Saturday, March 30, 2013

Bucket List Fun

For at least a year or two (or even longer), I have had a bucket list. It is very long right now, and it is getting longer. I keep a bucket list blog on tumblr, which you can check out here, if you wish.

I love having a bucket list, because it shows my adventurous side. I'm willing to try most anything. There is a world of possibilities, and I would like to experience as much as possible in my life.

Feel free to give me suggestions on things to do, as I am looking for new bucket list ideas.

Does anyone have a bucket list? What is on them? Have you done anything on your list? I haven't done much on mine yet, but I'm sure to be able to soon.

Well, that's all for now. More to come later.

Thursday, March 28, 2013

One Day Without Shoes

I just found out about this awesome awareness project TOMS is doing, called One Day Without Shoes, where they create awareness about children who are living without shoes.

It sounds like a great idea, and I might just join in on it. Too many children are without shoes, and even education, clean drinking water, and food. I wish I could help out in making that go away, and this project is the best thing I can do at this time.

I hope you will have it in your heart to help out these children. They need your help, and unfortunately, this issue is not going to go away on its own. As these children live in poor areas, they are not able to do anything themselves.

I feel bad that I have so much and they have so little. Why do I get to have something as simple as a pair of shoes, when they hardly have anything? It's not fair.

I am so thankful that there are organizations out there, that are committed to creating change in the world. It shows people that there is still some good in the world. And I love that!

I hope you will help out in any way that you can. It is definitely worth it!

Wednesday, March 27, 2013

Easter Week

So this week is Easter week (already? Wow.), and I'm really looking forward to Easter Sunday. My dad and I are going to my sister's to celebrate. She has two young children, and we have been getting together with them for Easter ever since the oldest was born.

I absolutely love Easter. The egg-dyeing (my absolute FAVORITE thing to do for Easter!!), the treats, the stories behind Easter, everything.

I can't wait until Sunday, when I get to see my niece and nephew. I think they are going to love their Easter baskets this year.

I kind of miss getting baskets myself. I guess I will always be a kid at heart. I just love doing "kid" stuff.

My favorite Easter treats are the chocolate bunnies, and the Cadbury chocolate cream-filled eggs. They are really good!!

Does anyone who celebrates Easter have plans for Sunday? I hope you have a wonderful Easter, no matter what you do!

Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Spring is Finally Starting to Show Itself

Spring officially started on the 20th, but it didn't start feeling like it until today. It was a little warmer than it had been before, which was nice. The rest of this week, into the weekend, it is supposed to get into the mid fifties, which I love!!!

This Sunday is Easter, so the weather will be perfect when my dad and I go to my sister's to celebrate. I love seeing her and her family, but I wish we got to see them a little more often than on holidays. They live about an hour away, which is why we don't see them very often.

I love the warmer weather more than the cold, so I am very happy that winter is finally over. Although I know we might get cold weather again soon, since the weather is kind of unpredictable where I live.

Well, that's all for now. More to come later.

Monday, March 25, 2013

Joni and Friends Retreat

A year or two ago, I found out about Joni and Friends through a friend of mine, who has gone to some of their retreats in the past. It has inspired to to want to go to one, although it is expensive. But, I am willing to find a job/jobs to be able to pay for it myself.

These retreats are for people with disabilities, and for families as well. I think people without disabilities can go as well, but I am not sure.

I have been wanting to do more in my life, and this is one thing that is perfect for me. I love traveling, and the activities they have at these retreats are what I like to do. I am planning on going to one of the ones in Michigan, which is close by me.

I am a really shy person, so I hope that this retreat will help me become more outgoing in life. And more independent.

Plus, these retreats sound like a lot of fun. But, since I don't have a job yet, I can't pay for it myself. The one I want to go to is $400, which isn't too bad, but with the money my dad gives me for odd jobs around the house, I don't know if I'll be able to save enough in time to go.

Hopefully I can figure something out before then, because I really, really want to go. If I can't go this year, though, I will wait for next year's retreats. I am sure I will have enough money by then.

Well, that is all for now. More to come later.

Sunday, March 24, 2013

30 Day Challenge: Day 30

Your highs and lows of this month.

My highs of March
  • Going to class each week, and being on time
  • Volunteering every Friday at the library
  • Easter with my sister, brother-in-law, niece, nephew, and dad
My lows of March
  • My mom not being alive to celebrate Easter with us
  • My mom not being here for her birthday
  • Not having a job
I'm sure there are more, but right now, I can't think of any more.

Saturday, March 23, 2013

30 Day Challenge: Day 29

Goals for the next 30 days.

Here are my goals so far for the next 30 days:

  • Get my driver's license
  • Get a job
  • Eat less junk food and more fruits and veggies
  • Start working on the book I want to write
  • Clean my room and keep it clean
  • Paint my bedroom walls
  • Save up to half of the money I get for future stuff
  • Donate/get rid of stuff I don't need or want anymore
  • Do well in school
  • Work on becoming more outgoing and self-confident
  • Walk 3 to 5 days a week
  • Cook more often for myself

Friday, March 22, 2013

What God Has Taught Me

Perusing through tumblr last night, I came across a post by a young woman with a blog called Imperfect Beautiful Love. She is writing a book about testimonies, about what God has taught people through a situation they have been in.

That has inspired me to write this post.

My "situation" God had taught me through was during the last five weeks of my mom's life. I thought that I wasn't going to be able to handle everything as well as I did, but I realized that I was stronger than I thought.

And that shocked me. Of course, I was really upset, and not happy about my mom's death, but I wasn't as down as I thought I would be.

I am so glad things turned out the way they did. At this point in my life, I am pretty happy, but there are things that I want to work on, to better myself and my life.

I wish, of course, that my mom hadn't died, but I'm thankful for the lessons I learned from her, and from her passing. I think my life is better because of that. So, thank you mom, for what you have taught me. You are very special to me, and will always be in my heart. I love you!!!

Well, that's all for now. More to come later.

30 Day Challenge: Day 28

Something that you miss.

Something that I miss is being in Girl Scouts. That was pretty much the only thing I looked forward to in elementary school. It was a lot of fun, and I really enjoyed all the projects we did.

I hope to be able to work/volunteer with the Girl Scouts someday (hopefully soon). There was a troop outside of the library this past weekend, selling cookies, and that reminded me of my Girl Scout days. Which made me want to work/volunteer with the organization even more.

Girl Scouts was like a whole different world to me. And I loved it. Camping (even though it was indoors) for a few days away from home, crafts, food, earning badges...I loved it all.

I hope to have my kids in the scouts when they are in school, as I think they would really enjoy it.

Thursday, March 21, 2013

30 Day Challenge: Day 27

A problem that you have had.

A problem that I have had, and still have, is my shyness. It prevents me from doing things I really want to do in life, and I don't like that.

I have been shy for as long as I can remember. I do have friends, and I think they understand about my shyness. But it bothers me now.

Because I am so shy, I hate public speaking, and I want to get over that enough to be able to do it without blanking out, and becoming too shy to want to do anything.

It makes it hard for me to really interact with others without feeling uncomfortable or self-conscious about myself. I always think about how other people would react to what I say or do, and I don't want to do that anymore.

My “comfort zone” is my house, mainly my bedroom. I feel the most comfortable there, as it is my own private/personal place to relax, and no one can come in without my permission.

But, I want to try to ‘broaden my horizon’ in a way. I just found this article on overcoming my shyness. It may help me in the long rong. I know it’s going to take time to be more outgoing, but it’s worth it for me.

Another “comfort zone” for me is a journal/blog. I can be more outgoing there, because I know no one will judge me, or hate me, etc. It’s like a friend to me, who is very understanding, won’t judge, criticize, or hate me for what I write. And that makes me feel more open to writing what’s on my mind, and I feel better when I write things down.

Shyness runs in the family, so it’s not really surprising that I’m that way. My mom, and some of her relatives were shy, but they became more outgoing as they got older.

I’m in my mid 20′s, and I’m not really that outgoing, and it frustrates me. Does anyone have any suggestions for becoming more outgoing? Besides drama classes, and such. And putting myself out of my comfort zones. Those aren’t as easy as they seem, for someone like me. And I’ve heard them before. A million times.

Another one I’ve heard is joining a club that interests you and meeting people with the same interests as you. I need something new to try out, that I would really enjoy, and where I can grow, learn, and become a more outgoing person.

Tuesday, March 19, 2013

30 Day Challenge: Day 26

What kind of person attracts you.

The kind of person who would attract me is someone who is sensitive, caring, funny, honest, fun to be with, loves some of the same things I do.

People who love staying in and just hanging out, as much as going out, to have fun. People who really want to know me, and be friends with me.

People who listen, remember the little things I say, care about my well-being and happiness.

People who love animals, love children, love life.

People who life me up when I'm down, who don't mind listening to me when I need to talk, who will just be there for me if I need someone.

People who believe in me/others, as well as themselves.

People who don't put others down to make them feel better.

Monday, March 18, 2013

The Light and Dark Inside Us

I want you to listen to me very carefully, Harry. You're not a bad person. You're a very good person, who bad things have happened to. Besides, the world isn't split into good people and Death Eaters. We've all got both light and dark inside us. What matters is the part we choose to act on. That's who we really are.

This is one of my absolute favorite quotes from Harry Potter. Sirius Black says this in the fifth movie, when Harry thinks he is becoming like Lord Voldemort.

I love that Sirius reassures him that Harry is a good person, and that how we live our lives determines who we are as a person.

These days, it seems like there are more bad people than good people (in the real world) in this world. I just wish that if someone has an issue, they would get help for it, instead of taking it out on others, especially those who hadn't done anything to that person.

I hate seeing more and more people do the wrong things in life. It hurts to see them hurting, and not get help.

Like Sirius says, we've all got light and dark inside us, and what matters is the part we choose to act on. That's who we really are. I guess some people really are meant to be bad. I wish that wasn't so, because that is why the world is in the state that it's in.

I hope that people can change for the better. It would make life more amazing. More beautiful. More fulfilling.

30 Day Challenge: Day 25

Someone who fascinates you and why

Someone who fascinates me is Jonathan Antoine, who came in second place (although I think he should have won) on Britain's Got Talent last year. Him and his friend Charlotte went on the show, and sung "The Prayer." They were AMAZING!!!

He was a shy person before the show, and his friend has helped him out with becoming more confident.

Because of being on Britain's Got Talent, he has been experiencing many great things in life, and has gotten a lot of support from people around the world.

All this attention hasn't gotten to him (at least, not yet), and he seems to take all this in stride. He is an amazing person.

All this has happened to him early in life (he's 18 now). Even though he has become somewhat famous, he enjoys doing things any teenager does, and that is awesome to see. He is just a normal person, who has an AMAZING voice.

Sunday, March 17, 2013

Happy St. Patrick's Day!


To those who celebrate, happy St. Patrick's Day! Have fun and stay safe! Do you have any fun stuff planned?

Tuesday, March 12, 2013

30 Day Challenge: Day 24

Your favorite movie and what it's about

My favorite movie is either Joseph King of Dreams, which is about a man who has these dreams, and his brothers are jealous of him because of that. They sell him into slavery, and in the end, Joseph becomes one rank below pharoah (I forget his position), and forgives his brothers for what they have done.

The other movie I really like is The Prince of Egypt, which is about Moses, and how he fights to free his people. He was found by the Pharoah and his wife when he was a baby, and they raised him as his own. When Moses finds out that he was adopted, he sets out to his homeland, where he encounters God, and does what is asked of him. He has to go up against his brother, who has become Pharoah, and is stubborn in the traditions.

Both of these are really good movies, and I have watched them many, many times.

Friday, March 8, 2013

Sorry for Being MIA the Last Few Days

Sorry I haven't posted in a while. I haven't been feeling well since Saturday, and I didn't feel like blogging.

I am almost over this cold that I have, so I feel well enough to do a little update.

School has been going well. The homework isn't too bad, which is nice. The teacher told us today that for the final exam, we have to make and bring in a vegan entree or dessert for the class to try. When I heard that, I thought this was the easiest exam EVER.

I don't eat a vegan diet normally, so this is unusual for me to do. But, I'm willing to do it.

I am hoping to volunteer with a day camp this summer. It's a camp for kids with cancer, where they get to do different fun activities each day of camp. I was a photographer in the past, and I had a lot of fun. I hope I get to do it again this year.

Within the next couple of months, I might be getting my driving permit, and my dad may be taking me out driving as well. I really hope I can get comfortable with driving, so I can get my license. It would help me out a lot, so I can get a job and not have to worry about transportation.

It would also help me in being more independent, and not as reliant on others for things. And that would be awesome!

Well, that's all for now. More to come later.

Saturday, March 2, 2013

30 Day Challenge: Day 23

Give pictures of 5 guys who are famous who you find attractive

Um, okay...here goes.

 Eddie Kroeger

 Liam Hemsworth

 Eddie Vedder
 Johnny Depp

 Jackson Rathbone

Friday, March 1, 2013

30 Day Challenge: Day 22

How have you changed in the past two years?

I found out I was stronger emotionally than I really was. When we found out that my mom wasn't going to pull through what she was going through, I thought I wouldn't be ready for her to go. But, after she died, I wasn't as freaked out as I thought I would be.

I guess because we knew that she wasn't going to make it, we had time to prepare for what was to come. It was still really hard, of course, but it wasn't as bad as it would have been otherwise.

After her death, some things weren't as important to me anymore, like getting presents on my birthday and during the holidays (although I don't mind it if someone gives me something).

I have turned to writing, baking, watching movies, and listening to music more often lately, which has helped me get through these last couple of years. Knitting and crocheting has also helped me out, which I love.

Also, since I had started volunteering at the library last May, delivering materials to those who can't come in to the library, I have started coming out of my shell a little. I am normally a really shy person, and don't really talk to people I don't know, but this has helped me with that somewhat.

I am still really shy, but I am starting to open up. I hope to be more outgoing as time goes by, because I hate being so quiet. Although, I don't mind it sometimes.

Outgoing people sometimes intimidate me, because of how much they have to say, but I want to get over that. I also want to get over what people would think of me.

I may be shy, but I am also friendly, caring/compassionate, sensitive, fun-loving, and easy-going. I just don't like to talk much.