How was your week? Mine was awesome! Of course you know that 🙂 I will be posting all my recaps next week; I have so much to tell you all, 2000 pictures to look through, and so many thoughts to get down! But for today I'll take a break from DC lovin' and talk about my big brother! Today is his 20th birthday! I can not believe how time flies! I can't believe he is 20 years old. I still will always cherish all of our memories when we were little kiddos. All the made up stories and games we would play. Give us some stuffed animals or Legos and we could be kept busy for hours on end.
My brother and I always had a good relationship. We were never at each others throats. He was not the big older brother torturing his little sister. Maybe it was because we are only 2 years apart, but we were also calm and cool kids. We were not crying, crazy, out of control kids you see running rampant in stores with oblivious parents. We were mature form the beginning which probably led us to a better relationship. We used to be closer though, but now we don't talk much, maybe that us because he is off at college, but he is able to come home often. I wish we had a closer relationship, but our interests are just so opposite. But we can still always tell what the other is thinking, we can give each other looks and will know what the other means. I will be seeing him even less next year when I go off to college, but I know he will always be there for me when I need him. And I always do and I always will, and I love him 🙂
Happy 20th birthday Jimmy! You are the greatest brother a girl could have. Thank you for being in this crazy family of ours, being yourself, and loving us all. Even if you struggle with boiling a pot of water or washing off a piece of fruit, I still look up to you! 😉 Love and hugs always <3
Okay, now changing topics, here is my 15th link-up to FTSF (Finish The Sentence Friday)! FTSF is that you are given a sentence each week and you finish it however you want, long or short. This week’s sentence was, “The best decision I ever made was..."
The best decision I ever made was the one I officially made on Wednesday. After seeing GW last June I knew it was my #1 school. I kept dreaming about it, not only the school, but DC as well. I was so sad for days and days after we came back home. I knew I needed to go back, I knew that was where I wanted to take my life next. Well low-and-behold I applied and was accepted to my dream school and just got to visit again this week. Nothing has changed and the moment we arrived in DC, still driving in the car, I was holding back tears. The happiness and joy that that city brings me is something I have never felt. I have only ever lived here in Jersey and I haven't experienced many places, but there is something about DC that makes me know 100% that is where I want to be. So GW is the absolute perfect place for me. First, it's in the heart of the greatest city, literally 1 or 2 blocks from the White House. It has the most amazing opportunities at the Elliot School of International Affairs for my intended major of International Affairs focusing on national security and Middle East studies (as well as economics!). The internships I could get are like no other, the professors and speakers...just pure magic and wisdom. Everything is at my finger tips, everything I want, everything I need! The opportunity to break away from every mundane routine I have been living by for years and to finally branch out full force in to something so crazy, new, unpredictable, and exciting! So on Wednesday (the last morning we were there before we left), I went to the admissions office and signed my life away official enrollment agreement. When the girl at the desk handed me the paper, my mom got her phone out to snap a picture and I was trying my best to hold back the flood of tears again. I still can't believe it. It still hasn't really hit me yet. But I can't stop thinking about it either. So with a full heart, I am proud to say that I am and will be forevermore a Colonial! Raise High Class of 2018!
(That is no fake picture smile, that is a genuine real smile which I have not had in a very long time.)
This is my dream. The hard work and ambition has payed off. This is the start of my new life, and the opportunity of a lifetime. I truly as speechless and so grateful. This will be my new home and I can not be any happier! (So scared and horrified) but so so happy, elated, ecstatic, jubilant, thrilled, overjoyed, grateful, humbled, just...no words.
Ah, one sentimental post, huh? 😉 Well let's all just be happy and celebrate our lives. No matter if it is a birthday, a life decision, or even just a successful week of workouts, celebrate life, celebrate love, celebrate happiness! And finish it off with some great reads!
Monday: Power Monday #42 32 Things That Make Me Happy
Tuesday: Recipe ReDux #6 Pretty Pink Pancakes
Wednesday: Hummus Chicken Meatball Pizza
Thursday: Momentum Athletic & Inspired Jewelry {Giveaway}
Blog Posts I loved this week:
(I decided to make scanning these posts and articles a lot easier for you! I divided them up into categories for your reading pleasure instead of just a long jumbled list. Let me know it this helps 🙂
Life, Mind, Body:
+ 45 Life Lessons Written By A "90-Year-Old-Woman"
That is knowledge right there 😉
+ 5 Ways To Get Energized And Motivated When Your Feel Lazy
A great workout is always my go-to. I truly believe that moving your body has magic powers 😉 It is free energy just waiting to be activated!
+ A Number That May Not Add Up
BMI is out, read this to find out why for a better alternative.
I love how Christine can take simple things and make them in to huge metaphors for life!
+ The One Word That Defines Us All
The only identity you need, is the authentic self.
+ The Truth Behind Dietary Supplements & Which 3 You Should Take
Don't beat yourself up about forgetting to take that multi!
Fitness:
+ 10 Athletes Over 60 Who Can Kick Your Butt
I hope I am able to be this awesome! I want to be an 80-year-old-yogi still rockin' my forearm stands!
+ 5 Reasons To Do Burpees Every Day
Come on, you know you love them too 😉
+ Intuitive Exercise
On exercise mentality. These last 2 weeks for me have been a little more "intuitive" since my schedule has been so off, but it is something I needed and a test for me mentally.
+ 3 Reasons To Cut Back Cardio For Fat Loss Goals & 3 Things To Do Instead
A little bit of cardio is all you need!
+ Reader's Request: Increasing Arm Strength And Definition
Get those sexy strong arms!
+ 5 Mistakes First Time Marathon Runners Make During Training
Have you made these mistakes?
Read about Ericka's thoughts on the Barre3 class we took while I was in DC! I will be getting up my own review soon!
True passion! Why do you run or do the activity you love?
+ 10 Reasons I should Cancel My Gym Membership
I actually have stopped going to Group Power the last few months, so I have not been to a gym in a while. I miss the class, but I am perfectly content with my new workout schedule. Monday night is now another yoga night for me!
Food:
+ Marion Nestle On The Complexities Of Food
Great read from a guest speaker at GW!
+ The 99 Reasons To Switch From Vegetarian To Vegan
Haha, need anymore reasons?
+ Fermented Foods Facts And Recipe Round Up
I used to be so scared of foods high in sodium, but I have relaxed my self on that a bit and have been loving things like sauerkraut and am dieing to try some vegan kimchi!
+ Flax, Chia, Hemp, And More - Get Your Glow On With Seeds
Seeds are awesome and little protein powerhouses. Perfect for binding meatballs or making creamy hot cereals even creamier 😉
Great post for all of you meal-preppers out there 😉
+ Do Expiration Dates On Food Promote Food Waste
You may be surprised, but I use a lot of things past or right to their expiration date. I would never do that for meats, but for things like veggies, almond milk, and hummus, (I even like snacks part their best by date! Haha stale crackers = win!) I am okay with it.
+ Thoughts On Paleo
Great thoughts and insights on the Paleo diet.
+ Is A Vegan Diet Healthy Long Term?
Yes, it can be. Just take it from this long-term veganista!
Blogging & Social Media:
+ 5 Steps To The Perfect Blogging Break
Have you ever taken an extended blogging break?
We don't all have endless hours to devote to blogging, but it can still be done effectively.
Beauty & Fashion:
+ The Fine Hair Kit
Great product recommendations and techniques for use ultra fine haired girls!
Favorite Pins:
(Follow me on Pinterest – RebeccaGF666)
Vegan Greek Quinoa Salad. Yum! Mediterranean flavor explosion and now damn feta! 🙂
Cashew Chicken with Asparagus & Shiitake Mushrooms. I love chicken and cashew dishes!
Sprouted Quinoa Bowl with Kale Almond Pesto {Gluten-Free and Vegan}. Nutrient dense vegan eats at its best!
Hot Cross Bun Baked Oatmeal. This looks to damn pretty to even eat!
Tropical Chicken Burgers. O look! A perfect chicken burger recipe for me to try with my new addition of ground chicken!
A few things I loved about my week or am grateful for:
+ GW, my trip to DC, and my grandparents who were the ones to make that trip possible! I tried to keep it secret for you guys and wanted to do a huge big surprise reveal post with my decision, but if you follow me on social media or even just read some of my posts about DC or college, I am sure you knew right away where I was going 😉
+ My NJ congressman from the House of Representatives is coming in to my AP government class today! I think I told you all about this, but I contacted he to see if he would speak to us. And because I am awesome nice and kind, I got it to happen! Just bringing a little DC to my classmates, haha!
+ I am looking forward to a nice relaxing weekend. Even though I wish I could still be in DC, it is nice to be in your own bed, have time to just get your life organized, do some major cooking, yoga it out, and reflect on your life!
So Tell Me:
+ Was the college you finally chose, the one, how did you know, am I the only one this emotional about it!? I wrote in one of my essays for GW that when I first stepped on campus, it felt like how they say putting on a wedding dress is supposed to feel. I knew it was the right one from that second. All the other schools I saw did not give me that feeling. They were nothing like GW. GW is my wedding dress!
+ Do you like the new Finisher set up?
+ Tell me one great decision you made this week!
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Alexandra Maul - Made to Glow
Congratulations on GW!! I saw a couple of your pictures on social media and thought that might be what was going on - how exciting! My husband and I lived in DC for six years and absolutely loved it. You should feel really proud of yourself - what a great school. I can't wait to read about all of your fun experiences there! Also, thank you so much for including my post in your awesome collection of links and resources 🙂
Strength and Sunshine
Thank you so much Alex! Haha, you move up here to NJ and I move down to DC 😛 I can't wait to share the journey with you all on the blog! It will be amazing!
And you are totally welcome 🙂 XOXO
nikkifrankhamilton
How exciting to find your place so early in life. Good luck with the move and congratulations!!!
Strength and Sunshine
Thank you friend! I can't wait to go on this journey!
thefitty
You are so pretty!
Congratulations on everything. I don't know how you have the time to find all those great blog links, but they sure help me out. Thanks a lot!
Strength and Sunshine
Aw, thank you sweetie!
Haha, it's my job to give you all wonderful readers! There are so many great bloggers out there I want everyone to know about!
jasteck
Congratulations on getting accepted at such an amazing university. It's going to set a great educational foundation for the rest of your life. Bravo!
Strength and Sunshine
Thank you! I can't wait, I know I am going to gain so much experience and knowledge 🙂
Paige @ Your Trainer Paige
Thanks for mentioning my post, Rebecca!
Strength and Sunshine
Your welcome Paige! 🙂
Sami
Looks like a great week and happy birthday to your brother! The sprouted quinoa bowl looks really good. I love pesto!
Strength and Sunshine
I'll let him know!
It does look awesome! So yummy and healthy and full of the good stuff!
Tina Muir
YAY! So happy for you! GW is a great school, and I am sure you will fit in wonderfully! How exciting for you.
Love your friday links as always....although I kind of hate you (not really :P) right now, as I am trying to leave my computer.....but now I have a ton more tabs open with blogs to read....haha! Have a wonderful weekend!
A great decision I made was to be a coach at La Salle, I am so grateful for the athletes I work with 🙂
Strength and Sunshine
Thank you Tina!
Haha I just can't stop myself from sharing the goods 😉 I feel the same way about other bloggers post round-ups! My laptop always locks up with so many tabs!
That is awesome to be doing something you love and reaching so many lives!
Michelle
I love your Friday Finisher posts – look forward to them every week! Congratulations on your decision to attend George Washington University!! I was in Washington a couple of years ago for a conference through work and I loved it – the streets felt safe and there were so many sights to see, I wish I could have taken in so much more. Enjoy every minute!!!
Strength and Sunshine
Aw thank you so much Michelle! I have done most of the big exploring, but that doesn't even make a dent in all the thing to see and do there! Now when I say I wish I could live there, I know I don't have to wait much longer! 😉
jillconyers
Congrats on your decision. With all the great links I'm going to hang out a while. Blogging faster? Yes please. Burpees everyday? No way.
Would you mind helping spread the word and including Fitness Friday in your Linking up with blurb and/or the badge? Thanks so much!
Strength and Sunshine
Thanks Jill! Have fun 😉
life as a lemmon
Congratulations on DC. That is going to be such a great experience for you!
Strength and Sunshine
Thank you friend! I can't wait, I am so so excited! 🙂
cottercrunch
congrats on your decision!! hard work does pay off! and happy bday bro!
Strength and Sunshine
Thanks love! I'll tell him you said that 🙂
Jenny
You're the best, girl! Thanks for the mention!!!
Strength and Sunshine
Of course sweetie!
Allison @ Clean Wellness
Thank you so much for including my buckwheat ice cream sandwiches, Rebecca! That’s just so nice of you!!! xo
Strength and Sunshine
I love them! They look so amazing! What a wonderful delicious idea 😉
Janine Huldie
Aww, loved seeing you in these pics and looked like a great trip was had, too. And think you have definitely made some wise and great decisions so far and here is to many more to come for you now, too!! 🙂
Strength and Sunshine
Thank you Janine! 🙂