm sure that there are students who are different.... But I think kids learn more about the world when they have the melting pot of cultures, money and family types in a public school.....



tinypliny - 12/05/11 18:23
I went to a private elementary and primary school for the first 5 years. They totally beat the crap out of me all the time. My knuckles were always bruised. I remember always been punished for something or the other because I always got into fights with boys my size. The teachers were all either brits or anglo-indian nuns with varying levels of crazy.

The result was I knew 20X20 tables by heart, my cursive and print handwriting were like.. well print, I had read some Shakespeare plays and started to read Agatha Christie on the sly by the time I was in 5th Standard (~grades here). Worst was my parents always supported all the knuckle/ruler raps. So I completely HATED it all. It was like the modern Oliver Twist torture school.

But it ALL went downhill (or uphill as I viewed it then) from then onwards.

I remember being extra relieved to get out after those 5 years and go to a semi-private (25% funds came from govt. aids, it's called a "govt. aided private" school back home. Let's just say my tables memory dropped to 10X10. Other things were equally mediocre as well. But my parents were more interested at that point in having me learn to read and write 3 more national languages, which I did. Also picked up some extraordinary company, got into heavy metal and rebellion. It was altogether a change from the crazy nuns. But I liked it.

I have never been in a completely public school so maybe my perceptions are not very balanced. To me the 25% public schooling system meant more freedom and diversity and the private schooling was rigid, structured according to very british concepts and altogether a somewhat crazy memory.

08/22/2011 16:22 #54997

"I just can't wait till my ten year reunion..."
...sings John Mayer. (e:mike) and I used to talk about our ten year reunion all the time, and now it's actually happening this weekend! How crazy. I hope they play all music from high school, because frankly, that's the last time I really followed popular music. I dabbled a bit in college, but if there's one thing I'm confident of, it's my knowledge of late 90's/early 2000's mainstream music.

I also can't believe we will be helping (e:mike) move out of Kenmore soon! I always liked that he was nearby if I was going to visit my parents for some reason, or that we could meet there if we were going to lunch, the mall, etc. Now he will be in the cool part of town, where I secretly wish I lived, and will be my last friend to leave Kenmore!

I am the worst updater ever. What's new with me? Oh yeah, I got married. It was super fun and great and worth every penny and one of my other high school friends has told me she's afraid I've ruined weddings for her forever, muhahahaha!!! And then we went to San Fran and I loved that, too. This year I'm starting a new job, since my old job was cut. Public schools are wonderful places. My new job is only part time and a lot less $$$$$$ but I'm lucky to at least have a job, and I think I'm going to enjoy it a lot.

Ok, see y'all in ilke 6 months or so. :)
tinypliny - 08/23/11 04:59
I just clicked through to your wedding site. And I think I have seen you somewhere in the city in my first year here... :)

congrats, you make an awesome couple! Good luck with the job situation. Hope it improves and people come to their senses about the importance of teachers!
paul - 08/22/11 23:17
Oh and congrats on the wedding.
paul - 08/22/11 23:17
He was so excited to be moved out for that. Maybe I will see you on moving day.