Wishlist 2013

Every year, since the start of this blog, I have created a wishlist and they're usually tangible items I want. This year consists of a hodgepodge of things. Here is my wishlist for 2010, 2011, and 2012.

1. I have been really into furniture a lot lately. Like, majorly. Mostly unconventional/vintage items that can be altered (i.e. painted, stained, etc) to give it a different look and feel. My first major task is to find an unconventional media stand for the living room. This Patchwork dresser from West Elm is perfect. It wouldn't need any paint or stains. The color scheme matches perfectly with what we have going on in our living room right now.

2. I am in dire need of a new every day handbag. This satchel by Fossil is a good size and a great color to go with just about any outfit.

3. The Curly Girl Handbook. As my hair grows longer, I am falling more and more in love with my natural hair texture-- A bit of curls and a lot of kinks. I would love to learn how to style it and allow it to do its own thing naturally without too much manipulation. This book (along with Youtube) is my key.

4. PUBLIC bicycle... or any other high performance bike. I would like to get out of the house more and engage in some kind of physical outdoorsy activity. I haven't been on a bike in ages, but I would love to start again.

5. Glass Jars. Sauces, seasonings, spices... We normally have a stash of these leftover mixes that require air tight containers to retain freshness. These jars are cute and would be extremely useful.

6. Chalkboard Paint. Yes! I've finally hitched a ride on the wagon. Beau and I would love to paint one of the smaller walls in our kitchen with this paint and use it for meal planning, shopping lists and love notes.

7. Wall(flower) Plug-ins. Funny story, I rediscovered a gift from my bridal shower this year and it included this wall plug-in. This thing smelled amazing, lasted long, and covered a wide surface area. I would love to stock up on some more. (The scent I received as a gift was Sensual: Jasmine Vanilla... It was lovely)

8. Take a Photography Class. Nature in and of itself just allows for beautiful photos. At least, that's what I have learned these past few years I turned into a photographing fiend. However, I would love to build my skill and learn techniques on how to get a beautiful photo in any situation. Of course, I may need a DSLR before I can get into a photography class, but this is definitely something that will be worthwhile... for me, anyway.

Liebster Blog Award

I have been awarded the Liebster blog award by Eimile at Reflect. I discovered Eimile's blog through another blog a few months back. She is Christian, newlywed,  and studies molecular biology, like myself. I felt a connection with her right away and enjoy the tidbits she shares about grad school life and her faith. Thank you for nominating me for this award, Eimile!

Rules to the Liebster award:

1. Each person tagged must share eleven things about themselves.
2. They must answer the eleven questions the tagger has made for them
3. They must then choose eleven fellow blogs to nominate.  The nominees must have under 200 GFC (Google Friend Connect) followers and be told in a comment on their blog.  Choose as many or as little as you want.
4. Lastly they must then think of eleven questions to ask the bloggers they have decided to nominate.

** I too will be eliminating the last 2 rules as I have not discovered any newer blogs with a small audience in quite a while. **

1. I emigrated to the U.S. from Jamaica almost 18 years ago. And this was the first and last time I've been there since. The only known family there is my father, aunt, half-brothers and sisters and cousins. I would love to visit again with beau. 

2. I am highly observant and perceptive. I notice the small things. 

3. I am really starting to enjoy cooking dinners. Like I previously stated, I am extremely observant, so I learned how the basis of meal prep when I was younger just by watching my mom and sister in the kitchen. My favorite cuisine is Jamaican, of course, but lately I've been dabbling into pasta dishes and just different ways of preparing standard meals. Beau loves it!

4. I am a germaphobe/mysophobe. Not sure if this stemmed from all the things I learned about bacteria and viruses as a science major or the sheer fear of feeling miserable during the course of an illness -- just know that I have an unhealthy fear of getting sick from others. Like when a random person sits next to and lets out a brawny exhale? I think I'm all of a sudden exposed to tuberculosis. 

5. Every weekday, I enter to win Ellen DeGeneres' giveaway. 

6. ... And every Tuesday and Friday, I try for DSW's giveaways (on Facebook on Tuesdays and Twitter on Fridays). So far, I've won 4 times. 

7. Violent films before bedtime produces nightmares. Sorry beau, but the X-Men Origins: Wolverine did not agree with me at all. 

8. I would love to take on a hobby (aside from blogging). I have yet to discover my hidden talent. I desire the ingenuity for nesting and building things for our new home like these beautiful honeycomb shelves. 

9. Like many other blog "features" I've started and never completed, I failed on the Project 365 photo a day challenge. 

10. I admit that I have gotten a bit of baby fever after this post, especially with all the "mama blogs" (i.e. The Daybook, Love Taza, Kelle Hampton, etc) and vlogs (i.e. DearNaptural85, itsJudysLife, LefloofTV) I follow. However, beau and I are still waiting.  

11. It's amazing how much I have grown since starting this blog. I don't know if blogging has made me aware of this, or just the stage of life that I am in, but I love where I am now. The journey was hard at times, but that's what makes me who I am right now -- in this moment. 

1. If you could live anywhere, where would it be? 

-- Somewhere close to water -- either a shore or a lake. 

2. Do you match your socks? 

-- Yes. Always. But I wonder what it would be like to live on the wild side sometimes.

3. What is your favorite flower? 

-- I love yellow roses and hydrangeas that bloom during the summer months in Philly. 

4. What is a hobby you want to start? 

   -- Rollerblading

5. What is/was your favorite subject in school. 

   -- Math was my favorite in high school. I always aced exams and even got all the extra credit questions right. In college, my favorite subject was Immunology. I loved how hands on the laboratory course was and I enjoyed in-vivo experiments.

7. What made you decide to start a blog? 

   -- I wanted an outlet to share the random things I encountered and thoughts that I had. 

8. Sweet or Savory? 

   -- Sweet! but I love a good savory meal! 

9. You just realized you have an extra hour, what do you do with it? 

   -- spend time with my beau. I feel like I rarely see him during the week. 

10. Who is your favorite Old Testament character, and why? 

   -- Oooh! I like this question... I have loved Zipporah (Moses' wife) since I was a child. Initially, it was only her name that I admired, but later on, I admired devotion to her husband during the Exodus and the Hebrew custom of circumcising their sons even though she was of a different origin than he was. 

11. What is the most exciting thing you've ever done? 

   -- White water rafting, for sure.

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Hello, March

 

I can't believe it's March already! No complaints here, though, as I am looking forward to the end of this rainy, dreary winter and the start of Spring. The transition between Winter and Spring and the between Summer and Autumn are my two favorite "seasons" of the year.

My 3 goals for the month are :

1. Post at least one Army of Women study
2. Capture more of life's moments through photographs
3. Exercise more

Do you have any goals for this month/season?

photo via

A Few of My Favorite Things

 

 Tiny street in downtown Philadelphia lined with light-wrapped trees.

 Receiving a beautiful bouquet of flowers after beau had a long day at work. (You would think I had the long day. )

Adorning ourselves the tree with lights and ornaments in preparation for our first Christmas together as a married couple. (I was hoping that our tree would be too tall and cause a Dr. Seuss like effect, but it didn't quite do that wonky lean.)

Wishlist 2012

There's not much I really want or need this year. But, I enjoy making yearly wishlists so here are a few things that would be nice to have:

1. Lomography Camera
2.  Chic, cozy sweater
3.  Heart of Rock n Roll 1959 (my favorite along with 1961)
4.  A gorgeous statement necklace

11 Random Things + Q&A Tag

Marie, over at MerelyMarie, tagged me in one of these tags that I love so much:

The Rules:

• Post these rules.
• You must post 11 random things yourself.
• Answer the questions the tagger set for you in their post.
• Create 11 new questions for the people you tag to answer.
• Go to their blog and tell them that you've tagged them. No stuff in the tagging section about ‘you are tagged if you are reading this.’ Blah blah blah, you legitimately have to tag 11 peeps!

**Note: I really don't know who I could tag in this, so it will have to stop here with me... sadly. I'm pretty sure I just lost this game.**

My 11 Randoms:

My 11 questions (by Marie):

1. Something you look forward to?
   -- That wonderful day when I get to spend every single day of the rest of my life with my beau. No more long-distance relationship madness... No more cell phone miscommunication.
2. Text or Talk?
   -- I prefer talking (even though I'm not much of a talker unless I have a lot to say), but everyone is always too busy to talk.
3. Favorite music artist/group/band?
   -- My favorite music is contemporary Christian and alternative/classic rock/etc... I like a whole slew of artists and sometimes, I only know one of their hits... which is enough for me.
4. Something/someone you didn't or don't get the hype or excitement over?
   -- I don't get the hype over many of the pop singers (Gaga); internet trends (planking, cinnamon challenge, Headless horsemann-ing, etc); and The Twilight series.
5. Favorite blog to visit?
   -- Currently, Enjoying the Small Things. Kelle Hamptons seems like such a loving, caring mama. I also really just enjoy snapshots of her family and surroundings... oh, and the music on her page. Music on a blog page is usually a turn-off for me, but I keep listening whenever I visit her page.
6. What really "gets your goat"...pet peeve?
-- I am immediately irked by people who cough/sneeze without covering their mouths. 
7. Favorite/best video on Youtube? link please
   -- Oh man! THIS is my most recent fave
8. Guilty pleasure song/music or television show?
   I'm not even going to lie... I watched the entire Season 2 of Kim and Kourtney Take New York.
9. Salty or Sweet eats?
   -- Sweets! I have such a massive sweet tooth. I had to get rid of the stock of cookies and candies from my house. Now all I have are crème brûlée flavored rice cakes. It does the trick.
10. Fill me in on a secret about you or your life.
    -- Haha. Marie... you sneaky lady, you! I don't currently have any secrets. ツ
11. If you had guaranteed success at doing one thing, what would it be?
    -- I would want to be 100% successful at flying. Initially, I wanted guaranteed success at finding a cure for diseases, but that would put many out of jobs, and also, disease will never completely disappear from this life. Therefore, I choose flying. I would want to see the beauty of Earth from above through my own eyes. 

Thanks for tagging me, Marie! This was fun! ツ

The CT Bucket List

The graduation equation: 1 comp exam + 2 classes - 5 months = GRADUATION

That's right! In 5 months, I will be a Master of Health Sciences. "Exciting" is not sufficient enough to describe this impending milestone.

Since my time in Connecticut will be over in no time, I have developed a list of all the things I would like to do before graduation and moving back to Philly. 

The list:

1. Take a ferry across the Long Island Sound
2. Visit a lighthouse
3. Visit a beach
4. Eat at a few (at least 3) restaurants in New Haven/Hartford
5. Visit Mystic, CT... go to the aquarium or go on a boat ride
6. Visit Lyman Orchards
7. Meet up with at least one of my three aunts who live in Connecticut/Massachusetts
8. Attend a QU athletic game
9. Participate in an event hosted by these people

Although this list is not extensive, it does run the gamut of all the things I imagined myself doing as I learned what the state has to offer. CT is such a beautiful state, full of grandeur, bursting with hills, gorgeous landscape, and over all a lot of places to see. I truly hope to complete this list and record it in life's book of memories.

ツ

Wishlist

Christmas and my birthday are right around the corner and I've had a few things in mind that I would love to have... not necessarily that I need all of them, but I wouldn't mind really having a few of the things on this list, like pronto.

Artsy:

 1, 2, 3 

I can't wait to have my first home where I can decorate and liven it up with some of the beautiful art available in the world. These 3 paintings are currently my favorite.

Cloth:

4. This fit & flare dress is perfect for my shape. It would cinch the waist and not hug my curves, which would make me more than happy.

5. I. want. a. onesie.... I am not ashamed.

6. Since the summer, I have really been into loose, drapey clothing. This high-low cowl neck sweater is lovely!

7.  My plaid Chooka lace-up rainboots died at least 8 months ago. I have yet to replace them. I definitely need a new pair of rainboots.

8. A bright colored tote for all your casual handbag needs? Yes, please!

9. If I could find a comfy pair of camel colored mary-jane pumps with chunky heels to wear with skinny jeans, I would be quite happy.

Jewelry:

10, 11, 12. 

Every girls needs unique jewelry pieces. The earrings and bracelet remind me of Jamaica.

Misc:

13. My 6 year old 4 mp Canon Powershot A520 has been good to me. It really has. But I yearn for a camera that not only produces better quality photos, but also gives me the feel of a fancy DSLR camera without the bulk. This Nikon is pricey, but Ashton makes it SO desirable.

14. Dark denim jeans + taupe car seats don't mix. I NEED these car seat covers... I am too embarrassed.

10 Things I'd Love To Tell My Younger Self

1. Speak up!

• Your 2nd grade teacher would not have forced you to be the one to say “heads down, thumbs up” while playing Seven-up on Game Day Fridays; That drastic haircut at the salon could have been prevented in 10th grade; You would not have had so much bottled-up anger to be released in family therapy; You would not have been the only person to use the microphone for your presentation in bio freshman year; you would be more assertive in your speech today. You would never second guess your responses. You would not be so reserved. Your grammar would have been at least 5 times better. You would be more willing to share your opinions. Most importantly, you would be more confident and willing to make your own decisions instead of having people make those decisions for you.

2. Learn to manage finances.

• From that one time you lost all your money at Primary school in Jamaica, you should have learned your lesson in guarding your finances. Who knows? Maybe you would be a little wiser in spending and saving today.

3. Smile more.

• In a way, it fools everyone into thinking that you are okay. It also makes you seem less mean-spirited.

4. All of your so-called 'flaws'?

• There is someone out there who will love and accept all of them.

5. Material things mean nothing.

• Having more clothes and shoes than the next kid does not necessarily mean that your life is better. They don’t replace the void your parents did not fill.

6. It’s okay to play.

• Playing is not only fun for a child, but it leaves them with lifelong communication and abstract thinking skills.
  

7. Study more.

• You won’t always be the ‘most intelligent’ student at school.

8. Use your free time wisely.

• Procrastination and tardiness is so unbecoming.

9. It’s okay to cry.

• ... Bawl your eyes out even! Life is full of ups and downs. (Your life just seemed to have had more downs than up, but it’s okay to let it out.). You will feel a little better when the tears have dried.

10. Forgiveness will be your most valuable gift!

• Not only will it give you peace of mind, but it will also bring restoration among your family and friends.

Photo taken from here.
Concept taken from here.

Question 1

What questions should I be asking myself?
"At first I thought asking yourself what you should be asking yourself was redundant. It isn't. Without this question, you wouldn't ask any others, so it gets top billing. It creates an alert, thoughtful mind state, ideal for ferreting out the information you most need in every situation. Ask it frequently." [Source]

• How do you feel about life?
• Are you content with the current path you're on?
• Why are you so lazy sometimes?
• Why are you often angry? Miserable? Such a loner?
• What are you going to do with a Master's in Biomedical Sciences?
• Why don't you just tell them that you really and truly do hate school and there's a really good chance that you will not pursue your PhD?
• What would REALLY make you happy?
• Are you sure that you want to marry him?
• What will it take to be "ready" for marriage?
• Will I just know?
  
• Are you sure about anything at all?
• How can you improve your relationships?
• Where do you see yourself 3 years from now?
  
• How can you find the answers to these questions?
• Why... have you put your Lord God on the back-burner?
  

Top 10 Moments of 2010

-- This list is in no particular order. I just didn't know how to choose the number ONE event, so I just stuck to making a general list.

1. Breast Biopsy
-- The sonographer seemed to have a hard time finding the TWO lumps I had in my breast in 2009. And when I asked for a second opinion from the doctor himself, he said that it looks as if I only have "dilated ducts full of debris... there was no flow or vasculature".

2. Visiting Jamaica for the first time since I immigrated to the US 15 years ago!

3. Meeting my father (search: Jamaica day 7 part I)

4. Graduating college (Drew University)

5. One year anniversary with my beau. I love him.

6. Graduate School
-- I wasn't sure I would even be accepted. I thought of alternatives like radiography and lab technician programs. And while searching for those things, I stumbled upon Quinnipiac University. They had a radiographer's assistant program, but I found that I was more interested in their Biomedical Sciences program once I discovered it... and I ended up applying for that instead. Afterall, I was more interested in research and working for a biotech company more than anything else in the world. Radiography was just an alternative.

7. Starting my blog
-- I started my blog on April 5,2010. I just wanted a writing outlet. I got tired of using live journal and I wanted something fresh. So, I started a blogger. And 142 posts later, I think it's the best thing ever. I love my blog, and being able to share snippets of my life, my likes, my thoughts, etc and having the opportunity to look back on it later in life.

8. Summer 2010

-- Since I no longer worked at the church and was unable to find a summer job, I was able to enjoy the Summer with my loved ones, which was good b/c I got time to relax before grad school began...

9. White Water Rafting

10. Snow Days at Drew

What were some of your favorite moments of 2010?
ツ