Remember

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I wish everyone was more like this.

Autographs From One of My FAVORITE Artists Came Today!!!

A couple weeks or so ago, I had sent a fan letter to one of my favorite musical artists, Andrea Bocelli, and I had sent a CD booklet along with my letter, asking him to sign it if he could.

Today, I got that back, signed, along with a photo with him and either his girlfriend or wife, also signed. I was really happy when I got them, although I wasn't expecting the photo. Just the CD booklet. But, I'm happy with both.

Here's a picture of both signed pieces.

Thank you, Mr. Bocelli!! You are awesome :D

Five-Minute Friday: True

I am linking up with Lisa-Jo Baker for today's Five Minute Friday.

Today's FMF: True

The true character of a person
Lies within the soul
It comes out bit by bit
As time goes on
It is a combination
Of beautiful
And not so beautiful
Attributes
But they are all unique
To each and every person
It's what makes a person
True to themselves
We just need
To find out
Who our true selves are
No one can tell us
Who we truly are
No one can change
Our true selves
We are who we are
For a reason
If we are
Not true to ourselves
We are lying
To ourselves
And to others
Truth may not be easy
But it is always worth it
Be true to yourself
So you can be true
To others

Steven Curtis Chapman - When Love Takes You In

I was watching the movie Christmas Child yesterday (yes, I know it's not the right season for this yet, but I wanted to see it), and this song was on it. I instantly fell in love with it, and thought I would share it. I hope you guys love it as much as I do!

25 Things

I got the idea to do a 25 Things list about myself, from a friend who also has a blog. So here goes.

1. I am the youngest of five.
2. I have several passions: children, animals, volunteering, photography, baking, volunteering, and writing.
3. I am going to school for my baking and pastry degree.
4. I love polar bears.
5. I love calendars.
6. I love planners. Both monthly and weekly ones.
7. I love plaid.
8. I have lived in the city all my life, but I prefer country living.
9. I love composition notebooks
10. Hot chocolate is my favorite drink.
11. I am a big chocoholic.
12. I've never worn makeup before, and it doesn't bother me.
13. I have three pen pals, who I love talking/writing to. They are very nice, and very supportive.
14. I've grown up with cats, although we've had a few fish, and a hamster as well.
15. I never really liked/loved school all that much until I got to college.
16. I have never moved once in my life. I have lived in the same house, on the same block, in the same neighborhood, in the same city, the same state, ever since I was born.
17. I have never been outside of the U.S. before, but I was close to the U.S./Canada border when I went to Montana in 1999.
18. I am addicted to Pinterest.
19. I love working with clay.
20. I keep a dream journal.
21. I love spicy foods, and I am positive I got that from my mom.
22. My favorite food is Italian, but I also love Mexican food.
23. I still love using crayons, markers, and colored pencils.
24. I dream of living on a farm with my own family someday, raising horses, and having my own garden.
25. I don't like to exercise, but I am in the habit of riding my bike three days a week whenever the weather is nice. I have been doing that since June.

The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation

I found out that there is an organization on Facebook called The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation.

They have great ideas for stuff you can do to help others out. It is so awesome to see people who are willing to go out of their way, to do something for someone else, without any expectations of getting anything in return.

I wish people were more like this. Many problems in the world would be gone if everyone were just nicer to others. It doesn't hurt, and it makes you feel good, as well as making others feel good.

What's wrong with being nice to people, and doing something nice for them? It doesn't take much out of your day, out of your life.

Take some time to just think about others every once in a while. You'll be so glad you did!

World Peace and Other 4th Grade Achievements

The other day, my dad told me about this show he was watching, where a teacher had created this world peace game, and was teaching it to his students.

It is apparently on DVD, so I will definitely be checking it out whenever I can. I saw a trailer for it, and it seemed really interesting. There is also a book about it as well, so I will check that out as well.

Here's what the website says about the game, in simple terms:

Educator John Hunter puts all the problems of the world on a 4' x 5' plywood board...and lets his 4th-graders solve them.

It's very interesting, and I can't wait to see the movie in its entirety. And to read the book.

I'm Only Me

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I can only be myself, and if you can't accept that, then walk away. I don't need any drama in my life just because someone doesn't like who I am. We are all beautiful the way we are. No matter what others say.

Every Day is a Story

I think I saw this on Pinterest, as a quote. It got me inspired to write a post about it on here.

I completely agree that every day is a story, and that you are the author of each day. You control what happens (sometimes), who is in it, how the days end.

It can be romantic, comedy, tragedy, whatever you want it to be.

Every day is going to be a different story. A story never happens more than once, so try to make the best out of each one.

There aren't really any "endings" to a story, just a new beginning.

There are as many "stories" as there are people. And each one is as unique and special as the person who wrote them.

Every story is as beautiful as the person it is about. There are many ups and downs, as there should be.

No story is perfect, as is no person. If everyone realized that, then they wouldn't have as many problems in life.

Every story is worth writing, as well as reading. Create a story that you can be proud of, and without regrets.

Allergy Tattoos: Good or Bad Idea?

I found this article on Yahoo, about children having allergy tattoos, which could possibly "save their lives."

To be honest, I don't know what to think about this. There are good things about this, and there are bad things.

But, I guess it's a good idea. It could help save a life, and help people watch the food they serve/eat.

Is it better than those bracelet things, though? Are either any good? What do you guys think?

I'm all for letting people know about any allergies children have, but what is the best way to do that, without causing any issues, or as little issues/problems as possible?

How do you feel about 'allergy tattoos'? Good or bad idea?

Five-Minute Friday: She

I am linking up with Lisa-Jo Baker for today's Five Minute Friday.

Today's Five Minute Friday: She

She sees ads in a magazine
Or on TV
With thin, flawless models
And thinks she has to look like that
That to be
As skinny as possible
As perfect as possible
Is how she should be
She may not have the prettiest hair
The most beautiful eyes
She may be a little bigger than some
She may not have flawless skin
But she is perfect the way she is
She just doesn't realize it
Society tells her
That she isn't perfect
Unless she changes
These things about herself
She feels like she is worthless
After seeing so many
Ads about makeup
And clothes
And weight loss
But she doesn't need all that
She has everything she needs
Inside herself
She is beautiful
She is perfect
Just the way she is

Goth Andrew De Leon Amazes The Judges With His Voice

I just saw this yesterday, and it just blew me away. Just goes to show that you should NEVER, EVER judge others.

Yes, he has an interesting voice, but it's a beautiful voice (plus, look at those eyes!!). He has a true gift, which I hope he will use, for good, for many years to come.

The New, Repaved Alley is Finished

It took less than two days for the new alley to be laid down, and it looks really nice. We can't drive on it until probably Monday, though, as it has to set for a few days, and there are some minor repairs to do on the rest of the alley. Here are some pictures of the process.

The start of the process, digging up the old alley

The results/finished product

 

 

I am happy with how it came out, and that it was actually done. I wasn't sure if anyone was going to do anything about it. The old alley was in really bad shape. I'm glad it was repaved.

 

Hopefully they'll do the finishing touches this week, so we can use the alley again.

 

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

Money for Grades

I recently saw this article on MSN.com, about kids getting paid for good grades.

I don't remember if I was paid for good grades. Or rewarded in any way. At least by my parents. I do remember that when I was put into this one program in the middle of my high school career, I did better, and one of the teachers gave out treats as rewards, for students who did well.

I also got these awards from the school, for raising my GPA. Four of them. It felt awesome. I think those encouraged me to do better in school.

I think that parents need to be careful, when rewarding their kids for doing school work, and for getting good grades. It could go to the kids' heads, that if they do their work, and get good grades, they will get paid every time.

 Rewards are great, but they shouldn't be used all the time. It should be a special treat.

What do you think about kids getting paid for their grades? Do you think it's a good idea, or a bad idea?

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

Those We Love Don't Go Away

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Mom, all four grandparents...I miss you all!

Alley Repavement Work Starts Tomorrow

Well, signs were put up on our block, saying that work on our alley is going to start tomorrow. That means two weeks of noise and not being able to use the alley.  And...having a nicer-looking alley after the two weeks of work.

                                                             
                                                   The flyer that was put up on our block.

 

I was wondering if/when they were going to repave the alley. It's in pretty bad shape, and I am glad they are going to work on it.

Hopefully there won't be too much hassle and stress coming out of this, because I know that several people on our block drive, and would want this to be over with as soon as possible (I don't drive yet, so it doesn't affect me too much).

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

Fast, Far

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Definitely! It's not weak to need help, and to do things with other people. You cannot do everything yourself. There are many, many people who are willing and able to help.

Nothing is Impossible

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Absolutely! Things may be hard, but not impossible. You just have to figure out a way to get things done, the right way.

Be Yourself

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I wish everyone realized this. You are you for a reason. Love yourself for who you are, and not for who you want to be.

Everyone is beautiful the way they are. Being who they are not is pointless, and it causes a lot of stress and drama.

It's easier to just be yourself. Never underestimate the power of what you can do when you realize this.

Whenever You Find Yourself Doubting If You Can Go On

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I wish it was that easy. But, I love this all the same!

The Broken Chain

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Wow. I love this. My mom died almost three years ago, and I miss her very much.

Family Isn't Always Blood

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I totally agree! There are people outside of your family that seem like family, and they are the ones to keep in your life.

Public Speaking Scares Me

I was at a local thrift store yesterday, and found this book that I had to have.

I freeze up when I have to speak in front of people, and even one-on-one, with people I don't know, don't know well, or am not friends with.

So when I saw this at the thrift store, I figured I would get it, and see if it would help me get over my fears of public speaking, at least a little.

I am a very shy person, so it figures this kind of thing scares me. I really want to get over my shyness, and my fear of public speaking.

I know public speaking is a major part of pretty much all jobs, and in other aspects of life, and I wish I wasn't so scared of it.

Shyness runs in my family, on my mom's side. My mom and her sister were shy, and then 2 of my 4 siblings were shy. So it's not a surprise that I'm shy as well.

Hopefully I'll be able to speak without freezing, or getting scared, soon. I don't like feeling like this. I know a lot of people go through the same thing, but that really doesn't help all that much with me.

I just want to be comfortable with something that is a big part of everyday life. It would definitely make things easier for me, and hopefully this book would help out a little.

If anyone has any suggestions for what I can do, that have helped them out in the past, I would love to hear them, and that would be greatly appreciated

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

The 'Lost Generation'

I saw this article on MSN.com recently, about a Syrian refugee camp.

What exactly is the point of war? Why do they even start? Wars hurt millions of people, innocent bystanders of something that people start because they can't get over differences.

Nobody deserves to live like this. Nobody. Especially children. They never asked to be homeless, they never asked to go without necessities, they never asked for war.

Why can't people just talk things out, in as calm a matter as possible, instead of fighting. Nobody will get hurt or die, it costs way less, and it is more effective than war. At least, it should be.

Millions of people are hurting because of something that they didn't start. They deserve better than this.

People are seeing things that they should never see and experience. They are traumatized by what war does.

Wars serve absolutely no useful purpose. I really hope this gets resolved soon. I hate seeing people suffer because of other peoples' actions. Because of other peoples' ignorance.

Five-Minute Friday: Mercy

I am linking up with Lisa-Jo Baker for today's Five-Minute Friday.

Today's FMF: Mercy

We were given mercy
By God
When he gave
His only son up
So we can
Live a life
He meant for us to live
We take it for granted
Having this life
We need to slow down
Take a few steps back
And show some mercy
To those around us
We are not meant
To be cruel
Heartless
But merciful
Toward others
Everyone needs
To be shown mercy
Because everyone
Is fighting a hard battle
In their own way
Even animals
Need to be shown mercy
They are not able
To speak for themselves
And are treated like
They are worthless
So take the time
To think about
What you are doing
And saying
And realize
What was given up for you
All those years ago
So you can have
A life worth living

Trust

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Trust is one of the most important things in life. If it is broken, it will never be the same again.

We Believe by Andrea Bocelli--My Absolute Favorite Song That He Sings

This is probably my absolute FAVORITE song by Andrea Bocelli.

I have been a fan of Andrea Bocelli for about 12 years or so, and I am so glad I came across his music. He has such a beautiful voice.

This song was performed at the Turino Olympics, at the closing ceremonies, by Andrea, and I immediately fell in love with it.

So, I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

Whenever You Do Not Understand

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God will always b there foe you, and he will get you through anything and everything.

12 Years Later...Never Forget

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12 years ago,
The USA was changed forever.
We were attacked
Just because of
Who we are as a nation.
Everyone was scared
But we came together
And helped each other out.
We showed the world
That we will not
Back down.
That we are not afraid.
We are a united nation
And will always be
A united nation.
That is why
We are called
the United States of America.
Others may knock us down,
But we will always get back up.
Never forget what happened that day
12 years ago.
Never forget the courage
Many people had
Helping out those in need.
Never forget those
Who died to protect this country.
To protect our freedom.
To protect us.
We are ONE NATION
UNDER GOD.
We are tough,
And those who
Desire to harm us
Will have to answer
To a high power
For their actions.
We will never back down
We will never hide.
We are a nation of fighters
For freedom
For our rights
For others.

I love this song that Alan Jackson wrote, in honor of 9/11. I have this on CD, and love listening to it.

There is also this video, that I LOVE.  It just goes to show that there are still good people in the world, who accepts EVERYONE, no matter who they are, what their religion is, what they look like, etc.
People across the country are remembering the day today, and every day. We will never forget, and should never forget.
I remember being in my first period World History class, my sophomore year of high school when the first plane hit.
A boy had come in late, and told us what happened. I didn't hear about it, so I didn't believe him. But, during my second period Spanish class, my teacher confirmed it by going on the Internet, and looking it up.
During my 4/5 Algebra & Geometry class, the teacher let us watch the news the whole class period. I was shocked that people would do something like that. To us.
I am proud to be an American, and I hope you are to, if you live in the U.S.

A Somewhat Interesting Friday

Well, Friday was kind of interesting. I volunteer with the library in the morning, delivering library materials to those who can't come in for whatever reason.

When I got to one of the stops, which is a senior assisted living place, one of the residents was at the front desk, unhappy because he wasn't on the list for some trip.

He got upset and started yelling at the guy who was manning the desk, pounded on the desk a few times, said that he was "being held against his will," and called the guy a bad name.

I have never experienced something like that before, so it was kind of weird. He calmed down after a minute, though, which I am glad. Nothing serious happened, which I had hoped for.

Another thing that happened was that another patron hugged me when I delivered the materials she requested.

The woman has trouble getting around, so she was very appreciative of having stuff delivered to her.

I love giving and getting hugs, so it was nice getting a hug from her.

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

Live in the Present

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You cannot change the past or tell the future. You cannot live in the past or future, either. The present is the most precious thing you have. Don't waste it.

Learn to Do Good

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Everyone deserves a good life, and to have someone care about and for them. Don't look down on someone because of how they are living.

I Got My Christmas Child Package!

I am so happy right now, because the Christmas child information I requested came today.

I've been wanting to do this for a long time, but kept missing the collection days. I really hope I can do it this year.

I love seeing children smiling, and happy. They deserve a good life, and not all children are that fortunate. Operation Child helps give children at least a small piece of joy and happiness every year, and I love that.

I will definitely update about this, if it can move past being just a wish/dream. I can't wait to see what happens with this in the future!!

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

Be a Reflection

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Sounds like karma. But, I love this!!

Accept Me

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If people accepted others for who they are, then a lot of the problems in the world would disappear. People can't change who they are, so don't feel like you have to make them feel inferior or that they should be something they're not.

This is Your Life

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Everyone needs to remember this!

Believe in Hope

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Yes, they do!

Strength

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Absolutely!

Uniquely You

                                                       
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You are unique.
You are beautiful.
Never stop being who you are.

Today You Are You

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So true! Dr. Seuss definitely knows what he is talking about!

Single Isn't a Status

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I've seen this quote before, and I absolutely love it! I am single, and I am able to enjoy life without depending on others. At least, most of the time.

A Smile

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Smiles are the best thing someone can wear. It also gives people hope, and a good feeling, that there are still people out there that care about them. So smile as often as you can.

When People Make You Feel Unwanted

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I love this!

My Life Isn't Perfect

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Absolutely!

Let Your Dreams Be Bigger

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Sometimes better said than done, but this is awesome!!

Being Unique is Better Than Being Perfect

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So true. Everyone tries to be perfect, when that is impossible to do. Just be your unique, imperfect self.

Mother Bear Project--An Amazing Organization

Mother Bear Project is one of the best organizations I know of.

If you never heard of the Mother Bear Project, it is where you can knit or crochet a teddy bear, and then have it sent to an African child who is affected by HIV/AIDS.

This is great because it gives children hope, it shows them that they are thought of and loved.

I heard about this organization from a local knitting store, when I first started knitting. I decided to make one, and I think it took me about a month or so.

It took me that long because I was just starting out with knitting, and had some trouble figuring parts of the pattern out. But, I got it in the end, and my bear turned out really well.

Here is a picture of me with the finished product:

I hope to make more in the future, as I love making teddy bears, and I love giving children something they can call their own.

Feel free to check out the Mother Bear Project website for information, and to see how you can help out as well. I think you'll be glad you did.

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

I Am Me

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We should all try and learn to do this. Then everyone would be a little more happy, and friendly.

Good Things

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Never give up on your dreams, or anything else.

Don't Give Up Hope

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Always have hope, even in the darkest times.

100 Facts You May Not Know About Me

I got the idea for this post from a friend of mine, who posted her list on her blog. I figured I would do a list of my own. So, here goes.

1. I am a very shy person, so writing/blogging are my favorite ways of communication.
2. I am the youngest of five children, and sometimes love it. There are times where I wish I had a younger sibling, so I could have someone who looks up to me.
3. I was 19 when I first became an aunt, and I love having a niece and a nephew. I was 19 when my nephew was born, and 21 when my niece was born.
4. I have never been out of the U.S.A. before, but I would love to travel the world someday.
5. I am a HUGE fan of Andrea Bocelli and Francesca Battistelli, a classical singer and a Christian singer.
6. I got my ears pierced for the first time when I was 13. I remember asking my mom if I could get them pierced, and was surprised at how fast she said yes (she said yes right away). I hope to be able to get at least one more piercing in each ear.
7. My favorite vacation was the summer after I graduated high school, when my oldest brother gave me a trip to California (where he lived at the time with his wife) as a present. I was there visiting him and his wife for two weeks, and had so much fun. I hope to go back someday.
8. I don't know why, but I love making lists.
9. I am going to school for my baking and pastry degree, and hope to someday open my own bakery. I absolutely LOVE baking, so this is perfect for me.
10. I also want to get my photography, special education teaching, and creative writing degrees.
11. I absolutely love photography. I can get lost in it sometimes, and I've taken some really good pictures in the past.
12. I never really did well in school until I got to college. I guess that's because I'm actually studying something that I am interested in now.
13. I don't get why I want to be a teacher, when I never really liked school all that much.
14. I absolutely love children, and want to get married and have children someday.
15. I have a heart for adoption. I read a few blogs by couples who have adopted, and they seem really happy. I will adopt any child, but I mainly want to adopt children with disabilities.
16. I have a learning disability, which is probably why I never liked school that much.I l
17. I went to a disability leadership summit for a couple years, before they had to cut it (budgeting reasons). I was so upset when they did that, because the summit has really helped me.
18. I volunteer with my library's home delivery program, where we deliver library materials to those who can't come in to the library for whatever reason (usually health related). I have been doing this for over a year now, and I absolutely love it. It has helped me come out of my shell a little, and open up more.
19. My favorite color is purple.
20. I am a huge night owl. I try to go to bed early, especially when I have to get up early, but it's hard for me. I just do NOT like mornings.
21. I have never had a boyfriend, and I have never really been on a date.
22. I love thrifts stores, and have found some great things at the local stores here by me.
23. I love horses, and would love to raise a few someday.
24. I am more of a country girl than city girl, even though I've lived in the city my whole life. I prefer the quiet of the country to all the noise of the city. Although, it is kind of nice being close to all these shops.
25. I love music, and have grown up listening to country music. Although, I have come to include Christian and pop/lite rock into music I like.
26. I picked up knitting after my mom died, and I am so glad I did. It has helped me cope, and I really enjoy making things.
27. I have recently started crocheting, and am almost done with my first project, a shawl. It looks really nice!
28. I am not an athletic person, but I love baseball (go White Sox!!!) and hockey (go Blackhawks!!!).
29. I got to go to a White Sox game with one of my brothers in 2000. They were playing against the Cleveland Indians, and won. I don't remember the score, but I had a great time, and made great memories with my brother.
30. I don't know why but I love the show Bonanza. I know it's in reruns now, but I really enjoy the show.
31. My lucky number is 14.
32. My favorite season is probably spring. Or fall. Either one.
33. Another of my favorite shows is Cake Boss. They do amazing work, and they do something that I love as well: baking!!
34. I taught myself how to ride a bike when I was in elementary school (I forget when exactly that was, or how old I was).
35. I also taught myself how to whistle.
36. I don't have my license yet, but I hope to get it within a year or so.
37. I got my first cell phone about 2 years ago, and am so happy I have it.
38. I am a very sensitive person.
39. I want to live in another country for a year (maybe England or Italy).
40. I have always wanted to go on missions trips.
41. I used to have a birthmark on my neck, but had that removed on Christmas Eve, 2003. I do not miss it at all!
42. I broke my right arm (my dominant arm) once, in first grade. I was playing on the rings, and somehow fell down, and landed on my arm.
43. My favorite boys name is Michael Christopher, and plan on naming one of my children that someday.
44. I want to have at least 4 biological children, 2 boys and two girls.
45. My favorite food (besides chocolate!) is pasta.
46. Whenever I see someone crying, or hurt, I start crying myself. It hurts me seeing someone in pain or hurting in some way.
47. I am a HUGE Harry Potter fan.
48. I am addicted to Pinterest, and I have found a ton of great ideas on there.
49. I do not like to exercise, but I want to get into taking yoga and/or Pilates, and Zumba.
50. I love rainy days.
51. I love spicy foods. I got that love from my mom, and I am happy we share that love.
52. I stink at math. Even most everyone in my family is good at it.
53. I love Sudoku. For my birthday a few years ago, one of my brothers had actually given me a couple Sudoku books, which I was very happy about. It kept me busy for quite a while.
54. I tend to spend a lot of time by myself, which is fine with me. Although, I do like to spend time with other people too.
55. I am not a neat freak, and my bedroom looks like a tornado went through it. I am trying to work on that, though.
56. I have never been to a sleepover, or hosted one, with friends before.
57. I just recently started writing to a spiritual pen pal, and I am so glad I get to do this.
58. I don't know why exactly, but I LOVE plaid.
59. I have tried both snow skiing and water skiing, and stunk at both. But I want to try water skiing again.
60. I love being in the water.
61. I played the violin in elementary school, and I regret giving it up. Every time I hear violins in an orchestra, it makes me want to play the violin again.
62. I am really into linguistics.
63. I love science, and am very curious about why things work the way they do, and why things are the way they are.
64. I want to write a book someday where the main character, or one of the main characters, has a disability.
65. I write down my dreams in a journal. I love remembering my dreams.
66. I am seriously afraid of heights. I remember when I went to Montana with my family several years ago, we drove up one of the mountains (we could only go about halfway up because there was still snow on part of the mountain), and I was freaking out when we got out of the car.
67. I am also afraid of spiders and death.
68. I have been seriously afraid of death since my maternal grandpa died. That was the first death I remember experiencing, and it really got to me. I know everyone has to die at some point, but I am dreading the day I have to go.
69. I am double-jointed. Sometimes I like it, and sometimes I don't.
70. I love vision boards, and hope to make one for myself someday.
71. I tried being a vegetarian several years ago, but it didn't last very long (about a month). But, I don't eat as much meat as I used to.
72. I have been bullied a few times in elementary school, and absolutely hated it.
73. I wish invisibility, disapparition/apparition, and mind reading were real so I could do them.
74. I love making things out of clay.
75. I have donated hair twice to Locks of Love. I think children deserve to feel as beautiful as possible, so helping out with something like this is one of my passions. I hope to donate many more times in the future.
76. I prefer long hair to short, and want to grow my hair as long as I can.
77. I want to be a voice-over in an animated movie.
78. I love carving/decorating pumpkins for Halloween, and will never get tired of it.
79. I also love dyeing eggs for Easter, and will never get tired of that either.
80. I love cowboy/cowgirl hats, and want to own one someday.
81. I hate showing my feet, so I wear shoes, or sandals that cover most of my feet.
82. I tried eggplant for the first time this summer at a Taste of festival in the form of burritos (I think they were burritos), and loved it.
83. Brownies are probably my absolute favorite dessert.
84. I love puzzles, especially 3D ones.
85. I don't care for alcohol, even though I am over the age limit. I will have the rare drink though.
86. My sister had got me into playing the violin. She played when she was in school, and I remember her showing me how to play a few notes, and had me show our parents that I could play them.
87. I can't concentrate on things like homework or cleaning my room without music. Music helps me to get my work done, and to do a better job on it, than if I didn't listen to music.
88. I do not like getting my hair cut, but I will get it cut for something like Locks of Love.
89. I love piñatas.
90. I have an eye condition in my right eye called iris coloboma. That is where the iris (and the pupil, as well) didn't form properly before I was born. I have vision problems in that eye, which drive me crazy sometimes, but I am used to it.
91. Because of my eye condition, I wear glasses to see things that are far away. I am near-sighted.
92. I vaguely remember having chicken pox when I was a year old.
93. I remember learning to tie my shoes before one of my brothers did, and he's three years older than me.
94. I love looking at pictures and yearbooks.
95. I have lived in the same house, in the same block, in the same neighborhood, in the same city, in the same state, ever since I was born.
96. I have never been interested in wearing makeup all that much. I'm not against makeup; I just never got into wearing any.
97. I love looking at the stars. I remember seeing the little dipper while on a girl scout camping trip, and thought that was really cool. That was the first time I remember seeing a constellation.
98. I still love making friendship bracelets.
99. I love fruits and vegetables. My favorites are Brussels sprouts, apples, grapes, bananas, and lemons.
100. I want to go on a Joni and Friends retreat someday. They seem like so much fun, and you get to meet some wonderful people.

Well, there it is. 100 facts about me. It took me a while to come up with all of them, but it was worth it!

To Be Beautiful

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I am trying to learn to accept myself, and not to rely on being accepted by others as much. I am a very shy person, and I tend to find flaws in myself a lot, so this is hard for me. But I do want to work on it. This quote is a reminder to myself of this.

Truly Beautiful

I just found this article, that is truly amazing, shocking, and inspirational.

I don't get why anyone could be so cruel and cold-hearted. Yes, the baby has deformities, but he is still a beautiful child, who deserves to be loved.

Fortunately, he has a new family, that does love him, and truly cares for him. They are amazing people for taking him in, and willing to care for him.

I love how things can turn out for the best, even in the worst of times. It is so amazing!!

I hope this beautiful child has a great life with his new family. He deserves it.

Five-Minute Friday: Red

I am linking up this week for Five-Minute Friday with Lisa-Jo Baker.

This week's FMF is: Red

Red marks on a piece of homework or test
Indicating wrong answers
Making me feel like a failure
Making me feel like I can't do well in the future
Even with help, I get frustrated

I become less confident in myself
with every red mark I see
Which makes me do as bad
On other assignments and tests

Now, I am getting less red marks
And I am feeling like a success
Like I can do well in the future
I am getting help, and not getting frustrated

I feel like I can do anything I want to
Because I have more support
And more confidence in myself

I do better on all other assignments and tests
And I feel happy about how things are going

Exercise and Church All in One...Interesting

I just saw this article on MSN.com, about a pastor who incorporates exercise into his sermons.

I actually think that is kind of cool. In pretty much every sermon, the congregation sits there while the priest (or whoever else is doing the sermons) preaches.

People aren't really engaged in the readings, and any other part of the mass. So actually getting up and exercising while listening to the readings is great. It helps people get in shape, and you get encouragement as you move!

What do you think about this? Do you think it is a good or bad idea?

How Does This Happen?

I saw this article, about a woman who was buried, but wasn't actually dead.

Is that hard to find out if someone really is dead or not? I mean, I know people can make mistakes, or that sometimes people can come back, but sometimes those who work in this field need to be absolutely 100% sure that someone is truly dead, before burying them.

I hope that the woman is as ok as she can be, with all that she went through.

So Moving...And Sad

I recently saw this article on MSN.com, about a couple who died hours apart.

It is sad, but very touching. It shows that there are still loving, good people in the world.

I love seeing people who truly love their spouse, and are truly in love with them as well. I hope that whenever I get married, I have someone that is like this man.

Different is Beautiful

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Absolutely!! If everyone were the same, life wouldn't be as interesting, and as beautiful as they are now. So be proud of being different, because being different makes you beautiful!

Fitting In and Standing Out

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I think Dr. Seuss got it exactly right! Everyone is supposed to stand out, and that is a good thing. A VERY good thing. So be proud of who you are.