Tuesday, December 31, 2019

Next Year I Hope To...

Day 31 of the Boho Berry December Challenge is about what I hope to be able to do next year.



In no particular order, here is what I hope to do next year:
  • Be an STM at a Joni and Friends Retreat
  • Be in a loving, caring relationship with a significant other
  • Get my driver's license
  • Clean up and redecorate my bedroom
  • Purchase a good-quality laptop
  • Purchase a good-quality DSLR
  • Get better at cake and cookie decorating
  • Learn Spanish
  • Learn Sign Language
  • Start writing a book
  • Get a tattoo in memory of my mom
  • Start playing the violin again, on a regular basis
  • Spend a day in Chicago
  • Talk to my friends on a more regular basis
  • Go to a concert of one of my favorite musical artists
  • Go to a paint night
  • Learn how to sew
  • Make a vision board/book
  • Learn how to make macarons
  • Go to Medieval Times
  • Go on a road trip with friends
  • See the Hamilton play
  • Learn how to play the ukulele
  • Learn to how do fishtail braids
  • Learn how to do French braids
  • Learn how to do milkmaid braids
  • Visi New York
  • Go horseback riding again
  • Host a game night
  • Visit my oldest brother and his wife
  • Learn how to apply makeup
  • Dye my hair purple
  • Get another piercing in each ear
  • Get my nose pierced
  • Take a self defense class
  • Plant trees
  • Write letters to those who mean a lot to me
  • Become more confident in myself
  • Learn how to crochet or knit a sweater
I can't believe tomorrow is New Year's!! How is it even possible?! 2019 went by so fast. But, I am looking forward to 2020, and all the possibilities it holds!

Things That Made Me Happy in December

Here are the things that made me happy this month:
  • Going to the local Winter Fest/Cookie walk with a friend
  • Being thanked for my work with the library's home delivery program
  • Getting a Christmas card from one of my Retreat friends
  • Getting another Christmas card from another friend
  • Putting up, and decorating, the Christmas tree, and other decorations
  • Celebrating a birthday
  • Making Christmas cookies
  • Celebrating Christmas with my family
  • Putting together a puzzle that I got for Christmas
  • Celebrating New Year's at home with my family (with finger foods and watching celebrations on TV)
Another good month, with wonderful memories. I can't wait to see what's in store for me in 2020!!

My Favorites From 2019

I can't believe this year is over already. How is that possible?! It feels like it was just New Year's, and now it's the last day of 2019.

Here are my favorites from this year, in no particular order:
  • LuLaRoe Jeans
    Yes, LuLaRoe has jeans now!! They are so comfy, and fit perfectly.
  • Joni and Friends Maranatha Family Retreat
    I was finally able to go to a Joni and Friends retreat, and I am so thankful I did. I made several new friends, and had an amazing time!
  • Happy Grams from Family Retreat
  • Mud Love Bracelets
  • Call the Midwife TV series
  • This is Me song from The Greatest Showman
  • Color Correcting Tinted Moisturizer from SeneGence
  • Disco Kitten Illuminating Diamond Peel-Off Mask
  • Downton Abbey movie
  • Utz Ripples Fried Dill Pickle Flavored Potato Chips
  • Stranger Things Season 3
    This was the best season yet!!
  • Ralph Breaks the Internet movie
  • Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald movie
  • On the Basis of Sex movie
  • Haunted House Chocolate Cookie Kit from Trader Joe's (basically, it is a sort of gingerbread house-like kit, where you put together a house, and then decorate it with frosting, jelly beans, bone and bat shaped candy, and bead candy)
  • Turkey gingerbread kit (yes, there is such a thing!) from Trader Joe's
  • Harry Potter Hogwarts Express 3D puzzle
  • Downton Abbey castle 3D puzzle
  • Pimento Cheese Puffs from Trader Joe's (I tried this for the first time on Christmas day, and  they are SOOO good!!!)
  • Price's Original Pimento Cheese Spread (another thing I tried for the first time on Christmas, and it is really good!!)
  • WREBBIT 3D puzzles (I got two WREBBIT puzzles for Christmas: the Hogwarts Express, and the Downton Abbey castle; I have already put together the Hogwarts Express one, and loved working on it)
  • Lindor chocolates (one of my brothers gave me a big bag of Lindor chocolates for Christmas; they are really good!!!)
2019 was a pretty good year for me, and I can't wait to see what's in store for me in 2020!!

Monday, December 30, 2019

To Be Honest, I Would Rather...

Day 30 of the Boho Berry December Challenge is about things I would rather be doing.


If I am being truly honest, I would rather be living somewhere very remote, away from people.

People tend to judge me before they really get to know me, and I have come to just not say anything (mostly because I am too shy to say something), because I see no point in that.

Being away from everyone, and everything, would take away a lot of stress and anxiety for me, and I wouldn't have to deal with judgment, and ignorance.

Living remotely would let me relax, I can do my own thing, and not have to worry about other people. I can be me, without many worries, or cares.

Sunday, December 29, 2019

The Bravest Thing I Ever Did

Day 29 of the Boho Berry December Challenge is about the bravest thing I ever did.


I think the bravest thing I ever did was to say goodbye to my mom.

She died in November 2010, and that was the absolute hardest, and bravest, thing I had to do.
I loved her very much, and did not want her to go.

Even though we knew it was coming, I was not ready to say goodbye to her.

We had our disagreements, and we got mad at each other (quite a lot), but I still loved her through everything.

I still love her. Very much.

It is a struggle living without her, but I have had many good days that I am so very thankful for. I just wish she was her to make them even better.

She was a very strong woman, even with all the health issues she had gone through. I think she gave me some of her strength, to be able to live without her, but it is very hard to go on without her.

I am very thankful that I had her for as long as I did, and I hope to see her again one day.

Saturday, December 28, 2019

Right Now I Need...

Day 28 of the Boho Berry December Challenge is about what I need right now.

These are the things that I need right now:
  • My mom (she died 9 years ago, and I miss her so much)
  • A long vacation
  • A spa day
  • A massage
  • More money saved up
  • Confidence in myself
  • More friends
  • A relationship with a significant other
  • A clean and redecorated bedroom
  • A new bed set
  • To donate stuff I don't need/want anymore (in good condition, of course!), as I have a TON of stuff, and I know I don't need/want some of those things anymore
  • My driver's license
  • My own laptop
  • A healthier body and mind

Friday, December 27, 2019

Biggest Life Lesson So Far

Day 27 of the Boho Berry December Challenge is about my biggest life lesson so far.



My biggest life lesson so far, is probably learning how to live on my own, without relying on my parents for everything. How to be more responsible for my own well-being.

With my parents doing many things for me, I haven't had to worry about much until recently. I am learning how to manage my money and banking habits(it's starting to get better), make important phone calls (I HATE talking on the phone), travel on my own, make appointments on my own, and other "adult" things.

Since I am so shy and introverted, these things are hard for me to do on my own, and I am trying to take more responsibility, and to get more comfortable in making more decisions on my own. I don't want to have to rely on other people all the time, to do things for me that I should be doing myself.

My Goals for 2020

Here is my list of goals that I would like to accomplish for the upcoming year:
  • Spend as little money as possible on my credit card
  • Donate unwanted clothes
  • Donate unwanted books
  • Donate unwanted movies
  • Donate unwanted CDs
  • Donate any other miscellaneous items
  • Get my bedroom cleaned up
  • Get new bed frame and mattress
  • Repaint bedroom walls
  • Be an STM at at least one Joni and Friends retreat
  • Get my driver's license
  • Learn how to play the violin again
  • Learn how to play the ukulele
  • Learn Sign Language fluently (or at least mostly fluently)
  • Learn Spanish fluently (or at least mostly fluently)
  • Learn how to sew
  • Learn to to French braid
  • Learn how to do fishtail braids
  • Learn how to do milkmaid braids
  • Learn how to Dutch braid
  • Be in a loving, caring relationship with a significant other
  • Visit New York
  • Knit and/or crochet at least one item a month
  • Learn self-defense
  • Cook a meal once a week
  • Go to a paint night
  • Participate in an Escape Room
  • Keep in regular contact with my friends
  • Exercise on a regular basis
  • Have a self-care day at least twice a month
  • Get a tattoo in memory of my mom
  • Get a second piercing in each ear
  • Get better at cake/cookie/pastry decorating
  • Have girls' days/nights out
  • Go on a road trip with friends
  • Learn to love myself
  • Become more confident in myself
I may add or remove goals throughout the year, but at this point, this is what I hope to accomplish in 2020.

Thursday, December 26, 2019

My Vision For the Future

Day 26 of the Boho Berry December Challenge is about what my vision for the future looks like.


I have been thinking about the future a lot lately, about what I would like to do/experience/etc.

My vision for the future includes:
  • Moving out of my parents' house, and moving into my own place
  • Getting into a relationship with a significant other
  • Getting married
  • Having children
  • Adopting (both humans and animals)
  • Traveling as much as possible
  • Making my own family traditions
  • Becoming a baker
  • Becoming a photographer
  • Becoming more confident in myself
  • Learning to love myself
  • Growing in my faith
  • Helping out with Wheels for the World
  • Taking better care of my body and mind
  • Getting my driver's license
  • Going to concerts and plays
  • Making more good friends
  • Learning how to apply makeup (properly)
  • Relearning how to play the violin, and play on a regular basis
  • Learning how to play the piano
  • Learning how to do different braids, other hairstyles
  • Writing and sending/giving letters to friends, letting them know how much they mean to me
  • Becoming fluent in sign language
  • Becoming fluent in Spanish
  • Becoming fluent in Italian
  • Cooking more for myself, others
  • Making as many good, happy memories as possible

Wednesday, December 25, 2019

What I Got for Christmas 2019

To those who celebrate, merry Christmas!!!

For those who are interested, here is what I got for Christmas this year:
  • A 3D Hogwarts Express puzzle (I have already put this one together)
  • A 3D Downton Abbey castle puzzle
  • A Downton Abbey snow globe (it has Carson, Mrs. Hughes, Anna Bates and Mr. Bates on one side, and the castle on the other side; this was a surprise present, as it was not something I asked for, but I love it!)
  • The Awkward Storyteller card game
  • Headphone foam pads (I did ask for these, as the ones that were on my headphones before were either missing or tearing apart)
  • An almost one-pound bag of Lindt Lindor chocolates (already started eating these; they are really good!! This was another surprise present, but I love chocolate, so I am very happy to have gotten this.)
  • Kawaii Sweet World: 75 Yummy Recipes for Baking That's (Almost) Too Cute To Eat cookbook by Rachel Fong
  • Hello, Cookie Dough: 110 Doughlicious Confections to Eat, Bake & Share Cookbook by Kristen Tomlan
  • The illustrated edition of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
  • Big Book of Disney Songs: 72 Songs for Violin
  • Phone wall charger
  • The Adventures of Mark Twain DVD
  • Season 2 of Once Upon a Time on DVD
  • Season 4 of Downton Abbey on DVD
  • Season 3 of Bonanza on DVD
  • Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald on DVD
  • Disney's A Christmas Carol on DVD (with Jim Carrey)
I am not boasting about what I got, I just wanted to share, as I know some people would be interested.

I had a good Christmas, celebrating with family. For those who celebrated, I hope your Christmas was amazing, and if it wasn't, I hope that 2020 is a much better year for you.

I'm Looking Forward To...

Day 25 of the Boho Berry Decembere Challenge is about things I am looking forward to.


There are a few things I am looking forward to:
  • Joni and Friends Maranatha Retreat (I went this past summer, and I really hope I get to go again next summer...and for as many years after that, as I am able to)
  • Joni and Friends Walk N Roll (I was able to go to this event this past September, and again, I hope I get to go again next year, and for as many years after that, as possible)
  • Hopefully getting my driver's license (and getting more confident in driving)
  • Getting my bedroom walls repainted
  • Getting new furniture for my bedroom (bed frame and mattress, etc.)
  • Getting better at cake decorating
  • Being more independent
  • Being in a relationship with a significant other (I am more than ready for a relationship)
  • Being more confident in myself
  • Taking a more active role in my passions (photography, baking, writing)
  • Taking better care of myself (physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually)
  • Cooking more often
  • Baking more often
  • Reading more often
  • Making a lot more wonderful memories!!

Tuesday, December 24, 2019

Quotes That Inspire Me

Day 24 of the Boho Berry December Challenge is about quotes that inspire me.


"We've all got both light and dark inside us. What matters is the part we choose to act on. That's who we really are." 
Sirius Black (Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix)
 
"Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light."  Albus Dumbledore (Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban)
 
“Life isn't about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself.”  
George Bernard Shaw
 
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, 'Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?' Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”  
Marianne Williamson, A Return to Love: Reflections on the Principles of "A Course in Miracles"
 
 
When the sharpest words wanna cut me down
I'm gonna send a flood, gonna drown them out
I am brave, I am bruised
I am who I'm meant to be, this is me
Look out 'cause here I come
And I'm marching on to the beat I drum
I'm not scared to be seen
I make no apologies, this is me
-Lyrics from The Greatest Showman Song "This is Me"
 
"You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them."
Maya Angelou
 
“Prayer is not asking. It is a longing of the soul. It is daily admission of one's weakness. It is better in prayer to have a heart without words than words without a heart.”
Mahatma Gandhi  

Monday, December 23, 2019

My Definition of Success

Day 23 of the Boho Berry December Challenge is about what my definition of success is.


My definition of success is:
  • Doing things that you love, and that bring you joy and peace
  • Having someone that loves you, and that you love (anyone, not just a partner)
  • Making as many wonderful memories as possible
  • Being kind, compassionate to others (not judging, putting people down)
  • Having an open mind about other people, and experiences
  • Not taking everything seriously, and having fun sometimes
  • Taking care of physical, mental, and emotional self
  • Living the best possible life you can
  • Being yourself

Sunday, December 22, 2019

If Money Weren't an Issue, I Would...

Day 22 of the Boho Berry December Challenge is about what I would do if money wasn't an issue.

If money was not an issue, I would (in no particular order):
  • Travel to every place I want to visit
  • Get a DSLR camera that works for me
  • Get a laptop that works for me
  • Move into my own place
  • Adopt and raise horses and dogs
  • Get all the gaming consoles I would like to get, and the games I would like to play on them
  • Help as many people in need as I can
  • Help as many animals as I can
  • Meet my favorite famous people
  • Take more college classes on things that interest me
  • Go to concerts (Andrea Bocelli, Garth Brooks, Blue Man Group, etc.)
  • Go to Broadway/off-Broadway plays
  • Go to more Joni and Friends Retreats
  • Go on Wheels for the World trips
  • Go horseback riding more often
  • Go to more pro baseball games
  • Go to pro hockey games
  • Buy a car
  • Practice cake decorating skills a lot more often
  • Knit and crochet more often
  • Foster animals
  • Visit Disney Land
  • Visit Disney World
  • Spend Christmas or New Year's in a different state or country
  • Visit The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
  • Write and publish at least one book
  • Get a tattoo in memory of my mom

Saturday, December 21, 2019

What I Wanted to Be When I Grew Up

Day 21 of the Boho Berry December Challenge is about what I wanted to be when I grew up.


When I was growing up I really wanted to be a teacher, an author, a cop, and a baker.

I ruled out cop after junior high, because I don't like confrontation, and I am afraid that if I get shot, I may die, and I don't want to die on the job.

I have partially ruled out teacher, because I don't like having attention on me, I am very shy, and I didn't really like school much, although I still have a strong desire to be a teacher.

I still want to be a baker and an author, as I don't necessarily have to talk a lot, focus isn't on me, and I can make things people would like/love.

Friday, December 20, 2019

My Word for 2020: Connect

I have been thinking for a while now, about what I wanted my word to be for 2020.

I had a hard time deciding until I came across the perfect word in a post someone had written.

So, my word for next year is CONNECT.

I have a hard time talking to people a lot of the time, as I am very shy, even with friends and family. And I want to work on that.

I want to have better connections/relationships with my friends (and family), and make new friendships that I can have amazing connections with.

Over the summer, I went on a retreat, and was able to make a few friends, so I would love to be able to strengthen our connections/friendships, and to be able to be there for them as much as I am able. Right away, I felt like I could talk to them if I need to talk, and they would be there for me.

Basically, I felt an instant connection with them, that I want to develop more in the future.

I want to open up more, and not worry about being judged, or made fun of. I don't want to feel awkward all the time. I want to have as little worries as possible in life, to be open to talking to more people more often, to have more friends, to make more amazing memories.

I want to have that human connection.

My Favorite Childhood Memories

Day 20 of the Boho Berry December Challenge is about my favorite childhood memories.

  • My best friend from elementary school and I would make a bunch of paper snowflakes, and when we were done, we would put them in sandwich bags and hand them out to the other people in her apartment building
  • My best friend and I playing school, taking turns playing teacher and student
  • Having sleepovers with cousins when my family and I would travel to Wisconsin every summer
  • Girl Scouts campouts field trips, selling cookies
  • Playing with the Easy Bake Oven I got for Christmas one year
  • Going trick-or-treating with friends when we were in junior high
  • Going swimming with my mom every summer
  • Participating in the local park district's Girls Getaway club, doing different activities eah week (horseback riding, playing tennis, arcades
  • Going to an indoor arcade and outdoor gaming place in Michigan, when my family and I would travel to Michigan every summer (or many summers); they had mini golf, go carts, and a few other things; the arcade and outdoor stuff was part of one business
  • Going on a school field trip to the city, to visit famous landmarks
  • Participating in an after-school Multicultral arts program at my elementary school
  • Participating in the local library's summer reading program in elementary school
  • Volunteering with the library's summer reading program in junior high and high school
  • Watching cartoons in the morning on Saturdays and Sundays, while eating cinnamon toast that my mom made

Thursday, December 19, 2019

If This Was My Last Day on Earth...

Day 19 of the Boho Berry December Challenges is about if today was my last day on earth.


If today was my last day on earth, I would be sad that I couldn't have made some of my dreams come true.

I really want to get married, have children of my own, travel the world, and do work that I love (baking, photography, writing books, and possibly teaching elementary school), and I would be sad if I didn't get the chance to have those opportunities.

On the other hand, I would be able to see my mom, grandparents, and some of my friends again, who have passed away.

I miss all of them very much, and want to see them again, but I am not quite ready to leave this life yet.

Although, if today was my last day in this life, I would accept it, even though I am afraid of death. I am trying to not be afraid, and to accept that part of life, but it is hard for me. I am working on it, though.

Wednesday, December 18, 2019

The Most Unique Thing About Me

Day 18 of the Boho Berry December Challenge is about the most unique thing about me.


The most unique thing about me is probably my iris coloboma.

An iris coloboma is where the iris (and in my case the pupil) didn't form properly, so it looks like a key hole (I saw it described that way, and thought that was the perfect description, as it does look like that).

I actually don't know anyone who has a coloboma, as well, so I feel kind of like I'm the only one with the condition.

I am trying to learn to accept and love this part of me, but it is hard, as there isn't much I do like about myself.

I would have also included the birthmark I had on my neck, but as I had it removed several years ago, it would be pointless to have included it.

Tuesday, December 17, 2019

I'm Really Good At

Day 17 of the Boho Berry December Challenge is about what I am really good at.


I am really good at (or decently good at):
  • Listening to people
  • Taking pictures
  • Baking
  • Writing
  • Making lists (I LOVE lists!!)
  • Knitting
  • Crochet
  • Surprising myself by doing things I thought I couldn't do (or was too afraid to do)
  • Being alone (I prefer to be alone a lot these days)
  • Day dreaming
  • Being willing to learn new things
  • Spending time in nature

Monday, December 16, 2019

My Five Best Habits

Day 16 of the Boho Berry December Challenge is about my five best habits.


I think my five best habits are:
  1. Saying please and thank you
  2. Holding doors for people
  3. Putting (some) things in the same place every day, so I know where they are
  4. Listening to people when they need/want to talk
  5. Trying things that help me to relax/unwind if I am stressed or upset

Favorite YouTube Channel: The Miller Fam

The Miller Fam (formerly Grace for the Millers) is one channel I love, because of their heart for adoption (they have 4 adopted children, as well as 3 biological).

They recently went on a trip to China, where two of their children are originally from.

How they interact with each of their children, and with other people as well, is such an amazing thing to see. It is wonderful to know that there are still people like the Millers in the world, who truly care about others, who have hearts like theirs.

I have a dream of starting my own family, and adopting children one day. I love children, and feel that all children should have a family, and a home, that all children should know what it feels like to be loved, to belong. To be happy.

The Millers are a beautiful family, who I would love to meet one day!!

Sunday, December 15, 2019

My Five Worst Habits

Day 15 of the Boho Berry December Challenge is about my five worst habits.



My five worst habits are:
  1. Not cleaning up after myself, when it comes to my bedroom
  2. Spending way too much time on the computer/phone
  3. Freezing up when being put on the spot, not knowing what to say or do
  4. Spending too much money, especially on things I don't really need
  5. Using most of my time in a very unproductive way
  6. Bonus: Not speaking up most of the time, if I have something to say, especially if I need help
I want to be able to work on doing better with these habits, and doing better in life in general.

Saturday, December 14, 2019

Traits I Admire in Others

Day 14 of the Boho Berry December Challenge is about traits that I admire in others.


Traits I admire in others:
  • Generosity
  • Honesty (even if it hurts)
  • Helping others in need
  • Truly listening, especially without judgment
  • Giving, without expecting things in return/without strings attached
  • Love of adventure/travel
  • Accepting others, no matter what
  • Empathy towards others
  • Love of animals
  • Adapting to changes with ease
  • Being open-minded
  • Confident in who they are and what they want
  • Sensitive to the needs of others
  • Strength in the face of hard times

Friday, December 13, 2019

How I Want to Be Remembered

Day 13 of the Boho Berry December Challenge is about how I would like to be remembered.


I would like to be remembered for:
  • Being kind and caring
  • Listening (REALLY listening) when someone wants/needs to talk
  • My love of animals
  • My love of children
  • My fun side
  • My inner child
  • My empathy
  • My open-mindedness
  • My love of baking
  • My love of photography
  • My love of writing
  • My strength in hard times
  • Inspiring others (in a good way)
  • My volunteerism/giving of my time
  • My gentle side
  • My compassionate side
  • My love of music
  • My love of travel
  • My passion for the disability community
  • Going after the things I wanted in life

Thursday, December 12, 2019

Things That Make Me Feel Better

Day 12 of the Boho Berry December Challenge is about things that make me feel better.

In no particular order, these are the things that help me feel better:
  • Texting a friend
  • Listening to my favorite music
  • Journaling/writing/blogging
  • Alone time in my bedroom
  • Watching YouTube videos
  • Baking
  • Cooking
  • Taking pictures
  • Watching movies
  • Taking a warm bath or shower
  • Knitting
  • Crocheting
  • Coloring in a coloring book
  • Cuddling with my cats
  • Watching my favorite TV shows
  • Napping
  • Playing games
  • Going for walks
  • Cozying up under a warm blanket
  • Bullet journaling
  • Painting
  • Having a spa day
  • Scrapbooking
  • Work on puzzles (jigsaw, crossword, Sudoku, etc.)
  • Playing with a fidget toy
  • Encouraging words from friends, family
  • Traveling

Wednesday, December 11, 2019

My Greatest Challenge Is...

Day 11 of the Boho Berry December Challenge is about my greatest challenge.


I think my greatest challenge is myself.

I am shy, very self-conscious (especially of my body), awkward, very reserved, and I have low self-confidence.

My shyness and introversion prevents me from going after things that I really want, things I want to do, and things I want to say.

I don't talk a lot, I don't take chances in things that I really want to do, I don't like crowds, I hate making phone calls, especially to people I don't know. And I always feel bad for not going after my dreams, or saying a lot of the things I want to say.

There are many days where I wish I could change things about myself, even though I know I can't.

I am trying to love myself, to be more confident, and to be brave and go after what I want, but it is very hard for me to do, when thoughts of doubt keep swirling in my mind. And I want to change that. I want to be able to be more independent, more sure of myself.

Tuesday, December 10, 2019

Words I Need to Hear

Day 10 of the Boho Berry December Challenge is about the words that I need to hear.

The words I need to hear are:
  • "I love you/you are loved."
  • "Do you want to talk?"
    If I am having a hard time, I tend to not want to talk or reach out to people most of the time, so it would be helpful sometimes if people reached out to me.
  • "You can do it."
    I doubt myself a lot, about whether or not I can do something, so hearing people say this to me would probably help.
  • "You are worth it."
  • "You've got this."
  • "You are not alone."
  • "You are amazing/beautiful just as you are."
    I am having a hard time loving myself, and I want to work on accepting myself, the way I am.
  • "I believe in you."
  • "I am here for you."
  • "I am proud of you."

Monday, December 9, 2019

I Want to Learn About...

Day 9 of the Boho Berry December Challenge is about what I would like to learn about.


There are a lot of things I would like to learn about:
  • My ancestry
    I know where my ancestors came from (the countries), but that's it. I would love to know more.
  • How things work
    Things like electronics, cars, etc.
  • How words came to be
    I am VERY interested in words/linguistics, and would love to learn about them.
  • Photography
    Photography is one of my passions, and I would love to be able to know how to take really good photos.
  • Cake decorating
    I have taken a couple cake decorating classes, but I wasn't the greatest at it. I would love to learn more, and to be able to get better at my cake decorating skills.
  • How to change a tire
  • Self-defense
    Sadly, we live in a world that isn't very kind sometimes, and I would like to be able to know how to defend myself, if the need should arise.
  • How to read musical notes
    I used to be able to read them, but it has been many years since I played an instrument/sung. I am itching to play the violin again, but I have lost my ability to read the notes.
  • How to sew
  • How to apply makeup
  • How to do different hairstyles (mainly braids)
  • How to make macarons
  • How to film and edit videos/movies
  • Traditions from around the world
  • Speaking Spanish
  • Speaking Italian
  • Learning sign language
  • Farming
    I have a dream of living on a farm, growing things, and taking care of animals

Sunday, December 8, 2019

If I Could Not Fail, I Would...

Day 8 of the Boho Berry December Challenge is about what I would do if I could not fail.


If I could not fail, I would:
  • Write at least one book and get it published
  • Become better at cake and pastry decorating
  • Open up my own bakery, and keep it going
  • Be fluent in Spanish
  • Be fluent in Italian
  • Be fluent in Sign Language
  • Be fluent in French
  • Be proficient in playing the violin
  • Be proficient in playing the piano
  • Be proficient in playing the ukulele
  • Be more confident in myself
  • Make and keep more meaningful friendships
  • Deepen the friendships that I currently have
  • Have a family of my own (husband, children, pets)
  • Be more healthy (physically, mentally, emotionally)
  • Become a professional photographer
  • Become a special education teacher
  • Be more comfortable with public speaking/speaking in front of a group of people
  • Travel to as many places around the world as I can

Saturday, December 7, 2019

Three Pet Peeves

Day 7 of the Boho Berry December Challenge is about 3 pet peeves of mine.

Three of my pet peeves are:
  1. Leg/foot shaking
    This is one thing that REALLY bugs me.
  2. Tapping (foot tapping, pencil tapping, etc.)
    This is another thing that really bothers me. I can't stand the sound of tapping.
  3. People who turn their car radio up really loud
    Why do people crank up their car radio? Do they want to go deaf? Plus, hearing it from inside my house, where it is vibrating the car...SO IRRITATING!!

Friday, December 6, 2019

Things That Make Me Me

Day 6 of the Boho Berry December Challenge is about what makes me, me.

What makes me me:
  • My shyness
  • My introvertedness
  • My love of animals (particularly horses, as well as dogs and polar bears; yes, polar bears!)
  • My love of traveling
  • My love of reading
  • My love of writing
  • My love of baking
  • My love of photography
  • Being the youngest of five
  • My love of things that glow in the dark
  • My empathetic side
  • My love of chocolate
  • My inner strength (not physical strength, but emotional and mental, which I didn't know I had until I went through a very difficult time in my life)
  • My love of rainy days
  • My love of food (especially spicy foods!)
  • My inner Girl Scout (I was a Girl Scout in elementary school)
  • My inner teacher (even though I never really liked, or did that well in, school very much, I still want to be a teacher, and I am always looking at teaching ideas)
  • My love of science
  • My love of linguistics
  • My learning disability
  • My iris coloboma (deformation of the iris in my eye, as well as the pupil)
  • My love of the color purple
  • My love of beads
  • My love of stickers
  • My love of hats (especially brimmed hats)
  • My love of the countryside
  • My love of nature
  • My love of solitude
  • My love of the violin (I played for a while in elementary school and gave it up since then, which I seriously regret doing)
  • My love of Harry Potter
  • My preference for text messaging over phone calls
  • My love of knitting and crochet
  • My preference for long hair (past the shoulders)
  • My homebody nature
  • My love of kids

Thursday, December 5, 2019

I Forgive Myself For...

Day 5 of the Boho Berry December Challenge is what I forgive myself for.

Although, I will have to change this slightly, to working on forgiving myself for these things, as it is hard to forgive myself a lot of the time.

I am working on forgiving myself for:
  • Doubting myself, in believing I couldn't do some things
  • Caring about what others think of me
  • Not taking better care of myself
  • Spending so much money, when I didn't/don't really need to
  • Not taking better care of my belongings
  • Being painfully shy
  • Things I have said in the past, to friends and family, that weren't very nice
  • Not doing well in school most of the time (through high school)
  • Not being in a club in school more often (I am not athletic, so sports were out of the question); I was in Girl Scouts in elementary school, and a science club in 8th grade, but that was it
  • Not saying yes to more opportunities/being scared of saying yes
  • Being afraid/scared of saying no to things

Wednesday, December 4, 2019

Open Letter to Someone I Admire

Day 4 in the Boho Berry December Challenge is an open letter to someone I admire.

I have decided to write this letter to my mom, who is no longer alive.


Dear Mom,
 
I am writing you this letter to let you know just how much you mean to me.
 
Even though we had our arguments, and didn't agree on everything, I loved you very much; I still love you very much.
 
You had gone through so much in your life healthwise, especially at the end, and it amazes me that you never complained (at least I don't remember hearing you complain!).
 
Since you have been gone, I have looked back on your life, and have been inspired by how you handled everything thrown your way.
 
You never let anything get you down for long, and you lived your life the best you could.
 
You loved your job, which is now the same job, and position, I have.
 
Everyone loved you there, and were like friends to me, since I knew them as well.
 
You passed your love of food on to me, and I am so happy about that! I will never stop enjoying food from different cultures!
 
I wish you were still alive, especially now, as I have had a few great experiences, that either you could have been a part of as well, or that I could have told you about.
 
I miss our mother-daughter conversations, and having you as a confidant. The events that happened over the summer are things I wish you were a part of, or that you could have been told about, as they were amazing.
 
You were alive when I started my college education, but not when I finished. I really wish you were here for my graduation, as I know you would have been proud of me, and you would have liked it.
 
I really wish I could see you again, and talk to you again. You were my best friend, an amazing part of my world, which was taken from me the day you died.
 
I took for granted all the days I had with you, but not anymore. I actually never thought about losing you, but now that you are gone, it is something I think about often.
 
I love you very much, and can't wait to see you again.

Tuesday, December 3, 2019

The Last Time I Laughed Really Hard

Day 3 of the Boho Berry Challenge is about the last time I laughed really hard.


Hmmm......I have to think about this one.

I have laughed recently, but it's been a while since I've had a really good laugh.

I think the last time I laughed really hard was this past summer, when my niece and nephew were over, and we were playing together.

My niece and nephew are still at that age where they like to play, so it's always fun when they are around.

I am so thankful to be an aunt, and I love it when I get to see my niece and nephew. They bring a lot of joy, fun, and laughter to life.

Monday, December 2, 2019

What I Fear The Most

Day 2 of the Boho Berry December Challenge is about what I fear the most.


I am afraid of a few things, but the biggest fear I have is of death.

My first experience with death (that I remember), was when I was 13.
My maternal grandpa had died, and my family and I went to his funeral.

Seeing him laying there in the casket like that, really scared me.
That image has been with me ever since, and it has made me very afraid of death.

I think what scares me the most, is the thought of not existing anymore.
That death is the final journey in life.

I am trying to believe there is a heaven, as I would love to live there forever.
But I am not 100% sure about it.

I have had several dreams of loved ones who have died, telling me that they are ok
And those dreams make me feel like there is an afterlife
And they do comfort me.
But, I still have that fear of the unknown.

The fear of what could or couldn't be.

Places I Would Like to Go To Within the Next 5 Years

I love to travel, and have traveled a lot over the years, but it's mostly been to the same places. I would love to travel the world in my life.

In no particular order, here are the places I would love to travel to in the next five years:

New York

Florida
Mainly because of Disney World, and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Washington State
I have family here, so this is mainly why I want to go here.

Washington, D.C. (again)
I got to go here in eighth grade, but it was kind of rushed, as it was a 3-day trip. I want to spend more time there, to truly enjoy the monuments, and everything else offered there.

Southern California
Mainly because of Disney Land, of course. I got to visit northern Cali, and absolutely loved it (I do want to go back, but I want to visit southern Cali before then).

Las Vegas

Canada (anywhere in the country)

London

New Orleans

Springfield, Illinois

Boston, Massachusetts

St. Louis
To see the Gateway Arch

South Dakota
To see Mt. Rushmore

Nashville
To see the Grand Ole Opry

The Grand Canyon

Yellowstone National Park

Hoover Dam on the Arizona-Nevada border

I know this is a lot for five years, but I love to travel, and haven't been to many new-to-me places. I want to explore as much of the world as possible in my lifetime, and this is a good start. I might add some more places, but I am happy with this five-year wishlist.

Sunday, December 1, 2019

My 2019 Christmas Wishlist

I can't believe it's December already. Where has the year gone?!

I have decided to share my Christmas wishlist this year. I do not expect to get everything on my list; I rarely get everything on my list. These are just things that I would LIKE to get.

In no particular order, here is what I would like to get:
  • Hello, Cookie Dough: 110 Doughlicious Confections to Eat, Bake & Share by Kristen Tomlan
  • Kawaii Sweet World Cookbook: 75 Yummy Recipes for Baking That's (Almost) Too Cute to Eat by Rachel Fong
  • Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban Illustrated Edition book
  • The Big Book of Disney Songs: Violin
  • Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone Audiobook
  • Slippers
  • Android wall charger
  • Bonanza Season 3 on DVD
  • Once Upon a Time Season 2 on DVD
  • The Adventures of Mark Twain on DVD
  • Downton Abbey Season 4 on DVD
  • The Hunger Games Mockingjay Part 1 on DVD
  • Wonder Woman on DVD (2017)
  • Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace on DVD
  • Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald on DVD
  • Disney's A Christmas Carol on DVD (2010)
  • UNO Attack! Game
  • Joking Hazard Deck Enhancement #2
  • The Awkward Storyteller Party Game
  • What Do You Meme? Party Game
  • Hasbro Pie Face! Game
  • Funko POP Doctor Who Tenth Doctor
  • WREBBIT 3D Hogwarts Express Jigsaw Puzzle 460 Pieces
  • WREBBIT 3D Harry Potter The Burrow Weasley Family Home 3D Jigsaw Puzzle 415 Pieces
  • WREBBIT 3D Downton Abbey 3D Jigsaw Puzzle 890 Pieces
If you celebrate Christmas, what are you hoping to get this year? I hope you have a wonderful holiday season!!

Five Things That Make Me Happy

I am participating in the December Boho Berry Challenge, and today's post is about five things that make me happy.

  1. Family and friends
    My friends and family have always been there for me, through everything.
  2. Baking
    I have loved baking, for as long as I can remember. It feels so good when I get to bake something, and it makes me happy when others enjoy what I make.
  3. Reading, Writing, and Photography
    I had to group these three into one because I couldn't list just five in this post. I am a shy, introverted person, so these three are things that make me REALLY happy.
  4. Traveling
    I have always loved to travel, and going to different places, and experiencing new things, makes me very happy.
  5. Animals
    I am a big animal lover, and grew up with animals (mainly cats).

Saturday, November 30, 2019

Things That Made Me Happy in November

Here is what made me happy this month:
  • Going to a Dia De Los Muertos event at the library and making painted skull rocks, coloring in a skull drawing, and watching Mexican dancers
  • Going to a Christmas Bazaar at a church, with a friend
  • Seeing hanging out with, and talking to a friend, whom I haven't seen in several years
  • A co-worker telling me that it makes her happy when I talk with her (I am usually quiet, and it is hard me to talk, but when I get to know people, I talk more often)
  • Celebrating Thanksgiving with family
  • Making pumpkin pie for Thanksgiving
  • Getting a Thanksgiving turkey gingerbread kit (yes, there is such a thing!!), and a few milk chocolate advent calendars from Trader Joe's
  • Putting together and decorating the turkey gingerbread kit
  • A woman on my library home delivery route giving me and the driver chocolate for Christmas (this was the day after Thanksgiving)
This was a pretty good month, and I am really looking forward to next month!

Thursday, November 28, 2019

Grateful

Since it is now November, I have decided to make a list of things that I am thankful/grateful for.

In no particular order, here is what I am grateful for this year:
  1. My friends, old and new
  2. My family
  3. Joni and Friends
  4. My education
  5. My job and co-workers
  6. Clothes
  7. My favorite foods
  8. Knitting
  9. Crocheting
  10. Long talks with friends
  11. My favorite music
  12. Baking
  13. Photography
  14. Writing
  15. Hot chocolate
  16. My favorite movies
  17. Thrift stores
  18. Bullet journaling (and journaling in general)
  19. The colors of the trees in the Fall
  20. Alone time
  21. Text messages
  22. Hair dryers
  23. Cameras/photography
  24. Composition notebooks
  25. Books
  26. My favorite TV shows
  27. Animals
  28. Horseback riding
  29. Coloring books
  30. Pinterest
  31. Traveling
  32. My home
  33. Clean water
  34. Warm showers
  35. Girl Scouts
  36. Home cooked meals
  37. Chocolate
  38. The memories I have made this year
  39. Nature
  40. Having my own bedroom that I can retreat to every day/night
  41. Having another day to live
What are you thankful for? To those who celebrated, I hope everyone had a happy Thanksgiving!!

Monday, November 18, 2019

My Biggest Dreams in Life

I have many things I would love to be able to do in life, but some of my dreams are bigger than others, and I hope I get to be able to do them sooner than others.

In no particular order, here are my biggest dreams:

Getting my baking and pastry degree
I have my culinary certificate, and am now aiming for my baking and pastry degree, as this is one of my biggest passions.

Live on my own
I have never lived on my own, and I have been at that stage for quite some time. But, things have prevented me from being able to do that. It would be nice to be able to live independently, and to be able to support myself without having to necessarily rely on others.

Getting married
I have always wanted to get married, and start a family of my own. I am more than ready for this to happen, and I hope it happens soon.

Having kids
I have always wanted to have kids, and would love to have my own one day. I want to have at least one boy and one girl, but I do want to have two boys, and two girls.

Traveling to new places
I love traveling, and have traveled a lot, but it was mainly to the same few places. I want to be able to travel to lots more places in the future, especially to other countries, as I have never been outside of the U.S. before.

Writing and publishing at least one book
I am very shy and introverted, so writing is one of my biggest passions. It is probably my favorite way to express myself, as it gives me a place to put down what's on my mind. I have been wanting to write and publish a book for years, but I just haven't been inspired yet.

Becoming fluent in Spanish, Italian, and Sign Language
I have a hard time with languages, but I would love to at least be fluent in these three, as I love foreign languages. I would also love to be able to connect with more people, to be able to have conversations with more people.

Getting my photography degree
Another passion of mine is photography. I love capturing moments, and having those moments forever.

Opening up my own bakery, or at least working at a bakery
I have a dream of opening up my own bakery (with mainly sweets), but I am just as happy to just work at one.

Get better at decorating cakes and cookies
I am not that good at cake decorating, but I think that is because of my lack of practice. I want to be able to feel more comfortable in my decorating skills, and not feel like it's no good.

Participate in Wheels for the World
Wheels for the World is a Joni and Friends event, that collects and gives out wheelchairs to those who are in need of one. I have met people through another Joni and Friends event, the family retreats, that have gone on a Wheels for the World trip, and it looks so awesome!!

Become more comfortable speaking
Since I am so shy, I hate speaking, unless I am around friends or people I feel comfortable talking with. I want to feel more comfortable and at ease talking, and not feeling awkward, or feeling like I am being judged.

Go to concerts of my favorite musical artists
I have never been to the concert of a big musician before, and would love to be able to go to one (or more) someday.

Go to a Broadway play
I have never been to a Broadway play, and would love to go to one (or more!).

Go to a Globetrotters game
Yes, I know they are just a "for fun" team, but I would love to see them in person.

Well, those are my biggest dreams. I hope they come true, and soon. What are your big dreams?

Monday, November 11, 2019

YouTube Channel Favorite: 2 in a Zoo

I have been following 2 in a Zoo for almost a year now (it might even be a year now), and I just love this family!

2 in a Zoo is comprised of parents Mike and Melanie Chandler, and children Timmy, Caleb, Logan, Cadie, and Daisy (who was born early, but is doing good).

They document everyday life, their faith, and everything in between, and had started (I believe) with the adoption of their daughter Cadie (short for Cadence), from India.

I love how real they are; that they aren't afraid to show their emotions, and to talk about the hard things sometimes. It makes them more relatable, more human.

Mike and Melanie take the time to nurture their kids, to guide them through life, to have fun, and to just love. They show their children love and patience, and understanding, and I love that about them.

I came across their channel by chance, when I saw the video of Mike and Cadie talking. He was asking Cadie questions, and she was trying her best to answer them. She didn't know much English then, as it was less than a year (I think) since she had been adopted and came home. Mike was so patient with her, and I loved that.

Thursday, October 31, 2019

Things That Made Me Happy in October

Here is what made me happy this month:
  • Seeing Joker in theaters with one of my brothers
  • Getting a pumpkin for Halloween
  • Getting, and putting together, a Halloween gingerbread house kit
  • A little girl (probably around 18 months or so) saying hi to me, while I was shelving items at work
  • Buying baked goods from a local kid, for his gymnastics team
  • Handing out candy on Halloween
  • Hearing a little girl singing the If You're Happy and You Know It song, with the clapping motions to go along with it
Again, not much happened this month. I needed (and prefer) the slower pace that these last couple of months have brought (even though I enjoyed the summer months, and all that came with them).

I can't believe it's already the holiday season now!! Where has the time gone?!

Friday, October 18, 2019

YouTube Channel Favorite: Special Books by Special Kids (SBSK)

I have been following Special Books by Special Kids (SBSK) for at least a year, and I absolutely love what Chris is doing!

On his channel, he interviews people from around the country (and even other parts of the world), who have disabilities, or are going through something that makes them different.

Chris is very patient, caring, funny, and nice to all he interviews, and he even includes family members of the people he interviews, and talks to them as well.

He interects with those in each video, and talks to them, on their level, and he thanks them for their time with him.

I love how he is so compassionate with everyone he meets, and I wish other people were more like him!!

For several months now, YouTube has shut down the comments to his videos, saying that "people can use the comments section of his channel, to prey on minors."

I can understand that to a point, but there are so many more good, caring people than bad, who want to reach out to the people who Chris has on his channel. It makes things so much more difficult than it has to be.

So if you are able, please reach out to YouTube in some way, to ask them to reinstate the comments section of Chris's channel, as the comments are so beneficial to Chris, and the people he interviews.

Monday, October 14, 2019

The World Needs More Love Letters

A few years back, I stumbled across an organization called The World Needs More Love Letters, and instantly fell in love with it.

I wrote letters to several people who were having a hard time, thru this program, but forgot about it for quite some time now, until I was searching for ideas for random acts of kindness, and rediscovered More Love Letters.

Basically, someone can write in to them, saying that they, or someone they know, are going through a hard time, and would like letters of encouragement.

Their story and address is then posted on the website, and people can choose to write them a letter, to help them get thru whatever it is they are going thru.

I really like this idea, and plan on getting back into writing letters to people, to encourage and help them out.

If you are able, please try and write at least one letter to someone. It may make all the difference in that person's life.

Friday, October 11, 2019

My 30-Something Bucket List


  • Become a better cake decorator
  • Take better photographs
  • Learn to sew
  • Write and publish a book
  • Read more often
  • Go to a concert of one of my favorite artists
  • Save more money
  • Exercise more often
  • Decorate a cake with fondant
  • Make new friends
  • Travel to at least one state I have never been to
  • Become more fluent in Spanish
  • Take a road trip with friends
  • Relearn to play the violin
  • Become fluent in Sign Language
  • Become fluent in Italian
  • Be in a loving, healthy relationship with a significant other
  • Get married
  • Start a family
  • Visit another country
  • Make bread from scratch
  • Get my driver's license
  • See Hamilton
  • Grow out my hair really long
  • Go indoor skydiving
  • Get a tattoo in memory of my mom
  • Spend the day in the city
  • Get my passport
  • Buy myself a laptop
  • Buy myself a DSLR
  • Take better care of my skin
  • Take better care of my hair
  • Step out of my comfort zone more often
  • Float in a sensory deprivation tank
  • Get a massage
  • Knit or crochet one thing a month
  • Create my own vision board/notebook
  • Reconnect with my old friends
  • Visit The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
  • Visit Disney Land
  • Visit Disney World
  • Swim with dolphins
  • Go whale watching
  • Go horseback riding again
  • Go ziplining
  • Learn to play the piano
  • Go paintballing
  • Dye my hair purple
  • Learn to play the ukulele
  • Get my nose pierced
  • Take self defense classes
  • Participate in a color run
  • Wear jewelry more often
  • Learn to apply my makeup
  • Learn to French braid
  • Learn to do fishtail braiding
  • Learn to do milkmaid braiding
  • Spend Christmas and/or New Year's in a different city
  • Write a heartfelt letter to my dad
  • Learn to love myself
  • Go white water rafting
  • Have a water balloon fight
  • Visit at least 3 states I have never been to
  • Make pasta from scratch
  • Learn to tie a tie
  • Try skateboarding
  • Go tubing
  • Go to Great America again
  • Go to a drive-in movie
  • Participate in an Escape Room
  • Go to a water park with friends
  • Be a tourist in my own city
  • Host a game night
  • Host a craft night
  • Do a photoshoot with friends
  • Learn to surf (or try to)
  • Try snowboarding
  • Learn to use chopsticks
  • Write a song
  • Have a water gun fun
  • Have a silly string fight
  • Write in a journal again
  • Paint-doodle on a white pair of shoes
  • Have my own YouTube channel
  • Pack and send out as many shoebox gifts as I can for Operation Christmas Child
  • Celebrate my birthday in a new location
  • Go whale watching
  • Take an archery lesson
  • Write 5 letters to people who have impacted my life, and mail them
  • Get a henna tattoo
  • Play lazer tag
Yes, this is a long list.

No, I don't expect to accomplish everything.

But, I want to do as many of these as I can.

Monday, October 7, 2019

People I Would Love to Meet Someday

I have never met anyone famous, and would love to meet at least one well-known person in my life.

In no particular order, here are the people I would love to meet someday:
  • Maggie Smith
  • Robbie Coltrane
  • Francesca Battistelli
  • Andrea Bocelli
  • Josh Groban
  • Garth Brooks
  • Barack Obama and his family
  • Joni Eareckson Tada
  • Buddy Valastro
  • J.K. Rowling
  • Julie Andrews
  • Ralph Fiennes
  • Gary Oldman
  • Tom Hanks
  • Dolly Parton
  • Camille and Kennerly Kitt (The Harp Twins)
  • Morgan Freeman
  • Jorge Garcia
  • Julie Walters
  • Warwick Davis
  • Kenneth Branagh
  • Jason Isaacs
  • David Thewlis
  • Emma Thompson
  • David Tennant
  • Brendan Gleeson
  • Imelda Staunton
  • Jim Carter (Mr. Carson in Downton Abbey)
  • Helena Bonham Carter
  • Jim Broadbent
  • Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson
  • Will Smith
  • Johnny Depp
  • Chrissy Metz
  • Keala Settle
  • Chris Hemsworth
  • Liam Hemsworth
  • Robert Downey Jr.
  • Jim Carrey
  • Emma Watson
  • Daniel Radcliffe
  • Rupert Grint
  • Hugh Jackman
  • Ian McKellen
  • Samuel L. Jackson
  • Denzel Washington
  • Sigourney Weaver
  • Rowan Atkinson
  • Chrissy Metz
  • Gaelynn Lea

Wednesday, October 2, 2019

Ideas for Operation Christmas Child Shoebox Gifts

Several years ago, I found out about Operation Christmas Child, which is organized by Samaritan's Purse.

I was only able to make two shoebox gifts, on for a boy and one for a girl, a few years ago, and have been wanting to make more ever since.

Operation Christmas Child is a ministry that collects gifts for children in need, all over the world.

The boxes are divided into 3 age groups for boys, and 3 for girls: 2-4, 5-9, and 10-14. The group that gets the least amount of gifts are boys ages 10-14, so if you are able, please consider packing shoeboxes for that group.

You can either use a standard shoe box that you get from shoe stores, or there is an option on the Operation Christmas Child website where you can purchase boxes/containers to use.

You can also order free materials here, to learn more about what they do.

Each year, there is a collection week throughout the country (this year, it is November 18-25), but you can also mail your boxes to their offices (you can go here for more information).

Here are some ideas of what you can put in the shoebox presents:

Girls
  • Skirts
  • Embroidery floss
  • Beads
  • Compact non-breakable mirror
  • Notebooks
  • Pencils
  • Pens
  • Markers
  • Crayons
  • Colored pencils
  • Reusable menstrual pads (for older girls)
  • Solar calculators
  • Hair ties
  • Water bottles
  • Dolls
  • Stuffed animal toys
  • Watches
  • Puzzles
  • Cups
  • Bowls
  • Utensils
  • Purses
  • Backpacks
  • Non-liquid lip gloss/balm
  • Bouncy balls
  • Frisbees
  • Sewing kits
  • Toothbrushes
  • Bar soap
  • Washcloths
  • Shirts
  • Jackets/coats
  • Brush or comb
  • Pencil sharpeners
  • Nail clippers/files
  • Deodorant (for older girls)
  • Jump ropes
  • Flashlights
  • Batteries
  • Flip flops
  • Loofahs
  • Underwear
  • Play Dough
  • Hats
  • Gloves
  • Sunglasses
  • Scarves
  • Picture books
  • Coloring books
  • Erasers
  • Stickers
  • Headbands
  • Band aids
  • Recorder (the musical instrument)
  • Barrettes
  • Bracelets
  • Glue sticks (no liquid glue)
  • Pencil cases/pouches
  • Blocks
  • Cards (go fish, etc.)
  • Small kites
  • Play jewelry
  • Scissors
  • Rulers
  • Mini chalkboards and chalk
  • Pajamas
  • Sports bras (for older girls)
  • Matching games
  • Plastic reusable dishes
Boys
  • Shirts
  • Shorts
  • Underwear
  • Deodorant (for older boys)
  • Notebooks
  • Pens
  • Pencils
  • Colored pencils
  • Markers
  • Crayons
  • Pencil sharpeners
  • Erasers
  • Stickers
  • Binoculars
  • Solar calculators
  • Brush or comb
  • Water bottles
  • Toothbrushes
  • Bouncy balls
  • Sport balls
  • Stuffed animal toys
  • Toy cars
  • Bar soap
  • Washcloths
  • Socks
  • Play Dough
  • Flashlights
  • Batteries
  • Flip flops
  • Hats
  • Sunglasses
  • Gloves
  • Scarves
  • Jump ropes
  • Jacket/coat
  • Picture books
  • Coloring books
  • Band aids
  • Hacky sacks
  • Recorder
  • Harmonica
  • Glue sticks (no liquid glue)
  • Pencil cases/pouches
  • Blocks
  • Cards (go fish, etc.)
  • Small kites
  • Scissors
  • Rulers
  • Mini chalkboards and chalk
  • Pajamas
  • Matching games
  • Plastic reusable dishes
DO NOT INCLUDE:
  • Toothpaste
  • Liquids
  • Things that melt (like chocolate, etc.)
  • War related items
  • Weapons or blades
  • Drink mixes
  • Vitamins
  • Aerosol cans
  • Breakable items
  • Candy
  • Anything camoflauge
  • No seeds or plants
  • No used or damaged items
  • No medicine
  • No matches or lighters
  • No sharp items
Please consider making shoebox presents for kids in need, as this presents may be the only time they may ever get anything new all year. It is well worth the time, money, and effort spent putting these together!

Monday, September 30, 2019

Waves of Grief



Almost nine years on
And I am
Feeling the grief
All over again
 
I wish you were
Still here with me
I wish I could
Talk to you again
Hug you again
See you again
 
The first year without you
Was the hardest thing to do
 
And now it feels
Almost like that again
 
It is so hard
To express
What I am feeling
What I am going through
To others
 
The one I really
Want to talk to
Is the one that
I am grieving for
 
Some days
I wish someone
Would ask me
How I am really doing
 
And I wish
I could just
Open up
 
Let my grief out
And let loved ones in
 
I miss you so much
That it hurts
As much as when
You first left
 
This summer
Has made me realize
Just how much
I need you
How much I love you
How much I wish
That you were
Still here with us
 
How much you mean to me
 
Experiencing
Hearing about
What we
Get to do in life
 
The little things
As well as the big things
That you should have
Been here for
 
This grief
Has been coming
in waves
And I have
Been hurting
Crying
Missing you
 
It has been overwhelming
At times
 
But I know
You are fine
That you are
Not sick
Or suffering
Anymore
 
That you are
Finally at rest
And at peace
 
But it is hard
For me to let go
Of the grief
That I am experiencing
Because you
Are in Heaven
And not here
On earth
 
It is hard
For me
To know that
My confidant
My best friend
Is gone
Is not by my side anymore
 
I love you so much, Mom
And I can't wait
To see you again
One day

Things That Made Me Happy in September

Here is what made me happy this month:
  • Going to ukulele nights
  • A little girl asking me if she could check out a book from the library
  • Going to Joni and Friends Walk 'n Roll
  • One of the people at the Walk 'n Roll giving me multiple hugs throughout the event
  • Seeing the Downton Abbey movie in theaters, with friends (I loved the movie!!)
September was pretty slow for me, for the most part, which is actually a good thing. I needed this slower pace, so I could relax and process everything that went on in the previous months.

Monday, September 23, 2019

50 Things About Me

It has been a long time since I have done an About Me list, so I figured I would do another one.

In no particular order, here are fifty things about me:
  1. I am the youngest of five
  2. I have a baking certificate, and hope to get my degree one day
  3. I love to bake (hence the certificate)
  4. I love photography, and taking pictures
  5. I love to write
  6. I love to read
  7. I am very shy when I first meet people
  8. I am a huge Harry Potter fan
  9. I love to travel
  10. I love things that glow in the dark
  11. I love magnets/magnetic things
  12. I love to swim
  13. I can roll my tongue
  14. I was/am a Girl Scout (once a Girl Scout, always a Girl Scout!!)
  15. I have never been outside of the U.S., and would love to travel to other countries one day
  16. I prefer text messages over phone calls
  17. I played the violin when I was in elementary school, and wish to play again
  18. I prefer long hair over short
  19. My favorite color is purple
  20. I love beads
  21. My favorite TV shows are Downton Abbey, Lost, Call the Midwife, Bonanza (yes, Bonanza!!), Stranger Things, The Walking Dead, Once Upon a Time, Outlander, The Great British Baking Show, and Gilmore Girls
  22. My favorite foods are pasta, tacos, tandoori chicken, spicy foods
  23. My favorite class in elementary through high school was art, and my favorite classes in college were Chocolate and Cake Decorating
  24. I broke my right arm when I was in first grade
  25. I love cheesecake
  26. I love bullet journaling (I found out about this, purely by coincidence, about 3 years ago)
  27. I love rainy days
  28. My favorite animals are dogs, horses and polar bears
  29. My favorite/lucky number is 14
  30. My favorite season is either spring or fall
  31. I am very empathetic (I get upset/start crying when I see other people upset or hurt)
  32. I love composition notebooks
  33. I love country music
  34. I love Christian rock music
  35. My favorite musical artists are Andrea Bocelli, Francesca Battistelli, Garth Brooks, Celtic Woman, Celtic Thunder, Imagine Dragons, Josh Groban and the Harp Twins
  36. I love teddy bears
  37. In my lifetime, I have had 4 cats (which includes the two I currently have), a hamster, and two hermit crabs
  38. I am a major night owl (I don't get how some people can be so cheery/talkative in the morning)
  39. I love water bottles (I probably have 6 or 7 reusable water bottles at the moment)
  40. I finally got to go to a Joni and Friends retreat this year, as an STM
  41. I never really liked school all that much until I got to college
  42. I love making lists
  43. I love thrift stores
  44. I am trying to learn to love myself (I don't have very much confidence in/love for myself)
  45. I prefer country living over city living
  46. My biggest fears are heights, spiders and death
  47. I love Sudoku
  48. I am an introvert
  49. I love jigsaw puzzles
  50. I love to write down my dreams in a journal
I may do another About Me post, if I think of enough things to make a post about it, but this is pretty much me!

Saturday, September 21, 2019

Dear Summer


Dear Summer,
 
Thank you for all of the wonderful memories
I was able to make.
From college graduation
My very first Joni and Friends Retreat (where I met
and made friends with some amazing people!!)
Going to a professional baseball game with friends
My very first Joni and Friends Walk and Roll
Seeing the Downton Abbey movie in theaters with friends
Ukulele nights with friends
 
It was a wirlwind of activities
That I am thankful to have been a part of
It took a great deal of courage for me
To take the steps
To be able to go to the Retreat
As I am a very shy and introverted person
And I tend to play it safe a lot
 
I didn't know anyone that was going
And wasn't able to drive myself there
So I had to take it upon myself
To find a way there
 
Meeting the people at Retreat
Made me so grateful
That I took the chance
To step out of my comfort zone
(WAY out of my comfort zone!!!)
To come to something
That is change my life for good
 
Thank you for giving me these amazing opportunities
That I may not have had otherwise
Thank you for allowing me to face my fears
Of meeting new people
Of traveling and staying somewhere
Completely on my own
Of overcoming my shyness enough
Of giving me time with friends
Both new and old
 
Thank you for new memories
That I will look back fondly on
And the people that I got to spend time with
 
Thank you for the places I got to go
Things I got to do and see and experience
Thank you for everything

Friday, September 20, 2019

My Favorite Things From the 1980's and 1990's

I got the idea for this from YouTube, and thought I would write a post on my own favorites from the 80's and 90's.

My favorites from the 80's and 90's are:
  • Tamagotchis
    I probably had about 6 Tomagachis when I was a kid. I loved those things!!!
  • Lisa Frank
  • Friendship bracelets
  • Troll dolls
  • Goosebumbs books
  • Lite Brite
  • The live-action cartoon Dinosaurs
  • Power Rangers TV show
  • My own Easy Bake Oven (I know these have been around for a very long time, but I got an Easy Bake Oven one year for Christmas, when I was a kid, and I absolutely loved it!! And, I still have it!!)
  • Skip-Its
  • Beanie Babies
  • Game Boy Color
  • Electronic Dear Diary
  • Lunchables
  • CD Walkman/portable CD players (I still have a few)
  • Atari (we had a couple different systems in the 90's)
  • Nintendo 64
  • The Babysitter's Club
  • The Oregon Trail computer game
  • Reading Rainbow
  • Hey Arnold cartoon show
  • Doug cartoon show
  • Lion King
  • Toy Story
  • Wannabe by Spice Girls
  • Mini Butterfly Clips
  • Backstreet Boys
  • NSYNC (yes, I was into these bands for a while)
  • Furbies
  • Pogs
  • The Magic School Bus
  • Note folding (I so miss these!!)
  • Caboodles Organizer
  • Bubble Tape
  • Push Pops
  • SqueezIt drinks
  • Koala's March (Koala Bites, or whatever you want to call them. I remember having them when I was a kid, and loved them!!)
To be honest, I miss these times, as that is when I was a kid, and had a lot of fun. I wish I could go back to this time, and enjoy these things all over again as a kid.

Friday, September 13, 2019

My Anti-Bucket List: 50 Things I Do NOT Want to Do

I have heard and read about people making anti-bucket list ideas, and thought it was interesting. I read a few posts people have made about what is on their anti-bucket list, and have decided to make my own list.

Here is what I do NOT want to do in my life:
  1. I do not want to be shy to the point of missing out on wonderful opportunities, or risks that are worth taking
  2. I do not want to be addicted to my phone
  3. I do not want to spend all of my free time inside
  4. I do not want to have many regrets
  5. I do not want to care about what other people think of me
  6. I do not want to keep worrying about the past/future
  7. I do not want to feel jealous about the things other people have/are doing
  8. I do not want to be around toxic people/have toxic people in my life
  9. I do not want to live my life based on what others think.
  10. I do not say things that I will regret saying later on
  11. I do not want to hate myself
  12. I do not want to compare myself to others
  13. I do not want to treat myself badly
  14. I do not want to set goals and then not do them (or not try to achieve them)
  15. I do not want to hold back on saying every little thing that I want to say
  16. I do not want to feel as awkward about things as I do now
  17. I do not want to repeat mistakes
  18. I do not want to feel disconnected with others
  19. I do not want my life to be entirely boring
  20. I do not want to stop learning
  21. I do not want to stop growing
  22. I do not want to follow someone else's path
  23. I do not want to be with people who tear me down
  24. I do not want to miss exploring the world
  25. I do not want to do things just because I feel obligated to
  26. I do not want to ever give up
  27. I do not want to give up on my dreams
  28. I do not want to NOT make a difference in someone's life
  29. I do not want to hold on to things that I no longer need
  30. I do not want to keep things bottled up until I explode
  31. I do not want to feel bad for saying no sometimes
  32. I do not want to feel/be scared of everything
  33. I do not want to live beyond my means
  34. I do not want to take anything for granted
  35. I do not want to second-guess my decisions
  36. I do not want to stop reading
  37. I do not want to be scared of death
  38. I do not want to judge people before getting to know them
  39. I do not want to do things that would harm/hurt myself or others
  40. I do not want to sing karaoke (I know I do not have a good singing voice, and I don't want to feel embarassed)
  41. I do not want to feel bad/ashamed for being who/the way I am
  42. I do not want to live in the past
  43. I do not want to get drunk, and then do things that I will regret later
  44. I do not want to do (illegal/hard) drugs
  45. I do not want to not be in the present
  46. I do not want to not be/feel confident in myself
  47. I do not want to stay in my comfort zone forever
  48. I do not want to be afraid of people
  49. I do not want to be afraid of talking to people
  50. I do not want to be afraid of helping people

Sunday, September 1, 2019

My Fall 2019 Bucket List

Here is what I would like to do this fall, in no particular order:
  • Carve/paint a pumpkin
  • Watch the Halloween movies (The Michael Myers series)
  • Watch Hocus Pocus
  • Watch Frankenweenie
  • Watch Corpse Bride
  • Watch ParaNorman
  • Watch The Nightmare Before Christmas
  • Watch Sleepy Hollow
  • Watch the Halloweentown movies
  • Watch Edward Scissorhands
  • Watch The Addams Family
  • Watch It's The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown
  • Watch Monster House
  • Go to a fall fest
  • Go to a football game
  • Go to the farmer's market
  • Work on making sweater for dad
  • Decorate my room for Halloween/Fall
  • Cook Thanksgiving dinner
  • Bake a pumpkin pie from scratch
  • Go on a fall photoshoot
  • Host a game night
  • Go thrift shopping
  • Make s'mores
  • Have a spa/self-care day at least once a month
  • Start and keep up a skincare routine that works for me
  • Start and keep up an excercise routine that works for me
  • Create a fall wreath
  • Put puzzles together
  • Watch Coraline
  • Watch Young Frankenstein
  • Watch Casper
  • Watch the Hotel Transylvania movies
  • Eat candy corn
  • Participate in an Escape Room
  • Put together a Halloween gingerbread house
  • Make a list of what I am thankful for
  • Watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
  • Watch A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving
  • Make Rice Krispies treats
  • Volunteer at a food pantry
  • Donate unwanted clothes
  • Donate unwanted movies
  • Donate unwanted books
  • Donate unwanted CDs
  • "Boo" neighbors (You've Been 'Boo'd)
  • Make pumpkin bread
  • Read/hang out on the front porch
I hope to be able to do up to half of what is on this list, at least. What is on your bucket list of things to do this Falll?

Saturday, August 31, 2019

Things That Made Me Happy in August

Here is what made me happy this month:
  • A girl saying hi to me, and asking what my name is, while I was shelving movies
  • Seeing hummingbirds at our hummingbird feeder
  • Getting a kiss, and getting to pet, a therapy dog that came to the library, that kids got to read to
  • Getting beads from the summer reading program stash
  • Seeing a hawk while on my library home delivery route
  • Going to a local summer festival
August was much more quiet of a month for me, which I needed after the events from May, June and July.

I am absolutely fine with this list, as it means things are slowing down for me, at least for a while, which is nice.

Friday, August 30, 2019

100 Things I Love

I think I got the idea for this from Pinterest, but I am not 100% sure. Even so, I loved the idea, so I figured I would make a list of 100 things I love.

It took me a while, but here it is:
  1. My family (which includes 2 cats)
  2. My friends
  3. Girl Scouts
  4. Violins
  5. Dogs
  6. Reading
  7. Writing
  8. Photography
  9. Swimming
  10. Bike riding
  11. Stickers
  12. Knitting
  13. Crocheting
  14. Baking
  15. Joni and Friends Retreats
  16. Teddy bears
  17. Country music
  18. Composition notebooks
  19. Coloring books
  20. The color purple
  21. Harry Potter
  22. Sudoku
  23. Chocolate
  24. Things that glow in the dark
  25. Fidget spinners
  26. Beads
  27. Traveling
  28. Flowers
  29. Gardens
  30. Tie dye
  31. Bullet journaling
  32. Solitaire
  33. Mahjong
  34. Pasta
  35. Tacos
  36. Chocolate chip pancakes
  37. Pad Thai
  38. Downton Abbey
  39. Water bottles
  40. Naps/sleeping
  41. 3 Musketeers candy
  42. Cheesecake
  43. Pumpkin pie
  44. Friendship bracelets
  45. Mini golfing
  46. Horses
  47. Horseback riding
  48. Polar bears
  49. Text messaging
  50. Rainy days
  51. Alone time
  52. York Peppermint Patties
  53. Getting letters/cards/etc. in the mail from friends, family
  54. Lists (yes, I love lists!!!)
  55. This is Me song from The Greatest Showman
  56. Country life
  57. Making things out of clay
  58. Painting
  59. School supplies
  60. Butterflies
  61. Lightning bugs/fireflies
  62. Linguistics
  63. Science
  64. Tandoori chicken
  65. The Italian language and culture
  66. Samosas (the Indian veggie dish)
  67. Strawberries
  68. Sloppy Joe's
  69. Pulled pork
  70. Spicy foods
  71. Comforters
  72. Shrimp
  73. S'mores
  74. Bonfires
  75. Honey Bunches of Oats Cereal (with almonds)
  76. Hoodies
  77. Brimmed hats
  78. Fairy lights
  79. Lemons
  80. Planners
  81. Macaroni and cheese
  82. Thrift stores/thrift shopping
  83. Chicken/turkey/other wraps
  84. Dream catchers
  85. The Sims
  86. Backpacks
  87. Messenger bags
  88. Seeing stars in the sky
  89. Ukulele meet-ups
  90. Being an aunt
  91. My empathetic side
  92. My curiosity
  93. Balloons
  94. Fudge
  95. Chicken pot pie
  96. Cream cheese (as well as bagels and cream cheese)
  97. Pasta salad
  98. Eggless cookie dough (it is SOOO good!!!)
  99. Beaches
  100. Pumpkins
Well, there you have it. 100 things I love. What are 100 things you love?

Thursday, August 22, 2019

5 Things I Wish I Had Done Differently in High School

I read an article on girlslife.com, where a college junior wrote about what she wishes she could have done differently in high school, and that got me thinking about my own high school experience.

I never really liked school until I got to college, and part of that was my fault.

Here are 5 things I wish I had done differently in high school:

1. I wish I had done my homework earlier.
I was one of those people who hated homework, and for a good chunk of my high school career, a lot of the time I didn't do my homework on time, and handed it in late. I was a big procrastinator in school (and in other aspects of life, as well), so naturally I waited until the last minute to do my homework.

2. I wish I had gotten better grades.
Because I didn't handle my time with school work very well, and I seldom studied, I didn't get very good grades. Plus, I have a learning disability, so that made it more difficult for me to learn. I didn't do very well in several classes, but the bad grades didn't seem to motivate me to want to do better. I never really cared about grades, and other parts of my daily life suffered as a consequence.

3. I wish I had joined a club.
I was bad at sports, so that was out of the question. But if I had joined a club, it would have made my high school experience much better. I may have made more friends than I did, and I wouldn't have disliked school so much.

4. I wish I had faith in, and believed in, myself.
I am a very shy, quiet person, and I didn't have a lot of confidence in myself in high school. I cared too much about what other people thought of me, and there were a couple classes I didn't think I would succeed in (math being number one). I with how I did in school in the past, I never thought I would be able to do any better. Which, of course, was wrong. But I didn't know that at the time.

5. I wish I had the courage to have asked for help when I needed it.
I am one of those who hates asking for help, so I usually just kept quiet when it came to homework and studying. But if I had asked for help when I needed it, it would have been so much easier for me in high school.


At the end of my sophomore year, I did end up getting help for the rest of my time in high school, and from then on, I did do better in school. I did most of my homework on time, and my grades and GPA went up. But, even then, I didn't like school all that much. I was not a morning person (I am still not), so I hated being in school at 8 am, and I still didn't like doing homework.

Monday, August 19, 2019

My Travel Bucket List

I love to travel, and I hope to be able to travel the world one day. I have never been outside of the United States, but that will hopefully be remedied soon!

Here is my (VERY long) travel bucket list, in no particular order:
  • Disney Land
  • Disney World
  • Hawaii
  • The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
  • London
  • Big Ben
  • London Eye
  • Paris
  • Eiffel Tower
  • New York
  • 9/11 Memorial and Museum
  • Rome
  • Venice
  • Colosseum
  • Greece
  • Canada
  • Mexico
  • Great Wall of China
  • Mt. Rushmore
  • New Zealand
  • Springfield, Illinois
  • Tennessee
  • Grand Ol Opry
  • Ireland
  • Scotland
  • Netherlands
  • Germany (Berlin)
  • Poland
  • Thailand
  • Singapore
  • Las Vegas
  • Madrid
  • Christ the Redeemer Statue
  • Los Angeles
  • Hollywood Walk of Fame
  • Boston
  • Grand Canyon
  • Yosemite National Park
  • Pearl Harbor
  • Rainbow Falls (Hilo, Hawaii)
  • Field of Dreams (Iowa)
  • New Orleans
  • Baltimore
  • U.P. Michigan
  • St. Louis/Gateway Arch
  • The White Mountains (New Hampshire)
  • Great Smoky Mountains
  • Theodore Roosevelt National Park
  • Crater Lake
  • Philadelphia
  • Congaree National Park (South Carolina)
  • Graceland
  • Arches National Park (Texas)
  • Lake Champlain (Vermont)
  • Seattle
  • Harpers Ferry
  • Appalachian National Scenic Trail
  • Devils Tower (Wyoming)
  • Alcatraz
  • Coney Island
  • Death Valley
  • General Sherman Tree
  • Knott's Berry Farm
  • Lake Tahoe
  • Mount Shasta
  • Napa Valley
  • Redwood National Park
  • San Diego
  • Santa Monica Pier
  • Sequoia National Park
  • Universal Studios
  • Stonehenge
  • Australia
  • Cairo
  • Great Pyramids of Giza
  • The Great Sphinx
  • India
  • Israel
  • Jerusalem
  • Leaning Tower of Pisa
  • Louvre
  • Hollywood Sign
  • Notre Dame
  • St. Peter's Basilica
  • Vatican
  • Sydney Opera House
  • Arc de Triomphe
  • Berlin Wall
  • Kiliminjaro
  • Acropolis
  • Brussels
  • Buckingham Palace
  • Matterhorn
  • Pompeii
  • Rio
  • Machu Picchu
  • Edinburgh Castle
  • Westminster Abbey
  • White Cliffs of Dover
  • Iguazu National Park
  • Moai
  • Temple of Luxor
  • Brandenburg Gate
  • Cologne Cathedral
  • Terra Cotta Warriors
  • Mecca
  • Sydney Harbor Bridge
  • Sistine Chapel
  • Bryce Canyon National Park
  • Great Buddha
  • Juliet's Balcony
  • Santorini
  • Berlin Cathedral
  • Helsinki Cathedral
  • Brighton Pier
  • Everglades
  • Kremlin
  • Barcelona
  • Amsterdam
  • Tokyo
  • Florence
  • Dublin
  • Krakow
  • Toronto
  • Budapest
  • Munich
  • Vienna
  • Athens
  • Seville
  • Ho Chi Minh City
  • Kyoto
  • Shanghai
  • Delhi
  • Moscow
  • Beijing
  • Kolkata
  • Chiang Mai
  • Galway, Ireland
  • Oaxaca
  • Mumbai
  • Naples
  • Memphis
  • Maroon Bells (Colorado)
  • White Mountains National Park (try for fall time)
  • The Alamo
  • Joshua Tree National Park
  • Ellis Island
  • Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque, New Mexico
  • Havasu Falls Pools
  • Walk the Golden Gate Bridge
  • San Francisco (again)
  • Missoula (again)
  • Hanakapi’ai Falls Trail
  • Antelope Canyon
  • Plymouth Rock
  • Blarney Stone
  • Four Corners
  • Bali
  • Costa Rica
  • Tuscany
  • Morocco
  • Patagonia
  • Portugal
  • Iceland
  • South Africa
  • Cotswolds, England
  • Rothenburg, Germany
  • Toronto
  • Bavaria
  • Boracay Island
  • Bolivia
  • Budapest
  • Cinque Terre
  • Iguazu Falls
  • Inca Trail
  • Lauterbrunnen
  • Prague
  • Uruguay
There will most likely be other places I would like to go (and things to do), but so far, this is the perfect travel bucket list for me. I really hope I get to go to as many of these places as possible in my life!