As said by John Wooden...

Lately I have been feeling completely overwhelmed and I am so ready for life to slow down just a bit so I can catch my breath. I am soon going to have to make so big decisions and I feel slightly torn on what I should do and I've been trying to not let other peoples opinions influence my future, which can be difficult cause it any of you are like me you don't want to hurt or disappoint anyone.

While I was completing my research for my thesis last week I was looking for a strong quote by a true icon. During my research I ran across a page on ESPN's website with John Wooden quotes. The life lessons taught by John Wooden have become legend and lately I have been completely taken by some of his quotes. Here are a few of my favorite John Wooden life lessons:

"Success is peace of mind which is a direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing you made the effort to become the best that you are capable of becoming"

"Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are."

"You can't let praise or criticism get to you. It's a weakness to get caught up in either one."

"If you're not making mistakes, then you're not doing anything. I'm positive that a doer makes mistakes."

"Do not let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do."

"Talent is God-given. Be humble. Fame is man-given. Be grateful. Conceit is self-given. Be careful."

"Success comes from knowing that you did your best to become the best that you are capable of becoming."

"Success is never final; failure is never fatal. It's courage that counts."

- John Wooden, Head Basketball Coach, UCLA

...Now what...

Friday was a day I had both been waiting for and dreading...my thesis was due for its first review. I now have a one week break till I get the stinkin thing back for edits/revisions and I'm not sure what to do with myself in my free time now that I don't have to be attached to my laptop and Blackberry. Oh and just a heads up, after August 13th you can just call me The Master!

This week I do have a couple of things that I am going to be doing to fill my time. I have an interview one morning with a downtown communications firm that handles clients such as Stetson and the magazine Cowboys and Indians (pretty much the Vanity Fair of cowboy magazines).

Also Wednesday night my friends and I are all going to Lady Gaga. My friend Cortney and I were lucky enough to score floor tickets to the concert and I can't wait...I'm still in the process of trying to put together an over-the-top outfit to wear to the over-the-top concert! After the concert she is going to be spinning at a club downtown so of course we are going for the after party!

Now that I do have some free time I am looking forward to being able to read for pleasure again so if anyone has any recommendations let me know!

The Biggest Loser

Summer is finally in full swing! When I'm not spending my time attached to my laptop
(which I'm starting to think is another body appendage) writing my thesis (which has been taking up 90% of life) I can be found on the driving range, soaking up the sun poolside, or on a patio somewhere taking in happy hour or Sunday Funday (bottomless mimosas anyone?!?).

In celebration of JHT and I finishing our thesis and master program in August we decided we needed a way to celebrate...we (the 4 of us) are headed to Vegas for Labor Day weekend! Since we are planning this fabulous 4 day vacation in Sin City we are doing what every other girl does before a big trip/event and decided that its time to shed a bit a weight so we will all be in fine form.

All of us are frequent watchers of the show The Biggest Loser so we decided that we would get a little competitive when it comes to our weight loss. The prize is yet to be determined but we are leaning towards to loser having to buy the other three tickets to show while we are in Vegas...we are thinking maybe Peepshow. We are creating a chart to record everyone's progress and we will do weekly Monday night weigh-ins.

So its on. Time to start rocking the gym and get this expanding behind of mine back in shape--I'm going to win this deal! If anyone has any tips or advice please share!