ten things: that i have accomplished.

(that I am very proud of)

1. I spent nine days volunteering in the desert of Perú.

(pretty little girls at the youth performance that was put on for our service group)

2. I studied abroad like I always dreamed I would.

(entranceway to la Libera Università Internazionale degli Studi Sociali, in Rome)

3. I graduated from college with high honors.

(graduation day with Carolina, one of the best)

4. I became a teacher and get to share my love of learning on a daily basis.

(a view from my desk at work)

5. I started a blog, giving myself the opportunity to write like I have always wanted to.

(maybe one day I will be a famous writer)

6. I backpacked around Europe for five weeks.

(a quick smile with a new friend in Városliget Park, Budapest, Hungary)

7. I planned, executed, and enjoyed a ridiculously awesome vacation with the man I love.

(breathtaking nature shot at bird creek meadows, washington)

8. I earned an Ivy League degree.

(fooling around with Benjamin Franklin and my sister, Sara, on Penn's campus in Philadelphia)

9. I forced myself to be single for a while and took some time to learn to be okay on my own, explore what I love (like writing and photography), and spend some time with my family.

(practicing my pout on a just-for-fun photo shoot with my sissy)

10. I became fluent in a language other than English and have a good grasp on two others.

(practicing my español on the streets of Barcelona)

time management.

Saturday night, working on lesson plans... I know I am saying this for the nth time, but there simply are not enough hours in the day to accomplish all my crazy little mind desperately wants to get done. My life goals and daily planning are in need of a serious overhaul. I am a Type-A overachiever through and through and every time I look at my to-do list I find myself lacking in three incredibly important departments: time, money, and focus. Today, Doug and I took my poor little Honda Civic into the shop for some doctoring, and walked out with a $600+ bill.  Say goodbye, meager savings. Why is it that the vast majority of things that I want and want to do cost more money and time than I seem to have at my disposal? These late nights squeezing in whatever work I can manage to keep my eyes open for always leave me a bit discouraged. If I barely have time to do the trivial things that I must do (to keep my job, to avoid bankruptcy and jail time...) how can I possibly find the time to do the things I want to do (become a better blogger, learn new things, save for the future, have fun) I think this autumn calls for a serious readjustment.  I am already diligently working toward a few of my October goals (gym membership: check, Monday night dinner at dad's: check, article submissions: check) but I think I need to rearrange some general habits in my life. I want to find time for personal enjoyment as well as future planning, in addition to my weekly goals. It might be time to tap into my super-efficient, incredibly talented cousin, Robert, over at the Life Design Project for some tips on productivity and positivity.

My "problem" I think, is that I want to have it all. I have worked hard my whole life and maybe some selfish little person inside of me thinks I should get everything that I want because I put so much effort in.  Is it possible to have it "all"? Am I asking too much or am I just going about it the wrong way? Obviously, having it all means different things to different people, but I just want to see all of my dreams come true. We are told as little children that if we pursue our dreams anything is possible, but what do we do when those dreams start to feel unrealistic or unattainable? Since there is not much wiggle room for me in the time or money categories at this particular moment, my hope is that I can spend some time working on my focus. Any tips or suggestions from you centered zen masters out there? How do you cut out the fluff? How do you keep from getting scatterbrained or spreading yourself too thin?

One thing that I know helps to keep me on the ball is reminding myself of everything I have accomplished thus far. Stay tuned for a little bit of (much-needed) reflection and self-love. In the meantime: what is one thing that you have accomplished that you are proud of?

never give up.

Okay, so yes, I am starting this post off with a deliciously cliché aphorism, but I am really feeling this one tonight.  As someone who is easily overwhelmed, much of my life has been a struggle between my ambitious, tenacious spirit and my over-anxious defeatism.  Mercurial creature that I am, my emotions rapidly and unpredictably fluctuate between feelings of invincibility and feelings of helplessness, personal failures met with tears and panic over a "hopeless" future, diet crashes met with pints of ice cream and pity-party binges.  But you know what? Everything always works out.  So accept setbacks for what they are: human imperfections, and try to tap into the little bit of the divine that I believe resides in each of us. All things are possible through faith, you just have to believe and to trust, as impossible as that can feel sometimes.  What I am learning as I "grow up" is that no matter what, you have to pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and climb back on that horse, hop back on that wagon, get back in that game (whatever metaphor suits you best).  I always have, bruises, scars and all, and the rewards always come. I am still waiting on some, but I know they will come. So that thing you want to accomplish - you know, the one that keeps lingering out of reach, the one that keeps slipping through your fingers - you can do it.  And so can I.  Good talk :)

meatless, part iv

Okay, so I know that technically it is Tuesday and thus my "Meatless Monday" theme is sort of off, but I have a good excuse!  Last night, I had a bad allergic reaction to food I was given at a committee meeting (the second time their food has made me sick - I'm done!) and I spent a portion of the night in the hospital.  Tachycardia (rapid heart rate) and a hot, prickly, red flush all over my body - it was very scary and very unexpected.  I still do not know exactly what caused the reaction, but I suppose I am due for some allergy tests.  Oh, bother :(

On a happier note, I am no longer ill and could whip up something delicious for myself that was guaranteed not to send me to the ER. I decided to dedicate this week's post to one of my very favorite snacks: guacamole.  My sister and I have always insisted that we could survive on guacamole for every meal if it came down to it.  Delicious, nutritious, and, err... green? This week's meatless meal might not actually qualify as a meal for most, but it does for me. Avocados, packed with good fats and fiber, also come with a high calorie cost (around 300 for one large avocado) and since I can never just eat a little bit, I usually have a big portion with tortilla chips and count it as my lunch. I have included below my recipe for a "basic" guacamole base that serves two hungry people - be sure to read the variations.

Ingredients:
2 large avocados that give slightly when pressed
1/2 a small, yellow onion, chopped
3-4 sprigs of cilantro, chopped fine
salt and pepper, to taste

Directions:
Choosing the avocado is the trickiest part: too firm, and it will not mash well and won't have that creamy taste; too soft and it will be brown and unpleasant.  Master your avocado picking skills!
1. Halve the avocados and discard the pits.  Scoop into a bowl and mash to your preference (Doug likes his chunky, my dad likes his creamy).
2. Season with salt and pepper, mixing until just incorporated.
3. Stir in the onion and cilantro

Variations:
* Many basic guacamole recipes call for tomato and lime.  I do not like either, so I left them out.  I believe the lime is overpowering, even when only a little is used, and I usually do not see tomato added in my favorite Mexican restaurants, so that is a good enough excuse for me!
* Douglas likes a bit of a kick to his guacamole, but I am sensitive to chili peppers.  If you want to spice it up, add some finely chopped jalapeño to yours.
* My very best amiga dominicana, Carolina, showed me a fantastic variation of guacamole that includes chopped granny smith apples.  I incorporate about 1/2 an apple into a two-person serving.  It adds a little bit of sweetness and body to the guacamole and my family LOVES it.  Gracias, Caro!

glimpses.

Another successful weekend. Delicious cappuccinos sipped next to a handsome man doing his biology homework (the language lover in me would like to say cappuccini, but I will save Douglas the eye roll). A beautiful bouquet this lucky girl received in celebration of one year together (in her favorite color to boot). A frustrating trip to the mall to get some wardrobe basics (I just cannot shop without guilt and aggravation anymore). A silly lady distracting herself with self-portraits when she should be working on lessons (is my narcissism showing?).

Tomorrow is October. I cannot wait! October has always been one of my favorite months. The air is crisp and there is so much to do. My pretty, red moleskin planner is quickly filling up as the pages rapidly approach the end of 2012. Doug and I are starting our new diets soon and we've got some volunteer work and my friends' wedding in the works as well. I am very excited and just overwhelmingly happy in general. I love my Doug. I love my family. I love my life. So long, September.  I'm ready for tomorrow.  

hocus pocus.

As October rapidly approaches I find my mind buzzing with thoughts of Halloween. I have to admit, I have been a wishy-washy Halloweener throughout my life. My parents were always gung-ho about our costumes: always handmade, always hoping for an award at the village parade/costume contest. I happily went along with whatever costume they made for me... oh, except for the time when I was a princess and they made me wear one of those cone hats (I had wanted a tiara) or when they made me march in the village parade even though I said I didn't feel well and ended up throwing up all over myself. Once I got old enough to decide for myself, however, I began flaking off on originality and enthusiasm. While I love the atmosphere of the Halloween season - the hot mulled cider, the candlelit pumpkins, watching Disney's Hocus Pocus over and over again - I always lost the energy when it came to dressing up for just one night. Even through college, I can only recall making it out for one year's festivities, the other times I just felt too lazy, disinterested, or tired to participate (much to my friend Carolina's disappointment). This year, I would like it to be different. I have my sights set on a fun, festive Halloween. I love holidays and celebrations and want to do my best to embrace each one and enjoy them with the people who are near and dear to me.  Now, if only I could settle on an outfit...

I had to share this little gem with the world.  They grow up so fast.  I am sorry, James, but I had to - you are just too cute!  I promise I will post more embarrassing Wilson Halloween moments soon.  Get ready.