tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64579120373258102372024-03-05T21:54:31.284-03:00La ChilengüitaTyffaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09548359365357670908noreply@blogger.comBlogger285125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6457912037325810237.post-60930253862782134632011-08-16T16:47:00.002-04:002011-08-16T16:53:12.312-04:00Catch-up?<div>I feel like I'll never catch up on all the fun I've been having in funemployment if I keep taking week-long (or longer) breaks from blogging! There has just been so much going on. Tons of trámites.....which I have yet to even detail so that anyone else moving from Chile knows what needs to be done, we had a friend visiting for a week, and now we are packing up to head to Viña for the rest of our time in Chile before moving back to the States. On top of that, there is the whole job search and big secret project (yet to be revealed) that we are both working on. Oh and of course getting in some travel--we are going to Easter Island at the end of the month!--and planning our three going away parties (one in Viña, one in Rancagua and a big one in Santiago). </div><div>
<br /></div><div>So in a nutshell, funemployment has been busy, but a good--make that GREAT--busy! I really want to do some recaps so that I can remember what an awesome time our last months in Chile have been. Plus I still want to write about our trips to San Pedro de Atacama and Buenos Aires--and soon the Easter Island trip too! </div><div>
<br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUkR8aCpHV5Xtl6oTHW1hMlQtV7Dgom8noweZ_vBkMxFTZtPbPNluewNfARcafl7u-3E6LprUrRRIwwBIXa525VihhhLy3m_2jP_CV6b28qMUTBpLImnM8Nz_KjD_ajGNJouFvRh3jj30/s1600-h/signature+smaller+v3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361480897959566658" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 133px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 74px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUkR8aCpHV5Xtl6oTHW1hMlQtV7Dgom8noweZ_vBkMxFTZtPbPNluewNfARcafl7u-3E6LprUrRRIwwBIXa525VihhhLy3m_2jP_CV6b28qMUTBpLImnM8Nz_KjD_ajGNJouFvRh3jj30/s200/signature+smaller+v3.jpg" border="0" /></a>Tyffaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09548359365357670908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6457912037325810237.post-59294432441158731642011-08-03T13:00:00.000-04:002011-08-03T13:00:08.041-04:00Vegetarian Charquicán Recipe<div><div>On <a href="http://lachilenguita.blogspot.com/2011/07/days-7-9-of-funemployment.html">Day 8 of funemployment</a>, I mentioned that I made <i>charquicán vegetariano</i> for lunch and that I would be posting the recipe and pictures. Well today is Wednesday and I used to post recipes on Wednesdays…so let’s get down to business!</div><div><br /></div><div>I am taking these measurements from a Lider Express recipe that I have, however it is all relative to your tastes. I typically throw in more <i>zapallo</i> than I do potatoes, even though the recipe calls for half & half. </div><div><br /></div><div><i>Charquicán</i> is typically made with beef, however in my version, I use lentils to represent the ground beef. It is a very typical Chilean dish, served mostly in the winter as it will warm you right up when the temperatures are cold.</div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgtM4Q0za4XJ0Zp8MU7h-yIL6zk5JCFG2H8jVfCw9ujzpqb0JkKtcZsbPE9xHdw_Vzepb4WKD74iOpkKgR3-4DcnUO3ROVtWaMOo3N57m9WpcXuvpzcwfc4g5LvSrYgQf_ui_xMY3iTos/s1600/vegetarian_charquican2.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgtM4Q0za4XJ0Zp8MU7h-yIL6zk5JCFG2H8jVfCw9ujzpqb0JkKtcZsbPE9xHdw_Vzepb4WKD74iOpkKgR3-4DcnUO3ROVtWaMOo3N57m9WpcXuvpzcwfc4g5LvSrYgQf_ui_xMY3iTos/s320/vegetarian_charquican2.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636459616376681026" /></a><br /></div><div><u><b>Vegetarian Charquicán</b></u></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Ingredients:</b></div><div>1/2 to 3/4 cup dried small brown lentils (depending on how much you like lentils)</div><div>2 tbsp EVOO</div><div>1/2 onion, diced</div><div>1-2 garlic cloves, diced</div><div>1 red bell pepper, chopped in cubes</div><div>1/2 tsp. paprika</div><div>500 grams potatoes, peeled & cubed</div><div>500 grams <i>zapallo</i>, peeled & cubed (<i>zapallo</i> is a type of pumpkin widely used in Chile, it looks like the picture here—in any case I think any orange pumpkin would do, just not canned pumpkin)</div><div>1 cup frozen peas (optional depending on how much you like or dislike peas such as Christian)</div><div>1 cup frozen corn</div><div>1 cup frozen green beans</div><div>2 carrots, chopped in small cubes</div><div>Merquén (which is a Chilean spice, you could use red pepper flakes in the US)</div><div>Oregano</div><div>Cumin</div><div>Salt & pepper</div><div>1 cup of the water used to boil the potatoes & zapallo</div><div>Parsley for garnish (optional too)</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Preparation:</b></div><div>Boil the lentils in abundant water for approximately 20 minutes, or until done. I don’t add salt or any other seasonings. Drain and set aside once they are ready.</div><div><br /></div><div>In a pan, add the EVOO over medium heat. Add in the onion and sautée for about 2 minutes. Add in the diced garlic and continue to sautée for 1 minute more. Finally, add in the red bell pepper along with some salt & pepper. Continue to cook until the bell pepper has softened. Once it is done, turn off the flame. This is what we will refer to as the <i>pino</i>, which is what it is normally called when it has meat in it for empanadas.</div><div><br /></div><div>In a large pot, put the potatoes & <i>zapallo</i> to boil in enough water that all the pieces are covered within the pot. Boil over medium heat until you can stick a fork in both the potato and <i>zapallo </i>easily. At this point, add in the carrots, and other frozen vegetables. Boil for at least 5 minutes more so that these vegetables cook. Once they are ready, set aside 1 cup of the boiled water for future use. Drain the rest of the water. Mash the potatoes & <i>zapallo</i> to a chunky consistency. Add in the spices (paprika, salt & pepper, merquén, oregano, & cumin) to taste and mix in the <i>pino</i>. Then add in your lentils to the mixture. I added in the majority and mixed them around and then when I plated the <i>charquicán</i>, I sprinkled some lentils on top. You can also garnish it with parsley on top too.</div><div><br /></div><div>Serve hot (if need be, reheat the plates in the microwave). </div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl9jwaasi9SSZvSTCChENz5Q3wCMTb7W78vgmONtzfR46Ua-M8_Ji7p2Y4ulTWoBC4cfk_S8h23C9dIhvazV6taLFnmLMCA5bu0AipymUxk9AySuxJY04sYmMJYoRH1hhrpLumw2ohm4s/s1600/vegetarian_charquican1.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl9jwaasi9SSZvSTCChENz5Q3wCMTb7W78vgmONtzfR46Ua-M8_Ji7p2Y4ulTWoBC4cfk_S8h23C9dIhvazV6taLFnmLMCA5bu0AipymUxk9AySuxJY04sYmMJYoRH1hhrpLumw2ohm4s/s320/vegetarian_charquican1.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636459610663926242" /></a><br /><i>¡Buen provecho!</i></div><div> </div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUkR8aCpHV5Xtl6oTHW1hMlQtV7Dgom8noweZ_vBkMxFTZtPbPNluewNfARcafl7u-3E6LprUrRRIwwBIXa525VihhhLy3m_2jP_CV6b28qMUTBpLImnM8Nz_KjD_ajGNJouFvRh3jj30/s1600-h/signature+smaller+v3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361480897959566658" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 133px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 74px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUkR8aCpHV5Xtl6oTHW1hMlQtV7Dgom8noweZ_vBkMxFTZtPbPNluewNfARcafl7u-3E6LprUrRRIwwBIXa525VihhhLy3m_2jP_CV6b28qMUTBpLImnM8Nz_KjD_ajGNJouFvRh3jj30/s200/signature+smaller+v3.jpg" border="0" /></a>Tyffaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09548359365357670908noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6457912037325810237.post-21650272895641994862011-08-02T16:57:00.009-04:002011-08-02T22:54:54.444-04:00Days 10-13 of Fun Employment:<div><div><div>Thursday, day 10, was quite busy in the morning, but ended up more chill in the afternoon. I had another doctor appt early in the morning-at 10am which is now considered "early" in my funemployment state. They were running behind though so they didn't end up seeing me until 10:45am....good thing I had my notepad with me because I started brainstorming restaurants to add to <a href="http://lachilenguita.blogspot.com/p/my-fave-restaurants-in-chile.html">my favorite foods page</a>. Once I finished there, I passed by a cute little tea store in the Mall Panoramico to buy a gift for our <i>nana</i>, who would have her last day with us the following week. As it turns out, she had really liked a <a href="http://www.teavana.com/the-teas/rooibos-teas/p/rooibos-chai-rooibos-tea">Rooibos Chai Herbal tea</a> that my dear friend Staci had given me on my trip back home in March. So I was on the lookout for a similar type tea to give to my <i>nana</i>. I went to Zoe, and although I couldn't find a rooibos tea, I did find a Green Chai tea. After picking out her gift, I headed back home and got ready for lunch that was planned with some ex-coworkers. One of these ex-coworkers had left the company at the end of 2010 and I hadn't seen him since. The other two ex-coworkers were my boss and another<i> jefa</i> on the team when I left earlier this month. We went to <a href="http://www.santiagourmet.com/restaurant/baco/">Baco</a>, which is a French restaurant in Providencia that has an awesome wine menu. </div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAn2Tax6dWKJsO73mjxRxTbCTv52LZ19ibXOn6ysUA9cZ1AlByBI1bOSpkbY0B97ls1L0RljeguDT1dDbl8rF7lVgnahpi59lULhcD2pLbxE7Wuw1mUSbK6o4WQzhzjUy0OORCwjr9a5s/s1600/Baco+1.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAn2Tax6dWKJsO73mjxRxTbCTv52LZ19ibXOn6ysUA9cZ1AlByBI1bOSpkbY0B97ls1L0RljeguDT1dDbl8rF7lVgnahpi59lULhcD2pLbxE7Wuw1mUSbK6o4WQzhzjUy0OORCwjr9a5s/s320/Baco+1.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636370318937709426" /></a></div><div>Most of the menu included something with meat, however I asked for a Spinach & Cheese Quiche (Quiche Olivia as it was called). Everyone else asked for the<i> filete a la pimienta</i> (peppered steak), all cooked at different points. Then JJ decided to order a bottle of red wine to go with lunch.....to which I partook more than I probably should have!</div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2MyOvUep8e7rGcj8KC0ZRbJLhHQDD5Q5DdY2niadEZK5DNwFy5NebgQhzODj8a3gbiOG1lDwicKrMqGN-hDYbrmRjY7sLWEbwGfodGsWpr60SJZpdqbQQGDVjlBLmU5njUKcIeUHcGvE/s1600/Baco+2.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2MyOvUep8e7rGcj8KC0ZRbJLhHQDD5Q5DdY2niadEZK5DNwFy5NebgQhzODj8a3gbiOG1lDwicKrMqGN-hDYbrmRjY7sLWEbwGfodGsWpr60SJZpdqbQQGDVjlBLmU5njUKcIeUHcGvE/s320/Baco+2.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636370325685391634" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(The four of us at the end of lunch.)</span></div><div><br /></div><div>After another 3 hour lunch, I arrived home with <i>puras ganas de dormir</i>. And so I did....I took a 3 hour nap before getting up to have another <i>once</i> (a typical Chilean mealtime in the early evening) with B&E (my MIL & SIL), including more pompadour cake. </div><div><br /></div><div>Friday brought about lots of movement: I had to drop off a radio that I had sold to an ex-coworker, then I had to go sign my<i> finiquito</i> (the document stating I am ok with my last paycheck and terminating my employment contract, which is signed in front of a notary), and right after, I went to Zumba class at the gym. In the afternoon, I had to continue packing up the house because on Saturday morning at 9am the mover was coming to move the boxes into its truck. Christian, on the other hand, had a soccer game to go play, so I was home with Dulcinea going crazy packing boxes upon boxes upon boxes and going through a million papers. To be fair, he had done stuff earlier in the day when I was off running my errands and going to the gym, so it was only fair that he had time to go play soccer with friends. Around 7pm, I started to take a break because my back was killing me, and Dulci and I just hung out in front of the gas stove to stay warm (I’ve previously discussed <a href="http://lachilenguita.blogspot.com/2010/08/domingos-de-dulcinea-keeping-fur-child.html">Dulci’s affinity for the gas stove in a different post</a>). Once Christian got home, we went over to my mother-in-law's apartment in Recoleta for <i>once</i> and to drop off Dulcinea and then went back home to sleep. We figured it would be better if Dulci stayed in the other apartment that evening so that she wouldn't be in the way during the move on Saturday morning.</div><div><br /></div><div>Day 12 brought about a very early start—up at 7am to finish preparing everything so that when the moving truck arrived at 9:30am all we had to do was take it all out to the truck. The original moving truck that my mother-in-law had booked was under the environmental driving restriction on Saturday and obviously couldn’t drive….so she found us a different guy all within minutes and basically the process was only delayed from 9am to 9:30am—time that we certainly needed. Once the truck came, with my sister-in-law in tow, the four of us (truck driver, Christian, Erica & me) started making various trips to get everything into the truck. Then Christian went with the moving truck and I drove our car to the apartment in Recoleta that my MIL owns. The reason we needed a moving truck in the first place is that our old bed, the dining room table (which belongs to Bernarda), and some other items needed to be moved to this apartment in Recoleta (in addition to our 6 or 7 suitcases filled with stuff as well as all of our food and other kitchen stuff that we haven't sold). It is a tiny one-bedroom which is perfect for when B&E need to come to Santiago to go to the doctor at La Universidad de Chile. We, however, ended up still have a ton of stuff despite our garage sale….and so the poor little apartment was stuffed full by the end of the move. We even filled up the previously empty storage unit. The move ended around 10:30 or 11am which is quite quick in reality. After that, we organized as much as we could with 4 adults and 1 dog in the apartment—which is to say that we basically put everything we didn’t need in the storage unit and stacked up everything else we did need in the bedroom & living room.</div><div><br /></div><div>Next on the agenda was making some lunch. Bernarda had gone to <a href="http://lachilenguita.blogspot.com/2010/11/first-experience-at-vega-central.html">La Vega</a> (since we are a mere 3 blocks from it) in the morning to buy the items necessary for some chop suey. While we were moving and organizing, she was slicing and dicing all the vegetables to be cooked. Christian had to go run an errand before lunch and so he stopped to get some chicken for the carnivorous version of the chop suey. Once he got back, we feasted and it was delicious! Chop suey is seriously such an easy dish to put together. All the work is in chopping up the veggies, but cooking it all (especially without chicken) takes mere minutes! After lunch, we started to organize anything else that we could. I put the towels and sheets on a shelf that B&E had cleared out for us in the closet. We started to put away the kitchen items which were in several boxes.</div><div><br /></div><div>In the evening, we wanted to treat B&E to a nice dinner out as a way to show our appreciation for all of their help and willingness. We decided to go to <a href="http://www.xn--elcaramao-s6a.cl/">El Caramaño</a>, which is our favorite Chilean-food restaurant (as you can see <a href="http://lachilenguita.blogspot.com/p/my-fave-restaurants-in-chile.html">here</a>).</div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGnzKL1H34XLJ02ET3kevwYl_osiZRhoL6e3mD3WZMWpZED5MQrGbOHenbZlshWCo-AfIO62fPKP6jKbmqwzIWT6nH51n0-nyxMSZO6AFDcH3ubx9oYCpZ_XoJBFSKlGQfnY-bjC3GOns/s1600/Carama%25C3%25B1o+%25282%2529.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGnzKL1H34XLJ02ET3kevwYl_osiZRhoL6e3mD3WZMWpZED5MQrGbOHenbZlshWCo-AfIO62fPKP6jKbmqwzIWT6nH51n0-nyxMSZO6AFDcH3ubx9oYCpZ_XoJBFSKlGQfnY-bjC3GOns/s320/Carama%25C3%25B1o+%25282%2529.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636370330965230178" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8tYKQ56xKdcRINeTApf7P01N0Ijcnq07HRT7VafNItycHKkKAP28XsnX9JS4trJjbUrvP_Lf1GzAmkbMniT12e3za0vfVvOaQzVG-vStWWrjka_RtoAkZrM2tHL6MftRhyphenhyphenLh8cY2Kxj4/s1600/Carama%25C3%25B1o+%25284%2529.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8tYKQ56xKdcRINeTApf7P01N0Ijcnq07HRT7VafNItycHKkKAP28XsnX9JS4trJjbUrvP_Lf1GzAmkbMniT12e3za0vfVvOaQzVG-vStWWrjka_RtoAkZrM2tHL6MftRhyphenhyphenLh8cY2Kxj4/s320/Carama%25C3%25B1o+%25284%2529.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636375905398207634" /></a><br /></div><div>It is located in Bellavista (a barrio within Santiago), on the street called Purísima.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZYG69e6WCQSlyKP02MGgyBV_RfgGQB_ZOtFgz0oRZ-CH8u2Dzm9ikSjKdNnbaVgUfKFJ1PW8r4U8DR3jCMqWCtYOU1oMT_2aYTuX-AWHpKLBMZinJnjBb8jRE2INZPmH7EqEOezB1tZw/s1600/Carama%25C3%25B1o+%25285%2529.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZYG69e6WCQSlyKP02MGgyBV_RfgGQB_ZOtFgz0oRZ-CH8u2Dzm9ikSjKdNnbaVgUfKFJ1PW8r4U8DR3jCMqWCtYOU1oMT_2aYTuX-AWHpKLBMZinJnjBb8jRE2INZPmH7EqEOezB1tZw/s320/Carama%25C3%25B1o+%25285%2529.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636375906894052370" /></a>It has all of the typical Chilean dishes, which are always delicious and relatively inexpensive for a Santiago restaurant.</div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDdXZTMPhX-TBHBjSszLoCdFXGFSebDdfptfzUB8tL4mAr7_j-6bR_Uwe4SaQruNYwBg9NwhyphenhyphenTZFghot15clIFRAoSUThz-slYEOPhauejy0JuS0cbQVJwO8srJYXKagVHCS9tHJmaa0o/s1600/Carama%25C3%25B1o+%25287%2529.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDdXZTMPhX-TBHBjSszLoCdFXGFSebDdfptfzUB8tL4mAr7_j-6bR_Uwe4SaQruNYwBg9NwhyphenhyphenTZFghot15clIFRAoSUThz-slYEOPhauejy0JuS0cbQVJwO8srJYXKagVHCS9tHJmaa0o/s320/Carama%25C3%25B1o+%25287%2529.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636375914812445282" /></a></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(Me & Chris)</span></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhODNm1OM24I95xCJUuDLU-vpaSWAoOcxrzm51oTL14vMRUXW5McQrHWISy1U5z1VG7sl4tN-hfTcEj98dlVKR3NoAJD1C2ghMY0VeESu6S7FLZu81GdSYTpUlRsBgBa3gOSV_Nbe52CVk/s1600/Carama%25C3%25B1o+%25286%2529.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhODNm1OM24I95xCJUuDLU-vpaSWAoOcxrzm51oTL14vMRUXW5McQrHWISy1U5z1VG7sl4tN-hfTcEj98dlVKR3NoAJD1C2ghMY0VeESu6S7FLZu81GdSYTpUlRsBgBa3gOSV_Nbe52CVk/s320/Carama%25C3%25B1o+%25286%2529.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636375912915292882" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small; ">(Bernarda & Erica)</span></div></div><div><br />We started off with their yummy homemade bread & <i>sopaipillas</i> with <i>pebre</i> and Christian, Bernarda & Erica enjoyed some <i>machas a la parmesana</i> as well (I didn't get a pic of the machas, but here is <a href="http://receta-casera.blogspot.com/2009/06/machas-la-parmesana.html">one & a recipe</a> if you want to check them out). </div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5LMPrMPPm6ZQe-gjvLlYuphbc3J7TBG19A0X55brdrv6RpM5wZMXUhOOZYb3rg-WO04a71nqSm94jgZhVqNln9sbvcbGsR6GOZUdqARSsds_r9OOUeqlw6j5krU-N3-orhDzE14S-KMA/s1600/Carama%25C3%25B1o+%25283%2529.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5LMPrMPPm6ZQe-gjvLlYuphbc3J7TBG19A0X55brdrv6RpM5wZMXUhOOZYb3rg-WO04a71nqSm94jgZhVqNln9sbvcbGsR6GOZUdqARSsds_r9OOUeqlw6j5krU-N3-orhDzE14S-KMA/s320/Carama%25C3%25B1o+%25283%2529.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636370336946170674" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>We ordered a 1.5 liter jug of <a href="http://www.ciberchef.com/recetas.php3?ID=2164">borgoña</a> to drink, which is red wine mixed with strawberries and sugar. I absolutely love El Caramaño’s borgoña and had about 3 glasses of it….and still wanted more which is probably why I don't have a picture of it--I drank it too quickly! Hahahaha! </div><div><br /></div><div>For our main dishes we had the following:</div><div><br /></div><div>Christian & Bernarda—<i>Pastel de Jaiba</i>, which is like a crab casserole dish basically filled with crab meat, onion, garlic, bead crumbs, butter, paprika, oregano and parmesan cheese (<a href="http://nuestrasrecetas.bligoo.com/content/view/113994/Para-tentarse-Pastel-de-Jaiba.html">here is a recipe if you are interested</a>). </div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Tdi-BvkEvzxLaaD-l2iIFP1UtpFV0DnzpthUbPhs2fEtSg7_-WMfUGbDqKvy9A0liJ1wfLzdWwzOJsphR_JAbyuP4tpbsPEikP_G2RQbbUZnOoM2ag2eszFTQx9xTihzkr6zMVX0c_Q/s1600/Carama%25C3%25B1o_pastel+de+jaiba.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Tdi-BvkEvzxLaaD-l2iIFP1UtpFV0DnzpthUbPhs2fEtSg7_-WMfUGbDqKvy9A0liJ1wfLzdWwzOJsphR_JAbyuP4tpbsPEikP_G2RQbbUZnOoM2ag2eszFTQx9xTihzkr6zMVX0c_Q/s320/Carama%25C3%25B1o_pastel+de+jaiba.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636455831653959618" /></a></div><div>Erica—<i>Pollo al Trauco y Papas Fritas</i>, which is a special chicken dish, but I don’t remember exactly what they cooked her chicken with. She had some French fries as a side dish.</div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgaFN0fuN1WFylWqwg64SMm9nk8hgg4nlW63JGsiqPGIVHveJsKN3TRel6mkDJHLNN_c2MymFjwMcm8njaTcMr9unsKDt8QZEmT-bVSyHCvMeJ5DahIlZs_VVmdlUp7mcZimTp90Z0ZRc/s1600/Carama%25C3%25B1o_pollo+al+trauco.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgaFN0fuN1WFylWqwg64SMm9nk8hgg4nlW63JGsiqPGIVHveJsKN3TRel6mkDJHLNN_c2MymFjwMcm8njaTcMr9unsKDt8QZEmT-bVSyHCvMeJ5DahIlZs_VVmdlUp7mcZimTp90Z0ZRc/s320/Carama%25C3%25B1o_pollo+al+trauco.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636455837578663890" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimxUm9b0JbLGmUC1mKPxD7K5VCOP8XD3v1CGQ0-tTY7dgotW-l-bTyOswBtnPd-z1XoRhevUAL2JaEdnhqfUsumkyXwgBoNXOYKx8oZXhixY4XvhrtPPIlwf5HLMl-lt_gmWURF3LgKHQ/s1600/Carama%25C3%25B1o_papas+fritas.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimxUm9b0JbLGmUC1mKPxD7K5VCOP8XD3v1CGQ0-tTY7dgotW-l-bTyOswBtnPd-z1XoRhevUAL2JaEdnhqfUsumkyXwgBoNXOYKx8oZXhixY4XvhrtPPIlwf5HLMl-lt_gmWURF3LgKHQ/s320/Carama%25C3%25B1o_papas+fritas.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636455825726230210" /></a><br /></div><div>Me—<i>Ensalada Gran Caramaño y Papas Salteadas</i>, which was a huge salad with red lettuce, watercress (P.S. I freaking love these in salads), sun-dried tomatoes, goat cheese, and olives (which I proceeded to take out since I don't like olives-except for the green ones with the pimiento center). I threw on some balsamic vinegar and a bit of EVOO and mmmmm down the pipes it went! I had some sautéed potatoes as a side dish.</div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxKDT1QRt6gl1iTVJiBm-Ak-gXe8tZPk3tnqGnrhgKsIu-0RNrxId8KlkgqL9aek9-O9tMnEkbsUoMV2WeKfYyVF-VaiG5XGEF3WWfpgYClLPVf31euOxmN86m3Z3Joo7PRfnnD0PueEw/s1600/Carama%25C3%25B1o_ensalada.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxKDT1QRt6gl1iTVJiBm-Ak-gXe8tZPk3tnqGnrhgKsIu-0RNrxId8KlkgqL9aek9-O9tMnEkbsUoMV2WeKfYyVF-VaiG5XGEF3WWfpgYClLPVf31euOxmN86m3Z3Joo7PRfnnD0PueEw/s320/Carama%25C3%25B1o_ensalada.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636455819075530194" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK04YZKaNj9j4Mpu6cMDphMIKTE_cMAOoUyicgqlMhc21zGo0jGSoMiMloUIe4gnZOgCxivaOGE5YURyrSoii-mhjTLZ7v9YuH2NeriqcypKJIFArZW3b8cJeCcD2YvzAq7hyXMXHmtTo/s1600/Carama%25C3%25B1o_papas+salteadas.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK04YZKaNj9j4Mpu6cMDphMIKTE_cMAOoUyicgqlMhc21zGo0jGSoMiMloUIe4gnZOgCxivaOGE5YURyrSoii-mhjTLZ7v9YuH2NeriqcypKJIFArZW3b8cJeCcD2YvzAq7hyXMXHmtTo/s320/Carama%25C3%25B1o_papas+salteadas.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636455826852009890" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>At the end of dinner, El Caramaño treated us to a <i>bajativo</i> on the house. <i>Bajativos</i> are digestifs in English, which are small shots of alcohol typically taken after a meal to aid in digestion. Christian had mint, I had amaretto and B&E had chamomile.</div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwo7ejoSGBYO1qhfHkptUOtJBeQQiBGsiVn-WXw9XZUoQZoOv2PUcY0xQdj2HCoZn0zOHUBEfi3aYSgWgVzhl2_FqRUvbzr-io6LiMc7obDsXH_M00XfdjKrHgR4xn4fT35Fi4G57SPUw/s1600/Carama%25C3%25B1o_bajativos.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwo7ejoSGBYO1qhfHkptUOtJBeQQiBGsiVn-WXw9XZUoQZoOv2PUcY0xQdj2HCoZn0zOHUBEfi3aYSgWgVzhl2_FqRUvbzr-io6LiMc7obDsXH_M00XfdjKrHgR4xn4fT35Fi4G57SPUw/s320/Carama%25C3%25B1o_bajativos.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636375919251414482" /></a><br /></div><div>After such a nice meal, all we could do was come home and go to bed. We were all exhausted and having our bellies full just made us even sleepier. But not before a quick group picture:</div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ14oPM0pctdbSL16667YUbbpL0uGQq2Ko4JVZSXbva6PbbRJ6V_WOiV8BllVT7QihpM4_SS-1MK3GDiv2BIvNiDBhRnlCCHh-pzLyZT-hZuvdGCGz4jeoQd4sujxssfCvE1Cd42yJjss/s1600/Carama%25C3%25B1o+%25281%2529.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ14oPM0pctdbSL16667YUbbpL0uGQq2Ko4JVZSXbva6PbbRJ6V_WOiV8BllVT7QihpM4_SS-1MK3GDiv2BIvNiDBhRnlCCHh-pzLyZT-hZuvdGCGz4jeoQd4sujxssfCvE1Cd42yJjss/s320/Carama%25C3%25B1o+%25281%2529.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636370330473779986" /></a><br /></div><div>Sunday, day 13, was a very simple day. Christian took B&E and Dulci back to Viña in the old car so that the car could be left there while we are using the parking space at the Recoleta apartment. I stayed home and worked on organizing, downsizing clothes, repacking suitcases, etc. We decided to send Dulci out to Viña with B&E for several reasons: 1. this apartment is super small and with all of our stuff it was already too small for 2 adults, let alone a dog too; 2. she has more room to run around in Viña as my in-laws’ apartment is much bigger; 3. we had too many errands to do which would have meant leaving her alone at home for very long stretches of time so either we would have been rushed in our errands or she would have suffered; and 4. she won’t ever be left alone in Viña because even if B&E have to leave, Papi Lucho (my FIL) is always home to be with her. It has been kind of weird not to have her around, but I know she is better off in Viña, being spoiled by the grandparents and<i> tía</i>. And to be honest, it has been a nice break just being with Christian alone. I’ll have to keep that in mind when we have a human kid, hopefully my Mom will like spoiling both human & dog children as much as Bernarda does! Hahaha! </div><div><br /></div></div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUkR8aCpHV5Xtl6oTHW1hMlQtV7Dgom8noweZ_vBkMxFTZtPbPNluewNfARcafl7u-3E6LprUrRRIwwBIXa525VihhhLy3m_2jP_CV6b28qMUTBpLImnM8Nz_KjD_ajGNJouFvRh3jj30/s1600-h/signature+smaller+v3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361480897959566658" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 133px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 74px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUkR8aCpHV5Xtl6oTHW1hMlQtV7Dgom8noweZ_vBkMxFTZtPbPNluewNfARcafl7u-3E6LprUrRRIwwBIXa525VihhhLy3m_2jP_CV6b28qMUTBpLImnM8Nz_KjD_ajGNJouFvRh3jj30/s200/signature+smaller+v3.jpg" border="0" /></a>Tyffaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09548359365357670908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6457912037325810237.post-9758719421038429222011-07-27T23:11:00.002-04:002011-08-02T16:59:47.694-04:00Days 7-9 of Funemployment<div>I swear that this fills like a thousand years ago.....but days 7-9 of funemployment were really just last week. There has been so much going on that it feels like eons ago!</div><div><br /></div><div>So last Monday the husband and I slept in. It was his first day of funemployment so we had to <i>aprovechar</i> the occasion. Once we got up, we took care of some stuff around the house and then Christian went to the supermarket to buy ingredients to make lunch while I went to the gym for Zumba. We made chop suey--mine was vegetarian and his had chicken. After lunch we made a trip to Homecenter, which is the equivalent of Home Depot here in Chile, to buy some things we needed for the move like packing tape, plastic to cover furniture, etc. In the evening, we watched a few episodes of House M.D. which is our "new" <i>teleserie</i>. Overall, it was a pretty chill day.</div><div><br /></div><div>Tuesday had more in store--I had a dr. appt in the morning so I had to get up relatively early to get to the doctor by 9am. After the doc, I had a chiropractor appt and then I made lunch which was <i>charquican vegetariano </i>(pictures & recipe to come later). In the afternoon, we continued packing the apartment in anticipation of the move (which was to be later in the week) and then had <i>once</i> with my mother-in-law and sister-in-law who had traveled to Santiago to help us out in the move. </div><div><br /></div><div>Wednesday we shipped off our bed to the person who had purchased it and kept on with the packing. The painter came by the apartment to give us a quote on how much it would be to paint and the owner of the apt along with a prospective renter also dropped by. In the afternoon, my other sister-in-law came with her boyfriend to take several things her and my mother-in-law had purchased to Rancagua. So basically we had lunch, loaded up the pick-up and car and off they went. I stayed at home with Dulcinea and the nana, to take care of the rest of the packing. In the evening, when Christian, Bernarda and Erica came back from Rancagua (with a yummy cake in tow), we ordered sushi for dinner and had cake as dessert. </div><div><br /></div><div>There is nothing like ending a long day with this yummy pompadour cake...which we proceeded to eat for the next 2 days straight! Hahahaha...but more of that is to come!</div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUkR8aCpHV5Xtl6oTHW1hMlQtV7Dgom8noweZ_vBkMxFTZtPbPNluewNfARcafl7u-3E6LprUrRRIwwBIXa525VihhhLy3m_2jP_CV6b28qMUTBpLImnM8Nz_KjD_ajGNJouFvRh3jj30/s1600-h/signature+smaller+v3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361480897959566658" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 133px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 74px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUkR8aCpHV5Xtl6oTHW1hMlQtV7Dgom8noweZ_vBkMxFTZtPbPNluewNfARcafl7u-3E6LprUrRRIwwBIXa525VihhhLy3m_2jP_CV6b28qMUTBpLImnM8Nz_KjD_ajGNJouFvRh3jj30/s200/signature+smaller+v3.jpg" border="0" /></a>Tyffaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09548359365357670908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6457912037325810237.post-86703723468804125912011-07-21T23:20:00.000-04:002011-07-21T23:20:00.728-04:00New Page for Favorite Restaurants<div>I've been wanting to create this page for a while now and I finally decided to just get started on it--a page dedicated to my favorite restaurants in all of Chile. When I say favorite, I mean the ones that I do (or would) go to repeatedly because I enjoy their food and service so much. I still need to add comments to the majority of the restaurants, but I figured it is nice to have the list with the link to their websites in the meantime!</div><div><br /></div><div>If you want to check it out you can click <a href="http://lachilenguita.blogspot.com/p/my-fave-restaurants-in-chile.html">here</a>, or you can click on the linkbar above above where it says "Fave Food in Chile".</div><div><br /></div><div>Enjoy!</div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUkR8aCpHV5Xtl6oTHW1hMlQtV7Dgom8noweZ_vBkMxFTZtPbPNluewNfARcafl7u-3E6LprUrRRIwwBIXa525VihhhLy3m_2jP_CV6b28qMUTBpLImnM8Nz_KjD_ajGNJouFvRh3jj30/s1600-h/signature+smaller+v3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361480897959566658" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 133px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 74px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUkR8aCpHV5Xtl6oTHW1hMlQtV7Dgom8noweZ_vBkMxFTZtPbPNluewNfARcafl7u-3E6LprUrRRIwwBIXa525VihhhLy3m_2jP_CV6b28qMUTBpLImnM8Nz_KjD_ajGNJouFvRh3jj30/s200/signature+smaller+v3.jpg" border="0" /></a>Tyffaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09548359365357670908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6457912037325810237.post-22004089600705576872011-07-20T22:40:00.008-04:002011-08-02T16:59:47.696-04:00Days 4-6 of Funemployment<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUZnwTJvSfuj_3MZnP9h-BTSVaMEOYgsHbk97JZWYJlVQNMOFCYOVFRskAdWuMDgY1vkxcpyfmIOgL-RJA0MB-LtObXioQQ0X49uhRmnfxZHSiaDFFWf_4hoCs4n5fQe51C7jFoGIT0V8/s1600/IMG_4830.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUZnwTJvSfuj_3MZnP9h-BTSVaMEOYgsHbk97JZWYJlVQNMOFCYOVFRskAdWuMDgY1vkxcpyfmIOgL-RJA0MB-LtObXioQQ0X49uhRmnfxZHSiaDFFWf_4hoCs4n5fQe51C7jFoGIT0V8/s320/IMG_4830.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631640156228434018" /></a><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" >(Me & Dulci on Saturday evening)</span></div><div><br /></div><div>Friday, Saturday and Sunday marked days 4 through 6 of my funemployment but boy were they jam packed.</div><div><br /></div><div>Friday morning was dedicated to updating the sale blog, sending out some reminder emails about our pending garage sale and getting ready for lunch. A group of ex-coworkers had invited me out to lunch since they weren't able to make it to my <a href="http://lachilenguita.blogspot.com/2011/07/days-2-3-of-funemployment.html">official despedida dinner</a>. When they asked me where I wanted to go, I mentioned that pasta would be good. And lucky enough, Lorena knew of a <i>picá</i> in Barrio Italia called <a href="http://www.danoi.cl/home.html">Da Noi Trattoria Ristorante</a>. There were nine of us all together and we had a great three-hour lunch! From appetizers with pisco sours (or in my case a mango sour) to main dishes to desserts and tea. It was a very nice time and I greatly appreciate my colleagues taking the time out of their day to take me out to lunch! I definitely recommend Da Noi. It was very yummy fresh pasta and the mango sour was amazing! Here are a few pics from lunch:</div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimAimoaeyxi-Ee177ewdlL2YvzCoM2vkL_MystZNMQPi1WszivY2miITVo8zWScDVT-tfHvXno7uNK_zQfzCUp93cgA8ijuyRT4pL4Gk95htCCas5XQ4_NWGGP-b-eDq410c69KBXxsGk/s1600/IMG_4813.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimAimoaeyxi-Ee177ewdlL2YvzCoM2vkL_MystZNMQPi1WszivY2miITVo8zWScDVT-tfHvXno7uNK_zQfzCUp93cgA8ijuyRT4pL4Gk95htCCas5XQ4_NWGGP-b-eDq410c69KBXxsGk/s320/IMG_4813.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631632922502360274" /></a><br /><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPsVIWHqXHK1zuBL4PxQAgsxEN_FrKXk_x-dbvGASrnAbGoVNnacv_sQThu-5OnqH_FMbjVcZSX98OrhLB1dgmJDT25sADZGUojURf-CeFThDT0SSiSIKnV5I3hYCgyVW9TPUr7IkDHUI/s1600/IMG_4814.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPsVIWHqXHK1zuBL4PxQAgsxEN_FrKXk_x-dbvGASrnAbGoVNnacv_sQThu-5OnqH_FMbjVcZSX98OrhLB1dgmJDT25sADZGUojURf-CeFThDT0SSiSIKnV5I3hYCgyVW9TPUr7IkDHUI/s320/IMG_4814.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631632921461750354" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" >(Antipasto Da Noi)</span></div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCAzyzcQ2w4x4atbAK-gcH_AGhmskRj02P7R2sVV4XwdRSkUV2rE7PjuNtNDX1BnT_J6N3jNGpwydIrlQep0gDZ493wkF5TFElaRAOzM55cHNbJr_NXzk72hSA1AqB2YxGaQij5YwBZak/s1600/IMG_4815.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCAzyzcQ2w4x4atbAK-gcH_AGhmskRj02P7R2sVV4XwdRSkUV2rE7PjuNtNDX1BnT_J6N3jNGpwydIrlQep0gDZ493wkF5TFElaRAOzM55cHNbJr_NXzk72hSA1AqB2YxGaQij5YwBZak/s320/IMG_4815.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631632914102834370" /></a></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" >(Provoleta, basically melted cheese with EVOO & oregano)</span></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVlWkvF24N1qK64Bq77X-cQopy_1Xk2IYiXLBXeJuqmXsR-a93niMYfEN_5w2wn1CJLV4OnCl24lYnJ6wiDTVs0zdz1rpiLpGSTLQudVHwmUx7hbVv0sRYniItjjnzNmdvHUrTTwe_k8c/s1600/IMG_4819.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVlWkvF24N1qK64Bq77X-cQopy_1Xk2IYiXLBXeJuqmXsR-a93niMYfEN_5w2wn1CJLV4OnCl24lYnJ6wiDTVs0zdz1rpiLpGSTLQudVHwmUx7hbVv0sRYniItjjnzNmdvHUrTTwe_k8c/s320/IMG_4819.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631640160639488706" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" >(Panzotti with pomodoro sauce)</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYeeBQwTsXa8XewTbnkBCueVK0YN_DZwEZfn3aqXH65wjbkHtejbMKJCfzvKGBb3whXcWEEUZECq6cM8hvNpLvOnVduu8qrqhKDsFhbOM7t0IVpta2ktRAj_JuqizpMN2-AWVkm2S-4uU/s1600/IMG_4818.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYeeBQwTsXa8XewTbnkBCueVK0YN_DZwEZfn3aqXH65wjbkHtejbMKJCfzvKGBb3whXcWEEUZECq6cM8hvNpLvOnVduu8qrqhKDsFhbOM7t0IVpta2ktRAj_JuqizpMN2-AWVkm2S-4uU/s320/IMG_4818.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631632912676054258" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" >(L-R: Me, Andrés, Estela, Cecilia, Fabiola, Patricia, Héctor, Manuel & Lorena)</span></div><div><br /></div><div>After lunch (I got home at 4pm) I started to scramble to get the house ready for our garage sale that was to go on Saturday and Sunday. There was a TON to do. The idea was to have all of the items for sale in our living/dining room as well as our bedroom (since our bed was still for sale and we had some clothes & shoes to sell too). That meant taking everything that was not to be sold out of those two rooms and leaving it in another room. In addition, in the 3rd bedroom, I had to group all of the items previously purchased by people, but not yet picked up, so that when they came by to pick up their items, everything was ready to go. Needless to say I was running around from room to room all afternoon and evening. Poor Dulci had no idea what was going on and kept following me all over. Finally when Christian got home, we went to eat at <a href="http://www.elhuerto.cl/index/">El Huerto</a>, which is one of my favorite vegetarian restaurants in all of Chile.</div><div><br /></div><div>Saturday we woke up early and while I finished prepping the house, Christian went to the farmer's market for some fresh bread, farm fresh eggs and some fruit. Everything was laid out for the sale, although we were missing price tags at first. Then Christian went out and got some post-it notes which solved that issue and definitely helped sales! We had also printed up signs about our garage sale to put outside the apartment building and surprisingly we got several visitors from those signs. Everyone else who came were people who we are connected to in some way shape or form. Saturday until about 2:30pm-ish was quite busy and then after that it died down. Luckily we had bought some hummus to bring home with us from <a href="http://www.elhuerto.cl/index/">El Huerto</a> on Friday night and that was pretty much our lunch. We still stayed around the apartment until 6pm--I read on my kindle and Christian was on his Ipad2. After 6pm we took down the signs and relaxed a bit. We had no food in the house so we ended up going out for dinner. We wanted to go to <a href="http://www.vietnamdiscovery.cl/">Vietnam Discovery</a> since we have heard so many good things about it, but it was packed and I couldn't get a reservation. So we ended up going to <a href="http://www.ciudadanorestaurant.cl/">El Ciudadano</a>, which was a good option since I had been craving some pizza. Plus I wanted to make sure we ate at <a href="http://www.ciudadanorestaurant.cl/">El Ciudadano</a> before we leave Chile because I think it is a great little restaurant! We had a nice bottle of white wine to accompany our dinner and it was a great night to close out the busy day.</div><div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSq_LolIGizvJDKSU4kZCvQquC9Pax5kjBmYq0tn5eJOzP-lAnyL9cSzeeI2qqdP6NCZr_Ng0eEbtESdwOYzkDEBehv9lr4awbYmM6bLUfeDSPvq_cuQ5ge5pcuvCcLg1QsRT9U1XhCec/s1600/IMG_4839.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSq_LolIGizvJDKSU4kZCvQquC9Pax5kjBmYq0tn5eJOzP-lAnyL9cSzeeI2qqdP6NCZr_Ng0eEbtESdwOYzkDEBehv9lr4awbYmM6bLUfeDSPvq_cuQ5ge5pcuvCcLg1QsRT9U1XhCec/s320/IMG_4839.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631640167740547106" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhimnzoJ1CNLsu74d0vC8dztXFCA5fsSfMH3bsW8kOYtJBeh0pDyg-IlWG64ws-wUTi8ieuFs1fDfafHxgaJuXR1-2hWfFVE3PgjyvcdVXZNEqZ0BSI8Gp1bVIMbmRtC4gtAyDbhZNjDq4/s1600/IMG_4847.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhimnzoJ1CNLsu74d0vC8dztXFCA5fsSfMH3bsW8kOYtJBeh0pDyg-IlWG64ws-wUTi8ieuFs1fDfafHxgaJuXR1-2hWfFVE3PgjyvcdVXZNEqZ0BSI8Gp1bVIMbmRtC4gtAyDbhZNjDq4/s320/IMG_4847.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631640176201694098" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB7AFkJjT99IMrCwTtWq35y6GHYwXfrstL4J-MV1sWSKfvEBbklHjK4_O_pl4Lawe_eytNWjtFP-QBPZa835tXGsDr7she0rOOT8ed21p9fsK3uJCO2yCOBm9SEQMh-Yre5lmWc_UcZSU/s1600/IMG_4845.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB7AFkJjT99IMrCwTtWq35y6GHYwXfrstL4J-MV1sWSKfvEBbklHjK4_O_pl4Lawe_eytNWjtFP-QBPZa835tXGsDr7she0rOOT8ed21p9fsK3uJCO2yCOBm9SEQMh-Yre5lmWc_UcZSU/s320/IMG_4845.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631640175214990562" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_pszuw1iwBQqmAeDOYGYIh6RjWZ5T-B8Xa3L1oXBvvTu2NdQjX3a_8KclhGrpWR4KQEkElLiBTMeDcj4UegOkuQpbKYoTrErl_AS09prJDSwNuGr9TlT1a1GqhAy-MIBejEx7CXeZ0pM/s1600/IMG_4851.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_pszuw1iwBQqmAeDOYGYIh6RjWZ5T-B8Xa3L1oXBvvTu2NdQjX3a_8KclhGrpWR4KQEkElLiBTMeDcj4UegOkuQpbKYoTrErl_AS09prJDSwNuGr9TlT1a1GqhAy-MIBejEx7CXeZ0pM/s320/IMG_4851.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631641271253493938" /></a></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" >(Our appetizer of fried fish & calamari, called Frito Mixto)</span></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicYawNqCnwlSgsGG8ex4VdHRxVgm2x3rvlgt27G5TpHjHdGlud3oF202EepuNT2cM0tPuH1qoxNl2r1ToIBXLICwRtxQ_pBcbe9_pUTAPntTYyx1a0wIudiDguuUS0Rxpwx4Tt6v-0dwA/s1600/IMG_4853.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicYawNqCnwlSgsGG8ex4VdHRxVgm2x3rvlgt27G5TpHjHdGlud3oF202EepuNT2cM0tPuH1qoxNl2r1ToIBXLICwRtxQ_pBcbe9_pUTAPntTYyx1a0wIudiDguuUS0Rxpwx4Tt6v-0dwA/s320/IMG_4853.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631641277764151058" /></a></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" >(Christian with this crab ravioli dish.)</span></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqiwhH6lhrRtXxheuvBlTgKgmT3WaQAbURhl-GN3Ehyphenhyphene9unlb5PVjQrAQRfs3mPk9OX7SPYYjbYBP3_JEK0de3x0Rn1MlcT5FNTZ37yD0OgvtV5eq2-chYBIQEtCgdBv-Yi3TIQxlpI2Y/s1600/IMG_4854.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqiwhH6lhrRtXxheuvBlTgKgmT3WaQAbURhl-GN3Ehyphenhyphene9unlb5PVjQrAQRfs3mPk9OX7SPYYjbYBP3_JEK0de3x0Rn1MlcT5FNTZ37yD0OgvtV5eq2-chYBIQEtCgdBv-Yi3TIQxlpI2Y/s320/IMG_4854.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631641284062379314" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" >(My pizza which had arugula, mushrooms and cheese.)</span></div></div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI2W-1uDIcSixmlRk6456iYKh9PZHigX0YTDFh5STvMWC2gIq1pLGhcSAhhCnNbG7eKmU4f6fUv70gNZZNieSmQtS130SND8g1j4XFtjW4Qh5uJljKyYT4YLxvJjqVC45Q2aNqlrF9OII/s1600/IMG_4856.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI2W-1uDIcSixmlRk6456iYKh9PZHigX0YTDFh5STvMWC2gIq1pLGhcSAhhCnNbG7eKmU4f6fUv70gNZZNieSmQtS130SND8g1j4XFtjW4Qh5uJljKyYT4YLxvJjqVC45Q2aNqlrF9OII/s320/IMG_4856.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631641281365463090" /></a></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" >(Our yummy dessert called "El Ciudadano", basically a brownie, vanilla ice cream and a caramel whisky sauce!)</span></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaeYy08V9yGYXKqHLiVQ9nDvrlv8a9UYG9gxQisFBbIIb_KycVxSr36WC_orQTTNUll7a3LZQ6Xis9MVv7PK785GpexYaABlNV4G7zlc80s_tmiT2h6na-gKOODOhh11PPYfR3eVSUNGw/s1600/IMG_4848.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaeYy08V9yGYXKqHLiVQ9nDvrlv8a9UYG9gxQisFBbIIb_KycVxSr36WC_orQTTNUll7a3LZQ6Xis9MVv7PK785GpexYaABlNV4G7zlc80s_tmiT2h6na-gKOODOhh11PPYfR3eVSUNGw/s320/IMG_4848.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631641270947580786" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Sunday we got up and got ready for the garage sale, but the morning started off quite slow despite the fact that we hung up the sign on the sidewalk again. It was nice to have a slower morning though because it let us catch up on stuff we needed to do. Around mid-day people started to stop by and come pick up things and we finally were able to sell the bed! That was one of two of the large items we still had available going into the garage sale weekend, since all the other big items had been sold during the previous 2 weeks of internet sales. The one large thing we have left is the stove, but I would much rather that the stove is left than the bed. Beds are just hard to store whereas stoves are not as hard. Luckily my <i>suegra</i> has a storage unit at her apartment in Santiago where we will be able to put the stove until it sells. </div><div><br />Between the visits on Sunday afternoon, I made some pumpkin bars to take with us to our friend <a href="http://www.medianaranjaphotography.com/">Brittany'</a>s apartment to watch the <i>fútbol</i> game. Chile was playing in the Copa América against Venezuela, but unfortunately they lost. I am not a big soccer fan, or sports fan, in general, but I do like the social aspect of the games. So I am all for getting together for games and having snacks and whatnot. It was fun to hang out with Brittany and her <i>pololo</i> Hugo. After Chile lost, we headed home with Dulcinea and watched some House MD. We are on season 2 and trying to catch up to the current season, which I think is already season 7.</div><div><br /></div><div>And that was our weekend in a nutshell. I am SO happy with how well our garage and blog sale went! We sold probably about 90% of the things we put up for sale....and everything that is left (besides the stove) are small items. We will have some other things to sell right before we leave, but they are things we are still using right now so I am not counting them in the 90%. The plan is to put this money aside and use it for the household things we will need to buy when we get a place of our own in the U.S.</div><div><br /></div><div>I liked having a garage sale in my house. It reminded me of when I used to help my grandparents with their garage sales when I was little. This was Christian's first experience with a garage sale...he kept laughing at me when we were trying to price the items and how I carried around the money in the front pocket of my hoodie. I had a little purse to put the money in, just like when I was a kid and we had those banking bags with the zipper!</div><div><br /></div><div>How was your weekend? </div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUkR8aCpHV5Xtl6oTHW1hMlQtV7Dgom8noweZ_vBkMxFTZtPbPNluewNfARcafl7u-3E6LprUrRRIwwBIXa525VihhhLy3m_2jP_CV6b28qMUTBpLImnM8Nz_KjD_ajGNJouFvRh3jj30/s1600-h/signature+smaller+v3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361480897959566658" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 133px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 74px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUkR8aCpHV5Xtl6oTHW1hMlQtV7Dgom8noweZ_vBkMxFTZtPbPNluewNfARcafl7u-3E6LprUrRRIwwBIXa525VihhhLy3m_2jP_CV6b28qMUTBpLImnM8Nz_KjD_ajGNJouFvRh3jj30/s200/signature+smaller+v3.jpg" border="0" /></a></div>Tyffaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09548359365357670908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6457912037325810237.post-49887671202991146382011-07-16T19:05:00.002-04:002011-07-16T19:08:29.533-04:00What is a Chilean Completo? Let Anthony Bourdain explain...<div>I came across this video via a <a href="http://globaltableadventure.com/">new blog/really cool project</a> that I found and just had to share. It explains and shows quite well what is a Chilean <i>completo</i>. And as a bonus, <a href="http://laeskimita.blogspot.com/">Heather</a>, Vuko, Chris and I visited the same <i>local</i> in Viña in February after a night on the town. Although I should note that none of us actually at a <i>completo</i>. I had a cheese sandwich and everyone else a churrasco.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /><iframe width="640" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/aR_LncmNH5U" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUkR8aCpHV5Xtl6oTHW1hMlQtV7Dgom8noweZ_vBkMxFTZtPbPNluewNfARcafl7u-3E6LprUrRRIwwBIXa525VihhhLy3m_2jP_CV6b28qMUTBpLImnM8Nz_KjD_ajGNJouFvRh3jj30/s1600-h/signature+smaller+v3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361480897959566658" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 133px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 74px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUkR8aCpHV5Xtl6oTHW1hMlQtV7Dgom8noweZ_vBkMxFTZtPbPNluewNfARcafl7u-3E6LprUrRRIwwBIXa525VihhhLy3m_2jP_CV6b28qMUTBpLImnM8Nz_KjD_ajGNJouFvRh3jj30/s200/signature+smaller+v3.jpg" border="0" /></a>Tyffaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09548359365357670908noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6457912037325810237.post-20113262931620229552011-07-15T10:00:00.001-04:002011-08-02T16:59:47.697-04:00Days 2 & 3 of Funemployment<div>I have now been funemployed for a total of 3 days and so far so good. While I took the first day relatively easy, these last two days have been filled with a lot.</div><div><br /></div><div>On Day 2, I woke up at 8:30am to the sound of Dulcinea barking like a crazy person because the nana rang the doorbell. I was still in bed and Christian was in the shower, so I had to get up and open the door for our nana. She always arrives around this time, but I am normally already up and ready for work, so this time it was a bit of a shocker to wake up to Dulci's crazy bark. I was in such a daze after getting up that it took me a good 15 minutes to actually wake up and be able to think straight. I made some eggs for breakfast again and proceeded to check my emails. Once I was done with that, I got ready and then made lunch. I made some veggie soup (a twist on from the spicy butternut soup recipe I posted <a href="http://lachilenguita.blogspot.com/2010/07/weekly-recipe-round-up.html">here</a>) for lunch and went out to buy some baguette bread to make garlic bread to accompany the soup. I have to admit that I really enjoyed being able to make lunch at home and actually sit down to eat it after I make it, instead of putting it in a tupperware container for the next day's lunch. I had planned to go to Zumba at the gym at 1:40pm so I ended up eating my lunch before Christian go home so that I would make it to the gym on time. </div><div><br /></div><div>Zumba was great! This was my second class at the gym and I am really enjoying them. Luckily my gym has Zumba classes Monday-Friday and my goal over the next few week is to make class as much as possible. I am trying to schedule all social gatherings or other obligations around the Zumba schedule because I really really really like this class and it's not like I can take it just anywhere (not here in Santiago at least). </div><div><br /></div><div>After Zumba, I showered and went for a doc appt. It was quick and painless and I was back in about 30 minutes. From there, I started sending emails to the people who are coming this weekend to pick-up the items they bought from us (since we are selling everything to move to the US). Before I knew it, it was 6pm and time to go pick-up Christian at work. So out Dulci and I went.....and I kept telling her "<i>Vamos a buscar al Daddy, dónde está el Daddy?</i>" ("We are going to get Daddy, where is Daddy?"). I tell you, my dog is so doggone smart. She knew exactly what we were doing and this it the first time we have gone to pick him up in over a year probably. In fact, the whole way to his office, she had me running with her instead of just walking. We entered the building, took the elevator to the 16th floor and as soon as we stepped off the elevator, she started whimpering. She was so excited to see him and wouldn't stop crying. We finally entered the reception area where other people distracted her until Christian came out. I swear that everyone in his office knows who she is...."Oh it's Dulcinea!", "How adorable Dulcinea is", "Dulcinea came to visit us!", "That is Christian's dog, Dulcinea"....and on and on it went. Hahaha....!</div><div><br /></div><div>Originally Christian had plans to go have dinner at one of his coworker's houses. The coworker, who happens to be from Spain, invited me to go as well, and while I had originally planned on working on stuff around the house I decided to go to the dinner and have me some <i>paella</i>. I mean, stuff around the house can wait, I can bust my butt during the day, but these gatherings--with good people who are entertaining--that is what matters right now. Strengthening and maintaining our connections with the friends we have made here because soon enough we won't be able to get together with them whenever we want. And so I went, Dulci did too and we had a really nice time. We took a bottle of wine that I purchased at the Vendemia de Pirque a few months ago that was a Late Harvest that is local to Pirque. It is called La Misión Sauvignon Blanc from the William Fevre vineyard.</div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdOsFTnuchtts8W-WzsvrPv3P3sFWeMtgt6ZJfc8Syp-V9y9DljtJdcOqYNx3jWXrykDr3lp4AS_O0ZxE9mkCinHUHkpFSFDUy6LnuwuhqwjFV4BGmiBV-oAVdrDQ8pLUf3SCXBsqyx_0/s1600/IMG_4784.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdOsFTnuchtts8W-WzsvrPv3P3sFWeMtgt6ZJfc8Syp-V9y9DljtJdcOqYNx3jWXrykDr3lp4AS_O0ZxE9mkCinHUHkpFSFDUy6LnuwuhqwjFV4BGmiBV-oAVdrDQ8pLUf3SCXBsqyx_0/s320/IMG_4784.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629441403076323250" /></a><br /></div><div>We started with delicious pisco sours made by our friend's wife and then moved on to the wine we bought. I had two glasses and probably could have drank more because it was so. darn. good. As was our company. </div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxaZ_sU4iqb0eNreWgbfJYwwEFks5Kj7jaZ16AEqPLe8OadyyB0rG27JoRhWHwnjCtyfVfj-3RRaHLO4KMUu0WbVzXlV6AUeJHMZmpep9w_9jLzgiEIAD2z0ZMGY37dNyuH5piWMc1wQY/s1600/IMG_4792.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxaZ_sU4iqb0eNreWgbfJYwwEFks5Kj7jaZ16AEqPLe8OadyyB0rG27JoRhWHwnjCtyfVfj-3RRaHLO4KMUu0WbVzXlV6AUeJHMZmpep9w_9jLzgiEIAD2z0ZMGY37dNyuH5piWMc1wQY/s320/IMG_4792.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629441961128717634" /></a></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" >(L-R: Me, Aceto, JR)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyf28MCtUd52mtPTz7LIIqzQFMUS2D_0RuU6Z-eq9H77ZkhyphenhyphenuM-mpK9gmLnR1RUue0wTVuJw9wduKYgDPIxj2ECX69KVsuBi90_msYnAbwuHQSEeff21DZPYYZmOQBk96isjU3UBup8xo/s1600/IMG_4794.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyf28MCtUd52mtPTz7LIIqzQFMUS2D_0RuU6Z-eq9H77ZkhyphenhyphenuM-mpK9gmLnR1RUue0wTVuJw9wduKYgDPIxj2ECX69KVsuBi90_msYnAbwuHQSEeff21DZPYYZmOQBk96isjU3UBup8xo/s320/IMG_4794.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629441954585193186" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" >(L-R: Aceto, Chris & Dulci, JR, Claudia</span>)</div></div><div><br /></div><div> We ended up running out of wine (we only had 1 bottle & 5 adults)....but that was probably a good thing, hahaha, because the morning of Day 3 when my alarm went off, I was not a happy camper. So I hit snooze and slept for a few hours more. Ahhh and that is what rocks about funemployment. You can hit snooze as long as you want.</div><div><br /></div><div>Once I actually got up on Day 3, I knew that the gym was not going to happen. I only had time to go in the morning and I was not going to make it. It wasn't even like I was hungover, but I just didn't feel good, I was under the weather and more than that, super tired still. So I working on finishing up the emails to people who are coming to pick-up our sale items and updating our sale blog (which by the way, if you need a bed or a stove or other stuff, <a href="http://2011ventapormudanza.blogspot.com/">check it out</a>!). I had a chiropractor appointment around mid-day and once I got home, I ate the rest of the soup from yesterday. On a side note, I swear that soups are better the second day around. After lunch, I really had to get busy with house stuff. The goal was to finish sorting my clothes. I had previously sorted my clothes into three piles: 1. yes, take with me; 2. no, I don't want; and 3. maybe, need to try on to decide. So I took the third pile, which, of course, was the largest and started trying it all on. I was able to finishing sorting it all by the late afternoon when it was time to prepare for my work <i>despedida</i> dinner.</div><div><br /></div><div>At my company, or I guess ex-company, whenever someone left the company on their own terms (ie. not fired), someone from their team organizes a dinner that everyone is invited to. I have gone to two or three during my years at the company and it is nice to have an event outside of work to celebrate the person's next move. So this time it was my turn. My boss and some people on the finance team organized a nice dinner at a local seafood restaurant called <a href="http://aquiestacoco.cl/">Aquí Está Coco</a>. This restaurant actually burned down in 2008 and was rebuild and just reopened earlier this year, or at the end of last year. It has been around for over 30 year and is something of a legend in Providencia (the <i>barrio </i>where it is located).</div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxzYkEkeDizRAMAn7Kg7SJ1L6ELeGGbgFMfRKBkm9NiA1ACKSJehTqePZFoREUAqXcxIDOw92lBFJtTzO5RVpOyUyUveQCQvVqjTVlzjYNJzCm4XdHwyclTKepnxiY3vkqx_IvxG898A8/s1600/IMG_4796.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxzYkEkeDizRAMAn7Kg7SJ1L6ELeGGbgFMfRKBkm9NiA1ACKSJehTqePZFoREUAqXcxIDOw92lBFJtTzO5RVpOyUyUveQCQvVqjTVlzjYNJzCm4XdHwyclTKepnxiY3vkqx_IvxG898A8/s320/IMG_4796.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629442791873906146" /></a><br />We were a small group of 9 in total, but we had a great time at the dinner. I know a few other people had planned on coming, but after a super rough week at work (pulling all-nighters), they were either too tired or still at the office by the time 8:30pm rolled around. At first, my plan was not to drink at all (especially after last night's dinner)....so I started the evening out with a Shirley Temple. For the <i>picoteo</i>, we had an <i>empanada de maricos, machas a la parmesana,</i> and a tabla de varios mariscos (<i>ceviche, pulpo, salmon</i>, etc). </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidnXbmkyrZ6wJw-R1kwpBklliFrfSEtaq2PnHu_YqDGHxT7xs6KAxTwD78PdR9rRvlXtmGTSp7wf5oYI_XToYfrAESak3NYb28jZU_1Bee7d3_4J-gZZt0BvyTDZWufuMeaEnhP-9qqK8/s1600/IMG_4800.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidnXbmkyrZ6wJw-R1kwpBklliFrfSEtaq2PnHu_YqDGHxT7xs6KAxTwD78PdR9rRvlXtmGTSp7wf5oYI_XToYfrAESak3NYb28jZU_1Bee7d3_4J-gZZt0BvyTDZWufuMeaEnhP-9qqK8/s320/IMG_4800.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629442771965958882" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEU974z4KjjLtSzMf_Xz9YBh0K6dX_EJC-w5y-c3o6TzDo47NCLsxn0G7wlI2iN0r2uhgxUq9LvmSFRSdo6p0Qbb7drHb7IzoIZAHjoEm7xC12nVW2TAqO9Cpj_w8RU0acxdcvBAGWXPY/s1600/IMG_4801.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEU974z4KjjLtSzMf_Xz9YBh0K6dX_EJC-w5y-c3o6TzDo47NCLsxn0G7wlI2iN0r2uhgxUq9LvmSFRSdo6p0Qbb7drHb7IzoIZAHjoEm7xC12nVW2TAqO9Cpj_w8RU0acxdcvBAGWXPY/s320/IMG_4801.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629442768161872034" /></a><br /></div><div> Then, as I was browsing the menu to pick my main dish, I saw that they had a <i>pisco sour de maqui</i> as a house specialty. <a href="http://www.florachilena.cl/Niv_tax/Angiospermas/Ordenes/Oxidales/Eleocarpaceae/Aristotelia/Aristotelia%20chilensis.htm">Maqui</a> is a purple berry-like fruit from Southern Chile. I remember eating it when my mom and I went travelling down to Lago Llanquihue and Puerto Montt back in 2007. So I decided to try this new type of pisco sour. It was as purple as can be, and quite yummy although I can't say that I truly noted a different flavor. But I did like the color! </div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibUe15IeaAqvtKzlTwRe6ztssngs5EyNmQ51qjnZrMJIrSotTX_oeqEWzqvN1_OD6sXhmcQ19SzVpyOhWCDYDr9uQW4c4gMzaunvsx7D2OS25dh2vcSyjFpgEd4zf27pXwPMLSH_2Ehh8/s1600/IMG_4798.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibUe15IeaAqvtKzlTwRe6ztssngs5EyNmQ51qjnZrMJIrSotTX_oeqEWzqvN1_OD6sXhmcQ19SzVpyOhWCDYDr9uQW4c4gMzaunvsx7D2OS25dh2vcSyjFpgEd4zf27pXwPMLSH_2Ehh8/s320/IMG_4798.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629442781549539250" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>For my main dish, I decided to get the seared tuna with merlot reduction salsa and sauteed veggies. The tuna was good, but to be honest it wasn't as tasty as Astrid y Gaston's seared tuna. I loved the merlot sauce with the veggies though.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIp6lNZDgF3OL1rthhyphenhyphent3JZxqvAymokGs3lBbYGA_R3fInFpH2M8l2UJ_W1j4cIb4J4uNioba4R-LgUzOe84c_c4YzKP6hcdfujz-jzU_t_HXSnBxQzWjDYMBzjZZovy-RelaEE1VaHyU/s1600/IMG_4805.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIp6lNZDgF3OL1rthhyphenhyphent3JZxqvAymokGs3lBbYGA_R3fInFpH2M8l2UJ_W1j4cIb4J4uNioba4R-LgUzOe84c_c4YzKP6hcdfujz-jzU_t_HXSnBxQzWjDYMBzjZZovy-RelaEE1VaHyU/s320/IMG_4805.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629442796948201778" /></a><br />For dessert, I had the "texturas de chocolate" which were three different chocolate sweets--a brownie, a nutella-like spread and some chocolate ice cream along with some traditional Chilean <i>avellanas</i>. Sooo delicous! Give me chocolate and hazelnuts anytime and I will be a happy camper!</div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjueyFuBz9BacxQxhzAvBcuo6jOXw2VVFqanhm8gKZ5nxLhD6tTLpqoNIRCGlWsCUo3GPMn9FJT6OiNE31qDctPeAhFnObVFDfTIKCOCFAi0Mn6tbDnjCcluBMucbCtSfqHB5FSxtig9SQ/s1600/IMG_4809.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjueyFuBz9BacxQxhzAvBcuo6jOXw2VVFqanhm8gKZ5nxLhD6tTLpqoNIRCGlWsCUo3GPMn9FJT6OiNE31qDctPeAhFnObVFDfTIKCOCFAi0Mn6tbDnjCcluBMucbCtSfqHB5FSxtig9SQ/s320/IMG_4809.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629443890357908786" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Besides the food, the company was awesome. We had lots of laughs, thanks to one particularly animated coworker, who also got me thinking with his question "What are you going to miss about Chile?" Now, that is kind of a loaded question and definitely put me on the spot. The first things that came to mind were:</div><div><ul><li>Good pisco sours</li><li>Having all of my gringa friends in the same city (whereas, as we all move back home, we will be located all over the US)</li><li>Good public transportation between cities (<i>onda</i>, not like the sketchy buses back home that go city to city)</li><li>The fact that everything is in close proximity--from the mountains to the beach, it will take you max. 3 hours</li><li>Good seafood (I didn't actually come up with this one, my animated coworker did, but I agree with him which is why I have added it to the list)</li></ul><div>I couldn't really think of anything else, but I am sure that over the next few months as we are transiting back to the US and going through reverse culture shock, I will come up with several more things that I miss about Chilito. </div><div><br /></div><div>With that, I leave you with a group picture--slightly out of focus--but a good reminder of the evening. Thanks everyone for coming to the dinner!!!</div></div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwQ8eOoodcb9LeNgW9klMKG4mYqcc4qz764UTiiE54gy6wEOs87MeEn27-fyzbsdR2JeoYiKsJDyqxPMqttCI_dKHosDolNFe5Lmm7-pKyAAvBiOY_089lpkjfv8qBGVYhjJytvg48m10/s1600/IMG_4812.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwQ8eOoodcb9LeNgW9klMKG4mYqcc4qz764UTiiE54gy6wEOs87MeEn27-fyzbsdR2JeoYiKsJDyqxPMqttCI_dKHosDolNFe5Lmm7-pKyAAvBiOY_089lpkjfv8qBGVYhjJytvg48m10/s320/IMG_4812.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629443893077621490" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" >(L-R: Isabel, Daniela, Luciano, Claudio, Rodrigo, Cristián, Tina, Me & Cecilia)</span></div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUkR8aCpHV5Xtl6oTHW1hMlQtV7Dgom8noweZ_vBkMxFTZtPbPNluewNfARcafl7u-3E6LprUrRRIwwBIXa525VihhhLy3m_2jP_CV6b28qMUTBpLImnM8Nz_KjD_ajGNJouFvRh3jj30/s1600-h/signature+smaller+v3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361480897959566658" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 133px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 74px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUkR8aCpHV5Xtl6oTHW1hMlQtV7Dgom8noweZ_vBkMxFTZtPbPNluewNfARcafl7u-3E6LprUrRRIwwBIXa525VihhhLy3m_2jP_CV6b28qMUTBpLImnM8Nz_KjD_ajGNJouFvRh3jj30/s200/signature+smaller+v3.jpg" border="0" /></a>Tyffaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09548359365357670908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6457912037325810237.post-61012451572157591902011-07-14T10:25:00.004-04:002011-08-02T16:59:47.698-04:00My Last Day of Work & Day 1 of Funemployment<div>Tuesday was my first day of <a href="http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=funemployment">funemployment</a> (shout out to <a href="http://littlebluehen.com/">Stacy</a> for teaching me that word!) after 3 years of working for a multinational company here in Santiago de Chile. Didn't know I was quitting my job? Well ya.....I guess I haven't actually shared that news here. It all relates to our "big" news--the hubs, Dulci and I are moving back to the United States this year! So quitting my job is part of that plan. I won't get into the whys right now, that can be saved for another post.</div><div><br /></div><div>I have to say that Monday, my last day at the office, was so surreal. I had such mixed emotions...part of me so excited to be leaving and the other part of me so sad to not be around all the wonderful people I worked with for so long. Maybe I wasn't best friends with anyone at the office, but the great majority were all really good people, with big hearts who I will never forget. I sent my <i>despedida</i> email out in the morning and got a slew of responses back from so many people I wasn't even expecting to hear from. And the things they said. Wow. Thanks guys for making me tear up multiple times during the day. My friend Gaby came to my desk at one point to give me a hug and there I definitely shed some real tears. It was amazing to read the emails from so many different people, all saying how much they would miss me and talking about specific aspects of my character that they found most notable. I'm not saying this to toot my own horn. It seriously surprised me. These people were not forced to respond to my email, and not even everyone did. I was taken aback by their kind words and my heart was able to smile, knowing that if all of these people believed in me then I'll be okay in whatever next step I decide to take professionally speaking.</div><div><br /></div><div>Then in the afternoon, my boss had scheduled a meeting to go over the manual that I did for my position (to help them know how and what I did, and to help train the next person who comes in to the position...and can I just say that it was 18 pages long!) with her and my coworker. But it was all a big cover-up for a little goodbye party that they had planned with everyone on the accounting team. There were little sandwiches, a cake and some pop for all 40-something of us to share. My boss kindly said a few words about me and when it was my turn to speak, all I could say was "You all got my email this morning that described how I feel so I'm not going to say anything more." And I barely got that last word out of my mouth without choking up too badly. So we ate cake, chatted for a bit, and everyone gave me a hug on their way out. Then my boss so kindly gave me a going-away gift of things to remind me of Chile. So sweet! And all of this was during quarter-end close as well which is a super busy time for them, so I really appreciate that they did this!</div><div><br /></div><div>So back to my first day of funemployment...to start off, I slept in until 10am. I can't tell you how nice that was, to just sleep until my body wanted to wake up. I really needed it. Then I made some eggs for breakfast, which is usually only a weekend treat since I never had time in the mornings to make eggs. I took Dulcinea for a 45 minute walk which was good for the both of us! She was tired by the end of it since she isn't used to walking so much. My new goal is to start taking her out every day so that she can get more exercise and lose the extra 200 grams she gained in the past few months! After our little walk, I made some lunch (red lentil curry) and went to the AFC to get register for my unemployment money. The AFC is an organization in Chile that is similar to unemployment insurance in the U.S. Every month, when you are working, you and your employer pay a specific percentage of your income into an account at the AFC . Then if you are fired, laid-off, or quit your job voluntarily, you can go register to get that money from your account to use while you look for a new job. I think this is only for people who have contracts with their jobs, not <i>boletas</i>. Now, any person who started working in Chile prior to 2002 has to register with the AFC and tell their job they want to start paying in, because it was not obligatory before that year. For all of us who entered the workforce after 2002, it is automatic. In my case, I can only take out as much money as I put in, and so I will get two months of checks. But for me, that is perfect because that is not money we were counting on!</div><div><br /></div><div>After my AFC errand, I came home to start sorting clothes. I practically have to pack our bags now because I am trying to sort out what clothes I want to take to the US, what clothes are to donate and what clothes I want to try to sell this weekend at our open house garage sale. I have a lot of nice work clothes that I think young professionals here would be interested in since dress clothes are so freaking hard to find--or freaking expensive if you do find them. </div><div><br /></div><div>In the afternoon, I had an evaluation at the gym and 1 hour with a personal trainer. I bought a groupon for 1 month at the new Sportlife gym that is like 3 blocks from my house. It came with the evaluation and personal trainer for 1 hour as well. At first I had signed up with the only girl <i>profe</i> at the gym, but then I happened to take a "pilates" class with her and it totally sucked. She was a terrible teacher, very bitchy and on top of it, she knew nothing about pilates. So I immediately changed my evaluation to one of the other guy <i>profes</i>. And lucky me, I got a really nice guy. After my hour of working out with him (he gave me a cardio & weight routine), I took my first Zumba class. I've been wanting to try Zumba forever, especially since one of my favorite bloggers, <a href="http://fitnessista.com/">Gina</a>, always talks about it! I tried a Zumba video and it was pretty cheesy, but the class was way more fun. So I plan to make as many Zumba classes as I can during this month of gym membership. There is a class Monday-Friday and I want to make at least 4 a week, plus go back to Body Pump and Yoga when I can. I want to get as much as I can from this gym membership!</div><div><br /></div><div>And that was it. My first day of not working was actually quite <i>movid</i>o, and from here on out, they are only going to get busier until we finish up everything with the apartment.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUkR8aCpHV5Xtl6oTHW1hMlQtV7Dgom8noweZ_vBkMxFTZtPbPNluewNfARcafl7u-3E6LprUrRRIwwBIXa525VihhhLy3m_2jP_CV6b28qMUTBpLImnM8Nz_KjD_ajGNJouFvRh3jj30/s1600-h/signature+smaller+v3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361480897959566658" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 133px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 74px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUkR8aCpHV5Xtl6oTHW1hMlQtV7Dgom8noweZ_vBkMxFTZtPbPNluewNfARcafl7u-3E6LprUrRRIwwBIXa525VihhhLy3m_2jP_CV6b28qMUTBpLImnM8Nz_KjD_ajGNJouFvRh3jj30/s200/signature+smaller+v3.jpg" border="0" /></a>Tyffaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09548359365357670908noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6457912037325810237.post-309274567456968262011-07-04T22:09:00.003-04:002011-07-04T22:12:18.753-04:00The American Trinity<div>My friend <a href="http://www.kylehepp.com/">Kyle</a> shared this video which I thought was quite interesting to watch, especially with today being the 4th of July and the fact that I have now been living outside of the United States for over 4 years now. The speaker is kind of dry, but the ideas he is transmitting are definitely worth contemplating a bit.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /><iframe width="480" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Nn4IH3yng4k" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUkR8aCpHV5Xtl6oTHW1hMlQtV7Dgom8noweZ_vBkMxFTZtPbPNluewNfARcafl7u-3E6LprUrRRIwwBIXa525VihhhLy3m_2jP_CV6b28qMUTBpLImnM8Nz_KjD_ajGNJouFvRh3jj30/s1600-h/signature+smaller+v3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361480897959566658" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 133px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 74px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUkR8aCpHV5Xtl6oTHW1hMlQtV7Dgom8noweZ_vBkMxFTZtPbPNluewNfARcafl7u-3E6LprUrRRIwwBIXa525VihhhLy3m_2jP_CV6b28qMUTBpLImnM8Nz_KjD_ajGNJouFvRh3jj30/s200/signature+smaller+v3.jpg" border="0" /></a>Tyffaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09548359365357670908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6457912037325810237.post-34031364676473310002011-07-04T10:16:00.004-04:002011-07-04T22:08:40.259-04:00Happy 4th of July 2011!!<p class="mobile-photo" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2XHRex3I-liJG_9aw4qUhN41whyphenhyphennAleYfU7CWBzMdJJ51PRO8kYoE0LH5WIfKrdXocd8mRFuxljzjvPCkBEK3GJvy-DU-7-ZYmhWmwUdUKRBYX-hm3voksqw71Twg9w7faJRLY2e9IrE/s1600/IMG_0022-714914.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2XHRex3I-liJG_9aw4qUhN41whyphenhyphennAleYfU7CWBzMdJJ51PRO8kYoE0LH5WIfKrdXocd8mRFuxljzjvPCkBEK3GJvy-DU-7-ZYmhWmwUdUKRBYX-hm3voksqw71Twg9w7faJRLY2e9IrE/s320/IMG_0022-714914.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625500995665161922" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnYT7XyY4jlowvPd1RZDBEknlkvkvDciceXNH_-9FGzQi8N9Jz9gnJO9Jqg4OpidbMBmVzKQWwHIq86tEdZQvq5eYXJG71zoEaLFTHU3bZUE-QtA963sZ_qZvvRVbKmucHz4k-7GmzN40/s1600/IMG_0023-718709.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnYT7XyY4jlowvPd1RZDBEknlkvkvDciceXNH_-9FGzQi8N9Jz9gnJO9Jqg4OpidbMBmVzKQWwHIq86tEdZQvq5eYXJG71zoEaLFTHU3bZUE-QtA963sZ_qZvvRVbKmucHz4k-7GmzN40/s320/IMG_0023-718709.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625501006458495442" /></a></p><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>For the 6th year in a row, I am spending the 4th of July in Chile. Kind of hard to believe it has been that long and somehow, between moving back home for my last year of college and coming back to Chile married, I have always been in Chile for the month of July.<div><br /></div><div>We were hoping that we would have already been moved back to the U.S. for this year's celebration....but here I am, freezing cold on Monday morning before work, with absolutely no plans to celebrate this year. It's not to be unpatriotic or anything, but because that is just the circumstances of this year. It isn't a holiday here and for some reason, the US Embassy decided not to do their traditional Flag Raising Ceremony on the Embassy grounds. I have gone 3 times over the past six years to the Embassy for this celebration, and I really appreciate that event. I am bummed they didn't do it this year. (They did put on a different celebration together with a gringo bar here, and I'll have a different post about that.)</div> <div><br /></div><div>I pretty much have forgotten what the Fourth of July is like in the U.S. I hope that next year we can celebrate big time so Christian can experience what it's like. I now feel like fireworks are more for New Years in Viña than for the 4th of July--which is totally a sign I have been living in Chile a little <i>too</i> long. Don't get me wrong, I love Chile and I especially love the New Year's celebration and the fact it is summer for New Years (but not the fact it is summer for Christmas). But I am honestly excited for a (vegetarian) BBQ and fireworks and hot weather for the Fourth in 2012. </div> <div><br /></div><div>Anyway....all of this to say one simple thing: <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#ff0000;">Happy</span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3366ff;">Fourth</span> of <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#ffffff;">July</span> to all my fellow compatriots! I hope everyone back home has a safe and fun long-weekend celebration and for all my gringo friends here in Chile, cheers to you all!</div><div><br /></div> <div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUkR8aCpHV5Xtl6oTHW1hMlQtV7Dgom8noweZ_vBkMxFTZtPbPNluewNfARcafl7u-3E6LprUrRRIwwBIXa525VihhhLy3m_2jP_CV6b28qMUTBpLImnM8Nz_KjD_ajGNJouFvRh3jj30/s1600-h/signature+smaller+v3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361480897959566658" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 133px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 74px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUkR8aCpHV5Xtl6oTHW1hMlQtV7Dgom8noweZ_vBkMxFTZtPbPNluewNfARcafl7u-3E6LprUrRRIwwBIXa525VihhhLy3m_2jP_CV6b28qMUTBpLImnM8Nz_KjD_ajGNJouFvRh3jj30/s200/signature+smaller+v3.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>P.S. Pictures from the 2009 celebration at the U.S. Embassy</div>Tyffaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09548359365357670908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6457912037325810237.post-19860364322878266892011-06-30T23:18:00.005-04:002011-06-30T23:24:56.633-04:00Inspirational Quote<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;font-size:small;"><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; border-collapse: collapse; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;">"The most important thing is to enjoy your life—to be happy—</span></span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; border-collapse: collapse; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;">it’s all that matters."</span></span></b></span></div><span style=" border-collapse: collapse; font-family:arial, sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large; color: rgb(102, 102, 102); ">— Audrey Hepburn</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large; color: rgb(102, 102, 102); "><br /></span></div></span></div></span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhATnNgY-PNytugdAnee5dQZEN8hrwqXJn4nu1KegNuU4kecmUYJUxxIfvxSrzrniNF-xub1l-d1zMMZ-THm7xUtNuf0zafxxDFEPCL3xbG2hvOare0CcqFp4PL6848ElBrSbjtIpnHv5M/s1600/DSCN8019.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhATnNgY-PNytugdAnee5dQZEN8hrwqXJn4nu1KegNuU4kecmUYJUxxIfvxSrzrniNF-xub1l-d1zMMZ-THm7xUtNuf0zafxxDFEPCL3xbG2hvOare0CcqFp4PL6848ElBrSbjtIpnHv5M/s320/DSCN8019.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624218996907988546" /></a><br /><div>This is a quote that has really impacted me. I am trying to keep it present at all times and design my life in a way where this characteristic takes priority over all others. </div><div><br /></div><div>Enjoy!<div><br /><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUkR8aCpHV5Xtl6oTHW1hMlQtV7Dgom8noweZ_vBkMxFTZtPbPNluewNfARcafl7u-3E6LprUrRRIwwBIXa525VihhhLy3m_2jP_CV6b28qMUTBpLImnM8Nz_KjD_ajGNJouFvRh3jj30/s1600-h/signature+smaller+v3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361480897959566658" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 133px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 74px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUkR8aCpHV5Xtl6oTHW1hMlQtV7Dgom8noweZ_vBkMxFTZtPbPNluewNfARcafl7u-3E6LprUrRRIwwBIXa525VihhhLy3m_2jP_CV6b28qMUTBpLImnM8Nz_KjD_ajGNJouFvRh3jj30/s200/signature+smaller+v3.jpg" border="0" /></a></div>Tyffaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09548359365357670908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6457912037325810237.post-84833072607518865692011-06-28T22:03:00.002-04:002011-06-28T22:12:00.103-04:00And I'm Back<div>Wow. Been a long time since I've been around these neck-of-the-woods. Honestly I wasn't sure if I wanted to start blogging again after such a long hiatus, but I figured why the heck not? On one hand, there is a lot of exciting stuff going on in our lives and it would be nice to document it. And on the other hand, sometimes I feel like I have so much to say regarding specific topics that it would be nice to discuss it here. </div><div><br /></div><div>And so I'm back. </div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUkR8aCpHV5Xtl6oTHW1hMlQtV7Dgom8noweZ_vBkMxFTZtPbPNluewNfARcafl7u-3E6LprUrRRIwwBIXa525VihhhLy3m_2jP_CV6b28qMUTBpLImnM8Nz_KjD_ajGNJouFvRh3jj30/s1600-h/signature+smaller+v3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361480897959566658" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 133px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 74px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUkR8aCpHV5Xtl6oTHW1hMlQtV7Dgom8noweZ_vBkMxFTZtPbPNluewNfARcafl7u-3E6LprUrRRIwwBIXa525VihhhLy3m_2jP_CV6b28qMUTBpLImnM8Nz_KjD_ajGNJouFvRh3jj30/s200/signature+smaller+v3.jpg" border="0" /></a>Tyffaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09548359365357670908noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6457912037325810237.post-82503783076298929962010-11-30T09:45:00.001-03:002011-06-28T22:36:15.603-04:00Something that made me laugh<div>So I've started reading Eat Pray Love, which I am loving by the way, and in the first part of the book there were many parts that brought a smile to my face. The author is a very witty writer and I have enjoyed these comical bits throughout the book. So far, the one that made me actually laugh out loud when I was walking and reading on my way to work was the following, from Story 20:</div> <div><br></div><div>So the author is talking about how she loved to try new foods when she was in Rome. And so one day she was with her friend Luca, trying a Roman specialty (intestines of a new-born lamb) and how she comes to a point when she can no longer continue to eat it and so she pushes it aside for a salad. The following is a direct quote from the book:</div> <div><br></div><blockquote class="webkit-indent-blockquote" style="margin: 0 0 0 40px; border: none; padding: 0px;"><div><b>"You don't like it?" asks Luca, who loves the stuff.</b></div><div><b>"I bet Gandhi never ate lamb intestines in his life," I said.</b></div> <div><b>"He could have."</b></div><div><b>"No, he couldn't have, Luca. Gandhi was a vegetarian."</b></div><div><b>"But vegetarians <i>can</i> eat this," Luca insisted. "Because intestines aren't even meat, Liz. They're just shit."</b></div> </blockquote><div><br></div><div>Hahahahaha......</div><div><br></div>~Tyffanie<br><br> Tyffaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09548359365357670908noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6457912037325810237.post-91070894292371918322010-11-25T20:55:00.005-03:002010-11-25T21:37:22.325-03:00Thankful Even From Afar<div>First of all--Happy Thanksgiving!!!</div><div><br /></div><div>So it's no surprise that we are not in the US celebrating Thanksgiving today. Nope, today was a work day in Chile, nothing special for the majority of the population here. I, however, have been wishing we were home. Even if I wouldn't eat the turkey now, for me, it's not about the food. It's about the company and being grateful. Although I'm not gonna lie, a great meal just makes the day all the more special.</div><div><br /></div><div>I tried to plan a Thanksgiving celebration with friends here just like we did last year but this time of year is complicated--there are so many events going on that matching up all of our schedules is ridiculously difficult. Not to mention that it isn't a holiday so preparing a delicious meal for 10+ people means that it has to be done on a weekend. In short, after taking a look at our schedule and talking to my friends, it wasn't looking like we'd get to Thanksgiving until January (if that)!</div><div><br /></div><div>But I do think it is super important to remember and put in the forefront everything that we are thankful for. And that is what I intend to do....just like a million other bloggers out there. I might even try to incorporate this idea of a gratitude journal into my daily life. I was just given a super cute little flip pad for my birthday that would be perfect to jot down a daily or weekly gratitude list. Anywho, that is a bit of a tangent. Back to the point.</div><div><br /></div><div>This year, I am so thankful...</div><div><br /></div><div><div>...for my wonderfully sweet husband,</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAj7R_F-MgQawyRKGGZ5U-tCsfk-gUdNOeLhSO59Pdw6Md_S6_KbMYPrju0CejIAQG5RZueKs5-B05P1gshbafAeQ4hkZmD2GB2Ms2Secu-psODfY1UHHWYyqTWs5xNqp2Fud7P7AjjM0/s1600/husband.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAj7R_F-MgQawyRKGGZ5U-tCsfk-gUdNOeLhSO59Pdw6Md_S6_KbMYPrju0CejIAQG5RZueKs5-B05P1gshbafAeQ4hkZmD2GB2Ms2Secu-psODfY1UHHWYyqTWs5xNqp2Fud7P7AjjM0/s400/husband.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543649642889494018" /></a><br /><br /></div><div>...for my crazy little fur child, even though she sometimes causes me TOO much stress like with this whole getting spayed process,</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYPDd6XP8rxDzxHbKn8I1s0hiLidaJURZHFHXNSGamBID_YDIOZjhZA5dE5B2q2b8BoUrjTrCY7fk51Pgwn-lsMgXUwPA23qcXibJnCUHy0Ck4Iff8QgTYTNNbRoYGWkw290KkXxZts1c/s1600/dulci.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYPDd6XP8rxDzxHbKn8I1s0hiLidaJURZHFHXNSGamBID_YDIOZjhZA5dE5B2q2b8BoUrjTrCY7fk51Pgwn-lsMgXUwPA23qcXibJnCUHy0Ck4Iff8QgTYTNNbRoYGWkw290KkXxZts1c/s400/dulci.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543649654497476994" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>...for my family and friends back home who I miss so dearly,</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPljwcle7-zjJexblYEjY1HQTf5haA1VPAjDbhhrhdeXY9jZwNKtrKPuGf6eeuPzgyicdl6xSzKlgrldJJw140ReN9qsWFDRVYPyNqLu26nyOmfv_mpG6MCftPC3rijdKP9wycV9hO2cY/s1600/family1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 276px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPljwcle7-zjJexblYEjY1HQTf5haA1VPAjDbhhrhdeXY9jZwNKtrKPuGf6eeuPzgyicdl6xSzKlgrldJJw140ReN9qsWFDRVYPyNqLu26nyOmfv_mpG6MCftPC3rijdKP9wycV9hO2cY/s400/family1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543649650136421778" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRLiQvUYjJzbFrC49YgPIHygcSvSFG17WSIuAySE6_GqklpTI-Ois2StetEO86-bfZGUU8qIeWb7UX7liSf8dDDioaL-9MdyjQ4Z_5FJkUSdL62fbtCP7zLfayGJ4u_IEV1WydFr5VqQs/s1600/family+2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRLiQvUYjJzbFrC49YgPIHygcSvSFG17WSIuAySE6_GqklpTI-Ois2StetEO86-bfZGUU8qIeWb7UX7liSf8dDDioaL-9MdyjQ4Z_5FJkUSdL62fbtCP7zLfayGJ4u_IEV1WydFr5VqQs/s400/family+2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543649645660474722" /></a><br /><br /></div><div>...for my friends who are my family here in Chile,</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjigHdhd0HesEnIObWCb2EAfj-Nwr2GJm42f1oZ6I2VhVpZP_fhfNomxfFW470jNuw3GVqql2LpeDmlT5gzTx7wwh8ke9nSYnLI04NfzX9DgiYq41t9SmGTxGWVKHiSUG2F0lSv4wDUSO8/s1600/friends1.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjigHdhd0HesEnIObWCb2EAfj-Nwr2GJm42f1oZ6I2VhVpZP_fhfNomxfFW470jNuw3GVqql2LpeDmlT5gzTx7wwh8ke9nSYnLI04NfzX9DgiYq41t9SmGTxGWVKHiSUG2F0lSv4wDUSO8/s400/friends1.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543649123913194242" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQYJMVOm738RDpR6IN34S6w6XcKpjqjbUb_goL2DzzG03GU12gSfyVE-y0ji9s7OsvjX4wEUxXoDr37qSIAIJhgdVf1HntJ9MTZBfBPqXAsIl-eAodSLLGhnaB3GEVsatiODfRlUG9L0o/s1600/friends+2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQYJMVOm738RDpR6IN34S6w6XcKpjqjbUb_goL2DzzG03GU12gSfyVE-y0ji9s7OsvjX4wEUxXoDr37qSIAIJhgdVf1HntJ9MTZBfBPqXAsIl-eAodSLLGhnaB3GEVsatiODfRlUG9L0o/s400/friends+2.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543649116584152434" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgVycZm3Jfyj78ot1MKJNJJ57HGqJwUj4t_s1zZJuL9miUGMnyPQJC5U7Vl_baLGuQ2BDslmqmZGEcIW703CbQ5KUjFGn07qivstNlTWw_bYuBnd0FhnOlrQN9u2yvVsCNJNRhQRHHJ-U/s1600/friends+3.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgVycZm3Jfyj78ot1MKJNJJ57HGqJwUj4t_s1zZJuL9miUGMnyPQJC5U7Vl_baLGuQ2BDslmqmZGEcIW703CbQ5KUjFGn07qivstNlTWw_bYuBnd0FhnOlrQN9u2yvVsCNJNRhQRHHJ-U/s400/friends+3.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543649112896356754" /></a><br /></div><div>...for the fact I have been able to venture around the world, or rather the Americas, and learn about other cultures, </div><div><br /></div><div>...that two of my best friends got to come visit us in Chile this year (Nichelle & Staci)</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnvE3XFo6TOynSAS1xKKXIzCM49rD7VQQygK9YZvMHyZ3CVup2yurALVs39FlB8YxqDSlnbZqvALvNJooUVG4KV2bC-tDiOrN7Uw92qE_IlgR5slmxhn_6astpsZ8VVpPuax4taKoR83c/s1600/nichelle.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnvE3XFo6TOynSAS1xKKXIzCM49rD7VQQygK9YZvMHyZ3CVup2yurALVs39FlB8YxqDSlnbZqvALvNJooUVG4KV2bC-tDiOrN7Uw92qE_IlgR5slmxhn_6astpsZ8VVpPuax4taKoR83c/s400/nichelle.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543649049472129826" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ5A3LBsfFVc2CzDyTcnBGt2hYlshkLEJ4nCNew5RrqH5fFhhf5cwFivS7fQQNyuQ-qSnHy_drsmmjDsgdRtxKAFhbHf33SdyqyPdtBbfITOPqtKxINUv9_qK4g2yfxPqF0cRgC7PNz1w/s1600/staci.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ5A3LBsfFVc2CzDyTcnBGt2hYlshkLEJ4nCNew5RrqH5fFhhf5cwFivS7fQQNyuQ-qSnHy_drsmmjDsgdRtxKAFhbHf33SdyqyPdtBbfITOPqtKxINUv9_qK4g2yfxPqF0cRgC7PNz1w/s400/staci.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543649046100381442" /></a></div><div>...that our loved ones are healthy for the most part, that I have come into a new-found love of reading, that I can cook and have the freedom to choose how I eat, that my husband and I have stable jobs that are helping us prepare for the move back to the US, that I have figured out what I want to study even though the where and when aren't quite clear, that the 33 miners were found alive and rescued, for dark chocolate, for massages, for roses and gerberas and any other flowers, for late harvest wine (my fave), for the fact that we survived the earthquake, for yoga which has helped me find more balance in my life, for the ability to not be financially burdened, that I have learned so many lessons from living in Chile, that I came upon a little store called Lush, and many but many things more!</div></div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUkR8aCpHV5Xtl6oTHW1hMlQtV7Dgom8noweZ_vBkMxFTZtPbPNluewNfARcafl7u-3E6LprUrRRIwwBIXa525VihhhLy3m_2jP_CV6b28qMUTBpLImnM8Nz_KjD_ajGNJouFvRh3jj30/s1600-h/signature+smaller+v3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361480897959566658" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 133px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 74px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUkR8aCpHV5Xtl6oTHW1hMlQtV7Dgom8noweZ_vBkMxFTZtPbPNluewNfARcafl7u-3E6LprUrRRIwwBIXa525VihhhLy3m_2jP_CV6b28qMUTBpLImnM8Nz_KjD_ajGNJouFvRh3jj30/s200/signature+smaller+v3.jpg" border="0" /></a>Tyffaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09548359365357670908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6457912037325810237.post-40012615860338730832010-11-18T21:31:00.002-03:002010-11-18T21:39:42.130-03:00What's Wrong With Our Food System<div><div>"Think local, choose organic, know your farmer and know your food."</div></div><div><br /><br /><object width="640" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/F7Id9caYw-Y?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0&color1=0xcc2550&color2=0xe87a9f"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/F7Id9caYw-Y?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0&color1=0xcc2550&color2=0xe87a9f" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="385"></embed></object><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>This video was passed to me through the gringa group and while I think this kid is a bit too rehearsed in his speech, more people need to hear his message and understand exactly what he is talking about. Most all points he touched upon can be read more in depth in <a href="http://search.barnesandnoble.com/The-Omnivores-Dilemma/Michael-Pollan/e/9780143038580/?itm=1&USRI=the+omnivore's+dilemma+a+natural+history+of+four+meals">The Omnivore's Dilemma</a> by <a href="http://michaelpollan.com/">Michael Pollan</a>. It is a great book that will lay out all the information on not only the conventional food industry, but also the giant organic industry and small local organic industry. Then you can make your own choices about how you want to eat but at least you will have all the information to make an informed decision, instead of an ignorant one that the food companies hope we all make.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUkR8aCpHV5Xtl6oTHW1hMlQtV7Dgom8noweZ_vBkMxFTZtPbPNluewNfARcafl7u-3E6LprUrRRIwwBIXa525VihhhLy3m_2jP_CV6b28qMUTBpLImnM8Nz_KjD_ajGNJouFvRh3jj30/s1600-h/signature+smaller+v3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361480897959566658" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 133px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 74px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUkR8aCpHV5Xtl6oTHW1hMlQtV7Dgom8noweZ_vBkMxFTZtPbPNluewNfARcafl7u-3E6LprUrRRIwwBIXa525VihhhLy3m_2jP_CV6b28qMUTBpLImnM8Nz_KjD_ajGNJouFvRh3jj30/s200/signature+smaller+v3.jpg" border="0" /></a>Tyffaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09548359365357670908noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6457912037325810237.post-45667372952144584202010-11-16T20:50:00.002-03:002010-11-16T20:59:16.653-03:00Happy Meal Shelf Life<div>Now, I am sure most people my age remember being taken to McDonalds and getting a Happy Mean when they were a kid. I used to go with my grandparents on the weekends and I loved getting those toys. While I sure enjoyed my time and meals at McDonalds, I now know how toxic they are (hopefully they weren't that toxic when I was younger) after watching Supersize Me and now this youtube video (both of which I suggest you watch):</div><div><br /></div><div><br /><object width="640" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/FoFpsUvaJlE?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0&color1=0xcc2550&color2=0xe87a9f"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/FoFpsUvaJlE?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0&color1=0xcc2550&color2=0xe87a9f" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="385"></embed></object><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Just about as toxic as the link I posted to the <a href="http://lachilenguita.blogspot.com/2010/06/processed-food-experiment.html">nasty cool whip experiment</a> a while back!</div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUkR8aCpHV5Xtl6oTHW1hMlQtV7Dgom8noweZ_vBkMxFTZtPbPNluewNfARcafl7u-3E6LprUrRRIwwBIXa525VihhhLy3m_2jP_CV6b28qMUTBpLImnM8Nz_KjD_ajGNJouFvRh3jj30/s1600-h/signature+smaller+v3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361480897959566658" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 133px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 74px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUkR8aCpHV5Xtl6oTHW1hMlQtV7Dgom8noweZ_vBkMxFTZtPbPNluewNfARcafl7u-3E6LprUrRRIwwBIXa525VihhhLy3m_2jP_CV6b28qMUTBpLImnM8Nz_KjD_ajGNJouFvRh3jj30/s200/signature+smaller+v3.jpg" border="0" /></a>Tyffaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09548359365357670908noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6457912037325810237.post-12297248914804549742010-11-14T18:25:00.004-03:002010-11-14T18:41:13.843-03:00First Experience at the Vega Central<div>After almost 3 years of living in Santiago Christian and I finally ventured to the Vega Central today. The Vega is basically a huge fruit and veggie market in the Recoleta neighborhood of Santiago. It is known for having the best variety and prices for fruits and veggies, however we had never been there for a number of reasons. They were all pretty silly reasons when I think about it now and I am SO glad that we went today! Seriously the variety is unbeatable. There were a ton of things that I didn't even recognize, especially in the Peruvian stands. The quality varies from stand to stand, but overall is great since there are hundreds of booths to choose. We parked the car on the inside of the Vega where it would be safer than out on the street and it allowed us to make trips to the car to put away the kilos and kilos of fruits & veggies that we got! Today's venture was a HUGE success--the market was way nicer and cleaner that I thought it would be. They vendors weren't shouting at us or whistling at me like I have experience in other <i>ferias</i> either. It was busy, but manageable. </div><div><br /></div><div>So after a little over 50 minutes, Christian and I had purchased the following--all for about $34 USD:</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfVk0RhYOiq_RnPBx_ya2IHeJkFwyZvvWeGA9KWlqKtGCzJ2WqdjwF8fDXFEg7vvAaO7RVrzC-1MAS9j2X6XfwkMxJHlp57cguXaOcfEUL8Gf7RSFx9Joo0BtTHzf7R6jqXmwx2j_DAY0/s1600/IMG_3066.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfVk0RhYOiq_RnPBx_ya2IHeJkFwyZvvWeGA9KWlqKtGCzJ2WqdjwF8fDXFEg7vvAaO7RVrzC-1MAS9j2X6XfwkMxJHlp57cguXaOcfEUL8Gf7RSFx9Joo0BtTHzf7R6jqXmwx2j_DAY0/s400/IMG_3066.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539521376513065474" /></a></div><div><ul><li>7 artichokes</li><li>5 zucchini</li><li>2 red bell peppers</li><li>2 yellow bell peppers</li><li>2 orange bell peppers</li><li>1 head of broccoli</li><li>3 heads of garlic</li><li>12 <i>huevos del camp</i>o (equivalent of free-range eggs)</li><li>2 kilos of carrots</li><li>1 kilo of pears</li><li>1 kilo of apples</li><li>1 kilo of <i>camote peruano</i> (sweet potatoes...or so I hope)</li><li>4 kilos of strawberries (this cost us a whopping $4!!!!!)</li><li>1 kilo of cherries</li><li>1/4 kilo of <i>ostra</i> mushrooms</li><li>1.5 kilos of banana</li><li>1/2 kilo tomato</li><li>1 kilo avocado</li></ul><div>All of this for only $34 dollars! Amazing! I would say that all together we are taking about 16 kilos (or 35 lbs) of fruits and veggies! Mmmmm can't wait to get started cooking! </div></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi24MXdnCk-TM9qR2S0NCcRfC926NAr8MZrKrzKLbzn_hML2xXrN_7Y9956z5ux0C4SDaKof1-mBZY7JPj-B_3bwe01RYKwxbe2YmMfA5SVILlUuUeMT-Naldf_Q3QssTmQdZ8BqT2_5k/s1600/IMG_3067.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi24MXdnCk-TM9qR2S0NCcRfC926NAr8MZrKrzKLbzn_hML2xXrN_7Y9956z5ux0C4SDaKof1-mBZY7JPj-B_3bwe01RYKwxbe2YmMfA5SVILlUuUeMT-Naldf_Q3QssTmQdZ8BqT2_5k/s400/IMG_3067.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539521381833789922" /></a><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUkR8aCpHV5Xtl6oTHW1hMlQtV7Dgom8noweZ_vBkMxFTZtPbPNluewNfARcafl7u-3E6LprUrRRIwwBIXa525VihhhLy3m_2jP_CV6b28qMUTBpLImnM8Nz_KjD_ajGNJouFvRh3jj30/s1600-h/signature+smaller+v3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361480897959566658" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 133px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 74px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUkR8aCpHV5Xtl6oTHW1hMlQtV7Dgom8noweZ_vBkMxFTZtPbPNluewNfARcafl7u-3E6LprUrRRIwwBIXa525VihhhLy3m_2jP_CV6b28qMUTBpLImnM8Nz_KjD_ajGNJouFvRh3jj30/s200/signature+smaller+v3.jpg" border="0" /></a>Tyffaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09548359365357670908noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6457912037325810237.post-85709403879499184042010-11-08T23:23:00.002-03:002010-11-08T23:29:46.543-03:00Halloween Costume Recap<div>Costumes were Christian's brilliant ideas.....not only that, but he made almost all of the costumes (including my hat). The only parts we bought were the guns, handcuffs, and badges.</div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiibJzA_xA0dzdAuZIMTu6LzlxnBHiBw3ZvPYL0CdXvVsIyfBvYPUUZavnAmQpun3Q6gdo5yGTYuQsQJle_viLH8WmkjOpdqYqbri_JSyvGaCsIc6PIiqjynvIw9AKJWTPA6HKLhD8MNcY/s1600/IMG_2982.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiibJzA_xA0dzdAuZIMTu6LzlxnBHiBw3ZvPYL0CdXvVsIyfBvYPUUZavnAmQpun3Q6gdo5yGTYuQsQJle_viLH8WmkjOpdqYqbri_JSyvGaCsIc6PIiqjynvIw9AKJWTPA6HKLhD8MNcY/s400/IMG_2982.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537370953688075906" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqBdSikGoQCloeU2MV2-xryYsOlIi3abCrAtbQAUQ2c6NA_ETH6nqDO4EpMUYAb1jTpxTcHLZICbT4uvXqSt9Njy44wc44u8Trev8mgLKfNSVwQJRinNY-3tw8lDQIEkSVwh_x3MtGduI/s1600/IMG_2984.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqBdSikGoQCloeU2MV2-xryYsOlIi3abCrAtbQAUQ2c6NA_ETH6nqDO4EpMUYAb1jTpxTcHLZICbT4uvXqSt9Njy44wc44u8Trev8mgLKfNSVwQJRinNY-3tw8lDQIEkSVwh_x3MtGduI/s400/IMG_2984.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537370936323952130" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7y_wE8USKYkF1aQocfPaZ5aKacShV4gNqDq3vJjXgM8ASn1OwrV0pTcPlDmE5fwbV3RJ1fif5PhUxXvwccDGEGrg2xJkyQWncbTi-xw25fSJmvjRExdN6-GsJXHB78qkKWBfyeVkVznQ/s1600/IMG_2981.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7y_wE8USKYkF1aQocfPaZ5aKacShV4gNqDq3vJjXgM8ASn1OwrV0pTcPlDmE5fwbV3RJ1fif5PhUxXvwccDGEGrg2xJkyQWncbTi-xw25fSJmvjRExdN6-GsJXHB78qkKWBfyeVkVznQ/s400/IMG_2981.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537370923529314274" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUkR8aCpHV5Xtl6oTHW1hMlQtV7Dgom8noweZ_vBkMxFTZtPbPNluewNfARcafl7u-3E6LprUrRRIwwBIXa525VihhhLy3m_2jP_CV6b28qMUTBpLImnM8Nz_KjD_ajGNJouFvRh3jj30/s1600-h/signature+smaller+v3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361480897959566658" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 133px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 74px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUkR8aCpHV5Xtl6oTHW1hMlQtV7Dgom8noweZ_vBkMxFTZtPbPNluewNfARcafl7u-3E6LprUrRRIwwBIXa525VihhhLy3m_2jP_CV6b28qMUTBpLImnM8Nz_KjD_ajGNJouFvRh3jj30/s200/signature+smaller+v3.jpg" border="0" /></a>Tyffaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09548359365357670908noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6457912037325810237.post-56557943632823010072010-11-05T20:38:00.003-03:002010-11-05T20:40:29.871-03:00Follow-up article on posture<div>Kind of a coincidence that I write about <a href="http://lachilenguita.blogspot.com/2010/11/working-on-my-posture.html">my posture</a> today, then happen to click on the Vegetarian Times website and see an article regarding posture and why you need to improve it. Check it out <a href="http://www.vegetariantimes.com/features/364">here</a>.....it has some great exercises that can be used to help strengthen your back muscles!</div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUkR8aCpHV5Xtl6oTHW1hMlQtV7Dgom8noweZ_vBkMxFTZtPbPNluewNfARcafl7u-3E6LprUrRRIwwBIXa525VihhhLy3m_2jP_CV6b28qMUTBpLImnM8Nz_KjD_ajGNJouFvRh3jj30/s1600-h/signature+smaller+v3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361480897959566658" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 133px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 74px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUkR8aCpHV5Xtl6oTHW1hMlQtV7Dgom8noweZ_vBkMxFTZtPbPNluewNfARcafl7u-3E6LprUrRRIwwBIXa525VihhhLy3m_2jP_CV6b28qMUTBpLImnM8Nz_KjD_ajGNJouFvRh3jj30/s200/signature+smaller+v3.jpg" border="0" /></a>Tyffaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09548359365357670908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6457912037325810237.post-70450915594110444042010-11-05T11:47:00.001-03:002010-11-05T11:47:59.246-03:00Working on my PostureIt goes without saying that most people could have much better posture than they do. We live in a world now which is mostly sedentary and sitting in front of a computer for hours on end tends to cause us to relax back in the chair and let our shoulders hunch over. Our bodies can be surprisingly lazy if we let them and the more you let them, the more they want to be lazy. The opposite is true too though--or at least I have found it to be: the more I am active, the more my body wants me to be active. Could explain why I am hating having a job where I have to sit in front of a computer allllll freaking day long when I would much rather be moving around. Not that I am tied to my chair...I'm not. I can get up and walk around. But I can't really accomplish anything if not at my computer save the chance contract that I print out and read on paper, which I can do standing up in my small office area. And I do do that sometimes. But 99% of my work is tied to the computer and I can't stand up and work let alone be in movement and get things done. <div> <br></div><div>I have noticed that in the past few years since I graduated college and entered the office world, my posture has been suffering. This is on top of the fact that I am not taking ballet classes either which were a constant reminder for years to maintain my good posture in and out of class--practicing outside of class made class go ten times better because my muscles were already used to it. I used to practice ballet anywhere I was.....especially back in high school in my English and Spanish classes. I was in a small high achieving class and so things were more relaxed. I was alway stretching, or sewing my point shoes while we discussed the books we had read, etc. In fact, they nicknamed me Dancing Blonde (my hair was blonde at the time). I remember that I actually grew about a half inch thanks to ballet, although I have most surely lost it since I stopped dancing. </div> <div><br></div><div>My husband has been having back pain due to poor posture and so this topic has been on my mind lately. I have been trying to remember to have good posture at work even though the bad habit of slouching is so easy to slip into. I have been thinking about "pulling up", as we say in ballet, as if a string was tied to my head and was pulling me up. I walk around my office pulled up and try to remember to sit properly at my desk as well. I try to get up and move around every once in a while too, but some days you just can't get away from your desk. I use this technique in yoga too because doing yoga with proper posture and with poor posture are two completely different things. I want to teach it to Christian but he might think I am crazy. In any case, I have to think of something to help him with his poor posture and to work his back muscles to become stronger. One idea I have, that he is open to, is that he take an introduction yoga class which is for one month, twice a week. I think yoga is a good option for him since he doesn't like gyms or lifting weights. He likes to run, and while I think running is a great exercise if you like it, he still needs something that will challenge his muscles (similar to weight lifting), especially his upper body. This is not to say that running doesn't challenge your muscles, it does....but he specifically needs upper body strength and since he doesn't like lifting weights, I think yoga is the next best choice. So we'll see....hopefully in December he'll enroll. I might take the class with him just for the heck of it.....plus it will be a fun couple thing to do since he refuses to take salsa dancing classes with me. (Anyone have a gay guy friend who wants to take dance classes with me? haha....)</div> <div><br></div><div><div>~Tyffanie</div><div><br> </div></div> Tyffaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09548359365357670908noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6457912037325810237.post-43335136800614703462010-11-04T11:20:00.000-03:002010-11-04T11:21:02.426-03:00Still not back in my routineI had a great gym routine going until the last few weeks of August when life decided to get crazy. I was hitting up the gym 4-5 times a week, twice for Body Balance (love starting and ending my work week with this class), twice for early morning Body Pump. Then I traveled to Buenos Aires for work (def not complaining about that though), things at work got crazy busy as my team has been "restructured" meaning I am now pretty much the remaining team member (there were once 3 of us), Christian had surgery, and one of my best friends visited.....all in the span of just under 2 months. So basically my morning Body Pump classes have been thrown out the window. I went last week and was super happy I did, but have not gone since. My alarm rings at 6am and my body wants nothing to do with getting up and working out. Not to mention that on those days I do generally end up feeling more tired and wiped out. I think I may need to up my caloric intake on those days because I am pretty sure it is tied to not having eaten enough by the afternoon and thus feeling very blah.<div> <br></div><div>I have been going to the gym though...even if not to my usual classes. This week has been elliptical week. I was able to get a lot of The Omnivore's Dilemma read while sweating it out on the elliptical. Then I would do abs and back work and then stretch for a good 15-20 minutes. Today I think I will do more elliptical and maybe some power-walking, or perhaps go to the Baile Entretenido class for a while. Tomorrow the plan is to double up and go to Body Balance and then stay for Body Pump. Then I can free up my Saturday to hit up the <a href="http://www.paula.cl/mercado/">Mercado Paula Gourmet</a> which I am super excited to check out. There are actually classes today and tomorrow that I would love to attend, but sadly they are during work hours. So Saturday it will be.</div> <div><br></div><div>It is sometimes frustrating to me to have fallen out of my routine. I like having my gym time planned out and dedicated because I am less likely to skip it....which is why I am trying so hard to get back into it! Plus my gym membership ends at the end of January and at that point I have to evaluate whether I sign up again and for how long, or if I maybe sign up for a yoga studio to try that out for a while. So I want to get as much out of the gym as possible in these last 3 months.</div> <div><br></div><div><div>~Tyffanie<br><br> </div></div> Tyffaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09548359365357670908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6457912037325810237.post-5325994845970658082010-11-03T20:54:00.002-03:002010-11-03T21:02:52.895-03:00A Great Food Book<div>I just finished (today actually) reading <a href="http://search.barnesandnoble.com/The-Omnivores-Dilemma/Michael-Pollan/e/9780143038580/?itm=2&USRI=the+omnivores+dilemma">The Omnivore's Dilemma</a> by Michael Pollan and I must tell you it is one damn good book! While I eventually hope to write my thoughts on some of the points he makes in the book and stories he tells, I thought I'd at least write a short post to tell you to GO READ THIS BOOK in case that eventually never happens.</div><div><br /></div><div>Everyone needs to read this book, especially if you are American. It should be required in middle/high school. It is that good.</div><div><br /></div><div>It explains the history of four meals (as the caption below the title explicitly says) but in a way that is interesting, thought-provoking and informative....and you won't even feel like you are reading! It is as if Michael Pollan is narrating these stories to you himself. I loved living out (in my imagination) these food adventures with him and becoming educated on the history of where our food comes from--something that so many of are ignorant to.</div><div><br /></div><div>I think I might even re-read it I liked it so much. </div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUkR8aCpHV5Xtl6oTHW1hMlQtV7Dgom8noweZ_vBkMxFTZtPbPNluewNfARcafl7u-3E6LprUrRRIwwBIXa525VihhhLy3m_2jP_CV6b28qMUTBpLImnM8Nz_KjD_ajGNJouFvRh3jj30/s1600-h/signature+smaller+v3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361480897959566658" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 133px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 74px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUkR8aCpHV5Xtl6oTHW1hMlQtV7Dgom8noweZ_vBkMxFTZtPbPNluewNfARcafl7u-3E6LprUrRRIwwBIXa525VihhhLy3m_2jP_CV6b28qMUTBpLImnM8Nz_KjD_ajGNJouFvRh3jj30/s200/signature+smaller+v3.jpg" border="0" /></a>Tyffaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09548359365357670908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6457912037325810237.post-24587109239468702922010-11-02T10:00:00.001-03:002010-11-02T10:00:03.586-03:00Allergies gone crazyI didn't start having seasonal allergies until high school....or maybe I just don't remember having them as a kid. But I do remember taking some allergy medicine during the springtime in high school and then for sure when I moved to Boulder for college. While my hometown is located in the mountains and is very green with pine trees, shrub oak, grass, etc., the greenery in Boulder was different and my allergies went crazy when I lived there. I remember going out to get my car and it just being covered in a thick yellow dust......pollen, and lots of it. After a few years in Boulder I noticed that my allergies got better, even though I still took allergy medicine sometimes, they weren't nearly as bad my 3rd and 4th years there in comparison with my 1st and 2nd years. What did happen in those last few years was that my allergies back home got worse than they had been. Apparently my body was getting used to the pollen of the different cities and when I switched it up and went to the other town, my immune system went nuts.<div> <br></div><div>My first year in Chile, spent in Viña del Mar, didn't include allergies from what I remember. Perhaps the sea breeze kept them at bay. I wouldn't be surprised if it honestly helped. However since moving to Santiago in 2008, my allergies have bothered me again during the spring. And while this is my 3rd spring in Santiago, they are not getting any better. In the past, I took lots of allergy medicine. Last year I bought heaps and heaps of it to keep the headaches, stuffy noses and other no-fun symptoms at bay. But this spring, along with a lot of the changes I have undergone this year, I am trying to not depend on medicine to keep the symptoms at bay. I am tired of feeding my body medicines just to cover up symptoms instead of actually trying to fix the problem. Plus, it just doesn't seem like a good idea to fill our bodies with all these chemicals and toxins that mess up the way our body can naturally heal itself. </div> <div><br></div><div>What I have noticed is that my allergies only go crazy in the mornings on my walk to work and in the late afternoons on my way home--basically when I am outside. At work, since we have the central air system, I don't normally have many symptoms except for the occasional sneeze. However during this past three-day weekend I was in allergy hell. Yesterday was the worst of all the days....it was also the hottest in Santiago which may be one of the problems. I was stuffy, sneezing, and kind of fog-headed most of the day when I was cooking and getting stuff done. Once I started to relax a bit and read, the symptoms subsided a bit. </div> <div><br></div><div>I am now going to start looking for some more natural remedies for allergies. Yoga seems to be one side of the coin (for the relaxation since stress makes allergies worse), I know some local honey would probably help too (to get my system used to the pollen from the inside out) and there are some herbal medicines that work as anti-histamines. I might pick one up today just to have when my allergies get overbearing. There are also some foods that are anti-inflammatory that are supposed to help, so I definitely need to start eating them. Most of all though I'd like my body to stop reacting so harshly to the allergins. </div> <div><br></div><div>~Tyffanie<br><br> </div> Tyffaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09548359365357670908noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6457912037325810237.post-90750911283760073852010-11-01T20:51:00.002-03:002010-11-01T21:05:01.424-03:00Enjoying time with the husband<div>Life has been quite busy lately which has meant that Chris and I don't get to see each other all that much during the week. We savor our time together on the weekends, which has been great for our relationship even though the whole routine has been somewhat a challenge. This weekend happened to be a three-day weekend (love it...I wish every weekend was the same!) and was timed perfectly as we both needed to relax and enjoy each other's company.</div><div><br /></div><div>We had nice weather this weekend although today was a bit too hot for my liking--in the 90s. Just a preview of what summer will be like though. </div><div><br /></div><div>I cooked a ton this weekend: vegan banana zucchini chocolate bread, homemade whole wheat margarita pizza, artichokes with ricotta on toast, fajitas with all the fixin's (beans for me and chicken for Chris), penne a la broccoli, quinoa lentil salad and chickpeas & pinto beans for later meals. I am thinking about baking another zucchini bread before bed now that the sun has gone down. Although I spent a lot of time in the kitchen, cooking and cleaning, it was nice to eat a variety of foods and enjoy them with the hubs.</div><div><br /></div><div>Now I am sad the weekend is almost over.....I could go on like this forever!</div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUkR8aCpHV5Xtl6oTHW1hMlQtV7Dgom8noweZ_vBkMxFTZtPbPNluewNfARcafl7u-3E6LprUrRRIwwBIXa525VihhhLy3m_2jP_CV6b28qMUTBpLImnM8Nz_KjD_ajGNJouFvRh3jj30/s1600-h/signature+smaller+v3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361480897959566658" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 133px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 74px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUkR8aCpHV5Xtl6oTHW1hMlQtV7Dgom8noweZ_vBkMxFTZtPbPNluewNfARcafl7u-3E6LprUrRRIwwBIXa525VihhhLy3m_2jP_CV6b28qMUTBpLImnM8Nz_KjD_ajGNJouFvRh3jj30/s200/signature+smaller+v3.jpg" border="0" /></a>Tyffaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09548359365357670908noreply@blogger.com0