Do Some Good: Go Back to 5th Grade

Being the middle child has one major advantage: You get to have a big sister and a little sister all at once!  I like it here in the middle.  I couldn't imagine my life without both of my sisters.  And now that I am a Big Sister for Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, I can't imagine my life without all three of my sisters.

Do Some Good: It's Hammer Time

Good wood

When was the last time you asked your best friend to carpool to Compton?  For me, it was when Carmen and I decided to put on our work gloves and volunteer for Habitat for Humanity.

In case you haven't guessed it, I've decided to devote the next few posts to adventures in "doing good".  Sometimes those adventures can be the most rewarding, and I'm here to give you a few ideas, starting with building a house.

Desert Fever: Road Trip to Salvation

Last Friday, my little sister and I headed down to Palm Springs for the weekend.  When I told her I'd be waking her up early Saturday morning to get "saved", her only question was "What should I wear?"

Ever since I made the New Year's Resolution to get into more trouble, my little sister has been my biggest supporter in kicking off my goody two-shoes.  She is my good bad influence.  Even if she's been out partying until 4 am, she will show up at my door by 8am, ready for whatever I have in store.

Desert Fever: A Look Inside My Time Machine

The Integratron

I used to view the desert as the kind of place where you don’t stray far from the swimming pool.  I should know better.  One of my favorite childhood memories is camping in Death Valley in 132 degree heat, where the only swimming pool within 50 miles was 95 degrees and standing-room only.

The desert is anything but a barren landscape.  It’s a blank canvas that has inspired rocks musicians, UFO hunters, and artists alike... Oh, and little old me.  So far, my work of art includes a time machine, a secret waterfall, and some painted mountains.  All set before the bluest sky you can imagine.  Now let me paint you a better picture, starting with the time machine.

Announcement

Shoestring Kitchen has outgrown itself.  I finally decided it no longer makes sense to have a food blog with only the occasional recipe post.  So without further ado, welcome to Shoestring Adventures, a budget-friendly blog about all of life’s adventures, in and out of the kitchen.  Please stay tuned for more stories and, of course, the occasional recipe post.

Anaconda Part V: Journey to the Secret Waterfalls

My brave little sister jumping off the secret waterfalls... for the 2nd time.

For months, my brother-in-law has been telling me tales about some secret waterfalls near Los Angeles.  Not just any secret waterfalls.  These waterfalls are guarded by killer bees and giant snakes.  If you are lucky enough to make it to the waterfalls alive, the reward is well worth the risk.  Not only can you jump off of one waterfall, but you can jump off of three... in a row!

Zucchini Bread

This zucchini is bigger than my cat.

My garden gnome Gustoff has been working overtime.  Last night I went to water my garden and discovered my baby zucchinis had grown into giants over the weekend.  The only words I could manage to get out before I fell into a fit of laughter were “OH MY GOD”!  I suspect someone has been adding steroids to the hose water!