August Mini-Goals {Recap}

How in the world did it get to be the last day of August??? I can't believe how fast this past month has gone! Do you remember this post where I shared my goals for this month? Well, since it's now August 31st, it's time to see how I did....

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1. Go to bed at a decent hour. Overall, I think I failed at this one. With the Olympics, blogging, reading, TV, and actually spending some time with TJ, I stayed up too late most nights this month. There were a few nights where I actually got to bed around 10, but it was kind of a rarity. You'll be seeing this again on my September goals.

2. Get up early and exercise before work at least 3 days per week. Well, considering #1, I kind of failed at this one too. Even though I haven't been getting up to work out, I've managed to get a few more runs in, just not in the morning. It still feels good to rack up a few more miles each week.

3. Call at least 1 long-distance friend every week. Partial success! I got to talk or text with a couple of my college friends this month which was great. Unfortunately, I feel like I always get caught in a wicked game of phone tag. Seeing friends in person is even better than a phone call or text, and I was so happy to get to spend a few nights out with my high school loves this month too.

4. Try out some new recipes and work on meal planning for the week. Success! I finally got some use of the menu board I made a month or so ago. I have to say, it was so nice to know exactly what I was going to make when I got home from work each evening. The shrimp vodka pasta I made last week was delicious!

I guess you could say I scored a 50% this month, but being the perfectionist I am, that's not good enough for me. I'll definitely be putting some of these same goals on my list for September, but I'll be adding some new ones too. I'll share them with you next week!

Have a great 3 DAY WEEKEND!

xo, emily

Guest Posting!

Hey y'all! Just wanted to let you know that I'm over at Lauran's blog today sharing our top 5 moments of the summer. Go check it out!

I'll be back tomorrow!

xo, emily

NOLA Love

 {08.29.2005}

Seven years ago today, I was in my first week of medical school. I had just graduated from Tulane {in the Superdome} 3 months prior, and was living in the college town of Muncie, Indiana {where Ball State University is located}.

Then Katrina happened. It shook me to the core.

Sure, I wasn't living there at the time, but it had been my home for the last 4 years, and I had grown to LOVE that city. Now, as I tried to figure out the craziness of my first year of medical school, I watched my second home be completely destroyed via CNN and the news. It was heartbreaking to say the least.

And now Isaac is happening. God, can you please give that city a break?

In honor of the Big Easy, I'm dedicating today's Oh, How Pinteresting to one of my favorite places on earth....

NOLA.

Source: google.com via Emily on Pinterest

Source: etsy.com via Emily on Pinterest

Source: flickr.com via Emily on Pinterest

Source: google.com via Emily on Pinterest

Source: someecards.com via Emily on Pinterest

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New Orleans, you're always in my heart, but especially today.

xo, emily

10 Day YOU Challenge {eight fears}

Today I'm getting those skeletons out of my closet and sharing some of my fears with you. It's kind of daunting, if you ask me, because I've never met most of you! It'll give me a chance to reflect upon myself and let you get to know me a little better too.

Here goes...

{one}

I used to love flying. I still don't mind it, but I get a little more scared and nervous than I ever used to. I find myself thinking about all the bad things that could happen. Some people may say that this is a sign I'm getting old...

{two}

My student loan debt terrifies me. I log in to my Sallie Mae account as little as possible, just so I don't have to look at the outstanding balance. Let's just say that it's in the six figures, and the first number isn't a "1." Yikes.

{three}

I have yet to sign up for another race, but I have my eyes set on the Indianapolis Monumental Half Marathon on November 3. I'm scared that I won't do as well as I want to, and I don't want to run another race like this one. I think I just need to bite the bullet and do it.

{four}

I'm afraid of getting skin cancer one day. I'm not talking basal cell or squamous cell {both very treatable and usually uncomplicated}...I'm talking melanoma. The big one. After doing a dermatology rotation last February, I made myself an appointment for a skin check. Thankfully, everything was fine. I feel like I've been better about using sunscreen, but I still forget sometimes. Unfortunately, I forgot this past Sunday when we were at my aunt and uncle's pool, and I'm a little pink to show for it. Oops.

{five}

I think I've shared this before on the blog, but, for a long time, I've been scared of one day being divorced. Thankfully, this fear started long before I met TJ, and I really don't think I have anything to worry about. Nonetheless, it's just scary to me how people can be married for 20+ years and then, a marriage just fizzles. All the more reason to work on your marriage every single day. I love you, TJ!

{six}

I'm really scared of having another miscarriage. I'm not sure when it's in God's plan for us to welcome a baby into this world, but I'm not sure if I can deal with the pain and loss of losing another.  Sure, I was only 5-6 weeks along, but I was heartbroken. A miscarriage is something that you can't even comprehend unless you've been through it, and I definitely don't want to go through it again. One is enough for me.

{seven}

I fear that I'm not doing enough....my house isn't clean, I have multiple loads of laundry to do, shirts and pants to iron, and papers all over my office. I realize that I'm working a full time job {plus time for reading and studying} and trying to be a good housewife, but sometimes I feel like I fall short. When I start feeling this way, I know I just have to make a list and check things off one at a time. Otherwise, I'll just feel worse and worse and won't get anything done!

{eight}

Sometimes I'm afraid of not doing this whole blogging thing right...I may not have loads and loads of followers, comments, etc, and it's easy to get caught up in the numbers. Then, I remember that I do this FOR ME. If people enjoy what I write, fantastic, but most importantly, I want to continue doing this blogging thing for myself. {and hopefully not bore you all in the process!}

~~~~~

If you missed last weeks' post, you can read about my nine loves here.

xo, emily

bloggie awards

Last week, two very sweet ladies nominated me for a blog award. I'm not sure if I truly understand the whole "blog award" thing, but it was very nice of them to give me a shout out! Since I'm so rebellious {sarcasm intended}, I'm not going to play by the rules. Instead, I'm just going to answer the questions they posed to me....

First up, Tiffany's questions!

1. Have you read any of the mainstream series {Twilight, Harry Potter, Hunger Games, 50 Shades}? Did you like them? What was your favorite?

Twilight: nope! Vampires aren't really my thing

Harry Potter: yes! I started reading them after I had to read the first book for my children's literature class in college. I definitely enjoyed them and have thought about re-reading them sometime...

Hunger Games: yes! Just finished them this summer and really liked the series!

Fifty Shades: yes! I finished the third book last week. I'm kind of embarrassed to say that they definitely sucked me in and I couldn't put them down!

Any suggestions on what I should read next???

2.  What's your favorite part of your house? Pictures?

Hmmm...I do love our kitchen, and I spend a fair amount of time in there.

kind of an old pic...not the best

view from our living room to the dining room to the kitchen

Looking through the pictures I have on my computer, I'm realizing that maybe I need to take some updated pics...these are from a few years ago! {stay tuned, maybe after my fall decor goes up!}

3. What is your favorites sports team?

GO COLTS!!!!!

us in our season ticket seats :)

4. What is your must watch, can't miss an episode, favorite TV show?

I'm not sure if I have an absolute favorite...I watch all kinds of reality TV, but also watch things like Grey's and Parenthood. If you asked my hubby, that'd be a different story. I can't tell you how many shows he dvr's each week.

5. If you could travel back in time for any event, what would it be?

Wow. That's a tough question. I have no idea. There are so many things in history that would have been amazing to witness....

6. What is your dream car?

I LOVE my current car....a 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan {their compact SUV}.

me and my new ride, October 2008

But....if I could have any car in the world...it'd probably be a Porsche Boxster or Carrera.  {I have a thing for German cars. I blame my father.} :)

7. How long have you been a blogger?

About 2.5 years, but more seriously since the beginning of 2012. It has become a much bigger hobby than I ever expected, and I've "met" some pretty amazing ladies along the way too!

8. How many kids do you want?

I definitely want at least 1 boy and 1 girl, so depending on God's plan, the number could change. :) At least two, maaaaybe up to 4???

9. What's your favorite treat?

ICE CREAM! I even had it TWICE on Saturday! :)

10. What's #1 on your Bucket List?

I don't formally have a bucket list, but I'd probably have to say starting a family is right up at the top right now. 

11. What's your favorite holiday? How come?

The Thanksgiving/Christmas season. I love it because of the fun decorations, the holiday spirit, but most of all because it means lots of time with our friends and family!

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Next, Mary's!

1. What is your favorite attribute about yourself?

I realize this is totally dorky, but I'd have to pick my brain. It's done pretty well so far in my 29 years...

2. If you had to pick one movie you have seen that you wish could have been in, what would it be?

In the spirit of #3, I'm going to say Couples Retreat. Not only was it filmed in Bora Bora, but Vince Vaughn is hilarious!

3. What is your dream vacation?

Bora Bora....someday, it will happen.

4. What is your favorite type of food?

Cereal! Seriously, I could eat it for every meal. Don't ask me to pick a favorite, I don't think I've met a cereal I didn't like! 

5. If you could have any superpower what would it be?

The ability to stop time so I could have more hours in the day to do everything I want to do!

6. What is your greatest pet peeve?

I have a lot of pet peeves, most of them related to people who don't know how to drive.

7. What is your dream job?

Working as a sports medicine physician while staying on as faculty at the hospital where I currently work. I love what I do, but I also want to help teach medical students and residents...it's so rewarding! Oh, in the future, I hope to do this part-time, so I can have the best of both worlds...doctor and mommy!

8. How many pairs of shoes do you own?

I'm scared to count...probably at least 30-40. I would love to have a shoe closet someday!

Source: Uploaded by user via Emily on Pinterest

9. What is your "guilty" treat?
Reality TV! {I realize that's not really a "treat," but it's the first thing that came to mind!}

10. The person that you never want to meet?
Hmm....that's a hard question! I'll have to get back to you on that...

11. If you could be born into history as any famous person, who would it be and why?
In honor of the events this weekend, I'm going to say Neil Armstrong. In middle school, I wanted to be an astronaut, and I can't imagine what it would be like to go into space and actually walk on the moon. RIP Neil.

12. What song always  makes you happy when you hear it?
Dave Matthews Band, "Ants Marching" Love it!

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If you have made it through this whole post, thank you! That got a little long! Thanks for reading!

xo, emily

Sunday Social {Internet Stuff}

Today, I've decided to link up with Ashley and Neely for their weekly Sunday Social. Today's topic, the internet!




What's the first website you check each morning?

That's a toss up...I either check my email on my phone, facebook, or blogger.


Give us some funny websites that we need to know about.

Someecards make me laugh. A lot. I can look at those and crack myself up so hard I'm crying.


Pinterest or Facebook?

Both! I love Facebook for keeping up with old friends, but Pinterest for giving me endless ideas that I don't have time for...


Twitter or Instagram?

I'm on both, but I use Instagram a lot more than Twitter. Follow me!

Twitter: pagingdrgrace
Instagram: pagingdrgrace


Favorite Youtube video?

David after dentist



Charlie bit me!


These kids CRACK. ME. UP!


Biggest online pet peeve?
No-reply bloggers and word verification. Seriously, change that! I want to respond to your comments!


Hope you have a Sunday Funday! I'm off to church and then relaxing by my aunt and uncle's pool! :)

xo, emily

Loves & Hates

LOVE: My group of friends from high school. Even though some of us live far away {i.e. Madrid, SPAIN}, when we all get together, it's as if we were never apart. I could sit and talk with these girls for hours and hours, especially when it involves drinks and sushi {like last night}.

HATE: That we can't all get together more often. Stupid jobs and faraway cities and oceans that make visiting more complicated....

bonfire 8.18.2012

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LOVE: One of my best friends, Ashly, and her hubby are leaving this weekend to go live in London for 5 months. I am so excited {and a little jealous} for them and their adventure. I can't wait to see all her pictures and hear about all their travels. They're going to have an amazing time!

HATE: I won't see her for 5 months! Thankfully, she's starting a blog so I'll be able to keep up with her. :)

me and Ash, circa 2006

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LOVE: I will have TWO friends in Europe this fall/winter, so that's DOUBLE the motivation to make another trip across the pond. And my friend Cassie {the one in Madrid} says she makes a really good Thanksgiving feast...

HATE: Flights to Europe are too expensive. Period. {that's not going to stop me from looking though...}

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LOVE: The athletic trainer at Zionsville High School {my old high school and where I did some training room work last year} called me up this afternoon to see a couple kids with concussions. It's nice to know that even though I'm not officially assigned there during my fellowship year, she trusted me enough to have me come by when their regular team physician was out of town.

HATE: Although I'm getting great experience at the high school I'm assigned to this year, I miss going to my old high school. It just feels more like home.

LOVE: The two trainers said they wouldn't mind having me on staff next year when I'm done with fellowship. I was like, "yeah, that would be awesome!" {how cool would that be???}

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LOVE: It's the weekend! We're heading to Cincinnati tomorrow for another Reds game! I'm looking forward to seeing a lot of my family too!

us at a Reds game over Memorial Day weekend

HATE: The forecast for Saturday is 93 degrees. It's going to be pretty hot sitting in those seats at the game tomorrow...

LOVE: 90+ degrees means good pool weather!

~~~~~

Have a great one!

xo, emily

How to Have Even More Fun Reading Blogs

A few months ago, I begged you all for some help. I was getting really frustrated by not really being able to clean up my blog reading list. I had subscribed to a bunch of blogs via Google Friend Connect, but Google wouldn't let me "unsubscribe" from any blogs I didn't really enjoy reading anymore. I liked the idea of having all the blogs I subscribed to in one place {Google Reader}, but I missed seeing everyone's blogs on their regular page. I'm a pretty visual person, so I missed seeing the wide variety of blog designs. Using the Reader also gave me an extra couple of clicks if I wanted to comment. I needed a better solution.

Thankfully, someone told me about the awesome "next" feature on Google Reader. Let me tell you, it totally changed my blog reading experience. I still have my reading list, am able to add, delete, or organize it very easily, AND I can read every blog on its original page...which makes commenting pretty easy too.

Here's how you do it...

First open up Google Reader and sign in if necessary.

Once you log in, you'll see the following...

You'll want to click on the little "settings" wheel on the far right, then click on "reader settings." That link will take you to this page.

For me, I unclicked the box next to "show followed blogs from blogger." These are the blogs you follow via GFC. Since I wasn't able to edit my GFC blogs, I wanted to be able to edit and organize another way. After I unclicked that box, I had to go to the next tab labeled "subscriptions" and add the links to all the blogs I did want to follow. {There may be an easier way to do this, but it didn't take too long.}

Once you have your blog list, click over to the "goodies" tab. You'll want to follow the instructions to add the "next" button to your bookmarks bar.

I also added the "subscribe" link, so if I get to a new blog that I like, all I do is hit subscribe, and it's added to my reading list. Easy peasy!

It is soooo nice to just click the "next" button from any webpage, and it will automatically take me to the next blog on my reading list. You can click all the way through until you reach the end of your list. Perfect!

This has been working really well for me...is there another way that you read and keep up with your blogs? What about from you iPhone or iPad?

xo, emily

A Taste of Fall {Oh, How Pinteresting}

I'm not sure if it's the {slightly} cooler temperatures we've been having lately, the start of high school football, the bonfire some of my best girls and I enjoyed over the weekend, or the fact that next week is the last week of August, but it sure feels like fall is right around the corner. I realize that I just posted about fall a few weeks ago, but I can't help it. The anticipation of changing out the decor in our house just makes me happy. You know what else makes me happy?

pumpkin.

Pumpkin pie, pumpkin cake, pumpkin bread, pumpkin spice lattes...it's all delicious. Give me a pumpkin treat, and I won't be able to refuse it.

Here are some of the things I can't wait to make....

pumpkin pie granola

Source: dashingdish.com via Emily on Pinterest

turkey pumpkin chili

Source: wholefoodsmarket.com via Emily on Pinterest

pumpkin cream cheese muffins

Source: gourmadeathome.com via Emily on Pinterest

yellow cake mix + pumpkin = 2 ingredient pumpkin muffins!

Source: sweet-verbena.blogspot.com via Emily on Pinterest

pumpkin gingerbread trifle

Source: tasteofhome.com via Emily on Pinterest

pumpkin pie white hot chocolate

Source: closetcooking.com via Emily on Pinterest

Source: danamadeit.com via Emily on Pinterest

Have I made you hungry yet?!?? What's your favorite pumpkin treat?

xo, emily

10 Day YOU Challenge {Nine Loves}

Today, I'm linking up with Lauren and Tiffany for their 10 Day You Challenge. I wanted to link-up last week, but didn't get my post together in time. I may be joining the party a week late, but better late than never, right?!??

without further ado, my nine loves...

{one}

My God and my faith. I definitely wouldn't be where I am today without Him.

{via}

{via}

{two}

My husband. TJ, thank you for all of your love and support over the last seven years.
You have my whole heart.
Forever.

{three}

My family. My immediate family, my {rather large} extended family, and TJ's family.
I love them all.

my mom and my mother-in-law. June 2009.

my grandma {dad's mom} and grandpa {mom's dad}. June 2009.

 

my brother, dad, and me. May 2012.

TJ's grandma, mom, and aunt. September 2009.

TJ and I with his sister, Tiff, and her hubby, Matt. September 2009.

{four}
My friends. I am blessed with a great group of friends from high school, and we still enjoy hanging out together {like at our bonfire this past weekend}. My college friends are some of the most amazing girls I've ever met, and I'm so glad they're in my life.

{five}

My health and my ability to run {Not very good, but I can still do it}. I run to stay in shape, but most importantly, for my mental sanity. I feel so much better after a few miles outside, just me and my thoughts.

my happy place.

{six}

Dancing. I've never played any organized sports {a little ironic since I'm going to be a sports medicine physician}...I always danced. From the age of 4 all the way through college, dance was a huge part of my life. I miss it. A LOT.

{via}

{seven}

My job. I have been so blessed with the path that God has set forth for me. Part of me still can't believe that my dreams I had in high school are actually coming true.

{eight}

Organization. I love it when everything has its space and is in its space. It makes me happy. I just wish I had more time and money to actually get our house organized the way I want. Oh, and I love lists, too. Checking something off my to-do list is one of the best feelings in the world.

{via}

{nine}
Last, but not least, I love blogging. This little old blog started as a way to keep our friends and family updated when my dad was about to undergo open-heart surgery. It's become a lot more since then, and I'm thankful for some of the wonderful ladies I've "met" through blogging!

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I hope you've enjoyed reading a bit about my loves in life. Make sure to come back next week when I share my eight fears with you! Have a great day!

xo, emily