Ringing in the New Year!

We had a pretty good 3-day weekend, and are trying to start 2012 off right!  We've been doing a better job of cleaning our houses, taking care of loose ends, treating our bodies right, and enjoying the good life. 

On Friday my school had a Winter Sports Pep Rally.  I had hoped to post a video of the teachers' performance to Michael Jackson's "Thriller," but due to low participation, we decided not to do it.  Later that evening I worked as ticket seller at the boys' basketball game...it's so fun to see the boys from my classroom in action on the court. 

Saturday was all about food!  My friend, Elayna, and I drove up to Orange County to meet Sarah Eley for lunch at Mario Batalli's place, Pizzeria Mozza, in Newport Beach.  We started off our lunch with a caprese salad that had the fluffiest buffalo mozzarella and vine roasted tomatoes.  The tomatoes were so sweet and delicious. 

Accompanying the caprese we had a side order of the thickest panini grilled italian bread, drizzled in garlic olive oil and a healthy pinch of sea salt.  For our main lunch we ordered a Funghi pizza and a White pizza with toasted sage and several types of cheese.  Both pizzas had the best puffed crust, and I could have eaten much more than was necessary. 

Although the lunch thus far was awesome, the dessert was honestly the best part.  I'd go back to eat only dessert!  We split the butterscotch pudding with creme fraiche on top, and a caramel ice cream with peanut brittle-type cookie, spanish peanuts, caramel drizzle, and marshmallow fluff.  Amaze-balls! 

*Food photos courtesy of Alice Q. Foodie blog*

After the long lunch we headed over to Fashion Island for a little shopping before heading back to SD. 

When I got home Matt and I headed over to our friend, Darrin's, place for his famous veal lasagna.  I obviously didn't partake, but it always smells heavenly.  A small group of us enjoyed dinner and some wine before calling it a late night.

Yesterday I had my usual 2-hour zoo observation time before driving north for a hike.  We met our friends Mike and Kaye to hike at Elfin Forest for a few hours before having lunch at Stone Brewery, which was lovely.  I cannot believe we've lived here for nearly 3 years, and hadn't yet been to Stone.  It's a staple in San Diego, which has quickly become the #1 place in the US for craft beer and one of the best spots in the world for the same.  Stone had some great menu options, including a number of things specially designed for vegetarians and vegans.  I had a yummy Mac N' Beer Cheese and a nice Hefeweizen-type beer and Matt enjoyed Duck Tacos while we dined on the patio, surrounded by heat lamps.

It was a rainy night here last night, and rain always brings on the cravings for Vietnamese Pho.  Since San Diego's "Little Saigon" is literally around the corner, there is no shortage of choices.  We watched a scary movie ("Contagion") and slurped our noodles and broth.

Today we've been busy working and getting ready for the week ahead.  In the coming weeks we've got a lot of fun stuff planned, in addition to some upcoming international trips, including Mexico for my brother's wedding.