Days 8-12

Am I the worst blogger ever? Probably not buuuut, I come pretty close to it. As with most holidays, my schedule got pretty crazy leading up to Christmas and I was unable to post the final 5 organizations. But I didn't forget! And since it is not the new year, yet, you can still make your tax-deductible donations for 2011. So here they go!

Day 8: Invisible Children

I have a huge heart for ending the use of children as soldiers. Probably my biggest passion. And Invisible Children is the organization that kickstarted all of that with a simple documentary screening. The documentary was shot by two USC students (fight on) and outlines a plan of action to end the horrific practice in which an estimated 300,000 children are sucked into. Since I have seen it, their documentary has gone viral, and the cause/ scope of their work is growing. Check out their site, use the resources, and donate to end the use of child soldiers.

Invisible Children

Day 9: American Diabetes Association

My grandfather passed away a few years ago due to complications from diabetes, and so this is dear to my heart. Diabetes is a painful and stressful condition to live with, and to date there is no cure, only medications that assist in managing symptoms. The ADA is working hard to provide the correct support to families living with diabetes, spread awareness, and find a cure. Please browse their website to learn more information and donate if you can.

Day 10: KPCC

Public radio!! Might seem kind of random in a list of mostly health and social development organizations, but this ish is important. Not only because they are having yet another annoying pledge drive right now and I need you to donate so I can get back to listening to the regular programing, but also because KPCC provides some amazing news coverage right from our backyard. Knowledge = power and the more up-to-date you are on current events or business or public resources, the better you live your life. If you don't listen, you should tune in (especially to Madeline Brand, Patt Morrison, and Off-Ramp) get your daily news and learn something new. Most importantly, you should donate. Seriously, member drives drive me insane.

Day 11: Love 146

Love 146 aims to rescue and successfully rehabilitate girls and boys caught up in sex trafficking. Also with the aim of being a sustainable program, they train and hire locals to run and maintain the clinics and/or houses (some of them are rehabilitated slaves). A good buddy of mine is highly passionate about this org and introduced me to it. They are doing some amazing work to end the abusive cycle of sex trafficking. Learn more about their work on their website, look into hosting an event to sponsor them, and be sure to read their founding story.

Day 12: Life in Abundance, International

So I may be slightly biased because, (drumroll)... THIS IS MY NEW EMPLOYER!!! Yayyyy! But I wouldn't be working for them if I didn't truly believe in their work and mission. Life in Abundance was founded by a Kenyan doctor who had a heart to serve the poor in Ethiopia, and what began as a small, one-country dream has grown to become a very powerful agent for change all over Eastern Africa. And the best part is, they haven't stopped growing. The mission is to go out into the community to find out what their greatest need is, employ local resources and volunteers to meet that need through extensive training and teaching, nurture the local project until it can stand on it's own (the goal is usually 3 years max) and then move on to a different location or community need. Having experienced the impact of and working with this organization first hand during my time in Kenya, I can say that it is really changing the social structures in place around the world and empowering the poor to achieve a higher quality of life on their own.  Love love love this org, so proud to be on staff finally, and I hope that you will donate to their cause. If you have any other questions about it, you can ask me :)

This is the current website however we plan to launch a new one soon so stay tuned.

Well I hope you enjoyed this inaugural season of the 12 Days of Christmas Giving, even though half of the organizations were announced after Christmas. I'll be sure to try and keep you all updated on the madness that is moving to a new city should I remember to do so. Love and

Day 7

SAVE THE CHILDREN!! No, really. That's the name of today's organization, rounding out the first week of Christmas giving. Save the Children Federation, Incoporated was founded in the early 1930's shortly after the Declaration on the Rights of the Child was adopted by the League of Nations. Their goal is to ensure that governments/ international actors respect all rights of children and to create immediate and lasting change in the lives of individuals around the world. Save the Children works internationally, constantly collaborating, researching and creating new partnerships with other non-profits, governments, organizations and local partners to maximize positive impact. They have so many different accomplishments and areas of specialty that I am unable to consolidate it for you in this post. So check 'em out below. Give if you want to/ are able. Spread the word.

Enjoy the rest of your Sunday night, and have a fun/ safe time gearing up for the big day next Sunday. Barikiwe sana.

-Educated & Employed

Day 6

Normally around this time of year, you hear a lot from St. Jude's hospital and how you can save lives in giving to their organization. St. Jude's does amazing work, however they tend to over-shadow another pediatric powerhouse in the Los Angeles area. Children's Hospital Los Angeles is "a non-profit, academic, pediatric, medical center" dedicated to providing the top medical services to children in the Greater Los Angeles area and from around the country. They are one of only eight children's hospitals in the US to be voted a Top Hospital, they are nationally ranked in all 10 pediatric specialties, and they are the only children's hospital on the West Coast. This hospital is highly under-rated and creating a lot of positive change for families in serious medical need right in our own community. Please check the link below and support this hospital if you are able. CHLA is also in need of blood donations from healthy adults of all blood types. So if you are unable to give your money, blood or platelets are a good alternative; plus the nurses at the CHLA donation center are really fantastic and give you the best cookies post-donation.

Stay tuned for tomorrow's organization. Apologies for the late night post. Be blessed.

-Educated & Recently Employed

Day 4 & 5

Consolidation is the name of the game. I was too busy yesterday to make a post in a timely manner; ergo, I decided to just combine these two dates and share some good orgs to invest your money in.

Day 4:

Sooo you may be a poor student, or unemployed, or just really low on funds thanks to your Christmas shopping, and all of this "donating to a cause" sounds great, but impractical, because you need every penny you can spare. Well, thankfully, there is an amazing organization that allows you to provide a loan for an entrepreneur abroad looking to improve their own life and that of their community. You get your money back. You just have to pretend that you put $25 into savings for a little bit, should you begin to have money separation anxiety.

Kiva is a 501(c)3 that allows you, the average (awesome) person, to become an investor in a start-up business on the other side of the world through micro-financing. You browse the site, pick a person and business that you would like to help out, loan them $25 or more, and then get re-paid once their business has taken off and made a profit. Kiva doesn't just throw money at people and expect them to run with it, though. In order to maximize the impact/benefit of the money invested, Kiva partners with other local financial organizations to provide educational resources, financial and community support, repayment collection and assistance, etc. to these international entrepreneurs.

Their website below explains the entire process much better than I can, and can get you started shopping for your first business investment or work on giving a Kiva Card! Enjoy.

Day 5:

Access to clean water is not something that we concern ourselves with too much here in the States. Mainly because we all have access to drinking water and multiple sources for water used for sanitary, cooking, and cleaning purposes. It's difficult to wrap your head around the fact that a large number of people around the world cannot even brush their teeth with tap water without risking serious illness or parasites, much less the fact that many of them do not have sanitary drinking water sources. The ability to access clean water is not only a global health issue, it perpetuates the cycle of poverty. 

Water for People is an organization that works with local entrepreneurs, civil society, governments and communities to create innovative and sustainable solutions that allow people to build and maintain safe water systems. Based in Colorado, this organization works internationally with various partners and communities to solve the water issue and positively impact the locals. Check out their site below and donate!

Tomorrow I will be prompt about an update, I apologize for the tardiness of this post. Be blessed. Happy Friday!

-Educated & Employed (what?! True story... Details coming to a blog post near you, soon)

Day 3

Happy Third Day of Christmas giving! Today we'll be focusing on the education of children and young women, specifically in Afghanistan. Founded in 1995 by Dr. Sakena Yacoobi, the Afghan Institute of Learning has been run for an by Afghan women and positively impacted the lives of over 7 million. The AIL provides pre-school and primary educational services, advanced classes and school support for older children and teens, learning centers for mothers and women in the community, Human Rights & Leadership training, as well as specialty training in healthcare and economic empowerment. Because this is a locally founded and run program, the positive impact made by access to basic healthcare, education and economic training is sustainable, laying the groundwork for a more peaceful and successful sociopolitical future for Afghanistan. So check out the site, read their newsletter, look up Dr. Sakena Yacoobi, and don't forget to donate if you can.

AIL classroom

Stay tuned for more ways to give or loan to different causes this Christmas. If you want to see an organization for a specific cause, let me know and I'll research it for you. Thanks for reading. Asalaam wa aleikum.

-Educated & Unemployed

Day 2

Today's organization is Partners in Health! They are a medical organization that began in Haiti and have more recently expanded internationally. They aim to provide a sustainable healthcare model in not only addressing the immediate needs of a community, but also through training locals in the healthcare profession so that the community can continue to solve their own healthcare needs without a foreigner. Beyond meeting medical needs, PIH is also committed to training locals in how to better manage their finances, begin businesses, and maximize the benefit of their agricultural resources. This organization is pretty awesome and has received 4 stars from Charity Navigator. Be sure to click below and browse the site, learn more about them, and donate if you can!

Have an awesome Tuesday, and go do something fun.

-Educated & Unemployed

12 Days of Christmas

Christmas means a lot of things to different people. And to those that don't celebrate Christmas, it must feel like a time when everyone just goes kind of bonkers. Even though I personally am not a huge fan of the holiday because of all of the commercial insanity that surrounds it, I do LOVE the central concept of Christmas, which is one of giving, sacrifice, and unconditional love. Whether you like it or not, Christmas is based on the gift of God to the world, which was both a display of love and later an immense sacrifice. I think that (especially) during this time of year it is important for us to mirror that kind of giving heart, no matter what social or religious background we come from. And not to share with just the people who we feel deserve it, or that we love directly, but to those that may be in much greater need than us and we have never met.

So in saying that, over the next 12 days I'll be posting links to organizations that make a tremendous and sustainable impact on the communities that they serve, and that you will be able to contribute to, no matter what your budgetary restrictions may be. (And if you are still feeling a bit Scrooge-ish, you can look forward to the tax deduction)

Without further ado, I present to you the International Justice Mission Holiday Catalogue!

IJM works tirelessly to prosecute those trafficking, purchasing, abusing and exploiting men, women and children around the world for labor and/or sex. This organization represents thousands of trafficking and slavery victims in court and assists them in reestablishing their lives as free-people. Be sure to read stories and testimonials on the site or in the catalogue. This is really a great organization working hard to protect trafficking victims and end human trafficking and exploitation.

Happy shopping. Stay tuned for tomorrow's organization. Bendiciones.

-Educated & Unemployed

Anything You Can Do...

I can do better?

This is the everlasting competition between men and women (at least in Western society) especially when it comes to competitive sports and working out. So when I told a buddy that I was working on pull-ups, I was a bit annoyed when the look of shock flashed across his face and he asked, "You can do pull-ups?" I was equally annoyed while watching a movie, where the lead female was using her upper body strength to get herself out of a crisis, and a friend (female) commented that that could never happen because "girls can't do pull-ups."

Since when are pull-ups a male-exclusive workout? And why can't we do them? Because we'll look like men? Because we've always ben told that we can't? Because we're scared of them? It cannot be because we are weak. In fact women are naturally internally stronger than men, males just have more testosterone and a different distribution of weight which makes it easier for them to outperform women on traditional strength tests. But women are strong. And we can do pull-ups. And we don't have enough natural testosterone in our bodies to bulk up. And it doesn't matter what size/ shape you are...

Basically, ladies, you have no excuse. You can do pull-ups, and do them well. Depending on your current fitness level, it may take you longer to complete a full dead-weight set, but your bodies can handle it!!!

Ok, so obviously the next question would be how in the heck do I get started? If you have a gym membership, there is no doubt a pull-up bar or machine located somewhere, and for everyone else, your brother, friend or boyfriend may have a pull-up bar lying around or installed in the house. Step to the plate and take advantage of the opportunity.

Before doing any exercise you do need to warm up and stretch out the muscles. a pre-workout stretch for pull-ups should not be the traditional static stretching. Instead you should do some arm circles, shoulder shrugs, and neck rolls to get the muscles ready. Once you've done that you should gauge just how much you are already capable of doing. Grab the bar with an overhand grip, hands shoulder width apart, and without jumping or kipping (pulling your knees up to assist) attempt to pull yourself up as close to the bar as possible. If you can do a full pull up, try to see how many more you can do. If you are unable to complete a pull-up in this form, try pulling up with your palms facing you (deadweight of course). This tends to be easier for women as this uses more of your bicep and chest muscles as opposed to the targeting of your back muscles with the overhand grip. Try to see how many you can do.

If you are unable to do either of these, don't be discouraged!! You can quickly work your way up to doing pull ups. Many workout instructors recommend trying chin-ups and negative pull ups to build up the muscle, and luckily you can get some assistance from a box or stepping stool to get you over the bar. For a chin-up, stand on a box and grip the bar, hands shoulder width apart, pull your body up until your chin is above the bar, take your feet off the box and attempt to pull your chin right above and below the bar as many times as you can. This helps build the smaller muscles that give you the final thrust up over the bar. As you get better you can start to drop your chin lower below the bar and work your way towards a full pull-up. Be sure to vary the grips you use so that you build all of the muscle groups proportionately.

Negative pull-ups are for building up the larger muscles in your back and arms. Get up on a box and get your chin above the bar, then, as slowly as possible, lower your body down until your arms are fully extended. Try and increase the amount of time that it takes you to lower your body all the way and do this more than once each time. Aim for 5 attempts at 5 seconds the first time and increase the time if you feel you can handle it.

Photo: mybodybeats.com

Assisted pull-ups with a machine or partner are also helpful in quickly building up your ability to complete this awesome workout independently. to make sure that your muscles are balanced, it is best to incorporate a push-up workout with your pull ups. For pull up workout plans, I suggest you check out the S.W.A.T. Workout by Stewart Smith, the CrossFit Official Website, a commercial fitness magazine's suggestions, your local trainer, military branch sites, or that awesome thing known as YouTube.

Ladies I want to see you doing pull ups!!! Not shying away from them. They are perfect for toning all of the typical problem areas, like flabby arms, your core, and your back. And the best thing is, because you are using your natural bodyweight, you won't look like a scary body builder, just really well defined and strong! Of course a healthy diet and lifestyle will help you achieve your goals more quickly, so be sure to make smart choices.

I hope this helps someone out there. I know it's a bit rant-ish, but I seriously am tired of the stereotype. It also took me a very long time to decide on a  topic to write on thanks to being unmotivated to blog haha, so I kind of went all out. In other news! I have some exciting things to blog about in the near future, be sure to stay tuned and be blessed.

-Educated & Unemployed

Decisions, Decisions

So, it's been almost a whole week since I last posted. I apologize to all two of you that read mine bloggy. But, for an unemployed person, I've actually been surprisingly busy this last week/ weekend. Pretty awesome right? First off, it was homecoming weekend for my beloved alma mater so I had a great time going to parties, attending the annual USC v. UCLA Collegiate Boxing Invitational (Hosted by Espada Boxing), tailgating, and just enjoying all of the USC love.

Photo: Wikipedia

Sunday I watched the Pats-Jets game, which was pretty painful for a while. Brady has not really been looking like himself lately. His passing game is off and he seemed pretty flustered. But he pulled through in the second half and really kicked some a** so he redeemed himself, and the game. With a lot of help from Gostowski, Hernandez, and eventually the ever faithful Welker. Our defense has improved somewhat, even though we're considered the WORST in the league hahaha. We've lost a lot of the first and secondaries so maybe all of the young talent that's being forced to play is hungry, and will magically take the defense to new heights!! A girl can dream right?

I'm just happy for the 2W in football this weekend. And OREGON BEAT STANFORD! That was awesome. Yay underdog! Now if only our boys can get it together and beat Oregon.... (Shanelle if you're reading this I'm just kidding, kind of)

Starting this week I decided, since I haven't got anything lined up that will generate a salary before the holidays, that I should apply for retail jobs! ...yay. So I went out on the hunt on Monday, got out three apps then, turned in 4 more on Tuesday and still have 3 to fill out, not including the apps that I need to do online. Here's hoping for some money so I can buy all of my loved ones awesome presents for Christmas and baby showers and stuff, while still paying my doctors bill and such. 

And I've been getting interviews! That is such a huge answered prayer. I'm excited to see where I'll be in the new year. So for now I just keep waiting and praying. And then I have to make really big DECISIONS, which can be a daunting and stressful task. Oh decision making! How I love you. Occasionally. 

Other than that, I don't have much else to weigh in on today. So have a great day & weekend, start a new book, eat something completely new and different, stay healthy, and be blessed.

-Educated & Unemployed

Taste Testing

So whence attempting to shed fat for a weight class drop, or just to improve your overall fitness, you tend to go through a research process. What workouts are most effective? Which ones are most convenient? What will take you to the next level? How in the heck do you just lose fat and not gain muscle sans-supplements? You know, basics. So recently I've been trying some new workouts to tack on to my training because I only have 1 month left to drop this weight class, and man is it tough. But instead of calling it research, I figure taste testing is a more appropriate name, because it's a treat! OK I'm lame, that's fine, I've accepted it.

I wanna be like Lucia

But more about the treats, I mean workouts. As I've mentioned before in a few posts I've been trying out some cross-fit, but it's a bit more difficult when you don't have the means or a spotter to do the olympic lifting stuff. I've been using the dumbbells that I have at home in place of the bar and plates which is good but not nearly as easy as a bar, and when it comes to increasing weight so that you can max out it's becomes very difficult to see how much your max could actually be. Regardless, I love (attempting) cross fit. If it weren't for the super expensive gym fees, I would join instantly. Maybe I'll just have to use the weight room across from our boxing gym and convince one of the guys to spot me. Shouldn't be too hard, right?

I have also been looking into basic fitness/ figure competitor workouts. Now trying not to increase muscle mass with these workouts is tough so I figure (haha pun-ny?) that sticking to calisthenic and body weight exercises recommended is a safer bet. Now why is it ok to do the olympic lifting from cross fit and not from figure/fitness lifting? Well to put it this way, competitors are aiming to look a certain way, cross fitters are working hard to create maximally functional muscles. Completely different. And I would go off of their diet-plans, but holy cow those ladies inhale supplements, and I'm not a big fan of un-natural stuff entering my body. I'll stick to my current semi-paleo diet (it's only semi because I do have a cheat day, so sue me). I am hungry all the time despite the crazy amount of food I'm eating, so if anyone has a really good diet plan for athletes please let me know.

Yesterday I also discovered Tabata training which has to be the coolest thing I have ever come across. You are supposed to max out your muscle consumption of oxygen which not only helps your body burn a lot of calories super fast, but also for a long long time post-workout. I tried it out with squats yesterday and loved it. You should check it out. And it's only a 4 minute workout, LITERALLY. You have no excuse to not try it.

So here are some links to the flavors of workouts I tried this week. Feel free to give me feedback on what you hated, loved, or if you have another workout that's better.
CrossFit Kinetics Workout of the Day (WOD)
CrossFit Pasadena WOD
Fitness/Figure/Bikini Competitive Workouts
Tabata Explained
Tabata Timed Workout Tunes

I realize that some of you have absolutely no desire to workout and get no joy from it, but I love it and have to share. And most of these workouts are pretty easy/ short to try out and modify for your personal fitness and equipment level. You can always find a way to do intense workouts with just your body weight, no excuses. Give 'em a shot

Mmmm flavors

Everyone please enjoy the weekend!! Stay safe, Have fun, Be blessed, and don't forget to smile.

-Educated & Unemployed

Whirlwind

This last week just flew by. I feel like I didn't do anything out of the ordinary but for some reason the week wanted to be over with, along with the lovely heat. But not sunshine, she's stubborn and has decided to stay for the time being... we're friends. Maybe it's because my workout/sparring schedule was just insane this past week and my brain got a wee bit bruised? No one will ever know! (Well, more realistically, it's probably the brain bruises, but we'll pretend they didn't happen)

Photo iStock. No actual brain scans for me, thankfully.

Last week I had lunch with a great friend to discuss his career and USC football and life. That was refreshing, it's been a long time since we last spoke. I also skipped a boxing workout in favor of Salsa dancing, sparred 3 times, got kicked in the hand by the future nephew (only 2 more months!!), had some delicious carbs on my cheat day, and received a really exciting call for a job opportunity. Don't want to spoil it, so please just pray... A LOT. Oh and I watched USC beat Colorado, of course. Other than the exciting call, unemployment proves to be on a winning streak as of last week, however I am determined to achieve a win from behind this week. Please feel free to share any successful strategies from your play books in regards to this matter. Thank you.

I was pretty frustrated with the Pats - Giants game so I decided to just have a How I Met Your Mother marathon (thanks Netflix) as I attempted to get/stay warm. Just FYI, I have a very difficult time getting warm, as in I have never functioned well in a cold environment, so that took a lot of energy. Contrary to popular belief, getting warm while having a TV show marathon in the early California winter is not a sedentary activity.

But besides the television, I have been keeping a closer eye on the Greek/ Euro crisis and I have to say that this is fairly frightening. But I guess people of the United States are too concerned with their itch to spend more and utilize layaway plans from department stores for worsening their personal financial/ credit problems to pay attention to global issues. I do have to say that, while I have decided to stay with BofA for the time being, I am very proud of the Credit Union movement that took place recently. Way to take matters into your own hands 99%ers! Also, in regards to Herman Cain, who cares? Yes the women should voice their abuse and he should be justly chastised for his actions, but does anyone really think he's going to make it to the presidential race? Sexual harassment accusations aside, Cain's 999 plan, complete lack of knowledge on global politics, and flip flopping on issues, along with his radicalized views on most everything make him a highly unlikely candidate. I mean he and Perry are tied for Republican Class Clown 2011, I'm sure. Romney is keeping it cool, and apparently Gingrich is up in the polls? We'll see. I'm just ready to see how the small percent of the nation that actually votes and has the right to complain about the government (I'll give you a hint, the percentage of 'Americans' that vote is nowhere near 99%) decides that the country should be run. It will be interesting!

In other news, Miss Venezuela won Miss World!!!! Go team. It's NOVEMBER! And almost Turkey/ Giving of Thanks time! So everyone get excited and happy, and remember to workout. I'll try to share some taste-tested healthy Thanksgiving recipes in the near future. And I am thoroughly exhausted from my workout today, plus have to go figure out how to sell things online so that I have some sort of income while God reveals his plan for my career. So ciao for now! Stay safe, be blessed, enjoy some hot chocolate, and smile.

- Educated & Unemployed

Entertaining Sports Publication by Nic

Get it? ^ No? That's cool, it's dumb. I had no inspiration for a good title, apologies. Sooo today is Halloween. My least favorite holiday of all time. And because it is Halloween my coach had to go work an extravaganza so my gym was closed. Rude. Luckily cross-fit can be modified for home workouts. It's awkward that it's on a Monday, and we barely got any trick-or-treaters tonight, and I did not do anything halloween related this weekend. So I'm sorry that this will not be a pumpkin or ghoul themed post. But it is time for (drum roll)

Sports Weekend Update!!!

I know you're all thrilled. Sooooooo LET'S GET IT GOING WITH BASEBALL!!!

I was so beyond disappointed in the Texas Rangers on Thursday night. They should've won it in game six. But nooooooo Cruz had to look cool making the final catch of the game and jog on over to the right outfield to MISS IT BY 3 FEET! And then the Cardinals go on to win the game and the series. Way to go Cruz! Way to go. Granted there were other mistakes throughout the game that did not help, but the pitcher set it up dude! The game would've been in the bag. Ugh.

Mind you, I never root for Texas in anything... literally. I am anti-Texas, minus my good friends and some family members that live there. They are obviously exempt, but Texas is never in my 'rooting-for' category. But the Rangers have never won a World Series, so for once I root for the underdog, plus I'm not committed to the Cardinals, so I figured I would take a chance. I was severely let down, and will not make the mistake of rooting for Texas again. Well played Cardinals, you really did play a great series, and made game 6 as stressful as possible for me. So thanks for saving the sport.

Not my photo. Obviously. 

College football also brought on the stress this weekend. As many of you know, USC and Stanford went into triple OT! The sports world is conspiring to make me age faster or have an early on-set form of heart disease. Oh Kiffin, how I want you to leave NCAA and take Barkley with you. But alas, I must stand in solidarity with my team, and support both of them, despite my intense dislike. Curtis 'Moody' McNeal killed it this weekend. Kid is on fire, I just pray that Kiffin doesn't run him into the ground by over playing him. He's a baby! Give him a good chance in the draft for the love of goodness. TJ McDonald, please know that we as fans support you, and some of us know you are not a dirty player, you are just huge for the position you are playing in college ball. When you get to the NFL, you will have a fantastic career. Pretty bummed that you have to miss out on the first half of this week's game. Just get your shoulders down a bit more before you make a hit, or you know pull some crazy cool stunt to attack people in the correct zone. Keep it going buddy. Defense stepped it up this week, which was nice to see, but then again it was probably because both teams were playing a bit more of a pro-formation in general rather than the wide spread of college. Worked in our favor so I'm not complaining. Just don't get too cocky boys, I need you to win more games than are expected of you. I'm too competitive for you to lose.

Also Andrew Luck made the most mind-blowing play I have ever seen live. I just stood there with my jaw dropped, not understanding what I had just witnessed. Check it. Starts at 2:32 on the video below

Was your mind just blown... because it should be! Sad to know that the Colts or Dolphins will probably get this kid, but maybe he can bring them out of their droughts. Overall, Stanford played a really great game, however the refs this weekend were very... interesting, and selective. Apparently holding only counts at the end of the 3rd quarter? And multiple obvious calls were just looked over, maybe they were in costume for Halloween weekend so the refs just didn't recognize them? I don't know, but ultimately I was just happy the game was over so I could have a normal heartbeat and adrenaline level again.

NFL football was not at the forefront of my sports weekend. I started watching in the morning with the guys, but was so drained by the USC game that I had no gusto left to give to my Patriots, or any other NFL team for that matter. But yay Lions and Bills for winning this weekend! Ndamukong! I just like saying your name. Can I call you King Kong? Even though your real name is actually super awesome and means House of Spears? Thanks. Well done Bills with the shut out, by the way. Patriots - Steelers game was boring and our defense was crap. Brady was also not on his A game, but it's ok, I know he's more competitive than I am and will pull it together next week. And that's all I have to say about NFL, sorry kids, feel free to add your own in-depth commentary because I just don't have it in me. I hope next weekend I am more enthusiastic.

So anyways. Besides sports, I did get to spend some quality time with good friends this weekend, which was fantastic. I got to cook a delicious meal for people I care about, make chocolate chip pancakes, tailgate with some characters, salsa dance on a Friday night, chill with some awesome (current/ former) seminary students and eat large amounts of food. Loved it. Very blessed with the people in my life.

It's getting a bit late, and the sleep monster is not creeping up on me but insomnia shall not win. Peace, love, and left over candy. Stay safe, be blessed, ciao ciao.

-Educated & Unemployed

Chocolate

I love chocolate. Friends consider me an addict so maybe love is a wee bit of an understatement. And not just any chocolate, DARK chocolate, the real stuff. And preferably fair trade (linky!). So needless to say, as an athlete, when it comes time to drop a weight class it's nearly impossible for me to cut out chocolate. In fact I usually just keep it in the diet, which is probably OK considering I usually eat 85% deliciousness.

Recently, I was reading up on some diets that figure/ fitness competitors use because those ladies are crazy lean and I came upon an interesting breakfast idea. And being a chocoholic, I decided to give it an antioxidant boost with my beloved treat. I present to you.... Supercharged Oatmeal!!

Photo Courtesy of Chuck @ sundaynightdinner.com 

Super Charged Chocolate Oatmeal
1/2 cup Rolled/ Steel Cut Oats
2 Egg Whites
1 Tbsp Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
Big dash of Cinnamon

1. Cook the oats in 1 cup of water with a pinch of Kosher salt until all of the water has been boiled out. No soupy oatmeal.
2. As soon as the oats are done transfer them to a big cereal bowl and immediately begin to add and whip in the egg whites. Stir until fully incorporated. Please take the word immediately seriously, I don't want anyone getting sick, the heat in the oatmeal cooks the egg whites as you stir.
3. Add cocoa powder and cinnamon. Stir until fully incorporated.
4. Sweeten as desired, I use a bit of honey but agave syrup and other sweeteners work just as well. For extra boost of vitamins and antioxidants add fruit of your choice.

Ta-da! Like magic you have the protein of eggs without having to eat scrambled eggs with veggies (like every other morning), and you get all the health benefits of chocolate without the guilt. The cinnamon will kick your metabolism into gear too, it's like the cayenne of sweet food spices, I love it. This is a low GI food too so it should keep you full for a long period of time. I promise you that you cannot even taste or feel or see any trace of eggs in the final product, they get cooked right into the oatmeal. Pretty awesome.

OK, confession time, the figure athlete that I got the recipe from uses 5 egg whites(!), but I couldn't bring myself to sacrifice that many egg yolks/ eggs in general so I modified it. But feel free to add as many egg whites as your heart and pocketbook desire.

So that's just a little gift from me to you athletes and anyone else that wants to try a healthy and delicious breakfast. I'm pretty sure this would go over well with the little ones as well because it's chocolate for breakfast!! Minus all the sugar they pack into processed chocolate products.

Back to sports!
NEW ZEALAND ALL BLACKS WON THE RUGBY WORLD CUP!!!! 2011 CHAMPIONS! I am super happy, they deserved it and fought valiantly for the prize. Love my All Blacks. Thank you for the awesome RWC. It was an intense game too, poor France lost by 1 point! That's extremely rare in a final match. The predicted spread was muuuch more than 1 point. Well done France and NZ.

In football news... what the heck Lions and Bills?! I am rooting for you guys! The ultimate underdogs! I want a crazy, out-of-left-field Super Bowl match up. Please pull yourselves together and deliver. Also I would like for everyone to stop bashing King Ndamukong Suh. That man is a beast, every player talks crap on the field, and he shouldn't be singled out just because he takes his job maybe much more seriously than others. I don't think he's an exceptionally dirty player, he's just intense and makes mistakes at times. I like him. He is like the Burfict of the NFL, except they have no relation in terms of field position haha. But Mr. Suh, please pull your D line together and get the Big W next game. Thanks.
The Pats had the weekend off which was good because I was not prepared to handle an NFL game that I actually cared about this weekend. And even though I am a Pats fan, and therefor the mortal enemy of the Jets by default, I am very happy that they beat the Chargers, because that team (and it's fan base) annoys me to no end. Thanks Sanchez.

Very happy that my USC boys took care of the Irish. Sports people give my team some credit though!!! For goodness' sake. There was some improvement in defense and offense this last game, don't just say that ND choked. Completely not fair. I am still all for a coaching change though, can we get Kiffin out of there? He has too much under-utilized talent to have games like that. CHANGE IT UP BUDDY! I am nervous for the Stanford game but have faith that we will pull off a good performance. Also I'm pretty bummed that I missed the extra epic ending to the Wisconsin game this weekend. I am sad for you Wisconsin, but you can come back! Believe in yourselves. Also I must state how thankful I am to have girlfriends that I can go grab a drink or lunch with and discuss sports, specifically football. Thanks mujeres ♥

Baseball World Series is going pretty well! It's tough to rally a viewing party together when all your football watching friends think baseball is the most boring sport ever, but every now and then I can pull it off, or I just watch with my dad. I'm hoping the Rangers pull of their first WS championship ever. That would be really awesome. Guess we'll just have to wait until tonight or tomorrow to find out! I can tell you are all on the edge of your seat.

Basketball, thank you for not coming back. I know it sucks for everyone that plays basketball, and their wives, and gold-diggers, and the sports arenas, but it's nice to not have it on my ESPN. With two of my sports ending though I'm going to have to find a new channel to watch.

Alright I'm off to train but have an excellent rest of the week! Enjoy some yummy oatmeal, chat with people about sports and enjoy the little flashes of sunshine that we have left for the winter/fall. Be blessed.

-Educated & Unemployed

Angst & Apathy

Ususally angst is defined as a feeling of deep anxiety, dread, fear, depression, misery, despair, hopelessness... (the list goes on and on) "typically an unfocused one [feeling] about the human condition or the state of the world in general." Thanks Miriam & Webster and MAC dictionaries for the gloom. Most of the world ascribes angst to teens because they have so much fun being melodramas about life. It's a hormone thing I'm sure. But I much prefer the Urban Dictionary definition of angst which is:

Angst, often confused with anxiety, is a transcendent emotion in that it combines the unbearable anguish of life with the hopes of overcoming this seemingly impossible situation.

Granted, my angst is not this serious, but it does exist. Yes, young adults have angst too. There comes a point in your unemployment journey where you begin to think there is no end to the road; no one will ever call you for an interview or to inquire about your references; there is no point to looking anymore; You are DOOMED to forever be the awkward hybrid of a couch-potato/ gym-rat. But then someone does call you back, or is impressed with how you can hold a conversation, or sends out your resume for you, and that little annoying fuzz ball, Hope, starts to bounce around again. So I guess you could say that I fall into the angst category because, surprisingly, I still have hope.


But then again there is the extreme apathy that accompanies unemployment. Sometimes you just don't care anymore. You give up, throw in the towel, and would much rather sit on your couch watching SportsCenter and How I Met Your Mother then even give the futile résumé send out another chance. Spasmodically, you are completely incapable of being the competitive go-getter that your normal employed-self is. At times I also fall into this category.

Much like the many other famous word pairings, such as Crime & Punishment, Pride & Prejudice, War & Peace, etc., Angst & Apathy is temperamental, long winded, has it's highs and lows, some moments of hope or love or beauty or laughs, and most importantly, an ending. How soon that ending will come is unknown, but with prayer and petition it will eventually happen. So here's to staying hopeful. And don't worry, true to form, the next blog will be fully dedicated to sports.


-Educated & Unemployed


"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." - Jeremiah 29: 11-13

Soul... Tasting?

Hellur interwebs.

Been a long time. OK not really. Buuuuuut I had an interesting weekend! And I didn't do too much soul searching but I did a lot of tasting. So I shall report.

Friday night I went to a friend's "Dirty Thirty" birthday party, which wasn't very dirty but was very much an "I'm 30 now" party. It was in her parents' huge backyard with delicious gumbo, too-sweet desserts and (drumroll please) a karaoke machine! Now my girlfriends and I did not go up to the front of the party to sing on this machine, but we were definitely having way too much fun in the corner belting out every song and making up dances. Going up to the stage would just put (almost) everyone prior to our performance to shame. Nonetheless we stole the show because most people didn't know the songs that they picked, and so everyone watched us execute a perfect performance. We had a blast.

Then we decided that Saturday we should head to Taste of Soul in downtown LA, mainly for Tyrese but also because it sounded like a great idea. We get there, I waste about 1/4 tank of gas just looking for parking, we walk a good mile or so to the event and through the other side for the correct venue, then we get to the stage Tyrese is supposed to perform on, wait an hour, and find out he won't be performing for a while. The lines for food were way too long and if it weren't for Jas's dad being a chef at the event we never would've eaten. We did run into a good amount of people that we knew and hadn't seen in a while so it was great in that sense. But man alive, never would we ever consider going back. Too many people, too unorganized, and not enough to do. And we never got to see Tyrese!! I didn't get to propose -.-
So in the end we the four delirious women went to The Counter in Pasadena and had some super delicious burgers with a side of hilarious conversation.

Photo: The Counter®

I got my burger without a bun (they put it in a bowl of mixed greens instead) and a side of sweet potato fries. Let me tell you, I LOVE burgers, and this was one of the best I've ever had. Red, White & Bluez makes a pretty mean kobe beef burger; I never thought I could find a rival burger in the Pasadena area, but alas, it has been discovered. At The Counter. Go. Now!

Sunday, I stayed pretty low key. I watched the Pat's game, which was very painful at certain points. Luckily my commercial break workout routine (yes I have one, if you would like it, drop a comment or an e-mail) kept me sane and my temper down. Ultimately that B-E-A-Utiful catch by Hernandez made my day and won the game. Suck it Cowboys!!! I apologize for the immaturity. But seriously we have some things to work on. Pats were not looking their best. I have full confidence that Belichick will handle it. Then I was ready to watch the recorded semi final game between the All Blacks and the Wallabies, only to find that it had to be PPV. Thanks for telling me that Direct TV before I recorded it. But anyways, THEY WON!!! So now the All Blacks are headed to the World Cup Final and I am stuck with the task of finding a venue in the greater Los Angeles area that shows the Final Game on Sunday because I don't want to watch another game on my computer. So instead of the game I watched For Colored Girls, which is really a tragic movie. It is a bit too much of a play in terms of dialogue and scene disconnectedness, but heart wrenching nonetheless. I have been swayed to just never date again.

So yeah, that was my weekend. Not that you much care. But this is my only platform to share so I might as well spill errythang. Hope you are starting off your week with a bang! Do something awesome. Don't forget to smile. And remember that Wednesday is tomorrow, so the week is almost over! Be blessed. Until next time,

-Educated & Unemployed

Off Fence

So my last post was all bubbles and rainbows and nice about children. And it was sincere and genuine, I really am inspired by little kids throughout my week. Buuuuuuut figured I'd throw in something less... positive? Because at heart I really am a (loving) sarcastic skeptic.

But this isn't really about skepticism, though I could go into an entire rant about the depressing international economy right now (yes, the pun was intended) or political ineptness or pending doom! No it's much more shallow and self absorbed, because much like everyone else in the world I am fallen short and have my human flaws and human moments.

Photo: Los Angeles Times (yay Brandon!)

These human moments are most pronounced during sports viewing events, especially when my team is playing. I know, I know, sports again. If you can survive, keep reading. There's always that one person trying to personally annoy you in a passive aggressive manner and you ignore it because you are trying to be a civil and decent being but all you really want to do is take them out, literally. Tonight that person was someone that I had never met in my life, but somehow decided to passive-agressively be a... jerk. Now I don't know if this is an insecurity thing, or if the new form of flirting is meant to be demeaning and anger provoking, but it's not cool buddy nor are you anywhere near contention for being flirted back with. So I just glued my eyes to the screen and watched my USC Trojans finish out the second half (fairly successfully) exchanging words with everyone else in the room that I actually knew. Now this random new-guy knew that I had just come back from a sparring session, went to USC, and loved sports because I clearly got to my friends' house and sat down in front of the TV to wolf down whatever food I was given; so why the provocation? WHY?! I can't just enjoy a game? You have to be excessively irritating when you know I have just come back from an adrenaline-inducing/ skills-honing activity? I would have tried to get to know this individual better had he not been so, dare I say, obnoxious. Yes everyone else in the room was joking with me about rooting for Cal not SC, which is fine, I take it in stride, laugh it off, and they know when to stop. But this guy had no way of picking up social cues I guess. So all that being said... I just wanted to kick his butt. Mature, I know.

But really, why is there always that ONE person? Always. If you're not serious about the game you can leave or just be quiet. I could really care less. But stop aggravating the people that are fans, it really doesn't benefit anyone.

In other news, I may start applying for a short-term part-time job because I would be going insane if it weren't for my gym, the kids that I tutor, and Jesus. Hope it's fun. Oh and possibly getting PT certification. And may have to rejoin the Big Facey. And I am really happy that my team won. So, I guess I'll sign off for the night. If I don't talk to you before the weekend, be sure to enjoy it! Stay safe and be blessed.

-Educated & Unemployed

Little Blessings

This past week/ weekend I was just reminded of how much a blessing children are. First off, let me just say that it seems like the population exploded with babies in the past 5 years. I see them EVERYWHERE! Though, with weird people pushing their dogs in strollers (yes you are weird, it's a DOG, it is meant to walk), my counting accuracy may be slightly off.

But as I was going about my daily business in the past few days, at least one random child seemed to always make my day or crack me up. I got to chat with my niece on the phone, feel the future nephew kick (or punch, we don't really know) my hand, laugh at my coach's kids attempting to play jump rope, and hear some pretty classic little kid conversations while running errands.
It reminded me of the blessing

"Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it."

'And He took the children in His arms, put His hands on them and blessed them.' - Mark  10:14-16

Just a good reminder of the attitude I need to have and the kind of faith I need to get back to. Also made me think of the little kids I miss dearly in a very different part of the world.

Guess I just needed to write this post to reflect a bit, be thankful, and remind whoever reads this thing that little children really are bundles of joy and people that we can learn a lot from... surprisingly.

Don't forget to smile today.

-Educated & Unemployed.

Epiphanies

I have decided that:

• I love football. I love cancer awareness. I hate football cancer awareness uniform tweaks.
• Usher needs to make a Bachata album. Period, end of story.
• I need to make a more conscious effort of reducing my slavery footprint 

• People need to be more conscious of their volunteer and short term mission actions. I decided this a while ago but, you know, cool people remind me of things to share.
• Rumba and ChaCha are highly underrated dances.
• Being sick is not awesome. But watching Barney Stinson be awesome on How I Met Your Mother, is legen- wait for it... DARY!
• The website I worked on is pretty cool and you should go check it out. Right hurr
• Facebook is not cool. I want to go back on but can't because... it's beyond stalkerish. I fear it.
• The new iPhone4S is G. 
• I have the best Mom in the Universe. Today is her birthday and we already have a quote. "Some people are such haters." I love her. She's "hip with my lingo" as she likes to say.
• I need to not be burnt out, fatigued, or disappointed with the so-far-failed job search but need to start a networking hustle asap.
• This post is long enough so I'll stop listing my thoughts

Everyone be blessed! Have a wonderful day in spite of the rain and gloom. And don't forget to be awesome.

-Educated & Unemployed

Exhausted

More like annoyed actually. I am fatigued with people asking me about how my job search is going. I get that you want to help, and are concerned, and have ideas. That is all awesome and great. Seriously. I get the concern. I appreciate it, honestly. But when I am at a point where I am sending cover letters and CVs to organizations that are not even posting jobs and have received absolutely no calls/ e-mails back for interviews or just to let me know that I DIDN'T make it to the interview round, I don't want people asking me how it's going because I have to lie to them and say it's going well when all I really want to do is punch somebody in the face. That was a rant-y and rude run-on sentence but it's true. And I'm not apologizing about it.

Happy Sunday.

-Educated & Unemployed

A Crisis Overlooked - The DR Congo

Friends and fellow web users,

I try not to get into intense on the blog because.. well, I try to not be one of those crazy web people. However, tonight while attending a conference, I was reminded why I am (patiently) seeking a job in my field and why the issues of Africa are so dear to my heart. My true passion being the rehabilitation and reintegration of child soldiers back into society, after hearing the presentation tonight I was reminded that the Congo was a place I could not overlook. I realize that not everyone shares my passion for this continent or these people, however, as a citizen of this world, living in a relatively free and democratic society with the resources to  do something I think that it is my responsibility to share this information with as many people as possible.

Today in the Democratic Republic of the Congo hundreds of thousands of people live in abject poverty, in fear for their lives, at risk of rape, in a system of brutality and exploitation, and have only seen a rise in the violence over the past 15 years. The DRC is experiencing a massive genocide. Over 6 MILLION people have lost their lives so far, more than half of those people being children under the age of 5. The number of those murdered over these 15 years is rapidly on it's way to surpassing those killed in the Holocaust, and yet barely anyone in the States or around the world is knowledgeable about the issue, the international media and community doing very little to help.

While this situation is dire and it seems as though there is absolutely nothing you can do, that's where you're wrong. You can start by bringing attention to the issue in your immediate community/ public, bugging your political representatives to recognize and do something about the DRC, ask your representative about their position on PL 109-456 and helping ex-pats that are in the States voice their experiences and their desire for change. The Congolese are a beautiful, intelligent and loving people, that are fully capable of governing themselves on their own terms, however they need the space to develop safely/sustainably; and they need to be given tools to develop, not Dead Aid thrown at those in the "government" who are corrupt and exploiting their land and lives. Please take the time to watch this short documentary, and at the end if you feel that you don't have time to get involved, at the very least spread the word.

Merci beaucoup. Asante Sana. Thank you very much.




For more information, resources, and ways to get involved please go to:
Friends of the Congo
Congo Justice
Crisis In The Congo
Human Rights Watch - DRC
Amnesty International - DRC

-Educated & Unemployed

22-year-old Spinster

Seriously.

I'm sitting at home by myself eating a salad, icing my shoulders and watching SportsCenter with my dog. This is kind of pathetic. Maybe I'll pop in Casablanca and watch the movie for the first time in my life just to play up the whole spinster-ness.

No Excuses

Inspiration. Gym = Beast Mode!

Winning?

This past weekend was far from "winning" in terms of sports for me. In case you can't tell I have invested a lot of time into sports, probably not a good thing for a competitive personality with very little room to actually exercise my competitive streak. USC looked like crap and lost epically, Pats lost to the Bills, Angels are out of the running for any kind of post-season (but I still want to go to a post-season game so feel free to gift me tickets whenever), US is out of the RWC (not that I expected them to win but I was hoping for 2 Ws), and I was completely debilitated on Sunday thanks to biology. If basketball had started this weekend I think I would've signed off ESPN all together in a fit of rage. Luckily I have been very blessed with the super awesome friendship of Shanaynay so I got to veg out on her couch on Sunday and watch cartoons with little kids and then quite possibly the most boring/awkward/painful Colts-Steelers game. Thanks Shanelle (and Jesus)! Love you.

I have also realized how sad it is that you will never hear about anything if you are not on Facebook. Seriously. A friend of mine just got engaged and I found out from my mom because she saw it on the big facey. And then you also miss out on all the fun youtube video sharing because no one wants to take the time to e-mail you stuff. And to everyone (who doesn't read this blog) whose birthday I have been missing, I'm sorry! We're still friends right?...

My Doc did give me the go-ahead to get back in the gym though so that's a WIN!!! Yay. I needed the gym after this weekend/ after a month of being banned from working out altogether by my doctor.

Still educated and unemployed, so I'm praying about that and finding different things to do in the meantime to support my med bills and other monthly payments, while still contributing to society in some way. Highly considering starting my own business... Stay tuned to find out more.

I need to finish posting the pictures from Kenya, I know I'm the worst procrastinator (or... the best??) but I promise it will eventually get done.

Politics today are beyond frustrating recently. Both political parties are being a bit ridiculous and need to realize that, while sticking to your "core principles" that seem to change from week to week,  fixing this economy is far more important than your pride and stupid minor details and ear-markers. I know it's not easy, but declaring "class warfare" is beyond ridiculous and claiming that fixing this situation is "simple math" does not put our fears to rest or help the market out at all. I just hope that a few congressmen/women who are actually out to serve their people and not their sponsors or own interests grow the balls to grab hold of this dysfunctional thing we call a congress and (at least begin) to set everything straight. Seriously, people are debating whether or not we are in a double-dip and you are concerned about waging class warfare against millionaires who are taxed half of what the Average american is? Which is really just everyone trying to create a cloud of fear and confusion before the elections so that both parties can seem like they have a legit case for office. First off, Republicans, get a hold of your party please. These Tea Party crazies are seriously damaging your image, ideology, and their policy ideas are pretty damaging to the people you are supposed to be helping. Their debates are a circus, I can only hope that people are sane and pick Romney. In a democracy I want to have to make a very difficult decision between candidates, not throw my vote into a box because I think the other person is inept. Democrats, step up your game. Obama has great intentions but lets congress step all over him because he is concerned about bi-partisanship and wants desperately to hold onto office. Grow a pair. Make tough decisions, get criticized for sticking to your guns not inaction, and stand up for whats right. It's really disappointing.

Actually praying for a real third party to step in (NOT like the Tea Party which is just a radicalized section of a political party).

I have to say that I blame the average citizen for our problems though. Seriously people, in a democracy you are supposed to vote so that you are represented. But people 'aren't informed enough' about the issues to go vote on things that affect your immediate community? 'Don't know enough' about a candidate to vote for someone in their local, county, state elections? Don't complain people. You have a ton of resources available to do all of the research you need. It's because we don't take the time to read up on policies and study candidates or officials and then go vote that we have these kinds of problems. And then we cry because the world around us is falling apart. Give me a break. Make an effort.

So that was kind of a rant. Didn't mean to be, just happened. But today there will be gym-ing!!! and meeting about a potential new business! and tutoring my girls! and applying to jobs! I'm amped and off to be productive. Ciao ciao. God Bless.

-Educated & Unemployed

P.S. Here are some interesting links/articles to check out. Enjoy:
"Classlessness in America"
Investing in a Recovering Economy
Crazy Eurozone
My New Favorite Blog

Shmacebook

So I am pretty confident that no one reads this blog. Which really makes it more like a journal, which I quite frankly need right now but I hate journaling. Blogging sounds more fun and is less painful to read/write.

On the menu for today! ...Or this week (really)!

• Facebook
• International Sport
• International Economy (or possibly lack thereof?)
• and we'll throw in some Politics just for fun.

I'll keep with the international theme on most things, but unfortunately, this being a blog, everything will be from my perspective. So if anyone DOES happen to stumble upon this thingy and read it, please don't judge meh! haha. Just kidding, but please chuck in your two cents and we can call it a conversation.

Facebook
I got rid of it. It kind of drives you insane. I have almost one hundred photo albums that I will probably need to go in and reclaim pictures from but the new user interface just threw me over the edge. I don't want to see what everyone is doing every blinking second of the minute that I am online. I am just trying to stay connected to peeps. I may have to stick to g-mail and blogging. Not like anybody even pays attention to my facey, so ya know, it ain't worth it. Google may soon own my life. That's frightening.

International Sport
As much as I love summer (and in LA it still is summer because, you know, we only have 2 seasons) I think Fall may quite possibly be the best season for sports. There's no basketball to interrupt my ESPN highlights reel, Rugby season is happening on the other side of the world even though you can only web stream it, I get two doses of football and a healthy amount of baseball. Yup, Fall is awesome.

So I was just watching some ESPN and was shocked at the amount of errors happening all over the leagues. Was I just blind before? Blissfully ignorant? Or has the number of errors increased? I mean, it was pretty appalling. But anyways, Dodgers are so bi-polar it's a great reminder of why I converted a while back. But... Always happy to see a win out of those guys, especially against the Giants. Angels are still in contention for the wild card so I'm just being hopeful for a post-season. Post-season is fun and right around the corner!!!! Lesgoooo

Football. I cut back on my addict-levels of football this week, shocking, I know, but I did manage to catch a good amount of the NFL games (or at least the end of the games). This week was great, we saw a lot of victories from behind. It may not have necessarily been the desired team with the desired outcome but, those final 2 or 3 minute victories are the best/ most heartbreaking. The ones that happen in the final seconds are real gut wrenches. Love em.

The amount of injuries at the Eagles - Falcons game was a bit high which is concerning considering it is only the second week of the official season. Maybe because there was much more than a normal football game on the line, but whose paying attention. Having worked in the mental health field for a bit, Vick's concussion was particularly concerning. Football being the number one non-boxing sport in the concussion winners circle, it was not surprising, but the way that he sustained his concussion was... ouch! To say the very least. I hope his brain bruise heals quickly. He's supposed to start this weekend, looks like he'll be fine. Tony Gonzalez, I would just like to say that your touchdown was a thing of beauty. Kafka, you did good kid, got your bearings after a bit, just need to shake off some nerves.

Brady, I love your football skills. If I could marry them, I probably would. (But I don't want to marry you, just the skill set, is that possible/legal?) That's all that needs to be said. And can we just admire the awesome teamwork that Belichick has worked so hard to create and maintain? The offense is looking like buttah. And I did love Wilfork's interception. Who DOESN'T love a big man touchdown attempt?? Seriously, they just make everything better. *muah* Pats. Keep it up.

Despise the Cowboys (or Cowgirls as a good friend lovingly calls them) but you gotta give it up to Romo. He didn't choke! The guy had some really baaad passes but he broke his ribs, I'm gonna go ahead and blame that on the O-line. At the end of the game he did step it up for the W. Which is what counts. Well done, Romo.

I skipped out on watching college football this weekend in favor of some quality family time. But USC did win it! And it was a pretty decent spread, which I think the team needed, since Kiffin's attitude is doing absolutely nothing to boost team or school morale (seriously dude, take a class on that). A really good friend of mine is on D-line and he did great so I'm proud of him for that W too. As for every other NCAA game, I can't comment, sorry. Except for how happy I am that Oklahoma and Texas are NOT joining the Pac 12. Seriously, we're already at 12... 14 is just excessive. AND YOU'RE NOT EVEN CLOSE TO THE PACIFIC!!!! Get out of my Conference holmes.

Rugby has been so exciting to watch! If anyone does end up reading this blog, and then reading this far down on the page, please please pick up your laptop/mouse/remote and find a Tri-Nations or world cup match to watch. Even a Seven's match! Just do it. Best sport ever invented. It needs to be bigger in the States. May be confusing at first, but give it time and you will fall in love.

Soooo I don't know if I blogged about it before but so far the US has beat Russia and lost to Ireland. I hope they do well in the match against the Wallabies tonight, because as a Tri-Nations All Blacks fan... I really don't like the Wallabies, and based on their most recent match it looks like the US could possibly stand a chance. But The US will probably not fare too well against Italy. I watched Italy's victory game over Russia and it looks like they've finally got their stride. South Africa really beat up Namibia last night with an 87-0 victory. My heartaches for Namibia, it's their first WC, you can tell they are trying, but they just can't win. Hopefully they catch a break soon, or next WC.

OK I think I've blabbed enough soooo I will go watch the rugby match and get to the next two menu items when I have time to gab again. Much love, be blessed. Ciao ciao

-Former College Student

Developing Green

Below is a great article from the Economist about how development and "growing green" do not have to be separated and are not reserved for companies who can afford 'luxury.' I think that it's an inspiring article but am also a bit skeptical on reporting of green companies. You just never know if this is the only thing being reported on and, as the author claims, companies are doing apparent 'good' by being green to cover over a multitude of wrongs. Nonetheless, looking into expanding existing green development models and creating new ones is an exciting idea. And the fact that not all of these decisions are being made by the higher-ups in the company is very interesting, and gives the employees a greater sense of proprietorship in the company and it's future, contributing to stability and growth in a company. Well at least that's my take on it.

But knock yourself out, read the article, give your feedback. Have an awesome week!

http://www.economist.com/node/21529015

- Former College Student.
a.k.a. College Graduate...

Unhealthy Habits

My face has been glued to a screen for the past 16 hours.

Seriously I'm surprised my eyes haven't fallen out of my head. ESPN should pay me for all of the hours I have spent with their programming. Professional Football. College Football. Baseball. Highlight reels. Obscure sports. RWC 2011. Boxing. EVERYTHING! I mean the latter two were obviously not on ESPN because they consider NASCAR and golfing to be more of a sport than boxing or rugby. I need to have a talk with someone about that. But anyways. Back to sports.

Rugby World Cup 2011 is phenomenal!!! I wish that I didn't have to watch every game after midnight, but it's worth it. I am obviously pulling for the Amazing All Blacks, rooting against Australian Wallabies (they're called the wallabies, how seriously can you take them??) and the underdogs in all other situations.

Football. I love you. But there is a point of over saturation that no one can handle you. It all just blends together after 4 games in one day. I still love you, buuuut maybe it's time we take a break? It's not you, it's me. And my NCAA team is not doing phenomenally well, with the exception of today. Pats are killing it though!! Brady continues to impress me every week. Laser like passing skillzzzzz. How is your team doing? All 2 of you that read this thing...

 Baseball and I kind of broke up last year. We're attempting to reconcile right now, but my darlings are not making it easy for me. Angel's are constantly a game or 2 behind in the AL West, Cubs are a constant heartbreak, you know... it's hard out there for a pimp. But I love the game, and I'm happy to watch it at anytime. (aka Angels tickets are appreciated tokens of charity)

Everything said, I feel really guilty for spending long amounts of time watching sports while working on random odd jobs throughout the day, since being back from Kenya. I don't really know how to curb that guilty feeling, but I do know that I need to cut down on my sports time, so maybe that will help.

Well peoples my brain hurts. So I am gonna wrap this up. Much love. May God bless the rest of your weekend and week! Stay safe.

O and be sure to steer clear of any Mayweathers out there. You might get punched while you dish out a hug.

Kenya Album Pt. II

It just keeps going...

 Kibera © Nicole A. Pontón

 Ladders © Nicole A. Pontón

 Lofty Thoughts © Nicole A. Pontón

 Karma Chameleon © Nicole A. Pontón

 Pathways © Nicole A. Pontón

 Rays © Nicole A. Pontón

 Joy © Nicole A. Pontón

 Friendship © Nicole A. Pontón

 Dinner © Nicole A. Pontón

Munchkin © Nicole A. Pontón

They're not all downloading correctly but hopefully you can view them alright.