Pastimes - 2/16 - i should log off

A Beach Bum’s Tale of Survival

November 6, 2011 By Guest Blogger

[Ed. Note: Today’s guest post comes to us from John Rarity, author of the new book- “Working Beach Bum“, now available at Amazon.com. John’s giving away a copy of his book to one of our lucky readers- check out our facebook page on Monday, November 7th for giveaway rules and instructions! Contest ends November 21st!]

Why does anybody do anything worth doing? This was a question posed to me by my favorite college History professor. I suppose he had plenty of examples to choose from, in terms of people having done something worth doing. They made history, after all.

So, there I was, boarding a one-way flight from Texas to Maui. Not sure what to expect but full of expectations, I at least knew one thing for certain – there were definitely going to be a few sweet ass beaches there when I arrived. And there were.

I launched on the development of “Working Beach Bum” because I was curious and enthralled with picturesque beach scene, and too young and broke to want to wait for the right time. I’d forgone the law degree in lieu of one that actually appealed to me – freelance work, i.e. semi-employment, or unemployment, depending on how you looked at it. Bottom line, I worked for myself, and although the financial consequences of doing so were to live primarily a frugal lifestyle, the freedom and liberty of calling my own shots emboldened me. This combined with a love affair with writing and travel, and developing “Working Beach Bum” was a no brainer! I was off, but it wasn’t easy.

I had started with only $1,000, barely enough to cover my first month’s rent plus expenses when I arrived in Maui. At least until I could cash my first paycheck from a job that was, as of the moment of my departure, undetermined. Don’t get me wrong, I wasn’t completely oblivious to the powers of the internet and in fact did use it to email my dad’s cousin and help line-up a few job opportunities. Regardless, knowing what my options were and acting on them would have to wait until I was on the island.

After a couple of months on Maui, I set off for Oahu, where I wasn’t as lucky in the job department – but there were sweet ass beaches there too! The book eventually chronicles how I landed jobs and managed to put a roof over my head, as I explored the shorelines of my dream U.S. beach destinations: Hawaii, California, Florida and Puerto Rico. I’d done it. I had set off with a beach bum’s budget and not only survived, but in the end thrived my way from the middle of the Pacific Ocean to the emerald green shores of the Caribbean Sea. I had met people, shared experiences and most of all proved to myself that living a dream – regardless of the practicality – is a worthy endeavor of the highest calling.

My ultimate hope is that “Working Beach Bum” manages to amuse and inspires its readers to take the leap and experience the trip of their lives. I did, and I’ll never regret it.

You can check out John’s book, now for sale on Amazon.com.

Bio: John Rarity has covered beach destinations all over the U.S., Thailand, Australia and beyond, developing his knowledge and skills in budget travel. He is also founder and currently heads GoStayPlay.com, a social travel deals and events website. Check him out on his Blog, Twitter or on Facebook.

Playing in the Rain

October 18, 2011 By Danny

What to do with a rainy day on the road? We’re outdoors people and rainy days are often initially at least, lost causes. We can’t walk around and explore a city, and chances are the outdoor act ivies we came to town to do are not in the cards. Sometimes we’re just stuck hanging out. We spent our entire trip trying to avoid rainy season at all costs.

This past weekend we had the pleasure of hosting two out of town guests. All weekend long the weather did nothing but rain, rain and rain. We had some plans to go snorkel in Key Largo as we’d done in the summer, but with the water so choppy all the boat trips were canceled. Our other plan for the outdoors was to do a bit of ocean kayaking and somehow that still happened.

We pulled into Oleta River State Park and before handing over out admission fees I asked if the kayaks were still being rented. It was raining, but no lightning, so we were still a go. We drove ahead, and a few minutes and bathroom breaks later were in kayaks, in the rain, paddling through mangrove trees hoping to spot manatees. IT WAS AWESOME.

Photo Courtesy of BlueMoon Outdoor Center.

We didn’t see any manatees but we did manage to convince our friends that a floating log was an alligator which gave us a pretty good laugh! There were loads of birds including beautiful herons and even an osprey fishing from high above. We were soaked from the brackish water filling the estuary as well as the rain falling on our heads but it didn’t dampen our spirits one bit. When our friends ping-ponged off of a mangrove tree and flipped their canoe they’re first words were: “Ohhhhhhh, I hope the paddle floats! Looks like it does….We’re in business!” By the end of our time we were all quite wet and quite happy. Next up, we changed into dry clothes and took an ‘architectural drive’ down the famous Art Deco streets of South Miami Beach!

Photo Courtesy of Flickr user: Wyntuition.

Some people loathe rainy days and I probably lean more towards loathing than liking but I do appreciate the way a rainy day forces us to be creative and focus more on each other than on an activity. The day could have been a disaster but we were four people who enjoyed one anothers company and that is what made the difference. I’m sure I could go on and on about wild and rainy days around the world, maybe we should turn that a new ishouldlogoff.com column, but right now I think I’d rather hear from some of you. What are you favorite rainy day activities?

Virtually Veggie: Cajun Corn & Kale Salad

October 14, 2011 By Jillian

This week we feature two of my favorite vegetables, in a delicious salad. Anyone who knows me knows that corn is hands down in my mind the best vegetable ever grown. That being said, despite the large corn fields spreading across the Americas, more corn is produced to feed cattle than to consume by humans and of the human consumed corn most of it is in the form of corn syrups and not farm fresh! I hope this recipe will help incorporate more corn in it’s natural form into your diet and remind you of the cool summer nights.

Its fresh and light and flavorful, plus it takes maybe 15 minutes to make!

Things you need:

water
4 ears of sweet corn (or whatever you have available)
1 pound of kale (typically one large bunch)
2 teaspoons salt
1 large red bell pepper (diced)
1 green bell pepper (diced)
1 large tomato (diced)
1 small sweet onion (minced)
1 clove of garlic (minced)
¼ cup olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 ½ teaspoons of cajun spice seasoning (see the end of the recipe if you don’t have this available)
a bowl
a large pot

Bring about 2 quarts of water to boil in a large pot. Once its boiling add in the ears of corn (husks removed). Turn off the heat and let the corn cook in the water for about 5-6 minutes. Remove the corn but keep the water. Once the corn is cooled slice the kernels from the cob and place in a large bowl with the diced peppers, onion and tomatoes.

Re boil the water from the corn and add in the kale and salt and cook until the kale is tender and bright green (about 5 minutes or so). Transfer the kale to a colander to drain and cool. When the kale is cool enough to handle (usually 5 min later) squeeze out the excess water and chop the kale.

Toss the kale with the vegetable mixture and add in the olive oil, lemon juice, seasoning, and garlic. Salt to taste (I typically add in a little less than a teaspoon).

This is excellent served with tortilla chips, potatoes, or quinoa.

Make your own cajun seasoning: 1/4 teaspoon salt and a large pinch of the following other spices: cayenne pepper (I like a lot), ground black pepper, dry mustard, crushed fennel seeds, and dried thyme.

Unconventional Tips for Living a Healthy Lifestyle

September 28, 2011 By Jillian

You are probably expecting this post to say something like “eat your veggies” or “exercise daily.” Those are undoubtedly good tips to live healthier, but will eating your veggies make you happier? We all focus on becoming physically healthy, but being emotionally happy plays a big roll.

I hate list posts because I feel like they usually point out the obvious. So here are five things you can do today, that might not be obvious, that will force you to live healthier. And no, I’m not going to tell you to take the stairs.

Look someone in the eye when you say hello. Greet them with a genuine smile and give them more than just a cursory “hi”. Pay attention to someone; acknowledge that the barrista/ cashier/security guard exists.
Go outside for lunch. Just go outside for two minutes, stretch your legs, take a deep breath and enjoy the sun on your face. Soak in the vitamin D.
Laugh out loud. Let yourself enjoy a joke, a funny comment or even the comics. Don’t be afraid to give a good chuckle or belly laugh. Show your enjoyment.
4. Be humbled. Life can be challenging and difficult at times. Remember that honestly, as bad as your day may be or as difficult as a challenge may be there is someone, likely not too far away that is also struggling.
5. Be the change you want to see in the world. If you want something done, DO IT. Focus on changing your own behaviors before you expect to change others. Lead by example.

What are your thoughts? What are your tips for living a healthier lifestyle?

Virtually Veggie – New Series

September 8, 2011 By Becka

Welcome to Virtually Veggie, this new series on IShouldLogOff will feature easy vegetarian recipes that are both yummy and filling! Each recipe featured will be one of my favorites from a variety of sources, cookbooks, friends, family, farmers from my market, etc. You should know that I in no way am a chef or even have ever worked in a restaurant, I just love veggies and easy yummy recipes. My motto is if it takes more than 45 minutes to prepare, start to finish, I am probably not ever going to make it, so the majority of what will be featured fit that description. I hope you enjoy! And of course feel free to request a specific veggie to be featured in future weeks.

Featured Veggie: Eggplant

This week we start with a seasonal favorite of mine, the eggplant. The eggplant is used almost worldwide in the variety of dishes and can be very easy to prepare. A note: the best time to use an eggplant is fresh from the farm, they don’t keep well in refrigerators or on countertops.

Roasted Eggplant and Tomato with Almonds in a Mustard-Balsamic Vinaigrette

What you will needed:

¼ cup slivered almonds (or pine nuts depending on your mood)
1 pound of eggplant (about one medium eggplant)
2 small or one large tomato (diced)
½ cup apple juice
3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
3 tablespoons fresh parsley
2 tablespoons grainy mustard
2 tablespoons lemon juice (or lime)
2 cloves of garlic (minced or pressed)
1 teaspoon salt
½ cup olive oil
a skillet
a baking sheet
a bowl
a whisk (or fork)

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees (F). In a dry skillet toast the almonds over high heat until they are brown and smell fragrant (give or take 45 seconds to a minute depending on heat). Remove the almonds from the skillet and set aside.

On a large baking sheet use a little olive oil to coat the sheet so the eggplant and tomatoes don’t stick. Slice the eggplant into lengthwise slices (about ½ inch think). Arrange the eggplant on the baking sheet.

Remove the stem and seeds from the tomatoes and dice. Arrange around (not on top of) the eggplant on
the baking sheet. Place the baking sheet in the oven and allow it to roast until the eggplant is soft (about
30 minutes or so).

In a bowl whisk together the apple and lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, parsley, mustard, garlic, and salt.

Slowly pour in the olive oil while continually whisking. Keep whisking until the dressing no longer separates.

Once the eggplant is soft, remove the baking sheet and flip over the eggplant slices. Spoon about 2/3 of the dressing over the eggplant and set aside for to cool. Once the eggplant is room temperature its ready to serve! Place slices on a plate and spoon over some of the roasted tomatoes and the remaining dressing, and finish it off with a sprinkling of the toasted almonds. I like to complete the dish with fresh ground black pepper and salt.

This recipe makes about 4 servings. A special note: It doesn’t keep well, so make sure you will finish the whole dish in one sitting.

Enjoy!

A Beach Bum’s Tale of Survival

Playing in the Rain

Virtually Veggie: Cajun Corn & Kale Salad

Unconventional Tips for Living a Healthy Lifestyle

Virtually Veggie – New Series

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