“There are two motives for reading a book; one, that you enjoy it; the other, that you can boast about it.” - Bertrand Russell

Can anyone attest to this quote, have you ever read a book just to say you've read it? As for myself, I can't say that I have. I read books because they seem like a good read. The only book I can think of wanting to read is Catcher and the Rye, not so much to say that I have read it but to understand when people or TV shows make a reference to it. 

Self-Doubt

Yesterday afternoon while driving home from Brooklyn, I don't know why but I started thinking about self-doubt. Then scrolling down my instagram feed before bed I come across this picture by my friend Jazmyn:

So I felt it necessary to blog a bit. A lot of times, at least with me, qualified people tend to take themselves out of the running. Say for a promotion, a better job opportunity, a really good school, and even in love thinking that they don't deserve a person. I want to be a doctor, I want to apply to medical school. Yet, at times I doubt my ability to get in, that there are thousands of applicants and I won't make the cut. I believe in God, I pray to Him (could do it more regularly), however there's always a little voice that makes it seem this whole endeavor is impossible.

Self-doubt can very well be driven by fear. Fear of failure or fear of disappointing the parents. Jazmyn's picture quote is right, I do need to trust myself and I do know more than I think. I am capable and it's about time I start acting like it. I am a college graduate (2011!), thank God.

I hope this post helps as that picture helped me. Every now and again we need a boost in confidence. Take hold of your life guys. The road to success is a tough one and once in a while need to take a rest stop and re-energize.

Leave any thoughts or encouraging words below! =)

Get It Right, Get It Tight - Workout Clothes

Hey guys, I know it's been a couple of months although I have been active reading around the blogosphere. Just been having some writer's block.

I know summer is almost over but fitness should be a lifetime and not just to get ready for summer. Admittedly, I've been slacking off since like July. The heat has made me lazy to try and workout but I am trying to get more active again.

So, I just wanted to let you guys know of where you can get workout gear for a bit less than their retail price. Personally, I've been getting a few things from Marshall's. They have good brand names for lower prices. The reason being that they're from previous seasons. However, to me that's not a big deal at all! It's the same quality of clothing yet maybe without this season's hot color or pattern. Stores like Marshall's and TJMaxx are good to check out. You can also check for sales at Macy's, Modell's, Finish Line, etc.

Trip Tip

I came upon this website, travelmath.com, and thought I would share it with all of you. It helps you calculate how much a trip would cost you. This seems like a very handy tool for anyone planning a road trip this summer. Summer is creeping upon us, I can feel the heat and humidity already.

The website also has other things to help you plan a vacation. I plan on staycationing in New York this summer, but this will help on planning day trips to out east or upstate.

Where do you plan on going this summer? Or if you aren't going anywhere what are your summer plans this year?

Summer 2012's Bucket List

As summer is almost upon us I wanted to come up with a few things I'd like to do this summer. I am not going on any type of vacation  or have any major events this year, so these are just some little things to keep summer 2012 entertaining.

• 5 Points in Queens - I still have yet to visit .
• Splish Splash - granted, I don't even know how to swim.
• the beach, of course!
• brunch in the city - that's always fun.
• a day at the state's capital - Albany (educational? lol)
• New York Bontanical Gardens/ Old Westbury Gardens - maybe?
• visit Coney Island - never been!

That's all that I can come up with right now. Anything I should add?

What are your plans for your summer 2012?