Awaiting a Break

I've got two more school days until spring break. I am itching for the downtime and the processing time. A lot is happening around here, and I have so much to do. Sometimes, I easily slip into the routines of just "getting through the days." 

I aim to clear out a lot of space in my basement. I got myself some of those substantial zipping tarp-like bags that are like big boxes. They will hold a lot and be stored easily. My daughter's craft area and many other spaces greatly need sprucing. 

I'm also hoping for a day trip or two. We've got a couple of places we like to go that are close. The best parts are eating some good food and walking around to lots of little shops. 

My most awaited activity of spring break will most definitely be the rest. I need that more than anything else. Knowing I'll be able to nap or sleep in is a very comforting thought. 

Willow

This is Willow.

She is a bossy little cavalier but loves to be cuddled. She's here with my son Elliot.

Willow snores, pushes around her brother, and cuddles her sister (Dennis the cat, yes, sister). Here she is with Walnut, the star of an earlier slice this month. 

Willow LOVES to be outside. She will chase after a leaf, bark at the deer, and chew on any stick. She runs into the wind and sniffs for the squirrels. She is the most excited to see me in the morning and always gives me a little lick on the hand as I open their gate. I sit with them on the couch for five or ten minutes before leaving in the morning. If Walnut gets to my lap first, she wiggles in for a spot. They are both the sweetest. 

Dogs are the best. Shhh, don't tell Dennis.

Two Favorites

This time of year always brings all the renewal of spring. I enjoy it all. Just yesterday, I was walking down the streets of Detroit on the sun-warmed sidewalks; today was a brisk-aired day but bright. I love all things spring, even the rain--not too much. 

A few nights ago, I went in search of one of my favorite signs of spring: the snowdrops. I write about them every March. When I went out the other day, it was overcast and dull, but these little beauties were in their usual patches, covered in dew drops. 

I was quick to share them with my mom. She's always curious if I've seen any yet. She even made me a special quilted wall hanging inspired by one of my March photos. It hangs in my tiny hallway by my bedroom all year. I love it. 

Then, my second favorite decided to show up in my backyard. 

My first robin of 2025. 

It now feels like everything is in order for a wonderful spring ahead. More birds, morning songs, bright sunlit buds, flowers bursting, and the freshness of the new season. 

Lunch with Friends

I was able to get a little walk in today on my way to a new-to-me lunch spot in Detroit (where my conference is located). It's called Anita's Kitchen and was super delicious. I went with two friends through the blustering wind to get there. 

We each got a different bowl, with rice, protein, and sides of hummus, pita, tabouleh, roasted veggies, etc. It was the kind of lunch you get that afterward you feel satisfied and also great. No sluggishness, just good feelings all over. 

The wind was in our face on the way back, which would have made for a pretty funny picture, but I decided to go with this one of us at our table. 

P.S.

And, look at this cool cup I won at a women in stem coffee meet-up! 

Follow Me

A growing post across my day. 

Many mini slices. 

8:46 am—I’m at a conference for the next couple days. It’s a tech conference I’ve wanted to attend for many years, so I’m excited to finally be attending. 

UPDATE

10:00–I learned about some tools that connect and may be a possible way to streamline lots of data points into one space! 

11:00–Lunch! I had a really tasty taco bowl in the food court. Gotta love nutrient rich with little wait. 

12:00–Quiet Room. Ideal space to power down for a bit and color. I felt myself relax. 

12:40–And, now I’m at a Google Forms session that looks interesting!  

Update: This session was very cool. I never thought of using the sections feature as a way to share or encourage students to write choose your own adventure stories! 

2:30–Now I’m awaiting a session on using AI tools to build targeted interventions and special education supports. 

Yay! This session was so good. Very engaging and lots of interaction in the room. 

4:02–Ending the day of sessions with a friend by my side and AI and the LAW. Which might sound like a blah session, but I feel like I can engage in and out until I’m completely done learning for today. 

I probe t update anymore, but maybe I will! Never know what might happen.

Good day of learning. 

Conference Busy

I’ve been on the road today and finally settled in. 

Looking toward to colleagues and technology tomorrow! Not much time to slice today, but tomorrow should bring some possibilities! 

Asparagus Pesto Pasta

 

It seemed fitting to make a green dinner on St. Patrick's Day! 

Every March, I can't help myself. I've got to share at least one recipe. This year, it is the very green asparagus pesto pasta. It is dairy-free and delicious!

In a blender:

Juice of one lemon

2 TBL water

2 garlic cloves 

LOTS of basil (I get the partially dried kind, so it is half fresh and half easy to keep in my fridge. It is about 2 TBL total. If using fresh, at least a cup of leaves, chopped.)

1/4 cup Raw Pine Nuts

1/8-1/4 cup of Olive Oil

1/4 cup dairy-free parmesan (or nutritional yeast)

Blend and set aside. If it is too thick, you can add pasta water later on. 

Cook a pound of pasta, I love Rigatoni, Linguine, or Cavatappi. All are awesome, but anything works with this pesto. 

I roast a lot of asparagus. I cut it into thirds and toss it with olive oil, garlic salt, and fresh black pepper. It takes about 15-20 minutes in a 400°F oven. 

When the pasta is ready, I take out a cup of water, drain the rest, and toss in the pesto. The pasta water helps loosen up the sauce if it's too thick. It all comes together with a bright, lemony flavor and a salty bite from the seasoning. It's a great green meal on this very green day!