Homemade pasta and general updates

A. and I have been quite busy in the last few months. He's in his third and last trimester, having gotten notable and sobresaliente grades. Lots of positive progress on his group business plan. I have taken on a few classes at the university including teaching one TOEFL prep class. I'm also keeping extra-busy at my cole where I now work full-time. Whereas we used to be three language assistants, one us quit in February and moved to Thailand. Long story. The end result, however, was that his hours were split between me and the other remaining language assistant. That's an extra 9 hours, and several new classfuls of names to learn.

As we enter the month of May, we are focusing on preparing the 2nd-graders for their upcoming oral Trinity examination. Lots of coaching, reviewing, etc. But there's still time of fun and games. The other day, I taught two classes the song, "On top of Spaghetti," complete with enthusiastic hand motions (and a twist-like meatball-to-mush move). It was quite the hit.

Speaking of pasta, with all our busy-ness during the week, A. and I try to relax as much as possible on the weekend. That usually means low-key activities with a delicious pay-off. Strolling about the city, for one, and cooking! We recently bought a pasta press and A. has been experimenting making fresh, handmade pasta. The first, black-olive dough was great, and the follow-up, these spinach raviolis, were even better.Kneading the dough to a perfect consistency and then rolling it through the press.It goes through many, many passes before it's just right.Added a two-cheese filling.Closing up the giant raviolis (nigh unto empanada size).Served with a fresh tomato and asparagus sauce. Yum!