OBAMA! And LASAGNA!

So the lasagna was delicious. Couldn't get ricotta so used a shredded emmenthaler as a substitute, which was nice and salty and the top layer browned well while it baked. I asked Herr Lehm if I could use some of their aluminum foil to cover the lasagna while it was baking but he said nay, nay, and looked at me like I was a reckless child. Don't really understand why. Maybe he thinks an oven is like a microwave and metal will make it explode. Or maybe he's just a control freak.

I felt politeness required bring the Lehms two small pieces once it cooled, but otherwise Bill and I ate most of it that first night (he likes it cold, while I microwaved mine a bit) and finished it the next night. And decided that next time we won't give them any because we want it all for ourselves. And we may well buy a bigger pan so we can make even more.

This week I'm beginning the online classes I've signed up for through American River Community College. I'm primarily taking them because if I'm enrolled in a certain number of units I can stay on my parents' medical insurance. But, thanks to the very high demand for online courses at ARC and the fact that I looked for them late, limited selection has forced me into three classes I probably would never have taken had I a choice in the matter. I will be taking the Library Science course Internet Research Skills, the Sociology course Human Sexuality, and the Gerontology course Sociology of Aging. What a fun mix, hmmm?

Unfortunately, books are a bit of a problem. I was able to buy a downloadable version of my sexuality textbook but my Aging texts, ordered used on Amazon, won't arrive until mid February or possible early March. Might hamper my class performance. And of course since I'm overseas there was no option for expedited shipping. If anyone reading would like to help me by finding the books in the library (Moody, Harry. Aging, Concepts and Controversies, 5th Edition, and Cox, Harold. Annual Editions: Aging) and making copies or scanning the first couple chapters, that would be really helpful. Also a lot of work, I realize, but in case my blog doesn't kill quite enough time in your week, I present this as an additional option.

Got my hair cut yesterday, which was nice because the bangs have been growing unchecked since October, and they've been a pain in the ass. Went to a girl we met through Nico. She's very nice, did a very thorough job, and finds it strange that American hairstylists have to go to school for such a short time. She went back to school for a masters in hairstyling (not sure what the US equivalent might be) in 2005, so I felt very comfortable in her hands. The bangs are now a little heavier, quite mod, and there are more short pieces around my face. I think I'm pleased but haven't styled it myself yet, as she did such a lovely job of straightening, but that will be the true test of whether I like it. I'll be meeting Bill back at her salon in an hour for his appointment with her. His wings were getting a little out of control.

Oh, and I mentioned Obama (PRESIDENT Obama) in the post's title. I watched hours of inaugural coverage yesterday and could not stop smiling throughout. His speech was brilliant, appropriately serious, and very motivating. And Michelle looked great, especially the unexpected greens of her gloves and shoes. Oh, and her ball gown was fantastic. And, note to Becca in particular, it looked like she had some nice lush false eyelashes on at the ball. I'm very much looking forward to seeing the steps the Obama administration takes in the next few months in terms of facing the financial crisis and fixing some of the more prominent Bush/Cheney disasters.

Miss you all very much.