graduation

Everything went by so fast, but it was such a blast (hey that rhymes…I guess college was a success! )

The speakers were great, the football stadium was packed to the brim with guests and family, and most of the undergraduate seats were full.  This is when the Department of Public Heath and Health Sciences was walking in (we were the first to enter the stadium, and it felt so surreal!)

My parents have been so supportive of my entire college process.  They put up with my frantic moments of my wondering whether or not I could pass chemistry.  Dad entered surprise “coffee and latte funds” into my bank account.  Mom insisted that I skip certain chores and study before big exams.  Dad offered support when I was a freshman, calling him with concerns over whether I was really at the right college or not (I wasn’t, hence the transfer 😉 ). 

They’ve been there.  Period.  And I love them for it. 😀

I hadn’t eaten or drank anything all morning long for 6 hrs, but somehow the excitement of the day prevented me from even feeling the slightest bit of hunger.  By the time we left campus though, I was ready for lunch.  We pulled over onto the side of the road to catch some gorgeous views and eat the packed lunches that I had put together the night before. 

Hummus & veggie pita sandwiches! 😀

So yummy!  I brought all different toppings so that everyone could make what suited them best: jalapenos for the spice lovers, green bell peppers for the crunch lovers and sweet vidalia onions for all.   There were also black olives, alfalfa sprouts, cucumbers, tomatoes, lettuce, etc.  And yogurts with grapes and granola for dessert.  Apparently the excitement made me forget to take pictures too.  Where is my head these days?

Then it was time to come home and R-E-L-A-X.  I was so happy that these two could come along and be there for the celebration too. 😀

LOVE this girl!!

Then we were off for a 5-mile walk…

And spotted some of the most adorable cows.  Seriously.  Do they get any cuter? 

And came home to eat lots of my favorite Greek pizza!  Yum!

Fun, fun day!  I was such a zombie last night, but I’m feeling fully recooperated for another busy day today.  😉 

Question: The best part of your weekend so far is…

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hustlin’ and bustlin’

There’s a lot of hustling and bustling going on around in the house.  In fact, it’s a little bit chaotic (in a good way), so I thought I’d share the experience. 😉 

Lots of things to pack and bring along for tomorrow’s graduation ceremony…

I’m making the lunches for the family tomorrow so that we can take a short break between ceremonies (there are two…one for all the undergraduates and one for the specific major.)  My main goal is to pack along fresh foods that will be tasty and refreshing for a warm, sunny day.

Must remember to bring along these pita breads and all the rest of the fixins’ (tomatoes, alfalfa sprouts, hummus, black olives, etc.)  I sliced all of the veggies tonight, and they’re getting packed away in a cooler for tomorrow. 😀

The entire family is going way above and beyond in making this day feel extra special.   The edible fruit arrangement from my sis and her husband left me smiling from ear to ear.  And then this afternoon, I came home to see flowers on the table.  My parents surprised me with three gorgeous roses.  Love, love, love them!  So pretty. 😀

Mom also fixed my dress for me.  She must have spent at least a good one and a half hours adjusting the straps (!!!) You’re the best, mom! 😀

After feeling a little as if I was in dreamland with all the preparations and excitement, I calmed myself down with a long walk and some quality time in the kitchen.  Nothing too fancy was made, but it was delicious and exactly what I was in the mood for.  Sometimes you just can’t beet wholewheat pumpkin pancakes (click for recipe.). 😀    While Dad made some scrambled eggs, I sauteed up some cabbage on the side (weird, I know, but cabbage and eggs actually really do go very well together ) and got to work on making these.

I followed the recipe to the “T” except I cut out 1 T. of the oil (using olive oil) and used all whole wheat flour.  They came out perfect.  Light and fluffy.  Full of flavor.  Perfect. 😀 

Must.  Go.  To.  Bed.  Early.  Tonight.

Tomorrow is going to be an early morning followed by a long day.  I need to start relaxing so that I can fall asleep at a decent hour. 😉 

Question: Favorite pancake flavor?  Pumpkin!  But I also love chocolate chip and banana pancakes—or blueberry.  Mmm…

So Full

I am so full.

Full of memories.

Full of happiness.

Full of chia seeds and oats.

• 1 c. milk + 3/4 c. water
• 1/4 c. oatbran
• 1/4 c. wheat bran (stirred in during last two minutes of cooking time)
• 1/2 sliced banana
• 1/2 c. frozen blueberries, dethawed and strained (I drink the juice…can’t let that go to waste! )
• cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger (slightly obsessed)
• toppings: 1-1/2 tsp chia seeds, 2 T. Natures Path Pumpkin Flax granola, last of the cashew butter

Full of coffee with soy. 

(Is it strange that I don’t drink coffee while I’m eating?  I’d much rather wait until after I’ve “finished” breakfast and then move on to hugging my mug. ) 

I know you’re probably all tired of hearing me count down the days to my last exam, but it’s actually—really, honest-to-goodness—here.  By 2:30, I’ll be walking off the campus—my last time as an undergraduate.  How’s a girl to react?

Question: What are you “filled to the brim with” today? 

**Stay tuned for a special “calorie post” in response to a reader’s question.  And feel free to add to this question (or any other q’ for that matter) if you’d like. 😀 **