Continuum of Greatness

I have always struggled with the fact that I have never been the "best" at anything. Sure I am good at somethings and okay at a lot of things, but I have never been the best skier or gymnasts, runner or yogi. I can play the piano, guitar and hit a high note once and a while in karaoke (especially after some liquid courage), but no one would come to me with advice on how to read music or the best technique down the ski slope. Even with school, I am not a 4.0 student and I am definitely not top in my class. To come to think of it, I am pretty average in my skills. If you look at my race stats, I fall in the 50 percentile. I am definitely not the worst student in class, but I am not getting the highest grades on any test, someone always gets a higher score than me, even if I get 100%.

I want to be an expert in something...ANYTHING. So this led me to realize something...

I have never put enough effort into something to be the best. Sure, some people have raw talent and with the same amount of training as me will always just be better, but to be an expert in something, even if you are the best piano player or the most talented gymnasts, you need to put the time and effort into "it".

I also started to realize that I like not being the best.
Okay, let me rephrase my statement up above. It's not that I like being mediocre, but if you already are #1, where can you go from there?

Yoga has put this concept in to perspective. In the past two and half years I have started practicing yoga on a regular basis. With more time and effort (practice), my practice substantially got better. So I started taking more advanced classes. There was always someone who could hold a handstand longer, stretch farther and/or was stronger. This frustrated me because I felt like I was not getting better. But when I bust out a handstand or some twisty move such as astavakrasana, non-yogis are impressed

astavakrasana

This also lead me to realize that when it comes to running, although I will never be able to do a 1h 30min half marathon, I can complete a half marathon, which is more than a lot of people can say.

I guess I should never say never, because I said I would NEVER run a half marathon, let alone a marathon and 22 half marathons and 1 marathon later...

my mom and I finishing the Portland marathon

Etta, me and Rebecca with our finishers T-shirt and medals from the Portland Marathon

Running buddies: Maggie, Sue, Kristen, Nichole and Victoria (Bloomsday)

Super Jock and Jill Half Marathon 2008

Lindsey, Rebecca, Etta and I after completing the 2009 Seattle Rock and Roll Half Marathon

Etta and I after completing the 2011 Seattle Rock and Roll Half Marathon

Chrissy, Nichole, Sue (marathon) and I after completing the 2008 Nike Women's Half Marathon

Etta, Shelly (1st half marathon), and I completing the Nike Women's Half Marathon 2010

The point is, I am not the fastest runner or the most flexible yogi, but I always have fun and there is always room to improve and something to look forward to. So I will keep being mediocre, but in the back of my mind, I will know that I am always impressing some and in return, someone will always be there to impress me (because how else will I have something to strive to, if I don't see my goal)

Mini Break

After a week of hell, I get 2 weeks off. By this I mean no big pending assignments or tests. Although I do have a quiz on Tuesday, so I guess my mind vacation isn't a full two weeks, plus I have to study for all the tests I have coming up.

I wanted to post some pictures that Shelly and I took last weekend from our cell phones. The beach in So Cal is quite beautiful. I can see the appeal of living here ;)

Pictures of MB from my cell phone

Shelly's picture of MB (Edited)

Here is my most exciting news for the week...I signed up for the Disneyland Half Marathon in Anaheim Labor day weekend with my mom and sis. My mom and I have been talking about running this particular race since I started doing half marathons in 2005, but logistically it never worked out. BUT NOW...I live only 4.3 miles away from Disneyland, so there are no excuses.

Add caption

Insert me running with the Disney Characters (Photo Disney Website)

This also means that I have to train. I have actually been running and I asked a few people in my class if they would like to join me in running on the weekends and they said yes!  

Anyone is welcome to join me on training runs, just hit me up!

Now back to studying for me! 

Trying to Keep Up

Wow the past couple of weeks have really flown by. I believe that I am 6 weeks into this semester and it has definitely felt completely different from the last.

1st of all I have held true to my promise to work out more often. I have been running at least twice a week and going to yoga twice a week. Exercising makes me feel good. But I have failed on going to bed at a decent hour. In fact, I think I have been going to bed even later than usual. Oops.

So here is a quick synopsis of my past couple of weeks.

My mama was in Delaware for work and couldn't fly home to Seattle due to Snowmageddon, so she finagled her way to LA so she could see my sister and I.

My Mom and I on her impromptu trip to LA

We also got to hang out with the Corre's!

It was really great having her in town. 

The next week was full of studying because Chris was coming into town to celebrate his 30th birthday and I wanted to be able to spend time with him. I had a few tests (and by a few tests I mean 4 exams and a presentation in 1 week), so I was trying to stay on top of my game. I had a practical test in wound management, so my classmates and I made wounds and treated them

Jenny, Justine and Leslie's wounds

The wound I treated. It was a Stage IV pressure ulcer in case you were wondering

A variety of different wounds

My Stage III pressure ulcer. She's a beauty isn't she?

Chris flew in on Friday (the 27th of January). It was amazing having him in town. On Saturday before our big celebration for Chris's birthday, we went to our local farmers market. I just wanted an excuse to post this picture.

Chris's large pickle he purchased at the farmers market

Later on Saturday night, to continue Chris's 30th birthday celebration we headed to Mid Evil Time...No words necessary. The next few pictures will sum up our night.

Chris is excited to be at Mid Evil Times 

Pete, Chris and Justin. Don't you just see the excitement on their faces for the show?

The king and his queen

The Group

The beginning of the show

The knights

The Fare

A flower thrown by a knight at caught by Craig

The knight night was awesome. We got to eat with our hands, drink lots of beer and celebrate Chris turning 30 years old. 

The next week was less than perfect. First of all Chris went back to Seattle, but to top it off, I had an exam Monday, Thursday and Friday, and a presentation on Wednesday. By Friday night, I was exhausted. My cousin Jessica was in town from NYC, so after a wonderful yoga class on Friday night, I headed up to Manhattan Beach to hang out with Shelly (my sis). We were totally planning on seeing Jessica that night, but with Shelly exhausted from work and my lack of sleep, we decided to meet the next day for lunch. We did just that. 

Shelly and I headed to Hollywood to eat at Off Vine. We had a lovely brunch in the sun (I can't believe it is February, gotta love the California sunshine) complete with mimosas.

Biker on the Freeway posing for a picture

The famous Hollywood sign

Shelly and I took a walk after meeting Jessica back in Manhattan Beach on the pier just as the sun was setting. This is why people live in California!

photo credit: Shelly Short

I was exhausted from the walking around (most likely my crazy week and the mimosas), so Shelly and I went back to her place to watch a movie and fell asleep on the couch.

Sunday was Super Bowl. I was cheering for the Giants and they won!!! My team never wins. I ate way too much (delicious) food and got to watch football - I do find watching football enjoyable now. If only tomorrow was a national holiday (the day after super bowl holiday - let's start a petition).

Beautiful 7 layer bean dip made by Karen O' Connor

So that sums up the last 3 weeks. Wow, on paper it doesn't sound as crazy, but all I know is that I am tired. This weekend was very necessary. I think I watched more TV this weekend than I did the entire last semester. My dad keeps saying "sounds about right for someone who is getting her doctorate." Okay I get it, this is not going to be easy, but a little sympathy would be nice ;).

One last thing. I thought this was funny...

One of my classmates Amy was wearing this t-shirt on Friday...I wanted to add this picture to remind everyone that one day soon I will be a Physical Terrorist Therapist, so I highly suggest you bring me gifts now ;)

My Philosophy

My philosophy is only do things that make you happy. Obviously there will be times in between those happy moments that are necessary to get things done or to make you appreciate the good times more, but seriously, why waste your time doing something you don't like. This applies to many things in my life, but here are a few that I have learned to appreciate recently.

1.) School: Yes it is hard and I whine and complain, but I enjoy the information and it makes me happy to realize that I am completing something that I know will make waking up and going to work fun and interesting.

2.) Exercise: This blog post was actually inspired because I took a fantastic yoga class today that made me feel wonderful. Now when I say exercise, I don't mean just any kind of exercise. If I am not into something, I am not going to do it. I love running, yoga, cycling and skiing. But sometimes I need a break from running and so I take a break. But after my yoga class tonight (handstands and all), I realized that yoga was missing in my life and how much I need it. I took the plunge and bought a membership. I may not be able to eat my In N' Out once a month and I will probably have to...gasp...cut down on my diet coke habit to pay for it, but I don't care. Yoga makes me more happy than my outing to In N Out once a month, so there.

Arm Balance at the summit of my hike...Now I call that a fun time!

3.) Eating: I love delicious food. Especially chocolate and ice cream (but surprisingly not chocolate ice cream). I try to eat healthy (well In N Out and Diet Coke don't sound very healthy, but usually I eat my veggies), but tasty eating is also important to me. So I am going to share a delicious, easy and healthy recipe that I acquired from a nutritionist:

Risotto with Garbanzo Beans
Here is the recipe

*Instant Risotto (but if you are on a low sodium diet, you can get plain risotto as well)
*Garbanzo beans
*Vegetables of your choice
        Broccoli
        Zucchini
        Mushrooms
        Squash
*Tofu (optional)

Simple preparation

*Heat up Risotto (follow instructions on the box)

*5 minutes before it is finished add beans and frozen broccoli

Done!

Slightly more complicated preparation
Sautee vegetables of your choice

I added zucchini, squash, mushrooms, kale, broccoli, tofu, and onions

Sautéing in the pan

Heat up Risotto(follow instructions on the box)

5 minutes before it is finished add beans and frozen broccoli

Enjoy

I love spicy food and I am in the school of thought that you can add sriracha to anything!

The meal makes enough for 3 to 4 people or 3 to 4 lunches or dinners for later in the week. And let me tell you...it is delicious. Plus the risotto and beans make the meal a complete protein.

What makes you happy?

Sleeping in Never Felt so Good

2 weeks into my break with 1 week left and I could live like this forever.

I have managed to keep myself busy, but only with fun activities. Although my brain is still on overdrive from my first semester of school, hopefully the next week will be enough time to but my brain into coast.

I haven't done much over break. I am still catching up on sleep and exercise. I bought a 10 pass to my yoga studio (Yoga Bliss) and I hope that I use them all up, if not, I will just have to come back home before the pass expires. I have also been running. Let me tell you that if you don't run for a while how quickly you get out of shape. I took a slightly hilly 3 mile run (3.27 to be exact) and my last mile was torturous. I have never huffed and puffed so much while doing a 10 minute mile. But it felt really good to get out there. Endorphin Rush.

I got the opportunity to stay at Victoria's cabin at Crystal Mtn. with Rebecca and ski on a beautifully sunny day. We had an amazing time!

Me, Victoria and Rebecca skiing at Crystal. Beautiful day. Beautiful view of Mt Rainer in the back ground!

After my wonderful time at Crystal Mtn. Chris and I headed south to Portland to chill with Nichole, Trevor and Chelsea. It was great to be able to see them over break.

My dad Steven took my brother Ben, Chris and I to a Seahawks game on Christmas eve. We didn't win :(, but I still had a great time. Who knew that I would love to watch football?

At the bus stop heading to Clink Field

Ben and Chris decked out in Seahawk's gear, excited about the game

I spent Christmas eve and day with Chris's family. Right after the Seahawks game, we headed to the Pilkey's residence for amazing food and a fun time with his family.

Chris scoring over 1,000,000 points on Xbox's dance kinect game!

White elephant gift: Stashes. We look hot

It has been amazing seeing friends. I miss everyone so much and I have had a great time catching up.

I have 3 weeks off with literally NOTHING to do. AMAZING!

So far I have had a wonderful break.

My break started off with a holiday (ugly sweater) party with my classmates. We all needed this!

DPT Class of 2014 and others

The next day, a few of us jetted (drove) to Vegas. This was my first time to Vegas, so I was extremely excited and kind of nervous. I survived and I am still recovering, but it was so worth it.

Me, Jenny, Jenna and Lauren drinking our alcohol slushies in the Venetian

Outside the Palazzo

At Bank in the Bellagio

Now for my goals over the next 3 weeks of mental relaxation:

1.) Catch up on my TV shows. Such as Dexter, Real Housewives of BH and House. (oh wait, I already did this)

2.) Read non-school related books. The Hunger Games and Stiff

3.) Get back in shape. So far I have done yoga twice and I am already so sore that I don't know if I can keep this up, but I will because come January 4th, exercise will be much harder to come by.

and most important...

4.) See lots of friends. Hit me up people. I am available, it is you who has the busy schedule.

One Down Eight to Go

So I didn't fail out of school, Yay! Actually I did relatively well.  But these past few months have definitely been pack full of stress, excitement, blood, sweat, and tears. Well, no tears, but they were emotional draining and I felt like I wanted to cry maybe once or twice. Plus, now I am out of shape (don't remember the last time I worked out), my back and neck hurts, I have increased the adipose in my camper's fascia (my stomach got fatter). I thought I was suppose to be healthy going into this profession?


But even with all those negative things, I have loved almost every minute of it. I can honestly say these past two weeks have been hell and I don't wish them on even my worst enemies. I have enjoyed getting to know my new friends that I spend a good 40 to 50 hours with a week. Luckily I like my classmates and hopefully I get to know and hang out with everyone even more coming up these next 2.75 years! Also, even though I bitch and moan, I love the information. I have become such a dork (probably a few of you may say, I have become dorkier), but I find the human body fascinating and I can't wait to learn more. 


There are a few things that I would like to work on for next trimester.


1.) Work out more
My body craves working out (exercise releases endorphins and endorphins make you happy), plus it helps me sleep better and counteract all the sitting that is required when I study.


2.) Regular sleep schedule with extra hours of sleep every night
I know that being sharp is important and that comes with more sleep. I just have to force myself to do it and See #1 above, will help me complete this goal 


3.) See old friends that live close by
I live so close to my sister and some of my best friends and I have only seen them 2 or 3 times since August. That is unexceptable. I need to take the time to see them, which would probably be helpful to my mental health and concentration.

Hanging out with old friends up in LA

My Sister and I

4.) Don't procrastinate
Although my procrastination was not nearly as bad as it could have been, I could have spent more time studying and less on Facebook. 


Tangent: Facebook is the devil. It is the ultimate procrastination tool for a student. I say I am only going to check fb for like 5 minutes and I end up going on there for like an hour...Bad!

My biggest procrastination tool

Here is to the next trimester!