Summer Sunsets

So...what's on my list for summer of 2011. I'm sure you are dying to know [so am I]. Here's what I have so far:

1. Volunteer:  I plan on devoting much of my time this summer volunteering at NeuroInstitute. This place specializes in rehabilitation for spinal cord injuries and brain injuries. The experience here has been eye opening. Not only is it something that interests me, it is something I can see myself doing in the future. The interactions and friendships with patients are extremely rewarding. It's hard for me to complain about a hard days work or a boring day after physically watching these patients maneuver their body into painful exercises and stretches in hopes of one day being able to walk again. And it is even more rewarding being there, holding their hand, while they take their first steps towards a better future.

2. Eat healthy, live healthy, be alive: After taking one of those grueling trips to the doctors where they simply prescribe to you [or make it blantently obvious] that they want you eating healthy and exercising often, I have finally taken those words into serious comtemplation. Sure, I've been healthy and active...for the most part. [Besides the occasional DQ Blizzard ;)] But now, I'm putting the pressure on myself to workout everyday. Yeh, it sounds a little crazy, but i'm not talking about an Olympic training program. I'm talking about a run around the neighborhood, a quick visit to the gym, or swimming a few laps. One thing that has definitely motivated me to keep up this lifestyle is seeing the multitude of patients I work with at the NeuroInsititue. It is challenging watching patients give up while trying to walk a few steps or become lost in conversation as they have lost the ability to comprehend. Some health related issues can be genetic, but most of your future is in your control. Therefore, I am committed to respecting my body now and for the future.


3. Textbooks: Yes. It's that time of year...again. My goal is to spend the least amount of money I can on textbooks for next semester. This will be a struggle considering the textbooks on my list add up to a total of $855.35. Nope, not happenin'. Goal price: under $200. Screw you UA Bookstore :)

4. Learn how to play the piano...again: After reading the book The Last Song, I've realized how much I enjoyed listening to and playing the piano. So, i'm taking the task up again and teaching myself. So far, the songs on my queue include: Dream by Priscilla Ahn, Gravity by Sara Bareilles, Jar of Hearts by Christina Perri and a Taylor Swift song.

5. Tackle some fears: Starting with getting my blood taken [happening tomorrow... andi'mfreakingoutontheinside!?!] For those of you that know me [or anything about me at all] you would know that I hate [absolutely hate] getting shots or getting my blood taken. There isn't any significant reason why...besides the fact that someone is sticking and poking into your skin and stabbing you with something that shouldn't be there! And I've had a bad experience dealing with the wrath of Ruth [a nurse who was not very gentle probing around my veins]. See, I'm getting worked up just writing about it. Calm down. I've talked about this subject with a friend of mine. She, as well, has a queasiness around blood and needles [see i'm not the only one!]. However, she decided to conquer her fears and donate her blood. This courageous act is on my summer to do list...just a little further down. And if it doesn't get accomplished this summer, I do have many more summers to come.

6. Tubing down the salt river: This is a must every summer. What's not to love about a 5 hour river rapid trip.

7. Tucson bound: Also on the agenda this summer is multiple trips down to Tucson to visit friends [and escape Phoenix]. Hopefully, one will be soon. One that incorporates taking down dressers x2, a nightstand, a TV stand, and moving it all into my room. Not so much fun, but something that has to be done to take one more step into actually living there!

8. Become a little more technological savvy: My goal for tonight after I post this blog. Figure out the whole damn twitter business and get tweetin'...twitten'...forget it. It might take me a little longer than just tonight. But that's why this list is entitled Summer 2011.