After a long process that involved a good deal of soul-searching, griping about standardized tests, writing personal statements like a madwoman, and chewing off my fingernails while I awaited decisions, I've come to the end of the Shaina Applies to Graduate School road. After a wonderful visit day and some intense discussion and thought, I'm pleased to announce that I'll be starting an MPH program at the University of Washington in Seattle this September. This program will be the most challenging thing I've ever done, but I'm excited rather than terrified. That's how I know it's the right choice. 

I might have an even bigger to-do list than before—planning a cross-country move, buying my own health insurance for the first time (eek), figuring out how the heck to get a persnickety cat from Connecticut to Washington—but I'm unbelievably psyched about the direction I'm moving in.

Speaking of moving...

I've been an on-and-off gym rat since college, and I tend to go through long periods of not working out and then wondering why I feel so sluggish and moody. 

I've been dealing with some persistent fatigue and muscle pain recently, and I'm glad to say that adding in 20-25 minutes of cardio most days per week has been doing wonders for my physical and mental wellbeing. I like to make excuses for why I can't fit it into my schedule, but I have a cheap elliptical trainer in my apartment. Come on now, Shaina. Lately, I've been popping in my earbuds and making a bigger dent in Neurotribes every time I work out. Two birds with one stone!

And both of these good things mean...

Y'all know I can be a curmudgeon. While I don't think I'll be completely forsaking my whiny ways anytime soon, I realized recently that if I spend my whole life irritated by the little things... well, I'll be spending my life annoyed. It sounds obvious, but being as prone to anxiety and negative thought patterns as I am, I tend to lose sight of the fact that I can play an active role in how I react to situations. I've been trying to note when I feel my hackles start to rise over something small and nip it in the bud before it sends my mood into a tailspin. 

I know that taking a concrete step toward the professional life I want has contributed to this mindset shift. I'm mentally at my best when I have goals and direction, and starting a graduate program will provide me with both. Getting my sweat on more often has also helped me maintain a clear head and, as a bonus, helps me burn off my anger when I do let things get to me.

In conclusion, today is one fabulous Friday, and I hope that yours is too!

What makes today a fabulous Friday for you?