Other things may change us, but we start and end with family

Now that I am done with my MCAT, unemployed, and practicing patience with the rest of my life, I have made it a priority to spend as much time as possible with the people I love.

I am so thankful to have such amazing relationships with my friends and family. I really don't know what I would do without all of their love! Their love and support was very evident during my MCAT studies... not a day went by without a note of encouragement, a visit to make me laugh, or a reminder of how wonderful life truly is. What a true blessing to be surrounded by love each day! Thanks to each of you for being so fabulous. <3

In the past few weeks, I have had the opportunity to catch up with a lot of people in my life. I've learned that I truly love to listen to people- and sometimes listening is much better than finding something to say. I learned so much about my family history from my grandma & grandpa after spending a week with them at the cabin- and I was truly amazed at how much I have in common with my great-great-grandparents. My grandmother says that her grandparents influenced her more than anyone else while she was growing up- so she wrote a lot about them & still had the stories for me to read. My great-great grandfather (aka as Gaga) was a ear, nose & throat doctor. The stories she wrote about him surprised me- and his outlook on medicine seems very similar to mine. She wrote of him providing a lot of free care to nuns and other patients- as he strongly believed in providing care for everyone, not just for those who could afford to pay for his services. Gaga seemed to be very strong-willed and educated, and his other interests included reading, animals and the environment (sound like anyone else?) I was thrilled to learn about my great-great-grandmother as well... she was a very compassionate, self-motivated, and loving person. It was such a blessing to be able to spend some quality time with G&G.

I enjoyed watching Jennifer get married this past weekend- she was such a beautiful bride. Always enjoyable to see two wonderful people get married, and of course, it's a great reason for the whole family to get together. I couldn't ask for better friends and family to brighten my life- they always know how to make me smile & help me see the beauty in life.

Chatting with Dad

Jen's Wedding!

My beautiful cousins (missing Ali & Britt!)

Mr. Reve ! <3

Spending time with grams, gramps, and Mya!

being lazy with mom :-D

loving on my puppy dog

great friends at daniels park

lunch date with ty!

After some quality time with unbelievably wonderful people, I am off to West Virginia! I will be driving across the country- solo - and I am actually very excited about it. I have never gone on a road trip alone before & I'm looking forward to spending some time alone on the road. Rosetta Stone Spanish Lessons, lots of music, & audio books will be along for the ride to keep my company- and the best part? I won't have anyone bugging me about how often I stop to snap pictures along the way (after all, I am my mother's daughter...)

I got a flat tire today- right before my trip- so I'm hopeful that I won't have any other car issues (but really, it's not my fault I didn't see the nail..) My hope is to leave early tomorrow morning to give myself enough time to enjoy the countryside, visit family, and arrive safe & sound at Gesundheit Institute on Sunday evening. Living with 20 perfect strangers in rural West Virginia? sounds like a grand adventure that I wouldn't dream of missing out on.

Love & Light,
TMV

2 Timothy 1:7

"For God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." 

I have been entirely wrapped up in studying for the MCAT for the past few weeks, and I feel like there is a lot I haven't been dealing with. All of the pressure to excel in life is enough to drive me crazy sometimes, and I have found myself at a loss of how to cope with it all lately. There has been a lot running through my mind, and here's what it all seems to boil down to: 

1. I am terrified of failing. at anything. 
2. After my MCAT, I think I will finally realize I am not in school anymore. I have plenty on my plate before I leave for the Peace Corps, but I think I will soon be experiencing a serious lack of purpose. Not knowing how my life will unfold can be unsettling at times, but I'm trying not to freak out too much.
3. F*** CANCER. I am sick and freaking tired of cancer. My love for all the children at camp and children's hospital colorado is so deeply rooted in me, I feel like it is impossible to let go of things sometimes. It's never easy to lose anyone, but I have watched the lives of two perfectly beautiful children slip away to their battle against cancer this summer. It feels so unfair, I want to cry. and yell. and stomp my feet. then cry some more. Rest in peace RK & JH.  
4. Balance & perspective. My lack of preparation for the MCAT has left me cramming, and I don't think I've had enough of a balance in my life. It's hard to care much about a standardized test when other things in life seem much more important. I justify my studying by telling myself it's an obstacle I need to face before I can help the kids I love the most. Only a few more days, and I'm hoping to give more, play outside more, and rest more.  

I stumbled upon this bible verse today, and I thought it was perfect to apply to everything I am going through. I am going to take some time to rest (rather than study) right now & clear my head for the next few days ahead. With a little clarity, confidence, and a heart full of love, I'm sure I will be able to endure any potential hardships & rejoice in life's abundant blessings, too. 

Love & Light, 

TMV