Update on the (short)list!

When I arrived home last week, I made a list of things I wanted to do while I was in Montana!  Here is a little update!

1). Relax- truly breath in the fresh mountain air and slow down
Well, I feel like I have done a fairly good job at spending time well- including ample sleeping time (8-9 hours per day!!!) and naps every other day :)


2). Bike/exercise daily 
I have only missed one day (Saturday) since I have been home.  I have gone on 3 long bike rides (15, 20 and 14 miles) with another one schedule for this afternoon!  Here are some pictures- its true that pictures do not do justice for natural beauty! On the days it hasnt been bike friendly weather, I accompanied my dad to the gym in town

West Kalispell 

Looking North

My trusty ride :) 

Glacier Park 

Western Slope of Rocky Mountains

3). Take a break from social media (cross off #9 on my list)
Check out FB updates here


4). Study up to 6 hours per day (but no more- allowing myself to maintain boundaries and sanity)
There have been a couple of days that I have studied more than 6 hours, but for the most part I have maintained a good balance.  On my most recent practice exam I passed!  


5). Begin cleaning documents off my computer from grad school
I have begun this horrible, hair-pulling task! It is not my favorite by any means.  I found away to upload/categorize research articles so they can be taken off my computer, but have access to them whenever I need them! I am only through my first year's worth of documents.


6). Begin photo book of graduate school pictures (#76)
I have now uploaded all three years of pictures to shutterfly! I cannot believe how many pictures I took throughout grad school. This is going to be a more involved project than I originally anticipated.  But, I know it will be worth it when it is finished!


7). Have individual adventures with each of my parents
I went to Big Fork on Saturday with my mom to go to a quilt show and then shopping in the town.  I am not a big shopper, but we had fun and found some really cute, unique gifts for people!  My dad and I have had some good time at the gym, talking about fitness and heart healthy foods (my dad had a quad bypass in Feb and is recovering nicely).  


8). Write. Reflecting on the past few weeks and years
I did not do so well at this one... to be continued!


9). Discover one new place in my town
Today, I ventured into a used book store that I have always wanted to go to! I cannot believe it has taken me this long!  The smell of used books was intoxicating and I hate to admit it, but I spent a solid 90 minutes in this little shop. I found an old WWII pamphlet that documents various countries planes and flight warfare. I of course bought it, and it was $1!!  And it was not at all weird that as I walked in, the owner was sharpening a knife blade (welcome to MT). Also, I was wondering through the store and was almost tackled by the owners puppy.  

10). Read a pleasure book
I started reading 50 Shades of Grey on my new iPad! Although the book is very poorly simply written, it is a page-turner.  The S&M topic is a bit intense at times, but the book takes place in Seattle/Portland and I love that!!! I will likely change gears and read either Let the Great World Spin by Colum McCann or The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson.


I cannot believe I actually made progress on this list! And yet, still been able to get a considerable amount of studying done! We head to Oregon tomorrow! So excited to see my brother and sister-in-law and sweet baby James!