Five Healthiest Foods...

Items from:
Korea, India, Spain, Japan, and Greece.

Check out the article here.

Chicken Curry and Kimchi!

My “Sri Lankan” dinner plans with few of the people in my building went on really well. I was surprised how they were willing to try everything…just like me. I was a little nervous in the beginning to introduce them to foods they probably never have seen or tasted before but also excited to see their reactions. They loved the chicken curry the most…no wonder…it’s my favorite too! We spent a good hour talking about food, past experiences, and just about whatever came to our minds. Wonderful!

I tried a Korean dish Kimchi!! It was delicious! I want to have a huge bowl of it soon!
Read about this tasty dish here. “Kimchi has been cited by Health Magazine as one of the world's five "healthiest foods", with the claim that it is rich in vitamins, aids digestion, and may even prevent cancer.”

Just wonderful! Now I am wondering what's the other 4 healthist dishes in the world are?

Joe E. Lewis

You only live once-- but if you work it right, once is enough.
--Joe E. Lewis (Comedian)

Can this be true? hmmmm.
so now I am wondering what are all the things I want to do that the above sentence will be true for me?
So many things! Too many! I am really excited now! Ha!

MSN-The Week in Pictures

I love browsing through The Week in Pictures.
They are so beautiful and taken all around the world.

Let's talk about food baby.....let's talk about you and me....ha!

What the hell..with the title. I know!

My roommate and I get hungry very late at night these days. Usually after cereal for breakfast I don’t eat lunch until 4 p.m. So with nights being so busy dinner is almost forgotten until my stomach cries in hunger.

So today we were debating between sharing a soup or something else. Earlier in the week she offered me little sheet of seaweed and I tried it out. At first the taste was…a little weird…but after that I have been wanting to try more. It kind of tastes like fish to me. So tonight we had a little microwavable container of rice and these adorable boxes of seaweed. It was yummy! We had some hot sauce, wrapped the rice in sushi style, and indulged in our late night dinner.


Here is some information I found on seaweed:


Key benefits of seaweed
Seaweed is a good source of selenium and iodine. It has anti-cancer effects and provides soluble fibre and omega 3 fats. It promotes thyroid health.
________________________________________
How much seaweed should you eat?
Seaweed is high in calories and is a very concentrated form of nutrition. Nori is dried and pressed into sheets and is often eaten with sushi. As little as 25g per week will top up iodine levels sufficiently.
________________________________________
________________________________________
Maximising the benefits of seaweed
Sometimes vegetarians develop a shortage of iodine and selenium. Seaweed can solve both these problems by adding important nutrients to the diet.
________________________________________
Nutritional values of seaweed
Calories 136
Fiber 44,4g
Iron 19,6mg
Iodine 1470mcg
Per 100g


I am not shopping at Cub Foods this weekend for my weekly food instead I am going straight to the Asian store. I will bring back some goodies for my roommate. Oh yea, this Sunday I have dinner plans with few people to try some of my Sri Lankan food! Yea! It’s the perfect week for this because my parents have given me message that they have cooked a ton and will continue to cook more this weekend.

can't wait.

I went to see “Shakespere in Love” tonight. It was free so that was nice.

One at a Time...

A few days ago I read a quote on this site (ha!). It goes something like this…. “if you want to get all things done, do them one at a time.” I think I need to follow this advice. I have so many things to do and I just have not been focused on one task before I jump to another.

So anyways…I went to hear this Thai woman speak on trafficking of women and children. I thought I would get more out of this but I heard things I already knew about. Maybe the lack of English or nervousness played a role in not sharing WHAT SHE WITNESSED as opposed to what every other text has already written about.

Ohh well. I was a little disappointed.

Above banner is all things I am craving for.

My Head to My....

I fell down the steps. The worst steps to fall from. Cold, completely concrete, dirty, and dark. My head to my ass hurts.

I want home!

Coffee, Krispy Kreme, and SOCCER!

So.
I supposedly signed up to be in a soccer team and it was our first game tonight (9 P.M.). I didn’t know anything about this soccer team till’ one of the organizers caught up with me as I was retrieving my mail and said “ohh my gosh, I am so glad I found you….we need you to play today…we need three girls and I only have two….please be ready in 5 minutes”

I just gotten to my place around 8:30 P.M….it took me longer than expected since there was a crash on the way. I reached my dorm room, placed all my bags in my room, greeted my roommate, and went to park my car. When I came back my roommate offered this delicious Korean coffee to go with our Krispy Kreme. I bought Krispy Kreme in Minneapolis since my roommate said she loves them and couldn’t find any around our area.

I had a few sips of coffee and off I went. It was a pretty aggressive game and we won!! 4 to 1. I helped score one of the goals! Helped. Every time some big guy approached me when I had the ball I would cover my face and scream.

The referee was pretty tough. He wanted me to take off my nose ring…because someone could pull it off. WTH. Geez.

Can’t wait for the next game.

My Little World...

I love my own pot (on top of my desk) that I cook breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I hate that I have such limited dishes that I need to wash them every time I have something to eat AND bring them back to my room before I could leave.

Beautiful view from the window (can't wait for snow).

I made my bed a little high up so I have so many things under the bed. Thank god for that space otherwise I would have no idea where to storage my stuff.

more later..

I Thought I Was Better....

I can’t believe how quickly I am getting used to being on my own. The first few days were horrible but after going home to visit my parents last weekend---I felt a lot better.

-----Oh no! I thought I was better. I should stop thinking about home…if I don’t I am going to realize how much I miss them again.-----

Anyways…all is well. I make my own breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I don’t know how I manage to do this but somehow I never go hungry.

More and More to tell…but not just yet.

So Beautiful...

My roommate got these for me!!!
I just did a tiny favor for her and later that evening she brought flowers. I was so surprised. They look so beautiful and lively in my otherwise dull room.

Freaked Out.

I watched a hypnotist perform. The whole thing totally freaked me out. Yikes! In the beginning as he was ready to put on his show he told us a few instructions. He instructed that if you don’t want to be hypnotized please don’t listen to me and do not focus on the blue light on stage.

I made sure to cover my ears and turn my face away from the light. I was not going to make an ass of myself in front 800+ people. But few people did not share my feelings.

It was a crazy show. Like a mad house! I laughed through the whole thing but now that I think about it “it was so strange.” Is it really possible? A lot of the international students were asking us if it was an act?

I am questioning the whole thing myself. Can it be possible?

Freaked out.

The Blues.

What a week.
I am so tired and moody. Being new to living in a new environment really affects all part of you—body, mind, and soul. I am tired, I feel lost, and I am constantly searching for something that will make me a little happy or at least keep my mind off of home. Thus, I am glad classes have begun. I could put all my energy into concentrating on my textbook.

To not fully come to the realization that I won’t be sleeping in my own bed day after day, I didn’t pack till’ the very last minute—this was a very bad idea. I forgot whole bunch of things…and ALL were very important. I won’t mention all of them because I will surly look like the biggest idiot around. So just a two things: my cell---I miss my cell phone like I would miss a baby. I want to hold it in my hands, have it right by my bed, and never leave it alone. I left the cell on the bay window and my mom didn’t call my sister until it was too late. We were already 45 minutes away from home and I almost cried.

Second, my little eye contact holders. So I have been using caps from water bottles.

A Tiny Poem of Frustration.

I Pack
Pack
And pack some more.
Then I look.
And scream “too much stuff!!!!”

I unpack.
And pack once more.

What If 9/11 Never Happened...

-New York Magazine-

Interesting! Need it for a future read...

Vettaiyaadu Vilaiyaadu - ?Hunt Play?

I went to watch a Tamil movie at the theaters after such a long time. I forgot how going to an Indian film is so different from going to an English movie.

I absolutely been looking forward to going to see Vettaiyaadu Vilaiyaadu, since my favorite movie kakka kakka, was also directed by the same guy. Since Kakka Kakka I been keeping an eye on what the director will direct next. The show was to start at 7 P.M. so I arrived at 6P.M. knowing that this
movie would get a huge crowd. And it did!

But guess what? Even though the show was to begin at 7 P.M. we didn't actually enter the theater until 7:40 P.M.! There was a huge line of impatient people standing for about 1 hour and sort of by accident I was the first one in line! There were people who came in when the line was a mile long and they would try to cut in line. So people in the back would start making fun of the people who joined in the line and eventually they'll move back or be forced to move to the back of the line. Eventually security came in. ha!

The funny rowdiness didn’t just stop outside of the theater. People would scream, clap, and whistle, when something amusing happened on screen. When the two main actresses, actor, and director came on the screen the crowd went crazy.

These little antics were pretty fun but what I thought was more annoying was a guy that was sitting in the middle of the theater commenting on the movie. I would hear him every five minutes or so making comments about what was going on in the movie. If I had the opportunity to sit by this guy I would hit him!

I forgot how it all feels like. I guess everyone was excited for this movie and it definitely showed. But amidst all this I still enjoyed the whole experience. It was fun to be around Tamil people and share in a movie experience.

The movie was really good! Half of the movie was filmed in New York City and it was so beautiful. The cameraman for this movie was absolutely wonderful! It was so different from a typical Tamil movie that I still can’t believe it was a Tamil movie. I can’t wait for the next movie that will be directed by Gautham!! Yea! What will he come up with next?

Pepsi Anyone?

I was browsing few other blogs when I came across this woman's picture. I just love the look of the 1960's indian women so I was drawn to this picture and curious to know who this cutie is and why is she all over the blog world? August 14th, 2006 was an important day for her. So who is she?

some questions and answers!

What time did you get up this morning? 9:45

Diamonds or pearls? Diamonds

What was the last film you saw at the cinema? The Devil Wears Prada?

What is your favorite TV show? The office, Veronica Mars

What do you usually have for breakfast? Banana and coffee

Favorite foods? my dad's cooking, Sri Lankan cooking, sandwiches, salmon

What is your favorite chip flavor? Onion or the baked plain chips

What is your favorite CD at the moment? tamil songs...

Favorite sandwich? Chicken sandwich at Cheesecake Factory, Subway: tuna

What characteristic do you hate? controlling, talking but no action.

Favorite clothing item or outfit? Skirts, and a comfortable top

If you could go anywhere in the world on vacation, where would it be?
everywhere!
There is so many places to see...Anywhere..if I had to choose one place now maybe India...there is just too many different people, climate, languages in this one country alone.

Which do you prefer lake, ocean or river? Ocean

What color is your bathroom? White and blue

Favorite brand of clothing? I do not pay attention to brand.
Where would you retire to? where family is

Favorite sport to watch on TV? Soccer

Furthest place you are sending this? Canada

Goals you have for yourself? Find my passion and be the best at it, create something that is meaningful to others, work hard

Who do you least expect to send this back to you? I think everyone will send it back to me....haha.

Person you expect to send it back first? Hard to say...

When is your birthday? June 15th

Favorite flowers? roses - pink and orange roses

Are you a morning person or a night person? Night night night!!!

What did you want to be when you were little? teacher and a cashier

How are you today? tired

What time do you usually go to bed at night? 2

What brings you the most happiness? Travel, working hard, completion

What is a date on your calendar you are looking forward to? September 4th

Your worst fear? Not having fun or adventure in my life, not learning something new everyday, loosing curiosity

Do you have a favorite Halloween candy? butterfinger

Favorite drink? mango

Any pets? nope

outta gas!

WOW! I am so exhausted! I don't know why I am feeling this way...I mean I haven't even been that busy with anything...but I am so beat!!


I hope this feeling doesn't continue to the next week...that would be just too tiring for me!

I gotta start packing....hmmmmmm....

Practice makes perfect...

yea! I have gotten so good in tennis. I remember how horrible I was just beginning of this summer but after playing today....yea! Earlier, I wouldn't even be able to hit consecutively but now I just couldn't stop hitting the ball! I am only beginning but still I was just impressed with how much I have improved just after practicing this summer!
Maybe I should join a tennis team! We'll see what my school has to offer. Its such a great workout and I like tennis!

Listening to Dr. Joy Brown on the radio at work, she mentioned how children learn very early on about their parents personalities and know who to turn to when they need a favorable answer.

This got me thinking about my family.


When we kids were younger, my sister, brother, and I, we knew what my dad said was the law. Even if my mom agreed on something we wouldn't get excited till' we confirmed that my dad was okay with our mom's decision. Only then would we actually go crazy with our plans.


But as we got into our teenage years, it seems our mom became more the decision maker...firm one at that. We won't breathe a sigh of relieve until we have made sure our mom is happy with the decision.


Before I realized this change I would first talk to my dad. Then would go to my mom and all I would say is "I could do this, this, and this because dad agreed to it." And I was shocked when I realized this wasn't enough anymore.


Now, we don't need to hold our breath for either of our parents. Yes, we do talk to our parents about situation that is in our lives but it is for advice rather than permission.


Its just amazing how many different changes we go through with our parents and relationships in general. The greatest accomplishment is when you can sustain a authentic, open relationship, with all the ups and downs, and make it last a lifetime.

Olive Garden....and Movies.

Went to Olive garden for lunch. I hate it when the dishes I order at restaurants are too simple that I feel I could wipe it up on my own at home. That was the case with the dish I ordered.


Did you know that movies are now $9 a show! My friend and I were at the theaters getting our tickets for Miami Vice. Heard not too many good things about it...but my friend wanted to see it. We were using the little ticket kiosk because that would the faster choice to get our tickets. Anyways when I saw that the 5:25 p.m. showing was 9 bucks on the computer screen...I said "what the heck......$9....WOW...are you kidding me???.......nick its $9...are you sure about this". When I heard "NINE DOLLARS!!!??!!!" from the next kiosk" I said "ditch?" and she pressed "cancel".


That's just too much. I rather rent.

The movie Kung Fu Hustle. Stephen Chow director and star.

let me just say: AMAZING!

I absolutely enjoyed this movie! It was wonderful. Fabulous. imagaintive. creative. crazy. love it.

The entire DVD has wonderful features. It took me about 5 hours to get through the movie and all of its extras. Its summer...Especially on weekends....I have the time.....what can I say.

I kept wanting to know how! How does this director do this. How is he so imaginative. How does he take such unsophisticated characteristics and transform them into phenomenal status. Amazing.what this guy comes up with. I only watched this movie of his...and I can't wait to watch his other ones!

"Discovery consists of seeing what everybody has seen and thinking what nobody has thought."

— Albert Szent-Gyorgyi

yawn....

Three things to yawn about:

--My block party attendance at my neighbor's house. I never knew how boring a conversation could be. I really don't know why I went...my mom didn't even force me...but I just wanted to go..so my mom and I did. What a bad idea that was! It was a big gossip section about the neighbors a block away from us. Who got drunk last month, received citations because their lack of care for their property, and how the neighborhood was thirty years ago. Now, these topics aren't at all uninteresting but when it is repeatedly discussed over and over then it became..so frustrating.

One of the neighbors kept going on and on about his corvette...for about 45 minutes...I thought I heard myself snoring...

--The movie: The New World with Colin Farrell

--The Heat

I called in sick to work yesterday. I was so proud that I had never called in sick for the past 2 1/2 years since I started this job. However, yesterday I was a little tired and needed to just relax at home. I had some plans in the morning and I wasn't too sure if I'll be too tired to go to work after getting those things done. So I just thought why not be safe and call in sick.
The relaxation turned into boredom only awhile later. I walked around the park and moved room to room trying to find something to do. I could get bored so easily.
I just couldn't relax at all.

hello?!? Tamil please....

The past week I been on the phone talking to various people about my dad's 401k distributions.

Its all very new to me. I had no idea what 401K was about...honestly I thought the government was rewarding us for working...keeping the economy going...free money! I know I am really clueless..these type of teachings should be a requirement in all universities!

A class on "various paper work for every step of your life." Something...anything!

Okay so I obviously wouldn't even know where to begin to ask the questions that would make my dad happy. So when I called his last employer I requested a Tamil translator...and we got someone on the phone with us in less than five minutes! This was so new to me!

My dad talked to a lady in Colombo. Every question my dad asked she would translate it in English to my dad's employer and then translate the answer in Tamil to my dad.

The thought that we are all so becoming globally connected within a few minutes boggles my mind! So cool!

Yeap!

"If you are a woman between the ages of 20 and 40 living anywhere on the globe, you are part of the most educated, professionally empowered, internationally empowered, international generation of women ever. It's an inspiring story in a world full of violence and insecurity---a generation of women poised to take the reins of global leadership like no other generation in history."

-paula Goldman, In Imagining Ourselves: Global Voices from a New Generation of Women.


This deserves a post of itself!

delicious!

Isn't this fabulous. My own pear tree in the backyard! Is just amazing what things will grow where! The more time I spent outdoors it makes me think if I want to live in a state that only has few months of summer. Nine pears so far on a small tree...only about 5 feet tall!

Who Me?!?! A Speeder!??! well yes...

I couldn't find a picture of an Asian police officer...


I was pulled over by an Asian police officer...I don't know why I just expected it would be a white guy...so I was surprised to see an Asian cop. I should of known that today there would be a lot of cops out there just waiting to catch some drunk drivers! Well, I was not a drunk rather a speeder. As I looked back and saw the lights flashing...my thought was "Wow, finally it is happening to me...after all these years of not getting pulled over...the day has finally arrived." So police officer approached my vehicle.


Asian cop with sunglasses:
He asked if I knew why he pulled me over....


me (confused):
hmmmmm....I don't know.......Officer....why did you?


Asian cop with sunglasses:


He stated that on a 40 mph road I was going 53 and my speed was climbing..


Me (surprised):
really.....wow........missed my exit to work because of construction.......then I took a left when I should have taken a right.....I am late for work.......I don't know.....I am late for work....its so hot....only worked at this location just for a month...I am still getting used to this area.....hmmmmmm...


He left to check my information out.
Since I never been pulled over before he just gave me a warning...and told me to watch my speed.


As I was driving away I wondered if I should have asked him if he was Korean and watched any Korean dramas. But I think that would have been a little inappropriate...its not like we were talking about coolest places to hang out, movies we liked to watch, summer plans....I mean this dude was pretty serious and had a gun plus lots of other dangerous and hurtful things to spray/hit me with.

The Devil Wears Prada!

The Devil Wears Prada


So I am the first one to admit that this script has been done a million times...A recent college graduate woman, played by Anne Hathaway, moves to New York city to save the world as a journalist. Things don't go as she planned when she has to settle for a job at none other than a fashion magazine...ahhhhhhhh (horror screams...I wouldn't mind that job). Meryl Streep plays her devil of a boss and she does a fantastic performance! I loved all the little jokes that are just naturally set in the movie and scenes of New York City were really nice!