Sunday, December 31, 2017

Things That Made Me Happy in December

Here are the things that made me happy in December:
  • Receiving the advent calendar I ordered from the Ingham Family
  • Receiving a Christmas card from The Ingham Family (you can find them HERE, HERE, and HERE)
  • Putting up the Christmas tree (and decorating it) and decorations
  • Buying and wrapping up presents for Christmas
  • Listening to Christmas music
  • Buying some baked goods from my church's annual bake sale
  • Celebrating Christmas with my family
  • Celebrating a birthday
  • Going to the annual Winter Fest/Cookie Walk in town
  • Seeing Coco in theaters
  • People on my home delivery route giving us (there are four people doing home deliveries for the library) presents for Christmas, to thank us for what we do for them
  • Seeing The Last Jedi in theaters
  • Going to my work's Christmas party
  • Decorating cookies, playing a couple games, and eating dinner at a friend's house
  • Celebrating New Year's with my family
What made you happy this month? I hope that it was filled with lots of joy and happiness, and that next year brings just as much, if not more, joy and happiness!!

My Favorites of 2017

I can't believe today is the last day of 2017!!! This year went by sooooo fast!!!

I figured I would share my favorites from this past year, with you guys.

My favorites from this year, in no particular order, are:

Harry Potter Magical Creatures coloring book
I am a HUGE Harry Potter fan, and I love to color, so this brings the best of both together. I got this for Christmas this year, and am soooo thankful I did!!

Baking and decorating stuff
These are also Christmas presents from this year. I LOVE to bake, and was/am VERY excited to have recieved these :D

A Q & A a Day 5-year jounal, and one of the Pentatonix Christmas CDs
I have always wanted one of these Q & A journals, and am very excited to fill it out. Also, Pentatonix is/are one of my favorite artists/bands.

Tangle fidget toys
I found out about this fidget toy from a workshop I went to at work. Someone from a local housing facility had come in to talk about mental health, and had brought in many figdet items, one being this. I absolutely loved it, so I put it on my Christmas list. I was really hoping I would get this, and am so very happy I did.

Dove Refresh + Care Detox & Purify Dry Shampoo
This stuff is awesome!! It has a light, fresh scent, doesn't weigh my hair down, and actually does what it is supposed to do. I was at Walgreens, looking at all the different dry shampoos they had, and trying to figure out which one would work for me. This one looked the best, si I went with it, and I am so glad I did.

Muk Luk slippers
I really needed a new pair of slippers, as my old ones were pretty worn out. I found these when I was shopping for a new coat, and really liked them. They actually keep my feet warm, they fit just right, and I love the look of them.

Ingham Family hoodie
I LOVE hoodies, so when I saw this, I had to get it. It is one of the merch items from one of my favorite YouTubers/YouTube families, The Ingham Family. It is warm and comfy, it fits well, and it has a pocket on the front.
 
 
The Simpsons: Tapped Out app game
I play this on my phone (an Android), but it is also available on the iPad, and most likely other phones/devices. Basically, Homer blew up Springfield, and you help him rebuild the town. There are different tasks for you to complete, and once you do complete them, you get money and points. The more tasks you complete, the more money and points you get, and it helps you unlock more land, characters, buildings, other tasks, and more. It's pretty fun!!
 
My Favorite YouTubers
 
Mary and Peter Frey, and their service dog Ollie, chronicalling their lives while living with Cystic Fibrosis (Mary's condition). They always find the good in everything and every day, even if it's not such a good day.
 
Mom and dad (Sarah and Chris), their 3 girls Isabelle, Esme and Isla, and their adorable puppy Prinny. They document their everyday adventures/everyday life.
 
Mom and dad, and 9 kids (4 biological and 5 adopted), capurting their life of travel, adoption, making memories, and more.
 
Taylor does makeup tutorials, shopping/holiday hauls, DIYs, and more.
 
Nikki mainly focuses on makeup, but also does baking tutorials, trying foods from different countries, hauls, her favorites, and more.
 
Alyssa does product testing, funny skits, DIYS, holiday hauls, and more.

FunsizedStyle
Michaela is whom this channel, and she is another beauty vlogger. She does unboxings, tutorials, product reviews, and more.

Kayla Mochi
Kayla is such a caring, bubbly, friendly person!! She does skincare tips, lifestyle, hauls, bullet journaling, stories, and more.

The movie Coco
I saw Coco in theaters, and absolutely loved it!!! It's an animated movie about celebrating loved ones on Day of the Dead. I love animated movies, and learning about different holidays, traditions, and cultures, so I just had to see this movie (and I am so glad that I did!!!).

Yes, I know this is long, but it was a good year, and I have found a lot of things and people this year, that I love. Did you have any favorites for 2017? What were they?

I hope that you have a wonderful, safe New Year's, and that 2018 is good to you!!

The Most Memorable Moments of My Year: 2017

This year was a good year for me, and I am very thankful for that.

There are a few things that have been the most memorable to me this year, and they are (in no particular order):
  • Getting my job at the local library
  • Getting my first credit card (yes, I am including this on the list)
  • Seeing the Bean and Crown Fountain in Chicago
  • Celebrating birthdays
  • Getting to see one of my brothers, whom I hadn't seen in years
  • Going to ukulele nights with a coworker
  • Cooking Thanksgiving dinner for me and my family
  • Game nights at a friend's house
  • Celebrating Christmas with family
  • Getting a new return belt installed at work (I work at my local library)
  • Decorating cookies for Christmas, playing games, and eating dinner at a friend's house
***Thanks to Sarah Jo Burch for the idea for this post!!!

Saturday, December 30, 2017

My 2018 Goals

I always make resolutions every year, and hardly ever stick to them.

So, instead of making "resolutions," I have decided to make goals instead. I feel like goals would make it more motivating for me, as I can be more specific with them.

My 2018 goals are:
  • To put away whatever I use in my room, after I am done with it, or if it is clean clothes, hang them up/put them away for future use.
  • To put at least half of each paycheck into my savings or checking accounts each pay period.
  • To exercise in some way at least 30 minutes each day.
  • To graduate from college with my baking certificate by the end of this year.
  • To register for a baking/pastry degree
  • To reister for a photography degree
  • To practice cake decorating skills at least once a week (twice to three times a week at most)
  • To get better at creating videos
  • Learn how to sew
  • To get my license by the end of Fall
  • Go to sleep each night by midnight
  • Wake up each moring by 9 am
  • Drink at least 2x more water
  • Donate anything (that is in good shape) that I do not want anymore, to charity
  • Explore someplace new once a week
  • Go for a walk every day
  • Meditate each morning and evening
  • Start and keep up a regular essential oil routine
  • Color in a coloring book every day
  • Take karate classes
  • Take self defense classes
  • Spend at least an hour outisde as often as I can
  • Keep a recipe journal
  • Save up for a good DSLR camera
  • Learn one new word a day (English and foreign words)
  • Write in a journal on a regular basis
  • Buy a laptop that works for me
  • Learn how to cook better
Yes, I know this is a lot, but it's worth it.

Friday, December 29, 2017

My Washington D.C. Bucket List


  • White House
  • Smithsonian Institute
  • United States Capitol
  • National Mall
  • Lincoln Memorial
  • Washington Monument
  • National Zoological Park
  • Vietnam Veterans Memorial
  • United States Holocaust Memorial
  • National World War II Memorial
  • Thomas Jefferson Memorial
  • Ford's Theatre
  • Washington National Cathedral
  • Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial
  • United States National Arboretum
  • Lincoln Memorial reflecting Pool
  • Space Window at the Washington National Cathedral
  • Darth Vader Grotesque at the Washington National Cathedral
  • Zero Milestone
  • Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
  • Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception
  • Titanic Memorial
  • Albert Einstein Bronze Statue
  • Amelia Earhart's Lockheed Vega
  • Frederick Douglass's House, Cedar Hill
  • Temperance Fountain
  • Serenity Statue
  • Cuban-American Friendship Urn
  • Civil War Nurses Memorial
  • Chinatown Barnes Dance
  • Carousel on the National Mall
  • First FDR Memorial
  • Blind Whino
  • Churchill and Mandela Call and Response
  • Mary's Garden
  • Ulysses S. Grant Memorial
  • Thomas Jefferson Memorial
  • Korean War Veterans Memorial

Thursday, December 28, 2017

Where Do You See Yourself Next Year?

One of my Christmas presents this year was/is a Q & A a Day 5-Year Journal, and while looking at the questions, there are quite a few that I thought I would answer on my blog as well as in the journal.

This is the first one I decided to answer, as it seems fitting for this time of year.

Where do you see yourself next year?
Next year, I see myself finishing up my culinary certificate, and graduating. I have been going to school for this for long enough, and I just want to get it over and done with already.

I also see myself in a relationship with a loving, caring significant other. I am ready for a relationship (I have been for quite some time now), and would love to have someone to call my own.

Also, I see myself in the process of starting to write a book (fiction) to be published someday. Writing is one of my passions,

I also see myself beginning to get into the baking and pastry field of work, as it is another passion of mine, and it is what I am going to school for.

Another thing I see myself doing next year is becoming more confident in who I am, and more outgoing. I am a very shy, reserved person, and in some situations, that is not a good thing. It has prevented me from doing things that I really want to do, and things that I need to do. I get severe stage fright as well, so I am hoping to become more comfortable (at least by a little bit) with having attention be on me for a while, and having to talk to people.


Where do you see yourself next year? I hope next year brings you many good/great days, and that you have the best year yet!!

Wednesday, December 27, 2017

My Washington Bucket List


  • Olympic National Park
  • Mount Rainier
  • Space Needle
  • Puget Sound
  • Riverfront Park
  • Chihuly Garden and Glass
  • Grand Coulee Dam
  • Woodland Park Zoo
  • Manito Park and Botanical Gardens
  • Seattle
  • Snoqualmie Falls
  • Whatcom Falls
  • Cape Flattery
  • Fremont Troll
  • Seattle Aquarium
  • Northwest Treck
  • Seattle Great Wheel
  • Seattle Japanese Garden
  • Hall of Mosses
  • The Ape Cave
  • Museum of Pop Culture
  • Olympic Hot Springs
  • Walker Rock Garden
  • UPS Waterfall Garden park
  • Maryhill Museum and Stonehenge
  • Beacon Rock
  • Kubota Gardens
  • Afterglow Vista
  • Bordeaux
  • Vashon Island Bike Tree
  • Wallaby Ranch
  • Palouse Falls
  • Thornewood Castle
  • Northern State Hospital Farm
  • Seattle Meowtropolitan Cat Cafe
  • Hobbit House
  • Leavenworth's Bavarian Village
  • Tree Graveyard
  • Goldendale Observatory State Park
  • Hisey Dinosaur Park
  • Jimi Hendrix Memorial
  • Dry Falls
  • Barron Ghost Town
  • Gravity Hill
  • Blue Lake Rhino Cave
  • Bob's Java Jive
  • Ladder Creek Falls and Gardens
  • Lenin Statue of Fremont
  • Twin Sisters
  • Howe Art
  • Piece of the Berlin Wall at Cafe Turko
  • Hi-Life/Fire Station No. 18
  • Winlock Egg
  • Teapot Dome Service Station
  • Dick and Jane's Spot
  • Little Norway on the Fjord
  • Washington's Largest Frying Pan
  • Untitled (Johnson Pit #30)
  • Graffiti Garages
  • The Wall of Death
  • Garbage Eating Goat Statue
  • Grandfather Cuts Loose the Ponies
  • Big Red Wagon
  • Center of the Universe Sign
  • J.P. Patches Statue
  • Olympic Game Farm
  • Bergen Place Park and Mural
  • Port Townsend City Hall
  • Hammering Man
  • Ballard Centennial Bell Tower

Monday, December 25, 2017

Christmas 2017

To those who celebrate, merry Christmas!!!

I had a good Christmas. Christmas Eve, my sister and her family came over, and we ate, opened presents, and relaxed and talked for a while.

Today was a relax day, since we opened all of our presents yesterday.

So, here is my present haul for this year:

Harry Potter Magical Creatures Coloring Book

Cake Pops Cookbook, 100 Buttercream Flowers Tutorial Book, Cookie Decorating Set, and round fondant cutters

Q & A a Day 5-Year Journal and PTXmas by Pentatonix CD

Albus Dumbledore Funko Pop, and Harry Potter holding his prophecy Funko Pop

Gilmore Girls Season 3 on DVD

The Lorax, The Book of Life, Coraline, and Hidden Figures DVDs

Joking Hazard card game (yes, I got 2 of them; one of my friends gave
one to me, as well as my sister. I had no idea that was going to happen!!!)


Tangle Fidget Toys

 
Harry Potter Undesirable No. 1 poster


A very soft, warm, purple robe
 
So, that was my Christmas. I hope that your Christmas was joyful, warm, and cozy.
 
If it wasn't, I hope 2018 will be better for you, and that you see better days ahead.
 
Merry Christmas!!!

Friday, December 22, 2017

My Virginia Bucket List


  • Shenandoah National Park
  • Busch Gardens Williamsburg
  • Monticello
  • Arlington National Cemetery
  • Virginia Aquarium
  • Maymont
  • Luray Caverns
  • Mount Vernon
  • Historic Jamestowne
  • Jamestown Settlement
  • Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden
  • Natural Bridge
  • Shenandoah Valley
  • Cape Henry Lighthouse
  • George Washington Masonic National Memorial
  • Roanoke Star
  • Hollywood Cemetery
  • Governor's Palace
  • Marine Corps War Memorial
  • Shenandoah Caverns
  • Appalachian National Scenic Trail
  • Vietnam Veterans Memorial
  • Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial
  • Korean War Veterans Memorial
  • Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial
  • Virginia Safari Park
  • Theodore Roosevelt Island
  • The Natural Bridge
  • Virginia's Natural Tunnel
  • Dinosaurland
  • The Raven Room
  • Foamhenge
  • Edgar Allan Poe Museum
  • Richmond
  • Alexandria
  • Kiptopeke's Concrete Fleet
  • Barboursville Ruins
  • The Grand Kugel
  • The Ruins of Rosewell Plantation
  • Williamsburg
  • President Heads
  • Jefferson Pools
  • Swannanoa Mansion
  • Ruins of the Chapman Beverley Mill
  • Patowmack Canal
  • Connecticut The Indian

Thursday, December 21, 2017

Winter 2017/18 Bucket List

I love making bucket lists, so I thought I would share my list for the winter season.
  • Make, drink hot chocolate
  • Go sledding
  • Go ice skating
  • Visit the city
  • Watch Christmas movies
  • Build a snowman
  • Bake cookies
  • Read a little every day
  • Go on a winter photo shoot
  • Clean up and redecorate bedroom
  • Color in some coloring books
  • At least one game night with friends, family
  • Make a gingerbread house
  • Buy my first nutcracker
  • Donate toys, clothes, money, time
  • Have a snowball fight
  • Make paper snowflakes
  • Build and stay in a fort
  • Make s'mores
  • Take a picture with Santa (DONE: this was done at the beginning of the month, when there was a Winter Fest in town)
  • Give bags of basic items (socks, gloves, hats, scarves, food, etc.) to those in need
  • Mail Christmas cards
  • Decorate a cake, cupcakes for the holidays
  • Knit a sweater for dad/start one
  • Make, give out DIY Valentines
  • Take at least one bubble bath
  • Develop an indoor workout routine
  • Binge watch The Walking Dead
  • Put physical copies of photos into albums/scrapbooks
  • Decorate my bedroom for Christmas/winter
  • Visit a German Christmas market
What is on your bucket list this winter?

Wednesday, December 20, 2017

My Vermont Bucket List


  • Lake Champlain
  • Fairbanks Museum and Planetarium
  • Vermont Teddy Bear Company
  • Vermont State House
  • Emerald Lake State Park
  • Quechee Gorge
  • Rock of Ages Granite Quarry
  • Bellows Falls Petroglyphs
  • Wilson Castle
  • Vermontasaurus
  • Flying Monkey Sculptures
  • Santa's Land
  • Naulakha
  • Old Round Church
  • Vermont's Marble Mansion
  • Stone Man of Bowman Family Crypt
  • Hildene-The Lincoln Family Home
  • Shelburne Farms
  • Church Street marketplace
  • Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park
  • VINS Nature Center
  • President Calvin Coolidge State Historic Site
  • Park-McCullough House
  • Eshqua Bog Natural Area
  • Morse Farm Maple Sugarworks
  • Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream Factory Tour
  • Lake Champlain Chocolates
  • Appalachian Trail Adventures

Monday, December 18, 2017

The Ways I Love to Have Fun

Everyone has their own ways they love to have fun, and I am no exception. I'm not much of a partier, but there are ways of having fun without some of the things people like to get into "for fun."

Here are the ways I love to have fun:
  • Game nights with friends, family (and playing single person/player games)
  • Shopping (yes, shopping!!)
  • Movie nights
  • Baking (I LOVE to bake, so this is fun for me)
  • Photography (this is another passion of mine)
  • Listening/dancing to my favorite music
  • Knitting, crocheting for myself/others (yes, I consider this fun)
  • Decorating for the holidays
  • DIYs
  • Playing, snuggling with my cats
  • Watching my favorite YouTubers
  • Swimming in the summer
  • Going to local festivals throughout the year
  • Going to fun/interesting museums
  • Ukulele meet-ups (a get-together where people play the ukulele and sing)
  • Writing/blogging
  • Carving pumpkins for Halloween
  • Ice skating/sledding during the winter
  • Bike riding
  • Roller blading
  • Dyeing eggs for Easter
  • Reading/listening to books on CD
  • Giving presents during the holidays, birthdays, other celebrations
Yeah, boring, basic stuff, but I am totally fine with that. I am not one for bars, and drinking, and things like that. Fun takes on many forms, and is different for each person. This is just my version of fun.

***Thanks to Sarah Jo Burch for the idea for this post!!!

Friday, December 15, 2017

Different is Beautiful

I am linking up with Kate Motaung for this week's Five Minute Friday.

Today's FMF is: Different

Why is different so bad?

Being different is what makes life beautiful.

If everyone and everything were the same

Life would not be the blessing that it is.

We are the way we are for a reason,

and no one should feel that that is bad.

Different doesn't necessarily mean bad, or wrong.

It means being who you are,

Doing what you love

Without the fear of others' opinions.

We just want to live the way we want to live,

Be who we are meant to be,

Without being judged for it.

Do not make people feel like

how they look,

How they talk, or dress,

Or live their life is wrong.

There are as many ways to live life,

To be different,

As there are people.

And that is how it is supposed to be.

Life would be much more enjoyable if people accepted each other's differences

As well as their own.

My Utah Bucket List


  • Zion National Park
  • Arches National Park
  • Canyonlands
  • Wasatch Range
  • Great Salt Lake
  • Hogle Zoo
  • Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument
  • Dead Horse Point State Park
  • The Narrows
  • Rocky Mountains
  • Goblin Valley State Park
  • Angels Landing
  • Big Cottonwood Canyon
  • Antelope Island
  • Delicate Arch
  • Herber Valley Railway
  • Utah State Capitol
  • Church History Museum
  • Loveland Living Planet Aquarium
  • Liberty Park
  • Lake Powell
  • The Wave
  • Monument Valley
  • Goosenecks State Park
  • Mesa Arch
  • Rainbow Bridge National Monument
  • Landscape Arch
  • Timpanogos Cave
  • Nine Mile Canyon
  • Bryce Canyon
  • Homestead Crater
  • Fantasy Canyon
  • The Spiral Jetty
  • Sun Tunnels
  • The 'Up' House
  • The Wahweap Hoodoos
  • Saltair
  • Salt Lake City
  • Gilgal Sculpture Garden
  • Hell's Backbone Scenic Road
  • Grafton Ghost Town
  • Church Rock
  • Kennecott Utah Copper-Bingham Canyon Mine
  • Upheaval Dome
  • 17 Room Ruin
  • Ralphael Plescia's :Christian School"
  • This is the Place Monument
  • Metaphor: The Tree of Utah

Wednesday, December 13, 2017

My Texas Bucket List


  • San Antonio
  • Dallas
  • Fort Worth
  • San Antonio River Walk
  • Alamo Mission in San Antonio
  • Houston
  • Natural Bridge Caverns
  • Texas State Capitol
  • Dallas World Aquarium
  • Moody Gardens
  • Big Bend National Park
  • Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden
  • Dallas Zoo
  • Houston Zoo
  • Guadalupe River State Park
  • Pedernales Falls State Park
  • Caprock Canyons
  • San Antonio
  • San Antonio Zoo
  • McKinney Falls
  • Downtown Aquarium, Houston
  • Hamilton Pool Preserve
  • Fort Worth Zoo
  • Hermann Park
  • Fort Worth Botanic Garden
  • Caddo Lake State Park
  • Galveston
  • Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier
  • Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch
  • Lyndon B. Johnson State Park & Historic Site
  • Fort Worth Water Gardens
  • Munster Mansion
  • HOPE Outdoor Gallery
  • Royse City Futuro House
  • Stonehenge II
  • Waco
  • Forbidden Gardens
  • Mueller SunFlowers
  • Mayfield Park
  • Art Car Museum
  • Starshipo Pegasus
  • Bracken Cave
  • Old Tunnel Bat Colony
  • Dinosaur Valley State Park
  • Dr. Pepper Museum
  • The Quadrangle
  • Ms. Pearl
  • Ozymandias on the Plains
  • Amarillo
  • El Paso
  • Hueco Tanks
  • Painted Churches of Texas
  • The Traveling Man
  • Largest Virgin Mary Mosaic in the World
  • Stonehenge Replica
  • Caverns of Sonora
  • Palo Duro Canyon
  • Mission San Jose
  • Cowgirl Hall of Fame
  • Texas Eiffel Tower
  • McKittrick Canyon
  • David Adickes Studio
  • Alamo Village
  • Ruins of St. Dominic's Catholic Church
  • The Texas Woofus
  • Lee Harvey Oswald's Grave
  • Grave of Pat the Horse
  • Jesus in Cowbowy Boots
  • Larry Monroe Forever Mosaic Bridge
  • 'Eye' Sculpture
  • Sam Houston Statue
  • The Big Tree
  • Paisano Pete
  • The Kettle House
  • Big Bertha Drum

Monday, December 11, 2017

The Happiest Moments of My Life So Far

There have been quite a few happy moments in my life, which I am very, very grateful for.
  • Raising my GPA in high school (I wasn't a very academically inclined person back then)
  • Graduating from high school on time
  • Getting a job at the local library on my own (and having the job for almost 10 months so far)
  • Becoming an aunt to two wonderful kids (a niece and a nephew)
  • Getting the intern at a local bakery, through my school's work experience class
  • Being a bridesmaid in one of my brothers' wedding
  • Going to my sister's wedding
  • Adopting my 2 current cats
  • Getting a new violin, so I can play again (yes, this is a happy moment for me, as I love the instrument)
  • Getting to go to northern California for a couple weeks
***Thanks to Sarah Jo Baker for the idea for this post!!!

Friday, December 8, 2017

My Tennessee Bucket List


  • Great Smoky Mountains
  • Dollywood
  • Graceland
  • Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
  • Parthenon
  • Grand Ole Opry
  • National Civil Rights Museum
  • Rock City
  • Centennial Park
  • Tennessee Aquarium
  • Blue Ridge Mountains
  • Ruby Falls
  • Gatlinburg Space Needle
  • Cades Cove
  • Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum
  • Cheekwood: Estate and Gardens
  • Memphis
  • Memphis Zoo
  • Tennessee State Capitol
  • Carnton
  • Memphis Rock N' Soul Museum
  • Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park
  • Nashville
  • Nashville Zoo at Grassmere
  • Old Stone Fort
  • Savage Gulf Natural Area State Park
  • Zoo Knoxville
  • Knoxville
  • Cumberland Caverns
  • Memphis Botanic Garden
  • Ijams Nature Center
  • Chattanooga Zoo at Warner Park
  • Fireflies of the Great Smoky Mountains
  • Minister's Tree House
  • Virgin Falls Pocket Wilderness
  • Fall Creek Falls State Park
  • Forbidden Caverns
  • Peabody Hotel Duck March
  • Crystal Shrine Grotto
  • Mud Island River Park
  • Titanic Museum Attraction
  • Rugby Colony
  • Spaceship House
  • Montgomery Bell Tunnel
  • Lookout Mountain Incline Railway
  • Sun Studio
  • Timothy Demonbreun's Cave
  • E.T. Wickham Sculpture Trail
  • House of Mews
  • Elmwood Cemetery
  • The Grave of Merriweather Lewis
  • The Sunsphere
  • Walnute Street Bridge
  • Tina Turner Museum
  • Bear Spring Furnace
  • Minnie Pearl Chicken Wire Statue
  • Clinton 12 Statue at Green McAdoo Cultural Center

Wednesday, December 6, 2017

My South Dakota Bucket List


  • Mount Rushmore
  • Badlands National Forest
  • Crazy Horse Memorial
  • Custer State Park
  • Reptile Gardens
  • Black Elk Peak
  • Chapel in the Hills
  • Black Hills Central Railroad
  • Great Plains Zoo
  • Sylvan Lake
  • Falls Park
  • Needles
  • Bramble Park Zoo
  • Jewel Cave
  • Bear Country USA
  • Mammoth Site, Hot Springs
  • Rushmore Cave
  • Dinosaur Park
  • Storybrook Island
  • Palisades State Park
  • Butterfly House & Aquarium
  • Cathedral Spires Trailhead
  • Bridal Veil Falls
  • Black Hills Aerial Adventures
  • Thunderhead Underground Falls
  • Porter Sculpture Park
  • Cosmos Mystery Area
  • Depression Era Dinosaur Park
  • Devil's Gulch
  • Hall of Records in Mount Rushmore
  • Hotel Alex Johnson
  • Giant Prairie Dog
  • The Rapid City Presidents
  • Termesphere Gallery
  • National Music Museum
  • Spirit Mound Historic Prairie
  • Petrified Wood Park
  • Center of the Nation Monument
  • Sioux Falls Michelangelos
  • Big Stone Lake

Monday, December 4, 2017

Things That Make Me Excited

There are things in life that make my days more enjoyable, that get me wanting to enjoy life more.

Things that get me excited are:
  • Getting to see my oldest brother (he lives half a country away, so I don't get to see him very often)
  • Baking
  • Photography
  • Holiday food, decorations, movies, and music
  • Outings with friends and family
  • Getting a letter, card, or package in the mail from friends, purchases that I have made
  • Making my favorite foods (or ordering them from a restaurant)
  • Watching videos from my favorite YouTubers
  • Knitting and crocheting
  • Listening to my favorite music/artists
  • Playing board/card/video games
  • Learning something new
  • Celebrating holidays, birthdays, other special occasions with friends and family
***Thanks to Sarah Jo Burch for the idea for this post!!!

Friday, December 1, 2017

My 2017 Christmas Wishlist

I can't believe the holidays are upon us already!! It feels like it was just here, and now it's back again. But, I love the holidays, and am looking foward to them this year.

I know some people like reading about/seeing what other people ask for Christmas, and I figured I would post my Christmas list, for anyone who is interested.

NOTE: I am not trying to brag in any way, nor am I saying that I will get any/all of these items. These are just things that I would like to get.

  • Wilton Cookie Flooding Decorating Kit
  • Wonder Woman DVD (2017)
  • Q&A a Day: 5 Year Journal
  • Tangle Fidget Toy
  • Fleece Robe
  • Bicycle Tire Pump
  • Trolls DVD
  • Ukulele case
  • Ukulele shoulder strap
  • Hidden Figures DVD
  • Cinema Lightbox
  • Illustrated Harry Potter 1 book
  • Illustrated Harry Potter 2 book
  • Illustrated Harry Potter 3 book
  • Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone book on CD
  • The Big Book of Disney Songs-Violin by Hal Leonard Corp.
  • Ateco Plain Edge Round Cutters in Graduated Sizes
  • Elf on the Shelf
  • Harry Potter coloring books
  • Harp Attack CD by Camille & Kennerly (The Harp Twins)
  • PTXmas by Pentatonix (CD)
  • Bike helmet
  • Star Wars: The Phantom Menace DVD
  • Star Wars: Attack of the Clones DVD
  • Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith DVD
  • Star Wars: A New Hope DVD
  • Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back DVD
  • Star Wars: Return of the Jedi DVD
  • Star Wars: The Force Awakens DVD
  • Once Upon a Time Season 1 on DVD
  • Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1 DVD
  • Coraline DVD
  • Inside Out DVD
  • A Bug's Life DVD
  • Brave DVD
  • The Book of Life DVD
  • Big Hero 6 DVD
  • Disney's A Christmas Carol (2010) DVD
  • The Lorax (2012) DVD
  • Cinema CD by Andrea Bocelli
  • No Muggles Beyond This Point Poster
  • Harry Potter Undesirable No. 1 Poster
Yes, I know this is a lot, but I am NOT expecting/hoping to get all of them. I am not even expecting half. These are just things that I would like to get, and to give my family ideas of what they can get me.

I am looking forward to the holidays this year, seeing family and friends, and the presents. I can't wait!!!

My South Carolina Bucket List


  • Riverbanks Zoo
  • Fort Sumter
  • Magnolia Plantation and Gardens
  • Patriots Point
  • Congaree National Park
  • Boone Hall
  • Myrtle Beach
  • Myrtle Beach SkyWheel
  • Drayton Hall
  • South Carolina State House
  • Falls Park on the Reedy
  • Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge
  • Greenville Zoo
  • Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens
  • Alligator Adventure
  • Rainbow Row
  • Coastal Discovery Museum
  • Freestyle Music Park
  • Isle of Palms County Park
  • The Angel Oak Tree
  • Pearl Fryar's Topiary Garden
  • Dorchester-South Carolina's Abandoned Town
  • Lansford Canal State Park
  • Poinsett Bridge
  • God's Acre Healing Springs
  • St. Helena Parish Chapel of Ease Ruins
  • Forty Acre Rock Heritage Preserve
  • Tunnelvision
  • Old Sheldon Church Ruins
  • Gullah Heritage Trail
  • Tiny Town of Easley
  • Neverbust Chain
  • Busted Plug Plaza
  • Old Charleston City Jail
  • Atalaya
  • King Neptune Sundial
  • Gaffney Peachoid
  • Myrtle Beach Colored School Museum
  • Walterboro Water Tower
  • Thelma and Louise

Thursday, November 30, 2017

Things That Made Me Happy in November

Here are the things that made me happy in November:
  • Signing up for the last two classes I have to take for my certificate
  • Cooking Thanksgiving dinner myself
  • Receiving the Christmas leggings I ordered from a friend (who is a fashion consultant)
  • Receiving an advent calendar that I ordered
  • Seeing a friend on my home delivery route, whom I hadn't seen/talked to in a long time
  • Buying a purse at my church's annual craft fair
  • Going to game nights at a friend's house, and having a good time
  • Seeing Wonder in theaters (It was really good!!!)
Another good month for me, and that is always a good thing. Here's to hoping that December is good, as well!!

Wednesday, November 29, 2017

My Pennsylvania Bucket List


  • Pocono Mountains
  • Hersheypark
  • Dutch Wonderland
  • Hershey's Chocolate World
  • Fallingwater
  • Bushkill Falls
  • Gettysburg Battlefield
  • Strasburg Rail Road
  • Liberty Bell
  • Indian Echo caverns
  • The Andy Warhol Museum
  • Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
  • Independence National Historical Park
  • Independence Hall
  • Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
  • Hershey Gardens
  • Crystal Cave
  • Pittsburgh
  • Pittsburch Zoo & PPG Aquarium
  • Philadelphia
  • Philadelphia Zoo
  • Rocky Steps
  • Adventure Aquarium
  • Please Touch Museum
  • Philadelphia City Hall
  • John Neinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum
  • Philadelphia's Magic Gardens
  • The Sonorous Stones of Ringing Rocks Park
  • Mount Moriah Cemetery
  • The Seven Gates of Hell
  • Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site
  • Tiffany Glass Mural "The Dream Garden"
  • Shofuso Japanese House and Garden
  • Masonic Temple of Philadelphia
  • Randyland
  • Penn's Cave
  • Rosicrucian Pyramids of Bucks County
  • Camac Street
  • Laurel Hill Cemetery
  • Leigh Millenium Folk Arch
  • St. Anthony's Chapel
  • The Grave of Mister Rogers
  • Austin Dam
  • Fountain of Youth
  • Maillardet's Automaton
  • The Reading Pagoda
  • Cathedral of Learning
  • Hoover-Mason Trestle
  • Longwood Gardens
  • Space Acorn
  • Central Market
  • Lausanne Ruins
  • Rodef Shalom Biblical Botanical Gardens
  • Koontz Coffee Pot
  • Haines Shoe House
  • The Lower Swedish Cabin
  • Pine Creek Gorge
  • Columcille Megalith Park
  • Punxsutawney
  • Gobbler's Knob
  • Huber Breaker
  • SS United States
  • PennDOT Road Sign Sculpture Garden
  • Grey Towers
  • Grave of Andy Warhol
  • French Azilum
  • Old Jail Museum
  • Elfreth's Alley
  • Rocky Statue
  • Philadelphia City Hall
  • Pittsburgh's Snoopy Doghouse
  • Archbald Pothole
  • The Golden Gal of Old Madison Square Garden
  • The Big Mac Museum
  • Birthplace of the Banana Split
  • Dippy the Dinosaur
  • Woodland Chapel at Woodsgate
  • Nine Mile Run
  • Frankford Avenue Bridge
  • Kaufmann's Clock
  • Stoogeum
  • The Ephrata Cloister
  • The Liberty Bell Hiding Place
  • Amelia S. Givin Public Library
  • George Washington in a British Military Uniform Statue
  • Mars Flying Saucer
  • Swan Memorial Fountain

Monday, November 27, 2017

All The People Who Brighten My Day

There are people that just know how to make a bad day good, and always knows how to make me feel better. Some are family and friends, some are people I know of through social media.

The people who brighten my day are:
***Thanks to Sarah Jo Burch for the idea for this post!!!

Friday, November 24, 2017

My Rhode Island Bucket List


  • Roger Williams Park
  • The Breakers
  • Marble House
  • Blithewold Mansion, Gardens & Arboretum
  • Block Island Southeast Lighthouse
  • Prudence Island
  • Kingscote
  • Flying Horse Carousel
  • Slater Park
  • India Point Park
  • Newport Tower
  • Roger Williams Park Botanical Center
  • WaterFire Providence
  • Roger Williams Park Zoo
  • Green Animals Topiary Garden
  • Providence
  • Neutaconkanut Hill Park
  • Carey Mansion
  • Fleur-De-Lys Studio
  • The Swiss Village
  • Claiborne Pell Newport Bridge
  • Boyd's Windmill
  • Narragansett Bay
  • Rhode Island State House
  • Cliff Walk
  • Ochre Court
  • Watch Hill
  • Blackstone River
  • Rough Point
  • Rosecliff Mansion
  • Newport Vineyards
  • Wright's Dairy Farm & Bakery
  • La Gondola
  • Rhode Island Tours
  • John Brown House Museum

Wednesday, November 22, 2017

My Oregon Bucket List


  • Mount Hood
  • Crater Lake National Park
  • Multnomah Falls
  • Oregon Zoo
  • Portland Japanese Garden
  • Portland
  • Sea Lion Caves
  • Cape Perpetua
  • Devils Punch Bowl
  • Crystal Springs Rhododoendron Garden
  • Face Rock Scenic Viewpoint
  • Cape Kiwanda State Natural Arena
  • Wahkeena Falls
  • Latourell Falls
  • HorsetailFalls
  • Bridge of the Gods
  • Peter Iredale
  • The Goonies House
  • Lincoln City Kite Festival
  • Tillamook Cheese Factory
  • Oregon Vortex House of Mystery
  • Octopus Tree
  • Prehistoric Gardens
  • The Witch's HouseP
  • Johnny Day Fossil Beds
  • Candy Basket Shorthill Taffy Factory
  • Out'n'About Treehouse Treesort
  • Thor's Well
  • Sloth Captive Husbandry Center
  • Cathedral Park
  • Voodoo Doughnut and Wedding Chapel
  • Painted Hills
  • Enchanted Forest
  • Proxy Falls
  • The Duplicative Forest
  • The Grotto
  • Timberline Lodge
  • Goonie Trails
  • Lava River Cave
  • Lost Lake
  • Willamette Falls
  • Honey Mushroom: The Numongous Fungus
  • Chocolate Waterfall
  • Crack in the Ground
  • Vista House at Crown Point
  • Peterson Rock Garden
  • Portlandia
  • Paul Bunyan Statue
  • Beverly Cleary Sculpture Garden
  • Neahkahnie Mountain
  • Reames Arborsmith Studios

Monday, November 20, 2017

The Things I Treasure Most

Life is most definitely the best treasure of all, but there are many other things that I am grateful for, some of which are:
  • The memories I have of/with my mom
  • My life
  • Music
  • Friends
  • Having a warm place to live
  • My job
  • My family
  • My education
  • Being able to read and write
  • My journals
  • My bed
  • My instruments (a ukulele, a violin, and a guitar; yes, all strings!!)
  • Being a Girl Scout
  • Photography
  • Clothes to wear (and a washing machine to clean them when they're dirty)
  • Having regular meals every single day
  • My bike (which I have had for a very long time!!)
  • Having a computer at home, with access to the Internet
Thanks to Sarah Jo Burch for the idea for this post!!!

Friday, November 17, 2017

My Oklahoma Bucket List


  • Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden
  • Gold Dome
  • Will Rogers Gardens
  • Wheeler Ferris Wheel
  • Tulsa
  • The Center of the Universe
  • Blue Whale of Catoosa
  • Pops
  • Picher
  • Younger's Bend
  • Heavener Runestone
  • Wichita Mountains Buffalo Herd
  • Totem Pole Park
  • Fort Sill
  • Old Route 66 Filling Station
  • Praying Hands
  • World's Largest Peanute
  • Bowling Ball Yard Art
  • Mister Ed's Grave
  • Scottish Rite Temple
  • Golden Driller
  • Pioneer Woman Statue
  • Philbook Museum of Art
  • University of Oklahoma
  • Woolaroc Museum & Wildlife Preserve

Wednesday, November 15, 2017

My Ohio Bucket List


  • Columbus
  • Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
  • Franklin Park Conservatory
  • Cincinatti
  • Cincinatti Zoo and Botanical Garden
  • Hocking Hills State Park
  • Cleveland
  • Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
  • Ohio River
  • Kings Island
  • A Christmas Story House
  • Toledo
  • Mohican State Park
  • Holden Arboretum
  • Sharon Woods
  • The Great Serpent Mound
  • The Haserot Angel
  • Chateau Laroche
  • Ohio State Reformatory
  • Hanging Garden
  • Athens Lunatic Asylum
  • The Topiary Park
  • Kelley's Island Glacial Grooves
  • Frozen Cleveland Lighthouse
  • Hartman's Rock Garden
  • Cornhenge
  • The Cincinnati Mushroom House
  • Piatt Castles
  • Warner and Swasey Observatory
  • Spring Grove Cemetery
  • Unofficial Lego Toy and Plastic Brick Museum
  • Squaw Rock
  • James A. Garfield's Memorial and Tomb
  • Annie Oakley's Grave
  • Longaberger Basket Building
  • The Shawshank Trail
  • Eggshellland
  • Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park
  • Cleveland Trust Rotunda Building
  • Chief Leatherlips Monument
  • Judy's Jungle
  • President Warren G. Harding's Tomb
  • Maria Stein Convent
  • Neil Armstrong First Flight Memorial
  • World's Largest Rubber Stamp
  • The Cleveland Arcade
  • Merchant Ball
  • Sidaway Bridge
  • Squire's Castle
  • McKinley Presidential Library & Museum
  • St. Theodosius Cathedral
  • Perry's Victory and International Peace Memorial
  • Grave of Johnny Morehouse
  • Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument
  • Arnold Schwarzenegger Statue
  • Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park
  • Steamship William G. Mather
  • Jesse Owens Statue

Monday, November 13, 2017

People I Want to Be Like

Well, I would most like to be myself, as there is only one of me (and that's how I like it!!!).

Although......I would like to be a more confident version of myself. Being as shy as I am has prevented myself from going after things I really wanted.

Seeing/hearing people who are outgoing and confident, talk to other people makes me wish I wasn't so painfully shy. It makes me feel like I'm missing out on a lot of good things in life, because my shyness is preventing me from taking risks.

They actually intimidate me to the point where I don't want to say or do anything that may sound/look foolish, or make me look bad.

So I want to be more like the people who take risks, who are confident (or at least they look confident, to me) in their speaking abilities

**Thanks to Sarah Jo Burch for the idea for this post!!

Friday, November 10, 2017

My North Dakota Bucket List


  • Theodore Roosevelt National Park
  • Dakota zoo
  • Chateau de Mores
  • Fargo
  • Scandinavian Heritage Park
  • Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center
  • Red River Zoo
  • Roosevelt Park Zoo
  • Chahinkapa Zoo
  • Theodore Roosevelt's Maltese Cross Cabin
  • Sertoma Park
  • Yellowstone River
  • International Peace Garden
  • Lindenwood Park
  • Fort Ransom State Park
  • Sully Creek
  • Medora Riding Stables
  • The Pyramid of North Dakota
  • Enchanted Highway Sculptures
  • World's Largest Buffalo
  • Salem Sue
  • Lewis & Clark Riverboat
  • Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park
  • Tommy the Turtle
  • W'eel Turtle Made from Wheel Rims
  • Hilltop Viking Statue
  • Bismarck

Wednesday, November 8, 2017

My North Carolina Bucket List


  • Great Smoky Mountains
  • Biltmore Estate
  • Blue Ridge Mountains
  • Grandfather Mountain
  • Pisgah National Forest
  • Tweetsie Railroad
  • Carowinds
  • Wright Brothers National Memorial
  • Cape Hatteras Light
  • Chimney Rock
  • Discovery Place
  • Airlie Gardens
  • Sliding Rock
  • North Carolina Arboretum
  • Western North Carolina Nature Center
  • Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden
  • Fort Macon State Art
  • Pullen Park
  • Hatteras Island
  • Hanging Rock State Park
  • Looking Glass Falls
  • Bodie Island Lighthouse
  • Linville Caverns
  • Clingmans Dome
  • Currituck Beach Light
  • Eno River State Park
  • William B. Umstead State Park
  • Fort Fisher State Recreation Area
  • Mount Mitchell
  • Cloud Chamber for the Trees
  • Whirligig Park
  • Land of Oz Theme Park
  • Castle Mont Rouge
  • Judaculla Rock
  • Blue Ghost Fireflies
  • David Cerny's Metalmorphosis
  • The Bunker Hill Covered Bridge
  • The Last Shell Oil Clamshell Station
  • Korner's Folly
  • Helen's Bridge
  • Shangri-La Stone Village
  • Paint Rock
  • The Road to Nowhere
  • The House of Mugs
  • Endor Iron Furnace
  • Cameron Barnstormer Murals
  • Duke Lemur Center
  • The Museum of the Alphabet
  • Abandoned Dome House
  • Homeless Jesus
  • Unto These Hills Cherokee Theatre
  • Portsmouth Village
  • World's Largest Hammock
  • Paraclete XP Skyventure
  • Outer Banks Futuro House
  • The Old Farmers' ball
  • Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson
  • The Grove Park Inn
  • Fields of the Woods
  • Giant Lady Legs of Henderson
  • The World's Largest Operational Frying Pan
  • Bob's Sinkhole
  • McGill Rose Garden
  • Big Rock Nature Preserve
  • Musical Parking Garage

Monday, November 6, 2017

Things That Make Up My Ideal Holiday Season

The holidays are a great time, with all the different types of celebrations that go on during the season.

These are the things that make up my ideal holiday season:
  • Baking pies from scratch/mostly scratch
  • Hot chocolate
  • Getting together with family and friends
  • Watching holiday movies
  • Baking cakes/cupcakes/other treats
  • Making arts and crafts
  • A warm, cozy bed/blanket/comforter
  • Giving gifts
  • Giving time to serve/help others
  • Decorations
  • Listening to music
  • Going to local festivals
  • Horse-drawn sleigh rides
  • Pumpkin picking and carving/painting
  • Traditional turkey dinner
  • Concerts
  • Hand-made gifts
  • Giving necessities to those in need (clothing, food, etc.)
  • A good book (or two)
  • Being in the moment
Thanks to Sarah Jo Burch for the idea for this post!!!

Friday, November 3, 2017

My New York Bucket List


  • NYC
  • Manhattan
  • Albany
  • Brooklyn
  • Queens
  • Staten Island
  • Empire State Building
  • Statue of Liberty
  • WTC Memorial
  • WTC One
  • Central Park
  • Metropolitan Museum of Art
  • Rockefeller Center
  • Grand Central Terminal
  • Guggenheim Museium
  • Radio City Music Hall
  • Chinatown
  • Brooklyn Bridge
  • Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum
  • Madison Square Garden
  • Little Italy
  • Coney Island
  • St. Patrick's Cathedral
  • Yankee Stadium
  • Times Square
  • Carnegie Hall
  • Central Park Zoo
  • Gramercy Park
  • Cathedral of Saint John the Divine
  • Bronx Zoo
  • Washington Square Park
  • Brooklyn Botanic Garden
  • Madame Tussands New York
  • New York Botanical Garden
  • Charging Bull
  • City Hall Station
  • 5 Beekman Street
  • Ghostbusters Firehouse
  • The SeaGlass Corousel
  • MoMath-The Museum of Mathematics
  • Roosevelt Island Cat Sanctuary
  • Greenacre Park
  • Pier 54: The Titanic's Arrival Destination
  • High Bridge
  • Times Square Hum
  • The Elevated Acre
  • Trinity Churchyard
  • Pomander Walk
  • Roosevelt Island Tramway
  • Berlin Wall Section
  • Houdini Museum
  • Unicorn Tapestries at the Cloisters
  • P.S. 186
  • Clocktower Gallery and Machinery Room
  • Angel Orensanz Foundation
  • The Sphere
  • Barthman's Sidewalk Clock
  • Private Passage
  • Alice in Wonderland Statue
  • Titanic Memorial
  • Strawberry Fields Memorial
  • Preserved Remnants of 17th Century New York
  • President Ulysses S. Grant's Tomb
  • The Daily News Building Globe
  • The Peace Fountain at Cathedral of St. John the Divine
  • Life Underground Sculptures
  • Hallett Nature Sanctuary
  • The Wizard of Park Avenue
  • Hamilton Grange
  • Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace Museum
  • Fearless Girl Statue
  • Jeffrey's Hook Light
  • United Palace Theatre
  • Castle Williams
  • 41 Cooper Square
  • Tom's Restaurant
  • 767 Third Avenue
  • Shinran Statue
  • Giant Needle and Button
  • Hare Krishna Tree
  • New York City Fire Museum
  • The Weathermen Townhouse Explosion
  • Museum at Eldridge Street Synagogue
  • New York Cancer Hospital
  • The Marriage of Money and Real Estate
  • Slocum Memorial Fountain
  • St. George's Syrian Catholic Church
  • The Ziegfeld Head
  • See The Lion King on Broadway
  • See Wicked on Broadway
  • Spring Street Salt Shed
  • St. Luke's Place Coal Hole Covers
  • Tompkins Square Temperance Fountain

Wednesday, November 1, 2017

My New Mexico Bucket List


  • Carlsbad Caverns
  • Los Alamos
  • Bandelier National Monument
  • Loretto Chapel
  • Albuquerque
  • Georgia O'Keeffe Museum
  • Santa fe
  • Rocky Mountains
  • Palace of the Governers
  • Petroglyph National Monument
  • Museum of International Folk Art
  • Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi
  • Aztec Ruins
  • El Santuario de Chimayo
  • Capulin Volcano
  • Living Desert Zoo and Gardens
  • Albuquerque Aquarium
  • New Mexico Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum
  • Four Corners Monument
  • Rio Grande Gorge Bridge
  • Ghost Ranch
  • El Morro National Monument
  • Albuquerque Old Town
  • Ra Paulette's Hand-Carved Caves
  • House of Eternal Return
  • Bisti Badlands
  • Santa Rosa Blue Hole
  • Shiprock
  • Chaco Culture National Historical Park
  • Earthships
  • Lechuguilla Cave
  • Taos Pueblo
  • New Mexico Mystery Stone
  • <\La Cieneguilla Petroglyph Site
  • Pecos National Historical Park
  • Roswell
  • Roswell McDonald's
  • Origami in the Garden
  • Bandelier National Monument
  • Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks
  • Mese Prieta Petroglyphs
  • Echo Amphitheater
  • Gila Cliff Dwellings
  • New Mexico Museum of Space History
  • PistachioLand: World's Largest Pistachio
  • Fort Union National Monument
  • Wheeler Peak
  • Tumbleweed Snowman
  • Wall of Bottles

Tuesday, October 31, 2017

Things That Made Me Happy in October

Here are the things that made me happy in October:
  • Getting to see my oldest brother again, whom I hadn't seen in quite some time
  • Painting/carving a pumpkin for Halloween
  • Getting to hand out candy on Halloween
  • Receiving and trying out my first Foodstirs box (Monster Cupcakes)
  • Receiving the leggings I ordered from a friend (who is an independent fashion consultant)
  • Receiving an Irish Blessing charm that I ordered
  • Getting the October Ipsy bag
  • Ordering and receiving my first lip products from a LipSense consultant
  • Receiving the paw print bracelet I ordered
  • Receiving the second Foodstirs box I ordered (galaxy donuts)
This month was a pretty good month for me, and I am happy about that!! What made you happy this month?

Friday, October 27, 2017

My New Jersey Bucket List


  • Adventure Aquarium
  • Liberty State Park
  • Grounds for Sculpture
  • Steel Pier
  • Storybrook Land
  • Turtle Back Zoo
  • Morey's Piers
  • Cape May County Park & Zoo
  • Absecon Lighthouse
  • Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
  • Thomas Edison National Historical Park
  • Navesink Twin Lights
  • Emlen Physick Estate
  • Great Falls
  • Van Saun County Park
  • Harriman State Park
  • The Cloisters
  • George Washington Bridge
  • Cathedral of Saint John the Divine
  • Riverside Park
  • Fort Tryon Park
  • Wave Hill
  • Riverbank State Park
  • Paterson Great Falls
  • Kingda Ka
  • Cheesequake State Park
  • General Grant National Memorial
  • Jenkinson's Boardwalk
  • Cape May's Lighthouse
  • Cape May
  • Princeton
  • Deleware Water Gap
  • Liberty State Park
  • USS New Jersey
  • High Point State Park
  • Lucy the Elephant
  • Newark Museum
  • Space Farms Zoo and Museum
  • Central Railroad of New Jersey Terminal
  • Hindenburg Crash Site
  • Batsto Village
  • Sybil's Cave
  • Luna Parc
  • The Gingerbread Castle
  • Land of the Lost
  • Cliff Dale Manor Ruins
  • Monument to the War of the Worlds
  • Jungle Habitat
  • Tripod Rock
  • Weehawken Dueling Grounds
  • Amatol Ghost Town
  • Jenny Jump State Forest
  • Waterloo Village
  • Women's Federation Monument
  • Tear Drop Memorial
  • Sometimes Train Tracks of Sunset Beach
  • Cookie Jar House
  • The Colgate Clock
  • Hamburg Paper Mill Ruins
  • Greek Temple Monument War Memorial
  • Birthplace of Baseball Monument
  • Hamilton Station Statues
  • Victor Victori's Multiplism Statues
  • Cathedral of the Air

Wednesday, October 25, 2017

My New Hampshire Bucket List


  • Flume Gorge
  • Santa's Village
  • White Mountains
  • Squam Lake
  • Diana's Baths
  • Cannon Mountain
  • Polar Caves Park
  • America's Stonehenge
  • Morningside Flight Park
  • Madame Sherri's Castle
  • Purgatory Falls
  • The Basin
  • Thompson Falls
  • Andres Institute of Art and Sculpture Garden
  • Ice Castles
  • Madison Boulder
  • Robert Frost Farm
  • Cat Alley
  • Wentworth by the Sea
  • Lake Winnipesaukee Mystery Stone
  • Smuttynose Island
  • The Swing Bridge
  • Mount Monadnock
  • Redstone Rocket
  • Chicken Farmer Rock
  • Frankenstein Cliff
  • The Uncle Sam House
  • Parrish Shoes Sign
  • The Yankee Siege Catapult
  • Smith Chapel
  • See Lupines in full bloom
  • Moose Alley
  • Great Stone Face
  • County Fair

Monday, October 23, 2017

My Favorite Meals and Treats

I love food, and I love different cuisines (which I got from my mom!).

Here are my fave meals and treats:
  • Macaaroni and Cheese
  • Cheesecake
  • Cream Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies
  • Beef or chicken tacos
  • Chocolate ice cream
  • Cheesecake ice cream
  • Strawberry banana shakes/smoothies
  • Pasta salad
  • Tandoori chicken
  • Jalapenos (topped on tacos or other foods)
  • Pulled pork
  • Top Ramen Salad
  • Shrimp
  • Pad Thai
  • Pierogi
  • Macaroni salad
  • Lemonade
  • French Silk Pie
  • Pumpkin pie
  • Brussels sprouts
  • Chocolate chip muffins
  • Banana bread
  • Reese's Peanut Butter Cups
  • 3 Musketeers (regular and mint)
**Thanks to Sarah Jo Burch for the idea for this post!!!

Friday, October 20, 2017

My Nevada Bucket List

Things I would like to do in Nevada:

  • Las Vegas
  • Hoover Dam
  • Las Vegas Strip
  • Lake Tahoe
  • Red Rock Canyon
  • Valley of Fire
  • Lake Mead
  • The Mirage
  • High Roller
  • Great Basin National Park
  • Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay
  • Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Sign
  • Adventuredome
  • DeathValley
  • Maverick Helicopters
  • Sand Harbor
  • Fly Geyser
  • The Bristlecone Pines of the Great Basin
  • Seven Magic Mountains
  • International Car Forest of the Last Church
  • Valley of Fire
  • Lehman Caves
  • Lost City Museum
  • Double Negative
  • The Simpsons House
  • U.S. Route 50
  • Pyramid Lake
  • Albert Szukalski's Last Supper
  • Tikaboo Peak
  • Sand Mountain
  • Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park
  • The Shoe Tree of Middlegate
  • Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historical Park
  • Toquima Cave
  • The Big Edge
  • Jarbridge Wilderness
  • Lunar Crater
  • Humboldt Museum
  • Thunderr Mountain Monument
  • Piper's Opera House
  • Flamingo Habitat
  • Boundary Peak
  • Winged Figures of the Republic
  • White King
  • Middlegate Station
  • Reno
  • National Bowling Stadium
  • Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens
  • Eiffel Tower Paris Las Vegas
  • Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition
  • Stratosphere Tower
  • Lion Habitat Ranch
  • Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay
  • Case de Shenandoah

Wednesday, October 18, 2017

My Nebraska Bucket List

Things I would like to do in Nebraska:

  • Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium
  • Chimney Rock
  • Omaha
  • Lincoln
  • Lincoln Children's Zoo
  • Heartland of America Park
  • Gerald R. Ford Birthsite and Gardens
  • Joslyn Castle
  • Riverside Discovery Center
  • Eugene T. Mahoney State Park
  • Platte River State Park
  • Holy Family Shrine Catholic Church
  • World's Largest Ball of Stamps
  • Toadstool Geological Park
  • Panorama Point
  • Ruins of Prairie Peace Park
  • Pioneers Park Pillars
  • Nebraska State Capitol
  • Laurtizen Gardens
  • Great Platte River Road Archway Monument
  • Lee G. Simmons Conservation Park and Wildlife Safari
  • Pioneer Courage Park
  • St. Cecilia's Cathedral
  • Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park
  • Wessels Living History Farm
  • Cody Park
  • Fred G. Dale Planetarium
  • Carhenge
  • Lewis & Clark Trail
  • Ponca State Park
  • Sandhill Crane Migration
  • Agate Fossil Beds
  • Buffalo Bill's Wild West
  • Berry Falls
  • Fort Falls
  • Smith Falls
  • Indian Cave State Park
  • See a Broadway show at the Orpheum Theater
  • Scotts Bluff
  • Arthur Bowring Sandhills State Historical Park

Monday, October 16, 2017

The Most Beautiful Things I've Ever Seen

The world is full of beauty, if only people would just take a moment to look around and find it.

The most beautiful things I have ever seen are:
  • Rainbows
  • People coming together and supporting each other, after a tragedy
  • My older cat showing concern for my younger cat when she lost her balance and fell off the chair the both of them were sitting on. She even put a paw on her back to see if she was alright.
  • Doves nesting on top of the lighting fixture on my back porch, on more than one occasion
  • A hummingbird coming to drink from our hummingbird feeder, on many occasions
  • People sticking up for those who are being put down
  • People who help others in need, without expecting anything in return
**Thanks to Sarah Jo Burch for the idea for this post!!

Friday, October 13, 2017

My Montana Bucket List

Things I would like to do in Montana:

  • Rocky Mountains
  • Glacier National Park
  • Yellowstone National Park
  • Little Bighorn Battlefield
  • Flathead Lake
  • Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center
  • Cathedral of Saint Helena
  • Lake McDonald
  • ZooMontana
  • Grinnell Glacier
  • Avalanche Lake
  • Montana Vortex and House of Mystery
  • Highline Trail
  • Hungry Horse Dam
  • Iceberg Lake
  • Swiftcurrent Lake
  • Two Medicine Lake
  • Roosevelt Arch
  • Wild Horse Island
  • The Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center
  • St. Mary Falls
  • Hidden Lake Overlook
  • Butte
  • The Berkeley Pit
  • Garnet
  • Ringing Rocks of Montana
  • Garden of One Thousand Buddhas
  • Bleu Horses
  • Medicine Rocks State Park
  • Shep Memorial
  • Makoshika State Park
  • Our Lady of the Rockies
  • Ross Creek Giant Cedars Grove
  • Elkhorn Ghost Town
  • Koocanusa Bridge
  • Charles M. Bair Family Museum
  • Garden Wall in Glacier National Park
  • Missouri Headwaters State Park
  • Waterton Lakes National Park
  • Montana Bale Trail
  • Giant Springs Heritage State Park and Fish Hatchery
  • Bighorn Canyon
  • Charles M. Russell Wildlife Refuge
  • North American Indian Days
  • Cut Bank's 27-foot-tall penguin
  • Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site

Wednesday, October 11, 2017

My Missouri Bucket List

Things I would like to do in Missouri:

  • Harry S. Truman National Historic Site
  • George Washington Carver National Monument
  • Lake of the Ozarks
  • Branson
  • Gateway Arch
  • Elephant Rocks State Park
  • Old Courthouse
  • Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis
  • St. Louis
  • Missouri Botanical Garden
  • Laumeier Sculpture Park
  • Talking Rocks Cavern
  • Jefferson National Expansion Memorial
  • Grant's Farm
  • St. Louis Zoo
  • The Butterfly House
  • Kansas City Zoo
  • Meramec Caverns
  • Titanic Museum
  • Sea Life Kansas City
  • Shaw Nature Reserve
  • Onondaga Cave State Park
  • The Butterfly Palace & Rainforest Adventure
  • Ha Ha Tonka Castle Ruins
  • Welch Spring Hospital Ruins
  • Bonne Terre Mines
  • Kansas City Workhouse
  • Turtle Playground
  • The Pinnacles
  • Bothwell Lodge
  • The Magic House
  • The Holy Finger of Kansas City
  • Kirksville Devil's Chair
  • The Space Museum
  • Laura Ingalls Wilder Historic Home & Museum
  • World's Largest Fork
  • St. Valentine's Relics in Missouri
  • Maxie, The World's Largest Goodse
  • Independence Temple
  • St. Louis Abbey
  • Charlie Parker Memorial
  • Precious Moments Chapel and Gardens

Monday, October 9, 2017

My Top 20 Mood Boosting Songs

I am always listening to music, so I loved the idea for this post. Music helps me get through tough times, it helps me relax at the end of a work/school day, it helps me to get going at the start of each day...it's a part of each and every day for me.

My top 20 mood boosting songs are:
  1. I Will Wait by Mumford & Sons
  2. Oh My Soul by Casting Crowns
  3. Whom Shall I Fear by Chris Tomlin
  4. Hello, My Name Is by Matthew West
  5. Bod Bless Us Everyone by Andrea Bocelli
  6. Single by Natasha Bedingfield
  7. Unwritten by Natasha Bedingfield
  8. Through Heaven's Eyes (From The Prince of Egypt movie) by Brian Stokes Mitchell
  9. When You Believe (From The Prince of Egypt movie) by Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston
  10. Butterfly Kisses by Bob Carlisle
  11. Free to Be Me by Francesca Battistelli
  12. Everything by Michael Buble
  13. When a Child is Born by Andrea Bocelli
  14. Go Where Love Goes by Andrea Bocelli
  15. Because We Believe by  Andrea Bocelli
  16. The Prayer
  17. You Raise Me Up by Josh Groban
  18. We Shall Be Free by Garth Brooks
  19. Walkin on Sunshine
  20. Happy by Bruno Mars
Thanks to Sarah Jo Burch for the idea for this post!!

Friday, October 6, 2017

My Mississippi Bucket List

Things I would like to do in Mississippi:

  • Elvis Presley Birthplace & Museum
  • Jefferson Davis Presidential Library
  • Biloxi
  • Jackson Zoo
  • Tupelo Buffalo Park and Zoo
  • Mississippi State Capitol
  • Hattiesburg Zoo
  • Tombigbee State Park
  • Biloxi Light
  • Lake Chicot State Park
  • Windsor Ruins
  • Birthplace of Kermit the Frog
  • Longwood
  • For Massachusetts on Ship Island
  • Jackson
  • Stanton Hall
  • Mynelle Gardens Arboretum & Botanical Center

Wednesday, October 4, 2017

My Minnesota Bucket List

Things I would like to do in Minnesota:
  • Mall of America
  • St. Paul
  • Como Park Zoo and Conservatory
  • Sea Life Minnesota Aquarium
  • Science Museum of Minnesota
  • Minnehaha Park
  • Duluth
  • Minnesota Zoo
  • Cathedral of St. Paul
  • Minneapolis
  • Minneapolis Sculpture Garden
  • Great Lakes Aquarium
  • Minnesota State Capitol
  • Lake Superior Zoo
  • American Swedish Institute
  • Munsinger Gardens and Clemens Gardens
  • Weisman Art Museum
  • Forestville Mystery Cave State Park
  • Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox
  • Saint Anthony Falls
  • Gooseberry Falls State Park
  • Split Rock Lighthouse
  • Pipestone National Monument
  • Devil's Kettle
  • Niagra Cave
  • Elf Door at Demings Height Park
  • Frederick R. Weisman Art Museum
  • Marjorie McNeely Conservatory (Como Park)
  • Spoonbridge and Cherry
  • Birthplace of F. Scott Fitzgerald
  • Sidewalk Harp
  • Mary Tyler Moore Statue
  • Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum and Pageant
  • Stone Arch Bridge
  • Old Man of the Dalles
  • Franconia Sculpture Park
  • Prospect Park Water Tower
  • Our Lady of Lourdes Church
  • Vision of Peace (Indian God of Peace)
  • The Triangle House of St. Paul, Minnesota
  • Washburn Park Water Tower
  • Alpine Asphalt's Wall of Skis
  • Big Ole
  • St. Mary's Orthodox Cathedral
  • Giant Pipe of Pipestone

Monday, October 2, 2017

Operation Christmas Child 2017

Well, it is that time of year again...

Time for Operation Christmas Child!!!

Operation Christmas Child is an annual shoebox present collection, where people can fill a shoebox (or a box of similar size) with items for children, who may not otherwise get anything.

Here are some ideas of what you can put in your shoebox presents:
  • Dolls
  • Stuffed animal toys
  • Jump ropes
  • Embroidery floss
  • Beads
  • Wash cloths
  • Bar soap
  • Notebooks
  • Pens
  • Pencils
  • Markers
  • Crayons
  • Colored pencils
  • Pencil sharpeners
  • Coloring books
  • Matching games
  • Paper
  • Sports/bouncy balls
  • Solar calculators
  • Hats
  • Gloves/mittens
  • Scarves
  • Play jewelry
  • Cups
  • Bowls
  • Water bottles
  • Yo-yos
  • Drawstring bags
  • Rulers
  • Picture books (for the younger children)
  • Dry erase boards with dry erase pens
  • Mini chalkboards with chalk
  • Toothbrushes
  • Watercolor paint sets and paintbrushes
  • Hair brushes or combs
  • Toy cars
  • Puzzles
  • Stickers
  • Checkers sets
  • Socks
  • Recorders
  • Harmonicas
  • Flashlights and batteries
  • Clothes line and clothes pins (for older girls)
  • Pillowcase dresses (you can find more about this HERE)
  • Flip flops
  • T-shirts
  • Post-It Notes
  • Backpacks
  • Straws
  • Hair ties
  • Band-Aids
  • Binoculars
  • Fishing tools
  • Handkerchiefs
  • Watches
  • Plastic magnifying glasses
  • Small sewing kits
  • Personal hygiene items for boys, girls (for older children)
  • Purses (for older girls)
  • Barrettes, hair clips
  • Headbands
  • A handwritten note (optional, but very special to the child who receives it)
  • Pencil cases/pouches (or empty makeup bags that they can use for carrying whatever they want)
  • Handmade items (toys, dolls, clothing, etc.)
They are in most need of boxes for boys ages 10-14, so if you can, please send at least one shoebox present for that age group (although, you can choose which age group and gender you would like to pack boxes for!).

You are NOT allowed to put in liquids, war related toys (soldiers, swords, etc.), out of date foods/candy, breakables, lotions, toothpaste, and anything else of this nature.

They have an annual collection week in November (you can find your closest drop-off location HERE), but you can drop of/ship presents all year round to:

Operation Christmas Child
801 Bamboo Road
Boone NC 28607

To find out more, you can check out the links to Operation Christmas Child and Samaritan's Purse. You can even order free materials HERE.

Saturday, September 30, 2017

Things That Made Me Happy in September

Here are the things that made me happy this month:
  • Ordering take-out from a local BBQ restaurant
  • Winning another prize at ukulele night
  • Getting my first credit card
  • Going to thrift stores, and getting good finds
  • Seeing chipmunks on my way to work
  • Checking out a new local bakery, and getting a couple cupcakes
  • Buying merchandise from one of my favorite YouTubers (and recieving it, too!!)
What made you happy this month?

Yes, I know this was, yet again, a short list, but at lease I had some things that made me happy this month.

Friday, September 29, 2017

My Michigan Bucket List

Things I would like to do in Michigan:
  • Detroit
  • Lansing
  • Ann Arbor
  • Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum
  • Detroit Zoo
  • Potter Park Zoo
  • Matthaei Botanical Gardens
  • Tahquamenon Falls
  • Binder Park Zoo
  • Lake Erie
  • Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
  • SS Badger
  • Holland
  • Holland State Park
  • John Ball Zoological Garden
  • Sea Life Michigan
  • Kensington Metropark
  • Pictured Rocks Cruise
  • Turnip Rock
  • Michigan Central Station
  • Kitch-iti-kipi
  • American Museum of Magic
  • St. Agnes Church and School
  • Detroit Children's Zoo
  • Hamtramck Disneyland
  • Mackinac Island
  • Heidelberg Island
  • Earl Young Gnome Houses
  • St. Ignace Mystery Spot
  • Bell Isle Aquarium
  • The Bottle House
  • Diego Rivera's Detroit Industry
  • The Dequindre Cut Greenway
  • Curwood Castle
  • Charles W. Howard Santa Claus School
  • The World's Largest Stove
  • Sleeping Bear Dunes
  • McCourtie Park
  • Michigan Space and Science Center
  • Grand Army of the Republic Building
  • Tulip Time Festival
  • The Mackinac Bridge
  • Giant Boxing Arm of Joe Jouis
  • Giant Cow Head
  • Uniroyal Giant Tire
  • Mbad Museum and Dabl's African Bead Gallery
  • Eight Mile Wall
  • Wave Field
  • Lakenenland
  • The Cross in the Woods Shrine
  • Oswald's Bear Ranch
  • Rarity Acres Zorse and Zonkey Farm
  • Iron County Historical Museum
  • Bishop Baraga Shrine
  • Windmill Island
  • Henry Ford Museum

Wednesday, September 27, 2017

My Massachusetts Bucket List


  • Boston
  • Freedom Trail
  • Fenway Park
  • Boston Common
  • New England Aquarium
  • Martha's Vineyard
  • Public Garden
  • Boston Harbor
  • Plimoth Plantation
  • Boston Museum
  • Paul Revere House
  • Old North Church
  • Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area
  • John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum
  • House of Seven Gables
  • Bunker Hill Monument
  • Salem
  • Southwick's Zoo
  • Plymouth Rock
  • Minute Man National Historical Park
  • Old South Meeting House
  • Canobie Lake Park
  • Wachusett Mountain
  • Boston Public Library
  • Franklin Park Zoo
  • John Hancock Tower
  • Massachusetts State House
  • Danvers Hospital for the Criminally Insane
  • Mapparium
  • The Witch House of Salem
  • Forest Hills Cemetery
  • Lizzie Borden Bed and Breakfast and Museum
  • Singing Beach at Machester-By-The-Sea
  • The Mysterious Witch Bonney
  • Dogtown & Babson Boulder Trail
  • Museum of Modern Renaissance
  • Salem Village Witchcraft Victims Memorial
  • Bash Bish Falls
  • Glacial Potholes
  • Eyrie House Ruins
  • Harvard Museum of Natural History
  • Walden Pond
  • Lobster Mickey
  • Crane Mansion on Castle Hill
  • Cambridge
  • Bancroft Tower
  • Mount Greylock
  • Skull Cliff
  • Mount Auburn Cemetery
  • The Bulb River
  • The Bridge of Flowers
  • Copp's Hill Burying Ground
  • Kelleher Rose Garden
  • Dighton Rock
  • Hood Milk Bottle
  • Fort Standish
  • Salada Tea Doors
  • Harmonic Bridge
  • Old Powder House
  • Worcester State Hospital
  • Pooh's House
  • Dr. Seuss Sculpture Garden
  • Purgatory Chasm
  • Longfellow House
  • Statue of Elizabeth Montgomery
  • Quincy Quarries
  • Poet's Seat Tower
  • USS Constitution
  • New England Peace Pagoda
  • Natural Bridge State Park
  • Hut Of Refuge
  • The Titanic Museum
  • Adams National Historic Park
  • Madonna, Queen of the Universe
  • Jaws Bridge
  • Herb Mackey's Metal Sculpture Yard
  • The Oozing Whale Skeleton of New Bedford
  • Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art
  • Site of Boston's First Bell
  • The Dutch House
  • Tremont Temple
  • Rose Kennedy Rose Garden
  • Classic WWII Chapel
  • Birthplace of Johnny Appleseed
  • Redemption ROck
  • Westford Poe Marker
  • Somerville Round House
  • Make Way for Ducklings Statue
  • Buttonball Tree
  • Boston Lighthouse
  • Rock House Reservation
  • Burnside Fountain-Turtle Boy
  • Faneuil Hall Weathervane
  • The Legs of Myles Standish
  • Bancroft Castle
  • Mary Had a Little Lamb Statue
  • Profile Rock
  • Captain Edward Penniman House
  • Bicentennial Chair
  • Eunice Williams Covered Bridge
  • Abigail Adams' Grave
  • Heath Hen Sculpture

Monday, September 25, 2017

My Fall Favorites

I am more of a warm weather person, but I do like fall weather, too. There are things I do like about each season, and in this post, I am sharing what my favorites are for fall.

Here are my fall favorites:
  • Pumpkin carving/painting
  • Pumpkin pie
  • Leaves changing color
  • Seeing all the different costumes children wear for Halloween
  • French silk pie (I know this can be an all-year food, but I usually have it during the fall)
  • Raking (and then jumping into) fallen leaves
  • The smells associated with fall
  • Fall scented candles
  • Blankets and warm brim hats
  • Hot chocolate
  • Crisp fall air
  • Baking pumpkin seeds
  • Caramel apples
  • Hay rides
  • Fall fests
  • Scarves
What do you love about fall?

**Thnks to Sarah Jo Burch for the idea for this post!!!**

Friday, September 22, 2017

Accept

I am lining up with Kate Motaung for this week's Five Minute Friday.

This week's FMF is: Accept


Why is it so hard for people to let others live their lives the way they want? To accept them for who they are?
 
Why is it so hard for us to accept ourselves as we are? It's not as if one life is worth more or less than another.
 
There are many things that we cannot control about who we are as a person, and we should not be judged, ridiculed, or otherwise made to feel inferior.
 
No one is meant meant to be exactly the same as anyone else. We are meant to be different, unique.
 
Acceptance of who we are as people, acceptance of who others are, leads to love, kindness, and hope. Which leads to some amazing things. If only we just take the time to understand that everyone has their own unique journey, that is meant to be lived to the fullest.
 
Every life is worth living, if we just take the time to see the worth, and to accept each other for the beautiful, flawed beings that we are.
 
Accept people for who they are, and the world may just be a better place to live in.

My Maryland Bucket List


  • National Aquarium
  • Fort McHenry
  • Assateague Island National Seashore
  • American Visionary Art Museum
  • Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park
  • Baltimore
  • Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum
  • Geppi's Entertainment Museum
  • Maryland State House
  • Trimper's Rides
  • The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore
  • The Baltimore Basilica
  • Catoctin Wildlife Preserve and Zoo
  • Great Falls
  • Swallow Falls State Park
  • Meadowlark Botanical Gardens
  • Delmarva Peninsula
  • Capital Wheel
  • Billy Goat Trail
  • Druid Hill Park
  • Scott's Run Nature Preserve
  • Watkins Regional Park
  • Cunningham Falls State Park
  • Lexington Market
  • Ripley's Believe It or Not Museum
  • Enchanted Forest Theme Park
  • Hell House Altar
  • Edgar Allan Poe's Grave
  • George Peabody Library
  • The Book Thing
  • Ladew Topiary Gardens
  • Vanadu Art House
  • Grave of John Wilkes Booth
  • Maryland Gold Mine Ruins
  • Fort Carroll
  • Holland Island
  • Graffiti Alley
  • Calvert Cliffs State Park
  • Catoctin Furnace
  • The Arbutus Oak
  • Nipper, the RCA Dog Statue
  • Underground Railroad Experience Trail
  • Phoenix Shot Tower
  • Remains of Truxton Circle Fountain
  • The (First) Washington Monument
  • Acorn Park
  • Mr. Trash Wheel
  • Annie Oakley House
  • Herlong the Carved Dragon
  • Washington, D.C. Mormon Temple
  • War Correspondents Memorial
  • Annapolis
  • Earthoid Water Tank
  • Transpeninsular Midpoint Marker
  • George Washington's Headquarters
  • Elijah Bond's Ouija Board Grave
  • Kayak at the Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center
  • Ferry Ride
  • Explore NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center
  • Smith Island