Solve the Rubik's Cube

I remember my first encounter with a Rubik's Cube. I was 8-years-old. I picked up the cube and said to myself, "Duh! I can figure this thing out!" After all how difficult could it be to match up colors, right? So what did I do? I matched up an entire face, expecting the other sides to fall in place as well....Umm...yeah, that didn't work. As the years passed, I would continue to pick up a Cube here and there, fiddle with it and put it back down. I don't think I ever managed to at least put together another face. It would be 15 years until I finally understood....

For those of you that know me, you understand that to describe me as stubborn would be an understatement. Offer to help and I'll strive harder to do it on my own. I may not succeed but I'll still go down claiming independence! Well friends, this puzzle was an exercise in seeking help and allowing to be helped, something you all know I struggle with. Well, I could not have solved this puzzle without it. Believe me I tried. 

For the first few days I sought no advice. In truth, my brother, Shane, is the one who put me up to this. He brought home the Cube, also intent on solving it (which he did!). Well, I thought, if he could do it, I could too, dammit! He tried to give me hints on how to go about getting the pieces in place. He kept mentioning something about algorithms. "It's an algorithm. You have to figure out the algorithm." Algorithm, schmalgorithm, I got this. And meanwhile, I was getting NOWHERE!

At frustration's peak, I decided to take a step back and learn about the Cube. A Wikipedia entry later, I realized algorithms were in fact the way to go! All right, so how the hell does an algorithm relate? An algorithm is, briefly, a pattern/rules which when applied produces the desired results (a formula if you will). OHHHH I would never have figured out this thing without having that in my bag of tricks. I would have kept flipping and turning and twisting...

Next up: help from the bro. All right, Shane, I said...don't SHOW me what to do but explain to me some of your reasoning, I still would like to figure it out on my own. I did a little bit more learning on the Web, and I was off. It took about 3 weeks, about 1-2 hours a day to figure it out (awesome way to unwind before bed). Shoulda seen the smile on my face when I moved that last piece into place!

I thought about getting all philosophical on you by describing how the Cube, with its twists, turns and flips, relates to Life, but I'll save you my insane tendency to analyze... until another time. For now I'll say what I know to be true but have a hard time cementing in my head...ME asking for help is a good thing. Thanks again to everyone that has helped me when I finally asked for it and helped me even though I stubbornly refused it. In the meantime, enjoy the evidence:

Take the MCAT...

Completely forgot to say: Take the MCAT... again. Yes, today marked the second time that I took that test. What more can I say other than I'm happy to have left the  lifestyle I have been living for the past few months and return to my abnormal one.

As I've told a few of you who have taken the time to listen and ask about my plans and thoughts these past few weeks, today marked an immense fork in the road of my life. How I did today could potentially mean the difference between the life I thought (and maybe still think) I have wanted for the past 8 years and a new path that I am equally excited to pursue. And for now, that's all I will say.

Photo: Stacked My Books, Packed My Brain-

 a pile of study aids...rest are still on dining table

One thing is for certain however, I have learned A LOT! And I'm not talking only about stereochemical characteristics, electric fields, passage analysis, oxidation potentials and hormonal regulation. Sure, I've definitely learned that stuff, but here's what else I've learned:

1.  I've learned to look deeper into myself. Really question my goals, my thoughts, my future. For the longest while, my mind has been set on being a doctor. But what about my feelings? Surely, just as I have grown up from that Freshman in High School Biology, have my goals as well? Somewhere along this studying I needed to ask myself whether I really want to go to medical school? And the thoughts that started pouring out completely caught me by surprise. I've never known what it was like to be an adult, to think this hard and deep about my future, until these past months. Um, emotional roller coaster much?

2. I've learned (or rather reinforced my belief) that I have hugely supportive friends (whom I will affectionately call my extended family). You know who you all are. Simply amazing. Speechless.

3. I've learned it's not the end of the world if this test should score poorly. There! I said it. Took me a good while to get to that point and still my confidence in that statement wavers. I'm getting there.

4. I've learned that I utterly love learning. I can't imagine a lifestyle where I'm not thinking academically or intellectually and challenging myself.

5. I've learned that my mind doesn't shut off when I'm doing all this learning. Can't tell you the amount of nights I went to bed at 10 only to fall asleep at 3, 4, 5am...it SUCKS. Although..I'll take sleep deprivation to appendicitis any day.

And now...with this task complete and my life back on its dysfunctional track...I'm ready to start completing some more goals!! WOOHOOO! I imagine my next task is fighting with the Rubix cube...almost there...I anticipate a post on that soon.

Catch y'all on the flip!

P.S. Several of you have commented on the list. If you are doing any of what I plan to and want some company...Holla atcha girl! And if you are interested in knowing my plans...lemme know. 

The Start of a Lifelong Scavenger Hunt

Hello to my readers! [sound of crickets chirping]

No, I've not read A Purpose Driven Life nor have I seen The Bucket List (yet), but I do know that at 23-years-old, I am determined not to slip into a life of total humdrum. A little humdrum, sure, ALOT...no. As such, I've compiled a list - a working list- of the things I want to do, the places I want to see, the emotions I want to feel, and everything in between before I die. 

Here are the rules:

1. This is a working list. Circumstances may arise, feelings may change, new goals may be set. As such, I can always add to the list BUT never erase what I've already put down. If you've taken a look at the list, you'll see while everything IS humanly possible, some things I may never end up doing. And that's okay! Hey, I could die tomorrow! But that doesn't mean I won't try my hardest to work through it.  Plus, I put together this list in one day, I'm positive I left stuff out.

2. Think Big and Small. Some other people's list are short but bold, filled with the trips around the world and the once-in-a-lifetime experiences. And that's okay. It's just not my style. One of the purposes of my list is to appreciate the BIG things for its enormity and equally enjoy the small things for its simplicity.  After all, one must remember that the little things in life count as well! I would take sewing my kids' Halloween costumes (#65) over visiting one of the Seven Wonders of the World (#93) any day. When I have kids, of course (#75).

I think that's it. I'm a simple girl, I've kept it simple. My items are categorized, but not in any set priority (that would be too complex). As each item is completed,  it will be highlighted in red with the date of completion next to it. Further, I will write a new post as each item is completed as well as try to post some sort of visual representation/evidence. I welcome your thoughts, responses and advice. Also, please remember, just because something isn't on here doesn't mean I'm not/won't be doing it, or I don't deem it important.

We can call this a Scavenger Hunt, a Bucket List, a Vision Board. Whatever. My intent is to document what will, in all reality, simply be me living my life (for as long as blogs exist at least!).  Hope you get some laughs out of it!