Financially Savvy

Here is a skill I have yet to add to my repertoire, let alone perfect -- being financially savvy. Even though I took courses in nearly every department during college, from crop sciences to human development, neuroanatomy to business law, I never took ANY business classes (something I most definitely regret now). But there is a website and newsletter that have greatly improved my financial vocabulary and understanding: The Motley Fool.

Visit their website and you'll be amazed how much information they give you for FREE! Following both current market trends and basic lessons it has something for everyone. This day in age if you can make money and you want it to last, you need to know how to invest and follow the market. Its a life skill none of us should be without.

Long Walks with My Dog

Spending over an hour this morning walking Dillon, my 2 year old, 60 lb., shepherd-mix dog, along the Missouri River was by far the highlight of my day. Not only is she a great buddy but going without anyone I know ensures a rest for my mouth and my mind (as I tend to be pretty chatty majority of the time) as well as bonding with her and getting some much needed exercise. One of the reasons we got Dillon, and made sure she was bigger than a lap dog, was to have a running, walking, exploring buddy that I felt somewhat safe with alone as well. She definitely fits the bill and is always ready to hop into the car and go anywhere, as long as the window is down on both sides so she can pace the backseat and catch all the action whizzing by. :)

If you have the time and yard to keep a dog I recommend you go to your nearest Humane Society, pick up a pup and improve your health by having man's best friend waiting at the door and ready for anything (as long as water and treats are along for the ride). :)

New insights

I just wanted to start off by saying that I'm so glad that you, Laura, have gotten back into blogging. It makes me very happy! So I came to the conclusion during my journey that I don't mesh with Houston well. I'm not sure what it is, but Houston and I have different energies(for lack of a better word). Yet, I have no idea where I want to live next. I have been back in school now for two days. I have mixed feeling about this. I think I will enjoy both classes that I'm taking, but I'm ready to be done with school. The weather here has been very rainy, and not the kind where you can still go out and do whatever you need to do. I guess it is hurricane season. Thanks for the feng shui info. I should look into that for when I move apartments at the end of the month. There is not a lot going on since I've been back. I did just want to put a topic from my health in education class out there. Today my professor talked about different areas of health and how they all affect each other. In other words, one part of your life (under your control or not) can affect any other part of your life. So the sooner you fix or adjust to whatever is wrong, the sooner that the rest of your life will be in better condition too!

Fresh Mountain Air... Does the Body Good!

For the last 3 days I have been enjoying the crisp mountain air of Arrowhead, CO with my family over the 4th of July weekend which has been just phenomenal. There is something to be said for living in a place like CO when it comes to your health... especially the mountains. Everywhere you turn there are fantastic outdoor activities to enjoy and easy ways to get exercise and take in the spectacular scenery. From the walks along the Eagle River, to fly fishing and white water rafting in one, 18-holes of golf and hiking narrow trails among giant tree groves, the mountains of Colorado have it all. And you can't help but want to get outside and enjoy every minute of it!

Bring Balance to Life & Home with Feng Shui

I have heard about Feng Shui for years now but have never really tried to arrange my house, office or life in that way. Seeing as how I was positiviely surprised by acupuncture I can't see why I shouldn't try Feng Shui since they are both ancient Chinese traditions. Feng Shui takes the basic elements of life (no...not sleep, beer & money)-- wind, water, earth, metal, fire & wood -- and artistically places them in a formation that enhances harmony and energy within a space.

Since most of us spend about 1/3 of our day in the bedroom I figured it would be a logical place to start. Two quick tips: Don't keep the TV in your bedroom (and if you do, cover the screen with a cloth when you head to bed) and don't keep your main work station or computer in your bedroom if you can avoid it. Both muddle the good Chi in your room and will be counter-productive to achieving a balanced space. Also, be sure to have your bed in "command" position -- meaning it is across the room from the door, flush with a wall for support, and takes the "main-stage" within the space. Now, add a little bamboo in a vase, some chanting music in the background, and a lemongrass-scented candle and I would say you were well on your way to peace and restoration.

The good thing is our room doesn't have far to go -- our bed is in the right place, we don't keep a TV in our bedroom, and if the computer makes it upstairs, it is typically shut down and unnoticeable once we head to bed. I DO however need a lemongrass candle... mmm, sounds so fresh -- I feel the need for a Target trip tomorrow! Maybe my next entry should be retail-therapy... is that a legitimate discipline? If only my insurance would cover it.

Happy Re-arranging! :)

Picture courtesy of: http://www.eco-furniture.com/

Good to be home!

So I'm finally back in the states. Now I just have to adjust my time and try to start eating healthy again. Clearly I've still been doing something wrong since I was working out with a trainor 3 days a week and eating healthy most of the time. So I'm starting fresh now that I'm back. I did lose a little bit of weight while I was gone. So I'm trying to figure out what works for me, as I think everyone is. I hope that all of you are enjoying your summer and having luck being healthy. I'll post some funny stories soon from my trip and any discoveries as to what might work for me! Ali
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