Sunday, October 21, 2012

The Skers are in town

My coworker, Joe, invited me to the Nebraska v. Northwestern game yesterday. I initially considered declining the invite because he told me that we were going to sit on the Northwestern side and that I had to wear a Wildcat shirt. However, I am glad I decided to go. Incase you are wondering, I totally rocked a white shirt and a red scarf. 29-28- Nebraska. I'll take that. GBR!

The weather was perfect for tailgating.

Typical Joe face

The Skers are in town!

I had great seats


P.S. I don't mean to brag, but I managed to give the team (including Taylor Martinez) high fives after the game.

Thursday, October 18, 2012

You are what you eat

Contrary to popular belief, I have not intentionally dropped of the face of the virtual world. My wireless has not been functioning properly/ it's basically non-existent. Also, I have been working through my lunches so I haven't had the chance to post over my break this week. Therefore, I apologize to all of you who have sent me an email, text, or phone call to ask why I haven't been blogging.

Don't worry friends, I am here with a story and opinion to share...obviously!

Lately I have been thinking of the phrase "you are what you eat" based on a documentary, Food Inc, I watched a couple of weeks ago. Before I share my opinion about the documentary, I want to put it out there and take ownership regarding the fact that all documentaries have a political agenda and it's important to take that in consideration when you are absorbing the material presented. This documentary, in particular, examines corporate farming in America. I was moved by this documentary because through research, images, and stories, I was reminded that there is truth in the statement you are what you are eat. This documentary shed light on the reality that agribusiness produce food that is not only unhealthy in a way that is environmentally harmful but also abusive of both animals and employees. One statement that really stood out to me was, "The industry doesn't want you to know the truth about what you are eating because if you knew, you might not eat it."  As a result of viewing this documentary, I have made some SERIOUS changes to what I put into my body.

Perhaps I may have already lost some of you because this may appear as "another fad diet" but I want to give you a little food for thought. The next time you are sitting down alone or with others admiring your nice T-Bone steak (y'all know I am a sucker for steak) or plumb chicken breast, consider how it got that way.

This documentary (and additional research I did on my own) highlights the reality of how meat in the U.S. is currently processed. Did you know that the egg-to-life of a chicken is now six weeks old?
I saw large corporations give this little guy and his friends a hormone shot that within days developed them into full-grown chickens.
 What's even more concerning is that they are grown in cages that are too small for them to move and they get so fat that their breasts become so big that they can't stand up or walk. If you are not an animal person or can't relate to this because you don't know/want to know what it's like to be an animal, think about it this way.  How often have you seen a baby/human come out of their mother's womb, given a shot, and two days later become a full-grown senior citizen? Something just isn't right....right!?

I am not saying that you should stop eating meat completely because I currently consider myself a flexaterian; I prefer to reduce/eliminate my meat intake but if and when I do eat it, I  am all about free-range, organic, grass fed, and ethical animal treatment. I am just saying that you should do your research, consider watching documentaries like Food Inc, and maybe reconsider what you put into your body. Think about the phrase "you are what you eat." I don't know about you, but I want the ingredients that I put into my body to represent who I am: 100% natural (authentic) , free range (to do anything and live life), and healthy (committed to living a good lifestyle).



Sunday, October 7, 2012

Sweat + Sacrifice = Success

This morning I went to cheer on some of my friends and colleagues who committed to run the Chicago marathon. It was such an inspiring moment because I saw people of all shapes, sizes, ages, and walk of lives. I couldn't help but look at myself and think...what is your excuse, Natu!? 

The jig is up. I need to go on a run!
I can't imagine how one must feel when they cross the finish line knowing that they just ran 26.2 miles. Actually, I am more moved by their initial decision to get up, get going, and live a healthy lifestyle. They say that the hardest step for a runner is the first one out of the door. 



Thank you, Chicago marathon runners and all those who have their wellness in check, for empowering me to realize that it's time to start to be great. I am looking forward to changing things up and not having this message as my reality...
Heard that, Nike! It is important to JUST DO IT. I know I am not known for my excellent math skills, but I do know that sweat + sacrifice = success.



Monday, September 24, 2012

A piece of homaha

Happiness is waking up to your best friend being in the same city as you! I was beyond thrilled that my dearest friend Sara and her boyfriend, Andrew, were able to visit me this past weekend. I seriously adore both of them and I soaked up every second I was able to spend with them.

I honestly can't say that we did anything extraordinary, but I think that's very indicative of how genuine our relationship is. We don't need 1001 things on our to-do list to feel like the experience was well worth it; We just need 1:1 quality time to catch up and through our conversations, Sara always has a way to empower me to be a better person. I think it's safe to say that is the definition of a true friend!

Thank you, Sara and Andrew, for making the trek from Omaha to come and visit me. Is it fair for me to report that despite all the cool places that one can visit in the city, we can all agree that our favorite experience was Game Day at Kirkwood and the Nebraska house party following it? Don't get me wrong-- I am all about Big City Natu living and wouldn't have it any other way at this point in my life, but it's always nice to have a piece of Homaha in Chicago!

Right outside my apartment, celebrating the first day of Fall.

Can't believe I've known these girls since grade school- talk about roots!

Oh hey, Sar!

Omaha love!

Young love

Had to take the classic photo by Lil' Red

Chicagoans for Nebraska t-shirt

Great party at Colin, Colleen's and Fez's place

While others were celebrating Nebraska's big win, SM was more concerned about Clemson football!
Overall successful weekend



Nails done, hair done, everything done

Ever since I got my new hair style, I have become obsessed with getting my nails done because I find the process very therapeutic. I guess I took Drake's lyrics, "You fancy huh? Hair done, nails done, everything done...done..." too literally.

Went with Chelsea and Sara after work on Friday

Love this new color

Loving all of our colors!
I am going to be the first to admit that this new way to relieve stress is adding up QUICKLY and I need to get over this habit...yesterday. But in the meantime, I am going to enjoy my new polish color courtesy of Nail Palette in Andersonville!

Japonais

Apparently sushi is my new obsession considering that my last post was about sushi with the girls. To all of those who knew me back in the days, you'd be excited to know that I have expanded from the traditional California roll. Therefore, you better believe I accepted Sarah Margaret's invite to go to Japonais with her, Brooke, Kelly, and Christina (Kelly's friend who was in town from Germany). This outing was especially special because not only was it Christina's last night in Chicago, I have also been meaning to try out Japonias. I must say that I'd give it two thumbs up, mainly due to the atmosphere. However, it's a bit pricy so you may want to plan according.

"The Rock" * thinly sliced marinated new york strip steak cooked on a hot rock presentation 
Salmon Japonais* nori encrusted atlantic salmon, sweet shrimp and and oysters in a horseradish cream sauce

Tuna Tuna Salmon* salmon tartare topped with sliced tuna, avocado sauce and wasabi tobiko sauce &
Crispy Shrimp & Salmon* panko breaded shrimp roll topped with sashimi marinated salmon and wasabi tobiko sauce

Post dinner hang at SM and Kelly's

Special gift from SM



Saturday, September 15, 2012

Sushi with the girls

I love my work schedule this semester because I get to leave work every Friday at 3:30P. Although I should head straight home and chill, I had a huge urge to go shopping this week. It was perfect timing because I had plans to meet up with my some of my girlfrans for a sushi night. Therefore, I obviously had to rock a new outfit. I think SM was impressed. She is my one friend who never repeats an outfit. I am so freaking jealous.

Sushi Para II- BYOB and girlfrans? Yes please.

Follow my girl Bridget's blog

El, SM, and Kara

Roomies transitioning into fall

At our neighborhood bar, Wrightwood Tap

My favorite (almost) hipsters

My life, your entertainment