Geeky Cooking - Italian Flag Pasta!

My children LOVE pasta. This should not come as a surprise seen as they are in part (BIG part)  Italian. Although we do speak Italian at home, we still want to keep some of the Italian culture alive in our home. Even in small ways such as making pasta. This particular pasta is made in three different ways to make it resemble the Italian flag. It is one of my mini-geeks' favorite plates. So here you go:

Italian Flag Pasta (makes four servings)

What you'll need:
 - 1 pack, about 500g, of pasta (any kind, my kids love Rigatoni)
 - 1 can (15oz) tomato sauce (organic)
 - Olive oil (to taste) + 3 tblsp
 - 3 tblsp pesto (we love Giada's)
 - Parmigiano Reggiano to taste (grated)

What to do:
Cook pasta according to instructions on package. Drain pasta and divide in three portions in three bowls. Add tomato sauce in one, olive oil in the other and pesto plus two tblsp olive oil in third. Mix, separately, and serve on plates as shown in picture (pesto pasta left, olive oil in center, and tomato sauce right). Sprinkle grated parmigiano on top. Fun and ready to serve:

Fun and Easy Italian Flag Pasta!

Geeky Genius Daddy

As you all know by now although my kids are very fun to be around they are also very hyperactive and difficult to deal with, to say the least! Being that they are in fact, children, they do not always listen when told to do something (99.9% of the time). Well, I have to say that I married a very intelligent man. Their daddy came up with a genius idea to get them to "focus" or listen a little bit better. As I said in a previous post about board games we love to play Arkham Horror, as well as many other games. Being the mini-geeks that they are, my kids (as well as my husband) really get into the game.

Long story short this is what their geeky genius dad came up:

 Common Items (Arkham Tasks)

Retainer (rewards) Injury Card (consequences)

 Genius! Simply genius! It is actually working! If you know something about Arkham Horror you will definitely understand what the cards mean....Now I remember why I married him! <3

Geeky "I am back!!"

Yes, it has been a while since my last post but guess what? I am back and stronger than ever! It has been a difficult 2012 to say the least, but I welcome 2013 with an open mind and optimism.
Part of this optimism derives from the fact that this year should be the year in which my family and I get the results we have fought for so long and so hard for. First of all we have finally set a goal for ourselves physically as well as mentally. Second, if everything goes as planned, I should be testing for my black belt in Tang Soo Do this year!! Hurray! Third, I have finally finished my first step towards my dream of getting a Masters in psychology (College: check). Next step: Bachelor's. :-)

Let's talk about what has been going on since my last update. My oldest son Eddie has finally obtained his black belt!!! We are SOOOO proud of him, especially since he is the first child to get to that level in our dojan. At his promotion he was asked to say a speech. Well he said something that really surprised us; He thanked us parents for "never letting him quit." (Were NOT expecting that!) Tears of joy were clouding my eyes for the fact that he got it. He actually got it! GO EDDIE!

We had a few "sad" things happen too but I would rather not talk about those right now. Maybe one day....
Also, my husband is having to work overtime so that is kind of weighing on the family. In addition, we have had my in-laws visit from Italy for THREE weeks in October/November of last year. It was nice for the kids to finally have some grandparents to play with, and they helped out some too. Yet, we always find it extra difficult to get back on track once they leave. Our kids do not do good with change!

This year I will be focusing on my mind and (especially) my body. I have goals in mind that I will reveal to you soon. For now, all I want to say is; Hurray for Subway, Chipotle and Schlotzsky's ! Also, God bless Boxing classes and MyFitness app.! Will tell you the details soon enough :-)