Study Break......

This song is beautiful in so many ways. I forgot the name and I couldn't find it for months!! Well thank God I finally found it!!!

I Won't Give Up

Yours,

Happy Thanksgiving!! : -)

My First 5K

I ran my first 5K in 30 minutes today! No big deal! ; -) Except for the fact that it is!

This summer I decided to run my first 5K in February. The Sigma 5K. A friend had been talking to me about it and her experiences. I played with the idea in my head and decided to do it. This was July, so I figured by February I could be ready to run 3.1 miles. At the time that seemed like a ridiculous distance that no one on earth could run with impunity (except for marathon runners of course....but they're super human). Running this 5K event today was literally a split second decision, riddled with fear and trepidation, that I expected nothing from except unhappiness and achy muscles and bones. Needless to say that today I was proven wrong! I could do it! And in 30 minutes no less!

My thoughts exactly

Now, you may already know by now that I am in medical school. If you didn't know, then you learned something new about me today : -) The work load seems unreal, and impossible, even though I have done it in the previous year and I am doing it again. Does that make sense? In any case, the point is that I was up until 2.30 am studying the clinical aspects of cardiac arrythmias and I had to wake up at 5.30 to prepare for the 5K. With that being said, you can imagine how tired I was.

No excuses

I am not usually a morning person. If I have to get up before eleven (and in the life of medicine that's all I seem to be doing) i'm miserable and unhappy. However for some reason this morning I was in a really good mood. I think it was excitement for the race. I got to the track having the race route in my head, scaring me to bits wondering if I was ever going to get through it alive and unscathed. I had told a friend who was running with me today that my goal this race was to make it out alive. I really didn't think I could do it!

Liar, liar pants on fire....

I just told myself, just run as much as you can. I wanted this race to give me an idea of how much more work I had to do for the Sigma 5K. So I pretty much went into today with a "progress not perfection" frame of mind. It seemed appropriate. I started the race trying to keep up with a friend of mine. Then I gave myself a little talk and decided to just pull back. They were running at a much faster pace than I was used to and I didn't want to burn myself out. I did want to try to run the whole way, but like I said, I didn't believe I could do it. I slowed down to a pace I was comfortable at and as I got into my stride it became surprisingly easier with each step (though the sun was not my friend today). 

As I passed each kilometer, I clapped a little and talked my way through each successive one. I said to myself "Look you made it this far, keep running. Just put one foot in front of the other." I had some tummy cramping along the way because the cold water that were handing out (note cold water and running don't agree, at least not for me....) but I was surprisingly fine until a little ways into the final kilometer my muscles felt odd. it wasn't a feeling I was used to and I was very uncomfortable so I stopped after awhile (ugh!). I walked for about a minute or two; it didn't feel as if anything was going to pop so I started running again. I wasn't sure what was going on so I suppose stopping was alright but I am annoyed that I did because I made it that far!! 

Truth

Nevertheless, even with my two minute break, I still made it to the finish line in 30 minutes. For that I am proud. I thought it was going to take me like ten hours!! So I think it's a good estimate to say that I ran a little over 4.5K right?! Sigma 5K had better watch out because I will be running the ENTIRE route and I am aiming for 25 mins. Between now and February that's reasonable right? I'm new to this running thing so let me know if i'm way off.

My mantra from now on

 A friend said to me recently that once you run a 5K you will realise that the others aren't so bad and you will want to try it. I pretty much looked at her like she was crazy. A marathon? An ultra marathon (btw just found out about those and that's crazy, no hopes for that one)? I think I understand what she means though, because now I know I can run a 5K I want to try a 10K. No time soon of course, I like to take my own sweet time with things. However it's on the horizon......

Yours,

So proud of myself.... ; -)

Oh Sandy......

I can't even begin to tell you how grateful I am that Jamaica survived Hurricane Sandy so well. Well in comparison to the rest of the world I believe. And let me tell you we have had our fair share of hurricanes and devastation. Last I heard, we had only one fatal casualty and the majority of the damage was limited to flooding (destruction of homes and such) and a LOT of caved in roads!!!

This is something to be thankful for. My little pot of sunshine really can't handle any sort of damage whatsoever on the wide scale. There is so much that Jamaica has to be thankful for I only hope that we as a nation realise our blessings! It has been sung on many occasions how blessed we are as a nation, now if only we could live it!

My heart goes out to Haiti, not only could they not handle any more devastation, but apparently the majority of the Caribbean fatalities rose from there. I hope that the US, the Bahamas and Cuba are on their way to recovery, from all angles it looks as if that is the case. What still boggles the mind is that Sandy for the most part danced between a category 1 and category 2 hurricane, however it seemed as if more damage was more devastating in one area as opposed to widespread category 5 hurricane so to speak. If that makes any sense to you at all, of course : -). IT is still a little odd to me that there was a hurricane this late in the year. Yes we are still in the hurricane season, so Sandy technically still has reasonable grounds for appearing, but in my limited 20 and a little bit year existence on this earth I can't recall ever getting anything past September.

This whole hurricane period was a little crazy. On the bright side the season ends at the end of November (insert moment to jump for joy here). Always look on the bright side! If you have been hit by the hurricane, I hope that the damage was not too terrible. If you were not hit by the hurricane, help someone who was if you can!

Yours,

Thankful... ; -)

On Change....

This one hit home like nobody's business. I hate change. Yes hate is a strong word, and yes I am aware that I used it. When I have adjusted and am finally at peace with the last change that came my way, then something comes along and messes with my zen, not gonna lie I want to fight somebody. Especially when I am of the opinion that the change didn't have to happen because things were good how they were. I have absolutely no control over what is going to happen especially considering that I am not familiar with the new situation, this is why I despise change. 

When I saw this on Pintrest and I thought, "Why do you have to be so right?!" I am now in medical school. I am an aspiring oncologist. If someone told me ten years from now that I would be exactly where I am in my second year of medicine I would shoot them in the foot and call them a liar. So why am I afraid of change? It's bound to happen. 

At risk of sounding philosophical (as if! ; -)) this may be the reason for quite a bit of the problems that we have in the world today. As humans we are afraid of what we do not know (with reason!) and we strive to keep things the same. People preach it quite often too "Don't throw away what you know for what you do not know."  While that saying can be quite valid in life, at times (and I am sure that people can testify with various experiences) a little bit of change never hurt anybody and in some situations it works out for the better. The thing is that when change happens, it is our reaction to the situation that ultimately determines the outcome of the situation. So maybe we just need to think about our actions more. God knows people have been singing that song for centuries!! 

Yours,

It'll work out for the best....... ; -)

Out of Sight Out of Mind

I have always had issues with that phrase. I don't agree. I suppose it depends on the context you take it in. Some days I think "Yeah, that makes complete sense". Other days I think "What a load...." Whenever something is out of sight for me it is, more often than not it is ever present in my mind. It's usually something that I want, so I suppose it is self imposed out of sightness (haha). All this to say that I miss my bloggie :-(. You may be out of sight but you are definitely not out of mind!

 I always have plans to become an expert organiser so that I will have time for everything that I want to do and be a wiz at school...... Life laughs at me quite often :-) Until that comes to fruition, I leave you with something else that I wish life would hand me on a silver platter, preferably with a matching outfit......

Cobble Hill Ellen

Yours,

Till next time...:-)

Blessings Abundant

This year has been a great year thus far! Absolutely Fantastic! But, if I may, this week, thus far has been the best! First off I have NEVER won anything EVER in my life! EVER! But on Wednesday I won tickets to see the Jamaica vs USA World Cup Qualifier! AHHHHHH!!!!!! 

Then on Thursday, I got a call saying that I was in the finals for the competition that I won the tickets for!! Say What?! 

Then tonight, Jamaica BEAT the USA. Now what now? (#history). 

THEN after participating in the finals I won a television set. Huh?!

I can't even begin to express how happy I am. This has been a great week. That is all.

Yours,

Ecstatic... ;-)

Good To Remember

Something to think about. I have fallen into the trap of putting myself down because something is not perfect or just right. Completely ignoring the fact that I wouldn't have gotten to this point if I was not trying my hardest, and guess what? I also would not have gotten to this point if I had not improved on where I was before. If I was still where I was at the start, then, sad to say, my life for all intents and purposes would be pointless. So we must learn to accept the fact that baby steps are OK as long as we're moving(slightly paraphrased from Chris Gardener's book "Start Where You Are"). This advice is not necessarily applicable only for working out, it can be used and applied in everyday life and situations. So remember, keep working at it. Never give up! Progress is key!

Yours,

Lizzie... ; -)

London 2012 Wrap Up

The wagon has all but left me on this one, but better late than never I always say! Congrats to Jamaica for doing such a wonderful job this year at the Olympics! We topped our best on the medal table!! The London Olympics closed for us with a total of 12 medals as opposed to China 2008 11 medals!! As I have read and am fond of thinking, as long as you're moving forward, progress is inevitable.

How about that closing ceremony?! Spice girls reunion? About damn time is what I say to that!

One of the many joys of my childhood.....

And I have always believed and still believe that the world's greatest rock musicians came from England. Well the majority of them anyways. That was some concert London. Merci!!

It goes without saying that I am absolutely euphoric about Jamaica's success (even if I did already say it... ;)) However honourable mention must be made for achievements which stemmed from other countries:

1. Trinidad! Thank you for bring home a gold medal in the Javelin. Shocking enough that the country was from the western hemisphere, and then even more outrageous that it was a Caribbean country!! I'm sure the Europeans (who have been medalling in this event for over 30 years I believe) are already plotting their revenge. Cheers to Keshorn Walcott for a job well done. I watched you throw, and man you are amazing. You had that gold medal from the first throw kid; and based on what I heard Trinidad has certainly rewarded you well.

Elated!

2. Mo Farrah....WOW! Distance runners are already on pedestals in my book. But to win the 10000m and 5000m and, in my opinion, make it look easy?! I know that Britain is proud because they have never before won a men's long distance gold and now they have two. Yay!!

Someone's excited!!!

3. To break a record in general is a feat in itself. To break a record set by someone else will put you on another level. To break a world record set and held by yourself puts you in a whole other ball game. This just shows a person's determination to put their best foot forward always and hints that they are destined for greatness. Of whom am I speaking? Well of course none other than David Rudisha of Kenya who won the his first 800m gold and set a new world record of 1:40.91, breaking the previous record set by him a couple years before.

Go deh my yuttttteeeeeeeee!

4. I was really hoping for another gold by Jamaica in the 4 by 100m, alas it was not meant to be. However we did very well coming in second place to the Americans who SMASHED the world record, mostly aided by Jeter running the anchor leg. When Carmelita Jeter lets loose? Not even a Jamaican can catch her! Kerron Stewart did her best to keep up however. They chopped almost a full second off the previous time 41.37 set by the German's in 1985 to drop it to 40.82. A record I believe will stand for a while yet.

 What what?!

5. Congrats to Bahamas who ended USA's 4 by 400m men's winning streak. A lot of people will say they are injured, yes they were. I admit it but history doesn't remember injuries (unless you're Asafa Powell who I love very much!!) History remember's winners. So thank you Bahamas for adding to the Caribbean's medal tally for 2012.

Yay!

6. I know I said honourable mentions from other countries, but I think these two need a big up to. So to Samantha Albert (Equestrian) and Kenneth Ewards (Taekwondo), thank you! Jamaica has not participated in any event other than Track and Field for a long time. Just representing us in and of itself is wonderful!!

All in all it was a wonderful two weeks, and many record breaking and history making achievements were witnessed and recorded. Congrats to everyone who participated! Even if you did not medal, you should be proud; by virtue of the fact that you made it to the Olympics you are already among the world's best athletes. I leave you with one more picture, just because I love it!

Makes me smile....

Yours,

Rio Here I come!!!... ;- )

ONE, TWO, THREE, Sweeeeeeeeeeeep!!!

WOW!!! Can you just imaging the excitement in Jamaica today?!

         

   

I was really at a loss for words! I really had Martina of the Netherlands pegged as the wildcard in this race, if Weir didn't get the bronze medal I would have expected him to have it but bwoy was I surprised.....

I was at work when the race was run and let me tell you, thank God for the person who started putting televisions in waiting rooms, because without it I probably would have balled. I'm pretty sure Jamaica stopped for that 19.32 seconds before Usain Bolt grasped the gold; the 19.44 seconds that Yohan Blake took home the silver; and the 19.84 seconds that Warren grabbed on to the bronze. 

Not just Jamaica, but the whole world!!

This man had time to do push ups?!

Do a victory lap together.

Another victory lap, take some pictures....

some more pictures....really Weir?! Gang signs?! 

Since the Track and Field events for the Olympics started, Jamaica has been writing history. And you know what?! A tek it to dem wi ago tek it to dem!!

Yours,

Still more to coooommmeeeee.... ; -)

Happy 6th August Jamaica!!

Today Jamaica celebrates 50 years of Independence. That, despite the issues that Jamaica has faced up until now and is still presently facing, must be acknowledged as a significant accomplishment. I do sincerely hope that for my country, the only path we choose from here on out is the one forward!!

In order to share my love for my country with everyone, I have decided to outline reasons why I love my home and why you should love it too(in no particular order):

1. 95% of the year the sun is shining. Every morning that I wake up and look out my window to see the trees bathing delicately in the largely overbearing sunlight, the birds chirping and a light breeze blowing (sometimes haha), it warms my heart and puts a smile on my face. Any day that starts with a smile is bound to be a good one!

2. Jamaicans are not afraid to fight for what they believe in.

3. Our food is AMAZING!

4. EVERY citizen is talented. Not one. Not two but EVERY citizen. For proof simply look at our achievements in every sphere or possible occupation. Not only in our country but all over the world, you are bound to find a Jamaican!

5. In light of #4 we can then surmise that when we put our minds to something, we will stop at nothing, and will brook no denials until our goal has been achieved.

6. Our motto "Out of many One people" rings true. You only have to look around to witness the varied people groups that have either settled here long ago, or recently and now call Jamaica their home.

7. Jamaicans look out for each other.

8. Jamaica has given birth to some of the greatest people in the world: Bob Marley, Louise Bennett Coverley and Usain Bolt to name three.

9. The fastest man on earth comes from Jamaica!

10. Everybody who's heard of Jamaica wants to visit! If you've visited Jamaica, you never leave the same.

11. Snoop Dogg *clears throat* Snoop Lion, had a spiritual awakening here. Noted by his immediate name change upon departure.

12. James Bond was born here in the parish of St. Mary.

13.  A James Bond movie was also made here, see Dr. No.

14. Our dialect is as diverse as it is unique.

15.  The colours of our flag complement each other perfectly!

16. Our beaches are magnificent!

17. Our people are gorgeousssssss!!

18. There is always something to do.

19. Jamaican's are innovative.

20. The passion innate in all Jamaican's that manifests in what we do.

21. We likkle but we tallowah! Jamaican's don't let the fact that we are a small country be a boundary for us. We go after what we want, no excuses!

22. Our rich history. It has brought us to where are and made us who we are today.

23. I can get coconut water whenever I want. hahaha...; -) When I have the energy to eat the jelly I am NEVER disappointed!

24. We have a national dish, I can't think of any country that has a national dish! Our national dish ackee and saltfish is my favourite food EVER! I could literally eat it everyday. Some people think that ackee is weird, because if you force the fruit open before it has opened on it's own and is ripened properly it is poisonous. But all you have to do is exercise a little patience! Wait until it has opened and this golden little fruit will make you the happiest person on the island!

25. For all intents and purposes, Red Stripe might as well be our national beer. Ha!

26. Jamaicans love to make up dances. Count on one at least once every two months. Okay maybe not that often, but still quite often (hee hee).

27. We DOMINATE track and field.

28. We have qualified for the World Cup before, I am patiently waiting the second qualification. Who knows maybe 2014 will be our year!!

29. Jamaican's know how to have a good time! Even if we're all eating bread and butter, sitting on the veranda people watching.

30. We have a wonderful school system, and I am blessed to have been apart of it.

31. Our mountains, hills, valleys, rivers and oceans. Everything that makes this island "The land of wood and water" as it was referred to as when Columbus landed in 1494.

32. Our music easily lifts spirits, gives hope or simply tells stories. But whatever the intention of the artiste, it is always entertaining!

33. Wi pan chicken sell offfff!!!! (Jerk Chicken)


Yours,

Happy 50th Anniversary!!

He Did It Again!!

Usain Bolt did it agan!!  Now was there any doubt?! In my mind, no. In other people's mind, well a big resounding YES!

Why?

I can't really say for sure. Apparently there was news about injuries and I do recall him saying that he wasn't in his best shape possible but that was waaaaayyyy before the Olympics. Why on earth would we think that he wouldn't prepare?

Men's 100M Finals

There was also that time where Yohan 'The Beast' Blake beat him. At the JAAA trials. I was there. I saw the race. My personal opinion, it was an easy win for Bolt. But hey, what do I know? Needless to say, I called the win and I am proud that I was correct in my estimation. If I was a gambler, I would have made a pretty penny. I did not however call the second and third places correctly. I thought for sure it was going to be Bolt-Gaye-Blake race. Then I found out that Gatlin was running. So I changed my predictions to a Bolt-Gatlin-Blake race. I was correct in the top three, however as we now know Blake got the second place and Gatlin third.

It was brilliantly run! A 100m race with EVERYBODY running under 10 seconds?!(apparently the second fastest 100M race in HISTORY, bet you didn't know that!) Yes, yes, yes, Asafa Powell ran 11.99, so for all intents and purposes definitely not ten. However, he was injured, and before he succumbed to his injury he was right up there with the rest of them and he gave it his all. Still not convinced? Look at it this way, he ran 9.94 in the semifinals, with an injury that's pretty amazing. Once the race really got started, Bolt set the pace and won the race with a 9.63 setting a new Olympic record. With that and bearing in mind the fact that Powell kept with them for pretty much half the race, I'd say he did very well. He probably is feeling really down right now but sir Jamaica still loves you and is still behind you!! To Bolt and Blake, job well done, Keep up the good work, it ain't over yet!!

Men's 100M Finals 

Yours,

O Ye of little faith!

If I Could Dress up Every Day.....

DSQUARED Fall/Winter 2012 makes my heart smile. Yes I said my heart...

My Absolute Favourite!!!

These come in a close second.....

And then there was this, sssooooo cute!!!

Punk!

Love!                             Love!                                 Love!!

I bet if I look real hard I can find a rip off in my closet!!

Yours,

When did smoking become cool again?!.... : -/

I can appreciate this.

Work has been such a drag lately! Ah well, such is life right?! I am very grateful for the chance to work. Lord knows that many would wish to be in my position; but I am allowed to voice my frustrations from time to time, right??

While trying to pass the time, I happened upon this delightful little "funny" (if you will) on Pintrest. I tried to find the original source but alas I drew a blank. So if you know, please don't hesitate to enlighten me so that I can properly reference this photo. Until such time arrives, please enjoy it with me....

Yours,

Hunger Games funnies.... ; -)

Pop's day

I am a lot a bit ashamed to admit that if it wasn't for the retail industry and their ridiculous amount of ads and promotions being broadcasted on every variation of media known to man, I would have forgotten father's day. Now don't get me wrong I knew it was in June, the actual date however escaped me (ok ok wipe that look of judgement off your face). It's all sorted though. Don't worry.

Today my father was invited to preach at a church that we visit on occasion. It was a father's day message as you may or may not have surmised; but it wasn't the typical father's day message. It wasn't filled with words berating the negligent father's of the Jamaican society, or by and large the rest of the world, it was a message which focused on a father of tremendous importance often overlooked in the bible. It was about Joseph, the father of Jesus. The essence of the message was that Jesus, was who he was, not only because he was God's son, but also because of the guidance given to him by Joseph. It sounds odd at first, but think about it this way, Jesus was born a human baby. He wasn't born with all the divine powers to perform the signs and wonders he was known for. So like any other human baby, he had grow and learn. Yes Mary played a ginormous role, but as my father stated many a time in his message Jesus had an earthly father, and for him to have had as much success as he had, being human as well as being God's son, there HAD to have been influence from Joseph.

I have always admired and looked up to my father for the man he is and the intelligence he simply exudes and I have always known that he has been blessed with a purpose and a will to fulfill it. I am glad for the man he is and what he has been to me, my brother and sister and my mother in our day to day lives. I always enjoy it when he preaches, but this message was by far my favourite. Today was a wonderful day (and I cooked dinner! *gasp*) and in the last couple minutes left of it I would like to wish my father a wonderful father's day and for all the father's in the world, I hope that this day was as good for you as it was for my family and I. I hope your father's day was wonderful as well!

Thank you daddy for many wonderful years, and here's to the next thousand!!!

Love,

Dani B...: -)

The ideal gift....

My love for books knows no bounds. I have been reading for as long as I can remember. I fell by the wayside a little a couple years ago, but praise Jesus I found my way back!! I saw this on Pintrest but found the original source on 9gag which is one of the funniest sites I have ever come across. They have so many pictures with random commentary that has me rolling!! 

This picture says it all. I really could not have said it any better myself and I wouldn't dare try. A close friend and I have more often than not, commented on the indefectible nature of this scene. When I saw this picture I said, I MUST share. Beauty and the Beast is my favourite movie of all time and when I watch it I can't help being a tad jealous of Belle. I mean come on, she got a LIBRARY!!! In what world is that not awesome?!?! *sighness*

Yours,

I thought I was the only one.... : -)

Mr. Choo and the Union Jack

I had to throw away a bag today. It was a bag that I had for many years. Why did I have to throw it away you might ask? I had begun to strip. Strip? Yes, strip. I went out to dinner with some friends and it was a wonderful night. Right throughout however, I kept brushing something off my shoulder. I was very confused, of course. I started to freak out, "Was my skin stripping?! That's disgusting!! Wait, why is it red?" It wasn't until I got home and took my bag off that I realised, My bag is destroyeeedddddddd weeehhhhhhhhhhh!!!! Then I looked and noticed that the straps weren't the only thing dying on me. The rest of the bag was too, with just a touch of the hand, literally. How on earth did it last the night?! I wondered. I pouted and complained, then I went upstairs. It sat in my room for two weeks until tonight when I decided it was finally time to let go and that I was never going to find a way to salvage it. It was a very sad moment. Tears.....

So I did some retail therapy(the window version of course)......*happiness*......

Did you know the Union Jack used to be Jamaica's Flag?! Waaaaaaaaaaayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy back when....

Yes I want all three pairs of shades. So sue me....

To sparkle or to shine? That is the question!

Replacement maybe ; -)

Happy Coronation day Queen Elizabeth!!!

Yours,

Ohhhh Monsieur Choo how you make me smile... ; -)