So we went to see Maleficent this week and I have to say it was really good. I liked the back story and the twists on the original story. It was definitely a step up from the animated film and Jolie's performance was superb, but I wouldn't expect anything less from her.
Overall Maleficent ranks in at number 3 on my favorite movies of 2014, slightly edging out X-Men Days of Futures Past, but still a ways behind Winter Soldier and my number one, The Lego Movie. So Transformers comes out today and yes I will be seeing it, hoping it will prove better than the last two sequels.
Showing posts with label Fun Fridays. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Fun Fridays. Show all posts
Friday, June 27, 2014
Friday, June 20, 2014
Our Wild European Vacation - Prologue
So we just finished our 2 week long European Vacation where we visited Rome, Italy and the southern coast of Sweden. I will be chronicling our travels over the course of the summer, but first I wanted to share some encouragement and advice if your thinking about taking an European Vacation.
Research, research, research
I can not stress this enough. When ever you plan a trip whether at home or abroad take some time to read up on your destination. Find out what is there to see and do, what is the climate and weather forecast, and how much will things cost. When planning our trip to Rome we picked up travel guides from AAA and also viewed travel videos on YouTube. Rick Steves has some great videos here https://www.youtube.com/user/RickSteves.
Pack light and pack smart
Most airlines allow one checked bag and one carry-on piece of luggage per person, some also allow for n additional personal item as well, i.e. a laptop bag, purse, or camera bag. The maximum allowable weight for checked luggage on an international flight is 23 kg or 50 lbs anything over that and you will either be charged extra or they might not allow the bag on at all. Also keep in mind that souvenirs will add to the weight of the bags on the return flight. You will also want to pack a change of clothes in your carry-on luggage.Why? you might ask, because checked baggage can sometimes get lost in transit, especially if you are switching flights half way through your trip. Also, instead of packing one bag per person consider distributing everyone's clothes equally between all your bags. For example, instead of all my clothes being in one suitcase I placed three complete outfits in each suitcase, My wife and daughter did the same. This was to make sure if a bag got lost, everyone would still have clothes. It also evenly distributed the weight across all three bags. Also remember the 3-1-1 rule: 3.4 ounces (100 ml) bottle or less(by volume)of any liquid placed in a 1 quart (1 liter) sized bag per person. This rule is for carry-on luggage, larger sizes can be carried in checked baggage.
Don't Be Afraid to Try New Things
This should be obvious but you may want to prepare your picky eaters to attempt new and exciting things. this goes for you too, mom and dad. Go with the expectation that you will try at least two new dishes if not more. For example, While in Rome both my wife and I decided that we wanted to try Gelato, honestly we had never had it before, and carbonara. Not only did we try those but we also fell in love with panna cotta, and the lemon ravioli my wife had one night was out of this world.
Dress to Travel
I'm not saying you have to throw on lederhosen like the Von Trapps, but you should be mindful of what to wear. First you need to be conscious of how airport security works. Don't wear anything metal if you can avoid it, gold doesn't set off the metal detectors but steel does, so no watches or bracelets. No belts unless you absolutely need one, you will have to remove it to go through security. You will also have to remove your shoes, at least in the USA, so wear something that can be slipped on and off easily. Also no pants with chains or excess rivets unless you like being patted down.With all that being said I recommend wearing comfortable tennis shoes and loose fitting jeans or khakis with a t-shirt or polo type shirt. Keep in mind that the plane is Air Conditioned and is usually a might chilly so unless it is a short flight I don't recommend shorts. Depending on when your flight is scheduled you may be sleeping in these clothes so again keep them loose and comfortable.
Secure Your Valuables
When ever I travel to a large tourist city, even if it is just a day trip to New York. I always keep my wallet in my front pocket. I've never been pick-pocketed, and I don't plan to be, so I don't make my self a target. Women are not immune either so I recommend either ditching the purse and getting a wallet to put in your front pocket also or if you are using a purse, use one with an adjustable shoulder strap and wear it with the strap crossing your body keeping the purse itself close to the front of your body. Also. as I told my daughter if in a crowd hold onto your purse keeping it against your body, it makes it more difficult to snag and thus reducing your likelihood to be a target. I also recommend that if your hotel room has a safe that you use it. There is no reason to carry all your credit cards and money with you every time you leave the hotel room.
Have Fun
It's vacation after all it should be fun and stress free. Don't try to see and do everything in the country or city you are visiting, just do the things that will create the best memories and remember to plan in some down time to just relax.
Research, research, research
I can not stress this enough. When ever you plan a trip whether at home or abroad take some time to read up on your destination. Find out what is there to see and do, what is the climate and weather forecast, and how much will things cost. When planning our trip to Rome we picked up travel guides from AAA and also viewed travel videos on YouTube. Rick Steves has some great videos here https://www.youtube.com/user/RickSteves.
Most airlines allow one checked bag and one carry-on piece of luggage per person, some also allow for n additional personal item as well, i.e. a laptop bag, purse, or camera bag. The maximum allowable weight for checked luggage on an international flight is 23 kg or 50 lbs anything over that and you will either be charged extra or they might not allow the bag on at all. Also keep in mind that souvenirs will add to the weight of the bags on the return flight. You will also want to pack a change of clothes in your carry-on luggage.Why? you might ask, because checked baggage can sometimes get lost in transit, especially if you are switching flights half way through your trip. Also, instead of packing one bag per person consider distributing everyone's clothes equally between all your bags. For example, instead of all my clothes being in one suitcase I placed three complete outfits in each suitcase, My wife and daughter did the same. This was to make sure if a bag got lost, everyone would still have clothes. It also evenly distributed the weight across all three bags. Also remember the 3-1-1 rule: 3.4 ounces (100 ml) bottle or less(by volume)of any liquid placed in a 1 quart (1 liter) sized bag per person. This rule is for carry-on luggage, larger sizes can be carried in checked baggage.
Don't Be Afraid to Try New Things
This should be obvious but you may want to prepare your picky eaters to attempt new and exciting things. this goes for you too, mom and dad. Go with the expectation that you will try at least two new dishes if not more. For example, While in Rome both my wife and I decided that we wanted to try Gelato, honestly we had never had it before, and carbonara. Not only did we try those but we also fell in love with panna cotta, and the lemon ravioli my wife had one night was out of this world.
Dress to Travel
I'm not saying you have to throw on lederhosen like the Von Trapps, but you should be mindful of what to wear. First you need to be conscious of how airport security works. Don't wear anything metal if you can avoid it, gold doesn't set off the metal detectors but steel does, so no watches or bracelets. No belts unless you absolutely need one, you will have to remove it to go through security. You will also have to remove your shoes, at least in the USA, so wear something that can be slipped on and off easily. Also no pants with chains or excess rivets unless you like being patted down.With all that being said I recommend wearing comfortable tennis shoes and loose fitting jeans or khakis with a t-shirt or polo type shirt. Keep in mind that the plane is Air Conditioned and is usually a might chilly so unless it is a short flight I don't recommend shorts. Depending on when your flight is scheduled you may be sleeping in these clothes so again keep them loose and comfortable.
Secure Your Valuables
When ever I travel to a large tourist city, even if it is just a day trip to New York. I always keep my wallet in my front pocket. I've never been pick-pocketed, and I don't plan to be, so I don't make my self a target. Women are not immune either so I recommend either ditching the purse and getting a wallet to put in your front pocket also or if you are using a purse, use one with an adjustable shoulder strap and wear it with the strap crossing your body keeping the purse itself close to the front of your body. Also. as I told my daughter if in a crowd hold onto your purse keeping it against your body, it makes it more difficult to snag and thus reducing your likelihood to be a target. I also recommend that if your hotel room has a safe that you use it. There is no reason to carry all your credit cards and money with you every time you leave the hotel room.
Have Fun
It's vacation after all it should be fun and stress free. Don't try to see and do everything in the country or city you are visiting, just do the things that will create the best memories and remember to plan in some down time to just relax.
Friday, November 8, 2013
Obsessed with Table Settings
As some of you may have noticed, I'm not your typical guy.My interests are varied and do not always fall within the realm of what the world has declared to be manly things. Over the years this bothered me until I realized that I'm uniquely made. I joking tell people that I don't just follow the beat of my own drummer, I have an entire mariachi band. I know who I am in Christ and I really don't care what anyone else thinks, well most of the time anyway.
I'm saying this because, as a stay at home dad, I have to perform some functions that are usually placed under the woman category by society, and even by most christians.One of those things over the past few years is planning our Thanksgiving dinner. I have really gotten into planning the menu and even creating a festive tablescape for our guests.
This year hasn't been any different, with the exception that I will be sharing my creation on my blog. I had just finished photographing the table, complete with place settings and burning candles, when my wife comment that I was just not like other guys. Even my own wife of 20 plus years is taken aback by my creative side at times. she got me thinking though.
I'm obsessed with table settings. Did I follow the correct etiquet rules, does the coffee spoon go to the right or on top, which side does the napkin go on??? Why am I like this? Then it hits me, my mom. One of my fondest memories from my childhood was setting the table everynight for dinner. And when I says setting the table, I'm talking the whole nine yards. Frist you hand to remove the table runner and all the knickknacks. Then you had to pick out a tablecloth. Followed by the dinnerplates, glasses, and silverware, which my mom would gently correct me if something was out of place. My mom taught me how to set a formal table, and and informal one, and indirectly taught me the importance of sitting down for a family meal everynight. The meal would almost always end with coffee and dessert, and then everything was whisked away into the kitchen to be washed and the table would get its runner and knickknacks replaced once more.
Familty dinners around the table. Something that our busy modern families hardly ever have time for anymore. maybe that is why I obsess over the holiday meals, I'm trying to recapture the warmth and nostalgia of simpler times. By setting an elaborate table I'm not only providing a festive stage for our meal but also for the family to reconnect.
Hey dads (and moms to), how do you help your families reconnect
I have an entire mariachi band.
I'm saying this because, as a stay at home dad, I have to perform some functions that are usually placed under the woman category by society, and even by most christians.One of those things over the past few years is planning our Thanksgiving dinner. I have really gotten into planning the menu and even creating a festive tablescape for our guests.
Last Years Table
This year hasn't been any different, with the exception that I will be sharing my creation on my blog. I had just finished photographing the table, complete with place settings and burning candles, when my wife comment that I was just not like other guys. Even my own wife of 20 plus years is taken aback by my creative side at times. she got me thinking though.
I'm obsessed with table settings. Did I follow the correct etiquet rules, does the coffee spoon go to the right or on top, which side does the napkin go on??? Why am I like this? Then it hits me, my mom. One of my fondest memories from my childhood was setting the table everynight for dinner. And when I says setting the table, I'm talking the whole nine yards. Frist you hand to remove the table runner and all the knickknacks. Then you had to pick out a tablecloth. Followed by the dinnerplates, glasses, and silverware, which my mom would gently correct me if something was out of place. My mom taught me how to set a formal table, and and informal one, and indirectly taught me the importance of sitting down for a family meal everynight. The meal would almost always end with coffee and dessert, and then everything was whisked away into the kitchen to be washed and the table would get its runner and knickknacks replaced once more.
I'm obsessed with table settings.
Familty dinners around the table. Something that our busy modern families hardly ever have time for anymore. maybe that is why I obsess over the holiday meals, I'm trying to recapture the warmth and nostalgia of simpler times. By setting an elaborate table I'm not only providing a festive stage for our meal but also for the family to reconnect.
Hey dads (and moms to), how do you help your families reconnect
Friday, October 25, 2013
Fun Fridays: Sprucing Up the Place - Quote Mural
We have spent the last couple of weekends painting the stairwell of our three tenement house. The property is owned by my mother in-law and my sister in-law and brother in-law live on the second and third floors respectively. We chose a bright yellow (Valspar - Soft Duckling) wall color that makes the stairwell clean and bright. We then decided to paint a quote on the wall on the landing between the first and second floors.
The quote is visible as you enter the side door from the porch (this is the main entrance used by the family and guests.) I really love the way it turned out. I used two complimentary colors (Valspar - Rich Chocolate and Bear Claw) that I was able to get in 8 oz. sample sizes. I drew the layout of the letters lightly in pencil and painted them freehand. The whole mural measures approx. 3 1/2 feet wide by 6 feet tall.I'm still trying to decide what to do on the landing between the second and third floors, but will definitely be sharing when I do.
The quote is visible as you enter the side door from the porch (this is the main entrance used by the family and guests.) I really love the way it turned out. I used two complimentary colors (Valspar - Rich Chocolate and Bear Claw) that I was able to get in 8 oz. sample sizes. I drew the layout of the letters lightly in pencil and painted them freehand. The whole mural measures approx. 3 1/2 feet wide by 6 feet tall.I'm still trying to decide what to do on the landing between the second and third floors, but will definitely be sharing when I do.
Friday, October 18, 2013
Fun Fridays: Getting Crafty with Snowmen Mason Jars
We have more craft fairs coming up so I'm once again painting mason jars. This time I decided to create snowmen.
These were "painted" using paint pens. They are really easy to use and provide a level of control that I can no longer get with regular brushes due to my fibro. I then place the painted jars on a cookie sheet and place them in a cool oven. Next, I turn the oven to 350 and bake for 30 minutes including preheat time. Finally I let them cool in the oven.
These jars are going to be embellished with ribbons and filled with homemade Hot Cocoa Mix. I'll be sharing the recipe for that on Monday.
Friday, October 19, 2012
Friday, October 5, 2012
Friday, September 21, 2012
Friday, September 14, 2012
Friday, September 7, 2012
Fun Fridays: Weekly Download for 9/7/2012
So I actually remembered this week to post this over here, LOL.
I know not everyone is interested in this kind of stuff, so if it doesn't interest you, then you have my permission to move on. LOL.
I know not everyone is interested in this kind of stuff, so if it doesn't interest you, then you have my permission to move on. LOL.
Friday, July 20, 2012
Fun Fridays: The Weekly Download
So It is Friday and time for the Weekly Download, a news show about things that interest me in the world of geekdom.
Also my VLOG still goes up on my YouTube Channel Monday through Friday nights
Also my VLOG still goes up on my YouTube Channel Monday through Friday nights
Friday, July 13, 2012
Fun Fridays: Weekly Download
Weekly geek news now on YouTube. (and no this is not the secret project I've been hinting at in my Vlogs)
Friday, June 29, 2012
Friday, June 22, 2012
Fun Fridays; Going to see BRAVE
Heading off to see BRAVE in spite of a slight head cold brought on by allergies. I'll probably review it on tonight's VLOG. Have a happy Friday everyone.
Friday, June 15, 2012
Fun Fridays: I just can't get enough of this!!!
OK so Lego made this official a few weeks ago but hey I'm so excited that I had to share it again.
And of course I can't wait for this:
And hey just in case you missed it:
Hope You All have a great weekend.
And of course I can't wait for this:
And hey just in case you missed it:
Hope You All have a great weekend.
Friday, June 8, 2012
F is for Fun!
So here we are the trifecta of our new format "Fun Fridays". Anyway on Fridays we are going to try to keep things a little lighter. I am a self acknowledged geek and as such enjoy many decidedly geeky things. Fridays will be when I get to share some of my favorite geeky things. Wow how many times can I say geek?!?
So anyway I thought I would share some fun stuff I found on YouTube. If you like video games and have ever seen the show House, you might find this amusing.
So anyway I thought I would share some fun stuff I found on YouTube. If you like video games and have ever seen the show House, you might find this amusing.
Friday, June 1, 2012
It's Friday!!!!!!!!!!!!!
So anyway, If you haven't noticed we have a new layout for the blog. Please let me know what you think. We also have a new title, not that I didn't like "A Full Time Job", but I think "Dwelling Among the Tents" is more in line with what this blog is really about, or at least what I want it to be about.
So the new title comes from the book of Genesis in the Bible, Genesis 25:27 to be precise, where it talks about Jacob and his brother Esau. It refers to Jacob being a man of peace dwelling among the tents the word peace here means literally "complete" and that is how I feel about my life "among the tents" as it were. I'm at a point in my life where I am comfortable in my own skin, mostly because I find my identity in the God I serve.
So the blog is going to become more of a reflection of that, So to that end, starting next week I will be implementing a new schedule with a little more regular content (I already have a few entries cued up as it were). So without further ado here is what the schedule will consist of:
Mondays - Focusing on homeschooling, organizing and cooking, basically managing my life.
Wednesdays -Worship related stuff, makes sense as I will be gearing up for worship team practice aka Thursday Night Training or TNT
Fridays - This will be a kind of potpourri of geek related stuff and overall silliness.
I will of course continue to blog about random topics as the mood strikes but the minimum will be those three days a week.
Also I'm thinking about starting a vlog on YouTube that would be kind of like a weekly wrap-up.
Anyway I think I have rambled enough for now. Please leave any comments below (I do moderate them so they will not appear right away) also if you wish you can follow me on twitter @NearyKeith.
So the new title comes from the book of Genesis in the Bible, Genesis 25:27 to be precise, where it talks about Jacob and his brother Esau. It refers to Jacob being a man of peace dwelling among the tents the word peace here means literally "complete" and that is how I feel about my life "among the tents" as it were. I'm at a point in my life where I am comfortable in my own skin, mostly because I find my identity in the God I serve.
So the blog is going to become more of a reflection of that, So to that end, starting next week I will be implementing a new schedule with a little more regular content (I already have a few entries cued up as it were). So without further ado here is what the schedule will consist of:
Mondays - Focusing on homeschooling, organizing and cooking, basically managing my life.
Wednesdays -Worship related stuff, makes sense as I will be gearing up for worship team practice aka Thursday Night Training or TNT
Fridays - This will be a kind of potpourri of geek related stuff and overall silliness.
I will of course continue to blog about random topics as the mood strikes but the minimum will be those three days a week.
Also I'm thinking about starting a vlog on YouTube that would be kind of like a weekly wrap-up.
Anyway I think I have rambled enough for now. Please leave any comments below (I do moderate them so they will not appear right away) also if you wish you can follow me on twitter @NearyKeith.
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