It's Almost Over...

Semester One of my going back to school (again) is nearly over. I can't believe it! It has seemed to take forever, but at the same time gone VERY quickly. This semester I took Anatomy and Physiology and an online Therapeutic Nutrition class. It was my very first online class and I'm proud to say that I kicked its butt! (Athough, I probably shouldn't speak too soon, I still have two units to complet by the end of next week.) A&P, on the other hand, has been kicking my butt. It is a VERY tough course. I feel like I've studied every spare minute that I've had, yet I'm still tetering on the line between an A and a B. As of this very minute, I have an A. I have two final tests (one for the Lab and one for the Lecture) next week and as long as I can pull off an 85 on each of them, I'm golden. But, I have to get to learning ALL the muscles, where they are, and what they do, as well as a ton for the lecture test. Yes, I'm a bit nervous, but I'm even more determined to do well. I may not sleep until next Tuesday, but it will be worth it to see a big A! Wish me luck!

Books To Be Read

Today I picked my 12 books for the year..or at least most of them!
When looking through my bookshelf, I found many that I'd like to read. Here is a list of the definites:

1. Mitch Albom's "Have a Little Faith"

I got this book last year for my birthday and can't believe that I haven't read it yet. I love all of the other Mitch Albom books.

2. "The Time Traveler's Wife" by Audrey Niffenegger

Many of my friends have told me how wonderful this book is. I can't wait to dive in!

3. "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austin

It seems to be a classic on most "must read" lists. I have it, but have never read it. That will change!

4. "Columbine" by Dave Cullen

I've started this book, but am including it because I want to finish it. It's difficult to read about such a tragedy, but it really is a great book with a much different view than I remember from the media back when I was in fifth and sixth grade.

5. A Dean Koontz book. I haven't decided which one, but for awhile it was all my husband would read. We have an entire shelf of his books and I want to read one to see what they're about. We'll see how it goes! Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

6. "The Host" by Stephanie Meyer.

I've read the Twilight Series and absolutely loved it. I have "The Host" sitting on the book shelf but have been nervous about reading it. I've heard mixed reviews from people and I just don't know. But I'll put it on my list and decide for myself.

7. "Eat, Pray, Love" by Elizabeth Gilbert

Can't wait to read. Can't wait to see the movie!
Okay, to be honest, 7 is as far as I've gotten. I would also like to re-read the Twilight Series, but don't know if I should include it since I've already read it. Honestly, who cares, it's my list right? I have a few ideas in mind of some other books I'd like to read, but I don't necessarily have them on my bookshelf. I have a whole year to figure it out! If you're reading this and have any suggestions, I'd love to hear them! I don't really have a particular type of book that I like, I just have to have a great story!

26

Today marks my 26th birthday. I've never been one for making resolutions or setting too many goals in stone, but for some reason this year is different. I always think about things I want to do and always end up setting most of them to the side to forget about. I'm determined to change that! So, following are a list of things for me to work on this year.

1. Read more! I love to read and definitely don't do enough of it...that is, unless you include text books..and I don't! I want to read for my enjoyment and exercise my imagination. My goal for this year is to read at least one book a month. I'm going to go through my bookshelf and pull out twelve books that I want to read and make it through them before my next birthday!

2. Spend more quality time with my family. Our time is limited and between my school schedule, my husbands work schedule, and all of the other little things in there, I feel that we don't do much as a family besides eat dinner and run errands. We will change this! Our son is at the perfect age to start doing more fun things, and although they may be difficult sometimes, we have to make time for our family to be together making memories. You never know what life may bring. I also want us to spend more time with our extended families. It seems that we hardly ever go to see them without a side agenda. I want us to try to make more time for even quick trips just to say hi and spend a day with them. Monkey needs to spend time with his grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins..and so do we!

3. Better myself. I'm not going to set a goal to lose weight or work out 5 times a week, because I know I'll never stick by it. But I'm going to try my darndest to fix healthy, fulfilling meals and snacks and exercise regularly. Athough, my exercise may be walking my son around the park and chasing him around the house!

4. Take more pictures! I absolutely love pictures and I envy great photographers. I have a good camera and I'm going to use it more! I want to capture precious moments in time and have them to look back on forever and ever. I tend to only grab my camera when I know we're going somewhere special, but I'm going to try to have it with me everywhere we go.

4 sounds like a great starting point. I'm sure throughout the year many more things will come up!
I'm excited to see what the next year will bring. Life truly is a roller coaster and each day has its highs and lows. I'm going to embrace each day and take in all life has to offer. We never know what's in store for us, but I'm determined to make the most of it!