Telly Troubles

Its amazing how the idiot box can trap you! Life seems uneventful without the background score from commercials, sitcoms, reality shows while I cook, clean, eat, work, chat, fight or unwind after a long day.

Thanks to the 42" masterpiece, I am 'Keeping up with the Kardashians', growing insane with the 'Jersey Shore' and becoming a big loser cheering the 'The Biggest Loser'. Socializing only with 'FRIENDS' ,' The Simpsons' and the 'Seinfelds', life is spiced with 'Good Eats', only to put my agility in 'Jeopardy'!

Once in a while I do hit  'Discovery' and explore 'History', dutifully agreeing with the 'Myth Busters'. Not for too long, before the ironical 'Rehab' and drunk revelers invite more attention. Sadly, the gleaming neons of Vegas entice me more than serene 'Planet Earth' and all its wonderful living creatures.

The days when I am not fidgeting with my laptop and the TV turned off, the silence kills me and I prefer to have it running even when Im reading! Unfortunately, It seems like a significant part of my life at the moment...Maybe I need a new hobby, maybe some activity, maybe some friends...hmmm...while I debate the argument, need to get back to 'House' right now.

So long...blogworld!
By a true telly fan and a couch potato!

Mission Peak Trek

A bird's eye view from the mountains

Up next is a piece on our trek to Mission Peak, Fremont last weekend.

It was one of those perfect days to go on a trek with the sun glowing after a long absenteeism on luscious green velvet mountains. The foothills of Mission Peak welcomed us with its long winding trails, cheery dogs, chirpy kids and enthusiastic people. We took a while and some pamphlets to decide on the trail; only to forget about it along the way and meander like the grazing cows! The views were simply breathtaking, overlooking a dozen million dollar homes, bridges, freeways and the ocean way beyond.

We warmed up by slowly walking up the hill, chatting until the impending trail intrigued me to jog. As I jogged, it didnt take too long for me to huff and puff and halted for a break early in the game. The pace was unspeakable beyond that point, urging the unwilling muscles and bones to move drawing motivation from much older people who hiked up without a flinch.
Thats when I asked 'A', "Dude, we're 27 and we can't climb up a hill, where are we heading?"
'A' then willingly agreed that he was 28 and not 27 :P (Men! I tell you )

Nonetheless, we managed to finish 75% of one of the trails and rolled back. The downhill was a lot more easier and fun. We zipped down in seconds owing to the steepness of the peak.

All said and done, we thoroughly enjoyed our trek, panting, chatting, eluding menacing dogs while savoring the spectacular views. Albeit some sore muscles, the trek was all fun - good company, a gust of fresh air and a lovely day to compliment it!

Verdict:
Mission Peak: Brilliant!

Our Mission: Accomplished!
Revelation: Our physical fitness is pitiable! Im planning to step it up a notch and work out more often. As for 'A'...Nah! he stays unaffected :P

What's cooking? - Potato Spinach Lasagna!

Finally, another post makes it to cyberspace! It's a recipe for 'Potato-Spinach Lasagna' this time around.

I read a few recipes online for a vegetarian lasagna, before trying this one. But ended up making my own concoction. Enjoy! if you do try it.

Ingredients

Lasagna noodles(4)
Cheese (2 cups) - I used grated four cheese blend
Spicy Marinara sauce - store bought (Numerous recipes online to make them)
Baby Spinach (a bunch)
Red Potato (3)
Onions (2)
Salt and Pepper to taste

Preparing the Veggies & the noodles before baking

1)Onion Spinach mixture: Saute the onions in olive oil, add baby spinach after the onions turn translucent. Season with salt and pepper once the spinach is cooked.

2) Noodles: Boil the Noodles according to the instructions in the box.

3) Baked potato: Thinly slice the red potatoes and bake them in the oven for about 20 minutes

Layering of the Lasagna

1) Line the Lasagna bowl with cooking spray
2) Layer the bottom with cooked Lasagna noodles and top it with marinara sauce

3) Arrange the baked potato crisps followed by the spinach mixture over the sauce layer.

4) Top each layer with a good helping of cheese

Repeat the last four steps, two or three times.I tried mine with three layers.

Cover the assembly with an aluminum foil and bake at 350F for 40 minutes.

Then, remove the foil and bake again for 20 minutes for a lovely crusty lasagna.