10 most influential books to change your life

As a proclaimed self help book addict, I have read many self help books all of which have helped mold the happy, well rounded person you see today. Out of the hundreds I have bought and read a few have stood out, and been passed to coworkers, family and friends. Bottom line if you want to change your life read these books. I was not only unhappy but the only one to blame was myself. Through positive thinking, and using the law of attraction I could live the life I dreamed of. 1. You can heal your life. 2. The Power. 3. The Untethered Soul. 4. Soul Mate. 5. Lead with your heart. 6. Eat Pray, Love. 7. The happiness project 8. Gratitude a way of life. 9. Twenty something, Twenty everything. 10. The Secret.

Contiki Reunion

Almost better than the holiday its self is the "Contiki Reunion". That time when the stars align just right and you are lucky enough to meet up with someone from one of your previous tours. All the emotions of that epic holiday come pouring back the second you see each other. That special bond we all share, that only a fellow traveler could understand. Its like seeing your favorite childhood cousin after years apart. At the end of each tour everyone shares contact information and before your plane can land on the ground, you have fifty new friend requests. Thanks to social media keeping in contact is easy, even with time differences. My first Contiki Reunion was this Sunday, when I met up with two sisters from up north in South Beach for the day. They are 30 something professionals as well. We had an awesome time talking about boys, careers and traveling over authentic Miami mojitos and salsa music. Probably the two most genuine, nice girls I have ever met. My next Contiki Reunion will be in New York City for New Years where I am meeting up with a girl from my first tour, whom lives in Brisbane, Australia. We just happen to be doing a Contiki tour while there as well, making it tour number four for me. I am also planning on taking a trip soon to Washington DC to see a few fellow travelers, as well as a trip to Australia of course.

#14 of 35......Donating my hair to charity

I have completed the first item from my 35 things to do before turning 35 list. I just donated 10 inches of my hair to Children With Hair Loss. What an awesome feeling to know a wig will be made for a child from my hair. It took only a year to grow, but that year took forever. After I made the decision to grow and donate it, I stopped dying and cutting it. Not even a trim. Yes I probably should have gotten it trimmed but every trim meant another inch wouldn't be donated or worse another inch I cant keep towards my new hair cut. The hair dresser put several small orthodontic looking rubber bands down my pony tail and just cut it across. I didn't know weather to smile happily or have an anxiety attack. Cutting off that pony tail was really hard. Once it was off and I had it in my hand it felt great. I than had to place the pony tail in a plastic bag and send it off to the organization via a manila envelope. Nothing was free, had to pay for the haircut, and everything to send it. Guess in a few weeks I will get a certificate for my donation. If I don't get anything in return, that is okay too. It was an awesome feeling and I am sure to do it again in a few years.

What if..... I died.

With all the news reports about shot down planes, turmoil overseas and, as I am about to book my first mission trip to Belize. I got to thinking, what if I died? What do I want people to know about me and my wishes. First of all if I die doing something I love such as traveling or taking care of people as a nurse don't be sad. If I ever have to go I would want to go while doing something I love. If I am overseas do not fly my body back to the USA, just let it be. My belief is that our body is simply the shell of our living soul and has no significance after death other than organ donation. If at all possible I want everything donated to help others, down to my eyelashes. I do not wish to have any kind of formal funeral or service. I want an "Irish Wake". Take all the money from my bank account and throw a party with an open bar. Celebrate the awesomeness that is life. If I die tomorrow I have no regrets and I have done and accomplished everything I wished to and than some. Do not spend money burying me, just have me cremated and charge it on my debit card. Most important get trashed at my party and have an awesome time!

How weeks of caring for my sick dog made me a more compassionate nurse

This last month of caring for my sick dog has really shown me how the parents of the babies whom I care for must really go through. As the nurse the emotional attachment to my patients is that of what I though was of a pseudo mom. Years without a lunch break because my patients deserve all of me for those 13 hrs. However after these last few weeks I have felt the real emotional roller-coaster those parents must truly feel. The feeling of helplessness and having to trust someone else in caring for her and excepting help from unlikely sources. Not to mention the sleepless nights of waking up to give her meds and don't forget all the cooking I had to do to get her to eat. Yes cooking for a dog when I don't even cook for myself. This experience has really brought me closer to the parents and given me more compassion. It must be so hard to trust and allow someone else to care for your baby. As well as see someone you love unconditionally be sick and in pain. I have always prided myself in being a true advocate to my patients but now I can honestly say I am also an advocate to the parents as well. I may never know the feeling of having a sick baby or even a healthy baby for that matter. But with every experience I learn to be a better person and a better nurse. I will never forget that feeling of helplessness and the unlikely sources of help that came my way.

How my biggest failure became my best blessing

Two years ago I was about to turn 30 and hated everything about my life. I was sick of the pity party I was throwing myself, and decided to take a huge risk in search of happiness. I quit the vested full time job I held for 7 years and set off to the unknown world of travel nursing. The nurse recruiter told me everything I wanted to hear. Delusions of being a nurse in Hawaii, Boston and Manhattan danced through my head as well as the 100K per year. I would be in a different state every 13 weeks, perfect for someone whom has always wanted to travel. As long as I can remember I have wanted to travel but never had the means. Growing up poor I rode in a plane and left the state of Florida for the first time at the age of 22 to visit my Grandma. With still so much to see of the USA, the travel nurse position seemed ideal. Little did I know the loneliness and the lack of job security would get to me almost immediately. It was impossible to know where I would be next. I didn't wind up in Hawaii I would up in south Alabama. The job wasn't the same either. I wasn't able to really care for my patients as I wanted to. it was a lose, lose situation. When the census dropped in the hospital I was working and my contract was canceled for a bogus reason, I didn't argue and ran for home. While between jobs I used my pension payout to go to Europe for the first time. Immediately I felt right at home and knew international travel is what I longed for. Upon coming back from Europe I felt so complete and at peace. I than called my old job and asked to come back. They welcomed me with open arms, never once saying I told you so. I had my old job back which game me stability and a way to pay the bills but I needed a way to travel. So I got a second job to save for traveling. I knew working two jobs would be stressful but the reward of being able to travel would all be worth it. Its been over a year now working two jobs and I love it. Both hospitals have unique things I like about them but most of all I have flexibility and the finances to travel. I am a trusted independent nurse at both facilities and I am able to practice nursing and care for my patients as they deserve. The experience of travel nursing taught me so much about myself. Such as money isn't important and what is important is family, friends and the babies I care for. My love of NICU nursing has grown. I am more passionate and an all round better nurse. I appreciate my family and friends more. The love of my career has grown so much that, I am going back to school for a masters degree on a full ride thanks to the hospital I work for. My life would not be where it is today if I didn't take a drastic risk and fail. With risk comes failure but when doors close windows open.

10 Secrets to traveling alone in your 20's & 30's

The secret to traveling alone is....there is no secret. Just be smart. Foxy's secrets to smart travel are as follows. 1. I always travel with travel company's like Contiki and Topdeck for young adults under 39 therefore you will be surrounded with like minded people. They give you a roommate of the same sex unless you pay extra for a private room. The tour guide does pretty much everything for you making the experience smooth and stress free. 2. The only time I am alone is right before meeting up with the tour after landing. I've found a few companies like Viator.com that have car services all over. You can pre arrange a ride to make sure you get to your hotel safe. You can arrange either a private car or shuttle service. You are also alone for any plane transfers, so I try and have as few as possible and chose where wisely. On my next trip I will only have to change planes at JFK. 3. Purchase travel insurance. Best money you will ever spend. 4. Make copies of all travel documents and keep originals in a pencil zipper case for safe and convenient keeping in your carry on. 5. I don't do the secret travel wallet thing but I do always wear a small cross body purse close to my body. Lets be honest fashion is still important. 6. Its a smart idea to have emergency money in a safe place and a credit card. I don't believe in credit cards so I have two different visa bank cards from two separate accounts and cash on me in separate areas. 7. I never separate from the group. A few ties I have really wanted to do something different but wound up doing whatever the group was doing. A small sacrifice in my opinion. 8. I always keep the address of the hotel on a credit card sized peace of paper in my purse. Be extra mindful to take it with you when changing purses. I got lost and was brought to the wrong hotel because I had left the address of the hotel in my day purse, and I was dressed up for a show carrying a small clutch. 9. I actually prefer not to have a phone while traveling out of the country, however I do always keep my phone with me in case of emergencies and pay to have a few international minutes and text messages. My phone is used only in an emergency or to let my family know I am safe with a quick text. 10. I get small folding maps from the local book store to map the hotels and points of interest just incase.

The best times of year to call Fort Lauderdale Fl home

Whenever I am traveling or working there is always two times per year I get homesick for tradition. Growing up on the ocean never seeing snow, surrounded by 24-7 sunshine makes for some interesting traditions. The two festivities I just cant miss are the Christmas boat parade and the 4th of July fireworks on the beach. Two years ago while living in corporate housing in south Alabama, I drove 11 hours one way just to see the Christmas boat Show. The boats parade up and down the intercostal waterway in front of my apartment, decked out in Christmas lights. Something only a south Floridian can truly appreciate. Fort Lauderdale, Fl is known as the Venice of America due to all of its intercostal waterways. Houses on the intercostal decorate their backyards along the water as well. Pretty much the only Christmas festivity we have. The other time of year is the 4th of July fireworks on the beach. Every town along the water has their own professional show on the beach. No matter where you sit you have an awesome view of at least 2 different shows. Just north, Deerfield Beach has the best show and atmosphere. However the public beach is small and the roads are closed off early making for a very crowded long evening. The restaurants and night life are better in fort Lauderdale so that is where I decided to spend this years festivities. A few times we have gotten hotel rooms on the beach making for an awesome weekend. however hotels are expensive and usually require a three night minimum. Even locals get hotel rooms regularly this time of year. When a hotel is not in your budget the next best thing is the water taxi. This year they had a special for $5.00 they would give you a ride to the beach from downtown by way of boat down the intercostal. It took about a half hour to do a 10 minute drive but it was well worth it. awesome scenery and awesome atmosphere. The fireworks did not disappoint and the bars were hopping. A do over for next year for sure.

20 Things every girl says her first season of Adult Kickball

1. Is this really a sport?. 2. That guy is hot.... 3. Do I have to wear this shirt? 4. Jell-O shots!!!! 5. You want me to bunt? 6. Why cant our team color be pink? 7. They take this game way to seriously. 8.Flip cup!!! 9. Kickball people are odd. 10.That guy dated how many girls in the league!? 11. I hope the ball doesn't come to me. 12. I have to ref? 13. safety base? 14. Sponsor bar!!! 15. work is going to suck in the morning. 17. No more drinking 18. Shots, shots shots!!!! 19. I love these crazy people 20. When does next season start??

Waka Cruise to the Bahamas 2013

A few days after returning from Italy I was off to my next adventure. A WAKA kickball cruise to the Bahamas. When you live in south Florida the Bahamas are in your backyard, you can take a day trip pretty much any time. My high school reunion was actually a one day booze cruise to the Bahamas. This time instead of leaving from Fort Lauderdale or Miami the boat left from Port Canaveral, in Orlando. Despite the $267.00 speeding ticket I got driving it was a pretty smooth drive. The cruise itself was a 4 day 3 night cruise organized by the World Adult Kickball Association (WAKA). kickball.com Over 300 crazy kickballers took to the seas in search of a sloppy good time. Kickball itself is known for its wild parties. They had several theme nights including "decades" where people dressed in 60's, 70's 80's & 90's swag. They had a pirate theme night and best of all a neon pub crawl in Nassau. This consisted of everyone dressed in neon gear crawling from bar to bar. The best memory was at one of the last bars, Fat Tuesdays where we jumped off the wall into the crystal clear blue water below. The day we spent on the cruise lines private island CoCo Kay was another awesome experience I will never forget. We spent the day playing kickball on the pristine beach, jumping on water trampolines in the ocean and sliding down 40foot water slides. Another awesome memory was when my roommate and friend stole a whole watermelon carved into a bunny from the buffet. We later found out other people in our group were doing the same thing and we had fruit animal family. I drew the line when she wanted to bring it home on the three hour drive with us. Just the relaxing vacation I needed from my Italy trip. Like my travels overseas I met so many awesome people whom I still talk to today. The cruise attracted players all the way from California. I would recommend this cruise to anyone whom likes to have a good time even if you are not a player. The only con was the amount of money I spent on alcohol during the trip and the hold the cruise line placed on my debit card. I highly recommend sneaking bottles of booze in your luggage. the nerd I am I was afraid to get caught and paid full price. I didn't hear of anyone getting booze taken away. They have a cup you can buy and have unlimited soda refills for $8.00 per day. not a bad deal at all.

About me... The Foxy Fontana

I am a Registered Nurse specializing in Neonatal Intensive Care(NICU). My career is not just a job its my number one passion and life's work. After becoming a nurse 9 years ago at the age of 22, I struggled with the intense stress associated with such a career. For years I struggled for that perfect work, play balance. After a failed attempt at being a travel nurse I found that true balance was in international travel. After my first Contiki tour I was hocked. I live in Miami, Florida USA with my 2 dogs whom have traveled the United States with me. I also play competitive sports and rehabilitate abused and neglected dogs for adoption. My dream is to be in a position someday soon to do mission work as a nurse overseas. Bare with me as I am dyslectic and this writing stuff doesn't come easy.

20 things every American girl thinks on a Contiki/Topdeck tour

1.Wonder who my roommate will be, hope she's cool. 2. Man this is a long flight. 3. Better yet hope they make a mistake and my roommate is a hot guy. 3. Hope my tour mates like me. 4. Okay these guys seem cool, but what's with all these Australians? 5. This tour guide is really cool. 6. shots, shot, shots!! 7. Play never have I ever in the hotel room, with my new friends?...Sure. 8. Man these Australians are hot. 9. Early call in the morning no drinking. 10. Shots, Shots, Shots!!!!! 11. Am I hung over or car sick from the coach? 12. Why is the tour guide buying us more shots? 13. OMG this group is crazy like me. 14. Man Australians can drink. 15. Wonder where I can score some pot. 16. How does the guide have so much damn energy? 18. I am so tired, Has anyone slept? 19. Is it inappropriate to puke at this world heritage site? 20. I love you guys lets be friends forever.