When it came to Ethnic Cuisine in my hometown, the choices were Italian (pizza), Mexican, or Chinese. But then, diversity in Idaho can be summed up in 2 words: White or Mexican. One of the things I love most about living in LA is the mix of backgrounds. I sit in conference rooms everyday where I am the minority.

During a meeting last week, I was taking roll call where there were a few new names like Shiveta (pronounced not as written, but as Shweta) which I said incorrectly at least twice when reading back through. It turns into a game of trying to translate something in my head from how it's spelled to how it's actually pronounced. Finally, I just admitted defeat and said, "Sorry guys -- I'm just so white" to which everyone nodded and chuckled.

The interesting thing is, I find I don't mind being the odd one out. I revel in swapping stories of growing up that are COMPLETELY unique. And, I enjoy being part of a mixed and talented team leveraging all those experiences to accomplish amazing things together -- at least as amazing as it can be when talking about IT projects at a TV company.

The other benefit to living in a diverse city is the incredible variety of delicious food found on every corner which brings me to one of my faves. In LA, everyone I know has a go-to Thai take-out place and dish--this is a healthy version of mine (Red Curry). I like to add a variety of fresh veggies and put it over brown rice. The sauce is a coconut milk base which is delicious, healthy, and one of those "good" fats that fill you up! Finally, the best part of making take-out at home is the ability to control what does and DOES NOT make it into the dish: too much salt, oil, and sugar.  For real-time info on what's REALLY healthy at the grocery store, I've been using a new app, Fooducate, just scan the items and make healthier, educated buying decisions!