Apple roses and Star Wars

Last weekend Othman and I had our friends Gioia and Driss over, which happens pretty often, but as we took pictures this time it merits a blog post! First they came over for dinner, for which I made my owntake on my mom's famous coconut fish dinner (basmati rice with tilapia filets cooked with leeks, fresh mushrooms, and coconut milk. Yummmmmmm). Gioia said she'd bring dessert, which was great. I was expecting something... well... normal... like a simple cake or ice cream or something. But then she shows up with to tupperwares full of little pastries I immediately recognized:

We ate the prettiest ones first, because of course, but I was able to take a picture of this one the next day before we gobbled it down. Not only did she make all of it (including the dough) from scratch, but they were even vegan! Way to go Gioia. Delish.

After dinner we headed out to the IMAX theater to finally watch the movie my family has been bugging us to see for more than a month:

(Yes I made Othman wear the shirt. But mom—we hadn't realize you gave him a shirt featuring the ugly bad guy! What meaning lies behind that???)

Othman and I liked the movie a lot, though having grown up on Star Wars I think I appreciated it a tad bit more than he did, haha. One way or another it's always lovely to spend quality time with good friends!

Using our Christmas gifts!

Othman and I were very lucky last month to get some wonderful Christmas gifts, from other people and from each other, and we're so very thankful. Here's a blog post to highlight just a few of them.

A few days after Christmas we went outside for Othman to test out his new remote controlled car! Alyssa had so much fun, chasing it, being chased by it, driving it, and even being a part of the car's obstacle course! It was fun for everyone.

At work my H2O intake has dramatically increased thanks to this gift from Jess and Leny! I share an office with four other teachers—we make up the student support team of the elementary school—and this addition to our office has been very welcome.

When in France we received a big package from my family in the US for Christmas, and included for O were this tee-shirt from my mom (soon to make another appearance in another post) and a weekend bag from my big brother! Othman went on a 2-day business trip last week, and will be taking 2-3 day trips throughout the next few months for a new project at work, and this bag is absolutely perfect for them and super classy too.

Another welcome gift were these tea accessories (toast not included). Jessika got me some lovely loose-leaf Earl Grey and this super fun infuser and spoon which I've loved using!

But, in my opinion, the best present of the year had to be this one:

Othman's gift to me was a Fitbit Charge HR and I LOVE it. During the two weeks that I was healthy since I got it (yes you read that right; January hasn't been kind to me) I hit my 10,000 step mark 6 out of 7 days, and it even inspired me to join a gym with two friends, and we go three times a week now! (Well, not this past week, as I'm down with the flu, but I will be sticking to that when possible! Having two friends to make it social, and the fact that it's literally 50 steps from my house helps a lot, hehe.) 2016 is my year to get healthier, fitter, and start new good habits. What a good present to help me towards that!

Our last day in St. Cere

Even though I was sick with strep and had been in bed for the two previous days, I wanted to make the most of our last day in France. Leny, Othman, and I thus took the girls for a little outing in the afternoon. First we went to the castle that overlooks the village, took the little walk around it, and got a lot of cold wind blown right into our faces! (I'm sure that didn't help the strep and might've been a factor for it turning into bronchitis not long after!)

As we slowly went back to the car, this interaction happened, which I photographed but didn't catch what was going on. I think it's safe to say that Emma was amused at O's silliness!

We then went into the village and the girls got to ride twice (oh the joy) on the carousel that comes to town for a few weeks every Christmas. Seeing their joy warmed us right up.

We loved our Christmas in France, thank everyone who helped make it fabulous, and hope to return soon!

Happy birthday Thomas!

Hey lil brother, remember when you were this small??

Well I know it's hard to believe...

  

But you're all grown up now!

Happy 22nd!!

2015 in review

A lot of people had a crappy 2015, at least that's what my Facebook newsfeed and the news in general seem to show. I, however, was not one of those people.

photo

I started 2015 with a much-needed and much-appreciated job change. I developed career opportunities and got some interesting new experiences as the spring went on. Othman and I also got to travel around Morocco a bit to some pretty inspiring places.

In the summer, I spent a wonderful two months with my family in their new home. It was truly a wonderful summer, full of close and extended family, sunshine, walks, beauty, celebrations, and joy.

Upon my return to Casablanca I got the job opportunity of a lifetime and started working at an international school, where I have been so fulfilled and happy. The difference in my personal life is huge, and my home sees a happier me much more often nowadays.

2015 was a year of portrait photography for me. I was able to experiment and explore with lots of different subjects and settings, and loved every minute.

Painting was another theme throughout the year, as I focused on trying out new techniques and subjects while developing my skills.

Othman and I gained new friends who we now can't imagine life in Casablanca without.

Though we're back in Casa as of yesterday, we ended the year in France, and had a holiday filled with family, children, and smiles.

Throughout the year I was able to rely on my caring, patient, and attentive husband for all the support I needed. 

It was a year full of changes, full of love, and full of life. Here's hoping that 2016 brings ever more of each of those.