...than a blank blog post window. It's not that I don't want to write. But the moment that I lack inspiration and open a blog post anyway, it becomes a monster. I look at it, try to muster creative courage, and then up storms the dreaded writer's block which stands between me and a blog post.
Today I may have the mental fortitude that comes with a Monday to get over this hump. Off to ponder and create.
13 December 2010
09 December 2010
Obsessed
I have always had a secret urge to sing in an acapella group. It almost came to fruition during my sophomore year in college when a few friends and I explored the earliest renaissance acapella scores. But alas, it amounted only to good intentions.
Lucky for me, I can relieve that dream again. Yes, I'm talking about "The Sing-Off". Like a live, reality-show version of Glee (I think...) 10 teams of acapella groups from around the country are in a vocal battle for supremacy. Love it!
I just caught up on Monday and Wednesday's shows, and there are some clear favorites, and some groups that really might end up wowing us all. The front-runner is an all-male gospel group from Alabama called Committed. Besides having a BoyzIIMen-like sexy-smooth-buttah-like sound, they are also humble, sweet and good-looking. The more surprising group this time was a bunch of music teachers in a group named Groove for Thought. The last favorite, especially of mine, is Street Corner Symphony, from Nashville. I love their country-jazzy-groovy sound. Some of it reminds me of Alison Krauss feel, although they could pull in more dissonant harmonies to really work the magic. We will see what next episode brings. Hopefully the songs that are selected for them really stretch the talents!
Lucky for me, I can relieve that dream again. Yes, I'm talking about "The Sing-Off". Like a live, reality-show version of Glee (I think...) 10 teams of acapella groups from around the country are in a vocal battle for supremacy. Love it!
I just caught up on Monday and Wednesday's shows, and there are some clear favorites, and some groups that really might end up wowing us all. The front-runner is an all-male gospel group from Alabama called Committed. Besides having a BoyzIIMen-like sexy-smooth-buttah-like sound, they are also humble, sweet and good-looking. The more surprising group this time was a bunch of music teachers in a group named Groove for Thought. The last favorite, especially of mine, is Street Corner Symphony, from Nashville. I love their country-jazzy-groovy sound. Some of it reminds me of Alison Krauss feel, although they could pull in more dissonant harmonies to really work the magic. We will see what next episode brings. Hopefully the songs that are selected for them really stretch the talents!
07 December 2010
More lists
With my mid-20s now at a close, I have been reflecting on how I have matured in my tastes over the past 10 years. Through my parents' guidance and my own culinary explorations, I have started to like things I never imagined eating and thanks to a discerning wine drinker I once dated, I now love and appreciate the subtleties of French red wines. As I age I am also embracing my inherent personality, so true to form, I have made a list of some of these culinary thoughts.
Things I like:
1. Black Licorice
2. Brussel sprouts
3. Miso
4. Fish sauce (in my Pho)
5. Avocado (used to hate them!)
6. Cottage cheese
7. Almond butter
Things I can't stand:
1. Capers
2. Risotto
3. Grainy mustard
4. Tapioca pudding
5. Beer (for the most part)
Guilty pleasure foods:
1. Mayonnaise (I've officially lived in the Deep South too long!)
2. Rold Gold Honey Wheat ("crack") pretzels
3. Haribo gummy bears (refrigerated)
Here's to living and loving my late 20s!
Things I like:
1. Black Licorice
2. Brussel sprouts
3. Miso
4. Fish sauce (in my Pho)
5. Avocado (used to hate them!)
6. Cottage cheese
7. Almond butter
Things I can't stand:
1. Capers
2. Risotto
3. Grainy mustard
4. Tapioca pudding
5. Beer (for the most part)
Guilty pleasure foods:
1. Mayonnaise (I've officially lived in the Deep South too long!)
2. Rold Gold Honey Wheat ("crack") pretzels
3. Haribo gummy bears (refrigerated)
Here's to living and loving my late 20s!
30 November 2010
Toothsome
One of our good friends at the dog park is a dental hygenist. She is adorable, bubbly and everything you expect from a people-oriented professional. But we only interact at the park, with our canine buddies. However, as things go, the subject of teeth cleaning came up. We all had our gripes and moans about dentists (the scraping noise, the drooling...you know), but she acted as a perky reminder to shame me into flossing regularly. Even though I'm not quite to an every day floss routine yet, it's at least every other day which is a start. :-)
Supposedly, all your health starts in (and with) your mouth. You don't have to take my word for it either. The Mayo Clinic says so. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/dental/DE00001
Moral of the story: brush, floss, and take care of your health!
Supposedly, all your health starts in (and with) your mouth. You don't have to take my word for it either. The Mayo Clinic says so. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/dental/DE00001
Moral of the story: brush, floss, and take care of your health!
25 November 2010
Just the two of us
We spent Thanksgiving in Atlanta as is our habit. I'm lucky that J and I agree that traveling over the 4-day holiday is just stressful and not that much fun. We adopted our friends' dog from Tuesday through today, and had a houseful of black and red fur that alternately tumbled, tussled, and slept their way through the past week.
One of the advantages to staying at home for Thanksgiving is complete control over the menu. After last year's intimate Thanksgiving dinner, we ate turkey for almost a full week! We decided that, as much as it's tradition, neither of us like turkey enough to experience that again. So it was a roast chicken (lemon, white wine and rosemary) with green bean and portobello mushroom casserole, sweet potato with marshmallow, and an apple caramel crumble to top it all off! We just finished the apple crisp this afternoon, but the rest of the food was polished off yesterday for lunch. The resulting food coma was also present.
I have also discovered (in some post-thanksgiving cooking) that I love making soups! The latest few were cauliflower soup, and this evening was a sweet potato soup, after last night's dinner out inspired me with an acorn squash bisque. So creamy without much of the calories makes it a guilt-free cold winter meal!
One of the advantages to staying at home for Thanksgiving is complete control over the menu. After last year's intimate Thanksgiving dinner, we ate turkey for almost a full week! We decided that, as much as it's tradition, neither of us like turkey enough to experience that again. So it was a roast chicken (lemon, white wine and rosemary) with green bean and portobello mushroom casserole, sweet potato with marshmallow, and an apple caramel crumble to top it all off! We just finished the apple crisp this afternoon, but the rest of the food was polished off yesterday for lunch. The resulting food coma was also present.
I have also discovered (in some post-thanksgiving cooking) that I love making soups! The latest few were cauliflower soup, and this evening was a sweet potato soup, after last night's dinner out inspired me with an acorn squash bisque. So creamy without much of the calories makes it a guilt-free cold winter meal!
23 November 2010
Rips, tears, and sweet potatoes
...that's how I go through magazines!
I love to keep pages that inspire me (fashion, food, crafting, doesn't matter). As those closest to me can attest, I always have stacks of random glossy pages running around my living space. But I can honestly say that I do use them, maybe not in a very functional way, but again and again I will peruse my favorite pictures for good old inspiration purposes.
With recipes it's a lot the same way. Since we have been getting Cook's Illustrated magazine (must recommend it too!), I have increased the amount of food-related pages in my possession. But that has been where it ended. Until recently. Sometime last week - I don't remember when or why - I got the bee in my bonnet to actually start trying some of these hoarded recipes. I started off with a flourless chocolate cake for a labmate's birthday. It turned out pretty darn delicious - more dense chocolate brownie than cake, but it still disappeared. Then this weekend I found a cauliflower soup recipe that begged for the two heads of said vegetable that had been lingering in the refrigerator. It's nothing big or super complicated - onions, milk, chicken stock, cauliflower - but it was soul-satisfying and yummy. And it's kept my eyes open for the next opportunity to cook up something from a torn page.
This week, we're doing sweet potato souffle to complement the roast chicken, garlicky green beans, french onion soup and caramel apple crumble for our little Thanksgiving dinner. Not a torn out recipe, but copied from the Internets via The Kitchn. Between that and the candied sweet potato marshmallows, I might have tuber overload!
I love to keep pages that inspire me (fashion, food, crafting, doesn't matter). As those closest to me can attest, I always have stacks of random glossy pages running around my living space. But I can honestly say that I do use them, maybe not in a very functional way, but again and again I will peruse my favorite pictures for good old inspiration purposes.
With recipes it's a lot the same way. Since we have been getting Cook's Illustrated magazine (must recommend it too!), I have increased the amount of food-related pages in my possession. But that has been where it ended. Until recently. Sometime last week - I don't remember when or why - I got the bee in my bonnet to actually start trying some of these hoarded recipes. I started off with a flourless chocolate cake for a labmate's birthday. It turned out pretty darn delicious - more dense chocolate brownie than cake, but it still disappeared. Then this weekend I found a cauliflower soup recipe that begged for the two heads of said vegetable that had been lingering in the refrigerator. It's nothing big or super complicated - onions, milk, chicken stock, cauliflower - but it was soul-satisfying and yummy. And it's kept my eyes open for the next opportunity to cook up something from a torn page.
This week, we're doing sweet potato souffle to complement the roast chicken, garlicky green beans, french onion soup and caramel apple crumble for our little Thanksgiving dinner. Not a torn out recipe, but copied from the Internets via The Kitchn. Between that and the candied sweet potato marshmallows, I might have tuber overload!
21 November 2010
Some of my favorite things
As I approach the ripe old age of 28, I am taking ownership of my opinions. Not just the random thoughts on life - that's just who I am - but the littler things, like my favorite body wash, whether or not I like capers (I don't, at least the edible kind), and my diet choices. Here's the beginning of my list of those things:
1. TreSemme Curly Hair shampoo and conditioner. I love it (and the fact it's $3 for a HUGE bottle doesn't hurt either!)
2. J&J Lavender and Chamomile body wash - one of my new discoveries
3. Biore. Period. Nose strips, warming face wash, dual moisturizer. It is all fabulous.
4. Butter. Salted variety on sourdough toast is perfect.
5. Bloody mary tomato juice mix. It's the only way I like tomato juice, and a standard order on the airplane now.
6. Nail polish. As an outlet for my obsession with color.
7. Vodka. I love flavored vodka with soda water. Nice and simple.
8. Making caramel. Now that I mastered the art of the caramel, it gives me a lot of satisfaction to make it.
9. Pencil skirts and statement heels. Classics with a punch.
10. Organizing. This is no surprise to anyone who knows me. But I have come to accept it as a strength, something that is a real asset in the workplace as well as at home. I love being able to find things easily and have a place for everything.
1. TreSemme Curly Hair shampoo and conditioner. I love it (and the fact it's $3 for a HUGE bottle doesn't hurt either!)
2. J&J Lavender and Chamomile body wash - one of my new discoveries
3. Biore. Period. Nose strips, warming face wash, dual moisturizer. It is all fabulous.
4. Butter. Salted variety on sourdough toast is perfect.
5. Bloody mary tomato juice mix. It's the only way I like tomato juice, and a standard order on the airplane now.
6. Nail polish. As an outlet for my obsession with color.
7. Vodka. I love flavored vodka with soda water. Nice and simple.
8. Making caramel. Now that I mastered the art of the caramel, it gives me a lot of satisfaction to make it.
9. Pencil skirts and statement heels. Classics with a punch.
10. Organizing. This is no surprise to anyone who knows me. But I have come to accept it as a strength, something that is a real asset in the workplace as well as at home. I love being able to find things easily and have a place for everything.
20 November 2010
Flash mob!
A few weeks ago one of my friends from my (long abandoned) dance scene here in Atlanta posted about needing a dance partner for this "flash mob" thing that was going on. Somehow I decided to volunteer, and now we are "spontaneously" dancing in the middle of Atlantic Station this afternoon!
The idea and choreography were first started by Damon and Lisa D'Amico (of Houston, TX west coast swing fame!!!). I guess I can't escape my roots. :-)
Here is the link to the Houston flash mob event. Look for videos from this afternoon coming soon too!
The idea and choreography were first started by Damon and Lisa D'Amico (of Houston, TX west coast swing fame!!!). I guess I can't escape my roots. :-)
Here is the link to the Houston flash mob event. Look for videos from this afternoon coming soon too!
18 November 2010
Bioethics and other political hot buttons
Last night J and I attended what was supposed to be a dialogue on Bioethics from the chair and vice chair of Obama's Bioethics committee. These leaders happened to be the president of U. Pennsylvania, and the president of Emory, respectively, which was why we had gotten invited to attend. We were both excited to hear what these scholars were going to say on sticky bioethical issues that affect our research and our field.
The biggest disappointment was realizing that they had no intention of actually discussing facts and debating issues for the benefit of the audience. In sum, they barely touched on any bioethical issue and spent the better part of 80minutes lauding each other for the outstanding roles the schools play in leading this discussion and engaging their student bodies in ethical awareness. Bluntly put, we listened to an hour of political posturing and self-gratifying blather.
Community members who we schmoozed with at the reception beforehand were not in the field at all but were curious to hear informed opinions and arguments on these hot button issues which stay in the very near subsurface of all bio-related research and clinical trials. For non-scientists who don't get exposed to pertinent facts and opinions about these issues (or maybe don't know how to seek them out), presenting clear and direct arguments based on scientific evidence is crucial to their ability to make an informed decision about any bioethical issue. We, as scientists in this community also have an obligation to play better PR for our research. Half of opposition comes from a lack of understanding by the community we serve, and that is definitely at least half our fault.
This committee, however, missed a huge opportunity to play an advocate role for these factual, informed and civil discussions before they are interrupted by political, religious or other interests. What better way to change society than to set an example? If I could tell the chair and vice chair only one thing, I would tell them to spend time discussing issues rather than padding their egos.
The biggest disappointment was realizing that they had no intention of actually discussing facts and debating issues for the benefit of the audience. In sum, they barely touched on any bioethical issue and spent the better part of 80minutes lauding each other for the outstanding roles the schools play in leading this discussion and engaging their student bodies in ethical awareness. Bluntly put, we listened to an hour of political posturing and self-gratifying blather.
Community members who we schmoozed with at the reception beforehand were not in the field at all but were curious to hear informed opinions and arguments on these hot button issues which stay in the very near subsurface of all bio-related research and clinical trials. For non-scientists who don't get exposed to pertinent facts and opinions about these issues (or maybe don't know how to seek them out), presenting clear and direct arguments based on scientific evidence is crucial to their ability to make an informed decision about any bioethical issue. We, as scientists in this community also have an obligation to play better PR for our research. Half of opposition comes from a lack of understanding by the community we serve, and that is definitely at least half our fault.
This committee, however, missed a huge opportunity to play an advocate role for these factual, informed and civil discussions before they are interrupted by political, religious or other interests. What better way to change society than to set an example? If I could tell the chair and vice chair only one thing, I would tell them to spend time discussing issues rather than padding their egos.
16 November 2010
My dream kitchen
I ran across this fantastic blog a few weeks ago called Apartment Therapy. They have all sorts of wonderful tips, decorating ideas, and online resources that I can highly recommend. They also have a sister blog called The Kitch*n.
This month has been focused on all things entertaining, and I have definitely gotten dragged into the fantasy of a spectacular holiday dinner party. (Would that I had that kind of space!) Some of the tips which resonated with me - keep a stack of glass cocktail/dessert plates on hand, cocktail cloth napkins, and enough wine glasses for a really good time - got me thinking about how I would want to design and stock my eventual dream kitchen.
I can't complain about my current cooking environment much. Although it's pretty cozy, it is very functional and we have all the tools that we really like or need to use. But what we don't have is room for extra dishes/napkins/wine glasses. Maybe if I completely redesigned our space to maximize storage EVERYWHERE, we might fit these sort of things in, but we are moving in less than a year, and don't have seating for more than 8 people in our living/dining room anyway, so it's almost a moot point.
But...here are some ideas that are on that list for when we move to a real house. someday...
This month has been focused on all things entertaining, and I have definitely gotten dragged into the fantasy of a spectacular holiday dinner party. (Would that I had that kind of space!) Some of the tips which resonated with me - keep a stack of glass cocktail/dessert plates on hand, cocktail cloth napkins, and enough wine glasses for a really good time - got me thinking about how I would want to design and stock my eventual dream kitchen.
I can't complain about my current cooking environment much. Although it's pretty cozy, it is very functional and we have all the tools that we really like or need to use. But what we don't have is room for extra dishes/napkins/wine glasses. Maybe if I completely redesigned our space to maximize storage EVERYWHERE, we might fit these sort of things in, but we are moving in less than a year, and don't have seating for more than 8 people in our living/dining room anyway, so it's almost a moot point.
But...here are some ideas that are on that list for when we move to a real house. someday...
15 November 2010
Daylight Savings Time (and other excuses)
So last week was a little haphazard in the blog posting arena. I would like to just clarify that it wasn't for lack of thinking about it, or even having writing materials. I was just really discombobulated.
This comes from our almost-fanatic commitment to our dog and her dog park time. With DST last week also came pitch black darkness by 6:30pm, about the time we had been getting home in recent weeks. Obviously, before DST it wasn't dark, so Em got her playtime in before dinner just fine. However, now that was going to be an issue. So we decided to be radical. In to work by 7am (or earlier), home by 4pm, with plenty of time to get her to the park, fix dinner, and be in bed by 11pm to start the cycle all over again. But this meant changing our alarms too.
We had been enjoying the flex schedule of a grad student. Wake up by 8:30, leisurely prep time and be at our desks by 10am. Not bad, really, but then you arrive at the same time as everyone else, which also means we are all starting lab work at the same time and that can be hectic. So the earlier wake-up call really is a blessing in many ways. We can be productive in the first 3 hours of the day when no one else is in lab, we leave before traffic gets too bad, and still have some daylight to enjoy as well. But 5:30am is not easy. Even with DST making it feel like 6:30, it still came as a bodily shock to be up while it was dark out. But this morning I felt good waking up, bounding out of bed to make breakfast and walk the dog. I'm even feeling super productive instead of lagging like last week. Keep tuned for more regular posting!
This comes from our almost-fanatic commitment to our dog and her dog park time. With DST last week also came pitch black darkness by 6:30pm, about the time we had been getting home in recent weeks. Obviously, before DST it wasn't dark, so Em got her playtime in before dinner just fine. However, now that was going to be an issue. So we decided to be radical. In to work by 7am (or earlier), home by 4pm, with plenty of time to get her to the park, fix dinner, and be in bed by 11pm to start the cycle all over again. But this meant changing our alarms too.
We had been enjoying the flex schedule of a grad student. Wake up by 8:30, leisurely prep time and be at our desks by 10am. Not bad, really, but then you arrive at the same time as everyone else, which also means we are all starting lab work at the same time and that can be hectic. So the earlier wake-up call really is a blessing in many ways. We can be productive in the first 3 hours of the day when no one else is in lab, we leave before traffic gets too bad, and still have some daylight to enjoy as well. But 5:30am is not easy. Even with DST making it feel like 6:30, it still came as a bodily shock to be up while it was dark out. But this morning I felt good waking up, bounding out of bed to make breakfast and walk the dog. I'm even feeling super productive instead of lagging like last week. Keep tuned for more regular posting!
11 November 2010
Dreams, Fears, and other motivations
two nights ago
this is more stream of consciousness rather than inspiration, but here goes...
Yes, I will admit here in black and white that I - like almost every other single (as in "not engaged", don't get worried y'all!) gal out there - fantasizes about her future wedding. Ideas will come and go, plus add the inspirations from all the random wedding-oriented shows on tv now and you've got yourself some serious subconscious wedding dreaming.
So what was so weird about this dream was that it was definitely my wedding, but it was SO Not my wedding either. We were in this adorable Craftsman house, with warm honey-colored wood floors and a brick fireplace. Then it panned to a back bedroom with my mom - hair in curlers (really?!) - helping me into my "dress". But it wasn't a dress. It was a floor-length black taffeta ball gown skirt. Maybe there was some sort of creamy white shirt on top, but that detail got lost. And my hair was flat and terrible. Somehow it wasn't quite what I pictured it being like...
I was definitely disconcerted when I woke up. It was the weirdest snap shot of what I instinctively knew was The Big Day (in my dream). Plus, I hadn't been really thinking about weddings much recently either, so just weird. In general.
this is more stream of consciousness rather than inspiration, but here goes...
Yes, I will admit here in black and white that I - like almost every other single (as in "not engaged", don't get worried y'all!) gal out there - fantasizes about her future wedding. Ideas will come and go, plus add the inspirations from all the random wedding-oriented shows on tv now and you've got yourself some serious subconscious wedding dreaming.
So what was so weird about this dream was that it was definitely my wedding, but it was SO Not my wedding either. We were in this adorable Craftsman house, with warm honey-colored wood floors and a brick fireplace. Then it panned to a back bedroom with my mom - hair in curlers (really?!) - helping me into my "dress". But it wasn't a dress. It was a floor-length black taffeta ball gown skirt. Maybe there was some sort of creamy white shirt on top, but that detail got lost. And my hair was flat and terrible. Somehow it wasn't quite what I pictured it being like...
I was definitely disconcerted when I woke up. It was the weirdest snap shot of what I instinctively knew was The Big Day (in my dream). Plus, I hadn't been really thinking about weddings much recently either, so just weird. In general.
10 November 2010
I never knew ....
...that bedazzling your shoes had an official name: strassing.
Recently I have been feeling the need for more femininity, mainly in the form of fashion. One chick's blog I came across had this wonderful pair of sparkly pink Louboutins. Except they weren't originally sparkly - sorry, I meant "strassed".
Quite honestly, having never had a pair of Louboutins on my feet, I can't imagine why you would spend hundreds of dollars on a pair of plain-looking shoes (but I hope they feel way better than the more affordable ones that grace my phalanges). Maybe not the point.
Anyway, she bought these Barbie pink peep toe shoes, and then started to grace them with hundreds of tiny, hot pink Swarovski crystals. The result is pretty fantastic.
I kind of want to do it myself - just not to Louboutins. Maybe these though (on Zappos, if you are interested):
Stay tuned!
Recently I have been feeling the need for more femininity, mainly in the form of fashion. One chick's blog I came across had this wonderful pair of sparkly pink Louboutins. Except they weren't originally sparkly - sorry, I meant "strassed".
Quite honestly, having never had a pair of Louboutins on my feet, I can't imagine why you would spend hundreds of dollars on a pair of plain-looking shoes (but I hope they feel way better than the more affordable ones that grace my phalanges). Maybe not the point.
Anyway, she bought these Barbie pink peep toe shoes, and then started to grace them with hundreds of tiny, hot pink Swarovski crystals. The result is pretty fantastic.
I kind of want to do it myself - just not to Louboutins. Maybe these though (on Zappos, if you are interested):
Stay tuned!
08 November 2010
The Power of ...
I have found my commitment to calorie counting and diet restriction fleeting at best when I don't have my partner in crime on board. It's easy enough to not buy something when you live alone, but if there is someone else around, it gets complicated. Sometimes the temptation of chocolate is just too much!
Luckily, I have finally convinced him to join me in a return to our Lent diet of the past two years. We gave up refined sugar and refined flours for 40 days, which leads to about 5lbs easy weight loss in that time. Just not filling your body with as many wasted calories, and substituting useful stuff, like yogurt, berries, celery, and almonds, really makes a difference.
Gearing up for the start of the diet did lead to some last-minute sugar binges on both our parts. However, my inherent sweet tooth probably took the cake. I grabbed a big bag of sour gummy worms from Target, some leftover Halloween gummies (not so great - I ended up tossing half of them), and a box of cherry cordials (delicious, even considering the super sugar headache afterward!). During this weekend's sugar fiasco, however, I realized something: I physically can't handle such intense sugar anymore. Mentally, though, the battle still rages.
When we were kids, candy was associated with reward. Once every so often, my mom would let us go to Walgreen's to get a selection of our favorite goodies. (Quick Aside: Walgreen's still has the best selection of candy in my opinion, at least here in Atlanta) So, the expected good feelings from eating candy now - that reward center of the brain - really fall short with the reviling sugar crash that comes with it. It just doesn't do it for me anymore. But I still mentally crave that reward.
So the goal - until I reach my goal weight especially - is to focus on retraining my mental habits. Disassociating the "reward" from the pleasure center will take some serious effort, but in the long run I know it will all be worth it.
Luckily, I have finally convinced him to join me in a return to our Lent diet of the past two years. We gave up refined sugar and refined flours for 40 days, which leads to about 5lbs easy weight loss in that time. Just not filling your body with as many wasted calories, and substituting useful stuff, like yogurt, berries, celery, and almonds, really makes a difference.
Gearing up for the start of the diet did lead to some last-minute sugar binges on both our parts. However, my inherent sweet tooth probably took the cake. I grabbed a big bag of sour gummy worms from Target, some leftover Halloween gummies (not so great - I ended up tossing half of them), and a box of cherry cordials (delicious, even considering the super sugar headache afterward!). During this weekend's sugar fiasco, however, I realized something: I physically can't handle such intense sugar anymore. Mentally, though, the battle still rages.
When we were kids, candy was associated with reward. Once every so often, my mom would let us go to Walgreen's to get a selection of our favorite goodies. (Quick Aside: Walgreen's still has the best selection of candy in my opinion, at least here in Atlanta) So, the expected good feelings from eating candy now - that reward center of the brain - really fall short with the reviling sugar crash that comes with it. It just doesn't do it for me anymore. But I still mentally crave that reward.
So the goal - until I reach my goal weight especially - is to focus on retraining my mental habits. Disassociating the "reward" from the pleasure center will take some serious effort, but in the long run I know it will all be worth it.
06 November 2010
Finding my drama...
...tic color. I was given a copy of David Zyla's new book "The color of style" by a dear friend of mine, and once I picked it up, I couldn't set it down. David has been a fashion stylist and adviser for lots of famous shows, but I won't bore you with his resume. The point is, based on his experience he has come up with a way to analyze your own personal colors - finding the colors that will absolutely be the best shades for you to wear - and more importantly, describing how those colors function in your life.
For example, one of your colors is your "essence" color. This is your skin tone, your best foundation makeup color. This is a very open, vulnerable color to wear, which is why this is a bad choice to wear in a job interview or any place where you should exert energy and authority. But it's great if you want to meditate or share deeper emotions with a friend.
Right now I am on the search to find my perfect "dramatic" color. According to the book, this color is found in your veins, so look at your wrist and find the deepest color as your inspiration. For me, it's a midtone clear blue with turquoise undertones. Given that I love jewel tones, this fits right in with my instinctual color style, but somewhat uncharacteristically, I am really doubting that I have really found that perfect color. However, here are some fashion thoughts that have started to inspire me:
For example, one of your colors is your "essence" color. This is your skin tone, your best foundation makeup color. This is a very open, vulnerable color to wear, which is why this is a bad choice to wear in a job interview or any place where you should exert energy and authority. But it's great if you want to meditate or share deeper emotions with a friend.
Right now I am on the search to find my perfect "dramatic" color. According to the book, this color is found in your veins, so look at your wrist and find the deepest color as your inspiration. For me, it's a midtone clear blue with turquoise undertones. Given that I love jewel tones, this fits right in with my instinctual color style, but somewhat uncharacteristically, I am really doubting that I have really found that perfect color. However, here are some fashion thoughts that have started to inspire me:
05 November 2010
Order-disorder and other random Friday thoughts
My personality (as described in my previous post) loves order. I am very structured about how I keep most of my things, and it will drive me to distraction when certain things are out of place. Not quite OCD but I'm sure there are tendencies there.
Recently I have noticed that some of my labmates like to take pipette tips at random rather than following a set order of removing tips. This is a small detail to some, but when you stare at tip boxes all day, it becomes a thing. So, usually I will keep my own tip boxes orderly but look the other way when I see a more "modern art" approach.
In the spirit of self-improvement and development that I have recently been embracing, I decided this week to embrace the disorder. It is a small step, but it's almost naughty fun being haphazard about my tip selection. Yes, maybe I have been in lab too long when this is fun...it comes with the territory. :-)
Recently I have noticed that some of my labmates like to take pipette tips at random rather than following a set order of removing tips. This is a small detail to some, but when you stare at tip boxes all day, it becomes a thing. So, usually I will keep my own tip boxes orderly but look the other way when I see a more "modern art" approach.
In the spirit of self-improvement and development that I have recently been embracing, I decided this week to embrace the disorder. It is a small step, but it's almost naughty fun being haphazard about my tip selection. Yes, maybe I have been in lab too long when this is fun...it comes with the territory. :-)
04 November 2010
Just like taking vitamins
I have always had a hard time remembering to take my multivitamins. The hard, dry horse pills don't always taste good, and are not pleasant to swallow in the morning either. In a previous post I applauded vitamin makers for giving us gummy vitamins, and I will say it again, thank goodness for gummy adult vitamins!
Those gummy vitamins have also helped me keep on track with taking my glucosamine and NSAIDs to manage my OA daily too. Well, that and the inevitable discomfort that I get when I haven't taken my advil are both good motivation. :-)
After so many months of taking daily vitamins/supplements, it is now a habit rather than a chore to remember. Most days I barely think of it before I've already downed the horse pills. So it got me to thinking, this NaNoWriMo has inspired me to commit to writing in this blog every day, and 30 days is definitely long enough to make a habit of it. So look forward to more posts now, and past the end of November too!
Those gummy vitamins have also helped me keep on track with taking my glucosamine and NSAIDs to manage my OA daily too. Well, that and the inevitable discomfort that I get when I haven't taken my advil are both good motivation. :-)
After so many months of taking daily vitamins/supplements, it is now a habit rather than a chore to remember. Most days I barely think of it before I've already downed the horse pills. So it got me to thinking, this NaNoWriMo has inspired me to commit to writing in this blog every day, and 30 days is definitely long enough to make a habit of it. So look forward to more posts now, and past the end of November too!
03 November 2010
ESFJ
Some of my friends took the Myers-Briggs test for a leadership program exercise, and I got curious into which personality category I fit. So I took a (free) online version and was placed in the ESFJ category. Here is what they say it means:
I am a (slightly expressed) people person - i.e. extrovert. I am warmly interested in others, and *want* to like people. I (supposedly) have a gift for bringing out the best in others too.
I'm warm and energetic, sensitive to others, and freely give practical care. :-)
The ESFJ side of me tends to want to control my environment. I like structure and seek closure. I'm good at tasks which require concrete concepts, personal analysis, and creating structure (Mom, can you say amen here?!).
We ESFJs are - at best - warm, sympathetic, helpful, cooperative, tactful and down-to-earth, practical, consistent, thorough, organized, enthusiastic and energetic.
I like my personality!
I am a (slightly expressed) people person - i.e. extrovert. I am warmly interested in others, and *want* to like people. I (supposedly) have a gift for bringing out the best in others too.
I'm warm and energetic, sensitive to others, and freely give practical care. :-)
The ESFJ side of me tends to want to control my environment. I like structure and seek closure. I'm good at tasks which require concrete concepts, personal analysis, and creating structure (Mom, can you say amen here?!).
We ESFJs are - at best - warm, sympathetic, helpful, cooperative, tactful and down-to-earth, practical, consistent, thorough, organized, enthusiastic and energetic.
I like my personality!
02 November 2010
Useful tips
When I find something useful, I almost compulsively need to share it with someone. My parents are both teachers. I am a (mini) teacher now. I feel like I can't escape my destiny. So here we are, my (tiny) captive audience, my first foray into blogging my new information.
Thought of the day: If you don't like (or just can't) remembering coupons, but like using them, there is a most useful website for us!
Check out Shortcuts.com: you can load e-coupons onto your Kroger/Randall's/Etc. cards and have them automatically apply to your purchases. No thinking, no forgetting coupons, just easy. :-)
Thought of the day: If you don't like (or just can't) remembering coupons, but like using them, there is a most useful website for us!
Check out Shortcuts.com: you can load e-coupons onto your Kroger/Randall's/Etc. cards and have them automatically apply to your purchases. No thinking, no forgetting coupons, just easy. :-)
01 November 2010
18 October 2010
Sunday Inspiration
After some reflection and meditation on topics like "what do I want out of my career" and "how do I want to influence my world", I found a few recurring themes which all come back to the idea of personal inspiration and motivation. It's not just having the great idea, but being motivated to get up and do it. To stick with it. And to follow through. The question is, how do you do that?
For me, it takes the form of inspirational people. You know the people who say something which sticks with you even months afterward, whose encouragement or advice plays in your head at just the right moment, or whose energy and personality boost your creative energy by merely thinking about them. This is my current list of people who inspire me to action:
1. Simon Sinek, Start With Why (www.startwithwhy.com)
2. Jean-Luc Dumont, Making the most of your presentation (www.treesmapsandtheorems.com)
3. Dan Meyer, math teacher (blog.mrmeyer.com)
4. David Zyla, author, The Color of Style
5. Jillian Michaels, The Biggest Loser (TV show, personal trainer)
6. Morgann Wagner, my first spin instructor
7. Julz Arney and Jay Blahnik, Schwinn master instructors (my spin certification teachers)
Who are your inspirations?
For me, it takes the form of inspirational people. You know the people who say something which sticks with you even months afterward, whose encouragement or advice plays in your head at just the right moment, or whose energy and personality boost your creative energy by merely thinking about them. This is my current list of people who inspire me to action:
1. Simon Sinek, Start With Why (www.startwithwhy.com)
2. Jean-Luc Dumont, Making the most of your presentation (www.treesmapsandtheorems.com)
3. Dan Meyer, math teacher (blog.mrmeyer.com)
4. David Zyla, author, The Color of Style
5. Jillian Michaels, The Biggest Loser (TV show, personal trainer)
6. Morgann Wagner, my first spin instructor
7. Julz Arney and Jay Blahnik, Schwinn master instructors (my spin certification teachers)
Who are your inspirations?
04 October 2010
Procrastination
So you may think that writing this entry is the inspiration for the title. But you would be wrong. It actually came from this interesting New Yorker article: http://www.newyorker.com/arts/critics/books/2010/10/11/101011crbo_books_surowiecki?currentPage=all
I actually *aspire* to write a blog entry much more often than I actually sit down and put virtual pen to virtual paper. Somehow the act of creating an entry has a huge activation energy - partly because I still wonder if anything written here is worthwhile, or whether it just fills the ever-expanding digital universe with more virtual space junk. Or whether my random ramblings will sound self-absorbed, trivial or inane. Maybe by just thinking about these things I find reasons enough to keep from writing.
But, often I feel that I think I am communicating a lot more than I really am. So I find reason to keep trying to write here. Enough introspection.
So yesterday I started in on refinishing a new, old chair. A few of you may have heard or seen my rose chair from the first year here in Atlanta. It was a fun project, but it didn't turn out all that comfortable, so it found a new home during the Great Compromise of moving in together last summer. This one is more comfortable - at least right now - so I am giving this thing another shot. Old carved wooden armchair with a grandmotherly, light blue jacquard that sports a nice rip across the front of the seat. It's getting a metallic (pewter, maybe?) paint update, with a retro mod fabric covering. Pictures to come!
I actually *aspire* to write a blog entry much more often than I actually sit down and put virtual pen to virtual paper. Somehow the act of creating an entry has a huge activation energy - partly because I still wonder if anything written here is worthwhile, or whether it just fills the ever-expanding digital universe with more virtual space junk. Or whether my random ramblings will sound self-absorbed, trivial or inane. Maybe by just thinking about these things I find reasons enough to keep from writing.
But, often I feel that I think I am communicating a lot more than I really am. So I find reason to keep trying to write here. Enough introspection.
So yesterday I started in on refinishing a new, old chair. A few of you may have heard or seen my rose chair from the first year here in Atlanta. It was a fun project, but it didn't turn out all that comfortable, so it found a new home during the Great Compromise of moving in together last summer. This one is more comfortable - at least right now - so I am giving this thing another shot. Old carved wooden armchair with a grandmotherly, light blue jacquard that sports a nice rip across the front of the seat. It's getting a metallic (pewter, maybe?) paint update, with a retro mod fabric covering. Pictures to come!
01 October 2010
Where to go next
Having completed my thesis proposal last month I now have a nicely laid out plan to complete my thesis research that should see me graduating by next August or December at the latest. I am thrilled to have finally set up the steps toward a solid project, and even more thrilled that I will graduate. Soon. Yes, graduating and getting a "real job" is exciting in itself, but even more so since it involves another person.
Most of you reading this know my boyfriend, J. Besides the fact that I think he's hot stuff (intellectually and otherwise :-)), scientifically he is also pretty stellar. When we started dating, 3 and something years ago, he was on track to have a high impact publication. Right out of the starting gate in grad school. Amazing. So it may not be such a surprise that he is almost done with his thesis project, and has secured a job offer with one the most renowned labs in our field. But...it gets better. He most likely will have another, stellar, job offer by the end of this month. Just wow.
So, that brings us to the idea of graduating. He will graduate a few months before me, so his decision on where to post-doc obviously affects where I will search for jobs. This has not been a one-sided discussion either. Unlike some men, who would do what was best for them and worry about anyone else later, the availability of jobs for me has been one of his concerns in discussing which job to take (love that man of mine!). Luckily, both of his job offers have ample Biotech industry in the area, so finding my job should be no problem. That means that - at this point - we will be either in Boston or San Francisco area for the coming few years! More to come on that soon!
Most of you reading this know my boyfriend, J. Besides the fact that I think he's hot stuff (intellectually and otherwise :-)), scientifically he is also pretty stellar. When we started dating, 3 and something years ago, he was on track to have a high impact publication. Right out of the starting gate in grad school. Amazing. So it may not be such a surprise that he is almost done with his thesis project, and has secured a job offer with one the most renowned labs in our field. But...it gets better. He most likely will have another, stellar, job offer by the end of this month. Just wow.
So, that brings us to the idea of graduating. He will graduate a few months before me, so his decision on where to post-doc obviously affects where I will search for jobs. This has not been a one-sided discussion either. Unlike some men, who would do what was best for them and worry about anyone else later, the availability of jobs for me has been one of his concerns in discussing which job to take (love that man of mine!). Luckily, both of his job offers have ample Biotech industry in the area, so finding my job should be no problem. That means that - at this point - we will be either in Boston or San Francisco area for the coming few years! More to come on that soon!
07 September 2010
It's all Greek (yogurt) to me?
I have fallen in love with the smooth, dense, creamy Greek yogurt that is now readily available in the grocery stores. It can be used to make frozen yogurt, or topped with berries and granola as a healthy snack. And it's guilt-free - there are 0% fat versions available!
So when our local grocery store had Yoplait Greek yogurt on sale, I stocked up. 100 calories per container, you can't go wrong, right? But I had never tried Yoplait's version. I figured it was worth a try. I was SO wrong.
Normal greek yogurt is formed by straining normal yogurt to eliminate more of the water content. However, the cheapskates at Yoplait decided to add gelatin and other additives to try and simulate the authentic Greek yogurt. Instead of doing it right, they cheated and created a chemically, dry-tasting product that left a lot wanting. I guess they just lost a customer.
(As an aside: did you know that the second ingredient in Yoplait Light yogurts is corn syrup? Really? WTF)
So when our local grocery store had Yoplait Greek yogurt on sale, I stocked up. 100 calories per container, you can't go wrong, right? But I had never tried Yoplait's version. I figured it was worth a try. I was SO wrong.
Normal greek yogurt is formed by straining normal yogurt to eliminate more of the water content. However, the cheapskates at Yoplait decided to add gelatin and other additives to try and simulate the authentic Greek yogurt. Instead of doing it right, they cheated and created a chemically, dry-tasting product that left a lot wanting. I guess they just lost a customer.
(As an aside: did you know that the second ingredient in Yoplait Light yogurts is corn syrup? Really? WTF)
08 August 2010
Zen-ing my productivity
One of J's favorite sites, LifeHacker, is a trove of useful everyday information. It serves up tips on everything from brewing a mean cup of iced coffee to more random geek hacks, to just plain advice.
A recent post caught my eye. Although I am a habitual list maker, rarely do I cross off much from the list. Having a place to dump all my thoughts - from dropping off dry cleaning and dusting, to more lofty goals like learning a new language and losing 10 pounds - can be cathartic, however, tt also tends toward a stream of consciousness journal rather than focused task manager.
In the article, it gave some solid advice (http://howtogetfocused.com/chapters/how-to-get-things-done-like-a-zen-master/). To summarize:
1. Get an off-line, pen-and-paper weekly planner. Online ones get too complicated and distracting.
2. Using the weekly layout, designate specific days to accomplish certain tasks. I.E. PRIORITIZE.
And the best one...
3. Every time you sit down at your desk/computer/workspace, have a sticky note present with three (3) tasks to accomplish. Focus on those tasks ONLY.
The first two should be productive, work-related, but the third one could be a more pleasurable task, like watching a TED talk, browsing music for spin class teaching, or finding movie times for Friday date night.
I like the idea of having a carrot - a little reward is enough to motivate me to get through my work first!
A recent post caught my eye. Although I am a habitual list maker, rarely do I cross off much from the list. Having a place to dump all my thoughts - from dropping off dry cleaning and dusting, to more lofty goals like learning a new language and losing 10 pounds - can be cathartic, however, tt also tends toward a stream of consciousness journal rather than focused task manager.
In the article, it gave some solid advice (http://howtogetfocused.com/chapters/how-to-get-things-done-like-a-zen-master/). To summarize:
1. Get an off-line, pen-and-paper weekly planner. Online ones get too complicated and distracting.
2. Using the weekly layout, designate specific days to accomplish certain tasks. I.E. PRIORITIZE.
And the best one...
3. Every time you sit down at your desk/computer/workspace, have a sticky note present with three (3) tasks to accomplish. Focus on those tasks ONLY.
The first two should be productive, work-related, but the third one could be a more pleasurable task, like watching a TED talk, browsing music for spin class teaching, or finding movie times for Friday date night.
I like the idea of having a carrot - a little reward is enough to motivate me to get through my work first!
19 June 2010
Tables, part deux
I spent some time perusing - more aptly described, determinedly hunting for that one picture I could not seem to find. That long, distressed, highly used and loved table covered with empty wine bottles from the night before and the kids coloring there over their morning toast. It still drives me nuts that I can't find that picture!
Luckily, I was able to find some images that contain a bit of that same idea. I still want that table though.
I think I like this last one mostly because it reminds me of Brazilian tiger wood.
Luckily, I was able to find some images that contain a bit of that same idea. I still want that table though.
I think I like this last one mostly because it reminds me of Brazilian tiger wood.
11 June 2010
Tables, part I
A few years ago, maybe about 2 now, I fell in love. With a rustic wooden dining table. Maybe more so a large almost-bureau. The first few heart flutters came from magazine pictures. A messy but loved 15-foot table that served as the heart of all activities in the home. Another, more refined but still full of character wooden anchor for the kitchen-cum-dining room. These images have been in the back of my mind for awhile now. I found the table feeling at Repast's bakery in Inman Park too. A massive golden wood object of desire that quite nicely handles at least 8 people on bar stools, cozied up around it munching on their Saturday morning pastries, perusing the newspaper headlines and sipping their lattes. Almost makes me want to go back right now. I haven't been there in at least 2 years...
And almost a full year passed. Then I was recently perusing the Ikea Hacker blog (ikeahacker.blogspot.com), and came across this Danish inspiration (not Swedish, actually by a Dane):
And another inspirational photo. I don't love everything about the details of the table or even the exact seating, but I like taking it for the feeling I get when I look at it.
I will dig deeper into rustic wooden tables across the Internets, and will be back soon!
And almost a full year passed. Then I was recently perusing the Ikea Hacker blog (ikeahacker.blogspot.com), and came across this Danish inspiration (not Swedish, actually by a Dane):
And another inspirational photo. I don't love everything about the details of the table or even the exact seating, but I like taking it for the feeling I get when I look at it.
I will dig deeper into rustic wooden tables across the Internets, and will be back soon!
New directions
I feel like I have abandoned my blog. No, I actually HAVE abandoned my blog. It has been woefully neglected for almost 2 whole months, and I am trying to figure out why.
Part of it comes from realizing that the text editor is wholly uninspiring to me. I hate writing in it. I have ideas for what to write when I am not staring at this technical, boring text box. I would much rather have my happy picture to look at, and see text getting put directly onto my actual blog. You know, direct feedback on how it looks and feels in context.
Part of it also stems from feeling like whatever random ramblings I have merely clutter space on the Internets without providing any productive content. To address that insecurity on my part, I plan to take this blog in a more focused direction. Part home decorating, part "green" ideas, and maybe even part projects (so I have impetus to actually finish some of them!). Not that I won't have my random post days, but having a better vision of why I bother to write here should help my motivation to do so.
So, keep checking back and bugging me if I start slacking!
Part of it comes from realizing that the text editor is wholly uninspiring to me. I hate writing in it. I have ideas for what to write when I am not staring at this technical, boring text box. I would much rather have my happy picture to look at, and see text getting put directly onto my actual blog. You know, direct feedback on how it looks and feels in context.
Part of it also stems from feeling like whatever random ramblings I have merely clutter space on the Internets without providing any productive content. To address that insecurity on my part, I plan to take this blog in a more focused direction. Part home decorating, part "green" ideas, and maybe even part projects (so I have impetus to actually finish some of them!). Not that I won't have my random post days, but having a better vision of why I bother to write here should help my motivation to do so.
So, keep checking back and bugging me if I start slacking!
12 April 2010
I feel better. Is that weird?
When J and I started our Lenten diet this year, it was no big deal. We had given up the same things last year: refined sugar, refined flour, red meat, and caffeine. Sounds like a lot? Yeah, it was rough last year. But this year wasn't so bad. I didn't miss the sugars or white bread as much as I thought I would, but I was really looking forward to Lent being over. Or so I thought.
Easter Sunday came, I grabbed a Chai Latte from Starbucks as a morning treat, and went to church. So far, no big deal. Then our friends had an Easter potluck, replete with glazed ham and chocolate fondue. Ok, I can handle that. And then I got home, and the boxes of candy called my name. I indulged - why not? I wasn't on our Lent diet any more - and then it happened. I crashed! All throughout this past week, I have allowed myself to eat sugar whenever I pleased, and my body has not like me for it! I literally felt bloated and sluggish all week - pretty darn terrible given how on top of the world I had felt the week before. I even seemed to gain a few of my lost pounds back!
What I did not experience last year, and what shocked me about it this year, was a complete change in my actual taste for sugar. For me - a lifelong sweet tooth - the ability and realization that my body (and therefore my self) no longer gets much pleasure from eating sugary things as I thought. There must have come some moment of mental switch in the last 40 days, realizing that I did not mentally need sugar, nor did I physically need it either, and that was it. This has been such a freeing feeling too, to not want or crave things that are ultimately bad for me. I feel better without sugar. Is that weird?
Starting today, I am back to the no refined sugar, no refined flour, with a little leeway built in for those occasions when I want a bite or two of something sweet. But this is a decision that is an obvious choice now because I have found out how good and strong and alert I can feel, and I don't want to give that feeling up for a box of jelly beans. It's just not worth it!
Easter Sunday came, I grabbed a Chai Latte from Starbucks as a morning treat, and went to church. So far, no big deal. Then our friends had an Easter potluck, replete with glazed ham and chocolate fondue. Ok, I can handle that. And then I got home, and the boxes of candy called my name. I indulged - why not? I wasn't on our Lent diet any more - and then it happened. I crashed! All throughout this past week, I have allowed myself to eat sugar whenever I pleased, and my body has not like me for it! I literally felt bloated and sluggish all week - pretty darn terrible given how on top of the world I had felt the week before. I even seemed to gain a few of my lost pounds back!
What I did not experience last year, and what shocked me about it this year, was a complete change in my actual taste for sugar. For me - a lifelong sweet tooth - the ability and realization that my body (and therefore my self) no longer gets much pleasure from eating sugary things as I thought. There must have come some moment of mental switch in the last 40 days, realizing that I did not mentally need sugar, nor did I physically need it either, and that was it. This has been such a freeing feeling too, to not want or crave things that are ultimately bad for me. I feel better without sugar. Is that weird?
Starting today, I am back to the no refined sugar, no refined flour, with a little leeway built in for those occasions when I want a bite or two of something sweet. But this is a decision that is an obvious choice now because I have found out how good and strong and alert I can feel, and I don't want to give that feeling up for a box of jelly beans. It's just not worth it!
25 March 2010
Beer me
...or not. For those of you who knew me in college, you are aware how much I despised the standard college parties with their cheap beer and mysterious punch. I had such a loathing for beer from those early experiences that there was little motivation to start drinking beer until I got to graduate school...and then it was the social lubricant of choice for all of my friends. So I tried, and tried, and found a few beers tolerable, but quite honestly, I still much prefer a glass of red wine (or white) to any beer you could hand me.
That is, until I discovered vodka. Vodka and I have made quick friends (no no, not like that!) so now when I reach our destination bar, I can quickly order a vodka soda, especially one of the flavored varieties, and be quite happy all night! Can I suggest a rootbeer vodka and soda? Or a sweet tea vodka and lemonade? Even Stoli raspberri is acceptable in these circumstances.
I miss out on all the bloated feelings that beer gives, the dreadful aftertaste, and the beer breath. Oh darn. I feel like I have finally reached adulthood now that I have come of age enough to have specific taste and opinions about the alcohol I ingest. Cheers to my favorite drink, and yours!
That is, until I discovered vodka. Vodka and I have made quick friends (no no, not like that!) so now when I reach our destination bar, I can quickly order a vodka soda, especially one of the flavored varieties, and be quite happy all night! Can I suggest a rootbeer vodka and soda? Or a sweet tea vodka and lemonade? Even Stoli raspberri is acceptable in these circumstances.
I miss out on all the bloated feelings that beer gives, the dreadful aftertaste, and the beer breath. Oh darn. I feel like I have finally reached adulthood now that I have come of age enough to have specific taste and opinions about the alcohol I ingest. Cheers to my favorite drink, and yours!
05 March 2010
Slicing and dicing
I like fruit, really I do. But I have this bad habit of buying a few apples/bananas/pears/etc and letting them sit around till they become putrid, instead of enjoying them at their prime. As much as I am not proud to admit it, I realized this stems from sheer laziness. Or mental block, depending on how you look at it.
There is a certain activation energy for me to pick up a piece of fruit - especially an apple-type fruit - and want to eat it. There is this mental obstacle that comes from some inexplicable place that causes a wave of disgust to rise inside me when I think of eating an apple directly off the core. Maybe it stems from getting apple skin caught in my teeth when eating that way, or maybe it's the stream of apple juice and detritus that dribbles down my arm, but either way there it is - I can't bring myself to do it.
It has taken me this long to realize my obstacle, and finally do the obvious thing: cut the darn apples before you actually want to eat them! I devoured 2 whole shingo pears over the past few days because I took the time to prep them for easy eating. And I LOVE that fruit too!
Part of the motivation for all this fruit-eating pleasure is the crazy diet that J and I are on for Lent again this year. We gave up refined sugar and refined flour, as well as red meat and caffeine, which leaves this girl's sweet tooth unsatisfied. We are allowed honey and agave nectar, which have been lifesavers when that craving was too great, but so far it hasn't been nearly as bad as last year's experiment. Granted, last year we also tried giving up white rice - which meant no sushi, and that was pretty much unacceptable, so we modified the restrictions a bit this time!
Back to the point, though, fresh fruit has been a really nice dessert option for us during this season that may actually continue past Lent this year. Some frozen berries (thawed, with a drizzle of agave) and plain yogurt have also been a delicious, and healthy, substitute for those nights when we would otherwise have had some chocolate or ice cream. (That being said, I look forward to having chocolate again. I am a girl, after all)
There is a certain activation energy for me to pick up a piece of fruit - especially an apple-type fruit - and want to eat it. There is this mental obstacle that comes from some inexplicable place that causes a wave of disgust to rise inside me when I think of eating an apple directly off the core. Maybe it stems from getting apple skin caught in my teeth when eating that way, or maybe it's the stream of apple juice and detritus that dribbles down my arm, but either way there it is - I can't bring myself to do it.
It has taken me this long to realize my obstacle, and finally do the obvious thing: cut the darn apples before you actually want to eat them! I devoured 2 whole shingo pears over the past few days because I took the time to prep them for easy eating. And I LOVE that fruit too!
Part of the motivation for all this fruit-eating pleasure is the crazy diet that J and I are on for Lent again this year. We gave up refined sugar and refined flour, as well as red meat and caffeine, which leaves this girl's sweet tooth unsatisfied. We are allowed honey and agave nectar, which have been lifesavers when that craving was too great, but so far it hasn't been nearly as bad as last year's experiment. Granted, last year we also tried giving up white rice - which meant no sushi, and that was pretty much unacceptable, so we modified the restrictions a bit this time!
Back to the point, though, fresh fruit has been a really nice dessert option for us during this season that may actually continue past Lent this year. Some frozen berries (thawed, with a drizzle of agave) and plain yogurt have also been a delicious, and healthy, substitute for those nights when we would otherwise have had some chocolate or ice cream. (That being said, I look forward to having chocolate again. I am a girl, after all)
15 February 2010
Hot smoky valentine's
J requested something chocolate for our dinner, so I consulted my stack of yet-to-be-tried magazine recipes for inspiration. We agreed upon a mocha-chocolate cake with chocolate marscapone frosting. It sounded amazing (and the pictures were even more mouthwatering!), so we ventured out to the store for some esoteric ingredients - marscapone and instant espresso powder - that don't usually grace our shelves.
Everything was going well, albeit a little hectic since I was making the cake and frosting simultaneously, until the cream that was coming to a boil on the stove did just that. It boiled, and boiled over before I could catch it! Needless to say, the cream was quickly removed from the heat, and I went about finishing the rest of the cake and frosting. I popped the thick, gooey cake layers in the oven and proceeded to the park with J and the dog to enjoy a little fresh air while the cake baked for 30 min. We got home just in time for the first timer to go off, and luckily the cakes needed a few more minutes so I took my damp coat and muddy shoes off and went back to the kitchen. At the second timer, the layers looked perfect and out they came, onto the stovetop. I thought nothing of it while I left them to cool, and sat down on the couch with my sweetheart. A few minutes later, though, he looked at me and said, something is burning. I could have sworn everything was turned off, but something was definitely charring, so I ran to the kitchen only to find that I had left the burner that had been heating the cream earlier on and it was now in the process of heating my cake layer!
I was horrified! J ran to my aid, and we attempted to rescue or salvage what we could of the burnt layer, but it was no use. The burnt aroma from the parchment paper/cake crumbs/pan had penetrated the entire thickness. No amount of cutting (or frosting) was going to make it better. The saving grace was that he was perfectly happy having a one-layer Valentine's Day cake instead, and the mocha marscapone frosting made up for the lack of a second layer. Here is to love (and chocolate) making all things better.
Everything was going well, albeit a little hectic since I was making the cake and frosting simultaneously, until the cream that was coming to a boil on the stove did just that. It boiled, and boiled over before I could catch it! Needless to say, the cream was quickly removed from the heat, and I went about finishing the rest of the cake and frosting. I popped the thick, gooey cake layers in the oven and proceeded to the park with J and the dog to enjoy a little fresh air while the cake baked for 30 min. We got home just in time for the first timer to go off, and luckily the cakes needed a few more minutes so I took my damp coat and muddy shoes off and went back to the kitchen. At the second timer, the layers looked perfect and out they came, onto the stovetop. I thought nothing of it while I left them to cool, and sat down on the couch with my sweetheart. A few minutes later, though, he looked at me and said, something is burning. I could have sworn everything was turned off, but something was definitely charring, so I ran to the kitchen only to find that I had left the burner that had been heating the cream earlier on and it was now in the process of heating my cake layer!
I was horrified! J ran to my aid, and we attempted to rescue or salvage what we could of the burnt layer, but it was no use. The burnt aroma from the parchment paper/cake crumbs/pan had penetrated the entire thickness. No amount of cutting (or frosting) was going to make it better. The saving grace was that he was perfectly happy having a one-layer Valentine's Day cake instead, and the mocha marscapone frosting made up for the lack of a second layer. Here is to love (and chocolate) making all things better.
08 February 2010
Getting back up again
I have a terrible confession to make: I fell off the diet horse last week.
I could attribute it to the pre-surgery stress, or the accumulation of my thesis project failures - this whole grad school thing has been a rollercoaster of emotions regarding success or failure of these grand ideas my advisor has - but quite honestly, whatever the underlying distractions, it does not excuse the extreme lack of willpower or qualifications I gave myself these past few days!
Here is to (falling but having the courage to) get back up again and face this week in a stronger, more resolute manner with my self-control! Take that, Mondays!
I could attribute it to the pre-surgery stress, or the accumulation of my thesis project failures - this whole grad school thing has been a rollercoaster of emotions regarding success or failure of these grand ideas my advisor has - but quite honestly, whatever the underlying distractions, it does not excuse the extreme lack of willpower or qualifications I gave myself these past few days!
Here is to (falling but having the courage to) get back up again and face this week in a stronger, more resolute manner with my self-control! Take that, Mondays!
28 January 2010
Take your vitamins!
When we were kids, my mom rarely made us take any vitamins since she assumed we were getting proper nutrition through her cooking. Vitamins were for those people who just didn't know how to eat right, or didn't want to. There were (and still are) Flinstones multivitamins for kids which are fabulous, but those are for kids, right? We adults suffer through swallowing foul tasting horse pills all in the name of good health, and until recently, I thought that was going to be my fate. Enter gummy vitamins.
Anyone who knows me should know I have a pretty serious affinity for gummy bears, or for that matter, almost anything gummy. Sour patch kids, gummy bears/cola bottles/frogs/etc. - they all tempt my palate! This newest spin on "taking care of yourself" is just what I needed to be a regular vitamin taker! I don't miss one morning of multi-vitamins or calcium now, all thanks to the ingenious little gummy vitamin bears. Now if only they could make flossing your teeth this much fun too!
Anyone who knows me should know I have a pretty serious affinity for gummy bears, or for that matter, almost anything gummy. Sour patch kids, gummy bears/cola bottles/frogs/etc. - they all tempt my palate! This newest spin on "taking care of yourself" is just what I needed to be a regular vitamin taker! I don't miss one morning of multi-vitamins or calcium now, all thanks to the ingenious little gummy vitamin bears. Now if only they could make flossing your teeth this much fun too!
21 January 2010
Day 5 and other rambling thoughts
It's midway through my 5th day of counting calories and valiantly trying to get to the gym regularly (2 times is better than none, right? It would have been 3 but I forgot my shorts on Wednesday...) Save for the *freakin'* raisin bran muffin from Costco - who would have thought a bran muffin would equal 600 calories? I thought these were good for you - I have made it through with pretty reasonable calorie counts this week. Every day except yesterday netted around 1400 calories, and I did not feel very hungry either. One of the biggest obstacles when you are dieting is feeling hungry or deprived!
I work in a few calories "wiggle room" so that I can have a piece of chocolate or a cookie here and there, which makes the rest of the journey seem not quite so bad! You can't feel that deprived at the end of the day when you finish with a Ferrero Rocher!
I work in a few calories "wiggle room" so that I can have a piece of chocolate or a cookie here and there, which makes the rest of the journey seem not quite so bad! You can't feel that deprived at the end of the day when you finish with a Ferrero Rocher!
18 January 2010
Looking behind, looking forward
January seems to always have something in store for me, and this year is no different. I started the year off in Manila with my boyfriend, his brothers, and a few of their friends. We drank bubbly in the hotel lobby bar while enjoying an 80's cover band interspersed with breaks played by a Beatles cover band. They were both pretty impressive and got a lot of people up and moving to their tunes!
After many, many miles, two planes, and a 13 hour drive, we arrived last Sunday evening to an icy, snowy Atlanta! Back to our little place, our kitchen, our own bed, and the comforts of routine. Monday morning found us back to work, and I was just plugging in my computer to get back to the daily grind of PhD work, when I stood up and felt something pop in my knee. Not just any knee, this was the same patella that was traumatized almost exactly 4 years ago. I hoped it was something minor, so I went about my day, but when Wednesday night came and I was still having popping (and mind-bending pain under certain circumstances) I finally admitted that this might need to involve a doctor. Thursday morning the sports doctor for Tech did some quick movement tests and took an x-ray, which confirmed that I most likely had torn the meniscus in my right knee.
For those of you who are not in the orthopedic field, your body has a nice cartilage layer between the femur and tibia/fibula that keeps your bones from rubbing together and causing you pain. This layer is essential for painless full-range motion in your knee joint. So I had to submit myself to my first MRI on Friday, and now I wait to get another appointment with my doctor to diagnose and start a course of treatment. Keep your fingers crossed that it doesn't involve surgery!
In other Januaries past, I have found myself falling in serious love for the first time (2004), falling off a moped (2006), and finally committing to a serious diet (2005). The most productive of the three was dieting, because I was able to look back in July at 25lbs that had gone from my hips!
5 years later, I find myself flirting with my previous weight on the scale which scares me. I thought once I lost it, I would not have to worry about gaining it back, at least until I had children! Since I have been talking about losing weight for at least 6 months now with little in the way of real progress, it seems that some public accountability is necessary. So, be it hereby known that as of today, I am committing to a regular diet and exercise regime so that I can be back to my goal fitness and weight by June! Just wait for the before and after pictures!
After many, many miles, two planes, and a 13 hour drive, we arrived last Sunday evening to an icy, snowy Atlanta! Back to our little place, our kitchen, our own bed, and the comforts of routine. Monday morning found us back to work, and I was just plugging in my computer to get back to the daily grind of PhD work, when I stood up and felt something pop in my knee. Not just any knee, this was the same patella that was traumatized almost exactly 4 years ago. I hoped it was something minor, so I went about my day, but when Wednesday night came and I was still having popping (and mind-bending pain under certain circumstances) I finally admitted that this might need to involve a doctor. Thursday morning the sports doctor for Tech did some quick movement tests and took an x-ray, which confirmed that I most likely had torn the meniscus in my right knee.
For those of you who are not in the orthopedic field, your body has a nice cartilage layer between the femur and tibia/fibula that keeps your bones from rubbing together and causing you pain. This layer is essential for painless full-range motion in your knee joint. So I had to submit myself to my first MRI on Friday, and now I wait to get another appointment with my doctor to diagnose and start a course of treatment. Keep your fingers crossed that it doesn't involve surgery!
In other Januaries past, I have found myself falling in serious love for the first time (2004), falling off a moped (2006), and finally committing to a serious diet (2005). The most productive of the three was dieting, because I was able to look back in July at 25lbs that had gone from my hips!
5 years later, I find myself flirting with my previous weight on the scale which scares me. I thought once I lost it, I would not have to worry about gaining it back, at least until I had children! Since I have been talking about losing weight for at least 6 months now with little in the way of real progress, it seems that some public accountability is necessary. So, be it hereby known that as of today, I am committing to a regular diet and exercise regime so that I can be back to my goal fitness and weight by June! Just wait for the before and after pictures!
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