home for the holidays

Airport on my way home!! WTF were they thinking when they made the new terminal for JetBlue - no Starbucks?! I'm not a fan. They DO have all these new creative dining places though, with lots of potential options beyond fast food (which is nice), including salad and hot food bars. But still, at 7 am that is little consolation for the lack of soy for my coffee.

So I ended up going to Dunkin' Donuts :( and ordering a small black coffee and a HUGE water. I've got a aisle seat, kids, no worries!

Here's my bag of goodies for the plane...odwalla bar, apple, and music. I tried to fall asleep, but that was a no go, thanks to the rows of children (and the coffee). I have never looked at my watch so many times on a flight, my god, I was eager to get home. When I arrived the entire fam was there to pick me up (well all the girls at least). The '95 van on it's last legs was loaded with my mom, 2 sisters, grandma, and 2 aunts!!! We all drove into San Francisco to see my sister's new apartment and then headed home.

My parentals hadn't yet stocked up on the necessary vegan supplies, but they did have lactose free milk, so I dug into a big bowl of Life cereal. I was gonna do banana slices, but I was lazy.

I LOVE seeing the fam. I was so happy that my whole mom's side was visiting from Southern CA, too. We played guitar hero on my sister's Wii that she brought home with her, and I'm pretty sure I missed my calling. Drums, not so much, but the guitar, I was really in my element (if I do say so myself)!! After a few too many repeats of Michael Jackson, my sister and I headed to the store for the ingreds for TACO NIGHT!!! My fam does taco night right.

Here were some of the new products I got to try out (Cheddar Veggie Shreds and Yves Ground "meat").

After the grocery shopping I decided to head out for a jog, since I was kinda going crazy after the flight. I hate sitting for such long periods of time, I just get all stir crazy. I also really wanted to take FULL advantage of being in an area with nice enough weather to run outside without losing a limb to frost bite. I have done the run to my elementary school a million times, so I wasn't too concerned that it was dark out. What I didn't take into account was being blinded by oncoming cars' headlights. Such a frustrating run. I kept having to stop so I wouldn't trip after the blaring lights of oncoming traffic. The route is only about 3 miles (round trip) but it took me practically 30 minutes to do it because of all the stopping and going. Still, it felt good to work up a sweat, and I was happy that I did it. After I showered it was time to open presents!

I got a new camera!!!!!!!! It is SO cute, and now I don't have to steal Kyle's! I'm so so excited. Oh, and I also got new slippers. What a perfect holiday!

So dinner was running a little late after all the festivities. But once my Dad got underway making taco shells, it was GO time. I was WAY ambitious in my taco making...I ended up just turning mine into a burrito (I opted for a sun dried tomato tortilla instead of the shells my Dad was frying in the veg oil). I should have gotten a side view since you can't tell how much crap I heaped onto it. The not visible ingreds that are piled on top of each other are: veggie refried/pinto/black bean mixture, meatless ground "meat," avo, salsa, veggie cheddar shreds, and then the lettuce and tomato.

All on a snowman plate :)

YUMMMM...so full. I couldn't even roll the thing up! It was amazing. I heart being home. After dinner we all played apples to apples. Hilarious. I feel so cheesy, but I honestly couldn't be any happier than being home with my family (ok, I take that back, Kyle arrives in a few days, so then it will be REALLY perfect).

packing, shopping, and going HOME!!!

Coffee #1 frothy soy misto.

Coffee #2 lactaid-y latte.

Everything in moderation, right?

Originally I was supposed to work today, but after the past 2 beyond boring days, I knew they could do without me, so I switched shifts and now I can do all my random errands before I go home (rather than waste precious time with the fam (finally) doing my x-mas shopping). I have been so anxious to get home!!! I really miss my family back in sunny CA. Even though I now have to work on the 1st, sleeping in today ALONE was worth it. Plus, New Years is time and a half - hey, extra $$ isn't bad either!

After my coffee, I headed out to get my family x-mas shopping done. I have never been so behind in my holiday gift buying! Fortunately, the after-christmas sales were def working in my favor, and having a plan when I set out, kept the trip efficient. In & out with the perfect gifts in an hour flat. That's my kind of shopping!

I was craving cereal, so on my way home I went to a different health foods store for some groceries. Carrying cereal in the apartment is a dangerous move, so whenever I want it, I head to this particular store because they have cereal in bins, so I can only get what I want, thus avoiding eating an entire box.

Genious!! I mixed together multigrain o's, bran flakes, peanut butter puffins, multigrain chex, rice and bran puffs, and these cute little stars that I had never seen before.

Silkified bowl of cereal, to which I also added some cinnamon and raisins (which all sunk to the bottom to hide from the camera).

Later on I snacked on soy yog. I finally managed to get my hands on the chocolate O'soy flavor. Why are these yogurts never in stock? Stonyfield?!?

I went to the gym in the afternoon and did a mega workout. Feels SO good. I started with 40 minutes on the elliptical (levels 12-14) then switched to the tread mill (30 minutes). After that I went to the mat to stretch and do abs/arms, followed by a cool down on the elliptical for 5 mins. Sweaty times.

Cleaning, packing, cleaning, packing.

Dinner: I needed an Ezekiel english muffin. Yes, needed.

Toasted and hummus-ed, plus a GN veggie burger.

It was difficult to eat because of how thick it was. Don't get me wrong, that statement was not a complaint, merely an observation. I love stuffing my face :)

I used the carrots and celery to slather on hummus between each bite of the veggie burger. Oh Sabra, how I love thee...

I finished the rest of these veggies with the hummus.

Round 1 (rounds 2, 3, and 4 are not pictured)

Dessert(s)

Raisins and dates.

Going home tomorrow!!!!!!!!!!

elise navidad

First off - Merry Christmas!! HO HO HO...I reeeeally heart the holidays.

Last night after I finished the blog, I totes finished off the dried edamame.

Then Kyle called me and told me Santa had come to the apartment!!! SANTA!!

I was confused, but then he told me to go look behind his laptop and whoa! Santa HAD come :)

Check out the stocking that Kyle (er, Santa) left for me...so sweet. I'm a pretty simple girl - crosswords, fitness mag, starbucks card, and gum...yep, that's me!!

I also got a package from K's parents with (among other things) 3 homemade jam preserves!!!

From left to right, apricot, strawberry, and plum. YUM!!!!!

I look forward to these jams all year, no joke.

Here's the lunch I packed up for the work day (I don't know how much I'll end up eating since everyone is bringing in food). Still, gotta be prepared, I don't wanna end up without any veggie options...

These are my Blossom leftovers (scalloped potatoes and seitan).

I also packed up a few things to share with others who are working on Christmas, too.

I decided to bring in vegetable hummus...

...as well as a few things to dip (sesame sticks and veggies).
Celery, red peppers, carrots, cauliflower, broccoli, and cucumbers.

Empty unit much?

Okay, before I get ahead of myself, let me back up to the AM food-ing. I managed to find a little market that was open on my way to work. Thank goodness, otherwise I'd be without the very necessary coffee loading (duh)!! So the day started with loads of water (as per my new routine) followed by my coffee. A bit later someone brought in dunkin donuts coffee and donuts for everyone. I had another coffee (no donuts)...buzzinggggggg with caffeine. Woot woot! Not that it was really needed, I was so bored, since the hospital was dead (ok, poor choice of words), let's just say it was a slowwww day.

Lunch-y snack time.

People brought in lots of stuff: cookies, toffee, fudge, etc.

Above was my personal fave, an eggplant dish, which I then sandwiched between 2 pieces of bread (I made 2 of these delish sandos). Granted the eggplant was fried in EVOO, so it was pretty greasy (not usually my thing), but I had to try it since the girl who made it was SO sweet to make a vegan dish especially for me. Only a few people at work know about my dietary habits, so this was a really nice thing for her to do. There were a few made with mayo and a few without (mine), so all of mine are the ones not pictured (eaten), but you get the idea.

I also had a few of these sesame sticks with hummus...and veggies with hummus...and maybe some pieces of bread with hummus...

Smorgasbord of food...my tummy was a little freaked out at this point. So much new food, so many different types, in such a short amount of time. Grrr...

The rest of the day could NOT have been slower. I was agonizing trying to create things to do all day. I organized the stock room for Christ's sake (no pun intended). I don't know what's better, running back and forth without a second to spare or twiddling my thumbs while watching the monutes tick by...if only the days could be in between.

I got off work right on time, and was home by 8, cooking a dinner feast (not really).

I had the Blossom leftovers (seitan and potatoes) and steamed veggies. Then I went a little crazy with mini meals.

First I had the rest of the box of whole wheat sesame sticks with veggie hummus.

Then, baby carrots with the rest of the hummus (did I mention I really like hummus).

Then edamame (so fresh and so green green).

Dessert!! Pineapple rings and dates.

Sweet tooth satisfied.

:)

Merry merry Christmas.

"And the Grinch, with his Grinch-feet ice cold in the snow, stood puzzling and puzzling, how could it be so? It came without ribbons. It came without tags. It came without packages, boxes or bags. And he puzzled and puzzled 'till his puzzler was sore. Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before. What if Christmas, he thought, doesn't come from a store. What if Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more."

-Dr. Seuss

verdadamente verde

MERRY X-MAS EVE!!!!!!!!!

As of this morning, today was looking like a near disaster...but wouldn't you know it, the day quickly turned absolutely AMAZING!

Somehow I managed to hit snooze without realizing it, so when I looked at the clock and it said 6:33 am, I FREAKED out! My shift starts at 7. That's kinda a problem. I called the unit to give them a heads up that I was running a bit late (understatement much?) and then hauled ass to get my butt on the subway.

I was trying not to stress, since there wasn't much I could do at that point, but I was looking at my watch literally every 15 seconds.

Anyways, by the time I got to work, I was only 20 minutes late! Plus, the night nurse who was giving me her patients loves me, so she was pretty cool since I felt horrible and kept apologizing.

The funny part is I am always the first one to arrive at work, it's a running joke that "late" for me is only 15 minutes early. What can I say, I like being prepared, I like being punctual, and I don't like starting the day off behind. So I got to work and there were 8 (yes, EIGHT) nurses there (for only 10 patients). I guess they totally overbook staff on the holidays as a present to us, since it sucks to be running around like a psycho when everyone else is home opening presents. Plus there are hardly any patients on the unit anyways (who wants open heart or lung surgery on Christmas)?

Thus: excess staff + patient shortage = fabulously stress-free shift

I only had 2 patients (easy, nice ones too) and I was working with 2 of my lovely girlies.

Obviously, running so late, I didn't have time to make coffee or stop on the way to work, so I had to suffer without coffee for the first few hours of work (my poor patients, morning elise can be rough). At 9, I ran outside and got coffee and a HUGE water. I'm so proud of myself for my water consumption lately. It wasn't snowing, in fact it wasn't too cold.

I had a late lunch (3 pm). See below.

Last night when I was making my sando I didn't realize I was out of smart deli meat until I had spread mustard and chobani on each slice...improvise!!!

It ended up turning into a (s)BLT: soy bacon, lettuce, and tomato. Not too shabby, but by lunch time, the bread was pretty soggy from all the tomatoes. Still tasty!

I also had a veggie tray (the kitchen brought up a veg meal for a non-existent patient) - score for me! The tuna scoop in the middle was even mayo free :)

Cucumbers, tomatoes, carrots, brocc, and cauliflower...talk about catching up on my greens. Oh happy day!

I got another coffee for the rest of the shift, and by the time I got back from my lunch, the day was nearly over. As a Christmas present, my coworkers took over my patients for the last hour, so I could leave early...since I'm working tomorrow :(

So sweet. I was out of the hospital by 6 pm. Arrive late, leave early, best shift ever!?!

Once I got home I snacked on some corn nuts from whole foods. I don't think these are healthy, but they are too freakin' good for me to care.

I called Kyle and my fam to pretend I was there...then I got to work making dinner.

Salad with romaine, grape tomatoes, edamame, and raisins.

I also threw a GN veggie burger on top for good measure. Food and christmas music, the best.

Mmmmm...

Dessert was the rest of the edamame that I had thawed. Now I gotta get ready for bed, so I don't sleep though tomorrow's shift, too!

Happy holidays!!!!!!

where the veggies at?

I realized over the last few days my meals have been really lacking in the green department! Hmmm...looks like I'll have to get on that. Maybe later. For now, I need warmth. I woke up because I was shivering, so it looks like I will be getting the down blanket out of the closet for the rest of the winter...it's f-ing COLD.

At least I finally got a day off work so I could sleep in. I def drank my coffee in bed. My slippers are also on their very last legs (no pun intended), so I rocked these fleece socks with rubber tread on the bottom. Maybe I'll get some new slippers for x-mas??

Today was the first day it actually hit me - how close to the holidays it is, it's nearly Christmas!!! I reeeeeeally wish I could be home now! I'm alone here in NYC since Kyle went home already (sad). I'm pretty jealous of all the people who have jobs that actually have breaks over the holidays...maybe I'll go back to school again, just so I can get a break. I have to work on the 24th, 25th AND 26th. Boo!

Okay, enough whining. I had a pretty not normal breakfast. It was more like a snack with my coffee(s).

I craved salty and sweet, so I mixed together raisins and soy nuts. PERfect :)

A while later, I decided to make a real breakfast - although it was more of a lunch since it was past noon at this point. Def still in my PJs btw!

(blurry photo) of ingreds for my b-fast sando: egg beater, chobani, and home-made jam

...and the most important ingred of all EZEKIEL English Muffins!!

This shiz is divine.

Beyond explicable. No words can describe how great this chewy carb-a-licious muffin is!

Mmmm...warm and yummy in my tummy.

I followed up with a nice steamy mug of tea. I am obsessed with this green tea. I am obsessed with all things pomegranate lately, too.

I was trying to get my energy up for the gym, so I had a plate of medjool dates.

Sugar load - check!

At the gym I was hyper aware that this was both my first workout since 3 days, AND my last workout for the next 3 days. Oy ve! So much pressure to get in a good sesh and with such horrible weather conditions outside. I just wanted to stay wrapped in my blankie. But, I'm a good gym rat, and so I layered on clothes like I was heading out to the polar ice caps, and got my ass to the gym (step one). I started on the elliptical for 30 minutes, and the new Lady GaGa cd was keeping me pumped up, so I switched to the tread mill for another 30 mins. After that, I was still going strong so I decided to just finish up my Self mag on the elliptical, but next thing I know another 30 mins has gone by, and I wasn't even fatigued! I finished off the cardio with a 5 minute walk on the tread mill, and then headed over to the mat for stretching, abs and arms.

Wow. That was a serious freakin' gym sesh!

This can't be healthy! I'm ashamed that I bought it, but it was a pomegranate flava!

I also got some vegan parm for my dindin.

Spag squash that I thawed (I made a mother load before so I still have the rest in the freezer).

Add in the sauce and parm...

And that's dinner.

(haha, yeah right)

Here's round 2. On this serving, I added the rest of the Italian seasoned tofu from last week.

I'm cleaning out the fridge! Leftovers much?

So yummy.

I still wanted more greens though, so I steamed some yellow squash and zucch, that I also topped off with tomato sauce and vegan parm.

And yet, after laundry and packing and doing other crap around the apt, I was STILL hungry. So I went for leftover dish #2...this was the curry tofu dish from last week (I ate all the tofu first, and the rest was only so-so).

Dessert was dried edamame. Salt, salt, salt. I heart salt.

Ok, work again tomorrow :( = bed time.