The First Meal.

So this past thursday night was the first night that I didn't have to work and I had a chance to actually cook a homemade dinner. I decided on Chicken breast pieces and spaghetti with some broccoli. Well, in preparing for dinner, one of my roommate's friends was over and I offered some to him, he agreed to try it. I assured him that I would try not to give him salmonella.

While gathering the ingredients and pots and pans and utensils, I could not, for the life of me, find the spaghetti! After searching thoroughly, I gave up and settled on instant mashed potatoes. Not as fitting but it would have to do. I breaded the chicken pieces first with Vigo breading. The boneless skinless chicken pieces were quite fat so I was nervous they weren't cooking so I frantically cut them up and made them thinner. Eventually they cooked, and before they finished I started the potatoes which took a minute and the broccoli had been on a low simmer for a few minutes. Everything finished and we sat down and ate. The following occured:

So, as you can see, it didn't quite turn out the way I wanted it but at least it was 1. edible and 2. not disgusting. Needed more seasoning/flavor and broccoli cooked too long. I will continue to learn from my mistakes I hope and eventually be a master chef. duh. Next on my list is a shrimp dish with butter spaghetti and then maybe lasagna. :) Unfortunately working part time at a retail store makes it a little hard to get home in time to make a detailed dinner so Healthy Choice microwave meals will have to suffice some nights. But I will continue to update on my other cooking endeavors.

P.S. I found the spaghetti after I cleaned up the kitchen.

The Mysterious Blue Men

Last night was quite possibly one of the most amazing experiences of my life.

Blue Man Group.

Last year, my roommate Julia won 2 tickets to see Universal's Blue Man Group and as an even trade, since I took her to Taylor Swift, she took me to the show. I will start out by saying I had

no idea what to expect. Honestly, I hadn't heard a lot about the show. We were ecstatic to find

out that we had Row A seats. It's not the front row, that's AA. But it's the 4th. The first row right behind the "splash zone".

The show had a psychedelic feel to it. Strobe lights, drums, paint, interesting skits. It was basically a series of One Acts done by 3 men

painted all blue and dressed in black. They were

creepy, let me tell you. They had some of the greatest facial expressions and held perfect composure at all times. The art they created with both paint and drums and random objects was incredible. Julia and I were dying to take it and hang it on our wall. The talent and mystery was tied together. I never knew what was coming next. We were on the edge of our seats and constantly in awe.

Unfortunately we were unable to take pictures during the show, but I do see how it would ruin the whole effect. However, I made sure to take photos afterwards. The part that I truly

enjoyed the most was how much audience participation they did. In almost every skit they either brought people up from the audience, or they went out and walked on the rows of chairs and just interacted. At one moment, all three of them were in within arm's reach distance, pouring Capt'n Crunch cereal in Julia's mouth and handing me flashlights. ;)

I would definitely recommend it to families with children as it was a good clean show. It was comedic, fun, enjoyable, and easy for kids to follow.

It was a breath-taking show and I would recommend anyone to see it, young and old. I would even pay money to go back and see it again. Hoping to take my dad someday soon. :)

My New Home

Today was the big day. The long awaited for move back to Orlando. It only took 5 people and 3 cars worth of stuff to get me there. Although I am so grateful to have a mother that makes sure I have everything (even toilet paper and tissues) before I get up there. Like Orlando has no Walmarts... haha. Oh mom. I felt very well suited when they left and only needed to stock my sizeable pantry with food. Recently I've been on a health kick. Don't go crazy telling me I don't need to be on a diet, I know. It's not a diet, it's more of a "pay attention to what you're eating" thing. I hope to actually make real home-cooked dinners often.

Anyway, the decorating and assembling of the apartment was funand came together quite perfectly I must say. We got everything unpacked and settled in about 4 hours. Including hanging pictures, curtains, and organizing drawers.

We are living in a 4 bedroom/4 bathroom so I have 3 other roommates. 2 of which I know, I lived with last year and considered to be some of my closest friends. Our 4th, was a random. However, upon her arrival decided that her room was too small and she was not a fan, thus she moved out. So now we have a guest room and bathroom until they fill it (hopefully never!). I was a little disappointed, I was excited to get to know someone else. Yet I was relieved, because it is easier getting settled in when you know your other roomies well.

Mom of course insisted on taking pictures of me with roomies and awkward poses on my bed and at my desk. However, I took my own pictures to show you the lovely art I painted and the vintage-y green and brown theme I have.

The green & brown room

A better shot of the sunflower painting I did

Curtain and desk area

Bathroom

The shower curtain and outhouse towel hanger I got from a white elephant gift exchange

The furnished living room with our red lamp addition. We need some big big art to go above the sofa

The dining room table & my sunset painting!

The kitchen with our adorable aprons