Friday Finisher 4/25/14

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!

SS Posts from the week:

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.

+ Paddling For Position

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?

+ Barre3 Experience

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!

+ I Run For The Shit Miles

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 😉

+ Tips For Prep Day

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?

+ 21 Tips To Blog Faster

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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