MIA

I know, I've been Missing In Action.

I believe this is the longest I've gone without posting something on this blog, which is horrible. I've been overwhelmed with being a graduate student. Surprise, surprise for any other readers who understand the pain and suffering that is associated with being a graduate student. And for those of you who don't, it's horrible, trust me. Don't do it! My only hope is that it'll all be worth it once I'm done and can officially be called a DOCTOR. *fingers crossed*

I just started my first semester as a TA (teaching assistant), and it's been interesting teaching mostly freshmen who don't seem to really care whatsoever. I guess they like wasting their parents money, and their education. Thankfully, not all of my classes are this way. I do have some promising students mixed in. I'm still trying to figure out how to memorize all 70+ student names. On top of keeping up with grading multiple weekly assignments from each student. I teach ALL day on Tuesdays. If I'm lucky, I can have a chance to eat lunch in between labs, but other days, I will probably have only 15 minutes to eat.

I've been trying to keep that in mind and pack extra snacks so my stomach doesn't start growling while I'm trying to teach. My stomach is loud, no one wants to hear that. I have fallen more and more in love with KIND bars. I wrote an earlier post about them, but hadn't tried as many of their flavors then.

From left to right: Almond and Apricots (in yogurt), Blueberry Pecan, Pomegranate Blueberry Pistachio, Dark Chocolate Cherry Cashew, Sesame and Peanuts

My favorite is definitely the Sesame and Peanuts and Pomegranate Blueberry Pistachio. If I'm craving chocolate, I go with the sesame one, if I want something more fruity, I go with the latter.

I have also been storing mini-bags of popcorn in my snack drawer at work, and fruit in the mini-fridge. I usually like to have a variety of fruit. Recently I've been really liking fresh mandarin oranges, red grapes, blueberries, pineapple, pears, and blackberries. I usually buy whatever is in season or on sale at the grocery store. I'm not a really picky person when it comes to fruit as long as it's sweet and juicy.

Anybody else have to plan their lunch around other obligations?

Note: All products were purchased by me, with my own money. All opinions are my own.

Happy New Year!

I can't believe it is already 2012!

I'm so glad that I started this blog this past year, it has been a really nice outlet away from all things science.

This is what science does to you!

I'm also so grateful for you readers that take the time to even glance at my blog. I had no idea I would get so many people from so many different countries reading about the food I cook and my thoughts on all things food. Thank you!

I have many new additions I want to incorporate into this blog this new year:
1. Making my own title and background wallpaper. I really need to learn more about digital art/graphics and Photoshop and all of that computer stuff!
2. Reorganizing the text and photos.
3. Making Chicken a la King! This is only one example of many new things on my list that I want to try and cook in the future.
4. Remembering to take pictures of what I take to work for lunch and posting about them.
5. Baking more cheesecakes, which I don't do as often as I used to because I don't need entire cheesecakes floating around in my fridge. 
6. Starting another blog in addition to this one about nail polish, fashion, makeup, and all things girly. (I'm a science nerd who cares about that fact that I'm a female in a male dominated industry, is a bit really obsessed with nail polish, and would one day like to work in the cosmetics industry as a scientist.)
7. Possibly attempting to film myself cooking. I'm still not sure about this only because I don't have the right equipment to have a good setup to film. I only have a digital camera and not a camcorder or tripod.

Anyone have any interesting new years resolutions for 2012?

First Post!

I am excited to start a food blog...finally! It has taken me a long time to just sit down and start it. I am new to the blogging world but hope that this will be a nice outlet for me besides slaving away in the lab all the time. Here is a little bit about myself:

• Graduate student studying biochemistry (I know, I am a nerd).
• I spend most of my time researching in a lab.
• I like to take my lunch to work when I can. Especially if I cooked the night before and have leftovers.
• I am not a vegetarian, but at times it seems like I am one.
• My go to dessert when I need to bake something for a potluck or event is white chocolate raspberry cheesecake.
• I will try pretty much any kind of food at least once, unless it is still alive and moving or an insect. There are some creepy delicacies out there. Other than that, I am not a picky eater whatsoever.
• Balance is everything!

Anybody like cheesecake?! Here is sneak peak at one of my future recipe posts. 

Homemade white chocolate raspberry cheesecake with an oreo cookie crust (minus the cream filling).

Until next time, it is time for me to start remembering to take pictures of all the food that I eat. =)