Saturday, April 30, 2011

Day 22: A Picture of Something You Wish You Were Better At

I've always wished I was more coordinated at playing sports.  However, it's just not my thing.  Maybe if I had like a personal trainer to teach me everything they know and to work me to the bone, then I could possibly be awesome at sports.  My hand/eye coordination is not the best; I even have a hard time determining when to release while throwing a Frisbee.  Not good.

If I were an awesome athlete I think I would chose to be a soccer player; my mom always told me I was a kicker in the womb.  Just kidding.  But, I really like to run (in this dream of amazing athleticism I would also get rid of my knee and hip problems) and wish I could do all the fancy foot moves and bump the ball with my head.  It just looks cool ;o)

Check me out in my alternate life!

Since I don't think I will become this sports pro any time soon, I just wish I was better at pushing myself at the gym.  Like many people, I would like to lose about 10 lbs.  And like a lot of those people, I've been working at it for a long time and I seem to fluctuate from being about 8lbs lighter for part of the year to slowly gaining it all back; and the cycle continues.  My biggest problem area is my core; and my least favorite type of workout is core work.  You can see where this could be a problem.  However, I may have found that motivation FINALLY!  For the past year, I've been feeling a bit emotional and down.  I thought I had gotten over it last fall, only for it to return again.  BUT, I had such an awesome, hard workout yesterday that my body was flooded with endorphins and for once I finally felt like my old self again!  It had been a long time since I truly felt that good and I think it will be my motivation to keep on pushing myself as hard as I did yesterday.  I've always felt good after a workout, but now I've broke that threshold from just feeling good to having a literal endorphin high; a better high than any pill could give me :o)

Hopefully I can get myself to do this kind of thing soon!
So, it's the weekend again.  And today is the first day in a long time where I didn't have to wake up and do something or go somewhere right away.  It's nice, but I also just don't know what to do with myself!  I would love to go to the gym, but my body feels like it needs a rest day...maybe.  Maybe I'll feel more motivated once the sun comes out like the forecast said it would.  Happy Weekend!

Friday, April 29, 2011

Make Up Day!

So, if you've been following along you may remember there was a day that I was supposed to post a picture and a letter, but I said the topic needed to wait.  Well, that's because I was going to write a little note to my future niece/nephew that no one knew about until recently. So here it goes....

Dear Baby Karr,

This will be my first time being an auntie, but don't worry, I am fully prepared to spoil you like crazy!  I am also fully prepared to teach you to root for the Packers, Badgers, and even though this may be a rough 2011 season I will still teach you to root for the Beavs (except when they play the Badgers, you always root for the Badgers over all other college teams!).  I'm also taking  up a new pass time to make you a little something for when you are born.  Hopefully I can make your great-grandma Schindler proud (I may need to cross my fingers through the entire process!). I will also be the cool auntie who teaches you how to cook tasty treats and about nature and how to make mud pies in the summer and let them bake in the sun (your grandma taught me how to make those!).  But don't worry, I know how to make real food too.  Especially sweets!  If you're lucky you'll inherit your mom's sweet tooth and your dad's liking of fitness and his metabolism so you can work off all the yummy cookies and cupcakes I make you :o)  I'm not going to lie, you're pretty lucky to have me for an aunt.  But, I think I'll be even more lucky and happy to have you as a niece or nephew.  See you in 7-ish months!

Love,

Auntie Rebecca

Day 21: A Picture of Something You Wish You Could Forget

To be honest, there are a few situations from my freshman year of college I wish I could forget.  I'll also be honest in saying my freshman year of college was a big 'ol crapshoot.  I got way too involved in the social scene of college life and my school work got pushed to the side.  When I look back on that year, I say to myself, "who was that person?"  I am generally a far more responsible person than I was at any instance that year.

However, as much as I regret a lot of my decisions from that year, if things hadn't happened as they had, I would not be here in Oregon enjoying life as much as I am.  Sure, I would probably have my bachelors degree finished and likely almost done with my master's, but I think I'm much more happy with the way things are now.  When I hear people talk about their college experience, I can tell that some of them didn't really get much out of it except a degree.  They didn't get involved in clubs or volunteer, or get really great life experiences out of it; and you can usually tell that they just wanted to get through it and be done without enjoying any of the extras.  Well I feel like if I had made better choices and stayed at UWSP I would have had an experience like that.  At OSU, I feel like I'm getting the opposite.  I absolutely love it here and feel this was definitely the right school for me; I'm involved in clubs and get volunteer work in, plus I'm working on an awesome research project with an awesome group of people and getting some great life experience from it.

So, all in all, there were many downsides to that year, but I'm glad they happened and lead me to where I am today :o)

I don't have any pictures to really represent this, so here's one from my weekend which I will talk a bit about.
Me, Grandpa, and Buster
After a very stressful couple of weeks, I found out last Tuesday that I was going to fly back home for the weekend :o)  I had an awesome time!  I had Easter at Grandma Rau's on Saturday filled with lots of great food and tons of laughs.  I even had an egg to search for filled with candy :o)  I got to see one of my favorite people in the whole world, Maggie :o)  Then, I went on a bike ride Sunday morning in lieu of church.  I feel much more connected when I'm outdoors with just my thoughts.  Then it was off to Aunt Jayne's for even more food and laughs.  I saw some family I hadn't seen in a while.  Someone counted and said we were only missing 13 of the 83 Schindlers, pretty good turnout!  The next couple days were spent with my family, grandparents, and Maggie.  I also went to check out my mom's new calf barn.  It's all computerized and keeps track of how often and how much milk each calf is eating.  And when a calf that already drank it's daily limit tries to eat more, it doesn't dispense.  There are four pens where the calves get to run around and they have balls to play with and when it's time to eat, they all line up until it's their turn at the feeder!  I got to fly back to Oregon with my sister, which made the fact that our flight was delayed almost two hours a bit more bearable.  I spent all day Wednesday catching up on Chemistry and today I will be making up my Biopsych exam, so it's a pretty easy catch up :o)  My only complaint is that this is the third day in a row that I've been wide awake before 6am, jet lag!  BUT, it's the weekend again and next weeks weather is looking pretty promising; lots of sunshine and almost 70 degrees with only a couple days of rain :o)

So, I think you can tell by the amount of smiley faces in that paragraph that I had a great time! :o)  Happy Weekend!

Friday, April 15, 2011

Day20: A Picture of Somewhere You'd Love to Travel

Ok, so I've always wanted to go to Greece.  And then I was dating a guy who has family in Greece...and then I broke up with that guy....so now my desire to go to Greece is tainted with memories including him.  Basically, I still really want to go to Greece, but not until my hands are washed clean of said person.


There are so many other places I'd like to go.  Pretty much anywhere in Europe would be awesome.  The romantic in me would love to go to Paris and see the Eiffel Tower.  I also wouldn't mind visiting India sometime. I've been thinking of doing an abroad internship next summer (2012) if I have time for it and think India would be cool.  Plus my friend Alka who is from India has been encouraging me to go.  Besides, it would be cool to see first hand where she comes from and she says her family would help me out whenever I needed it.  (Side note: Alka has been in India since January and I really miss her; cannot wait until June!).



Presently, I would love to go to the Oregon Coast.  I'm itching for some sunshine and a Tillimook ice cream cone.  While the ice cream is ready and waiting, the sunshine is taking it's sweet time showing up.  I love the Oregon coast.  I love it way more than SoCal.  Oregon's coast just has so much more than just sand and ocean. It has rocks and trees and other stuff; just check out the pictures and tell me that's not beautiful!



I also really want to go hike around Crater Lake sometime before I leave Oregon.

I feel like I had a rather productive Friday.  Got a few tasks around the apartment done before my meeting this morning.  Attended said meeting.  Had a great workout at the gym.  Chemistry was interesting; we had a guest lecturer who was talking way above our heads.  I then realized I forgot all about my online lab homework that I then found out was due by 5pm today and I didn't get out of class till 4.  BUT I still got it done with 13 minutes to spare!  AND I got my diet analysis for SDA done and started on the poster for the Hoo-Ha.  Vacuumed my car, got gas, got a few groceries, painted Megan's nails, and currently baking cookies for our all day gardening event tomorrow. We're hitting up opening day of the Farmer's Market (woot!) and then having American Dream pizza while we hear from some local organic gardening experts; should be fun :o) Happy weekend!

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Hump Day

So, my next blog is supposed to be a picture and a letter.  Since I am stumped on what the heck I'm going to write about, I'll just fill you in on my day (exciting, I'm sure!).  Actually, I have an idea of what I'm going to write about, but it needs to wait.

Well my day started bright and early at 6:30am with my usual oatmeal cooked with egg whites, topped with honey, almonds, and fruit. I always thought people were crazy for eating the same thing every day, but I honestly eat this for breakfast every day unless I'm in a hurry or lazy and just put fruit on cold cereal.  Work in the history department was as lively as you all can imagine a history office to be.  The most exciting thing I did was go tell a class their 8am class was cancelled, which didn't happen until 8:20.  Shockingly there were like 20 students still there.  Fifteen minutes people.  If you're prof isn't there, LEAVE.   But, I do like my job.  I turn on Pandora, do my homework, and get paid for it :o)

Chemistry recitation was a very minor step up in excitement from the history office, but we got out early (yay!).  Then I hit the gym for a killer workout, I can tell my legs will be sore tomorrow!  Had a nice bean salad for lunch that I made last night.  It's quite tasty and has tomatoes, artichokes, onion, celery, black bean, garbanzo beans, chicken breast, and parsley in it with a homemade dressing.  Very healthy.  I'm ruining my healthy streak today with cupcakes now.  They're white cake with raspberry filling and cream cheese frosting.  My excuse is that I'm taking some to my friend who just had her baby and my roommate is taking some to the people she babysits for.  The fact that I'm getting rid of a lot of them still doesn't negate the number of cupcakes I just ate in the last hour or so.  A number I'm not even going to admit to.... :~$

After the gym I had chemistry lecture, came home and read some psychology and took a nap in the sun for the 30 min it was out.  As you can see I lead an exciting life on a daily basis :o)  Next weekend will be much better.  Friday is the Hoo-Ha, Saturday we plan the rest of the garden, and then I head to Portland to visit my sister for her birthday and some Schindler homemade chocolate cake! I don't have pictures from today, but yesterday I took new pics of the garden, so I'll share those!
This is our entire, 10,000 sq. ft. garden.  I'm standing at the NE corner.

These four patches are planted with a variety of onions.

Peas!

Strawberry plant
New leaves growing on the raspberry canes!

Monday, April 11, 2011

Day 18: A Picture of Your Biggest Insecurity

Hmmm..well I can tell you a couple things I used to be insecure about, but I find that they don't bother me so much anymore. 

I used to hate that I have big hands and feet.  When I was in Junior High/HS I thought women were supposed to have petite little hands and feet.  I actually used to try to buy a size 9 shoe whenever possible even if they were slightly uncomfortable because a 10 was just way too big to admit to.  I don't care anymore though, I embrace my giant Schindler feet ;o)  Plus, then fewer people can ask to borrow my heels (I'm a bit protective of my shoes!).

I also really don't like that I have a bit of a hunch in my upper back.  That's one I still don't like, but I don't worry about as much anymore because it's never going away so no sense in letting it bother me.  I do remember being in High School and almost never wearing my hair in a ponytail to try covering it.  And I do remember the boy I had a monster crush on in HS telling someone he'd never date me because I have a "hunch back."  Meanest and most shallow thing I think anyone has ever said about me, but I don't waste my time on people like that anymore!  I actually kind of chuckle about it now because it is such a petty thing to judge someone on.

It is now day two of me thinking about this blog, but I woke up this morning and realized something I tend to worry about a lot.  I tend to worry that something I say or do is misinterpreted by the person(s) it was directed at.  Sometimes I worry about it for a long time and eventually push it further back in my memory.  Other times, I confront the person about it and I was usually worrying for no reason.  So, this leads me to believe I should either remind myself in this situation that I'm worrying for no reason, or confront the person about it so there is no misunderstanding.  I think I worry about this most when I feel the person will interpret it as me being rude, conceited, or insensitive.

I don't really have a picture of my insecurity, so here is my new haircut!

And here is my giant size 10 foot :o)

Saturday, April 9, 2011

Day 17: A Picture of Something that has Recently had a Huge Impact on Your Life

The MU Quad in the fall; campus is B-E-A-UTIFUL in the fall!
I would have to say that transferring to OSU last fall has had a huge impact on my life.  I haven't finished my first year here and I've already done so much networking and made connections with some great people whom I know will be good resources throughout my college career!  When I first started the pre-dietetics program I learned that the hardest/most competitive part is getting into an internship.  A GPA of 3.7 or higher is recommended and they also look at your volunteer work and other extra curriculars; they want people who are passionate about what they're doing and get as involved as possible.  I didn't have a quantitative amount to work with; I didn't know how much extra curricular activity I should participate in, so I just wanted to do it all.  Plus I didn't know where to go for this kind of opportunity and connection; I was panicking a little!  But, I was encouraged to join the Student Dietetics Association (SDA) on campus and they are always involved in a lot of activities happening on campus.  March was National Nutrition Month so for the first four days of the month we put on a huge tent event in the MU Quad.  In a few weeks we're partnering with the Organic Growers Club for their Hoo-Ha event; I think the name can tell you it's going to be a great time!  It's circus themed so there are all different performers and rides and games and food and FUN!  I'm also joining a committee for a project called "Take Back the Tap." It's purpose is to get information out to the campus population about the importance of water and using reusable water containers, etc.

I was also informed about the Undergraduate Research Award Program (URAP) on campus awarded by the College of Health and Human Sciences.  There are several research programs being facilitated by campus faculty who are looking for undergraduate apprentices and researchers; so, I applied for the "Producing for the Future" project and was accepted!  This is the gardening project I've been working on recently.  By the way, our garden is looking pretty killer right now.  The only things planted are peas, raspberries and strawberries, and today they're planting onions.  However, this garden is friggen huge!  Like 10,000 sq. ft. and we have this cool irrigation system running through it and straw paths and it just looks like it will be this big, bountiful production this summer. Unfortunately I don't have a recent picture, but trust me, it's cool.


This is only about a quarter of the garden!
 I also took an Extension class last term which got us involved in the different resources provided by Extension.  The class required us to do some assisting on projects being done by Extension which helped me form new connections.  While at the project I assisted with (which was an Iron Chef competition at the Boys & Girls Club with kids and their families, too cute!) I was working with the new SDA president so she and I got to chat about the dietetics program and the future of SDA .  Then, we were approached by the Extension food & nutrition agent who asked if SDA would be interested in assisting her with a project called Teen Maze where tons of kids are bused in from area schools and learn about healthy lifestyle choices.

So, it's only my first year here and look at the connections I've made!  I'll have an amazing networking system by the end of my fourth year :o)  Happy weekend!

Thursday, April 7, 2011

Day 16: A Picture of Someone Who Inspires You

I find that I am inspired quite easily and by the littlest things.  Seeing others perform acts of kindness is a big one, or people overcoming huge obstacles.  I guess right now I've been thinking more about the latter of the two.

As many of you probably know, my cousin Louie is in an intensive rehab clinic after sustaining a severe head trauma. It's more unfortunate than I can put into words that this happened to him, but we can't turn back time and I am so proud of him for fighting so hard and all the people who are supporting him.  Hearing his progress has made my heart so happy, ever since the day they woke him from coma.  When my family posts on Facebook or calls to tell me how their visit with him went I get so inspired because he is fighting a harder fight than I've encountered in my life and he's totally kicking ass at it!  The last update I heard was on Facebook from his dad that Louie was able to put a sentence together, Woot!  I am also inspired by the people who came together for his benefit last weekend to help raise money for his recovery.  I was told there was an estimated 400-500 people at least!  It makes me so happy to know that so many people care about him; I know that kind of energy from a group of people that large has to send some good healing vibes his way!  I suppose this little blurb really talks about both things that inspire me; acts of kindness, and overcoming obstacles.  The kind of people who come together like this for the love of one person totally rock in my book! And so does the person who everyone cares so much about....so here's to Louie, I see why your friends call you "The Man."

As for today, I am getting really sick of the weather teasing us.  It was 70 degrees last Friday and now we're back in the low 50's.  Really, I just want more sunshine (which we're supposedly getting tomorrow, then more rain) even if it's going to be cold.  I bought new spring/summer flats and capris that are calling my name.  Today has also been an up & down day.  Work was fine and class was fine until 20 min. into my 2 hour lecture when my stomach decided it did not like the turkey sandwich and yogurt I just ate and started twisting.  It felt like my intestines were going to rupture and I was afraid I may start crying or throw up.  I tried deep breathing which didn't do much but minutely distract me from the pain.  It went away once I got home and layed down.  Then I hit the garden for some heavy labor and an awesome work out; I will have a body of steal if I keep this up!  Probably not if I keep following it up with pizza like I did tonight, but I was a starvin' Marvin and starvin' Marvins don't like to cook, they just want to eat :o)  Happy (almost) Friday!

Monday, April 4, 2011

Day 15: A Picture of Something You'd Like to Do Before You Die

Oh boy, I know I'd like to travel outside the United States, but that will likely happen when I'm much older.  A part of me would also love to study other cultures' nutrition and traditions relating to food hands on.  My career goals tend to change a little every now and then.  First I wanted to focus on fitness nutrition.  Currently I want to specialize in diabetes care and it's relationship with obesity.  I'd also love to help promote gardening in private and public schools.  I'm currently working on a gardening project with young adults and think it's an important tool to teach kids and teenagers so they can start making healthy decisions on their own and possibly influence what their family eats at home.  For a while I've thought research didn't sound like my cup of tea, but now I think after I get several years of experience under my belt and hopefully have a family started research would be cool.  I also wouldn't mind teaching in my later years; maybe after researching.  And then there's that book I kind of want to write...And all those insurance companies that need to be convinced to add RD's to their list of health care professionals they will cover.  I've got a busy life ahead of me! Because I think nutrition is so awesome and cool, I am really excited to devote many of my years to it fully.  I find it exciting, invigorating, and refreshing; all the things I'd want in a career!  So now a picture to represent all of this...
A garden I might help implement at a school

Low GI foods for diabetics

Yay! We're low GI foods!  We're so tasty :o)

Some kids I might work with in another country

This is me doing research...probably not as a blonde, though.

Kids I might teach one day!

And of course that family I said I wanted...notice I also plan to lose weight before I die ;o)
Well, it's Monday and I have a surprisingly high level of energy right now.  I guess the weekend went by so fast I didn't have time to fall out of my usual groove!  I got a couple hours of work done, no gym today because that hike yesterday irritated my Baker's Cyst in my knee.  All that's left to do is study chemistry before lecture later today and get some food cuz I'm Starvin' Marvin'!  Happy Monday :o)

Sunday, April 3, 2011

Day 14: A Picture of Someone You Could Not Imagine Your Life Without

Not only are my parents genetically responsible for creating me, but they're also partly responsible for shaping me into who I've become.  Now that I am at a mature age, I can honestly say my parents are pretty much always right.  I think back to some of the arguments I remember having with them when I was an unruly teenager and realize they were right all along!  One argument I remember quite vividly was my dad telling me I didn't have my priorities straight and telling me what they should be.  Well, guess what?  My priorities have changed and they're pretty much exactly what he said they should be!

My parents are very kind and generous people, a few traits I know I've picked up by their example.  I remember my mom always cooking for a family who was going through a hard time.  Either they'd lost a family member, someone was having a medical procedure done, or anything else that can be a hardship for a family.  I mentioned this idea to my boss once when a coworker of mine was being hospitalized and had a family at home.  My boss didn't really seem to think it was necessary.  I was a little surprised at first, but simply explained it's "what we do" where I'm from.  My parents have also been generous in donating to "good causes" that come their way.  They always support any high school student selling things or donate to foundations such as Parkinson's.

I've also had the pleasure of watching them run the farm together and how they treat their employees.  Neither of them sits on a high horse; their employees are treated with respect and honesty.  I've been told by several of my ex coworkers that I always seem calm even when I've got a million things happening; or I've actually had a resident say having me at work is "like a breath of fresh air."  I think I get this part of my character from my dad.  I've learned from him that it doesn't do any good to get worked up especially if there's a job to be done.  Just stay calm, keep pushing, and eventually everything will get done.

I also owe my parents a TON of gratitude for helping me out when I moved to Oregon.  The move would not have been successful without their help and I am absolutely loving it out here (but for those wondering, no, I do not plan on living here forever!).  I love being at OSU and have had so many great opportunities presented to me, I couldn't ask for a better college experience right now!  I've gotten used to the small town vibe again, the campus is beautiful, and I've really been getting everything I ever wanted from a college experience and I owe a big thanks to my parents for all of it; I wouldn't be here without them!

Today I ventured out for my first hike since moving down here.  I decided to play it safe and go with the hike with the lowest climb height of 800 feet and boy am I glad I did!  I thought my lungs were going to explode after the first 10 minutes of steep climb, but only about the first third was steep, the rest was downhill :o)  Although I did almost get lost due to poor directions from the internet, but luckily I only went a quarter mile in the wrong direction.  I've also made the final decision that I am going to chop my giant poof of hair off so it's just touching my shoulders. Very excited for this; I've gotten sick of feeling like I have a blanket over my neck, it's just SO hot!

Saturday, April 2, 2011

Day 13: A Picture of Your Favorite Band or Artist

Ow Ow, look at those studs!  So, it's really hard for me to chose one favorite artist.  Some people like an artist and like every song they ever wrote.  However, I mostly like a whole lot of songs from different artists with different genres.  Except these guys.  I never get tired of CCR's music.  It's actually what I call my "kitchen music." I put their Greatest Hits album on repeat whenever I'm doing a lot of cooking or baking in the kitchen.

So that's that for my favorite band.  Today has been a decent Saturday, I just feel like it's going by really fast.  Started out volunteering at a Diabetes Symposium, did some shopping at Kohl's and Target with Megan, took a snooze, and I'll be on my way to the gym shortly.  Then it's study time!