practicum and language

This week, I begin my practicum with Lincoln City Libraries' youth services department. My two-hour practicum course is required for the master's in library science degree and over the next three months I'll be spending 90 hours gaining experience in public library service to children and young adults.

Last night I assisted with Bennett Martin Public Library's first Prime Time event of the year. Designed as a series of events where

Low-literacy, low-income Spanish-speaking families gather in libraries to read award-winning children's books with storytellers and scholars. Prime Time fosters high academic expectations for children and encourages parents to speak and read English.

There was a nice turnout of approximately 40 family members who enjoyed a pizza dinner followed by storytelling and discussion for the adults and older children, with a separate storytime and crafts for the preschool and under set. Spanish-speaking volunteers are a big asset in both the presentations. Building upon my pretty rudimentary high school Spanish is one of my goals. Some basic vocabulary and phrases come back to me, but I tend to confuse select words with French, which I took in college. I really envy people who can speak multiple languages, and that's why I want to encourage Evan to enroll with me this fall in our local Saturday morning Korean language school.

one step closer

This afternoon, I'll be interviewing by phone with the MU coordinator of this summer's Korean teaching program. I mailed my application last week to meet the March 31 deadline, so I'm excited to see the process is moving along.

Fortune

happy anniversary: fortune cookie
Originally uploaded by jek in the box.

Saturday night, we had dinner at one of our favorite spots, Yang's Cafe. It's one of the few Asian restaurants in town that serves Korean dishes. After sharing broccoli beef, bulgogi, and kimchee, Evan and I cracked open our fortune cookies. Brian doesn't care for the cookies, or maybe it's the fortunes he's avoiding. Anyway, my fortune read:

Traveling this year will bring your life into greater perspective.

I mailed my application for the Korean summer teaching program to MU on Thursday. And my passport arrived in the mail that same day, just three weeks after sending in my renewal application. I don't want to assume this is a sign, but . . .

last week's trip to Marz

Last Thursday evening, Brian and I enjoyed a rare night out together while Evan enjoyed a night at home hanging out with his cousin, Hannah.

First, we went to Marz Bar, which is under new management. Nader Sepahpur, who also owns two of our other favorite restaurants, YiaYia's and Oso Burrito, has retained the original vibe, including the giant colored orbs that once decorated Omaha's Peony Park. The pool tables in the back are gone and replaced with more tables and booths. It's a combination of cool and kitsch. They offer a tapas menu and we opted for vegetable pakoras, hummus with pita, and naked spring rolls. Good service, good food, good drinks. We'll be back the next time we can afford a babysitter.

Then, on to the Rococo Theatre to see Sam Beam (aka Iron and Wine) perform a solo show. Seated at our table in the theatre loge level was a fellow who we quickly learned was the uncle of Bright Eyes' Conor Oberst. We had a very, um interesting chat with he and his poetess companion before the show began. Sam Beam started up right at 8:00 (there was no opening act, which is sometimes a blessing), and ended with one encore by 9:15. We were home by 9:30, chatted a bit with Hannah, and stayed up to watch an episode of Ramsey's Kitchen Nightmares.

this is so wrong

Okay, I'll confess that I own a few pairs of Crocs. I originally bought a pair of the clog style to leave at the office and swap out when I wore cycling shoes or winter boots to work. I stayed away from the cotton candy/circus clown colors and opted for black and brown. I know they're ugly and, while comfortable, probably not great for your feet.

That said, this new style is just ghastly.

"The Crocs Cyprus features an incredible four inch heel designed with the classic comfort of Croslite material. The two-toned color combinations of the Cyprus spice up any fashionista's wardrobe. Give these Crocs high heels a try and you too will be a believer."

ABC3D-esign!

I love this!

he's super! he's fly! he's a monkey!

What kid doesn't wish the Easter Bunny left this little charmer in their basket? Check out Superfly Monkey in action:

Super Fly Monkey is the Hottest Gift / Toy on the market! This flying monkey can soar as high as feet 50 in the air and screams as he flies (motion activated)! It's a great gift for ANYONE ages 5 to 95! Watch the video to see this sling-shot super-fly-monkey in action!

Easter is for sharing

We decorated two dozen eggs on Saturday. On Easter morning, Evan found just 12. We quickly discovered that Karma found the other dozen.

What was our first clue? Click here, if you dare (warning: weak stomach alert).

Cover Boy

When the March 24 issue of New York Magazine arrived at our house the other day, Evan said, "hey, that looks like Dad!"



Let's hope that's as far as the similarities between Brian and Eliot go. And I'm sure Brian would like me to mention that his hairline isn't receding at quite the same latitude. I should also note that one of Brian's pet peeves is when people misspell his name as BRAIN.

New babies! New parents!

We're thrilled for two wonderful couples who became parents last week!

Congrats to Paul and Jennifer, who welcomed their beautiful son, Nigel, last Tuesday! Nigel's arrival brings back a lot of memories for us, since he arrived from Korea, just as Evan did seven years ago. I'm glad the long wait is over -- I love a happy ending! I think Evan will enjoy meeting their little guy once he's settled in.

A former UNP coworker and her husband welcomed the arrival of their baby boy, Rocco, on Saturday, March 15. Amy and Jeff moved to Ft. Collins a few years ago and I really miss them both, particularly Amy's wicked sense of humor. Such a neat couple -- they'll be wonderful parents. Guess this means I'm gonna have to plan a side trip to Ft. Collins the next time we head to Denver!

Welcome babies! We can't wait to meet you!

Anyeoung-haseyo!

Last week, I learned about an opportunity for MU students to apply for a month-long program teaching English to elementary and middle school students at a summer camp in South Korea. After confirming that applications would be accepted from MU distance education students as well as those on the Columbia campus, I've decided to apply. 24 MU students will be selected to pair up with a Korean English teacher for the summer teaching program, held at a summer camp located in Jeonnam Province (Jeollanam-do).

I've touched base with my school advisor, my work and practicum supervisors, and my family, but still need to get approval from my employer to take time off if I'm selected. My passport renewal application was mailed Saturday. I can't pass up the opportunity to travel to Korea, experience the people and culture of my son's birth country, and gain some useful instruction experience with young people.

Wish me luck!

Broadening the blog horizons

I've realized that part of my problem in keeping this blog updated has been trying to adhere to its original purpose.

Initially intended to keep family (and tolerant friends) informed on Evan's antics, I've tried to reign in my inclination to blog about his boring, old parents too much. While Evan is still delightfully entertaining and dictates (nope, that's not too strong a word) our family's activities, I'm going to give in to my need to talk about myself as well. I'm sure that won't come as a surprise to anyone who has met me.

So while Evan will still be featured prominently, I hope you'll all bear with me as I devote a little more time and space to my interests and experiences. And if Brian doesn't object, I may even mention him once in a while.

Mediate on that:

Whew, I'm glad to have gotten that out of the way. If you're still willing to check out this blog, you can look forward to new content, filling you in on what's new with the whole K-Krew.

It's been way too long . . .

since anything new has been posted here. Okay, so I've earned a D- in blogging. What can I say? I've been busy. And so has my family, so it's time to start spreading the news again.

With spring nearly here, it feels like I'm crawling out from under a rock. School has kept Evan and his mom occupied. Mom has spent more time updating her Facebook profile than this blog. The holidays were great, but took our attention away from other things. The HD television Santa brought zombified our family, but we've now escaped its grasp -- at least partially.

So expect to see a little more content here in the coming days. For now, check out the Flickr site for some recent photos.

Had to check out this amusing little tool: http://www.criticsrant.com/bb/reading_level.aspx and am relieved to learn that we're musing on the genuis level here at Evan on Earth.

Vala's Pumpkin Patch

On Saturday, we made our annual pilgrimage to Vala's Pumpkin Patch near Gretna, NE. Apparently, about 80% of the state of Nebraska had the same idea. Typically, we go on a weekday to beat the weekend crowds, but with busy schedules and a rainy October, Saturday promised to be one of the few nice days.

We've never seen Vala's so crowded and our car was parked on the edge of a sea of vehicles. But it wasn't as bad as we expected. We got in quickly and enjoyed the late afternoon sun and comfortable evening temperatures. We're continually amazed at how this family-run operation continues to add new attractions each year. This year, the addition of two large trampoline-type bouncy hills, a choose-your-own flavor snowcone hut, and wandering Star Wars characters kept Evan entertained. And for the first time, Evan teamed up with his mom and dad to go through the adult haunted farmhouse. I guess his visit to Disneyland's Haunted Mansion this summer prepared him well.

Unfortunately, mom left the camera in the car and couldn't talk dad into running the mile back across the parking lot to fetch it. So for the first time, we weren't able to record Evan's growth by standing next to the Vala's height chart. Take a look at last year's photo and add several inches.

Classic mom

This video has been making the rounds recently. If you haven't seen it yet and you are a mom . . . or have a mom, you'll enjoy it.

God bless you, George

Evan's grandpa George passed away early this morning from complications due to pancreatic cancer. During the past weeks, he was surrounded by his loving family and friends as he fought the good fight. George and Pauletta (Kathryn's mom) enjoyed 21 wonderful years of marriage and created a beautiful home together. He was a man who loved to read, study history, and collect treasures. Evan has always been delighted by his grandpa's humor and willingness to play hide-and-seek. Helping George harvest vegetables and fruit growing in his well-tended garden was another treat for Evan. We're all so thankful to have been part of his family and our love and sympathy go out his brothers and sisters, his three wonderful daughters and their families.

First day of first grade

It wasn't easy to get a smile out of Evan on Monday morning. I think he's excited about the return to school, but too cool to let it show. I told him he had to go along with the traditional first day of school pose, that he'd thank me when he was grown up and could enjoy this documentary of his youth.

And then I told him to smile and say "boogers!" Finally got a grin out him.

Evan had big news at the end of the day: he lost his second front tooth during class. He was proud to be the first student charted on his teacher Miss Bratt's "Lost Tooth Graph." He also mentioned that he had a bad fall off of the playground equipment during recess, but that it wasn't the cause of his wiggly tooth coming loose.

After school, Evan asked if I would let him wear a "less-thick" shirt tomorrow. It's deadly hot in his un-airconditioned elementary school and all of the kids were suffering. I feel guilty I made him dress up for the first day in a polo shirt, but we all need to learn to suffer for fashion. At least I didn't send him off in corduroy pants, tie, and wool blazer.

Anniversary dinners

To celebrate their 19th anniversary, Evan's mom and dad enjoyed a delicious grown-up dinner at Dish.

Dad had the Roasted “Plum Creek Farms” chicken: blue cheese and walnut stuffed chicken breast topped with caramelized onion pear sauce; served with sautéed green beans and mashed sweet potatoes. Mom had the Asian Sea Grill with furikake scallops, red pepper-crusted shrimp, Korean barbeque salmon; served with sautéed green beans and coconut jasmine rice. Yum!

Evan also enjoyed a special dinner -- at Aunt Carla's, where they dined on breakfast fare: scrambled eggs with bacon bits, English muffins, peaches and strawberries with cream, and canteloupe. For dessert: ice cream bars. The reviewer deemed the meal scrumptious!

New blog name?

Influenced by the frequent advertisements we've seen over the last week, Evan requested that I rename this blog "Evan Almighty."

I told him we'd better wait and and see what the critics' reviews are like.