Ready For Take Off!

Just getting ready to head to the airport ...... can't wait for the adventure that awaits!!
Good-bye Ottawa, Africa here we come!!!

Gearing up for our African Adventure

Habari,

It’s the day before I leave for AFRICA, and I’m surprisingly calm and on schedule with completed to-do list tasks. I feel like a kid, about to get on a plane for the very first time with so many thoughts going through my head. Going to East Africa has been at the top of my bucket list for as long as I can remember primarily because I wanted to experience the rich culture of East Africa. The sights, sounds, climate and spirit that is East Africa, is something that has been embedded in me by stories from my grandparents and parents alike. Being able to work, as a Registered Nurse in Maternal Infant Health is something that I am ecstatic about although, not knowing what to expect is a little bit nerve wrecking. That's okay, there will be plenty of adrenaline to get me through the days ahead!

Definitely the best part of this whole journey is being able to experience it all with my best friend and love of my life. We have wanted to do something like this for a number of years now, so this definitely feels like a dream come true!  

As most of you are aware, I am OBSESSED with animals so I will blog as much as possible when we visit Tarangire, Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater which is our first stop on this journey!! A phrase that I will be using a lot starting day 1 is "kuua buibui" which means KILL THE SPIDER. That phrase will generally be used when running at full speed with my heart feeling like it is going to explode!  Okay, not going to think too much about that right now, I have enough RAID to last me a long time!

Until my next post,

Tutaonana,

Roshena

Turning 30 Part 2: Passion & Purpose!

The picture above touches on many reasons why I absolutely love my profession. From mentors to educators, clinical experts to advocates, nursing blends science with caring and technical knowledge with humanity. Nursing is all the things I love in a single profession but it took me a long time to figure out that Nursing was for me.

When I first entered the University scene, I had no clue what my passion was. I loved a lot of things and couldn't understand how I needed to decide at such a young age what I intended to do with my life. I took a few random courses here and there and really enjoyed the area of Criminology. I went on to graduate with a B.A. in Criminology and thought about pursuing law but my head and heart were at odds with each other and it didn't really seem like a good fit for me. You're probably wondering where I'm going with this, but just be patient, it will all make sense. I decided to take some time off and re-evaluate what I wanted to do with my life and volunteered at a women's shelter. It was during that time, that I met a young woman who had three small children under the age of five. She was trying to restart her life after leaving an abusive partner and was determined to ensure that her children were brought up in a safe environment. She was witty, charismatic, strong-minded and driven to make a change in her life just as I was soul-searching and hoping to find something I was truly passionate about. To be honest, I’m really not sure at what point Nursing entered the realm of possible professions for me, but it encompassed the promotion and optimization of health with families, communities and every population possible and seemed to jive well with my personality and interests. I spent the next several months cross examining the profession, I knew very little about and then decided to apply to Nursing School! I had no science background whatsoever, and Biology and Chemistry in high school were a complete nightmare so I had lots of obstacle creators in my path, all in good faith telling me, I should pursue something else. I graduated with a B.S.N two years later and have loved my career choice since. 

In my earlier post, I had mentioned that I was reading a book titled, "30. Things to do when you turn 30." and the second chapter of this book talks about Passion and Purpose. I can definitely say that I have found my passion however, it is only in the realization of dreams that your purpose can ring true. I often hear parents telling their children to dream big and dream deeply but that concept is for children and adults alike. Thirty is a time for transition, for self discipline, for new roles but more importantly, thirty is also a time to dream passionately about the life you want to lead. For me, the most important tip I have to move forward in this new decade is to live for today, not put time restraints or attach numbers to milestones (i.e. having a baby, buying a house and so forth). For me, it’s about taking pride in what I have accomplished and continuing to feed my passion daily. 

If I compare my profession to a puzzle, it is still missing a few pieces, and my ultimate career destination is by no means near, but I can tell you that I’m going to enjoy every bit of my nursing adventure along the way.

Cowboy Cookies

History states that cowboys used to make these cookies because they were jam packed with nutrients and great snacks while riding. Basically a powerbar but in the form of a cookie. They are definitely jam packed with oats, cornflakes, raisins and chocolate chips and roughly 100 calories per cookie. Feel free to modify the recipe as you see fit and add more or less of the ingredients you like. The best part of baking is experimenting and trying new things that work for you! Enjoy!

If cooked correctly, cookies should melt in your mouth but still have a little bit of crunch to them. Do not overcook!

Recipe:

1 cup all purpose flour

1/2 tsp each baking soda and salt

3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

3/4 cup packed brown sugar

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1 tsp vanilla

1 1/2 cup rolled oats

1 1/2 cup cornflakes

3/4 cup raisins (I used 1/4 cup)

1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips

In a bowl whisk together flour, baking soda and salt. Set aside

In a separate bowl, beat butter, brown sugar and granulated sugar. Beat until fluffy, about one minute. Beat in egg and vanilla.

Using a wooden spoon stir in flour mixture and all remaining ingredients until well combined.

Drop generous 1 tablespoon portions about 5 cm apart on a parchment lined baking sheet. Bake at 350 degrees until edges and tops begin to brown about 12-14 minutes. 

Makes 36 cookies.

Cakefullness

Friends would describe me as creative and I have always loved to bake, (see previous posts) but nothing prepared me for my excitement when I registered for my very first Wilton Cake Decorating Class. I felt like a kid in a candy store multiplied by 1000. My girlfriend Z, also did the course with me and between our perfectionist OCD personalities and eager to learn attitudes we definitely provided the class with lots of comic relief. By the last class, they were ready to hire us as their advertising reps. Here are some pictures of our creations. 

Just in time for Spring :)

If you are even thinking about taking this course, feel free to ask me as many questions as you like. I can't wait to take the next class and super excited to make my next cake!!!!

Turning 30...

This, blog took a huge backseat the past few several months but I'm back
and energized so this post will hopefully make up for my lengthy
absence.

I have definitely had a little, (okay) slightly major, midlife crisis
with turning 30 a couple weeks ago but I have regained perspective and
am dedicating the next four posts to what turning or being thirty means to me!
My girlfriends here in Ottawa gifted me a book titled "30. Things To Do

When You Turn 30" and I must admit, when I first got this book, I

looked it up and down and didn't dare open a page... I then
proceeded to put it in a far corner so that the big 30 didn't stare me in
the face. Today, for whatever reason, with a deep breath, I opened the book to page 1.

A must read!!! 

In the last ten years of my life I have experienced peaks and valleys and
have had a mix of personal challenges, career struggles and lots of soul searching. 

A decade is a long time and so I decided to spend a moment to reflect on what this decade has taught me and some of the valuable lessons that I have learnt.

Follow your heart..only you know what's best for you..
You have no idea what your creativity, charisma, perspective,
determination, identity and willingness to be yourself means to those
around you. Embrace who you are and listen to your gut.

Heartache is a good sign that the heart works.
I have had my share of heartache and while that intense anguish takes
over your mind, body and soul and leaves every bit of you aching, it
also means you are vulnerable and willing to let people in. That's a
good thing!


The most important things in life are not things but people, and
relationships take work.
Value the people in your life, take the extra time to make them feel
important. We live in a society where materialism and wealth supercede
the most important human need, to be loved. Relationships are work and
if it's not working, take a moment to reflect and make a change!

Don't rush, slow down, take a deep breath and enjoy every moment.
There is beauty all around us, we often are too busy to notice it.
Look at the small child on the playground living life carefree, take a
moment and gaze at the pretty flowers on your way to work, admire the
senior couple who still holds hands while talking a walk. Life is
Sweet!

Appreciate more...
Wake up every morning and say what you are thankful for in your head.
I usually spend the first ten minutes reciting my thanks. It sets the
tone for your day.


You have the power to change what you want in your life, seriously,
so stop making excuses.
Change comes from within, so fuel your fire and go after your dreams


Get outside of your comfort zone, meet someone new, travel to an
unknown destination and have as much fun as possible doing it.
Don't worry about what the person beside you is going to think when
you attempt something you have never done. Give it your best shot and
have fun. I  moved to Ottawa dammit, so if I can do it, so can you!


Don't be afraid to say "I'm sorry"
Those two words have the ability to change everything. I can think of
examples in my life where, I didn't dare utter those words for fear of
being wrong. It's not about being right or wrong. It's being able to
put your pride aside and apologize for your contribution to the
situation. As I like to say, just go and hug it out ;)


It's okay to feel dissatisfaction with where your life is as long
as you can reflect and reevaluate and let it re-energize you to regain
control.
It's okay to not always have all the answers but there are always
things you can do to regain control of your life and take a step in a
positive direction. Set goals and WRITE THEM DOWN! It honestly makes a huge difference mentally when you look at them countless times throughout the day.


Maintaining an open unobstructive heart and sound mind are of utmost priority.
Do what makes you happy. For me, journeling, yoga, going for long
walks, traveling, being crazy with my husband and friends, facetime with my loved ones at home and dancing get me going, get me energized and keep me happy!!

So this last decade, or should I say the last thirty years has taught me a

lot but I'm pretty amped for what this next decade will bring. The
first section of the book I talked about in the beginning of this post, talks about giving back to the world.  I'm hoping that in this next decade, I can blog about some really cool experiences that have enabled me to become a better person and make a difference in the world. First stop is hopefully Africa this Fall

Until next time :)

The Fashion World of Jean Paul Gaultier

JPG first cone shaped bra was made for his teddy bear Nana. Later, it  would be the famous cone shaped  dress he made for Madonna that made his cone shaped work "famous"

So excited to get into the Exhibit. Couldn't think of two better people to share this experience with!

I was in Montreal a few weeks ago and had the time of my life while I was there. Hands down, one of the best mini getaways ever and memories to last a lifetime. While I was there with a couple of girlfriends I had the opportunity to visit the The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts and visit the Jean Paul Gaultier Exhibit. This is the very first international exhibition devoted to the inspirational French Couturier and marked the thirty-fifth anniversary of the designer's label. For those of you who are not familiar with Jean Paul Gaultier, this exhibit was more than high end fashion, it drew you into his unbridled imagination, his view on society and ultimately his vision of a world in which anyone regardless of sex, race, religion, size can assert his or her own independence. It was a refreshing look at his spirit, generosity, his vision and his message to society. For anyone in Montreal, regardless of whether you know this particular designer, this exhibit is breathtaking, awakening and so freaking awesome. Go check it out!!

The mannequins were lifelike, placed throughout the gallery and talked to you.
The things that they said left you speechless, made you re-evaluate how you looked at society and drew you  in.

"Be yourself, no matter what nature has dealt you"-  JPG

Love! Love! Love!

"I am convinced that beauty comes in diverse forms. When you look at something like a tin can with a fresh eye,  you can see a kind of beauty where others will only see a garden-variety object" - JPG

JPG thinks of society as "a cocktail - mixed, stirred, spiced, varied and decompartmentalized. The product of a single melting pot, society no longer consists of groups indifferent to one another while living side by side. It is made up of individuals, and each of them tells the story of our diversity." 

A lot of these pieces you see took anywhere from 500 hours to 14,000 hours to create!

The end to an amazingly fun, inspiring, captivating day! Thank you to N and A for sharing it with me!