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I always forget how much I love Fall! Just a few short weeks ago, B and I went to a pumpkin patch and petting farm out in the middle of nowhere… literally! It was a lot of fun, except for the part where I got attacked by fire ants in the pumpkin patch 🙁

Here are a few fun Fall pics…

AND…. Here is what B and I dressed up as for Halloween. Originally, I wanted to be Hermione Granger, since I have a new-found respect (and love) for Harry Potter, but we literally waited until the day before to put together our costumes. That’s what being a full-time nanny and first year med student will do to ‘ya! I think we still managed to pull off some “rockin” Halloween costumes…

I hope everyone had a fun and safe Halloween. I don’t know about you, but I can’t wait for Thanksgiving! Do you think it’s too soon to start playing Holiday music?!

I’ve decided to try something new!

Jane, over at Wishful Thinking, gave me this fabulous idea. It’s called DAY ZERO: The Home of the 101 Things to Do in 1001 Days Project

The Mission:
Complete 101 preset tasks in a period of 1001 days.
The Criteria:
Task must be specific (i.e. no ambiguity in the wording) with a result that is either measurable, or clearly defined. Tasks must also be realistic and stretching (i.e. represent some amount of effort on your part).

So, in no specific order, I present my list of 101 Things To Do:

Personal & Social
1. Complete Master’s program
2. Learn how to snow ski
3. Buy a house
4. Figure out where to live after B’s first two years of med school
5. Reconcile friendships
6. Contribute to my 401k and/or Roth IRA
7. Pay off credit cards
8. Get a teaching job
9. Plant an {organic} garden
10. Join a gym
11. Get engaged
12. Get a desktop computer
13. Write a children’s book
14. Get married
15. Go skydiving
16. Write a novel
17. Write in diary at least once a week
18. Learn how to use a sewing machine
19. Take a photo every day for an entire year {5/365}
20. Stretch, every day
21. Go to the Farmer’s Market at least 6 times {1/6}
22. Make a personal recipe book
23. Read 50+ books {0/50}
24. Plan/execute a surprise for someone
25. Plant a tree
26. Squeeze fresh orange juice at least 12 times {0/12}
27. Go to Disney World during the Christmas Season
28. Go para-sailing
29. Go on a picnic
30. Learn how to shoot a gun (Bonus: own a gun)
31. Buy a new camera
32. Go without Starbucks for an entire month
33. Try a new sport/physical activity
34. Throw a party
35. Prepare a Thanksgiving dinner {with assistance still counts}
36. Go pumpkin picking
37. Make a new friend outside of work
38. Stay within monthly budget
39. Only buy clothes on sale, unless it’s an absolute necessity (i.e., for work)
40. Go to a play/musical
41. Go on a hot air balloon ride
42. Teach a child how to read
43. Try 7 new things {0/7}
44. Go to a concert
45. Get a facial
46. Read the Harry Potter series {0/7}
47. Overcome a fear
48. Take a week off of Facebook
49. Quit a bad habit
50. Bake a cake from scratch
51. Bake a pie
52. Create icing from scratch
53. Go on a “Girls Only” getaway
54. Say yes to 10 things I’d normally say no to {0/10}
Travel
55. Travel outside of the U.S. at least 1 time {0/1}
56. Take B to New York
57. Go to California
58. Go on a cruise {preferably Mediterranean}
59. Go to an aquarium
60. Stay at a Bed & Breakfast
61. Visit D.C. when the cherry blossoms are blooming
62. Go on a family vacation
63. Go to a vineyard
64. Take a road trip to another state
65. Go to a water park at least once a year {0/3}
66. Go on a mission trip
67. Go camping
68. Go snorkeling
69. Visit family in West Virginia
Health & Wellness
70. Keep weight between 105-108lbs
71. Complete the 100 push up challenge
72. Participate and complete a race
73. Go to yoga at least once every 2 months
74. Walk/run at least two times a week
75. Go on at least 2 hikes {0/2}
76. Go white water rafting
77. Get at least one massage every year {0/3}
78. Go without chocolate/candy for an entire month {0/30}
79. Get a pedicure at least once every 6 months {0/6}
80. Go to the dermatologist every year {0/3}
81. Wear sunscreen every day
82. Exercise mind with some sort of puzzle at least twice a month
83. Drink at least 32oz water a day for 30 days {0/30}
84. Go without alcohol for 30 days {0/30}
85. Get yearly physicals {0/3}
86. Go to the dentist every year {0/3}
87. Get eyes checked yearly {0/3}
88. Don’t eat out for an entire month {0/30}
89. Don’t drink soda for an entire month {0/30}
90. Buy a bicycle
Giving Back
91. Volunteer or donate to Crohns and Colitis
92. Volunteer at least twice a year {0/6}
93. Donate clothes to Goodwill instead of throwing them away for entire 1001 days
94. Donate bag of food for either Thanksgiving OR Christmas every year
95. Donate 10,000 grains at freerice.com {330/10,000}
96. Show kindness to a complete stranger
97. Donate to Locks of Love
98. Volunteer for kids
99. Write hand written thank you notes for every thank you necessary
100.Send someone flowers
101.Donate $1.00 for every item not completed on this list

Completion Date: Monday, July 23, 2012

I’ll be sure to give updates on my progress periodically. So, what do you think? What are some things you wish to accomplish in the near future?

Anatomy is officially over! YAY! After two and a half months, B is finally finished with anatomy (and with an A, no less). I’m so proud of him because he really worked hard. People said this was going to be the hardest time (for both of us), but honestly we were able to have dinner together every night, and he plays sports 2-3 nights a week, too. To celebrate the end of anatomy, we went back to see our families. Saturday we went to our college’s football game, where I got to see all my sorority sisters and girlfriends. I really needed some girl time!

It surprisingly got down to the low 50’s, and I was the only one prepared! I brought a jacket and flannel blanket. I love cold football game weather. 97 degree weather, it’s been nice, but it’s time to say, “Bye Bye!”

Sunday was B’s nephew’s first birthday! We celebrated all day and it was absolutely wonderful spending time with his family.

We got his nephew his first wagon. [Puppy not included] Every little boy needs a wagon. He’ll have many adventures with it. B also got him a Sock Monkey (they’re back!) because he had one when he was little. Indy decided to test drive it–gotta make sure it’s safe and FUN! B’s nephew loved his new wagon! He climbed right in and wouldn’t get out!

I couldn’t have asked for a better weekend. Friends + Family = Perfection. There’s nothing better than being surround by those you love, and who love you.

This past weekend and week has been really wonderful. On Sunday, I took Indy with me to a marina about fifteen minutes from our house. B was basically on lockdown studying for a huge test so I wasn’t about to sit around doing nothing. I laid out a huge towel in the shade for me to lay on and Indy to run around on, and read my book. I didn’t get too much reading done because everyone who walked by wanted to meet Indy. I can’t wait until the weather gets cooler here (not for a while though!) so I can spend more time there.

On Tuesday, B got home from school early and I had the day off so we went out and had ice cream near the beach. Other restaurants and shops surround a park there so we brought Indy with us. It sure looks like he wants a bite of my scoop. What do you think?!

Also this week, I got inspired by these precious flower broaches I saw on Martha Stewart and decided to get crafty. The directions are pretty simple and I did I better job than I thought I would. I added a little pearl to it to add a little southern class. I also ended up sewing a smaller yellow flower onto a hair clip. I think they turned out pretty cute:

I keep forgetting how much I like the fall. As you know, Halloween costumes and decorations are already flooding the stores. Even pumpkins are waiting to be picked. I love dressing up for Halloween. Last year B and I were a dentist and a tooth fairy. I love couples and themed costumes. Do you know what you’re going to be yet?

Well, it’s been over a week since I had my first “Big Girl” breakdown, and I’m here to say that things have definitely turned around! Instead of continuing to feel bad for myself, I decided to reorganize my life. I took my mama’s advice and am waking up early (before the sun) and getting all of my Master’s work done before going into work. Even after taking Indy on a thirty minute walk, I still have time to read the paper and watch a little Martha. Then, when I come home from work, all I have to do is fix dinner (unless it’s already been made… always nice), play with the pup, and read my book. (I’m currently reading “Eat, Pray, Love”) Oh yeah, and visit with my boyfriend—ALWAYS the best part of my day!! Mom’s are always right….

Morning walks:
Such a big boy, he can already walk himself!

Speaking of mom’s, mine had a birthday this weekend. I went home to celebrate with her. She, along with my dad, got to meet my little fur baby. And Indy got to meet more members of the family, Sassy and Joey (Shih Tzu and Yorkie). They were so cute playing with one another!

They look too cute in their bandanas:

So to sum things up, I’m really thankful for my breakdown because in turn, I was able to have a great (and very necessary) breakthrough. Thank you for all of your encouraging comments!

After this weekend, I can now officially say I’ve entered the real world and am a “Big Girl” now. It’s taken nearly two months, but it finally hit me. Blake thought it would take me about a month before I broke down with all the new changes in my life, but I made it to two months.

It was Friday night and I had just got home from work around 7:30. Blake was leaving to go back home for the weekend and a football game, and I was left working on my Master’s. I started stressing out because I had to work the next day (yes, on a Saturday), and three assignments are due on Tuesday (mind you, I have to work today, Labor Day, also). I started thinking about all the things I have to do, and started crying. It all just hit me like a big rock. I finally broke down. The stress of not getting enough sleep because I’m trying to work on my Master’s after work (when I get home around 7:30), the responsibility of keeping house, not living with my parents anymore, and the new adjustment to paying for everything by myself made me lose it. (Is that everything???) I called my mom telling her I wanted to quit my Master’s. It was too much. I wanted to throw in the towel.

After speaking with my amazing mom, she made me realize it’s all possible. I know it wasn’t her intent, but I also felt guilty and well, honestly, stupid. I mean, come on, how blessed am I? I have my health, I have the most incredible boyfriend of almost three years, an adorable little puppy, I’m renting a house on a golf course, I get to take care of two great toddlers by the beach, my friends are always there for me, and I have the most supportive and understanding parents. There are people out there who are single moms of multiple children, working multiple jobs just trying to get by, who still find time to finish school! I need to stop complaining and get myself together!

My mom helped me figure out that I need to stop sleeping in and watching Martha Stewart. (Instead, I subscribe to her mailing list.) If I wake up early in the morning before going to work (because I don’t go in until mid-morning) and work on my Master’s, I won’t have to do it when I get home. Therefore, when I get home, I will have time to spend with Blake (of course, that’s only if he isn’t studying), play with Indy, cook dinner, and do any other miscellaneous chores or whatnot.

I am determined to make it happen! Things are changing in my life and although it won’t always be easy, there are definitely wonderful things to come.

Have a happy Labor Day everyone. Stay safe!

P.S. I now understand what people mean when they say, “I wish I were still in college.” It’s so true. I couldn’t wait to get out, but now I wish it never ended! Where did the time go?

At 2.5lbs and 10 weeks old, we welcome our new (fur) baby, Indy! I’ve wanted to get a puppy since I moved out of my parents’ house. Having grown up with a family dog my whole life, I was so sad to leave behind my Shih Tzu and Yorkie. My parents wouldn’t let me take them with me! Finally, I came across a breeder and fell in love with Indy’s picture. I called up and two days later brought him home. My boyfriend named him, after Indiana Jones, naturally. I think he’s a great addition to our little family. He’s becoming well adjusted to his new home.

In other news, I GOT THE JOB! I am now a full-time nanny to two year-old boy/girl twins. They’re absolutely adorable and I’m really excited about being their caregiver. I love children and I’m glad I get to do this for a living. I’ll be honest, I’m still a little bummed about not being able to find a teaching job, but I always say “everything happens for a reason,” and I can’t think different about this situation. I try to take everything that happens to me as a new adventure and learning experience.

Marissa Nicole’s blog, “Married to a Medical Student” has a wonderful explanation of what Blake’s residency match process is all about. He won’t be doing this for a few years, but it might just take that long to understand it all! I’m not even going to attempt to explain it myself. Marissa was kind enough to allow me to link to her page.

Please check it out! (Especially my and Blake’s family)

http://marriedtoamedicalstudent.blogspot.com/2009/06/residency-match-neurosurgery.html

(sorry, I don’t know how to make it a link)

Thanks again Marissa!

Today was basically just like any other day. I rolled out of bed when Blake left to go to class. A new kindergarten teaching position opened, so I got dressed, grabbed my cover letter and resume, and headed out the door. It didn’t seem so promising when I got there, as the receptionist said people have been coming in all day (it was only 10 a.m. when I got there). Back at my house, I parked myself on the couch, watched a little TLC like I do every day, and surfed the Internet. Oh! One glimpse of excitement that happened today was I got a call for an interview for a nannying position. I’m going tomorrow. Keep your fingers crossed!!

I wanted to share my first and latest crafty cooking. I made ladybug cupcakes for Blake’s parent’s wedding anniversary. I gave the bugs to them when they came to visit a couple of weeks ago. They’re super cute—if I do say so myself, and not too hard to concoct. Time consuming and messy, but F-U-N! I experimented with the spots (snow caps, mini kisses, M&Ms), but decided the M&Ms worked the best. YUM!

As a fun little gift for Blake’s 1st day of med school, I put together a little survival kit for him:

Well, this is my very first post. I’m both excited and nervous all at the same time because I’ve never done anything like this before. I’ve created this blog to keep family and friends up to date on our life on the gulf coast. I think this is a clever way to keep the people we love up to speed with Blake’s successes in medical school, my journey in search of a career, and our new life together.

He’s already into his third week of a first year med school student (or M1, as I’ve come to learn). I’m so proud of him because he earned an A on his first test. Way to go! My thoughts are with him as he continues to prepare and study hard for his next exam—which will be seven hours long!!!! I don’t know how he does it. On top of going to medical school all day, he still manages to play soccer and basketball a few times a week AND spend quality time with me at home.

As for me, I am in search of a teaching job. I have my Bachelor’s in Elementary Education and am working on my Master’s in Exceptional Student Education. I am sure many of my posts will be about my journey in search of a steady income. School is just around the corner, and I want to wish my education girls good luck in their first year of teaching. I know each and every one of them will be a fabulous educator!

I was lucky enough to spend time with my wonderful parents, dogs, friends, and sisters this weekend in Orlando. I couldn’t have been happier spending time with Lauren and Kearstin—they always know how to make me laugh!

Well, I think that about does it for my first post. Phew! That wasn’t so bad after all.