My Hawaiian Alaskan Adventure

A lot of people have never been to Hawaii or Alaska. A week ago I was one those people. Now, I can say I've been to both. I never would have imagined that in one week I would go to the two states that are not part of the continental US. I'm very blessed to have had these incredible opportunities. Both trips were for interviews, one with the University of Hawaii Manoa and one with the University of Alaska Fairbanks. Last Tuesday I left Pensacola and went to Honolulu. Thursday I left Honolulu, arrived back into Pensacola on Friday morning, and 3.5 hours later (seriously) left Pensacola for Fairbanks, AK, and returned yesterday. I had a total of 10 flights (all with Delta) in only 7 days. I am completely exhausted between all the traveling, interviewing, and time changes, but it is unbelievably worth it for the adventure I was able to have. Both trips I had some time to explore and it was pretty incredible. The interviews went well, and I'd be completely happy working at either place.

Ready to take on interviews.

My first night in Hawaii they took me out for curry (delicious) and then for dessert where I got to try mochi covered ice cream (incredible). After my interview day we went down to Waikiki Beach and got to walk around down there. We ate dinner at a restaurant overlooking the water. Pretty amazing. For my 'fun day' they took me to Pearl Harbor, which was incredible. It was very meaningful and educational. The weather was also amazing! After Pearl Harbor we went and got lunch at a diner. Then went and got shaved ice (at Obama's favorite shaved ice place) which was incredible. It's probably not what you expect, but trust me it's delicious.  After that we checked out a couple less tourist-y beaches which were gorgeous. Then it was back to the airport. Hawaii is now the furthest west I've ever been.

Mochi covered ice cream - green tea, mango, and chocolate espresso flavors

Got a lei for my interview day!

The view from the housing office

Waikiki Beach

The Japanese garden on campus.

USS Arizona Memorial

Kailua Beach

Lanikai Beach

I was back in Pensacola for 3.5 hours. Useless. I had a friend pick me up and take me to breakfast. I switched out my suitcases and it was back to the airport. I was exhausted by that point and had so much more to go still. So I got some caffeine in me and kept going.

Alaska was pretty spectacular. The view from campus was pretty breathtaking, as you could see the Alaska range, including Mt. McKinley. I got to see a baby reindeer! After my interview dinner they gave me a driving tour of Fairbanks. After that I met up with a friend from college who lives in Fairbanks and a friend of his. They showed me the town. I got to see what they called "Fairbanks Beach". Not much of a beach. We went and saw the pipeline (I touched the pipeline!). Ended the night up at this place called Murphy's Dome where we watched the start of the sunrise, and on the way up we saw a couple of moose. We met some people up there and joined by their fire since it was chilly. Then the next day we got brunch at a place on the river, played mini golf, checked out Pioneer Park, wandered about downtown, drove up to Chena Hot Springs, went into the ice museum, drank appletinis out of ice glasses, and then grabbed dinner. Alaska is now the furthest north I've ever been.

The view from campus. It's hard to tell, but you can see the Alaska range.

I was pretty exhausted, but going strong.

Possibly my favorite part of the ice museum.

Me and the pipeline

This is "Fairbanks Beach"

Had brunch here and played mini golf.

Pioneer Park.

The sunset just before midnight and rose just before 4am. It was weird and difficult to adjust to. It never really got dark, just dusk-like. It was pretty cool. The view of the sunrise at Murphy's Dome was incredible and totally worth it.

The view from Murphy's Dome.

This was as dark as it got.

The next day it was back to the airport and back to Pensacola. It was one heck of an adventure and I'm so glad I had the opportunity to go to both Hawaii and Alaska. Now it's back to the waiting game until I hear from the schools.

Summer, 5k, and Adventures

Well it's summer! The last few weeks have been a bit crazy, but things have somewhat quieted down this week. I graduated on May 4, a day after I turned 24. I got to spend the weekend celebrating with my family. It was fantastic. I'm so glad that got to come celebrate and that I got to show them around this city that I call home. I am now a Master. Graduation was fun, minus the fact that we were sitting on ice (literally) and they forgot to hand me and three others our "diploma". Most confusing 30 seconds of my life... walking across the stage, getting hooded (by Dr. Ruth, yay!), and shaking the president's hand, but not being given a "diploma". Oh well. The actually diploma that should arrive in 5 weeks or so is more important.

My fantastic cap!

Brittany and me, pre-graduation

Dr. Hurd and me, pre-graduation

Heather and Me at the Crawfish Festival on my b-day. :)

Just before graduation I was down in Fort Myers for an interview at FGCU. Just after graduation I was up in Vermont for an interview at Marlboro College. Next week I'm off on another adventurous interview. Hopefully it won't be long after that when I can share some news about my next adventure.

Stayed at this super awesome art deco hotel in Vermont.

Last Saturday, May 11, I ran my first 5k. Well I ran most of it, and walked some of it. But I completed it, and that's what matters. It took me 40:37, which is about 4 minutes faster than I thought I could do it. It was a lot of fun. I ran the Pensacola Sunset Run. It rained all day, but stopped in time for the race. It was cloudy for most of it, but towards the end the sun peeked out to show off a little bit of the sunset. I had a great time and was proud of myself for doing it. Back to training, and I can't wait to beat my time in the next 5k.

My bib from my first 5k.

This week has been fun. I've spent a lot of time by the pool, working on my tan. I'm on duty this week so that's interesting at times. My job technically ended Wednesday, but I'm sticking around for part of the summer so I'm working still. Hopefully will start back at Panera after next week as well.

Now that it's summer I'm hoping for some posts more often, especially about all the adventures that will ensue. :)

Pan-Seared Tilapia w/ Herb Cream Sauce

A few nights ago I made some delicious tilapia for dinner. As I've said I am doing weight watchers and trying to eat healthy and exercise. I wanted something simple but delicious. I am also a vegetarian, but I do eat seafood (so yes, I'm technically a pescetarian). And since I'm very environmentally-minded I make sure to eat sustainable seafood (I am an aquaculturist after all). It's hard to keep track with all the fishing practices, so I look to the Seafood Watch by the Monterey Bay Aquarium to see what's good to eat. They have a guide online, a printed pocket guide, and a smartphone app. So for tilapia, U.S., Ecuador, and Canada farmed tilapia is good. So that's what I got.

Ingredients:

Tilapia (I used a 6oz piece, which is 2oz more than a typical serving size)

Garlic salt

Old Bay seasoning

1/4 cup fat-free sour cream

1 tsp fresh parsley, chopped

2 tsp spinach, chopped (I used frozen that was already chopped, and just thawed it)

1 tsp reduced fat parm cheese

1/2 teaspoon lemon juice

Instructions:

Pan-Seared Tilapia (PointsPlus: 5)

Spray a non-stick frying pan with a small amount of cooking spray (a very small amount is all you need). Heat the pan over medium-high heat. Season the fish to taste on both sides using the garlic salt and old bay seasoning. I used a little less than a teaspoon of garlic salt on one side and about a teaspoon of Old Bay on each side. Once the pan is heated place the fish in the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes then flip and cook for 2 minutes on the other side.

Herb Cream Sauce (PointsPlus: 1)

Mix together the sour cream, parsley, spinach, parmesan cheese, and lemon juice. Serve on top of tilapia. This made more than I wanted on my fish so I didn't use it all.

I served the whole meal with some steamed broccoli and corn on the cob. Delicious, low-point dinner! Enjoy!

#BostonStrong

I might not be from Boston, but I'm from CT and know some people who do live in Boston. We all know I'm a New York sports fan all the way, but even that can be put aside in light of recent events. It's terrible to turn on the news (or log in to social media) and see all that was going on in Boston and the surrounding area. I'm glad we have brave people in this world who will risk their lives to protect us. I wanted to let ya'll know of some ways you can help those affected by this tragedy.

First off, there's The One Fund, the official fund for the Boston tragedy. Donations can be made on their website. Below are some items you can purchase from companies who will then donate to The One Fund as well.

Second, Alex Eaves, the creator and owner of the Boston-based company Stay Vocal, worked with William Somerby to create the shirt you see below. It costs $20 and 100% of that goes to The One Fund. You'll also be saving the planet too as the design is printed on brand new shirts that were destined to be destroyed. Due to the shirts that were available there is only men's size large, but you can get creative and repurpose it if it's too big/small (check out some ideas on Pinterest). I ordered mine already and hope you will do the same!

Third, Saucony will be selling lace plates to show support for Boston. 100% of the proceeds will go to The One Fund. These can't be purchased yet, but you can sign up for pre-sale notification (note: that will sign you up for their email newsletter).

Adidas has also jumped in and is selling t-shirts in men's and women's sizes for $26.20 with free shipping with 100% of profits going to The One Fund.

There are also plenty of runs and races being organized to support The One Fund, so look for one in your area.

Whichever way you choose, just support our fellow Americans. My thoughts and prayers go out to all those affected by the Boston tragedy. United We Stand.

College, Food, and Weight Loss

If you werent aware, I am in grad school. Almost finished though (28 days until graduation), and then I have no idea what will go on after that. Anyway, back to my point. I'm in grad school, and sometimes maintaining healthy eating habits can be tough. Especially when I live on campus and have a free meal plan. Campus food is good, but it's not always healthy and it's hard to figure out the nutritional value of the foods.

I am actively working towards getting back into shape and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. I've been going to the gym most days of the week, usually taking one or two days off each week. That's a benefit of being a college student - free gym access. The hours are great at the gym too; I can go early in the morning to get energized for the day, late at night to burn off stress from the day, or somewhere in between if my schedule allows it. I'm on Week 3 of Couch to 5k which is going really well for me. It's getting easier and easier to run for longer. I've even signed up for my first 5k as motivation - the Pensacola Sunset Run on May 11. I won't quite be finished with the Couch to 5k program, but I'm okay with that. My goal is basically to finish, preferably in under an hour and with as much running as possible. I may be leaving Pensacola sometime not too long after that, so I figured it would be a nice farewell to Pensacola run.

More info on the Sunset Run HERE 

To help with the eating habits I started doing Weight Watchers. In two weeks I've lost four pounds so it's obviously helping. It's tough though, and I think being in college makes it tougher. I can't get nutritional information for the food served on campus (except for Papa John's and Quiznos) so that makes it especially tough. I have to guess a lot (or I just stick to salad so I only have to guess at the dressing). Then there are other times that make it difficult as well.

Take for example yesterday: Festival on the Green during the day and a Blue Wahoos game at night. For lunch yesterday some coworkers and I got some Festival food: I had delicious fried fish, fried pickles, and corn on the cob. Well there went the majority of the days points.

Knowing I'd be at a baseball game that night I opted to eat a quick dinner before heading out. It was a very quick dinner as I had about 20 minutes in between work and leaving for the game. That was a great plan as all I got at the stadium was a diet soda. It's okay to splurge every now and then, and that's one thing I like about weight watchers.

Sadly the Wahoos lost, but we had a great time at the game. Today has been a nice, relaxing day of babysitting. I will hit the gym later and then chill with some friends tonight.

My goal is to keep up with this blog; talking about college and weight watchers and probably some job search stuff. I'll include some recipes from time to time of the delicious things I cook up.

Katy Perry Epicness

Seriously the most epic conversation ever. We all know I love Katy Perry so this is great. Had to share it.

Vegan Success

So I apparently never posted my final vegan post. So it's coming soon. After finals, most likely.