Thursday, October 03, 2013

Monsters University


Up until about 2005, my life had been perfectly executed, exactly how I had planned.

Goal #1: Get good grades in high school so I can be accepted into a great university.

Goal Met: I worked my TAIL off, studied hard, applied myself and graduated Valedictorian.

Goal #2: Get good grades in college, so I can secure a dream job.

Goal Met: I graduated Magna Cum Laude, received a Bachelors of Science in Nursing, and accepted a surgical internship at a big Houston hospital.

Goal #3: Marry a good man.

Goal Met: In 2003, I married the man of my dreams who makes me laugh every day.

Goal #4: Start a family.

Uhhhh..........

"Houston, we have a problem"

Never in my wildest dreams did I EVER think that I would have trouble getting pregnant. I had always been a very practical, black and white thinker (like Mike Wazowski in Disney Pixar's Monsters University). 

If you wanted something bad enough, you worked hard for it, and it would happen. Period. End of story.


Yah....not so much. Just because you put a lot of effort into something doesn’t mean you’ll succeed.

Mike had aspirations of becoming a scarer and worked his entire life to make his dream come true.

What I love about Monsters U, is that it is REALISTIC (unlike some of my favorite past Disney movies). The message of this movie is simple: Believe in Yourself, Never Give up on Your Dreams. While it is great to believe in yourself and pursue your dreams against all odds, sometimes life doesn't quite work out the way you had planned. The fact is: no matter how hard you try, there may be certain things about yourself that you cannot change (i.e. height, color, medical conditions, etc).... And guess what folks, that is perfectly OKAY!

EVERYONE has a purpose and a place. It may just mean that your current dreams need a little tweaking.

I came to realize that no matter how hard I tried and did everything by the book, I could not get pregnant without medical intervention.
 So, I found a new purpose in life, a new dream~ to support others in similar situations. I went through a terribly rough time trying to get pregnant and endured a painfully scary quadruplet pregnancy~ so that I could share my story with people across the world and give them hope.


"How did you believe in yourself and achieve your Dream?”

Tell me in a comment below and be entered to win a $50 Visa Gift Card and a Monsters University Blu-ray Combo Pack!


Own It First On Digital HD 10/8 & Blu-ray™ Combo Pack 10/29


Rules:
No duplicate comments.
You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:
a) Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post
b) Tweet (public message) about this promotion; including exactly the following unique term in your tweet message: “”#SweepstakesEntry”"; and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post”
c) Blog about this promotion, including a disclosure that you are receiving a sweepstakes entry in exchange for writing the blog post, and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post
d) For those with no Twitter or blog, read the official rules to learn about an alternate form of entry.
This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older. Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. You have 72 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.
The Official Rules are available here.
This sweepstakes runs from 10/3/13 – 11/3/13.
Be sure to visit the Monsters University Page on BlogHer.com where you can read other bloggers’ reviews and find more chances to win!


90 comments:

Amber said...

Great post Suz! You're such an inspiration. I always told myself I'd get myself through college. And I did. Paid every penny of the way myself (and still am!) and graduated with a journalism degree in exactly four years. It was tough but well worth it. Same goes with a quad pregnancy I suppose - deciding to have no regrets, my husband and I embraced it and stayed as positive as we could. Now I have four happy healthy toddlers!

Linda Stewart said...

I'm actually still working on achieving my dream. My ultimate dream happens after I retire. I want to retire to a motor home and travel the USA then sell the motor home and travel the world. Does that seem unrealistic?

April said...

My biggest achievement was losing 90 pounds over a year and a half. I told myself I was worth it. It took a LOT of hard work and will power but I did it. In the process I met and married my husband. And now I'm expecting our first child!
I truly believe that I had I not gone through that, I wouldn't be where I am today.

Unknown said...

I changed jobs which was very scary when you know what situation you are in and don't know what you might be getting into!

Unknown said...

In order to achieve my dreams, my husband and I came together with my family (mom sister and brother) for emotional support when I found out that I was infertile. After their emotional and financial help we were able to do a SUCCESSFUL round of IVF and have our miracle son!! Who I love and adore deeply!! With support from loved ones anything can happen :)

Unknown said...

Haven't achieved my dream yet, but I stay positive and don't let others influence me in a negative way.
jslbrown_03 at yahoo dot com

Unknown said...

tweet - https://twitter.com/LuLu_Brown24/status/385868675644809216
jslbrown_03 at yahoo dot com

Amanda said...

Life does have a great habit of throwing you curve balls! My life is not how I pictured it would be when I was younger, but it's wonderful. I never thought my husband would join the Army 3-4 years after we got married, and that I would follow him across the country to where ever he had to go! We've made the best choices we can, have a beautiful family, and are stronger for it! I will finish my degree sometime soon, and then I will finally be able to complete my dreams. I wouldn't change anything about it!

cjdubs13 said...

We also suffered from infertility but have not been successful yet and have been trying since 08. However, we didn't give up on our dream of parenthood and have an almost three year old through domestic adoption!!

J said...

Much like you I worked my tail off and graduated with honors and then got a great job that allows me to support my family.

Laura Ann said...

I love this post! Dreams are a huge part of who I am and God has blessed me wit a career that allows me to help others dream big daily. I am a first generation college graduate. I paid my way through school and graduated debt free with a speech communications degree and got certified to teach. As soon as I started teaching I knew my dreams were bigger. I applied to graduate school and got accepted. My teachers salary could not pay my tuition so I got a job at Outback Steakhouse on the weekends waiting tables and got my Masters in Counseling. After getting a counseling degree, I wanted to have a bigger impact so I obtained my 2nd Masters Degree in Education Mid Management. I have been a public educator in Houston Texas for 19 years and I love my job. I am doing exactly what God has called me to do and have loved being a high school principal for the past 9 years. Everyday God reveals to me that he has me right where he wants me. I never gave up on my dreams no matter how difficult it was and I worked so hard to reach these goals. I love sharing my story with ,y students and reminding then that anything is possible in this life. Not bad for a small town Texas girl, huh?

Laura Ann said...

I love this post! Dreams are a huge part of who I am and God has blessed me with a career that allows me to help others dream big daily. I am a first generation college graduate. I paid my way through school and graduated debt free with a speech communications degree and got certified to teach. As soon as I started teaching I knew my dreams were bigger. I applied to graduate school and got accepted. My teachers salary could not pay my tuition so I got a job at Outback Steakhouse on the weekends waiting tables and got my Masters in Counseling. After getting a counseling degree, I wanted to have a bigger impact so I obtained my 2nd Masters Degree in Education Mid Management. I have been a public educator in Houston Texas for 19 years and I love my job. I am doing exactly what God has called me to do and have loved being a high school principal for the past 9 years. Everyday God reveals to me that he has me right where he wants me. I never gave up on my dreams no matter how difficult it was and I worked so hard to reach these goals. I love sharing my story with my students and reminding them that anything is possible in this life. Not bad for a small town Texas girl, huh?

Mami2jcn said...

After my parents divorced when I was 6, I had to leave the US to live in South America with my mother. During the 2 years I lived there, I completely forgot how to speak English. I returned to the US and had to go back to school, absolutely terrified because I didn’t understand a word that anyone was saying to me. But I worked hard to regain my language skills and believed I would catch up. Two years later I won the award for top English student in my grade. This was a dream come true for me. The boy who won the Math and Science awards that year went on to Harvard years later, so those awards were very prestigious. No matter how unattainable a goal seems, you just can't give up.

mami2jcn at gmail dot com

Mami2jcn said...

tweet:

https://twitter.com/mami2jcn/status/385915462980091905

kellyr78 said...

I believed in myself and achieved my dream to attain my MBA, when I was working full time. It took a lot of time management and organization, but I knew I could reach this goal, and I did.

kellywcu8888ATgmailDOTcom

kellyr78 said...

tweet
https://twitter.com/Kellydpa/status/385917206367698945
kellywcu8888ATgmailDOTcom

Elena said...

I believed in myself and achieved my dream when I graduated from college working full time and caring for my baby at the same time

elena150980@yahoo.com

Elena said...

https://twitter.com/ElenaIstomina/status/385933116621066240

elena150980@yahoo.com

Allen Family said...

I always found faith in God and always felt and still feel so much better about my self and my dreams after praying!
lizzyallen123@gmail(dot)com

Allen Family said...

https://twitter.com/Reatex123/status/385935285223051264
lizzyallen123@gmail (dot) com

Lisa said...

I went back to college to be a teacher and am now in my 15th year working with elementary students!

lots of love said...

I grew up with big doubts that I could be successful in anything-getting married, going to college, or even owning my own car or home, and starting a family. I had to keep believing that good things could happen to me and that I could have the wonderful things above if I worked hard and made good choices. Thankfully that belief in myself gave me courage to moving up to a new job where I met my wonderful husband, said yes when he proposed, and believed in myself to be a good mom when the stick turned pink. Now I'm living my dream and can never stop believing in myself to be a good mother.

Anonymous said...

I became a foster parent at age 48, continued working full time and taking classes. I got my bachelors at age 50 and continued to foster. These have been two of my greatest accomplishments albeit scary!

Anonymous said...

I became a foster parent at age 48 working full time and takng classes. I got my bachelors degree at 50. Both of these accomplishments were scary but so worth it!

imbigwillie said...

I went to college and got a degree in computer science.


willgriesmer@yahoo.com

Lindsey Evans said...

I am currently pursuing my dream of higher education. I know I can do it, and thankfully I have tons of support!!

Jessica To said...

I wasn't sure I would be able to go to business school and hold down a job, but I was able to do it and graduate!
reklaw422 at hotmail dot com

clc408 said...

My dreams of travel are still being realized. I love seeing the world even though it takes a lot of saving and sacrifice.

Holly said...

My dreams were go to beauty school (check), build clientele (check), marry a keeper (check), have family (check, check, with twins).

clc408 said...

Tweet
https://twitter.com/clc408/status/386263695015157760

freebiequeen15 said...

I had my mom who always told me my dreams were possible and helped me accomplish my goals even when I wanted to give up

d schmidt said...

I struggled to believe in myself prior to having children, as odd as it sounds becoming a Mother gave me a new found confidence. I try to be the best version of myself possible so that I can be a role model to my children.

mummytotwoboys@yahoo.com

d schmidt said...

Tweeted https://twitter.com/mummytotwoboys1/status/386299382884102144

mummytotwoboys@yahoo.com

Michelle said...

I too,got good grades in high school, graduated from college, and my dream was to be a mom...I have two fabulous kids (youngest just started kindergarten too!). I pray they grow up with God in their heart and are good people in all they do!

Karen said...

I achieved my dream of being a stay-at-home mom! My husband went to school while working full-time to switch careers. Then we moved to a different state and I was able to quit my job and stay home with our daughter. I love it! It meant so much to me to have my mom home when I was growing up, and I wanted the same for my daughter. So now we have it!

mom7 said...

still dreaming

susan1215 said...

I achieve my dream by working hard and trying to have a positive attitude and confidence in myself.

s2s2 at Comcast dot net

susan1215 said...

https://twitter.com/susan1215/status/386638641071525889

s2s2 at Comcast dot net

JWill said...

I was just like you in thinking that I could plan out every aspect of my life. It had worked so far, so why not? When pregnant with baby # 3 we found out she had Trisomy 21 and a major heart defect. This was definitely NOT in my plans and was very scary time for me. My beautiful baby girl was born 2 weeks ago and she is absolutely the best gift I've ever received. I'm learning to step back and let Him make the plans for my family, and I'm slowly learning that I'm not the one in control here. :)

Anonymous said...

working on my dream right now of graduating from nursing school-currently a junior-and getting a job at a pediatric hospital!

One Frugal Girl said...

By surrounding myself with positivity and positive people who believe in me.
onefrugalgirl AT gmail DOT com

Francine Anchondo said...

I haven't reached it yet but believing in myself helps me know I will get there

Unknown said...

I was the first in my family to go to college and get my bachelors and masters. I worked 3 jobs and graduated with honors, landed a great job and am now working on a post-masters degree!

JC said...

I believe in myself because I know I am loved and I achieve my dream by expecting the hard way ahead and taking one bite at a time.

JC said...

-https://twitter.com/tcarolinep/status/388503634066952192

Unknown said...

My sons name is Sully, Sullivan Conner. Though I didn't name him after Sulley in the movie, I now have a giant stuffed Sulley that sits in my Sully's bedroom. He passed away from SIDS 2 years ago. I haven't been quite brave enough to watch Monsters U yet, but it's been nice to hear his name so often. Love to read your blog and follow your 4. I grew up with Jenn Murray, her brother and I are the same age. Small world

Tina said...

believe I can succeed and I put my heart into everything I do. Set a goal and take action for my dream.
tina19820115@gmail.com

Tina said...

https://twitter.com/HappyTina0115/status/389486837590278144
tina19820115@gmail.com

April G said...

When I got pregnant with twins I decided to quit my job and pursue my (new) dream of being a SAHM! It's not always easy, but it's so worth it.

aprilgilbertson(at)gmail(dot)com

Tamar said...

I worked really hard and put myself out there. I continue to do this each and every day.
tamarsweeps-at-gmail-dot-com

Robin Wilson said...

I always wanted to be a teacher. I may not have achieved that dream in a college degree sort of way, but I am a mom, wife, daughter and sister. I like to think that I am able to fulfill my teacher dream in each of those roles. Even if it simply life lessons I hope that I touch the people that love and care about!

zuzu.wilson(at)yahoo(dot)com

Robin Wilson said...

Tweet: https://twitter.com/Zuzuz_Petalz/status/392240865134911489

zuzu.wilson(at)yahoo(dot)com

Unknown said...

I believe in my self and achieve my dreams by having positive self talk, and reflecting on all of the things I have been able to accomplish in the past.

Thanks for the chance to win!
wildorchid985 at gmail dot com

Unknown said...

tweet--https://twitter.com/WildOrchid985/status/392311476397944833

wildorchid985 at gmail dot com

Kelly Massman said...

Knowing that I had to pay for my graduate degree (and undergraduate), I worked as many as 3 jobs while going to school full time. It was hard, but it was worth it! Thanks kmassman gmail

Erica best said...

by staying on stay and hard work

Erica best said...

https://twitter.com/purplelover04/status/391680946182688768

Bernie Wallace said...

I believed in myself and achieved my dream by setting goals for myself and working hard to achieve them.

Kim said...

Our family has made tremendous financial sacrifices for me to be a stay at home mom to our son. My husband is a teacher and I gave up my job so it’s always a challenge but I can’t imagine raising our son any other way. Everyday, I endure the scorn and negative comments from other mothers who wonder “what do you do all day?” and I just take it in stride and smile knowing that my son is happy, secure, confident, and loved.

Kerry said...

I believe in myself with the power of prayer and positive thinking! These things can help you achieve anything!
nuthouse(at)centurytel(dot)net

Kerry said...

tweeted: https://twitter.com/KerryBishop/status/394612390358044672
nuthouse(at)centurytel(dot)net

Lauren J said...

I also had a difficult time getting pregnant. After I had surgery, my doctor wanted to put me on some serious medication. I declined and started a diet instead that was aimed toward helping my fertility (called the Endometriosis Diet). My family and some of my friends were skeptical (as was my doctor!), but I believed in myself and knew that what I was doing was helping, and I became pregnant! I now have a beautiful 2-month old baby girl. :)

Anonymous said...

It took years of hard work to achieve my dreams.

rhoneygtn at yahoo dot com

Jill said...

I went back to work when my kids started school full time!

Jill said...

https://twitter.com/danceoff/status/396331496056709120

MCantu1019 said...

by believing in God and never giving up
MCantu1019 at aol dot com

Lisa Garner said...

I became a mom at for the first time at 18 and though I had lost out on my dream of becoming a nurse. It took years but with lots of dedication I finally was able to graduate from nursing school.

lisalmg25 at gmail dot com

Lisa Garner said...

I Tweeted; https://twitter.com/lisalmg/status/396805475561254912

Betty C said...

The dream I started with wasn't what I ended up with. I discovered along the way that life experiences have a way of changing the dream. I'm happy with the way things have turned out and that's the important thing.

willitara [at] gmail [dot] com

Betty C said...

Tweet - https://twitter.com/willitara/status/396908558173732864

willitara [at] gmail [dot] com

angie lilly said...

by going against the grain. it took me going to three different universities due to financial aid difficulties and a mother who kept sabotaging me, but I got my degree!
Angie
14earth at gmail dot com

angie lilly said...


I tweeted here: https://twitter.com/MsTofuFairy/status/396979137941749760
Angie
14earth at gmail dot com

Harmony said...

No matter what the obstacles and there are many, I believe in myself and have picked myself up and keep striving for my dreams
njharmonyg@aol.com

ms-texas said...

i have a good life and a happy family

debbiebellows (at) gmail (dot) com

ms-texas said...

I posted a tweet:

https://twitter.com/bellows22/status/397064874204725248

debbiebellows (at) gmail (dot) com

Dee said...

I believe in myself and achieve my dreams by understanding that what I have to contribute is of value and by surrounding myself with positive thoughts and, better yet, positive, supportive friends. I also write out inspirational quotes each week and place them around the house as a reminder that I can reach my goals. :)

deeg131 at gmail dot com

Dee said...

tweeted https://twitter.com/DeeGee13/status/397087737271963648

deeg131 at gmail dot com

Dee said...

I believe in myself and achieve my dreams by understanding that what I have to contribute is of value and by surrounding myself with positive thoughts and, better yet, positive, supportive friends. I also write out inspirational quotes each week and place them around the house as a reminder that I can reach my goals. :) deeg131 at gmail dot com

Tabathia B said...

I went back to college and graduated with my degree

tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com

Tabathia B said...

https://twitter.com/ChelleB36/status/397111583668572160

tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com

Unknown said...

My parents taught me to believe in my self and I worked hard to achieve my dream.

rounder9834 @yahoo.com

Unknown said...

https://twitter.com/thomasmurphy40/status/397115999566041088

rounder9834 @yahoo.com

Anna Pry said...

when i was a single mom my dream was to be able to finish college which i did with determination and support from family pryfamily5@gmail.com

Anna Pry said...

i tweeted https://twitter.com/pryfamily5/status/397135394317533184 pryfamily5@gmail.com

slehan said...

25 years ago I didn't think I could sing, but I took singing lessons, joined two choirs and have been singing ever since.
Thanks for the contest.

slehan at juno dot com

Anonymous said...

https://twitter.com/aes529/status/397149886807683072
pokergrl8 at gmail.com

slehan said...

https://twitter.com/slehan/status/397149935033790464

Whitney said...

Ambition and confidence helps a lot

Whitney said...

https://twitter.com/electricstar/status/397215156318388224

shelly said...

I've achieved my dreams of an amazing husband, precious children, and great career through lots of prayer, perseverance, and great family support!
shellystripling(at)gmail(dot)com

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