The Last Ship

Dec3

This past summer, I watched the second season of a TV show called The Last Ship on TNT. It’s about a virus that spread around the entire world. There is a navy ship that went to the Artic to get some samples from primordial birds, so they could use this to help find a cure. The crew on the ship is safe. It is very interesting and I was always on the edge of my seat. Some of my favorite characters are Eric Dane who plays the captain, and a guy named Tex whose character was still alive on Guantanamo Bay. He’s not afraid of any situation and the captain asks him to joins the crew. What is really interesting is that the first summer it aired there were news reports of a breakout of the Ebola virus in Liberia, Africa. It was like learning about something that is actually happening in the world. Right now I am looking forward to next summer because it has been picked up for a third season. If you missed season one and two you can catch up “On Demand” so you will be ready to sail away for season 2.

Island Vacation

Nov18

My Vacation to the Bahamas

“Grandeur Of The Seas” August 2015

IMG_0117 - Version 2

On a Friday morning in August I took a comfy coach bus to Baltimore to board a cruise ship to the Bahamas. I had no idea how huge the ship would be and was shocked when I first saw it at the port. My friend and helper Kay came with me, along with my AADD group.

As we boarded they gave each of us a card/key with our room number on it! By the way… the card was also good for free sodas. The room was very small, with only two people fitting closely in the compact space.

After unpacking we met my group in the ship’s lobby. Next on the program was dinnertime.

The dining room was very elaborate. I was seated with my group of friends Lucy, Justin, and Greg. Our meals were served buffet style and the waiter for our table was from South Korea. For each dinner there was a theme from different countries made by chefs from all over the world. There were over 60 nationalities represented on the trip. Meals included salads, soups, and veggies, meat or fish. The dessert tables were amazing. My favorite was the white chocolate mousse!

Each morning we attended a meeting with AADD to talk about the day’s activities. Some included: enjoying the warm swimming pool, movies, nights outside on a big screen, clubs, dancing and hanging out and talking with friends.

One night there was a sing off contest. I won by finishing the song “I Want it That Way” by the Backstreet boys. Thank God for all those concerts I went to!! During the day we took excursions around the small islands. One was a glass bottom boat ride where I saw awesome fish underwater. So cool! Captain Eric and his crew were playing island music to get all of us in the mood. We saw Jonny Depp’s house, a huge mansion, and JK Rowling’s home, again – huge. Captain Eric, wearing his snorkel mask went into the clear blue water and grabbed a starfish. I can’t believe I held a live starfish. It was a bit gooey, but cool. I felt like Sponge Bob!!! We also disembarked at Paradise Island, where we walked around to the shops. They sold jewelry, scarves and clothing, and the sales people were anxious for us to buy things. I bought a necklace and earrings and a Bahamas t-shirt.

The last night on board was very emotional with everyone knowing that we would not be together like this again. The days went by too quickly. We were so grateful to Larry, who heads up AADD, & his Staff and the Captain of Grandeur of the Seas & his crew. My dream is to go on another AADD trip.

For anyone who likes Island music, I want to share a list I put together. I made a CD a couple of months in advance of my trip to get into the island spirit. I named it Bahama Bound!! Take a break and close your eyes for a virtual vacation!! Ya Mon!

Barefoot Jeans Nights – Jake Owen

Fins – Jimmy Buffet’s

No Shoes No Shirt No Problems – Kenny Chesney

The Life – Kenny Chesney

Cruise – Florida Georgia Line

Knee deep – Jimmy Buffet

Ballando – Enrique Iglesias

Turn the Night Up – Enrique Iglesias

Two Pina Coladas – Garth Brooks

Feeln’ It – Scotty McCreery

Beat the Summer – Brad Paisley

Volcano – Jimmy Buffet

California Girls – Katy Perry

Good life – One Republic

Jump in the Line -Harry Belafonte

Kokkomo – The Beach Boys

Surfin’ Safari – The Beach Boys

Beachin – Jake Owen

Key lime pie – Kenny Chesney

Friday Night Y Group goes to the Exton Mall for A Shopping Trip!

Nov16

Last Friday night I went to the Exton Mall with my group. First we went to the food court to purchase dinner. My friend Shawn and I ate at Chick Filet, which wasn’t bad. The milkshake was not as good as Sonic’s, but was pretty good! Then we went shopping. There was Christmas music playing although it was only November 13^th! We were testing all of the sprays at Bath & Body works. I found a cute little shower gel that I bought for my friend Chloe. It was part of her Birthday gift. Shawn bought me a hand cream called Frosted Snow. It has a really nice fragrance. When you use it on your hands it makes the whole room smell good!

This trip was fun and I enjoyed shopping with all my friends.

Halloween Baking

Oct22

My friend of twenty years and I decided today (October 21^st) to do some Halloween baking . Three guess…What Do you think was the major ingredient? Jello ?, Oreos? Beet Juice, Lemon Juice…Wrong ~ It was Pumpkin !!!!! We filled six small bundt pans and one larger ring pan . Those Pans were from my grandmothers baking collection to my mother, who will one day give them to me!! If you’d like to make these or a loaf, purchase Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Bread mix and follow the directions on the package. Very simple but VERY good!

Pumpkiin Mini Bundts with Ice cream! Yum!

Must Read

Jul27

I recently read this book with my facilitator Erin. It is about a typical, goofy 21 year-old boy who has a zest for all of life’s up’s and down’s. Shane was born with a disease called spinal muscular atrophy or SMA. For Shane this means his muscles are wasting away more and more each day. Shane has been in a wheelchair his entire life, but does not let that stop him from fulfilling his dreams. Shane offers his own hilarious and original perspective on life with a smile always on his face.

This book has helped me look at my own disability and realize that on my worst days it is not that bad and there is always a reason to be happy.

My opinion is that everyone should read this book no matter if they have a disability or not . It made me laugh, it made me cry and it gave me a whole new outlook on life. Shane is now doing a tour across the U.S to promote his book and documenting the whole thing. If you want to tremendously improve your day go check out: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NwZZZkrJycQ

His passion for life is infectious.

Easter

Mar25

I am doing well. In a couple of weeks I will be going to California for Easter to see my family! What are you guys doing for Easter? The weather should be much warmer in California for me then it is here.

I am looking forward to my vacation in the Bahamas in August with my ADD group. It will be nice for me, to be without my parents for seven nights and seven days.

I just wanted to give you all an updated blog post!

On Friday night I went to a St. Patrick’s Day dinner at the YMCA. It was so fun!

Saturday I got home and relaxed, watched a lot of shows that I had on my DVR.

Sunday I went with my ADD Group and we took a boat ride. I had a blast!

Ice cream Favors

Mar11

Much like you, I am sick of the weather and snow, sleet, rain & ice.

I am ready for summer!

What is your favorite ice cream favor ?

Moose tracks , strawberry chese cake

Vanilla

Chocolate

Oreo

Reeses

Cookie dough

Rainbow sherbet

Choose any toppings …….. what would it be.

Now that I wrote down some choies of ice cream favors

Here’s what my sundae would have on top of it!!!

First thing I would start with is a scoop of reeses, oreo cookie dough, nut & almonds.

Please leave a comment to let me know… what your favorite ice cream favor is?

Where do like to get your ice cream ?

The shop I go to is called ice cream & candy bazaar.

Vacation Spots!

Feb11

Hi Guys!

It’s been a while, since my last blog post …… I hope that your winter is going well. Here is a list of places that I have not been to but would like to go.

One place that I have not gotten a chance to go to is the Bahamas’s. I am going there in August with my group!

Let me know if you have ever gone to the Bahamas’s !

Tell me how it is please?

Take a look at the list please and choose the place you would like to go! Thank you so much for reading! Let me know your opinion

Top ten places I would like to go:

Bahamas- When in the Bahamas some activities that you can do include: sunset cruises, bonfires on the beach, jet ski tours or private charters.

Hawaii– When in Hawaii, some activities that you can do include: Going to Manini Owali beach, island hop, magic catamaran sunset trip, cocktails, sail Hanuma Bay, or visit Volcanoes National Park.

Myrtle Beach– When at Myrtle Beach some activities that you can do include: surfing, shopping, casino cruises, hike in nature, Go to Jimmy Buffets Margaritaville, check out the water parks, Water sports, scuba diving and windsurfing.

St. Lucia– When in St. Lucia some activities that you can do include: tours, water sports, horse back riding on the beach, sailing tours of St. Lucia, shore excursions or ATV tours.

St. Martin– When in St. Martin some activities that you can do include: beaches, butterfly farm, walking tours, hiking and sailing.

Aruba– When in Aruba some activities that you can do include: shopping, scuba driving tours and Aruba has great restaurants and night clubs!

Costa Rica– When in Costa Rica some activities that you can do include: Costa Rica tours, hiking in the rainforest, surfing, beaches, white water rafting, ziplining, kayaking, surfing, jeep tours, windsurfing, and fishing.

Cayman Isands- When in the Cayman Islands some activities that you can do include: scuba diving ,water sports, restaurants, beach.

I’ll be Home for Christmas Movie Review

Dec17

I’ll be Home for Christmas Movie Review

This is my first of many movie reviews. I have recently been taking classes to work on my typing skills. I have been learning how to use Dragon Dictate Software to type independently, using my voice. Instead of me typing, I use my voice. I actually typed this whole review without help and only using my voice! To type this review and others, I dictate to Mike, (my computer instructor) what I want to include. I use my voice to type, while Mike helps me with some of the commands. Together we made this review and we hope you enjoy it!

The movie, I’ll Be Home for Christmas reminds me of the holidays and my family because my sister and I used to watch it together during her college breaks when she came home. In college my sister loved Jonathan Taylor Thomas because she had a crush on him for a while, I guess I do too. Jonathan Taylor Thomas stars in this movie and a lot of others. The movie is an older movie, but we still love it!

The movie takes place in Southern California, where Jonathan Taylor Thomas is in college. Jonathan Taylor Thomas plays Jake, the main character. Jake’s girlfriend Allie, is played by Jessica Biel. One of the first scenes is during a test where Johnson Taylor Thomas is to help the football team cheat. Jake is to give them the answers by using beepers. This does not work out, as far as the football teams concerned. The football team retaliates, by kidnapping Jake and they drop him in the desert dressed as Santa.

Jake is confused and worried that he won’t be home for Christmas. He needs to be home by 6 o’clock on Christmas Eve to be with Allie and his family and to get the Porsche that he is and promised by his dad. Jake must think fast and decides his only option is to hitchhike back east.

Along the way Jake meets a lot of people who are willing to drive him part of the way. During his journey, everyone asks him for advice of what to do, because he is dress like Santa. This leads to many funny scenes because the characters he meets along the way are funny and they are put in humorous situations.

Eventually Jake gets home for Christmas and is able to spend Christmas with Allie and his family and he also gets the car. As like most Christmas movies, this movie has a happy ending!

I hope you enjoyed my review! If you have not seen it, go out and by the DVD, you won’t be disappointed! Have a Happy Holiday!

Cooking Dinner ~ Mexican Lasagna ~ Quick & Easy!

May15

I work with a facilitator a few days a week and we made a great recipe. My mom & I ate this for 3 nights when my dad was in the hospital it was so convenient & so good ~ It’s called Mexican Lasagna. So easy to make try it – I’m sure you will like it! I know this might look like a Trader Joes Ad- But It’s not! We just Love TJ’s Products -so healthy and good for you!
Bon appetite…………..opps I mean ~ Buen apetito!

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

2 pounds ground chicken breast, available in the packaged meats case (We used Trader Joe’s frozen grilled chicken strips – thawed and chopped up and skipped the next 2 spices because the chicken had a good mesquite flavor – and you don’t have to pre cook)

2 tablespoons chili powder

2 teaspoons ground cumin

1/2 red onion, chopped

1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained

1 cup mild or medium taco sauce or 1 (14-oz) can stewed or fire roasted tomatoes (we blended some TJ’s salsa in a mini processor because that’s all we had in the house)

1 cup frozen corn kernels

Salt

8 – (8 inch) flour tortillas (we used Trader Joe’s high fiber low carb tortilla’s)

2 1/2 cups shredded Cheddar or shredded pepper jack (We used Trader Joe’s lite shredded 3 cheese)

2 scallions, finely chopped

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.

Bree & Erin preparing the ingredients

Preheat a large skillet over medium high heat. Add 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil – twice around the pan. Add chicken and season with chili powder, cumin, and red onion. Brown the meat, 5 minutes. (you can skip this step if you used pre-cooked meat). Add taco sauce or stewed or fire roasted tomatoes. Add black beans and corn. Heat the mixture through, 2 to 3 minutes then season with salt, to your taste.

Coat a shallow baking dish with remaining extra-virgin olive oil, about 1 tablespoon oil. Cut the tortillas in half or quarters to make them easy to layer with. Build lasagna in layers of meat and beans, then tortillas, then cheese.