TOMORROW! Robyn Concert

SO my level of excitement regarding the Robyn concert at the HOB Boston is killing me!
Seriously, just listen to her so you know what I mean when I say "this woman can sing!"

Sorry for my AWOLness

I know it has been a while since my last post, and I apologize because I really have no excuse what-so-ever not to blog. I have had tons of free time on my hands, and instead of using it productively to blog and such, I have been watching Brothers and Sisters, Skins, Gossip Girl, etc. I have even been to the movies twice already this week (its only Thursday), which means that I must be very very bored (for those of you who don't know this: I usually hate going to the movies).

Anyways here are some pictures from BU Relay for Life. This was my very unexpected Saturday activity about 2 weeks ago. I was all ready to sit and sulk for night, when my friends suggested we take part in this philanthropic event. Got my stuff together and walked all night (almost). Ran several meters and even completed a wheelbarrow race, all before going to bed at 6:30 am (only to wake up at 10ish the next morning).

Hope you enjoy and decide to take part in a Relay for Life (if you ever get a chance).

P.S. Next year I want to get a sponsor and try to walk the whole 12 hours (6pm to 6am) non-stop. Would need help from my friends to distract me, feed me, and quench my thirst, but I think I can pull it off!

Hunting Season

Having returned to my Boston home, the hunt to find a more comfortable abode for next semester has begun (I felt like using proper wording). Amanda and I have started looking for apartments in several places, hoping we can make our decision and pick a two bedroom unit as soon as possible. Our most preferred location is Bay State Road or Commonwealth Ave. (in the lower numbers), and we do NOT mind paying for location. Location is everything!

Anyways, having said that, apartments are flying out of our reach (being rented by other BU dorm-escaping students) and a decision must be made. We are now debating whether to move into a nice 2 bedroom on 43 Bay State, as opposed to a very chic unit at the Trilogy (Fenway) or a brick-walled apartment on Park St. (South Campus) that includes access to an amazing roof-deck. We are also on the lookout for Comm Ave apartments, but unfortunately those might not be available by September.

Here are some pictures to help illustrate our dilemma.

a similar Bay State entrance

The Trilogy at Fenway

Jog It Out

Since I am trying to prepare myself for marathon training in future years (maybe very far future) and since I am in a jogging city, I thought I would share my routes. I try to jog about 3 times a week (I am in pre pre-training for marathon!), length depending on my motivation, energy and time. It is a great way to see Boston and enjoy the nice weather (while it lasts). So here are my most common routes, including distance (both in miles and kilometers since I am Mexican!!):

• Harvard Run > Charles River esplanade from Silber Avenue towards JFK St., cross over to Harvard Sq. at JFK and come back on the other side of the river. Great for Sundays when they close part of Memorial Dr. for pedestrians. Lovely view of the Charles and great way to explore Harvard Sq. 10.6 km (6.25 mi).
• MIT Run > cross over Mass Ave. Bridge towards MIT and take a right, run along the Charles River (yes it will be a part of most of my routes because it is so pretty) until you reach the Cambridge Bridge. Take another right and run along the esplanade. First I did this run, I got lost around the MIT campus and ended up doing a longer run (also an option). 6.5 km (4.1 mi)
  
  

• Esplanade > run along esplanade towards the Western Ave. bridge and cross it. Run back along the Charles and cross back through Mass. Ave Bridge. It is short, nice, and easily adaptable if your body asks for more (run until either JFK Bridge or the Harvard Pedestrian Bridge) or less (run only until the River St Bridge)! 7.4 km (4.6 mi)
• Commonwealth Avenue > being one of the most beautiful streets in Boston (at least in my humble opinion), you are bound to keep running with no difficulty at all. Run down Comm Ave (from 575) until you reach the Boston Common (picturesque park) and return via Newbury St. (also a very pretty street, and filled with stores to look at while you jog by). Very easy to make longer or shorter and a great way to explore the city! 5.7 km (3.6 mi)

Top 10 College "Yummies"

Here are my favorite snacks, meals, something like that (yummies) since I've lived in Boston. I pretty much live of off these things! (among other things obviously)

1. Corn Muffins (575 Cafe) > talk about addiction! I have found my favorite breakfast item. They are oh-so-very good and every morning (not really) I run down to the Cafe to get one and enjoy it in my room with coffee and fruit! If you ever get a chance, try them!

2. Chobani Non-Fat Plain Greek Yogurt > mid-afternoon and you are starving because you had an early lunch after the COM lecture, what do you do? Have a yogurt! Very good plain or sweetened with Splenda (no after taste). They have other flavors as well, but I haven't tried them yet since I am hooked on this one.

3. Organic Mango (Whole Foods) > Supergood. Supersnack. Naturally Sweet. Full serving of 100% real fruit. Energy packed. Those are some of the advertising phrases on their package (which btw is very cool). Imagine dried fruit without anything else! (if you didn't already know, I am a health freak!). Anyways, I am all for dried fruit (not dry also) and I recently discovered these unsweetened goodies.

4. Raw Almonds > You can find them anywhere and they're a great source of "good fat" whatever that is. I love them frozen so that when you pop them in your mouth they crunch. I will have them mornings, afternoons and nights. A plus: they last a long time in the freezer (o fridge if you don't have a tiny freezer in your mini-fridge).

5. Leek and Goat Cheese Quiche (Petit Robert Bistro) > the first time I ate here I didn't like it so much because of the short dinner menu, but for lunch they have delicious dishes. The quiche is insanely cheese and creamy with a crunchy golden crust. Also, it comes with a side salad so you can still have you greens for lunch!

6. Dark Chocolate M&Ms > I had these before getting to BU, but I hadn't realized how good they are! They have such great taste, sweet crust with dark filling, what more can you ask for? A plus: they come in just the right sized bags enough for sharing or even finishing them off on your own.

7. Sprite Zero > I know this is not at all healthy, but it's good! So refreshing during the afternoon. I love the bubbling in my mouth, although you must have it cold! A plus: makes a great cheyser!

8. Portobello Mushrooms > What did I say when my mother offered these years ago? Ew! How can you eat such a gross-looking thing! Had them about 2 weeks ago in a quesadilla and then with a salad and now I can't stop myself! Try them next time you get a chance even though they still do look kinda weird!

9. Organic Peanut Butter (BU dining halls) > I don't actually know what the brand is but its just the right texture and taste! The best is when it's been in the fridge and it's cold enough to stay on the plastic spoon (originally meant for the ice-cream) but soft enough to lick off slowly!

10. McIntosh Apples > my all-time favorite have always been Granny Smith apples, but I tried this since it was the dining hall option (I never leave the dining hall without a fruit stash) and they are tangy enough to keep eating them daily, but sweet enough to not kill my stomach! Great texture also (I hate not-crunchy apples). A plus: really refreshing if kept in the fridge!