Nylon mag is giving away 27 free dowloads on Itunes, check em out. Some of these are repeats and some were already featured on Urban's website, but hey, can't complain about something free!
http://www.nylonmag.com/?section=article&parid=3856
Also Urban Outfitters makes a new playlist every month packed with some good music.
http://lstn.urbanoutfitters.com/
Been playing this one in my car, these girls rock it out.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Bikram Yoga
When the summer heat left Houston in October I missed it so much I took up a new practice of Yoga that is held in a heated room. I nearly passed out the first time I went, and two months later I still struggle for air after some of the breath restricting poses. Its worth it though because its made me drop 6 lbs with just 3 sessions every week and the refreshed and relaxed feeling you get after is just undescribable. It looks easy in this vid but trust me after doing two sets of each and holding them up to a minute each time, it's physically daunting. The first 60 minutes of exercises are just to warm up the body for the last 30 minute workout which involves alternating cardio enhancing poses with 20 seconds of the dead pose to let the body recover.
Do Good
I listen to people's sad stories about their hardships all day long, finding solutions for them has been in my job description for the past 5 years. Within in my company we are having to bend over backwards to help people and find creative solutions to keep them positive in their times of crisis. It's had me thinking about how we can do something on a larger scale.
My dad and I have been brainstorming and together we finished our letter to President Obama last week with some of our ideas for a job stimulus program. By our calculations, it would be more beneficial for the government to distribute unemployment benefits back into a company that is laying off employees to keep these workers rather than paying people who lost their jobs to sit at home. We know that companies are not able to hire right now and surely they could use the manpower even though they cannot afford to keep paying the wages. This way the employees can continue to work until this economical slump starts to wane and they will maintain some smidgen of dignity as well.
That's just a small summary of part of the letter, can't give away all our secrets. Something has got to change...
Make a difference!
http://www.39online.com/news/local/kiah-red-kettle-campaign-story,0,6709245.story
In this time of need, if you are someone who can give go pick up a Salvation Army Angel this holiday season. I walked over to the Galleria and got my first child to help. If you do not have the extra cash right now, find a way to donate your time. It can make the difference in someone's life!
If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.
\
My dad and I have been brainstorming and together we finished our letter to President Obama last week with some of our ideas for a job stimulus program. By our calculations, it would be more beneficial for the government to distribute unemployment benefits back into a company that is laying off employees to keep these workers rather than paying people who lost their jobs to sit at home. We know that companies are not able to hire right now and surely they could use the manpower even though they cannot afford to keep paying the wages. This way the employees can continue to work until this economical slump starts to wane and they will maintain some smidgen of dignity as well.
That's just a small summary of part of the letter, can't give away all our secrets. Something has got to change...
Make a difference!
http://www.39online.com/news/local/kiah-red-kettle-campaign-story,0,6709245.story
In this time of need, if you are someone who can give go pick up a Salvation Army Angel this holiday season. I walked over to the Galleria and got my first child to help. If you do not have the extra cash right now, find a way to donate your time. It can make the difference in someone's life!
If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.
\
Saturday, November 28, 2009
BEER CAN SAVE THE PLANET. NO, REALLY.
During some of my incessant research on my new work project I came across this article on EARTH911.COM
A hospital and a local brewery in southern Wisconsin are piloting a program to create renewable energy.
The project, which began Oct. 7, generates energy by turning methane discharge from City Brewery’s waste treatment into power. The gas, which used to be flared or released into the atmosphere, is then converted to electricity using an engine installed by Gundersen Lutheran, a healthcare group headquartered in the same city.
The project should generate three million kilowatt hours each year, offsetting about 8 percent of the electricity used on two of Gundersen Lutheran’s largest campuses. Photo: Gundersen Lutheran
The electricity is then sent to the grid to be consumed by local power customers. To offset the costs of its consumption, the hospital is paid by the local utility for the power produced.
“With the cost of health care increasing, we are trying to hedge that inflation. We are working very aggressively to reduce the cost of energy and the cost of healthcare, and pass those savings on to patients,” said Jeff Rich, Gundersen Lutheran’s executive director of major projects and efficiency improvement.
To close the loop, heat generated from the engine will be captured and recycled back to produce heat for the waste treatment process at City Brewery.
“This project is pioneering. It’s transformational to think of a healthcare system taking action to be a producer of power,” said Rich.
Electricity generated from coal can increase the risk of heart, lung and liver disease, as well as lead to reproductive problems from mercury in water. Photo: Gundersen Lutheran
But the combined heat and power project is just the first step toward Gundersen Lutheran’s goal of reaching energy independence. In hopes of creating a healthier and more sustainable environment for its patients, Gundersen Lutheran has started the “Envision” campaign.
Rich explained that hospitals are about two-and-a-half times as energy intensive as most business structures. “We are a big consumers of coal-fired electricity. But as a healthcare provider, that is not consistent with our mission.”
Gundersen Lutheran has a multi-pronged approach to environmental stewardship, including meeting 100 percent of its energy needs for its facilities by 2014, committing to environmentally and economically sustainable business practices, partnering with communities, providing national leadership and lowing healthcare costs.
It plans to meet these goals by using renewable energy, improving energy efficiency, working on recycling and waste management and achieving LEED certification of new buildings.
HealthLeaders Media said Gundersen Lutheran’s green initiative is “probably the most ambitious eco-friendly agenda of any healthcare entity in the United States.”
A hospital and a local brewery in southern Wisconsin are piloting a program to create renewable energy.
The project, which began Oct. 7, generates energy by turning methane discharge from City Brewery’s waste treatment into power. The gas, which used to be flared or released into the atmosphere, is then converted to electricity using an engine installed by Gundersen Lutheran, a healthcare group headquartered in the same city.
The project should generate three million kilowatt hours each year, offsetting about 8 percent of the electricity used on two of Gundersen Lutheran’s largest campuses. Photo: Gundersen Lutheran
The electricity is then sent to the grid to be consumed by local power customers. To offset the costs of its consumption, the hospital is paid by the local utility for the power produced.
“With the cost of health care increasing, we are trying to hedge that inflation. We are working very aggressively to reduce the cost of energy and the cost of healthcare, and pass those savings on to patients,” said Jeff Rich, Gundersen Lutheran’s executive director of major projects and efficiency improvement.
To close the loop, heat generated from the engine will be captured and recycled back to produce heat for the waste treatment process at City Brewery.
“This project is pioneering. It’s transformational to think of a healthcare system taking action to be a producer of power,” said Rich.
Electricity generated from coal can increase the risk of heart, lung and liver disease, as well as lead to reproductive problems from mercury in water. Photo: Gundersen Lutheran
But the combined heat and power project is just the first step toward Gundersen Lutheran’s goal of reaching energy independence. In hopes of creating a healthier and more sustainable environment for its patients, Gundersen Lutheran has started the “Envision” campaign.
Rich explained that hospitals are about two-and-a-half times as energy intensive as most business structures. “We are a big consumers of coal-fired electricity. But as a healthcare provider, that is not consistent with our mission.”
Gundersen Lutheran has a multi-pronged approach to environmental stewardship, including meeting 100 percent of its energy needs for its facilities by 2014, committing to environmentally and economically sustainable business practices, partnering with communities, providing national leadership and lowing healthcare costs.
It plans to meet these goals by using renewable energy, improving energy efficiency, working on recycling and waste management and achieving LEED certification of new buildings.
HealthLeaders Media said Gundersen Lutheran’s green initiative is “probably the most ambitious eco-friendly agenda of any healthcare entity in the United States.”
Life's difficult questions, team edward or team jacob?
Never thought that I would put myself through the torture of seeing the second movie of the twilight series but because every other movie was sold out it was the inevitable choice on this cloudy day. I must admit, it was better than the first though and I actually left the theater thinking to myself what should bella do? I mean Jacob and his wolverine clan are fantastically hot and the probably the safer choice of the two and as Charlie Swan asked his daughter: don't you should think about loving someone who is good for you? There is just something about that Edward that is irresistible and I'm starting to see that sometimes love doesn't make sense and you can't control it.... Geez, why am I blogging about this crap?!?!
Lyrics from Blue and Gold Print - Mates of State
So long, lost loves.
I haven't forgotten you, just yet.I hung your picture before I knew, next to scenes set in golden hues.
Your face, still drifting inside my head. The weight is gone, heavy words that I could have said.
I sang instead when other girls only cried. I called it grace.
I am a mindless child.
But I said: He's treating me right.
You're gone.What's left?Memories of greater days just hang.
Look on, you say. Build together the obvious clues.
Taught you: skip the series of laid out rules. Go sing outside, as clouds raining spark the night.
That's how we met.Was it the greatest day of this life?
I said: he's treating me right.We're just a little bit lost inside our bones.We're just a little unkept out in the streets.But I won't ever pass up a second to tell you replacement's a myth.'Cause I know when the kids are all grown we will still have this blue and gold print.
Thursday, November 26, 2009
ticket confirmations
Chargers are in first place in the division, after a 5 game winning streak we finally look like the awesome team of seasons past. I bought game tickets for December 13 when I will be watching them play the Cowboys up in Dallas. Can't wait....
Oh and I AM GOING TO BARCELONA DECEMBER 29th!!!!!!!!
R booked my ticket last week, and it all still seems to good to be true. I can't describe what it feels like to be be able to care about someone and not fear that they don't feel see the same way back, if not more. Trust is everything, without it I don't think it's possible to be happy in a relationship. Plus, R just left to Spain yesterday for a few days to renew his work visa so that he can work in Houston til Christmas and then come back again in January!
Oh and I AM GOING TO BARCELONA DECEMBER 29th!!!!!!!!
R booked my ticket last week, and it all still seems to good to be true. I can't describe what it feels like to be be able to care about someone and not fear that they don't feel see the same way back, if not more. Trust is everything, without it I don't think it's possible to be happy in a relationship. Plus, R just left to Spain yesterday for a few days to renew his work visa so that he can work in Houston til Christmas and then come back again in January!
Monday, November 23, 2009
FT: Jokes, duh.
The Parrot
A young man named John received a parrot as a gift. The parrot had a bad attitude and an even worse vocabulary. Every word out of the bird's' mouth was rude, obnoxious and laced with profanity. John tried and tried to change the bird's attitude by consistently saying only polite words, playing soft music and anything else he could think of to "clean up" the bird's vocabulary.
Finally, John was fed up and he yelled at the parrot. The parrot yelled back. John shook the parrot and the parrot got angrier and even ruder. John, in desperation, threw up his hand, grabbed the bird and put him in the freezer. For a few minutes the parrot squawked and kicked and screamed. Then suddenly there was total quiet. Not a peep was heard for over a minute.
Fearing that he'd hurt the parrot, John quickly opened the door to the freezer. The parrot calmly stepped out onto John's outstretched arms and said "I believe I may have offended you with my rude language and actions. I'm sincerely remorseful for my inappropriate transgressions and I fully intend to do everything I can to correct my rude and unforgivable behavior."
John was stunned at the change in the bird's attitude. As he was about to ask the parrot what had made such a dramatic change in his behavior, the bird continued, "May I ask what the turkey did?"
A young man named John received a parrot as a gift. The parrot had a bad attitude and an even worse vocabulary. Every word out of the bird's' mouth was rude, obnoxious and laced with profanity. John tried and tried to change the bird's attitude by consistently saying only polite words, playing soft music and anything else he could think of to "clean up" the bird's vocabulary.
Finally, John was fed up and he yelled at the parrot. The parrot yelled back. John shook the parrot and the parrot got angrier and even ruder. John, in desperation, threw up his hand, grabbed the bird and put him in the freezer. For a few minutes the parrot squawked and kicked and screamed. Then suddenly there was total quiet. Not a peep was heard for over a minute.
Fearing that he'd hurt the parrot, John quickly opened the door to the freezer. The parrot calmly stepped out onto John's outstretched arms and said "I believe I may have offended you with my rude language and actions. I'm sincerely remorseful for my inappropriate transgressions and I fully intend to do everything I can to correct my rude and unforgivable behavior."
John was stunned at the change in the bird's attitude. As he was about to ask the parrot what had made such a dramatic change in his behavior, the bird continued, "May I ask what the turkey did?"
F.T.: design!
Favorite things: Dwight
Saturday night I was fortunate enought to be invited to see the legendary Dwight Yoakum perform...
if you don't recognize his music maybe you will remember him from Wedding Crashers!
if you don't recognize his music maybe you will remember him from Wedding Crashers!
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Favorite things: MY DOG!
Coco warming herself by the fireplace the other morning. Don't mean to brag, but she's hands down the cutest and best-behaved dog in the entire world.
Friday, November 13, 2009
favorite things: Willie Nelson
Headin out to New Orleans on a 9 o'clock flight tomorrow morning.
So here's a little ditty by four badasses Willie, Waylon, Johnnie Cash, and Kris Kristopherson, also known as the highwaymen.
So here's a little ditty by four badasses Willie, Waylon, Johnnie Cash, and Kris Kristopherson, also known as the highwaymen.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Favorite Things: Good Advice
Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
When in doubt, just take the next small step.
Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.
Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
It's OK to let your children see you cry.
Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.
Everything can change in the blink of an eye.
Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.
No one is in charge of your happiness but you.
Frame every so-called disaster with these words 'In five years, will this matter?
Always choose life.
Forgive everyone everything.
What other people think of you is none of your business.
Time heals almost everything. Give time time.
However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
Believe in miracles.
Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.
All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.
Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
The best is yet to come.
No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
Yield.
Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift.
Favorite Things: Veterans Day edition
Happy Veterans Day! This blog goes out to all those who have served our country so bravely.
You just can't top the following compilation of my favorite things: the United States Military, Sunday Fundays, the wicked power of Blue and Gold, and Going Green.
This has been one of the most fun-filled weeks in a very long time!
Last Sunday, R and I ventured out to an air show just south of the city. After taking a wrong turn we stumbled upon a beautiful hill top where we could get a perfect view of the runway. It ended up being the best seat in the house as all aircrafts, including the Blue Angels circled directly overhead the entire day. That's smoke in the background from the bombing effects show they put on.
The Blue Angels are AMAZING!!! I'm especially proud of the Navy because both my parents served and I was born on base in Maryland.
On Tuesday the 3rd, we celebrated our one-month anniversary! He makes me feel like the luckiest girl in the world except for the tiny detail that he only he'll only be here until December 4th. Then he'll go back home to Barcelona and then off to work in Paris. We're planning a trip for me to go visit for New Years, and then who knows where this will lead...... For now, I'm just going to enjoy all the wonderful times we're having.
Back to another Sunday funday, R and I went to the Aquarium downtown and then over to the Hard Rock Cafe to watch the Chargers shame one of our archenemies, Eli Manning and his NY Giants in a clutch win 21-20!!!! Take that you big baby!
Love this headline......
After emotionally draining loss to Chargers, New York Giants' season is on life support
Ciao for now!
You just can't top the following compilation of my favorite things: the United States Military, Sunday Fundays, the wicked power of Blue and Gold, and Going Green.
This has been one of the most fun-filled weeks in a very long time!Last Sunday, R and I ventured out to an air show just south of the city. After taking a wrong turn we stumbled upon a beautiful hill top where we could get a perfect view of the runway. It ended up being the best seat in the house as all aircrafts, including the Blue Angels circled directly overhead the entire day. That's smoke in the background from the bombing effects show they put on.
The Blue Angels are AMAZING!!! I'm especially proud of the Navy because both my parents served and I was born on base in Maryland.
On Tuesday the 3rd, we celebrated our one-month anniversary! He makes me feel like the luckiest girl in the world except for the tiny detail that he only he'll only be here until December 4th. Then he'll go back home to Barcelona and then off to work in Paris. We're planning a trip for me to go visit for New Years, and then who knows where this will lead...... For now, I'm just going to enjoy all the wonderful times we're having.
When it rains it pours and fortunately it's all good things at the present moment Just when I though I couldn't stand the same old routine at work, things got pretty exciting last week. My company wanted to launch a new project have completed within the next 4 months to enhance the business. I suggested we should Go Green and see just how "paperless" our office can be. Needless to say, the President loved it and I was unanimously voted as team leader for the project!!!! To top it off, up until the start of April I'll get to manage all the office managers and others in this huge undertaking. We will get to present our completed project by the start of the 40th Earth Month anniversary, how perfect is that! Seriously, these are the kind of tasks I live for.
Check this out....
http://www.bluegold-worldwaterwars.com/After we watched the FCB (which I must add the Barcelona Soccer team is the hottest group of men in sports today) win their match Saturday night, we took in an Aeros hockey game with my friend Amanda and her husband Vino. While making our way to our seats we passed right by George H W Bush, Sr and he nodded at us! He was there for the special salute to the military night. We won 5 to 2, witnessed fights galore and passed the 41st president again on our way out! No big deal.
Back to another Sunday funday, R and I went to the Aquarium downtown and then over to the Hard Rock Cafe to watch the Chargers shame one of our archenemies, Eli Manning and his NY Giants in a clutch win 21-20!!!! Take that you big baby!
Love this headline......
After emotionally draining loss to Chargers, New York Giants' season is on life support
Ciao for now!
favorite things: new playlists
in catalonia....one more language to learn
thank you R for introducing me to all these new songs!!!
Friday, November 6, 2009
My Favorite Things: Sappy Spanish Love Songs
The next is from this amazing film Amores Perros, translation: Love is a Bitch.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
My Favorite Things: San Diego
Heard this song the other day in a store, of course when I look it up it was from a commercial for San Diego =O Now I love it even more...... I was going to start my Favorite Things blog series differently but I suppose that it's only right that my favorite city gets the honor.
Monday, November 2, 2009
Q: How Come Witches Can't Have Babies?????
Captain Cave Girl Hard at Work Friday October 30th
Speaking of Caves, here are two of the Greatest Scary Movies ever--
The Descent
High Tension
A: Because Their Husbands Have Halloweenies!!!
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