Vacation

I have been on vacation for almost a week so far - it is great. Yes, I knew I needed one, but it makes such a difference. So far I've spent most of the time hanging out with family. Tomorrow is my niece's 3rd birthday, so that should be fun.

The only damper on the trip so far has been the utter disappointment of my web design class. I am so glad that I did not quit my job for this. My professor is a hack. He has only spent 5 hours in the past week teaching (with 27 hrs of scheduled class time!), starting late and ending early each day. He also seems a bit sleazy, making excessive sexual references in class, and inviting several of us back to his home office (awkward!) "to see a few projects" -- he promptly left us there in his pot-scented house to do his job for him (ie -- redesign client websites with zero instruction or supervision). Great. I have written a strongly worded letter to the dean requesting a refund for the course. It has really been a waste of time and money. Ugh. Glad I took the low-risk vacation from work to try it out instead of making any major commitments.

Anyway, despite the fact that my professor is a total loser, I have had a good time visiting and relaxing for a while. It has been nice just to have a break, get some fresh air, and see my family. Today I taught my nephew a new song on the keyboard, ran around the yard with the dog, and had delicious and simple taco salad for dinner. Awesome.

Vegan Taco Salad
1 head lettuce (your favorite kind)
1-2 limes
1 can black beans
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 ear corn, sliced off the cob (good use for leftovers in summer, or use canned)
1 tomato, diced
1 avacado, diced (optional)
Salsa
Sour cream (vegans can use the soy version)
Cheddar or vegan cheese, shredded (optional)
Corn chips
Spices to taste -- cumin, chili powder, paprika, cayenne

1. Pour black beans with juice into saucepan. Add garlic, onion, and spices, and allow to simmer until onions are cooked.
2. Wash and shred lettuce, then place in large salad bowl. Add tomato, avacado, and corn. Add shredded cheese, and toss salad with lime juice, salt and pepper.
3. Serve salad at table with chips, sour cream, salsa, and beans on the side so everyone can create his/her own salad. This was delicious with a fresh fruit salad accompaniment.