Best of 2009: Part III
I am participating in The Best of 2009 Blog Challenge. For my responses to previous prompts, please see Part I (#1-7) & Part II (#8-10).
11. The Best Place
The best place I’ve been to this year was Pirates’ Lair on Tom Sawyer’s Island. I might have been on Tom Sawyer’s island when I was younger (but i’m sure I would’ve been afraid to get on the raft to cross the river), but definitely not since all the pirate stuff was added. I’m a huge pirates fan, and Nathaniel and I had a lot fun exploring that island. Maybe we spent more time (an hour?) than the “time is money” side of me enjoyed, but it was his birthday and where is the fun in Becky stressing and rushing us to each ride? That’s not what Disneyland is about.
12. New Food
A food new to me, not only to cook, but to eat (as far as I know) is Chicken Tetrazinni. I was so excited to make something that actually tasted good. I felt bad though, because the smell was making Nathaniel want it for dinner. I was going to freeze it for another day and already had something else cooking in the crockpot that wouldn’t freeze and reheat as well. When we did eat it, I forgot to thaw it before baking, and I forgot to put the topping of bread crumbs and extra cheese, which would have made a big difference. So we might as well have eaten it that other day, especially since I added to much soy sauce to what was in the crockpot (I don’t remember exactly what it was – involved chicken and soy sauce). It was the best food not only because it tasted good, but because I made it, not from a box, and even made my own cream of chicken soup for it.
13. change I made to the place I live
I don’t know if it counts as an actual change since I’m not sure how permanent or complete my efforts proved, but I attempted organization. I got Getting Organized by Stephanie Winston at a rummage sale and started implementing her tips around the house. It did make a big improvement in my life, but very minor visible changes in the house. In a way it was a big change because reading that book and putting things in motion paves the way for further organization. One day (hopefully by the time children come along and reverse it all) my house shall be simplified and decluttered. One may look around and disagree, but I think big changes have already been made. So yes, attempting organization is the best change I’ve made to the place I live this year.
14. Rush
I feel like all my “bests” have been in the last quarter of the year, but hey, my memory isn’t what it used to be. When I saw this prompt, I immediately thought of my recent trip to Knott’s Berry Farm. On this particular trip to Knott’s Merry Farm, I was feeling a little regretful about the trip. We had invited a bunch of other people, but no one else could make it. We were hoping for at least two more people, so we could split the parking, but also because we love sharing Knott’s with others. It’s the underdog of Orange County, with giant Disney just a few miles east. It was evening and I wasn’t sure whether it was the right choice to have gone, because even though it’s only $15/person, with my recent unemployment we’re trying harder than ever to save money. It’s an annual tradition to go to Knott’s; we couldn’t miss it. Also, we had already gone on almost everything we wanted to, the lines were long, and each ride was making me sick.
Then we went on GhostRider. That alone was worth not only the two hours we waited in line (thank you Droid for keeping our sanity), but also the price of admission and parking. The wind whipping through your hair, your insides twisting, the feeling like you are about to explode or implode at any given abrupt turn…there is no better ride. I always forget just how. much. I. love. GhostRider until I ride it again; it’s my most favorite rollercoaster anywhere, with MAYBE the exception of Tatsu at Six Flags Magic Mountain. It was a pleasant surprise that saved my day and gave us the energy to stay and enjoy the park (as it should be!) until close.
