End of Year Update 2012

In case you haven't noticed, I've been absent for quite a while.

     Is anybody still here?

Updates

      I've decided to let my domain, adropinmybucketlist.com, expire. FML(B) can still be found at http://adropinmybucketlist.blogspot.com! And although stephanie@adropinmybucketlist.com will no longer be up and running you can now reach me at FMLBucket@gmail.com. So, no worries folks!

     My Life List

           I've been lazy, and my Life List has paid the price. Anything that I have completed has quite honestly been done by accident!

           Drop 73: Meet Somebody Famous

          I am a huge Food Network fan. So, imagine my surprise when out at a WaterFire I ran in to Michele Ragussis!

          Who is Michele Ragussis?

            Michele is probably best known for making runner-up on Food Network's "Food Network Star"- where chefs aspiring for their own TV show compete in tasks testing their ability to handle the pressures involved with being a show host on Food Network. Michele was a runner-up, and made it to the show's finale.

            Although Michele didn't win, it is clear that she is a Food Network favorite. She has also appeared on Chopped and again on the show "24 Hour Restaurant Battle" where she DID win. She is a talented chef and has a genuinely upbeat personality that can attract a following.




        Drop 77: Vote for the President of the United States


          I am not sure why I have this on my list. I vote every chance I get. So of course, when November came around, I voted. This was also on my 25 before 25, so it's a double-whammy.

       Drop 86: Go Zorbing


          While in Vietnam we visited the Đại Nam Văn Hiến tourism complex. This place was amazing, and way too big to visit in a single day. Inside the park Dai Nam Park is a shopping center, hotel, movie theater, theme park, campground, water park, zoo, and numerous temples. There is even a 'snow land', where you can go sledding and tubing! The water park is home to the largest artificial salt sea in Southeast Asia- and yes, you can Water Zorb.

         I wished I had taped the experience- it was absolutely a mess! I kept falling out of the ball and couldn't quite get it going. I felt like a washed-up gerbil!

     Drop 92: Relearn the Alphabet in Sign Language

        I wanted to teach Lela baby sign language. Lucky for me, it is nearly identical to ASL! Lela's favorite song is the ABC's, mostly due to my lack of knowledge in baby songs. What better time to relearn the alphabet in Sign Language? I knew some of the signs already, so this was a quick one to knock out.






     Drop 116:  Salem, MA for Halloween

     For Lela's first Halloween I really wanted to go to Salem- the destination for the holiday. Because of Hurricane Sandy, we decided to play it safe and go a few days before Halloween, since Salem was going to be mostly closed for the day itself. It was pretty neat! We dressed Lela as a dragon, as it is her zodiac sign (she is a lucky baby!). We even made the news! Well, kind of. After finding some famous graves in Salem's graveyard, the hubby noticed a news camera following Lela. Later that night at a Chinese restaurant- and by pure chance- we glanced up and saw her face on the TV! The brief clip is at 1:40 on this newscast:

          Updates to 25 before 25

                There really isn't too much left on this list, but all I have to show for it is this:

               Teach Lela Something New

    

I taught her how to use a sippy cup. I'll take it :-)

What have you been up to lately?

Exploring Bửu Long Park in Bien Hoa

     After the first day in Vietnam I began to adjust to the humidity. The air didn't seem as heavy, and I could almost breathe. Vinh's dad decided to take us to Bien Hoa, a city not too far from HCMC, to visit some relatives. After dining on an eel soup that fed all ten of us- and over 400,000 Dong later (less than twenty-five bucks including beer and appetizers)- we headed over to visit a family friend at Bửu Long Park.

Bửu Long Park

     Bửu Long Park is probably best known for the peaks and 'islands' that loom over the manmade lake. "Hidden Dragon Lake"- perhaps better known as "Mini Ha Long Bay"- is most likely the closest thing to a scenic waterfront that you can find anywhere remotely close to Ho Chi Minh City. An abandoned resoivoir, Hidden Dragon Lake was created from years and years of digging and carving with the intention of getting water in to the city. For whatever reason, the project was eventually abandoned and the resevoir was made in to an attraction instead.

     As we all piled out of the car a short man approached us. He wanted to be our personal photographer during our visit to Bửu Long. Being we all had our own cameras, at first we respectfully declined. We then declined with forceful tonality, as apparently 'no' was not in the man's vocabulary. He continued to stalk us until we hopped on one of the wooden motor boats for a tour through the lake.

     As it usually did in the afternoon, the clouds rolled in. We saw a groom running with his bride in the distance (one of the ten couples I must have seen getting married in the two weeks I was there... I suppose weddings are more of a public event). Despite the rain the lake was still beautiful. The hidden dragon made a very obvious appearance, and I wondered what inspired somebody to work a dragon in to a cliff in such a way.

 

Zoo and Dino Park

     Many people come to Bửu Long Park for the lake. Most leave without even realizing that there is a lot more to Bửu Long than an abandoned reseviour. As we walked farther in to the park we came across a small zoo. At the entrance of the zoo was a monkey. As we approached it, the monkey ran towards us- surely looking for something to steal or a leg to gnaw on. Caught off guard, we jumped back. Nobody had any desire to get bit by a monkey that day.

    There was a variety of animals- from birds and peacocks to an array of monkeys. We even witnessed a 'monkey jail break!' As we continued past the zoo we were transported to a time when dinosaurs roamed the earth. A T-Rex loomed over us- no doubt wondering what white people taste like. Another lizard-looking dinosaur appeared more than happy when he saw baby was on the menu!

  Bửu Long Park no doubt instills peace in to the visitor- even the air seems lighter. The hustle and bustle of the city surrounding the park vanquishes and- despite the occasional stalking photographer- you can take a minute to breathe. As we said goodbye to the friend, we packed ourselves back in our car and cautiously merged in to the swarms of swerving motorists. It was hard to believe that such chaos existed around a place filled with peace and tranquility.

 

 

Have you ever encountered a wild monkey?

Where do you go when you need some peace and quiet?

Complete: Travel to Vietnam

     I've wanted to go to Vietnam since before my husband and I were married. He was going to go back alone earlier this year, but I begged him to wait until the baby was born. I believe that to truly know a person you have to understand where they're from. It shapes us in ways that are so subliminal we ourselves don't realize its impact until somebody points it out to us. So, I considered visiting the country he was born in a must.

 

     After Lela was born we began organizing our trip. We booked our tickets, reserved our on-flight bassinet, and paid our travel agent. After many years of anticipation, we were finally on our way!

 

Culture Shock

       Nearly twenty-four hours later we finally landed in Ho Chi Minh City. We gathered our luggage and walked through the doors to a crowd of people waiting for their loved ones. We arrived at night so it wasn't really hot, but it sure was humid! The heavy air was putting my lungs in to overdrive. Vinh's father gathered our luggage, threw it in the back of his truck, and we were off.

 

     Although my husband's dad didn't live too far from the airport distance wise, the average speed limit was about 35 MPH making our destination almost two hours away.  Motorists zoomed left and right, in between cars and other motorcycles. They drove on the wrong side of the road and backed up on rotaries. People from infants to seniors piled up on the motorcycles so that there would be up to four people on one bike. Although there were traffic signals, there didn't seem to be any incentive to follow them.

 

     Confession:     

     I've never been overseas. I've never even left North America. As we drove away from the city the miles upon miles of tiny shops and restaurants in people's front yards were never ending. I was suddenly reminded- I'm in a third world country. I'm nowhere close to home, and I can't go back to my comfortable little life if I find the heat, food, or anything else to be unbearable. As I continued to stare out the window, a slight panic set in....



Apologies for some of the small pics. Click for actual size.

Have you ever had culture shock?

Where do you still hope to visit someday?

 

 

Updates: Website Face Lift and Traveling

     As you can see (and may have noticed) I've been away for a while! Although I've been MIA for about a month, I promise not to leave you empty-handed. I've rolled out a whole new look and feel to the site, added some features, and modified my content. Here's what's new, and what you can expect:

A Whole New Look

     I've given FML(B) a much-needed face lift! Gone are the odd background and boring header. Instead, I have rolled out a much more vibrant and interesting header while implementing a simpler, more straightforward template.

Keep in Touch

     Follow me on Pinterest or Instagram, Join my RSS Feed, or subscribe to receive updates via email. With new social icons up and running properly, it is easier than ever to keep up with FML(B). (Sorry, still no Facebook or Twitter.)

Become a Supporter

     Want to become a supporter of FML(B)? Want free advertising space for your site/blog? Click Here to find out how!

    

Make it From Scratch Mondays

     FML(B) is becoming more food-y! Learn how to make it from scratch- from butter to buttermilk pancakes and much more, making it at home is a lot easier than you may think! This series is rolling out in my effort to eat only things that I can make at home, and will be starting in the next couple weeks. Keep your eyes peeled!

Adventures Overseas

     One place that I wanted to visit badly on my life list- and the place that my husband and I have wanted to go to for even longer- was Vietnam. I can now cross this goal off my list! Stay tuned in the coming weeks for my experiences as I do-and eat- things that I really had no intention of doing or eating. And, as an added bonus, you get to see how much weight I gained after having a baby. Lucky you!

What do you think? Any suggestions? Glitches? Let me know!

50 Things that Make Me Happy

     Life is a whirlwind. All too often we get swept up and lose focus. Not often enough do we take the time to sit back for a few minutes and appreciate everything we have- everything that brings us even the smallest joys in our lives. I think that this is a huge mistake.

     Something that is both on my life list and on 25 before 25 was being able to identify 50 things that make me happy. I actually completed this list a couple months ago, before Lela was born. Life has changed since then and there are now more things than ever that make me happy. I'll just have to make a longer list!

     So, here it is! They are in no particular order- except as you get toward the end, in which they are ordered only in which came to mind first:

50 Things that Make Me Happy

1.       My first car



2.       Chef Boyardee

3.       Moments of schadenfreude

4.       New episodes of my favorite TV Shows

 

   5.       My husband

          6.       And the silly lyrics he makes up to popular songs

          7.       And the silly sayings he comes up with (etc. etc.)

    8.     Macaroni and cheese

          9.       Dr. Pepper 10

          10.   When brussel sprouts are cooked correctly

          11.   Knowing my goal for getting an education is not to make money, but to help others


          12.   Contacts



# 13, Photo Courtesy Stephen Unger

       13.   My turtle Shelly

 

14.   Doggie

15.   Chocolate Milk

16.   Bras

17.   My family

18.   My friends (the few yet irreplaceable)

19.   My Cat Jack

     20.   Cooking (but not cleaning)

     21.   Knowing that there is hope

     22.   Sleep

     23.   Low blood pressure

     24.   Being warm

     25.   Cultural Acceptance

     26.   Getting an unexpected 'A'

 

27.   Lela

 

28.   A clean house

29.   Funny Movies

30.   Peace and uneventfulness

31.   Laughing

32.   Milk with ice
 

33.   Subliminal reminders that we are all human

34.   Freedom of religion

35.   Empathy

36.   Feeling healthy

     37.   Mr. Polar Bear

     38.   Dragonflies

     39.   A good sale

     40.   Not wasting money

     41.   Having clean ears

     42.   Doing thoughtful things for someone else

 

43.   My School

44.   Observing the simple/less obvious things
 

45.   Turtles in general

46.   Oldies

47.   90s nonsensical song lyrics

48.   Finding something I've lost

49.   Adding –ness to the end of a word




 

50.   Discovering a perfect snowflake has just fallen on me

What makes you happy?

Do you have a list? Link Up!

Project 365: Pattern

     I'm not a very good photographer. So, when I attempted my own "Project 365" a year ago, I failed miserably. I was pointing and clicking at pretty much anything for the sake of taking a picture. That project did not last long. And for good reason. It served no purpose.

     So instead I took on a different challenge: 365 Facts. A new fact each day for a year. That actually lasted a while. But it's been four months since I've recorded a single fact, so I've had to retire that as well. On the bright side if you want to learn some really quick and random facts you can check out that short-lived project here.

     A week or so ago I was blog hopping when I came across Life in Limbo. Stephanie had recently done a Photo Walk while focusing on the patterns that she came across. Having always been a fan of art, I remember what I had learned about patterns.

     Patterns are everywhere. They are aesthetically pleasing, and are often used to draw the viewer's attention to a piece of art. It's pattern that suggests order and harmony. Yes, pattern deserves it's moment in the spotlight.

I had my inspiration. 365 days, 365 patterns from the world around me.

Here are some examples:

Follow my attempt on Instagram @fmlb365. I could use some motivation!

Half-Birthday Reflections- The Past Six Months

     Six months from today, I will turn 25. Ouch! Old, I know! Feeling the wrinkles setting in, I decided it's time to review my progress so far on my 25 before 25. What better time to reflect on what I have done, and what I have yet to do?

25 Before 25- Midyear Review

Complete:

1. Wash my Shoes
 

      The first thing I accomplished- and annoyingly enough what most people on Google are searching for when they stumble upon my humble blog- was washing my shoes. The buggers were oxidized to all hell and, although my cleaning technique worked, it was temporary (I have since bought new shoes).

2. Buy a Random Person Something off their Baby Registry

     Surprising a stranger with a baby carrier off of her registry felt good. Although I sent the carrier her way, I don't know if she ever got it. I never heard anything from her. I hope it made it to her, and that she is finding it useful.

5 Reasons to Visit The Bay State

     Something that was on my list of 25 before 25- and honestly something that I wasn’t so sure was going to happen- was moving back to Massachusetts.

     Don’t get me wrong- It isn’t as if I didn’t enjoy my time in Connecticut. ‘Connecticutians’ are a very friendly bunch, and we made more connections here than any other state in such a short period of time. But moving back to Massachusetts was a personal goal for a few reasons, mainly because of graduate school and the desire to be around both our extended families. 

     You certainly don’t have to live in Massachusetts to discover what makes this state so unique. In celebration of a successful move, here’s five reasons why you should put "The Bay State" on your travel list.

5 Reasons to Visit the Bay State

5. A Rich History

     I’m no history buff, but even I have a smitten appreciation for the saturation of history that surrounds me on a daily basis. The past permeates the present in Massachusetts- from creepy stone walls in the middle of the woods, to the inconvenient roadways that began decades before my parents were born. Churches are how they should be- big and proud with a tall steeple and a bell that rings though the town. The history that lies beneath these seemingly simple things are often overlooked.

      Of course there are the obvious historical places- From Plymouth Rock where the Pilgrims first set foot to the Boston Tea Party and the beginning of the American Revolution. You can visit Walden Pond while checking out Lexington, Concord, and the Paul Revere House. Simply put, the history here is endless.

 
4. The Food

     If you happen to be hungry while thinking about Mass, your mind may wander to Boston baked beans- or even better, Boston Kreme Pie. But, if you are a seafood fan, Massachusetts is the place to be! Massachusetts is wells known for its love of clams- especially Clam "Chowda" (delicious in a bread bowl, if you don't mind the extra carbs).  Fried seafood restaurants are literally everywhere along the coast and on Cape Cod. Not to mention our love for lobster, haddock, and sweet corn. Ever eaten a Cape Cod Potato Chip? You're missing out!

3. Boston

     Whether it’s hanging out in the oldest park in the country or following the Freedom Trail, shopping on Newbury street or paddling down the Charles River, there's always something to do in Boston. Grab some Dim Sum in Chinatown, or watch a soccer game in Little Italy. To avoid the stress of traffic and parking I love to take the train in and bike around the whole city!  It's quicker, easily doable, and it frees my mind so that I can truly enjoy my surroundings.

     One of my favorite places in Boston is the Faneuil Hall Marketplace. Built in 1742, the only original part of the building today is a weathervane on the roof. Although Faneuil Hall still holds meetings, today it is better known for its shopping, delicious food, and entertainment. Faneuil Hall itself is surrounded by stores and street vendors, while behind it Quincy Market has some of the best Clam Chowder anywhere. Street artists perform acrobatic feats and draw large crowds all week.

2. Provincetown

     If you like making love at midnight in the dunes of the cape, there sure couldn’t be a better place for it than P-town. Located at the very tip of Cape Cod, P-town is a highly GLBT community that is both eccentric and oddly family-oriented. From sex shops to candy stores, whale watching to shows that will either "blow your mind or scar you for life", there is certainly something for everybody in this town. There is no such thing as wrong here. Street performers pick a side of the street and sing songs, perform magic, or transform in to unusually decorated statues. I’d like to say that the open-mindedness that permeates through out this town is what Massachusetts is all about.

1. Autumn

    It may seem a bit odd that the number one reason to visit is a season, but in Massachusetts Autumn can not be ignored. The night air is refreshingly crisp, and the leaves turn vibrant shades of red, orange and yellow.  Massachusetts is Apple Country, and there are countless orchards where you can pick the apples right off the tree which drinking freshly spiced apple cider. When I think Autumn, I think Massachusetts.

     Halloween is no joke. If you want the ultimate Halloween experience, there is nothing like Salem, where Halloween is celebrated all month long. Take a Trolley tour, trick or treat with the Mayor, or even join a witch circle on Halloween night.

     Autumn is a free experience in Massachusetts. Unless you’re raking leaves, You’ll end the crisp fall day with your soul a little lighter.

    

Karaoke- an Expected Crisis

Complete- Drop # 82: Sing Karaoke

     I've never quite understood the why people are attracted to karaoke. What's so great about singing in a room full of strangers? Do we all need our minute of fame that bad? Why is this on my list?


     I wasn't sure, and I have to say after doing it I'm still not sure. I don't have a lot of confidence- certainly not enough to regularly put myself in situations that smoke me out from the crowd. Maybe it was the thought of doing something completely out of character that attracted me to karaoke.

     Perhaps that's why people do it. It's an opportunity to put yourself in a potentially embarrassing and vulnerable situation. But, unlike most situations, to fail at this one is culturally acceptable. You're expected to be terrible at it. How many other opportunities in life do we have in which it completely okay to to fall flat on our face?

Opportunity Presents Itself

    For the first time since Lela was born, Vinh and I were presented with the opportunity of having a date night to ourselves. We took it. We went to the local hangout where it just so happened to be karaoke night. Great. Looks like I can't escape it!

     After singing a song with the hubby, I had enough confidence to do one by myself. It wasn't pretty. But, I did it! I'm by no means Christina Aguilera. Hell, to say I'm better than William Chung would even be a stretch. But, I have to admit, it was pretty fun.

     I asked Vinh to record me. Somehow this translated to record everything in the bar but me. Regardless, this is proof I actually went through with it :-) Apologies for the multiple levels of suckiness which is this video.

Have you ever karaoke-d?

Why does/did it appeal to you?

Signature Dish: Orange-Glazed Pork Chops

Complete: Drop# 35- Create a Signature Dish

     This dish has actually been up my sleeve for well over a year. I was going to create custom sides to go along with it, but decided that because of the richness of the sauce, simple sides would probably be best anyways. Sauteed broccoli or snap peas and white rice would do nicely. I think this is absolutely delicious. I urge you to give it a try!

P.S.- The measurements are approximate. This is cooking, not baking, so I tend to make food using the eyeball technique!

Ingredients:

4 Pork Chops

Half a Small Jar of Orange Marmalade

1/4 C Teriyaki Sauce

1 Clove Chopped Garlic

1/2 Tsp Paprika

1/2 Tsp Cayenne Pepper

Salt

Pepper

1/2 Tsp Baking Powder

3 Scallions- cut on the diagonal

1/2 Yellow Onion- diced

1 Tsp Sesame Oil

Flour

Water

The Recipe:

Step 1:  Make the sauce

In a saucepan, lightly saute the garlic. Once aromatic, put in half can of orange marmalade, teriyaki sauce, sesame oil, and some water. When marmalade has deconstructed lower heat and let reduce. If sauce thickens too much over time, just add a bit of water and stir to loosen up. Let simmer while the rest is cooking so to dissolve the orange skins in the marmalade.

Step 2: Prepare a tempura batter. Combine flour, water, cayenne, pepper, paprika, baking powder and some salt. Make sure to mix well and get out any lumps. Set aside.

Step 3: Fry Pork Chops

Place some oil in a frying pan and heat to medium high. Take Pork Chops and smother them with pepper, cayenne pepper, and paprika. When the pan is ready, sear up the chops. When done, let rest on a plate covered with tin foil.

Step 4: Fry Scallions

Heat up a wok or clean the pan you were using and put some oil in it. Dip the scallions and onion in the tempura mix and fry them up until golden brown, working in small batches and draining on paper towels.

To Serve:
Place pork chop on plate. Pour generous amount of sauce over pork chop, and then place tempura veggies on top. Serve with white rice and choice of asparagus or green beans.

Ta Da!

Wow. This came out pretty ugly. I promise it tastes better than it looks!

 Wow. I didn't realize how ugly this dish is.
 Despite it's hideous appearance, It's really easy to make. Give it a try!

Complete: Sew up our Couches

     One personal, boring thing that is on my list of 25 before 25 is the desire to sew up my living room couches.



To the left: The culprit. To the right: The damage

      If you've kept up somewhat with my 25 before 25 goals, it may sound as if this cat wreaks havoc on my life. He does. Not much longer after we got these couches, Jack decided to use them as his personal scratching post. He'd look us directly in the eye as he dug his claws in to the corner of the ottoman. After the ottoman was satisfactorily torn to shreds, he moved on to the couches.

     I probably put this on my list only so that I make sure to actually do it. I've been saying I'd get to it for the past five years and, surprise surprise, never did.

     My husband likes to periodically remind me about how I failed to follow through with sewing the couches. Although we are planning on junking them soon, I still feel as though I should sew them. At least when we do get rid of the couches, It can't be said that I didn't stitch them back up!

Before and After

     Of course you can see where the ottoman has been patched, but it certainly looks much better. The material is no longer frayed and the wood isn't exposed. I patched a total of six holes! With Lela waking up every hour or so, this was a project that went throughout the entire day. Done!

Has an animal ever wreaked havoc on your life?

Does anybody still know how to sew anymore??

Stephs Steps to the Perfect Summer Cocktail

Complete- Drop # 94: Create a Signature Cocktail

     There is a pretty common saying: In New England, we have four seasons: Winter, Spring, Fall, and Fourth of July! When Fourth of July season does hit, the lemonade starts flowing.

     I am personally not a big fan of lemonade. I do, however, love Strawberries and Mango. So, this cocktail isn't so much about the lemonade as much as it is about everything else.

     The Cocktail: Hard Strawberry-Mango Lemonade

     Anybody can mix together an assortment of liquids, give it a name, and dub it their signature drink. This cocktail is a little bit more involved. But need not fret- you can easily bypass the extra steps if you choose. Here's what's in it:

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Sweet and Sour Mix
• 1 oz Vodka
• 1.5 oz Mango Infused Rum
• 5 Tbsp Osmossified Strawberries
• 8 oz Lemonade

Infusing Rum

     That's right! Mango Infused Rum! Here's what you'll need:

• Light Rum (200 ml)
• A Mango (I'm using a Champagne mango. They're so much more delicious than the greenish-red ones)
• Air-tight Jar

 STEP  1

EAT THE MANGO!

     We're doing the yummiest part first. The mango has a core, so just cut to the left and right of it, score the meat, and EAT! Save the core for Step 2.

STEP 2

     You could gnaw on the core, or you could infuse rum (or vodka, or whatever). Make sure the skin is peeled off and put your core in the container. Pour the light rum over it, making sure that there is enough rum to cover the entire mango portion. I am only making a small batch, with 200 ml of rum. If you're doing more, I'd suggest eating more mangoes.

STEP 3

     Make sure to seal the container very tightly. Place in a cool, dark place for four days to a week, shaking a few times each day.

STEP 4
    In a week at the longest, the rum should be infused. Feel free to do a taste test to ensure it's infused to your liking. Discard mango core and strain rum in strainer or cheesecloth. Put back in original bottle or the jar you infused it in.

TA DA! Infused rum.

Osmossifying Strawberries

     This sounds so fancy, doesn't it? Don't be fooled! In reality, I think that this is just called 'Strawberries in a Simple Syrup'. What a boring name! Osmossified Strawberries sounds so much more... Impressive!

     Just cut up some strawberries, sprinkle a generous amount of sugar over them, mix, cover, and store in the fridge until you're ready to eat them. You could alternatively just buy the frozen ones at your grocery store.  Make your own osmossified strawberries once, and you'll never want to eat the ones from the freezer aisle ever again.

 OKAY! All that fancy-dancy stuff is over! Now let's make the drink!


Hard Strawberry-Mango Lemonade

     Before adding ice, put your strawberry syrup on the bottom of the glass. Put a few spoonfuls of the strawberries on the bottom as well. After your ice has been added, pour in your infused rum and vodka, followed by the lemonade. Top off with the sweet and sour mix to help bring back some sweetness that the liquor and melting ice cut.

     This is a very light, summery drink. I couldn't even taste the alcohol. Enjoy it for a few more days before the chill of fall sneaks in!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Do you have a signature drink?