New Obsession of the Week/Month: Chobani!

Sooooo I have another obsession to share...

This time its Chobani.

If you don't know, Chobani is flavored greek yogurt, and its aaaahmazing.

The flavors are GREAT and there are so many.. I counted at least ten flavors.

And greek yogurt is GREAT for you!

Greek yogurt is made using some way-old straining technique that magically leaves the yogurt with twice as much protein as normal yogurt and nice and creamy. Each serving has around 140 calories and 14g of protein! The low-fat yogurt has 3g of fat, while the non-fat has ZERO!

My faves right now are the black cherry, and peach.

Hop on over to www.chobani.com and click on coupons to save on a couple of chobanis!

Warning: plain greek yogurt is kind of sour. Don't get the plain kind unless you plan on mixing in your own fruit and maybe some granola. Then it would be do-able.

Obsession of the Week

What am I all about this week?

Thats right.... Turbofire!

Turbofire is a Fitness program made by Beachbody, the makers of p90X.

Some of you may know that I started p90X in January. I did about 6 full weeks of the 12 week p90X program and got a little bored... I was also having A LOT of serious wrist pain in my left wrist due to a lot of push ups and Yoga.

Anyways, once you start doing one of these programs, you feel like you HAVE to be doing one at all times. They are tough. Once you get used to that amount of exercise 6 days a week, it starts to feel weird to not work out. I noticed Turbofire and decided to try it out!

Turbofire is a mix of kickboxing, aerobics and dance. there are 12 different workouts in the program. I would say that about 75% of them are pure cardio, with maybe one strength, one core and a couple of stretching DVDs. There is a schedule that tells you exactly which workout to do on each day for 12 weeks.

Turbofire uses High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) to help you burn more calories even after you are done working out.

I'm really enjoying it so far.... more than I like p90X in the beginning, so maybe that will help me stick with it better? Who knows!

What are you loving this week?! Are you obsessed?

She lost half of her body weight and kept it off!

So, I stumbled onto this blog this morning on Pinterest and this girl's story is AMAZING.

Andie Mitchell weighed 263lbs at age 20, and lost 135lbs (HALF OF HER BODY!).

She explains how she lost the weight and the unexpected issues she had after losing all the weight. I would have never thought that someone would have such a hard time after losing all of that weight, I would think that would be the best part.

She keeps a blog about food and life in general. Lots of recipes and interesting stories.

Check it out.... its awesome!

340 Calorie Chicken Parm!

This recipe is from "Eat This, Not This". A super awesome cookbook that gives lower calorie, lower fat versions of dishes you would get at restaurants. This recipe takes chicken parmesan (850 calories at Macaroni Grill) and turns it into 340 calorie amazingness!

The no details recipe: (go to the link for the full recipe)

• Heat oven to broil
• Dip thin chicken breasts in egg whites then in panko bread crumbs mixed with parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning.
• In a hot pan with a tablespoon or so of olive oil, add the breaded chicken and cook for about 4 minutes, until the cooked side is golden brown and beautiful!
• Flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes until both sides are cooked.
• Transfer cooked chicken to a baking dish, spoon enough spaghetti sauce to cover the top of each piece of chicken.
• Broil for 2-3 minutes.
• Add a slice of cheese to each chicken breast (I used provolone, but I think fresh mozzarella would be much better!
• Continue broiling until cheese just begins to bubble.

I served mine with green beans and salad...... ENJOY!

Kielbasa and Zucchini Stoup.... mmmmmmmm!

I'm baaaaaaaaack!

For my first post in FOREVER, I bring you Kielbasa and Zucchini Stoup!

This soup was inspired by a Rachael Ray recipe. My changes: no mushrooms, add kielbasa, nix the breadcrumbs, add garlic bread!

This soup is seriously, my FAVORITE soup! I. LOVE. IT.

I love that:

It has kielbasa, its a little spicy, it makes great leftovers, and its so easy/fast to make!

The instructions looks long, but I promise it wont take longer than 30mins.

So here it is!

Whatcha need:

Kielbasa (I get the turkey kind... don't tell Charlie!)

Zucchini (4 or 5)

White onion

Garlic (2-3 cloves)

grape tomatoes (1 pint)

Chicken stock (low fat, low sodium)

Thyme (dried or fresh)

Basil or Oregano (I used basil because I was out of oregano)

Parsley (dried or fresh)

Salt & Pepper

Hot Sauce or Chili powder

Watcha do:

- Cut kielbasa into 1/2 wide coins

- In a large soup pot add enough Olive Oil to well cover the bottom of the pot

- When the oil is hot, add the kielbasa

- While its cooking, stir every minute or two and cut the vegetables... cut zucchini in half, lengthwise then in 1/2 inch pieces. Cut the onion into large-ish pieces, whatever you would be happy eating in your soup. Cut up the garlic very small.

- When kielbasa is slightly browned, remove onto a plate. Leave the oil in the pot!

- Add all of the cut vegetables to the oil... stir, to coat everything. Add a pinch or two of salt, some pepper, thyme and oregano.

- Stir every so often until everything is slightly browned.

- Add tomatoes. Cover and leave it alone for about 5 minutes.

- Rachael says the the tomatoes will burst. Maybe I'm not patient enough, but I've never seen them burst. I pop them with a potato masher (careful, they splash sometimes).

- Now all you have to do is add the chicken stock and let it heat up. (I used a small carton and a half, it depends on how much zucchini you used.)

- Once its how, add chili powder or hot sauce to taste.

- Serve with grated parmesan and garlic bread!

Sorry about only the last picture... when I find my camera I'll add some more pictures.

Good Luck!

Serena Lynn.

I found an hour!

So the car guys put a new battery in my car yesterday. I picked it up today and realized that I'm going to get to work an hour later that I had planned, I'm not going to get everything done in time today, I'm going to have to come in later tonight as well as both Saturday AND Sunday.... so annoyed.
I get to lab, start hustling to try to get some of the stuff done I have on my list before lab meeting starts... mad that I'm not going to be able to stop for lunch. I look up and realize that I am EXACTLY ontime... replacing the battery in my car reset the clock, and I'm back on schedule!

Finally, something good in the this sore, tired, crazzzzy week!

What would you do with an extra hour today?!

It’s hard to believe I’ve been in Texas A WHOLE YEAR! There were some rough times when I wanted to move to Houston, but I think I’m good now.

I’m officially a 2nd year grad student. Woo! That means that I have completed the Basic Biomedical Science Curriculum (BBSC) in which all of the incoming students are in the same basic classes (think Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Statistics, Ethics, etc.) and have entered the Cell Biology Program in the Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology. Cell Biology is thought of as one of the “easier” degree programs because they don’t focus on class work as much. The director of the program, Dr. Boehning, thinks that your research is the important part of the program, not the course work which I am TOTALLY fine with!

So with that, this year I will be focusing on finishing up my cell biology course work. I should be done with all of my classes by the end of the summer semester 2011. I am required to take 6 hours of electives this year as well as two bigger courses in the summer of 2011( Advance Cell Biology and Academic Skills, where we will be working on our research proposals) I will also be taking my qualifying exam in the Spring of next year. Several of the Cell Biology professors write questions for us to make a take home exam. We research each question and basically write a mini research paper for each question. Passing the exam allows you to apply for candidacy. To apply for candidacy I will submit a proposal after the summer of next year detailing my proposed research path and everything I plan to do. I’ve joined Dr. Boehning’s lab (the link to his website is in one of my previous posts). I’m really happy with the choice. He really likes to get things done early, which is good for me. He has a young family so he understands that people have lives outside of the lab and he supportive of me coaching gymnastics. I am also presenting a poster at the Neuroscience and Cell Biology Department’s research retreat at the end of September. After I submit my proposal, which includes a written portion (in a grant format) a presentation to the public (UTMB faculty and students) and a question and answer session with my proposal committee I will be focusing on research for the next three years.

As for gymnastics, my level 4s and level 6s (I don’t have any level 5s in my groups) will have their first competition on Saturday! They will be competing at their first district qualifier which will qualify them for the level 4 district championship in which they will compete to qualify to the south state championship. Last week we had two judges come in to evaluate the girls. The judges were pleased with their routines as they are now, while there is always room for improvement! I’m probably as excited for their first meet as they are….. especially since its at 3:15pm (instead of 7:30am) and at the closest gym to my house! YAY!

I’m also thinking about running in a half-marathon in November! Here is the link to the one I’m thinking about http://www.seawallhalfmarathon.com/seawall/index.html. IT looks really fun! My friend Lynn is (that just moved to Washington Dc : ( ) is thinking about coming down to do the race as well! I just bought a new pair of running shoes (SUPER AWESOME!) and I’ve got a training program picked out as well as a 5K and a 10K to run as practice and mini-goals along the way. I haven’t paid the registration for any of the races yet, but I’ve been talking about how I’m going to do it… so I guess I have to do it now, right?!

Anyways, I think that’s just about it, I think. I’m sad that I’ve been here a year and not made more posts. I guess on the other hand, it’s been a year and I’m still posting on this blog…. That more than a lot of people can say for theirs! I changed the title, so Its not going to be about just Texas anymore… just my life and adventures,etc!

Love yall,
Serena

HAPPY JULY 4TH!!!!!

Happy July 4th everyone!

I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE July Fourth, here are my plans in pictures:





Pool day with Lynn-eliz! Unfortunately, hurricane Alex doesn't like this idea very much, but we'll make it work!












Brats on the grill complete with onions and peppers, potato salad, normal salad and a red white and blue dessert (think strawberries, blueberries and miracle whip)! Can't wait!
















We will move it to our favorite restaurant/bar across from the beach to stake our ground for fireworks. I LOVE fireworks, and I'm super stoked about fireworks over the water! mmmm yay!










HAPPY FOURTH of JULY !!!!!!!

New Favorite Recipe!!!!!

Very random update (more soon when my computer is up and running!):

I just want to share this recipe with y'all. I keep making it and it is even more amazing everytime!
The only thing I do differently is that I use regular pesto and add sundried tomatoes....

ENJOY!

This savory main dish is quick and easy to make.

Serves: 4

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 8 minutes

Nutrition Score per serving:

433 calories, 44 g carbs (41%), 13 g fat (27%), 4 g fiber, 35 g protein (32%)

Ingredients

2	cups instant brown rice
4	skinless, boneless chicken-breast halves, rinsed well and patted dry
2	teaspoons olive oil
1	14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes with green pepper and onion
1/4	cup sun-dried tomato pesto
1	14-ounce can artichoke hearts in water, drained and quartered
	Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Cook rice according to package directions, without adding fat or salt.

Meanwhile, season both sides of chicken with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook one minute per side, until golden brown and seared. Using tongs, remove chicken from pan; set aside.

Add canned tomato mix to pan. Simmer for one minute, stirring constantly and incorporating any brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir in pesto and artichokes. Return chicken to pan. Cover and simmer for five minutes, until chicken is cooked through. Serve chicken and sauce over cooked rice.

http://www.shape.com/healthy_eating/recipes/chicken_with_artichoke_hearts_and_tomatoes_recipe

Academic Update

I'm two/three weeks into my second semester at UTMB. I finished my first semester with a couple of exams and the requisite stress fest. But I'm very happy to report that I received A's in both of my graded courses and I am now a 4.0 student! I don't think I've ever had a 4.0, so I'm kinda excited!

This semester I'm taking two half semester courses, Immunology (first 8 weeks) and Microbiology (2nd 8 weeks). I was going to take a Cancer class but not enough people signed up for the class, so I ended up in only Immunolgy this 8-weeks. I'm kind of loving only having one class!

I started my 1st lab rotation on the 4th. I'm in Dr. Boehning's lab, he is the Chair of the Department of Cell Biology. Here is his website: http://boehninglab.org/default.aspx
He does apoptosis research. Apoptosis is when a cell kills its self from the inside in a controlled manner. This happens normally in a lot of situations, but a lot of neurodegenerative diseases are caused by too much apoptosis, and tumors can grow when there isn't enough apoptosis. I am working on an ovarian cancer project, looking at BRCA1 mutant ovarian cells that are resistant to paclitaxel (the normally chemotherapeutic agent).

In March I will start in Dr. Pomila Singh's lab. http://hiss.utmb.edu/ncb/faculty/PomilaSingh.asp

Thats all for now!

Its been a while.....

so.... I know, I started this with every intention of keeping it going but clearly I'm not good at that. So in the spirit of the New Year I'll try again.

I think I'm just going to put up some pictures from the last few months ..... a picture is worth a thousand words you know.

A classmate of mine, Lynn, and I went to the Pasadena Rodeo in October.... It was amazing. WE bought boots before we went, then after we went to the dance hall and learned how to two step. All of the pictures are in an album on Facebook, but here are the real gems:

Oliver: The biggest animal I think I've ever seen. (Well maybe except at a zoo)

Bull riding: Very hard to get good pictures because its so quick.

Best dinner EVER: Barbecue baked potato (yes, a baked potato with barbecue on top) and strawberry lemonade! (With a bendy straw of course!)
My new boots: very tight, so I had to use a plastic bag to get them on.


Melissa came to visit in October (maybe September?)
We went to Houston one night, and then visited the amazing Galleria mall.... it has an ICE SKATING RINK!

Melissa and Mitch got married over thanksgiving break.... I would have pictures of that, but those pesky photographers won't let you steal pictures from their site!

We ended the first semester with exams the week of the 14th. We celebrated by going to The Spot.... one of my faves. Here's a picture on the patio of the restaurant. Notice: LACK OF WAVES!

VERY interesting bunch to say the least! Then I was off to NC for Christmas!

Well thats all for now. Hopefully more VERY VERY SOON!

The weekly FLOOD!!!

I totally underestimated the impact that living 10 feet above sea level has on your everyday life. Whenever if pours REALLY hard... which is weekly because that is the only kind of rain we get, the whole island is basically underwater. 4" of water for the 100' from my front door to my car is really tricky on these rainy day.

The Eyes of Texas

The Eyes of Texas:

The eyes of Texas are upon you,

All the live long day.

The eyes of Texas are upon you,

You cannot get away.

Do not think you can escape them,

At night, or early in the morn'.

The eyes of Texas are upon you,

Till Gabriel blows his horn!

(Sung to the tune of "I've been workin' on the Railroad")

What everyone sings around here.... basically everyone knows the song. I'm apparently supposed to learn it since it is my school, so I'm working on it.

Let me know if you understand what it means (I think they just made it up one day because everyone else had a song!).

1st Week of School

So I've officially completed my first week of school, I attended a total of 7 classes...... pretty light week!

Classes:
Biochemistry
Cell Biology
Academic Success Skills and Ethics
Principles of Laboratory Biosafety
Frontiers of Science (Seminars)

Highlights:

I went to my first seminar ( I have to go to 12 by the end of the semester), which I thought was a seminar, but was actually a "Work In Progress" talk by a 4th year grad student. Something about an immunodeficient mouse model to study VEE infection impact in mice. I don't know what she was talking about but it was in the Galveston National Lab with all of the crazy diseases. They do a lot of stuff there including a lot of mosquito work. What was the first thing I saw after I sat down? A mosquito!!! So, when I come down with malaria next week.... you will all know where it came from!

We started our Lab Biosafety class which is 3 hours long...... weekly. This week's lecture consisted of a 3 hour discussion on PPE (Personal Protective Equipment). She spent 10 whole minutes discussing factors you need to consider before choosing latex or nitrile gloves! Then we had to practice "donning and doffing" our gloves... omg terrible! This classes is going to be brutal!

I started coaching gymnastics this week at Acrofit Gymnastics. The owner used to coach with Bela Karolyi at Karolyi's, bought the gym from Bela and moved it to Kemah, TX which is a little more than 30 minutes from my apartment. I'm working Monday, Wednesday, Friday from 4-8. I'll be working with thier (huge) afterschool program for the first hour and then team levels 4-8. Its a very different environment than Apex Gymnastics, more competitive.... smaller team.


NC State played the first game of the season on Thursday against South Carolina. A few of us went out to watch the game and cheer on the PACK! My friend Roberto is from Peru and we had to explain EVERY rule of football to him. NC State lost, but at least not 34-0 like last time!

This weekend (Labor Day) I went to San Antonio with Meaghan Owney (from Raleigh) to go tubing on the Guadalupe River. I'll put pictures up of it when I get the disposable camera developed!


I guess that's it! On to week number 2!

Library Card!

So, I am now an official library memeber! This library is super awesome beacuse you can check out Cds and DVDs! Its in a super huge old building too! I love it!

Airport Drama

So, I got to visit both Houston Airports this week.... both times to drop Cassie off at the airport (long story, ask Cassie)

A little annoying (George Bush Intercontinental Airport is about an hour and a half away with traffic and Hobby Airport is about 45 minutes away) but I got a little bit familiar with Houston. I found the Astros' field and a couple of other cool things.

Beach Baby!

Cassie and I visited the beach several times before she flew out on Sunday...

A few things to note:

-- I've been told that since we are pretty close to the Mississippi river delta, the water is dirtier than a normal beach.... true story. Not gross dirt, just cloudier water.

-- The sand is softer than other beaches (I guess because of the dirt thing)

-- Because its the gulf, and not the ocean, the waves are TINY!

-- There are TONS of fish! Most of them are jumping fish... you don't have to look very hard to see fish flying out of the water.

-- There are also TONS of pelicans that like to dive bomb the water to get these fish.

-- People feed the birds! This is my LEAST favorite thing about Galveston beaches.... Why would you feed the birds?! Its such a terrible idea!

-- You can drive on these beaches!

Moving Day Recap

Sooooooo Recap!!!!

7:15 AM -- We left Cary after breakfast at Starbucks on Harrison with Megan. And we were OFF!

Somewhere along the way, near Greensboro we started checking off the mile on the maps I got from AAA (PS if you are ever going on a long trip, go to AAA and get Trip Tiks! These things are AMAZING!). We ended up doing this the ENTIRE way to Galveston... its probably what got us through the trip!

10:30 AM -- We stopped in Gaffney, SC to hang out with The giant peach named Peachoid! I really wanted to find a souvenir, but no luck..... we kept going.



3:00PM -- Anniston, AL! World's largest chair! According to Guiness, 1982. We stopped in to see the chair, and brought our own lunches to Sonic!




9:00PM -- We got to New Orleans, LA FINALLY! WE stayed at the Prince Conti Hotel.... $59 for the hotel, $25 to valet my car..... 1/2 block from Bourbon St.! The hotel was nice, Cassie loved it, GREAT DEAL! Dinner at the Oceana Grill, I had a Catfish Po'Boy! So good! then we put two sleepy girls to bed.

11:00AM -- after 12 hours of sleep, Cassie and I went out to explore a tiny bit of New Orleans... We drove down to Cafe Du Monde, ate Beignets and Cafe Au Laits. The waitresses take your order, then go get your food, pay for it, then come and charge you whatever they want. Our waitress said: "I'll take $7.50" So weird!





We also saw a dancing tin man, and a million mules pulling carriages. We bought some fleur de lis earings, and then we were off! Texas or Bust!


5:02PM -- Welcome to TEXAS! yay! we finally arrived in Texas! After the longest bridges I ever been on (Cassie hated it).



I decided to take the ferry to Galveston instead of going through Houston traffic at 6pm. We waited for 45mins to get on the ferry. It was basically like tailgating. We sat on the curb, turned up the music, and ate watermelon, another group even offered us beers while we were waiting. On the ferry, we went up to the top deck, and we saw dolphins swimming with us!!!!! so cool!

So we arrived in Galveston, and that is basically the end of our trip! We went to dinner, Wal-Mart, and went to bed! The End.