Sunday Dinners

Sunday dinners are sacred in many homes. I can remember growing up in Santa Maria and every Sunday night without fail, we were at my grandparents (mom's parents) house enjoying a family dinner with any family in town that weekend. It would range from fresh vegetables (you haven't had a broccoli until you've tried California-fresh from the farm- broccoli!) and bbq ribs/steak/chicken and of course, some random filipino dish and of course...RICE! I can still remember those dinners coupled with some sunday night tv and cousin bonding. Well honestly, my cousins weren't so nice to me when I was younger, but thats another topic for another day.

Anyways, when I was at Salem, they had Sunday family style dinners as well. I loved the chicken cordon bleu and roasted potatoes! These family style dinners were phased out when the Rat was re-decorated my sophomore year and I think by then I was used to eating out on the weekends.

So when I was at USF I had a meal plan but on Sundays, I vowed to always cook myself dinner and enjoy it while I watched the ABC line up (Housewives and Grey's). I remember finding different recipes for me to try like Chicken Parmesan and various types of recipes. It was exciting to me to cook for myself and i truly enjoyed that time in the kitchen. And when I was in that Holly apartment--it was an amazing kitchen!!!

But when I moved to Kosove and at USC---I just had the smallest kitchens (I didnt even have an oven at USC!). The small kitchens were uninspiring and seriously made me feel sad. So I stopped my sunday traditions and just made due.

Well, now in my new apartment I have an amazing kitchen (Holly apartments was still the best though...)! Today, I officially resurrected my Sunday dinner tradition. Which brings me to the main part of my post...what did i eat???

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Baked Turkey & Mushroom Spaghetti (fat free cheese, wheat pasta, lean ground turkey, Prego)
Whole Wheat Bread w/Light Butter Sread & Garlic salt w/ parsley
Salad Mix w/ FF Raspbery-pecan dressing
1 glass of Pinot Noir
................and for dessert....Weight watchers Pineaple Dream--only 1 point!!!
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It was an amazing dinner! It was soooo delish!!! Can't wait to plan for next week :)

Pineapple Dream Recipe
Fat free vanilla pudding mix
1 cup of skim milk
Fat free plain yogurt
Fat free vanilla yogurt
1 can of crushed pineapple, drained

Mix it all together and refrigerate :)

Back to Counting...

Losing weight is tough. One of the hardest parts of losing weight and eating right is the counting. My last program required me to count fat grams which was fairly easy. WW is crazy tough because they use a program to calculate points. No bueno. I know the only way for me to really do this right is to track and to count. Ugh! For the most part, all I do is eat salads. Because as long as you use the right dressing, you can never go wrong with a salad.

Yesterday was my day to pick where to eat for the weekly AC lunch. I chose Zaxby's. But don't worry, I was good. I actually really enjoy their Grilled Chicken House Zalad. Especially since I can order that and get atleast 2 meals out of it since its so big. I just finished the second half actually for dinner.

I think what is difficult with the counting this time around is because I feel the need to snack a lot more than I used to. A piece of candy here, a bite of a cookie there, some gluten free crackers ;) after work. Its just so much more than I am used to! I really am not much of a snacker until recently. Yikes! Need to tighten up forreal.

Healthy Snacking

Currently de-stressing from work with a healthy snack. Instead of heading to the bar, trying to make it for happy hour, I'm chilling on my patio and enjoying the beautiful weather. On the right of me I have my ginger ale and multi grain gluten free crackers. Ginger Ale probably isn't that great but its caffeine free so that helps right? Lets hope.

I am really digging these new crackers. If you are interested, you can get them at Sam's Club and they taste great with a variety of cheese spreads and dips. They are fairly cheap and extremely filling! The best part is that it doesn't matter how much you eat, its healthy and low in calories :)

I am trying to be good today. I got a little too excited at one of my hall's programs and ate like 3 cupcakes! I know...horror of horrors. But it was with the kiddies so does that count? Yeah, not.

Ok, I'm off to do some walking with Teddy...he is getting lazy!

A brand new start....

Today is a start of a new day. I have made a big decision in my life. Call it a step in the right direction. I have also decided that this blog will document my new life. So get ready to see some new changes in my blog.

Anyways, I went to my first Weight Watchers meeting. I have struggled with my weight for a very long time. 2 years ago when I started my first professional position, I felt that it was time to take hold of my life and start to actively do my best to lose weight and change my life around. I did really well at first. I was monitoring my weight and I was hitting the gym atleast 4x a week. It worked. In a few long months, I lost 20 pounds. I had never looked better! (Trust me the pictures during that time were great!)

Unfortuantely, a break up, a new relationship and a newfound social life de-railed me. BAD. Basically, its been 2 years since I started that program and I am back to day 1. However, I learned a lot during that time. Things will be different this time around.

For one, I have a buddy. Its my grad student and we work in the same office. We plan to hold each other accountable and attend meetings together. Secondly, Its not going to be that big of a change. When I first started this journey 2 years ago, the whole concept of watching what you eat and reading labels was like being in another country. This time around, I know the good habits of eating...I just have to put it in practice. Finally, I have the confidence that I can do this if I put my mind to it. Last time around, losing weight was an unknown to me. But now...I know I can do it because I have done it. I remember the feeling of my pants being so loose on me that they practically were falling down. I remember how much energy I had everyday because I was working out and eating right. Oh...and I remember how clear my skin used to be....Most importantly, I remember the confidence I had. In fact, I think that confidence was what helped me take charge of my life and leave my ex and find my Prince :)

So yes, I am taking a larget step in a new life for me. Its going to be a long, hard road. But its a road that I am looking forward in taking.

The Dreamer vs. The Realist

C: "When I say the word 'wedding', what do you think?"

L: "Me, you, marriage, a ring"

C: "...and?"

L: "family, church, in Florida (and Angola), flowers, dancing..."

C: "...and?"

L: "a BIG Party!

L: "Ok, when I say the word 'wedding', what do you think?"

C: "Me, you, church, BILLS."

Summer Time = Travel Time

Yay for summer vacations and travel! Below are some of the trips I have planned so far:

June 17 - June 21: Chicago, IL and Madison, WI
July 3 - July 8: Boston, MA and Providence, RI

Once training starts it will be hard for me to get away. But hopefully I will still get to do some day/weekend trips to Charleston, Myrtle Beach (again!), Atlanta and maybe even Savannah. Would love to go back to Florida again...maybe will go if you make it down South Jowee???

Also, now that Tolu lives in New York...I am going to plan a trip there soon!

Ahhhh i love travelling!

Hang with the Goode family on Wednesdays at 9pm!

If you haven't caught The Goode Family yet then you do not know what you are missing! Its a lil of Family Guy, Beavis and Butthead, King of the Hill with a social conscience. It brings up so many green values that people should really listen to.

My green tip of the day would be to Get to know your neighbors. Get involved in your community. Make your neighborhood a better place to live. So don't be shy, go out there and introduce yourself to somebody! Attend a community meeting, a local event and buy from local vendors.

I am on this tip of trying to buy as much veggies and fruits from local farmers. I attend farmers markets and do my best to only shop at grocery stores that support SC farmers. SC is in a really bad state financially and I need to do my part to help boost the economy. Most importantly, its healthier and more socially conscious to buy from local farmers. Think about the low wages that 3rd world countries are paid to be laborers for cheap food? Also, what about the pesticides used to drive the product down in price? I know its hard when you have nothing in your bank account...trust me, I've been there. But the benefits outweigh the negatives in the long run. I am sure of it.

I can't say that I am completely different or have gone to the extreme. After all, as the Goode family motto states..."Its so hard being Good".

official start of the summer.

Since I have been in a Maymester course, I haven't really had a true summer yet. Until this past weekend of course :)

I got to spend some time at home. It was so refreshing to be at home and not have to worry about anything at work or even what to eat at dinner because everyone was feeding me! I enjoyed the warm weather. We went to the beach and I actually swam...which is something I haven't done at the beach in a long time!

C. and another friend came with me. We had the best time! Also, Teddy endured his first road trip and overall first trip to Florida. He got to meet his cousin Zee, which was not so pleasant. Needless to say, they are not fans of eachother. Zee is quite playful while Teddy likes to be by himself. At one point, Teddy almost bit Zee for constantly bugging him. Zee almost killed Teddy when he approached his bowl. But fortunately, both doggies escaped with any bruises!

Did lots of shopping :) C. bought me a hot white blazer that I plan to wear mucho this summer. Had some car troubles. Car got towed after a night of dancing at Clearwater beach. Plus on the way home, as C. turned a curve in the highway, he ran over a piece of a tire on the road :( no bueno for sure! Fortunately, we got home safe and sound and we'll see how much damage was made to the Beamie.

Now that I am home, I am rested but grungingly going to work tomorrow. I was sorta productive today...paid bills and bought my ticket to Chicago!!! Can't wait :)

Save the Kittens!

Ok, so you know I am not really a fan of kittens...but instead of kittens, think of your doggies Divas? How would you feel if Puumba's brother was sent to the landfill? Or Zee's? Sushi's? Rambo's?

Anyways, the history behind the video is that my friend Charles (the guy in the video) and I are in this Political Science class and we did this culture jam video to help educate people on recycling and spreading the word on how important it is to recycle!

Enjoy and help spread the message!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=86sW_9wc8s8

'Green' Candles

The Yankee Candle company, like other companies have dealt with a lot of backlash for having candles that use parrafin, a by product of crude oil. According to Lime.com, "burning a parrafin candle creates the same air quality as sitting behind a diesel truck inhaling exhaust fumes." When you paint a picture like that, it makes one think twice about burning candles.
Fortunately, there is a green alternative known as soy candles. Soy candles are made from soybean wax and are all natural. They are non-toxic, non-carcinogenic and have no lead or petroleum. Yankee Candle Company decided it was time to introduce a greener brand because as the Manager at the Yankee Candle store said "everyone was jumping on the green lifestyle bandwagon". The Beanswax collection is the only 'eco-friendly' product at Yankee Candle. There are over 8 scents and come in 3 different styles. All aspects of the candles (from the wicks to the jars) are recycleable. Also, on every candle jar are different eco facts and tips to educate the consumer and remind them that there is more ways to incorporate a green lifestyle beyond soy candles.

Soy candles burn cleaner than parrafin candles. Ever notice the soot after you burn a candle? Well with soy candles, the black soot will be no more! Parrafin candles also burn faster and hotter than soy candles. Overall, there are many disadvantages to parrafin candles.

The product claims to be made of 100% natural soy, 100% natural wicks, no dyes or artificial coloring and the jars are made of recycleable material and a renewable wood lid. After inspecting the product at the mall and researching reviews online, it seems that the claims are completely true! It seems as if this product is truly an aim at those interested in incorporating green candles in their lifestyle. Unfortunately, being green is not cheap. The beanswax collection's biggest drawback is the price. One online blogger (http://www.livingcheapandgreen.blogspot.com/) compared the prices of Swan Creek Candle (a soy candle company) and the Beanswax collection. For an 18 oz beanswax jar, the price is 24.99. The price for the most expensive candle at Swan Creek is 19.30 for a 24 oz candle. Clearly, while it is great that Yankee Candle has made an attempt to appeal to the consumers interested in helping keep our air clean, it is not ready to give up the costs.

My recommendations would be that Yankee Candle incorporate more green friendly products in their company. But the company has made some strides in trying to incorporate green initiatives. One way the company has done this is by reducing the size of their paper bags. Now, the medium bag is the same size as the previous small bag. Therefore, they were able to save more paper when they lowered the size of the bags. Currently, Yankee Company only has one 'eco friendly' product for sale. However, it would be great if they created a line of eco-friendly diffusers. Also, the candle accesories, such as voltive warmers and candle plates are not able to use the beanswax candles. Therefore, it would be great if the company could create beanswax tea candles so people could re-use the candle warmers and do not have to keep purchasing a new jar of beanswax candles. While the price is a huge downfall, I do believe that beanswax candles have some staying power in the company. The store employees were very knowledgeable about the product. They mentioned that when the new collection came out, each employee was required to watch a video on the new product as additional training. The video was around an hour long.

Overall, I was very impressed with the Yankee Candle Beanswax product. I am not sure if I would purchase this product because of the expense, but it definately educated me about soy candles and the differences between soy candles and parrafin candles. I will definately make every effort to purchase soy candles instead of parrafin from now on. I would reccommend the beanswax collection for anyone interested in buying soy candles. After all, they were the only soy candles found at the store. Fortunately, the soy candles collection can also be found at other retailers, such as Bed, Bath and Beyond--who also includes this line in their stores. I was also very impressed with the knowledge of the staff. They seemed to be very educated and trained about the product.

Yay 2009 graduates!

Congratulations to all the 2009 graduates! Another school year has come to an end. I have yet to find out my grade for OAG. It better be an A--i will not accept anything less.

Anyways, currently at a graduation cookout with C. I love his friends and when we get together its always slamming food. However, I am always the minority in these situations. For one, I am usually the only American...thus I am the only one that speaks English. Now it doesn't mean there is an influx in Angolans here in Cola--its more that internationals cling together like Asians, blacks, mexicans etc. So because of that factor--everyone is far more interesting and exotic that me...not used to that--i mean that was usually my job back in they day when I was the only non white & non black at parties.

This melting pot of languages and cultures makes me feel like an outsider sometimes. I guess I should get used to it--this is what Angola will be like if I end up moving there. Hopefully there I will have easy accessible internet to blog my feelings away. Good thing C is going to be a telecommunications engineer : )


Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Because I am not addicted enough....

I have decided to try the whole blogging on your blackberry feature. I figure if Rev Run can do it, so can I.

Doubt I will be posting in the tub like the Rev but I am sure this will keep me busy when I am out and about and quite bored!

Much love.

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Hoedown Throwdown

I will issue a disclaimer before I write about this topic. I have not seen the Hannah Montana movie yet. But one of my co-workers is obsessed with Hannah Montana and dragged a few of the girls to see the movie. They came back gushing about this new dance, the Hoedown Throwdown.

In case you too have not seen this, here are some helpful links:

Miley Cyrus Music Video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m_aRYNHjFr4

Miley's How to Video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6fRiT05TWwE&NR=1

So I figured I would google it and see what this craze is all about. Imagine that, Miley Cyrus already has a 'How to" video on this dance. Talk about strategic marketing!

Anyways, the dance is TOUGH. Why was I trying some of these dance moves in my office today? Oh dear! Some say it may be the next hot dance move at weddings, parties, etc. Even Hannah Montana herself says "If you're 5 or 82, this is something you can do". I am sure I will see this at the next Filipino party I attend. The little girls will start the craze and then in a few months, one of the titas will learn it in their dance class and then spread it each weekend at each party. Jessylee, let me know when your Mom learns it...please take pictures ;)

I wonder if the 'hoedown throwdown' will achieve the success of the hokey pokey, Cupid Shuffle, and my favorite...Cha-Cha Slide? Is this her attempt to have a song like her Daddy's Achy Breaky heart line dance? I guess we will see.

Until next time...Pop it, Lock it, Polka Dot it, Countryfy it then Hip hop it....

Hard Work Pays Off in the End!

So last week we had end of the year RA celebration. I was particluarly excited because my RA was going to be named RA of the year. They inform the supervisors prior to the event because one of the traditions is for the RA of the year to throw out the ceremonial first pitch at the home game. I was ecstatic that one of my studnets one...she has worked so hard this year and truly deserved the honor! It was a total surprise to my staff as well...who were in the dark until it was announced :)

Throughout the celebration, they announce recognition for different areas and buildings on campus. At the end, they announce the other department awards! I was very ecstatic of the outcome :

Patterson RA of the Year: Emily (my RA!)
RSLM Implementation of the Year: A.O. (my RA!)
Learning Community of the Year: Education Community (the community I advise!)
RA of the Year: Taylor (my RA!)
Advisor of the Year: Christie (my GRAD!!!)
Professional Staff Member of the Year: MEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My team won 5/6 of the department awards! The only one we didn't win was Live in Grad of the year...but the winner was Marissa who is in my area...so it was a Central Campus sweep! YAY :)

In a year of controversy and naysayers...it felt good to justify that my tactics, my supervision and my work were superior to others!

As tradition we get a brick commemorating our honor :)

Here are the bricks of all the awards my staff picked up!!!

Happy Easter, Passover, or just Sunday!

What a very busy weekend this was! Even though my apartment is a MESS...I got so many things accomplished and most importantly, i had fun!

Friday: Went with Nilsa, Rossana and Julia to plan our Easter dinner menu and shop at the International foods store for exotic foods :) Picked up macapuno, langka, pineapple gel, bihon noodles and other goodies for my dishes: pancit, carioca, fruit salad (filipino style) and plantains! Then hung out at Nilsa's while Cirio and the guys tried to pick her lock...only to have to call a locksmith who tried to do the same thing Cirio did but for like 2 seconds before he decided to just drill the hole. Note to self: locksmith's are totally good side jobs...i mean we paid $75 just for the guy to drill the hole and replace the knob...i mean seriously? After the locked door ordeal J stopped by my apartment and we scrapbooked a bit...yay! Then watched some stand-up comedy and I was in bed!

Saturday: Woke up early with every intent to do some shopping and alterations with the girls. Unfortunately, I was running a bit late....I kinda got sidetracked by Cirio...yeah ;) Anyways, around Noon we were right on track and the ladies and I went to get some new suits fitted and altered...i hate being short! `Then we stopped at Sam's Club to get last minute items for our dishes. After that, I cooked my dishes...pictures and recipes to come! After a few hours of cooking, Cirio picked me up and we headed to the Easter dinner party! We had so much fun...we didn't leave til like 2am...but thats pretty standard with the group of friends. Sooo much food too!

Sunday: Woke up early and hung out with my Teddy! Then I got ready for Church...had trouble finding an outfit...here in the South your Easter outfit must be bomb! But seriously some ladies looked a HOT MESS at church. I mean they had their boobs all out and stuff...I mean it was Mass...not freakin' the Club! Anyways, after church we all headed back to Rossana's again to warm up leftovers for lunch. Yummy again...hung out there for a bit. Then Cirio took me home and I took Teddy for a walk in the park and then gave him a bath. He is getting better at being in the bathtub...i think once he gets used to the weekly baths he will be fine. I actually like giving him baths. Oh and he got to wear his new tshirt that I bought him...sooo cuuuuuute. Its a baseball jersey thats Blue and Gray. I really want to buy him a Manchester United jersey though so he can match Cirio. LOL. Later tonight, Lamar stopped by to do some laundry and eat more of the fruit salad :) We watched a lil bit of TV and then Nayland stopped by. We had some good convo. After they left I did some cleaning and watching TV.

Busy busy weekend!

Another doggy

I don't know why but I have totally caught the doggy bug. I think I want another one...even though I won't get another one...I already know what kind of dog I get if I ever decide to get another one.

I would get a Maltese...they are sooo cute. I would get a female maltese because they get along very well with Lhasa Apsos (Teddy's breed). Its unfortunate because there is a cute Maltese that is up for adoption from the same place I got Teddy. I briefly had second thoughts about Teddy but then I see how much fun Teddy and Cirio have when they play and I know Cirio would not like the Maltese (he already thinks Teddy is too small...Maltese are much smaller!).

Sign. I can't believe I want a second dog.

Another day, another blog account

So I decided to jump the bandwagon. I have always been a fan of blogspot and I honestly only blog to keep up with mi familia, so it was only natural to jump the ship known as Tabulas :)

Congrats Jared, you are a trendsetter.

Anyways, life is going well. I think I am starting to hit a standstill in my job position. That is a bit worrysome to be honest. I've always been the kind of person that is always on the move...looking for bigger and better things. But now, I'm quite content with life. I don't make enough, but who does? So because its natural, I am actively looking at positions, but nothing has screamed 'the RIGHt fit' yet. Some have been interesting but I want to stay live-in and I want to keep Teddy. Unfortunately, some schools do not allow pets other than fish...so if I were to get such a position--I would have to give away Teddy. Even though sometimes I forget I have a doggy (don't get it twisted, I am a responsible dog guardian...I just get caught up in work), when I come home...I love giving Teddy hugs and make sure he is happy :)


Gah....I can't believe this. I actually care about my dog even when it hinders my career. Imagine that.