Bria's Blogie

Crowd Tap

2012-02-15T18:55:00.003-06:00

I've joined CrowdTap. To be completely honest, I'm still not 100% sure what exactly it is, but I saw a newspaper article on it saying it was the next big, up and coming social networking thing. *shrugs* Anyway, what you do is discuss products via polls, discussion boards, etc. to start off. You earn points by participating. As you participate you are invited to to participate in more and more things, which supposedly will eventually be getting free sample stuff. I like free stuff! Then with the points, when you get a certain amount, you can trade them in for gift cards to select retailers. The only one currently available to me that I'm interested in is Amazon, but I love to read and you can get other cool stuff on Amazon too. Also along with the points you earn, you earn a cash donation to a charity organization that you get to pick from amongst those that are participating. I picked Invisible Children, because they rock. So I'm in. Are you?

Ok ok. If you join, I get some points. There I said it. Be a pal to me, a charity and yourself, just check it out.

New Adventures

2012-01-27T22:20:00.004-06:00

Just a little note to those that care about our new adventures in the Rio Grande Valley.

The move was successful. You never realize just how much junk you have until you have to move it. Luckily for us, my new employer agreed to pay for movers! Praise God! So we've got all our junk in the house, now we just gotta put it where it belongs... that's the hard part. So we've been unpacking and putting away for days now. Ugh. The house is still a wreck and I find myself wishing I were a witch in the world of Harry Potter. Then I could just wave my wand and all the stuff would go exactly where I want it without any effort. Oh well... back to reality and the mess... in a little bit. :-)

We also have a new addition to our little family-- a kitten. Her name is Hazel, and she's pretty much adorable. She is such a huge cuddle bug. She sometimes gets upset at us when we're not holding her, so she'll mew until we pick her up or just climb up our bodies to our arms. Haha. I'm also thinking she may be part parrot, because she enjoys perching on our shoulders too. She's a little under the weather at the moment. Not to worry though. We've been to the vet twice now. ("Yikes!" squeals the wallet!) She'll be fine in about a week says vet. Her nose is just all stopped up right now, so she can't smell where her food, water or litterbox are! We have to remind her a few times a day. lol

The city seems wonderful so far. Or maybe it's a town? I don't know. It's population is about half the size of our hometown, but it has just grown by two! According to the vet today by way of Greg, it was rated as the most economical city in the U.S. last year, meaning we'll be getting more bang for our buck on average. For example, I went and got my hair cut yesterday. Eleven bucks for a wash and cut. I haven't had a hair cut that cheap since I was a kid! That's a lot better than the nearly fifty bucks I was paying in Dallas. Given the Dallas place was kinda spa like, and this place was more barber shop than anything. But still, that's a considerable chunk of change. Maybe I'll actually be able to afford to get my hair cut every 4-6 weeks like I'm supposed to now!

Today's predicted high was 84... in January... I'm ok with this. I've worn shorts the past 2 days. Also, we have a palm tree in our front yard. A PALM TREE! We seem to have some pretty awesome neighbors too. According to them, we've found the medical 'hood. They are both dentists. They invited us to their beach house today, but we couldn't go because Hazel had to go to the vet, then the internet guy showed up and the landlord... BUT we're thinking we may hang with them tomorrow night at a painting class. This could get interesting, since the only B I ever made in high school was in art class. haha. Oh well, I'll just call it "modern art." That should cover just about any piece of junk I create. Obviously that philosophy didn't fly in high school art, but that will have to fly in this house! Also, we've joined the 21st century! We got real cable and a DVR. I've rarely had cable in my life and definitely never had a DVR. That's a cool gizmo! Still trying to figure it out. I may try to set it to record NCIS for me every week. Hehe

Hopefully get to start the new job on Monday. My temporary license hadn't shown up in the mail last I checked. Can't start without it. We will see. If the job is as awesome as the local digs, I think I'll be set! Now then, if Mr. Gregory could just find a job. Say a prayer for that one!

Well, I need to go put a few more things away before I hit the sack. Later y'all!

The Art of Being Still

2012-01-17T21:41:00.003-06:00

Read this article on Zen Habits blog today. I can't currently see it as the website has taken an early hiatus in the SOPA/PIPA protest, so I'll give a summary and then address the practical "how to" aspect. Basically, it talks of the importance of taking a few moments to just sit still quietly everyday.

Did you do that today? How about yesterday? Plans for that tomorrow?

I would be willing to bet that most people don't have a habit of stilling themselves for a moment of nothingness. Go ahead. Try it.

First, you're probably thinking, "Where am I going to find a quiet place?!" Our world is noisy! There's always music or a tv on in the background or a kid crying or an e-mail or text message that just can't wait. The first step it being ok with walking away from all that for just a moment. Don't worry; it will still be there when you get back.

Now, once you're ok with that, where is this quiet space? My favorite quiet places are out in the middle of nowhere. For example, the back trails in my favorite park which few people travel... or some country roads. For many though, those types of spaces are not available due to time or environment, or perhaps you don't know any right off the top of your head. No matter. There is another place where just about anyone can be utterly alone for a few moments. How about the bathroom? That's where I get my daily quiet time. That's why I take so long to shower; I organize myself and think in there! Toilets work great too. If your bathroom can't be a safe haven... say your kids will just follow you in there, then go to a store around the corner and borrow their toilet. (After locating an appropriate sitter for the kiddo of course.)

Now that you've located your spot, close your eyes. Take a moment to just breathe. Slowly... in through the nose and out through your mouth. Several times...

Once you've slowed down your thought processes, try to eliminate thinking all together to meditate for a moment. This part is the hardest for busy minds. If it helps, picture a large, white, blank piece of copy paper floating down on top of your mind's eye until all you see is whiteness. Or perhaps try repeating a mantra-- a word or phrase that brings calmness to your mind. For many words like love or peace may work or a favorite quote or Bible verse. You may only be able to achieve thinking of nothing for a few moments at first, but with continued practice, you'll be able to sit for several minutes at a time content to think of nothing.

The above step is often skipped over, but I think it is very important once you start thinking again. Now come back to your mind. With a fresh mind, I often find I can see solutions to my problems more clearly and organize myself more precisely. That's what you can do now as you think. Sometimes I like to have pen and paper to write down what I think, sometimes it's nice to just brainstorm freely.

Once you're done thinking, or more than likely, your time has run out or in my case, the water is running cold, slowly begin to reintegrate yourself back into your day. Begin to think about those things that you walked away from and what requires your attention next. Now get going and act on those thoughts!

Update: Reading the Bible

2012-01-06T00:00:00.002-06:00

This post is a follow up... like the "Update" episodes on the Maury show. (Yes, I enjoy watching humanity collapse occasionally just as much as the next person.) Remember how I posted about the Bible without chapters, verses and headings basically forever ago... update!

I know it's only been 6 days since the start of the year and thus, my new adventure reading the Bible through. I actually only started reading yesterday ... *sheepish grin* but I just had to tell you...

I am LOVING reading this version-- The Books of the Bible-- so much! I'm noticing things that I had never noticed before. For instance, while the animals did come "two by two" to the ark, not all the creatures only have two members aboard. Noah took SEVEN pairs of all clean animals and birds! I had never noticed that. I also find myself not flipping ahead so much thinking in my head, "When is this reading going to end?!" I think this is because it's reading more like a story than little blurbs.

Ok, I'm done, but really... do yourself a favor if you've been thinking about seriously reading a decent chunk of Bible. It is ten times more enjoyable with this version. It's only $8 plus shipping. Come on now... even I can afford that for my own spiritual growth!

Comfortable Work Footwear

2011-10-18T21:16:00.002-05:00

Wanted to address an issue I've had before and seems to be a common theme among women in the workforce: work shoes.

Now, they can't be too manly... or too out there stylistically in most environments... but at the same time, so many are on their feet for hours, many women's shoes out there are just plain painful. Fear not! Beauty does not have to be pain!

The best shoes I've found for working long hours on your feet are light duty hiking shoes like these from Keen...

Or trail runners like these that I'm currently wearing from Brooks....

Now, I am by no means advertising on purpose for these particular shoes. (I've never actually worn this particular Keen pair.) However, having always had a job where I was on my feet at least 8 hours a day, my feet have been the happiest in these types of shoes. So if you're in the shoe market, if you can wear a tennis type shoe to work in, I'd ask my favorite shoe store personnel to show me lightweight hiking or trail running shoes.

If I were in a job where tennis type shoes were unacceptable, the Keen brand also offers other more "stylish" types of shoes. I have worked in these from Keen...

They were pretty comfy, but I will admit they didn't last as long as the tennis type and that I use the word stylish loosely here. They have others that are cuter too...

They also have more sandal and flip flop types for those that aren't required to wear closed toes. For example...

Or to be a little less brand specific, how about some good old Chacos...

I'm sure other brands that mostly do hiking shoes also have more street friendly shoes too, I just haven't ventured into them, because I'm quite happy with my current pair of Brooks and past multiple pairs of Keens.

No matter what shoe you pick, take care of your feet while you work. They're kinda connected to the rest of the body. Those sore feet will slowly creep up your body into knees, and hips and back. I love you all too much to want to see you on my treatment table.

Let Your Game Speak

2011-08-14T21:56:00.002-05:00

Let Your Game Speak

That's the title of the Nike commercial above. It was shown today in the message at church. The message didn't really focus on the take away from the video, but I thought I'd share it anyway.

So if you've seen any MJ clips, you'll recognize the other players are emulating MJ.

What if we Christians did that with Jesus. How would we let our game speak? Think about it.

The Many Hats of the Duchess of Cornwall

2011-07-30T10:33:00.009-05:00

I saw the following picture of Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall (wife of Prince Charles for non-royalwatchers) arriving at Zara Philips's (granddaughter of the Queen) wedding today in Edinburgh, Scotland.

I'm not a fashion icon myself, but...THAT HAT IS ATROCIOUS! She looks like she has a clump of weeds on her head. I assure you I can find something similar looking out at my family farm... ok, well I could if it were spring and not blazing hot out here.

After seeing that, I went on a Google hunt to look at her other recent headwear. Surely she can do better, because 1) I haven't heard anyone else commenting on her ghastly hat selection and 2) She's friggin' royal! She afford some nice stuff.

Here is the fruit of my labor:

At the wedding of Prince of Charles and Catherine Middleton... HUGE with some present curly cues on top...

Her own wedding day on the right... and at the opening national Assembly of Wales in 2007 on the left. And yes, that is her wedding dress ... again... From the Daily Mail, "first she recycles somebody else's husband and then she recycles her frocks!" Burn!

So we've got lots of feathers...

... And more feathers...

At her actual wedding, I guess. I'm really confused between this dress and the one above. Maybe the one above was what she wore before she got in the ceremony dress? I don't know. I'm not a big royal watcher by any means.

At the premier of "History of Boys" in 2006.

More bloomin' feathers! I'm sensing a theme here....

Awww shucks! I guess feathers couldn't hold up all those diamonds.... but a ginormous tiara sure could!

Oh whew! I was beginning to wonder if she'd stopped killing chickens for her awful hats. Not to worry, chicken is still what's for dinner on this May day in 2006 at the wedding of Laura Parker Bowles and Hary Lopes at St. Cyriac's Church in Lacock Wiltshire, England.

So we've got BIG and FEATHERS...

... And feather like at church in late 2009...

Great. Now we're devolving into fur at the Wilshire Ambulance Service in 2008.

Those poor chickens had to die so she could look that stupid at unknown date.

Camilla, dear, if you're reading this, let someone else pick out your hats...

... like whoever picked out these tasteful hats that your monstrosity is overshadowing... literally.

Thought Throw Up

2011-07-25T22:43:00.002-05:00

My thoughts this evening that won't leave my head. I'm writing them down here so they feel like they've been heard and can go away. Then I'll be able to sleep.

Enjoyed dancing this evening. Will probably do it more often. Enjoyed walking last evening. Will probably do it more often. Enjoy being active. NEED to do it more often.

I need a new phone... pronto.

I'm excited about going to see the fam this weekend.

I hate hangnails.

I can't decide if I'm an optimist or a glutton for disappointment, as I continue to check the weather forecast everyday.

Am I strange for not giving a flying crap about what the celebrities are up to? They don't care about me, so why should I them? Same as with the news... I generally like to keep up with the news, but lately I'm thinking I might be a happier person in general if I wasn't privy to every soldier that gets blown up or child that's starved to death in Africa. Or is that more self-centered than strange? Is it enough to keep up with my friends? Shoot, half of them I don't care to keep up with either... sorry... this is why I detest Twitter. I don't need to know when my best friend from second grade leaves her house in Australia every morning.

And I just learned that I've been misspelling Australia my whole life. Awesome.

I love Puma socks for working out and Smartwool for work and hiking.

I've felt a little odd today. I think I know what it is. I don't like it. And I'm not telling, because I don't like my personal medical history all over the internet.

Ok, I'm done with the thought throw up. :-)

The Great Phone Migration

2011-07-18T22:11:00.002-05:00

Well, the dinosaur is dying. That's what I call my decrepit phone from the dark ages. (It's... 5 years old and was the free with new contract phone at the time, so it wasn't tops in technology then either.) It won't hold a charge and make 30 minutes worth of phone call for more than 24 hours these days. I've gotten to where I just leave it at home, because it's rather worthless.

So, I'm getting a new phone!

Everyone is saying and I quote my former professor, Doctora Taylor, "You're wasting your money unless you get an iPhone."

I'm scared of the iPhone.

1) It's got lots of bells and whistles that my lil Dino doesn't have... like smart texting and the internet ooooo ahhhhh! Poor Dino barely texts period.

2) I don't want to be a phone addict that can't just sit and be quiet for a few minutes without the phone or some other form of entertainment. Enjoying stillness and silence is a lost art.

3) I've never actually paid for the phone device itself in my whole life and this thing is quickly adding up. The phone itself will be $50, then the Otterbox case I want so that I can still beat up my phone will be $35, plus shipping because I want a weird color. (The case on the Dinosaur was literally bullet proof... which is why my phone has lasted so long. The case died about a year ago.) Then the apps I want will be about $15. Then the dash board mount so I can use it as a GPS will be $30. Then the screen film... that's like another $15. So that brings the phone total to $145 before shipping and taxes. I thought I was getting fancy when I spent $30 on the case for the Dinosaur!

4) I've had the same number for almost 10 years and I'm going to have to give it up. Long story, no way around it, just mourn with me and remember to ask me for my new number if you want it. Whenever I get the phone... may take a few weeks.

Just now I went through all the phone numbers I've stored in my phone in the past 5 years. Probably a quarter of them I had no idea who the number belonged to. Oh yes, the name was there, but I have no idea who that person is. Oops. Sorry, I'm bad with names. (If I've ever seemed to ignore you in a public place, it's probably because your name has slipped my mind and I don't want to do the awkward, "Hey.... you..." greeting.) Of the probably several hundred numbers in my phone, I will be transferring 36 numbers. I always have to reenter numbers when I go to a new phone, because my phone is always too old for the transfer equipment. Or at least it was when I migrated to the Dinosaur and the phone before the Dinosaur (Primordial Goo?) was only 2 years old!

All that to say, Dinosaur and I have been through a lot together. Anyone know of a decent phone funeral parlor? *sniff, sniff*

Reading the Bible

2011-06-15T21:24:00.000-05:00

I'm not generally a very public person in regards to my spiritual life these days. This is because in conversing with non-Christians, many of them find Christians that present their faith out there on their sleeves as 1) pompous idiots and 2) not personally fulfilled in their spiritual life, so they have to make it seem bigger than it is. Neither of those things are what Jesus is about, so I want nothing to do with that.

I have however come upon something interesting in my spiritual life that I thought I should share with other practicing Christians and curious people. If that descriptor is not you, feel free to hit the X on this. (I'll never know and even if I did, I wouldn't be offended.)

I don't know about the rest of you, but I know I'm supposed to read the Bible daily. Have I done that throughout my Christian life of 8 years? Nope... not by half... not by a quarter either. I mean there are definitely more entertaining reads out there, let's face it. But are there better?

So I began this year by starting on a daily Bible reading plan as my entire new church is doing it. So they and I are doing the Life Journal Reading Plan (click the hot link to see that and some other neat stuff too.) The plan has the year divided up into 4 parts. The church is doing an incentive, where for each of the 4 parts you read completely, the church will donate $100 to one of list of charities or missionaries of your choice. I don't make actual money, so I'm counting this as my tithe this year. Hey, a tithe is technically a sacrificial gift to the works of God... I'm sacrificing my precious time and brain power when I could be studying... ok ok, I would probably just be reading an extra 15 minutes on some novel instead.

It has been interesting and truthfully, I think I've made a habit of it. I actually look forward to my daily reading, as strange as that sounds. As embarrassing as this is, I had never actually read through the entire New Testament. (My New Testament prof in college was awful, so if there ever was a desire to actually read it in me, he killed it.) I have read through the Old due to an amazing Old prof.

With that said, I started noticing a few weeks ago that the chapter and verse numbers and section titles are rather distracting from the flow of the text. So I went internet searching to see if I'm crazy. (Because we all know that there are only sane people and their opinions to see on the internet.) I found I wasn't alone! Actually, I just saw on Twitter that my own new senior minister, Chris Seidman, feels the same way! He linked to the following little video about why the chapters, verses and headings were put there and why they aren't necessary. The Whole Sweep Of Scripture (Click that hot link too.)

I also found The Books of the Bible (another hot link) from Biblica. It's the Bible printed like a novel would be without those annoying chapter and verse numbers and headings. It's the TNIV translation, which some things is a subpar translation. Eh, I've used it as a study Bible before and the only difference I can really find between it and the NIV is that TNIV uses gender inclusive verbiage, like "they" instead of "he" and "brothers and sisters" instead of "brothers", etc. However, I did also learn in my internet browsings that if you are so inclined the ESV translation people have no problem with you taking their translation from an online location, deleting all the numbers and headings out of it, and doing a self publish on say Shutterfly or something so long as you 1) put in the proper regards to their company and 2) do not sell even one copy (only make personal copies).

So I think I will continue on the current plan for this year, but next year I'm going to go with The Books of the Bible and the handy dandy reading plan they offer for free on the same webpage as the Book itself.

So my challenge to you is two fold: 1) read the Bible daily (it really is a different way of life) and 2) consider reading the Bible as it was meant to be read-- as a literary experience.

Love YOUR Life

2011-06-01T21:08:00.002-05:00

I've recently begun reading the Zenhabits: Smile, Breathe and Go Slowly blog. I read this post today.

I do that a TON with Facebook. I recall my saying just this past week, that I wish I had the time and space to plant a garden like so-and-so because I saw a picture of the garden on FB. I took myself off FB last summer for this very reason. I was stuck in a classroom and I couldn't bear to see everyone else's pictures and status updates of their fantastic summer adventures.

Got me to thinking... what do I love about my life right now? Here's my list of 10.

1) Obviously, I love my husband and finally getting to be married. :-)

2) I really do love our apartment. It's about the right size, has great lighting and it's decent but not ridiculously expensive. Also, I've had fun decorating my own space for the first time.

3) I love my little window box garden. It's not much, but I'm proud of myself for raising some flowers.

4) I love my tennis class that I started last week. Everyone is very friendly and we have fun!

5) I love that we live close to a nature preserve with natural trails that I can walk or run whenever I feel like.

6) I love that I can read for pleasure now and that I have a wonderful library only about 5 minutes away where I can pick up just about anything my heart desires.

7) I love that my schedule isn't filled up with lots of activities all the time right now. I've really needed some slow down time.

8) I love that I have my old friends on speed dial, even though they do not live near anymore and that no matter how much or little we talk, I always feel like we pick up right where we left off.

9) I love that my family expects me to call them once a week. Makes me feel loved.

10) I also love our new church. The pastor is fantastic and the people are very friendly. Can't wait to jump into a small group in the fall!

Self affirmation: I LOVE my life!

What 10 things do you love about your life in this very moment?

Activity Log

2011-03-13T20:08:00.003-05:00

Sorry, I'm going to be using this to track my fitness activities as well starting now. Perhaps you might find inspiration to get yourself in gear and in shape too!

Activity:

1) Vacuuming the apartment

Intensity (0-10): 3

Time: 35 mins

Comments: Did break a sweat. Did serious spring cleaning vacuuming, as in on hands and knees and tip toes getting corners, hidden dust bunnies and cob webs.

2) Planting wildflowers in a window box

Intensity: 2

Time: 15 mins

Comments: Had to lift and transport 10-15 lb. bag of soil from car, up stairs and down again. Then actually planting the seeds required lifting the bag again. Then had to install planter on railing with Greg's help.

Today's total time: 50 mins

Today's average intensity: 2.5

Comments: Good to get some activity in, but need to increase the intensity.

Daily Challenge 3/13/11

2011-03-13T12:07:00.003-05:00

Spend some time without shoes and socks today.

How to Do It

Slip off your shoes and socks while you're at home today, and walk barefoot on your rugs, carpet or finished wood floors. If you have diabetes or circulation problems do not go barefoot; instead, take a 20-minute walk with your shoes on.

Why It Matters

Shoes and supportive inserts do much of the work our feet would do if they weren't trapped inside shoes, even athletic footwear. Barefoot walking helps exercise and strengthen the many muscles in your feet. Build barefoot time gradually to make your arches and feet stronger.

Fun Fact

Abebe Bikila, of Ethiopia, ran the 1960 Rome Olympics marathon in bare feet and won in a record setting 2:15:16.2, making him the first black African to win Olympic gold.

I hate socks and shoes, so I go barefoot all the time. I sometimes will take short ventures outside barefoot too. I've dabbled in barefoot running as well. Never made it to full out running on barefeet though. If you're wanting to increase your barefoot time, do it slowly. As in maybe add 5 minutes a day for a 3-4 days in a row, then plateau for 3-4, then increase again. Those little muscles in your feet (and do I mean LITTLE!!!) can make a big stink if they're called upon to work more than they're used to too fast. I really don't want to see anyone that might be reading this on a professional basis, so take it slow!

If you want to learn more about barefoot running, I would suggest this website: The Running Barefoot Start with the FAQ section! Happy trails with your barefeet today!

Daily Challenge 3/12/11

2011-03-12T09:34:00.004-06:00

Make sure you have at least 1 working flashlight at home.

How To Do It

Find all the flashlights in your home and test them. Where do you keep spare batteries? Make sure you stockpile some of each type in an easy-to-find place. If you only have one working flashlight, add flashlights and batteries to your shopping list. Consider buying a wind-up flashlight which never needs batteries, or look for LED (light-emitting diode) lights that use less energy and are more durable than conventional bulbs. Put at least one flashlight on each floor of your home, for example, in the kitchen, in the bedroom and in the basement. Mark your calendar to test again in 6 months.

Why It Matters

In an emergency situation-- especially natural disasters [like that earthquake/tsunami that's been in the news. Keep all the victims and their families in your prayers. My friend did finally hear from her family late last night. They are fine, but the roof of her grandparents house has collapsed. So grandpa's in the hospital and grandma is living with one of her sons. Ok, back to what it really says...] In an emergency situation-- especially natural disasters-- you may experience a power outage for an extended period of time. When that happens, a reliable flashlight is essential. Switching on a flashlight is much safer than lighting a candle or striking a match. Ideally, you should have flashlights stored in multiple locations in your home and car. For a list of other items to include in a basic emergency supply kit and tips for making a famiy emergency plan, go to: Ready: Prepare. Plan. Stay Informed. (A government preparedness guide.)

Fun Fact

Englishman David Misell patented the first flashlight in 1899. Only in North America are they called flashlights. Other English-speaking countries refer to them as "torches" or "electric torches."

Well, Greg and I just released our brand new flashlights from their plastic tombs. We had bought them a few months ago with our wedding gift card money. However, we do not have extra batteries for either of them. I suppose that will go on the shopping list. We do have a stockpile of smaller sizes, because you never know when that pesky remote will loose battery power and that's just a tragedy! They are both hanging out in our pantry with the other tools. Which I think is adequate for our less than 1,000 square foot humble abode. Greg also has a small flashlight on his keychain. I used to because when I was in high school, my parents had a habit of locking the door and shutting of the porch light before I got home. ("Saving electricity!" my mom would say.) Maybe I'll add one of those to the list as well.

On another note, this was a really good reminder that we need to make an emergency plan. Click that link up there. You'll never realize just how unprepared you are for a natural disaster, which is definitely a possibility where we are living in Tornado Alley, until you read around on that website.

Daily Challenge 3/11/11

2011-03-11T09:12:00.004-06:00

Drink a glass of water before yo get thirsty.

How To Do It

Drink a full glass of water today before you feel parched. Take this a step further and carry a reusable water bottle (preferably a metal or plastic BPA-free one) with you at all times, so you can takes swigs of H2O throughout the day.

Why It Matters

Thirst means that your body is already dehydrated (doesn't have enough fluid). Dehydration can lead to fatigue, muscle weakness, headaches, poor mental performance and anxiety. It can also lead to food cravings because your body tries to extract water from food when it's not properly hydrated. Drinking water before you feel thirsty ensures that your body has the water it needs, so you can be at your physical and mental best.

Fun Fact

The average adult loses over 10 cups (close to 2.5 liters) of water per day from normal functions like sweating, breathing and eliminating waste.

-- from meyouhealth.com

Oh geez, I need this one. I blame the public education system for my perpetual dehydration. We weren't allowed to take any liquids into class with us and there was little time between classes to wait in line at the water fountains, thus I only drink a glass or so of something at meals or when working out. Since I've been busy with school, working out has been slim to none, so I get very little hydration period, much less actual water.

I'm trying to get in the habit of starting the day with a cup of tea... that's just dirty water, right? I just like the idea of tea, I suppose. It's neat. lol If that fun fact is true-- which, I bet it is-- I'm surprised I haven't landed myself in the hospital. MUST FIX THIS!!!!

(Drinking tea now....)

Maybe my new employer will let me drag around a water bottle. Something to ask on Monday.

On a slightly lighter note, I know for a fact that the food cravings is true. When I have a weight loss client--which is rather rare-- I always tell them to drink a full glass of water before eating anything at a meal. Often that alone makes you eat less!

On a completely unrelated note, my friend Jasmine's family lives in Japan, where the tsunami and earthquake are going on. The ones that live in Senai have gotten some of the worst--8.9 there. Jasmine and her state-side family haven't heard from the Senai family yet. Keep them in your prayers specifically as you pray for Japan, Hawaii and the rest of the Pacific Ring this morning.

Daily Challenge 3/10/11

2011-03-10T09:58:00.005-06:00

List 5 traits, skills, or talents you're happy you have.

How To Do It

Maybe you like your hair, eyes or smile. Perhaps you're a great listener and have endless patience with your children. Do you have one mean green thumb, a show stopping jump shot or the uncanny ability to make others laugh? Or can you effortlessly navigate new cities, solve tough crosswords or make a delicious meal? Whatever you like about yourself, write it down. Go for it and don't hold back!

Why It Matters

We often don't take the time to consider what's special about ourselves. And it's are too easy to tear yourself down. But that sense of self-worth is all the stronger when we acknowledge the things we do well and the great qualities we have.

Fun Fact

"I'm OK, You're OK," the classic self-help book that promoted a deeper understanding of one's self as a way to improve personal relationships, was the United States' number-one bestseller in 1969.

Oh, I hate this interview question. Somewhere along the line Western culture told me it was wrong to "toot my own horn," so to speak, in public. However, I do think that line of thinking is somewhat of a detriment to our self-esteem. We tend to forget that we really are good at some things and just focus on the stuff we're not good at. So here's me, tooting my own horn: *honk, honk!*

Yeah, I'm awesome at:

1) listening

2) organizing/planning

3) digging my teeth into a problem or challenge and not letting go until it says uncle

4) watching what I spend

5) seeing the glass half full

What are your five awesome traits, skills or talents?

Daily Challenge 3/9/11

2011-03-09T08:10:00.002-06:00

Tense and relax each group of muscles, from your toes to your head.

How To Do It

Lie or sit down comfortably. Spend 5 seconds holding and then relaxing different muscle groups, one at a time, starting with your feet. Clench and release your toes, then work your way up as you tighten the muscles in your legs, stomach, back, [arm, neck and face. Finish by doing each group in reverse back down until you reach your toes. Once there, take 10 deep breaths.] Breathe slowly and deeply, and concentrate on the feelings that come from fully relaxing the muscle groups.

Why It Matters

Tensing and relaxing your muscles helps you to understand what complete relaxation feels like. This can make you more aware of needing to relax muscles when tighten in response to stress. As you relax your body, your mind also relaxes.

Fun Fact

The masseter, the jaw muscle used to chew food, is the strongest muscle in the body. It can close the teeth with a force as great as 200 pounds on the molars.

-- From meyouthealth.com

They taught us this relaxation technique in PT school. It's called progressive relaxation and I love it personally. I added a bit to their directions. I like the feeling of a complete circle with my relaxation... all feng shui.

If you'd like something more guided, here's a youtube video that does basically the same stuff, in a slightly different manner.

Daily Challenge 3/8

2011-03-08T08:44:00.002-06:00

Add a fresh lime or lemon to your shopping list.

How To Do It

The next time you're at the grocery store, head to the produce section and look for ripe lemons and limes that are bright in color, firm and heavy for their size. The ones with the thinner peels tend to be juicier. Later on, you can cook a meat or vegetable dish with lemon wedges instead of salt. Or add thin slices of lemon or lime to a pitcher of ice water for a refreshing drink. Fresh lemons and limes will keep in the refrigerator crisper for about four weeks, and you can freeze their juices.

Why It Matters

Lemons and limes are powerhouses of vitamin C and other antioxidants, which research has shown to associated with reducing inflammation and preventing heart disease. The tangy flavor of lemons and limes make a great salt substitute for people who are watching their salt intake. And a glass of sparkling water with lemon or lime slices is a delicious, zero-calorie, sugar-free drink.

Fun Fact

Your genes determine how sour you find the taste of a lemon or lime.

From: meyouhealth.com

I'm making fish 'n' chips on Thursday, so I'll put the lemon on the fish!

What are you doing with your lemon?

Daily Challenge 3/7/11

2011-03-07T09:19:00.002-06:00

Write down one word that describes how you want your day to go.

How To Do It

Find a sticky note or piece of paper. Then write down one word that describes how you want your day to go, like "marvelous," "awesome," "empowered," or "persevering." Think of this as your positive affirmation. Place your word where you'll see it throughout the day -- next to your keyboard, in your wallet, or taped to your bathroom mirror.

Why It Matters

Writing down one word each day bring clarity and focus to how your day will unfold. Deciding what kind of day you'll have will also empower you to create the day you want. It's believed that people who look on the bright side and take control of their lives (emotions included) tend to be healthier.

Fun Fact

"Strengths" is the longest word in the English language with only one vowel.

My word of the day: productive

That's my word because I HAVE to get some unpacking done today!

What's your word of the day and why did you pick that one?

Today's Challenge

2011-03-06T15:33:00.002-06:00

Well, I made it to The Big City. Haven't done much of anything today, except relax. It has been glorious. Probably need to go unpack some stuff in a little bit, but thought I would indulge myself in the daily challenge first.

Daily Challenge 3/6/11

Give yourself a foot massage.

How To Do It
Sit in a comfortable chair and place the arch of your foot on top of a tennis ball. Add more weight to your foot and allow the ball to press into your arch. Slowly move your foot and let the tennis ball roll to massage your entire foot, from heel to toe. Continue for about a minute and switch feet. If you don't have a tennis ball, make a fist and use your knuckles to knead the soles of your feet. Press with rotating motions that are firm but gentle.

Why It Matters
Massage is great for relaxation and offers health benefits that can alleviate pain, increase flexibility, improve circulation, stretch weak and tight muscles, and reduce cramps.

Fun Fact
The oldest known book written about massage in Cong-Fu, or the Toa-Tse. It was written in China and dates back to 3000 B.C.

Daily Challenge

2011-03-05T11:32:00.012-06:00

Hi! I am alive! Really! I have a life again, because I just finished my class part of physical therapy school! Just 8 months of clinical rotations left and I'll have my Doctor of Physical Therapy in the bag. :-D

I ran across a site this morning in my web browsing while I wait for my wonderful husband to wake up--Oh yes, I've gotten married since the last I posted too-- so we can finish packing (oh annnnddd I'm moving to The Big City today. Can you keep up with my life changes? I'm having a hard time myself!) Anyway, the site sends you a "Daily Challenge" related to emotional health, basic access to health care, work environment, physical health and healthy behaviors. It seems really simple, so I thought I'd give it a try. It wants you to do the little challenge, then share it with others. Here's me sharing with the world.

Daily Challenge-- Saturday, March 5, 2011

Write down 5 activities that make you happy.

How to do it

Whether browsing the bookstore's new arrivals or planting your favorite flowers, no activity is too small or too silly to be on your happiness list. Next, make a date with yourself to do a favorite activity this week. You may want to put your list on the fridge or bathroom mirror as a daily reminder.

Why it matters

Research shows that you can learn to be happier and more satisfied with your life, even if you're not someone who usually looks on the bright side. Your genes influence about 50% of your personal happiness (meaning you inherited your tendency to see the glass half-full or half-empty). Life circumstances (like where you live or the size of your bank account) affect another 10%. That means the other 40% is yours to shape!

Fun Fact

The phrase "Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness" comes from the U.S. Declaration of Independence.

My 5 Happy Activities:

1) being outdoors-- hiking/walking, gardening, tennis, etc. ad naseum

2) reading a novel of my choosing

3) spending time with Greg

4) spending time with my girls

5) going to church

What are your 5 happy activities?

Reading List

2010-11-27T19:03:00.003-06:00

Stole this from Facebook again.

Have you read more than six of these books? The BBC believes most people will have read only 6 of the 100 books listed here.

Instructions: Bold those books you've read in their entirety. Italicize the ones you started but didn't finish or read only an excerpt.

1 Pride and Prejudice - Jane Austen (x 10 at least)

2 The Lord of the Rings - JRR Tolkien

3 Jane Eyre - Charlotte Bronte

4 Harry Potter series - JK Rowling (lacking 3rd and 4th)

5 To Kill a Mockingbird - Harper Lee

6 The Bible

7 Wuthering Heights - Emily Bronte

8 Nineteen Eighty Four - George Orwell

9 His Dark Materials - Philip Pullman

10 Great Expectations - Charles Dickens

11 Little Women - Louisa M Alcott

12 Tess of the D’Urbervilles - Thomas Hardy

13 Catch 22 - Joseph Heller

14 Complete Works of Shakespeare

15 Rebecca - Daphne Du Maurier

16 The Hobbit - JRR Tolkien

17 Birdsong - Sebastian Faulk

18 Catcher in the Rye - JD Salinger

19 The Time Traveler’s Wife - Audrey Niffenegger

20 Middlemarch - George Eliot

22 The Great Gatsby - F Scott Fitzgerald

24 War and Peace - Leo Tolstoy

25 The Hitch Hiker’s Guide to the Galaxy - Douglas Adams

27 Crime and Punishment - Fyodor Dostoyevsky

28 Grapes of Wrath - John Steinbeck

29 Alice in Wonderland - Lewis Carroll

30 The Wind in the Willows - Kenneth Grahame

31 Anna Karenina - Leo Tolstoy

32 David Copperfield - Charles Dickens

33 Chronicles of Narnia - CS Lewis

34 Emma -Jane Austen

35 Persuasion - Jane Austen

36 The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe - CS Lewis

37 The Kite Runner - Khaled Hosseini

38 Captain Corelli’s Mandolin - Louis De Bernieres

39 Memoirs of a Geisha - Arthur Golden

40 Winnie the Pooh - A.A. Milne

41 Animal Farm - George Orwell

42 The Da Vinci Code - Dan Brown

43 One Hundred Years of Solitude - Gabriel Garcia Marquez

44 A Prayer for Owen Meaney - John Irving

45 The Woman in White - Wilkie Collins

46 Anne of Green Gables - LM Montgomery

47 Far From The Madding Crowd - Thomas Hardy

48 The Handmaid’s Tale - Margaret Atwood

49 Lord of the Flies - William Golding

50 Atonement - Ian McEwan

51 Life of Pi - Yann Martel

52 Dune - Frank Herbert

53 Cold Comfort Farm - Stella Gibbons

54 Sense and Sensibility - Jane Austen

55 A Suitable Boy - Vikram Seth

56 The Shadow of the Wind - Carlos Ruiz Zafon

57 A Tale Of Two Cities - Charles Dickens

58 Brave New World - Aldous Huxley

59 The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time - Mark Haddon

60 Love In The Time Of Cholera - Gabriel Garcia Marquez

61 Of Mice and Men - John Steinbeck

62 Lolita - Vladimir Nabokov

63 The Secret History - Donna Tartt

64 The Lovely Bones - Alice Sebold

65 Count of Monte Cristo - Alexandre Dumas

66 On The Road - Jack Kerouac

67 Jude the Obscure - Thomas Hardy

68 Bridget Jones’s Diary - Helen Fielding

69 Midnight’s Children - Salman Rushdie

70 Moby Dick - Herman Melville

71 Oliver Twist - Charles Dickens

72 Dracula - Bram Stoker

73 The Secret Garden - Frances Hodgson Burnett

74 Notes From A Small Island - Bill Bryson

75 Ulysses - James Joyce

76 The Inferno - Dante

77 Swallows and Amazons - Arthur Ransome

78 Germinal - Emile Zola

79 Vanity Fair - William Makepeace Thackeray

80 Possession - AS Byatt

81 A Christmas Carol - Charles Dickens

82 Cloud Atlas - David Mitchell

83 The Color Purple - Alice Walker

84 The Remains of the Day - Kazuo Ishiguro

85 Madame Bovary - Gustave Flaubert

86 A Fine Balance - Rohinton Mistry

87 Charlotte’s Web - E.B. White

88 The Five People You Meet In Heaven - Mitch Albom

89 Adventures of Sherlock Holmes - Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

90 The Faraway Tree Collection - Enid Blyton

91 Heart of Darkness - Joseph Conrad

92 The Little Prince - Antoine De Saint-Exupery

93 The Wasp Factory - Iain Banks

94 Watership Down - Richard Adams

95 A Confederacy of Dunces - John Kennedy Toole

96 A Town Like Alice - Nevil Shute

97 The Three Musketeers - Alexandre Dumas

98 Hamlet - William Shakespeare

99 Charlie and the Chocolate Factory - Roald Dahl

100 Les Miserables - Victor Hugo

Well, I've got 22. I must admit that I counted The Kite Runner although I am currently reading it. I'm about 2/3 done though and I intend to finish in the next few days. I figure that counts. Then I've got 5 that I haven't read all the way through. I was kinda sad that the Bible falls in the category. I've read it all but the old law books in the Old Testament. I mean, I figure I get the point; it was really long with a bazillion rules that no one could really keep, so that's why Jesus had to come... because no one could remember and keep several hundred pages of rules. I've been looking for a list of the "Greatest Books of All Time." This looks like a pretty good list to work from.

He Gave Her Water

2010-10-19T22:28:00.002-05:00

I keep forgetting to tell this story! It happened to me over the summer while I was out on clinicals. I like to tell this story because, it shows that God has a wonderful sense of humor, which I think a lot of people tend to forget.

It was after work, probably around 8pm. I was out for a walk/jog around the neighborhood, enjoying listening to my music and singing along when my pace allowed. I was about a few blocks away from the house and the end of journey when a song called "He Gave Her Water" about Jesus giving living water to the woman at the well came on. I was singing along and then all of a sudden, a down pour hit. I was soaked and God definitely gave me water!

So there you have it-- God's humor. :-)

America, Home of the Lazy?

2010-10-06T23:17:00.003-05:00

Since when did America become filled with lazy, excuse my French as there is no other more adequate word, half-asses? I am so tired of meeting people I am trying to work with further than half way... more like three quarters of the way. I have a job to do, and I do my best. That does not mean 100% everyday, but I give it the best I can give according to my mental state at the time. Surely everyone can't be running at 50% capacity all the time or am I just so lucky as to meet everyone on their bad days... everyday? If I hear "I'm working on it," one more time, I may scream. I do not want your words; they are wasting precious time. I want your action!

Here's a good example. I only have Friday's off of my 8am-5pm class schedule which I am allowed to miss only upon death. I would like to use said off Friday to run errands, like go to the dentist, talk with the cake people for my wedding, etc. I cannot do these things, amongst many others, because these fine people are not open or available on any Friday.

Have you run into similar problems? Have a better example?

Lord's Resistance Army Disarmament Bill Becomes Law!

2010-10-05T20:18:00.005-05:00

We Did It - LRA Bill Passes from INVISIBLE CHILDREN on Vimeo.

I just became aware that the bill to get Joseph Kony and the Lord's Resistance Army that is ravaging central Africa under control has become law! Hooray! Obama signed into law in late May.

We must not rest on our laurels though. After all, what does this law mean except, that every congressman or woman in Washington doesn't like what they hear about the current issues being faced by millions of central Africans? There's no real change in the situation in that. But there's more...

By signing the bill into law Obama must draft a statement in which he will outline his plans to make Joseph Kony's arrest and the disarmament of the LRA a reality. His statement is due in November. Let's face it; we all need a little coaxing sometimes. In order for the statement to be powerful enough to be translated into action, Congress members must be interested enough in the action outcomes to read Mr. Obama's proposal. This is where you come in.

1) Click this link.

2) Sign the pledge for yourself holding Mr. Obama accountable as we, the people will be watching and reading.

3) After you do that another page will pop up telling you that there are other things you can do. The most important is telling your Congressmen and women that this issue is important to you. The site suggests you sign up for a local lobby meeting. Personally, I don't have the time for that so, I scrolled to the bottom and clicked on write a letter under other ways.

4) When you click there, it will take you to a page with links so you can a. find out who you need to contact and b. gives you a sample letter, which you should copy.

5) What I did was I went to the Congress person's website (search to find who on the House and Senate sites, then clicked my Congress person's name) and clicked on contact on the person's website. That brings up a little form.

7) I a. filled in my info, b. pasted in the sample letter I copied from the how to write a letter page, c. hit submit and voila! My Congress people are now aware of how I feel and that information has been logged in their system.

It sounds tricky, but just keep clicking the links. It didn't take me more than 10 minutes for my 3 e-mails. It also sounds like a drop in the bucket. The Congress people's staff keep a running tally of how many messages-- e-mails, calls, letters-- they get on a particular topic. The ones with the most tally marks gets the Congress person's attention. So, the more people write or phone, the better change we have of getting an awesome statement of action from Mr. Obama, because more Congressmen and women will be reading his proposal.

Tell your friends!

Facebook Pet Peeves

2010-10-04T22:35:00.003-05:00

1. It's so freaking addicting! The fact that it seems it is almost impossible to function in society without it. (I deactivated for a few months. They were very long months.) "I tried to invite you to my even on Facebook, but you've disappeared! OMG!!!!! You deactivated?! Traitor to man-kind! Off with her head!" Ok, not that bad, but still...

2. People I don't actually know friend requesting me.

3. People never responding to my wedding related event invites. I need info!

4. The news feed a. I don't want to see EVERYTHING about so-and-so. I do not care that both George and Sue friended Jane, whom I do not know. b. Facebook chooses the 100 people that are featured on your feed.

5. All the stupid ads, especially since I got engaged. "Are you pregnant?" No, I'm not. Thank you. "Want to lose weight for your wedding?" I am perfectly happy with my 6-10 size (depending on the day) self. And my favorite.... "Who are you going to marry? Call Madame so-and-so at 18005555555" Let's see... I think his name starts with a G and ends with a -reg. Maybe I should have my own hotline!

6. What he said.^^^^^^

What drives you most crazy about Facebook?

"Culture Crisis" v. "Health Care Crisis"

2010-09-15T18:50:00.003-05:00

Pictured is a young physician by the name of Dr. Roger Starner Jones. His short two-paragraph letter to the White House accurately puts the blame on a "Culture Crisis" instead of a "Health Care Crisis"..

It's worth a quick read:

Dear Mr. President:
During my shift in the Emergency Room last night, I had the pleasure of evaluating a patient whose smile revealed an expensive shiny gold tooth, whose body was adorned with a wide assortment of elaborate and costly tattoos, who wore a very expensive brand of tennis shoes and who chatted on a new cellular telephone equipped with a popular R&B ringtone.

While glancing over her patient chart, I happened to notice that her payer status was listed as "Medicaid"! During my examination of her, the patient informed me that she smokes more than one pack of cigarettes every day, eats only at fast-food take-outs, and somehow still has money to buy pretzels and beer. And, you and our Congress expect me to pay for this woman's health care? I contend that our nation's "health care crisis" is not the result of a shortage of quality hospitals, doctors or nurses. Rather, it is the result of a "crisis of culture" a culture in which it is perfectly acceptable to spend money on luxuries and vices while refusing to take care of one's self or, heaven forbid, purchase health insurance. It is a culture based in the irresponsible credo that "I can do whatever I want to because someone else will always take care of me". Once you fix this "culture crisis" that rewards irresponsibility and dependency, you'll be amazed at how quickly our nation's health care difficulties will disappear.

Respectfully,
ROGER STARNER JONES, MD
If you agree...pass it on.

What's Wrong with the NYC Mosque?

2010-08-14T18:26:00.003-05:00

Poll: 7 in 10 Americans Oppose Ground Zero Mosque

The following is a response to the above article.

Please help me understand why 7 of 10 Americans don't want this building. What surprised me most was that even over 50% of Democrats are against it, so there's not a definitive party line on this issue either. Even 70% of Independents are against it.

The reasons the article states for the nea-sayers are as follows:

1) demeaning and offensive to the 9/11 victims

2) would be a "victory for those who sought and still seek to terrorize the American people."

The reason the article states for supporters include:

1) Under the watchful eye of Islamic values to promote "integration, tolerance of difference and community cohesion through arts and culture."

I do not understand the nea-sayers arguments at all. Why would this be demeaning or offensive? Because the building would welcome people of a particular religion of which a few extremists killed thousands of innocent people? Yes, I do agree that that was a tragic day indeed for the U.S. and the world; however, the building is not ON the site, it is two blocks away. I don't know the exact location of which the building is to be placed. From the pictures I've seen, the buildings surrounding the World Trade Center site are no less than 20 stories tall. This proposed center will be 15 stories, so you wouldn't even be able to see it from the site. Don't worry, my fellow citizens, we will never forget; however, we must learn of and forgive our fellow man and move on.

Secondly, how would this be a victory for terrorists? Just because someone chooses to follow Islam does not make him or her a terrorist. The people who would be using the building are not the enemy. Have we forgotten there have been "Christians" who could have been/are labeled as terrorists? Ever heard of the Inquisition? How about the Salem Witch Hunts? Or a current terrorist, Joseph Kony, leader of the Lord's Resistance Army in Uganda who kidnaps children, brainwashes them and forces them to fight anyone who gets in his way? (Click here to sign a petition to get Mr. Obama to be more proactive against Joseph Kony on a world stage.) All of those were done in the name of Jesus. Have we conveniently forgotten Christianity's sordid past? Just as we Christians do not agree with these extremists' actions, so most Muslims do not agree with what the terrorists who are causing so much trouble for the U.S. have and are doing. Who can honestly say they have ever read the Qur'an? I can't say I have, but I have been told by people that are Christians who have opted to learn about Islam from a purely academic standpoint that the Qur'an promotes "compassion, generosity and respect for all" like the article states.

I think this is a very sad case similar to the Salem Witch Hunts in that nearly the entire country (70%) is petrified of something we do not understand-- Islam. Having this center would actually help to alleviate some of that ignorance by allowing the American people to understand the culture and religion that many of it's citizens elect to participate in. I would like to read the Qur'an for myself at some point. If Christians are going to win the Muslims for Jesus, how will we know how to approach them with rational arguments for our faith unless we understand why they adhere to theirs and why it is so enticing. That is why this center is in need as well. If this center could further integrate Muslims into the American society and educate them on how to be "American" when they become citizens, then fantastic! Maybe they would "learn to speak g****** English" as so eloquently mentioned in Avenue Q's wonderful song "Everyone's a Little Bit Racist." People with thick accents are horribly difficult to deal with. If they could teach English and something about American culture, I would call that goal met. Their last goal is "community cohesion." I am assuming they mean that want a place for Muslims to be able to gather together as support group of sorts for being on the misjudged and under represented side of life in the U.S. That's fair. There have been tons of such groups throughout history. Think NAACP or LULAC or NOW for people that may have been down trodden at some point. (I will not open that can of worms.) Or beyond historical facts, what about all the divorce care groups I see popping up at churches. They've formed because very conservative non-divorced people snub their noses at those that in their eyes are utter failures at marriage, or perhaps even not fulfilling the sacraments.

I realize this is a topic that needs to be and will be discussed further of many more stages than this tiny one, but I felt since I am in the minority I had better speak my peace for the education of anyone that cares to listen. Search your own soul on this one after taking in all the facts for yourself. Before you leave this page, go click that link for the Joseph Kony petition. Let's get that terrorist too!

End Year 1 of PT School

2010-08-13T19:50:00.002-05:00

Well, the first year of PT school is over and done with the completion of my first clinical rotation today. It was awesome! I loved the people I worked with. The clinic was very small-- 1 PT, 1 PTA, 1 tech and the one and only myself. The PTA and tech were very independent, so I often got the PT to myself for questions. All the staff were very friendly and I felt like we got along great, which is such a change from my last 2 jobs. :-p I really enjoyed being with real live patients, rather than case studies and books. Live people put in much more of an "X" factor into clinical situations that cases studies do. I didn't mind though; between my job last summer and PT school, I doubt I can be surprised by much of any sort of human behavior anymore.

I am returning home tomorrow to my own birthday party that my housemate, Kassia, is throwing for me because she is a sweetheart.

I am sad to report that PT school has caused one fatality. My beloved sugar glider, Simeon, passed away earlier this week. I would be willing to bet that my lack of time to pay him or his sisters much attention probably played a large factor in his death. As my mom said though, it couldn't be helped. Simeon has flown his last over the rainbow bridge.

For the next two weeks, I will turn my attention to wedding planning, commencing.... now! :-)

Stuck on an Escalator

2010-07-22T15:14:00.002-05:00

Missing the Simple Things in Life

2010-07-13T21:21:00.005-05:00

I was inspired to write today by The Pioneer Woman. I had heard about her cookbook from my classmates and in searching around the internet about the book, I came across her website. I read a few blog entries of hers and throughly enjoyed reading about her not too terribly exciting life. I experienced a bit of escapism in that her life seems so NORMAL! I wish mine involved more friends, family and spouse/fiance like hers does and much less school work.

I ran across a quote several months ago that seems to fit well here. "To get what we've never had, we must do what we've never done." I have no idea who said that, but I can definitely tell you that I am doing just that. I've never had nor tried to obtain a doctorate before, (And do not intend to ever try again!) and that I have definitely never sacrificed so much of my time just living life as it should be before either. By that I mean I see my family once a week for about an hour at lunch, I talk with Greg a few times a week on the phone and hopefully once a month in person. My poor friends have probably suffered the most; not only have I removed myself from Facebook-- my main line of communication-- my school work keeps me locked up in my room pouring over my notes most nights when they are out having fun. I hardly ever get to go to church anymore. Its not because I'm too lazy to get up in the morning on a Sunday. I am up plenty early, but I'm up to tackle assignments and research.

My family tells me that I won't be sorry I pursued my doctorate once I'm finished, but living beside and not with the people I love is no fun. I'm tired of it. Flat out disgusted with it, actually.

I've got one test this week-- Thursday, which I should probably be studying for now-- then finals all next week. No rest for the weary though; I'm moving that weekend to my first clinical rotation "home." That should bring some relief though; I'll be putting myself back on Facebook then. In addition, just being in a different location will be wonderful. I think of myself as an adventure seeker-- anything new or different makes me happy. Besides that, I won't sit in a chair being drilled for eight hours a day. I'll get to at least be standing and moving about, not to mention working with people and not just books and facts! People always make life more adventuresome.

Nine more days... I can do this! I will do this!

Update on Earlier Post "Offended by ACLU"

2010-06-22T16:43:00.002-05:00

Now here this new news: Disbuted Mojave Desert War Memorial Destroyed by Vandals in Defiance of Supreme Court Ruling

What the freakin' crap?! How childish can we be? I'm lost for words beyond that.

Taylor's Gift

2010-06-18T17:33:00.003-05:00

I had the pleasure of meeting Taylor's grandmother today. She related Taylor's touching

story to me. I thought it needed to be shared. Consider becoming an organ donor.

Be sure to inform your family if you are!

Click here to visit the Taylor's Gift Foundation and get

more information about Taylor, the documentary and organ donation.

Fat Talk and Operation Beautiful

2010-06-04T17:22:00.004-05:00

Click here to see Operation Beautiful and join the fight!

Bits

2010-06-03T17:29:00.003-05:00

Thought I'd write a bit.

Nothing too much happening of interest here. I'm taking musculoskeletal, neurological and cardiopulmonary intervention courses, in addition to a course in research which this semester is mostly statistics. We are finally learning how to treat things, so class has gotten immensely more exciting! Myself and my research group are doing some baseline work for the doctoral research we will be conducting. We will be looking at task tests which could possibly predict elderly that have problems climbing stairs. Being able to predict a person's ability to walk is important, because you would be hard pressed to find community buildings that don't have stairs either to get in/out of the building itself or stairs inside. True, most modern buildings have elevators on the inside, but what about the outside? What would happen if someone couldn't climb down the stairs and there was a fire that shut down the elevator? Doesn't sound good to me. So see, it is important. I'm pretty excited about it, because there is so little research done on the subject. We're pretty much pioneers. :-D

Beyond school, Greg has moved to the big city and started culinary school. He seems to enjoy it a lot a lot! I'm really excited for him, because he's finally found something that truly excites him that he can a living of. Between the miles and the nature of both our studies, we will not be seeing each other much. Both of our programs are very hands on and skill oriented, which takes lots of practice to get.

My housemate, Kassia, got engaged last weekend. I'm pumped, because we can wedding plan together now. :-)

I'm getting rather tired of hearing about the oil spill. Yeah, it's horrible, but everyone's moaning and groaning isn't going to get the fix in place any sooner. BP's practices were obviously slack for this to happen, and the government seems determined to make them pay for that. Let it go.

Wedding planning is coming along, although very little of it is what I really want. Oh well. At this point as long as we get married, I don't care if we get married in a field in potato sacks.

Alright, I need to get going with homework. Later!

Long Time...

2010-05-06T18:50:00.003-05:00

Woah, it has been a long time since I posted.

I am hanging on with school by the skin of my teeth. All I do is study... really. I might go out with my friends once on the weekend and once with Greg. That too is changing though...

Greg is starting culinary school in Dallas not this coming Monday, but the next so hanging with him on the weekend will probably be limited to once a month at best. :-( I'm sad to see him go because he won't be close enough for me to go cry all over when school gets me frustrated anymore. I am happy that he's finally found his calling and is pursuing said calling with gusto.

I recently got a Twitter account and added it to the side over there for the few random people that visit here. I will probably update that more than this simply because Twitter is a sentence, whilst this is a novel (with me anyway). Please don't go and ask me to follow you. I love you, friends, but there's only one person that I care enough about to care what they're doing or thinking every minute of every day and that'd be Greg. That's why I got one-- so we can keep tabs on each other since we'll be several hundred miles apart more days than not the not too distant future.

Well, until next year! ;-) Gosh, this time next year will look really different. I'll be married to the love of my life, I will reside in Dallas and I will be on my clinical rotations (that is if I can make it through the classroom part.)

Ok, really, I have things to do. Ta-ta!

Offended by the ACLU

2009-10-07T07:30:00.004-05:00

Now hear this:

World War I Memorial Cross in Mojave desert ACLU's Next Target.

What if I'm offended by Mr. Buono's being offended? What if I'm offended by the thing being covered up by ugly ply wood? Where are my rights to being offended?

I will not apologize for my nation's Christian heritage. Would I be in favor of erecting such a structure in present times? No, because that symbol no longer reflects the heart and soul of my nation's people. However, the symbol did at that time and so should remain a memorial to people and times long gone.

PT school

2009-10-05T20:04:00.003-05:00

Well, folks I have been in PT school for a little over a month now and this is the first instant I have had to write. Mostly I spend my time in class-- 8-5 Monday-Thursday-- or studying my brain to a sticky pulp. So saying, please forgive if I make no sense what so ever. The only reason I can write at this moment is that I am waiting for my practice patient--Greg-- to arrive so I can practice for the practical test I have tomorrow. I don't think it will be too hard, but the test is detailed. If I miss one tiny detail, there will be a massacre of red ink on my performance sheet.

In general, I enjoy what I'm learning. It is terribly interesting and I am finally learning practical skills. Hooray! No more principles and theories! Well, we're still looking at those but they are in the foundational sciences, which I enjoy immensely. Those will disappear from the curriculum soon, I believe.

I have no life outside of school, meaning no free time what so ever. It is very difficult to keep the few close friendships I have alive with the truncated time, much less make the new ones which I so desperately need in my class. *sigh* I suppose those will come naturally with time as we are forced to spend hours upon hours with each other during the day. Some of them even return to the classroom to study at night! I can 't do that; I have to leave that building for a little more than sleeping.

Well, I had better review my test materials before the subject arrives.

Say a prayer for me!

Good Search

2009-09-11T13:11:00.002-05:00

Click on and bookmark Good Search right now.

With this handy gadget, you can search the internet powered by Yahoo search and help out your favorite charity at the same time! You can also shop through the website at your favorite stores and help out too!

Put your favorite charity in the second text box, click verify and you're off and running. Good Search will donate 50% of the revenue received from your searches to the charity of your choice. If your favorite charity isn't on the list, contact the charity and get them to add themselves. I doubt they will say no to potential funds!

Here are a couple charity options to get you started:

Some You've Probably Heard Of

World Vision

World Wildlife Federation

American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA)

Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)

St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital

American Red Cross

Big Brothers Big Sisters

Children's Miracle Network

Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA)

Girl Scouts

Habitat for Humanity

Junior Achievement

Meals on Wheels

Ronald McDonald House

Susan G. Komen for the Cure

Salvation Army

United Way

Young Life

YWCA

Some You've Probably Haven't

Cystic Fibrosis Foundation

Muscular Dystrophy Association

Invisible Children

Hope for Gliders

Save Darfur

Zachary Solomon

Ophelia's Place

Mothers Against Drunk Driving

One Campaign

Special Olympics

Project Linus

This is THAT big. Jump on the bandwagon and help out your favorite! If you don't know of one you'd like to help out, there is a HUGE list on the engine's website.

Facebook Stalkers

2009-09-06T09:13:00.004-05:00

Here are the top people that Facebook-stalk me. (Ok, not necessarily "stalk" but "interact with my wall the most"

1. Kassia

2. Jeremy M.

3. Tink

4. Daniel M.

5. Cynthia L.

6. Rafe

7. Sarah Mc.

8. Hannah H.

9. Bridget

10. Lisa

11. Ashleigh A.

12. Joe Bob

13. Anthony

14. Jennifer C.

15. Kristin L.

16. Abigail W.

17. Clay

18. Stacey H.

19. Darren H.

20. William

21. Melissa Y.

--Are you honestly surprised about any of these?
yes! where is my fiance?! i think about 14 or 15 down are on there simply because they wished me a happy birthday last month and then replied to me when i asked about how they were doing.

→How did you meet 4?
HSU tennis

→How much does 6 mean to you?
love our random lunches!

→Describe 14 in three words.
friendly, terribly intelligent, wish she would have come to HSU!

→What is your most fond memory with 15?
something involving high school and a bunch of band nerds. lol

→Do you know all of 2's secrets?
no way! i barely know him really.

→If you could marry either 1 or 20, who would it be?
well, seeing as how 20 is male... but 1 said she loved me just yesterday (because i bought her food!)... its a toss up. lol

→How far do you think you are on 5's stalker list?
hmmm maybe mid range... but probably not.

→When is the next time you're going to see 7?
i have no idea. wish i could see her though!

→When is the last time you saw 17?
over a year ago. that may be fixed in the coming months at district apta meetings though! lol

→How do you think 13 feels about you?
annoying because i beat him at pool this week and he's supposed to be good! hahaha

→Are 11 and 12 anything like each other?
not really but they are both very friendly

→Describe the relationship between 14 and 20.
they are on this list together. other than that... OH! they both played tennis at one point in their lives, just not together. actually they were on opposing teams!

→Would you ever want to date 18?
well, darren married her, so she can't be so bad. lol

→What do you think 10's parents are like?
they're awesome!

--> Is 16 single?

i have no idea.

→If you had never met 8, how would your life be different?
with way fewer crazy facebook statuses to read lol

→If you could tell 9 one thing right now, what would it be?

your photography is freakin awesome and you will go far with it if you so choose to put in the effort to get yourself there.

→What is the funniest thing you've ever heard 19 do?
oh the hendrick stories. too many!

→How did you meet 15?
through mutual band nerd friends

→How did you come to be friends with 10?
HSU doubles partner for a semester or so a few years ago.

→If 3 died, would you be lost?
terribly! i would lose my cynic that keeps us all grounded!

→What is the weirdest thing you've ever seen 4 do?
geez, where do i begin? his coming to HSU and us even meeting is an odd ball story all in itself.

→What is 7's only weakness?
blonde. that describes her perfectly lol

→Are you friends with any of 19's friends?
yup

→Do you think 16 and 8 would make a good couple?
well, seeing as how they're both female and straight, no. but if that wasn't an issue, i would say no; they're complete opposites.

→What is the most badass thing you've ever seen or heard 2 do?
he's renovating his house. that's a lot of work, especially while being in pharmacy school!

→What is the one thing 20 most exceeds at?

pumping iron

→If 1 and 2 hated each other, what would change?
nothing seeing has how i doubt they've met

→If 11 said to you that she/he loved 5, what would your response be?
i would ask her how alan felt about this.

Stress Allergy and Paperless Notes

2009-08-24T17:04:00.004-05:00

I found out last week that I am allergic to stress. I am completely and totally serious. I've been fighting some recurring red, flaky patches on my face that pop up when I get stressed out... so basically any time I'm in class or employed haha. Went to see the doc about it last week and he gave it a fancy name, "uticaria", *oooo ahhhhh* and then told me to start taking Claritin everyday. HA! And so, ladies and gentlemen (that's assuming more than one of each gender reads this), I give you me, the amazing allergic-to-stress girl! I suppose I needed to have something wrong with me, since everyone else in the world seems to take some sort of drug for some exotic sounding ailment that is probably no more exciting than my "condition".

I am thinking I may try to go paperless and take my notes on my computer for PT school. I've got it set up in an app called Notebook. I saw a girl using it or something similar to take notes in my chemistry class two years ago. That program is really the only reason I wanted a Mac. It allows me to doodle on my notes still. HEY! My doodles are important doodles! I'm a visual learner and so it often helps to draw diagrams or pictures of the lecture topics. They often make more sense than my notes. It will be hard to get used to I think, but I've been playing with it a lot in order to make a smoother transition... hopefully. Now, if only my laptop case would arrive so I don't feel like I have to baby my laptop for fear of getting a scratch on it.

I think that should probably be enough blah blah blah to fill up the required space. Ta-ta!

Time Warp Limbo

2009-08-22T10:13:00.004-05:00

Well, I've been home for about a week and a half now. I've moved into my new apartment with one of my besties, Kassia, and am just thrilled with it! I'm now only sharing my place with one other person, not three which is amazing! I am actually alone on occasion, but not always. (I don't like living by myself either.) There's way more storage space for my own food, dishes, cooking supplies and clothes too! I have my very own ginormo walk-in closet and MY OWN BATHROOM!!! I have NEVER had my own bathroom before in my whole life and I am loving it! The only thing lacking is that I want a lamp for my bathroom, a way too expensive alarm clock that I won't get until Christmas if I get it at all-- Click here to see the clock-- I have yet to hang my diplomas and I am also trying to patiently await my decor from my beautiful and talented sister, Bridget. I have commissioned her to take some black and white photos of landmarks that are representative of my hometown. She has started on it, but you can never rush art.

It is really odd being on campus and in the same apartment complex I have been in for two years prior to this one knowing that I don't really know anyone on campus anymore. Most have graduated, save the few lucky fifth year seniors and the younger people on my tennis team. I've still got Kassia here and a few others from my core of friends, but about two-thirds have moved on. And of course I've got Greg. I am so glad to have him back! I nearly went crazy over the summer without him! I wish we had more time to spend together before school starts back up. He starts on Monday and my orientation starts Wednesday and class next Monday.

I've been working madly on this workbook that will be due in late September. It is a pain in the butt because it is all busy work about charting. A most necessary skill to have and I doubt I could learn it any other way besides just doing it, but still... yuck. I decided yesterday to just put it away until school starts because once school starts it will not be over until it is completely done. The physical therapy program I'm starting next week has two weeks off in May, another two in August and a month at Christmas and that is it for vacation, my friends, that is it. All of that to say I am going to take these last few days and spend as much time as possible with Greg and have some good old fashioned fun! Meaning anything that doesn't involve school work.

Perhaps I'll go shopping! I've been avoiding all shopping areas since I arrived home. The first weekend I was home the freshman were moving into the three universities in town and swarming all the shopping centers. Then this past week, all the freshman were still settling in with the addition of other students beginning to trickle in, culminating into today and tomorrow. Not to mention Texas' Tax Free Weekend started yesterday and so all the school age children's money savvy moms are out in force to save 8% on school clothes and supplies. I don't care to get accidently shoved into a fist fight between two pre-school moms throwing punches over the last Barbie backpack. No sir!

So all in all, I feel stuck in a limbo of sorts somewhere between summer and class. I have no idea what to do with myself within this time frame. Today I decided to use the time to sleep a lot. I slept in until 8:30, ate breakfast and then took an hour long mid-morning nap. Glorious! Then I decided to finally blog the thoughts that have been swimming around in my head for a week or so. Where she goes from here, no one knows.

Seriously, I'm not Dead

2009-08-09T09:06:00.003-05:00

Although I may feel like I am.

I just saw that it has been about three months since I have written. It has been that long because so much has happened! I cannot possibly recount every detail (to the thanks of all) but I will say the following of the last three months.

The hiking trip was great. That was probably one of the physically hardest things I have ever done in my life. I trudged up and down along the spine of ... I believe it was White Mountain but I could be totally wrong... with about fifty pounds on my back. It was a true test of will power against my own body. I met lots of interesting people, one of whom I still have contact with, although not on a regular basis as she and her boyfriend are thru-hiking the trail. I met another fellow whose trail name was Stinky that was also thru-hiking with nothing more than a day pack and Chocos. I'm thinking the next time I go, I'll take a lesson from Stinky and lighten my load... a lot. I packed way too many clothes; I let personal hygiene get in the way of my moving much faster. When Daddy and I got off the trail, we were picked up by a hiker woman. She drove like a maniac first of all so I was surprised that we didn't die on the way back to the car. (The whole car ride I could just see the headlines "First Time Hikers Survive Trail but Not Shuttle") In talking with her, our huffing and puffing was a "leisurely" pace. I am not so sure what was leisurely about our trip, but I apparently missed it. We took a few days to recover and then drove back home.

A few weeks later, I departed for Cape Cod, which is where this post is coming from. I arrived at camp about seven hours late due to weather related delays and was almost immediately put into a middle management supervisory position. So I spent the majority of the first few weeks figuring out what camp was all about exactly, making it run from day to day, and keeping the chaos somewhat controlled. After about three weeks, I got the hang of it. This job has been a learning experience for me, because I have never been in a supervisory role before this one. Or at least, not one in which I'm supervising my peers. I think I managed alright; I still don't think I commanded respect from all of my staff. Most of them were just finished with their first year of college and brand new staff too so they had lots of questions and needed so much guidance. I couldn't give them as much as they wanted simply because I didn't know what I was doing either. I felt like I was expected to be the Great and Powerful Oz with all the answers, but I had none. However, we stumbled through the summer, made our mistakes and fixed them. I think overall the kids had a great time and learned about Jesus along the way, which was our purpose.

I am leaving camp in t-minus two hours. It is a bitter sweet departure. I am SO ready to go home, but at the same time I leave a job that I feel I didn't do my best. I did the best I could with what I was given-- a hard-working staff and patient supervisors-- and that's all I can ask of myself. I will arrive back in Texas on Wednesday and back in my hometown on Thursday. I plan to move into my new apartment sometime next weekend and THEN and only then will I finally be home.

I am not dead.

2009-05-18T13:32:00.002-05:00

I am not dead.

I graduated! Whoopie!

I just got off the Appalachian Trail. Whoopie!

I am tired and will write about both when I get home.

Immunity

2009-04-30T11:13:00.004-05:00

AHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!! SWINE FLU!!!!!!!

Ok. I got in my obligatory flu freak out.

I wonder if our society will end because of some stupid bacteria. We-- westernized cultures-- are so paranoid about the almighty, mysterious creatures we call germs. I see people with mini bottles of hand sanitizer on their key chains. (You know that anti-bacterial hand sanitizer and soaps kill the bugs and so speed up the evolution of said germs into super bugs that will not be able to be killed by our anti-bacterial germicides, right?) There was a kid in my high school class that carried around an economy size tub of hand sanitizer and would lather everything he had contact. He had to bring his own keyboard to computer class so he wouldn't ruin the school keyboards with the sanitizer. There's a kid on my college campus that runs around wearing a black cape over his back pack, wielding a cane so that he can push or pull open doors without touching them. I wonder if he is coming to class this week? Then there's one of my friend's mom. She would never bring her youngest son to the nursery at church or take him on play dates because he would always get sick.

NEWSFLASH! God built us with a germ defensive system standard on every make and model of Homo sapien. It's called the immune system! Here's how it works: there are several different kinds of soldiers you have in your immune army. Some of them man watch towers and keep an eye on radar. They are trained to identify and make initial contact with anything they believe to be forgein. These cells will corner anything they feel is suspicious in nature and call up the cells with the weapons. Then the radar cells will instruct the weapon cells to destroy the invader. It may take the rader cells a bit to figure out which particular type of weapon to use on an invader-- a gun, laser or grenade-- but eventually they will find a combination that will work. Crisis averted! Then there are other cells that have the job to check out the dead invader and store away information on what it looks like and what it's tatics were. The rader cells will often call on these invader profile cells to check out invaders before they send in weapons to see if they've encountered this invader before and if so, what weapon cells worked best in the past invasion.

We can boost our immunity by exposing ourselves to varying germs. By doing so we boost the amount of invaders our profiling cells are familiar with and so increase the number of invaders that our defense system recognizes and destroys before we even feel ill. Many of the germs look similiar or have similar tatics so we can store profiles of one of the similar looking ones and be protected from all the ones that look like that germ too. This is the idea behind immunizations.

I must confess, I don't wash my hands or bother with hand sanitizer... unless I've been working with raw meat or I'm taking a shower. I have gotten sick enough to have to stay home for more than one day twice in the past eight years at least. I would however attribute that to getting plenty of exercise everyday too. Exercise makes your blood flow faster and so you tend to flush out germs and other things faster.

I am however promoting being cautious of the impending "pandemic". Do be aware of the people you're around and wash your hands before touching your skin or eat. This bug obviously doesn't have another germ that is similar enough to it that many people's immune system would recognize the invader. I am saying that perhaps everyone could prevent getting sick in general if 1) we were ok with exposing ourselves to some germs to boost our immunity and 2) quit using anti-bacterial sanitizers and soaps and opt for regular soaps and water--which simply get the bugs off our hands-- so we don't make more super bugs.

Educational Finance Woes

2009-04-29T17:34:00.003-05:00

3 tests, 3.5 hours of class and 9 days until I'm done with my undergrad. Hooray!

I've spent a good part of today trying to figure out how to pay for grad school. I've been approved for one government grant and two loans. One of the loans is unsubsidized which I learned today means that I would be paying interest on it while I was in school. If I have no money to pay for school how is it they figure I can pay interest while going to school? Work? Ha. HAHAHAHAHA. That's a funny one. I would like to see them fit in work between class from 8-5 everyday and studying from 6-11pm. I would love to see that trick. Last I checked it does not rain money... actually it does not rain any of the typical water around here either. (It has been horribly overcast and humid for the past two days and not one rain drop has fallen on my head. I hate it when the weather teases like that!) Back to my money issues though... so I am thinking the unsubsidized is not the way to go for me. I am not sure how I will cover what remains after the grant and subsidized loan. I have a little money saved up which would probably cover what is lacking for the fall and spring of this school year, but I was really hoping to put that toward the wedding. My bank does not give out student loans anymore because Mr. Obama has seen fit to push banks out of competition with the government in the student loan department. Ok... but the government loans will not pay for it all. *shakes fist in anger*

Just to kick a dog when she's down, I got a letter from the board of one of the scholarships I applied for today. I stopped reading after the first phrase of the first sentence which read, "We regret to inform you..." That went straight to the shred bin. I mean good gravy!!! How much more of a sob story can you find than mine? I am broke! I guess they must have a kid with no parents, that lives in a box under their local bridge and only one arm write in to ask for assistance... several of them. Curious. But then again, maybe they do not give awards to grad students. I find that is the case with a lot of scholarships I looked at. This particular one did not state so on their application however. *sigh* Money-- or rather the lack there of-- bites.

This, That and the Other

2009-04-26T22:34:00.002-05:00

I've been busily preparing for my upcoming hiking trip. Me and ol' pops are heading out in three weeks from tomorrow to hike the Maryland portion of the Appalachian Trail. I am SO pumped. It will be my first long distance hike. I am currently in the process of making our meals. I'm using the Lipsmackin' Backpackin' book by Tim and Christine Connors. I've stolen a bite of the one recipe I've made so far and it wasn't so bad. Much better than eating gorp and jerky for a whole week. I mean, those would be fine the first day or two, but I crave variety in my meals.

I've got my last project presentation tomorrow afternoon. I'm not sure how I feel about it; the topic and therefore the presentation are rather simple. I wonder though if it's too simple and I'll get a bad grade for it. I hope not. I researched it and I feel like I know what I'm talking about.

I also have my first final on Tuesday afternoon. It's the Anatomy and Physiology lab... shouldn't be too bad. It's the beginning of the end! I can smell it!

Found out today that one of my girlfriends, Tink, is going to get to work at the same camp I am for the summer! I am so excited! Now I'll have someone to do touristy things with after camp! Yippie!

Well, I should probably do some more cleaning or maybe study some for that final. I study better when my surroundings are clean, but at the same time I need to get going on the studying. Maybe a little of both.

Tennis: A Reflection

2009-04-21T19:56:00.003-05:00

As of Sunday evening, I am no longer a competitive tennis player... not even an athlete. My beautiful team lost out in a shocker of a conference final, so I've been forced to put my rackets on the shelf a little sooner than I thought I would.

I've quit tennis before, but I've never had it quit me. I've spent quite literally half my life on a tennis court; with all the hours I've put in, I estimate that the only things I've done longer in life are sleep and go to school. I started playing when I was eight years old and now I am in my early twenties. When you do something for that long it kind of becomes part of you... part of your identity. I've always been the girl with the really bad tan lines and tennis ball fuzz all over my car. I must find more of my identity in Christ now--a good lesson for me.

I sit here with tears welling in my eyes not only for my team and the bit of me that's been shelved, but also out of joy from all the good memories--like all the friends I made playing USTA tournaments, the weekends that it was just me and Daddy, or when we won conference two years ago by the skin of our teeth, and so many more-- and some of the literally painful ones-- like the time my coach pegged me in the nose when he was about five feet away from me. They make me smile, laugh and cry all at the same time. Haha.

Never fear though; I will be back. I hope I can be one of the cool alumni that comes back to matches when they can and are ridiculously loud and obnoxious. I'll pick up my rackets again for sure and join a little old ladies' league when I get done with physical therapy school. With any luck, I'll be teaching tennis at camp this summer too.

So, fare-thee-well, tennis, for now.

Nothing to Fear but Mediocrity

2009-04-17T22:03:00.006-05:00

Read this article by Gary Shaprio. I promise you won't be disappointed.

What he said.

He's right. I have sat silent about the mess Mr. Obama and friends are making because I have been stunned into silence. Thank you Mr. Shaprio for putting my thoughts and fears into words. The only positive thing I have heard come out of this presidency so far is that Mr. Obama would like to get a bullet train system in the U.S. like they have in Europe. Heard that today and only in a quick snipet. The rest reaks of socialistic ideals. (The link there is to another article on what it is that Mr. Obama has done in his first 100 days in office. Another interesting read.)

Socialism reaps no benefits because no one is rewarded monetarily for acheiving great things. Say Mr. A and Mr. B perform the same job but Mr. A does the work better-- more efficiently, with a warm smile on his face, with more precision, stays late when necessary to complete a task. Mr. A and Mr. B get paid the exact same amount. Why would Mr. A continue as he is if he is not compensated for a job well done? Mr. A would probably scale back his efforts since there is no reward for being excellent. Socialism breeds mediocrity. I pray that is not where our country goes. People aren't perfect and most definitely are greedy; greed makes the world go 'round. Stop feeding the greed like in any Utopia and the world stops.

Capitalism on the other hand works because of competition. Everyone is always trying to "keep up with the Joneses" and in so doing push themselves to do better work and provide better services for customers-- us-- so they can achieve their interpretation of the American dream. Capitalism isn't for sissies, that's for sure. It's a hard road, but one much more fulfilling in the end. What would be the spice of life if we had everything we wanted handed to us without working to achieve our goal?

Keep our country, our president, Congress and other leaders in your prayers. Pray they will continue to drive our nation as it has successfully been driven for over two centuries, with capitalism.

End of the Day Thoughts

2009-04-15T22:39:00.003-05:00

As I prepare to go to bed several thoughts are running through my head. I feel that perhaps if I write them down, they will leave me alone and let me relax. Perhaps they are the products of a frazzeled mind. (I've been studying ALL evening, cramming for another test.)

I am currently using a dirty sock as a coaster. Why do you ask? I have no idea.

I need to start gathering boxes. I'm moving in about three weeks. I will be so glad to leave this apartment behind. I'm currently sharing less than a thousand square feet with three other people. Needless to say, my room is about the size of a shoebox. I will miss the price tag.

I haven't gone dancing in a long time. I need to fix that. I like to go out to this teeny tiny town in the middle of nowhere that hosts a dance in the old school gym every Friday night. It's family oriented and snacks are provided for a very reasonable fee. I like to dance with Greg. :-)

I finally found my glasses today! They've been missing for about a month now. They were hiding in a fold in my sheet on the side of the bed that is up against the wall. I can be lazy and not wear my contacts everyday again! Yea!

I haven't been walking in about two weeks. Shame on me. I've been trying to walk a couple miles extra everyday so I won't have to adjust so much on the trail. That will change next week, since we won't have tennis on the weekends for several weeks, that is if we win. If we don't, no more tennis... for a very long time for me.

Did my laundry. Still haven't put my sheets back on my bed. Need to do that. And put the laundry away. I have a bad habit of leaving the clean stuff in the basket and letting the dirty stuff pile up around the room.

Still need to study some more.

I think my brain is empty of thoughts for now. To the bat-shower!

LIES! ALL LIES!

2009-04-15T12:05:00.002-05:00

I lied. My old blog host wasn't sold. In the fiasco though, I've decided I like this host better so I'm staying here. I wish I could find a way to back post so I could bring some of my better old posts with me. At least I'll have a chance to save a few to my hard drive if I want! I can think of a couple already.

Not much going on today. Took a huge test this morning and am currently procrastinating away studying for the one I have tomorrow. Will go to tennis practice in about an hour and a half. Have to do laundry today too, because the basket is over flowing.

Greg's starting his new job as I type. He's on the editorial board at the local newspaper. Today he's interviewing a man who's running for the local city council. I'm so excited about this opportunity for Greg because all he wants in a career is to be paid to write and this is definitely a step in the right direction. I wish I could write like Greg. I hope he reads this too and perhaps one day understand just how gifted he is. Is it in there yet, Thick Skull? ;-)

Yesterday I learned that another girl on campus is going to work at the same camp I am over summer! I am ecstatic for that because I have someone to be exited about the job with now! Thus far, I've hated even mentioning it to people because this camp sounds like so much fun that I feel like I'm rubbing it in that I have an awesome summer job. I hope I feel like that about my more permanent jobs down the road too. :-)

Well, I need to go eat lunch. Have a wonderful day!

A New (Unannounced) Beginning

2009-04-14T11:40:00.001-05:00

I have opened this account because my former blog host was sold to godaddy.com. I had been writing on the same address-- babe4jesus55.tblog.com-- for over FIVE years. And being stupid, I did not save one blasted post to my hard drive. FIVE YEARS! Gone like an old newspaper on a blustery, west Texas spring gale. I didn't even get a chance to tell the friends I made through networking on the site good-bye. I will miss them all dearly!

Well, I'm going to try to not be angry anymore because being angry at this point does nothing productive except ruin my day. Let's start from the top...

I write because I can. I find it theraputic, even though I know most of the time people don't "listen". Thoughts are always welcome though. Does this host allow commenting? I don't even know. Probably should have looked at that before I signed up. Rarely do I follow a definite theme, but I would say there is a thread consisting of comic relief, insight and Jesus running through most of my posts. Enough about my writing, on to more important topics, like ME!

I am currently a student at a small unknown university in the-middle-of-nowhere, west Texas. I am finishing up my undergrad in less than a month. Next fall I will begin a two and a half year journey to a doctorate in physical therapy at same small-unknown-university. Say a prayer for me that I won't go completely insane! I recently got engaged to the love of my life, Greg. We don't have a date, because we are waiting for God's perfect timing--meaning someone has to get a job first. In the immediate future, I will participate in my last competitive tennis matches this weekend at our conference championship and if we win that tournament at the national tournament. After that, I plan on hiking the Maryland portion of Appalachian Trail then I will head to camp for the summer. I'll be working at a Christian activity camp just off Cape Cod in Massachusetts. I've never been to Massachusetts, but I'm always up for new adventures! That's me at the moment in a nut shell.

I suppose everyone needs a new beginning every now and again. Here's mine!