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!!

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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!!

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  

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

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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!!

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.

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

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

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

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.

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."

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

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

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!!

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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).