Fishing the Gulf of Mexico

About two weeks ago I had a trip down south for my bachelor party to Clearwater, Florida. This trip was planned with four of my closest friends to fly down south and fish the Gulf of Mexico for the weekend. The trip began on an early Friday morning out of LaGuardia Airport around 7 AM. As we boarded the plane with 40 degree weather all around us, we all smiled with joy as we knew that was the last time we would be so cold for the next two days. Once we arrived in Florida it was a cool 75 degrees outside, and all that was needed was a shirt, shorts, and flip flops.

The trip planned around this week was one that would be simple; hanging around the pool at Shepard's Resort, going to Texas de Brazil (A Brazilian Steakhouse), and fishing in the Gulf of Mexico. Even though the trip consisted of so many fun and interesting things, I was most excited to go fishing, as it's something I really enjoy and what I planned the whole trip around.  Our fishing trip took up all of Saturday morning, as we got onto the small charter boat at approximately 7 AM and headed 15 miles offshore. As we took the trip into the open waters the sunrise graced us with a beautiful view in the horizon. Once we got to our fishing spot, directly over a shipwreck, we started trolling our lines for Mackerel, Spanish Mackerel, and King Mackerel. Before you knew it we started catching fish without a problem, as we got out to the fishing spot before everyone else did. All of us had a chance to battle with a couple of fish and reel them up into the boat. The day was perfect for fishing too as the waves were not so choppy and the weather was a slight overcast with absolutely no rain.

As the trip ended we headed back into the docks and filleted all of our fish. The trip was a very successful one as we got to keep about 16 to 17 Mackerel. Once we got to land, we thanked the captain and first mate of the boat and set our sights on the restaurant next door that cooked our fresh catch on the spot. At the end of the day I was so happy about the fishing trip, and I have already begun to plan the trip back for more fishing.

Vocabulary List:
1. Steakhouse (noun) - A restaurant that specializes in serving steaks.
2. Fishing (noun) - the activity of catching fish, either for food or as sport. 
3. Planned (verb) - decide on and arrange in advance 
4. Offshore (adjective) - situated at sea some distance from the shore.  
5.Shipwreck (noun) - the destruction of a ship at sea by sinking or breaking up in a storm.
6. Overcast (noun) - clouds covering a large part of the sky 

Vocabulary Exercise: Unscramble the vocabulary words below!

1. astcvero

2. ousehkeats

3. gnshiif

4. rehsoffo

5. anndepl

6. pihrwceks

Grammar Point:  Types of punctuation. 

Period: a period is used at the end of a sentence
Exclamation Point: an exclamation point is used at the end of a command or exclamation
Question Mark: a question mark is used at the end of a question

Grammar Practice:

Directions: Place the correct punctuation mark at the end of each phrase, sentence. 

1. The fishing trip was so much fun  __

2. Can someone give me their feedback on how the Brazilian Steakhouse was __

3. We caught 16 - 17 Mackerel on the trip __

4. Did you enjoy weather today __

5. I can't that we fished above a shipwreck __


6. How far offshore do you think we are __

A scenic hike up Storm King Mountain

As the fall season begins to hit its peak time for fall foliage, I couldn't think of a better idea than to pass along a great location to hike for others. Storm King Mountain, located about an hour and a half from Long Island, is a very moderate hike showcasing some of the best outlooks for Upstate New York hiking. The hike consists of a 2.6 mile loop tucked within the Hudson Highlands Mountain Range. An elevation gain of 620 feet makes this hike one of the easier ones in New York State. This hike draws a lot of interest as it is one that's relatively close to New York City, but also allows dogs on the trail and is known for some of it's magnificent photo opportunities. Storm King is also known for its historic art center, which spans approximately 500 acres, and presents astonishing contemporary outdoor sculptures. For anyone looking for a wonderful day trip upstate during the Fall season, give these activities a chance, you won't be disappointed. 



Vocabulary: 
1. Foliage (noun) - plant leaves collectively
2. Showcase (verb) - exhibit; display
3. Outlook (noun) - a view 
4. Mountain Range (noun) - a line of mountains connected by high ground
5. Historic (adjective) - famous or important in history, or potentially so
6. Sculptures (noun) - the art of making two- or three-dimensional representative or abstract forms, especially by carving stone or wood or by casting metal. 

Vocabulary Activity:Use the new vocabulary in a sentence!

Directions: Choose the vocabulary word from above that fits best in each sentence. 

1. The Storm King Art Center is such a wonderful place, you can see hand made __________ for miles and miles. 
2. Storm King Mountain is just one mountain within the Hudson Highlands ____________ _________.

3. It's always interesting to go to a ___________ place! The stories told about it from the past always spark an interest.

4. Being able to take in the view of an ___________ is wonderful! It puts a person in such a peaceful state. 

5. As you look up at the trees during the Fall season you can see the __________. 

6. The Mountain Range presented a beautiful ___________ of trees surrounding a winding road for miles once you got to the top of the Mountain. 

Grammar Point: Using Adjectives

Adjectives: "describing words;" provide information about the qualities of something described in a noun.
Examples: tired, energetic, exhausted, beautiful, old, magnificent 


Grammar Exercise:
What are some adjectives you would use to describe a favorite hobby/activity of yours? List them below.
1. ___________________
2. ___________________
3. ___________________

4. ___________________

5. ___________________

The 5 AM Routine

As of recently I've started to try a new routine on for size. That routine consists of going to bed not so late and waking up early, 5 AM to be exact. I made the decision to make the switch after reading a couple articles on the web and seeing much positive feedback. The action of waking up early was focused on trying to fix my sluggishness, rushing and inability to eat a good breakfast in the morning. My goal with this switch was not only to grin and bear it for a week or two but make this a permanent thing moving forward.

The first couple of days through this trial I was hoping for all the positive benefits that were mentioned by bloggers; positive mindset, extra time for getting tasks done and getting a workout in. During the first couple of days I was able to get up, after a couple presses on the snooze button, and head right to the gym. At the gym I did feel tired still, but I after getting through the first couple of minutes of my workout I started to feel this sense of alertness. My body started to wake up a lot faster than normal and I began to feel very good both physically and mentally. Following my session at the gym leading into the latter parts of the week I was able to meditate for 20 minutes and cook a good breakfast. In the early parts of the week I just got back from the gym and watched TV. However, being able to finally get over the hump and do more than just exercise, I saw a great upside; time in the morning seemed to move much slower and I wasn't in a rush to get ready for work or rush my breakfast. The feeling of being able to give myself the couple extra hours really put a huge change on my everyday routine. Looking back I hope that I'm never to go back to waking up at 8 or 9 AM to start my day.

Vocabulary List:
1. Routine (noun) - A sequence of actions regularly followed; a fixed program
2. Feedback (noun) - information about reactions to a product, person's performance of a task, etc.
3. Goal (noun) - the object of a person's ambition or effort; an aim or desired result
4. Benefit (noun) an advantage or profit gained from something 
5.Alertness (noun) - the quality of being alert
6. Upside (noun) - the positive or favorable aspect of something 

Vocabulary Exercise: Word Search

Grammar Point:  Types of punctuation. 

Period: a period is used at the end of a sentence
Exclamation Point: an exclamation point is used at the end of a command or exclamation
Question Mark: a question mark is used at the end of a question

Grammar Practice:

Directions: Place the correct punctuation mark at the end of each phrase, sentence. 

1. This new routine I started is amazing __

2. Can someone give me their feedback on how energetic I am __

3. I've completed one of my goals __

4. Did you benefit from this routine __

5. I can't believe the upside __

6. My alertness has increased tremendously since I've began this routine __

Long Beach's Fall Festival

This weekend consisted of many fun fall activities at Long Beach's Fall Festival as the weather was some of the best we've seen this season. As leaves start to ______ and a nice cool temperature moves in many are beginning to decorate, pick pumpkins and finalize their Halloween costumes. The city of Long Beach did their part in celebrating the season with a Fall Festival. A variety of activities lined the pavement right outside of Town Hall, everything from petting zoos to vendors selling their own unique items and a wine tasting event. The town even incorporated donations going to an organization in need through a pumpkin picking event and their petting zoo. Children had the chance to go on the merry go round or ferris wheel, while adults had the ability to take part in the wine tasting. We even got to see a couple of dogs dressed up in their best Halloween costumes too!

This festival brought many people from not only the town and villages outside the city by the sea, but also from New York City. As this event continues to take place every weekend at the Town Hall I'll be hoping that I can make a pit stop back for an apple cider donut or two! It was a great event put together by the city of Long Beach and I can't wait until the next comes.

Vocabulary List:
1. Decorate (verb) - make something look more attractive by adding extra items or images to it.
2. Costume (noun) - a set of clothes in a style typical of a particular country or historical period. 
3. Unique (adjective) - being the only one of its kind; unlike anything else. 
4. Donation (noun) - something that is given to a charity, especially a sum of money. 
5. Petting Zoo (noun) - a zoo at which visitors, especially children, may handle and feed the animals. 
6. Halloween (noun) - the night of October 31, commonly celebrated by children who dress in costume and solicit candy or other treats door-to-door. 

Vocabulary Exercises:

Fill in the blanks using the correct vocabulary words listed above:
1. I have to go to the Fall Festival, they just brought a kangaroo for their _______________.
2. Nick brought pumpkins home with paint so we can _________________.
3. Adam told Janice that she had a very nice ___________, she was dressed up as Spongebob.
4. __________________ takes place on the night of October 31. 
5. If you're lucky a _________ costume like yours may win you a prize, it's one of a kind. 

6. In order to bring a pumpkin home you have to make a __________ to the charity at the entrance.

Grammar Point:

Adjectives: "describing words;" provide information about the qualities of something described in a noun.
Examples: vibrant, boring, exhausted, beautiful, young, scary


Grammar Exercise:
What are some adjectives you would use to describe a fall festival? List them below.
1. ___________________
2. ___________________
3. ___________________

4. ___________________

What you need to know about Half Dome - One of Yosemite National Park's Most Difficult Hikes

Half Dome; one of the most iconic hikes in the United States and part of one of the most well known clothing company's logo (Northface). The hike sought after by many people as a bucket list item has been on mine as well for the past year. However, the hike is labeled as difficult in many hiking guides and should be taken seriously to all, as death and major injuries aren't uncommon. What's most important however before anyone goes to complete this is knowing all you can about this hike and it's layout. Half dome consists of a minimum 16 mile out and back trail gaining over 5,100 feet in elevation. A couple hundred people are granted the ability to hike this popular trail each day through a permit process handled by the National Park Service. Once you've completed the process of obtaining this permit you're next step will be training and prepping for Half Dome's hike.

Experts advice training a month or two out from your planned adventure by doing some hiking on other trails. Getting yourself used to hikes spanning anywhere from 8-10 miles would be ideal for this task. Individuals that are also avid gym goers should be fine when tackling this trail as well. Ensuring that you also have the correct food and liquid is just as important as your physical abilities. Dehydration should be taken very seriously when hiking for such a long amount of time. Following the training and prepping, you'll find the article goes over attire to wear as well as some lodging options in the area for your stay. After all is said and done, this hike can be completed by anyone willing to give it a go and experience a once and a lifetime adventure.

For more information on all the expert tips for Half Dome please visit the following link.

Vocabulary List:

1. Hike (noun) - a long walk, especially in the country or wilderness.

2. Bucket List (noun) - a number of experiences or achievements that a person hopes to have or accomplish during their lifetime. 

3. Layout (noun) - the way in which the parts of something are arranged or laid out. 

4. Expert (noun) - a person who has a comprehensive and authoritative knowledge of or skill in a particular area.

5. Adventure (noun) - an unusual and exciting experience or activity. 

6. Experience (verb) - encounter or undergo (an event or occurrence). 

Vocabulary Exercise: Unscramble the vocabulary words below!

1. vneutreda

2. rtexpe

3. repenecixe

4. ikhe

5. uotyal

6. isucketblt

Grammar Practice: Correct usage of the words their, there, they're.


There means the opposite of here; “at that place.”
Their means "belongs to them."
They're is a contraction of "they are" or "they were."
Click for more information!!

• Directions: Read each sentence and circle the correct usage of the word.
• 1. (There/They're) is no way I am going to hike that mountain.
• 2. "Hey! I see her over (their/there)."Lisa and Max said (they're/there) coming to do the hike. 
• 3. Can you please park the car over (their/there)?
• 4. Lisa and Max said (they're/there) coming to do the hike.
• 5. I would like to know when (they're/their) meeting us.
• 6. This is (there/their) tent.

Putting a spin on the wheel - Burnt Brussel Sprouts style

So recently one of my new found loves has been cooking. Cooking tends to be time where I get to relax, while lingering around the smell of such wonderful dishes. Recently I stumbled into a wonderful restaurant in the west end of Long Beach, NY called Lost and Found. Lost and Found is a restaurant known for their unique dishes cooked right in front of the customer, if you’re lucky enough to get a seat at the bar. When I recently visited the establishment I saw something jump off the menu, Burnt Brussel Sprouts, a dish I questioned with a slight interest. Though Brussel sprouts get a bad rap for their smell and taste something about this item made me want to try it. For someone with a very sensitive pallet I was shocked at the flavors of the dish as I begin finding myself scarfing the Brussel sprouts down one after another. I thought to myself, “This is AMAZING!”, and also questioning at the same time how I could make this myself at home. After talking with their chef for a brief minute or two before he had to get back to catering to the other customers I was able to get enough information to help with researching online.

After searching I was able to find the perfect article for a simple recipe of the infamous Burnt Brussel Sprouts. This dish is perfect for any individual that cooks or is interested in cooking, as it’ll give you the ability to add a variety of flavors or aid in being a go to side dish for a chef in training that’ll wow your audience.

For more information on an article for this simple recipe visit:
https://yonderfood.com/burnt-brussels-sprouts/

Vocabulary List:
1. Cook (verb) - prepare (food or a meal) by mixing and heating the ingredients together in a variety of ways.
2. Restaurant (noun) - a place where people pay to sit and eat meals that are cooked and served to them on site.
3. Establishment (noun) - a public institution, household or business organization.
4. Menu (noun) - a list of meals/dishes available in a restaurant.
5. Chef (noun) - a professional cook in a restaurant, who prepares and cooks the food for you to enjoy.
6. Variety (noun) - the quality or state of being different; the absence of uniformity.
7. Side Dish (noun) - a dish served alongside the main dish/entree.

Vocabulary exercise: Crossword Puzzle

Grammar Point:  Types of punctuation. 

Period: a period is used at the end of a sentence
Exclamation Point: an exclamation point is used at the end of a command or exclamation
Question Mark: a question mark is used at the end of a question

Directions: Place the correct punctuation mark at the end of each phrase, sentence. 

1. What is the chef’s name
2. The name of the restaurant is Lost and Found
3. This is amazing
4. How was your meal
5. I am having the burnt brussel sprouts dish