As if I weren’t already proud of you for applying my “life lessons” advice by being the one to volunteer for a speaking part in a play any chance you get, I am even prouder now that you perfectly executed your lines in your 2nd grade’s “Spring Into Music” performance.
I didn’t realize until the actual performance, that you were one of only a few other 2nd graders with a speaking part.
Mommy and I were both right in our reasoning for why we both had been separately encouraging you all year to volunteer to have a speaking part in a play:
My reasoning was that by default, boys typically don’t naturally want to volunteer for a speaking part. Therefore, those who volunteer, get chosen.
Mommy’s reasoning was that it would help you build confidence in yourself and cause you to gain new skills.
Our predictions came true.
I have a feeling you are going to be eager to volunteer to speak in a play the next chance you get!
There are lots of interesting foods in the world, and some of them—you might not realize—have shared cultural legacies. Let’s look at something that’s become a staple of American restaurants, the Jewish deli. Do you know what the foods and drinks that you’ll find on a menu here is, and do you know what you’re eating (or missing out on)?
For starters, it’s helpful to know just how long the Jewish deli has been around in America—over 100 years and nearing 150; the first one opened officially in 1888. While most people could just find meat there to start with, over the years (and century) that evolved to include sandwiches and other cultural staples.
Now you’ll find breads and soups and desserts, among other delicacies. Many of them might be familiar to you, such as challah. Others? It’s worth learning about and eating, too. This graphic helps to explain them.
This graphic has been provided courtesy of ZeroCater.com.
A trip to Orlando is a fantastic experience, but can be hard on the wallet. With so many places to visit you want to make sure that you can fit as much in as possible, without breaking the bank.
Firstly, you will need a great, central place to stay. There are plenty of Orlando vacation rentals to suit all budgets and requirements.
Pre-Book Theme Park Tickets
If you are going to visit any of the big theme parks in Orlando, you should look at booking your tickets in advance. This is particularly recommended if you are going to visit multiple times. The price at the gates will often run over $100 per person and this really adds up. You can also get the best value for money when you visit 2 parks or more in a single day without multiple charges.
Book A Combo Ticket
If you want the best value for money, you should look at booking a combo ticket. You will probably have a few parks in mind when you take your trip. Most people do not realize that they can combine their tickets for the different parks to save money. You could end up paying just $60 per person in the end. The discount rate will provide you with the same level of access as the tickets bought from the gates.
Stay at A More Basic Hotel
Staying at one of the on-site hotels does bring benefits such as free park shuttles and early admission, they also carry a much higher cost. If you are traveling on a budget, these hotels should be avoided. Instead, you should look at staying at a value hotel close to International Drive. This will place you in the heart of the action, but will not break your bank account. Staying in a more basic hotel should not be a problem because you are going to be out and about all day anyway.
Have Smaller Denomination Notes
If you are exchanging currency, you need to ask for some smaller notes as well. Tipping in the US is very common and you will want smaller notes for this. Smaller notes will make the whole process much easier and will ensure that you do not overspend when eating out.
Split Big Meals
Meal portions in America are also larger than what many people are used to. A great way to save money will be to split a meal between 2 people. You do not have to worry about seeming cheap when you do this as the servers are used to this and will be willing to bring a second plate.
This hack will be perfect for children, but there are some locations where it works for adults as well. As you are shown to your table, you should lance around to see the portion sizes to determine if this will work.
Take Advantage of Free Wifi
Orlando has seen a spread of free Wifi to parks, hotels and other key areas. This means that you do not have to run up your roaming and call charges. When you get on the airplane to Orlando, turn off your roaming and activate the Wifi on your phone. There are a lot of apps that allow you to make free calls via the internet which means that you can stay in touch without the massive bills.
After I made the announcement, one of my nieces was shocked, reaching out to me, saying, “I’m pretty sure you have been a vegan for most of the time I’ve known you, ha ha. So you eat cheese pizza now?”
My answer: Well, I could… but I don’t… not really.
Certain kosher meats, but only if they are baked or broiled, never fried or processed (like in a “nugget” form).
Wild caught fish: mainly salmon, cod, mahi mahi, and even anchovies; but not tuna, which instantly causes my dyshodrotic eczema to return. And definitely never shellfish: shrimp, scallops, lobster, etc. (They are not kosher.)
Chicken, without the skin.
Turkey, but I don’t really like it.
Beef, but never with dairy, like cheese; which is part of keeping kosher.
I see no reason to drink milk from an animal; not only because it contains more sugar than most people realize, but I attribute milk as the reason my sinuses and allergies used to be so horrible.
Vegetables, but not cooked in heavy oils.
Fruit, with no limitations.
Grains and potatoes, but only on occasion:
I am intentionally strictly avoiding flour (like wheat pasta or wheat pizza dough), hydrogenated oils, and processed sugar.
So would I eat a cheese pizza? I have; several times.
But I realized that it goes against what I am trying to accomplish; which is to have a permanent, healthy and balanced diet which will allow me to comfortably fit back into my size 32 pants again.
I have learned to appreciate grilled chicken pesto pizza on gluten-free, cauliflower crust.
Could I eat a cheeseburger? No, because it’s combining beef with dairy; which isn’t kosher.
Could I eat a hamburger? I could, but I’m not in a hurry to, since that would involve a lot of bread.
I think that ultimately, new identity as an ex-vegan consists of a dietary regiment that is still as disciplined as being a vegan, though it’s a lot less restricting.
In the past 6 months, I have loss and kept off 5 pounds since I stopped being a vegan. And because I have been faithfully working out using Darebee.com, it is my belief that the reason I am not continuing to lose more weight right now is that the muscle I am building weights more than the fat.
I’m thinking that within another 6 months, I’ll have more confirmation and clarity for Operation: Comfortably Fit in My Size 32 Pants Again.
If not, I’ll keep being open-minded until I figure it out.
Your brother was invited to one of his girl classmate’s birthday party at a fun gymnasium.
It happened to be the weekend where Nonna and Papa were in town to watch you and your brother.
I suggested that you just “crash” the birthday party.
Fortunately, that plan came together. Even though you were noticeably younger and smaller than all the other “party friends”, that didn’t stop you from trying everything you brother did.
Granted, there were times your brother had to help you.
But you loved it! Good thing you decided to be a party crasher!
Family Friendly Daddy Blog 