Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Mark Twain's Top 9

I was reading The Positivity Blog the other day and came across Mark Twain's Top 9 Tips for Living a Kick Ass Life, and decided he was dead on.  I highly suggest you read the article, but I will summarize it for you =)

1. Approve of yourself. - “A man cannot be comfortable without his own approval.”


Plain and simple. Be comfortable in your own skin.  If you're not comfortable with your actions, behavior - yourself, you will probably walk around feeling uncomfortable and inadequate. If you approve of yourself, then you feel empowered and at peace to continue to work towards your goals.

2. Your limitations may just be in your mind. - “Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter.”


I'm so guilty of this one.  People set up their own road blocks all the time. If you think something matters, it does, or it will - because you will always be looking for that reaction, whether it be good or bad.  If you decide that it doesn't matter, then it won't and that part won't become a self-imposed roadblock in your life. It is, for instance, seldom too late to do what you want to do.

3. Lighten Up and Have Some Fun! - “Humor is mankind’s greatest blessing.”

Humor and laughter play a huge part in a productive atmosphere because your body and mind are not filled with negative emotions. Solutions to situations become clearer and more work is accomplished.

4. Let Go of Anger. - “Anger is an acid that can do more harm to the vessel in which it is stored than to anything on which it is poured.”

Anger is pointless and does more harm than good to the one that is experiencing the anger than to who the anger is actually directed at. Most of the time, the other person doesn't even realize you are angry with them in the first place. 

5. Release yourself from entitlement. - “Don’t go around saying the world owes you a living. The world owes you nothing. It was here first.”

This is sometimes hard to accept due to our culture.  The media, for instance, portrays some "celebrities" as people who haven't actually done anything impressive with their lives, but they are rich or were on a reality TV show, so we follow along and actually make them MORE rich by caring about them - Paris Hilton, Kim Kardashian, Nicole Richie - just to name a few. It doesn't help that if you grew up in middle class America your parents probably worked hard to give you 'the finer things in life' and as you grow older you feel some sort of entitlement.  It can cause anger and frustration because it's not just handed to you.  It can be, however, liberating, because you are now in the driver's seat - you can take your life wherever you want it to go.

6. If you're taking a different path, be prepared for reactions. - A person with a new idea is a crank until the idea succeeds.”

There are a million ways to do something, and if you decide to try something new or take the unbeaten trail, you may get adverse reactions.  It's most likely not about you but about the person passing judgment.  It goes back to the roadblocks because most likely people won't act as negatively as you think they will if you let it bother you. Or maybe they will love it, you never know.

7. Keep your focus steadily on what you want. - “Drag your thoughts away from your troubles… by the ears, by the heels, or any other way you can manage it.”


Dwelling on negative things in life is a choice and only you have the power to overcome it and succeed in your goals.  What you focus your mind on will greatly determine the outcome.

8. Don't focus so much on making yourself feel good. - “The best way to cheer yourself up is to try to cheer somebody else up.”

I love this one! I wasn't having a bad day yesterday morning, but I am a firm believer that your day can always get better (and most of the time always worse ;) ) but we were in with a patient and to hear her talk about how much she loved the hospital, the staff and the overall experience she was having even though her daughter was super sick was very motivating and gave me a wonderful sense of pride.  It definitely brightened my day and let me know that what I'm doing matters and that I made a good choice to work there. That's not always what the situation is going to be, but you've probably heard 'negativity breeds negativity'?  Well, positivity causes an upward spiral - it's contagious! =)

9. Do what you want to do.

Explore Dream Discover

Love it.  Do I even have to say more. I think Mark Twain sums it all up!  Write this down and keep it in a VERY visible place - maybe your mirror so you can read it every single day!!
   

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

SKOL Vikings!


It's Football Season in MN - and everywhere else there is NFL ;)  Which, to me, means lots of great food, wonderful friends, delicious beer and chilly fall days =) My beautiful sister, my brother, my uncle and myself were fortunate enough to receive tickets, that my Grandma won at a benefit, for the first (pre-season) Vikings vs. the Cowboys Game on Saturday night.  It was a blast!!


Skyler (my sister) and I laughed a lot because we felt like we were watching the cheerleaders' awesome moves more than the game, haha.  We had phenomenal seats - 9th row behind the end zone!!  We lost, but the atmosphere was so fun!  Also, the fans did 'the wave' 9x around the stadium!!  That must be some sort of record?!?!  Another great thing about living in the TC, there's access to all these sporting events and it doesn't take 7+ hours to drive there one way...

I'm looking forward to actual season opener - Sept. 11th.  We will be celebrating at a college buddy's house!  This year we are going to take turns hosting Sunday games. I can't wait =) Do you have any football traditions?

Saturday, August 27, 2011

DIY: Coasters

I love do to crafts!  A couple years ago, I decided to make my own coasters with a theme that matches our house - "Northwoods".  This is what I came up with:

I used slate tiles from Home Depot, a stamp from the Internet that I found, permanent ink, some felt for the back and some polyurethane sealant to keep out moisture and keep my pictures nice!

My cousin is having a bridal shower in the TC today(!) and since she won't read this before I go to her shower I will tell you that I decided to make her a set.  I've included instructions in case you want to make your own or just love to read about DIY projects! =)

Some of my supplies:

Ink, Slate tiles, and decorative stamp!
Glue and felt for the back!

1) The first step is getting all your supplies - the whole project only takes a few hours so it's best to have everything ready. 

2) Clean your slate tiles with a damp cloth, then let them dry completely before going to step 3.  You want to get all the dirt and grime off so the ink sticks better.

3) Ink your stamp and place on designated area of tile. 


4) Let them all dry before proceeding to step *6*.


5) While the tiles are drying.  Take your felt and cut them into square pieces that are near the same size as the coasters, but not equaling them (you don't want your edges to show).

6) Place tacky glue on the felt and pick up tile and place 'square on' the felt.  Push down to secure the felt in place.  Now you have a no scratch surface for the bottom of your coaster - they are glass and wood safe!

7) Spray the adhesive polyurethane all over the coaster and let dry!

Viola!!!  You are done and have a beautiful new set of coasters for yourself or to give as a gift!


*For Sale - please contact me if you are interested in purchasing a set of you own - different styles/colors/sizes available. 

Friday, August 26, 2011

An Evening Out

I can't say med school is all work and no play.  Tuesday evening the hubby and I had the pleasure of going out with some friends to Psycho Suzi's Motor Lounge in NE Minneapolis. The Hawaiian atmosphere was perfect for the hot humid night we had in the TC.  We started the evening with some great drinks (mine was in a tiki cup!) and wonderful conversation. 


Then, we headed to the deck for dinner. The hubby and I ordered Suzi's Supreme Deep Dish Pizza and another group of our friends ordered a chicken pizza with a white sauce - both were AMAZING!!! 


 

 Our only disappointment was our friend Jess's ridiculously small Caesar salad and our other friend's request for a beer refill that took 3 reminders - it was super busy there though. I'd still recommend it.  We had a blast - but maybe it was just our company ;)

Thursday, August 25, 2011

National Banana Split Day


Today, my friends, is
National Banana Split Day!! 



Now, I'm not sure where this originated, but in my family, it was my Grandma Bev that started this tradition.  She always had a calendar of National Holidays and Banana Split Day was always listed on it.  It is always on August 25th and it just so happened to be the perfect ending of summer before we started school the following week.  My siblings and myself are the only grandchildren of my mom's side, so Grandma always made sure we invited any 2nd, 3rd, 4th cousins...etc. and all our friends.  It became quite the tradition and very well known, locally!  My Grandma passed away from a 34 year battle with cancer last November, but no worries, her legend lives on in each of us - and this year, in National Banana Split Day!! My family is having a Free Will Donation National Banana Split Day Celebration at the city hall in our home town.  All proceeds will be donated to the COLEG fund at the Lancaster Public School.  How I wish I were home to help out with this wonderful tribute!  Grandma would be proud.  She worked at the school for most of her life and I know the COLEG fund would be her ideal place to donate the funds.  Even though I cannot be with my family today, we will be celebrating here.  I think I will stick with the traditional toppings and ice cream flavors, but tell me, what do YOU like on your ice cream?

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Once Upon a Time...


...in a land far, far away.....

Okay, this isn't really THAT kind of story.  It is, however, where I tell you about how when I was growing up I watched all sorts of Disney movies and as you are familiar with, Disney movies almost always have some form of princess and of course, a CASTLE!  I was always going to be a princess and my husband will argue that I still think I'm a princess. So, why argue with him - here are the castles that I want to live in....  (kidding!) but I do want to visit them.  Again, in no certain order...

1) Chateau de Chaumont - France

File:Chaumont.jpg

Chateau de Chaumont was purchased by Catherine de Medici in 1560, a year after her late husband, Henry II died.  In 1569, Catherine forced her husband's long-term mistress, Diane de Poitiers, to exchange the castle for Chateau de Chenonceau - that one's next - who do you think got the better deal?

2) Chateau de Chenonceau - France

 

This is the picture of the back of it.  You really should look it up and view the other angles - so amazing!  Henry II gave the castle to his mistress Diane de Poiters and it is she who is credited with designing the arch across the River Cher and beautiful gardens.  After "house swap" with Catherine, more gardens were added and the first fireworks display in France was seen when Catherine's son Francis II ascended the throne.

3) Chteau de Chambord - France


This castles is the largest in Loire Valley, where most of the French castles are located, and was the 'hunting shack' of Francois I, but was said to be built so he could be close to his mistress, the Comtesse de Thoury, Claude Rohan, who was the wife of another prominent gentleman in France and who lived next door.

4) Peles Castle - Romania


Located in the Romanian mountains, Peles Castle has over 34,000 square feet and 170 rooms.  Construction was started in 1873 with King Carol I ruling (and owning) the land.  The official inauguration was in 1883 and it was estimated to have cost 120 million US dollars (today).  In 1953, the estate was classified as a museum. 

5) Mont St Michael - France



Mont Saint Michel is located about a half a mile off the coast of Avranches (NW coast of Normandy France) and until pretty recently was only accessible during low tide.  Since the 8th century AD it became the seat for the Saint-Michel Monastery (where it gets its' name).

6) Hunyad Castle - Romania
    

Legend says that Hunyad Castle is where Vlad III of Wallachian was held captive for 7 years - we all know him as Dracula!!!  It was however, a prominent defensive structure in the 15th century. 

7) Bran Castle - Romania


Bran Castle also claims that Dracula made his home there. From my research I found that Vlad III did take over Bran castle for a brief time period (1 year) in 1459.  So maybe he made this his home and then got captured for 7 years????  I have no idea, but the architecture is beautiful!!!

8. Leeds Castle - England



Leeds castle is beautifully set 5 miles outside of Kent, England.  There were  a whole slew full of different Kings and Queens that lived there and attempted to make their mark on the property.  King Edward I and his wife Eleanor were the first inhibitors of royalty in 1278.  The last private owner of Leeds was Lady Baillie, who, besides living there..etc, used it as a hospital during WWII to take care of burned airmen.  1976 marked the year the castle became open to the public. 

9. Alnwick Castle - Northumberland England

 

This castle is CURRENTLY occupied by the Duke and Duchess of Northumberland - how cool is that!?  Of course they don't need ALL that space so they rent it out to various organizations...etc.  Plus, do I hear any HP fans out there?  Harry Potter was filmed using different parts of this castle at different times.  Way cool! 

10) Eilean Donan Castle - Scotland

Eilean Donan Castle

Built in 1220  for Alexander II as a defense against the Vikings, Eilean Donan sits in the Great Sea where the lochs meet. For the better part of the past 200 years the castle lay in ruins, until 1911 when Colonel John MacRae-Gilstrap rebuilt it and it opened in 1932.  It is said to be the most photographed castle in the world. 

Whew!  10 castles - being a princess is hard work ;)  Of course I didn't mention my favorite German castle, but that was a previous post.  I'm sure I missed a few that are even more beautiful than the ones I chose, but it was a big selection!  It's incredible to me how many castles there really are.  A lot of them are in ruins, but even still there are so many.  I didn't mention Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle, Pembroke, Prague...the list goes on and on. So, tell me, what's YOUR favorite castle?

Monday, August 22, 2011

Day of Frustrating Things

I know it's Monday and I'm hoping everyone in blogworld is coming back from an exciting fun weekend, so I don't mean to put a damper on anything, however, I need to vent about just a couple teeny tiny things.

1) My husband lost his phone over the weekend - again.  In the past 5 years, he has lost 3 phones to the water, lost one and did have one that we gave to charity.  My husband needs one of those military phones that are indestructible - because if it can break, he can manage that.  It's not sooo much the breaking though, it's the dropping it into the lake that's usually the problem.  This time, though, he just left it at the hospital. He came home on Friday evening and told me he forgot his phone there.  Now, if it were me (because I love my phone) I would have turned around and went back for it, especially on a Friday, knowing I won't get it until Monday.  Nope, not him.  He said he left it in his white coat so he will pick them both up Monday.  Well, guess what, it's Monday and it's not there.  SO, hopefully some good Samaritan turned it into security or something, but I'm not too optimistic.  Being the "organized" (haha!) wife that I am, I checked out our account to find out eligibility for upgrades, what our insurance would cover, etc.  And you know what?  He would have been eligible for an upgrade on Sept. 9th.  Yep, like 2.5 weeks away.  Nice.  As far as I can tell we don't have insurance on it either. So what we will probably have to do is use my upgrade (since I'm eligible) and get him a new phone and then I'll use his upgrade in Sept - just like we did last year when his phone took a swim in Lake Bemidji. 

2) People that have blogs and have used the url of something I want but aren't actually utilizing their blog. For instance, I still need a new name, so I looked up metoo (dot) blogspot.com and it's taken.  allthatglitters is taken too and so is allthatglittersisgold.  I don't know I'm attracted to the names with glitter in them, probably because it reminds me of princesses and I feel I should have been one ;) wait, that's for a different post - my castle one (at some point) =)

3)  This is a split complaint - celebration number because a) my co-ed softball team won the championship last night and it was a blast!!!!  BUT b) I hurt my foot/ankle/heel..not sure what you want to call it by my whole foot throbs and I can't walk on it very well and that's super frustrating.

4) Because my foot hurt so  much I didn't want to get out of bed, which made my morning not as productive as I'd like (hence the later blog post) and also made me miss getting my caffeine shot - my tea. 

5) and I'm freezing.  This office is so cold - all of the time.  I have a sweater on but it's not helping and then you go outside and it's 80+ degrees....makes no sense to me at all. 

Okay, done.  Now that I was able to get that all out of my system I can smile and the rest of my day and week will go well =)

Sunday, August 21, 2011

My European/Mediterranean/Scandinavian Top 10


It's no secret I love to travel!  Lately, I have a huge itch.  Today I was reading on Oprah's website about the 10 Marvels of Our World.  It was so fun and fascinating, so I will share with you 10 places in the European/Mediterranean/Scandinavian part of the world that I would LOVE to go to.  It was hard to narrow it down to just 10 - there are many, many more!  So I kind of thought that maybe I would do just 10 natural places and do other posts later on architectural..etc. Okay - here we go!  Come "travel" with me - in no certain order....

1. Bay of Laig - Isle of Eigg - Scotland

isle of eigg
Photo from Oprah's website
According to many, other than the breathtaking beauty, what makes Eigg so special is the music that plays in the Bay of Laig. Apparently, the sand grains are pure quartz and completely round. When they are dry and rub together you can hear a beautiful music.  How eerie and cool!

2. Plitvice Lakes - Croatia


Plitvice Lakes are found in the Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia.  The park is Southeastern Europe's oldest national park and the largest in Croatia. There are 16 surface lakes and temperatures in the lakes are around 20C, which translates to 68F.  Can't wait to swim in there!!  Seriously, though, google the Plitvice Lakes, the images are incredible and it was really hard to choose just one to post!

3. Cliffs of Moher - Ireland

 


 The Cliff's of Moher are on the Southwestern edge of Ireland, stretch 5 miles and raise to a range of 390ft to 702ft!  Now, I'm not one for heights, but I definitely want to go there!  Anyone a Harry Potter fan?  The cliffs were featured in Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince, as well as other numerous movies including Leap Year and The Princess Bride. More than 1 million people travel to Ireland each year for the  cliffs.  Now I know I didn't put more than one picture up for the last location, but you have to see what these crazy people are doing here...there's no way....

   
4. Paris in the Fall - France


I love Fall! It's my favorite season. I will be sharing more about that with you as the season gets closer and when I can pull out more sweaters!  Doesn't this picture just make you want to pull on your cute cardigan and grab a cup of coffee and people watch, or read, or write, or do whatever wonderful craft you enjoy!  It sure does that for me!  Grab me a cute hat, a trench coat and cup of warm apple cider - awe...to see Paris in the Fall!!!

5. Geiranger Fjord - Norway


How picturesque is that?!  I know there's a cruise boat in the pic, but it was hard to find one without a boat, people..etc because the Geiranger Fjord is such a high tourist area and has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2005.  It's beauty is now being threatened by ugly power lines they want to run over the fjord.  The area is 9.3 miles long and dotted with historical farms along the way.

6. Rhine Falls - Switzerland


Located in Schaffhausen, Switzerland, the Rhine Falls are the largest plain waterfalls in Europe.  They are 450 feet wide and 75 feet tall.  The falls fall so hard fish cannot swim up them, but eel are able to make it by worming their way up the rocks.  The falls were formed in the last ice age that is thought to be around 17,000 years ago.  You can access the falls by all forms of transportation but the best (according to some random website ;) ) is to take a guided tour boat that will get you the closest, near the bottom rocks!  They warn to wear a poncho though, because you will get wet! =)

7. Cies Island - Spain


The Cies Islands formed during a geological time period called Tertiary (find more about that here), about 65 million to 2.6 million years ago, back when there were dinosaurs.  Anyway, the Cies are 3 islands that are connected by long stretches of sand.  The longest stretch of sand, or beach (as I like to call it) is nearly 4,000 feet long.  The islands are uninhabited and now a nature reserve, which is only open to the public during the summer.  Cies Islands have been ranked the #1 beach(es) in the world from a few different travel magazines.  Bring on the sunscreen - I'm headed out!! (I wish!)

8. Lagos - Portugal


Another beach!  I can't help it.  I love swimming and I love scuba diving and this place just looks beautiful!!  It's called the Dona Ana and is the beach most frequented by tourists because it has slightly thicker sand than the others, plus the amazing rock formations surround you!

9. Tuscany Vineyards - Italy




I want to be a wine connoisseur.  I don't LOVE wine, but I do like lots of certain kinds.  I love dessert wine. I love some sort of Russian or maybe Austrian red wine - see how well I'm doing at this goal!? haha.  Anyway, my hubby and I did go to Rome and Florence for our honeymoon, but we neglected what will probably be my favorite part of Italy - Tuscany!  I want to go back and experience the pasta and wine culture - because Rome (as awesome as it was) was mainly seafood. So, if you choose Italy for the Italian food (kind of like I did) don't go to only Rome - you will be disappointed.  I did see some guy eat a whole baby octopus though!

10. Saltwick Bay - Whitby - England



#10 - you still with me?  Good!

Saltwick in Whitby England is a geological student's dream.  Most of England's coast near Yorkshire is filled with caves, cliffs and ammonite fossils! Many student's come here to see the "Dinosaur Coast".  I can't find any specific pictures of it, but it's said you can see fossil footprints of our non-avian Jurassic friends.  I just want to go for the sunsets - AMAZING!

Thanks for traveling with me! On this journey of exploring all these interesting places, I came across a ton of amazing natural landscapes in my own country and for sure in my own state - no one has lakes like Minnesota!! We will definitely have to check those out.  Stay tuned, I can't wait to see where we go next!!

Saturday, August 20, 2011

10 Things

As I've mentioned before, I love reading blogs.  I know I'm stealing this idea from a few blogs I currently follow, but it's such a fun and positive way to start out the day (especially with my rant and rave yesterday), so I am going to tell you about 10 things that make me happy right now (in no particular order).

1.)  Tailors! I'm short, I've always been super short and will continue to be short - I'm pretty sure I'm done growing.  So, I love tailors because I just bought 2 new pairs of dress pants and will need them to be hemmed.  I should learn to do this myself.  I can sew, but it's easier right now to let someone else do it for me - especially since I paid so much money for my dress pants - I'd hate to screw it up!

2.) Iced Raspberry Tea - I have told you about my love affair with Caribou Coffee before, yes?  Well, if not, I'm obsessed, but it's an expensive habit, so instead I have made my own form of my favorite tea.  I just brew lipton black tea, place it in the fridge overnight and add some sugar free raspberry flavoring to it in the morning with some ice cubes (also made from tea, see this gal's blog for the idea).  It's delicious and especially nice on these hot mornings of summer!

3.) Cucumbers - they are in season and they are my all time favorite veggie!

4.) Air Conditioning - seriously, I dont't know how people survived without it for so long.  Yes, it's still hot here.

5.) Blogs - really, they are one of my favorite things!  Can't you tell?

6.) Bonfires - I am about to enjoy one this evening - can't wait!

7.) Thunderstorms - but not on the night that I enjoy my bonfire, obviously ;)

8.) A good book, currently "Toxin" by Robin Cook - nothing beats a good novel.

9.)  Farmer's Market Flowers - can't wait to buy me a bunch of them...only $5 for a HUGE bouquet that would easily cost $20 in the store.

10.) My husband, without him my life would just not be as wonderful!

Friday, August 19, 2011

Book Review - The Help

So I finished "The Help" last night and I can't say enough amazing things about it.  It was definitely controversial and thought provoking, although I didn't really realize it until the very end.  I knew the whole time that people growing up in that era of maids and also people from more conservative families in the South would probably have a problem with it.  What I didn't know was the way the author felt about her book when she finished writing it.  Now, before I go on I want to make sure I preface this entry with the fact that I'm not trying to offend anyone or stir up issues, this is just my opinion.  On second thought, maybe it'll make more people read my blog people love to read about controversial topics, right?  Anyway, first of all, Kathryn Stockett is an amazing writer.  I loved the angles she took, her African American vocabulary was so interesting and what I would imagine was accurate - it was so fun to picture the ladies saying those exact words.  That's the best part about a book anyway, being able to use your imagination!  Anyway, back to where I was...what bothered me was first of all, how awful our country treated African Americans back in the day.  I knew it was bad, but until this book I never imagined it was THAT horrible.  It was so sad to hear how most caucasian women didn't even take care of their own children - but somehow we kept breeding generations of women and men that continued the awful treatment of African Americans despite their black upbringing.  It was disgusting to hear about how literature was published describing the different "diseases" they carried and how "transmittable" they were.  Then, at the very end where I read Ms. Stockett's recollection of her own maid and listened to her own understanding of how she misrepresented the deep love the white and black women shared, I became very upset.  I don't understand how she could somehow justify the way we treated African Americans by talking about a deep love they shared.  I have a hard time imagining the maids had anything but resentment, sometimes perhaps jealousy, annoyance and disgust.  It sounds like it was more rare than normal to have a decent white lady that went out of her way to do things for her maid and help her when things got rough.  I could have read it all wrong, but I was a little shocked.  I'm still glad I read it and will still seek out the movie.  Somehow, I don't think the movie will give the book justice, because you can't really beat a good novel.

On a positive note - one book down on My Summer Reading List

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

To Market, to Market - to by a bunch of cucumbers!

The Minneapolis Farmer's Market has been quoted to be the largest in the midwest. Now, I don't know if that's true, but it sure is big!  I think there are 5 (very long) permanent red tents that make way for a large selection of locally grown (and some imported) fruits and veggies. Then there are more tents that are set up by the vendors themselves.
 

 This past Sunday was my first official trip when the market was going on.  I have been to the location before, but only to park for the Twins' game since Target Field was so close! 
Oops!  Honestly, I didn't see this sign there that day!
My trip was awesome. Although I could have done without the heat, I came home with a bunch of cucumbers, tomatoes and strawberries.  I could have bought a ton more, but I didn't know exactly what I was going to do with everything. My friend Jessica Malone joined me - well, actually SHE drove ME.  The farmer's market is on my list of places to go again (at least a few more times) before they close up in late September.  And, of course, Jess and I have major plans to tackle some canning with all our produce, too.  I am enjoying the TC, but apartment living doesn't leave much room for a garden and I do love to can.  At least I have a ton of options from the Farmer's Market this year and they are all pretty affordable.

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

So, Greece - anyone?




Greece.  That's going on my list too!  My hubby and I like to scuba dive and the sites I've been exploring lead me to beautiful Santorini Greece (pictured below).  It's exactly what I picture when I think of Greece - beautiful white buildings on a hill and (not pictured) millions of stairs ;)


Now I don't want to give the impression that I will be going to any of these places I post about anytime soon.  They are but dreams of places I want to go sometime in my life.  But,  if you have read any of my previous posts, you know that I'm all about setting goals and finding ways to achieve them, as well as learning different ways to motivate myself.  Travel motivates me.  Find what works for you and write it down - via blog, journal, post-it notes, scraps of paper you can fold up in your pocket or put on your mirror - and look at it often.  Remind yourself why you are working so hard.  And maybe someday we can meet up in Greece! (If travel is your thing :) )

"Be miserable. Or motivate yourself.
Whatever has to be done, it's always your choice"

Monday, August 15, 2011

M is for Motivate, right?

"Don't be pushed by your problems, instead, be led by your dreams!"



Isn't it beautiful?!  The "Disney" Castle in Germany.  This is definitely on my list of place to go.  MCAT trip, maybe?!?!  In fact, I'm going to update my Dream Board with it tonight! =) However, first, I'm going to put in two hours of MCAT study time.  I mentioned how I was planning on studying on Tuesday and Wednesday (which is still the original plan) but this week I know I have a commitment on Wednesday so I'm going to "get it out of the way" tonight.  Well, one night of it anyway. Then, I will play with my Dream Board and do some scrapbooking and enjoy my evening!! I'll probably read a little more of The Help, too.  I'm 50% done and it is awesome!! I highly recommend it!  Oh, and I'm going to make more ice tea for my mornings.  Enjoy your Monday!!

Friday, August 12, 2011

Goal Update

I'm trying very hard to make sure I keep documenting my goals and stay on track with it.  It's how you get results :)  Last night, the hubby and I talked more about my MCAT test goals and decided on a reward for when I take the test. If I get the score I'm aiming for - a 35, we will go on a trip with money from a side job the hubby is going to take up this winter.  So - I have something to work towards - crazy!  I really want to travel, badly!!  Hopefully this will give me the kick in the butt I need.  Since I'm not taking the test until January now, I am making a less rigid study schedule.  I will study every Tuesday and Wednesday for 2 hours.  I will take one practice test a month until Dec. 1st and then I take one each week. Also when it gets closer I will start studying more frequently.  I feel this schedule will give me the flexibility I crave to do things that are fun that I currently feel guilty for - scrapbooking, sewing, crocheting and reading.

The hubby takes his SHELF exam in Pediatric Surgery today - which signifies the end of period two (rotation 1 for him)!!! Whoohoo!!  We are celebrating with a trip to the cabin to see his grandma and get in some good ole fashion Minnesota summer air, clear lake water and smokey campfire :) oh, and hopefully a pontoon ride or two and possibly some water skiing, maybe a visit with friends - Oh the possibilities =) Enjoy your weekend - I will!!

Thursday, August 11, 2011

My Summer Reading List

Yes, I know...Summer is almost over.  Well, not for me...it's not over until I say it's over ;)  I don't participate in any activities (right now) that really signify to me the ending of summer.  I don't have a garden, I don't have kids that go back to school, I don't lay outside and tan..etc.  so I get to choose when my summer is over and I need to finish my summer reading list first ;)  So to make sure I get it done before snow hits the ground (which really will signify the end of summer) I am only choosing two. 

"The Help" by Kathryn Stockett - I hear it's amazing and I'm only on page 5, but I'm hooked too.

"Toxin" by Robert Cook - it's about a deadly E. Coli outbreak and so it has drama, medicine...all the things I love in a good book.  Well, except a love story, I like that a lot too.....

I downloaded them both onto my Kindle last night and like I said, have already started The Help.  I can't wait to finish it because the movie will be released soon and I'm all about reading the book before seeing the movie.  Do you have any last minute books you want to finish before your 'end of summer'?

Tuesday, August 9, 2011

Home Sweet Home

This past weekend I was fortunate enough to travel to God's Country (yes, a nickname I stole from another blogger, but I really like the sound of the name for the area I'm from) to visit family, friends and do some job shadowing.  I spent Friday in the clinic - very interesting, as always - and the rest of the weekend was spent on call - and somehow, I never once got called in - crazy to me!  The weekend also happened to be the infamous "International Woodcarver's Festival and Lake Bronson Days" so I spent most of my day on Saturday driving back and forth to make sure I got to take in all the festivities.  That evening was a street dance, which is always fun in small towns and then I headed back to the big city to start my new job on Monday.  Yesterday brought a full, long day of hospital orientation, which I honestly don't mind.  I have, however, been to 3 hospital orientations now and they are all the same, but what do you do....today, I had MORE orientation and Thursday - still more.  Other than that we have had a new roommate move in, the hubby will be taking his surgery SHELF exam on Friday (which signifies the end of one rotation) and he will start a new one on Monday!!  We may venture to the family cabin this weekend but plans aren't in stone yet. Tonight I am focusing on my goal to clean out a cupboard - I think it's due soon?! 

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Concentrating on 1-3 Goals

Having a clear focus on 1-3 goals is much easier than having a ton (which I always do)....so I will focus on 1-3 main goals and 2 mini goals at a time.  I will write them down (for the whole world to see - yikes!) in hopes that it helps me achieve my goals faster and more productively.  It is suggested that your goals should be in order of prioritization and allow for change if your goals shift.

Goal One - Study and take the MCAT.  I am struggling with a timeline on this one and that is something you are suppose to have.  The thing is, I need to get a great score.  The last test date in 2011 is September 10th.....exactly a month and a week away.  It's doable, but I need to make sure I get a great score, so if my practice tests aren't showing a good score I need to wait until spring. 

Goal Two - Lose 25lbs by my cousin Lea's wedding.  Totally doable.  Her wedding is October 1, 2011.  It's a little over 2lbs a week. 

Okay, that's it - those are my main goals for now.  I have so many more to add to the list, but I really want to accomplish them so I'm going to devote my time to these for now (and my mini goals).

Mini Goals (Doll definition - goals that can be completed in a a day or a couple of hours)

Mini Goal 1 - clean cupboards and make room for roommate's stuff.  This shouldn't be that bad, I've just been procrastinating and not doing it yet.  Due Date - Wednesdy August 10th.

Mini Goal 2 - Organize my scrapbooking stuff. Needs to be done!!  Real bad.  It's all over our room and I love it, but i can't find anything anyway.  Due Date - Tuesday August 16.

Mini Goal 3 - Clean and organize our closets.  Enough said ;) Due Date - Monday August 22nd.

Okay, scary enough to write them down.  Tomorrow - a schedule, but I've already started....have you??

Monday, August 1, 2011

Focus

Ever feel like you have a case of the Mondays - all week long?  I know it's only Monday so you probably can't answer that question yet, but I had the most fabulous weekend with my family (valleyfair, visiting, MOA) and I really didn't want to start the work week.  I often wonder why I don't want to start the work week and I realize it's because I'm not accomplishing any of the goals I've set for myself in the past few months.  I've only been slowly starting to work on them, but it's not enough and I won't be satisfied with the end results (or lack thereof) if I don't put all I have into it.  Today I stumbled across a blog post about 9 Immediate Tips to Stay Focused On Your Goals (perfect!).  I'll highlight it for you, but I strongly encourage you to read the entire article - I'm feeling more motivated already :)

1. Concentrate on 1-3 Goals
2. Create a Vision Board (I posted about this earlier here) but a great place to learn how to make one is here
3. Create Milestones - end goals can seem like a lifetime away, so reward yourself and make milestones special each time you meet one
4. Create a Plan
5. Track Your Goal
6. Have Goal Buddies
7. Start a Journal Documenting Your Journey
8. Be Clear On Why You are Pursuing Your Goal
9. Learn to say "No"

I encourage you to read the whole article and start working toward your goals today!  Care to share what they are??