More books I've read...
6 and 7. Educational books (2)
8. Something Borrowed (book on CD)
9. Eragon (book on CD)
10. Women Food and God (explains why we eat and when we should really eat)
11. Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder
12. Millionaire Mind (father says it should be a must read for all college students)
13. Where the Wild Things Grow (not a fan of this book or movie)
14. Rum Diary (do not recommend reading- hopefully the movie is better?)
15. The Help (GREAT book. Don't cheat and watch the movie...watch it after you read it!)
16. The Peanut Allergy Epidemic
Friday, December 30, 2011
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Attend a Cubs and White Sox game
On September 10th, my older sister, boyfriend and I went to a White Sox game courtesy of my sister's boyfriend. We got regular seats as well as media passes where I ran into Ozzie, checked out the box where they broadcast the game, and was surprised with one of my favorite treats- licorice rope :)
Six days later, September 16th, my other sister (also older) treated me to first base tickets to the Cubs game! Charlie Sheen's father threw out the first pitch and did a great job singing during the 7th ....yum..inning (almost said quarter- same thing!) Afterwards, we went to what's supposed to be the best burger joint in Chicago- Kuma's Corner....not my favorite- I like my burgers to taste like a burger- leave the 'fancy' toppings for a different meal please.
Thank you to my favorite sisters ever!
Photos below. Note: my sister's boyfriend put my other sisters name on the media pass instead of mine..i really used it and was really there :)
Six days later, September 16th, my other sister (also older) treated me to first base tickets to the Cubs game! Charlie Sheen's father threw out the first pitch and did a great job singing during the 7th ....yum..inning (almost said quarter- same thing!) Afterwards, we went to what's supposed to be the best burger joint in Chicago- Kuma's Corner....not my favorite- I like my burgers to taste like a burger- leave the 'fancy' toppings for a different meal please.
Thank you to my favorite sisters ever!
Photos below. Note: my sister's boyfriend put my other sisters name on the media pass instead of mine..i really used it and was really there :)
Achievement 8 of 12: Worship at a church once per month
I had planned to attend a different church in October but as the end of the last Saturday night in October grew near I still hadn't decided on which new church to try out so I planned on attending the 7:00am mass at St Theresa as I had never attended the 'early show'.
At 6:45am I got a text from my friend, yes, some of my friends wake up as early as I do- suppose that's why we get along so well...she wanted to know if I was up for going to mass with her so I went to St Anne's with her- she got married there in August :)
After mass, we went to for coffee and agreed that the visiting pastor spoke in circles during the extremely long homily. It was an odd morning overall- I say that priest smoking in front of the church before mass started and the Apostle Creed was not said at this particular mass offering....I look forward to trying to look like I know all of the words (esp since this church doesn't have missiles!)
November- let's see if I can remember to find another church...December- mass on the beach in Florida!?!?!
At 6:45am I got a text from my friend, yes, some of my friends wake up as early as I do- suppose that's why we get along so well...she wanted to know if I was up for going to mass with her so I went to St Anne's with her- she got married there in August :)
After mass, we went to for coffee and agreed that the visiting pastor spoke in circles during the extremely long homily. It was an odd morning overall- I say that priest smoking in front of the church before mass started and the Apostle Creed was not said at this particular mass offering....I look forward to trying to look like I know all of the words (esp since this church doesn't have missiles!)
November- let's see if I can remember to find another church...December- mass on the beach in Florida!?!?!
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Kidnap my mom
In September, my sister and I kidnapped my mom. What?
My mom was a girl scout leader and guru in Utah. She basically ran Girls Scouts statewide in Utah. For her troops, she would kidnap each girl....a few days before she would call the parents to tell them she would be showing up early in the morning to take the girls to breakfast. She said go up to their rooms and wake them up.And kidnap them in their PJS!
My sister and I didnt kidnap my mother in her PJS but we did kidnap her and went to Target :)
My mom was a girl scout leader and guru in Utah. She basically ran Girls Scouts statewide in Utah. For her troops, she would kidnap each girl....a few days before she would call the parents to tell them she would be showing up early in the morning to take the girls to breakfast. She said go up to their rooms and wake them up.And kidnap them in their PJS!
My sister and I didnt kidnap my mother in her PJS but we did kidnap her and went to Target :)
Decorate the main wall in the living room
After much searching for the perfect decoration for my main living room wall I have decided that it will be a 'Seasonal Wall'. Each season and/or holiday I'll decorate it (ideally handmade by me). i.e. Valentine's Day (make a wire heart).
I would post a photo of what it looks like now but it's a surprise for one of my other goals (Host a party at my place). I'll post in early November. :)
I would post a photo of what it looks like now but it's a surprise for one of my other goals (Host a party at my place). I'll post in early November. :)
Achievement 6 and 7 of 12: Worship at a church once per month
In August, I attend St Anne's mass for my friend's wedding- Colleen. My parents were married at this church but it was recently remodeled :( Although not a fan of the remodel job, I went back in September for another mass. For the September mass, I liked that the priest asked you to turn to your neighbors to introduce yourself before he started mass. Then when we gave our neighbors the sign of peace, everyone remembers your name! I felt bad that I didnt remember.
I didn't like that St. Anne's didnt provide missiles :( Liked that I met my 'neighbors'.
Will try another church in October though...
I didn't like that St. Anne's didnt provide missiles :( Liked that I met my 'neighbors'.
Will try another church in October though...
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Fair it Up! Go to the Iowa State Fair
My family and I LOVE our state fairs! These are the state fairs that I remember: Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. I am sure as a youngster I went to others but I don't feel they 'count' unless I remember them :)
Every year we go to the Wisconsin State Fair because it's the closest state fair and a grand ole time :) It also happens to have my mother's favorite- cream puffs.
Over the past 5 years, I have been lived in Minnesota and Indiana. While in Minnesota, I got a job as a 'runner' for one of the food vending places at the Minnesota State Fair. As a runner, I would pick up or drop off anything the food vendor ran out of during the fair like caramel apples, napkins, sugar, potatoes, etc. I was on-call for the entire two weeks of the fair but got paid for being on-call. I got more than double the pay when they actually needed me. I got to go 'behind the scenes' of being a fair vendor. It was great money for the two weeks.
The Minnesota fair had the most 'on a stick' items that I had ever seen- spaghetti on a stick? yep!
After Minnesota, I moved to Indiana and went to the Indiana state fair with my mother and sister, Julia. We loved this fair! It was set up in a circle so you couldn't miss a thing. They had the world's largest leather boot on display and even Dole Whip (which we thought you could only find in Hawaii)-none dairy dessert.
Over the past few years, my family and I have talked about going to see the Iowa State fair which claims to be the best and largest state fair in the nation.
My parents and I went to the Iowa State fair on August 12th from 8:30am to 5pm- yep 8.5 hours! We walked around the entire fair and saw everything except the chickens and rabbits.
So what did we think? It may be the largest but was it the best? It depends who you ask...all families go to fairs and festivals for different reasons- the food, the atmosphere, the people watching, the music...
As a whole, we decided that we prefer the Wisconsin State Fair to the Iowa State Fair. The Wisconsin State Fair is fair AND music with small stages every where so you can check out the pigs for an hour and then go grab a beer and relax in the sun for an hour while listening to music.
I'm glad I saw the Iowa State Fair but won't go back again. What's next? Texas? Michigan?
Every year we go to the Wisconsin State Fair because it's the closest state fair and a grand ole time :) It also happens to have my mother's favorite- cream puffs.
Over the past 5 years, I have been lived in Minnesota and Indiana. While in Minnesota, I got a job as a 'runner' for one of the food vending places at the Minnesota State Fair. As a runner, I would pick up or drop off anything the food vendor ran out of during the fair like caramel apples, napkins, sugar, potatoes, etc. I was on-call for the entire two weeks of the fair but got paid for being on-call. I got more than double the pay when they actually needed me. I got to go 'behind the scenes' of being a fair vendor. It was great money for the two weeks.
The Minnesota fair had the most 'on a stick' items that I had ever seen- spaghetti on a stick? yep!
After Minnesota, I moved to Indiana and went to the Indiana state fair with my mother and sister, Julia. We loved this fair! It was set up in a circle so you couldn't miss a thing. They had the world's largest leather boot on display and even Dole Whip (which we thought you could only find in Hawaii)-none dairy dessert.
Over the past few years, my family and I have talked about going to see the Iowa State fair which claims to be the best and largest state fair in the nation.
My parents and I went to the Iowa State fair on August 12th from 8:30am to 5pm- yep 8.5 hours! We walked around the entire fair and saw everything except the chickens and rabbits.
So what did we think? It may be the largest but was it the best? It depends who you ask...all families go to fairs and festivals for different reasons- the food, the atmosphere, the people watching, the music...
As a whole, we decided that we prefer the Wisconsin State Fair to the Iowa State Fair. The Wisconsin State Fair is fair AND music with small stages every where so you can check out the pigs for an hour and then go grab a beer and relax in the sun for an hour while listening to music.
I'm glad I saw the Iowa State Fair but won't go back again. What's next? Texas? Michigan?
Achievement 5 of 30: Read 30 books
Last year I started reading the Plum series by Janet Evanovich. To date there are 17 books in this series and I hope this series continues for a while longer :) I was hooked instantly but stopped reading them in mid 2010 so I didn't get burnt out from reading one after another.
In July I started reading the series again and read book 10, 11, and 12: Ten Big Ones, Eleven on Top, and Twelve Sharp.
These books have a little bit of mystery mixed with humorous family drama. These books are better than watching any television series. A movie for the first book of the series was slated to be released this summer but has been pushed back until Jan 2012.
In July I started reading the series again and read book 10, 11, and 12: Ten Big Ones, Eleven on Top, and Twelve Sharp.
These books have a little bit of mystery mixed with humorous family drama. These books are better than watching any television series. A movie for the first book of the series was slated to be released this summer but has been pushed back until Jan 2012.
Achievement 2 of 30: Read 30 books
A few months ago, I saw a book at Costco that I thought my boyfriend's father and I would both like to read. I ended up buying the book for his father and suggesting that he read a few chapters and hand the book off for me to read a few chapters and so on. When my boyfriend's father was done with about half the book he gave me the book to read. When I got the book I was already reading 2 other books (yes,you can read more than 1 book at a time), but I knew that I had to focus on finishing this book so I could return it to my boyfriend's father.
I ended up taking a lot longer finishing the book than I intended to take because (as stated in another post) I couldn't keep my eyes open long enough to read when I hit my pillow at night (I usually only read at bedtime).
About 4 weeks ago I finally finished Inside of a Dog. This book made me laugh, learn, and cry about loving dogs :) I learned that dogs want to 'greet you' a their level meaning they want to smell your nose to greet you- that's why they try to jump on you- to get to your face. The book reminded me that I should take walks for just my dog sometimes- smell walks. The purpose of these walks is to allow your dog to smell whatever and for how ever long he/she wants to- i.e. don't tug him/her away from the tree, bush, or ground that he/she is so interested in. Yes, this walk means there will be a lot of standing around for you, but you'll be treating your dog without edible treats :)
Good read. I've read better dog books, but I liked the writer's style and her small stories about her own dog.
I ended up taking a lot longer finishing the book than I intended to take because (as stated in another post) I couldn't keep my eyes open long enough to read when I hit my pillow at night (I usually only read at bedtime).
About 4 weeks ago I finally finished Inside of a Dog. This book made me laugh, learn, and cry about loving dogs :) I learned that dogs want to 'greet you' a their level meaning they want to smell your nose to greet you- that's why they try to jump on you- to get to your face. The book reminded me that I should take walks for just my dog sometimes- smell walks. The purpose of these walks is to allow your dog to smell whatever and for how ever long he/she wants to- i.e. don't tug him/her away from the tree, bush, or ground that he/she is so interested in. Yes, this walk means there will be a lot of standing around for you, but you'll be treating your dog without edible treats :)
Good read. I've read better dog books, but I liked the writer's style and her small stories about her own dog.
Achievement 1 of 30: Read 30 books
I am a huge reader but tend to only have time to read in bed at night. Over the last few months, I have been so tired at night that reading hasn't been an option unless I learn how to read while sleeping....
In early Spring, I read Water for Elephants. I read the entire book in less than 24 hours. A few days later, I watched the movie. I have read many books that have been turned into movies and am always worried about how the movies will turn out. I think they did a good job with the movie....but the book is still WAY better.
2 thumbs up from me!
In early Spring, I read Water for Elephants. I read the entire book in less than 24 hours. A few days later, I watched the movie. I have read many books that have been turned into movies and am always worried about how the movies will turn out. I think they did a good job with the movie....but the book is still WAY better.
2 thumbs up from me!
Achievement 5 of 12: Worship at a church once per month
It's been a while since I've updated. March 7, 2012 is almost 6 months away!!!
As for my church goal, I have attended church in March, April, May (Mother's Day), and July (twice).
I was unable to attend in June, however, I 'made it up' by going to church twice in July. :) I will try not to miss another month.
In August, I plan to go to a different church....i'll keep you posted.
As for my church goal, I have attended church in March, April, May (Mother's Day), and July (twice).
I was unable to attend in June, however, I 'made it up' by going to church twice in July. :) I will try not to miss another month.
In August, I plan to go to a different church....i'll keep you posted.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Achievement 1 of 7: Sample Seven Different Spirits That Start with S
March 26 (27), 2011....the S goal started.
On Saturday/Sunday, Steve S. (aka Stevada) served Sarah a Seagram's Seven and Seven. Sarah said the drink was probably popular for those over 70, but later learned that Seagram's Seven Crown became popular in the 70's, thus making is a popular spirit for those in their 60's.
This was Sarah's first Seagram 7 and 7.
On Saturday/Sunday, Steve S. (aka Stevada) served Sarah a Seagram's Seven and Seven. Sarah said the drink was probably popular for those over 70, but later learned that Seagram's Seven Crown became popular in the 70's, thus making is a popular spirit for those in their 60's.
This was Sarah's first Seagram 7 and 7.
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| Stevada served Sarah a Seagram's 7 and 7 |
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Achievement 1 of 12: Worship at a church once per month
On March 20, 2011 I attended the 8:30am Mass at my home church- St. Theresa. 1 down 11 more to go. I have failed to update my blog as to why I chose this goal but I eventually will so this write-up is about the achievement.
On Saturday (March 19th) I had planned to go to the 10am or 11am mass since I work part-time at a bar and didn't know what time I would get home (usually between 2 and 3am). I ended up getting home at 4am so I googled the Mass schedule and found out there was an 8:30am, a 10:00am and an 11:30am Mass. 11:30am was just a tad too late for me and I knew the 10:00am Mass would be filled with (annoying) children. So at 4:12am I set my alarm for 7:24am to make the 8:30am Mass.
And I made it! I was proud of myself when I got to the parking lot a 8:17am only to see that the parking lot looked sparse. Then I started wondering if the Mass schedule was wrong that I had looked up, maybe they had cancelled for a funeral??? I soon saw 2 couples walk in so I felt relieved and walked in to the church. I'll spare you on why I am no long a fan of this church (remodeled it a while back and it's not the church that I once knew by any means)...that's not why we go to church, right?
Church soon filled up. Only spotted 3 children under 10, the rest were well over my parents' age. The music wasn't great (we all go to church for the music, right?) but the homily was wonderful. The pastor went on a little too long at one point but the key things that I remember are:
On Saturday (March 19th) I had planned to go to the 10am or 11am mass since I work part-time at a bar and didn't know what time I would get home (usually between 2 and 3am). I ended up getting home at 4am so I googled the Mass schedule and found out there was an 8:30am, a 10:00am and an 11:30am Mass. 11:30am was just a tad too late for me and I knew the 10:00am Mass would be filled with (annoying) children. So at 4:12am I set my alarm for 7:24am to make the 8:30am Mass.
And I made it! I was proud of myself when I got to the parking lot a 8:17am only to see that the parking lot looked sparse. Then I started wondering if the Mass schedule was wrong that I had looked up, maybe they had cancelled for a funeral??? I soon saw 2 couples walk in so I felt relieved and walked in to the church. I'll spare you on why I am no long a fan of this church (remodeled it a while back and it's not the church that I once knew by any means)...that's not why we go to church, right?
Church soon filled up. Only spotted 3 children under 10, the rest were well over my parents' age. The music wasn't great (we all go to church for the music, right?) but the homily was wonderful. The pastor went on a little too long at one point but the key things that I remember are:
- the first and second (March 20th) Sundays of Lent are the most important- they set the pace for the rest of Lent
- Theme: transcend
- Don't let the Devil
Achievement 1: Eat at an Indian Restaurant
On March 18, 2011 I achieved my first of thirty goals. I had the lunch buffet with my friend, Tina, at Gaylord's to celebrate our March birthdays. Gaylord's has been recommended to me several times throughout the past few years as a great Indian Restaurant. I was skeptical about going to a buffet for Indian as I wasn't sure the dishes I like from the my Swad meals (click here to read about my only Indian/Swad meal experiences) would be on the buffet. I was pleasantly surprised. My spinach paneer was the first thing I saw. Then came lentils, eggplant, and spicy chicken. The fried dough balls soaked through with a sugar sauce were not as good as they looked, but the strawberry ice cream and rice pudding were delicious. I will definitely be taking my friends there to introduce more people to Indian food.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
F, G, H: How I Came Up with Them
F: Finish the 10-mile Soldier Field race on May 28th. The 10-mile Soldier Field Race is a HUGELY attended RUNNING race that falls on Memorial Weekend every year. My older sister did this 3 (?) years ago and loved it. She is not a runner, decided to train for this race, and completed it by crossing the 50 yard line IN Soldier Field. She was even on the GUMBOTRON. She stopped running after this race. She had 'been there done that'- why continue to run?
Anyone who knows me has heard this from me various times, "I cycle. I do not run." Well...I must have temporarily went insane when I decided to sign up for the 10-mile race with the same sister who had 'been there done that'. I started training in early December when I had conveniently started a "12 Days of Running" program at my work (we roughly followed Couch to 5k training). At the beginning, I sucked. I could hardly complete week 4. But through the training program at work, I befriended a young man who joined the program to lose a few pounds. We started to run together. He would tell me I was his motivation, but soon he became the motivation I needed to get my ass on the treadmill when I didn't feel like it.
Since December, I have become extremely preoccupied with work and work and play so my training has lessened. My best training days have been running 2.5 miles without stopping (note: running for 90 seconds used to be hard for me). 2nd best training day was running 1 mile, then walking 1 minute. I did this 4 times. I felt ggggggggggggreat!
You may ask, "Sarah, you ROCK on the bike and ALL fitness training you do. How do you suck so much at running?" My answer: "I suck at running because I refuse to love it." A more scientific answer: All people are built differently. Not everyone is built (muscularly) to run, swim, cycle, weight train, etc. Some people will inevitably excel in certain sports due to their muscle build. I am built for power (cycle and weight training)- not so much endurance running. So this is a (good) challenge for me. And as for 'loving' what you do or train for, I am slowly starting to enjoy running....love running? I'm working on it.
I am back on the treadmill but keep getting sick. So I'll try to update when I am back up to running roughly 4 miles without stopping....
G: Go on a blind date. I have never been on a real blind date where a friend sets you up with someone who swears is perfect for you. I have never had a huge desire to go on a blind date, but my friend, Megan, came up with this idea and I wanted to make her happy :). She said she'd volunteer to find the guy for me too!
But you may be asking, "Sarah, what if you're in a relationship the entire 365 days? How will you go on a blind date?" Sarah answers: It will be fantastic if I am in a relationship during my last days in my 20s. If I do find myself in this situation, I have a few ideas on how I can still achieve this goal....
H: Host a dinner at my place. I have lived in my condo for 2 years and have never invited anyone over for dinner. I have also never used my brand new dishwasher until this weekend. I have used my oven MAYBE twice and the stove about 10 times.
My condo is spacious enough and nice enough to host a dinner. I have just never invited people over for a 'house-warming party". I hope it's okay that it's 2 years later!!?!?!?
Anyone who knows me has heard this from me various times, "I cycle. I do not run." Well...I must have temporarily went insane when I decided to sign up for the 10-mile race with the same sister who had 'been there done that'. I started training in early December when I had conveniently started a "12 Days of Running" program at my work (we roughly followed Couch to 5k training). At the beginning, I sucked. I could hardly complete week 4. But through the training program at work, I befriended a young man who joined the program to lose a few pounds. We started to run together. He would tell me I was his motivation, but soon he became the motivation I needed to get my ass on the treadmill when I didn't feel like it.
Since December, I have become extremely preoccupied with work and work and play so my training has lessened. My best training days have been running 2.5 miles without stopping (note: running for 90 seconds used to be hard for me). 2nd best training day was running 1 mile, then walking 1 minute. I did this 4 times. I felt ggggggggggggreat!
You may ask, "Sarah, you ROCK on the bike and ALL fitness training you do. How do you suck so much at running?" My answer: "I suck at running because I refuse to love it." A more scientific answer: All people are built differently. Not everyone is built (muscularly) to run, swim, cycle, weight train, etc. Some people will inevitably excel in certain sports due to their muscle build. I am built for power (cycle and weight training)- not so much endurance running. So this is a (good) challenge for me. And as for 'loving' what you do or train for, I am slowly starting to enjoy running....love running? I'm working on it.
I am back on the treadmill but keep getting sick. So I'll try to update when I am back up to running roughly 4 miles without stopping....
G: Go on a blind date. I have never been on a real blind date where a friend sets you up with someone who swears is perfect for you. I have never had a huge desire to go on a blind date, but my friend, Megan, came up with this idea and I wanted to make her happy :). She said she'd volunteer to find the guy for me too!
But you may be asking, "Sarah, what if you're in a relationship the entire 365 days? How will you go on a blind date?" Sarah answers: It will be fantastic if I am in a relationship during my last days in my 20s. If I do find myself in this situation, I have a few ideas on how I can still achieve this goal....
H: Host a dinner at my place. I have lived in my condo for 2 years and have never invited anyone over for dinner. I have also never used my brand new dishwasher until this weekend. I have used my oven MAYBE twice and the stove about 10 times.
My condo is spacious enough and nice enough to host a dinner. I have just never invited people over for a 'house-warming party". I hope it's okay that it's 2 years later!!?!?!?
Monday, March 7, 2011
D, D, E: How I Came Up Them
D: Decorate the main wall in the living room. I have lived in my condo for almost 2 years with a completely bare living room wall. I am told that I have "the perfect wall for a huge flat screen tv". Yippee skippy. Too bad I don't watch tv, have cable, or have the patience to sit still long enough to enjoy a television program or movie.
So I have been searching high and low for ideas on what to do with this 8 foot wide wall (see photo). Do I put up an Alcasien photo from my travels in Europe, get a trendy piece of metal artwork, or opt for a massive self-portrait ;) hmm...not a bad idea....
Yes, those are my birthday cards and books that I received for my birthday which will be added onto the book list :)
D: Develop an understanding for tasting and identifying wine and beer through blind tastings. I'm kicking myself for not listening to my father who tired to teach me all the different types of beers and wines that are available to all of us at local bars, restaurants, and stores when I was younger. My father has a large interest in beverages and would often try to pass on his interests to me or my siblings. At the time, I found it abnormal to care about the "banana-ey, citrus essence that lingered on the palate". Now, I am embarrassed to say that I am 29 and have no idea if something has a good "finish", what the difference is between an ale, a pilsner, and a lager, and I cannot decipher nor distinguish (note the D's) the flavor profile of any wine or beer.
With the help of my father, the fine folks at Bauer's Brauhaus, and my own tasting adventures, this is sure to be an educational and enlightening experience.
Note: The 2nd "D" goal is the 1st of 4 randoms.
E: Eat at an Indian Restaurant. I can't pinpoint how I stumbled upon "Ready to Eat" Swad Indian Food by Raja Foods. I was probably shopping on an empty stomach at a local Caputo's or Eurofresh when I found myself in the Indian aisle. I was also probably trying to find something that was new to my tongue, low in calories, and easy on the wallet (not uncommon). The pictures of the food on the box of these "ready to eat" items looked fantastic and the ingredients where items I had had before, so what could be so horrible? As I was trying to figure out if I should try these Swad products, an Indian woman approached me and told me that the Paneer Jalfrezi was delicious. With the sale price of $.99, I couldn't pass up this opportunity to try some processed food. For those who know me, I don't 'do' processed/pre-packaged foods. (Nor should any of us make this a habit).
The Indian woman was so right. The Paneer Jalfrezi was spicy and delicious. After realizing that the 'ready to eat' food would never look like the photo on the box (think baby food/pureed food consistency), I still got hooked on the fine cuisine.
After many processed envelopes of the Swad product (the food comes in microwaveable plastic envelopes), I asked a friend to go with me to an Indian restaurant so I could get my Paneer Jalfrezi 'fix' to find out how it was really supposed to taste and look like. We made it to a highly recommended restaurant only to find out it was now a buffet only Indian restaurant. I also don't 'do' buffets especially when the food items are foreign to me. So that trip to the Indian restaurant failed as we left and ended up eating boatloads of popcorn at the movie theater for dinner, but I hope my next venture to another Indian restaurant will be a success....
As of right now, I am slated to go to an Indian Restaurant for lunch with a friend to celebrate our March birthdays on March 18th. I'll keep you posted....
So I have been searching high and low for ideas on what to do with this 8 foot wide wall (see photo). Do I put up an Alcasien photo from my travels in Europe, get a trendy piece of metal artwork, or opt for a massive self-portrait ;) hmm...not a bad idea....
D: Develop an understanding for tasting and identifying wine and beer through blind tastings. I'm kicking myself for not listening to my father who tired to teach me all the different types of beers and wines that are available to all of us at local bars, restaurants, and stores when I was younger. My father has a large interest in beverages and would often try to pass on his interests to me or my siblings. At the time, I found it abnormal to care about the "banana-ey, citrus essence that lingered on the palate". Now, I am embarrassed to say that I am 29 and have no idea if something has a good "finish", what the difference is between an ale, a pilsner, and a lager, and I cannot decipher nor distinguish (note the D's) the flavor profile of any wine or beer.
With the help of my father, the fine folks at Bauer's Brauhaus, and my own tasting adventures, this is sure to be an educational and enlightening experience.
Note: The 2nd "D" goal is the 1st of 4 randoms.
E: Eat at an Indian Restaurant. I can't pinpoint how I stumbled upon "Ready to Eat" Swad Indian Food by Raja Foods. I was probably shopping on an empty stomach at a local Caputo's or Eurofresh when I found myself in the Indian aisle. I was also probably trying to find something that was new to my tongue, low in calories, and easy on the wallet (not uncommon). The pictures of the food on the box of these "ready to eat" items looked fantastic and the ingredients where items I had had before, so what could be so horrible? As I was trying to figure out if I should try these Swad products, an Indian woman approached me and told me that the Paneer Jalfrezi was delicious. With the sale price of $.99, I couldn't pass up this opportunity to try some processed food. For those who know me, I don't 'do' processed/pre-packaged foods. (Nor should any of us make this a habit).
The Indian woman was so right. The Paneer Jalfrezi was spicy and delicious. After realizing that the 'ready to eat' food would never look like the photo on the box (think baby food/pureed food consistency), I still got hooked on the fine cuisine.
After many processed envelopes of the Swad product (the food comes in microwaveable plastic envelopes), I asked a friend to go with me to an Indian restaurant so I could get my Paneer Jalfrezi 'fix' to find out how it was really supposed to taste and look like. We made it to a highly recommended restaurant only to find out it was now a buffet only Indian restaurant. I also don't 'do' buffets especially when the food items are foreign to me. So that trip to the Indian restaurant failed as we left and ended up eating boatloads of popcorn at the movie theater for dinner, but I hope my next venture to another Indian restaurant will be a success....
As of right now, I am slated to go to an Indian Restaurant for lunch with a friend to celebrate our March birthdays on March 18th. I'll keep you posted....
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
A, B, C: How I came up with them
Before March 7th hits, I'm going to make sure to explain how/why I chose the goals that I would like to achieve in 365 days. Some of the explanations will be short while others might have a lengthy story that leads up to the reason...I'll try to spare you as many details as possible.
A: Attend a Cubs and White Sox game. I have been to a couple of Cubs games and 1 White Sox game. I only remember going to 3 Cubs games- 1 with my sisters and cousin (and I believe my grandmother and mom), 1 with my parents in the bleachers (possibly with my sisters) (P.S. if any family members are reading, please comment on who else was there to refresh my memory), and 1with the Foreign Exchange Club in high school when I hosted a French student. I went to a White Sox game at the new Cellular Park when I was around 21 and had a fun time. Don't remember watching the game though.
My only memory of the Cubs game as a child with my two older sisters and my cousin, Zandra, are only this "Juan, Juan he's our muan. If he can't do it, no one cuan!" So as much as I love that one memory of the Cubs game, I would like to go to a Cubs and White Sox game as an adult. Then maybe I can truthfully answer which team I prefer....
B: Brave the wild and go camping. Prior to me make the 30 goals alphabetical, this goal was just "Go camping". How boring. So I made it sound a little more adventurous by having to 'brave the wild'. I have gone camping many times with my parents and sisters as a youth. I loved camping, but my sisters hated it.
I have many memories of camping with my family:
1. 5 of us in a 5 person dome tent- we all know that a 5 person tent really means 2-3. I always sleeping at the 'top of the tent' with a rock in my back or leg every time we camped. And we did not use blow up mattresses- that's not camping folks!
2. Making crawdad traps,putting them out late at night, eating s'mores, falling asleep, and then checking on the traps in the middle of the night. Then ripping their heads off and watching them crawl around on the table headless.
3. Red sand and Moab
4. Sleeping on a boat that was docked on a beach while our parents slept on the beach..what if we sailed away?
5. Tons more too!
I plan to go camping somewhere in the 'wild', but if time runs out or if none of my friends or family members are up for a camping adventure than I will count that I achieved this goal, brave the wild and go camping, if I set up my pink tent (sleeps 3) in my backyard or at my parents' yard. :) There are wild animals out there! And it's not like I have never camped in the backyard either....
C: Complete my first triathlon: I rock at cycling. Anyone who knows how hard I train on my bike knows I would kill in any competition. One hold up though: Sport Performance Anxiety. I choke up. So I'm going to try to over come that anxiety by signing up and completing a triathlon. I've signed up for one before but never ended up doing it because I psyched myself out. Anyone want to do one with me???
A: Attend a Cubs and White Sox game. I have been to a couple of Cubs games and 1 White Sox game. I only remember going to 3 Cubs games- 1 with my sisters and cousin (and I believe my grandmother and mom), 1 with my parents in the bleachers (possibly with my sisters) (P.S. if any family members are reading, please comment on who else was there to refresh my memory), and 1with the Foreign Exchange Club in high school when I hosted a French student. I went to a White Sox game at the new Cellular Park when I was around 21 and had a fun time. Don't remember watching the game though.
My only memory of the Cubs game as a child with my two older sisters and my cousin, Zandra, are only this "Juan, Juan he's our muan. If he can't do it, no one cuan!" So as much as I love that one memory of the Cubs game, I would like to go to a Cubs and White Sox game as an adult. Then maybe I can truthfully answer which team I prefer....
B: Brave the wild and go camping. Prior to me make the 30 goals alphabetical, this goal was just "Go camping". How boring. So I made it sound a little more adventurous by having to 'brave the wild'. I have gone camping many times with my parents and sisters as a youth. I loved camping, but my sisters hated it.
I have many memories of camping with my family:
1. 5 of us in a 5 person dome tent- we all know that a 5 person tent really means 2-3. I always sleeping at the 'top of the tent' with a rock in my back or leg every time we camped. And we did not use blow up mattresses- that's not camping folks!
2. Making crawdad traps,putting them out late at night, eating s'mores, falling asleep, and then checking on the traps in the middle of the night. Then ripping their heads off and watching them crawl around on the table headless.
3. Red sand and Moab
4. Sleeping on a boat that was docked on a beach while our parents slept on the beach..what if we sailed away?
5. Tons more too!
I plan to go camping somewhere in the 'wild', but if time runs out or if none of my friends or family members are up for a camping adventure than I will count that I achieved this goal, brave the wild and go camping, if I set up my pink tent (sleeps 3) in my backyard or at my parents' yard. :) There are wild animals out there! And it's not like I have never camped in the backyard either....
C: Complete my first triathlon: I rock at cycling. Anyone who knows how hard I train on my bike knows I would kill in any competition. One hold up though: Sport Performance Anxiety. I choke up. So I'm going to try to over come that anxiety by signing up and completing a triathlon. I've signed up for one before but never ended up doing it because I psyched myself out. Anyone want to do one with me???
Thursday, February 17, 2011
And that's supposed to be the easy part...
Ta da! I have been working on 30 goals for the past month. I originally had a boat load of goals that started with "Go to" this and that. I quickly got bored with that list and found that I would be "go, go, going" all the time and needed a better plan. So I focused on having a goal for each letter of the alphabet + 4 random ones.
After I revamped my thought process, thinking of goals became easier and more fun! 'Go camping' became 'Brave the wild and go camping'. And 'Quick quest to an unfamiliar destination' is far more exciting than 'Go on a weekend getaway'. The hardest goals to think of were the last 4 random ones that could have started with any letter!
Once March 7th (my birthday- don't forget!) hits, I'm sure I'll come up with so many other goals that I should have chosen instead, but this is the final list. No turning back.
The list of actual goals is completed, but the list of 30 books to read is still in the works but will be done by March 7th (ummmm, a very important day if you ask me). I know that the following types of books will be placed on the list, but I am still doing the research on which books to choose: an autobiography or biography, a historical, an educational, a book suggested by my favorite librarian, and more.
This is where you (the reader) are welcome to comment and suggest some books that I should read that a) you have read and loved or b) you have always wanted to read and you want me to read so I can tell you all about it because you have no time and apparently I have all the time in the world ;) haha.
Where my readers at?
After I revamped my thought process, thinking of goals became easier and more fun! 'Go camping' became 'Brave the wild and go camping'. And 'Quick quest to an unfamiliar destination' is far more exciting than 'Go on a weekend getaway'. The hardest goals to think of were the last 4 random ones that could have started with any letter!
Once March 7th (my birthday- don't forget!) hits, I'm sure I'll come up with so many other goals that I should have chosen instead, but this is the final list. No turning back.
The list of actual goals is completed, but the list of 30 books to read is still in the works but will be done by March 7th (ummmm, a very important day if you ask me). I know that the following types of books will be placed on the list, but I am still doing the research on which books to choose: an autobiography or biography, a historical, an educational, a book suggested by my favorite librarian, and more.
This is where you (the reader) are welcome to comment and suggest some books that I should read that a) you have read and loved or b) you have always wanted to read and you want me to read so I can tell you all about it because you have no time and apparently I have all the time in the world ;) haha.
Where my readers at?
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