Full Circle

Looking back on my first post from this blog, and thinking about why I started it in the first place, really makes me feel accomplished regarding what I've created here. I was in a "rut" of sorts and just needed to spice things up, so to say; or at least try to put my thoughts and actions into words and photos so that I could better see what was missing and what things were apparent in my life. Even though this site is still new, and I have [recently] not followed through on continual updating, especially in regards to what I eat and how I exercise, I still think that the posts that I have written have helped to reshape my outlook on the past few months and the future ahead that I have in New York. While there are a number of things that have changed, for the better, in my life since this blog started, I think that it really has come full circle when last Thursday I attended a blogger potluck at the lovely Leslie's apartment.
Getting together to meet, eat, and chat with five other ladies such as myself who have been able to find an interest and a common ground around food, exercise, and the blog-o-sphere was definitely the highlight of my "blogging career".

When is the last time you've contributed to a potluck and were you nervous about making something that everyone would like!?

While I do not proclaim to be a chef by any means, it was fun to experiment and add to the gorgeous potluck spread that not only looked unbelievable but tasted so good.

Katie's Peanut Hummus which added a nice and unique flavor that I had not yet had in regards to hummus, especially with some Mary's Crack[ers].
In the background there is a creation from Leslie's of white bean pesto with asparagus and roasted peppers which went great with the crackers as well.


Leslie also made this coconut sweet potato dip which I could have/did eat au naturale. Anything with sweet potato is unbelievable in my book and this was no exception.


Danielle's quinoa and broccoli bites - so simple yet so good.


Sophia's Lentil and Roasted Tomato bruschetta that tasted so delicious I think due in part to the fabulous spices and marinades that she explained went into it...mm mm


I prepared some spinach balls that consist of an easy mixture of frozen spinach, 1 chopped sweet onion, some butter, thyme, smashed bread crumbs, and salt and pepper. This recipe was easy to put together and was especially convenient for me because I had 20 minutes from the time I got out of work to get to the dinner - and therefore knew that I would have to make something before hand. After baking these guys for 20 minutes or so you can pop them in the freezer and then reheat them whenever you need!

And last but not least...

Megan's homemade peanut butter and chocolate cups. There is something so satisfying about homemade desserts that always makes me enjoy them just a little more than that store bought ones.

All in all a delicious night of wonderful people and wonderful food. I can truly say that these ladies were a joy to meet and I can't wait to do it again soon!! Not to mention I get to start catching up on all of their blogs now, which is always a treat...

Feeling good by Doing good

By now, I know that everyone is aware of the destruction that has taken place in Haiti. 80-90% of the buildings in Port-au-Prince have been destroyed, and although is it unconfirmed, there is talk of around 20,000-30,000 dead. While I have done my fair share of traveling overseas, and to other countries, I still live a rather privileged life in New York and do not pretend to know or understand the devastation that the Haitians and other inhabitants of Haiti are experiencing right now. I confess, I do not generally consider myself to be overly philanthropic. Yes I have been a part of Charity Leagues, and have volunteered a considerable amount of times over the past 4 years in college, and have even done Meals-on-Wheels in the city, it is not something that I dedicate a large amount of time in my life to, as selfish as that may sound. Still, something about the Haiti coverage really moved me (yes I cried at the Today show footage...) and I decided to do something about it. A girlfriend of mine works at CNN and has been doing some research of an organization called Charity:Water. Charity:Water is organizing a plane to leave New York on Tuesday (yes tomorrow!) and requested some items to fill 'er up! Working at a consulting firm, people are constantly bringing back toiletries that they pick up during their hotel stays for the few other charities that my company helps out. I made a special request and was able to gather up a rather large amount of soap and shower gels to donate! My girlfriend and I headed out on Saturday to donate and it was really incredible to see the large amount of items that they had collected already...

Another thing about Charity: Water that I find particularly interesting is the photos. They have some amazing pictures around the office of bringing clean, fresh water to developing countries, and their website photos are incredible as well. If you get a chance, definitely check them out. And if you live in New York, you can still donate! Just go to this site for details. Getting my butt out of bed on Saturday and doing something that would benefit other peoples lives really made me feel good. Perhaps that still makes this a selfish move, but if I can make myself feel better by doing better, and making someone else's life better, than I'll take that hands down ;)

Jump Start your Life

Good morning !! 

I saw this billboard on Caitlin's site last night:

There are six inspirational/motivating quotes on this board that I think ring so true to everyone and it's something that I want to try to incorporate in my daily routine, or make a part of my daily mantra [if you will]. 

Friends are more important than $$ - well DUH! but I want to keep this at the forefront of a lot of the decisions that I make in the future.

Stress is related to 99% of all illness - I had/have no idea if this is true or not, but it's a good rule to live by. I do know that stress has a visibly negative effect on my body, personally. When I was a Senior in high school I started having migraines so badly that I would get sick and need to go home from school. They stopped when I received my first college acceptance letter. Coincidence? I think not!

Dance, Sing, Floss, and Travel - Well hip hop classes and singing in the shower are a part of my weekly routine anyways so check ;) but seriously I think I probably need to floss better haha. Travelling, well ironically that comes with the job title but I need to travel for pleasure this year. A few trips planned already: St Johns (oh yea!!)

Boston

Snow Tubing in CT

Miami (still in the works)

Vegas?? 

Looks like I'm doing good so far!

Sweat once a day - I realized that my mood has become directly related to whether or not I get some sort of physical activity each day. Does this happen to you?? I'm going to try to keep fitting in some sort of workout/movement each day to keep me sane and healthy - any suggestions of fun activities are greatly appreciated!

Do something once a day that scares you - I think this is the best one on the board, as well as the hardest. Living life on the edge, or at least taking chances, keeps me motivated, energized, and appreciative of the things that come easy. In the future, I'm going to try to look back on each day and be able to pick out at least one moment where I did something exciting that I'm happy about or proud of. Any takers on joining me? :) I think this is going to be hard, because let's face it a cubicle doesn't exactly open doors to wild and crazy adventures. However, I think that it will be that much more rewarding if I manage to accomplish this (at least a few times a week). 

How do you feel about these messages? 

[Someone Elses] Words of Wisdom

A friend forwarded me this 2010 Handbook right before the New Year and I thought that it had some pretty interesting things to get me thinking about what twentyten will have in store...I threw in whatever popped into my head when I read them.

Health:
1.       Drink plenty of water. 
2.       Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a beggar.
3.       Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants...
4.       Live with the 3 E's -- Energy, Enthusiasm and Empathy.

5.       Pray more often.
6.       Play more games.
7.       Read more books than you did in 2009.
8.       Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day. 
9.       Sleep for 7 hours.
10.    Take a 10-30 minutes walk daily. And while you walk, smile.

Personality:
11.    Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
12    Don't have negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.
13.    Don't over do. Keep your limits.
14.    Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
15.    Don't waste your precious energy on gossip.
16.    Dream more while you are awake.
17.    Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
18.    Forget issues of the past. Don't remind your partner with His/her mistakes of the past. That will ruin your present happiness.
19.    Life is too short to waste time hating anyone. Don't hate others.
20.    Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.
21.    No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
22.    Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn.  Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.
23.    Smile and laugh more.
24..    You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.....

Society:
25.    Call your family often.
26.    Each day give something good to others.
27.    Forgive everyone for everything.
28.    Spend time w/ people over the age of 70 & under the age of  6.
29..    Try to make at least three people smile each day.
30.    What other people think of you is none of your business.
31.    Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.

Life:
32.    Do the right thing!
33.    Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
35.    However good or bad a situation is, it will change..
36.    No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up..
37.    The best is yet to come.
38.    When you awake alive in the morning, be thankful for it.

39.    Your Inner most is always happy. So, be happy.

Last but not the least:
40.     Appreciate all that is in your life, and tell everyone that you should, that you love them.

[My] Words of Wisdom addition:

Health:

I'm going to try and stick with a healthy appetite of veggies and fruits and oatmeal and whole grains. I think that the amount I have learned about diet and nutrition this year surpasses anything that I have known the past 10! I'm going to keep reading and learning about what I am putting into my body and get to know my body better so that I can better serve it!  Oh, and I definitely want to play more games :)

Personality:

My favorite point was to make peace with the past so it won't spoil the present. Alot of things have happened in 2009 that I may not be happiest with, but I definitely learn from my mistakes and 2010 is a clean slate!  And I like to day dream so that's gonna continue - everyone has to have their own fantasy world to live in!

Society:

Forgive forgive forgive. Life is too short to hold grudges. However, don't keep people around who don't benefit you in a positive way. It's okay to be a little selfish ;) And call your family!! At least they'll always forgive you too..

Life: the best is definitely yet to come ;)

Happy 2010 everyone! Cheers!