tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82324352959349172024-02-21T06:54:25.018-05:00A Knack for NutritionJenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09190470759672643997noreply@blogger.comBlogger128125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8232435295934917.post-16160904657865153162010-07-18T11:07:00.002-04:002010-07-18T11:27:09.601-04:00The Big Move...www.Knackfornutrition.com is born!<div style="text-align: center;">Hello everyone! I hope you are all having a lovely Sunday.<br /><br />I have some very exciting news. Over the past several weeks I have been working tirelessly to revamp my blog to make it more of a home for me and you. Today, I finally completed the overhaul!<br /><br />So with no further delay, I present to you all my new home at<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"> <a href="http://knackfornutrition.com/">www.knackfornutrition.com.</a></span><br /><br />I hope that you will continue to follow my journey of healthy living on my new and improved blog!<br />(This will be my past post from this address, so please update your google readers!)<br /><br />I can't wait to share this with you all.<br /><br />Please let me know what you think of the new layout!<br /></div>Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09190470759672643997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8232435295934917.post-7928022729180927382010-07-17T17:51:00.010-04:002010-07-17T18:37:48.866-04:00The First Long Run and a Disappointing Farmer's Market.<div style="text-align: center;">Tomorrow morning marks the first long run of my 1/2 marathon training schedule. I have been mentally preparing for this event all week.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>To some, 4 miles is a joke. To others, it is unfathomable. To me, well I suppose I will just have to get back to you on that one.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho45Ad1rfV9Wp0KpOfl1UXo8pYb1ZaNX7Fr99_g4c9SXDZ01FHFOnqiLV7NjsO1eWZ1fpBJ9pI1tveSNs54efgdKnCUoOGvLHYvVfowB4QKOcS9DPgjSrqvH1onOGFwr3Bd8_Kftrp1Xw/s1600/P7160011.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho45Ad1rfV9Wp0KpOfl1UXo8pYb1ZaNX7Fr99_g4c9SXDZ01FHFOnqiLV7NjsO1eWZ1fpBJ9pI1tveSNs54efgdKnCUoOGvLHYvVfowB4QKOcS9DPgjSrqvH1onOGFwr3Bd8_Kftrp1Xw/s400/P7160011.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495000045077606050" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">(1/2 cup oats, 1/2 cup of water, 1/2 cup of almond milk, 1/2 scoop of chia seeds, 1 tbsp almond butter, sprinkle of cacao nibs.)</span><br /><br />The first week of training has been tolerable. I ran two 3 milers back to back on the dreadmill and participated in a cycling class and hour of weightlifting yesterday. It makes perfect sense why my body is absolutely exhausted today, and although it took an hour and a half to muster up the strength and determination to go to the gym, I got there. 30 minutes later, I was gone. That is all the schedule dictated and I was glad to be done. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0HnRE8Y5S7M5XAQZbKLqqWsLMm1NJya6jjx5nhECi2tWKz8eVy7TEJDOEibvkgktNR-GaR2H9DA73iecXZmeeI_TVxVoA8rCsf4rd5iJfqP9lrZ54uhKnIFkxmPOju32XH6hbR6CjE_8/s1600/P7170002.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0HnRE8Y5S7M5XAQZbKLqqWsLMm1NJya6jjx5nhECi2tWKz8eVy7TEJDOEibvkgktNR-GaR2H9DA73iecXZmeeI_TVxVoA8rCsf4rd5iJfqP9lrZ54uhKnIFkxmPOju32XH6hbR6CjE_8/s400/P7170002.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495000068136488178" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">(Yes, this is a breakfast. 1/2 cup Greek yogurt, 1 cup of organic strawberries, 1/4 cup organic blueberries, 1/4 cup raw oats, 1/2 scoop of chia seeds, 1 black bean brownie square.)</span><br /><br />Tonight, I will prepare as if it were a race night because tomorrow I face a new hurdle...the heat. Seeing as the forecast states it will feel like 86F by 8AM I intend to get my butt moving once my feet hit the floor. The goal is to be out the door no later than 6:45AM. That means I am being a cool kid tonight and going to bed super early. But it is fine by me. I am thriving off of the challenge.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCXN68MstWEXBdfHroMlEuo_OvViGQdcjvpS89J2CBrosZUogQXwF2C9MpsQPkVgceIZfGjqxk3mVn-II7YRzGJzOCGMb-Xt7QehRvQSZq6DkPYvDKim5Gkg5h0hQh98NzdiDwjRooPH8/s1600/P7150006.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCXN68MstWEXBdfHroMlEuo_OvViGQdcjvpS89J2CBrosZUogQXwF2C9MpsQPkVgceIZfGjqxk3mVn-II7YRzGJzOCGMb-Xt7QehRvQSZq6DkPYvDKim5Gkg5h0hQh98NzdiDwjRooPH8/s400/P7150006.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495000034934190082" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">(Mixed green salad with hummus and salsa. 2 slices Ezekiel bread with hummus, pineapple tomato, and avocado. All topped with salt and pepper.)</span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I am looking forward to reuniting with an old friend that has been collecting dust on a shelf in my room for one to many weeks. <a href="http://knackfornutrition.blogspot.com/2010/04/not-your-dads-tuna-salad-my-new-garmin.html">The beast</a> and I will find our groove in this weather because well, we have no choice.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8dkcjfILrqtsmN5Q4Fn6pqTetmt_EwTDYp77FKMl01zxRoqYdEdpxkNOrXcQCCQ34K5n9fF0-TyUcyR-lNarf9ZBusHgZ0oNkA16cUB7-sUMXUWPz-z2Wvti-uva0gI3tXNd3tQlk890/s1600/P7160021.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8dkcjfILrqtsmN5Q4Fn6pqTetmt_EwTDYp77FKMl01zxRoqYdEdpxkNOrXcQCCQ34K5n9fF0-TyUcyR-lNarf9ZBusHgZ0oNkA16cUB7-sUMXUWPz-z2Wvti-uva0gI3tXNd3tQlk890/s400/P7160021.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495000055617114498" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-style: italic;">(Roasted sweet potato with cinnamon, Dr. Praeger's vegetable burger with ketchup.)</span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Hopefully, my clean eating habits of the past two weeks will fuel me through the run.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">~~~~~~~~~<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I restocked my vegetable supply at the local farmer's market today, so I will be able to stick with the idea that "food is fuel" in the coming days.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKQ1OCCbw0Sx8MHXuAe1EX796YUxcTzlibw-K95TbgjuS8dGVB9tGJW-17fG5uo1DzWdVE4ZsNtRbhzzPC_5LWIZKiPpXRqhwZg6r6XNJbNiKnfcAYPykkc3zo9Y80jRPqtW8vmf7DGSU/s1600/P7170003.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKQ1OCCbw0Sx8MHXuAe1EX796YUxcTzlibw-K95TbgjuS8dGVB9tGJW-17fG5uo1DzWdVE4ZsNtRbhzzPC_5LWIZKiPpXRqhwZg6r6XNJbNiKnfcAYPykkc3zo9Y80jRPqtW8vmf7DGSU/s400/P7170003.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495001418451483298" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">(Downtown Little Rock aka The Rivermarket.)</span><br /><br />Although the heat was blazing today (the car monitor read nearly 100F!) I still made my way to the market because my dad offered to come along. We had a great time, but by the time we got back to the car we were both drenched in sweat. We agreed, never again at 11AM. Show up at 7AM or do not show up at all.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtSiWaOb78LMKRuRx6ZPrME3vhnAO2LyhsicTyRY_WVT7pLbFnqrAiJrZvRn4ubA3dRSKJr9G4v2B3rgV0Zjn_hYfs0CTUzN7hrTHtcRXrvEzpp2uitD-0uxrisah7HEJdN1B_Ea39838/s1600/P7170009.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtSiWaOb78LMKRuRx6ZPrME3vhnAO2LyhsicTyRY_WVT7pLbFnqrAiJrZvRn4ubA3dRSKJr9G4v2B3rgV0Zjn_hYfs0CTUzN7hrTHtcRXrvEzpp2uitD-0uxrisah7HEJdN1B_Ea39838/s400/P7170009.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495000234256880018" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">(My sweet dad picking out tomatoes.)</span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">On a slightly different note, I was rather disappointed in the selection and size of the market. I went religiously last year and I just remember it being, for lack of a more appropriate word, better. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO8mgyb6pDdFab3aLfaqJTpnoTcyyd-N4kbIFNaF3WIe0JZDUj4QrI_E6cJspQSDTZ3ILt3I8d44xgEwryv0k-WXuLEiw-HfFUWB63Ccs5jhGEOgqdEir9V3MWsS0K8dbvmyfhGd92psA/s1600/P7170007.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO8mgyb6pDdFab3aLfaqJTpnoTcyyd-N4kbIFNaF3WIe0JZDUj4QrI_E6cJspQSDTZ3ILt3I8d44xgEwryv0k-WXuLEiw-HfFUWB63Ccs5jhGEOgqdEir9V3MWsS0K8dbvmyfhGd92psA/s400/P7170007.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495001430154623730" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">(The crowd. The heat. The crowd. The heat!)</span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">It was clear that some of the produce was not local. Moreover, when I asked someone at a booth if his cucumbers were organic or sprayed with pesticide killer, he did not know the answer. He actually looked at me as if what I was asking was completely bizarre. I think I will be researching other markets with more knowledgeable vendors to buy my produce for the rest of my time at home. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoN7g7Blj6pThQtuCL6x1PLtEkHTXazJV0Hx-JlM0pqA5DdQvQm99j6VL3X8vvGeY1Kp6cufWL4S3T5Rw-ymrie4TTLxjC5MZXRRjkNaHjLEhWLQukk6Ls-IKFU5SL4pwSc5fUkw9rY3M/s1600/P7170010.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoN7g7Blj6pThQtuCL6x1PLtEkHTXazJV0Hx-JlM0pqA5DdQvQm99j6VL3X8vvGeY1Kp6cufWL4S3T5Rw-ymrie4TTLxjC5MZXRRjkNaHjLEhWLQukk6Ls-IKFU5SL4pwSc5fUkw9rY3M/s400/P7170010.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495001438289133634" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">(Organic blueberries [I bought them!] and blackberries.)</span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">In the end, we purchased quite the load of fruits and veggies. Among them were corn, peaches, blueberries, tomatoes, and cherries.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQHhCeOOmgi75RJRhYmNsM85APcwkNJ8bVzXBZK_YGZBCuYony-xbPYVgzCYU7siytRc7WBrlWHXzKXyRoVEdZLD9i4ILUm0UbkyjzAOc1KX3KiC-Kk3EXKkUryRvMjCbqgS9q3utaXgA/s1600/P7170011.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQHhCeOOmgi75RJRhYmNsM85APcwkNJ8bVzXBZK_YGZBCuYony-xbPYVgzCYU7siytRc7WBrlWHXzKXyRoVEdZLD9i4ILUm0UbkyjzAOc1KX3KiC-Kk3EXKkUryRvMjCbqgS9q3utaXgA/s400/P7170011.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495001449090519922" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">(Non-organic Arkansas tomatoes.)</span><br /><br />I've gotta go get my game face ready. See y'all tomorrow!<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Question:</span> Do you ever "try to get to know your farmer" at farmer's markets? By this, I mean asking questions about what you are purchasing?<br />Normally, vendors are eager to talk to customers. I think I just ended up at the wrong place at the wrong time. People are really friendly in Arkansas, I promise. :)<br /><br />~Jenn<br /></div>Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09190470759672643997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8232435295934917.post-60229318106749775262010-07-16T22:26:00.003-04:002010-07-16T22:39:58.263-04:00The best Green Monster I have ever made.<div style="text-align: center;">Yes, that is a bold statement.<br />I mean, let us be real, Green Monsters are no joke amongst bloggers.<br />They are an addiction for many, a cure for some, and a frightening sight for outsiders.<br />In all, Green Monsters have developed into quite <a href="http://greenmonstermovement.com/">the movement</a>.<br /><br />I swear by them. Since the day I began blogging I have been posting about the power of the green smoothie.<br /><br />Today something magical happened in my blender. It may have been a combination of heat and post-work out endorphins kicking in, but I created something special that I must share.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7LQsjhlqjOiTGAZaJ5sHM4WUVQ1gWok7u0mHjh0yHba4PuoTO9dWCTiHbLH_2Lgxv0LG2vHF5L1uzeG0he3YB8f6DVk-FdVpf1IgwSwS9mVrFAmyVLvi-3QQdG97sg4J5d7Snp6X08OM/s1600/P7150003.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7LQsjhlqjOiTGAZaJ5sHM4WUVQ1gWok7u0mHjh0yHba4PuoTO9dWCTiHbLH_2Lgxv0LG2vHF5L1uzeG0he3YB8f6DVk-FdVpf1IgwSwS9mVrFAmyVLvi-3QQdG97sg4J5d7Snp6X08OM/s400/P7150003.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5494696856253491298" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Recipe</span><br />1 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk<br />1 frozen banana<br />3 cups organic baby spinach<br />1 cup freshly chopped organic mango<br />1 scoop chia seeds<br />1 scoop Amazing Grass green superfood powder (berry blend)<br />1.5 cups ice<br />1/2 cup water<br /><br />That is it. Really nothing out of the ordinary. Yet, it was truly extraordinary.<br />~Jenn<br /><br /></div>Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09190470759672643997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8232435295934917.post-88844300289862586702010-07-15T11:14:00.005-04:002010-07-15T11:43:22.624-04:00How Sweet Muffins<div style="text-align: center;">Instead of following my normal routine of working out first thing in the morning I decided to forgo exercise and bake. After scouring the web (okay, just my google reader) for a recipe, I landed on one that made my taste buds salivate. I adapted this recipe from Jessica at<a href="http://www.howsweeteats.com/"> How Sweet It Is. </a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Her recipes make me drool on the regular, so I knew I could do no wrong attempting to recreate one of her treats.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeMhZjHOTNZb1BG7_aP_r842F_IPVFASillSEVC6OBt2nHSzGhF7cgCzUFlsghmppNojhtS_Srrh0kwSrra1tF1FN_dUBpC8htufbbyJC62WH7H1DJlUIwBQ_UnAbzHb0XGyGNbX_Dx1c/s1600/P7150028.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeMhZjHOTNZb1BG7_aP_r842F_IPVFASillSEVC6OBt2nHSzGhF7cgCzUFlsghmppNojhtS_Srrh0kwSrra1tF1FN_dUBpC8htufbbyJC62WH7H1DJlUIwBQ_UnAbzHb0XGyGNbX_Dx1c/s400/P7150028.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5494157358594245506" border="0" /></a> Originally based off of the <a href="http://www.howsweeteats.com/2010/06/22/whole-wheat-blueberry-banana-bread-muffins/">Whole Wheat Blueberry Banana Bread Muffin</a> recipe, I made a couple of alterations based on what I had in the pantry.<br /><br />The bananas I had lying around were ginormous so I only used<span style="font-weight: bold;"> 3 instead of the recipe's recommendation of 4.</span><br /><br />I also used <span style="font-weight: bold;">baking powder instead of soda </span>because I don't actually believe there is a difference.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0WaLAAJ6geiKupY7RXzyDzvAoKa8NnP1XxhtW_KJjdbfOOVrYWbdeEKciSvbUkKbBqtEBtrZGV_geBSy2jJZ1AaBFFO2lMlTrNcYCRpS5phAnzxvexfdPI0HOx45X47MH1u6DCmEhkHY/s1600/P7150029.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0WaLAAJ6geiKupY7RXzyDzvAoKa8NnP1XxhtW_KJjdbfOOVrYWbdeEKciSvbUkKbBqtEBtrZGV_geBSy2jJZ1AaBFFO2lMlTrNcYCRpS5phAnzxvexfdPI0HOx45X47MH1u6DCmEhkHY/s400/P7150029.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5494157351636900194" border="0" /></a>I tasted the batter, because c'mon who doesn't, and I did not think it was sweet enough. So on a whim, I added <span style="font-weight: bold;">1/4 cup of light brown sugar, unpacked</span>.<br /><br />Finally, strawberries have hit their peak in Arkansas so I had plenty to spare. I switched out the <span style="font-weight: bold;">1/2 cup of blueberries for 1 cup of freshly chopped strawberries. </span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEfG5umaP7vcaf_FwN4J_NZAMKGZNeOM5wUTbVRHbX-rlrqVQa5CzMt52qy-Exu2hsSNjNHno39c0xpIeZZUMzoKoo9JO76T-8A3qGL6NUb9BSpVFTKNsrRPx_dkC8Sq_ELuq6sBcNbQo/s1600/P7150030.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEfG5umaP7vcaf_FwN4J_NZAMKGZNeOM5wUTbVRHbX-rlrqVQa5CzMt52qy-Exu2hsSNjNHno39c0xpIeZZUMzoKoo9JO76T-8A3qGL6NUb9BSpVFTKNsrRPx_dkC8Sq_ELuq6sBcNbQo/s400/P7150030.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5494157342466096082" border="0" /></a> Because of all the adaptions I made, I was a little nervous as to how these would taste. Let's just say, I was pleasantly surprised. They are dense, chewy, and not overly sweet. In otherwords, my perfect muffin.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie8POk1QgGA8vxalB06wwXRXPmH266nbr3H2C12ilEmju76dstZ3DAIDWiav3ekOFwtofdLyx1qbB2-qkYTtfS9X__Juk5k6QwcyShyLDDtxAk9BESr4vDFb-xJH2tsH5iCc9AHJH5BxU/s1600/P7150031.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie8POk1QgGA8vxalB06wwXRXPmH266nbr3H2C12ilEmju76dstZ3DAIDWiav3ekOFwtofdLyx1qbB2-qkYTtfS9X__Juk5k6QwcyShyLDDtxAk9BESr4vDFb-xJH2tsH5iCc9AHJH5BxU/s400/P7150031.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5494157329114017282" border="0" /></a><br />The only thing I would change for next time is I would pre-grease the muffin tin or use some sort of non-stick muffin cup because mine stick to the paper.<br /><br />Happy Baking!<br /></div>Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09190470759672643997noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8232435295934917.post-1465259210122983112010-07-15T10:07:00.007-04:002010-07-15T20:40:03.508-04:00Why I Dislike Wal-Mart<div style="text-align: center;">There are many things I love about America. After living abroad for 6 weeks, I have come to appreciate modern conveniences like dryers, air conditioning, and iPhones in a whole new way. I am proud to be an American in every sense, but I cannot move beyond my extreme dislike of Wal-Mart and what I believe it is doing to this country.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR0dmYwbYNk_-u7ua6kAS6vSLRxdC1p6OdB7t6iDY2HEseO0GR_u43yE3xdEos9fM1Wi5l7kwMAgWAgmeFULswmvXBHO_vLd5vQQtVvAYOB3gpCGa-vK_vhBSrK3icZeEHrFGoal9XQVI/s1600/P7140002.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR0dmYwbYNk_-u7ua6kAS6vSLRxdC1p6OdB7t6iDY2HEseO0GR_u43yE3xdEos9fM1Wi5l7kwMAgWAgmeFULswmvXBHO_vLd5vQQtVvAYOB3gpCGa-vK_vhBSrK3icZeEHrFGoal9XQVI/s400/P7140002.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5494160359784236802" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">(<span style="font-weight: bold;">Breakfast</span>: 2 slices Ezekiel toast, 1 tbsp almond butter, 1 banana, cinnamon)</span><br /><br />Seeing as the company represents an ever increasing share of the consumer market, I find myself in a complex place between sadness and anger that this is the direction our country is moving toward. Allow me to explain...<br /><br />Yesterday, I accompanied a friend to our local Wal-Mart Supercenter to help her shop with her 90 year old grandmother. Her grandmother is completely immobile and therefore needs a wheelchair. Wal-Mart had 1 in the entire store and it had no basket on top. So my friend had to push her grandmother while trying to carry everything she needed to buy. When this was explained to a store employee, they simply responded that it was <span style="font-style: italic;">not their problem</span>.<br /><br />We spent over an hour in the store weaving in and out of the countless aisles. Product after product lined the shelf with price tag's claiming to be the lowest in the city. Indeed, the products may be cheap for you and I to purchase, but what is the real cost hidden in your $5 sleep shorts or $1 plastic dog toy?<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWz70ENlkQhf7MPrSTEgIu1mQ7GoXGU-C1ehOFX4xsHmH1xvYQgqATyYC7Ic4KU0ZAk986NLG5ZXi_Wn95zPzda9xogjwTnpjvu02-TvfcqxfX8xwbotr9a-zzpaSUgu81UUiUTM0XrmY/s1600/P7140005.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWz70ENlkQhf7MPrSTEgIu1mQ7GoXGU-C1ehOFX4xsHmH1xvYQgqATyYC7Ic4KU0ZAk986NLG5ZXi_Wn95zPzda9xogjwTnpjvu02-TvfcqxfX8xwbotr9a-zzpaSUgu81UUiUTM0XrmY/s400/P7140005.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5494160350839347426" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">(</span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Lunch</span><span style="font-style: italic;">: 3 egg whites, 1 whole egg {all cage free}, 1/2 de-cobbed corn, 1/2 pineapple tomato, spinach, onion, 1 La Tortilla Factory whole wheat wrap, salsa).</span><br /><br />The answer: an entire exploited market of demand driven suppliers that are forced, in a sense, to exploit workers (mostly abroad) to produce products under harsh and often dangerous conditions with no concern for their<span style="font-style: italic;"> well-being</span>. You see, in America, Wal-Mart is king, and all others must bow to him to play in his domain.<br /><br />The story continues as I walked through the frozen food section of the store. There are no less than 5 industrial sized freezer laden aisles stuffed to the brim with "ready in 2 minutes!" meals that contain a slew of unpronounceable ingredients and are just shy of a days worth of caloric intake. As I took it all in, I noticed a common trend. The bright colors and beautiful pictures appear to parallel cheap prices.<br /><br />The food in the store is cheap. Plain and simple. And at those prices, many American's feel as though they do not have an alternative but to shop at Wal-Mart. They must provide for their families, which in this economy is increasingly difficult.<span style="font-style: italic;"> I understand</span>.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjogi8YeeplNTOMyXlb8PaGxd82sJx_EGsx3OZ9Icrqga9uLmj9EJsqFbIuRonBzTZBRkpmXo60WW2Ibrt-sA_O6SDyJehu2xYYa33xgxCJS80H8U5BOVOT9DtP96cAs8JJm391C-ytK9U/s1600/P7140012.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 348px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjogi8YeeplNTOMyXlb8PaGxd82sJx_EGsx3OZ9Icrqga9uLmj9EJsqFbIuRonBzTZBRkpmXo60WW2Ibrt-sA_O6SDyJehu2xYYa33xgxCJS80H8U5BOVOT9DtP96cAs8JJm391C-ytK9U/s400/P7140012.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5494160335037518546" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">(<span style="font-weight: bold;">Dinner</span>: 1/3 cup teriyaki tofu, 1/2 lentils, oven roasted broccoli, carrots, onion, 2 tbsp hummus).</span><br /><br />You and I (I assume) are in a different position than the average Wal-Mart customer. Sure, you may drop into a store every once and a while to pick up an item to save some money. But overall, we have a <span style="font-style: italic;">choice</span>. We are educated in the ways of healthy eating, and know that although fresh, organic, and local produce and meat may cost more, you are paying for what you receive. There are no hidden costs in the form of agricultural subsidies and antibiotic laden meat. Furthermore, we are able to see the long term investment in our health by purchasing what is often labeled "health food."<br /><br />Going back to the employee's response that the situation "<span style="font-style: italic;">was not her problem</span>," I am left with a host of questions. Who's responsibility is it then to provide for those unable to help themselves? Where do we draw the line at what is marketed toward our families? Should there even be a line, or should people take responsibility for their own lives and decide what to buy and eat for themselves?<br /><br />Moreover, big companies in general are composed of <span style="font-style: italic;">people</span>. People like you and I. So how did a company full of <span style="font-style: italic;">individuals </span>come to the point where the dollar was more important than the health and safety of the consumer? <span style="font-style: italic;">Is that somewhere they would want to shop</span>?<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiRotszN-K5fgl4v7H9NuxS2gDCmfZgMuQcpPr74yiJG2sLfBr7VqVSYcivhwFCYIVqXhNszjeovdA3AVxePNBlDqVwen25f2mKRazZF68rzLa-X4kiBofZWl09MPTWI0yFEk_oKEcC6Y/s1600/P7140020.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiRotszN-K5fgl4v7H9NuxS2gDCmfZgMuQcpPr74yiJG2sLfBr7VqVSYcivhwFCYIVqXhNszjeovdA3AVxePNBlDqVwen25f2mKRazZF68rzLa-X4kiBofZWl09MPTWI0yFEk_oKEcC6Y/s400/P7140020.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5494160329940058434" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">(</span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Mom's dinner creation</span><span style="font-style: italic;">: Portabella Mushroom Pizza: portabella mushroom, marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, crab meat, and onion).</span><br /><br />I do not believe Wal-Mart is entirely at fault for these problems. Americans are the demanders and at some point down the line it was a smart business tactic for the company to respond to demands and provide the products that were asked for. The fact that they are able to edge out the competition by offering the lowest price is simply sound economic principals.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGwmkzcZ9s3gJrIEkdeT2Kx-sQ0KXtfCSn48zorqaedOP-j0WkQmVm1jV_vK8-txZe65__11PUXm5_12XORp22F0ojHzx0Kj2ieN97tLBUq5FnbpbAD19BezJKHKOZD7hh6GPNxRL4X30/s1600/P7140027.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGwmkzcZ9s3gJrIEkdeT2Kx-sQ0KXtfCSn48zorqaedOP-j0WkQmVm1jV_vK8-txZe65__11PUXm5_12XORp22F0ojHzx0Kj2ieN97tLBUq5FnbpbAD19BezJKHKOZD7hh6GPNxRL4X30/s400/P7140027.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5494160318437426962" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">(</span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Dessert</span><span style="font-style: italic;">: 1/2 cup </span><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://www.turtlemountain.com/products/organic_soy_delicious.html">So Delicious Soy Peanut Butter organic ice cream</a><span style="font-style: italic;">, 6 black bean brownie bites).</span><br /><br />There are no easy answers. I am not sure that regulation (governmental or otherwise) is the right solution. All I know is that I do not like what I see when I walk into Wal-Mart. I do not care for the atmosphere, the products, nor the prices. I would rather pay more and sleep soundly at night knowing my dollar went to someone who needs it and values it.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />If you have any opinion, at all, on this topic, please leave it in a comment below. I am very curious to read about how others view Wal-Mart and what it represents.<br /><br />~Jenn<br /></div>Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09190470759672643997noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8232435295934917.post-32859112095720866392010-07-13T21:51:00.004-04:002010-07-13T23:29:04.970-04:00Independence<div style="text-align: center;">Like so many other bloggers, I often find myself stuck in <span style="font-weight: bold;">breakfast</span> ruts. Obviously, the current meal of choice it oatmeal. I really did try to make a change today but it just did not happen. Despite prepping a bowl of overnight oats last night, I just don't care for cold oats, so I ended up microwaving them and adding all of the fixings in a hurry. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxXtDeT6408RIOVNo3iT4uR8wUtKexgZGFYMu6-sWsEc2F8dM_sUc2S1lOMb0Iib14bXL1bKgkCTbp2-1XzNE1GyWUkuCVgTILK1PJBaAqHbNYlpQW6vrHD1IvXpBPXcNcHHkhJUZC-3w/s1600/P7130001.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxXtDeT6408RIOVNo3iT4uR8wUtKexgZGFYMu6-sWsEc2F8dM_sUc2S1lOMb0Iib14bXL1bKgkCTbp2-1XzNE1GyWUkuCVgTILK1PJBaAqHbNYlpQW6vrHD1IvXpBPXcNcHHkhJUZC-3w/s400/P7130001.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493581000433914722" border="0" /></a>It's not pretty, but it sure tastes good.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVdviPY0wRRoyLXn6qt3hrKJYmPmlvxIBOm4PWw-fZej-qgbzGKkd-m7kYaJOXhoqV5pkxhEV58lUluzUu5VtTJMc3yD-jLoxzTyFPRQWvu6hJEMP96D2SGJSGcZAWXt1o5mLZEVNeahQ/s1600/P7130003.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVdviPY0wRRoyLXn6qt3hrKJYmPmlvxIBOm4PWw-fZej-qgbzGKkd-m7kYaJOXhoqV5pkxhEV58lUluzUu5VtTJMc3yD-jLoxzTyFPRQWvu6hJEMP96D2SGJSGcZAWXt1o5mLZEVNeahQ/s400/P7130003.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493580991176817314" border="0" /></a>I actually had to transfer my oats into a plastic cup and eat them on the road so I could check on the dog I am watching.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMxPuX2rIC7eFwK2-eJJNioOkYmqyqxnXp-EgXy2G64mgTLfHz5eywB5cBivpogCbvFwYYcHGa9comsXdjlrKwtlZjYSrN5IYJkkXyyV34p7MyOO4me_IU6CsbRsm7WNpBg8hyjEpmjlg/s1600/P7130004.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMxPuX2rIC7eFwK2-eJJNioOkYmqyqxnXp-EgXy2G64mgTLfHz5eywB5cBivpogCbvFwYYcHGa9comsXdjlrKwtlZjYSrN5IYJkkXyyV34p7MyOO4me_IU6CsbRsm7WNpBg8hyjEpmjlg/s400/P7130004.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493580984049323234" border="0" /></a>Friends meet Jill. She is the cutest little waddler I have ever seen. :) Apparently, those little legs move awfully fast because I couldn't even capture a still shot of her!<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Anyways, I made my normal portion size (1/2 cup) and washed it down with a cup of coffee and then immediately started drinking water in preparation for <a href="http://knackfornutrition.blogspot.com/2010/04/131-mile-goal.html">my first 1/2 marathon training run</a>!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3gsDnxVFLu3Y70ulBRhIWwEq3Dz77iiglNis4ytvUnUqlQYOvz197LWfoU9AAiinNRMTuv6zUM2P_qfIxhJ3-98qR-sGkF8SS4s74pW24MyotqMwx6RPk0OFyW-Rir4iuwAlQfy_BV5E/s1600/P7130006.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 242px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3gsDnxVFLu3Y70ulBRhIWwEq3Dz77iiglNis4ytvUnUqlQYOvz197LWfoU9AAiinNRMTuv6zUM2P_qfIxhJ3-98qR-sGkF8SS4s74pW24MyotqMwx6RPk0OFyW-Rir4iuwAlQfy_BV5E/s400/P7130006.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493580970627624706" border="0" /></a>Did I mention the <a href="http://www.bondiband.com/">Bondi Bands</a> I ordered arrived?! Because they did, and I decided there was no better time to test it out than with a 3 mile run. The run was hard, no lie, but the headband stayed in place the whole time! I was a sweaty mess by the end, but I think it prevented some of it from getting in my face (TMI?). I have a 2 miler planned for tomorrow, so I will test out the other one I bought and report back.<br /><br />I refueled with a bucket salad for <span style="font-weight: bold;">lunch</span>.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOMeSMv1RG-E4FVUpc_wv_BR1MDi0bVQCU-CRWN_qCizOvtyf-drHpin_D36mGFi7T3ti4LdasphxvfPkhvtMBkkG5-_Ya6nAvZfJnR-zuPx1GFl3apfz0qO5qcr-1f-2z496FoABs1sQ/s1600/P7130008.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOMeSMv1RG-E4FVUpc_wv_BR1MDi0bVQCU-CRWN_qCizOvtyf-drHpin_D36mGFi7T3ti4LdasphxvfPkhvtMBkkG5-_Ya6nAvZfJnR-zuPx1GFl3apfz0qO5qcr-1f-2z496FoABs1sQ/s400/P7130008.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493575602177953602" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">(3/4 head of baby spring lettuce, Mary's Crackers, carrots, 1/4 avocado, 1/4 cup hummus, 2 tbsp balsamic vinaigrette, 1/2 pineapple tomato, and leftover corn on the cob [decobbed]). </span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_bczdG0v76Nl1DT7shslRm5Wy61Mc465_wZlXNNwyXj_9U974GTH8JK9JaJJhWmlh-LLDMBmXiubMFa9yjpvPZfYTdcVAK_IAEMZ_z0pMd9Um_YJ2Tzuk9ojWjmzEicggUSgJebnLTVk/s1600/P7130010.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_bczdG0v76Nl1DT7shslRm5Wy61Mc465_wZlXNNwyXj_9U974GTH8JK9JaJJhWmlh-LLDMBmXiubMFa9yjpvPZfYTdcVAK_IAEMZ_z0pMd9Um_YJ2Tzuk9ojWjmzEicggUSgJebnLTVk/s400/P7130010.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493575593064916162" border="0" /></a>It was delicious and filled a large portion of my vegetable quotient for the day.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">I pretty much worked on schoolwork all afternoon. So nothing exciting to report there. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Dinner </span>was composed of some unpictured fruit and sweet and savory wraps. Yes, two wraps.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipf-HbqLXmdCEinIgo1uxWswyxm_zOFcSeJ3wmR8TBgLdjN4VfIW18h5J4tyzBSzx2sVkHJXyFrSVHyw9K2Gl_EhsyLc1TshWx5UhHVRt7WEBz62ncmYGv64GM-LhvFreGztpgWovZWmA/s1600/P7130011.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipf-HbqLXmdCEinIgo1uxWswyxm_zOFcSeJ3wmR8TBgLdjN4VfIW18h5J4tyzBSzx2sVkHJXyFrSVHyw9K2Gl_EhsyLc1TshWx5UhHVRt7WEBz62ncmYGv64GM-LhvFreGztpgWovZWmA/s400/P7130011.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493575589366929698" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6-COAwnCqspbqC7cbz0TbVMtBmwgkZ258PGY8Ss-YL6rm6ql7qBVExJ1jrrVl1QwGiEujh2j9nAyN58gJpamnNIbREO5_3Lt3h1HG5CRVN89NtLC2CRzTPeAj49rEjeS1T56uSZ-Vt4Y/s1600/P7130013.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6-COAwnCqspbqC7cbz0TbVMtBmwgkZ258PGY8Ss-YL6rm6ql7qBVExJ1jrrVl1QwGiEujh2j9nAyN58gJpamnNIbREO5_3Lt3h1HG5CRVN89NtLC2CRzTPeAj49rEjeS1T56uSZ-Vt4Y/s400/P7130013.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493575581488986242" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">(Savory: hummus, spinach, and carrots)</span><span style="font-style: italic;"></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6hE8vCRpUBCXRWMci_wpKGw0mqTHLSNQbNJzmGCH0xcxfqVKD5EVCX8Bywsgk9cNjsqNQ9RXo7GQlBpqXtU_IDT6gvue2kkW07uuqlb5OlZOsf6hn3LJ9xxjPF6LOM3Esov9MduIu168/s1600/P7130015.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6hE8vCRpUBCXRWMci_wpKGw0mqTHLSNQbNJzmGCH0xcxfqVKD5EVCX8Bywsgk9cNjsqNQ9RXo7GQlBpqXtU_IDT6gvue2kkW07uuqlb5OlZOsf6hn3LJ9xxjPF6LOM3Esov9MduIu168/s400/P7130015.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493575573661886530" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">(Sweet: 1/2 tbsp Dark Chocolate Dreams and 1 tbsp Marshmallow Fluff)</span><br /> <div style="text-align: center;">Gah, I miss marshmallow fluff. It's like being transported right back to childhood.<br /><br />So, I just booked my flight back to school. I am actually going to Buffalo to stay with a friend before we head up to Syracuse. This is in lieu of a road trip with my parents. Honestly, after all of the traveling I have done over the past year, I am just tired of living out of a suitcase. But apparently, I hurt some feelings in deciding to go right to school.<br />And now, I feel awful. That was not my intention at all.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Which leads to my question of the day...where do you draw the line between being independent and doing what you want and compromising yourself for others?</span><br /></div></div>Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09190470759672643997noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8232435295934917.post-82778967943105061702010-07-12T21:07:00.005-04:002010-07-12T21:55:17.670-04:00Busy Busy Bee...<div style="text-align: center;">I really don't know how in the world I became so busy all of the sudden. I think it is just one of those things, ya know, where you either have nothing going on or everything suddenly gets piled on your plate at once.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVpxcq6LD4Dy88SxwWpwI_gfuXAfX9KYK5VyyGoZl1TlCpQT6agcCWkuKTI7wpfOIbCkZ2wL_GMmPMTZ0c_6Xv5OkhOiNY570xyQwbLdT-122wJq8BBqK1dILYuv5aO5KuwFTWDV5hnuw/s1600/P7110003.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVpxcq6LD4Dy88SxwWpwI_gfuXAfX9KYK5VyyGoZl1TlCpQT6agcCWkuKTI7wpfOIbCkZ2wL_GMmPMTZ0c_6Xv5OkhOiNY570xyQwbLdT-122wJq8BBqK1dILYuv5aO5KuwFTWDV5hnuw/s400/P7110003.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493195729633013218" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">(</span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Dinner last night</span><span style="font-style: italic;">: grilled veggie burger, corn on the cob, and skewered broccoli, carrot, onion, and mushroom.)</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">You see, today officially starts Day 1 of my 1/2 marathon training plan. I am following <a href="http://www.halhigdon.com/halfmarathon/novice.htm">this plan</a> for 13 weeks. I have thrown in an extra week as I like to err on the side of caution. Luckily, Monday calls for strength + stretch so I was able to attend my normal yoga class. Problem was I could not stop my mind from wandering back to all of the things I have to do!<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP7VGQJlZEk5H4TqXsf8xOGvEVr3uxZxzZkjQvRCcSGIeBQ6F3H-pOP2Ojs2ao2scEI0BmO2uLpVTm7FA3fj0ccnmHh6lVHp90n-6V-X21a1zuOsAsUB0JulQ_ynqjgRdj6S7K423omCY/s1600/P7120007.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP7VGQJlZEk5H4TqXsf8xOGvEVr3uxZxzZkjQvRCcSGIeBQ6F3H-pOP2Ojs2ao2scEI0BmO2uLpVTm7FA3fj0ccnmHh6lVHp90n-6V-X21a1zuOsAsUB0JulQ_ynqjgRdj6S7K423omCY/s400/P7120007.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493195721382471138" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">(</span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Breakfast</span><span style="font-style: italic;">: same as <a href="http://knackfornutrition.blogspot.com/2010/07/learning.html">yesterday</a> only with an extra 1/2 tbsp of almond butter to keep me fuller longer.)</span><br />Today started bright and early at 7AM. I was up way to late last night working on a project (more details to come...) so I only snagged 5 hours of sleep. I took a friend to the airport and checked on her dogs who I will be babysitting for the next week. Luckily, she lives close by so it is not too much of an inconvenience. Then I rushed off to the dentist, where I received a clean bill of health. Yay for no cavities!<br /><br />As a reward, I went to Drug Emporium to browse their organic section. Did you know their prices are significantly lower than Whole Foods??<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBZIcuKGSPeoPc_wTTJNcrFdLvyxhjo1mii19ovtjAoS3LyE_4RpRdUQ5WgxFgdHz8kB8aTB3AbkwEr20iyRdRxkhZryvsyNBKFdxn0xXJtorEMVBe3WN0PLvtzXUWcjWeEwHMqfHCLQ8/s1600/P7120008.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBZIcuKGSPeoPc_wTTJNcrFdLvyxhjo1mii19ovtjAoS3LyE_4RpRdUQ5WgxFgdHz8kB8aTB3AbkwEr20iyRdRxkhZryvsyNBKFdxn0xXJtorEMVBe3WN0PLvtzXUWcjWeEwHMqfHCLQ8/s400/P7120008.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493195709150815218" border="0" /></a>I bought a bunch of new things to try including apple chips, a new (cheaper) brand of dried mango, Mary's cookies, and shotblox for when my runs require fuel.<br /><br />As mentioned earlier, I have taken on a major project for the remainder of my summer. So far, I am very pleased with the results. I can't wait to share with all of you, but it will take some time as it deals with a completely new field to me. But, I know it is worthwhile.<br /><br />Moving on to lunch, which did not happen until nearly 2PM. That means my morning oats lasted almost 6 hours! Gah, I cannot explain to y'all how much I love when that happens. I find it difficult to tame my hunger for extended periods of time.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6IvY6mpIHGlavlLrIB6yGjoo0YeaGq14U0JV3at64Kk73h5ATKOKKak_-E1oksE7yeTKyqZbvaDEmSq0plNwNIFUv9qcHsMsEeGp78gB0LeFd0UAuJik_bk1eLMnnXB7IaE08xbh08Qk/s1600/P7120013.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6IvY6mpIHGlavlLrIB6yGjoo0YeaGq14U0JV3at64Kk73h5ATKOKKak_-E1oksE7yeTKyqZbvaDEmSq0plNwNIFUv9qcHsMsEeGp78gB0LeFd0UAuJik_bk1eLMnnXB7IaE08xbh08Qk/s400/P7120013.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493192541375310370" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">(<span style="font-weight: bold;">Lunch</span>: Whole wheat wrap with hummus, salsa (made in Syracuse!!), lettuce, and carrots). </span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIktus-wPUv_2J5Nxldrr-3ZsAyJA4Kv4DWzXvIRmXhlMOGvlGzfExnfdLeXCJnDuFmRK1h4oLOCUXIzaG80e2a9-yMJWNIS7akx5SHmXhtseeCzWGULwj3-DJSGNEyzF5e0ggMHgE8AI/s1600/P7120014.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIktus-wPUv_2J5Nxldrr-3ZsAyJA4Kv4DWzXvIRmXhlMOGvlGzfExnfdLeXCJnDuFmRK1h4oLOCUXIzaG80e2a9-yMJWNIS7akx5SHmXhtseeCzWGULwj3-DJSGNEyzF5e0ggMHgE8AI/s400/P7120014.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493192529713863618" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">(</span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Lunch</span><span style="font-style: italic;">: with a side of hard boiled eggs, only the whites, for protein.)</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZuXf6Nhpj00c9qIlBQLlaGnHX6X-Y-1S_H7JxBIWVsJzN2LxdCXMuwuuCDvZFeyQe7oB7alZL1pDMDWjsJ5n9EW75_C3cbb0qynS0j-muHst9hNRLccoH_FYI3CJze6v247OJlvXDIpo/s1600/P7120016.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZuXf6Nhpj00c9qIlBQLlaGnHX6X-Y-1S_H7JxBIWVsJzN2LxdCXMuwuuCDvZFeyQe7oB7alZL1pDMDWjsJ5n9EW75_C3cbb0qynS0j-muHst9hNRLccoH_FYI3CJze6v247OJlvXDIpo/s400/P7120016.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493192520591802450" border="0" /></a>My thought's on Mary's cookies...well I was all excited because the serving size said 2 for 120 calories and not much fat...and then I opened the box. Look at how tiny they are! The flavor is a little wonky as well. Can't win them all I suppose.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">I spent the remainder of the afternoon reading for my exercise physiology summer course. I am taking it online and there is a lot of work! I am surprised by how demanding it is. Also, I am by no means a science person, so learning the intricacies of muscle fibers is proving challenging. I think once I get the hang of the terminology I will really like it.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmFnLZJfWqNn9GnvEBnwzcPSddYu8C-47ww4LFOXaS-bQ8AWhPL_2w_hb8zwQ5fhDBrYJbTC9il-GocR8CHApdxbmVFrm1ECFKsNuV7x4E9Pz6tJ1XWddSspBxPSsYcOhsqWnv_CsRaNg/s1600/P7120018.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmFnLZJfWqNn9GnvEBnwzcPSddYu8C-47ww4LFOXaS-bQ8AWhPL_2w_hb8zwQ5fhDBrYJbTC9il-GocR8CHApdxbmVFrm1ECFKsNuV7x4E9Pz6tJ1XWddSspBxPSsYcOhsqWnv_CsRaNg/s400/P7120018.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493192512081555186" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">(<span style="font-weight: bold;">Dinner</span>: Oven roasted broccoli and carrots.)</span><br />Dinner occurred post-yoga. The class was by no means my best. I just wasn't able to concentrate and zone out like usual. Yes, that is ketchup on my grilled broccoli and carrots. Don't knock it until you try it. I think it tastes delicious.<br /><br />I also wanted to mention a new bar I picked up at Whole Foods the other day. I saw <a href="http://www.loveveggiesandyoga.com/">Averie's </a>post about the brand a while back so I thought I would try it out for myself.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd0-aH6js4pcHjHFSx7JGXKjh13qGpddlUIX4goOn7qgybo_TFgicqIY6v3n-tnRj_md7LIwYvmM9rbln8W3V6pQ9xSqjMIBlRrmxqHA3DcJVQnDrLnAgSrGTkFRJb_akDm729XnoXhmE/s1600/P7120020.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd0-aH6js4pcHjHFSx7JGXKjh13qGpddlUIX4goOn7qgybo_TFgicqIY6v3n-tnRj_md7LIwYvmM9rbln8W3V6pQ9xSqjMIBlRrmxqHA3DcJVQnDrLnAgSrGTkFRJb_akDm729XnoXhmE/s400/P7120020.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493192502687442626" border="0" /></a>I loved it! The bar is almost double the size of a Lara Bar and has a similar flavor profile. It is not overly sweet and had a nice chewy texture. I wish it did not cost so much, but I do understand the price somewhat because of the high quality ingredients used.<br /><br />Alright, time for me to go check on my friends dogs once again and catch up with <a href="http://knackfornutrition.blogspot.com/2010/04/reunited-and-it-feel-so-good.html">my BFF</a> over a bottle of french wine. Not too much though, as I have 3 miles on the schedule first thing in the morning!<br /><br />Have a nice night everyone!<br />~Jenn<br /></div>Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09190470759672643997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8232435295934917.post-15625439383518305102010-07-11T18:11:00.005-04:002010-07-11T18:45:58.890-04:00Learning<div style="text-align: center;">Life is a continuous education whether we realize it or not. We are always learning, evolving, and adapting. Everything we experience, from moving into that <a href="http://knackfornutrition.blogspot.com/2010/01/live-from-washington-dc.html">first apartment</a> to <a href="http://knackfornutrition.blogspot.com/2010/05/into-unknown.html">living abroad </a>fundamentally shapes us. Life throws a lot at us, and often the decisions we make are difficult. But we must have faith and take risks.<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Sometimes it is hard to go out on a limb, but I believe that is where all the fruit is. </span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgngSg4GVe1xQG-_3OXmrJNPUlwvMgToM9FG93N6whc53Y-vF7tgyEmvIKmImRIMTi0LTWF6qCDxfqSxHFdTRLLRiI4nUUHbO1HJ45OCq7f2kkJQilO8slCz1DM8dxE6JcmOHq6zbVF2I/s1600/P7100001.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgngSg4GVe1xQG-_3OXmrJNPUlwvMgToM9FG93N6whc53Y-vF7tgyEmvIKmImRIMTi0LTWF6qCDxfqSxHFdTRLLRiI4nUUHbO1HJ45OCq7f2kkJQilO8slCz1DM8dxE6JcmOHq6zbVF2I/s400/P7100001.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492776536775028050" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-style: italic;">(Pineapple, 1 slice Ezekiel toast, 1/2 tbsp almond butter, 1/2 banana, cinnamon)</span><br /><br />I've started thinking about the future. The future that exists beyond college. At this point, all I have are uncertainties and unknowns.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSaK5j8gT69opV43dtJyb2_rXfkbfqOpno7PRG-x8t357mDLl_MeTIgNXCeAn3MJEN-XV2F0TUiNABCynDaOe3e9dAqfH_bLl-drPByZ5hLPIpldJLFB-VDk6JJVYvND76N5jU_TvkKB8/s1600/P7100006.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 352px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSaK5j8gT69opV43dtJyb2_rXfkbfqOpno7PRG-x8t357mDLl_MeTIgNXCeAn3MJEN-XV2F0TUiNABCynDaOe3e9dAqfH_bLl-drPByZ5hLPIpldJLFB-VDk6JJVYvND76N5jU_TvkKB8/s400/P7100006.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492776522794045922" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;"> (Banana soft-serve: 1 frozen banana, 1 tbsp almond butter, 1 tbsp cacao nibs)</span><br /><br />On the one hand, I will have the whole world ahead of me with a degree in hand. But on the flipside, I will be unemployed and unsure of how to support myself.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0sxwTqm7s7YBelTSj0KT2BzgofQtyB9_ZGtvaP7-howl18uw6FJ7GLXveW4HXSMR0OwdO_V3sEE2I8lSTdbMir126av1qhhfkOeEtgqys8Y305A8S9r1CSLCyyGbGbywDrlvXlC2Do24/s1600/P7100010.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0sxwTqm7s7YBelTSj0KT2BzgofQtyB9_ZGtvaP7-howl18uw6FJ7GLXveW4HXSMR0OwdO_V3sEE2I8lSTdbMir126av1qhhfkOeEtgqys8Y305A8S9r1CSLCyyGbGbywDrlvXlC2Do24/s400/P7100010.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492776515858124226" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;"> (What Sheba has learned: she does not like carrots)</span><br /><br />I believe that <span style="font-weight: bold;">things happen for a reason</span>. The 18 credits that stand between me and the real world are the buffer that I need to figure everything out.<br /><br />And I will.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs6sunRxBjEhZCt-QvOe0T4M9WQfPl-TcF6Kp913gN3YKUnj-i78jhMFash_jbr4u9cKX4CFRxzdKVnHRAFaepsabK3gBad8DUtr6g4SREVJaRoykOPZeFZYtFMDhPR3h1g_sdYDCZaT8/s1600/P7100011.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs6sunRxBjEhZCt-QvOe0T4M9WQfPl-TcF6Kp913gN3YKUnj-i78jhMFash_jbr4u9cKX4CFRxzdKVnHRAFaepsabK3gBad8DUtr6g4SREVJaRoykOPZeFZYtFMDhPR3h1g_sdYDCZaT8/s400/P7100011.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492776127709229298" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;"> (1/4 cup red-pepper hummus, as many carrots as I could possibly eat)</span><br /><br />With this in mind, I plan to continue <span style="font-weight: bold;">to learn as much as possible</span>. I want to soak up the knowledge of those around me, work hard in my exercise physiology summer course, and commit to my <a href="http://knackfornutrition.blogspot.com/2010/04/131-mile-goal.html">1/2 marathon training</a>. I want to progress, both mentally and physically.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH8hUlzuawQ56A0BLwwvDiycF1nuxb_TUq8reGBsrqCL_icmS0xgKQyZ4MDYq0OkGnQG9DlRKfIPCQyoTHaxkm61lbrUwvTJC6b45ygVBsPz219o2oEhuC0ucQpaoxbCOwZl3m6wO_26k/s1600/P7110014.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH8hUlzuawQ56A0BLwwvDiycF1nuxb_TUq8reGBsrqCL_icmS0xgKQyZ4MDYq0OkGnQG9DlRKfIPCQyoTHaxkm61lbrUwvTJC6b45ygVBsPz219o2oEhuC0ucQpaoxbCOwZl3m6wO_26k/s400/P7110014.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492776105876758498" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-style: italic;">(1/2 cup oatmeal, 1/2 almond butter, 1.2 cup water, 1/2 scoop chia seeds, 1/2 tbsp almond butter, 1 tbsp cacao nibs)</span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Learning is about so much more than memorizing facts in a classroom. It is about living life and being open to new experiences and trying new things.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfE30_uhyphenhyphenbeE5rhkWjyxznXE-T2U63qR6OisaKwd4SexR_feDc9DcKOQnP9UbRUMvcArSy3UYaSNmWJL0MDUOZDiy764Z-NVQWtzc5246wxJN8dz0dGXjoNR3jT0arm3pLcVv__gTG5cY/s1600/P7110020.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfE30_uhyphenhyphenbeE5rhkWjyxznXE-T2U63qR6OisaKwd4SexR_feDc9DcKOQnP9UbRUMvcArSy3UYaSNmWJL0MDUOZDiy764Z-NVQWtzc5246wxJN8dz0dGXjoNR3jT0arm3pLcVv__gTG5cY/s400/P7110020.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492776097941035106" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">(Pre-spin class green monster: 3 cups organic spinach, 1 frozen banana, 1 cup pineapple, 1 scoop </span><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://www.amazinggrass.com/berry-green-superfood-powder.html">Amazing Grass</a><span style="font-style: italic;"> powder, 1 tbsp flax seed, 1/2 cup almond milk, 1/2 cup water, lots of ice)</span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">All I have are my thoughts for the future. There are a lot of tentative ideas in my head yet none have manifested into a concrete plan. And for now, that is alright.<br /><br />We can only take one day at a time. I choose to learn something today.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbXuSqn6PSnp4k0XiTkPYlC8tgIkDVZRSKLHcU5csx2ehru7JDFVS4Xi-mk15up0qnKu5usFXmugwnq-Yi_lQM_R1T-KtiCL2qWk96_CYV5ST-uPPpU3jagGQJskl_22JRTTrRtjH4eRE/s1600/P7110023.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbXuSqn6PSnp4k0XiTkPYlC8tgIkDVZRSKLHcU5csx2ehru7JDFVS4Xi-mk15up0qnKu5usFXmugwnq-Yi_lQM_R1T-KtiCL2qWk96_CYV5ST-uPPpU3jagGQJskl_22JRTTrRtjH4eRE/s400/P7110023.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492776088000841666" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;"> (Chocolate vita-top with 1/2 tbsp almond butter. Microwaved for 25 seconds {from frozen}. Do it now.)</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Knowledge is power.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">So on a lighter note, let's see how much you know...<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh03rcGu0VkCB0-tgKU6sAAvbVufIhHxtjuaSFop8xcghq15NDoSUD9Iwb_hQScAD6TX5yTsZz959LIohzVL9vigc4IcD2x_c0v8DrHQYN7zvu-8OlxQxWVH_0llcD2YV7SrQ_0i2bzamU/s1600/P7100013.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh03rcGu0VkCB0-tgKU6sAAvbVufIhHxtjuaSFop8xcghq15NDoSUD9Iwb_hQScAD6TX5yTsZz959LIohzVL9vigc4IcD2x_c0v8DrHQYN7zvu-8OlxQxWVH_0llcD2YV7SrQ_0i2bzamU/s400/P7100013.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492776118239809554" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Do you know what color a newborn Panda is?</span> (Googling the answer is cheating, by the way.)<br />I'll post the answer at the beginning of tomorrow's post.<br />Until then,<br />~Jenn<br /></div>Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09190470759672643997noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8232435295934917.post-32486308460932547572010-07-09T21:04:00.005-04:002010-07-09T23:00:37.390-04:003 meals a day.<div style="text-align: center;">I did something today that I have not done in a very long time...<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">called a rest day from working out??...wait that's definitely not it seeing as I did not log one workout during my last week in <a href="http://knackfornutrition.blogspot.com/2010/07/le-derniere-nuit-et-jour.html">Strasbourg</a>. No no...today was special because I actually cooked all three meals for myself!<br /><br />I started off the day with a sweet <span style="font-weight: bold;">breakfast</span>. On my last jaunt to Whole Foods, I picked up something I have been seeing around the blogosphere for a while now, <a href="http://www.rawcacao.com/">Raw Cacao Nibs</a>. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBu3Hspqp-7VoNp4fVGgoFQ7AL9K642mZpbcEytmFElmEBDXB2EhTL6EDTATnlDDqum7sLxMDWDQogf_N2uEeaLz3jt5Hb50GB6TlpDsw7o4lE__apRAZiTwO83asgLPVi3Aw94yFDXs4/s1600/P7090001.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBu3Hspqp-7VoNp4fVGgoFQ7AL9K642mZpbcEytmFElmEBDXB2EhTL6EDTATnlDDqum7sLxMDWDQogf_N2uEeaLz3jt5Hb50GB6TlpDsw7o4lE__apRAZiTwO83asgLPVi3Aw94yFDXs4/s400/P7090001.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492078723216595122" border="0" /></a> I went with oats because, well, they work with just about anything.<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbs6Ld1hmys0JNhBl92jEK1jMrAwg8OkPcWwZ68zlihpaY1Gd9naqJjEm2yxF4CtzZWOxfU0CTA34SjFk1Z6u9CjG1bZd2yvU56zc4Giecv1H23CORkst13GGVYogCGsvICaUDwbFFt-A/s1600/P7090003.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbs6Ld1hmys0JNhBl92jEK1jMrAwg8OkPcWwZ68zlihpaY1Gd9naqJjEm2yxF4CtzZWOxfU0CTA34SjFk1Z6u9CjG1bZd2yvU56zc4Giecv1H23CORkst13GGVYogCGsvICaUDwbFFt-A/s400/P7090003.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492078715870030242" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrjlBU7NPapzpmkuN-IPp7XiBswymG0FRQ83g_g3ZAudbnGle9690QYnzUTAxnC1CffNegdZO5j9F2RkdU2v4UJnPAR5ZVQhw-n6Wc6j0UFAqXM5-d-vrUQ2HutWIvDieCN72jzJs3Vwg/s1600/P7090006.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrjlBU7NPapzpmkuN-IPp7XiBswymG0FRQ83g_g3ZAudbnGle9690QYnzUTAxnC1CffNegdZO5j9F2RkdU2v4UJnPAR5ZVQhw-n6Wc6j0UFAqXM5-d-vrUQ2HutWIvDieCN72jzJs3Vwg/s400/P7090006.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492078707266693186" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-style: italic;">(1/2 cup oats, 1/2 almond milk, 1/2 cup water, 1/2 tbsp almond butter, 1/2 tbsp chia seeds, and sprinkle of cacao nibs). </span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I'm a fan for sure. They taste like healthy chocolate chips! :)<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjp-lqcHOuJe8_fBi4qInlX2rcyZdZHJxIpHdIzySrihrxO1Mmj8dp_3QUkoDr3KX1V40UOE-V8kEZRDq2tWHloMAGqvBjEBspeTanTCh3GWZFmeMt6OxAc2dOj8MG706Zxqq8ettykOM/s1600/P7090008.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjp-lqcHOuJe8_fBi4qInlX2rcyZdZHJxIpHdIzySrihrxO1Mmj8dp_3QUkoDr3KX1V40UOE-V8kEZRDq2tWHloMAGqvBjEBspeTanTCh3GWZFmeMt6OxAc2dOj8MG706Zxqq8ettykOM/s400/P7090008.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492078693844749538" border="0" /></a> Mid-morning I snacked on a whole mango (it was a baby) and a kiwi.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Lunch </span>consisted of another first for me.<br />I cooked <span style="font-style: italic;">lentils</span>. Ever since the host mom made me a dish containing lentils I haven't been able to stop thinking about the little guys. I really like the texture of them and they are a great source of protein for vegetarians. (Expect to see a lot of lentils around here!)<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN9bE9w5ten_zjHbaow6hYF9poTDYHUMOi3ieo6OsBr2jDzBRSjzu-jQO9YEty8PZBTwTxBaGK_DTYNo-VSQGAL5LLjvb3PphspMrW7EhtZvdcPtKPoW7vauAgP3_HKx5VTNWJG5cREpw/s1600/P7090010.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN9bE9w5ten_zjHbaow6hYF9poTDYHUMOi3ieo6OsBr2jDzBRSjzu-jQO9YEty8PZBTwTxBaGK_DTYNo-VSQGAL5LLjvb3PphspMrW7EhtZvdcPtKPoW7vauAgP3_HKx5VTNWJG5cREpw/s400/P7090010.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492077914072868274" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">(1/2 cup lentils, leftover grilled tofu, steamed broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots. Spices: dash of garlic powder, salt, and pepper). </span><br /><br />I spent the afternoon running fun errands. And by fun errands, I mean shopping. Clearly it was of the utmost importance that I buy a new day planner (mine ends in July for some reason) and a photo album for my travel photos which should be arriving tomorrow! Then I hit up Kroger for dinner ingredients.<br /><br />Small aside: The man in front of me at the checkout like caught my eye. I am not one to judge what people purchase at the grocery store, but his selection made me very sad. It was clear that he had walked to Kroger (as he was sweating profusely) and was not well off. Yet, he purchased 10 packages of ramen that were on sale (for around .20 cents each), a package of $4 cigarettes, and a 6 pack of Heineken beer. I was struck by how much more he spent on poisoning his body rather than nurturing it. I guess the point is that I wish all people had the opportunity to learn about health and nutrition and how to properly take care of themselves.<br /><br />Okay, back to <span style="font-weight: bold;">dinner</span> which was based on a recipe that I found on<a href="http://cashewsandhummus.com/2010/06/22/hit-it-and-quit-it/"> Cara's blog</a>. The moment I saw her post about <span style="font-style: italic;">Zucchini Lasagna</span> I knew I had to replicate it. (Click the link to see the recipe. I don't want to claim ownership of her genius!)<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguvpzNDvzEciI55DoSZ7eoaT1RiTd-CvvqQmRzJmsIrdHKcTJ7UfUl6fmXM_Lu62Y-9iDDymwO70qJhtaKk_gQ7TEcORWxQbqsF2xrWX8NiBYqCuq8ZIg9np7rBvwk4LYPYijRTJkkqow/s1600/P7090014.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguvpzNDvzEciI55DoSZ7eoaT1RiTd-CvvqQmRzJmsIrdHKcTJ7UfUl6fmXM_Lu62Y-9iDDymwO70qJhtaKk_gQ7TEcORWxQbqsF2xrWX8NiBYqCuq8ZIg9np7rBvwk4LYPYijRTJkkqow/s400/P7090014.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492077902347407762" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCv8Bm_RDHIQoY3zfikwglEpcbJsw9qsjlNZt3eYckD2iV7QffoZZPlRVmkgqFo9pmpA6TETk8Yt95QaroIG5hRKcExbPlpr75s7Md9Tn6qWmX75VfKT2CmrsB6eGIHqfsoRSnzQ0junQ/s1600/P7090016.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCv8Bm_RDHIQoY3zfikwglEpcbJsw9qsjlNZt3eYckD2iV7QffoZZPlRVmkgqFo9pmpA6TETk8Yt95QaroIG5hRKcExbPlpr75s7Md9Tn6qWmX75VfKT2CmrsB6eGIHqfsoRSnzQ0junQ/s400/P7090016.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492077897447254914" border="0" /></a>I made a couple of alterations based on what I had in the fridge and cupboard. I omitted the rosemary, used wine + regular vinegar instead of rice wine vinegar, and added spinach to the tomato sauce. I also served my portion on a bed of fresh spinach.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw_xscMTJFQN6F3KcnUSrlJct42YKn2enPQ_Z95-ypSVQfFqiVa5jrH-02h6Yxzx9TcNkbh1PH7hqT2EooQK40AEj2I5shNDlEeAd2KyZu-bI1H8veGW4CbT2iEvqoEEFgOfHxF4VndHc/s1600/P7090019.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw_xscMTJFQN6F3KcnUSrlJct42YKn2enPQ_Z95-ypSVQfFqiVa5jrH-02h6Yxzx9TcNkbh1PH7hqT2EooQK40AEj2I5shNDlEeAd2KyZu-bI1H8veGW4CbT2iEvqoEEFgOfHxF4VndHc/s400/P7090019.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492077888368045362" border="0" /></a>This recipe is magic. Seriously, make it. It tastes exactly like the heavy calorie laden lasagna your grandma used to make. I ate half of the pan (the recipe is 2 servings) and I can't wait for leftovers!<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Dessert</span> was the norm tonight, but with a fresh twist. Summer berries to be exact!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXYXD2IAw9iiYV8vVXxqmAgFcnOWdavsW635VFarWT-bd94fpDtlBC9E5XZv0hI2aEOX4KdjhdadjW-oR6JZcTFLsFOdCVLDqivyEa9lb4GS9MozY4_4Tvb7O6IwwXCsN35K2u-SoKk5U/s1600/P7090021.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXYXD2IAw9iiYV8vVXxqmAgFcnOWdavsW635VFarWT-bd94fpDtlBC9E5XZv0hI2aEOX4KdjhdadjW-oR6JZcTFLsFOdCVLDqivyEa9lb4GS9MozY4_4Tvb7O6IwwXCsN35K2u-SoKk5U/s400/P7090021.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492077878883888466" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">(Blueberry vitatop, 1 tbsp dark chocolate dreams, 1 cup strawberries and blackberries). </span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">On the workout front, I decided to push up my 1/2 marathon training a week. That means I start Monday! Ready or not, it's happening! I'm excited to have something to work toward but I am also intimidated as hell. But I figure adding a week will give me time to adjust as necessary and redo a week if I feel as though I am not ready to move forward.<br /><br />Until next time,<br />~Jenn<br /></div>Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09190470759672643997noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8232435295934917.post-76419425140049672762010-07-08T20:52:00.005-04:002010-07-08T22:13:59.423-04:00Grill Master in Training<div style="text-align: center;">I had my alarm set for 7AM to beat the heat. I was going to run 4 miles. It was all planned out in my mind. And then it didn't happen. Instead, I rolled out of bed at the not so early hour of 9AM and made myself a staple pre-workout <span style="font-weight: bold;">breakfast</span>. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQHO6R0Q7RNxZTKYcFZJ8_2X0fZGfQR0sCaZY4RASROn51fl10RHRGGpClu3AXOCTHSrWG60LS4rg_dTWqvECur0i-YjxtE81hsUqnOq8kghEcs6I3sz87_Ih-PkpiY9O2_XaRsBneR6o/s1600/P7080011.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQHO6R0Q7RNxZTKYcFZJ8_2X0fZGfQR0sCaZY4RASROn51fl10RHRGGpClu3AXOCTHSrWG60LS4rg_dTWqvECur0i-YjxtE81hsUqnOq8kghEcs6I3sz87_Ih-PkpiY9O2_XaRsBneR6o/s400/P7080011.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491706950712292674" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">(2 slices of Ezekiel sesame toast, 1 tbsp almond butter, 1 sliced banana, and a generous dash of cinnamon.)</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I digested for a bit (read: watched an episode of Nurse Jackie) before throwing on my workout gear and <a href="http://knackfornutrition.blogspot.com/2010/04/not-your-dads-tuna-salad-my-new-garmin.html">my beast</a> to head out for a run. Now, y'all know I live in Arkansas right? Yes, running at 10:30 was a bad idea. I made it just shy of 2.5 miles (averaging an 11 minute/mile pace) before I felt like dying. My body felt like it was on fire because of the heat. I ran slow and steady the entire time, but the weather just got the best of me.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">I spent longer cooling down from the run than I actually spent running. How's that for global warming?<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Lunch</span> was created around 1PM because I could not fathom anything but water up until that point. Cool and refreshing summer salad to the rescue!<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI52xfeFoeCi__Z_P8ZFhuC-VKCyzXLA2VMTENox_s5llLoTjJprnSzBekQI6sO70oqhLkn04cDZqa19tQHwW07S6Su6fmZBum2OfzAJzYuFf7qjclH1CMUWHHfD6muMXuoTN5SzMp__s/s1600/P7080012.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI52xfeFoeCi__Z_P8ZFhuC-VKCyzXLA2VMTENox_s5llLoTjJprnSzBekQI6sO70oqhLkn04cDZqa19tQHwW07S6Su6fmZBum2OfzAJzYuFf7qjclH1CMUWHHfD6muMXuoTN5SzMp__s/s400/P7080012.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491706938533041890" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNNaSldT4_QrDTNOmCi9bFPVWbsSUcOZianRGoQCRoqQE4mfXuMp7a0vFVWSxuNiKtaIMNG9-JLUD1W3Py_Wm2KTiegh00dsP_5O6sF0rzEMy1D4TSNfpWCBp3M46bMk1B_U7R3dONV5c/s1600/P7080014.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNNaSldT4_QrDTNOmCi9bFPVWbsSUcOZianRGoQCRoqQE4mfXuMp7a0vFVWSxuNiKtaIMNG9-JLUD1W3Py_Wm2KTiegh00dsP_5O6sF0rzEMy1D4TSNfpWCBp3M46bMk1B_U7R3dONV5c/s400/P7080014.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491706935288856338" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">(Mixed baby greens, red pepper, 1/2 avocado, hummus, and light balsamic vinaigrette.)</span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">I spent the afternoon doing one of the most relaxing activities I know. No, not yoga. Perusing Whole Foods (aka Whole Paycheck) scoping out new products. I ended up with some great new products to try, which I can't wait to review for the blog.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Then, something magical happened. I decided to actually cook <span style="font-weight: bold;">dinner</span>. And by cook I mean grill. <span style="font-style: italic;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRTb-PXgGooRJu1pqRtIgFDpoCiGGQHjoV4XOWMUFWlIHV7y0SkfE9smppJ77RotHn_HSHlKfEtGvxOh7cUkMtqpfbL_QNRCb14hgk3zEE00Dz9fTYtTkdix36a2ra5RQs2FWmR0JELaI/s1600/P7080022.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRTb-PXgGooRJu1pqRtIgFDpoCiGGQHjoV4XOWMUFWlIHV7y0SkfE9smppJ77RotHn_HSHlKfEtGvxOh7cUkMtqpfbL_QNRCb14hgk3zEE00Dz9fTYtTkdix36a2ra5RQs2FWmR0JELaI/s400/P7080022.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491706911604354370" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-style: italic;">For the first time ever.</span> Because, well ya know, why not stand over an open flame while it is 90 degrees outside. Brilliant. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu8VrIqnNlUkFdvAiNcBdtIQXHsk77P3Y2VYzm69OgJHwsEAibvegImQmuQm6lCF0M8ADZWEbFtIAGWJmJevrhgOkMD5pZ1UYrgX0_SsUm4uPo6yiDHwZ5uZPAHVyMouctIggAleh8j74/s1600/P7080026.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 332px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu8VrIqnNlUkFdvAiNcBdtIQXHsk77P3Y2VYzm69OgJHwsEAibvegImQmuQm6lCF0M8ADZWEbFtIAGWJmJevrhgOkMD5pZ1UYrgX0_SsUm4uPo6yiDHwZ5uZPAHVyMouctIggAleh8j74/s400/P7080026.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491705680848674402" border="0" /></a>I digress... I developed on the spot based on what I found in the fridge: <span style="font-style: italic;">Shrimp and vegetable kebabs!</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJuzBs4nVaiD8rTnhr7Js3MiUaGSDr2WUQBMx1j8TY0t8pZNwUMOh-1WOBgp1EHRPfdT2xzEzWctGCNEB2VgZOmeqFxv3TZa1L9PN0oR6rgdmh-uxoYTrTtuW5R3gSQI6I2aGDAgMWQjY/s1600/P7080021.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJuzBs4nVaiD8rTnhr7Js3MiUaGSDr2WUQBMx1j8TY0t8pZNwUMOh-1WOBgp1EHRPfdT2xzEzWctGCNEB2VgZOmeqFxv3TZa1L9PN0oR6rgdmh-uxoYTrTtuW5R3gSQI6I2aGDAgMWQjY/s400/P7080021.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491706924316864258" border="0" /></a> I used raw broccoli, cauliflower, and red onion as for my vegetables. Alongside an entire bag of frozen shrimp and a marinade composed of 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs and a generous dose of <a href="http://www.bragg.com/products/sprinkle.html">Bragg's seasoning</a>. Once everything was one the grill, I doused it in garlic powder to add a kick to it.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAGuDIGt3_bTCix6UyR_uqGYyJKv8UnVk3WcRQ0p50I78qqocAwyFnAbgdSme8tYhxUVmc1q4cBz8ohZk147XsJ_Y3gqkmeuH4KlK8TZsY5tb08_J0EWSv-VuyEu9AYKh6KJW9OT1s5hQ/s1600/P7080032.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAGuDIGt3_bTCix6UyR_uqGYyJKv8UnVk3WcRQ0p50I78qqocAwyFnAbgdSme8tYhxUVmc1q4cBz8ohZk147XsJ_Y3gqkmeuH4KlK8TZsY5tb08_J0EWSv-VuyEu9AYKh6KJW9OT1s5hQ/s400/P7080032.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491705670812519842" border="0" /></a> The final product was <span style="font-style: italic;">just alright</span>. Next time, I would definitely pre-cook the vegetables a little bit to soften them up and use more butter on the shrimp so they aren't so dry. You can't win them all...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8QkGfEDqYF1SPXe_GzxedoEjFTHBwfy3fJGaPqg0D3HeH0FpEdBEE5jpATmf9Kj2zj6DsVncKpCjoyHMm0z13MJP8l-dHt_PNNCGCTqJpKC_Y-3UT8SMA0dKqtRruwMlsaLq5cmPvz10/s1600/P7080036.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8QkGfEDqYF1SPXe_GzxedoEjFTHBwfy3fJGaPqg0D3HeH0FpEdBEE5jpATmf9Kj2zj6DsVncKpCjoyHMm0z13MJP8l-dHt_PNNCGCTqJpKC_Y-3UT8SMA0dKqtRruwMlsaLq5cmPvz10/s400/P7080036.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491705654281670994" border="0" /></a> The corn I served alongside was a nice way to bulk up the meal. It was also nice to be able to sit down with my parents for dinner during the weeknight. Since everyone follows their own schedule, weeknight family meals are a rarity. I guess my <span style="font-weight: bold;">skillz</span> were just no match for the TV tonight. :)<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">To end on a sweet note, both literally and figuratively, I had <span style="font-weight: bold;">dessert</span>. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbMI1yWvG66fcihvMz_QJlpXI8b2ld1uLyUY9YZYZep_N-MTATN3P0mlPWQRtXZlXn_FDOxFfQZHu0AdQxexHBGPJ_8MNJ_GH28qBQ_lCzjQ5jMj_ZYwONXzPjbyLT0lNlzcZ5BHoh7QQ/s1600/P7080037.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbMI1yWvG66fcihvMz_QJlpXI8b2ld1uLyUY9YZYZep_N-MTATN3P0mlPWQRtXZlXn_FDOxFfQZHu0AdQxexHBGPJ_8MNJ_GH28qBQ_lCzjQ5jMj_ZYwONXzPjbyLT0lNlzcZ5BHoh7QQ/s400/P7080037.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491705640392276914" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">(Banana Nut Vitatop with 1/2 tbsp Dark Chocolate Dreams).</span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">I'm off to order some <a href="http://www.bondiband.com/">Bondi Bands</a>. I have heard nothing but great things about the company and their product and I am eager to keep the sweat out of my eyes in this summer heat!<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Stay cool out there!<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">~Jenn<br /></div>Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09190470759672643997noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8232435295934917.post-18951110296886891802010-07-07T14:40:00.005-04:002010-07-07T15:23:07.657-04:008!<div style="text-align: center;">What comes to mind when you think of the number 8? I'm sure everyone's answer is radically different, but for me it is just one thing...<span style="font-weight: bold;">pounds.</span> That's right, dear friends and lurkers. I am here to come clean both literally and figuratively. I'm just going to put this out there...rip it off like a band aid so we can all move forward.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">I gained 8 pounds in Strasbourg!</span><br />I am not proud of this, but the fact of the matter is I knew that my body was going to change while living abroad. I had almost no control over my food and had a drastic drop in exercise. Sure, there was plenty of walking. But let's be honest here, walking is not going to keep croissants, french bread, and cheese in copious amounts from adding to your waistline.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Ok, now that we are all on the same page, let's move on to how I am going to undo the damage. I believe that going back to what I know, which is a lot of greens, will help me get back to at least feeling comfortable. I want to cut down on portions to accelerate the process.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Breakfast </span>was eaten pre work-out, so I kept it light.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgypZl0iCk6Mobhz3ElDprK1C_mMtvAm_-z009uNScZ9ZlMbiKox_S1Xw9CzYF0YNvtyBjFOo-_-oG3wMZwGEfiTHR3vs3CLh7YENF4EKTuMmPkBXGJMBZR3Zfsvt_1E6e0FET3gnmH-S8/s1600/P7070001.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgypZl0iCk6Mobhz3ElDprK1C_mMtvAm_-z009uNScZ9ZlMbiKox_S1Xw9CzYF0YNvtyBjFOo-_-oG3wMZwGEfiTHR3vs3CLh7YENF4EKTuMmPkBXGJMBZR3Zfsvt_1E6e0FET3gnmH-S8/s400/P7070001.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491237449060117426" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">(Cherries, pineapple, vanilla yogurt with 1/2 tbsp Chia seeds.)</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZHTyfGFaI57J7937wveuKI9-f3amHK5XVQV0vYORM0B6Efl_qOzKU79M-grO-Skv_7CWrlwJn4jb0ZN34v6_GmymzDsau5dQLczizaGhitlIGgQDKYI-Dk-XCGA3ccAD04voFolokn-g/s1600/P7070006.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZHTyfGFaI57J7937wveuKI9-f3amHK5XVQV0vYORM0B6Efl_qOzKU79M-grO-Skv_7CWrlwJn4jb0ZN34v6_GmymzDsau5dQLczizaGhitlIGgQDKYI-Dk-XCGA3ccAD04voFolokn-g/s400/P7070006.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491237416605052290" border="0" /></a>Chia seeds are back in my life! Thanks in part to <a href="http://www.loveveggiesandyoga.com/">Averie</a> and her coupon code :) and the excellent service of the people at <a href="http://www.iherb.com/">iHerb</a>, I was able to enjoy an old favorite this morning.<br />Did you know that chia seeds are full of soluble fiber? If you put a spoonful in a glass of water and leave it for 30 minutes the little guys will soak up the liquid. It is thought that the same process happens in your stomach. In essence, chia seeds are credited with slowing the conversion of carbohydrates into sugar because the gel they form in your stomach acts as a barrier to slow digestion. Fascinating, no?<br /><br />I digress...after 45 minutes of morning cardio, I came home and plopped myself on the couch to catch up on Nurse Jackie. I love this show! Hunger struck soon after, so I whipped up <span style="font-weight: bold;">breakfast #2</span>. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyUz5tZXvDEND7lOr0oJXoQ_ySkyCq-ov1_Lb4GjILOvLkbCslrszn8jnljYclNFSuN5DvAkuAqVhame-cDsrgHTo1BvkAcxHV5Pnts52CKdc5djgkgBblgEVqHLyC6mT5Bc20T8Qc_OM/s1600/P7070004.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyUz5tZXvDEND7lOr0oJXoQ_ySkyCq-ov1_Lb4GjILOvLkbCslrszn8jnljYclNFSuN5DvAkuAqVhame-cDsrgHTo1BvkAcxHV5Pnts52CKdc5djgkgBblgEVqHLyC6mT5Bc20T8Qc_OM/s400/P7070004.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491237427673980418" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">(1 cup fresh mango.) </span><br />I paired my fresh fruit with some divine oats. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE8fupOCIa7RkBBG_foKTaJDF1y6Krt2CTzFyIdzMeDWRvJ9ns5PvUJJi5rLC7cghm-tRtC3gx9uYGXXRgSCOrC_B0H2cjHZGgD4Daz961YH2LoUD29UC-rZAB1r0LQSngUvZr0SKMeVM/s1600/P7070010.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE8fupOCIa7RkBBG_foKTaJDF1y6Krt2CTzFyIdzMeDWRvJ9ns5PvUJJi5rLC7cghm-tRtC3gx9uYGXXRgSCOrC_B0H2cjHZGgD4Daz961YH2LoUD29UC-rZAB1r0LQSngUvZr0SKMeVM/s400/P7070010.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491236666174490066" border="0" /></a> I say divine because they cooked perfectly today and were fluffy to the taste.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWyamyJEWAsHc189xjpgOC3MlwGwBL1ULDCBTA-ufdBepJdv5YwEgvtVu42CxI9E3dwPnN6NzLE94qBA-p96jloDOYjitSB_0binPgT3R1Vr0kymabHSIlA4G4j9i5rmWT5AzNCECUKWY/s1600/P7070011.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWyamyJEWAsHc189xjpgOC3MlwGwBL1ULDCBTA-ufdBepJdv5YwEgvtVu42CxI9E3dwPnN6NzLE94qBA-p96jloDOYjitSB_0binPgT3R1Vr0kymabHSIlA4G4j9i5rmWT5AzNCECUKWY/s400/P7070011.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491236657548532370" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">(1/2 cup oats, 1/2 cup water, 1/2 cup almond milk, 1/2 scoop chia seeds). </span><br />I am definitely getting in my quota of chia seeds for the day. I also tried another new product that I picked up at the grocery store yesterday. <span style="font-style: italic;">Stevia</span>: health conscious individual's answer to splenda!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5VvHIYA5xfw9p0RJpj2Q3Gtfajs5VeqHqsgkeZ9CG49ClP1T7yx84cNR9QSebJf2AbYhSP1iSi1ffZch2zri7h05RSHP8TB-ITHYpk_esFB7Y01ZqJ1joa7xH1EvPmKlb-yrigkrv9kk/s1600/P7070008.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5VvHIYA5xfw9p0RJpj2Q3Gtfajs5VeqHqsgkeZ9CG49ClP1T7yx84cNR9QSebJf2AbYhSP1iSi1ffZch2zri7h05RSHP8TB-ITHYpk_esFB7Y01ZqJ1joa7xH1EvPmKlb-yrigkrv9kk/s400/P7070008.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491236674920070322" border="0" /></a>I am officially a fan. I need some sweet in my life now that my daily <span style="font-style: italic;">petit pain chocolat</span> is no more.<br /><br />I spent the next couple hours showering, chatting it up with old friends, and procrastinating summer school work (not the best start). When the tummy started rumbling, I fed it some fuel in the form of a very green monster.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc-AcIL6eHJc5YlWS5RE2eHz8wLoVM-xSzihyl7HcR4XV4F-ZF8mx0y5X_GONkS1UqHoVERwDmrnqJ9UMA53vsfhaYcSxhRfPI8dRpdP0Df7Tv_bM81ZiSsmhNmQF0JbUpAC9jEd8nPjI/s1600/P7070013.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc-AcIL6eHJc5YlWS5RE2eHz8wLoVM-xSzihyl7HcR4XV4F-ZF8mx0y5X_GONkS1UqHoVERwDmrnqJ9UMA53vsfhaYcSxhRfPI8dRpdP0Df7Tv_bM81ZiSsmhNmQF0JbUpAC9jEd8nPjI/s400/P7070013.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491236643506752786" border="0" /></a>I used my other purchase from iHerb in the mix. Nothing like <a href="http://www.amazinggrass.com/">Amazing Grass </a>to make you feel clean! I am not a fan of the original flavor, but when I saw the price of the berry mix, I just couldn't stop myself from adding it to the cart!<br />I am glad I did too because my monster was so good!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPULtOfCFl2hRQ0bFeAb1f09ZJm84W8Hg8NXSaHCTVvbtUVjl4O_o4Mb-2FSPG8rkieZNWx3CqYZyMjv-fO8XguswJSDURWTZ98oOpnrA0sbbxl0DcUn16dyhJgJBeFqvQreSAqQ9zC1Q/s1600/P7070015.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPULtOfCFl2hRQ0bFeAb1f09ZJm84W8Hg8NXSaHCTVvbtUVjl4O_o4Mb-2FSPG8rkieZNWx3CqYZyMjv-fO8XguswJSDURWTZ98oOpnrA0sbbxl0DcUn16dyhJgJBeFqvQreSAqQ9zC1Q/s400/P7070015.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491236636710949218" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">(2 huge handfuls of spinach, 3 kale leaves, 1 scoop Amazing Grass, 1/2 banana, 1 cup almond milk, 1 cup ice.)</span><br /><br />Alright, now I have to run to a job interview (not for the real world...just a summer job) and hopefully get out in time to go to a yoga class again tonight! I am so glad health and fitness are back in my life! It's like being reunited with long lost friends!!<br />Until next time,<br />~Jenn<br /></div>Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09190470759672643997noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8232435295934917.post-23262791439807962442010-07-05T18:25:00.008-04:002010-07-05T20:23:26.049-04:00These are a few of my favorite things<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">"Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens..."</span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Scratch that. I don't actually like cats. Unless you are talking about my BFF Cat, who I actually love.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx6GwaWPBagEW9M7iYhp3v6O3D5UvaSuPVkiZppGFx2tjahSfEvXcMqIlDzI_cNB5GRwfq8rG1LEYF5gScgaWt5L2QpYT_IkZq_PA9IGQryABfnzGJ8lV55xLl55ii_h-m74lLO27PjV0/s1600/P7040004.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx6GwaWPBagEW9M7iYhp3v6O3D5UvaSuPVkiZppGFx2tjahSfEvXcMqIlDzI_cNB5GRwfq8rG1LEYF5gScgaWt5L2QpYT_IkZq_PA9IGQryABfnzGJ8lV55xLl55ii_h-m74lLO27PjV0/s400/P7040004.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490555269135351506" border="0" /></a>(Cat in all of her morning glory and her trashed bedroom! Clean that up!)<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I much prefer dogs. Big dogs. Dogs that run to the top of the stairs when they hear you walking around first thing in the morning so they can greet you with great big kisses. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP-grgDPpoueuW8c9kXeS3_ij7SYlpYunm2b3evUg8EtEofEptNtXnuJqnQZ4GAvMyLAfqb1rOxiVs7ulF_aNYVHMU1VzMLhlWyVFSBmjfKe0QMzt9cKsMXmPNveK11t6E_9pWTL1KKOw/s1600/P7040001.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP-grgDPpoueuW8c9kXeS3_ij7SYlpYunm2b3evUg8EtEofEptNtXnuJqnQZ4GAvMyLAfqb1rOxiVs7ulF_aNYVHMU1VzMLhlWyVFSBmjfKe0QMzt9cKsMXmPNveK11t6E_9pWTL1KKOw/s400/P7040001.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490555839895636162" border="0" /></a>(Boomer posing. He knows he's handsome.)<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">"Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens..."</span><br /><br />Both will do you no good here. Grab a blender and some ice because we are back in the deep south during the height of summer.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC4BXy7RuCgx1lnqy39gL7bVtkrzWvA13hbrILCcoMlKMhjA7C7cvdFL87km12zkV3fHOP-Gyy8aK_9wVGbE-ZxvjHMJ_3Q76DToEXaQgB6kt_ooo8E-0pjA1SeXlxPBf-Pj_jDSEZDS0/s1600/P7040003.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC4BXy7RuCgx1lnqy39gL7bVtkrzWvA13hbrILCcoMlKMhjA7C7cvdFL87km12zkV3fHOP-Gyy8aK_9wVGbE-ZxvjHMJ_3Q76DToEXaQgB6kt_ooo8E-0pjA1SeXlxPBf-Pj_jDSEZDS0/s400/P7040003.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490555834118137218" border="0" /></a>(Reunited with <a href="http://knackfornutrition.blogspot.com/search?updated-min=2009-01-01T00%3A00%3A00-05%3A00&updated-max=2010-01-01T00%3A00%3A00-05%3A00&max-results=6">green monsters</a> and it feels so good! And mango just for good measure!)<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">"Brown paper packages tied up with string..."</span><br /><br />All of these groceries were carried home in brown paper bags to my father's dismay. That is how I roll Dad. We are going green! :)<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3jzgvkNzAwlwJvYdAG6yq3-dtspQJb8EXD5DZSfqkuObTbjbI-idhvzSAPDHxwziWZ_ZkN1uu2h0GWYwMRYwCk63aTliJ3YP6tqCgJm72xF-WJrh0kyqPDkapTiRt3UwEtMqTOLexi2E/s1600/P7040006.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3jzgvkNzAwlwJvYdAG6yq3-dtspQJb8EXD5DZSfqkuObTbjbI-idhvzSAPDHxwziWZ_ZkN1uu2h0GWYwMRYwCk63aTliJ3YP6tqCgJm72xF-WJrh0kyqPDkapTiRt3UwEtMqTOLexi2E/s400/P7040006.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490555263781790178" border="0" /></a>(More than a<span style="font-style: italic;"> few</span> of my favorite things. More like a schmorgesboard of happiness.)<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">"These are a few of my favorite things."</span><br />(Lot's of favorite things ahead. Get ready!!)<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvMrQYVMX4dxOAlJZJcFIbIWF04OUtgFLK5jihj2T5YE9FCeI0NQMeFpbfG6aYfQ0c5LEDWSani9j6ShTr9YUtG8UK8hzVxV0NiRjGc36UynxKOyPd4lMTDSboPceEuTeNDhHdNPVoPqE/s1600/P7040008.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvMrQYVMX4dxOAlJZJcFIbIWF04OUtgFLK5jihj2T5YE9FCeI0NQMeFpbfG6aYfQ0c5LEDWSani9j6ShTr9YUtG8UK8hzVxV0NiRjGc36UynxKOyPd4lMTDSboPceEuTeNDhHdNPVoPqE/s400/P7040008.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490555255954769298" border="0" /></a>(Cut up veggies and fruit for the week for easy accessibility. Bottom to top: <span style="font-style: italic;">Cauliflower and broccoli, strawberries and blackberries, cucumber strings, red pepper strings</span>.)<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiGPwbKNKs5c5cMLHgPY9mkOjU8witug76bzBOzf8SjHpn_uPllBWW0bQR3ecc83OUV9uwYCLE4N6F4VvPEoVBv2wVz6-qb54nH9cOJT87lCjRFyVvzjhDDf7egJaO_D03t88gPnWkoHE/s1600/P7040009.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiGPwbKNKs5c5cMLHgPY9mkOjU8witug76bzBOzf8SjHpn_uPllBWW0bQR3ecc83OUV9uwYCLE4N6F4VvPEoVBv2wVz6-qb54nH9cOJT87lCjRFyVvzjhDDf7egJaO_D03t88gPnWkoHE/s400/P7040009.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490555249659704962" border="0" /></a>(<span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Lunch</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> of champions: </span><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://www.starbucks.com/menu/food/hot-breakfast/huevos-rancheros-wrap?foodZone=9999">Starbucks Hueveos Rancheros Wrap</a><span style="font-style: italic;"> and a divine unsweetened iced coffee with soy milk.</span>)<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNmGdgMEK-pCEsBkk1-44cdQYAUNKsQK1650hr746a3Cz7PMv6UIWRu9Mpo1sEjBA2ThpBTNIeh97oGT5-LmeotCRsgQ3tgKiCxmbvL-ZPaeJrNdkFcwN9e3owyjSHqQJ6mNFGDYUWE1Y/s1600/P7040010.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNmGdgMEK-pCEsBkk1-44cdQYAUNKsQK1650hr746a3Cz7PMv6UIWRu9Mpo1sEjBA2ThpBTNIeh97oGT5-LmeotCRsgQ3tgKiCxmbvL-ZPaeJrNdkFcwN9e3owyjSHqQJ6mNFGDYUWE1Y/s400/P7040010.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490555240712764994" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Snack plates</span> have come back into my life in full force!<br />(<span style="font-style: italic;">Broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, cucumber, and hummus.) </span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Welcome home dinner</span>. Yes, you are looking at <a href="http://knackfornutrition.blogspot.com/2010/06/proof.html">Ratatouille</a>. Chef Bob (my dad) made it from scratch to "ease me back into American cuisine." Good lookin' out dad.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjte9rf0YYVDG0Ey6T2CmBl0lD7LUkiOUXuSurpgl_BPScaerjIoiNSiYDy_mh05LbbpkQdjLPPSD956vvOspoteifzkEZkeN78gyqcxBWSy2hyphenhyphen1eI14JC4it6ms3r6eEl8vSKCNyKNpOM/s1600/P7040014.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjte9rf0YYVDG0Ey6T2CmBl0lD7LUkiOUXuSurpgl_BPScaerjIoiNSiYDy_mh05LbbpkQdjLPPSD956vvOspoteifzkEZkeN78gyqcxBWSy2hyphenhyphen1eI14JC4it6ms3r6eEl8vSKCNyKNpOM/s400/P7040014.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490554411899982898" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">(Ratatouille, veggie burger with ketchup and corn on the cob.)<br /><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Dessert</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcEDl6PZT2rh8XsV_XXwTSwLct3zPVKdcFM_dddjTqyz2N4fZ9cTybqIaSZZDbRR2LiAmq7x6BQg8kNiNGQRv9JfjlzvImzpyAE9KOIP-zcU6yr3f12JKtnk3Wlz6zRuxJswIYnpKRvyE/s1600/P7040021.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcEDl6PZT2rh8XsV_XXwTSwLct3zPVKdcFM_dddjTqyz2N4fZ9cTybqIaSZZDbRR2LiAmq7x6BQg8kNiNGQRv9JfjlzvImzpyAE9KOIP-zcU6yr3f12JKtnk3Wlz6zRuxJswIYnpKRvyE/s400/P7040021.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490554386988451586" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">(Chocolate Vitatop, 1 tbsp Dark Choc. Dreams PB, and fresh strawberries.)</span><br /><br />My first day home can literally be summed up by what I ate as I was too jetlagged to do much else. Oh, but I did watch a fabulous Michael Pollan documentary on Netflix based on his book <a href="http://www.pbs.org/thebotanyofdesire/">"Botany of Desire."</a><br /><br />~~~~~~~<br />Today, I refocused my "knack for nutrition" w/ a little deviation. My healthy living blog has not been so healthy as of late. I don't regret a single <a href="http://knackfornutrition.blogspot.com/2010/06/my-100th-post.html"><span style="font-style: italic;">petit pain chocolat</span></a> but damn it feels good to get back into my routine!<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Pre work-out breakfast.</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimPVCaXWF9wCNNy27obbG7TJ7OGFaUeUjPkHvOtPBcHBl4PxsyaVpdkR0sat0dofSaAS8d0L_YF2KPNKUlTkbVplFya-NBJ1ldvBG2gNkvHCC3LuR4H9DEcN_u5EHOErI_YHIav-ElnqU/s1600/P7050025.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimPVCaXWF9wCNNy27obbG7TJ7OGFaUeUjPkHvOtPBcHBl4PxsyaVpdkR0sat0dofSaAS8d0L_YF2KPNKUlTkbVplFya-NBJ1ldvBG2gNkvHCC3LuR4H9DEcN_u5EHOErI_YHIav-ElnqU/s400/P7050025.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490554362142805058" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">(Coffee w/ almond milk. Slice of Ezekiel sesame bread with 1tbsp almond butter and 1/2 banana.)</span><br /><br />Following consumption, I went to the gym and broke my first (intentional) sweat in a week. I don't think I have taken a straight week off of working out since high school. Let's just say, things got sweaty pretty fast and running felt like death. But the first workout back (especially after not so healthy eating) is always the worst, so <span style="font-weight: bold;">it is all uphill from here!</span><br /><br />I munched on a replica snack plate from yesterday before delving into some serious grooming. I mean the whole 9 yards. Straight hair, shaved legs, eyebrow waxing, and a fabulous pedicure that was <span style="font-style: italic;">beyond</span> necessary! Buh-bye gross European feetsies!<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRN19B0OuLwHyTltAsOm7GXQEwQLpreAd7Cm0vO3ZWgHrPjnORRi3_mF9PCJ-N6FAclcShOErT4j78rXOmPBo0V4JtNPNW1EoJbWJUPEJXYXzRMdrvIbGWevgri5HtkdTgrpT4dLoCpZQ/s1600/P7050027.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRN19B0OuLwHyTltAsOm7GXQEwQLpreAd7Cm0vO3ZWgHrPjnORRi3_mF9PCJ-N6FAclcShOErT4j78rXOmPBo0V4JtNPNW1EoJbWJUPEJXYXzRMdrvIbGWevgri5HtkdTgrpT4dLoCpZQ/s400/P7050027.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490553382202501954" border="0" /></a>(I have unnaturally stubby toes. They just don't grow!)<br /><br />Then I was off to check out a new frozen yogurt store in Little Rock called <a href="http://www.orangeleafyogurt.com/locations.php">Orange Leaf Yogurt</a>. It is very similar to the popular yogurt stores <a href="http://knackfornutrition.blogspot.com/2010/05/final-day-of-semester.html">I saw all around DC</a>.<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMGeST9OZJrn5HDGI8mlmZoO4aTzMvT2WSCmc9v0DBwfEF-qCse3UkOe9f85d42wT_QyMqzs8QL95URIIOP0n5wPdsmBPRv7CURbtateV6llN4nLXJbwtEeT6_Zup34eRfBoQynboFC2I/s1600/P7050028.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMGeST9OZJrn5HDGI8mlmZoO4aTzMvT2WSCmc9v0DBwfEF-qCse3UkOe9f85d42wT_QyMqzs8QL95URIIOP0n5wPdsmBPRv7CURbtateV6llN4nLXJbwtEeT6_Zup34eRfBoQynboFC2I/s400/P7050028.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490553365435123602" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1X-EfZuCLRktUdKlEs-EjNZkI-E-XOyfMF8PsTOKC8I9D6IgwGFosagUO5olB0UZDTS9HbrCMbe-XutlE1PIymFre2Oaf05UA2VCoi8FLBg3w-JD_Dhaj9pzAUPgsD4wAUj_zCEUDFLA/s1600/P7050029.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1X-EfZuCLRktUdKlEs-EjNZkI-E-XOyfMF8PsTOKC8I9D6IgwGFosagUO5olB0UZDTS9HbrCMbe-XutlE1PIymFre2Oaf05UA2VCoi8FLBg3w-JD_Dhaj9pzAUPgsD4wAUj_zCEUDFLA/s400/P7050029.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490553358147543346" border="0" /></a>Alright, let me feebly attempt to decipher what went into this cup. Ice cream<span style="font-weight: bold;">s</span> (as in plural):Chocolate PB swirl and cake batter. Toppings: Rainbow sprinkles, 4 teddy grahams, white chocolate chips, 2 brownie bites, blueberries, strawberries, coconut shavings, and a cherry on top!<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTC_wpg4MNmXQz9zPiQIngf269UrgWcnJiEh2OtO8q0ZPEVu6LJZfTTgOB7Js6mLCPdTueREOyBmd7kI01W0n26vemFb-IuPvlJ1h-3GRdoc-Yu-GtIovT8DD4dvRzVcaNqy48vk9e5lo/s1600/P7050031.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTC_wpg4MNmXQz9zPiQIngf269UrgWcnJiEh2OtO8q0ZPEVu6LJZfTTgOB7Js6mLCPdTueREOyBmd7kI01W0n26vemFb-IuPvlJ1h-3GRdoc-Yu-GtIovT8DD4dvRzVcaNqy48vk9e5lo/s400/P7050031.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490553339437668770" border="0" /></a>I did not even make a dent, y'all. My mom locked my dad out of his car as I was sitting down to inhale my fro-yo (a sign perhaps!?) so I had to rush home to give my dad the other car. Crisis averted. Instead of loading up on sugar, I took advantage of the fully stocked refrigerator.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Linner</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitrRBRlfrE1ew6ISvvl3fUzI6rcN5loo3jAcD00OfmdIJ9T0D2zvAGppSqenZ29KF5q64cTpXPj6v0WC4yITcGV5sUnEsiagD9g8tPiChfPBmuHht2_XG8ggjx10otdYmv5UQqdFmXxDE/s1600/P7050034.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitrRBRlfrE1ew6ISvvl3fUzI6rcN5loo3jAcD00OfmdIJ9T0D2zvAGppSqenZ29KF5q64cTpXPj6v0WC4yITcGV5sUnEsiagD9g8tPiChfPBmuHht2_XG8ggjx10otdYmv5UQqdFmXxDE/s400/P7050034.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490553330429118722" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">(Organic spinach, cucumber, grilled teriyaki tofu, 1 hard-boiled egg, hummus, and balsamic vinaigrette.) </span><br />I have since munched on a handful of potato chips and some hummus and spelt pretzels. I don't think my tummy likes dairy anymore, so sadly Orange Leaf will not be getting more of my business.<br /><br />I am still feeling the jet-lag, so this evening is going to consist of blog-reading and a movie. I am up bright and early in the AM for an intense workout followed by my first day of summer school!<br /><br />Until tomorrow,<br />~Jenn<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Question: Does anyone else hate their toes?!</span><br /></div>Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09190470759672643997noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8232435295934917.post-73736919972944096722010-07-03T16:04:00.009-04:002010-07-03T18:01:11.288-04:00God Bless America!<div style="text-align: center;">It is a bizarre thing to wake up in one country and go to sleep in another.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiebn-9_7xbeVk-BIudWLblIMWh7nM_x-VVWL3zzx64x0pDi56faWMG7B7ENZL10MtTTqbe-4XyJ-WCEo-EauZXfuTNP8W0ZjQPgiENZ_18GAr353aT0_mtzeMc7IU7kiDe-DCwmXT_IhY/s1600/IMG_0275.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiebn-9_7xbeVk-BIudWLblIMWh7nM_x-VVWL3zzx64x0pDi56faWMG7B7ENZL10MtTTqbe-4XyJ-WCEo-EauZXfuTNP8W0ZjQPgiENZ_18GAr353aT0_mtzeMc7IU7kiDe-DCwmXT_IhY/s400/IMG_0275.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489774668343439042" border="0" /></a>(Strasbourg exactly as I wish to remember it).<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZsW79RQumb_8pPRta8f4D9G1oiFzRqjqs1vUlEIUzthwbddcalSPDADWK9zZFG3lC2k0PmxMa54DSOR_g75w_lP5zI8peaUzOxrBoaq18uoj8K43B-lf57QdRATZRdhTSlQJkKC7ajQY/s1600/P7020001.JPG"><br /></a><br />The morning began bright and early at 5:30AM Strasbourg time. I didn't fall asleep until nearly 1AM, so my body is extra confused today between the lack of sleep and changing time zones. The host mom insisted we sit down for a final <span style="font-style: italic;">petit déjeuner </span>of café and cookies. Yes, you read that right. I said I wasn't hungry and she said that I needed to eat before we left. <span style="font-weight: bold;">So we split cookies.</span> I can't wait for my <span style="font-weight: bold;">detox</span> that starts as soon as I walk in the door of my house.<br /><br />I digress. So my 1st flight of the 3 I am taking today went from Strasbourg to Paris with no problems. <span style="font-style: italic;">Très bien</span>. The Paris to my current location (which remains undisclosed for safety reasons) flight was a bit delayed because of some crappy weather in Paris.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiikhLALFXXDu27cjREZUkc27smLNeufx1dKrbuynpklXNRSqbRzloTagwB5kuhMeSIjDmWbhz-8f1z0Q1zXc60_6iLcsFHl7qo0Lz6lRtUqqe9gtxsHdP4fZkP-3uljENC1_YS1LXZ4L8/s1600/IMG_0279.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiikhLALFXXDu27cjREZUkc27smLNeufx1dKrbuynpklXNRSqbRzloTagwB5kuhMeSIjDmWbhz-8f1z0Q1zXc60_6iLcsFHl7qo0Lz6lRtUqqe9gtxsHdP4fZkP-3uljENC1_YS1LXZ4L8/s400/IMG_0279.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489774690446996834" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">(Sesame seed bar/cracker combination. Surprisingly sweet.)</span><br />The flight was 8 hours and 30 minutes. Needless to say, I am stiff and could really go for a hot yoga class. Anyways, on the flight I sat beside a 23 year old man from Togo, Africa who was immigrating to the US to go to school in Nebraska! How cool is that?! I chatted with him for a bit in French before falling asleep.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiin3ke8Vh5M7uhGKkIhrJI75q_UDcvMdojzaPoF70rbSeWW8BaO_Yvyu15_ikT2_oMesjCdjZZgIA-epxWKrtOMcjKb8uWlPAKExBH6xsKu5bGCdI7lM73kTMjtS2ZMbvN9Bt4yIXB74k/s1600/IMG_0280.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiin3ke8Vh5M7uhGKkIhrJI75q_UDcvMdojzaPoF70rbSeWW8BaO_Yvyu15_ikT2_oMesjCdjZZgIA-epxWKrtOMcjKb8uWlPAKExBH6xsKu5bGCdI7lM73kTMjtS2ZMbvN9Bt4yIXB74k/s400/IMG_0280.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489774695322431810" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">(Just juice: Pear, raspberry, and apple.)</span><br />When I awoke, I struck up a conversation with a nice old Jewish couple that were flying back that were flying back to the US after spending 2 months on the southern coast (rough life right?)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqXTSWwP0gu8fYRX_90xzrFjm-QU9HGjPHymlqyTxEhtbJl9TLbP6wkXr0ycD0NRbD36Q3luxoPHrWwiJzOGEoPuAbdtzjlaebmvcXIUbD8taWIDawzhvt1-WTETOdoJBjpyT8s4Mpd3c/s1600/IMG_0281.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqXTSWwP0gu8fYRX_90xzrFjm-QU9HGjPHymlqyTxEhtbJl9TLbP6wkXr0ycD0NRbD36Q3luxoPHrWwiJzOGEoPuAbdtzjlaebmvcXIUbD8taWIDawzhvt1-WTETOdoJBjpyT8s4Mpd3c/s400/IMG_0281.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489774706403737362" border="0" /></a>(10 euro food magazine that I left on the plane. Doh!! I wanted to make a collage of the food pictures, they were stunning!)<br />So back to the couple. I chatted with them for the last hour of the flight because we had so much in common. We talked about my interests and how I will be graduating in December with no future plans. This led to a conversation about food and politics of course and then he started telling me about his brother who works at a non-profit food policy organization in California!! I was grinning ear to ear throughout our delightful conversation and by the end of the flight I exchanged contact information with him. You never know, maybe he will be a good contact to have in the future? :)<br /><br />I went through customs and immigration in 15 minutes flat. Good karma at its finest. I was very relieved and excited to see this sign upon my arrival. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmxTPWVxTvOxGO4tceUV20z8vBj9kXsRcliSJnNjxOADPHFLowmYG1mpN42bffmpf-Z5LTuv-AIdGsdjTM08zUnI4se2jzzD5zxA8v_jWMbU6-uZ8yPp6AZPtgnkDpruYgBMmAn-sewbc/s1600/IMG_0282.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 155px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmxTPWVxTvOxGO4tceUV20z8vBj9kXsRcliSJnNjxOADPHFLowmYG1mpN42bffmpf-Z5LTuv-AIdGsdjTM08zUnI4se2jzzD5zxA8v_jWMbU6-uZ8yPp6AZPtgnkDpruYgBMmAn-sewbc/s400/IMG_0282.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489776900782055986" border="0" /></a>All I could think was "Wow. I did it!"<br /><br />Then I jumped right back into American culture the best way I know how. First stop...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAX7N4P30IL5zLF7RiCYfzmTMY2ucGMtRmDuo7zUqlnlZgqcVGA43KkeSboHj2inFHJek4zQu1MXYjuDHzqbtwsarDfBo7-7RGHnyqeIbWtn8BPBdrwWrrwE24qS98LNZkSE9EDC3Thqo/s1600/IMG_0283.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAX7N4P30IL5zLF7RiCYfzmTMY2ucGMtRmDuo7zUqlnlZgqcVGA43KkeSboHj2inFHJek4zQu1MXYjuDHzqbtwsarDfBo7-7RGHnyqeIbWtn8BPBdrwWrrwE24qS98LNZkSE9EDC3Thqo/s400/IMG_0283.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489776604538717794" border="0" /></a>Feeding the man...and my tummy! That was quite possibly the best unsweetened iced coffee with soymilk I have ever had. The French need to learn an appreciation for COLD coffee in the summa time. Granted, Starbucks tastes like butt compared to authentic French café, but I look at it as a give and take. And today, I'll take cold coffee thank you.<br /><br />Re-energized, I ran around the airport for a bit trying to negotiate my way onto an earlier flight. No luck. So I walked to my gate, settled in, and made myself comfortable.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi31xtXBU7cXWwGqO39wyAxiSEKh9jbEqzxoSiUlL8zSa9JtxOQJpXAjwuv9cbP45DXD_eZLkBWeFWZxSxnwinUk-H9K4Gse6ahQ_vUT4XVMOUjPoVdrW1yTDBo3rymqsnvtFsn0JQNI7k/s1600/P7030003.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi31xtXBU7cXWwGqO39wyAxiSEKh9jbEqzxoSiUlL8zSa9JtxOQJpXAjwuv9cbP45DXD_eZLkBWeFWZxSxnwinUk-H9K4Gse6ahQ_vUT4XVMOUjPoVdrW1yTDBo3rymqsnvtFsn0JQNI7k/s400/P7030003.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489776597082569634" border="0" /></a>Check out my new baby! Gorgeous no?!? It makes me feel so classy to carry this bag! I digress...I chalked up $8 for Wi-Fi and then made myself "perfect oatmeal."<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCvSdt7GFMxn2melundVCYnbbgJZIH34kWlDCmBv36dYimqLbBaCPc2gDN9dkmG9nIarYnnlggsa1v0P9WuwvmgwWXYIvfKnTTucJJCJoWap0PAz9576JoFsP7sqNY7cLYY3uJXIigdrQ/s1600/IMG_0284.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCvSdt7GFMxn2melundVCYnbbgJZIH34kWlDCmBv36dYimqLbBaCPc2gDN9dkmG9nIarYnnlggsa1v0P9WuwvmgwWXYIvfKnTTucJJCJoWap0PAz9576JoFsP7sqNY7cLYY3uJXIigdrQ/s400/IMG_0284.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489776619164564626" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">(Cranberries, raisins, and mixed nuts.) </span><br />So that was about 2 hours ago. I'm still hanging out with a little under 2 hours until I board for Little Rock. I can already tell my body is going to hate me tomorrow and that I will need a lot of sleep to recover from <a href="http://knackfornutrition.blogspot.com/2010/06/un-petit-dessert.html">my sweaty, sleepless nights</a> and a 7 hour time zone adjustment. I think my brain is a little confused already because I got the hunger pains again. Oatmeal never fails me, but I suppose today is just an exception. So I did what I do best.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgYQT0vDpxD-xbDQcJAdHgTS0eBhwZN5rvpCw3lM6hzNHjgCSViDpFJWwP7zoO0yuNsAiA0Tp2itKIjgDU90zorZ_6L6TMhV3Za_a-n96z4u2umeNNe6ahJAMkonHmYxbQABC3-wQdf7Y/s1600/Photo+on+2010-07-03+at+17.16.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgYQT0vDpxD-xbDQcJAdHgTS0eBhwZN5rvpCw3lM6hzNHjgCSViDpFJWwP7zoO0yuNsAiA0Tp2itKIjgDU90zorZ_6L6TMhV3Za_a-n96z4u2umeNNe6ahJAMkonHmYxbQABC3-wQdf7Y/s400/Photo+on+2010-07-03+at+17.16.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489792624873050098" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">(Au Bon Pain Caprese sandwich: tomato, mozzarella, romaine lettuce, pesto basil spread, whole wheat baguette.) </span><br />I find it completely humorous that the only think I wanted to eat after living in France for 6 weeks was <a href="http://knackfornutrition.blogspot.com/2010/06/mes-parents-strasbourg.html">another tomato and mozzarella sandwich</a> on a french baguette. Haha, I told y'all I need a detox. <br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Alright, I'm off to catch up on google reader to pass the time. Next stop...HoMe! :)<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Until then,<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">~Jenn<br /></div>Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09190470759672643997noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8232435295934917.post-398244449227493432010-07-02T14:48:00.009-04:002010-07-02T16:53:11.228-04:00Le Dernier Nuit et Jour<div style="text-align: center;">Well, the time has come. My last blog post from Strasbourg. I am very sad to be leaving but the fact that I am typing this at 10:00 at night with beads of sweat rolling down my back makes the departure just a tad easier to handle.<br /><br />Last night, the university hosted a "farewell dinner" at a fancy restaurant called <a href="http://www.alsace-a-table.fr/">L'Alsace à Table</a>. The food, which I will get to in a minute, was lovely. But how a person is supposed to enjoy a leisurely two and a half hour meal in the corner of a restaurant with NO AIR CONDITIONING is beyond me. I legitimately had to step outside for fresh air between each course. Ok, rant over, sorry. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuiIga1WeBY8TPDHvUB2oJboUlS9Kz_lSEVG0Sp3jS0_M8-knHmk1b8bQiPZBA_1V_OTrTBSX8jjiSxLc__9B1vxrFnKR304GMJWtjpQZpal5yZp3y-ryKlg_F3RZ3P3iTxQPThqNQbP4/s1600/P7010003.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuiIga1WeBY8TPDHvUB2oJboUlS9Kz_lSEVG0Sp3jS0_M8-knHmk1b8bQiPZBA_1V_OTrTBSX8jjiSxLc__9B1vxrFnKR304GMJWtjpQZpal5yZp3y-ryKlg_F3RZ3P3iTxQPThqNQbP4/s400/P7010003.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489393340022907090" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">(Chilled tomato basil soup with sweet peppers. It tasted a lot better dipped in fresh french bread.)</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJZ5dd1Rbkxm0gw7tSN7vZ3S7nbug_T73J5ro1QJfMZE4poiXTpO8EQ5RCf7RvS4hyphenhyphenfnNLjMD_gje4_PMRNs_qdNN7_c7axonDZ_L9-FEwWXinZ8j-U2AsJBACFBaqnu_V1DB2QU8IqKk/s1600/P7010006.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJZ5dd1Rbkxm0gw7tSN7vZ3S7nbug_T73J5ro1QJfMZE4poiXTpO8EQ5RCf7RvS4hyphenhyphenfnNLjMD_gje4_PMRNs_qdNN7_c7axonDZ_L9-FEwWXinZ8j-U2AsJBACFBaqnu_V1DB2QU8IqKk/s400/P7010006.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489393330004011106" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">(The token vegetarian option. A cruel joke of steaming hot vegetables. Included were onions, green and red pepper, peas, cauliflower, green beans, eggplant, and tomato.) </span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">For the record, I could not even finish this dish because I was sweating so bad. You know it's a serious problem when I am turning down food.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1poDQHltSIdwv-V8092VlBWNXka7NvRH83PO7sUaEt5G4dkqa1u4yDytsO1KfQB09XqtUR4Nbab6e8ww3ChyphenhyphenFht-BiKZhOkUFml-bgZMAqdNdDMo9BZMvQICX2_VA3FiehFDLRgADmWE/s1600/P7010009.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1poDQHltSIdwv-V8092VlBWNXka7NvRH83PO7sUaEt5G4dkqa1u4yDytsO1KfQB09XqtUR4Nbab6e8ww3ChyphenhyphenFht-BiKZhOkUFml-bgZMAqdNdDMo9BZMvQICX2_VA3FiehFDLRgADmWE/s400/P7010009.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489393319779690978" border="0" /></a>That is a fake smile. All I am thinking is 'get me the eff outta this broiler!'<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid155IcsefQjJ168VJnBXH4-GympVorFSEJI7E8BgIVwukHk-L0IeAA7r5xhe2JMCvOgMToTY07S9VLC6sOhUWPNK6WAEv1QCBuLVMtQnQLGUZ0cX9EAYgm1ymanTBHqBoOo1rqxQPKWQ/s1600/P7010012.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid155IcsefQjJ168VJnBXH4-GympVorFSEJI7E8BgIVwukHk-L0IeAA7r5xhe2JMCvOgMToTY07S9VLC6sOhUWPNK6WAEv1QCBuLVMtQnQLGUZ0cX9EAYgm1ymanTBHqBoOo1rqxQPKWQ/s400/P7010012.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489393307358430338" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">(Apple tart and vanilla bean ice-cream). </span><br /><br />Following dinner, I did what any rational 21 year old girl would do on her final night out in Strasbourg...I drank Alsatian wine while dangling my feet in the River Ile.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHIKAziMwtlvmWWnif4u1sMSQsRt41Qq48CKSebACdzgne1cdzEyFkTWyFzbjr7t4x_xgIHVcNaSo7kp6XyIcc3giLlU3wwrCSLLYtueAVhJdgxmn7qfVH16aI1i81wYT-AHHZYTP6ZyQ/s1600/P7010015.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHIKAziMwtlvmWWnif4u1sMSQsRt41Qq48CKSebACdzgne1cdzEyFkTWyFzbjr7t4x_xgIHVcNaSo7kp6XyIcc3giLlU3wwrCSLLYtueAVhJdgxmn7qfVH16aI1i81wYT-AHHZYTP6ZyQ/s400/P7010015.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489389114309478962" border="0" /></a> And then familiarized myself with "the boat bars," made some new friends from Yugoslavia, and danced the night away.<br />~~~~~<br /><br />I awoke this morning to a familiar feeling. It was like being reunited with an old acquaintance that you did not actually miss. Yes, I had a <a href="http://knackfornutrition.blogspot.com/2010/02/is-it-happy-hour-yet.html">hangover</a>. Not my finest moment.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyuaeoD4ZyN368x4doevuA5evDk8zbN1HsEPqhhm5jowsyau9U5xeFF-XGhnZ5izUrjzq7phHF6Yj1Brg9WFMj0r1O4W0tj0h9p7hErB9s7eD8yckWAPsmOb_zo6RTFdAFghJFtPfchmU/s1600/P7020024.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyuaeoD4ZyN368x4doevuA5evDk8zbN1HsEPqhhm5jowsyau9U5xeFF-XGhnZ5izUrjzq7phHF6Yj1Brg9WFMj0r1O4W0tj0h9p7hErB9s7eD8yckWAPsmOb_zo6RTFdAFghJFtPfchmU/s400/P7020024.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489389098745913874" border="0" /></a>Solid foods were out of the question, so I commenced hydration instead. Anyone catch the hidden symbolism in my cups of choice today??<br /><br />The final class was a welcomed relief, as the room had no AC and I was dying. Four hours of sleep + an unnatural body temperature makes for a very cranky Jenn.<br /><br />I refused to let the heat get the best of me today. I soldiered on and sweat my way through a serious shopping binge.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyfpLDWzfQQKfAzS-aa6yCiDmiBHxZoW4gVTVz9W1Wq58rkLhTOGULATaY6qph8hVRdtXcZDFoiKbuiEHnzBHNIJf9yYLYDo2Lot4lss2FryO7E8m7I5xiCCbopPgrDq-z2GGkRTws6Lo/s1600/P7020026.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyfpLDWzfQQKfAzS-aa6yCiDmiBHxZoW4gVTVz9W1Wq58rkLhTOGULATaY6qph8hVRdtXcZDFoiKbuiEHnzBHNIJf9yYLYDo2Lot4lss2FryO7E8m7I5xiCCbopPgrDq-z2GGkRTws6Lo/s400/P7020026.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489389086216047490" border="0" /></a>Do you see what I am holding?!?!?! I am the proud new owner of my very 1st <span style="font-weight: bold;">Louis Vuitton </span>bag! I can't believe I actually bought it! I have had my eye on the bag for a while now but have held off from actually buying it because I was saving to come here. Once my <a href="http://knackfornutrition.blogspot.com/2010/06/positives-and-negatives.html">debit account was hacked</a>, I pretty much stopped spending money so my account was in better shape at the end of the trip than I had anticipated. Instead of just walking away with my profit, I decided to reward myself.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-vKqfkk0AzcDx6ndXAs-5RO5Edh3z8RNkZH3zAP7Ws6foAkuoyD6U7h1GS6ZFENkirKLRAoEmDkmzdO21_V5hO4LbVkS4AQZbWnNf90vH3sGezz_P9O-ROg5_OpSh2I2UWfoFP5cnQ3w/s1600/images.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 132px; height: 133px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-vKqfkk0AzcDx6ndXAs-5RO5Edh3z8RNkZH3zAP7Ws6foAkuoyD6U7h1GS6ZFENkirKLRAoEmDkmzdO21_V5hO4LbVkS4AQZbWnNf90vH3sGezz_P9O-ROg5_OpSh2I2UWfoFP5cnQ3w/s400/images.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489393301379972994" border="0" /></a>Say hello to my little friend. I am going to be the classiest un-employed college graduate you have ever seen in 6 months. I am really glad I bought it here though because now it has sentimental value. You see, every time I look at it I will be reminded of my time in Strasbourg and that is a beautiful thing.<br /><br />The host mom loves the bag, BTW. Speaking of, she created quite a feast for our <span style="font-style: italic;">denier repa ensemble. </span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzdtT_WfnBWD9ghumzkXvjmB0r9jV6ebsf1m_PpzzYOn25CRLAnZ-Dl-7E0f8D7beYaGcmnZszjLuYCPGVSWaoAFdkj5TNFstzkrRh45SklA7F4Jup0PqzMdWuvIzpuZNZ_5iguzC_PtY/s1600/P7020030.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzdtT_WfnBWD9ghumzkXvjmB0r9jV6ebsf1m_PpzzYOn25CRLAnZ-Dl-7E0f8D7beYaGcmnZszjLuYCPGVSWaoAFdkj5TNFstzkrRh45SklA7F4Jup0PqzMdWuvIzpuZNZ_5iguzC_PtY/s400/P7020030.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489389079419973794" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">(Seafood kabobs: soft-shell crab, scallops, shrimp, and salmon, carrot slaw, and a green summer salad with tomato and avocado).</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCZMEssBcfyjXcto6R0szIHS0Rv4Di4DLIF1PPcq6o-1IoiesaMshMur1uu3Kv-41wrFI96EpYNV298Aea6dWnieWljn7laxQL0if0Y9MUPi89jZwVapndqTlVoJL4MGEp21SIrobijp4/s1600/P7020034.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCZMEssBcfyjXcto6R0szIHS0Rv4Di4DLIF1PPcq6o-1IoiesaMshMur1uu3Kv-41wrFI96EpYNV298Aea6dWnieWljn7laxQL0if0Y9MUPi89jZwVapndqTlVoJL4MGEp21SIrobijp4/s400/P7020034.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489389069435408082" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">(Raspberry mousse).</span><br /><br />Now all that is left is to make it through this sticky, humid night. I am off to the airport at 6:15AM with an estimated arrival time in Little Rock at 8:15PM. That would be 3AM Strasbourg time which means I will be traveling for just shy of 24 hours. Whew. I've got my game face on.<br /><br />Warning: sappy Strasbourg conclusion ahead.<br /><br />This trip has been everything I had ever imagined and so much more. Studying abroad has honestly been one of the best decisions I have ever fought for. I loved the opportunity to meet and interact with people I would have never met otherwise. Of course the host mom is really the foundation for all of this. Without her patience and willingness to take me in a treat me as if I was one of her own, I honestly do not think this experience would have been nearly as wonderful.<br />The adjustments were difficult, and the challenges really made me appreciate how easy life is in America. But they were all worth it. Shit happens, but rising to the occasion builds character.<br />I leave here a stronger person than I was just 6 short weeks ago. The confidence that comes with leaping into the unknown and finding happiness within will forever change my outlook on life.<br /><br />Tomorrow, I move on. But this place, and the wonderful people here will stay with me always. Things in life happen for a reason, and every moment in Strasbourg proves that.<br /><br />Next time you here from me I will either be trapped in the airport (I tend to be followed by bad airport Karma) or blogging from the comfort of my air-conditioned room. Pray for the latter!<br /><br />Thank you all for following my journey over the past six-weeks. Stay tuned for the next chapter as things are about to get interesting...<br /><br />Au Revoir tout le monde! Je t'aime!<br />~Jenn<br /></div>Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09190470759672643997noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8232435295934917.post-83868009566572245472010-07-01T11:56:00.004-04:002010-07-01T12:22:04.624-04:00Un-Convential Breakfasts<div style="text-align: center;">I had quite an interesting breakfast this morning.<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh20pZluHquWxKwwboray9mpSonzDGym2qv73MpmxaKYVwMCbSwp_QgbaAzVvwWm9Vr5ElW_xtUz4xI49Snie8YCNmxxGEVnxs-a7a44M7Hj59iMpIHJantwYZrWzjAel_qPzrc8IFf7VU/s1600/P7010006.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh20pZluHquWxKwwboray9mpSonzDGym2qv73MpmxaKYVwMCbSwp_QgbaAzVvwWm9Vr5ElW_xtUz4xI49Snie8YCNmxxGEVnxs-a7a44M7Hj59iMpIHJantwYZrWzjAel_qPzrc8IFf7VU/s400/P7010006.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488968758318280674" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">(Petit Pain Chocolat)</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">You see, the host mom brought home one of these but I just couldn't handle that much sugar at 9AM. It was not happening. Since we don't have the fixings for a Green Monster (only in my dreams at this point!) I went with the next best thing. No, you are not looking at lunch or dinner...this was actually my breakfast.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqQwTT10374MojLwoWC66ZOFRAaoTSdJ-pMxkPd2CJCeFU4rYP2Fbj7AXXSv4tegkYxRTABy-iBMu8vrddm9Jha-2UIxYTajwxenDWv5FmpbnT5bBKoPYzbSdF4sx52KkJd2KM8fIx2L4/s1600/P7010003.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqQwTT10374MojLwoWC66ZOFRAaoTSdJ-pMxkPd2CJCeFU4rYP2Fbj7AXXSv4tegkYxRTABy-iBMu8vrddm9Jha-2UIxYTajwxenDWv5FmpbnT5bBKoPYzbSdF4sx52KkJd2KM8fIx2L4/s400/P7010003.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488968764288703874" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">(A bed of quinoa layered with pineapple tomatoes and smoked salmon.)</span><br /><br />Although this was not the most appetizing option at that hour, I went with it. I am glad too because it kept me full long enough to get through my first class of the day and walk to a cute little restaurant called Patrick's. I had never eaten there before but I have stopped in on occasion because they are the only place within walking distance of the SU center with to go cups for coffee! Granted the cups are the size of espresso shots, but in a bind it does the trick.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_jSxh-1Kkm6EczRR4q518ug6TRA98Qw6wfYKho9NvRCyoyNYMWgnlI4cYFRYvoPA5XYmgjvw62ZWpBGCq-6RF791YmmqyKK_YSqg3nOpR0qBKu5GTLXng56KOAcRSECnDvnKS2Sthtds/s1600/P7010008.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_jSxh-1Kkm6EczRR4q518ug6TRA98Qw6wfYKho9NvRCyoyNYMWgnlI4cYFRYvoPA5XYmgjvw62ZWpBGCq-6RF791YmmqyKK_YSqg3nOpR0qBKu5GTLXng56KOAcRSECnDvnKS2Sthtds/s400/P7010008.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488968265219084418" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">(Shrimp and Avocado salad)</span><br /><br />Following lunch, I walked around the area in search of the same <a href="http://knackfornutrition.blogspot.com/2010/06/farmers-market-and-meltdown.html">farmer's market </a>I went to on Tuesday to get my dried mango fix. No luck today, but I did manage to find a fresh fruit stand on the make-up melting (aka HOT) walk back to class.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcGQj4UuVOeKY72U8bkYi46-rMSK3Yb2zv-hinCVAvnp6YzWOJLBS1DYegjR0o6PryfaSg0shmrNmILWgrrUnMZug9uduB-9lph4aRF1CXE8yBq_NEnzWyf8rPKOraKPog7uKXaK9ylMY/s1600/P7010009.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcGQj4UuVOeKY72U8bkYi46-rMSK3Yb2zv-hinCVAvnp6YzWOJLBS1DYegjR0o6PryfaSg0shmrNmILWgrrUnMZug9uduB-9lph4aRF1CXE8yBq_NEnzWyf8rPKOraKPog7uKXaK9ylMY/s400/P7010009.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488968258081583154" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-style: italic;">(Cherries, a peach, and a camera shy apricot).</span><br /><br />Not to worry, I polished off that fruit before my second class even got underway. :)<br /><br />My shopping trip was once again postponed because I could not fathom walking around in the heat. Instead, I came back to the apartment, took a nice cold bath, and edited my paper.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjnOT5QKsA0uTKsCJt_p_XF1P19YYj3tyTgJ5OtxwohaUkE2ObL2jGWdrFc36N8lotZdrZ9r9LO9-dnyiWd9mOpHPNWkF0tV-orxZZ9RP-e24onEdZ1mfl3A4XYmhJfKUBQCNAMu9nnOk/s1600/P7010010.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjnOT5QKsA0uTKsCJt_p_XF1P19YYj3tyTgJ5OtxwohaUkE2ObL2jGWdrFc36N8lotZdrZ9r9LO9-dnyiWd9mOpHPNWkF0tV-orxZZ9RP-e24onEdZ1mfl3A4XYmhJfKUBQCNAMu9nnOk/s400/P7010010.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488968250579388850" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">(74% cocoa organic dark chocolate)</span><br /><br />Now that the paper is officially out of my life it is time to celebrate! While getting ready for my night out on the town, the host mom popped by my room to show me what she has been growing all summer.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc6BfKOCoDecoh4M1RAXna1Uc8wv7WaeS9qQhBFOZZ2TTL-Q3pIiLm0ljkDlBbQMPTpWV3564rjREbQRk61dZHoeECydqLUCmb8rHrXSCYml5ctp37HV1wwjFbLTAiNKzwOHdG-pGzAcY/s1600/P7010011.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc6BfKOCoDecoh4M1RAXna1Uc8wv7WaeS9qQhBFOZZ2TTL-Q3pIiLm0ljkDlBbQMPTpWV3564rjREbQRk61dZHoeECydqLUCmb8rHrXSCYml5ctp37HV1wwjFbLTAiNKzwOHdG-pGzAcY/s400/P7010011.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488968241141256258" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">(The first strawberries off of her plant!)</span><br /><br />She also surprised me with <span style="font-style: italic;">un cadeau</span> (gift)!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-AF3m-JPZfOIEAV2PlAx6GI25DjeA7oN3HMMmN1c6cXE0aENZE7wZ1XP5OnLhGNJnZDzFfsy2je4c8JKwrnYv7t1j3VADlGVJwAYJ8YNEZNbQ_-S15D_Zl9Xbx1lOkhMkmEBrOp1K5lU/s1600/P7010013.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-AF3m-JPZfOIEAV2PlAx6GI25DjeA7oN3HMMmN1c6cXE0aENZE7wZ1XP5OnLhGNJnZDzFfsy2je4c8JKwrnYv7t1j3VADlGVJwAYJ8YNEZNbQ_-S15D_Zl9Xbx1lOkhMkmEBrOp1K5lU/s400/P7010013.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488968233750369042" border="0" /></a>Dior lipstick, yes please!! She is really too sweet! I will be sure to snap some pictures tonight of me rocking out in my new lip color :)<br /><br />And with that it is time to live it up for the next 48 hours! I can't believe this is all going to be over soon. It seems like just yesterday I was sitting in the <a href="http://knackfornutrition.blogspot.com/2010/05/into-unknown.html">Little Rock</a> airport, scared beyond words for what was coming next. Moreover, this trip has been 2 years in the making, so it will be bizarre to not have anything dangling in the future anymore.<br /><br />I can't dwell on that now though. I'll save those sappy thoughts for another day! Gotta run!<br />~Jenn<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Question</span>: Do you ever eat unconventional breakfasts? I mean something really off the wall? Today was about as far out there as I have gone, but at least it tasted good!<br /></div>Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09190470759672643997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8232435295934917.post-89869671687007393182010-06-30T14:05:00.009-04:002010-06-30T15:49:57.944-04:00Un Petit Dessert<div style="text-align: center;">Whew, I just finished writing my paper! I busted that thing out in 3 days and I could not be more relieved to have it done. Technically I still have to edit it and whatnot before Friday afternoon, but I have a draft and that is what matters.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: right;">In other news, prepare to feast your eyes on some pretty spectacular food porn. The host mom is stepping up her game here in the last week. I think she has just thrown caution to the wind...<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Le diner le demain soir</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOB0MdAWucK6tTIF4aT-x21KS-iAfMeAbPTEXv_OAifyTmhUA_kbpZlnf07wekcpU3m2aL5UOJkSWbZlxqa0zwe_FICZgTTUhoDF_ZrVXwzWoWKOzW0qfuO7Pt3ieRwMiDfomkrvjEV-I/s1600/P6290001.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOB0MdAWucK6tTIF4aT-x21KS-iAfMeAbPTEXv_OAifyTmhUA_kbpZlnf07wekcpU3m2aL5UOJkSWbZlxqa0zwe_FICZgTTUhoDF_ZrVXwzWoWKOzW0qfuO7Pt3ieRwMiDfomkrvjEV-I/s400/P6290001.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488638741676636738" border="0" /></a>(1/2 avocado in a balsamic reduction for an appetizer.)<br />Despite the fact that it was hot has hell in Strasbourg yesterday, the host mom deicded to use the oven. When she pulled out the main course I guess I looked a little shocked...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Jz4zZrudo7K3qtH3T8BRZvDvJGaRsrOz46sWLQNxJtYI5NIweDCnTReVH7zOkf25EgskZVvLuKTrrGiIgqBD0xJ_necX4R3L_T7iG9-pqbR1TrUttHjMezQH6squQrtstp87H9WwYkU/s1600/P6290004.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Jz4zZrudo7K3qtH3T8BRZvDvJGaRsrOz46sWLQNxJtYI5NIweDCnTReVH7zOkf25EgskZVvLuKTrrGiIgqBD0xJ_necX4R3L_T7iG9-pqbR1TrUttHjMezQH6squQrtstp87H9WwYkU/s400/P6290004.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488630459860588002" border="0" /></a>(An entire fish.)<br />She asked why my mom never cooked one for me. All I could think was "it's a shame y'all didn't get to meet. If you had, you would know <span style="font-style: italic;">exactly</span> why my mom has never gutted and cooked a whole fish." (My mom is just a little high maintenance...love you, mom!)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwlCeAvr4kKlOCJzea3-veASajudL15XXWyIS6JTiSgC8az2HdPxYjBdGa9nIga5GqAVW8aStO0oz9TPsQiXA4zR30ZStbkQBO9ha9aOFpqdgfrQHak9EGpNPzeMQR6jBzSqmJws92_xE/s1600/P6290009.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwlCeAvr4kKlOCJzea3-veASajudL15XXWyIS6JTiSgC8az2HdPxYjBdGa9nIga5GqAVW8aStO0oz9TPsQiXA4zR30ZStbkQBO9ha9aOFpqdgfrQHak9EGpNPzeMQR6jBzSqmJws92_xE/s400/P6290009.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488630466794627362" border="0" /></a>(My plate: a green salad with <span style="font-style: italic;">spinach!</span>, fish <span style="font-style: italic;">de mer</span>, green beans, and potatoes.)<br />Apparently, the host mom has never tried potatoes and ketchup. Don't worry, I fixed that.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Dessert </span>was just as it should be on a hot summer night.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4hOeQyT9YsmhGKMdFBvHSmHnewNLbamraS-nt2k4SrJOP8koAHQEISly_4xIiBbC4mSDCZtuaW3h-lh0vQu0GTYEV3YVQVTecwKEBStsvJ_RaTGJtwLUvxPUbgiKqqkfiNe1ZogQY4Zg/s1600/P6290012.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4hOeQyT9YsmhGKMdFBvHSmHnewNLbamraS-nt2k4SrJOP8koAHQEISly_4xIiBbC4mSDCZtuaW3h-lh0vQu0GTYEV3YVQVTecwKEBStsvJ_RaTGJtwLUvxPUbgiKqqkfiNe1ZogQY4Zg/s400/P6290012.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488630477602348338" border="0" /></a>(Farm-fresh strawberries.)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUC-bqoIgyRju52XrXTvkB7oI1rHvnzJ53DpsFN1Gci3bNDGGJbhtdwy1_LICenwZQ3Q0sk6MQZb_JnOIA7fR2et_0f2bqWim1z5Ua_FUdbj2othEIS20rFB1_6m5mSefud3Cc3ILS16o/s1600/P6290014.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUC-bqoIgyRju52XrXTvkB7oI1rHvnzJ53DpsFN1Gci3bNDGGJbhtdwy1_LICenwZQ3Q0sk6MQZb_JnOIA7fR2et_0f2bqWim1z5Ua_FUdbj2othEIS20rFB1_6m5mSefud3Cc3ILS16o/s400/P6290014.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488630482717301106" border="0" /></a>(1/2 diced mango! My favorite!)<br /><br />After a second sticky nights-sleep in a row, I awoke, dropped to the floor for 5 minutes of yoga stretches and prepared myself for another schweaty schweaty day.<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Pour </span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">le petité dejeuner</span><span style="font-style: italic;">, j'ai mangeé</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqqJ_VCN0RIFEVMP2ViIJiNe074UxNGMqu7halE187oRgip2smhjYOMWBNzl7IyNVwt2X5CcEBKGygLyJyBAd_RMOFSCdw6RyzkAQloXOf305Z70cARLHP_REy-llT-rAHIMGSP9jO3wM/s1600/P6290002.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqqJ_VCN0RIFEVMP2ViIJiNe074UxNGMqu7halE187oRgip2smhjYOMWBNzl7IyNVwt2X5CcEBKGygLyJyBAd_RMOFSCdw6RyzkAQloXOf305Z70cARLHP_REy-llT-rAHIMGSP9jO3wM/s400/P6290002.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488632311931069746" border="0" /></a>(1 peach, 4 strawberries, 3 slices of bread with peanut butter and raspberry jam, and 1 lone raspberry from the host mom's plant.)<br />Then I was off to the <a href="http://www.echr.coe.int/echr/Homepage_EN">European Court of Human Rights</a> to watch a real live court case! I witnessed one of the best lawyers I have ever seen deliver a profound argument about crucifixes hanging in public classrooms in Italy. He basically said that the issue being discussed was irrelevant and that the Italian government should spend its resources teaching tolerance and acceptance of <span style="font-weight: bold;">all </span>religions rather than dealing with court cases.<br /><br />I was going to head straight to <span style="font-style: italic;">Le Centre-Ville</span> to do some damage to my credit card after court, but something compelled me to go back to the apartment and work on my paper instead. I wrote another 3 pages before feasting on <span style="font-weight: bold;">lunch</span>.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAv4I-nLSsKaHIIq2WIqsmbljQPpp4B5WC0fD8pc95IjgY-i8UqLn5ae929ZHnWYjJ1puWrfxoCdTkdWqd86oPmlf4E9FGDT0bKyGZ6kFwNk7MSLhvrchFjHvoxVRdyOYpHZUwyWVwdUQ/s1600/P6300010.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAv4I-nLSsKaHIIq2WIqsmbljQPpp4B5WC0fD8pc95IjgY-i8UqLn5ae929ZHnWYjJ1puWrfxoCdTkdWqd86oPmlf4E9FGDT0bKyGZ6kFwNk7MSLhvrchFjHvoxVRdyOYpHZUwyWVwdUQ/s400/P6300010.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488632325251079202" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">(An entire bag of mixed greens, tomato, feta cheese, tzatziki sauce, and carrots. Oh and some bread for good measure.)</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUtQVOjjyGCndLVvnDq_ob_K-hTi8CzD8DyTanGVjRUuwR0ytvBQ-fxBO69G5XPy4x1El_6w0PvG00CEs98INg_1rLdo259kDvg8Xau6LqQPpYeLgZhlYPqmoBtbrm-ZdHlEmQBi1z7dg/s1600/P6300012.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUtQVOjjyGCndLVvnDq_ob_K-hTi8CzD8DyTanGVjRUuwR0ytvBQ-fxBO69G5XPy4x1El_6w0PvG00CEs98INg_1rLdo259kDvg8Xau6LqQPpYeLgZhlYPqmoBtbrm-ZdHlEmQBi1z7dg/s400/P6300012.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488632335599946818" border="0" /></a>(A <span style="font-style: italic;">mini chocolate bar</span> goes a long way when writing a paper.)<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Pi3VOruJodcXbnII893aKioyB3TWcpNyMwE6n5g2U5oclFgY7hrlWLWm2Hz226PblBNtpCNdnABSJfIakS_hP4Bv05MXH90xonpLNzsKdtuEpjCCK7PcfEYdIsq5gaHkcQ0C-BxqYdM/s1600/P6300015.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Pi3VOruJodcXbnII893aKioyB3TWcpNyMwE6n5g2U5oclFgY7hrlWLWm2Hz226PblBNtpCNdnABSJfIakS_hP4Bv05MXH90xonpLNzsKdtuEpjCCK7PcfEYdIsq5gaHkcQ0C-BxqYdM/s400/P6300015.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488632345218217426" border="0" /></a> (Snacked on some strawberries from the <a href="http://knackfornutrition.blogspot.com/2010/06/farmers-market-and-meltdown.html">farmer's market</a> during the second class of the day.)<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">I then sat my butt in front of the computer the entire afternoon and early evening to finish this God-forsaken paper. I made a deal with myself. I said "Self. Let's have a chat. You know this is not going to get any easier and it MUST be completed before Friday. So let's just pull ourselves out of this pity party and do the damn thing!" And then...I did it! Woohoo! 14 pages and 4250 words later I have my freedom back!!!<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">The host mom was oh so proud. So she fed me <span style="font-weight: bold;">dinner</span>.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKz4n3dTSjaT6X3AxUodERCUghDx6PEjLA47n4oJDCoAIQzgSopcV2qLxH_pVQRBJtSvtk_liDMhT8tH8rB5uX1bGDmEE2m0df4inX90kCCl3An8wxOwA3moqvmEQU-468iOugCE5Keak/s1600/P6300018.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKz4n3dTSjaT6X3AxUodERCUghDx6PEjLA47n4oJDCoAIQzgSopcV2qLxH_pVQRBJtSvtk_liDMhT8tH8rB5uX1bGDmEE2m0df4inX90kCCl3An8wxOwA3moqvmEQU-468iOugCE5Keak/s400/P6300018.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488633507975659970" border="0" /></a>(A colorful spread of summer salad, salmon, beets!, white asparagus!, quinoa, spinach, and special tomatoes.)<br />Special tomatoes you say....<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9tFX7lxpS3Q8z4eFXoDeBoLvmh4kTHq-R6HC3DJaOdxgIMV1dytn0vuQXyZGfTnsD_bA5Z8gPJ6tDDVvRez6ecgPxQ5vqs36g72tUMGrryqmibmR8FBXXqmqJAxkGpAgAZD3XEqMCKvY/s1600/P6300016.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9tFX7lxpS3Q8z4eFXoDeBoLvmh4kTHq-R6HC3DJaOdxgIMV1dytn0vuQXyZGfTnsD_bA5Z8gPJ6tDDVvRez6ecgPxQ5vqs36g72tUMGrryqmibmR8FBXXqmqJAxkGpAgAZD3XEqMCKvY/s400/P6300016.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488634228194343922" border="0" /></a>These are a delicacy from what I am told. They are called <span style="font-style: italic;">des tomate ananas </span>(pineapple tomatoes). They are slightly sweeter than the red vine ones we normally eat. That was the only real difference I tasted.<br />I was unprepared for <span style="font-weight: bold;">dessert</span> tonight. The host mom did not give me fair warning.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi844sO05VMH__10ym5WLva0WFFI65OKJ9TXWuFlUTV0IctDk6cUZqD10rJFuTAJInj3lJGOVZLN2M1fkLw3LjpuK91uBuVvpV-XRw0sUBA1Jbdeprtz3hIrqxycxGuHcaB6ABHRbiPmc/s1600/P6300021.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi844sO05VMH__10ym5WLva0WFFI65OKJ9TXWuFlUTV0IctDk6cUZqD10rJFuTAJInj3lJGOVZLN2M1fkLw3LjpuK91uBuVvpV-XRw0sUBA1Jbdeprtz3hIrqxycxGuHcaB6ABHRbiPmc/s400/P6300021.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488633516645224834" border="0" /></a> May I present the Alsatian answer to ice-cream cake. That is three layers of <span style="font-style: italic;">glacé</span>: vanilla, raspberry, and chocolate.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbbS5lvklPYY4e3oQgjE1yuf4GQgw2d1FJlumnbiXDvV9NP7Ok2C9tbwDCBhmPZEhOOBTgz5xELlvO8MJ9TBFcGRJCkgUKAe_slWAc-PkQrJBHCQBtrlRmqMfbL0SbcJgbJvLA1c-ZbCk/s1600/P6300022.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbbS5lvklPYY4e3oQgjE1yuf4GQgw2d1FJlumnbiXDvV9NP7Ok2C9tbwDCBhmPZEhOOBTgz5xELlvO8MJ9TBFcGRJCkgUKAe_slWAc-PkQrJBHCQBtrlRmqMfbL0SbcJgbJvLA1c-ZbCk/s400/P6300022.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488634245715866178" border="0" /></a>The ice-cream is sandwiched in between 2 layers of wafer cake and topped with whip cream.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqbQYD98oyEYZTCQcEE9odDGiAtXwvFfB72B7MeI0rwPuughqdS9QxddboA3Yw4yFOb8F3B7W3Zul86WyekzjGvxWQ-EPfDfw02QwZUwJAt5TumwxL5GmOFjL60SdW_EFtMTw1SB5qi9o/s1600/P6300023.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqbQYD98oyEYZTCQcEE9odDGiAtXwvFfB72B7MeI0rwPuughqdS9QxddboA3Yw4yFOb8F3B7W3Zul86WyekzjGvxWQ-EPfDfw02QwZUwJAt5TumwxL5GmOFjL60SdW_EFtMTw1SB5qi9o/s400/P6300023.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488634254810481986" border="0" /></a>I told y'all I was unprepared.<br />Needless to say, I filled up on my veggies at dinner and was only able to finish half. It's nice to have a cold treat to look forward to tomorrow as it is supposed to be another hot one!<br /><br />I am off to relax and hit the hay early. I want to get up and run in the morning before class and the inevitable meltdown that will come mid-day.<br /><br />Stay tuned tomorrow for a recap of whatever I decided to buy with my hard earned Euros!<br /><br />Until then,<br />~Jenn<br /><br /><br /></div>Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09190470759672643997noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8232435295934917.post-75155540895660970222010-06-29T11:25:00.007-04:002010-06-29T12:38:18.764-04:00A Farmer's Market and a Meltdown<div style="text-align: center;">The title of the post sums up the day just so perfectly considering the later has not ended but the former was almost glorious enough to counter it. Confused yet? Me too, a little, but you will have to excuse the ramblings today as the heat has melted my brain and possibly destroyed a little bit of the love I have for Strasbourg.<br /><br />The day started out innocent enough. After an epic paper writing session (7.5 pages!) and 6 hours of rocky sleep (because it was so warm) I hopped out of bed and hit the floor for some light yoga to stretch out before rummaging through the kitchen for <span style="font-weight: bold;">breakfast</span>. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP9h8lk3SPElCZphXEX4MdAQq6kblY9Rnw7QUFOZ5SFvR2r9brqLUrHnyfi-eg96yoOyG9nMiEVvEnT0JBbRKmvVBQkb5AhH4Ul2cBCIFmYoK4bsWWIUhIaxpLsuR1AP0PRE4jH1MIqwg/s1600/P6290003.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP9h8lk3SPElCZphXEX4MdAQq6kblY9Rnw7QUFOZ5SFvR2r9brqLUrHnyfi-eg96yoOyG9nMiEVvEnT0JBbRKmvVBQkb5AhH4Ul2cBCIFmYoK4bsWWIUhIaxpLsuR1AP0PRE4jH1MIqwg/s400/P6290003.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488223025161656434" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">(Cherries, organic yogurt with raspberry jam, 2 (!) types of bread with jam, and a kiwi {that went uneaten FYI. I wasn't feeling it})</span><br /><br />I can practically taste my green monsters at this point. Oh how soon we shall be reunited!<br /><br />Morning class was blah, but that is okay because I had the local farmer's market to look forward too! Each Tuesday, my university hosts a picnic where they give a couple of students some euros to purchase whatever strikes their fancy at the local market to feed the group for lunch.<br /><br />I volunteered to help gather the fixings this week for selfish reasons. I heard from someone who went last week that there was a vendor who sold every type of dried fruit one can imagine.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqyQ-VKylTNEtZxZvstVznzN713ZKylJm0mI_yg8CplrT7WRRKzwxbNOsNcwrBjLxZvX2g9Os4rU9wocTDQtCq02-QKvSa5htnMvssSVKCudWyFiuA3ACkCCHFYJ3GAkftvY3NIjk-MxA/s1600/P6290005.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqyQ-VKylTNEtZxZvstVznzN713ZKylJm0mI_yg8CplrT7WRRKzwxbNOsNcwrBjLxZvX2g9Os4rU9wocTDQtCq02-QKvSa5htnMvssSVKCudWyFiuA3ACkCCHFYJ3GAkftvY3NIjk-MxA/s400/P6290005.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488223017452043490" border="0" /></a> Found him!! Along with<span style="font-style: italic;"> dried strawberries, bananas, kiwis, coconut cubes, mango, apples, and apricots,</span> he also had an enviable array of spices for sale.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVAH_s9fwlyJoHZgDSopqHw-7jNB25S-k828tLEFCvk2Dkp-SkfRdflcTYTP8TDTXiF72Zp2XlVbADL2W467HI7STjwolKrZbLzJ6h4OHe4ZoBeWhrOxijdVi3vDdwb1cPtDr_1Co455w/s1600/P6290009.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVAH_s9fwlyJoHZgDSopqHw-7jNB25S-k828tLEFCvk2Dkp-SkfRdflcTYTP8TDTXiF72Zp2XlVbADL2W467HI7STjwolKrZbLzJ6h4OHe4ZoBeWhrOxijdVi3vDdwb1cPtDr_1Co455w/s400/P6290009.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488222999070831650" border="0" /></a> But I refused to be distracted by his goodies (not to be confused with these <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WIBwQI4UzpA">goodies</a>...) and quickly zeroed in on the dried mango and a little dried kiwi. This stuff is addicting y'all. I bought a huge bag to bring back to the states with me this weekend, but between my snacking and those pesky customs laws I am not sure that they are going to make it.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2NQ1mzm4_mnZEFUQ842jMFiCl60H-Z7XbZlYIT5LfiDpKWGG71FjBiP-cfAT1zPVSX4iYBNEdUAwl9WBcQgW5ETPTFLDdcABij9XiCXBb_-gj_wrpdA6zDRIOtKhxibfdWNBmTBWHe8o/s1600/P6290007.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2NQ1mzm4_mnZEFUQ842jMFiCl60H-Z7XbZlYIT5LfiDpKWGG71FjBiP-cfAT1zPVSX4iYBNEdUAwl9WBcQgW5ETPTFLDdcABij9XiCXBb_-gj_wrpdA6zDRIOtKhxibfdWNBmTBWHe8o/s400/P6290007.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488223009467664530" border="0" /></a>I also picked up a pint of locally grown strawberries to munch on for snacks this week! How can you turn down <span style="font-style: italic;">des fraises</span> especially after the farmer let's you try before you buy!<br /><br />Then, I did what all food obsessed bloggers do best. Wandered the market and photographed all of the beautiful, colorful (and local!) produce and all of the other things the vendor's had to offer.<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHv5019P3qendDOx-Uihq3kxyNxgZYKYykGi3FQumS-bQRd-khOkQ4kZvXp51Tmf8hOFeE4fqoP-3KarvLXtPylYA_xSPpSZHq-suc4DGI6iA4VyooJTKlRoCri-XOkVrAXBsNEXbqIfs/s1600/P6290010.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHv5019P3qendDOx-Uihq3kxyNxgZYKYykGi3FQumS-bQRd-khOkQ4kZvXp51Tmf8hOFeE4fqoP-3KarvLXtPylYA_xSPpSZHq-suc4DGI6iA4VyooJTKlRoCri-XOkVrAXBsNEXbqIfs/s400/P6290010.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488222985849369602" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdhNpEDuHkubv7zPx3-bqajnrt8HZv6oIZx5KBc_qtoN3qx1HnfAWJBTlg118lgC1Y0Npgtk1GO9-NDIoUHz56vzdA_x17iO7sHHb2kHs8jAXb93k38STp0sUrz2JKxYpJRBMs3EzfXsI/s1600/P6290011.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdhNpEDuHkubv7zPx3-bqajnrt8HZv6oIZx5KBc_qtoN3qx1HnfAWJBTlg118lgC1Y0Npgtk1GO9-NDIoUHz56vzdA_x17iO7sHHb2kHs8jAXb93k38STp0sUrz2JKxYpJRBMs3EzfXsI/s400/P6290011.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488219403655556322" border="0" /></a>(Fish stand.)<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgIaD2JzzqWFUHn6wEg70nQ1C-wWhSLZEsDPgrr5ArvvoXUKOvssi6qxWYM22EnH0AoPvLA-kYBd_mQasR1WVEAXYFm31G8j3_t9wmKHHhmAvc358TnZr-LoVsvX6L_tXXJPzMoLTg_yM/s1600/P6290012.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgIaD2JzzqWFUHn6wEg70nQ1C-wWhSLZEsDPgrr5ArvvoXUKOvssi6qxWYM22EnH0AoPvLA-kYBd_mQasR1WVEAXYFm31G8j3_t9wmKHHhmAvc358TnZr-LoVsvX6L_tXXJPzMoLTg_yM/s400/P6290012.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488219397370642274" border="0" /></a>(Fruits as far as the eye can see!)<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqCTGLDaiH229yYYFVlpLfmFYm2A4v7HmegNMoqGVnwFOxe8pIzfJOleZMufC8aWqXONl8Hrjc3iuFgr3aUDFcS6iPqqmhgAoyX67SMRZ_d4TO1LPSrV6Tx7bp38smUnALJWIfmI7Rmzc/s1600/P6290013.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqCTGLDaiH229yYYFVlpLfmFYm2A4v7HmegNMoqGVnwFOxe8pIzfJOleZMufC8aWqXONl8Hrjc3iuFgr3aUDFcS6iPqqmhgAoyX67SMRZ_d4TO1LPSrV6Tx7bp38smUnALJWIfmI7Rmzc/s400/P6290013.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488219386335494306" border="0" /></a>(Mini pears! These were so cute!)<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglHC0YR6yAV74Q8Ixs4BP2mvTfV-soxeQys42JEKFludCQp4jZh7ag-ZY_eATfHLaqEO7ostgwt6n_G2EP-RtykR9pgUJZMu2NX0a37WvE0S-GWDP9yh4jssOTSMV2HKzbk13EE1PPEus/s1600/P6290014.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglHC0YR6yAV74Q8Ixs4BP2mvTfV-soxeQys42JEKFludCQp4jZh7ag-ZY_eATfHLaqEO7ostgwt6n_G2EP-RtykR9pgUJZMu2NX0a37WvE0S-GWDP9yh4jssOTSMV2HKzbk13EE1PPEus/s400/P6290014.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488219380793414354" border="0" /></a>(A bread vendor of course because no one in France ever seems to stray to far from a loaf. Check out the little tot watching the man cut bread. He is adorable!)<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcB5yiE7nuspc97S5bjFbBA0y55C6mSiFv3nRZ0voh3wrRVxQ9FcBm1sNFu9CPjax6X6xnv_70DLlK_au1VtxtbflmXvC-wD2DNZZ5dxUiynLeWX-PJKz9RYUPJhHbxt3sWZAvLSHnKq8/s1600/P6290015.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcB5yiE7nuspc97S5bjFbBA0y55C6mSiFv3nRZ0voh3wrRVxQ9FcBm1sNFu9CPjax6X6xnv_70DLlK_au1VtxtbflmXvC-wD2DNZZ5dxUiynLeWX-PJKz9RYUPJhHbxt3sWZAvLSHnKq8/s400/P6290015.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488219368622783282" border="0" /></a>(Lettuce, lettuce everywhere!)<br /><br />Once I stopped drooling over the produce, we headed back to the SU center to set up. There were lots of vegetables to be cleaned, bread to cut, and meats to lay out (not my job, clearly).<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdIxwci8w1fNfLJjSJ_cfmF8a-othD0JYoPJV60jog4J83rgzLOvoYkmhcHSX5nKfxS8Xo66H0HnKyZsKFKSDnaGCBPNlOH8p_iNjl-rBuhHGG6TcroDRXN9OvMo21mQlX9pMm4q91dmk/s1600/P6290016.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdIxwci8w1fNfLJjSJ_cfmF8a-othD0JYoPJV60jog4J83rgzLOvoYkmhcHSX5nKfxS8Xo66H0HnKyZsKFKSDnaGCBPNlOH8p_iNjl-rBuhHGG6TcroDRXN9OvMo21mQlX9pMm4q91dmk/s400/P6290016.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488218300840458674" border="0" /></a>When it was all said and done, I managed to have a glorious lunch chock full of vegetables (I may or may not have bought my OWN crown of broccoli to eat alongside everything else...).<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpZOplJKwQOr5DNPeBXieim9YO_rs9rFOusTcNxtgM3iwW6xl8ivkvlYymLJbUdf2ljGTXOo_crg4iuSSeWAa-IMQdzcoygaYyuOUyyGwiIWvOcDU0SSQPIEu-wpZo_BamWSHoG25CAMQ/s1600/P6290017.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpZOplJKwQOr5DNPeBXieim9YO_rs9rFOusTcNxtgM3iwW6xl8ivkvlYymLJbUdf2ljGTXOo_crg4iuSSeWAa-IMQdzcoygaYyuOUyyGwiIWvOcDU0SSQPIEu-wpZo_BamWSHoG25CAMQ/s400/P6290017.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488218291745614594" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">(Plate #1: broccoli, carrots, cucumber, tomato, radish, cheese (brie and some other kind), 1 slice whole wheat bread and one slice sesame seed bread).</span><br /><br />After replenishing my fiber deficiency of the past 6 weeks in one sitting, I moved onto the lighter fare (aka dessert).<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOY0iyRlOHfSm0-Bf43dIEDFz7pPu6KEpb_Ig0IroTadSlOWfJ7L-o4M05fJSVQk8x_m5Df00MxX0vTkXYrI5xcbAo52n1Z8bKRVHG9lNFGAWUYa-VUbfVBq9V6gcSXhI5IRCO18XD3kk/s1600/P6290018.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOY0iyRlOHfSm0-Bf43dIEDFz7pPu6KEpb_Ig0IroTadSlOWfJ7L-o4M05fJSVQk8x_m5Df00MxX0vTkXYrI5xcbAo52n1Z8bKRVHG9lNFGAWUYa-VUbfVBq9V6gcSXhI5IRCO18XD3kk/s400/P6290018.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488218282399087394" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">(Cherries, watermelon, and a taste of apricot and cherry tarts).</span><br /><br />I was positively stuffed by the end of the meal. There are plenty of leftovers still at the SU center, which is great, because now I have free and healthy things to munch on between meals.<br /><br />Our afternoon session was at the <a href="http://www.unhcr.org/cgi-bin/texis/vtx/home">UN Refugee Agency</a> (UNHCR). Visiting with a UN representative in itself was beyond cool, as I have studied the work of this agency in both high school and college. The building is adjacent to the Court of Human Rights (which we are visiting tomorrow to watch a real court case!!) and contains A LOT of windows. This is significant because the building also contains no air conditioning.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzWCwfmtLsHTi3yj76TE36X2h1PCJdyIfuCNuGRtCIlamqDxpBOTRmeTYVu8plTGxu5uStcnCRmMKoPTGwHONML7UUXDHxSF3sS2-33eCJIJem0oriIYPFMU_gVtVcMgYPM2m_8gQj40Y/s1600/P6290023.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzWCwfmtLsHTi3yj76TE36X2h1PCJdyIfuCNuGRtCIlamqDxpBOTRmeTYVu8plTGxu5uStcnCRmMKoPTGwHONML7UUXDHxSF3sS2-33eCJIJem0oriIYPFMU_gVtVcMgYPM2m_8gQj40Y/s400/P6290023.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488218264436819234" border="0" /></a>If you follow me on <a href="http://twitter.com/knack4nutrition">Twitter</a>, then you already know what comes next. That's right, I had an absolute meltdown. It was roughly 90 degrees and sunny in Strasbourg today and I just so happen to sit with my back to that wall. That means sun was beating down on me for 2 freaking hours!!! At one point I actually considered just getting up and walking out, it was that bad. Somehow (by the grace of God I assume) the two hours passed by and I bolted.<br /><br />It is currently still hot as Hades, but living on the 4th floor has the benefit of a nice breeze. I am just trying to think cool thoughts.<br /><br />I'm off to try and bust out a couple more pages of this paper before passing out. The heat has wiped me. Feel free to distract me with loving comments about your meltdowns, because I know I am not the only one out there having them.<br /><br />Until tomorrow,<br />~Jenn<br /></div>Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09190470759672643997noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8232435295934917.post-9746182883321215002010-06-27T13:38:00.005-04:002010-06-27T14:56:52.563-04:00PB & J Oats and a Paper<div style="text-align: center;">Well, I am officially in the final week. This has been assured by the fact that my life is now centered around this 15 page paper that is due by 5 PM on Friday. Well that, and the fact that I ran out of almond milk today and can't decide if it is worthwhile to buy more. I have my priorities straight.<br /><br /><br />Today also marked my last Sunday in Strasbourg. I woke up around 9 and made a light breakfast before heading out for a run. The goal was to beat the heat, but I kind of just got trapped in it because I did not get up with my alarm.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNEUWfEXVWnc4ZDNTwLx68CnF7gIe6hiX-Oqh9sj_KNWiZe-aqC23gjqi8kGusQGi5WcUkOMi4LK1cV4t1CF6B2SNX6YGMBLKhbaAch-6qXRxkltQPdU_8nx-BfaO__bg4CzKJNWSxKjs/s1600/P6270004.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNEUWfEXVWnc4ZDNTwLx68CnF7gIe6hiX-Oqh9sj_KNWiZe-aqC23gjqi8kGusQGi5WcUkOMi4LK1cV4t1CF6B2SNX6YGMBLKhbaAch-6qXRxkltQPdU_8nx-BfaO__bg4CzKJNWSxKjs/s400/P6270004.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487511081990973666" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">(An orange, a baby peach, kiwi, and 2 slices of baby bread with raspberry jam)</span><br /><br />The run ended up going much better than I had anticipated after a Friday and Saturday of not so healthy eats. I was able to cover 5 miles in an hour and that included my walk home. My splits were as follows:<br />Mile 1: <span style="font-weight: bold;">10:37 </span><br />Mile 2: <span style="font-weight: bold;">10:34 </span><br />Mile 3. <span style="font-weight: bold;">10:41 </span><br />Mile 3.1: <span style="font-weight: bold;">1:08 </span><br />Mile 4: <span style="font-weight: bold;">12:38 </span><br />Mile 5: <span style="font-weight: bold;">17:15</span> (walking home)<br />I had only intended on completing a 5k (3.1 miles), but I was feeling really good so after I started walking home I just decided to start jogging again. It was nice to find that 'zoned out' place for a little while. It has been challenging to do that here.<br /><br />After returning a sweaty mess and completing<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rUbMAJbaVXs"> yoga for runners</a>, I took a nice long shower and then whipped up some lunch. The host mom was called away this weekend, so I was on my own with no leftovers to fall back on. The horror! I miss her cooking for me...it is very convenient for my lifestyle here. Anyways, I managed to whip up a pretty uninspired meal.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6kNRD_5f3gb2IZV7JMRHk3rbaD4uKlHLx6sXeWv81TzsOTm_Kk0WbhapZcQBHCpZZ1m0sHuBuP7fGlhVZQIKzldA2efeC1iQfrJURwC9d_j6jTi2xAejGs3hK3zCfHEEk-c4aI4fAXt8/s1600/P6270007.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6kNRD_5f3gb2IZV7JMRHk3rbaD4uKlHLx6sXeWv81TzsOTm_Kk0WbhapZcQBHCpZZ1m0sHuBuP7fGlhVZQIKzldA2efeC1iQfrJURwC9d_j6jTi2xAejGs3hK3zCfHEEk-c4aI4fAXt8/s400/P6270007.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487509962441970994" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">(Frozen meal (blech!) of brown rice and white fish, served alongside an entire raw zucchini and unpictured hummus.)</span><br />I am very much looking forward to big green salads and even bigger green monsters when I get home. I miss my clean eating!<br /><br />I spent the rest of the afternoon reading and researching for my paper. I have never really struggled this much on a paper before. I am not sure what the deal is but I think it may have something to do with the fact that I don't believe in what I am writing. I gathered a hefty amount of sources (which is good) but so far have only managed to write 2 pages (not so good). At some point during the afternoon, I noshed (snacked).<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOOY-9n8Dg2KdJ8Mys0r25IRojUfA0vcx14iuoHwGyMHQ4Mt9zQ1DE9FDDhzYqMt058rCAE0KhhHttsTl-ZvTT6ZJfJKw8W2ZbrrfyHJtDe5pOKnwgcoWoCLOMtYxT8LQ2VR9cLgQ30CE/s1600/P6270008.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOOY-9n8Dg2KdJ8Mys0r25IRojUfA0vcx14iuoHwGyMHQ4Mt9zQ1DE9FDDhzYqMt058rCAE0KhhHttsTl-ZvTT6ZJfJKw8W2ZbrrfyHJtDe5pOKnwgcoWoCLOMtYxT8LQ2VR9cLgQ30CE/s400/P6270008.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487509949940721250" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">(Organic yogurt with jam, baby bread with PB and jam, and a kiwi). </span><br /><br />I think I have developed a liking for the host mom's raspberry jam.<br /><br />My ADD was in full effect today. I literally could not focus on this paper for the life of me. I move from the bed to the desk and back to the bed about 600 times in an attempt to focus, but it was just a no go.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHQVM-bMyTnrakCa9NJRZvl2OCfIEGtdbH7diAx3elTfs4xNtWo_cNTCk-yF0erkof2eXX7_FFRBmwl1oAO2WZ63kNAEIETKf5ZhYO0i6NdrPZIf0BlZ_W1CoO8njs5O-OveBqH08HKIM/s1600/P6270011.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHQVM-bMyTnrakCa9NJRZvl2OCfIEGtdbH7diAx3elTfs4xNtWo_cNTCk-yF0erkof2eXX7_FFRBmwl1oAO2WZ63kNAEIETKf5ZhYO0i6NdrPZIf0BlZ_W1CoO8njs5O-OveBqH08HKIM/s400/P6270011.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487509938994264578" border="0" /></a>I did manage to stream the Germany v. England game though. All I can say is wow, way to go <span style="font-style: italic;">Allemagne</span>! I could hear people screaming outside of my balcony every time they got a goal! It was pretty entertaining and distracting.<br /><br />Sigh.<br /><br />The early evening was once again, spent at the computer trying to make myself focus to no avail. However, I did read some great new blogs and made a lot of new friends on <a href="http://www.dailymile.com/people/jaaltoff#ref=tophd">DailyMile</a>!<br /><br />Dinner was consumed without the host mom so I went with an old standby.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA1FmD0tyUsV9z3hJcM4nqXtW4DVB2Xn7j9IdaNBMwoYw_ST6sMo3iFotGqGsFx9CYwDpgVrjvNKe63qzN9mK-jLp42LhkEXJaivxODI2mndktAd6u5otsynN6eQGwI5xpOSi63yBTpm4/s1600/P6270016.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA1FmD0tyUsV9z3hJcM4nqXtW4DVB2Xn7j9IdaNBMwoYw_ST6sMo3iFotGqGsFx9CYwDpgVrjvNKe63qzN9mK-jLp42LhkEXJaivxODI2mndktAd6u5otsynN6eQGwI5xpOSi63yBTpm4/s400/P6270016.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487509926644082786" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">(1/2 cup Le Rapidoats, 1 tbsp PB, 1 tbsp raspberry jam, and slivered almonds.)</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs5NaAbvvNXRGe62fV4HhrFSaJHT2Tyd5Yk1BZlC6jEaB_TzFFtOudzr5nXWZaNSwk5sWdX0kZy8KfO6mTIFvY1KnvLfpWisyWiJ2fiz-uYVGD_9PEr1OvODAvsPWvslQSyLdr0Eg8MjE/s1600/P6270014.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs5NaAbvvNXRGe62fV4HhrFSaJHT2Tyd5Yk1BZlC6jEaB_TzFFtOudzr5nXWZaNSwk5sWdX0kZy8KfO6mTIFvY1KnvLfpWisyWiJ2fiz-uYVGD_9PEr1OvODAvsPWvslQSyLdr0Eg8MjE/s400/P6270014.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487509934146841714" border="0" /></a> Oats in front of the computer. I needed some company for dindin and luckily some fine people in my google reader popped up and made the meal lovely.<br /><br />I am really disappointed I did not get this paper out of the way today. I don't want it looming over my last week in Strasbourg. The plan now is to go to bed super early, wake up even earlier to get in a short run before my class at 10 AM and then spend the rest of the day focused on getting it done.<br /><br />Sorry for the dull post. It was a dull day.<br /><br />Until next time,<br />~Jenn<br /><br />P.S. I am probably not going to post tomorrow. I want to limit the distractions.<br /></div>Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09190470759672643997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8232435295934917.post-24272988637924010092010-06-26T13:07:00.005-04:002010-06-26T16:42:35.252-04:00A Final Excursion.<div style="text-align: center;">Today marked the final day trip for our group. It was a trip that I was slightly anxious about, as the agenda called for a trip to <span style="font-weight: bold;">Struthof, France</span> to visit the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Natzweiler Concentration Camp. </span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgENy9xV-K5-mFoJPDehLcXWyJJzOMHKGiCOyeH65A_m_VBbL4ZhTQEGZqsMK9YvfQKOImGJy9-3IPjLho57MCY4N-yCUpFw_3xqyLCa6hvMlGh3n2_O_diKjKLpIMwNoxwx-c_f-eAYOg/s1600/P6260004.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 292px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgENy9xV-K5-mFoJPDehLcXWyJJzOMHKGiCOyeH65A_m_VBbL4ZhTQEGZqsMK9YvfQKOImGJy9-3IPjLho57MCY4N-yCUpFw_3xqyLCa6hvMlGh3n2_O_diKjKLpIMwNoxwx-c_f-eAYOg/s400/P6260004.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487143542149460274" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPGc6AUxIiXH0bYG6co07MmYMiv9gc7rh8YxeCpIsAPDDmoeHkt31oHD4xJUclGhKNKfjIiQsN5evjQDa4YAK00f71anNg0N9XYcDcK9U4u6myzQdM2IYY2L4tOoOpzBw9v4o8suboR3I/s1600/P6260001.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPGc6AUxIiXH0bYG6co07MmYMiv9gc7rh8YxeCpIsAPDDmoeHkt31oHD4xJUclGhKNKfjIiQsN5evjQDa4YAK00f71anNg0N9XYcDcK9U4u6myzQdM2IYY2L4tOoOpzBw9v4o8suboR3I/s400/P6260001.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487143532564594258" border="0" /></a>(Monument that was constructed in memory of those who lost their lives in the camp.)<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The whole visit was <span style="font-style: italic;">overwhelming.</span> My mom's side of the family is Jewish, so stepping foot into a place where so many people of the same faith were tortured and killed because of their beliefs was very difficult.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrG962jOJtPIwLYu1t_qJgYGx6nj4SnWzS6JvpCs-b1EhslxdtZXk1Ej4O8yz-GdYnDXjPnelmxAngE-wQKlPj8qvehQdb0u5cy_uikp6vDDRrsgIhs-hqIjsrtrg4YtGDWVakQM6OdOM/s1600/P6260003.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrG962jOJtPIwLYu1t_qJgYGx6nj4SnWzS6JvpCs-b1EhslxdtZXk1Ej4O8yz-GdYnDXjPnelmxAngE-wQKlPj8qvehQdb0u5cy_uikp6vDDRrsgIhs-hqIjsrtrg4YtGDWVakQM6OdOM/s400/P6260003.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487142340777258114" border="0" /></a>(Barbed wire that kept prisoners inside of the camp and the Vosges Mountains in the background that (to me) symbolize freedom.)<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> I chose to not photograph the actual camp because it just did not seem appropriate. Between the stories we heard (from a camp survivor) and the barracks we walked through, I was left feeling flabbergasted and very emotional.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">It was upon reflection that I remembered lyrics by <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cZM-YAR6om8">Ben Harper </a>that explained exactly how the camp affected me...<span style="font-style: italic;">"So much sorrow and pain, but still I will not live in vain...I am blessed to be a witness."<br /></span>I believe that I was meant to see this camp and reflect on how dangerous human beings can be. The pain caused by the Nazi's during WWII is <span style="font-weight: bold;">not forgotten</span>. Yet, I choose to process what I have seen and move forward. We are so fortunate for the hand we have been dealt in our lives and today provided an opportunity for me to acknowledge that once again.<br /><br />~~<br /><br />Despite the somber mood of the group we moved on from the camp and headed to lunch at a restaurant nestled in the hills of the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Vosges Mountains</span>.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2LipXn6jH9qPpo0YXX-w6ZdfAYQDU3qmxEPGluwclWaa1j01xju04PTxNo7-sTPpI4OEpLiyzFrCYIoRURMdLo-OVixc_oGIhofhaKha-59oSHNXm9gIhI0mMtyylYpkj0fMOwraoYzU/s1600/P6260007.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2LipXn6jH9qPpo0YXX-w6ZdfAYQDU3qmxEPGluwclWaa1j01xju04PTxNo7-sTPpI4OEpLiyzFrCYIoRURMdLo-OVixc_oGIhofhaKha-59oSHNXm9gIhI0mMtyylYpkj0fMOwraoYzU/s400/P6260007.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487142311849321842" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">(The Farmhouse Inn.)<br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> </span></span><span><span>I once again chose the vegetarian option thinking it would be a lighter meal (and of course meat free) but oh my goodness was I wrong.</span></span><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5QQU75nXxm1nEdeAuV-GfH3LdHaCcYraMuYYD_UduPJdTs22L7W4jphiOIKdgqm5FeCTkuGHQLpY38BblsOaWHOALYwX9z7uvSgLwNdM8e6S-o70ECJ8G6-Rq2yVE9YNorkEzaxCBbnw/s1600/P6260012.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5QQU75nXxm1nEdeAuV-GfH3LdHaCcYraMuYYD_UduPJdTs22L7W4jphiOIKdgqm5FeCTkuGHQLpY38BblsOaWHOALYwX9z7uvSgLwNdM8e6S-o70ECJ8G6-Rq2yVE9YNorkEzaxCBbnw/s400/P6260012.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487142306068633410" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">(Appetizer: assorted vegetable salad including cucumber, beets, carrot, tomato, and lettuce).</span><br /><br />The first course had you fooled right? Me too. But just look at what came next. Legitimately a <span style="font-weight: bold;">HUGE</span> pan of potatoes smothered in fresh, <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">pungent</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> Munster cheese</span>. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a style="font-style: italic;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibPMciNbHS6hpKj36HiZ6DKwpaDgApbByo1xYYatRBkl3WvndtyjYPP35krPEBk8bryrpJJ1NUgusVrttIIFrElYJyuN9MaqR39fzakCLE1v2rjqk1qReQxWTATC1L6ApEca3IobWi0vY/s1600/P6260014.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibPMciNbHS6hpKj36HiZ6DKwpaDgApbByo1xYYatRBkl3WvndtyjYPP35krPEBk8bryrpJJ1NUgusVrttIIFrElYJyuN9MaqR39fzakCLE1v2rjqk1qReQxWTATC1L6ApEca3IobWi0vY/s400/P6260014.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487142277418616418" border="0" /></a>First of all, I have never eaten fresh French Munster cheese. But I quickly learned that it is strong in both smell and flavor. I honestly did not care for it beyond the first couple bites and luckily there were other offerings provided.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgswP2LHc8G-ztyGtS0LMT0xa5ZdGcoLU3VXBo7X1tzQFXN-peuVgYKpSWNNFuRXw90DVUrpDRixbQTlZZ4NihWMgl8LrF1VNjgnMTySmEN2H42lR1IyG8CJzTzf2ZecvOntCQjFhFnJ8M/s1600/P6260017.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgswP2LHc8G-ztyGtS0LMT0xa5ZdGcoLU3VXBo7X1tzQFXN-peuVgYKpSWNNFuRXw90DVUrpDRixbQTlZZ4NihWMgl8LrF1VNjgnMTySmEN2H42lR1IyG8CJzTzf2ZecvOntCQjFhFnJ8M/s400/P6260017.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487142257510478674" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">(On top of my Munster potatoes is a green salad with tomatoes, steamed cabbage and carrots, and a few plain potatoes.)</span><br />After consuming what felt like a lot of food, I was still left with this heaping pile of potatoes on my plate!<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD-QyIR9IgU_jzetbk1QrqvlDvW8AFmphBemVuxyZiWeJ9uIkEySDrg36MQbqU9vtZarD0IBFhKrzRgh5GtpLx1tsDXcaAXQ5_1mZx-Dn5ISCGRlzqhPTvpO2gNDPMnEe7JJrwPyQvtUY/s1600/P6260018.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD-QyIR9IgU_jzetbk1QrqvlDvW8AFmphBemVuxyZiWeJ9uIkEySDrg36MQbqU9vtZarD0IBFhKrzRgh5GtpLx1tsDXcaAXQ5_1mZx-Dn5ISCGRlzqhPTvpO2gNDPMnEe7JJrwPyQvtUY/s400/P6260018.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487141125825247106" border="0" /></a>The meal lasted 2+ hours, so by the time dessert was offered I had managed to make a little room :) I am glad I did too because the offering was divine.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkstIiVZ4updpWI-vkn9ALRTGI4KN69i67lkBNe4c2DY720vq82FEjkei4k9VGuJAdrI-Y5Vb17c9eTBgSX3QmQzLPFtvoWLsKGw2Beu3RGzPms0AJ_YbbHeQhRuj-_S8kfGEMIOUTz38/s1600/P6260019.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkstIiVZ4updpWI-vkn9ALRTGI4KN69i67lkBNe4c2DY720vq82FEjkei4k9VGuJAdrI-Y5Vb17c9eTBgSX3QmQzLPFtvoWLsKGw2Beu3RGzPms0AJ_YbbHeQhRuj-_S8kfGEMIOUTz38/s400/P6260019.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487141123323741634" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">(Homemade vanilla, brandy-laced strawberry, and rhubarb ice cream.)</span><br /><br />As a small aside I want to mention that the place we had lunch today is actually a duck farm. They are humanely raised, slaughtered, and served all on sight. It was remarkable how <span style="font-weight: bold;">happy</span> all of the ducks looked. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKHUM5oh8O49DlqMv0wf92jDc6UcTi_UyfrmzVBHFG-1lTtQpfarNRpF42olkpqWC3X0SP3rCJqqO8ig-2yV6jPA0suAyi2u6c601Y0qGkpEZOwDvW4hZUCRRPcsg9OptY3O6T_oZ_2ww/s1600/P6260023.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 350px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKHUM5oh8O49DlqMv0wf92jDc6UcTi_UyfrmzVBHFG-1lTtQpfarNRpF42olkpqWC3X0SP3rCJqqO8ig-2yV6jPA0suAyi2u6c601Y0qGkpEZOwDvW4hZUCRRPcsg9OptY3O6T_oZ_2ww/s400/P6260023.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487180687925826914" border="0" /></a>Although I still consider myself a pescatarian, I had a piece of duck today. My reasoning behind being a pescatarian range from the politics of food in America to the inhumane and artificial way meat is produced. I felt <span style="font-style: italic;">no guilt</span> in tasting the duck today because I believe they are treated with respect and valued by the farmers, chefs, and diners.<br />If you were wondering, it was delicious.<br /><br />We hiked for roughly an hour following lunch. This was beyond necessary as we were all so full. I was not expecting the walk to be nearly as breathtaking as it turned out to be.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhxJcISfySJWILpaIEhmspoJMEUoex3HCT1394HpI2h73RCZ02lAmctjrS0am05tMXv4Oa4_4gSB5VbYjEfU9r0uHV21VxyM13HXofDpmxYqGn3zlTe7zPaynw3hq4eLnZCRklNGRbE3A/s1600/P6260028.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhxJcISfySJWILpaIEhmspoJMEUoex3HCT1394HpI2h73RCZ02lAmctjrS0am05tMXv4Oa4_4gSB5VbYjEfU9r0uHV21VxyM13HXofDpmxYqGn3zlTe7zPaynw3hq4eLnZCRklNGRbE3A/s400/P6260028.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487141108332759026" border="0" /></a>I quickly fell behind the chatty group and reflected on the day in silence all while taking in the gorgeous scenery.<br /><br />The last stop of the day was an old <span style="font-weight: bold;">Catholic Monastery called The Mont Saint-Odile</span> that sits atop a large mountain.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjtjHKdHhqHU0zFMScDeEgZ25a7A12YTSWTelRQi-46Ym5AgWaPxfUVt_vhUgpY9rucZ9QymcDsqcB1ZkB5gvhFrTkvIbxLy_em6a99-VAliQcnagNJDIW5rXnnNGn9WC_hnp8MC7YizY/s1600/P6260043.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjtjHKdHhqHU0zFMScDeEgZ25a7A12YTSWTelRQi-46Ym5AgWaPxfUVt_vhUgpY9rucZ9QymcDsqcB1ZkB5gvhFrTkvIbxLy_em6a99-VAliQcnagNJDIW5rXnnNGn9WC_hnp8MC7YizY/s400/P6260043.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487141102384553474" border="0" /></a>It has sprawling views of the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Rhine River Valley</span>. If you can picture the scene without haze, Strasbourg is located straight ahead and the Black Forest is just beyond that. Moreover, to the left of the photo is the border between Germany and France.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNqF_TaG7B1ez9IWTH7FBaZogt-WgOSPeBBd7x9OU0NTIA_caUDaPg_xAzsCmlzFhTrsVJlTeHdxO59jhpOsN6RHCzzTcpiQt1AYr_PZs7Xsi5SVOVcgK8r6yyfBSVdAJoOhdZB0cawkM/s1600/P6260041.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNqF_TaG7B1ez9IWTH7FBaZogt-WgOSPeBBd7x9OU0NTIA_caUDaPg_xAzsCmlzFhTrsVJlTeHdxO59jhpOsN6RHCzzTcpiQt1AYr_PZs7Xsi5SVOVcgK8r6yyfBSVdAJoOhdZB0cawkM/s400/P6260041.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487141092405835202" border="0" /></a>Not a bad view to end the day with.<br /><br />In all it was an interesting and emotional day.<br /><br />The more group activities and day trips I take here, the more grateful I become for the great group of people I was placed with in D.C. and my family and friends at home.<br />I don't really <span style="font-style: italic;">mesh</span> well with this group, so I find that I spend a lot of the time thinking.<br />This is not a bad thing, but it will be nice to be around some familiar faces in 7 days. :)<br /><br />Tomorrows agenda calls for a short morning run followed by me camping out in a local café until I make some serious headway in this research paper.<br /><br />Love you all!<br />~Jenn<br /></div>Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09190470759672643997noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8232435295934917.post-45371069272547010552010-06-25T14:46:00.006-04:002010-06-25T15:32:26.452-04:00Mes parents à Strasbourg<div style="text-align: center;">Today was a class free Friday <span style="font-style: italic;">pour moi</span>! Woohoo! I didn't ditch for just any old reason though...my parents came to see me!! <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-LKBCb2xmWqj-TZqyrrU8-P0Xbe26Vyq2WOYRnvAQQ6Eerj15edYMzi2PhUU7J9lS9BAg5xOZf5DS-2MOvmCZWQBADjscood4zcWs6S6IyNKJB6NBjrKKo89LnYLuI1A5VoIZvEzIWH8/s1600/P6250014.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 258px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-LKBCb2xmWqj-TZqyrrU8-P0Xbe26Vyq2WOYRnvAQQ6Eerj15edYMzi2PhUU7J9lS9BAg5xOZf5DS-2MOvmCZWQBADjscood4zcWs6S6IyNKJB6NBjrKKo89LnYLuI1A5VoIZvEzIWH8/s400/P6250014.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486795354999291378" border="0" /></a>It was like a breathe of fresh air to see some familiar faces in a foreign country and hang out with people outside of those I attend class with.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">We started the day around 9AM with a quick tour of my apartment. I was super antsy for them to get here so I woke up around 7:30 and passed the time with <span style="font-style: italic;">un peu</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">de</span> morning yoga. I did not follow any formal practice, but instead just put on some happy tunes and stretched out.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Once the parentals and I were reunited, we headed out to take a walking tour of the city and catch up. We walked past the <span style="font-weight: bold;">European Parliament, Le Parc de L'Orangarie, the SU center</span>, and all the way into the center of town before it was time to stop for a light lunch.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9RLAHljW-3dZaCkaLKKJpMdbWkYsRMTEfg9FgJI7zM9TETUTDCdecm0dPPjIrx_YU3GwJoE3WAH7lC8KaEwX5deDvN6XgvusD2D4xGmSn9oh7JxsYIkQuFb0Re2vaHBWFizb8DlqM3p4/s1600/P6250005.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9RLAHljW-3dZaCkaLKKJpMdbWkYsRMTEfg9FgJI7zM9TETUTDCdecm0dPPjIrx_YU3GwJoE3WAH7lC8KaEwX5deDvN6XgvusD2D4xGmSn9oh7JxsYIkQuFb0Re2vaHBWFizb8DlqM3p4/s400/P6250005.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486785442330933154" border="0" /></a>We ended up at a bakery/sandwich shop that I know well. They offer a variety of foods from sandwiches and quiche to pretzels and chocolate croissants. My host mom introduced me to them by purchasing some of their healthy breads to keep around the apartment.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPvLVDTcvoldi2QEXgGlHCDW8GEuPNOfd6n4iEbY9NhNsLYxqDdJ8WGijtqWUEB4Q14fmD1_9-0Jq-G3cCtehUX7x58I0DZuFiWc56P7YFA0FFHN_-VBM4YNIBGyuCqRW8qkTlyozWGfU/s1600/P6250006.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPvLVDTcvoldi2QEXgGlHCDW8GEuPNOfd6n4iEbY9NhNsLYxqDdJ8WGijtqWUEB4Q14fmD1_9-0Jq-G3cCtehUX7x58I0DZuFiWc56P7YFA0FFHN_-VBM4YNIBGyuCqRW8qkTlyozWGfU/s400/P6250006.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486785451310236706" border="0" /></a>I ordered a <span style="font-style: italic;">tomato, mozzarella, and pesto sandwich</span> while my mom noshed on some chocolate concoction. (She is in vacation mode!) The sandwich was beyond fresh and left me completely satisfied.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">After a lot of walking (my parents are some serious power walkers!) and taking in the sights of Strasbourg, we opted to check out a cookie store I have walked passed a million times but never entered. It was probably best I never stepped foot in here until now. I shall let the picture explain why.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDG5qB8sBcv9jdZW0cPY_0dLjXy9hMQSjfXBz4J-wp3xfFQHY1d5zEwruiGT-PoMRprqZSRo5k4ahl6QQe7DXgOClh4um6ZQPeRj0VJyWQnj4_OD0gLM0lSVOuHtTHcW8tIJfbyN409RI/s1600/P6250003.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDG5qB8sBcv9jdZW0cPY_0dLjXy9hMQSjfXBz4J-wp3xfFQHY1d5zEwruiGT-PoMRprqZSRo5k4ahl6QQe7DXgOClh4um6ZQPeRj0VJyWQnj4_OD0gLM0lSVOuHtTHcW8tIJfbyN409RI/s400/P6250003.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486786577539471282" border="0" /></a>Yes, those are mountains of fresh cookies. I actually ended up purchasing a chocolate one for myself and it was light, flaky, and divine. Not overly sweet or moist either, which is always a plus in my book.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Needless to say, my mom was in heaven. She has quite the sweet tooth and was waiting for this vacation to sample all of the treats that this region of the world has to offer.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ8ZdqtUzYr7d7f7PPqgf0bRk5Frih-yveupePcRBBwLA__Pp4czPztr4pFWOrr3I1cvrIaYXypcPVl5-EfPRK1CtGwyKhkgEZGAZaKERXCqlrC6JeZ3eijWi14aoG5erKuNcjkIP2dus/s1600/P6250002.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ8ZdqtUzYr7d7f7PPqgf0bRk5Frih-yveupePcRBBwLA__Pp4czPztr4pFWOrr3I1cvrIaYXypcPVl5-EfPRK1CtGwyKhkgEZGAZaKERXCqlrC6JeZ3eijWi14aoG5erKuNcjkIP2dus/s400/P6250002.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486785434938505618" border="0" /></a>She picked up a bag of goodies for herself and then graciously bought a couple of cookies as a thank you present for my host mom!<br /><br />After more walking and mandatory tourist photos<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSSQKaZngAtV61ye1C9zjk2kCgBY5Yn_33gANk6RtK7HE_1FYbipEZdSV2Y113rH0smytU5eiH97MBq6mezGOjOp6F40jIutg_lDF1UHPmBgoItmD4eZ2DWitab4_hbNaFk1Hdn6QyDJ4/s1600/P6250011.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSSQKaZngAtV61ye1C9zjk2kCgBY5Yn_33gANk6RtK7HE_1FYbipEZdSV2Y113rH0smytU5eiH97MBq6mezGOjOp6F40jIutg_lDF1UHPmBgoItmD4eZ2DWitab4_hbNaFk1Hdn6QyDJ4/s400/P6250011.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486785473047464802" border="0" /></a>we headed for the boat tour! The boat goes around the entire <span style="font-weight: bold;">River Ile</span> so it serves as a great way to learn fun facts and interesting history about all of the buildings around Strasbourg.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvm9CxddMmLuDzagddOmHVaNdHa_xDe3c5CeIsioGRzjsR_HwuEeL-Of4krzk0qKdUD_ANN8alS26kp3VnYJS-VChBPg70ZpriJKsa4IHhM1sko_cJbHyRwJTSwKKgRkkxeABJH9pxUVE/s1600/P6250015.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvm9CxddMmLuDzagddOmHVaNdHa_xDe3c5CeIsioGRzjsR_HwuEeL-Of4krzk0qKdUD_ANN8alS26kp3VnYJS-VChBPg70ZpriJKsa4IHhM1sko_cJbHyRwJTSwKKgRkkxeABJH9pxUVE/s400/P6250015.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486786596518901858" border="0" /></a>(resting my aching feet on the boat!)<br />It covered about 3/4 of the places I had already shown my parents on foot, only this time they were able to learn the history behind everything. We were hot and tired by the time the tour ended, so we opted to head back to my apartment and unwind for a little while.<br /><br />Unfortunately, my host mom was called away this weekend at the last minute. Yet she still made sure to make my parents feel welcome by purchasing a bottle of champagne and snacks for their arrival. Last night she showed me (so cute) how to lay everything out for them, so today I did my best presentation in her absence.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9qE8qx_Lq1OUlcOV6DXEtAY9Oqhy7xGNp_AM5EuiOjeWorhVfze2bmLPc_uujgHzFZqtI7PnqONyrxac4632qmqmj1QgwQlHD2y9myJgYydU5GMPi1z9CR0uKSShq_Sai-Zbvi12_TZ0/s1600/P6250018.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9qE8qx_Lq1OUlcOV6DXEtAY9Oqhy7xGNp_AM5EuiOjeWorhVfze2bmLPc_uujgHzFZqtI7PnqONyrxac4632qmqmj1QgwQlHD2y9myJgYydU5GMPi1z9CR0uKSShq_Sai-Zbvi12_TZ0/s400/P6250018.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486786601964060834" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">(Bredzels, dried apples, and Olive cheese chips) </span><br />I know they would have both really enjoyed meeting one another and I really wish it had been able to happen, but alas, it was just meant to be.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3H8MgU3ts_Y6DO6lPJVM3T_-yFnCgJLzDkXYV-Nyk4ICmoD3Aaz1oZe-0VL3AOLjZjbvdS6_49rWptc5ibfQjCnAOc6xY9prq0RoMfHIc4rtjpPH3LP3B_ySh5apcmDcmS4wJ6mOQZDI/s1600/P6250019.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3H8MgU3ts_Y6DO6lPJVM3T_-yFnCgJLzDkXYV-Nyk4ICmoD3Aaz1oZe-0VL3AOLjZjbvdS6_49rWptc5ibfQjCnAOc6xY9prq0RoMfHIc4rtjpPH3LP3B_ySh5apcmDcmS4wJ6mOQZDI/s400/P6250019.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486786607109532530" border="0" /></a>We did a little toast in her honor and sincerely enjoyed the refreshments.<br /><br />Before I knew it, my parents had to head back to their boat to continue on down the Rhine. It was a really great day and I am so glad that they were able to visit me here. This was a really special day for me (and I am sure for them as well). Saying goodbye was sad, but not overly so because I will be home in just 8 days! Goodness that is hard to believe!<br /><br />I am heading to bed early tonight, as tomorrow I am off early to go see a real concentration camp. I am filled with nervous anticipation for the day.<br /><br />Until tomorrow,<br />~Jenn<br /></div>Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09190470759672643997noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8232435295934917.post-43414690136209587232010-06-24T13:01:00.004-04:002010-06-24T14:42:11.514-04:00A nice little Wednesday evening<div style="text-align: center;">So I finally broke my streak ventured out of the apartment on a weeknight. Really stepping up my game here in the 5th week, I know. What did I give up my plush bed, Franglish (french + english= franglish) conversations with the host mom, and high-speed internet for? The World Cup of course! But did I watch the USA game and all of its epic glory? Nope :) I went to watch Germany take down Ghana with my new German friend.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Fact: Watching the World Cup with Europeans is so much more intense than watching it with Americans.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Anyways, I texted the host mom to see if she would feed me earlier and luckily she agreed. Worth mentioning: I double triple checked my text message before sending it so I legit spent 15 minutes writing a text message in French only to have her walk in the door 5 minutes later. Also worth noting: I will miss her cooking for me once I go back to the states :(<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Last nights dinner was a nice little <span style="font-style: italic;">mélange</span>. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Z3OtaGSv-NK0QC8Ot7wrLCGyUISUtdjcM9OVI9Wh00t4PcX-dXsrvH4UEU4CaV7CWmyF7m57A4XT8DUlSpF8H2242HWUDU-zu3vn07SpZ9dEH3oNIAWJxLw9Wf6_dCk41jchL48DpFs/s1600/P6230001.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Z3OtaGSv-NK0QC8Ot7wrLCGyUISUtdjcM9OVI9Wh00t4PcX-dXsrvH4UEU4CaV7CWmyF7m57A4XT8DUlSpF8H2242HWUDU-zu3vn07SpZ9dEH3oNIAWJxLw9Wf6_dCk41jchL48DpFs/s400/P6230001.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486390172107209426" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-style: italic;">(Tuna in {gasp!} oil, with basil {?}, and tomatoes) </span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9TKfOmXD-0-x5qF2kDeB1cRytmPxLIxJi1rNJeGIE7NkUDcnJqurmli9GOO8yWo2UjLOhjh-_v0lmMZ4TwMTVrEKVLIUM5ncSaHNYO4MxRwCH0rf02usWIAFjE3fODn5kIwcUMk6pRos/s1600/P6230003.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9TKfOmXD-0-x5qF2kDeB1cRytmPxLIxJi1rNJeGIE7NkUDcnJqurmli9GOO8yWo2UjLOhjh-_v0lmMZ4TwMTVrEKVLIUM5ncSaHNYO4MxRwCH0rf02usWIAFjE3fODn5kIwcUMk6pRos/s400/P6230003.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486390154249648274" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">(Summer salad of greens w/ olive oil dressing, cinnamon bread {YUM}, ratatouille, and carrot salad)</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXNULjNNNimkDnL5oeIa81_eXdVr6WqK7X1uvV8hvt79q1k2-0qYeMmhf5h4b8zyynHPlpI6xKfDEQSmIPUX-XUDIl74zdOJ_LJpCmDE0_MS9KS1V66aws5WMln6sVgyTZQyvZAOwqdH0/s1600/P6230006.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXNULjNNNimkDnL5oeIa81_eXdVr6WqK7X1uvV8hvt79q1k2-0qYeMmhf5h4b8zyynHPlpI6xKfDEQSmIPUX-XUDIl74zdOJ_LJpCmDE0_MS9KS1V66aws5WMln6sVgyTZQyvZAOwqdH0/s400/P6230006.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486390142236642258" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-style: italic;">(Fresh mango in the summertime. Is there anything better?)</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiFhRKQHI42pU8ZM8f_nLW88i5Gg7EcHOnmP6BZHPf7o0WFv5BWADCivNDKrXb5tRYIAbkAfYuf_p9fvbAztkf_cltDGTuvVeBf7iihlnw-VY1xCsmYTzRZWbW1aln4cFpm_k1-LZVRB0/s1600/P6230007.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiFhRKQHI42pU8ZM8f_nLW88i5Gg7EcHOnmP6BZHPf7o0WFv5BWADCivNDKrXb5tRYIAbkAfYuf_p9fvbAztkf_cltDGTuvVeBf7iihlnw-VY1xCsmYTzRZWbW1aln4cFpm_k1-LZVRB0/s400/P6230007.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486389655106747154" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">(Yes, when fresh mango is paired with fresh pineapple.)</span><br /><br />That officially concludes the healthy part of the evening. After walking a solid mile to the bar to meet up with the crew, I realized their host families are not as <span style="font-weight: bold;">baller</span> as mine...so we ended up sitting down at a restaurant to watch the game so they could order dinner.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioYeQQkd5bU2nMxO7zXMWULcfnLHh_cMaj5n5EcoP7bhQj6_A_7zO2O02JBECT6vmFPKOUGecvX1BpRSZM5wJF5UAq_DFMC18_KbSxe-x8Mt7f128nMs3otMfQUHVFmDkwMrGijde5Wws/s1600/P6230008.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioYeQQkd5bU2nMxO7zXMWULcfnLHh_cMaj5n5EcoP7bhQj6_A_7zO2O02JBECT6vmFPKOUGecvX1BpRSZM5wJF5UAq_DFMC18_KbSxe-x8Mt7f128nMs3otMfQUHVFmDkwMrGijde5Wws/s400/P6230008.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486389633894181106" border="0" /></a>Fine by me because as luck would have it, the place we sat down at had a huge beer list to choose from. Lovely. I chose an Austrian brew called <span style="font-style: italic;">Edelweiss</span>. It was a little on the heavy side, but I definitely drank two over the course of the night.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzQqHxZXr_0D7UEuKDCCyLEp_7D7j3_b7gVXAWwqX9rp9p2JpagZlBb8teVEeaEgt_6KA3EP7A64QOAa0VMF5crsp7XzDNYduxRKOAiq6dr7qr6IRSAL9vr9kD7tEYTUmqSFYkgwXcoAo/s1600/P6230009.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzQqHxZXr_0D7UEuKDCCyLEp_7D7j3_b7gVXAWwqX9rp9p2JpagZlBb8teVEeaEgt_6KA3EP7A64QOAa0VMF5crsp7XzDNYduxRKOAiq6dr7qr6IRSAL9vr9kD7tEYTUmqSFYkgwXcoAo/s400/P6230009.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486389617360338274" border="0" /></a> Needless to say, we had a really great time. We watched the game at an outside table since it was such a nice evening out.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLM4Q2DXi6gxUcRFga5Vc17i7Yu244OqSd1rNkQCXVnnlRbKi8ZSJs-mZPk7jMtQy4i4VWcX-rWpLHAiOh6ganzizT0GpD_DjH0afOnuPWPWIa82KYtf1hrw6d3yP_1xDnDJIYHjMtETc/s1600/P6230016.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLM4Q2DXi6gxUcRFga5Vc17i7Yu244OqSd1rNkQCXVnnlRbKi8ZSJs-mZPk7jMtQy4i4VWcX-rWpLHAiOh6ganzizT0GpD_DjH0afOnuPWPWIa82KYtf1hrw6d3yP_1xDnDJIYHjMtETc/s400/P6230016.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486389603919636674" border="0" /></a>It got pretty intense at some points, but Germany was able to pull through. Good thing, because I am pretty sure I would have needed to sedate my German friend had they lost. The night ended there and I walked home. I am noting this because I want y'all to see how creepy my street looks at night.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdEd2t4VZE-4Bls12DX8ipt6MsZ7iAb7ztdsg_6KtBTU2eGnQvw3sbrOiM1R7V4P62p20eNeeIV2XupVDFFpAX3fwIQlB-aJXboV8fnAagm8TslrMvxz4Azo6f7FRbXynTG4s7H90XKsQ/s1600/P6230019.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdEd2t4VZE-4Bls12DX8ipt6MsZ7iAb7ztdsg_6KtBTU2eGnQvw3sbrOiM1R7V4P62p20eNeeIV2XupVDFFpAX3fwIQlB-aJXboV8fnAagm8TslrMvxz4Azo6f7FRbXynTG4s7H90XKsQ/s400/P6230019.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486389585163660146" border="0" /></a>Yea, I keep mace in my hand. This shot scares the bejesus out of me.<br /></div><br />Quick change of subject. Ready...go:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">My parents are coming tomorrow and I can't wait! I took the day off of class (with permission) so I can hang with them and do all of the touristy things around Strasbourg I have not done yet. Saturday should be interesting to say the least. The university is taking us all on a day trip to the Struthof concentration camp. I am not excited by any means, but I believe it is something I need to see.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Until then, I need to put some serious time into the research aspect of my paper. The deadline is creeping and I have not done anything.<br /></div><br />Catch y'all later!<br />~Jenn<br /><br />(*I just read over this and really how spazzy I come off. There are just so many random things on my mind I can't help it! So I am posting it as is!)Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09190470759672643997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8232435295934917.post-83014448414151636312010-06-23T06:47:00.005-04:002010-06-23T08:11:18.164-04:00Schmorgasboard alert<div style="text-align: center;">Lately, I feel all over the place. I am antsy to get things accomplished and to feel productive, yet most of the time I get so caught up in whatever it is that I am doing, I don't accomplish what I had actually wanted to do during the day. Does this make sense to anyone? It is a weird feeling because I am living in Strasbourg. Here, specifically. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0VWvj2bpO5muIcb4PzcaMUUMjv3XReOYMBYn2fvzJSaFtgrnXLxYBwmUu2bdN2M0qdua-rveE5qhsgummDu_nwrzKvSYoDNA4B3jwnc6wuJ215B-5gThxbBVDS_FiWR6NSJzd6DsjmM0/s1600/P6220012.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0VWvj2bpO5muIcb4PzcaMUUMjv3XReOYMBYn2fvzJSaFtgrnXLxYBwmUu2bdN2M0qdua-rveE5qhsgummDu_nwrzKvSYoDNA4B3jwnc6wuJ215B-5gThxbBVDS_FiWR6NSJzd6DsjmM0/s400/P6220012.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485921071623695250" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">(My humble abode) </span><br />It is almost like I am supposed to just go with the flow (which I do), but I miss my routine. But this is the second time I am trying to write this post and not get distracted. Sometimes my thoughts are just so jumbled!<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Anyways, I think a lot of this stems from the fact that I am not keeping up with my workouts. Sure, I do yoga and run every now and again, but this is nothing in comparison to the workouts I do at home.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaS_cazoYIGh5JrOgvFBaHYjue_wtJU5TjF-jtmFlrKNRPT52D8rPI3tv-AsravPRuLsUblLTvvLW9PdKmga7dFJL0Znf9tNuu8FzniwiHlX_xLaEq53DyGajNsfpssO-gLh86U_xaGoI/s1600/P6220001.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaS_cazoYIGh5JrOgvFBaHYjue_wtJU5TjF-jtmFlrKNRPT52D8rPI3tv-AsravPRuLsUblLTvvLW9PdKmga7dFJL0Znf9tNuu8FzniwiHlX_xLaEq53DyGajNsfpssO-gLh86U_xaGoI/s400/P6220001.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485921110814560066" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">(Whole wheat nut bread with peanut butter and banana, tangerine, coffee)</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">This is no ones fault but my own. I am the only one who controls my level of fitness, obviously. I find myself coming up with a host of excuses, from sheer laziness to promising myself I will do something active later, but I never actually do it.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUkxEd3DvQYm_2ekdvVF9iciYeHIdhnMH_LKHizuDHP8aKHy8WAseWcrlJno6ZHna62FDQyq1zgTAx7I6sKRnq-m13amjBP47OwodJ1lETkO80oVVr_NeZttOlTCw-YJw5a8pgW5Xb4Ik/s1600/P6220005.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUkxEd3DvQYm_2ekdvVF9iciYeHIdhnMH_LKHizuDHP8aKHy8WAseWcrlJno6ZHna62FDQyq1zgTAx7I6sKRnq-m13amjBP47OwodJ1lETkO80oVVr_NeZttOlTCw-YJw5a8pgW5Xb4Ik/s400/P6220005.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485921097026816258" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">(Picnic lunch at the SU center).</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwQF9vTtFc-95wiLs30ncsIWH2wlZLl-BHGEJMSWxQ3vfbCdfGaGURxj5sTBmvBIqf0Nvv15r0Nm4AJad4aSQ2NOOIoNCM0nDjmHk1ePO0JkdO17wBJJbY1vbUc_evAcoGi09WkWcJTRg/s1600/P6220007.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwQF9vTtFc-95wiLs30ncsIWH2wlZLl-BHGEJMSWxQ3vfbCdfGaGURxj5sTBmvBIqf0Nvv15r0Nm4AJad4aSQ2NOOIoNCM0nDjmHk1ePO0JkdO17wBJJbY1vbUc_evAcoGi09WkWcJTRg/s400/P6220007.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485921095354371138" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">(Farmer's market strawberries and cherries).</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP71gyjNq-kiULmA6mtO2rA3ITHoXjzc1YL033x38lwsdnULT71Mq-6m0Bux2APlD7oHeYOXmXEKU6Dzhzr_doymASgi22IRXRwWWRAUoBgoxSYInhygY8MqygpB2AFAR85RTusYMT5dw/s1600/P6220009.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP71gyjNq-kiULmA6mtO2rA3ITHoXjzc1YL033x38lwsdnULT71Mq-6m0Bux2APlD7oHeYOXmXEKU6Dzhzr_doymASgi22IRXRwWWRAUoBgoxSYInhygY8MqygpB2AFAR85RTusYMT5dw/s400/P6220009.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485921082671066338" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">(Vegetable Plate: Red and green peppers, cucumber, snap peas, red onion, onion tart, and cheese). </span><br />All of the rich food I have been eating lately (well, since moving here really) has left me feeling sluggish. The mental justification behind this is somewhere along the lines of "well I am only here for 6 weeks so I may as well enjoy it!" which I do. I am trying to not have negative self talk but it is getting harder every day.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg26ZTupEOjz8Z1j70n_ZnnxPiljV_UnQNjOjnpXb9AH_vtvphMNm-hLZE77pKxoFhe4bCp2syrzooTdxXgNVQZp4rmMiWWFK1o7Gj-CBVedrNJFLPUrr58LNvgzdsykNKkG_IbOC-ADHY/s1600/P6220017.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg26ZTupEOjz8Z1j70n_ZnnxPiljV_UnQNjOjnpXb9AH_vtvphMNm-hLZE77pKxoFhe4bCp2syrzooTdxXgNVQZp4rmMiWWFK1o7Gj-CBVedrNJFLPUrr58LNvgzdsykNKkG_IbOC-ADHY/s400/P6220017.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485919808067516850" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">(Ratatouille and a summer salad)</span><br />There are just 10 days left until I fly back to America. I know I will fall back into my old habits and that life will go on. I don't really know where I am trying to go with this. This has turned into more of a stream of consciousness/ pity-party than I had originally intended.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgNRJcIhlx-a_gtXSR-cgdq3s3nEoSkqGFs3DTcDoHEymdD3mABX2Kn33nQXesqD_fPh7RtHSsyQi_h5MaxukbHmjHzpxLlunSArVfuAw_rbzCm1v0issh4iXZwLZlH8sXQkt1Ajcx7A0/s1600/P6220019.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgNRJcIhlx-a_gtXSR-cgdq3s3nEoSkqGFs3DTcDoHEymdD3mABX2Kn33nQXesqD_fPh7RtHSsyQi_h5MaxukbHmjHzpxLlunSArVfuAw_rbzCm1v0issh4iXZwLZlH8sXQkt1Ajcx7A0/s400/P6220019.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485919795019612642" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">(Matching bags of cherries that my host mom and I both purchased yesterday!)</span><br />But that is life. Not every day is a good day. You have to take the good with the bad sometimes. Acknowledging these emotions is a good thing, I am sure of it. It is a starting point and a way to move forward.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpawHP3-Hq7yNx3anHBOUm1uEO3JYLG1eXVkAXLqH7TH0X9x845oSVUz_Tnuxedaz9XyKNWf5NAALe_iySwQ57_xS7l3Okyv1nBeQBGA54jiU4c5amyPtEkGAJFeox_OqrDZ5BGatu-As/s1600/P6230029.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpawHP3-Hq7yNx3anHBOUm1uEO3JYLG1eXVkAXLqH7TH0X9x845oSVUz_Tnuxedaz9XyKNWf5NAALe_iySwQ57_xS7l3Okyv1nBeQBGA54jiU4c5amyPtEkGAJFeox_OqrDZ5BGatu-As/s400/P6230029.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485919766899693506" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">(Today's lunch: Leftover ratatouille, summer salad with hummus, and a slice of whole wheat nut bread). </span><br />My parents arrive in Strasbourg for the day on Friday. They have been traveling down the Rhine on a cruise. It will be wonderful to see them! They always put things into perspective for me.<br /><br />Until then, I will continue to take things as they come and try not to stress about the little things.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV5GCQhCkClNp6XaEXArtMt-7XBAAuBQDoDefF7tM_5p7kjPpyhsrpESLK_i0u_oQ4EF8hbA6LNGVwpWcAG0UesvVWMqLyS_KdgKYF4L4K7PAleRt5FQQQBTe11ve5hbijDe7COKdvmQo/s1600/P6230023.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV5GCQhCkClNp6XaEXArtMt-7XBAAuBQDoDefF7tM_5p7kjPpyhsrpESLK_i0u_oQ4EF8hbA6LNGVwpWcAG0UesvVWMqLyS_KdgKYF4L4K7PAleRt5FQQQBTe11ve5hbijDe7COKdvmQo/s400/P6230023.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485919785823287042" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">(Moi, in front of the European Parliament) </span><br />After all, this period in my life is full of once and a lifetime opportunities, and I refuse to let a little bit of self doubt ruin that!<br />Until next time,<br />~Jenn<br /><br /></div>Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09190470759672643997noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8232435295934917.post-618527233931763552010-06-22T04:50:00.005-04:002010-06-22T05:23:06.451-04:00Remember When?<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Remember when</span> graduation and the summer before college were filled with anxiety and nervous anticipation?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixpcXGZ6HPA4CZa1x9oSlX6k7JHdfzQbCW9TASoyZqzqunNrmru0DQ-QDf1Siq4iK9JqYIClDWObpSz_RI3VClz5WrOd4biiKh6_j2Wjg305_TqgG-ukZ0k2CMaJEzKrt9iy9vkDrvUZ4/s1600/P6210003.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixpcXGZ6HPA4CZa1x9oSlX6k7JHdfzQbCW9TASoyZqzqunNrmru0DQ-QDf1Siq4iK9JqYIClDWObpSz_RI3VClz5WrOd4biiKh6_j2Wjg305_TqgG-ukZ0k2CMaJEzKrt9iy9vkDrvUZ4/s400/P6210003.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485519067697021458" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">(A summer salad of mixed lettuce, quinoa, tomato, carrot, and a dressing of watered down hummus. Served alongside a fresh roll of bread)<br /><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Remember when</span> you spent that first night in the dorm? The feeling of being alone was so gripping and absolutely overpowering you wondered what exactly compelled you to move across the country without knowing a soul.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_2IwVze9HnAMD72xGWki0BdHEcFaadA_4PEyIbVZXGPODF0UgzhNmiSithGTm0AwYQWuA0Zo_FuJpg06eenXFWq2xjeXtTTOYc-tBwkAhmVNzVvdsmvHHWvL7UuLhYwz71FGxrxcUP60/s1600/P6210004.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_2IwVze9HnAMD72xGWki0BdHEcFaadA_4PEyIbVZXGPODF0UgzhNmiSithGTm0AwYQWuA0Zo_FuJpg06eenXFWq2xjeXtTTOYc-tBwkAhmVNzVvdsmvHHWvL7UuLhYwz71FGxrxcUP60/s400/P6210004.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485519060525388274" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Remember when</span> you made that first college friend and in a moment of clarity, realized it was going to be okay?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmhC119nzTE51TdiHpytz_n0V7rXhDYb1s17na9KFukuVSNDdZrPNvhnsIiR0xOmLC_Ghi3QdBQerdqXBGD7yjoRjERJoqwFRfxLe8qbW_GxRwzkePiwk_UIPzi3XHp_3jcp6qEpVJpZs/s1600/P6210005.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmhC119nzTE51TdiHpytz_n0V7rXhDYb1s17na9KFukuVSNDdZrPNvhnsIiR0xOmLC_Ghi3QdBQerdqXBGD7yjoRjERJoqwFRfxLe8qbW_GxRwzkePiwk_UIPzi3XHp_3jcp6qEpVJpZs/s400/P6210005.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485519052562284178" border="0" /></a>(<span style="font-style: italic;">Post yoga snack: slice of nut bread, carrots, and hummus)</span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Remember when</span> the need for a plan became <span style="font-weight: bold;">overwhelming</span>? The decisions about living abroad, your major, and graduation were always in the back of your mind.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Remember when</span> you first applied to live abroad in France and someone actually gave you a scholarship to attend?<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Remember when</span> you had to turn it down because it just was not the right time?<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheiUZoEFMSf36tVQgcN5DTIFBmAOHQCnhO-XRRDWOzvG1rKKDHz0HGdO6oRyHPc4orE2rEN5Xvr3LVNZlsRNXBRlxhpNCC6jiUaVGfJTYsYzuz4opfyszHQOcIcguHjECiAwiKKAMBcHM/s1600/P6210008.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheiUZoEFMSf36tVQgcN5DTIFBmAOHQCnhO-XRRDWOzvG1rKKDHz0HGdO6oRyHPc4orE2rEN5Xvr3LVNZlsRNXBRlxhpNCC6jiUaVGfJTYsYzuz4opfyszHQOcIcguHjECiAwiKKAMBcHM/s400/P6210008.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485518600503087154" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">(Dinner: 2 egg omelet alongside a summer salad with tomatoes and a light olive dressing.)<br /><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Remember when</span> you decided to spend a semester in D.C. and once again apply to live abroad? The workload of fall semester coupled with all of the applications seemed never ending. Yet, you somehow managed to balance it all while having a great fall semester with friends.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpSUpViDyPMooWTSEHN5IzGt3Q09TZHDir3xMQCVoAZH_6sPdVZ2AmXgRCi4ecAHLVh2ZxRjNvyPe3hd102e7-bcd46wIrpn1M9_zGFI9_P06yR-dX2ke5AzcCLsCLthtvcmDa1rc8mmQ/s1600/P6210011.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpSUpViDyPMooWTSEHN5IzGt3Q09TZHDir3xMQCVoAZH_6sPdVZ2AmXgRCi4ecAHLVh2ZxRjNvyPe3hd102e7-bcd46wIrpn1M9_zGFI9_P06yR-dX2ke5AzcCLsCLthtvcmDa1rc8mmQ/s400/P6210011.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485518592586084530" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Remember when</span> you realized the semester in D.C. was about so much more than just an internship? You were living, <span style="font-style: italic;">really living</span>, without regrets or hesitation.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOdrW0SR_VO75Y9w3vxNUnHr0_VtYf7djxOnXXDHeIKBxETJA15qPFMc_mGpQNkKlLfUX4dgrCG0ZRfe-H74zCka2r7rix76zsRWMduUvEpMne8Ex2ocrOr94VXEBHCA27bE7zOGOv114/s1600/P6210012.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOdrW0SR_VO75Y9w3vxNUnHr0_VtYf7djxOnXXDHeIKBxETJA15qPFMc_mGpQNkKlLfUX4dgrCG0ZRfe-H74zCka2r7rix76zsRWMduUvEpMne8Ex2ocrOr94VXEBHCA27bE7zOGOv114/s400/P6210012.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485518581663877714" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">(Dinner roll)<br /><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Remember when</span> adjusting became just a little bit easier?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjTLcTfIRJXSdThxtqkRHgP4XwrgzOMrUAJJjxKaWiHHBEJha5YuXyIGh5s7yV_2S7CawMWag_0ZtymY1mSB0WjlbqH8s-7Zq-fAYWRB1OiB7oyp5sywDd4LiREEyo4_yRNuCQhCp7MRM/s1600/P6210015.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjTLcTfIRJXSdThxtqkRHgP4XwrgzOMrUAJJjxKaWiHHBEJha5YuXyIGh5s7yV_2S7CawMWag_0ZtymY1mSB0WjlbqH8s-7Zq-fAYWRB1OiB7oyp5sywDd4LiREEyo4_yRNuCQhCp7MRM/s400/P6210015.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485518570428659458" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Remember when</span> you sprinted for that flight to Paris only to be struck with an immediate fear that filled your entire body? You did not turn back.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2_ej1cF-fQ9GYyTtknDoW7jaNz_6aS3iUYG2TcBGzobHSb4ka53xfp8GU6PyFRdB4blwtA13L8IZqBOS8jZgG63_fi6_2hXdpmycpKqWF9V2R_oOKPSsTv02VUS_U4aPKVmc5Q_cl8lM/s1600/P6210017.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2_ej1cF-fQ9GYyTtknDoW7jaNz_6aS3iUYG2TcBGzobHSb4ka53xfp8GU6PyFRdB4blwtA13L8IZqBOS8jZgG63_fi6_2hXdpmycpKqWF9V2R_oOKPSsTv02VUS_U4aPKVmc5Q_cl8lM/s400/P6210017.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485518567115757298" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">(Dessert: White french bread with raspberry jam and nutella.)<br /><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Remember when</span> you landed in Strasbourg, without luggage or means of communication, yet you made it work?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbZYkYOYAMD1HWnjAemL2aNmx_FBLAN_xuz_245C2PChtZYK_tvX_NJTB1RtmlXQcr5qi3YWPS3tNrA0vD37KF5owsM5YxoVpiU8sNH-owwXBJ7jk0gkv5n-_WmdcweqkRhCg5l-in7Bk/s1600/P6210013.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbZYkYOYAMD1HWnjAemL2aNmx_FBLAN_xuz_245C2PChtZYK_tvX_NJTB1RtmlXQcr5qi3YWPS3tNrA0vD37KF5owsM5YxoVpiU8sNH-owwXBJ7jk0gkv5n-_WmdcweqkRhCg5l-in7Bk/s400/P6210013.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485522640397169042" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Remember when</span> you realized it will all be over soon and the weight of the real world will come back with vengeance?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSQqL9Qckph5uSaJ8YN7ofgBb7oyTdtaf0yUBb58gVi-vi2By39UPaFJdrUwiko5UHDsPVRJKw1CSprtlG6EI8W5oJC1muMmXsOuJdLWCoodhUqQ7Hu6s96bogO6IvOpfOT2-QGyS1tFs/s1600/P5230017.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSQqL9Qckph5uSaJ8YN7ofgBb7oyTdtaf0yUBb58gVi-vi2By39UPaFJdrUwiko5UHDsPVRJKw1CSprtlG6EI8W5oJC1muMmXsOuJdLWCoodhUqQ7Hu6s96bogO6IvOpfOT2-QGyS1tFs/s400/P5230017.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485522646506999346" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Remember, although you do not know what comes next, life has a funny way of working itself out. Everything will be okay, because you believe it will. The road ahead is full of unknowns, yet it is the not knowing which makes life worth living.</span><br /></div>Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09190470759672643997noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8232435295934917.post-66746024224857896172010-06-20T17:30:00.008-04:002010-06-21T08:16:15.201-04:00A Gray Day in Switzerland<div style="text-align: center;">In this episode...I went to <span style="font-weight: bold;">Basel, Switzerland</span>.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The highlight of this day was the free lunch. Seriously. Switzerland was boring. I would have much preferred having another long weekend to be able to explore a new city. It's cool though because now I can at least say I have been to Switzerland! And I love that!<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">The first stop on our "tour" was to take in the views of the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Dreilandereck,</span> which is the meeting point of France, Germany, and Switzerland.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Q7oJh_KiQeGAHrnz5t9q3HAYUbXJpF8jFnSynM7rUThOVXwmZVIGDzg1pSb0R0l4UKyClEOMDtZ_RVtE9zYXJt1kqmIzUeNu9TvZiZKtMEg266dPy6-EwdTQ8lqhobGF2JZIBiR1qsU/s1600/P6200006.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 221px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Q7oJh_KiQeGAHrnz5t9q3HAYUbXJpF8jFnSynM7rUThOVXwmZVIGDzg1pSb0R0l4UKyClEOMDtZ_RVtE9zYXJt1kqmIzUeNu9TvZiZKtMEg266dPy6-EwdTQ8lqhobGF2JZIBiR1qsU/s400/P6200006.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484974178694803666" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Germany</span> is to the left of me in the photo while<span style="font-weight: bold;"> France</span> is to the right.<span style="font-weight: bold;"> The Rhine River,</span> which I am so conveniently blocking, separates the two.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Here we have the view from the top of the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Basel Cathedral</span>. The structure itself looks eerily similar to the Strasbourg Cathedral. Myself and two other girls in the group were actually able to climb the winding stairwells to the very top and take in the view. It was kind of a "right place, right time" kind of thing, so I was lucky that I was able to go. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNqB1IkRpD4_QxdlE8NZ24t_IiTzDHb5c831oIXqpFi9xrHhy2r6i9VYXzBCAwa5FK-M5y0J5gAj_-ZmLCmwgshxQ7wzKUuhFTxrERgQrRYZtNQwmH3qAn1c18Udlej4FwxZZdkHuqQ98/s1600/P6200078.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNqB1IkRpD4_QxdlE8NZ24t_IiTzDHb5c831oIXqpFi9xrHhy2r6i9VYXzBCAwa5FK-M5y0J5gAj_-ZmLCmwgshxQ7wzKUuhFTxrERgQrRYZtNQwmH3qAn1c18Udlej4FwxZZdkHuqQ98/s400/P6200078.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484974193587490834" border="0" /></a>We went up to the very top point that you can see in the photo.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaqjdcKlHR32uykbvfVJOMExnW3QZo30O8iSpFHEnz3Xp1KfWGSYqfYygrCfkVZDh_9DRyI8QBO0GpDctZUu2XVHgKQVOSJnkAvvTjY6lpnQ0e60xzSZL6j_OE1ejlZKagVotEATozL-Q/s1600/P6200101.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 176px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaqjdcKlHR32uykbvfVJOMExnW3QZo30O8iSpFHEnz3Xp1KfWGSYqfYygrCfkVZDh_9DRyI8QBO0GpDctZUu2XVHgKQVOSJnkAvvTjY6lpnQ0e60xzSZL6j_OE1ejlZKagVotEATozL-Q/s400/P6200101.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485189875216644850" border="0" /></a>I think the weather kind of mimics my feelings on the whole day...just kind of blah. But the photographs turned out great. If you look beyond the roof you can see the Rhine.<br /><br />Our guide also took us on a walking tour of the<span style="font-weight: bold;"> Botanical Greenhouse Gardens</span> next to the University of Basel.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCqfmysS6LyFXSGBSGak4IpUPURBCGnZVzLWsZi-RlpxGXVk-LPFHi9xSF0mgE3d9FkmForVwR_mT9i5UbeGf_wGn2RFeJHm5YxgEnigvYMjaOmsn3X5mtw7DmxAApYkDjwXW_2aNBd78/s1600/P6200029.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 324px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCqfmysS6LyFXSGBSGak4IpUPURBCGnZVzLWsZi-RlpxGXVk-LPFHi9xSF0mgE3d9FkmForVwR_mT9i5UbeGf_wGn2RFeJHm5YxgEnigvYMjaOmsn3X5mtw7DmxAApYkDjwXW_2aNBd78/s400/P6200029.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485189868075166354" border="0" /></a>I imagine the sign says something along those lines. :) The official language of the region is a mix of German, French, and a unique Swiss dialect. Needless to say, I could not interpret the sign. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU7NGhKvzd-OKTCcjPOmx4xvRGlSjSX_0GudLh6Uk6ksj_3iK8SS5mF7IO0nnh5ofjmnvA_IWWwLql0_O_tuztcIZnnLhzHpWRp4F6YQ_mJ-wqZFOD687r52vbBIa9tMSJbcxHKGCjnvg/s1600/P6200038.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU7NGhKvzd-OKTCcjPOmx4xvRGlSjSX_0GudLh6Uk6ksj_3iK8SS5mF7IO0nnh5ofjmnvA_IWWwLql0_O_tuztcIZnnLhzHpWRp4F6YQ_mJ-wqZFOD687r52vbBIa9tMSJbcxHKGCjnvg/s400/P6200038.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484974170523966466" border="0" /></a>I liked it there, mostly because they had functioning gardens growing lettuce! Nom, nom, nom...<br /><br />Speaking of food, let's review the highlight of the day...Lunch at <span style="font-weight: bold;">Manger Boire </span>(translates as: to eat, to drink).<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHRzd3UMHH2fAvPYKBOA1jWcobzr8woFpjIR4DDyfYx5RHDZuIblOz39upa3FBtVzyigB3kRKGChxqrNnY6I7KvvAtiW9hiSSA-dE211vrbUQw-CGhktOVSHz5pAsU_Keitu1Qia_Ov_8/s1600/P6200046.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 392px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHRzd3UMHH2fAvPYKBOA1jWcobzr8woFpjIR4DDyfYx5RHDZuIblOz39upa3FBtVzyigB3kRKGChxqrNnY6I7KvvAtiW9hiSSA-dE211vrbUQw-CGhktOVSHz5pAsU_Keitu1Qia_Ov_8/s400/P6200046.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484974158714830226" border="0" /></a>Upon entering, I was greeted with a highly amusing sign. Foreshadowing of a good meal, perhaps?<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcgNWUC3R0Oh8As4amlaPQB0aENOcN-uftLRD39L2k6mIm2uh8pkVNMBggb82RWO19RVJn6FXEB6ojtGo-zbghGEgmzexdeXM9GuMtLSYpicZKX3Prz5zvJHUZb4tYQh1Y78a2N6Hd03E/s1600/P6200047.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 302px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcgNWUC3R0Oh8As4amlaPQB0aENOcN-uftLRD39L2k6mIm2uh8pkVNMBggb82RWO19RVJn6FXEB6ojtGo-zbghGEgmzexdeXM9GuMtLSYpicZKX3Prz5zvJHUZb4tYQh1Y78a2N6Hd03E/s400/P6200047.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484974129269894530" border="0" /></a>We began with a chilled <span style="font-weight: bold;">cucumber pureé.</span> I attempted to decipher the ingredients and so far as I can tell there was definitely a hint of <span style="font-style: italic;">dill</span>. I believe they used a <span style="font-style: italic;">milk</span> base as well. It had a light texture but a very heavy taste.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJF30g93h3e0rmld54uVc4ZGiycdDf0z8mAqql4CLm8ejozztLMy1gqvcwxZGtsHajkJUYe7EPdn705Bg8b_znN9cODfDgUcF8L_amdcshX65Pzo9yt0qahB-k7Lr5SZ6VUd8bvVqAAEY/s1600/P6200051.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJF30g93h3e0rmld54uVc4ZGiycdDf0z8mAqql4CLm8ejozztLMy1gqvcwxZGtsHajkJUYe7EPdn705Bg8b_znN9cODfDgUcF8L_amdcshX65Pzo9yt0qahB-k7Lr5SZ6VUd8bvVqAAEY/s400/P6200051.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484972668358402322" border="0" /></a>The main course was the vegetarian option of the day. It was a <span style="font-weight: bold;">vegetable tart</span> served with a side of roasted vegetable in a light cream sauce. I really enjoyed the variety of vegetables we were served. The tart included everything from<span style="font-style: italic;"> beets and carrots to spinach</span>. The side <span style="font-style: italic;">melangé </span>included both <span style="font-style: italic;">white and green asparagus</span> and <span style="font-style: italic;">eggplant</span>.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqzNMyVE2WTYqIeRH59O4BQUG8p4C3iVUkcTVDLlGRLrFU3VrkYz4I5PQQ0wc6X7KnnLBXlxJDPhMC2JXqOUf21NAvFYjbz3EzzXF6ITQf311ATdferptI0XibdfzXgndM33RSvhcfcX0/s1600/P6200055.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqzNMyVE2WTYqIeRH59O4BQUG8p4C3iVUkcTVDLlGRLrFU3VrkYz4I5PQQ0wc6X7KnnLBXlxJDPhMC2JXqOUf21NAvFYjbz3EzzXF6ITQf311ATdferptI0XibdfzXgndM33RSvhcfcX0/s400/P6200055.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484972636158138914" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUtxymrVaOMrMCCLChpU0q8JaKWZID84uAdcTGNd792tfKat5kZOW341EFg2ugK2b2BTXye9Q88ND8qxGVCcZvt9IBHULaWCyZ5LbBQ07hb8EXn11tVbxo_4huUNQbf_5kCSal92MyAEQ/s1600/P6200056.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUtxymrVaOMrMCCLChpU0q8JaKWZID84uAdcTGNd792tfKat5kZOW341EFg2ugK2b2BTXye9Q88ND8qxGVCcZvt9IBHULaWCyZ5LbBQ07hb8EXn11tVbxo_4huUNQbf_5kCSal92MyAEQ/s400/P6200056.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484972620644344306" border="0" /></a>Also, brownie points for the presentation of the dish. The meat-eaters of the group enjoyed a beefed-up lasagna. Pun intended.<br /><br />Dessert was a <span style="font-weight: bold;">strawberry and rhubarb mousse </span>alongside <span style="font-style: italic;">candied rhubarb and fresh strawberries.</span> It was a delicate balance of sweet and tart.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1sHS0L2lbKZxuMnOTgxkyBatkB35tXO8cMzrrfN_oXPoemi8s3g7Bs-dzJIwWrdUUlpS0T7OGtiFzjjC8w4Ra_p9TgltIhiiYK7jK-NOw0Vxcdxl4IosNW2JrdrqTR2FIvpG5Vaxj_Xw/s1600/P6200059.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1sHS0L2lbKZxuMnOTgxkyBatkB35tXO8cMzrrfN_oXPoemi8s3g7Bs-dzJIwWrdUUlpS0T7OGtiFzjjC8w4Ra_p9TgltIhiiYK7jK-NOw0Vxcdxl4IosNW2JrdrqTR2FIvpG5Vaxj_Xw/s400/P6200059.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484972600572224754" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9WbSoJj6vU-CYXy6TTsnOZLygWd_hrBVZfdSRhbE0JVhR_rKORqjtDEp6VDn0LzJItuGk_G_lnUYGwH1qmtmQvOE5djH8FQphscT7nAEJ0Io1CU-pIfN0JumZCPLgfcKvxpBZ7YPOvk0/s1600/P6200060.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9WbSoJj6vU-CYXy6TTsnOZLygWd_hrBVZfdSRhbE0JVhR_rKORqjtDEp6VDn0LzJItuGk_G_lnUYGwH1qmtmQvOE5djH8FQphscT7nAEJ0Io1CU-pIfN0JumZCPLgfcKvxpBZ7YPOvk0/s400/P6200060.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484972583553439954" border="0" /></a><br />After lunch, our group was led to a "cutting-edge contemporary art museum" called <span style="font-weight: bold;">Museum Fur Gegenwartskunst</span>. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKxK13h6WGWdzVGOGZVYcGnxDCLuMiM9SggW8sGmc_gyqmS7Mj_USCBvcfADzQzKN5QjYp5iRae6N6u5e_jQWyggSPLAc4nTsOxANky1scDlCtpvW2ftBf6MmnbwSdoiIWvXVNnBQ0WXU/s1600/P6200103.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKxK13h6WGWdzVGOGZVYcGnxDCLuMiM9SggW8sGmc_gyqmS7Mj_USCBvcfADzQzKN5QjYp5iRae6N6u5e_jQWyggSPLAc4nTsOxANky1scDlCtpvW2ftBf6MmnbwSdoiIWvXVNnBQ0WXU/s400/P6200103.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485195152765835858" border="0" /></a> Now I have never been to a modern art museum so I remained open-minded throughout. I waited to form my opinions until after I had read about the artist and his background. Honestly, I see where he was trying to come from with his presentation, but I felt as if the whole thing felt a little flat. His symbolism was masked too heavily in bizarre contraptions that left me feeling confused and unmotivated to delve deeper into thought about the exhibit.<br /><br />That concludes the extent of my day in Basel. I was tired and hungry when I returned home. Luckily, my host mom once again managed to cook a colorful feast.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjaQn1TKPtFYjWAfuxZ8-vzo7Gfm0Tze5xgPBFTCd1pZSrkPmd50CBzKc1AHsW6KOEFRqUTFvAv-bFUp2qXkFnuAfOJAfaL2sMuI4vHDoh-RtojvyyRkiGLIheTsYayGDyaG2K_-WDNpM/s1600/P6200002.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjaQn1TKPtFYjWAfuxZ8-vzo7Gfm0Tze5xgPBFTCd1pZSrkPmd50CBzKc1AHsW6KOEFRqUTFvAv-bFUp2qXkFnuAfOJAfaL2sMuI4vHDoh-RtojvyyRkiGLIheTsYayGDyaG2K_-WDNpM/s400/P6200002.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485195158179015794" border="0" /></a>(Yes, my french dictionary is attached to my side at dinner. We have to communicate somehow.)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNQlT_m83Z5zFItZe1HIhxKZE_QIz1qqGg4D-F6-TTfhrKyHKOoakp8s9NLCoGecF88Pn7qO1L0TvW0ACnrQ1up6krAOvjFRjjTiYTzKQSaAro76mS7QWemsFym3or617JBWQlAboraT8/s1600/P6200006.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNQlT_m83Z5zFItZe1HIhxKZE_QIz1qqGg4D-F6-TTfhrKyHKOoakp8s9NLCoGecF88Pn7qO1L0TvW0ACnrQ1up6krAOvjFRjjTiYTzKQSaAro76mS7QWemsFym3or617JBWQlAboraT8/s400/P6200006.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485195167746559506" border="0" /></a>My plate included a generous serving of broccoli, quinoa, fish (I asked my host mom what kind and she responded "from the sea!") topped with a tomato and onion pureé. I also nibbled on a piece of melon before I realized that my host mom made dessert.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJndecm7s0S_-z6PNSJy8QeREflgGzoeQgxClXs5giCeEHB7InCPhtKAGDjtG6kIpMVpMvYHMkQWDGbXfiAhsuPhNtrvvNPnZE5m-2Otv3sX19wZego_d-CaY8sirHLKRthOyDsnhawxA/s1600/P6200014.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJndecm7s0S_-z6PNSJy8QeREflgGzoeQgxClXs5giCeEHB7InCPhtKAGDjtG6kIpMVpMvYHMkQWDGbXfiAhsuPhNtrvvNPnZE5m-2Otv3sX19wZego_d-CaY8sirHLKRthOyDsnhawxA/s400/P6200014.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485197211295370642" border="0" /></a>Bam. A brightly colored mousse cake type thing that resembles my lunch dessert. Of course, I could not mention that to the host mom, so I ate it and smiled. It was topped with a fresh jam that she made by grinding up strawberries and raspberries.<br /><br />After digesting, I took the time to honor my body, which I have not done in a while. I completed an hour of seriously relaxing yoga. I was able to completely clear my mind and was left feeling relaxed and sleepy afterwords. I then dozed off for the most restful 9 hours of sleep I have had in a while.<br /><br />It was quite the busy weekend! Now I need to get back in school mode and bust out this 15 page paper that is due in less than 2 weeks! Eek!<br /><br />Until next time,<br />~Jenn<br /><br /><br /></div>Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09190470759672643997noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8232435295934917.post-42827150926664810502010-06-19T15:13:00.013-04:002010-06-19T18:19:42.397-04:00Happy Cows: A day in the Black Forest of Germany<div style="text-align: center;">Today, one of my oldest friends got married. This is the first one of my close high school friends to tie the knot. The whole thing seems kind of surreal to me (and so I can only imagine what she was thinking!), but I was very sad I could not be in Arkansas to celebrate with her today. I wish her and her new hubby all the best though!<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">It is amazing how different our lives become after high school. While one friend is off getting married the other (me!) was following a completely different life path into the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Black Forest of Germany. </span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">The day began like any other with a cup o' joe in my J'adore Strasbourg mug. But after a restless night's sleep an extra caffeine jolt was necessary during the car ride into the <span style="font-style: italic;">Fôret Noir. </span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLm0hkeWaKXfRkaS1SL0aFcZhvFkPT5kC1Zqu_klHf_cs1CabypZ1MjRWnjQL2NrJiAr69jbORkSJw5Ld1Yg-dVf5ZQkRweX7JxZy44Wmow4PxsIgm4-Sc6PDw7IfiZNebjWNbRO-16W4/s1600/P6190005.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLm0hkeWaKXfRkaS1SL0aFcZhvFkPT5kC1Zqu_klHf_cs1CabypZ1MjRWnjQL2NrJiAr69jbORkSJw5Ld1Yg-dVf5ZQkRweX7JxZy44Wmow4PxsIgm4-Sc6PDw7IfiZNebjWNbRO-16W4/s400/P6190005.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484588495683480898" border="0" /></a>The drive was beautiful and since the weather was less than stellar (read: steady downpour) the mountains surrounding us were covered in fog and low hanging clouds.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXyfm3WOX68vJSdSnPF2ECGPiU8CAwhhZ7F2NnpjfNMVXBxt14DpGc3JLivuZn_rS6cJ2crPjvRGXrztnzflJLinf7ttfk0MDi3q9Y6HGVB87PKb1L4uI1wb0ZvXV-USPRSmkB-ABNvvc/s1600/P6190006.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 356px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXyfm3WOX68vJSdSnPF2ECGPiU8CAwhhZ7F2NnpjfNMVXBxt14DpGc3JLivuZn_rS6cJ2crPjvRGXrztnzflJLinf7ttfk0MDi3q9Y6HGVB87PKb1L4uI1wb0ZvXV-USPRSmkB-ABNvvc/s400/P6190006.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484595097222263138" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-style: italic;">(A traditional Black Forest home with architecture that reflects the amount of snow the region receives each year.)</span><br />Our first stop was a visit to Germany's highest waterfalls in the city of <span style="font-weight: bold;">Triberg</span>.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs_Sg-_LnX8QD-yLL02aBqsH3Ep9IPnYDvD36qEePLDqzuwoUzIvnRQqJSPdK4hLAjlAlCkU-paRga8lJV2kG1UXAYEWvrUT8ETPMs7E1f0WqtuyXAn7p4jNL6TwQ1HtK5jfVCBddJjDg/s1600/P6190013.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 393px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs_Sg-_LnX8QD-yLL02aBqsH3Ep9IPnYDvD36qEePLDqzuwoUzIvnRQqJSPdK4hLAjlAlCkU-paRga8lJV2kG1UXAYEWvrUT8ETPMs7E1f0WqtuyXAn7p4jNL6TwQ1HtK5jfVCBddJjDg/s400/P6190013.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484595108253317794" border="0" /></a> The specific falls we saw are called the "<span style="font-weight: bold;">water's of the Gutach Plunge,</span>" and boast over 7 different cascades! We did not hike all the way to the top because it was literally pouring down rain and our feetsies were getting wet (and cold).<br /><br />We browsed the shops for a while and kept ourselves entertained with the cuckoo clocks that are sold everywhere! Seriously, it is like a thing in the Baden region of Germany to sell cuckoo clocks.<br /><br />Lunch came after an hour drive further into the forest. This time we stopped in <span style="font-weight: bold;">Titisee, Germany, </span>which according to my lovely German friend, is a huge tourist spot<span style="font-weight: bold;">. </span><span>One of my friends was craving pizza, so pizza it was! But first, I had to sneak in a plate of greens of course.<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyWxIxA-JBxsrb8NHz90dGpBDj-wejWnmg71tA_YfkEibgEa-kaqOzZ7LXbFv-RUHsabXWqvNOryvowbFoAYfK9MwV_6e2fb0pAxpy4zXUAWO-u3NSDzmXWGNA_1RggM8Cu-WVaHLLD2M/s1600/P6190025.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 298px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyWxIxA-JBxsrb8NHz90dGpBDj-wejWnmg71tA_YfkEibgEa-kaqOzZ7LXbFv-RUHsabXWqvNOryvowbFoAYfK9MwV_6e2fb0pAxpy4zXUAWO-u3NSDzmXWGNA_1RggM8Cu-WVaHLLD2M/s400/P6190025.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484588467369348994" border="0" /></a>I ordered the vegetarian pizza (well, actually my German friend did all of the ordering, I merely pointed and nodded.)<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihqRukr3MfQSJkSFOdgp7DGcR3WBTXQLcrI73-7C2DPHVLvu3eZWefCg60j6aOFbigPe5s4TJNqDFftLQnmxkwcgP2Ig1ldpeK_RQMFTPqzvEudrITTch5GybBNPAdUF26fYy189_pL2c/s1600/P6190027.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 278px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihqRukr3MfQSJkSFOdgp7DGcR3WBTXQLcrI73-7C2DPHVLvu3eZWefCg60j6aOFbigPe5s4TJNqDFftLQnmxkwcgP2Ig1ldpeK_RQMFTPqzvEudrITTch5GybBNPAdUF26fYy189_pL2c/s400/P6190027.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484587049250195474" border="0" /></a>It came out with less veggies than I had hoped, but I was a hungry girl, so I ate most of it. A point worth noting is the white chunks. I was a little confused as to what vegetable they were...turns out it was <span style="font-style: italic;">white asparagus</span>! Along with <span style="font-style: italic;">eggplant, zucchini,</span> and <span style="font-style: italic;">red peppers</span>, this was definitely one of the more creative vegetable pizzas I have tasted.<br /><br />With full belly's, we made our way toward the big tourist attraction. Obviously, my food blogger/ADD kicked in at this point and we made a detour into the "local" (read: touristy) shops along the way.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7EzSQiBCiLZ_10yrgSYTgCBDN21mQuyC1IjqOcmezLZnyZlqnBsoJsTVRcY3HfxKiExEfR_ddMWvtmOd3nV4JFiFJyz7ADBc_baPGyBSlj9tPKp9DdkfULa8tHAWC2N633vs9s_rsO-w/s1600/P6190028.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 308px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7EzSQiBCiLZ_10yrgSYTgCBDN21mQuyC1IjqOcmezLZnyZlqnBsoJsTVRcY3HfxKiExEfR_ddMWvtmOd3nV4JFiFJyz7ADBc_baPGyBSlj9tPKp9DdkfULa8tHAWC2N633vs9s_rsO-w/s400/P6190028.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484587037640533330" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;"> (This is how you know it is a touristy spot. The sign with the American flag on it reads "snacks!" Funny that is the only sign with an American flag on it...hmm)</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDhmfst2_li3VmcO9WeS-gVold2eOym-Qt5aM0HajkRaSXrE0E9Off7UuFXIBHBAvORlk5plN0O0aHC5IrI2EJDXyN6-AHztHc0qpCw_rTRK32_R8ep5MRS-ZCAAPnnmqn4X4Ye_qRyvw/s1600/P6190031.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 372px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDhmfst2_li3VmcO9WeS-gVold2eOym-Qt5aM0HajkRaSXrE0E9Off7UuFXIBHBAvORlk5plN0O0aHC5IrI2EJDXyN6-AHztHc0qpCw_rTRK32_R8ep5MRS-ZCAAPnnmqn4X4Ye_qRyvw/s400/P6190031.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484587024013370658" border="0" /></a>Once inside, I found the largest loaf of bread I have ever seen in my life!<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2r-7cpI3cels8X0RNGOfnsELBCGzY1Xqa0jsfVtmZ41b7z4J4jKaYUDH-PPVrNVACAT4SwtoakhreSq2wTLFSqAX2wShVSmS_b7wVW1t8WaiqmasF_DZLcun7HwtKl9Y5yLdH3e2n9kU/s1600/P6190032.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 398px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2r-7cpI3cels8X0RNGOfnsELBCGzY1Xqa0jsfVtmZ41b7z4J4jKaYUDH-PPVrNVACAT4SwtoakhreSq2wTLFSqAX2wShVSmS_b7wVW1t8WaiqmasF_DZLcun7HwtKl9Y5yLdH3e2n9kU/s400/P6190032.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484587009570688514" border="0" /></a>Followed by mountainous piles of cured meats. <span style="font-style: italic;">(Germany is not the easiest country to be a vegetarian in.)</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDzWs3DxALdw6WReZdXWhFSAG9FPlvU5wr9VXa6HTPunBAegKfspK_f-NOPe3ned8CNJnanzpGu70q1AV7gXRLCZyyrACoFHZaTsw91u5N4HukuxwuZBjgpD6lZR7TYDKBNJT9p_AoJME/s1600/P6190048.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDzWs3DxALdw6WReZdXWhFSAG9FPlvU5wr9VXa6HTPunBAegKfspK_f-NOPe3ned8CNJnanzpGu70q1AV7gXRLCZyyrACoFHZaTsw91u5N4HukuxwuZBjgpD6lZR7TYDKBNJT9p_AoJME/s400/P6190048.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484588518986877986" border="0" /></a>From there, we made our way to <span style="font-weight: bold;">Lake Titisee</span>. It even stopped raining! :) We walked around the area for quite a while and froze our behinds off, which after talking with friends from home, makes me grateful for the cold spell cast over Europe this weekend. Apparently temperatures in Arkansas are in excess of 100 degrees! I digress...I mentioned the cold weather as a transition to our next stop... a local coffee shop for some warm beverages and local desserts!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjycGiJQLs-CdoqfU41pMojvecfxMxz_zxs9uMXQpowTdM9tWzezVcT5t7PDZXMDF5zHph9q0UHkrLSh_2wodr5jtyHcdUdan3ie2_LFy-u8EC7N0CgiuHPcz4VoAl-QxFV1IHFJL3Nh-o/s1600/P6190041.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjycGiJQLs-CdoqfU41pMojvecfxMxz_zxs9uMXQpowTdM9tWzezVcT5t7PDZXMDF5zHph9q0UHkrLSh_2wodr5jtyHcdUdan3ie2_LFy-u8EC7N0CgiuHPcz4VoAl-QxFV1IHFJL3Nh-o/s400/P6190041.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484585868713219714" border="0" /></a> With a gloriously warm cup of coffee in hand (yes, that makes my 3rd of the day if you are keeping track!) it was time to get down to business and study the menu.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCUJuCgiHWrEqSytx5GFChYtJr-oe6YdEu1rgkd3X1rC08EIm5c0aFNwYQJXBAt_tmXiH-4XiGQLwNXKsUBo5kUznssLIDmq-bYXYr2-WCxaBvo_x7OR7Ay-7hWYpAmB5hPH67aeFtRRI/s1600/P6190039.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 109px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCUJuCgiHWrEqSytx5GFChYtJr-oe6YdEu1rgkd3X1rC08EIm5c0aFNwYQJXBAt_tmXiH-4XiGQLwNXKsUBo5kUznssLIDmq-bYXYr2-WCxaBvo_x7OR7Ay-7hWYpAmB5hPH67aeFtRRI/s400/P6190039.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484585878150796962" border="0" /></a>If there is one thing this region is known for it is <span style="font-weight: bold;">Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte</span> aka <span style="font-style: italic;">Black Forest cake!</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYS-pzrFvaQ2rEvdpA1tqs7oy5wHLhuxx4tpP9VnSJnDE-74lZtGctQoOQvza7yS04CnpQMa4RDWup3H-Z19JUMLkNDHZfpBB3n7cDAwWFgSjc0FROMB0C_yCe2ItfGAj5vX1c2E1thiY/s1600/P6190038.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 252px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYS-pzrFvaQ2rEvdpA1tqs7oy5wHLhuxx4tpP9VnSJnDE-74lZtGctQoOQvza7yS04CnpQMa4RDWup3H-Z19JUMLkNDHZfpBB3n7cDAwWFgSjc0FROMB0C_yCe2ItfGAj5vX1c2E1thiY/s400/P6190038.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484585892761545538" border="0" /></a>Here is a whole cake in all of its sugary glory.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj58w-_GgdV3qjAXOyv3JAQBM6L06motIgUYoCemWaiVPkmpg3JtJuDUV5BjH_n7DDs_pYkZhVZzQqBp9l-4VffFUbby8GWMxNDPWvDcnliwKQikYUBkD5xpygoeM7_RK0SkUs-BObEitE/s1600/P6190043.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 369px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj58w-_GgdV3qjAXOyv3JAQBM6L06motIgUYoCemWaiVPkmpg3JtJuDUV5BjH_n7DDs_pYkZhVZzQqBp9l-4VffFUbby8GWMxNDPWvDcnliwKQikYUBkD5xpygoeM7_RK0SkUs-BObEitE/s400/P6190043.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484585905954381842" border="0" /></a>More importantly, here is the piece we ordered to share with one another. Between the <span style="font-style: italic;">rum soaked cherries, the light chocolate cake, and the whipped cream frosting,</span> there really is nothing bad to say about this dessert. I totally understand why it is one of the things you "must try" when in this part of Germany.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiFM-oEq0Lqm28t6QUOFUNZjkNVdOlo7yIGrB76Jh_lBqnoenljvvuRjQT-AFBvd-qbe3dks6xQFxTB2HoCIUi3cYL8Unf3xPNb1dxCAmKtir3X9EDMISuNDWDSWX9c6Vyb4ox1U574lk/s1600/P6190042.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiFM-oEq0Lqm28t6QUOFUNZjkNVdOlo7yIGrB76Jh_lBqnoenljvvuRjQT-AFBvd-qbe3dks6xQFxTB2HoCIUi3cYL8Unf3xPNb1dxCAmKtir3X9EDMISuNDWDSWX9c6Vyb4ox1U574lk/s400/P6190042.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484586994371309154" border="0" /></a>Oh, I suppose I should also mention we ordered a piece of apple cake to share as well. It had huge chunks of perfectly sweetened apple throughout. Needless to say, I preferred this one to the Black Forest cake and ate a good portion of it.<br /><br />After dessert and a riveting discussion about American television (specifically Lost!), we jumped back in the car and headed to our final excursion of the day. This time we ended up in a town called<span style="font-weight: bold;"> Schwartzwaldbahn</span> to explore the <span style="font-style: italic;">Schwartzwalder Freilicht Museum.</span><br /><br />The museum is an outdoor walking tour of old homes and farmstead's that have been preserved since the 1600's. The various homes are meant to depict how people in the Black Forest lived "in the days of yesteryear"-took that quote right from the pamphlet!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVoQg5RfEobq6CWpvhAxonLStJNoX0mOEorrrH2x1MkX4aevf1ylOTDE4hXNehYvYZFPY3mgu7SciHgUDdWXMGLRSMi6XVfVVHz-Mg4zpksS4D58ma8MSOt7p0Fj9s-5EEvBuf6Pn27lc/s1600/P6190090.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 353px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVoQg5RfEobq6CWpvhAxonLStJNoX0mOEorrrH2x1MkX4aevf1ylOTDE4hXNehYvYZFPY3mgu7SciHgUDdWXMGLRSMi6XVfVVHz-Mg4zpksS4D58ma8MSOt7p0Fj9s-5EEvBuf6Pn27lc/s400/P6190090.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484608433836334418" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">(A bread making fire pit.)</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Epw7B9I2A3WMv5QOYPhnYCsz_mtStArfZ8CwCmrNDAirxpTX9y4cr1CP6Z5-W910VS_Q7kuNwsqug1DZxW6T2Avz8o9Gk3FEcHcxobIn-aodnhqdx7S-cOEFfHt1OwN3BZOK4eLtcvA/s1600/P6190091.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 216px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Epw7B9I2A3WMv5QOYPhnYCsz_mtStArfZ8CwCmrNDAirxpTX9y4cr1CP6Z5-W910VS_Q7kuNwsqug1DZxW6T2Avz8o9Gk3FEcHcxobIn-aodnhqdx7S-cOEFfHt1OwN3BZOK4eLtcvA/s400/P6190091.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484608226570274946" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">(Refrigeration system: cold water is pumped up from the ground and goes underneath the shed holding the food you want to keep cold.)</span> This makes perfect sense to me!<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigmDKGDdzRlNrz_-ETwhZaFjiqVDCzGPLIGcEQuS9wZUZRGUZ_X56tdvEZZbr3W9pwx99i-mndVcGy62y2JCd1OBHbncK0dPw3dtvGY-HnxMEPIVXTufwsE5gSCjevTJj-tB7Who9p3HU/s1600/P6190098.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 332px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigmDKGDdzRlNrz_-ETwhZaFjiqVDCzGPLIGcEQuS9wZUZRGUZ_X56tdvEZZbr3W9pwx99i-mndVcGy62y2JCd1OBHbncK0dPw3dtvGY-HnxMEPIVXTufwsE5gSCjevTJj-tB7Who9p3HU/s400/P6190098.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484584076677659698" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">(Stove top that makes me oh so glad for modern amenities.)<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7htSBZiXkrltzE1ts3W7VRdEIssocL2kGBp7Cgsq3joeYAJBkBbJHooVnvGLOX_tNiKbzii22QrDcxvk1Al_0l5TiRKo_t5M0hIWcncQ5GRdouVR-psBSFElPee-y7mhiCQQtR7eIj7w/s1600/P6190103.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 303px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7htSBZiXkrltzE1ts3W7VRdEIssocL2kGBp7Cgsq3joeYAJBkBbJHooVnvGLOX_tNiKbzii22QrDcxvk1Al_0l5TiRKo_t5M0hIWcncQ5GRdouVR-psBSFElPee-y7mhiCQQtR7eIj7w/s400/P6190103.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484584047945111938" border="0" /></a>There are functional gardens all over the museum. My favorite find of the day was definitely the <span style="font-style: italic;">oat grain</span> plants!)<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHVJnVoOBdfpG8FfsfmQlyDW2_6yC1JqWEO9gudv7phirjK2xwau5Dd7j04cXzxiUdPfEiCGFCMUPsFntFC2Q5tFe5fHF-WQkYocYZcsug6Itsbir222IiIaVM1kJevPQXJjYiLk5Bj24/s1600/P6190120.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 284px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHVJnVoOBdfpG8FfsfmQlyDW2_6yC1JqWEO9gudv7phirjK2xwau5Dd7j04cXzxiUdPfEiCGFCMUPsFntFC2Q5tFe5fHF-WQkYocYZcsug6Itsbir222IiIaVM1kJevPQXJjYiLk5Bj24/s400/P6190120.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484584010769321650" border="0" /></a>Also worth mentioning...This museum also happens to be the site of a very famous bakery known all around the world for creating the largest Black Forest cake ever in 1992! (Sorry the picture is fuzzy!)<br /><br />One last thing before I leave you all for the evening. I just wanted to tell you how many <span style="font-weight: bold;">happy cows</span> I saw today in Germany.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5pak_ERMhAwmxLSpQfTqwuc_onQGWyALhzHnmJmOsDH6RALru83ZikGpkNJh6kepp7ehGSY-ZAzIH8dlCMfv0QwFeLETXXadyKfkcljHyoywMPTx5n0joxFwdZ7MKWxQYSUn1IOI7BSI/s1600/P6190067.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 195px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5pak_ERMhAwmxLSpQfTqwuc_onQGWyALhzHnmJmOsDH6RALru83ZikGpkNJh6kepp7ehGSY-ZAzIH8dlCMfv0QwFeLETXXadyKfkcljHyoywMPTx5n0joxFwdZ7MKWxQYSUn1IOI7BSI/s400/P6190067.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484584088737421554" border="0" /></a> By happy, I mean they were hanging out on big plots of open pasture grazing at their leisure as cows should. A stark contrast from the way cows are raised in America. Just something to think about.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm1wG1rAAAFhWuo2T6lotjc0b1NbpqCnU7jJCeRIfmlvbu2OhVGn_LqW6AHcChacd5-uyVa1MmqF77RvI5vGRQIKSUyU80sUZ71VJ7igo2DEsxxEOCD4HzVvXlofMM1yuifhG_u-VpeIc/s1600/P6190064.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 293px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm1wG1rAAAFhWuo2T6lotjc0b1NbpqCnU7jJCeRIfmlvbu2OhVGn_LqW6AHcChacd5-uyVa1MmqF77RvI5vGRQIKSUyU80sUZ71VJ7igo2DEsxxEOCD4HzVvXlofMM1yuifhG_u-VpeIc/s400/P6190064.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484585830641939570" border="0" /></a> I am off to <span style="font-weight: bold;">Basel, Switzerland</span> in the morning, so check back in for a recap tomorrow evening or Monday at the latest!<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Your favorite cow loving bloggy,<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfdVy4B21CoYqHxI9An6OsFhwDZPqzaL3mrYIVpcSyr4MqfgxpcnmlQgxcgK9XT_ekrieBJAGNV_K9dQ6jBmN0uDXJwdsBDqifK7RlmEs41QUsWIio4NY1WHUsSFfCYYHptsBCjnfmcB4/s1600/P6190107.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 355px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfdVy4B21CoYqHxI9An6OsFhwDZPqzaL3mrYIVpcSyr4MqfgxpcnmlQgxcgK9XT_ekrieBJAGNV_K9dQ6jBmN0uDXJwdsBDqifK7RlmEs41QUsWIio4NY1WHUsSFfCYYHptsBCjnfmcB4/s400/P6190107.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484584031322157186" border="0" /></a>~Jenn<br /></div>Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09190470759672643997noreply@blogger.com0