Sex and the body

Okay, before you read the title of this post and scoff and/or leave, hear me out. It's not just the gratuitous nudity of tonight's movie talking, I promise.

The other day in lecture we were speaking about the election. My teacher was mentioning the historic significance and the fact that, though it is an amazing stride in the right direction, we would be naiive to think that race relations are going to be perfectly smooth all over the country or that racism doesn't exist anymore. 

However, I'm getting to my p

oint in a very roundabout way. It's important to realize that, even in actions that seem like huge, positive societal changes, there are still damaging aspects. The feminine/sexual revolution is one of these instan

ces.

Women became more aware and educated. Contraception became widely available. Women achieved much progress including the eventual right to vote and (we're still workin on....) job equality. However; my professor mentioned something I never considered:

This time period also brought us Twiggy. My professor left it simply at that and told us to think about it. Well, I thought all right. What's the deal? Once we're able to safely have sex we become commodities? Now that women are able to sexually declare independence, body image and appearance become important. We were forced to appeal to men now that the emphasis changed from house and home to freer demonstrations of love. 

Or is it predominately a control issue?  It seems that as soon as women felt they had the ability to assert themselves in the sexual aspect of their life, all of a sudden appearance thrust it's way to the forefront. Women are able to be strong in their personal and political lives: love, vote, work- now this sense of perfection pervades the physical as well and we assert control over out bodies. Since we all have the opportunities to show our power in these non-physical ways, it seems as if it has become a competition or show of strength assert will power through physical appearance. Women now show how strong they are through their fitness/lack thereof, and I don't know about you, but that seems a bit skewed to me.

I could be rambling and getting this wrong because it's about half past midnight and I've had a long day- but shouldn't us women band together to accept our bodies and find better, more powerful ways to assert our abilities and independence? 

How do you show your strength?

annoyed/great

Started off great! We went to a mexican food place that seemed really authentic- one of their meat options is Tongue and another is Brain... intense. I had just eaten lunch a couple hours earlier (as I had thought we were doing movie/wander first) so I got something I always get anyway when it's an option: 

A ceviche tostada!! I absolutely adore good ceviche; it's had to do right and have it taste fresh, but this one was ideal. I also split a side order of black beans with my roommate. Not too many veggies tonight, but I've been pretty good about getting them throughout the week. Plus, it's the farmers market tomorrow which will be produce love!

Tonight has been full of 

ups and downs. I guess that not everyone was raised with the same idea that if you tell someone you're going to be somewhere, you stay there so they don't worry- or at least have your phone on! This happened to me today when one of my roommates and I stopped by New Leaf. 

This store is awesome and being expanded, by the way!

I needed to go next door to look at vitamins really quick and asked if he would still be wandering the store in about five minutes... he said sure, just look for him, he'd be there. Literally three minutes later I came back (the woman at the vitamin store creeped me out) and he was no where to be found! I called his phone 8 times, stalkerish i know, called his sister who said "oh, I thought he was with you" and this went on for about 15 minutes. 

I mean, it's just about courtesy and respect at that point. I don't know, it sort of hurt me and felt like he didn't respect my feelings enough to let me know- especially because I worried. Then when we found him later he refused to acknowledge anything and said he had been at the store, didn't see me, so left for a different store we had talked about going to. I was pretty upset (and my have started tearing up- it's been a day where I've felt pretty disrespected) so I just asked him to next time let me know if he decides to be somewhere different that he said he would be and he staunchly insisted that he had been there the whole time. I mean, is it so hard to just say 'okay, sorry?' 

Oh well. I shook it off by having some "African Red Bush" tea from starbucks (I had a gift card!). Can you believe that they already use holiday cups? It almost makes me sad- what happened to thanksgiving?

 Also, story: my mom and I both got African Red Bush tea once and, when the baristo (what do you call a female barista... I should know this, being a barista, haha) called our order he just yelled "Ladies, I've got your Red Bush riiiight here!"

Ummm, yeah that sounds a little.... off, haha! We couldn't stop giggling about it for about an hour as we were wandering a book store- ah memories.

We went to go see Role Models and it was so funny!!! Seriously, I was laughing nearly the entire time-literally- my cheeks hurt. There was definitely gratuitous nudity (in these types of movies, when are there not?) but also witty banter and a touching side. I highly recommend it. Not to mention I'm SO glad Paul Rudd is in a ton of films again because I had the biggest crush on him in Clueless!

We've just gotten home and now I'm settling down with a Caramel Apple yogurt with a couple heaping tablespoons of sliced almonds stirred in. Nice dessert after a light dinner. I'm off to watch "The soup" (I have a huge crush on Joel McHale, alas, he's taken-and so am I, haha) but I promise I'll be on later to get to your comments and maybe do a little post on women/body image that I've been thinking about. Thanks so much for everything before- you girls are so sweet and make me feel so welcome and, well, that my feelings were kind of justified and I wasn't just being crazy. I guess I just haven't lived with other people (other than my parents) before and it takes a bit of adjusting, on Everyone's part.

Q: What was your first experience living with roommates and/or away from home like?

Pre-dinner update

I'm keepin it quick because apparently everyone's waiting on me for dinner and I just got out of class, yikes!

I thought we were going to the matinee to save money but apparently everyone voted without me and we're actually going to a later show. 

Also, I thought we were hanging out downtown getting dinner afterwards but apparently everyone voted and I lost and now we're eating early.

What type of tree is this???

So it sucks that I ate so much recently because I'm super full and can't even think about dinner yet- so I wish someone would have told me when I asked this morning.

It sounds like I'm pretty bitter- and I guess I'm just feeling a little ignored/out of the loop/not part of the group. I don't know, I just thought there was a plan set and it turns out there is, but not the one I thought at all, so I'm feeling a little thrown off.

Sorry to sound like such a downer this post- I just don't like being rushed and prefer to have a plan; however, as I'm learning as I go through life: plans change- and that's okay!

Thanks for understanding you guys!! I appreciate your comments so incredibly much and I cannot wait to relax and get to them later. They really mean a lot to me. I'm going to wind down and try to go with the flow... I'm working on it ;)

Fantastic Friday

I got a good night's sleep (for me anyway)- huzzah! Man it's been hard to roll out of bed this morning so I'm taking the opportunity to wake up slow. I woke up at around 7 but managed to laze in bed until 830ish just being comfy= worth it. 

Did some light stretching, put on some tea and am now sitting down with a big bowl of oats (applesauce, cinnamon, and chopped almonds with some nonfat milk), a my giant mug of green tea, and a little bowl of 1/2 cup yogurt and frozen berries (apparently I was in the mood for a bit of fruit). It's ideal. I can't find my camera amid the clothes strewn on my floor right now, but it isn't very photogenic anyway. Funny, I've always been a believer in the "you eat with your eyes first" concept; but now I find myself trying to make my food look even more appealing than usual ;)

(I am NOT this good, :) but bendy-ish. I have horrifying balance, haha)

I think I'll take it easy today work out wise- I'm a bit sore from impromptu bootcamp- or maybe do a quick indoor circuit and some yoga. Does anyone know a good website with yoga routines? Preferably free? I've either been just going with moves in my head that I already know or using youtube, but I wouldn't mind trying a video of some sort.

For lunch, I packed a sandwich on Arnolds Double Fiber bread with babaganoosh, artichoke hearts, turkey ham, rice cheese (trying it because the actual cheese I've been using lately has given me Horrible stomach cramps), and spinach. Also, I'm bringing an apple (the last in the bag :( Good thin it's the farmers market tomorrow- bad thing it's supposed to be raining) which I'll hopefully munch on Walking to campus, if the weather holds. 

Tonight is 'friday adventure' with the roommates- they have a tradition of seeing a movie and going out to dinner every friday. It hurts the ol' college budget, but I think it may be worth the splurge ;) I mean, I work! It's tough being a student these days, haha. I think we're going to go see Role Models (I'm pushing for a matinee showing) and then going to a mexican food place they know. 

It's interesting because they've all been going to school here 2-5 years and I'm brand new so I feel like they're constantly giving me a tour! It's nice because honestly, I don't know where things are; however, I'm a bit independent and wouldn't mind doing a little exploration without always having a schedule... but how to bring it up without seeming ungrateful? Ah, I think if I didn't have them showing me around I'd probably get bored pretty dang quick and they always let me go in somewhere that I think 'looks interesting' anyway. Hopefully after dinner we'll get a chance to wander the Huge Borders downtown- bookstores rank among my favorite things.  

I found this article on yahoo about ways to be happier. Though I am a generally happy person, I think it's always good to have little reminders/affirmations just to reassure and remind ourselves of not only how lucky we truly are, but that we are also unique human beings.

Question...? What makes You happy?

- an energizing work out        - food that's good for the body and soul      

-speaking on the phone with someone I love      - laughter that you can't seem to stop

- puppies    - something I've worked on that I'm proud of (finishing the crossword puzzle!)

-listening to stories from other generations       -a good book     

-when my friends succeed

the list goes on, but those are the first that come to mind.

Have a fantastic friday everyone!

Inspiration

Turning in my paper went great! I'm actually proud of it. Unfortunately, I was a bit distracted during lecture- too bad because it was interesting; however, guess what I was distracted with...

The new schedule of classes for winter! It came out today and, well, I'm a bit of a planner. I was sort of looking through the schedule the whole time trying to see what would work and put together one I'm really happy with- hope they're still open and I get those classes!! Afterwards my friend picked me up and we went to the store:

I've been seeing brussell sprouts all over the blogging world and wanted some so badly it was painful. I bought those fresh along with having the end of my white asparagus and a salmon patty seasoned with dill and lemon pepper, all on top of a couple cups of spinach. I threw everything on the grill pan- yay for one pot/pan meals! Spinach is amazing for all the iron and vitamins it provides- green leafy veggies are the best! Also awesome=these salmon patties. 

They are available at Trader Joe's and next time I'm there I promise I'll get a picture of the packaging and do a formal review post. The ingredients are simply salmon and salt, frozen, and you thaw (or not) and make however your favorite way to make salmon is. Only down side? They are a little small if you're not having it on a bun or two slices of bread so I usually make two. Today I went back for 1/2 of the second patty as well as a piece of toast- Arnold's Double Fiber. Sorry for the lack of picture, it was mid dinner and I didn't want to interrupt the vibe ;)

Now I'm watching Grey's Anatomy with my roommates and have a Caramel Apple yogurt chillin in the freezer for later. I have some reading that I really should get done, but overall nothing that I have to stress about for tomorrow- such a relief. Hope you all have a fantastic and relaxing night!

Question of the day: Any T.V. shows that you watch? Why? I find most of the time I watch shows that my roommates like pretty much just as an activity to do with them. The only shows I actually 'like' are usually in the mornings (the news, sometimes rachel ray, and price is right); however, nothing I absolutely cannot miss. Although I must admit, I Love jeopardy, wheel of fortune, and antique's roadshow! *embarrassed* They're nothing I'd plan my day around, but if I happen to be flipping channels and see one of them I know what I'm doing for the next half hour. 

sooo over it

So it's a good thing I finished ;)

I'm way relieved. I just finished formatting and finishing checking grammar and other errors (actually, my favorite part) on my tri-term. Overall I'm really pleased with it- this should be what matters; however, in school, you do work for a grade. Alas. UC Santa Cruz only just implemented letter grades a few years ago. It used to be based on teacher evaluations. Some believed it actually encouraged better, more thorough work- But it made it really hard to get into grad school so they 'caught up with the times.' 

I ate the other half of the above trail mix I bought at the cafe a couple of days ago and then had a yogurt and apple to round out the tri-fecta (wow, I'm so fixated on tri's because of that paper, haha).  Unfortunately I was too preoccupied to photo it this morning. 

I finished just in time to catch the end of Price is Right; I guess Drew Carey is an alright substitute, but how I miss good ol' Bob Barker! Now, time to relax, print my paper, and check some blogs. I'm hoping to get in a quick version of Meghann's bootcamp today. It might have to be an indoor version unless the weather clears up a bit. I also still have other schoolwork to do, but the stress is off!

In preparation for very wet weather my mom sent me rain boots! I feel like an awesome lumerjack and had to share- thanks mom. Actually, she doesn't know about this blog. Do your family and friends know about your blogs? How did they react to it, both at first and in time? I keep vacillating between wanting to share with my mom/sis/friends and wanting to keep it just amongst the blog worlds because I feel like I can be exceptionally honest. 

Update (2pm): I was so glad I finished that I decided to go on a five minute walk to the park down the road. I took my book for my class tomorrow with me in hopes that I would still be feeling motivated. Well, a different sort of motivation took hold: the motivation to move! I didn't do much, but I was inspired by Meghann's bootcamp work-out. I did a few jumping jacks and then eased into various body weight strength exercises including: pushups (on my knees :( I can do more that way, but I'm slowly working my way up), squats, crunches, reverse push ups, step ups, reverse crunches (which kicked my butt), and about 5 short suicides. I only did about 15 of each exercise, but I didn't stop in between and it felt good to be outside and get my heart rate up (for however short a time) after being trapped inside with the tri-term.

Yup, this is what I turn into after lack of sleep/paper stress- it's attractive, I know.

Also, I wear contacts or glasses pretty much 100% of the time; I have incredibly poor vision.

Look at the SIZE of this pear (capitalized in order to emphasize the tiny-ness!). I saw them at new leaf and was so amused that I asked the staff about them. Well, score one for customer service- they gave me a couple of them for free! They're really good. They taste a little smoother and sweeter than a regular pear. I don't quite remember what they're called, but it starts with a 'v'.... haha, sorry. I'll check next time I'm at the store.

For lunch I had a sandwich with turkey ham, swiss, babaganoosh, spinach and tomato on two slices of Arnolds High-Fiber bread. It's just as good as the protein variety but has a heartier taste- perhaps it's just because I didn't toast it? Either way, I love them both for different reasons; but this lunch benefitted from the extra fiber as opposed to extra protein. On the side I snacked on celery filled with babaganoosh- I'm trying to use it up before it goes bad.

Off to go turn in that paper and go to a couple classes- fun fun. See you later!

over the hump?

For me? Not quite. Just a warning: posting/eating may be a bit sporadic today. I actually slept a bit better which is great because I need to be mentally rested to be able to focus on this tri-term I'm writing (40% of my grade-eek!). I have the length of the paper but don't feel like I've really addressed or proved my thesis effectively- I've hardly gotten to my argument yet! Looks like a bit more writing and then some hardcore editing is in order. Woke up a bit early to use the restroom, but I decided I'm just going to stay up and do something for Me for about a half hour- probably check blogs while watching the news, that'll start the morning off right ;)

Made a cup of PG Tips black tea with half a packet of equal in it. Usually I like my tea black but I felt like making it more of a treat/spoiling myself this morning. When I visit my boyfriend in England everyone makes so much fun of me- apparently it's unheard of to drink black tea! I also have a big ol' cup of water and a bowl of trail mix within munching distance for some brain food. I should probably divide the bowl into portions because, though I've gotten better at estimating and portion control over the years, there's something about nuts/dried fruit that always leads to confusion; probably just cause they're so yummy!

Last night I ended up having one of my favorite yogurt flavors: caramel apple. This lucerne brand seems to have little bits of apple in it; very tasty and not too sweet for a flavored yogurt because they're going for the taste of a tart green apple. 

long night, not over yet

Whew, finally home. On the way back to school I snagged another apple and my water bottle for the bus.

I decided to take a picture of it balancing majestically on my Beckmann's bottle for a bit of a visionary feast ;)

Also, I packed a snack of a little mess:  1/2 cup yogurt, 1/4 cup fiber one, a few chopped almonds and a handful of frozen fruit (blackberry/raspberry/blueberry medley!). The frozen fruit actually kept it cold for a couple hours till I was ready for a snack- Ideal.

Unfortunately I forgot to take an 'in progress picture' so you can check out my dirty dishes :( sorry

Part of the reason I think I was distracted from taking a picture is I was between classes and all ready to work on my paper. I thought I had brought everything I needed and it turned out that I Didn't bring the paper with my thesis and all the quotes (complete with page numbers) I planned on using, as well as the prompt- D'oh! At least I had the opportunity to gaze at this:

I knew that I had to crack into my Arnold's stash at some point today and just the thought had sustained me through my long class. I got home at about 7:30 and couldn't decide what type of sandwich I wanted... well, I couldn't make Two! So I had one of each I was craving-open faced :)

The first has mustard, turkey, mozzarella, artichoke hearts and spinach. Sammie #2 got a super generous spread of homemade babaganoosh, parmesean, some celery for crunch, and more spinach. Both were on Amazing Arnold's Double Protein bread. This bread was so light and fluffy, with the texture of seeds and whole-wheat goodness. I think it ended up seeming lighter because I grilled on one side, flipped, and added the toppings to each so that they would heat through and the cheese would get all bubbly. I think that this would be a great lunch too due to all the protein- I mean, there was 14 grams in the bread alone; not to mention cheese and turkey, and even artichoke hearts! I feel beyond full and satisfied.

Of course, that doesn't mean I won't be back for a yogurt snack later (I ended up going for gingerbread again last night)- especially since I'm on page 2 of 9 for my tri-term of fun and excitement! But first, on to comment on some fave ladies;)

sleepless

hmmm, 413 a.m.... odd.... I'll use this sleepless night for some quality paper writing time I guess and hope to get to bed early tomorrow. I'm also cutting out all caffeine after 2pm. It never really affected me before (and I worked at a coffee shop!) but at this point I'm willing to try anything! Does anyone have any more natural remedies for sleeplessness?

Update: Good actual morning! I ended up getting to sleep a little after 5 and wrote around half of my paper! I'm now rushing rushing to school because Wednesday is my early start-late night day. I woolfed down a bowl of oats (HATE rushing food) and since I"ve been seeing a few other bloggers put cereal on it for a bit o texture I decided to try. Unfortunately all we had are rice crispies and they ended up being a bit of a sog-fest haha! I'm bringing an apple and some almonds to section with me and should be back home later with a bit of time to vaccuum and such. Hope you're all having an exciting hump day- let's make it through so the week's half over ;)

Update: My section was good- except it's nearly too early to think. Plus, as I got out I got to see this:

Yes, that would be my bus (and I, not on it, haha). Luckily it's a really nice day out. Sunny and bright but very cold and slightly windy. Crisp and fallish, I'd call it. I walked home with a view of the bay in my sights. It was really gorgeous and the perfect way to sort my paper thoughts and clear my head before having to come home and write some more! Only I kind of wished I had a hat which covered my ears after about a half hour, but I was a few steps away from home, so it wasn't bad at all. 

For lunch I needed something I could just stick in the oven and forget about till it was done.

I made a pizza on a whole wheat tortilla with chicken, spinach, tomato sauce, mozzarella, and 'no-salt garlic and herb' spice. It was warm and satisfying- perfect for a blustery day.

Off to write some more- I really want to get this done so I can relax tonight- plus, I still have two more classes to go so this is sort of the opportunity... Hope your wednesday's going by quickly!

comfort...

Sometimes when I think comfort I think of noodles, so that's just what I whipped up. Though it hasn't been a particularly harrowing day it has seemed really long and I kind of just wanted to curl up and watch election coverage with a warm blanket and a warmer meal- mission accomplished!

Perhaps I was craving it a little too much because that's definitely my 'family sized' wok you see overflowing with noodle goodness- so much for trying out a slice of bread with dinner! Often I like to keep it to one predominate type of grain in a meal. It's all healthy ingredients. Lots of summer squash, a veggie sausage, mushrooms, garlic, onion, spinach and leftover whole wheat spaghetti. I sauteed it all in some rice vinegar and mustard- a surprisingly refreshing combo- and added a ton of pepper as well as red pepper flakes. It ended up being spicy, heartwarming and just what I was craving.

Off to go type up the paper I managed to start on!! Hope you all have a great election night.

Oh yeah, just take it for granted I'll probably have a gingerbread yogurt again tonight ;)

Can't wait to try my ARNOLD BREAD tomorrow!!

MAIL!!!

Okay, Super quickly before I go make dinner.... LOOK WHAT I CAME HOME TO:

Tina, from the amazing blog CarrotsnCake, held a contest about a week ago to win Arnold's new bread. Did I mention I was picked?! It's perfect since they don't sell the Arnold's bread line anywhere even nearly close to me (I know, I checked the website, haha). I can finally stop complaining! (although I don't know where I'm going to find some sandwich thins :(  haha, get an inch, want a mile, I guess!)

(Me, Clutching my loaves in ecstacy!)

I absolutely love getting mail, packages, magazines- even some advertisements. I think that the art of letter writing is really getting lost and it makes me so sad. Every time I open the mail box and get a little note (no, i don't always get amazing packages like loaves of bread) it absolutely makes my entire day. That's why my parents, sister, grandparents, a couple of friends, and boyfriend and I make it a priority to write letters. Believe it or not, stamps are actually getting more and more expensive (probably with rising fuel costs); however, each time I get a little 'hello, I miss you' card or sweet button from my sister (I'll show you a picture of it later!) my joy far exceeds 32 cents!!

Okay, I'm hungry so I'm off to make dinner, but I HAD to share. And I promise, I'll get to  your (two...) comments after dinner, haha- those make my night more immediately than letters!

not Quite as planned

Work was fine but long. I did manage to get a start on my paper beast for a lecture class on Goethe and do some studying for my education class. I'm minoring in education, not because I want to teach (I don't, though respect those that do-my momma's a teacher!) but because I think it really focuses on how to relate or present information to people which is always a good skill to have.
I didn't quite make it to the gym because one of my contacts acting up today so I would be constantly prodding my eye (not great in a setting where a lot of people go in and out). Also, I'm still feeling a bit tired/achy/off and I'm trying to get into the habit of listening to my body. Unfortunately that means I'm dealing with feeling a bit lazy/guilty/still in a funk; however, I did a few sets of sit ups/crunches this morning after I posted to help me wake up and I think it helped overall too.50 standard crunches

50 on left side, then same on right side

25 standard

(not much, but I was pressed for time and needed to perk up-that helped more than caffeine!)

Plus... most importantly... I asserted my rights as a U.S. Citizen!

(Picture to be inserted lata ;) )

My dad is a Swedish immigrant and therefore unable to vote so he's always reinforced how much of a privilege it is that we have this opportunity.

So I can check off work, voting, and a bit of paper writing... on to a bit more before class; and prior to that I'll be able to check off 'blog checking' too!

Goooood....

Morning, Good morning, I've tossed and turned the whole night through good morning, good morning, to you!!!

I'm not sure why I haven't gotten any sleep... but I have a few theories ;)

1. I'm super nervous/excited about the election. I'm not sure what people will talk about now that it's coming to a close, but I'm interested to find out. No matter which candidate wins I think that both know that something needs to change.

2. I can't help it, I still get nervous about pleasing teachers/people and being judged when it comes to writing. It's a shame because you should want to share an activity that you love. I guess that's still the self-conscious side of me that could do with a bit of building up.

(The busy bee)

3. Tuesdays and Wednesdays are my busiest days of the week. Work/lecture on Tuesdays and class from 8-7 on Wednesdays lead to plenty of anticipation.

However, I think the culprit may in fact be

yup, the incredible amount of tea (both decaf and non) I drink

I am literally up about 4 times a night because of all the liquid I consume during the day- but it's so cold here! How else am I supposed to stay warm at night? Plus, I'm a big water drinker and love having something to sip on throughout the day. I think I'm going to instigate a 'no liquids after 6p.m.' policy or something... :( What do you guys do when you just cannot sleep?

In less complainy news (because believe it or not, I usually do like to start off my day on the Right side of the bed! Haha) it looks like the whole world is excited for the election- even the sun came out. I haven't stepped outside yet, but it looks like one of those crisp, sunny days.

For breakfast I had a quick bowl of raisin bran with soymilk and I'm taking a big Newton Pippin apple to munch on before work. I made a wrap with some homemade babaganoosh (felt festive since the bsi this week is eggplant- even if I'm not going to participate I couldn't help but be excited- it's a great pick!), turkey, tomato, spinach and artichoke hearts. Sound like an odd combo? It is, but the flavors actually compliment each other really well (in my opinion, that is).

This is me, on no endorphins

Hopefully between work, paper writing, class and voting I'll be able to quickly hit the gym for a mini strength sesh. I'm trying really hard not to fixate on exercise because I know that, in the past, I have used it as a coping mechanism to an unhealthy extent. However, it is something that makes me feel good and I definitely don't want to cut it out completely (for both physical health And sanity!). I've felt like such a lazy bum lately and it's gotten me into a bit of a funk, so here's to getting out of the funk (both with this new election start and in our personal lives!!!)

expand holiday horizons

When I saw gingerbread flavored yogurt at the store I decided to jump in feet first (and picked up 4... too eager?). Tonight was the first time I dug into one. The verdict: slightly too sweet for my taste, but definitely not unbearably so. It's seasonal and I'll enjoy it with the season but I won't be stocking up my freezer like I'm tempted to do with some seasonal items ;)

Hope you're all having a nice night in preparation for everything to be hectic with tomorrow's election!

long rainy day

Hey everyone- we're watching wheel of fortune right now so I'll attempt to keep this relatively quick. I have been lazy all day and am feeling pretty gross about it. I've either been sitting in class or sitting on the bus and am trying to remind myself that sometimes these days just happen :(

Snacked on an apple while bussing it to school. I forgot to take a picture, so I went ahead and posted the one I tried to a while ago showing just how thoroughly I enjoy a good apple!

My first class was great. I got our first tri-term back and ended up doing really well, so hopefully that will take some pressure off of the next one! Unfortunately, that's not the class for which the current paper I'm working on is due... alas. I knew that I needed some good brain fuel for my meeting with the T.A. about this paper so I stopped by the cafe for...

some trail mix fun and excitement

This mix consists of sunflower seeds, raisins, cashews, peanuts, and dried blueberries.

 Throughout the day I finished about half of it. While walking to the library (in the rain!) I also had half a sandwich.

Ham, swiss, lettuce and tomato on Marble Rye

This bread was amazing. In fact, it's pretty much the reason I chose this sandwich as I usually don't love ham. I really dislike eating on the run, but some days there's no other option.

My meeting with the T.A. helped a ton!! The paper's still going to be a lot of work, naturally, but I'm comfortable with my thesis and excited with where it could go. Plus, I offered the T.A. a bite of my trail mix And shared my umbrella- he owes me ;) We got so wrapped up in the topic that, by the time I looked at my phone/watch, I was late for my huge lecture! Well, I'm gonna admit it to you guys- I ditched *shrug* I had been damp and lazy all day and was underdressed for the cold, and by the time I made it to where the class was I spotted the only bus that goes to my house. What's a gal to do? 

Plus, I was way too excited to come home and make some brain food. I grilled up 5oz of salmon that I had seasoned with copious amounts of dill and a bit of spicy brown mustard. Being part Swedish, I love me some dill! Since I had the grill pan out already I prepared white asparagus my favorite way- they become so sweet and tender when grilled. I also sauteed up zucchini, yellow squash, mushrooms, onions and garlic and laid it all on a few cups of spinach. The healthy fat in the salmon should keep my mind active for a late brainstorming extravaganza- and I may be back for something sweet later... guess we'll see. But for now I'm going to lurk a bit and check my fave blogs!

cooking to procrastinate...

I'm stressing about this paper. It's odd because I'm so used to just 'doing well' naturally (I just reread that and it sounds super stuck up, but it's not meant to be, honest) and, though I know it will all work out once I'm able to focus, I like this professor a lot and don't want to disappoint her. However, she doesn't even read the paper! In community college we never had 'Discussion Sections' so the person doing the lecture was the one who gave feedback. Here, with insanely large classes, the Teacher's Assistants do all the grading so I'm not sure whether their opinions or interests match the teacher's own, the aspects of the text they would prefer to focus on, etc.

It's just a different, not as interactive dynamic and I'm not sure I like it as well. I think that I prefer situations in which a student and professor can actually have some sort of repartee and relate to each other... but maybe I'm living in a bit of an idealistic world. 

(my bed, located in the dining-nook... don't ask)

I woke up early. I don't mind getting up early as long as it's what my body wants; however, when I need to set an alarm it makes everything seem more difficult, haha. Read and researched a little bit and decided to take a break to cook. It is quite literally a three yard stumble from my bed to the kitchen, so the temptation to cook/procrastinate won out.

la diner

I was craving veggies for some reason so I made a tofu scramble with 1/2 block of tofu, celery, spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, onion, and garlic. All that chopping served as a great distraction. I seasoned it with tons of tumeric along with  'salt' and pepper. I love the combo of tumeric and tofu. First off, tumeric is great for you and (if I remember correctly) a bit of an anti-inflammatory and lowers cholesterol; plus it makes the tofu appear like eggs, which doesn't matter that much to me but is still pretty cool. I probably would have made this with egg if we had any, but it came out just as good, if not better. 

tumeric, one of my faves

This actually ended up being a ton of food for the morning, perhaps next time I'll cut it down to 1/4 block and/or save some. Sorry for the lack of picture- I need to locate my camera after yesterdays picture taking festivities :) I'm trying to satiate you guys with pics of my place/other things, haha. Naturally, I've had 3 cups of tea already! Two of them were PG Tips which I got hooked on the first time I visited my Aunt in England.

Best Breakfast Tea ever!

And the one I'm nursing right now is Pomegranate Green Tea. Both black and green teas have many (and different) anti-oxidants so I try not to play favorites ;)

Okay, going to do a quick check of blogs before Being Productive