The Jennie Beanery

Writing!

2014-12-19T22:59:00.000-05:00

Writing..It's a thing you do with a paper and pen, right? Sadly, not for most people. In today's world, technology can distort what writing and creativity is all about.

Typing a fiction story on the computer can trigger a much different outcome than starting with a blank sheet of paper in front of you. With a computer and the Internet, you can get creative ideas from somewhere outside your thoughts, whether it be character names, location, or help with a time period, the Internet is at your fingertips to whatever you want to research. It is amazing how instant our lifestyle is today. However, the computer screen can be a big distraction. Once you start looking up, say clothes in the Renaissance era, you are soon on the Pa Renaissance Faire website and planning a family trip. The Internet can suck you into its vast field of information. If you are serious about writing a story, my advice is to limit your time researching the Internet for ideas. Try to hold off on switching away from your word processor program. This way, more of your own knowledge and experience will appear in your writing, allowing it to feel more personal and you will be much prouder.

I admire Tolkien and other great writers from our past who never had the Internet. They relied on their own mind and received inspiration from their surroundings and happenings going on around them. The entertainment they give in their stories are much more appreciated then any modern story.

There is something so simple with having a piece of paper and a writing instrument, and its effect is massive. You will dig deeper for your thoughts, and your writing will truly showcase you in your words. I feel proud now that I can write a few paragraphs here without wanting to google similar topics regarding writing and see what others think about this same notion. I didn't want anything to skew with my opinions or direction in this column.

I am definitely open to receiving inspiration, especially when travelling. It is always when I am not looking for an idea, that I am blessed with it. New sights, crazy weather, exotic color patterns, an array of talented people; these are the things that can give you the knowledge and experience for a better story.

Russell Stover vs. Whitman's Chocolates

2014-02-16T20:21:00.003-05:00

Who can be disappointed in chocolate? Me! Okay, it was still delicious, but here's how it went down. I bought some Valentine's Day candy for 50% off the day after. I picked out two heart boxes of assorted chocolate. The two covers that caught my eye were "You're Cool! with Snoopy and "You're my #1 Draft Pick". I noticed that they were from two different companies: Whitman's Chocolates and Russell Stover. I never know which one to pick out of these two, but know they are both good. I decided to buy both and do a comparison.

I opened the boxes and wah-la! - They did not look much different.

I picked one from each box that shared the same shape and color. It was the same dense caramel filled chocolate and both tasted the same!

My partner hesitated to tell me what was found on the internet, and told me I wasn't going to like this news. Whitman's was bought by Russell Stover in 1993! So I bought chocolates from the same freakin' company. I was really looking for a better comparison, but I did proclaim a winner. Starred are the unique chocolate flavors.

Russell Stover: They provide more unique options over Whitman's. I made my best guess on what they are, but this box was the hardest to figure out what is what! 8g of Fat for 3 pieces, less fat, but a bit more sugary taste - 28g. Calcium is found in this box probably because of the more Nougats and Marshmallow cremes.

Milk Chocolate Dense Caramel
Dark Chocolate Dense Caramel
Dark Chocolate Molasses
Milk Chocolate Marshmallow Cream
Dark Chocolate Marshmallow Cream*
Milk Chocolate Butter Nougat*
Dark Chocolate Almond Nougat*
Two Milk Chocolate Toffees
Milk Chocolate Roman Nougat*
Dark Chocolate Coconut
Milk Chocolate Chocolate Creme*

Whitman's Chocolates: No big surprises on what was in these chocolates. More fat = yummier. 7g for 2 pieces, 17g sugar

Milk Chocolate Dense Caramel
Dark Chocolate Dense Caramel
Two Milk Chocolate Toffees
Two Milk Chocolate Dense Caramel
Dark Chocolate Molasses
Signature Solid Milk Chocolate*
Two Dark Chocolate Coconut
Milk Chocolate Marshmallow Cream
Milk Chocolate Almond Nougat

Winner: Whitman's Chocolates, by a close margin. Snoopy, their classic feel, and signature solid chocolate sold me. When buying a box for a gift, it would still be a toss-up for me, and I would probably find the most relevant box design.

My Decision Rant

2013-09-13T08:26:00.001-04:00

Can't make up your mind? I often second guess my decisions and feel like I need to validate its accuracy beforehand. My introversion expresses this by not giving anyone feedback until I've thought it over and then doing so quietly. Whether I am mulling it over by myself or with a friend, my mind wants to please myself, plus everyone else. While I'm caught up in trivial worries, most people have made up their mind. I'm not talking about work or big life decisions - those are easier than these small ones. These are the inferior, daily decisions we face regarding the type of food you are going to eat, what you are going to plan to do after work, or what movie you are going to see.

I am logical, however I still hold on to the "what if I make the wrong choice" worry that I take forever in deciding if I want chicken or beef on my nachos. Of course I'm striving for self happiness, but it is not worth the tedious thought process, especially if it impacts the plan of others. It can be a complete waste of time waiting for someone for something so trivial. People rely on other people and I cannot be so passive 100% of the time. It is one thing to be introverted and to not contribute to a social situation, but to be this held back about making a small decision is a bit unhealthy. Confidence is something achieved overtime, and it helps to have reassurance from others. It makes it harder when I get negative feedback about something I've already decided. If they are not directly involved in the situation, I try my hardest to ignore it! I'm getting better at making decisions quicker and sticking with it. I do a little happy dance when the outcome is positive!

So, what is a good salad ingredient to bring along for a party, or the correct choice for dinner tonight? (Yes, always thinking about food) Is it right to dwell on these decisions? I say not to an excessive degree, but I cannot help my worries. What if no one takes a helping of baby corn for their salad? Is this even a topping for salad? I've seen these at select salad bars, but does anyone but me take some? These are just some thoughts that roll around in my mind, but in the end it does not matter. The baby corn was loved after all by at least 1/4 of the group. Even if it was just me digging in to my own ingredient, at least there will be more for me. Optimism is hard to keep up, but it ultimately helps in social situations.

So my gut reaction of baby corn for the salad party and beef nachos for dinner? YES! Go with what you know and like! The key is to stick with your interest and be confident in it. There's a good chance that others will like your decision too. Making a quick and accurate decision boosts future confidence and also leaves room for more fun in your free time.

You have to pick your battles with yourself because you do not want to get tripped up on whether you want to wear a polka dot or blue shirt today. You'll be late for work! Focus on what is most important in life and embrace it.

Science Fiction vs Fantasy

2013-03-22T12:00:00.000-04:00

While searching for new books, I gravitate towards the science fiction section. On particular books found in the library, there is a "Fantasy" sticker on the spine on those in the sci-fi area. What makes these stories fantasy? Where is the boundary between science fiction and fantasy?

"It is said that science fiction and fantasy are two different things. Science fiction is the improbable made possible, and fantasy is the impossible made probable."
-Rod Serling, 1962

Here are my comparisons between the two genres:

Science Fiction	Fantasy
Technology	Magic
Scientific	Supernatural
Facts in real life	Imaginary
Aliens	Wizards
Robots	Unicorns
Space	Middle Earth
A world that could be	Good vs Evil

Science fiction offers a scientific rationale for the phenomenon. There is some kind of technology, whether it's possible or impossible in real life, that alters our known world. In Fantasy, a unicorn will just appear, and yay, that’s just the way things are. There are alternative realities and worlds, where you can live in an enchanted forest or a cursed castle. Most of the time, the conclusion of a science fiction story is a new way of doing things. In fantasy, the good, from its good vs evil theme, wins.

This started to make me think of certain story examples. Where would Star Trek and Star Wars fit in? Science fiction - Most things are based on a technology or aliens from different planets. The only thing I had a hard time accepting it is science fiction is The Force. It is a paranormal ability which is altered in a human or creature, but it could be mistaken for magic. A few other issues, such as shapeshifters not being technologically explained would be fantasy. Elements could be used in both genres. What about time travel? Science fiction. Ghosts? Gods? Fantasy.

The more I read or watch these stories, the better I can pick out which category they fall into.

Source: Difference Between Science Fiction and Fantasy, Prabhat. and updated on July 28, 2011 Articles on DifferenceBetween.net

photo credit: balt-arts via photopin cc

photo credit: Gilderic Photography via photopin cc

Soft Drinks - Part 2

2013-03-15T12:27:00.000-04:00

Coke or Pepsi? Yes, this is the Ultimate Cola Taste Test!

I bought 6 different brands of cola: Pepsi, Pepsi Throwback, America's Choice (Pathmark brand) cola, Giant brand cola, Coke and Mexican Coke. Both the Mexican Coke and Pepsi Throwback are made without high fructose corn syrup.

Three participants and I taste tested each one and gave our preference of cola before and after. Before tasting and looking at the lineup, the before preference was chosen by each tester based on what they thought they liked the most. Then, instead of sloppily blindfolding everyone, the cups were numbered, and only I knew what they were drinking. I had someone test me separately. These were all cooled and freshly opened.

Tester	The Before Preference	Pepsi	Pepsi Throwback	Coke	Mexican Coke
Steve	Pepsi			:(	:)
Mary	Coke	:)			:(
James	Mexican Coke		:)	:(
Jen	Coke	:)			:(

The smiley faces indicate the favorite after tasting all six colas. The frowny face is the least favorite. Mary and I both preferred the regular Pepsi, despite our Coke before preference. In being a Pepsi fan, Steve was right in choosing Coke as his least favorite, but then preferred Mexican Coke as the result. James stuck with the no high fructose corn syrup as his preference, but chose Pepsi instead of Coke. No one strongly liked or disliked the generic sodas! None of us chose what we thought we would like the best! Over this very small sample size, plus bonus points from the poll on my blog site, Pepsi wins as the most preferred taste.

I lined up my preferences from worst to best (left to right in picture above). Welp, as a long time Coke lover, I have chosen Pepsi as my favorite after the test taste. The test itself was so difficult. At first, all of the colas tasted the same. I had to go back and forth from the cups. One tasted like vanilla (Pepsi Throwback) and one tasted flat (Mexican Coke).

So in the future, I will give Pepsi a chance, though I will probably still say that I like Coke better! It could be the better branding for the product - note my shirt.

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Tips to a Happy Desk and Mind

2013-02-01T12:00:00.000-05:00

In taking courses in time management and improving my professional self, I've come up with a few tips on how to better your environment at work or home.

Let's start with your workspace. If you have a desk or office, this is easy to do. Take a look around your desk, what one thing is the most annoying or out of place? The paper clip that has fallen out of your tray? Too many sticky notes? Whatever your annoyance, fix one thing now! Place the paper clip back where it belongs, or consolidate your notes to one piece of paper or to your electronic device. Feel better? Okay, now I'll ask again, what one thing is the most annoying or out of place? Too soon? I'll try back again in a few hours. A clean environment can help you in your day to day activities. Seeing a mess in your own space can trigger stress. Although your eyes glue themselves to your computer screen, you could concentrate more without the clutter in your peripheral view. If you are the type of person who works best under pressure, stop reading...just kidding, it should be the pressure of the tasks at hand needing to get done that motivates you, never the mess. You can have the same bazillion tasks, but still have a neat environment allowing you to think clearer.

Start small in your organizing, concentrating on one paper or object at a time. Focus on one area of your desk or space and place these in designated groups, such as current tasks, pending issues and research material. Take your time; it doesn't need to get done today. Depending on how organized your space is now depends on how long it will take. Gradually things will become easier, and there will be a designated place for everything you come across. Sometimes it feels like you do not have enough room for everything. Think about decluttering (This word is not in the Merriam-Webster dictionary!) first before thinking you need more space. Make sure you have a trash pile. It is amazing how much you do not need after a year.

Once your area is manageable and you are very comfortable with it, buy yourself a plant or add a colorful calendar to perk things up. Why be boring? Add a picture or comic that you can often look at for a smile.  Find a good place for fun knick-knacks - like my Gumby and Pokey. Keep a piece of YOU around! These little things can be comforting while in a monotonous flow or in tough work situations.

As I have said before in my time post, a calendar is helpful for work and personal reasons. I would recommend getting two calendars: one visible on your desk or in your kitchen, and one on your electronic device. Clear your mind by organizing your schedule on paper or electronically. Once it is on the calendar, you can forget about it for the moment.   Electronic calendars are great in addition, but the old-fashioned writing in your days off or special meetings does have benefits. Your eyes can revert away from the a screen for once and allows its own space of reference. I find it easier to discuss dates when other people are present, viewing my wall calendar with me.

    If your home or work environment is noisy, wear headphones and listen to your iPod or Spotify. Avoid slow classical music as this could put you to sleep. Upbeat music is ideal for greater productivity.

   Already organized and have keen knowledge on these tips? Add another knick-knack or clean out that drawer you have forgotten about. Small changes here and there can put you in a better mood!

Fast Food Unraveled: Part 2

2013-01-25T12:00:00.001-05:00

Hello World! After being dormant for so long, I have tried to think of an excuse to where I was for two months...working on my book, sick, entertaining guests, out of town, out of ideas - Okay, while some of these were true, I was really eating chicken! Continuing my fast food tour, I explored chicken nuggets. I veered away from the top three fast food chains and compared a few other good places.

KFC - Original Recipe Bites (10 count)

- WW points: 8

- Price: $3.99 with side and drink for a limited time

It really feels like you are eating chicken right off of the bone. They are boneless, but could have fooled me if I had a blindfold on...(ooo I should do that for my next food post). These nuggets are moist, and the breading is just the right amount of crisp.

Chic Fil A - Nuggets (8 count)

- WW points: 7

- Price: $4.79 with fries and drink, may vary by location

These nuggets are thinly breaded and full of flavor. The light, salty taste makes you want more. I try to ration the chicken, but always run out with a ton of waffle fries left (yum...). The sweetness of the Polynesian sauce compliments this.

Sonic - Jumbo Popcorn Chicken (large size, too hungry to count)

- WW points: 15
- Price: $6.50 with tots/fries and drink

These nuggets are not jumbo. They range from small to large. The taste is good, but nothing special. BBQ or other sauce is needed.

Winner: Chic Fil A! KFC is a close second. Sonic is out in left field with points, price and taste. What is your favorite chicky-chick?

*WW points based on PointsPlus Values. Click here for the calculator.

The Fifty States: Connecticut

2012-11-12T10:30:00.000-05:00

Skipping ahead a bit, this is the twelfth (12th visited in my lifetime) in a series of states, where I highlight my time spent in a state. These are my own recommendations of restaurants and things to do, and I hope to share my perspective. I hope to visit all 50 states in my lifetime to see the sights and learn about each area.

Connecticut

Here I will link to a guest blog. This is my experience in a nut shell of Greenwich, Stamford and New Haven. http://www.rubberducksystems.com/jamesstopford/2012/02/26/greenwich-and-new-haven/

A few more notes to add:

In visiting different parts of Conneticut, I found it very upscale and elegant. It seemed like many people were dressed up, and that this is the daily norm. The Stamford Town Center is notable for the odd layout of floors and parking. I enjoyed the Beineke Rare Book Library and walking around the Yale campus. In every town visited, crowds are apparent. Areas are built up with high end stores and hoity-toity coffee shops.

The Fifty States: Delaware

2012-11-05T10:30:00.000-05:00

This is sixth in a series of states, where I highlight my time spent in a state. These are my own recommendations of restaurants and things to do, and I hope to share my perspective. I hope to visit all 50 states in my lifetime to see the sights and learn about each area.

*As I review this area and those surrounding, my heart goes out to all affected by the recent hurricane Sandy. Many landmarks and sights are now only memories to us across the east coast. Below are my thoughts on what they once were and wish none were altered too drastically.

Delaware

Delaware was the first to become a state in 1787 by ratifying the United States Constitution. It is the second smallest state; the smallest is Rhode Island. If you drive too far, you'll get to Pennsylvania, Maryland, or the Atlantic Ocean!

Rehoboth Beach - In 2012, Rehoboth Beach was named one of the top 10 best beaches for families by Family Vacation Critic. If coming from the north, head to Cape May, New Jersey and take the ferry over to Delaware to get to Rehoboth Beach. You can drive your car right onto the ferry. There is a nice clean boardwalk and many bed and breakfasts in the area. Check out the Haunted Mansion ride in Funland. It is not too scary, but sure is fun.

Christiana Mall - This is a large one story mall with a few high end stores and a Target. No sales tax in Delaware, so buy it there!

Hagley Museum - Be prepared to walk all over these grounds. There is a shuttle available, but the trail is nice to stop along the way for different views of the Brandywine River. Learn about DuPont's company history in a couple stories of the museum. There are also changing exhibits here. On the grounds, there is a black powder mill, a school, the DuPont family home (need to take the bus to get here), gardens and an organic cafe. There are demonstrations and tours along the route. This could take at least 3 hours to go through.

Soft Drinks

2012-10-22T10:30:00.000-04:00

Why are soft drinks 'soft'? I had to think about this one a bit, but had to revert to googling the answer. It is because they are not 'hard' (Duh, right?), or a distilled alcoholic beverage. It can be a carbonated or non-carbonated drink, but is most likely referred to as the carbonated type: a soda (also called pop, coke, fizzy or other variations).

Soft drinks are probably the unhealthiest drink because of its high sugar content and/or high fructose corn syrup in most. It is alleviated through diet alternatives, but some, like me, would not prefer the taste. Beware of the diet sodas; they create brain trickery! It tastes sweet and your brain expects the calories to give your body energy, but it disappoints. This leads to more food intake to compensate for the empty feeling and is associated to causing obesity.1

Soda may not quench your thirst thoroughly, but it does leave you feeling good. When I have my favorite pop in my belly and more in my glass or bottle, it promotes good vibes to my brain. I don't think of the consequences, especially since I do not consume it that often.

The Consequences of a Coke:
Burp! (repeat)
Bad breath (see Burp!)
High sugar (Wheeeee!!!! Wheee! Weaa..::crash::..wah)
Caffeine (WOOHOO it's 3AM!)
High calories (50 minutes of jogging burns one bottle ~250 cal)
Yellow/bad teeth (I better use a bendy straw)
Thirsty (still thirsty! need more and more fizzies!)

The Benefits of a Coke:
High sugar (The Wheeeeee!!! part)
Caffeine (The WOOHOO part)
Delicious (AHH!)
Cold and refreshing ("milk was a bad choice")
A Party drink (popular for young and old crowds)
Can combine with liquor to become a hard drink (yes please)
Pairs well with a variety of food (a hamburger or pizza in particular)
Inexpensive (99 cents for a 2 liter Coke)
Convenient - (in vending machines and most food vendors)

Citations:

1. Diet sodas may confuse brain's 'calorie counter' By Janet Raloff

July 14th, 2012; Vol.182 #1 (p. 14) : Wednesday, June 13, 2012

The Fifty States: Maryland

2012-10-15T10:30:00.001-04:00

This is fifth in a series of states, where I highlight my time spent in a state. These are my own recommendations of restaurants and things to do, and I hope to share my perspective. I hope to visit all 50 states in my lifetime to see the sights and learn about each area.

Maryland

I think I am the rustiest on this state and will need an immediate revisit to up any sort of credibility here.

-Baltimore

95 and 83 are the main highways through this city.

The National Aquarium is great to visit. It is expensive for a ticket; about $30 for adult, which you buy somewhat outside the site. They do this so you can buy the ticket and then get in line to enter. This place tends to get very crowded come lunch time on a weekend. Go when it first opens and explore all of the tanks surrounding you in peace. There is a dolphin show that is popular, and you'll need to line up to enter this as well. The gift shop is noteworthy.

Around the Inner Harbor, where the aquarium is located, there are many shops, restaurants (mostly seafood), and museums. The Oriole Park at Camden Yards is nearby for a baseball game. Babe Ruth's birthplace is a few blocks away from here.

Any suggestions of where else to visit within Maryland would be appreciated!

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FYI: Geographically located within the state is Washington DC, the capital of the United States, but it is not considered part of Maryland state!

The Fifty States: New York

2012-10-01T10:30:00.000-04:00

This is fourth in a series of states, where I highlight my time spent in a state. These are my own recommendations of restaurants and things to do, and I hope to share my perspective. I hope to visit all 50 states in my lifetime to see the sights and learn about each area.

New York

The best way into New York City is I-95 from NJ, PA or south of here. The train is $30 round trip from Trenton. If you really don't have to drive, use the train or other public transportation. The streets are crowded with mostly taxis, and the parking is expensive.

If you do not like crowds, I would not recommend going to downtown Manhattan after Thanksgiving through New Year's Day. Not only is it crowded, it is cold, and there is a lot of walking around the city to get to place to place. Your toes will be numb and face wind burn from the cold air, so bundle wisely!

I would go in the morning and during the day to get a head start. Head up to the Empire State Building first. The lines on a busy Friday or Saturday are very long, so be prepared to wait at least an hour or two. See 360 degree views of the city with the sights of the Chrysler Building, the Statue of Liberty, and others. A Statue of Liberty visit needs reservations to take the boat out to Liberty Island. These are sometimes booked up a few months in advance. Be prepared to walk up many steps to get to her crown.

If you must see the holiday decorations around the city, start with the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and join in the crowds for some fun events. The sites at night, such as Times Square and the Rockefeller Tree are particularly tourist worthy. For night life, catch the Rockettes at Rockefeller Center or a Broadway show.

There is a huge celebration on New Year's Eve in Times Square. This is a ridiculous gathering that rings in the new year by watching the ball drop on this main street of New York.

Do not miss these art and history museums: MOMA, Guggenheim Museum, Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the Museum of Natural History.

Central Park could be a day's journey. It contains a zoo, an ice skating rink, Belvedere Castle, Bow Bridge and other bridges, a Carousel, sports fields, playgrounds, conservatories, memorials, trails and more.

Take a moment to reflect and visit Ground Zero, where the World Trade Center once stood.

For restaurant ideas in Manhattan, try one of Gordon Ramsey's restaurants, such as The Maze at the London. Pizza and bagels are New York City's staple foods. Have a cupcake at the Magnolia Bakery.

Visit Long Island for the beach in the summer.

Fast Food Unraveled

2012-09-24T10:30:00.003-04:00

I went on a local fast food tour. I wanted to understand what exactly you get for your money and to compare the taste and look of popular items against their competitors. I went to the top three burger joints in town, which are also the top food chains in the US. I went to the counter at each place and ordered, "A plain hamburger and small fries."

Plain Hamburger + Small Fries

Jennie's Winner: Burger King
The BF's Winner: Wendy's

McDonalds - There is more bun than burger. There is one pickle and tiny diced onions along with ketchup and mustard.

Burger King - The juicy and charcoal taste stands out with this burger. There are two pickles, no onions, ketchup, and a decent sized burger to go with the sesame seed bun.

Wendy's - This square shaped burger is thin but flavorful. There are two pickles, one onion ring, ketchup and mustard.

It was hard to resist eating a fry or two during this project. My counts are based on all fries, including the tiniest bits.

Jennie's Winner: Burger King
The BF's Winner: Burger King

McDonalds - Thin, long, lightly salted and soggy with grease
Count: 47

Burger King - Thick, crispy and lightly salted
Count: 45

Wendy's - Thin, crispy and heavily salted
Count: 46

At the most expensive, Burger King was my best choice for both the hamburger and the fries. It would be well worth it in the future, now knowing these are my favorites among the rest!

*WW points based on PointsPlus Values. Click here for the calculator.

E-clubs: Do you like to dine out?

2012-09-10T10:30:00.001-04:00

If you dine out often, sign up with these restaurants to get a deal! Click the restaurant name to link to the e-club website.

Restaurant	Birthday Deal	Sign Up Deal
Applebee’s	Free Dessert	---
Arby’s	Free 12 oz milkshake	---
Au Bon Pain	Free sandwich or salad	Free travel mug
Auntie Anne’s	BOGO Pretzel	---
Bahama Breeze	---	---
Baskin Robbins	Free one scoop of ice cream	---
Benihana	$30 gift certificate	---
Bertucci’s	Free Dessert	---
Bonanza	BOGO coupon for one free steak or buffet	BOGO coupon for one free entree
Bonefish Grill	Free order of Bang Bang Shrimp or Jen’s Jamaican Coconut Pie	---
Bruster’s Real Ice Cream	Free Sugar or Cake Cone when you buy a Waffle Cone	Free Sugar or Cake Cone when you buy a Waffle Cone
Buffalo Wild Wings	Free Chocolate fudge cake or scoop of ice cream with chocolate or caramel topping	---
Burger King	---	---
California Pizza Kitchen	Free Dessert	Free Small Plate
Chic-Fil-A	---	---
Chili’s	Free dessert of choice	Free Queso
Coldstone	Buy one get one Creation - any size	---
Corner Bakery Café	FREE Bakery Fresh Sweet, like our Baby Bundt Cake, Whoopee Pie or Fudge Brownie	Free Freshly Baked Cookie
Cosi	---	---
Cracker Barrel	---	---
Dairy Queen	Buy one get one medium Blizzard, $3 off a blizzard cake	---
Denny’s	Free Grand Slam Breakfast	---
Dunkin Donuts	Free medium coffee, latte, tea, Coolatta or hot chocolate	---
Eat ‘n Park	Free dessert with purchase of entree	10% off
Elevation Burger	Free Milkshake	---
Friendly’s	Free single cone with any Friendly's purchase.	---
Hooters	10 free Boneless Wings	---
Houlihan’s	Free entrée up to $15	---
IHop	Free Rooty Tooty Fresh 'N Fruity breakfast	Free Rooty Tooty Fresh 'N Fruity breakfast
JB Dawson's	Free Dessert	---
Joe’s Crab Shack	Free Appetizer	---
KFC	---	---
Krispy Kreme	Free Donut and Coffee or fountain drink	---
Longhorn	Free Dessert	Free Appetizer
Maggiano’s	$10 off	---
Margarita's (Tio Juan’s)	$10 off	---
Max and Erma’s	---	$5 off 20 or more
Miller's in Lancaster	Buy one get one dinner	---
Moe’s Southwest Grill	Free Entree with purchase of drink	Free Cup of queso
Noodles and Company	Free Noodle Bowl	---
Old Country Buffet	Buy one adult dinner and drink, get one adult buffet free	---
Olive Garden	---	---
On the Border	Free brownie sundae or queso	Bowl of original queso or sopapillas with the purchase of one entree
Outback Steakhouse	---	250 reward points
P F Chang’s	---	Free Lettuce Wraps
Panera Bread	---	---
Pizza Hut	Free Breadsticks or Cinnamon Sticks or Baked Cinnamon Sticks with icing on next online order	Free Breadsticks or Cinnamon Sticks on next online order
Ponderosa	BOGO coupon for one free steak or buffet	BOGO coupon for one free entree
Popeyes	---	---
Qdoba Mexican Grill	Free Burrito	Free Chips and Salsa
Quiznos	---	$1 regular or $2 large
Red Lobster	$5 off two adult dinner entrees	---
Red Robin	Free burger	Free burger
Rita’s	Free regular Italian Ice	BOGO regular Italian Ice
Romano’s Macaroni Grill	Free Dessert	Free Dessert
Ruby Tuesday	Free Blondie for One, or two Gourmet cupcakes	Buy one get one free entrée up to $10
Ruth’s Chris Steak House	---	---
Sonic Drive-In	Choice of free medium Tots, 14 oz. CreamSlush Treat, or a medium Soft Drink	---
Starbucks	Free beverage, buy something within 12 months of Rewards Card registration, birthday postcard in mailbox in 3-7 days	---
Subway	---	---
Taco John’s	---	---
Ted’s Montana Grill	---	$5 off any $20 purchase or more
Texas Roadhouse	Free appetizer or sidekick of ribs with entrée purchase	Free appetizer
TGIF	Free dessert with purchase of an entrée	Free appetizer or dessert up to $8 value
The Melting Pot	Free Chocolate Fondue	---
Tijuana Flats	---	---
Uno’s Chicago Grill	$10 off $25 or more	---
Waffle House	Free Waffle	Free Waffle
Wendy’s	$1.00 off any Premium Combo	$1.00 off any Hot ‘n Juicy Hamburgers or Premium Chicken Sandwiches
Wings to Go	5 free wings	---
Zaxby’s	Free Nibbler	Free Meal Deal

If you know of any other restaurants or can fill in some of my blanks, leave me a comment, and I'll update! I am signed up for all of these, so some I have forgotten what was received for signing up.

Here are some other non-restaurant deals:

Movie Tavern - Free Ticket for your birthday month, free popcorn for initial sign up

Luminosity - 35% Off

AC Moore - 250 points with a purchase of $5 or more

Hot Topic - $5 off $30 or more in birthday month

DSW - $5 off any purchase amount in birthday month

CVS - $3.00 in birthday month, must have extra care card, will print on your receipt or at the coupon center

Favorite Foods: Vol 4

2012-09-03T10:30:00.001-04:00

Candy Bars are not only bars. They can be small, long, square, or circular chunks, but are in perfect snack sized packages. They are usually chocolate based and mixed with one or two other ingredients. Here is my list of favorites:

Reese's Peanut Butter Cup
Reese's Pieces - I pronounce it 'Ree-sees Pee-sees'
M & M's - Plain, I sort them into colors before I eat
Snickers - Nugget, caramel and peanuts
Milky Way - Nugget and caramel
3 Musketeers - Just plain nugget
Hershey Bar - Plain, but great milk chocolate
Hershey Kisses - Same great chocolate in a cool form
Twix - Absolutely the worst nutrition-wise
PayDay, Nutrageous and Baby Ruth - All nutty! What is the difference between these?
Kit Kat - Break me off a piece
Butterfinger - Hey, don't you lay a finger...
Heath Bar and Skor - They are the same darn toffee thing!
Whatchamacallit - Crispy crunchies with a caramel and peanut butter
Krackel - Chocolate with crispy crunchies throughout, I wish they sold larger forms of this
Crunch - Nestlé’s larger version of Hershey's Krackel
Raisinets - Addicting
Zero - I always think this should be frozen at zero degrees
York Peppermint Patty - Mint is an acquired taste and can also make me sneeze!
Tootsie Roll - To the left, to the left...

Chocolate Company Winner: Hershey's
Second Place: Mars
Third Place: Nestle

---
Ice Cream

The picture on the left is just about the perfect ice cream dessert for me. It is found at Friendly's and includes:

1. Waffles
2. Reese's Peanut Butter Cups
3. Reese's Pieces
4. Peanut Butter Sauce
5. Whipped Cream
6. Cherry
7. Two scoops of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup ice cream

Ice cream has become more and more a special treat for me especially with all of the new specialty items out there. Just like in the fro-yo shops, there are many flavor choices and toppings to choose from. It's not just a simple vanilla and chocolate Dixie Cup. I feel like I have more options, and with variety, I enjoy the experience more. This is true about most food and is dangerous because I will eat more and don't get sick of it.

Any ice cream with peanut butter and/or chocolate involved is great for me, as long as the toppings are abundant.

Here are some other flavors and goodies worth checking out:

Ben & Jerry's Karamel Sutra - Core of Soft Caramel Encircled by Chocolate and Caramel Ice Creams and Fudge Chips

Nestle Drumstick - A complicated ice cream cone that is more chocolaty goodness than ice cream.

Chipwich - Where-oh-where is the original found? These were bought out by Nestle and now have their own Toll House cookie version. The original is the best: two chocolate chip cookies sandwiching vanilla ice cream and chocolate chips around the edges of the ice cream.

A Silent Car

2012-08-20T10:30:00.000-04:00

On a Thursday night coming home from work and housesitting, I had car trouble. I entered the highway and proceeded in the right lane going about 65mph. Any other day I'd be like the speeders going 75mph in the left lane. It was around 6:15pm, so it was still pretty heavy with work traffic, and I decided to just stay there in the right lane. I had just dealt with exterminating some ants, and needed to relax for once on my ride home. Going for about a mile on the highway, suddenly my car went quiet.

What? No, oh no, oh no. All kinds of lights come up on my dashboard, and I realized there was no shoulder or exit any time soon. I had just passed the service road entrance too. I put my flashers on, and I started to drift slower and slower. Was this really happening? My gas pedal didn't work, and I didn't even want to try the brake. Cars started flying around me. I eventually came to a halt and tried to start it up. A bunch of quiet air hissed at me as I turned the key. I was a sitting duck! I always wondered what would happen if my car just died in the middle of the highway.

In a scattered mind, I took out my AAA card to get a tow truck to come. I started dialing the number, but looked back and saw all of the impatient drivers swerving around me so fast. I quickly dialed 911 instead. They would come quicker than AAA. I told them the situation and said they were going to send someone. I called the boyfriend and left a voicemail. I wasn't scared until I was hearing myself leave that message. The longer I stayed there, the worse I felt. I thought that I can't possibly push and steer the car by myself. A minute or two later, a van driving on the service road stopped and backed up near me. A guy got out and walked across to me. He asked me what happened and checked my battery to see if it was loose. It wasn't, but tried turning the ignition again - still air.

The guy ran up ahead to see if there was an exit or shoulder I could be pushed to. There was an entrance ramp to the highway, but far up. He pushed the car while I steered. He had so much courage having rush hour drivers directly behind him cutting around to get into the left lane. I was now scared for him too. He took a few breaks, but we made it up to the area where cars were merging onto the highway. We had to time it just right so that the car could be pushed over and then back into the service road and onto the shoulder without hitting cars coming onto the highway. When it was clear, we proceeded. As I was being pushed back, there were two eager beaver vehicles coming up fast on the service road. I pressed the brakes, but the car didn't slow down because of no power brakes at this point. I heard the nice guy pushing the car yelling to stop, and I pushed the brakes even further down until it finally stops.

After another clear opening, I was finally safe on the shoulder. I had nothing to offer the nice guy who pushed my car. His name was Zach (could be Zac or Zack too). I shook his hand and thanked him so many times. Thanks Zach! I won’t forget your kindness, and I will pay it forward!

As he walked back to his van, a cop car pulled up and talked to him. Meanwhile I called AAA. I talked to the cop, but there wasn’t much he could do at this point since I was now in a safe spot. The boyfriend came to sit with me and take me home. The tow truck guy got lost finding where I was, but finally found it and towed my car.

Because of an unfortunate delay with my mechanic, I finally got my car back after more than three weeks. My car is smiling and good as new now :) Thank you to all who helped me!

Favorite Foods - Vol 3

2012-08-13T10:30:00.000-04:00

When I get the munchies, salty snacks are my weakness. Here's a list of my favorite chips:

PopCorners: Somewhat new to the market and not found everywhere yet, these unique chips are the best snackable by far. These are popcorn in the shape of a chip that comes in six flavors: butter, kettle, white cheddar, cheesy jalapeno, and caramel. Kettle is my favorite and my ultimate, healthier go-to snack.

Eat Your Vegetables - The unique texture and vegetable serving make these addicting and healthy. I like the sour cream flavor, but don't mind the sea salt as well. I've only found these in Wegman's, so stock up there.

Utz Kettle Classics - Dark Russets: These are a close, second favorite snackable. Though not as healthy as any popped, baked or veggie chip, these kettle cooked dark russet chips are so crunchy and salty with the right amount of flavor. It's easy for me to pig out with a bag of these.

Frito-Lay Munchies - Totally Ranch: These made a comeback after a few years of being non-distributed. I snagged a bag recently and reminisced about downing a whole bag of these as I crammed for exams in college. The honey bbq Fritos are my favorite in the mix.

Grand Tortilla Chips - I just discovered these and are now my favorite tortilla chips. They are yellow corn with not too much salt and the perfect crunch. Dip in guacamole!

Sweet Potato Kettle Chips - I seem to be brand loyal with the above choices, but I can interchange with sweet potato chips. After having the dark russets in comparison, I realized these aren't my top choice anymore. They are good with an excellent amount of Vitamin A, but I'd prefer crispy sweet potato fries with maple syrup!

-----

Since I am thinking of sweet syrup now, on to the sugary snacks:

Bugles - Caramel and Chocolate Peanut Butter: Either flavor can get you hooked. I could eat a whole bag of caramel if there were no consequences. Regular Bugles are salty and plain in flavor.

Skinny Cow Dreamy Clusters: At only 4 Weight Watchers points a bag, it is a satisfying snack. Caramel and chocolate explodes into your mouth with each bite-sized piece. You can get either milk or dark chocolate.

Luna Bar: I've tried many of the diet bars, but they substitute flavor for the nutrients. You get the best of both worlds in a Luna Bar. It doesn't taste 'healthy,' and it curbs your hunger. Nuts Over Chocolate and Smores are my favorite flavors.

Oreos - I love these dipped in milk, or in a coffee mix (limited time at Dunkin Donuts). Get Fried Oreos at any fair nowadays. Move over funnel cakes!

Ice Cream Flavors and Candy Bars - These are whole new categories of sugary snacks. Stay tuned for Favorite Foods: Vol 4!

The Fifty States: Florida

2012-07-30T10:30:00.000-04:00

This is third in a series of states, where I highlight my time spent in a state. These are my own recommendations of restaurants and things to do, and I hope to share my perspective. I hope to visit all 50 states in my lifetime to see the sights and learn about each area.

Florida - The Disney World State

Be wary of hurricane season if travelling down south to Florida, especially close to the coast. The weather is cool in the morning, hot during the day, and cool again at night. Also, there are frequent, but short sunshowers.

Walt Disney World - Going here when you are three, thirteen, or forty-five are totally different experiences. You will only remember the emotional times when you are three years old, but it will be a magical place. Your parents are in control, but wonderful sights are reveal to you. The 'It's a Small World' song will be ingrained in your mind for the rest of your life. Those dinosaurs from the Epcot ride will forever move and look so lifelike in your mind. Things that scare you then will be remembered in similar situations of your adult life. The characters and tiki birds seem so real, even in memory.

By the time you are a teenager, you finally can appreciate that you are here and really enjoy it. It's time to go on the thrilling rides and understand the story behind each theme ride. Disney characters you loved growing up are still here, along with new ones. You now know that the characters are only fictional and ride props are just that - props. As you age and return to this magical place, you become nostalgic about the Carousel of Progress in Tomorrowland. It reminds you of your childhood or ancesters time. It's a time to catch up on all of the rides and allow yourself to go on. Classic rides are still there and spark excitement.

For adults, here is what I suggest: All four parks are a must: Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom, but lines can get long, so you'll need at least a day at each. Don't do too much in one day and take the slow moving ride in the Epcot ball!

Magic Kingdom's Mountain Rides (Space, Splash and Big Thunder) are popular. Also, try not to miss: Carousel of Progress, It's a Small World, Pirates of the Caribbean, the Tiki Room, the Dumbo ride (if you've never been when younger), Buzz Lightyear ride (if a Toy Story fan), the Hall of Presidents and get a picture with Cinderella's Castle.

In Hollywood Studios park, see the Beauty and the Beast show, ride the Tower of Terror and the Great Movie Ride. Hit one of the waterparks, like Blizzard Beach on a warm day. There are restaurants and shops at Pleasure Island. Sadly, they have closed the clubs and comedy shows that used to be there. Take the monorail to travel from park to park, or even to your hotel. The disney resort hotels are relatively inexpensive and themed in a fun way. If you don't have a rental car and stay at an outside hotel, make sure you have a shuttle bus service that can take you to and from your destination.

Universal Studios - If you are in the Disney World vicinity, Universal Studios is a nearby attraction. They have the Harry Potter World among other motion picture themed rides and attractions.

The Florida Keys - I've heard my friends had a great time in the Keys. It seems like a lot of sun, beaches, and good food.

The Yogurt Experience

2012-07-23T10:30:00.000-04:00

There's nothing like a new set of fro-yo shops around my area. My new obsession is frozen yogurt now that I’ve been to a few new ones. I am looking out for more in the area, and will be trying them soon! Yapple Yogurt is the best known brand, but all are basically the same concept and carry similar flavors and toppings. Top It! and The Yogurt Cup are family owned and very friendly. There is also RedBerry where they have seating only outside and is smaller inside. Previously, I have gone to Pinkberry for yogurt in California, but it doesn't compare to this experience and delight!

A good alternative to ice cream, yogurt is advertised as better for you, being high in probiotics and low in fat, sugar and cholesterol.

Steps to a yogurt shop:

1. Find the cups. These are usually on the far side of the store entrance. When you walk in, you have to pass the workers on your way through. They say hello if not busy and sometimes offer a sample tasting of a yogurt flavor. Take a look at the yogurt flavors as you are going by to see what you want. Usually the cups are one-sized, but there could be large and small.

2. Pull the lever of any yogurt flavor into your cup. There are usually around ten flavors with an option of a twist of two flavors. You can mix and match, try as many flavors and take as much as you want. Some that are popular: eurotart, chocolate, peanut butter, coffee, red velvet, cookies and cream, coconut, and fruit flavors. Some come out of the machine fast, so be careful to leave room for other flavors and toppings.

3. The topping bar is next. Depending where you are, 30-70 goodies will await to top your yogurt. The more traditional toppings are jimmies, brownies, gummies, peanut butter cups, and other candy bars and bits. Cereals, such as fruit loops and cinnamon toast crunch, are among the strange toppings. I have seen Pop Tarts, chocolate chip cookie dough and popping boba (similar to what's in bubble tea, but bursts with fruit liquid inside). Chocolate, peanut butter, caramel and fruit sauces are usually towards the end of the topping rows and are the last to put on.

4. Place your creation on the scale to be weighed. It comes to be about 49 cents per ounce, but could vary place-to-place. For all of the times I've done it, my cup came to be around 9 ounces at about $4.50 gross price.

5. Choose a bright neon-colored spoon from the container and a lid if taking it home. The lid looks like it has a hole in the middle, but it doesn't. I tried to rest my spoon in there and felt like a fool.

6. If you choose to sit down to eat your yogurt, you will be surrounded by clean modern chairs and decor. It won't feel like you are in a sticky ice cream parlor.

The Fifty States: New Jersey

2012-07-09T10:30:00.002-04:00

This is second in a series of states, where I highlight my time spent in a state. These are my own recommendations of restaurants and things to do, and I hope to share my perspective. I hope to visit all 50 states in my lifetime to see the sights and learn about each area.

New Jersey - My Neighbor Beach State

Be on the lookout for traffic circles and turning left onto a road is not always an option :)

Trenton and area - It is fortunate for you to see all of the letters of the Trenton Makes Bridge illuminated at night. Waterfront Park is home to the Trenton Thunder, and there is a nightclub nearby, recently renamed Rho. The NJ State Museum is interesting to see with many changing exhibits. There is a planetarium there that runs free shows on certain Saturdays. The William Trent house gives a tour, and you learn how people lived in colonial times. Grounds for Sculpture, near the Hamilton train station, is a great place to spend the day. You can take a leisurely walk around the art. Make reservations at Rat's Restaurant because they are always packed.

Princeton - The University, where Einstein taught, takes up a large part of this town. There are quaint shops, restaurants, and a very cool bookstore is across the street. Away from the center of this town, you'll find upscale restaurants, such as Ruth's Chris Steakhouse and the Salt Creek Grille, as well as supermarkets like Wegman's, Wholefoods and Trader Joe's.

Lyndhurst - This industrial area has New York traffic from many Jersey habitants. Take in a different experience at Medieval Times, a bizarre dinner theatre, where you eat with your hands in the dark and cheer on your color knight in battles.

Edison/Menlo Park an interesting area with many eclectic restaurants and Thomas Edison pride.  A rare-to-find AMC Dine-in Theater gives adult movie goers an option of alcoholic drinks, and not sharing the theater with anyone younger than 21. Recline while eating dinner and watching a flick!

Cherry Hill - The Cherry Hill Mall is a King of Prussia wanna-be because it provides the same chain restaurants, and it is a larger than average mall. You will experience traffic from in and out of Philly throughout this area.

Jackson - This town is home to the Jackson Outlets and 6 Flags Great Adventure (See post on Roller Coasters!) It is easy to get to from exits 16A and B off Route 195.

Atlantic City - If you are particular about what casino you like, there is an endless variety here. Great boardwalk with other things to do besides gambling. There is the Absecon Lighthouse to climb, plenty of restaurants and stores at Pier One at Caesar's and in other casinos.

Wildwood - ’Watch the tram car please, Wa-wa-watch the tram car please.' There are three parts; North Wildwood, Wildwood and Wildwood Crest. If you would like to go on the beach here, be warned that it is a long walk on the sand to reach the ocean.  The boardwalk is two miles long, so bring comfortable sandals or take the tram car. Bikes are allowed on the boardwalk until around 11:00am, and then the national anthem comes on. The Crest is quieter than the other areas because the attractions stop on the boardwalk when Wildwood ends.  The DooWop style is fading, and mainstream condos are popping up everywhere. There are still some original motels, like the Lollipop and, on the higher end, the Starlux, so get to them while you can.

Cape May - Victorian houses line the streets and across the beach front. There are a few beach and specialty shops. There is a ghost tour where you walk around town and hear crazy tales of spirits inside these houses and stores.  Elaine's dinner theater is worth going to because of the change in atmosphere from the beach scene. They have good food and great shows. You can take your car and ferry over to Delaware to visit Rehoboth Beach.

Other Beaches: Seaside Heights has the Jersey Shore cast, but also a nice mile long boardwalk and attractions. Other beaches with nice boardwalks are Ocean City, Belmar, Long Branch, and Point Pleasant.

Long Branch, NJ in 2010

World 101/Chapter 6 - How Deep Is It?

2012-07-02T10:30:00.000-04:00

World 101
A Short Story By: Jennie Bean

-continued-
Chapter 6 - How Deep Is It?

As this question slips out of my mouth, I vaguely remember something from my childhood that involved wondering how deep a pool of water was.

"Only one way to find out, Ruby," Tuck says with a smile. We continue to dig down until the blue arrow levels off so it is straight ahead. We plow through at lightning speed and break through the last wall revealing a scene similar to the 'hell' level. It is eerily quiet.

I walk towards the edge of the lava pool in front of us and notice markings on the side of the rock. It reads: '2 ft.' There is another island a stone’s throw away. I take some material from my heavy bag and throw it into the hot lava. Luckily, it does not melt the rock, and I am able to make a bridge across.

"Smart. I'm glad I'm not doing this alone!" Tuck remarks. He undoes the tie on his knee and reinforces the knot. I am beginning to think that Tuck has changed since I first got him out of the andesite. I think I finally found my courage, but I couldn't have done this without him either.

"I wouldn't have gotten this far if it wasn't for you, Tuck."

We walk across the bridge, and I look around, hoping to not find any spiders here. There is a huge hill in front of us. "Let's see the view!" I say.

As we walk up to the peak, a house made out of gold comes into view to our left. It is a magnificent sight and glows so brightly I can barely look at it after coming from all the darkness in the caves.

To our right, a set of strings attach themselves to rocks all the way up to the ceiling of the cave. This huge web has a few broken weapons attached to it. With my jaw open in shock, I tap incessantly on Tuck’s arm. A gigantic spider sneaks out from behind some red oval shapes. Oh crap.

“It’s the mother trying to shield her eggs,” Tuck realizes. There is a huge pile of red spider eggs, and our blue brochure sits nicely on top. We stare at it in disbelief.

Now would be a good time for the purple glow stone. “Come on!” I say as I throw my stone down and grab Tuck’s hand. We transport off to the surface to my home base. It is so good to see daylight again.

I run to the computer to figure out a way to blast them away. “TNT!”

“Yes, shatter them to pieces!” Tuck exclaims, “Try C-4 instead. We may get a better result.”

I sell the heavy material from my bag and buy a C-4 explosive. I wonder how I can light it, and remember a torch where Tuck was first found. I scrunch my face and look at Tuck.

“I’ve got matches,” he says knowingly and pats his shirt pocket.

I hold onto the C-4, semi-afraid it will detonate in my hands somehow. I’ve never held a firework before. We hop on the purple glow stone, and it takes us right back to the hill. The spider is now closer and half on top of her eggs. We need to place the C-4 right near the eggs, but blow up the mother spider as well.

"Let's come up from below. If we just run over there, we'll be eaten right away," I suggest.

"Okay," Tucks agrees. We hack away at the hill and make headway on a passage below the surface of this hell, part two. 'Clink!' Tuck's axe hits something hard.

Music fills our passageway: 'In the town of Bedrock...' We've hit rock bottom! We both burst out into laughter.

We turn in the direction of the mother spider and her eggs. We estimate where they would be and start digging upwards. I still have a few ladders left over, and we use them to climb up. The last of the marble-like rock breaks free and leaves a small opening. I poke my head out and see the back of the mother spider and the eggs within a small distance. Perfect!

"I'm going to slide the C-4 out. Throw your match and then run!" I whisper looking down at Tuck. I slowly slide the C-4 out towards the eggs. I worry I will startle the mother spider, but she doesn't stir. I creep down the ladders and watch Tuck go up. He looks at me and gives a nod. I dash down the passageway towards the hill. I am making my way up the hilltop as I feel the rumble. There is a huge explosion and debris falls down the hatch. I cover myself with my bag until it quiets.

"Tuck?" I call.

"Yes," he answers calmly looking up at me.

"You made it out okay! I wasn't sure with your leg and all," I said shyly.

We both make our way to the top of the hill and peek our heads out. Broken egg shells are everywhere. The mother spider is wounded and motionless near the lava pool. The blue brochure sits on the ground, looking untouched, where the tower of red eggs used to stand. Tuck and I look at each other for a second, and then race down the hill to the blue brochure. We both open it on the ground. There is nothing written in it, but a gold key is taped to the inside.

“The gold house key!” we exclaim. We walk over to the house, and smiling, Tuck hands me the key. I open it right up. From inside the gold house, there is a yellow slip on the floor. It reads:

'Wisdom: You are the survivor!'

“Ruby, I knew you could do it. You really are a leader!” he says. I smile so big, and I cannot contain my excitement. I hug Tuck and kiss him on the cheek.

“Jem! Jem!” a voice comes from afar, and I find myself being shaken.

“Jem, you did it! You beat the game!” my boyfriend, bright-eyed and grinning, sits next to me on the couch.

Reality returns to me in an instant. I look up and see a tiny spider on the living room wall. Heh.

The End.

-------------------------------------------------------
Thank you to Total Miner for being the inspiration to my story. Thank you to the bf and friends, who motivate me to actually do things.

Let me know your thoughts on my story! Good or bad reviews appreciated.

World 101/Chapter 5 - What's That Noise?

2012-06-18T10:30:00.000-04:00

World 101
A Short Story By: Jennie Bean

-continued-
Chapter 5 - What’s that Noise?

“Damn spiders!” Tuck exclaims. I look at him confusingly, not understanding how spiders could make this awful noise. He reaches in his pocket and hands me a yellow slip of paper. It reads:

'Wisdom: In the depths of hell, beware spiders that loom. In the halls of the devil, angry cries will bring you to your doom.'

"Come on, Ruby," Tuck says as he grabs my hand and pulls me away from the edge. He grabs something from his pocket and throws it down. The purple glow stone!

"Jump!" Tuck commands.  We both are now on top of the stone, and a bright purple color glows from our skin. Our surroundings change, and it becomes brighter. Tuck is still holding my hand and is now dragging me off the stone. We are back up at the surface! I look around to see my home base a few feet away.  A sense of relief washes over me, and I relax.

"How did you...?" I start as Tuck lets go of my hand and gives me another yellow slip. It reads:

'Wisdom: The purple glow will transport you far away from danger. Use wisely.'

Well, I guess it was wise of him, for in that moment, we had nowhere to go but down. Those spiders must be huge to make that much noise. I briefly wonder what would kill them.  Do they have a big fly swatter for sale?

"Ruby, we need swords to fight them off,” Tuck says while looking at one of the computer vending machines. I blush and quickly brush off my stupid thought. Tucks sells all of his rock material and receives sacksful of coins out of the machine. "I think I have one diamond leftover to make a sword, and I can buy a steel sword for you."

"Wait a minute, you get a diamond sword, and I get a dull looking steel one?" I protest. I sell what material I have left and save the purple glow stone. I realize how valuable this stone is now. If I'm stuck, I could always escape this way. "Welp, down the hatch I go," I say as I quickly slip through my downward chute into the cave tunnel. I find the green rock formation on the wall I found earlier and strike it. This has got to be worth a fortune! With my adequate iron axe, I collect it eventually and notice more behind it. When the green stone is depleted, there is a glow coming from the burrow I created. Gold!

There are about a dozen decent sized nuggets, and I scoop them up. Feeling self-assured once more, I return up the long passageway to the surface.

Tuck glares at me. “I didn’t think you’d return” he says sullenly, sitting next to a fire. It looks like he just finished making his diamond sword. For a moment, I feel slightly bad for going off on my own like that. After all, he did get us out of a pickle. I see the glow coming out from my bag and begin to feel giddy. I skip over to the computer and sell my gold and green stone. I have enough coins and buy myself two diamond swords and a titanium axe. “I don’t need the steel sword,” I smile.

Tuck looks at me surprised with his eyebrows raised. I hope he doesn’t underestimate me anymore.

"Wow, Ruby...So, are you ready to fight those eight legged monsters?" Tuck says, letting out a small snort.

"No, but let's get this over with," I sigh. We hop on to the purple glow stone, and immediately return near the steps I made, trickling down to the view of lava below.

Tuck takes off his vest and begins tearing it up in long strips and twisting it. He knots the ends together and places one end underneath the purple glow stone. "Here, this is wool and should hold us for part of the way down," Tuck says as he hands me the end of the rope. I toss it down the step, and it swings off the edge. I kneel down and slowly pull the rope, testing its strength. Tuck's knowledge about fabrics is really helping us out here; the rope is strong and could probably hold both of us. I slip down the rope and let my feet dangle. I look down and get a wave of vertigo. As I steady my feet on the rope, I see the spider and become frozen on the rope.

The spider's size is about three of Tuck put together. It is brown with red eyes and is jumping, trying to get to me. "Rrrrrrrraaaaaaaaaghh!"

I gulp and realize Tuck is reaching down and holding on to the top of my dress. "We can do this together," Tucks says. I begin to feel less tense and grab my sword from my bag. I shuffle to the bottom of the rope and decide to drop, pointing my sword straight down. "One, two, three!" I yell. I drop, just missing the lava pool by inches. My sword goes straight into the spiders back and kills him instantly. I feel the spider's skin brush against me, and disgusted, I back away from it. I turn around to see Tuck falling behind me, and his knee hits the lava. I run over and pull him away from the pool. I rip the bottom part of my dress and wrap it around his burn.

"Rrrragagagagggg!"

Come on!" I said anxiously, as I help him up.

Another spider approaches. I feel so vulnerable on the ground, and this spider looks twice as big as the first. I pull up my sword as a block and wait to see what the spider will do next.  As it jumps and launches at me, I swing the sword cutting one of his legs off. Yes, I can do this!

It retreats slowly, and I continue to strike my sword at him, slashing into his hairy brown back. It puts its head down and becomes lifeless. I feel something sharp behind me, and I twirl around fast. Tuck strikes his sword so fast, flinging the spider into the lava pool. That was close; the spider was about to take a bite out of me!

"Thanks!" I smile, "Let's get away from here. The blue brochure is below this hell."

I pick at the granite-looking stone ground and continue down. Tuck and I collect what it seems to be hundreds of very dense materials. “How deep is it?” I ask.

------------------------------------------------------

Stay tuned for the story's conclusion in Chapter 6 - How Deep Is It?

-------------------------------------------------------
Thank you to Total Miner for being the inspiration to my story.  Thank you to the bf and friends, who motivate me to actually do things.

World 101/Chapter 4 - Who Is That?

2012-06-11T10:30:00.000-04:00

World 101
A Short Story By: Jennie Bean

-continued-
Chapter 4 - Who Is That?

Startled, I quickly turn around. "Help, help!" I hear.

"I'm coming! Where are you?!" I scream. I run down the small passageway. A few slabs of some kind of igneous rock are blocking the path, and I use my new iron axe to quickly clear them away. I come to the end of the path, where there is a lighted torch above me.

"Hello?" I prompt in a low cautious voice.

"Hi!" he says as the loud response makes me tilt backward and drop my axe.

"Whoa, you are right behind these blocks. Are you okay?" I ask nervously.

"I am stuck, but not hurt. This andesite is trapping my leg and preventing me from reaching my axe," he says rather calmly.

I pick up my axe and smash the section of rock in front of me. I spy a piece of green cloth coming out from the next block in. “Okay brace yourself,” I warn and strike the next portion of andesite.

The man in front of me is not what I expected to come out from this rubble. He gets off his one leg with ease and gathers his fedora hat and shiny axe. He is garbed in a green vest, white shirt, khaki pants and sandals. I notice he has a similar watch with a blue arrow. I look down at mine, and my spinning blue arrow has returned...Whew! It was just the earthquake that hindered the signal.

He stands tall before me and glares down at me with his bright green eyes. “Thank you,” he says with a slight side smile that makes me weak.  Oh dear. I break my stare and timidly look down at my axe handle.

“What is your name?” he asks as he puts his hat on.

“I…I don’t know,” I stumble, “I don’t remember anything before I woke up in this world.”

“I guess this world really does suck you in…literally too,” he winks, “Call me Tuck.”

“Tuck…” I said, testing out his name, “Are you the survivor?”

He laughs and bends down to look at me closer, “You mean the one who placed all of the blue and yellow scrolls around here?” I nod. “No, I'm just an explorer here and a garment maker back home,” he looks off in deep thought.

“A garment maker?” I ask, surprised.

“I create 2-D and 3-D clothing models from a very high-tech computer application. I am exceptionally good at it,” he explains smugly.

“Neat,” I say, trying not to roll my eyes.

“Okay, Ruby, let’s find where this next arrow takes us,” Tuck says with a sigh.

“Ruby?” I ask, scrunching my forehead.

“A nickname for you,” he says confidently, eyeing me up and down.

I start to protest this harassment, but realize he is referring to my ruby red dress. Oh.

Tuck strikes the next few portions of rock material, and they disappear so quickly. It must be the special shiny axe he has, though I wouldn't doubt his strength alone. He continues the original path he created, and it aligns with where the arrow points. I follow and knock some rocks down, but feel useless, as Tuck is so much faster.

"Where did you get that axe?" I ask out of curiousity.

"I made it with diamond and titanium that I found in a treasure chest. It's pretty much invincible," Tuck smiles and continues.

"Wait, the arrow is now pointing straight down." I said, and I start building steps down off to one side. The last rock breaks off, and there is now an opening that drops down.  "Fire!" I gasp. There is a huge pool of hot lava partly below us, and I try not to slip off the last step.

"RRaaaarrrrroughgoughough!" What in hell is that?

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Stay tuned for Chapter 5 - What's That Noise?

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Thank you to Total Miner for being the inspiration to my story.  Thank you to the bf and friends, who motivate me to actually do things.

World 101/Chapter 3 - Where Do I Go?

2012-05-28T10:00:00.000-04:00

World 101
A Short Story By: Jennie Bean

-continued-
Chapter 3 - Where Do I Go?

"Really?" I just realize I have to dig down to find the next blue brochure. I create and stock up on more ladders to be able to return to the surface. I scout out an initial digging location close to where the arrow points straight down.

I dig down and place ladders against the dirt and sand as I go down. Down about fifty feet deep, my wood axe disappears. I grab another one in my bag to continue digging, but start to wonder if there will ever be a clearing. I arrive at a block of material that is grayer in color that resembles clay. As I keep my eye on my watch, the blue arrow rotates towards my left side, but is still a few feet lower. As the arrow levels out, I turn to my left and dig in front of me. I have to clear out more sand to gain distance this way. Darkness surrounds me, and I feel very lost. As soon as I think I am doomed to be digging forever, I see it: a clearing.

Blocks of an unknown rock formation fills the outer walls of the clearing. There is a torch on the ground revealing a cave before me. A green tint, which must be a cool mineral, glows from the wall on my right. There is a tunnel sloping downward with scattered light reflecting off the walls.

Music fills the cave just then. It reminds me of a Middle Earth adventure tune, and it seems to echo all around me, though I do not know where the source resides.

Excitedly, I run down into the cave tunnel. Luckily, there are torches placed on the ground so I can find my way. Who put the torches down? The survivor must have gone this way. The arrow soon guides me to the blue brochure: iron axe instructions. I could really use this because this wood axe takes too much effort to break through the harder rock formations.

I turn around and spy a yellow slip that reads:

'Wisdom: Antidisestablishmentarianism was a plague upon the nations; forsooth it is better to seek scrolls of gnomic wisdom than to disintegrate the building blocks of minor countries.'

Since there are no iron minerals in site, I decide to return to my home base to see if I can now buy the iron axe by trading in all of my clay. Before I go up the ladder and despite my recent wisdom scroll, I hit the green shiny mineral, hoping to take it with me. Wow, this is way too hard to break, as it disintegrates my wood axe. I run up the long passage to the surface.

I give in all of my clay to the material computer, and fortunately, I have just enough coins to purchase the iron axe. Beaming, I take hold of the iron axe and dash down the chute to the cave. I continue where I left off down into the different cave levels. Jumping and swerving around huge rock formations, I gain depth towards my next blue brochure. My watch then stops and goes completely white.

I tap the face hoping it will spring to life again. It could be possible that there is a signal making this device work, and I am too far into the ground to connect to it. I hear a faint tapping, and then a rumbling noise from far away. Then my bag shakes, rattling my wood axe against my purple glow stone. The ground shakes relentlessly, and I see something falling from a distance. I look up and quickly veer away from a block of clay dropping from the cave ceiling. I dive into a small pathway, and the shaking stops. The earthquake filled the cave with various blocks of stone and now covers some of the torch light. Just as I am making my way out of the small pathway, I hear a small boyish voice coming from behind me, “Help!” My heart leaps into my throat and realize there is someone else here.

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Stay tuned for Chapter 4 - Who is that?

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Thank you to Total Miner for being the inspiration to my story. Thank you to the bf who motivates me to actually do things.

World 101 /Chapter 2 - What Do I Do?

2012-05-21T10:25:00.002-04:00

World 101
A Short Story By: Jennie Bean

-continued-
Chapter 2 - What Do I Do?

Catchy, upbeat music starts to play. A flute plays a cheery Irish melody. Where is that coming from? I look all around, but cannot find the source of the tune. It fills the air like surround sound, and I check if speakers are hidden in the long grass, though nothing is there. After 20 seconds, the music stops.

Puzzled, I walk towards the first clunky computer. There is a screen with items for sale. It's a vending machine! I check my bag and dress pockets, and I have no money. The products I could purchase range from a raw fish to a steel shovel, just like in the handmade instructions I have! There are many selections that are blacked out. I wonder what they are. I spot an advertisement that says 'FREE!' It is for a wood axe. I press a green button selecting it. Nothing happens. I press it again and again. It's a scam! I angrily punch the grass on the ground in front of me. The whole ground in that area suddenly disappears! I look down the small hole, and dirt is all around the sides and bottom. I feel my bag starting to get heavy. I opened it to see my original purple glow stone, three small wood axes and a square inch amount of dirt. "Aha!"

I grab one of the wood axes, and it grows to normal size. I use the wood ax on another area of grass, and it disappears similarly to when I punched it. Well, this hurts less! I step down into the hole and then jump out. It's about the same size as the funny looking stone with the purple glow a few feet away that I threw earlier. I reach down and strike the dirt underneath to make the hole deeper. There is some sort of sandstone under the dirt here. I wonder how deep it can go. Before I try, I really should check out the other computer vending machine.

In walking over, I scratch an itch on my arm, and notice it's just my watch. My watch?! What time....oh... Instead of a clock face, there is a small blue arrow that is spinning. I wear my watch all of the time, so I didn't notice this was different. This arrow looks strangely familiar. It could be some type of compass. I move around, and it fixates on a certain direction.  I want to follow it, but first glance over at the second computer screen. Nothing free here. Just a bunch of stones.

I run in the direction of the arrow. The arrow spins faster and faster! Cautiously, I slowly creep in that direction. There is a blue speck amongst the purple flowers. It's another blue brochure! Duh! The blue arrow emblem on the back matches the arrow on my wrist!  The watch arrow is going crazy now and is pointed straight down at it. I open the brochure and find that it's another set of instructions for a chest. I could store some items in there instead of my bag getting heavy. I look at the materials, and realize I don't have wood planks. I'd have to chop some trees to get wood. I pocket the brochure and look down at my watch.

The arrow is now pointing in the opposite direction spinning slower. Eager to get another set of instructions, I set out to the other side of the islands. Going in and out of the water to get there, I am thankful for the coolness on my feet.  This blue brochure, close to the outer edge of this plot, is instructions for a ladder. I will also need wood for this.

I chop at the tree trunks closest to me; they disappear, and go straight into my bag. Neat trick! I go back to my home base and set up a workspace. I construct some ladders and a few chests. I put all of the material I don't need into the chests and carry my ladders. I try placing a ladder against a tree, but it is not stable because of the unwieldly branches. I dig up some dirt and stack them. I place a few ladder pieces against it and climb up. Curious to see the islands from high in the sky, I keep building the dirt up and up. 'Clunk!' "AHH, I should have expected that!" I said as I rub my head. My boundary limit is above too, so I can't go over and out into the ocean. The clouds are so close but can't quite reach them. There are still no birds or planes up here. Hmm...

I head back down to my home base, collecting my material as I go. Just remembering the blue brochures, I quickly look down at my watch. The arrow is pointed straight down.

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Stay tuned for Chapter 3 - Where do I go?

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Thank you to Total Miner for being the inspiration to my story. Thank you to the bf who motivates me to actually do things.