Waiting for Death

Another assignment that was given to us in class was to find an audio slide show. When I first googled "audio slide show" there were many examples that showed up. Though this audio slide show title, Waiting for Death, struck me the most. I was interested, intrigued to see what this story was about. This story was about a 90 year old man who knew he did not have much time to live, he didn't even think he had a year left. He compared him self to an old crumbing statue that was in his backyard, what I feel he meant by this was, that you don't realize how old you are until you start looking and realizing the cracks and deterioration of your health. Though the statue will always be there. The pictures that went along with the narrative story were humbling, mysterious, and weirdly calming.  The old man was narrating the story his voice was slow, humbling and you could hear the old wisdom in his voice. I think that the amount of pictures that were shown within this 1:30-2 min story went along well with what the man was saying. I especially love the part when he said that he will always be here, in his children, grand children, and his DNA will be here. And the old pictures of his wife, kids, friends,and family that wen along with the part was truly heart warming. We all have had someone close to us pass, and we know that they are not physically here but the memories, stories, and special objects will always be apart of us.

If you would like to listen and watch this great story click on the link below:
http://www.latimes.com/local/ed_shneidmanff_ss-htmlstory.html

Chicago Speed Cameras

Being a driver in Chicago can be hectic, crazy and stressful. You have cabs trying to get around you, other cars, buses, people walking, bicycle riders and much more happening around you. The last thing you want to worry about is getting a speeding ticket or a red light ticket. I have found about 45 different places around Chicago with red light cameras, and speeding cameras. Take a look and see how many there are, and how close they are to one another. You can see that many of these cameras are located by major park areas such as, Lincoln park, McKinley park. I believe the reason why they are here are because there are many pedestrians and people around these areas, this is helping drivers be aware that they need to follow the speed limit to not only help them but also to avoid a tragic accident.  I also found that there are a couple by the Airport as well, again the high pedestrian rate in this area is speed camera benefit. Chicago is a very busy place and there is always something happening, and this is why that speed cameras and red light cameras are put into place to help everyones safety. Though it may be annoying getting a ticket in the mail, it also teaches you a lesson on staying the speed limit even though it is hard when cars are behind you giving you the middle finger but they'll be glad you followed the rules and kept them from getting a ticket or even worse causing an accident.

Check out the map here! 

https://www.google.com/maps/@41.8454807,-87.6998084,11z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m2!6m1!1sz0NMXOWdRGQ0.kCiEtNMahhEw

Panera, Healthy?

Panera is one of my favorite places to grab lunch, though it is still considered a fast food restraurent it does not feel like it since you feel you are going to a little cafe which has healthy choices, with the variety of sandwiches, soups, salads and so much for to choose from. "While there are a lot of lean meats, whole grains, and veggies on the menu, it definitely takes a bit of skill to uncover the healthiest dishes that won't break those calories and lets not talk about the sodium! "A recent article I read on AOL this morning should what nutritionists order when at Panera. Their article talked about how even though you think you are eating healthy by getting a salad, some of their salads have over 1000mm of sodium per serving! One of my favorite meals was mentioned on here and it was one of the meals that the nutritionists recommended as well, the Half roasted Turkey Avocado BLT on sourdough bread with a Cesar salad.

Here is the link to article and take notes for your next visit!
http://www.everydayhealth.com/pictures/nutritionists-reveal-panera-bread-orders/?xid=aol_eh-news_3_20150406_&aolcat=HLT#10 View All

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  Scott Eells/Bloomberg via Getty Images 

  Make the Healthy Choice

  Panera Bread is a popular destination because it’s quick and provides lots of tasty and seemingly healthy options. While there are a lot of lean meats, whole grains, and veggies on the menu, it definitely takes a bit of skill to uncover the healthiest dishes that won't break the calorie (and sodium!) bank. We quizzed nine nutritionists on what they order at Panera Bread — take notes for your next visit!
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  Photo Courtesy of Panera Bread 

  Classic with Chicken Salad

  “One of my biggest gripes about these types of restaurants is the sodium in the dishes,” says Bonnie Taub-Dix, MA, RDN, CDN, Everyday Health Columnist. “The Classic with Chicken Salad is a decent pick because the calories are low (300), the fat is reasonable (13 grams), the protein is good (27 grams), and the sodium is a decent number (310 milligrams), unlike some of their other salads clocking in at over 1000 milligrams of sodium per serving!”
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  Photo Courtesy of Panera Bread 

  Half Greek Salad with Black Bean Soup

  One of Panera Bread’s selling points is the “You Pick Two” combo, where you can choose two of the following: cup of soup, half sandwich, half salad, or one flatbread. Robyn Coale, RD and author of The Real Life RD blog, went for a “You Pick Two” option for her order.
  “The Greek Salad is full of fresh vegetables instead of lots of meat and cheese. You’ll get more fiber and antioxidants! I would order the dressing on the side so I could control how much I use,” says Coale. “I’d pair the salad with the Black Bean Soup since it’s full of fiber and phytochemical-rich, plant-based protein – which is great for preventing chronic disease and keeping you full! Plus, by choosing a vegetarian soup, you’ll avoid the unnecessary saturated fats that come with meat or cream-based soups.”
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  Photo Courtesy of Panera Bread 

  Power Chicken Hummus Bowl

  “Whenever I am ordering from a restaurant menu, my strategy is to look for a meal with the most whole food ingredients along with portion sizes that most closely mimic a ‘balanced plate’,” reveals Alicia Anskis, MS, RD, LDN, and nutritionist at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute. “This means that ¼ of the plate contains lean protein, paired with ¼ starch, and the rest should be low-calorie, nutrient-rich vegetables and fruit.”
  “At Panera Bread, the Power Chicken Hummus Bowl fits this model. It’s low in saturated fat and has less sodium than most of the other items,” continues Anskis. “It is full of veggies like spinach, tomatoes, and cucumber which are rich in fiber, potassium, vitamins A and C, and health-protective phytonutrients like flavonoids and carotenoids, which provide anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer benefits. Plus, the fresh cilantro and lemon add extra flavor without extra calories!”
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  Photo Courtesy of Panera Bread 

  Fuji Apple Chicken Salad

  “My favorite thing on the Panera Bread menu is the Fuji Apple Chicken Salad,” says Katherine Younger, RD and author of the blog, Kath Eats Real Food. “It has a great sweet and savory combo. The chicken provides protein, while the pecans act as a healthy fat. The apples and lettuce will give you a good dose of fiber. Just go easy on the dressing!”
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  Photo Courtesy of Panera Bread 

  Half Sierra Turkey Sandwich and Garden Vegetable Soup

  “I love that it's easy to see the menu’s nutrition facts at Panera Bread,” says Jenna Braddock, MSH, RD, CSSD, and author of the blog, Make Healthy Easy. “It makes it easy to be flexible and choose the best option. I also appreciate that you can choose a half order of a sandwich. My favorite sandwich is the Sierra Turkey, but at 740 calories, that's rarely going to work for me. However, a half size of the sandwich is only 340 calories, and I can pair it with the Garden Vegetable Soup with Pesto at 140 calories and be right under 500 calories — a filling lunch.”
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Presidency History

Hilary Clinton has announced on Sunday that she will be running for President in the next election. There has always been rumors going around in past elections that she will be running, though it has come true. She is striving to be not only the first women president though also trying to show America what its true potential can be. I believe that this is a great step women, it shows that we are powerful and do deserve to run especially since our ancestors have pushed for so many rights in the past, and for them to see this happening today, I could not imagine what their emotions would be. Hilary has always been in the political life, from her younger days in college to her first lady days when her husband President Clinton. Though of course with politics and people opinions, there has been some harsh words and criticism towards her announcement of running for president. Such as for her logo, many are saying, "Hillary Clinton's official, high-budget Presidential campaign logo. Brought to you by Microsoft Paint." Her logo can be seen below. I think that this criticism will only make her a stronger candidate and will show the people of America what she believes will help our country. 

Big Girl World

As my last semester as a college student comes closer and closer to ending, it is crazy to think that I will be in the big girl world! Trying to find a full time job that will hire a recent graduate is harder than what I expected. Everyone always says to stay in school cause getting into the big boy/girl world is not easy. All I can do is hope for the best in sending out my resumes to the companies I hope to be apart of. There is also the factor that I want to move out of IL though I would love to move out right away, I have come to face that it is somewhat not ideal though because I want to so bad, I believe I could make it work to reach the goals that I want in my life, experience what else the world has to offer other than staying in IL. In your 20s, I believe it is the time in your life to go out and try out things and even if they don't work, I know I will always have a home and loving parents to come home to, and have for support in my life.

Bikini Season is Almost Here!

Summer is just around the corner, and which means Bikni and swimsuit season! If you are like me, its time to get back into the gym. Those winter months were all about styaing inside, drinking hot cocoa, and just curled up on the couch with a blanket,making it hard to hit the gym when its -20 out.
Now it is nice out again, and there is no excuse to be inside, and not doing some sort of exercise.
I have recently started back up and already feel so much more healthier.
Here are so great ways to help you get back into shape for the summer.
http://www.buzzfeed.com/sallytamarkin/moves-for-a-killer-core
 I have been doing these ab workouts for the past couple days, though they are kill and every abs burn, I am already seeing results! Make sure that you do multiple reps and sets. I ususally do 20 reps with 5 sets. Which would make doing each exercise 100 times. One of my favorite things is to infuse my water with fruits or just with lemons, it makes drinking water fun and exciting! Along with lemon water it helps to detox along with other great benefits. Try Cucumber water if you are feeling stresssed!


 Happy Bikini Training!

Bring Your Mom To Class

I was presently surprised when I was waiting for my 12:30 class, to see my Mom in the elevator to surprise me at school. She did this back when I was just a little Freshman, which was so embarressing. Though now it was actually really fun to take her to some of my classes and to see the reaction of my classmates and teachers. She stayed from Tuesday till Thursday morning, we went to the movies, shopped around town, and it was also nice that I didnt have to eat leftover dinners from 3 days ago, since she took me out for dinner and lunch both days.
 My Mom is literally my bestfriend, even though she gets on my nervs sometimes, it's all out of love :)  Since I will be graduating in 4 weeks, it was a nice little send off since she visited my 1st year here and now she visted for my last year. Definetly one of the memories I will charish, and will probably do to  my kids as well.