Queen's Law Outdoors and Wellness Club - Goal 48!

First year law is not the most exciting time in a law student's life. It's busy, everything seems confusing and it can be very overwhelming. Now that it is behind me, I look back and although I remember the stress and anxiety what stayed with me was the rewarding and fun moments I shared with my schoolmates. I was lucky to have a year filled with a diverse number of activities, from running a race, volunteering at a legal clinic, forming part of a dance crew and making lifelong friendships. Although I tried to find balance between school and my personal life I found it difficult. At times my stress was magnified by the fact that I was not engaging in activities that made me active and healthy. 

On the ferry on our way back from Wolfe Island

This summer when I made this blog I also made a promise to lead a healthier lifestyle, with more exercise, better food and more balance. I also decided that since I saw the importance of a more balance law school life I was going to help my fellow classmates find balance in their lives... and that's how the idea of the Outdoors Club was born. I am very fortunate to have the support of my friend Julia Paille, who shared my same vision and hobbies. We founded the Queen's Law Outdoors Club and planned activities for every season, soon enough 60 people had joined. 

So far we have had two outings. The first one was a bike ride to beautiful Wolfe Island, where 10 of us rode for 24km and took the ferry back in the afternoon. Last week we had our second outing to an apple orchard where we picked the sweetest apples in Ontario. 

Apple Picking at Waddel Farm

I am so excited for the rest of the year, but what makes me the happiest is knowing that we did something small to make law school life better for everyone at Queen's. 

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Hiking the Stawamus Chief in British Columbia - Spring 2013

One of my goals is to hike a mountain every summer. This wouldn't be a goal if I lived in a place with actual mountains, but I live in flat-semi-hilly Ontario. I love mountains. I grew up in Caracas, a city surrounded by enormous mountains, where the Avila is revered as our watchful patron. Moving to Southern Ontario has made me realize how much I miss hiking mountains and appreciate the opportunities for doing so.

Caracas, my hometown.

This spring I went to Vancouver (my absolute favourite city) to visit friends, eat seafood, and most importantly reach a mountain top. My friend Julia, G and I hiked the Stawamus Chief in Squamish. This was a moderately challenging hike with unbelievable 360 views of the Howe sound, mountains and forest.

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California and Bicycle Wine Tour

Sorry for the hiatus, the past couple of weeks have been crazy. I transitioned from full-time work to part-time and second year of law school started. I felt super guilty about abandoning my blog temporarily but I was so excited to see all my friends back, enroll in classes and organize my life that it was hard to make time.

In these past few weeks that I have been away I accomplished a couple of goals! I went to California and took a Bicycle Wine Tour. G and I packed our bags and headed to San Francisco, a city neither of us had visited since we were kids. Although many aspects of the city didn't match our expectations (we thought it was going to be the place we would want to move), nevertheless it is an incredible and absolutely beautiful town. We did TONS of exploring and visited almost all the districts that tour books recommend. The best part of our stay in the city was without a doubt the food. We had some of the best meals I have had in a while (I will soon do a city guide with the names of restaurants). We were also so happy to be reunited with one of our best friends and his family, it made the vacation so much more special.

After 4 days in SF we headed north to Marin County, Napa and Sonoma. We took a day to do wineries in the Napa valley. During this day we took a Bike Tour (goal 57!), which was AMAZING. We rode for 20 km through wineries and stopped at two, one of which we fell in love and bought a couple of bottles from. The rest of the day we went to two more wineries and explored the area. One of the wineries we visited is called Silver Oak, which is a special place for us since its the wine we had at our wedding. We were so excited to be there. 

The second day in Wine Country we headed west to Sonoma, where we had lunch at the famous Russian River Brewery. G could not contain his excitement as we sampled 16 beers and had the most delicious pizza I have ever had. After we took a nap at the local mall, we continued our journey through the Russian River valley, and towards the coast. This was by far my favourite part of the trip. The Bohemian Driveway that starts in Monte Rio is a must-do if you are in the area, and a visit to the coast along the town of Bodega Bay will blow you away. It was an incredible experience and some of the most beautiful scenery I have seen in North America. 

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Recipe 9 (Goal # 33) - Arugula Pesto Fettuccine with Oven Roasted Tomatoes and Truffle Oil

This dish is pure comfort without the guilt. It is also classy enough that would impress people at a dinner party or family reunion. The strong flavors are balanced and the fresh arugula and tomato make it ideal for a warm summer night. I came up with the idea of this recipe after going for lunch at a Italian restaurant and having a pizza drizzled with truffle oil, it reminded me of how much I love it and how little I incorporate it in my dishes.

You need:
Fettuccine (tri-color preferably but really if you want to make this amazing make your own)
4 large tomatoes cut in slices
At least half a cup of olive oil
Balsamic vinegar - enough for a good drizzle
3 cups of fresh arugula
1 cup of chopped walnuts
dry oregano (preferably an Italian mix seasoning)
2 small garlic cloves
half a cup of Parmesan cheese
sea salt

First you are going to Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.

Arrange the tomatoes on a sheet pan, cut sides up, in a single layer. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Sprinkle the salt and oregano or seasoning. Roast for 25 to 30 minutes, until the tomatoes are concentrated and beginning to caramelize. Leave the tomatoes aside because you wont use them until the end.

While the tomatoes are in the oven. In the bowl of a food processor fitted with the metal blade (I use my Magic Bullet), pulse garlic until very finely chopped. Add walnut pieces, arugula and Parmesan cheese; process until a thick paste forms and then add enough olive oil so its more like a spread than a paste.

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add fettuccine and cook until al dente according to package instructions (remember if this is home-made pasta is going to take considerably less time ,  just watch the pot as it will probably vary). Drain in a colander, mix with the pesto in a bowl and add fresh arugula. Drizzle with the truffle oil, and garnish with the tomatoes. 

I am so hungry now, Enjoy!

Love,

Maria

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Recipe 8 (Goal #33) - Cheesy Broccoli and Quinoa Patties with Asparagus and Carrot "Fries"

I have been really bad about blogging lately, things at work and at home are crazy busy. My time has also been consumed by NetFlix because I started watching "Orange is the New Black", which completely took over my life. I have been cooking almost everyday, however some recipes are not worth blogging about. I also started drinking green smoothies with protein everyday, because I am in the process of (once again) becoming pescetarian (Goal # 55). 

I don't know if it is the smoothies, my new found addiction to spinning at lunch, or the weather, but lately I have been feeling AMAZINGLY happy. One of the things I know has made me cheerful is the many dinner parties I have attended or hosted, especially the ones that have happened magically with no preparation. It was at one of those impromptu parties that the patties and fries were made (Clara's idea!), with people gathered around kitchen, eating, drinking and enjoying the beauty of a carefree summer Friday afternoon.

For the patties:
1/2 cup quinoa
1 cup vegetable broth
5 large broccoli florets chopped
1 small onion, diced
1/4 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup shredded cheese
1 large egg
Salt and Pepper for seasoning
Olive oil for cooking


Cook your quinoa according to the directions on the packaging, however instead of plain water use vegetable broth to add some additional flavor Let it cool, or if you don't have time stick it in the freezer for 15 minutes.

While the quinoa is cooling , sautee the onion until translucent and add the broccoli until it has softened a little bit, then let it rest for a bit [have some wine or alternatively start working on the veggie "fries"].

Mix all the ingredients together, putting the egg last. Heat the olive oil and make your patties (making them stay together is pretty hard, so don't feel bad if they don't look perfectly round). Cook them so they are golden brown but nor charred... ENJOY!


Asparagus and Carrot "Fries":
1 tbsp of butter or coconut oil
10 asparagus stalks
4 carrots (cut in half or thirds lengthwise)
Kosher salt
garlic powder
Spanish Paprika

These are delicious - trust me.

Preheat your over to 500F. Trim you asparagus, melt the butter in a large pan or wok. Add the carrots and asparagus, mix all the other ingredients well. Transfer to a baking sheet and stick in the preheated oven for 20 min. Enjoy!


Love,

Maria

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Giving Back - Goal # 5

I am so excited to start working towards achieving Goal # 5! 

I had a wonderful childhood. I was happy, healthy and blessed with the most loving parents and family a child could ever have. I always had the emotional, financial and physical support of my parents whenever I needed any help or guidance. I know I am very fortunate, and everyday I thank the universe for giving me so much. Because all my life I have been extremely lucky I have always felt the need to give back. I have volunteered in orphanages, refugee shelters, the Ronald McDonald House and participated in many fundraising efforts. However, since I started law school I have not made an effort to volunteer in Kingston, and all year I was bothered by this... until now!

There are kids in my community who are dealing through a lot, and who perhaps don't have anyone to talk to or even play with. I am so excited to begin volunteering at the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada. This is an organization that matches adult volunteers to children needing adult mentoring. Serving as role models, mentors teach by example the importance of giving and giving back, of staying in school, and of having respect for family, peers and community.

I can't wait to meet my "little brother" or "little sister" - hopefully I can help him or her feel as strong, confident and happy as my family made me feel growing up.

Love,

Maria 

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Thousand Island Cruise and Boldt Castle!

This is quite overdue, these past couple of weeks have been really chaotic at work and at home. This trip to Boldt Castle was amazing and the perfect quick getaway! 

The Story of Boldt Castle is really interesting so I am adding it here in case you are wondering why there is a German-like castle in the St. Lawrence River.

"At the turn-of-the-century, George, C. Boldt, millionaire proprietor of the world famous Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City, set out to build a full size Rhineland Castle in Alexandria Bay, on Picturesque Heart Island. The castle was to be a display of his love for his wife, Louise.In 1904, tragedy struck. Boldt telegrammed the island and commanded the workers to immediately "stop all construction". Louise had died suddenly. A broken hearted Boldt could not imagine his dream castle without his beloved. Boldt never returned to the island, leaving behind the structure as a monument of his love. For years it was left abandoned but in 1977 the 1000 Island Bridge Authority acquired the property and have been spending millions in restoration and preservation."

I really recommend this trip if you are ever in the Canadian 1000 island region or in upstate New York, the cruise takes you through several islands and the views are incredible. The cottages on the water are beautiful and you even get a chance to see the only property that is both in Canadian and America territory. 

Love,

Maria

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Recipe 7 (Goal # 33) -Tuna Potato Salad with Peas and Paprika Aioli

My friend Hayley claims she doesn't like to cook, I think this is a lie because she is a wonderful baker. She complained that my recipes were too hard and took to much time. For her I decided to prepare this REALLY easy potato salad, that can stand on its own or be a wonderful side for a pot luck or large dinner. 

The best part about this salad is that it basically has all your food groups in one dish, protein, carbs and veggies and you can store it in the fridge for a couple of days!

Ingredients: (enough for 4)

2 cans of tuna - preferably in oil ( I used the one seasoned with jalapenos) 

3 eggs

300 g of Sweet Peas - a small bag

500 g of Ruby Little Gems Red Mini Potatoes - about 15 little potatoes or a small bag

2 tbsp of light mayonnaise

1 tsp of olive oil

1 tsp of Smoked Spanish Paprika

1 tsp of garlic powder

Cut the mini potatoes in half. Boil the potatoes with a pinch of salt, when the potatoes are about to be done throw in the peas in the same pot and cook for about 5 min. Drain the potatoes and peas and throw them in a large bowl. Drain the tuna and add it to the potatoes and peas, making sure the pieces of tuna are not too large. 

At the same time that you started to boil the potatoes in a different pot boil the eggs, leave them for enough to ensure they are hard boiled. 

Aioli:
In a small bowl put two generous tbsp of light mayonnaise, and paprika, garlic powder and a little olive oil to make it smoother. Taste it, and play with the ingredients until its perfect!

Love,

Maria 

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Recipe 6 (Goal # 33) - Seared Duck Breast with Mushroom/Zucchini Gnocchi

I never had duck until very recently. I am Venezuelan and this bird is not really part of our cuisine. I also like ducks alive, they are cute and adorable and my mom used to collect duck figurines. As a non-red-meat eater I also didn't venture outside of the typical birds. I think all these elements combined drew me back from ordering duck at Chinese restaurants, and no matter how delicious it seemed Duck Confit never made it to my plate. 

Then I met G, he is half-Hungarian, and they eat duck like it is chicken. His family actually has this holiday called "Duck Day" in which his uncle (who is a fabulous cook) roasts 12 to 15 ducks. His mom cooks breast on a regular basis and the smell of duck fat alone reminds me of his family home. I have been living with G for 5 years and never cooked duck until this week. It was a conscious effort on my part, not because it's my favorite, but because I want duck to be part of our home as it was for him growing up. I want my future kids to be comfortable on Duck Day and to love and look forward to their grandma's duck dishes. 

Although this was my first time, duck was good to me. The breast cooked crispy, juicy and delicious. Combined with the berry compote the flavors blended wonderfully. I accompanied the breasts with a mushroom-zucchini gnocchi and laid it on a bed of greens. 

This dish looks fancy and complicated but really it is not, it took me less than an hour to prepare and the ingredients are probably in your weekly grocery list... well except the duck. You can also use sour cherry jam if you don't have time to make the compote.

Ingredients: (dinner for 4)

4 duck breasts

Mixed greens(for a bed to lay the duckies on)

Gnocchi:

500g Gnocchi. Preferably homemade or  if you don't have time De Cecco brand is great

1 or 2 Zucchini depending on size - finely chopped

1 1/2 cups of cremini mushrooms - finely chopped 

1/2 onion - finely diced

1 clove of garlic crushed using a press or a mortar (powder equivalent works too)

1 tsp of seasoning blend 

1 tbsp of olive oil or butter

A squirt (2 tbsp) of white wine or wheat beer

Parmesan cheese

Salt to taste

Berry Compote:

2 cups of raspberries
1 cup of blackberries
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Duck
Rinse the duck breast halves and pat dry. With a sharp knife make criss cross incisions on the fat-side of the breast without cutting too deep. Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Immediately place the duck breasts in the pan, skin and fat side down. Do not move the duck breasts until the skin is deep brown, about 5 minutes. Discard the fat. Turn the breasts and cook until the internal temperature of the thickest part is 160 degrees F (71 degrees C) for well done. I would advice covering it to make sure it cooks evenly and juicy.

For the gnocchi - assuming it is ready or store bought 

Chop the zucchini, mushrooms, onions and prepare the garlic. Preheat a large skillet over medium heat. Sautee the onion and garlic with a bit of olive oil or butter until the onions become translucent. Add the mushrooms and zucchini.  When the mushrooms have shrunk quite a bit and the zucchini is looking soft add the wine or beer. Let it simmer on low until combining with the gnocchi. 

Bring a large pot of water to a boil; add 1 tablespoon salt. Add the gnocchi; when they rise to the top (after about 2 minutes), continue to cook until tender, about 15 seconds more. Transfer gnocchi with a slotted spoon to the pan with the mushroom-zucchini.

Mixed well adding olive oil if needed and a generous amount of Parmesan cheese. 

Love,

Maria

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Veggie Burgers! (Goal # 39)

Believe me it tastes amazing, please forgive my messiness...

Veggie burgers are tough to make, trust me this was not my first attempt, and I still feel they are not perfect (expect an update!). My recipe uses a quinoa base, they are not vegan since they contain eggs and cheese and we are working on making them stay together. Although they are not pretty enough for a food magazine, I feel I accomplished this goal because they are absolutely DELICIOUS!

These were the perfect dinner to accompany a delicious peppery Greek salad my friend Clara brought to our weekly -please don't judge- Bachelor(ette) TV Night. The patties paired wonderfully with any (or all) of the following: salsa, sriracha, mustard. ketchup, pesto, goat cheese... really anything you love to put on top of your veggie burgers. Check the recipe below to make your own!

Ingredients: Makes about 3 burgers

1/2 cup uncooked quinoa (about 2 cups cooked)

1 tsp olive oil 

1/2 227 g pkg cremini mushrooms, coarsely grated (1 cup)

1 cup coarsely grated zucchini

3/4 cup coarsely grated carrot

1 small shallot, minced (or onion)

1 garlic clove, minced (powder works too)

2 egg, beaten

1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese 

3 tbsp cornstarch 

1/4 tsp salt 

1/8 tsp cayenne pepper 

Cook quinoa according to package directions, omitting salt, about 14 min. Transfer to a large bowl.

Heat a large, wide non-stick frying pan over medium. Add oil, then mushrooms, zucchini, carrot, shallot and garlic. Cook until soft, about 5 min. Add to quinoa. Stir in egg, cornstarch, salt, cheese and cayenne.

Heat the same non-stick frying pan over medium. Firmly press quinoa mixture into a 1/2-cup measuring cup. Turn and release into pan. Gently press to shape into a patty about 4 in. wide. Repeat, cooking 2 patties at a time. Cook until golden and warmed through, about 4 min per side.

You can use portobello mushrooms as the "bread" or Boston bib lettuce wraps if you don't want to add any carbs to this awesome, healthy and tasty dish.

Love, 

Maria 

ps: If you are Venezuelan, use a TostiArepa, it really does the trick to make them stick together!

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Running, Travelling ... Updates on Goals!

Hi Everyone,

I haven't accomplished a full goal this week but I have made TONS of progress in a few:

Today I ran a 10K - this was a very special race because it was the first one that G ran with me. He only did a 5K but he was amazing at it and I am so very proud of him. I did a 10k in an hour which is around 12 min more than my last 10K, but I barely did any exercised during the crazy school year and my running shape really suffered. Nonetheless, I am happy with my performance and most importantly I finished it and it is one step closer to fulfilling Goal #12!

We are going to California (Goal # 26)! Yesterday we booked our tickets for our end of summer vacation (around Labour Day Weekend) and we decided on San Francisco and a road trip to Napa and Sonoma. We had a pair of tickets we needed to use before October and it worked out perfectly. I am so excited and we can't believe it is happening in little over a month. We would love to hear suggestions if you have been or lived in the area. 

For the long weekend in August we are going to Montreal (Goal #42 - although I already went once in June w/ Naomi) and we have tickets to Osheaga Music Festival (Goal # 20). I get to see The Cure, although this is not one my goals it is nevertheless a dream come true!

I am also getting better at doing my own manicures... (Goal # 43)

I am currently reading Notes from Underground (Goal # 35) and really liking it! I also bought Crime and Punishment which I will probably start reading soon. 

We are planning to go to Boldt Castle (Goal # 47) when G's parents visit next week and I am giving it another try to a new recipe for veggie burgers tomorrow (Goal # 39).

Love,

Maria 

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Raspberry Cheesecake and Failed Attempts

No one is perfect, I know, however I lose sight of that in the kitchen. There is nothing I hate more than spending time and money on a recipe and it not turning out to be as planned or sometime even edible. This weekend I had 2 weddings on one night, needless to say I was rundown and exhausted. Although tired and busy I made time to cook some recipes I wanted to try for a while... and they all flopped. 

First I made a no-bake raspberry/blueberry cheesecake (see picture above), although it looks beautiful in my opinion it tasted like a tub of cream cheese, then I made croissants  and they were just a buttery mess. I also tried to fulfill goal #39 - make my own veggie burgers and let me just say that they were closer to hummus than patties.

I am making blueberry jam tonight and Coq Au Riesling, they may not turn out perfect but that's the beauty of cooking I guess it shows you that no matter what we are all human in the end. 

Here is a recipe for a successful Raspberry Cheesecake I made years ago:

8 digestive biscuits (arrowroot or Maria cookies if you are Venezuelan)
50g butter, melted
600g cream cheese
2 tbsp plain flour
175g sugar
vanilla extract
2 eggs, plus 1 yolk
142ml sour cream
300g raspberries
icing sugar

Heat the oven to 350F. Crush 8 digestive biscuits in a food processor (or put in a plastic bag and bash with a rolling pin). Mix with 50g melted butter. Press into a 20cm pie tin and bake for 5 minutes, then cool.

Beat 600g cream cheese with 2 tbsp of flour, 175g  sugar, a few drops of vanilla extract, 2 eggs, 1 yolk and a 142ml sour cream until light and fluffy. Stir in 150g raspberries and pour into the tin. Bake for 40 minutes and then check, it should be set but slightly wobbly in the center  Leave in the tin to cool.

Using the remaining 150g raspberries, keep a few for the top and put the rest in a pan with 1 tbsp icing sugar. Heat until juicy and then squash with a fork. Push through a sieve. Serve the cheesecake with the raspberry sauce and raspberries ( I like to use my home made jam on top when too lazy to do this last step).

Love,

Maria 

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Recipe 3 (Goal #33) - Kebabs and Zucchini Corn Picadillo

So it appears that I am a keener at accomplishing goals that entail eating but I swear I am working on other ones too. I bought tickets to Osheaga (goal #20), I have been doing planks and push ups everyday (up to 20 in a row!) and I am making all sorts weekend plans, the problem is that work, weddings and socializing get in the way (trivia and softball take a lot of my time).

Anyways this recipe is amazing, like honestly its a staple in my kitchen and its so easy that it will be in your weekly menu after the first time you cook it. I was a vegetarian for 5 years and I still don't eat any red meat or pork, however as you may have noticed I now eat poultry and fish and most of my recipes will be limited to these food groups (i love cooking everything so I am going to include some recipes I can't eat).

The kebabs are really easy to make, I usually just include red/green peppers, red onion and chicken breast pieces (you can substitute sirloin if you want red meat). The key is to make the pieces of meat large enough that they will cook evenly in the bbq (you can also make this dish in the oven - 350F for about 40 min). I season my chicken with olive oil, garlic, salt and a pinch of cayenne pepper - leave it overnight or if I am running out of time 30min in the fridge. 

For the Picadillo: Sautée onions (chopped very finely) with olive oil a bit of garlic powder and white wine, add the zucchini (cut in 1inch pieces). Cover when its simmering until the zucchini has softened and its beginning to brown. If you have a bbq roast 2 corns on the cob and shave the kernels into the simmering mix, if you are running low on time or are not barbecuing just use canned corn. Chop a handful of cilantro very finely and mix everything in a bowl. Finish off with a bit of lemon juice and add as much salt as you like. 

This dish only takes about an hour from start to eating, and its one that is delicious and healthy. You can obviously make the kebabs with any salad, and substitute the chicken with meat, lamb, shrimp.. etc the possibilities are endles. 

Love,

Maria 

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Recipe 2 (Goal #33) - Cornish Hens

Cornish hens were always a mystery to me, are they chickens? hens? a small duck? I had no idea even after I purchased them. I had always seen them featured in menus at fancy restaurants and since I started shopping at Farm Boy I always saw them in the poultry fridge. One day I was browsing my favourite cooking book - Nigella Express (the best!!) and I came across a deliciously looking dish that called for poussins. Once again I was at a lost, I had never heard of this chicken looking animal, who knew they were so many?! I started doing a bit of research and with the help of Wikipedia I discovered that poussins are cornish hens and that they are a chicken variety bred in the United States. As Frank Costanza from Seinfeld once put it cornish hens are just "little chickens" (see picture below). The advantages of cornish hens are: 1) They are super cute 2) It sounds fancier than roast chicken 3) Most of them are not factory farmed raised since their production is small 4) They are as easy to cook as regular sized chickens. 

I prepared mine as I usually make my sunday roast chicken, rubbed down with olive oil garlic powder, Kosher salt, paprika and peach jam. As a side I roasted potatoes, carrots and yams and since I had it handy I also baked a couple of plantains. I usually roast the veggies separately and when the bird is about to be done I transfer them to the same dish so they get a bit of the juices and flavour.

This was a dish that looked and tasted amazing and super easy to make just stuck everything in the oven for 40 min at 420F and served with a nice glass of Riesling.  

Love,

Maria

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Day 1 and Giveaway Winner!

Today is the first day of the challenge and I am super excited to begin this journey and have the support of family and friends. I already started working on many of my goals (running, cooking and planning trips). 

The winner of the 18 month Moleskine day-planner is Jessica Rosenbaum! Thank you everyone that participated it, it really meant a lot for me and I hope that putting your goals in writing helps you find focus to accomplish all your beautiful dreams :)

Love,

Maria 

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Lava Cake

First Goal Accomplished! Goal # 27! This lava cake was the "sweetest" way to kick off the challenge! It was so so easy to make , just melt chocolate and 1/2 a cup of butter, 2 eggs and 2 yolks, 6 spoons of flour and a cup of sugar blend it all in a mixer and bake it in separate ramekins at 425F for 13 min. I added my homemade berry jam (see goal #15) and it paired magically! 
This recipe will definitely be part of my recipe book (see goal #33) and one that I look forward to making at many future dinner parties. 

If you want the full recipe click here

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Countdown Start Day Giveaway!

It has been so wonderful to receive support from so many friends around the world! I am SO excited for the start date and I have already made some progress with some of my goals so I can have a few post ready for the grand day!

As a sign of appreciation I wanted to officially launch the blog with a prize giveaway. The winner will receive a Moleskine 18-Month Pocket Diary Planner! 

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Grades - do they make it in the list?

Today was a very anticipated day for me and all my classmates, we finally received grades for our 1st year law classes. Like everyone else I was anxious because everyone knows (and tells you) how important grades are for starting your career. Now after knowing my grades and after having more than 6 weeks to think about it I can say that grades are important and all but they definitely don't make the cut to be on my "goal list". 

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Why am I doing this?!

Well for many reasons actually:

1) I love making lists, it gives me directions and helps with my tendencies to procrastinate. I make lists daily, for what I am doing that morning, groceries, books.. you name it I have probably made a list.
2) I have this self conscious fear of not accomplishing things, but sometimes that fears is irrational because I am not even sure of what I am suppose to be accomplishing in the first place. With a list I can't feel bad about not doing something that is not on it.
3) I am a firm believer that once you write things down they become more real. That's why I am very careful of what a write and super sloppy with what I say sometimes.
4) I feel life is moving pretty fast for me right now and this list will remind me of the things that are important and I should be doing, no matter how small or insignificant in some way they are goals I have set for myself or dreams I strive to materialize.
5) Because putting it on the Internet allows me to share my journey with the people I love who are near and far, and provides a vehicle for awareness to those who want to join me!
6) Because it will make an awesome journal to look back and see a post or a picture from every goal I scratch of the list. And that alone is enough reason for me and the best 30 year  birthday gift I could ever wish for!

The start time of this exciting adventure is June 23, 2013 - not a particularly important date in my life but its around the time 27 years ago I was conceived (ha!). I chose the age of 30 as my deadline because it's an age by which I will be out of school, working, and transitioning to another set of goals (motherhood, professional achievements, mortgage... etc). I am not implying this is an age by which people in general should accomplish dreams and goals, to be perfectly honest I picked 30 because it gives me enough time to do 1o0 things while still putting some necessary pressure!

Hope to see you again as I accomplish each one of the goals in my list!

Love,

Maria

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