Recent rant...

Recently...as in the past few months I've realized some things, that I don't know that I've really been aware of before. I'm sure that these situations have been around me before, but haven't really. These situations involve serious actions, and potentially even more serious consequences. For reasons that I cannot understand several of my classmates/friends continue to make decisions that should not be a thought in their mind. Rather than thinking of their potential future, they are making decisions that seem to suite their "now" moments instead. As we go through school to become chiropractors, we are held to a higher standard because we will eventually be advising patients with sometimes difficult decisions. This should in turn encourage us to already hold our actions to higher standards. However, this is not always the case unfortunately. Okay, I've danced around the issue enough, but it's only to explain how serious I am about this issue.

Some of my classmates/friends seem to believe that they are above the law, or that not all laws apply to them, for some reason or another. Just because you are of legal age to consume alcoholic beverages, does NOT mean that you should consume them, even if it is only one drink, and then drive...anywhere, even if it's just down the road! It does NOT mean that just because you do not "feel" the affects of the alcohol, does NOT mean that it is not affecting your ability to react at the time that is required of you as you're driving. These absolutely ridiculous decisions that are made are stupid on several levels. The decision to drive, even after one drink could have serious consequences, or the person who decided to get behind the wheel, and potentially many others, if there is an accident.

Okay, I will stop ranting, but I think I got my point across...well, hopefully.

Over and out.
Lo.

Updates...a few!

It's been a while since I posted last, but I've been just a tad busy! I've had my first exams in all of my classes (most of them I've had 2 already), and the majority of them have gone well, but no time at all to slack off! I've been doing pretty well with keeping up on a regular schedule, both with classes and such, but also with training. I'm doing my best to get up early (5:20ish) and go for a run, even if it is only about a mile and a half. Partly because running in the afternoon right now is so hot with the heat index above 100 on most days. I had my first house guests this past week, which was wonderful to catch up after about 4 years of seeing them last! It was a very short visit, but still very good! My grandparents (dad's side) will be traveling through the area next weekend and are going to stop by for a visit as well, which will be great to see them and show them where I live!

I'm doing my best at trying to keep my friends posted, and was even able to manage to get some snail mail out to some of them! This is one of my favorite things to do, but I haven't been able to do it as much as I'd really like, but I'll take what I can get! Plus, I know that they understand how busy I am, and that I have to keep my priorities straight, and that unfortunately means that snail mail is not at the top of the list (nor is blogging!).

Life has been full of drama lately...nothing horrible, but still rocking my world that I know pretty hard at times. Much of the drama isn't of my own really, but still affects me for many reasons, and I'm okay with that. Sometimes you're just stuck between a rock and a hard place! Life goes on though, and we make the best of it, and try to do it with the least amount of casualties and move on to the next chapter of life.

On a different note, I have absolutely AMAZING friends! I honestly don't know what on earth I did to deserve these incredible people, but I'm not going to ask questions, I'm just going to love them, and try and reciprocate the love and support they show me so often! Really I don't know how some people manage to make it through life without a support system like I am blessed to have.

Okay, well, that's all for now. I just thought I'd share a few things that have been on my mind lately. Hopefully the next time I post it won't be so far of in the distance!

Over and out!
Lo!

Hello? Anyone home!?

Okay, so I know it's been a while since I last posted anything, but I've been a tad distracted lately! I finished my last round of undergrad courses, and have since started the Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) program which as you can imagine is keeping me busy! I've also moved closer to campus which is fantastic because it cuts down drastically on my commute time, and I'm closer to pretty much everything that I need on a daily basis...including a great hiking trail that I take advantage of at least once a week! While I was on my break from classes for 2 weeks I traveled home, and relaxed mostly which was wonderful! I also learned how to make my mom's AMAZING pie crust, so now I can try and make my mom's pies when I really am needing a fix! We made 13 pies in 10 hours! It was a mad house there for a while! I also traveled down to Indy for the 33rd running of the Indy Mini - the largest half marathon in the nation! 35,000 runners, and thousands more to watch! It was awesome! I finished it in 2:08:58, which I was very pleased with considering that I wasn't really able to train much at all, and I had to walk about a half a mile because I was in so much pain! I'm hoping the next one (KC in October) will be much better! Well that is pretty much all that is going on for now; class, working out, studying, and sleeping and eating on occasion! Until next time....

Over and out!
Lo!

...and I'm back!

It's been a while, so I'll try and do a quick update...

I traveled home for a friend's wedding...it was so beautiful, and couldn't have captured the couple better! It was absolutely wonderful! While I was home, I really only caught up with my family and a few friends, because it was such a short visit, and I had more than plenty do get done while I was there.

While I was home in the Bend, I really missed being home in KC...it was very odd to feel that way, but I guess it was going to happen at some point, I just didn't really know when that would happen! I've made some really great friends out here in KC, so it feels much more like home than it ever has before. It's still wonderful to go home to the Bend as well, but it's different than it used to be with so many friends off to different parts of the nation, or moving on with their lives while still in the area.

I'm working on getting things done before I start the DC program in May, so hopefully I can get in some casual reading, and painting as well! I miss painting, and drawing, etc. so much! I am planning on buying a canvas or two while I'm on my break and working on a few pieces.

Well, that's all for now...

Over and out!
Lo!

Great weekend!

Walking seems to be one of my new favorite things! For the third week in a row I went with a great friend of mine on a six mile walk, both Friday and Saturday! Honestly, today I felt like I should head out on the trail again, but thought it might be good to rest my legs some! I have such a blast on these walks, whether it's with her dog and/or son, it's just the two of us, it's always great! We talk just about the entire time, which has also been great to catch up, and reconnect since the last time that I lived in the area. Anyway, after our walk we are starving, so dinner (usually) is soon to be made! This past week we made Asiago Cheese & Spinach Pasta Toss, and it was really great! I picked up sun dried roasted red peppers instead of sun dried tomatoes, like I was supposed to do! Oops! However, it still tasted GREAT! If you happen to have any ideas for a vegetarian dinner let me know...I'm always looking for new ideas!

Next week, I'll be back home in the Bend, which is great, but I'm going to have to figure out my walk for Friday and Saturday! I'll have a beautiful landscape (Notre Dame campus), so now I just have to get a walking buddy (or two) to join me in my trek! I think I'll be able to find someone, but if for some reason I come up short, I'll go on my own! Well, that's all for now!

Over and out!
Lo!

Girls Night Out!

Last night a few of my friends went out to The Drop (a martini bar) to celebrate one of the girl's birthdays! We got all done up and when I say that, I mainly mean, I had to go searching through just about every article of clothes for a shirt that would work...because usually I'm in a T-shirt! Anyway, so after all was said and done, I had make up on, my hair was straightened, heels were on (and tall ones at that!), and I was set to go! We ended up staying out for several hours, mainly just laughing and hanging out, which was so much fun! We honestly didn't even need to have anything to drink to have as much fun as we did....but they did taste oh so delicious! I do believe we'll make this a more regular thing...but that may just mean hanging out playing cards...and that's more than okay with me! It had been quite some time since I had gone out with my friends, and honestly I think I really needed it...Anyway...that's all for now!

Over and out!
Lo!

1, 2, 3 workouts!?

Today I met up with a friend of mine to do an arm workout, which was awesome! We didn't do a ton of stuff, but what we did was pretty tough considering neither of us have lifted on a regular basis for a while. After lifting out weights, we went to the store to get stuff for stir-fry that I was going to make for dinner later in the evening. Next it was to another friends house to meet up and go for a 6 mile walk...this time it took just over an hour and a half! After the walk, I decided to run back to her house, while they drove back...mainly to see how my heel was feeling and if I could handle it. I made it in just over 13 minutes (just under a mile and a half), which isn't horrible considering I haven't run in over a month!

Next it was time to fix dinner! I honestly think I made enough to feed about 8 people....easily! Only 4 of us were eating...so a bunch of left overs! Oh well! I had made Heaven on a Plate earlier in the week and we had that for dinner, which was Ah-Mazing! It really is the little things in life! Ha!

So after relaxing for a while, I helped my friend with her eliptical machine. See it was together, but there were a few bolts that were a bit loose and needed to be tightened but it really needed two people to be accomplished. My arms got an another work out in tightening the bolts! We then moved a mat from one room to under the eliptical machine. However, this was not just any mat, this thing was a monster! Both of us are pretty strong, but this sucker was putting up a serious fight! We eventually got it, as did my legs and arms...AGAIN! Talk about being exhausted! Oh well, it's getting me back in shape! Well, time to get some serious rest!

Over and out!
Lo!

Double check!?

You've got to be kidding me!? I couldn't believe it, and was frustrated once I figured it out, but oh well, the day went on! I'm sure you're asking yourself, "What happened!?" Well, I got to the gym after class and was in the locker room getting changed. All things normal until I realized that I had forgot something! UGH! I was still determined to work out, but wasn't going to be able to workout how I would have liked to unfortunately. So rather than doing the planned half hour bike workout, I opted for a less vigorous weight lifting routine. Not that huge of a deal because tomorrow I am going to do a kettle bell routine for my arms, and then walk 6 miles. I guess next time I'll just have to make sure to double check my bag before I head out for the day!

Over and out!
Lo!

A little odd...

So recently my schedule has changed a bit...now with classes in the evenings and not much to motivate me to get moving all that early. Really it isn't all that big of a deal, but it's also changed my eating habits...Which generally I'm eating about every hour on the hour, but it seems lately that I'm hardly eating!? Usually I'll eat breakfast of some sort, but then it seems like my next meal is dinner...every now and then with a bit of a snack, but that seems to be about it as of late. I don't want to eat when I'm not hungry, but this just doesn't seem right, or healthy in any way shape or form! I may have to just start making myself eat until I get back into a normal habit again...Well, that's about it for now...

Over and out!
Lo!

Walking rocks!!!

So the past couple days I've met up with a friend of mine and went walking with her and her awesome dog! Now, we aren't just walking around a couple blocks, we're walking 6 miles each time! My legs are definitely feeling it, but it's so worth it! Between the great conversations and the fact that it's getting me back in shape I'm all for it! Plus after our walks there is always an amazing dinner, whether I am making something or we're going out for something. I've had such a great time and we plan on making this a weekly thing...if not more often!

Hopefully my legs get used to this quickly though! Although I think working out with my kettle bell as well as using the bike several times throughout the week. I think I need to step it up even more though if I'm going to be able to keep up with my friend much longer! Well, until next time...

Over and out!
Lo!

Still up!?

Yes, I'm still awake, and haven't had any sleep tonight...

I thought I'd lay around for a bit and watch TV after I got home from a great evening with a friend, but I just haven't fallen asleep. I haven't even been tired! Now granted, it's my own fault....I had three cups of very strong (very delicious) black coffee around 8:30 at night. Not smart at all on my part. I generally make sure not to have any caffeine no later than 2 pm because it affects me so much...well I threw care to the side because I had an amazing piece of cheese cake from the Cheesecake Factory! Cheesecake, coffee, and conversation...yeah, I enjoyed all three of them! Anyway, so now I'm sitting here hours later, still not tired at 4:30 am, and I've decided that I'm going to just stay up and go to bed early tonight...hopefully this will work as well as I'm expecting it to, but we'll see about that! I just have to make sure not to give in to a nap, which I'm sure around the afternoon I'm going to be tempted to crash for a few hours...hmm...maybe I can try and still get a few hours of sleep so I can actually be productive once I get up and work on some research....here goes nothing I guess!

Over and out!
Lo!

Research paper topics...?

So for one of my classes this term, I have to write two 12 page research papers that have to do with health science topics. I've decided on one of them already, but am not sure on the other subject. I have three to decide from that have already been approved by my professor, so I thought I'd see the response from you! Let me know which one you like the best, and why you like, or don't like the topic(s).

1. Vitamin D Deficiency and Brain, Bone and Heart Health
2. Exercise and Joint Disease
3. Diet and Cancer

I'll need to start researching, and writing on the topics within the next week, so don't hesitate to let me know your thoughts and insights! I'll let you know what I end up going with and different tidbits of information on the research that I find as well!

Over and out!
Lo!

Good ol' days!

Yesterday evening I was talking with my roommate about my nephew and her kids and some how that brought me to a story about when I was in grade school. Now granted this happened about 15ish years ago...Anyway, so one day I missed the bus home from school, so I decided, well I better start walking home! At that time, our house was about 3 miles away, and I knew which way to go, even though I did have to walk through a neighborhood that wasn't all that great of a place to be. So I latched my lunch box to my backpack and went off on my journey home. I walked with a purpose and made sure to keep looking forward but made sure to keep aware of my surroundings. I got about a half mile from my house at a pretty busy intersection and I hear someone honking at me and telling me to get in the car. I was to have nothing of that because I wasn't about to get into a car, my parents taught me well! The car pulls up next to me and I hear (because I still wasn't about to look over at this guy telling me to get in) "It's me, dad, get in the car!" I look over and my dad was in our car! So I get in and he tells me that my friend said that I wasn't on the bus so he went to the school to pick me up, but I wasn't to be found, so he drove home figuring that I had walked home. Being that my dad and I think so much a like, he and I would have taken the same path, which we did! Anyway, so I made it almost all the way home before my daddy picked me up! Ah, the good ol' days!

Over and out!
Lo!

Sleeping bag!? You betcha!

Recently I haven't been able to get to bed by any reasonable hour but I think I've actually come up with something that works (at least a little bit). I decided a couple days ago to pull out my sleeping bag, although this was just to stay warm initially. After a while, I was now warm, comfortable and before I knew it I was about to fall asleep! I must say, I slept great with my sleeping bag...now, I must tell you, that I was sleeping on the couch as well, although I thought about sleeping on the floor. I love my bed, and the oh so comfortable and warm down comforters that I have on them, but it was nice sleeping in my sleeping bag! This is the first time in a long time that I've pulled out my sleeping bag, but it was so worth it! Okay, well I just thought I'd share that....maybe you should pull out your sleeping bag too!

Over and out!

Lo!

Real estate!?

So lately I've been thinking about possibly buying a house being that I'll be in the area for about 4 years. I have a great living situation right now, but I might be able to move closer to school, and then eventually make money on a house rather than paying monthly with no return. At this point I've been looking around just to get an idea of what prices and taxes are for the different areas. There are a few pieces of properties that I like pretty well, but I've only seen them from pictures online, so hopefully soon I'll be able to take a closer look at what I'd be dealing with. I would like a house that isn't perfect that has some "fixer-upper" type qualities so I can make it my own, but nothing too major being that I'll be in school at the same time. Anyway, that's kind of where things are at for now, hopefully I'll have a better idea of how much I can even afford within the next week or so. Well, that's all for now....

Over and out!
Lo!

Simply Amazing!

So this weekend after I got home from meeting up my roommate at Lowes to look at some paint for her bathroom and was getting ready to eat and my phone rang. My mom was calling me, so I answered and we talked for a minute and the door bell rang, so I told her to hold on a second while I answered the door. I answered the door and my parents and Scruffy were standing there! Talk about a surprise! They drove 10 hours just to come and see me! Not only did they come for the weekend, they even brought my mom's home made icing to make me a birthday cake, and stuff to make vegetable soup! It was such a great weekend with them! We didn't really do all that much but it was great just hanging out, and of course playing lots of board games! I was going to take more pictures, but I thought I'd rather hang out with them, than take pictures. I'll post the couple that I took on here later in the week. Well, that's all for now...

Over and out!
Lo!

New laptop & birthday update....

Well, I am back to using my lap top again...but this time it works, and is new! I went through Dell, but went the outlet route because it's so much cheaper and it's the same quality! Anyway, so I got an Inspiron 1525, with pretty much everything on it that is standard, no upgrades really to speak of. I'm getting use to the newer layout of the computer in general, especially with Vista as opposed to Windows XP which I previously had.

On a different note...I had a great birthday this past Sunday! Many friends and family had called, sent cards/packages, or messages, and truly made my day! I mostly just relaxed and enjoyed the day, even though I should have been studying...oh well! So thank you to everyone who helped make my birthday great! Well, that's all for now!

Over and out!

Lo!

Laptop blues...for a few

So today a friend of mine closed my laptop as a joke, the only problem was that when I opened it back up it wouldn't turn back on properly! UGH! So after trying multiple times to get it to work, I had no luck, and no more time to play around with it because class was about to start. I was able to get it to start up in safe mode, but that was all I could do. Anyway, so I got home and tried doing a couple different things and was able to restore it back about a week, and all seems to be good. So hopefully things will stay on the up swing because I don't have the time, nor the money to get a new computer. So a bump in the road of the day, but nothing too bad thankfully! Well, that's all for now...

Over and out!
Lo!

Can you hear me now!?

Okay, so I thought I would explain why I've put this poll up on the side.

In the next couple months I'll be either "re-upping" my Verizon plan (although changing it slightly to a data plan instead of the regular phone plan), or changing to another carrier (Sprint, AT&T, etc. ??). So I'll tell you what I'm looking for in a plan...I don't need anything fancy, just a small data plan with unlimited text messages and an average amount of minutes (nothing too much, it's not like I can really talk while in class!). I'm looking at going with either a blackberry or a palm, but haven't made my decision about that yet either, so please let me know your thoughts on that as well. Again, nothing too fancy of course...

Okay, well I think that gives enough info, so let me know your thoughts please!

Over and out!
Lo!

Your 2 cents please!?

I posted a poll, and I could use some thoughts, so please vote, but if you have any other comments, let me know! Thanks so much!

Over and out!
Lo!

Answers to your Questions!

1. When did you decide you wanted to become a chiropractor? (JJ)
--About two years ago I was training for my first half marathon and became injured and needed to seek treatment to continue with my training, and eventually complete the marathon. I went to a DC (Doctor of Chiropractic) to get adjustments, acupuncture, etc. I went from literally barely able to walk, to running within a matter of only about a month and a half! I was already going through massage therapy school, but felt that I could further my education, and help so many more people if I continued on to DC school. I am so passionate about what I will be able to do, and what chiropractic care can do for so many people, and can't wait to actually get started! (Wow, that was long!)

2. Where do you see yourself in 10 years? (JJ)
--Graduated, and about 6 years out of DC school (YAY!)...probably in Indy, but we'll see that may change...I'd love to be working at a practice that involves sports rehabilitation, as well as nutrition, with either a partnership, or a whole group of doctors. Possibly married, and even maybe with children...who knows though!

3. Do you really think College is for you this time around? (Cricket)
--Actually, yes, I really do! I don't think I've ever been this passionate about anything else that I've thought about pursuing as a career.

4. If you could do anything in the world, no matter the cost, abilities or time, what would you do? (Jeanna)
--Traveling around Europe to look at all of the amazing artwork, enjoy some amazing culture, possibly do some backpacking throughout the country sides, etc. Oh, and go sea kayaking and such too! Oh that would be amazing!

5. Boxers or Briefs?...Sorry had to ask. (Jay)
--Boxer-briefs!?

6. If you could describe me with one word, what word would that be? (no grade school answers like fun and smart) (Wayne & Melinda)
--Okay let's see...quiet, but ready with a smart quip at anytime! Watch out! ;-)

7. What is your favorite time of year and why? (Anonymous)
--Fall...the beautiful changing leaves, football, Thanksgiving, etc. etc.! Absolutely my favorite!

Thanks for participating!

Over and out!
Lo!

Indy Mini training...

So for those of you who are interested, I started training for my next half marathon! I however will not be posting on this blog about how that is going. Don't fret though, you can check all that out here! It's my blog specifically aimed at training and things of that nature. So if you feel so inclined, stop over and let me know what you think!

Over and out!
Lo!

Q & A

Okay, so about a week ago, at my church back home the theme was, "Ask Anything!", which was really a great way for people to get some questions answered that I'm sure they (and I) have been wondering for a while. Anyway, so I thought I'd jump on that as well! So here goes...

Next Saturday (January 17th, 2009) I will answer questions that are left in the comment area of this post. So that gives you a little more than a week to come up with a question (or a few) for me to answer! One of my favorite things to do with my friends, regardless of how long I've known them, is to ask/answer questions back and forth....most of you know this from experience already! Anyway, so have fun with it, and I'll get back on them in a little over a week!

Over and out!
Lo!

Lots of updates!

It's been quite a while since I last posted anything on here and thought while I had a bit of time to kill that I'd update this a bit...so here goes! (I'll post pictures in the near future, but for now, here's the run down!)

The rest of the school year wrapped up well, and couldn't be happier that I won't have to take organic chemistry again! YAY! There was only about two and a half weeks between the end of Thanksgiving break, and the start of Christmas break, so I packed up again to head home for a much longer time this time around!

This time no surprises, but I was fine with that, and was able to really relax this time around, and see many more friends! Christmas was wonderful and very simple, which was really quite awesome. My nephew was with us and he really made Christmas great. He went around the house Christmas eve and wrapped up things to give to us on Christmas. It was so adorable! He is such a great kid, and he has such a huge heart! Love that kiddo!

After Christmas was said and done, a handful of my friends and I took the south shore to Chi-town for the day! It was one of the most fun trips I've ever taken to Chi-town, and we didn't really even do anything! We ate some true Chicago style, deep dish pizza; got Garrett's popcorn (which I had for the first time...very good!); checked out the Bean @ Millennium Park (which most of us hadn't been to yet!); and just walked around talking and taking pictures! We had such a blast!

NYE we had the annual Wine & Cheese party at my parents house, which was great as always! Many games were played, some old ones, and some new, but mostly Blokus! I think at one point we had all four games being played, which was awesome!!! As the ball was about to drop, we went around the room telling everyone our favorite memory of 2008; we were just about around to everyone when the doorbell rang (which is very odd because no one rings the doorbell at the house!), so we were all very curious as to who was on the other side of the door. Well, my mom opened the door to four very drunk people asking, "Is this Tina's?", well my mom said yes, because there was a Tina in the room. Them as the drunkards stumble (and literally about fall on the floor) in the house my mom inquires more and they realize they are in fact that the WRONG house! So they stumble out the house, literally bending the storm door so it will not close unless some maneuvering was done, and move on to their actual destination (which we found out later in the week that they were at least on the right street, but about 10 houses off!). All in all, NYE was great, with a huge surprise from a friend who drove in from STL to see everyone! It was AWESOME!!!

The drive back went well, with a quick stop in STL to visit with my friend again for the evening, but then on the road the next morning. Well, or so I thought! I went to start my car early in the morning, and nothing! After a few attempts myself to get it going it still wouldn't do anything, so I ended up having to jump it with the other car, but we were up and running without any problems, and thankfully it's been fine since. Back safe and sound the rest of the way, and now in the the swing of things again with a full load of classes to keep me very busy. Speaking of, I better get a move on!

Over and out!
Lo!