Staying graceful

So we’ve all heard it – If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all. Yet somehow, it seems like many people were home sick the day they taught that adage in preschool.

The other day my post contained a couple of photos, one of which was a picture of me in my bathing suit at the beach in Kauai. I talked about how I was enjoying vacation and loving all the time I was getting to spend with my husband. Most of the feedback I’ve been getting from my vacation posts and photos has been wonderful! It is usually along the lines of, “I wish I was in Hawaii too”, “Looks like you’re having a wonderful time”, and “Cute swimsuit!”

But some not so nice person decided that she would take it upon herself to insult my cellulite and question why I would even dare post a photo without photoshopping out my cellulite.

Okay, rant time. Can you say completely unnecessary? Why would anyone waste the time leaving hateful comments on someone’s post? I promptly deleted that comment because there is absolutely no room for meaningless negativity on my blog.

While I encourage discussion, conversation, and varying opinions, I find that negative comments from faceless trolls to be immature and unwelcome. When you put yourself out there on social media, I know pointless negativity comes with the territory - but I refuse to participate in it. I have never and will never post negative comments on someone’s blog, Instagram, Twitter, or anything else. 

When it comes to posting photos on my blog and Instagram, I do spend some time selecting and editing my photos. Usually my criteria for post-worthy photos are that my eyes are open and that a food dish looks particularly yummy. Other than that, I just play with the cropping and lighting. I NEVER have or will try to remove every blemish, bump, or imperfection in my photos. I also love to read other blogs with real-life photography. My blog is a way to share my life - imperfections included.

So here is another photo of me in my bathing suit! Take that! My doctor is happy with my weight and my baby is healthy so far, so if my legs are lumpy, who cares!?

This quote really speaks to me.

Lauren over at Lollopedwrote that, although it’s pretty ingrained into society, we women need to stop judging and bashing one another, here here! 

How do you deal with mean girls? What are your thoughts on staying graceful in the social media world?

Happy New Year

{via, edit by me}

I cannot believe that 2013 has come to a close. This has been an incredible and fast-paced year. This year has had it’s ups and downs, but I am ending this year in an amazing place.

I am unbelievably grateful for the many blessings bestowed upon me. How can I even begin to describe how thankful I am for what has happened this year?

My marriage is stronger than it has ever been. We have come together in love and partnership in ways I have never dreamed. 

I have loved forming relationships with my patients and treating their oral health needs.

I have an absolutely magnificent family. We support and love one another unconditionally.

Our apartment is cozy and comfortable and truly feels like home.

I have wonderful friends who are there for Paul and me. 

In only 4 short months, Paul and I will be welcoming our daughter into the world.

This next year will be absolutely life-changing. It’s terrifying and incredibly exciting all at the same time. I know that 2014 will be even more amazing than 2013.

So here’s to 2014, cheers!

A year in review

Oh man, what a year it’s been. Currently, I’m in Kauai on our babymoon and I feel incredibly blessed to be celebrating the end of 2013 in paradise. I wanted to take some time to look back on this incredible year.

I STARTED BLOGGING

Late April 2013, I started blogging more seriously. Before, I had just posted some photos here and there but didn’t really have a blogging direction. When I wrote my first At The Moment post and my How To Study post, I got amazing feedback and took my blog in a whole other direction. Today, it’s an amazing extension of my life and everything in it. 

I WENT TO SEATTLE

And many other amazing places. I have always wanted to go to Seattle and I had the opportunity to go when I presented my year-long research project at the International Association of Dental Research General Session. I also visited the first Starbucks! Paul and I also went to Tahoe a couple of times for his birthday and for a weekend getaway. 

I PASSED MY DENTAL BOARDS AND STARTED CLINIC

Big things happened in my dental education. I passed part 1 of my dental boards {the hardest exam I’ve taken thus far} and I started treating patients in clinic. It’s been such a transition but I love it. 

WE CELEBRATED OUR 2ND WEDDING ANNIVERSARY

Paul and I celebrated our second wedding anniversary. We had a quiet sushi dinner and it was so romantic. We’ve gone wine tasting, been on weekend trips, and had simple evenings at home. Our marriage is stronger than ever and I cannot wait to see how we grow in our love and partnership. 

I CELEBRATED MY 24TH BIRTHDAY 

It was one of the best birthdays I’ve ever had. My loving husband and amazing friends surprised me with a whole day of fun. We saw a musical, ate cake, had a dance party, went to a local brewery, and had dinner. It was so incredible and fun! Here’s to next year!

I KEPT RUNNING

I have really focused on finding the fun in fitness. I have played tennis with my husband, done yoga, and lots of running. I have tried to focus on being active instead of losing weight. I am proud that I completed my second half marathon {while pregnant too!}. 

WE ARE EXPECTING

And to top off this amazing year, Paul and I found out that we are expecting our first child. I took the test on August 13, 2013 and we have been overjoyed ever since. I’ve loved watching my body change and feeling all the symptoms of pregnancy - the good and the bad! We cannot wait to welcome our beautiful little girl in late April!

What a year! Cheers!

On resolutions

It’s that time of year again where everyone makes their big New Year’s resolutions. I don’t know about you, but I have a hard time sticking to my resolutions, especially when I don’t have an emotional connection to it such as, “I am going to lose 10 pounds”. It’s also hard to stick to this kind of resolution because lacks wiggle room. Even so, the end of the year is a good time to reflect what has been going on in my life and what I’d like to see for the future.

MY 2014 RESOLUTIONS

Celebrate and relish in each and every day of this pregnancy.

Get our apartment ready for the baby’s arrival.

Have as close to a natural childbirth as medically possible. 

Continue to openly communicate with my husband. 

Continue to provide the best dental care for my patients as possible.

Spend more time talking to my family on the phone and on FaceTime. 

Honor and cherish my husband every day. 

Document every day of my child’s life, even in the smallest of ways.

Remember to allow myself time to recharge and de-stress.

I don’t know what this year will bring, but I am looking forward to every single moment of it.

What are a few of your New Year’s resolutions? 

What have you done to be successful in attaining your goals?

Motivational Monday link-up

Hi everyone! Today I’m linking up with these lovely ladies for Motivational Monday! 

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The Motivational Monday Link-Up is a way to share inspirational posts with other blogger friends.  Monday can sometimes be a day of the week that we dread, especially after a great weekend, so let’s inspire and motivate each other every Monday!  So let’s go, let’s share those posts!

1. Follow your hosts.

2. Link up as many Motivational posts as you want.

3. Share this hop so others can join in.

4. Visit at least 3 other blogs and give them some encouragement.

5. Leave a comment with blog url so we can follow back!

Courtney, Shannon, and Becky

and today our cohost is:

Samantha

Get the button code and link-up here!