New Thing #6: 3D Movie

Somehow I’ve never seen a 3D movie. I’ve been to 3D shows Worlds of fun used to do, but  those were 15+ years ago and not actually movies (so they don’t count).  Plus I think it’s safe to say IMAX/3D technology has more than slightly improved since then.

I feel like a sheep.  Of course I followed  the rest of the country and watched Avatar in 3D.  For the longest time I really didn’t want to see it.  However, the more I heard about Avatar the more curious I became.  I really liked it. I thought the effects were beautiful and fascinating. I’m about to echo the opinion I’ve heard from a few people.  As good as it is, it’s  not a movie I’d ever want to see without the 3D effects.  Seeing it once in the IMAX theater was the perfect experience.

The second picture is kind of like Where’s Waldo. See if you can catch it.

New Thing #5: Homemade Facials

I had to get resourceful this week because of a lack of funds.  Megan (my wonderful roomie) and I used food we already had to make homemade facials.  My mixture could have been confused for a delicious snack. The texture of Meggie’s mixture was hands down more fun.  As for the final touch of placing cucumbers on our eyes- so overrated.  We found a better solution.

The recipes we used are below.

For Dry Skin: Mash half cup of natural yogurt, 1 tablespoon of honey, and 1/4 ripe banana. Apply this pack on face and neck and leave for 10 minutes and then rinse off.

Combination Skin: Mix 1 egg white, 1/2 cup cooked instant oatmeal and 1 teaspoon olive oil until smooth.

Find more here: http://www.fatfreekitchen.com/beauty/facial-masks.html

New Thing #4: Homemade Apple Pie

Today I got to make my first every pie from scratch. Prior to today the only pie I’ve ever made is pumpkin. Which doesn’t really count because 1. the crust is always pre-made and 2. all it involved was mixing around a few ingredients.  I’m sure I helped by mom bake pies when I was a kid, but I don’t count that either considering it’s probably been 15+ years.

I had two wonderful teachers- Jimmy and Megan. After peeling and dicing the apples, Jimmy taught me how to make the crust from scratch.  Then Megan taught me how to make inside and the best part. Crumbly topping=heaven.

The pie turned out pretty darn amazing. If you ever want me to make one for an event, party or meeting let me know. I mean, I am pretty much a pie baking pro now.

New Thing #3: Vietnamese food

Tonight I got to experience the first of what I’m sure will be many food experiences in my mission this year.  For the last couple of weeks I’ve been super excited to try Vietnamese. I feared the weather and other conflicts would postpone crossing this off my list, but fortunately I was wrong. My sister, some great friends and I ate at Saigon 39 in downtown KC.

I was very pleased. It was a cute little place with a friendly server. Plus I feel the need to mention the Buddha with Thin Mints being offered to it (sadly I didn’t get to see this first hand). As for the food- the wait was well worth it! I will say I was a little disappointed in my choice, but it was still good. However, almost everyone else at the table got a dish that was AMAZING. My opinion is based on one bite (thanks Justin!), but it enough to change my life…or at least make me want to go back and order it for myself.  I can’t remember what it’s called, but all I need to know is it’s the #8. I see a second trip to Saigon 39 in the very near future. Want to go?

New Thing #2: Knitting

I’ve always wanted to knit and I got to spend my day off yesterday learning how. Thanks Kelly for being such a great teacher! In the second picture you’ll see my final product….

…ok, maybe not. If you look closely at the last picture that’s about all I got done.  There was a lot of talking and mistakes that kept me from making further progress. I’m considering what I got done at Kelly’s to be a practice round because I had to unravel everything I did and start over….twice. But third time’s a charm, right?

Briefly Put on Hold

New thing #2 was supposed to happen last night, but didn’t work out. I gathered up some awesome friends and we headed downtown to try laughter yoga. We arrived only to find an empty, and rather deserted, building.  We were right across the street from Spin Pizza, so naturally we went there instead.

Unfortunately I didn’t get to try anything new this weekend, but I had the privilege of being with three friends who did. I’m proud I got to introduce Spin to Kassie, Meg & Kelly.  If you’ve never been, you need to go. They make incredible pizza with not so common toppings, such as potato (my fav!) and eggplant. (Both pictured)

Despite not getting to check out laughter yoga, it was a good night with good friends. Plus I was reminded of how much I really love Spin Pizza.  Laughter yoga will hopefully happen some other Friday later this month. Until then, I have other new things I need to try.