8.6.11

3.785 + change

I am filling out med school applications which is a pretty lengthy, tedious process.  In addition to sending off a super duper highly classified "official" transcript, I have to list every single course that I have taken for college credit.  That includes 43 courses at UofA plus a few through community colleges while in high school.

While typing away and entering all of these courses into my application, I did quite a bit of reminiscing on my college experience.  I couldn't help but think about the hours spent studying for a freakin' "A"... along with the hours spent studying when I came up fractions of a percent away from an "A."  I don't know if my 3.785 GPA portrays the fact that I never scored below an 89% in any class.  I reflected on some of those borderline grades and how I ended up on the wrong side of the fence...

...Like the time where I scored a 96% on my physics final when I needed a 98 to get my A.
...Or the time where I missed 5 questions on my cell physiology final when I could only miss 4 to keep my A.
...Or the time my history teaching assistant didn't like me because I interacted with an obnoxious kid in class every once in a while so she never gave me above a B on any paper I wrote.
...Or the time when I took a history exam honestly and scored a B in a lecture filled with a couple hundred frat guys who had gotten their hands on a copy of the exam to "study."

Maybe I could have gone into professors' offices like some students and weeped my way to an A like a lot of people, but I didn't.

Yes, college is one big joke in many ways, but I am so thankful for being able to partake in such a joke.

I thought about where I have come as a person since starting college.  The relationships that have come and gone, dorm parties, barely being able to wake up for 10AM classes, eating panda express, chick fil-a, and eegees every week.  Its hard to sum up the growth and transformation that I have made in every aspect of my life.  I think my mind has modified more than your typical 23 year olds'.  I know without my college experience, such changes could not have come about so profoundly yet gracefully.

Now I find myself in a world where I'm not sure how well I fit.  I'm in a society where half of the current news stories are about a guy named Wiener and his wiener, American "politicians" don't even know basic history taught in grade school, and people don't even know how to eat to maintain their health.

I can thank my time for growth and development in college for being able to feel gratefully displaced in such an F'd up world.

BA-out

3.6.11

Well isn't this neat.



This ought to really nip America's obesity epidemic right in the ass - way to go, Obama Mama.

I'm being a little facetious, if you couldn't tell.  But, hey... you've gotta start somewhere.

BA-out

1.6.11

IIN it to win it.

So my first year of freedom from the educational system came and went.  Even though I did spend a good portion of that year at an educational institution (in Hungary), I have not been a "student" for a year.  I still mark the "student" box in questionnaires that ask for my occupation simply because I am "occupationless" and have been for my entire life.  Sure, we are all students as life is a timeless journey of learning.  However, now I can check that same box without stretching the truth, as I am once again a student.

No, I am not enrolled in medical school... that will be in 2012.  But, I have recently decided to continue learning at the Institute of Integrative Nutrition in pursuit of a nutritional health coach certification.  I am really excited about continuing my education since I will be studying something resonating with my personal interests, as well as my future career.

Believe it or not, nutrition is a topic completely disregarded in current medical school curriculums.  I don't see how such a focus can be neglected, since it is clear to me (and I think clear to most) that the food we choose to bring into our bodies has an overpowering impact on our health and wellness.  I know that I will need to implement nutrition into whatever medical career I choose to pursue, so what better time to start practicing nutritional health then now.

In addition to using the knowledge I gain in my personal life, I figure that as I study medicine I can develop a small nutritional health coaching practice.  Maybe I can make a little money to support myself as I get a head start on my practical career.

BA-out


26.5.11

The Solitude Attitude

If you ask me, its quite underrated.  Solitude is awesome and very necessary.  Learning to love solitude of course allows you to love yourself.  It allows you to determine your needs in life, as well as your desires.  Without distraction of outsiders, the purity of wisdom flows freely into you.  Things become clear, ideas crystalize, and the ease of life becomes apparent.

I am not debunking the need of interactions with other humans.  However, without learning who you are through solitude, it is impossible to know what sorts of people and interactions truly benefit you most.  There are more people in this world who suck life from you, than people who give the positive energy needed for growth.

There are indeed many fish in the sea, but you should be conscious of the fish you seek.  Fishing with dynamite isn't the best option, as it leaves you with a bunch of carnage to sort through. It is best to troll your bait and allow the deserving fish to be hooked.

Observing those ignorant of this basic truth saddens me.  It's never too late for self realization.  I feel blessed for the coalescence of such concepts relatively early in this life.

BA - out

18.5.11

Dogs and cats

I've headed up to my retreat of hibernation where I am surrounded by dogs and cats.

I am nestled into the peaceful foothills of Tucson.  Not amidst the swanky mercedes and hummers.  I am looking after a nice old house, filled with dark wood, leather, and lots and lots of books.

I am looking after a dog named Oso.  Oso is the first dog who I have truly liked.  He had a tough couple first years of life.  Despite his bear-like build, Oso clearly still holds on to emotional wounds of his previous life.  These wounds are quickly healing as our bond forms.

There is one cat in the house too.  Her name is "M", and she is a bitch.

I wish Oso would eat this darn cat so I wouldn't have to waste my time with her.

Another cat made a short appearance this afternoon.  His name was Bob.
Bob the bobcat played with me a bit through the kitchen window.  He is way cooler than miss M-cat.

BA-out

10.5.11

What's your calling?



This dude found his calling.

My quarter-life-crisis began with a broken hand.  Breaking my hand catalyzed a series of events in my brain, somehow raising the fear of going down the 'wrong' life path - chasing the wrong dream.

I come across things here and there that resonate with my inner bird call.  Coming across such information provides the necessary inspiration to endure.  I know that I will find my niche.

Things that are important as of now:



Though these topics will remain fundamental to me and my personal life, what is becoming increasingly important is my desire to gain as much skill and knowledge of issues so that I can effectively and routinely impact the lives of others.

BA - out