My 2014 New Year's Resolutions

I don't know why I make New Year's Resolutions each year, as I never keep them. But, I do it anyway. And, I will be make some for 2014.

One of the bigger resolutions I've decided to make for 2014 is to do one activity a month that takes me out of my comfort zone, as I am a very shy person.

I really want to have more experiences in life, but my extreme shyness prevents some of them from happening.

I never had very many friends growing up, and my self-esteem/confidence has been low as well.

Now that I'm an adult, I want to feel better about myself, I want to be more confident.

I hate feeling like everyone is judging everything I do and say. I am very self-conscious about how I look, what I do, what I say, and sometimes what I wear.

Outgoing people intimidate me, and I don't like crowds of people. I rarely raised my hand in school, and I don't usually start conversations unless I am with friends and family.

All of this makes me feel like not many people want to be friends with me. And that hurts. So, I really want to try and be more outgoing.

Never Doubt

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Merry Christmas!!

To those who celebrate, merry Christmas!! I hope this year has been good, and that you have a wonderful, safe holiday with your friends and family! Pictures will come soon, of my holiday celebration. I am celebrating with my sister and her family, and two of my brothers and dad, so I will definitely be having a good time.

What is a Dad?

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'Tis the Season

Well, it's that time of the year again. Presents. Decorations. Hot chocolate. Family traditions. Celebrations. Church. Snow. Snowmen. Presents. Family and friends.

Yep. It's Christmas alright.

I will be going to my sister's on Christmas Day, which I am really looking forward to. I get to see her, my brother-in-law, niece, and nephew.

I am pretty much done shopping for presents. I just need to wrap them, and I am all set. I am really looking forward to spending time with my family this Christmas. I love hanging out with them.

Today, I got a few gifts from some people I volunteer with/delivery library stuff to. I got some Christmas cookies, a Christmas card, and $10 (from a patron on my delivery route; even though I didn't need the money, it was a nice gesture nontheless).

Last Friday, another patron had given me a cute Christmas bear decoration, a bar of chocolate, a card, and $15. That was unexpected, but it was a nice surprise.

If you celebrate Christmas, I hope you have a blessed, merry Christmas, and a safe and happy new year!

If you don't, happy new year!

Your Mind, Feelings, and Emotions

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26 Acts of Kindness

Ever since the tragedy in Newtown, Connecticut, I have heard of people doing 26 Acts of Kindness in memory of the 26 people who died.

I plan to join in on this, as I think it is a great idea.

 

Willow Shields, who plays Primrose Everdeen in the Hunger Games series, did this, and has inspired many to take part as well.

 

I have a few ideas already, of what I want to do, which I will mention in another post.

I hope that you remember, during this holiday season, those who are suffering. Everyone is fighting their own battle, whatever it may be.

Birthday Weekend

Well, yesterday was my birthday. I had a good day, getting a present from a neighbor family, a card and money from my dad, making a gingerbread house, putting up the tree and decorations, church with dad, baking a cake (yes, I baked my own birthday cake, which I do not mind doing at all), and watching a couple movies (Pirates of the Caribbean 3 and Harry Potter 3).

I had a really good day overall. The presents I got from the neigbors were 3 headbands, a magnetic color cubes set, a dark chocolate turkey, and a card. I am already hooked on the color cubes, as I LOVE magnets. There is a booklet that came with the set, that has pattern ideas. I have already done two of them so far.

I'm not doing anything special today. Just relaxing.

Leftover candy from the gingerbread house

The Polar Express- "Believe"

One of my FAVORITE  holiday songs. Enjoy!

Never Change Your Originality

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Rest in Peace Nelson Mandela

A couple days ago we learned that Nelson Mandela has died at the age of 95. That is so sad, as he was an amazing man, who did even more amazing things.

He was brave, inspiring, peace-loving, accepting, and he was only just one man. Yet he changed that way many people think and act towards others.

He will be dearly missed, but he is in a better place, and I am thankful that he has lived, even though I have never met him.

You can read a bit about him here.

Rest in peace, Mr. Mandela. You were very loved here on Earth.

Newsong - The Christmas Shoes

This song always gets to me, every time I hear it. This is one of my favorite holiday songs.

Remember, this season, those who are struggling for whatever reason.

Bozo the Clown...A Classic Kid's Show

My dad and I were watching a show the other day, about the making of the Bozo the Clown show, and it made us reminisce about watching the show growing up.

 

I remember watching that show as a kid, and loved it. I wish it was still on, as it was one of my favorite shows growing up.

 

On the show the other day, one of the things they showed was when Bozo and a kid from the audience were at the bucket game, where you throw a ball into several buckets, and win a prize in each on.

 

The little girl who was playing didn't quite understand the rules. She kept walking over to each bucket and throwing the ball in, instead of staying behind the line like she was supposted to.

 

Bozo was exasperated with her, because she wasn't doing what she was supposed to in the game. It was funny, but cute.

 

There were a few other cartoons/shows that I loved watching as a kid, but I think Bozo the clown was my favorite.

 

What was your favorite show as a kid? Is it still on TV? What was your favorite part of the show?

My Food Sanitation & Safety Teacher is Awesome!!!

My teacher told us today that she was dropping Test 4, and instead giving us her final exam next week. There is a ServSafe exam the following week, which we have to take as well.

 

Well, for the teacher's final exam, we have to take it in class, instead of at home like we did for all the other tests.

 

But, when leaving to go home after class, my teacher offered me the option of either taking the exam in class, or at home. I have a learning disability, so that is probably why she offered that to me.

 

I decided to take it at home, because then I can have more time to prepare, and take the test. I can be more relaxed during the test.

 

I had her for a class previously so I know she was a really good teacher, but this made her an awesome teacher. I am SO glad I got to be able to take two different classes with her as the teacher.

 

She has really helped me feel confident in my schooling, that I can do well in my classes. That makes all the difference for someone like me. And I love that!!

 

So, many thank you's to my teacher, for all that you have done for me. You have no idea how much that means to me, what you have done, and I will miss being in your classes.

Find a Heart That Will Love You

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Happy Thanksgiving!!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!! I hope you all have a wonderful, blessed, and safe day today, whatever you may be doing.

I am going to my sister's today to celebrate. I get to see my niece and nephew today, which I am very happy about!!

I am so thankful for this life, and everything in it. Even the bad. Without the bad, I probably wouldn't enjoy the good as much.

Even though my mom isn't alive to celebrate with us anymore, I think today is going to be a good day. I am looking forward to seeing my sister and her family today.

I'm Getting Ahead of Myself

The last couple of days, I have been getting ahead of myself.

 

I haven't even finished my baking/pastry degree, and I'm already planning on double majoring in Teacher's Aide and Digital Photography degrees after I finish this degree.

 

I really need to focus on the now, and not worry about the distant future. I am doing well in my current degree, and I want it to stay that way.

 

I don't want to get distracted by other things, even if it's something I really want to do. Especially if I can't do it now. Like these degrees I want to go for.

I have three more weeks left in the fall semester (one class per week), and then I am done for a month. I recently signed up for the spring semester, in which I will be taking (hopefully) Introduction to Baking/Pastry.

 

I am really looking forward to the spring semester, and I seriously hope the class doesn't get cancelled, like the fall class did, and having to sign up for another time frame. That was the first time that ever happened to me, and I hope it never happens again.

 

I am seriously surprised that I am so into school now, as I never really liked it until I got to college. But, I guess that's a good thing. School should be enjoyable. Learning should be enjoyable.

 

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

Remind Yourself

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My Operation Christmas Child Presents Are...

On their way!!
 

I bought a few last minute things on Thursday, and finished packing them when I got home after shopping.

I am so excited!! I included that About Me letter that we can include in the boxes, so I wonder if I will be getting anything back. We'll see what happens.

 

I just dropped them off at a church this afternoon, and now it's just a matter of them getting the presents to the children.

 

Here are some pictures of my boxes, and what I got for them.

 

Boy's Presents

Girls Presents

All wrapped up, filled up, and ready to go

Boys Presents

Girls Presents

Boys Presents 2

 

Hopefully whoever gets these presents will like them. I loved getting these presents for them. I can't wait to do this again next year!!

Carrie Underwood - There's a Place For Us

I saw the movie The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader the other day, and this was one of the songs on the track. The instant I heard the song, I fell in love with it. Enjoy!!

Sending Off My Operation Christmas Child Shoebox Presents

Well, I finally went shopping for my OCC presents, and have put them together. Now, I just need to send them off, so they can brighten a child's life.

I heard about this a few years ago, when a local church had a sign out front about their participation in it. I wanted to do it ever since, but kept missing the drop-off dates. I also didn't know until this year that I could mail one to Samaritan's Purse all year round, until this year.

So, I finally got myself to get out and make one. Or two, in this case.

 

This year, I am making two, one for a girl, and one for a boy. Both are in the 5-9 year-old age range. In the future, I hope to give ones for all the age ranges they give these gifts to.

 

I had so much fun and joy putting these together, and can't wait to drop these off at the drop-off location in my area.

I don't know when exactly I will be dropping off my shoebox presents, but the collection is this week, so I have some time to get them there.

This is such an amazing organization, and I am so thankful I found out about it. They do something for others that is beyond words.

You can send shoeboxes in all year, as well, so if you would like more information, you can go here. Please consider doing this. It will make you feel soooo good, to know that a child who may not get anything otherwise, will definitely have something this year.

Christmas Music Before Thanksgiving...Too Early

One of my favorite radio stations, 93.9, has started playing Christmas music already. I think that is way too early for that.

 

By the time Christmas comes around, I will be sick of the holiday, and it won't be as enjoyable because of that.

 

Almost two months of holiday music...yeah, way too much. But, they do that every single year.

I love holiday music, but I want to enjoy Thanksgiving first, before thinking about Christmas. One holiday at a time people!! Don't rush things.

No matter what holiday(s) you celebrate, I wish you the best this year, and in the new year! Happy holidays!!

Live an Honest Life

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Operation Shoebox for the Homeless

While on Pinterest last night, I saw a pin for something called Operation Shoebox for the Homeless. It's similar to Operation Christmas Child, but in this case, you can give the shoeboxes, filled with necessities, to the homeless in your area.

 

I think that is a great idea, and I hope to be able to do that, if I see anyone living on the streets. I hate seeing people living with nothing, while I have a house, food, clean water, clothes, etc. It's just not fair.

 

I hope that this gesture will inspire them to do something more for themselves, or at least it helps them realize that there are still people who care about them.

 

So, while you are shopping for your family and friends this holiday season, please remember those who are living on the streets, and will not be getting anything. Think about giving them a little something, to brighten their days.

Tornado Scare

Well, there are tornado watches and warnings here in my state, and my area is in a Watch.

 

We rarely to never have a tornado come this way, so I doubt there will be one coming this time, although it is, of course, a possibility. I really hope one doesn't come through. I don't want anyone to go through that.

 

My Job Search Has...Stalled

A couple months ago, I started applying for jobs, but after a while, I just stopped. It's a hard process to go through, and it's hard to find a good job, that's hiring.

 

I have returned countless job applications, and I don't know how many more I will hand in, in the future. I just wish I could instantly be hired for a job I would really like, and not have to worry about interviews, calls, etc.

If anyone has any tips on the job search/interview process, feel free to leave a comment. It would be greatly appreciated. At this point, I am pretty much willing to get just about any job I can handle.

So far I have applied at several grocery stores, pet stores, a zoo, and a few other places. I really hope someone is going to be hiring soon, because I really need a job.

I hope you will be supportive of me as I continue to go through this process. It would definitely mean a lot to me.

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

 

 

Five Minute Friday: Tree

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

Today's FMF: Tree

Trees are majestic beings
They can be small
They can be very tall
The can have small leaves
They can have large leaves
They can grow
In any condition
They can live very long
Live all living beings
They require love
And TLC
Trees are not here
For us to do what we wish
They belong
In forests
In parks
In neighborhoods
Not in packs as paper
Or cartons
They care about the environment
They make good "ladders"
The make the world beautiful
A tree can
Provide us with fruit
Or flowers
Or shade
Or beauty
In an otherwise dreary world

30 Things I Am Thankful For

A lot of people are talking/blogging about what they are thankful for this month/year, and are doing it over the span of November. I have decided to list 30 things I am thankful for in one post, as I am sometimes an impatient person, and I don't like waiting for the next day to come, before posting again. So, here is my list of 30 Things I am Thankful For.

1. My family
2. My friends
3. A roof over my head
4. Food
5. Clean, running water
6. My education
7. Being able to connect with people through phones, email, blogs, etc.
8. My blogs (yes, I have more than one blog)
9. Music
10. My disability (I have a learning disability)
11. The Illinois Disability Leadership Summit (even though it's been discontinued :( )
12. Books (I absolutely LOVE to read!)
13. Baking (I also LOVE to bake)
14. My cats (past and present)
15. Laughter
16. People who truly care about me, and support me when I'm upset, or down
17. Getting a hand-written letter in the mail from a friend or pen pal
18. Photography (another thing I really LOVE!)
19. Adopt a US Soldier
20. Knitting and crocheting
21. Clean clothes to wear
22. 3E Love
23. Operation Christmas Child
24. Animals in general
25. Showers (yes, showers)
26. Hats (I LOVE hats!!)
27. Truly caring, supportive teachers
28. The military, and those who serve and who are willing to give up their freedom for the freedom of others in their country
29. Being able to try new things
30. Being able to live in a country where I can express my own views (within reason), believe what I want to believe, live where I want to live, wear what I want to wear, etc. without worrying about being persecuted for it

Stop Hating Yourself

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The Grieving Process for Me

Three years ago, my mom passed away, and that really affected me. It's definitely not the same without her here. We were expecting her death, as the doctors told us she wasn't going to make it. Yet, it was still a bit of a shock. It's still hard to take in.

 

For maybe six months or so, I would cry myself to sleep pretty much every night. And I hated that, especially because I always went to my mom if I was upset about something, and she couldn't do that anymore. Which made me cry even more.

 

The only stage of grief I have gone through so far is sadness, which is actually surprising to me. I thought I would be mad that she was gone. But, I am thankful that this is the only stage I have been through. I do not want to feel mad, or any other feeling.

 

I'm doing better now, emotionally and mentally, but it's still hard at times. I still have moments where I just break down, and cry because my mom isn't here, but overall, I am doing good.

 

Shepherd Me O' God was one of the songs played at her funeral, and ever since then, I have heard it a few times more in church.

 

My mom's favorite song was Amazing Grace, which was also sung at her funeral.

 

Her death has shown me that I am much stronger than I thought I was, which, of course, is a good thing. It made me realize that if I can get through this, I can get through pretty much anything.

 

I miss my mom very much, and still love her. I can't wait for the day I get to see her again (although I hope that's not for a long time, as there are still things I want to do in this life).

Five Minute Friday:

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

Today's FMF: Truth

The truth
So hard to hear sometimes
Yet so necessary
To bear
It can heal
Or it can hurt
There are
Many forms of truth
And we
Can take it
In many different ways
Truth is a gift
We were given
As a part of life
It can help us
To move forward in life
The truth can be seen
In the eyes
Or used in words
Either way
It is a beautiful
And terrible thing
It can lift us up
Or beat us down
It can bring us together
Or break us apart
We all want the truth
Yet sometimes
We cannot bear
To hear it
Truth can help
To set us free
Of our bonds in life

Girls of God's Heart: Thanksgiving Projects

Girls of God's Heart: Thanksgiving Projects: Thanksgiving is just around the corner which for most means family, food, and football. But how do you continue to remember to truly be tha...

These are great ideas!! Thanks Girls of God's Heart girls for sharing these!!

Pope embraces ailing man with visible tumors, photos touch the world

Pope embraces ailing man with visible tumors, photos touch the world

This is so awesome! I wish more people were like Pope Francis. He truly cares for every single person on earth, no matter who they are, or what they look like. Take a cue from the Pope, and treat everyone you meet with kindness, as you don't know what they are going through.

Three Years Ago Today...

My mom passed away. It wasn't a complete shock, as we knew it was coming after a while. She was in the hospital for the last five weeks of her life, and about halfway through, the doctors told us she wouldn't make it through.

I was, of course, devastated when she died, and I miss and love her more than ever. I can't believe it's been three years already. That is three years too long without my mom.

I actually didn't realize today was the three year anniversary until my sister called, and talked to my dad. But, I'm actually glad I was reminded of it. I volunteered at the library today, so I think that is partly why I forgot about this.

While on Pinterest today, I found this quote, which is perfect for me, as my mom's death made me realize just how strong I am:

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I just wish I knew that earlier. But, I'm glad I know it now. It shows me that I can get through pretty much anything that comes my way.

I have had many good dreams about my mom, but none of them recent. That makes me wish I were still having dreams about her. I miss them.

I know my mom will always be with me, and I can't wait to see her again in Heaven (although I hope that won't be for a long time, as I still have a lot of living to do here on Earth!). I miss and love you mom!!!

Tough Times

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Why Do We Label Others? And Ourselves?

I just saw and read a post on the blog Girls of God's Heart, about labels and labeling others (you can read it here, if you are interested.), and it made me wonder why we all label others, and ourselves.

Is it to make ourselves feel better if we do that? Labels are for food, not people. Nor animals. We are not meant to be put down, or made to feel worthless, with labels.

The only thing we should be called are our proper names. Not some demeaning, attention-seeking names thought of by ourselves or others.

Labeling others may make you feel better, but it doesn't make them feel better, plus it can emotionally scar people in the long run. And it will hurt you in the long run as well.

This is partly where there is so much violence in the world. People demeaning, hurting others so they can feel better somehow. It just doesn't make sense.

Just because someone looks/acts/talks a certain way, it doesn't necessarily mean they're bad people. That's who they are, and they can't and won't change for anyone. Ever. They shouldn't change for anyone, especially themselves.

So, leave the labels for food. You are beautiful the way you are, and you don't need labels to make you any better than you already are.

Already Planning for My Operation Christmas Child Present

I am already planning what I want to put in the shoebox of my Operation Christmas Child present. I can't believe the collection date is only a few weeks away. Where has the time gone?

 

I haven't decided what age group to do a box for, or whether it will be for a boy or a girl, although I am considering making more than one box. Though, since this will be my first time making an OCC shoebox, I may just do one this year, and then do more in the future. We'll see what happens with that.

 

I am looking forward to the holidays this year, but I will definitely be thinking about those less fortunate than me. They deserve to have something to look forward to, after all they have been/are going through.

 

If you can, I would definitely recommend making a shoebox present and sending it to Operation Christmas Child, or your local drop-off location. It is an amazing thing to do for the holidays.

Five Minute Friday: Grace

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

Today's FMF: Grace

Grace-a gift
That is freely given
Even to those
Who think
They do not
Deserve it
Grace means
That you are forgiven
For your sins
For your mistakes
Grace does not mean
Everything is forgotten
It means
That you were given
A gift of life
Worth living
A life of beauty
Grace gives us
Hope for the future
Peace from the past
And love for the present
Grace can only be given
When you are open and willing
To accept it in your life
The grace we give each other is great
But God's grace is powerful
It is a thing of beauty
That nothing on Earth
Can compare to

5 Things I'd Rather Do Than Celebrate Halloween

These last few years, I have kind of lost interest in celebrating Halloween, because of what I have gone through.

When I saw a friend link-up with this woman's blog, I figured I'd get in on it as well. So, here goes. (Oh, I am linking up with Living in Yellow.)

1. Read. I am an avid reader, so I would prefer to be cuddled up in a warm blanket with a good book.
2. Drinking hot chocolate. Hot chocolate is my favorite cold-weather drink, so I would love to have one right about now.
3. Watch a good movie. I don't really like to go out that much, so a good movie is the best thing to do when I don't feel like going out.
4. Get inspiration on Pinterest. I am addicted to Pinterest, so I would rather be looking for inspiration than going door to door for candy.
5. Bake something. I LOVE to bake, so I would rather spend the day/evening in the kitchen, than walking around the neighborhood on Halloween.

So, how would you rather be spending Halloween? If you are going out, have fun and be safe tonight!!

Time to Think About Spring Semester Classes

Well, registration for spring semester classes started today. I have already decided which classes I want to take. I just hope they won't be filled up when I register for them, and that they won't be cancelled before I can take them.

 

I am hoping to take a culinary mathematics class and an intro to baking/pastry class. Math is not my best subject, but I figured that since it's required, I might as well get it out of the way. Plus, I have brothers who are really good at math, so I can ask them to help me out when I need to.

 

Ever since I got to college, I have actually started to truly like and enjoy school, so I am looking forward to the spring semester. I hope the teachers are as nice as the ones I've had so far, especially for spring and Fall 2013.

 

So, bring it on, Spring 2014!!

Don't Judge Me by My Past

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Halloween Fun

Yesterday, I went over to a friend's house for their annual pumpkin carving day. I have gone for probably 13 or 14 years. I always have fun there, and I come away with a great pumpkin and awesome memories.

I haven't decided if I will be dressing up this year, but I will definitely be giving out candy. Although, it is supposed to rain, so I don't know how many kids will come by.

Here are a few pictures of the pumpkin carving from yesterday.

My pumpkin

A decoration at my friend's house (I have NO IDEA what it is, though)

Brownies

My friend's pumpkin

My friend's mom's pumpkin (front)

The back of her pumpkin

My pumpkin isn't feeling too good :(

"Ruby Retina Blood Cooler"

The pumpkin of my friend's family friend

 

Getting paint on my hands

 

 

I hope everyone has a great Halloween, if you celebrate