Friday, October 31, 2008
B-E-A-UTIFUL Day Today
...If only the weather could be in the mid- to high-60s all the time - when it's not summer.
Follow-Up
So my adviser basically told me today that I have plenty of room to play around with classes during my 2 1/2 remaining years here. I've been dying to take an art history class & a sculpture class. I might even look into food science courses that have no pre-reqs. There's plenty of breathing room & plenty of time for fun abroad. Maybe I'll lighten my course load over there and spend a lot of time traveling - and enjoying Oktoberfest. I know of one friend who will hopefully be in Germany all year and a friend who will be coming to Spain spring semester, so I'd like to see them in a completely new world. My family has also talked about visiting me at the end of my stay.
Figuring out - or at least pretending to figure out - my future really puts my mind at ease and lowers my stress level. Things could change drastically for all I know, but for now I feel like I've just poured the concrete and am waiting for it to set.
Figuring out - or at least pretending to figure out - my future really puts my mind at ease and lowers my stress level. Things could change drastically for all I know, but for now I feel like I've just poured the concrete and am waiting for it to set.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Future Schooling
I realized tonight I can really have fun in Belgium. Even if I major in Entre and minor in OMS, I will only be taking 4 credits my final semester of senior year. Maybe I can use that opportunity to engage in Entrepreneurship in Action. I am just relieved to see that even though I feel behind my classmates, I could graduate early! I'm less stressed about making things work overseas, although I'm going to try my best to squeeze out every last credit. I would really like to minor in nutrition, but it would add way too many classes to my schedule and I would end up graduating late, I think. I thought about a minor in French, but would that really help me at all? I also thought about an International Business co-major, but I don't see that coming into play in my future plans. I will talk it all over with my adviser tomorrow!
The Mess Maker Baker
Busy at work tonight. By work, I mean my kitchen, doing what I love the most.
Made: ginger cookies, cookies & cream cupcakes, more granola, and popped some popcorn by hand. Tomorrow I'll be frosting more cupcakes, making rocky road brownies, and turning that popcorn into candy corn popcorn balls for a party on Friday.
I really am the mess maker baker:
...This is after I did most of the dishes.
That quote from my last entry really applies. I'm staying up late but I'm making $$$! And I couldn't be happier to be losing sleep on this.
Today in Entre Club I was introduced to the president of Granite City Restaurant & Brewery, who graduated from the Culinary Institute of Arts (aka my dream culinary school that will cost me $50,000 for 2 years). I asked him if it was worth it to go there and he replied that it was his best decision in his career. He is going to be putting me in contact with a recent graduate from their baking program. I'm so excited!
My aunt, also my massage therapist, offered to set me up with a session to pick her boss's brain - she also works for a "candy lady". She also said I could probably work there part time, but I don't know if candy is the avenue I want to go down. It wouldn't hurt to see how she operates her business, though! I also can't wait for that. I also NEED to go to Cooqi and check out the scene and see if I want to apply there.
Everything is starting for me! I think this is really what I want to do with my life. Tonight I learned how to make great icing and put it on a cupcake properly. I also experimented with some cookies and got great feedback from the guinea pigs, aka my roomies. Every time I bake a new thing, I love challenging myself and teaching myself new skills. This is all a learning process, so don't hate me if I mess up your order a little bit!
Today was a horrible day physically (I now have to sit in a chair to put on or take off clothes & shoes.), but all my baking and inspiration from Entre Club & the Entre major info session at Carlson really overcame that and made this one of the best days in a while.
Made: ginger cookies, cookies & cream cupcakes, more granola, and popped some popcorn by hand. Tomorrow I'll be frosting more cupcakes, making rocky road brownies, and turning that popcorn into candy corn popcorn balls for a party on Friday.
I really am the mess maker baker:
...This is after I did most of the dishes.
That quote from my last entry really applies. I'm staying up late but I'm making $$$! And I couldn't be happier to be losing sleep on this.
Today in Entre Club I was introduced to the president of Granite City Restaurant & Brewery, who graduated from the Culinary Institute of Arts (aka my dream culinary school that will cost me $50,000 for 2 years). I asked him if it was worth it to go there and he replied that it was his best decision in his career. He is going to be putting me in contact with a recent graduate from their baking program. I'm so excited!
My aunt, also my massage therapist, offered to set me up with a session to pick her boss's brain - she also works for a "candy lady". She also said I could probably work there part time, but I don't know if candy is the avenue I want to go down. It wouldn't hurt to see how she operates her business, though! I also can't wait for that. I also NEED to go to Cooqi and check out the scene and see if I want to apply there.
Everything is starting for me! I think this is really what I want to do with my life. Tonight I learned how to make great icing and put it on a cupcake properly. I also experimented with some cookies and got great feedback from the guinea pigs, aka my roomies. Every time I bake a new thing, I love challenging myself and teaching myself new skills. This is all a learning process, so don't hate me if I mess up your order a little bit!
Today was a horrible day physically (I now have to sit in a chair to put on or take off clothes & shoes.), but all my baking and inspiration from Entre Club & the Entre major info session at Carlson really overcame that and made this one of the best days in a while.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Snackaroos
It is hard to find things to snack on when you can't eat any crackers or granola bars or cookies or don't like eating chips and unhealthy non-wheat snacks. I dug up some creativity and have been munchin' on Bugs on a Toilet Seat & some self-made granola.
Bugs on a Toilet Seat: Apple slices with almond butter (since I can't have peanut butter) and raisins. Sweet & salty, except my almond butter is unsalted.
Granola: Oats, honey, brown sugar, butter, vanilla, cinnamon, cranberries, pecans, coconut. Next time I'll add raisins and dried apricots. I can't get enough of this stuff; I've eaten 2/3 of the batch in a day. Crunchy, sweet clusters. I can't wait to have this with rice milk in the morning.
Other snack favorites:
- Trader Joe's Omega 3 Trail Mix
- Rice cakes with almond butter and/or raspberry preserves
- Cranberries, cranberries, cranberries!!
- Dates
Bugs on a Toilet Seat: Apple slices with almond butter (since I can't have peanut butter) and raisins. Sweet & salty, except my almond butter is unsalted.
Granola: Oats, honey, brown sugar, butter, vanilla, cinnamon, cranberries, pecans, coconut. Next time I'll add raisins and dried apricots. I can't get enough of this stuff; I've eaten 2/3 of the batch in a day. Crunchy, sweet clusters. I can't wait to have this with rice milk in the morning.
Other snack favorites:
- Trader Joe's Omega 3 Trail Mix
- Rice cakes with almond butter and/or raspberry preserves
- Cranberries, cranberries, cranberries!!
- Dates
Savings?
My mom gave me some of my treasury bonds that my grandparents have been giving me since I was 3 years old. Now, these things used to mature in 7 years. None of my bonds will be mature until 2025 or later. 2025, and I was given them in the mid-90's. I'm going to cash them at their current value just because 17 years is too long to get $8 more out of each. I also thought about putting some money in a CD, but even those interest rates aren't worth locking up a grand for a year. My savings account isn't there to gain interest; it's there to make a physical barrier between cash I should spend and cash I shouldn't.
No wonder no one in the country saves money. It's not worth it! There's no reward for not spending anymore since interest rates are so paltry. Maybe if that was fixed, the entire world wouldn't be entering a recession.
No wonder no one in the country saves money. It's not worth it! There's no reward for not spending anymore since interest rates are so paltry. Maybe if that was fixed, the entire world wouldn't be entering a recession.
Now Accepting Orders!
I delivered my first 2 orders of baked goods today! Mr. Curt Baker ordered 18 Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins & Mr. Aaron Knickerbocker ordered a pan of Special K bars. :) Couldn't be happier to make money doing what I love, so thanks guys!
If YOU want to buy some sweet treats from me, lemme know. I'd be only too happy and I'm a lot cheaper than a hoity-toity bakery!
If YOU want to buy some sweet treats from me, lemme know. I'd be only too happy and I'm a lot cheaper than a hoity-toity bakery!
Yoga
Started it up again since it was recommended to help stretch and strengthen my neck & back. Now I just hurt all the time. H8888 my life.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
NO. WAY.
My therapist gave me the heads up on this place & I teared up a little just from being so happy to see that I can eat everything there:
2186 Marshall Ave., St. Paul, MN 55104
Cooqi Gluten-free business hours:
Tuesday through Saturday 9 am – 6 pm
Sunday 10 am – 4 pm
At Cooqi, we take our challenge seriously to provide you with uncompromisingly delicious treats that are also good for you. All our cookies, muffins, breads and cakes are made with whole grain flours and natural and organic ingredients in our dedicated gluten-free bakery. Our products contain no refined sugars, no trans fats, no preservatives, no added peanuts, and of course, no wheat or gluten.
Everything is baked fresh on the premises – just like the wheat bakery treats you miss. In fact, we've taken everything that's great about a neighborhood bakery and made it even better by creating indulgence for your spirit that doesn't hurt your body.
They have wheat/soy free EVERYTHING as far as baking goes. There are even recipes! I am going to get some bread and some cookies and some cupcakes and just be immensely happy. And I will probably buy their expensive-yet-necessary gluten-free flour mix so I can make stuff I can eat. :) :) :)
I am also thinking about applying for a job there. It would be beyond perfect; baking and baked goods I can eat! It's only 1.8 miles away, too!
Did you just get a Christmas present idea for me? Thought so.
2186 Marshall Ave., St. Paul, MN 55104
Cooqi Gluten-free business hours:
Tuesday through Saturday 9 am – 6 pm
Sunday 10 am – 4 pm
At Cooqi, we take our challenge seriously to provide you with uncompromisingly delicious treats that are also good for you. All our cookies, muffins, breads and cakes are made with whole grain flours and natural and organic ingredients in our dedicated gluten-free bakery. Our products contain no refined sugars, no trans fats, no preservatives, no added peanuts, and of course, no wheat or gluten.
Everything is baked fresh on the premises – just like the wheat bakery treats you miss. In fact, we've taken everything that's great about a neighborhood bakery and made it even better by creating indulgence for your spirit that doesn't hurt your body.
They have wheat/soy free EVERYTHING as far as baking goes. There are even recipes! I am going to get some bread and some cookies and some cupcakes and just be immensely happy. And I will probably buy their expensive-yet-necessary gluten-free flour mix so I can make stuff I can eat. :) :) :)
I am also thinking about applying for a job there. It would be beyond perfect; baking and baked goods I can eat! It's only 1.8 miles away, too!
Did you just get a Christmas present idea for me? Thought so.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
How Badly Do I Want This?
By Andrew Hickey
After covering the launch of the T-Mobile G1 when it was first announced last month at a gala event in New York City, I decided I would plunk down the dough and pick one up this morning when they were released nationwide to the public.
The gadget geek in me couldn't resist the first ever device based on the open source Linux Google Android platform. Plus, it was about time I got rid of my BlackBerry Pearl -- it was too small and typing with SureType was getting frustrating.
As an existing T-Mobile customer, I was more than willing to drop the $179.99 on the device and the few extra bucks it would add to my monthly service plan -- a small price to pay for unlimited text and data. I opted for the $35 unlimited plan, which is about $15 more than my BlackBerry data plan, which didn't include unlimited text messaging. What I didn't expect was the final tally to hit $234.13. I knew I'd have to extend my T-Mobile contract for another two years, that's fine. What I didn't realize was that I'd get slapped with an $18 upgrade fee. Not sure why, considering it's been so long since I've bought a new device that I should've been eligible for an upgrade credit.
The kicker was the $25 I was forced to pay for a car charger. I put up a fight, but the T-Mobile employee in full G1 regalia said it was bundled in. There was no other option. I was stuck, so I lamented.
So what did my $234.13 get me?
Everything.
I'm typically pretty critical when it comes to devices. The G1 is a little bulky and heavy, but it's worth the extra heft for the physical QWERTY keyboard that slides out from under the crisp touch screen as smooth as silk. It's a little odd that T-Mobile didn't also include a virtual keyboard for the touch screen, meaning whenever you type the screen has to be slid up revealing the keyboard, which also switches the view from portrait to landscape mode.
So far, the Web browser has been great, nearly as good as the Apple iPhone's. I've viewed a few sites, ran a few quick Google searches and posted some comments on some popular message boards all at lightening speeds, likely due to T-Mobile's high-speed 3G network. With the touch or slide of a finger you can scroll through Web pages and zoom in or out. Once in the browser, the menu button brings up screens to enter a URL, launch a search, create a bookmark or open a new browser window.
I activated my Gmail account and have been seamlessly sending and receiving emails for the better part of the day. Now if I can only get some of my friends to start using my Gmail I'd be all set. The G1 also works with other POP3 and IMAP email accounts, but lacks integration with Microsoft Exchange mail. So far, I can't get my antiquated Hotmail account to work, but I'm sure someone will fix that soon.
I've yet to try the instant messaging features, but the G1 supports all of the IM big boys: AIM, Google Talk, Windows Live Messenger and Yahoo Messenger.
It was a little tricky getting my contacts off of my SIM card, requiring several clicks and a few extra steps, but once I found the trick, that too went well.
As yet, I haven't done much with the Android Market, the application market place. I've downloaded Bank Of America's mobile banking app and ShopSavvy's barcode reader app that automatically brings up pricing and availability of a certain product with a quick scan of the barcode. Both seem to work as advertised. I was a little disappointed at the lack of applications, which appears to be around 40 for now, compared to iPhone's AppStore which has hundreds, but I'm sure third-party developers will add more in short order.
The 3.2 megapixel camera is crisp and clear, but I'm a little put off by the lack of zoom and video capabilities. I also haven't noticed if there's a flash.
As for voice, it's clear as day, sounds like a landline.
The touch display is also excellent, with three different home screens: one that just displays wallpaper, one that has a clock and selected app shortcuts and the third a Google search screen. At the bottom of the screen is an arrow that lets you slide open the full list of applications. The same arrow is also used to slide the application list closed.
When I bought the device, I was warned about the lack of battery power and told that it drains quickly, requiring two or three charges a day. So far, it's held up. Granted, I haven't been continually running Wi-Fi, GPS or Bluetooth, which can be a drain. Though I've dabbled with each of those functions and they seem to work quite well. The GPS enabled maps are exceeding my expectations, pinpointing my location in less than a second.
The YouTube video playback is solid and the audio clear, though the G1 lacks a head phone jack for private listening. The lack of the headphone jack has kept me from playing around too much with the Amazon MP3 store, though a few quick searches revealed a wide selection of popular and some not-so-popular artists.
Overall, the G1 is going to take a little getting used to, but so far I'm enjoying the experience and looking forward to more capabilities as applications get added and folks take advantage of the open source nature of the operating system.
via CRN
So do I want this? I don't like how there's no headphone jack, but I doubt I would really use it anyway. I certainly don't on my sidekick, but my sidekick can't watch YouTube videos. A $35 unlimited data & text package is a little steep, but I'll have to see what the phone part of the plan costs & see if I can keep my bill close to what I'm currently paying. I guess I'll just venture out to a store soon and check out the pros and cons for myself!
After covering the launch of the T-Mobile G1 when it was first announced last month at a gala event in New York City, I decided I would plunk down the dough and pick one up this morning when they were released nationwide to the public.
The gadget geek in me couldn't resist the first ever device based on the open source Linux Google Android platform. Plus, it was about time I got rid of my BlackBerry Pearl -- it was too small and typing with SureType was getting frustrating.
As an existing T-Mobile customer, I was more than willing to drop the $179.99 on the device and the few extra bucks it would add to my monthly service plan -- a small price to pay for unlimited text and data. I opted for the $35 unlimited plan, which is about $15 more than my BlackBerry data plan, which didn't include unlimited text messaging. What I didn't expect was the final tally to hit $234.13. I knew I'd have to extend my T-Mobile contract for another two years, that's fine. What I didn't realize was that I'd get slapped with an $18 upgrade fee. Not sure why, considering it's been so long since I've bought a new device that I should've been eligible for an upgrade credit.
The kicker was the $25 I was forced to pay for a car charger. I put up a fight, but the T-Mobile employee in full G1 regalia said it was bundled in. There was no other option. I was stuck, so I lamented.
So what did my $234.13 get me?
Everything.
I'm typically pretty critical when it comes to devices. The G1 is a little bulky and heavy, but it's worth the extra heft for the physical QWERTY keyboard that slides out from under the crisp touch screen as smooth as silk. It's a little odd that T-Mobile didn't also include a virtual keyboard for the touch screen, meaning whenever you type the screen has to be slid up revealing the keyboard, which also switches the view from portrait to landscape mode.
So far, the Web browser has been great, nearly as good as the Apple iPhone's. I've viewed a few sites, ran a few quick Google searches and posted some comments on some popular message boards all at lightening speeds, likely due to T-Mobile's high-speed 3G network. With the touch or slide of a finger you can scroll through Web pages and zoom in or out. Once in the browser, the menu button brings up screens to enter a URL, launch a search, create a bookmark or open a new browser window.
I activated my Gmail account and have been seamlessly sending and receiving emails for the better part of the day. Now if I can only get some of my friends to start using my Gmail I'd be all set. The G1 also works with other POP3 and IMAP email accounts, but lacks integration with Microsoft Exchange mail. So far, I can't get my antiquated Hotmail account to work, but I'm sure someone will fix that soon.
I've yet to try the instant messaging features, but the G1 supports all of the IM big boys: AIM, Google Talk, Windows Live Messenger and Yahoo Messenger.
It was a little tricky getting my contacts off of my SIM card, requiring several clicks and a few extra steps, but once I found the trick, that too went well.
As yet, I haven't done much with the Android Market, the application market place. I've downloaded Bank Of America's mobile banking app and ShopSavvy's barcode reader app that automatically brings up pricing and availability of a certain product with a quick scan of the barcode. Both seem to work as advertised. I was a little disappointed at the lack of applications, which appears to be around 40 for now, compared to iPhone's AppStore which has hundreds, but I'm sure third-party developers will add more in short order.
The 3.2 megapixel camera is crisp and clear, but I'm a little put off by the lack of zoom and video capabilities. I also haven't noticed if there's a flash.
As for voice, it's clear as day, sounds like a landline.
The touch display is also excellent, with three different home screens: one that just displays wallpaper, one that has a clock and selected app shortcuts and the third a Google search screen. At the bottom of the screen is an arrow that lets you slide open the full list of applications. The same arrow is also used to slide the application list closed.
When I bought the device, I was warned about the lack of battery power and told that it drains quickly, requiring two or three charges a day. So far, it's held up. Granted, I haven't been continually running Wi-Fi, GPS or Bluetooth, which can be a drain. Though I've dabbled with each of those functions and they seem to work quite well. The GPS enabled maps are exceeding my expectations, pinpointing my location in less than a second.
The YouTube video playback is solid and the audio clear, though the G1 lacks a head phone jack for private listening. The lack of the headphone jack has kept me from playing around too much with the Amazon MP3 store, though a few quick searches revealed a wide selection of popular and some not-so-popular artists.
Overall, the G1 is going to take a little getting used to, but so far I'm enjoying the experience and looking forward to more capabilities as applications get added and folks take advantage of the open source nature of the operating system.
via CRN
So do I want this? I don't like how there's no headphone jack, but I doubt I would really use it anyway. I certainly don't on my sidekick, but my sidekick can't watch YouTube videos. A $35 unlimited data & text package is a little steep, but I'll have to see what the phone part of the plan costs & see if I can keep my bill close to what I'm currently paying. I guess I'll just venture out to a store soon and check out the pros and cons for myself!
My New Love
Skype!!! Aaron and I have had a really hard time getting AIM Video Chat to work between my PC and his Mac, but Skype worked without a hitch! It was super easy to install and it started working right away. Love love love love love it. Get it 'n chat wiff me.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Sunday, October 19, 2008
:(
I've been cheating a little bit on the diet restrictions these past 2 days, and now I'm paying dearly. Some Special K bars (Can you blame me??), sesame chicken at Kinhdo, m&ms, and a giant bowl of peach froyo today. I've just been the opposite of stressed this weekend because I didn't have to work and there was no drama in my life. And I did all my homework! I'll be sipping Maalox through a straw the rest of the night. Ugh. I just want to enjoy a slice of mac n' cheese peetz!!!!
Oops...
Accidentally bought these on eBay:
I kind of wanted them, but then not really, and then I got caught up in a final bidding war. I guess I'm paying a lot less for them than I would new! And I have an eBay coupon :)))
I kind of wanted them, but then not really, and then I got caught up in a final bidding war. I guess I'm paying a lot less for them than I would new! And I have an eBay coupon :)))
Friday, October 17, 2008
Food Fridays
After my massage tonight, I stopped @ Rainbow in Midway to buy some more vanilla & brown sugar to make even MORE of those pumpkin cream cheese muffins. I ended up buying a lot more and making Special K Bars:
I did cheat a little and try some (Hey, Special K is made out of rice!!), but I got really, really sick from the peanut butter and chocolate. Oh well.
Then I was hungry for something substantial, so I scrambled some eggs with a frozen pepper medley I picked up at Trader Joe's with my mom the other day. I heated up some corn tortillas and called it a meal! Super delish. They obviously would have been better with cheese, but there's only so much a girl with dietary restricitons can do.
I just need to find a way to drop these muffins off @ work tomorrow or Sunday!! Dang it all.
I did cheat a little and try some (Hey, Special K is made out of rice!!), but I got really, really sick from the peanut butter and chocolate. Oh well.
Then I was hungry for something substantial, so I scrambled some eggs with a frozen pepper medley I picked up at Trader Joe's with my mom the other day. I heated up some corn tortillas and called it a meal! Super delish. They obviously would have been better with cheese, but there's only so much a girl with dietary restricitons can do.
I just need to find a way to drop these muffins off @ work tomorrow or Sunday!! Dang it all.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
YUMMMMMMMMMMMMMM
I can't stop drinking this:
It's just like sticking a straw in a crisp apple. It's the nectar of the gods. I was given a sample at Trader Joe's last night and ran over to buy a bottle of the stuff right away.
Other new favorite Trader Joe's pickups:
- Coconut Date Rolls
- Dried mango
- Greek yogurt
- Rice pasta
- SHRIMP SHRIMP SHRIMP & veggie stirfry
- Almond butter
- Bison jerky
- Sea salt & cracked pepper rice crisps
.... okay everything I bought. I dropped a hefty penny, but I'm not going hungraaaay anymore! I will meet my soulmate @ Trader Joe's, I swear it.
In other news, my sweet potato has sprouted and become its own being, destroying all in its path:
(That's a rare snapshot of the beast, attacking Jackie the soccer-playing fridge magnet... we never saw her again.)
ps jackie is pretty
pps I'm off to watch the newest episodes of Dexter & GG :]
It's just like sticking a straw in a crisp apple. It's the nectar of the gods. I was given a sample at Trader Joe's last night and ran over to buy a bottle of the stuff right away.
Other new favorite Trader Joe's pickups:
- Coconut Date Rolls
- Dried mango
- Greek yogurt
- Rice pasta
- SHRIMP SHRIMP SHRIMP & veggie stirfry
- Almond butter
- Bison jerky
- Sea salt & cracked pepper rice crisps
.... okay everything I bought. I dropped a hefty penny, but I'm not going hungraaaay anymore! I will meet my soulmate @ Trader Joe's, I swear it.
In other news, my sweet potato has sprouted and become its own being, destroying all in its path:
(That's a rare snapshot of the beast, attacking Jackie the soccer-playing fridge magnet... we never saw her again.)
ps jackie is pretty
pps I'm off to watch the newest episodes of Dexter & GG :]
Sweet Success
Doing well in my classes really puts me at ease. I often forget that academics is my strong suit & it's nice being reminded of that. I've been doing really well on all my French tests, papers, & oral exams. I just found out I got a 99% on my first Accounting midterm & 100% on my first Stats quiz. I'm pretty sure I did well on my first Stats exam as well! It takes a load off my shoulders knowing that my hard work is paying off & the amount of studying I can fit into my schedule is still enough.
In other academic news, I think I am going to minor in nutrition. It's something that I've always wanted to do & have a passion for. (People are often amazed I know so much nutrition information off the top of my head.) It won't take too much work and hopefully I can get it all done in 4 years, since I haven't even taken the prereqs yet! I have to start taking even just the prereqs the second semester of next year because I don't think I'll be able to do any of those things abroad in the fall & I don't have room to take them next semester if I do the I-Core of 4 classes for Carlson. I wish I had taken a physical science lab last semester so I wouldn't still have to fit in that requirement. Biogeography of the Global Garden was worth it, though. I love/loved that class. Take it if you can!
I'm really really not trying to brag (I'm always paranoid of people thinking this), this is just something in my life that's actually going well.
In other academic news, I think I am going to minor in nutrition. It's something that I've always wanted to do & have a passion for. (People are often amazed I know so much nutrition information off the top of my head.) It won't take too much work and hopefully I can get it all done in 4 years, since I haven't even taken the prereqs yet! I have to start taking even just the prereqs the second semester of next year because I don't think I'll be able to do any of those things abroad in the fall & I don't have room to take them next semester if I do the I-Core of 4 classes for Carlson. I wish I had taken a physical science lab last semester so I wouldn't still have to fit in that requirement. Biogeography of the Global Garden was worth it, though. I love/loved that class. Take it if you can!
I'm really really not trying to brag (I'm always paranoid of people thinking this), this is just something in my life that's actually going well.
Monday, October 13, 2008
I Think I've Given In
It's time to take a break from working and get a student loan. It will be really small, thank goodness, but I just can't handle all the stress & I don't want to be the person at work my bosses can't depend on.
Day 5 of the No Wheat, Dairy, Soy Diet
THIS IS IMPOSSIBLE. I am in tears half the time because I'm starving and the other half of the time I'm in tears because I want a cookie or some pasta or a meal bar that contains soy. I have next to no edible food left in my cupboard. I gave away all my bread, pasta, fig newtons, pasta sides, mashed potatoes, etc. Last night I resorted to eating a can of tuna with spicy mustard mixed in. It was fine & everything, but I needed a whole MEAL!
This is just so hard because food is my life. I love trying new things and creating new things and baking and cooking. The only restaurant I can eat at anymore is Chipotle, and then I can't even have cheese or sour cream in my bol. It's hard to bring lunch to class because I'd have to find a microwave for whatever rice dish I want to make. It's hard to find stuff to buy for lunch because it's just all sandwiches and salads with cheese and crackers and soy-based protein bars. I am going to have to invest heavily in nuts, dried fruits, & rice noodles tonight when I go to Trader Joe's with my mom. Hopefully they'll have some rice, oat, & tapioca flour waiting for me.
I bought a Larabar for $2 today. It was just dried cherries, dates, almonds, & cashews. It was pretty good, but not filling in the least. It made me think about the raw food diet, which I did a project on my senior year. It's very interesting, but kind of hard and expensive to do. It's difficult to get enough protein when you don't have a sprouting pan or dehydrator. Aaron saw the future and bought me a raw food "cook"book for my birthday last year, so I'm going to flip through those recipes to get some ideas for what else I should buy for groceries.
I'm meeting with the nutritionist again tomorrow to get help figuring out how to eat well with so many restrictions.
This is just so hard because food is my life. I love trying new things and creating new things and baking and cooking. The only restaurant I can eat at anymore is Chipotle, and then I can't even have cheese or sour cream in my bol. It's hard to bring lunch to class because I'd have to find a microwave for whatever rice dish I want to make. It's hard to find stuff to buy for lunch because it's just all sandwiches and salads with cheese and crackers and soy-based protein bars. I am going to have to invest heavily in nuts, dried fruits, & rice noodles tonight when I go to Trader Joe's with my mom. Hopefully they'll have some rice, oat, & tapioca flour waiting for me.
I bought a Larabar for $2 today. It was just dried cherries, dates, almonds, & cashews. It was pretty good, but not filling in the least. It made me think about the raw food diet, which I did a project on my senior year. It's very interesting, but kind of hard and expensive to do. It's difficult to get enough protein when you don't have a sprouting pan or dehydrator. Aaron saw the future and bought me a raw food "cook"book for my birthday last year, so I'm going to flip through those recipes to get some ideas for what else I should buy for groceries.
I'm meeting with the nutritionist again tomorrow to get help figuring out how to eat well with so many restrictions.
Fleet Foxes
It was seriously a spiritual experience for me. I can't believe 4 people can be in harmony so well all of the time! They also had some really good banter that I was legitimately LOLing at. Aaron kept saying how he felt he was sneaking a peek at a wood nymph meeting. The Cedar Cultural Center was a nice venue with great acoustics (but I'm not expert). It was a lot bigger than I was expecting. !!!jjjkdialskd okay I just can't get over how much I liked the show. There was definitely a reason why the show was sold out. I got this sweet poster:
(I might add that it goes well with my P.TM poster!)
Frank Fairfield, the opener, was quite the character. He played the banjo, fiddle, and guitar. He had the whole 30's southern blues artist stigma going on. Made me want to change my name to Rosalie Silverbottom and sing about my woes around the country.
Final Statement: This was the most amazing concert I've been to in a long, long, long time. I can't wait for Minus The Bear & Portugal. The Man.
PS I also went to a City of Sound/Spirit of '76/The Person & The People/Go Nutz!/Farewell Continental Show at the Triple Rock last night. The first legit local show in a while, and I think that was the point of it. It was finally a show where I knew the majority of people (like I used to), could have a decent conversation, and could enjoy every band. I'm hoping for more shows like this soon! I really dig the hardcore scene as well. (I'm saying this after going to one Regret/Solidarity show.) Plenty of people who I see and think, "I'd like to talk to them about ___." Can't wait to go to Have Heart in November. It is officially Rocktoberrrrrrrrrrrrr! :]
(I might add that it goes well with my P.TM poster!)
Frank Fairfield, the opener, was quite the character. He played the banjo, fiddle, and guitar. He had the whole 30's southern blues artist stigma going on. Made me want to change my name to Rosalie Silverbottom and sing about my woes around the country.
Final Statement: This was the most amazing concert I've been to in a long, long, long time. I can't wait for Minus The Bear & Portugal. The Man.
PS I also went to a City of Sound/Spirit of '76/The Person & The People/Go Nutz!/Farewell Continental Show at the Triple Rock last night. The first legit local show in a while, and I think that was the point of it. It was finally a show where I knew the majority of people (like I used to), could have a decent conversation, and could enjoy every band. I'm hoping for more shows like this soon! I really dig the hardcore scene as well. (I'm saying this after going to one Regret/Solidarity show.) Plenty of people who I see and think, "I'd like to talk to them about ___." Can't wait to go to Have Heart in November. It is officially Rocktoberrrrrrrrrrrrr! :]
Friday, October 10, 2008
omg pika lol
I'm watching Planet Earth and remember how amazinggg it is and how cute the baby animals are. But those pika are superrrrrrkyoot. I think this is what pika-chu was based off of even!
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Success!!
After searching Craigslist frantically and calling The Current many times to find Fleet Foxes tickets, I simply went to Ticketmaster and bought them. Who would have known it could be so simple? Unbelievable. I should have just picked some up at Discland or Electric Fetus tomorrow and saved myself the Ticketmaster fees, but I was too excited to wait. I am going to the earlier show, but I don't mind. Yummmmmmmmmmmm.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Fall = Pumpkins!!!
I've recently developed an obsession with using pumpkin in recipes. The other day I made pumpkin pancakes for a friend and I and they were delicious!! I got a new can of pumpkin at work this weekend, so I decided to make pumpkin cream cheese muffins with a cinnamon streusel topping. Yum yum yum! The only problem was that the bottoms got a little burnt; I'll reduce the cooking time next time. You know how I love cream cheese filled desserts! Jackie brought home fifty 1 oz. packages of cream cheese from VisionWalk so I've gotta find ways to use 'em allll up.
The Resultssssssssss:
Eeeeeep
My computer is being eaten by a virus!! It's receded for now but I had to uninstall & reinstall Firefox. My 3 virus scanners can't detect the final part of it :(
In other news, this debate tonight is a zzz fest.
In other news, this debate tonight is a zzz fest.
Monday, October 6, 2008
Winnnnner!
Although I have unsuccessfully tried 3 times to win Fleet Foxes tickets (I was caller 3 once!), I just had the good fortune of receiving an email saying that I won my choice of Panic at the Disco or Timberwolves tickets for volunteering at U-Fest!
The Panic show is with Dashboard Confessional, Plain White T's, and The Cab; aka a show I don't want to go to anyway. I chose the Timberwolves game against the Miami Heat over games against the Utah Jazz and Memphis Grizzlies. None of the teams are very good, so it's whatever. It'll be my first Wolves game but I'll have to wait until January 13th. This is gonna be grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr8!
The Panic show is with Dashboard Confessional, Plain White T's, and The Cab; aka a show I don't want to go to anyway. I chose the Timberwolves game against the Miami Heat over games against the Utah Jazz and Memphis Grizzlies. None of the teams are very good, so it's whatever. It'll be my first Wolves game but I'll have to wait until January 13th. This is gonna be grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr8!
Friday, October 3, 2008
Foolish
Why didn't I jump on Kings of Leon tix right away??? Balcony seats for their show at the Orpheum are going for $150 FOR A PAIR! Hunter offered to buy tickets if I could find them but uhhhh heck naw. Kings of Leon fans aren't that rich.
In Need Of Ideas
I don't know what to be for Halloween! All I can think of is PocaVONtas. I want it to be something not lame and kind of witty. And warm. You can't be that slutty when it's 35 degrees outside on October 31st. Suggestions?
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
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