#26 watch an NFl game in person

Well, what could be more NFL than the pro-bowl??

On Sunday, I went to the pro-bowl in Hawaii with my best friend on the island, Kristie. We had a blast, I was rooting for the AFC( go jets! and Dolphins!), while my friend rooted for the NFC (go Eagles!). It was a lot of fun. We had some good seats sitting right on the 50 yard mark. I did the wave. I stomped my feet at "We will, we will rock you!" and I even danced a little in my seat to the Black Eyed Peas.
It was the picture perfect moment of professional football. At least for me!

A book review- The Time Machine H.G. Wells

At first I was skeptical of reading The Time Machine. However, I had to read The Time Machine for my British Literature class. I loved it! I did feel like The Time Machine was lacking substance for the part of the very future, or end of the world. I wish Wells would have gone into a little more detail and explain why he thought the end of the world would end the way he described it- evolutionary theory should have been expanded on in my opinion. Only because I know H.G. Wells really knows about the evolutionary theory, it's really relevant in this novel.

Basically The Time Machine is a novel dated in the early 1900's (?). The time traveller builds this time machine and is retelling his story of his traveling to a group of men, or friends. The time traveller goes WAY into the future, so far that humans have kind of lost their intelligence and skip around picking flowers when they aren't busy fighting cannibals. Then the time traveller continues to go into the future to the "end of the world" where the sun has burnt out and the Earth is ruled by a kind of nothingness besides huge butterflies and enormous crabs. 

The Time Machine in my opinion is awesome, great ideas about social classes and communism and the theory of evolution. Also, who doesn't love a book that is on the short side? I believe my Professor referred to The Time Machine as a "Longer short story". The Time Machine is also on the list of "1001 books you have to read before you die" and I completely agree.

Another book review

Wild Meat and the Bully Burgers was required reading for my English 440 course- Major Author. In this class we are reading works by Lois-Ann Yamanaka and Toni Morrison. Wild Meat and the Bully Burgers is the first book we started the course off with.

Yamanaka is a Hawaii born author and she is the first author to write an entire novel in the vernacular of Pidgin. For those of you who don't know about Pidgin it is a vernacular a lot of Hawaii residents speak. I would say...it's pretty similar to a southern accent. For example, "Ho, my brudda, I no see no kine, no pig you know" (Sorry I just made that sentence up in my mind). The whole book isn't written like that though, just the dialogue.

I know Wild Meat and the Bully Burgers has mixed reviews because people argue that the pidgin dialogue is too hard to follow. Let me clarify and say it's not. I think it's a load of crap when people down-talk the book saying that it's hard to read pidgin. It's really not. The book has "mild" pidgin and I believe Yamanaka does this so people from mainland can easily understand, and I think she does a good job making the book relatable to everyone (Barbies, Shirley Temple).

Wild Meat and the Bully Burgers is a "coming-to-age" novel. The main character Lovey is growing up on the island of Hilo during the 70's where every girl wanted her barbie convertible and her hair curled like Shirley Temple. There are some really funny stories, like how her mom does an at home perm. There are also sad stories, a lot of stories about death, being on the outside of the crowd, and having difficulty finding a personal identity. All of these aspects really make the book very relatable.

I think what I like most about Wild Meat and the Bully Burgers is that Yamanaka doesn't hesitate to show the bad character traits of the narrator and main character Lovey. By this I mean, there are times when the reader absolutely loves Lovey, and there are times when the reader HATES Lovey. I think it provides a nice balance of character.

I enjoyed Wild Meat and the Bully Burgers, it's simple to read and it's pretty short despite its 300+ pages.

92. Create a successful Blog (50 followers; 100 followers;500 followers; 1,000 followers)

Photo by Anthony Laccetti

Let me start off by saying HOORAY!! WOOO WHOO!

I made it past my first marker point for this item on my bucket list, and I couldn't be more proud of myself! I just want to say thank you to all of my followers who are interested enough to keep coming back to read my blog! A special shout out to osxg33kgirl who happened to be the 50th follower!

(As I grab my reward) I would like to accept this award on behalf of my husband, my dog and all my friends I drag around with me to make these things I write about possible!

I joke! But seriously, this is GREAT!

#132 Learn How to Cook- Italian Mac and Cheese

Italian Macaroni and Cheese

What you will need:

• 1 pound ziti
• 1 pound sausage
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 3 or 4 cloves of garlic, chopped
• 12 crimini mushrooms, roughly sliced
• salt and pepper
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup chicken stock
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 1/2 cup Italian cheese
• 1 can of diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup parmesan

Directions on how to cook this deliciousness.

1. Cook pasta to chewy al dente (about 8 minutes)
2. Brown and crumble sausage. Drain sausage on a paper towel lined plate.
3. In the same pan, add olive oil, butter, garlic and mushrooms. Season liberally with salt and pepper. Sauté for 3-5 minutes or until the mushrooms turn a lightly golden brown.
4. Meanwhile, preheat oven to broil.
5. To mushrooms, add flour and stir cooking 2 minutes. Whisk in stock, then stir in cream. Bring mixture to a bubble. Add 2 cups of cheese and drained tomatoes. Cook until cheese melts.
6. Combine cheese sauce with sausage and pasta. 
7. Transfer to baking dish and sprinkle with 1/2 cup of italian cheese and the grated parmesan.
8. Brown under hot broiler (about 3-7 minutes)

I really hope you all try this dish. It is really, really tasty. I don't remember where I originally got the recipe from, but whoever it was knows their mac and cheese. You will never, ever, go back to box mac and cheese after this one.

1. 
   

#132 Learn How to Cook- Beef Stew

Crock pot beef stew

What one needs:

• 2-3 pounds of beef- Preferably for stewing...it should say on the package
• 3-4 Large carrots
• 2 large potatoes cut in 1 inch squares (or in my case something that could look like a square with a little imagination).
• 1 can of tomato soup
• ^fill that can with water and pour that sucker in.
• 3 rinds/stalks/single branches of celery
• 1 Tablespoon of worcestershire sauce
• 2 Tablespoons of flour
• 3 cloves of garlic minced
• 2 large onions
• Salt and Pepper

The best thing about crockpots? Just throw everything together in the pot and BAM! 9 hours later you have a stew...I know...9 hours but it's worth it TRUST me.

Two book Reviews (not on bucket list)

      My first book review is this pretty little piece above, "Maria, or The Wrongs of Woman". This is a very eye-opening tale of a young woman who is inside a mental institution back in the 1800's because she wanted to leave her husband. It's one of the very first pieces of feminism scripture in our society. It's really well written and the story is told almost completely by dialogue. It was a quick read; it took me one day to start and finish.

This little story, "Treasure Island," is a classic. I had to read this for my Modern British Literature class. I really enjoyed this book. It was originally written for children, as in, it's a "children's book". I wouldn't categorize it in with the children's books of this century, but it was a pretty easy read. Who doesn't love reading about Pirate life and hunting for treasure?

A quick update for everyone!

The most recent photo of the Laccetti Family

I am going back to school to get my teaching degree. My program isn't very hard but it does require A LOT of reading. Last week was my first week of classes and I have pretty much been a hermit for the last couple of days trying to get done what I needed to do...and I am still not finished!

My adventures for the next couple of months may be little and far between with my school and work schedule. I am sorry but you will probably see a lot of book reviews and recipes, because it looks like cooking and reading is the only thing in my near future.

As I type this, I am thinking about my current recipe and book I just finished (laughs).

Anyone else going to school this semester? Any interesting classes being taken? I am taking an opera class this semester, which should definitely be "interesting"!

1+1= 11 I am right, right?

New Years Eve 2012

Rules:
1. You must post these rules.
2. Each per­son must post 11 things about them­selves on their blog.
3. Answer the ques­tions the tag­ger set for you in their post, and cre­ate 11 new ques­tions for the peo­ple you tag to answer.
4. You have to choose 11 peo­ple to tag and link them on the post.
5. Go to their page and tell them you have linked him or her.
6. No tag backs.
7. No stuff in the tag­ging sec­tion about ‘you are tagged if you are read­ing this.’ You legit­i­mately have to tag 11 people.

Questions given to me from The Streeters Unlimited

1.  What is your biggest pet peeve?

I have a lot of pet peeves. On the internet I die inside when someone uses "their", "there", and "they're" wrong. I am not the best at grammar, but that's like...grammar 101. Another one I have is when people say "Flusterated" instead of "frustrated". Lets keep in mind that one can be "flustered" but not "flusterated".

2. If you could go anywhere in the world where would it be?

Egypt! That's a place I want to go really, really, bad!

3. What is your favorite part about blogging?

Blogging is a stress reliever and time filler for me. My husband is gone a lot and I live in a place that is far away from my family and friends. I like to call it "My Blog World," where my internet friends keep me happy!

4.What is the toughest part about blogging for you?

My grammar! I am working on it, I promise.

5.What is your best organizing tip?

Throw things out! I have never been one for organizing but when you live in a city where apartments are small, you slowly learn some tricks. Plastic bins are your friends; they are great for staking as high as shit in your closet.

6.If you could pick any job that could be yours- what would it be?

I would love to be the President's financial advisor. I would get the country out of debt like no body's business. I keep tweeting Obama some ideas but he obviously doesn't respond. But seriously, the white house needs fundraising 101.

7. Favorite color?

Rainbow.

8.Favorite product on the market?

I have been using Elemis Body Sculpting and Lipo-Refining lotions for my cottage cheese legs. It works miracles! I have always been insecure about my legs and no matter how much I work out and try to tone I just can't get the results I want. FINALLY, I found a product where I can see a definite improvement.

9. Favorite phone App?

It's hard to pick a favorite so I will just throw out a few... Facebook, Foursquare, Family Feud, Pinterest, and Pocket God are my top Apps.

10.What is the best lesson you have learned in life?

You can do ANYTHING you put your mind and heart into. Don't listen to what other people say because this is YOUR life. 

11.What do you value the most in your life that isn't a material thing?

My husband. He is my biggest support system and my best friend. I never knew how great family could be until I married him.

So here's the deal...I have to pick 11 more people and ask them 11 different questions. Here are the chosen ones!

Lindsey Blogs: Random Rants of Life 

Where Have all the Hobos Gone?

My Real Life Was Backordered

I'm So Vintage

Love-Fitness-Finance-Life

Roots,Wings,and Other Things

The Sand is Different Here

Barbie Bombshell

E-Z and Me

Recently Roached

Faith Mckay

Your challenge, if you chose to accept it .... is to answer the following questions!

1. What is your greatest accomplishment?

2. The best advice you will give your future children (or already have given to your children)?

3. Where is your favorite place to go shopping?

4. What do you miss the most about your childhood?

5. Are you a dog or a cat person and why?

6. What is something that just irks you to no end?

7. Who loves orange soda?

8. Why do you blog?

9. What is your best advice for people who are just starting off in this "blogging world"?

10. What is your favorite home cooked meal?

11. What is one thing that is on your "Bucketlist"? 

So chip chip cheerio!

Melanie From The Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance

Hi everyone! As most of you know I have just started this blog back in July. I am super excited for my first guest post! Melanie (She has a health blog here) reached out to me striving to reach out to others about reaching your goals; the perfect topic for the New Year! Also, if you could do me a favor and check out her cancer alliance blog http://www.mesothelioma.com/blog/ that would be wonderful, there are a lot of inspirational stories that are being told. O-kay so enough of me writing...

      With the beginning of the new year, many people have set new goals for improvements in their life and health. Whether patients are suffering from cigarette addiction, diabetes, obesity or mesothelioma, setting goals can have a positive outcome on longevity, pain management and quality of life. Focusing on goal attainment can improve feelings of self-worth and personal satisfaction while improving the quality of life, regardless of one's prognosis. To set positive and practical goals one must maintain several elements.

       First, Don’t be afraid to think outside of the box and make constraints that are reasonable. It would be unreasonable to expect oneself to write a book in 24 hours. However, writing a book within 6 months is attainable! Setting reasonable time frames for goals encourages the successes that build self-confidence and self-esteem. Setting unreasonable time-frames will create feelings of failure, so this is the first important element of goal setting.

       Secondly, goals must be personally meaningful, but small enough to achieve within the allowable time-frame. Setting a time-frame of 12 months to loose 120 pounds, for instance, might be intimidating. But a goal to loose 10 pounds per month would achieve this goal in more manageable steps and allow one to build confidence with each monthly success.

       Next, good goal setting is measurable. This allows the goal-setter to monitor and improve their techniques. When goals are met, it also acts as a cue for celebration of a worthy achievement. For instance, setting a goal to "eat a better diet" provides no means for knowing whether it has been obtained. However, setting a goal to eat no more than 2000 calories per day, with at least 24 grams of fiber, is specific, measurable and attainable.

       Good goal setting also includes a specific plan for achieving the measurable outcome. If, as above, one were planning a 2000 calorie diet, the plan might include means for measuring the calorie content of foods, methods for tracking ingested foods on a daily basis and ways to determine the food's fiber content.

       Finally, goal setting should include a means for keeping on track with plans. Most people find it easy to set goals with a little practice, but difficult to carry through with them consistently, because most goals require a consistent change in behavior. The easiest methods for helping oneself stay on track with new goals is to post pertinent reminders in logical locations. For dietary changes, posting goal reminders and tracking successes is often done in the kitchen or on the refrigerator door. Other goals, such as remembering to take needed medications, may require other cues. Consider using the alarm-clock setting on a cell phone for time-sensitive items.

       These elements of goal setting, including timeliness, personal meaning, measurement and planning will ensure a more positive outcome and can be applied to any worthy goal from relaxation to pain management. As each goal is reached, don't forget the importance of celebration and self-congratulations. Reaching goals deserves self-acknowledgement and builds confidence. 

#132 Learn How to Cook

Tuna and Artichoke Salad. Makes about 5 servings.

What you need:

• 12 ounces can tuna (preferably white chunk in water)
• 1 cup canned Artichoke hearts
• 1/2 cup chopped olives (preferably katamala olives)
• 1/3 cup reduced fat mayo
• 2 teaspoons of Lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoons of dried oregano

Basically, you just combine all and then mix. You can serve this on salad, on bread or you can just eat it as is. I ate it with some wheat thins and it was SO good!

#184 Make a list of 100 books I want to read and read them all!

 

      #23 Wicked by Gregory Maguire

      I don't even know where to begin with this review. I have mixed feelings about Wicked. I enjoyed the fantasy aspect of the novel, but there is too much going on. There are way too many themes-- family; good vs. evil; Existence of a soul; religion; communism; revolution; greed; revenge etc. It seems like Maguire was trying too hard for his novel to become a great studied novel with all the themes going on. Maybe I am a little disappointed because I thought Wicked was going to be this AMAZING book and it's been on my reading list for a while - it just isn't what I thought it was going to be like.
     
      I really wanted to know why the witch was green. Unfortunately, it is never answered so if you are picking up Wicked to know why the Wicked Witch is green, don't bother.
     
      The book is not like the play either, so if that's the reason why you are reading this Wicked, again, I would suggest not reading.
   
      I do like the map that was drawn in the inside. Reminded me of Lord of the Rings. Because I was reading Wicked on my kindle I didn't see the map until the very end of the novel. Maybe the map could have made me visualize better where everything was happening. What can I say, I am a sucker for pictures even at the age of 22.
   
      If you enjoy fantasy, or even really liked the movie "The Wizard of Oz",  I believe you will at least enjoy Wicked. You may not LOVE it, or the book may be disappointing, but it's a pretty good story (besides all the unanswered questions..."why is the witch green?", "Did she really kill Madame Morrible?" "Why does Nessarose have no arms?" Who is the Wizard and where is he from?").

#132 Learn how to cook

Spaghetti with White Clam Sauce

What you will need:

• 8 oz dried spaghetti
• 14 oz canned minced clams
• Half and half
• 2 Tablespoons butter
• 1/2 (2 oz/60 grams) chopped onion
• 2 cloves of minced garlic
• 1/4 cup flour
• 1/2 teaspoon of dried basil OR oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
• 1/4 cup dry white wine
• 1/4 cup parmesan cheese

Directions:

• Bring 3 quarts of water to a boil in a large saucepan or pasta pot. Add some salt and olive to the water (optional). Reduce the hear slightly adding the pasta. Boil uncovered, until al dente but chewy about 8-12 minutes. Drain pasta immediately.
• Meanwhile, drain the clams, reserving their liquid. Add enough half and half to the clam liquid to make 1 3/4 cup altogether. 
• For the sauce, melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and the garlic and sauté until tender but not brown, about 5 minutes.
• Stir in the flour, basil OR orgegano, salt, and pepper. 
• Add the cream mixture all at once. Cook and stir until thickened and bubbly, about 5 minutes. Cook and stir for 1 minutes more.
• Stir in the parsley, wine and clams and heath through
• Ladle the sauce over the hot pasta, Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
• Serve immediately

Questions, Comments, and Concerns?

I accidentally poured in the entire package of pasta which I am pretty sure is 16 oz (?). It still came out really good. Also, we poured our sauce into the pasta and mixed it in and it was REALLY good this way. This pasta is AMAZING. It was like sex in my mouth it was so good. Put the leftovers in a baking dish and bake to heat the next day to get a completely different meal. So good!

#132 Learn how to cook

Above: Garlic and Parmesan baked chicken and baked avocado fries.


Lets start with the chicken...

What you shall need:

• 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
• 1 Clove garlic- minced 
• 1 Cup dried bread crumbs
• 2/3 Cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 Teaspoon ground black pepper
• 4-6 Skinless, boneless chicken breast

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F
• Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish
• In a bowl, blend the olive oil and garlic
• In a separate bowl, mix the bread crumbs, parmesan cheese, basil and pepper
• Dip each chicken breast in the olive mixture, then in the crumb mixture
• Arrange chick in dish topping leftover crumbs on top.
• Bake for 30 minutes- or until chicken is not pink and juices run clear

Now for the avocado fries...

What you shall need:

• 1/4 Cup flour
• 1 Teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 Large eggs beaten
• 1 1/4 cups panko (Japanese Bread Crumbs)
• 2 Firm ripe avocados, pitted, peeled and slices into 1/2 inch wedges
• Grated parmesan for serving

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 450 degrees F
• Coat avocado slices in flour, then egg, then panko
• Spread on a cookie sheet that has been sprayed with cooking spray
• Sprinkle with salt
• Bake for 45 minutes or until brown.
• Sprinkle with parmesan cheese

Questions, comments and concerns about this dish. The chicken was wonderful, I have no complaints or improvements for that. The avocado fries I was a little disappointed in because they were so crispy and they didn't seem to compliment the taste of avocado I thought they would. I like my food on the soft side (I know I am weird but I have always been a sucker for mushy french fries too). I saw the avocado fries on Pinterest so I take no credit for that idea.

Oh and when I cooked these together I put the oven at 400 degrees F and cooked the fries 15 minutes before I put the chicken in. I pulled the chicken out at about 25 minutes, and turned the oven on 450 and let the fries cook for about 5 minutes longer until they turned brown.