Show Your Support

Many of us are sports fans and cannot attend games. This may deal with the price of tickets rising. Well, at least it is for me, since I am a college student with little or no money. I wish I could attend all the games to have that experience.
Something that has become very popular in Pittsburgh is attending the "Big Screen." This allows fans to show their support outside the arena of Consol Energy. My advice, get active and show your support, even if you cannot afford to be on the inside of Consol Energy. This popular screen has been a fan favorite since 2008. This allows fans to still get the experience of the playoff atmosphere. All playoff games both home and away games will be featured on the screen.

I have never actually experience the "big screen," but many of my friends do. I actually had the chance to go to a playoff game last year thanks to the student rush tickets for $25. Perhaps you are not a hockey fan, it is still a time to have fun and hang out with friends.


Here is a video that demostrates the screen  and it's location.
http://www.wtae.com/video/30862388/detail.html
Picture source:
http://penshead.com/2012/04/09/penshead-daily-links-04-09-2012/

Traditional Fun

During the holidays, many families have traditions, and it is also the time for getting together. It could be from Easter baskets, to the food, or even activities.

Our tradition is egg hunt. We hunt for plastic eggs that have coins inside. Depending on the weather, we hunt inside or  outside. This year the hunt was outside. The hunt can be quite tricky. The places were the eggs were hidden were under a lamp light, a seashell, in tall areas of grass, and also in a cinder block. There is ten of us so it can be quite a challenge and also there is always competition.

After we were done searching for our eggs. The football throwing began. At first it was just tossing the football around, but that didn't stay long due to more people joining. The game that was played is monkey in the middle.

Do you have any traditions around the holidays?

Bounce to the Outside

Often I find myself watching TV or taking a nap because of a rough day. Well, take it outside. My favorite activity to do outside is either between soccer, basketball, or tennis. But, I feel everyone enjoys playing basketball. It is a simple game to play and easy to understand.

If you don't own a basketball hoop, you are in luck. You have the option of going to a school or park located in your area.

There is quite the selection of games to choose from. Some of the games include horse, 2-bounce, knockout, or three on three (depending how many people you have). I often play 2-bounce with my brother, I really enjoy it. It is a type of game where there is no aggressive interaction, it is simply make your shots and just keep track of your points to play to 21. First person to have a score of 21 wins the game. When a player misses a shot, the ball bounces twice and that is when the next player takes their shot in hope of making two points. If the player makes the shot, that player can have a chance to shot at the foul line for one additional point and the game continues.

What basketball games do you like to play with family or friends?

Inside Fun

Sometime you may get the feeling of just wanting to stay inside. Often we find ourselves not having the money to go out to enjoy our surroundings. So my advice is stay inside for a change. Play some games with family or friends. You could play board games such as; Risk, Life, Clue, Sorry, Trouble or card games like Rummy, Poker, or Uno, or perhaps play Solitaire.

 This past week I went over a friend's house and we played a game. The game is Uno Flash, truthfully I had tons of fun and was quite different. The game was intense with the beat of the sounds playing and hitting your button after playing your card. This isn't no ordinary game of Uno. This electronic version selects who's next in line to play their card. With this game you must stay alert and pay attention to the blinking light because it might be your turn to play.

Have you played any board games or cards lately solo, family, or with friends?

Here is a commercial for Uno Flash:

  

Take a Walk

The past couple of days has been amazing weather and especially with the warm sunshine beating down. I get motivated to go for a nice run or even a walk. A good friend of mine and I decided to get fit and to get active instead of staying home. We've decided to walk in the mornings and also in the evenings. As for now, I use Nike Free Run and my friend has Reebok walking tone. I am always open-minded for trying new shoes to find the ones that fit me the best.

I enjoy walking in different sceneries, such as walking in the park or on a trail, possibly on the track near a school or just simply around my neighborhood.

Recently, I have been searching the internet to look at local 5K races. With that said, we have decided to participate in a 5K (5 kilometers), which is 3.1 miles. This is taking place at Penn State Greater Allegheny and proceeds benefit the Sonshine Community Ministries.

In the past I have always joined Susan G. Koman race for the cure. Susan G. Koman fought with the battle of breast cancer and though she lost the battle, her legacy lives through the work of Susan G. Komen for the Cure®, the organization in her honor.


Both of these events help to raise money, whether it is to benefit a local non-profit organization or to save lives and end breast cancer.

Have you participated in an event to help raise money, or have you been enjoying the great weather?

Here are some useful links:
http://eliterunners.com/?event=ga-5k-runwalk
http://www.komenpittsburgh.org/

I also advise you to check Allie's blog, for if you have any questions with participating in a 5K. Allie also has great tips, from running in different weather to the type of shoes to wear.
http://seeallierun.blogspot.com/

Stay Warm and Have Fun

Recently it has been a bit chilly out. If you are looking for something to do I suggest bowling. It is perfect solution, an inside activity for all to enjoy.  Bowling is not only fun, but it can also be competitive.

This past weekend I went bowling with some friends.We went to Legacy Lanes which is located in Whitehall, PA. The first thing I do is to look for the best bowling ball. I particularly like to find the lightest bowling ball usually around eight or nine pounds. The bowling shoes are not the most attractive but who cares when everyone is wearing the same shoes. We had some laughs about scores and how people bowl. You most certainly don't have to be the best bowler, just have fun and either laugh at yourself or a friend. We had a great time and I look forward to bowl again.

There are many bowling allies around the area and it can be hard to pick the right one. I  have often used the yellow pages to find local bowling allies. It never hurts to call around to get the best price.

Here are some helpful links:
www.yellowpages.com
http://www.legacylanes.us/

Try Something Different

I always go to the same restaurants, such as Eat N Park, Olive Garden, and Applebee's. It was my friend's 23rd birthday. Let's just say it was quite an experience unlike any other, especially for a restaurant. This past Friday I went to Hofbräuhaus located in Pittsburgh, PA. 

Hofbräuhaus has been in it's location for just about three years. Hofbräuhaus gives you the feeling as if you went to Germany for the night. My friend and I split an appetizer, Pretzels and Bier Cheese and we enjoyed every bite. The best part was the live band that played very familiar songs, Brown Eyed Girl (originally sung by Van Morrison), Sweet Caroline (Neil Diamond), Don't Stop Believing (Journey), Build Me Up Buttercup (The Foundations) and other songs. The band even sung happy birthday to my friend. Everyone in the restaurant was standing on the benches, dancing and singing along having a great time. My advice is to go on a Friday or Saturday night to get the full experience of what I am describing. If you enjoy a live band and are not in a hurry and just want to have a good time then that's the perfect time to go.


If you are interested in experincing this fun place visit their website:
http://www.hofbrauhauspittsburgh.com/

If you would like read reviews visit:
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g53449-d1515154-Reviews-Hofbrauhaus-Pittsburgh_Pennsylvania.html
http://www.foodburgh.com/2009/04/hofbrauhaus-pittsburgh/

The Convention

February is the shortest month of the year, but for me it seems to be the longest. Are you a car fanatic, or are you simply interested in buying a brand new car? I advise you to get out to the David Lawrence Convention Center located in Pittsburgh, PA. The Pittsburgh International Auto Show is from February 17th through the 20th.

 I really enjoy going every year. For the simple fact of sitting in any car and not get hassled to buy it.  If you can't afford buying the car, it is understandable if you want to look and feel. I also like to see what the newer model of my car looks like to see the changes from inside out. I drive a 2009, Mitsubishi Lancer. This will be my fourth year going. The number one  reason why I believe people love going to this convention is for the simple fact of seeing every car dealership. If you have any questions about the type of car there are always representatives of the brand available. By the end of your visit you will have a bag filled with goodies. Such as brochures, pens, CDs, reusable bags, and more. 

For pricing, tickets, and hours please visit their website:
http://www.pittautoshow.com/AutoShow/

Don't let snow ruin your day

The snow has arrived, and perhaps that little groundhog was right. But, don't let Punxsutawney Phil get you down. 


At PSUGA they are spending today at Seven Springs. I personally have never been there. However; I always hear great comments about seven springs. When looking at their website, there is something for everyone. For the people who want a challenge, try skiing or snow boarding. For the women who just want to relax, try the spa.  Or if you just want to have fun then snow tubing is for you. You can go their for a couple of hours or plan a weekend trip. 


Here is a video that I found on youtube, that is also feature on their website. This video was just posted today, what you see in the background is what you see in person.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Hg8K1LGsO8&list=UUkmzaRmSnQoBXC6Kbxu7sQw&index=1&feature=plcp

If you are interested, visit their website http://www.7springs.com/

Breathe the Fresh Air

Lately we have been experiencing great weather. What more could we ask for, especially in the months of January and February. Today is February 2^nd and its Groundhog Day. Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow this morning. This means 6 more weeks of winter. So I am telling you to get out of the house and enjoy this nice weather while it lasts. I recently just went for a walk with a friend on a trail near my house. At first it was just a nice walk to catch up with each other. I really enjoyed the fresh air. But then we decided to go hiking at Dead Man’s Hollow. It was a great site to see one of the old factories which I believe was a brick factory. I faced some challenges of walking up hill with wet muddy leaves along with tree branches smacking back in my face. As we jumped across the small creek to get across to continue our journey, soon we had to turn around since our jumps were getting bigger and we were wearing mesh shoes which does not match well with water. It is a great feeling to take a chance on something that wasn’t planed. My advice is if you decide to go hiking make sure you wear old clothes and shoes that you won’t mind getting dirty. 

 Here is a photo I took while standing on a rock in the middle of the creek.

Join the Party!

I have researched the Top 10 New Years resolutions for 2012.

#1 Lose Weight

#5 Staying Fit and Healthy

#6 Learn Something Exciting

 Do you complain about there is nothing fun to do? I have two simple words, Zumba fitness. Zumba is a fun and easy way to get yourself into shape. Zumba is a Latin-inspired dance program.

I attend school at Penn State Greater Allegheny and at this college, there are Zumba classes. On every Monday and Wednesday there is an hour of dance cardio at PSUGA. These Zumba fitness classes are free for students, staff, and alumni.  

I have actually attended the one at school and also at another place. I have really enjoyed these classes because of the music and motivating instructors. It is very easy to follow and you burn calories at the same time.

Zumba fitness can help people by losing weight, staying fit and healthy, and you  can learn something exciting.  So perhaps Zumba is the answer for you.

There are several different types of Zumba classes, if you would like to find a party in your area please visit this website, http://www.zumba.com/.

First Entry

This is the very beginning of my blog with many more entries to come. My idea of my blog is to be informative to college students. My overall theme for my blogging weeks is called idle hands. The reason for this particular theme is while I was walking to class or engaging in a conversation with others I constantly hear whining. The complaining is about activities to do around the area. Well simply enough I am here to tell you what there is to do during your free time. I know sometimes you just need to get out of the house or are tired of the same repetition routine or possibly you need a break from homework and studying. Well simply enough I have the answers for you, so stay tune for my weekly post about what to do with your idle hands.

“Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans.”
-John Lennon