Footloose and Fancy Free

"Birds flying high, you know how I feel.

Sun in the sky, you know how I feel.

Breeze drifting on by, you know I feel.

It's a new dawn.

It's a new day.

It's a new life... For me.

And I'm feeling good!"

~Feeling Good

(sung by Michael Buble)

* * * * *

Handing in the last final exam of the semester is a wonderful feeling. What can be better than that? Handing in the last final exam of the semester and knowing that I won't have to go to anymore classes or take anymore exams until Fall 2013!!! Ok, ok, I know it's not as good as graduation day when I will never have to take another class again, but hey.. I have to keep positive until then ;)

For the next 30 weeks I have 3 clinical internships. Long days with increased need for brain power may come with these internships, but the next 30 weeks have what I haven't had in a long time: nights and weekends free from drudgery (also known as studying)! I am excited to embark on this new journey and gain experience working with all types of people in out-patient, acute, and neuro rehab care.

Until then, I am going to make the most of my Christmas break with whatever my heart desires --

Family.

Friends.

Relaxation.

Travel.

Reading.

Sleeping in.

Movies.

Road trips.

Shopping.

I'm feeling footloose and fancy free :)

The Magic Number

Today my magic number is ONE...

ONE more day of studying.
ONE more day of class left in this semester.
ONE more day until my man flies out to visit me.
ONE more day before we drive up to spend the holidays with my sister.
ONE more day before Thanksgiving break begins.

"So Others May Live"

My fiance, as well as thousands of other brave men and women, have chosen to live by this motto. It is the motto of the Navy Aviation Rescue Swimmers.

Today is Veterans Day and, until recently, I never paid a lot of attention to this holiday. Don't misunderstand me, I have always appreciated the service of those in the military. I just never could relate to the sacrifices they and their families have gone through to keep this country safe. Within the last few years I have begun to get a taste of what this sacrifice is like but I know I am only at the tip of the iceberg! This can seem daunting at times, but I am grateful that the Lord will be with us each step of the way and believe He will prepare us both for whatever lies ahead in the future.

So here is to my fiance.

Your service and sacrifice for this country does not go unnoticed.

I am proud of you!

"So Others May Live"

Naptime and Snacktime

"I miss being young sometimes...naptime & snacktime."

~Anonymous

I definitely agree with that one! This semester has made me wish I were young and carefree again.. Although I have been taking naps lately, but only from sheer exhaustion.

Snacking has become a habit of mine lately as well. Instead of bringing a lunch to class I sometimes bring a variety of snacks to munch away the hours during the lectures. One of my favorites -- apples and peanut butter!

This delicious (and mostly healthy) snack is the perfect blend of salty and sweet as well as smooth and crunchy. My fiance thinks I'm crazy for enjoying such a snack as this, but I think he eats weird types of food so I'm pretty sure that makes us even ;)

What are your favorite snacks??

From the Dance Floor.. Continued...

Back in September of 2009 I wrote a few blog posts filled with strange or awkward conversations I have had while dancing. (If you enjoy random stories I highly recommend reading them. "It is so choice!") Anyway, since then I haven't danced with too many weird people who struck up odd conversations that were worthy of making it on to my blog... Until now...

Last night I attended a swing dance event that was costume themed since it was so close to Halloween. Most of the people there dressed up however there were still a few, myself included, who chose comfort over costumes :) But that is beside the point!

So here it is. The most bizarre conversation I have had for a while.

For this blog post I shall name the man (who looks to be in his late 20's) "HS" because he reminded me of a socially awkward home schooler :P

Me: [sitting down off to the side of the dance floor, texting on my phone]

H.S: "Are you taking a breather?"

Me: "Yeah I'm sitting this one out. It's kind of a weird song to dance to."

H.S: "I never notice the songs. I just start dancing."

Me: "Oh, I see." [I get back to finishing my text]

H.S: "Do you want to dance this one?"

Me: "How about the next one? I need to finish this text real quick."

H.S: "Sure." [continues to stand over me the entire time I'm texting]

Me: [trying to be nice since he won't go away] "So how long have you danced?"

H.S: "This is my second time. My mom got me into it."

Me: "Oh really? How so?"

H.S: "She has fun dancing, and I wanted to have fun too."

[music changes to the next song and we begin to dance]

H.S: “I didn’t dress up tonight.”

Me: [thinking.. um, yeah I can see that.] “That’s ok, not everybody dressed up tonight, including me.”

H.S: “I was worried it was going to be mandatory.”

[we keep dancing and then the music stops]

Me: “Thanks for the dance.”

H.S: [takes my hand and notices my ring] “Are you married?”

Me: “I’m engaged.”

H.S: “Ok I just wanted to make sure.”

Me: [Confused, I smile, thank him again for the dance, and leave]

[later that night I’m sitting down with my phone again and he walks up]

H.S: “It was nice to meet you. I’m going home now.”

Me: “Nice to meet you too!”

H.S: “Good luck with your endeavors!” [points to my ring and walks away]

My Favorite Things

Fall has just begun and I already have a new list of favorite things that I love! Here are some to name a few (in no particular order)...

Kopiko Candies
Mini coffee candies of deliciousness! Lenny (a.k.a. The Lens) first introduced them to me and I think I am now addicted. With a burst of coffee flavor these little candies taste as though you are drinking a perfect blend of coffee and cream.


Walks
Although the trees haven't yet started turning colors the weather certainly has changed, bringing me fresh hope that fall is finally here. I have begun to walk home from school more often now that the fear (or just pure annoyance) of heat stroke and sweating buckets equivalent to my body weight is over.

Talking on:
Skype is the perfect way to keep in touch with those who are dear to you yet live so very far away.


Caramel Apples
Sweet goodness mixed with a sour crunch. Need I say more?!


Power Naps
Most of my classes have 10 minute breaks after every hour, which make wonderful opportunities for a quick power nap!


HOT Coffee
I'm so excited to be drinking hot coffee again! This summer has been excruciatingly warm (an understatement!) which called for lots of iced beverages. Although I love all things iced, there is just something relaxing about sipping hot coffee, cocoa, or cider while curled up in a cozy chair!


My Ring!
I would have to say my most favorite thing this month is my new engagement ring :D I absolutely love it!!!!! It is "my precious".... Ok, maybe that's going a bit too far, but I had to incorporate that quote somewhere :P I think my fiance (I love saying that hehe) did an amazing job picking it out himself!


Procrastination Tools
I am always eager to find new ways to procrastinate ;) Pouring over the knot, among other wedding websites, has been my most recent instrument of procrastination. We won't be married for another 2 years but it's never to early to start finding ideas, right?!

Clash of the Cultures

Greek music blasting over the speakers...

Customers rising from their seats to dance throughout the restaurant...

Waiters shouting "opa!!" randomly and throwing paper napkins in the air...

This.
Is.
Taverna Plaka.

Next time you're there on a Friday night peak in the back "private" room.. The Greek atmosphere and shouts of "opa!" will fade away as you take in the new sights and sounds around you.

"Arriba, arriba, arriba!"

Yes! Latin music! Salsa dancing! In a Greek restaurant!
How much better can this get? Not by much...

My roommate, Naomi, and I had a BLAST taking in these two cultures while we danced the night away. I primarily swing dance, but this was too much of a random opportunity that I could not pass it up :) Taverna Plaka is definitely a restaurant I will want to go back to in the near future.