Friday, May 31, 2013

Blog Every Day in May: Day 31

A vivid memory

Oh, wow...ummm....

Ok, I got one.

When I was in elementary school, my cat had gotten out, and I was trying to pick her up to bring her back in. But, she wouldn't let me catch her, and that upset me. I went back into the yard and started crying. She sensed that I was upset, and came over to me, probably wondering what was going on. It made me happy that she came back, even though I knew she would in the end. I loved my cat, and didn't want anything to happen to her, which was why I was trying to get her. I picked her up, feeling happy again, and brought her back into the house.

Thursday, May 30, 2013

Blog Every Day in May: Day 30

React to this term: Letting Go

Letting Go...Wow. This has more meaning to me than you may think. I had to let go of a few things in the past 2 1/2 years or so.

My mom had gone into the hospital because of problems with medications she was taking, and I think they said she also had pneumonia as well.

The doctors told us she would never recover, and she had spent five weeks in the hospital before dying from complications.

I had to learn to let her go. That was a really, really hard thing for me to do, as I loved my mom very much.

I also had to let go of our family pet a few years ago. We had our cat, Kitty, for 16 years (just about her whole life), and I had a special bond with her. So it was hard letting her go as well.

Letting go has shown me how strong I really am. I was able to get through both events stronger, a better person. It made me not take everything for granted anymore.

Wednesday, May 29, 2013

Blog Every Day in May: Day 29

Five songs or pieces of music that speak to you or bring back memories. Use Grooveshark or YouTube to include them in the post

Single by Natasha Bedingfield

Unwritten by Natasha Bedingfield

You Raise Me Up by Josh Groban

Angels Among Us by Alabama

Free to Be Me by Francesca Battistelli

Tuesday, May 28, 2013

Blog Every Day in May: Day 28

Only pictures

These pictures are of me, and my cats. For some reason, I wasn't able to upload any other pictures, so I just did these.








Monday, May 27, 2013

Blog Every Day in May: Day 27

A letter to your readers

Dear Readers,

I just want to thank you for taking the time to read my blog. This is one of the best outlets for me, as I am a very shy person. Writing and blogging help me to express what's on my mind, and helps me to make my point easier and faster, than to actually speak.

To know that people are interested in what I blog about, and takes the time to actually read it, makes me feel really good. It shows me that my thoughts and opinions really do matter, and that people really are interested in what goes on in my life. And in my head.

I love having followers, and having followers that actually read my blog, instead of following just to follow.

So, thank you for being there for me. I really do appreciate it.

Sincerely,
Diane

Saturday, May 25, 2013

Blog Every Day in May: Day 25

Something someone told you about yourself that you'll never forget (good or bad)

Well, ever since I was in elementary school, people have told me that I should be a model, as I was tall pretty much ever since elementary school.

I was never interested in being a model, though. I think it's partly because I was so shy then, that I didn't like being in front of a group of people, and being judged on, that I didn't want to model.

I heard this suggestion a lot in school, and I was flattered by it, but I just wasn't that interested in pursuing a career in modeling, no matter how many times I heard that I should.

I know it's not all bad, but I have seen the show America's Next Top Model, and have seen how people act sometimes, in the business. I don't like all that, and don't want to become like those people. Which is why I didn't want to get into modeling.

Friday, May 24, 2013

Blog Every Day in May: Day 24

Your top 3 worst traits

  1. I am a big procrastinator. Although I am doing better with that in some areas, like school. I was able to my homework and hand it all in on time. But, most of the time, I tend to put things off, and I want to really work on that.
  2. I get upset easily. Even if it is constructive criticism and isn't meant to be taken personally, I sometimes take it personally. I really want to work on that, because I know that not all things are meant to be personal, and are not meant to attack me. It's just that I am a really sensitive person, and automatically take the offensive when something is said that is meant as a suggestion.
  3. I am not a neat freak. I am an adult, and my room is still a big mess. I really want to work on that, but there is a lot of stuff I have to go through, and when I see how much there is to organize, I tend to put it off. So, I guess this one goes with my first trait I mentioned.

My 'Top Twenty-Five' Summer Bucket List

A blogger I follow posted her summer top twenty-five bucket list yesterday, and that inspired me to want to post my own. So here it is:

  1. Get a job
  2. Go to cousin's graduation party
  3. Go to a festival
  4. Make 'real' lemonade
  5. Get fro-yo at a local frozen yogurt place with friends
  6. Take up yoga and/or Pilates
  7. Make s'mores
  8. Go to local farmer's market
  9. Have a picnic with friends, family
  10. Read one book a week
  11. Make at least one thing from Pinterest
  12. Finish crocheting shawl
  13. Get bedroom cleaned up
  14. Paint bedroom walls
  15. Reorganize bedroom
  16. Get my driver's permit, and then hopefully my license
  17. Make strawberry shortcake from scratch
  18. Put together one of my puzzles
  19. Watch the local high school's 4th of July fireworks show
  20. Make homemade ice cream
  21. Go swimming at least 2 times
  22. Dive off the diving board for the first time
  23. Host a lemonade stand for Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation and donate proceeds to them
  24. Go on at least one bike ride around town
  25. Make a pizza from scratch
There may be more I want/get to do, but this is the gist of my summer bucket list at this point. What are you doing this summer?

Thursday, May 23, 2013

Blog Every Day in May: Day 23

Things you've learned that school won't teach you

Hmmm.....well, not to take things for granted. Nothing lasts forever, and people need to learn that. Me included.

That sometimes things don't always go as planned.

That being yourself is a good thing. Being unique, different is good.

That you should keep an open mind when meeting new people and trying new things.

That there is always going to be sorrow in life. That sorrow is a part of life.

That change can be good. That it is inevitable. That you can't stop change.

That responsibility is a part of life. You will always have responsibilities, and that you can't shirk responsibilities.

That tests, grades, and homework don't define who you are.

That there are consequences for every single thing you do, whether it's good or bad.

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Blog Every Day in May: Day 22

Rant about something. Get up on your soapbox and tell us how you really feel. (a pet peeve, a current event, a controversial topic, something your husband or roommate or neighbor or boss does that really ticks you off)

Well, there a few things I want to rant about, but I will try to choose just one to rant about here.

I don't understand why children have to bully other children, just to make them feel better. I understand they may be going through a tough time, but that is no reason to take it out on others.

What really gets me, though, is when adults do it. They should know better. There is no reason they should be that ignorant.

If you bully someone, do you know how much you are affecting that person? It makes them feel really depressed, they feel like they did something wrong when they haven't, and in some cases, they want to end everything.

Life should not be full of put-downs and bullying. It's hard enough with everything else; people do not need to be put down just because of something that is going on in someone else's life. It is not their fault for what you are going through.

So please try and think before you speak/act. It can really do a lot of damage and hurt if you put someone down, and they never get over it.

Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Blog Every Day in May: Day 21

A list of links to your favorite posts in your archives

Hmm...ok, here goes:

A Friend in Need I wrote this after I found out that a friend was going through a really tough time a couple years ago.

Finding A Long-Lost Friend After Over 15 Years I had found out that a friend I hadn't seen in over 15 years was on Facebook, and I had sent her a friend request. It was really surprising to get in contact with her again, as I hadn't heard from her in a long time. I am very happy to be in contact again, though.

My New Four-Legged Friend I had been volunteering at the library for a few months when I wrote this. I am a huge animal lover, so I was happy when the woman's dog was trusting me, and really like me.

I Got My New Cell Phone Today!!! I had been wanting a cell phone for ages, and was very excited when I finally got it. It took a personal crisis for me to get one, but I was happy when I got it. I never had a cell phone before that, so this was all new for me.

I Love Volunteering When I wrote this, I had missed a day of volunteering, and when I had volunteered again, people said they missed me. I hadn't realized just how much of an impression I made on the people I was helping, and it made me feel good that they appreciate me and what I am doing for them.

Me, Myself and I I wrote this poem, to describe who I am, so that people can understand me, and not to judge me before getting to know me.

The World Needs More Love Letters I had found out about an organization called The World Needs More Love Letters, and when I found out what they did, I immediately joined up. They ask people to write encouraging notes/letters to people who are going through a rough time, and then the notes will be sent to those in need. It is a great idea, and I am so glad I found out about this.

Angels of God I wrote this poem after I found out able the Sandy Hook shooting. It is so sad when something like this happens.

A Heart for Adoption When the priest at the mass talked about adoption, it reminded me of how much I wanted to adopt someday. I absolutely love children, and it breaks my heart when I see that children don't have a loving family to call their own.

What God Has Taught Me I had found a post on Tumblr about this, and figured I'd share my story. It is amazing what you learn in a lifetime.

One Day Without Shoes I had found out about this event, and thought it was a great idea. There are many children and adults who are not able to get all the important necessities that they need, and it is so nice to see that there still are people out there who care.

What Marriage is to Me I saw this hashtag on Twitter a while ago, and it inspired me to write about what it means to me.

Monday, May 20, 2013

Blog Every Day in May: Day 20

Get real. Share something you're struggling with right now.

Something I am struggling with right now is my shyness and self-confidence.

I have been shy for as long as I can remember, and have had low self-confidence because of that. I really want to be more outgoing, but it is hard for me to step out of my comfort zone, even though I am an adult now.

Although, I have been volunteering at the library for the past year, delivering library materials to people who can't come to the library for whatever reason, and that has brought me out of my shell a little.

Since I am so shy, public speaking is scary for me. So is being in a crowd. It makes me really self-conscious, and when I see people speaking without looking nervous or anything, it makes it worse for me. I always think about what others would think of me when I'm around others.

I always feel bad about missing out on experiences, because I don't take the initiative to do things on my own sometimes. And I hate that.

I often imagine myself being more outgoing, and having no problems doing things with other people, and just being around others. I just wish that really was me, but it is extremely hard to break out of this shell, and doing things that make me really uncomfortable.

Hopefully that will go away after some time, because I want to enjoy life more without worrying too much about what others think of me.

Sunday, May 19, 2013

Blog Every Day in May: Day 19

Five of your favorite blogs and what you love about them

Number one of my favorite blogs is There's No Place Like Home. The couple has five biological children and eleven adopted children, all from China. I think they all have some type of special need as well (the adopted children).
I dream of adopting special needs children some day, so that is why this blog is one of my favorites. They share their experiences with adoption and home life.

Number two of my favorite blogs is Our Treasures from Afar. This is another blog by another couple who have two biological children and eight adopted children, again all from China. These adopted children also have some type of special need.

Number three of my favorites is The Kings. The woman whose blog this is lost one of her four boys and husband over a year ago. The son who died had multiple disabilities and health issues, and the husband had a heart attack, which is why they both died. I love this blog because even with all that they have gone through, the mother and her three other boys are still going strong.

Number four is Junior's Amazing Journey. The woman whose blog this is has a son with a disability and several health issues, but both are always happy, and living life to the fullest. They do the best they can with what they have, and always have a wonderful outlook on life.

And last but not least, number five is 71 Toes. This blog is by a woman who is married with five children, the youngest of whom has a vision impairment. They live life with joy every day. They really seem to care a lot for others, and takes things as they come. They are an average American family, dealing with average American goings-on.

Saturday, May 18, 2013

Blog Every Day in May: Day 18

Tell a story from your childhood. Dig deep and try to be descriptive about what you remember and how you felt.

On the first day of sixth grade, I remember two different families had come to the U.S. from two different countries. One family was from Italy, parents and two daughters, and the other family was from Russia, parents and two daughters as well.

One daughter from each family was in my grade, the other two were a year or so younger and in different grades.

I remember that the oldest girl from Italy had asked me some questions about myself, I guess because she wanted to know me. I remembered wondering why she asked me those questions, but I felt happy that she wanted to know me.

I became friends with the girls from Russia pretty quickly, and am happy I did. They are great people, and I am thankful they moved to the same city as me. Although, I know a move like that is not an easy one.

Friday, May 17, 2013

Blog Every Day in May: Day 17

A favorite photo of yourself and why



I was maybe 2 or three years old here. I don't know what I was so happy about, but I love how happy I look here.

I don't know who took this picture, probably one of my parents, but I am so glad they did. I love the smile on my face.

Thursday, May 16, 2013

Blog Every Day in May: Day 16

Something difficult about your "lot in life" and how you're working to overcome it

Well, the most difficult one is not having my mom around anymore. She died in November 2010, and it has been really hard on me.

We didn't have the best relationship, but I still loved her (and still do). She was my mom, and will always be my mom, no matter where she is.

Things have gotten better over the past year or so, but I just do not like not having mom around. I miss her very much, and wish she was still here.

Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Blog Every Day in May: Day 15

A Day in the life (include photos from throughout your typical day - this could be "a photo an hour" if you'd like)

Well, for some reason blogger won't let me upload my own photos, so I will have to use ones from the internet. Here's what my day was like:

Wake up

 Eat breakfast

Volunteer at library making die-cuts

 Homemade nachos for dinner

 Using computer in the evening

 My turn for dishes

 Bed time

Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Blog Every Day in May: Day 14

Ten things that make you really happy

  • Hanging out with my friends
  • My pets
  • Chocolate
  • Writing
  • Music
  • Making arts and crafts
  • Baking
  • Photography
  • Traveling to new places
  • Reading a book on a rainy day

Monday, May 13, 2013

Blog Every Day in May: Day 13

Issue a public apology. This can be as funny or as serious or as creative as you want it to be.

Hmmm....this is a hard one.

Ok, here goes.

I'm sorry for not being your idea of perfect. I am who I am, and I cannot change that. I will not change for you, or for anyone else.

I am sorry I don't have the same things you do, like the newest computer, iPod, other electronics, the same clothes, the same vehicle, etc.

I'm sorry I don't have the same friends as you, or know all the same people you do.

I'm sorry I don't have the latest hairstyle, wear makeup, etc.

I am not sorry for who I am, what I have, and what I don't have.

I am not sorry I don't have a perfect life. It is better than some, but not as good as others.

I am not sorry for being me.

Sunday, May 12, 2013

Graduation Time

Well, it is graduation time for many students, one of my cousins among them. I can't believe she's graduating from high school already. Where has the time gone?

I was just invited to her graduation party, but she lives in another state, and I don't drive yet, so I have to figure out a way to get there.

I really hope to go, because I haven't been there in a long time, and would love to go again.

Another problem is that my dad doesn't want me go to, because it's apparently too far for me to travel. I have been on trips by myself before, that were a lot longer than this trip that I want to go on, so I don't know why he is so against it.

I am able to handle traveling by myself, and I am an adult, so I should be able to go if I want to.

I can pay for transportation, and anything else I need, myself. Plus, my uncle has told me that he is happy to have me stay with him whenever I come, so I know that I have a place to stay.

It is hard for me to express myself verbally, so I have decided to write a letter to my dad, explaining why I want to go, and why I should be able to do this. I really hope this all works out in the end, because I really want to go.

I love to travel, so going to my cousin's party would make me happy, and I get to see family.

This will be the first time in a while that I have traveled out of state, and I can't wait to be starting up again.

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

Blog Every Day in May: Day 12

What do you miss? (a person, a thing, a place, a time of your life...)

The main one is my mom. She died in November 2010, and that was very hard on me. I loved her very much, and I wish she was still here.

Life without her isn't easy, of course. It's hard doing things knowing that I can't share them with her in person.

Although, I'm glad she's not suffering anymore. She was sick the last years of her life, and it wasn't easy on her. She didn't really complain all that much, though. She was tough.

I also miss Girl Scouts. I was in it throughout elementary school, and absolutely loved it.

Here are some other things I miss...

  • My cat Kitty (a black longhair)
  • Hearing my paternal grandpa play his harmonica in the back room whenever my family and I visited him and grandma
  • My teddy bear hamster Cookie
  • Visiting my maternal grandpa, aunt, uncle and cousins one state away
  • My best friend from elementary school, who moved away in second or third grade
  • My elementary school art class
  • One of the former elementary school teacher's assistants
  • Zender's store being a block away from where I live
  • Reading those books in first grade, to get prizes

Saturday, May 11, 2013

Blog Every Day in May: Day 11

Sell Yourself in Ten Words or Less

Hmmm....this is a bit hard for me.

Ok, here goes:

Shy
Compassionate
Loving
Friendly
Accepting
Creative
Fun
Family-oriented
Baker
Photographer

Friday, May 10, 2013

Blog Every Day in May: Day 10

Most embarrassing moment(s). Spill.

The only "embarrassing" moment I can think of is from when I was in Jr. High. Construction for the new school had started in the middle of the school year, and for gym we had to go to an off-campus field for outdoor softball.

I think it might have rained the previous night because the grass was slippery when we were at the field.

When it was my turn at bat, I had hit the ball and was running to first base. I had slipped and fell on my way to the base, and felt really embarrassed about it.

No one said anything about it, but I'm not sure if anyone noticed. They probably figured I meant to do it.

Thursday, May 9, 2013

Blog Every Day in May: Day 9

A moment in your day (this can be just a photo or both a photo and words)


I took the written part of my final today. It wasn't too bad, but I am glad it is over.

Wednesday, May 8, 2013

Blog Every Day in May: Day 8

A piece of advice you have for others. Anything at all.

A piece of advice I have is to tell loved ones every day that you love and care for them, because you never know if they will be around tomorrow.

I learned that with my mom, before she died. We didn't know how long she was going to be with us, when she was in the hospital. I told her many, many times that I loved her, and am so glad I did.

Sometimes, people really want to hear that they are loved, and that people care for them. It makes them feel appreciated. So don't be afraid to tell someone how you feel about them. You never know how long you have with someone.

Tuesday, May 7, 2013

Blog Every Day in May: Day 7

The thing(s) you're most afraid of

The main thing I am afraid of is death. The though of not knowing what happens after death scares me. I don't like the thought of not "being" anymore. I have been afraid of death ever since my maternal grandpa died, and I saw him in the casket at his funeral.

That really upset me, and freaked me out. It was the first death and funeral I remember, and I just couldn't handle it.

Another thing I am most afraid of is heights. Being real high up, and knowing that I could possibly fall and seriously injure myself is scary.

I really want to get over my fear of heights, at least somewhat. I plan on starting small, starting with jumping off of a diving board this summer. I have never done that before, because I have been too afraid.

Monday, May 6, 2013

Blog Every Day in May: Day 6

If you couldn't answer with your job, how would you answer the question, 'what do you do'?

Well, I don't have a job (yet), so I can't answer with that. But here is what I do do:

I volunteer at the local library on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. On Mondays and Wednesdays, I am in the children's department, putting the books in order that are out of order, and working with the children, playing games and making crafts.

On Fridays, I volunteer with the library's home delivery service, helping deliver library materials to those who can't make it in to the library for whatever reason (mainly health reasons). I have been doing that for a year now, and I absolutely love it.

A few of the people who receive this service have told me that they really like me, and love seeing me each week, and that they appreciate what I am doing for them. That makes me feel good, being liked and appreciated. It makes me happy that I get to help others.

I also go to school on Thursdays, although there are only two weeks left in the semester (one class each week). I am going for my baking and pastry degree, and this semester I am taking a Nutrition class. It was an alright class.

The teacher was nice, and the other students were alright. But I didn't really learn much. But, at least I was able to do well in what we did.

I am hoping to go to school in the fall, and take a food sanitation and safety class, and an intro to baking and pastry class.

I am hoping to work at a bakery once I get my degree, and maybe even open up my own bakery someday.

So, that is pretty much what I do at the moment.

Sunday, May 5, 2013

Blog Every Day in May: Day 5

Publicly profess your love and devotion for one of your blogger friends. What makes them great? Why do you love them? If you don't have blogger friends, talk about a real-life friend or even a family member.

Hmmm.....this is a hard one.

Ok, I have decided about who I will talk about. Her name is Lisa, and she has a blog called The Kings.

She has been going through a lot over the last almost 2 years, yet she is still going strong. She lost her husband and one of her sons within months of each other, and is able to keep it together for the most part.

I love her spirit and her ability to keep going for her other boys.  I don't know how she is able to do it.

I have never met her or her family before (we live in different countries), but I would love to be able to some day.

I have lost a loved one before, so I kind of know what she is going through. It is amazing to see how people can keep living, even when they are going through an awful situation. It makes life worth living to the fullest.

I have been reading her blog for maybe a year or so, and I love reading her newest posts when they are written.

Thank you, Lisa, for sharing your blog with me, and anyone else who reads it. You are an amazing woman, and I hope you keep going strong. You deserve living life the best way possible.

Saturday, May 4, 2013

Blog Every Day in May: Day 4

Favorite quote (from a person, from a book, etc) and why you love it

Well, there are two that I really like, that kind of go together. Both are spoken by Harry Potter character Sirius Black.

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.

If you want to know what a man’s like, take a good look at how he treats his inferiors, not his equals.

Both talk about seeing a person by how they act. People show who they truly are through how they treat others, their actions, and how they speak. All of these define each of us as a person.

People tend to react, to judge others before really getting to know them. We need to stop and take a moment to chat and interact with others before we make a final judgment on who someone is.

It isn't hard to get to know someone; just start talking to them, and find out about who they are. A lot of people are happy to just talk. It might just help someone get through some difficult situations, if they have someone who cares, and is willing to just listen to them.

It will help them go from "dark" to "light."

Friday, May 3, 2013

I Want to Be a "Big Sister"

For quite some time, I have been wanting to be a part of Big Brothers Big Sisters in my area. It seems like a lot of fun, and you get to help a child be more confident in themselves.

Plus, I think this would make me more confident as well. I am a shy person (like I've said a few times before), so being able to interact with others like this will help me become more outgoing in the future.

I have many ideas of things to do, if/when I become a Big Sister. There are lots of restaurants, shops, events, etc. in my area that we could go to, and I have a lot of stuff for games and crafts for us to do as well.

And of course I have music and movies too.

I really hope I get the chance to be a part of this, because it is an amazing organization. I want to be as involved in my community as I can (without burning out, of course, or taking on too much). I love helping out, and people really do appreciate what volunteers do for them. It is such a great feeling, knowing that you're doing something good in the world.

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

Blog Every Day: Day 3-Things That Make You Uncomfortable

Things that make me uncomfortable. Well, there are a few things.

One: Heights. I am absolutely scared of being up high. Although, airplanes are ok with me, since I am enclosed and I know I won't fall out.

Two: Public speaking. I am a really shy person, and I don't like to talk a lot. So, if I have to talk in front of a group of people, then I stall and my mind goes blank.

Three: Spiders. I think it's the way they look, and the way they move. It's creepy.

Four: Being put on the spot. Especially when I'm not expecting it. Like with public speaking, I tend to stall and my mind goes blank if I am put on the spot, and I really do not like that. It makes me really uncomfortable.

Five: When guys seem way too interested in me. They seem to only be into my looks. And they tend to stare at me a lot, which I don't like.

Six: Swearing. A lot of it. I can understand the occasional swear, but when it's every other word, then it bothers me. I don't get why people have to use a lot of swear words. It does not make them seem cool, or smart. It makes them sound immature.

Seven: Nude scenes in movies. I know it's not a bad thing necessarily, but it just makes me uncomfortable. If it is not my partner (who is yet to come around; I am single at the moment), then I don't feel comfortable seeing people naked. It's just not right, to me.

Well, I thinks that's all. That is all I can think of, at any rate.

Thursday, May 2, 2013

Blog Every Day in May Day 2

Educate us on something you know alot about or are good at. Take any approach you'd like (serious and educational or funny and sarcastic)

Well, I am pretty good at photography. It is something that I am passionate about. I am a very shy person normally, so any way that lets me express myself in a creative way, is awesome.

I have taken a ton of pictures, and a few people have commented that I take really good photos. That makes me feel great, that people like my photos.

I mostly take pictures of nature, but I will photograph pretty much anything. I do take pictures of events in my life, so I can have great memories.

This is something that I really enjoy, and time goes by fast whenever I take photos. I hope to be able to get a photography degree soon, so I can be a professional photographer.

Wednesday, May 1, 2013

Blog Every Day in May Challenge: Day 1-Story of My Life

I am linking up with Jenni at Story of My Life for this challenge. I have included the button for this challenge on the right side of my blog, so check it out when you get the chance.

So here goes for Day 1.

I was born in a Chicago suburb on December 14. I am the youngest of five siblings (three brothers and a sister). My oldest brother married in 1999, and my sister married in 2000, and she and her husband have two children, a boy and a girl.

I have never moved. Ever. I have lived in the exact same house, on the exact same block, in the exact same neighborhood, in the exact same city and state, ever since I was born. I love my city very much. Lots of shops, restaurants, schools, stuff to do.

I was born with an iris coloboma (where the iris doesn't form properly) in my right eye, and I have had vision problems with that eye since birth. It bugs me, mainly because of the vision problems, and sometimes I think that other people notice it.

I am a very shy, self-conscious person. It is very frustrating because there are a lot of things that I want to do, and much of it requires speaking to groups of people.

I volunteer every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at the local library. For the past year (has it really been a year already?), I have been volunteering with the home delivery service, delivering library materials to those who can't make it to the library for whatever reason (usually health-related issues), every Friday morning.

I absolutely love it, because I get to meet new people, and it has also brought me out of my shell a bit. I really enjoy seeing the people each week, and on several occasions a few of the people I deliver to have told me they really like me, and always look forward to seeing me each week.

I am also volunteering in the children's department on Monday and Wednesday afternoons. So far, I have been shelf reading, putting books in order if they are out of order. Soon, I will most likely be working with the children, helping them with the games and crafts as well. I absolutely love children, so this is why I decided to volunteer in that department.

I am going to school for my baking and pastry degree. Baking is one of my biggest passions, along with writing, photography, animals and children. Aside from being a baker, I also want to be an author, photographer and teacher (or teacher's aide). I also want to work with animals in some way, as well.

Well, that's the condensed version of my life. I hope you enjoyed it!

A Love of Photography

I have probably blogged about this before, or mentioned it, but besides baking, I absolutely love photography. If I see something I want to remember, or see something that I really like, I can't help but take a picture of it.

I have a TON of photos on my phone and on my Facebook account. And in a few boxes as well.

I hope to be able to get a photography degree as soon as I can, and see where it goes from there. Photography, as well as baking and writing, are all a big part of who I am. I am a very shy person and any outlet that let's me express myself, and gives me a bigger voice.

Yesterday, while walking to and from the library to volunteer, I took a bunch of photos of flowers, trees, and other parts of nature. I may post some of the pictures I take/took on here in the future.

I usually take pictures on my phone, but I do use a digital camera as well. Although I like using my phone more, because it's easier to handle, and it as more options on it, as to how I want to take the picture.

Someday, I want to get some photography equipment, and maybe have my own studio as well. Or a photography room, at least. I absolutely love being creative, and having this would help me out in that way.

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

Joni and Friends Family Retreats

For about a year now, I have been wanting to go on a Joni and Friends Retreat, which sound like a lot of fun. The only thing is, they are kind of expensive, and I won't be able to pay for them on my own. At least, not at this time.

One of my friends has been to a few of these retreats, and she seemed to really enjoy them. I just wish I could have the experience of one of these retreats. It would mean a lot to me.

Disability awareness is very, very important to me, as I have a disability myself. People with disabilities just want to be accepted, and be accepted for who they are. It is not their fault they are the way they are, and they do not like being discriminated against.

That's why I love it when I see people advocating for disability rights, and equality. And I absolutely love what Joni does with her organization. It is so amazing!!

I would love to have the chance to meet Joni and her husband someday. They seem like such amazing people.

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