2016, and My Dreams for the Year

I can't believe today is the last day of 2015, and that tomorrow is 2016. How fast the year went!!

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My dreams for 2016 are:

• to get my driver's license
• to do well in my classes
• to get a job
• to be in a relationship with a guy who will love all of me; who will love me for who I am
• to be more outgoing/do things out of my comfort zone
• Start and keep a regular exercise routine
• Learn how to cook
• Eat half as much junk food/twice as much healthy food
• Start/work on a book to be published
• Get my room cleaned up and redecorated
• Start and keep up a small garden (fruits, veggies, flowers)
• have regular contact with friends (email, texting, get togethers, etc.)
• volunteer at an animal shelter
• to learn self-defense
• to learn a new language (I want to learn Italian, Spanish, Sign Language, German, and maybe a few other languages)
• Have more self-confidence, more self-love
• Have more adventures

What are your dreams for 2016? I hope everyone has a happy, safe New Year's!!

Merry Christmas!!!

To those who celebrate, I hope you have/had a wonderful Christmas time!!

I celebrated with my sister and her family, dad, and two of my brothers, and it was a very enjoyable time.

I got:

• The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug
• The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies
• Baking With the Cake Boss: 100 of Buddy's Best Recipes and Decorating Secrets by Buddy Valastro
• A Kevin Minions plush toy (something not on my list, but I love it all the same!!)
• A package of Grumpy cat stickers and a 2-pack of Grumpy Cat pens (another thing not on my list, but I will definitely be using them; I love Grumpy Cat!!)
• Allegiant by Veronica Roth
• Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb DVD
• Insurgent DVD
• Toy Story 2 DVD
• Toy Story 3 DVD
• A Funko Pop! Harry Potter figurine (this one is of Harry in his Quidditch robes, carrying his broom and a snitch)
• A Funko Pop! Sadness figurine (from the movie Inside Out)
• Sindarin/English & English-Sindarin Dictionary (a language J.R.R. Tolkien made up in the Hobbit/LOTR series)
• 3 Amazon.com gift cards

All in all, a wonderful Christmas celebration. Seeing my sister, brother-in-law, niece, and nephew, opening presents, Christmas dinner...always a wonderful time!!

Winter Fest 2015

The annual Winter Fest in my town was this weekend.

I did go, and this was probably my 4th or 5th time going. It's pretty a pretty neat community event, where you buy a tin (yes, you have to buy it), and then go around to participating shops, who then give you a cookie/treat.

There's also different acitivities (like carolers, musicians, etc.) and, of course Santa Clause.

I always try and get my picture taken with Santa every year.

I may be an adult, but that doesn't mean I have to always be an adult every single day. I love Santa!!!

Here are the few pictures that I took/had taken for me, during the fest:

 

These guys are awesome :) They sing as well as playing their instruments.

 

All the treats from the cookie walk.

 

Santa!!

 

Me and Santa :) He loves to sing "Merry Christmas" when he has his picture taken with kids (and adults).

 

 

I had a great time, and I hope to be able to go again next year.

Goals for 2016

Even though I rarely ever keep them, I have made resolutions/goals for 2016.

I don't know why I make them, as I know I'll never keep them. I can be quite a procrastinator at times, so I never really think about not meeting my goals when I make them.

But, here goes another year of goal-making (I should probably put not procrastinating on my goals on my list!!).

• Start and keep a regular running exercise routine
• Get a job (at someplace I would love)
• Eat at least half as much junk food
• Spend half as much time online
• Find a boyfriend (one who will love me for me, and who would not try to hurt me)
• Go for a walk every day (at least 30 minutes)
• Eat healthier
• Learn to cook
• Talk to, and get together with, friends once a week
• Knit and crochet at least one thing a month
• Start writing a book, and keep working on it until it's finished

These are all I can think of at this time, but I might add more to it later. Hopefully I can do at least a few of these, and keep it up.

I Am Thankful For...

Many people do a 30 days of thankfulness list every Thanksgiving, where they list one thing they are thankful for each day of November. I will be doing it a little differently, where I will list all 30 things at once. There are, of course, more than 30 things I am thankful for, but I don't make to make this too long.

So, here is what I am thankful for:

1. My family
2. My friends
3. A roof over my head
4. Food to eat
5. Clothes to wear
6. Clean water
7. My education
8. Friends who stayed by my side when I was going through a really tough time a few years ago
9. My two crazy, lovable cats
10. Being able to instantly connect and talk with friends and family, with text messaging, Facebook, IM, etc.
11. Photography, and having lots of opportunities for taking pictures (I am an avid photographer)
12. Baking (I am an avid baker as well)
13. Journaling/blogging/writing (yet another thing I am avid about)
14. Volunteering at my local library (I have been doing so for about 3 1/2 years or so)
15. Furthermore, having libraries close to me, with lots of resources that fits whatever need I may have at any given time.
16. A comfy bed to sleep in every night
17. Pinterest (yes, Pinterest. There are TONS of great ideas on there!!!)
18. Friends and family who support me and my dreams in life.
19. Beautiful sunrises and sunsets
20. Farmers (yes, farmers. We wouldn't have a lot of the foods and goods we have today without them. They work very hard and don't get much credit for their work. So, thank you farmers!)
21. Girl Scouts. I was a girl scout in school, and absolutely LOVED it!!
22. Music. I am almost always listening to music, so of course it is something I am thankful for.
23. Knitting and crocheting. I first started with knitting a few years ago, when I was going through a tough time, and it helped me stay sane. Now I do crocheting as well, and absolutely love both crafts.
24. Chocolate. What can I say, it's SOOOOO good!!!
25. Operation Christmas Child. They give shoebox presents that they collect from people who pack them, to children all over the world. I was able to do it a couple times, and absolutely love it!!
26. My bike. It's one of the few exercises that I love and am really willing to do.
27. Doctors, nurses, EMTs, police, fire fighters, etc., who help us in times of need.
28. Teachers who are willing to work with/help their students to do the best that they can. And who work their butts off for their students each and every day. Especially special education teachers.
29. Nature. I love nature, and what it has to offer.
30. Last but not least, being alive.

What are you thankful for?

To those who celebrate, happy Thanksgiving!!

A Little Teaching Motivation...Hopefully

I bought this at a recent holiday craft fair, that I had gone to with a friend.

When I first saw it, I debated whether or not I actually wanted to get it for myself.

Mainly because I am not a teacher (yet). I still have a dream of becoming a special education teacher, but I don't know if it will actually happen.

I am a very shy person by nature, and talking in front of a group of people scares me. (I do want to be more outgoing, though, so hopefully I can still go for my teaching degree.)

I decided to get the name plaque, though, to remind me of my dreams, and that anything is possible.

The person I bought this from, when I said I was debating whether or not to get this, that I could put it up somewhere where I could see it all the time, to inspire me to go for my dream.

That's what prompted me to buy it, and to be honest, I'm actually glad I did.

Hopefully, I will be able to start going for my teaching degree within the next few years. I love children, and would love to be able to be a part of their future!

Living in a Broken World

The world we currently live in is a broken world. With the way things are going, I believe it will always be a broken world. Unless we do something about it.

There have been several terrorist attacks lately, most recently in Paris.

All these attacks breaks my heart. What are the terrorists trying to prove, by attacking innocent people?

I have always wanted to go to Paris. It is a beautiful city, and the people seem so nice. These recent attacks will not deter my wish to go.

Pray for everyone in Paris, and for those around the world.

We need more good in the world. A lot more.

Nous sommes de Paris, la ville des lumières, toujours/We stand With Paris, the City of Lights, always.

Planning on Running

I am not a runner.

I never have been. I have always hated running, even when I was a kid.

Yet, for quite some time now, I have been wanting to run, to get in better shape, and to de-stress.

Since I haven't really done much exercise for quite some time, I will definitely be taking it easy, whenever I start.

I have been looking online and in books, for running tips, and for healthy eats. I really want to take better care of myself, and become healthier.

And to lose some weight.

Much of my time is spent in front of a computer or TV screen, and making some not-so-wise food choices. So, I really want to change that.

Hopefully I can figure out a good plan for a regular exercise and healthy eating routine. It is very much needed for me, and I can't wait to get started!!

My Fear of Public Speaking

For as long as I can remember, I've been afraid of public speaking, like many other people. I am a very shy person by nature, so these two go hand in hand.

One of my friends on Facebook suggested I check out/join Toastmasters. They help people become better speakers and leaders, so you can be more confident in your abilities.

It has crossed my mind a few times, but I don't know how I feel about actually being a part of it. Mainly because I'm so shy.

The Toastmasters nearest me meets at the local library, which is about half a mile away, maybe less. So it won't be a hassle getting  there, if I do join.

I recently bought a Public Speaking for Dummies book, from a local thrift store, to help me out with speaking as well. But, I haven't really read it yet.

My shyness, and fear of speaking, is mainly why I love to write. And blog. I can take my time in thinking about what I want to say/write, without people watching me.

I can be more open, more outgoing, more direct with what I say/what I want to say.

My thoughts can be more organized, and my mind doesn't go blank, forgetting what I want to say. What I need to say.

I would definitely love to be more outgoing, but I know that's not going to happen overnight. And it's going to be really hard to put myself out there, out of my comfort zone.

But, I am willing to go out of my comfort zone, if it means becoming more confident in myself, gaining better self-esteem, and maybe even gain a few new friends in the process!

Back to School Time for Me

This past Thursday was the first day of school for me.

I am taking an advanced cake decorating class. The first day went well. My teacher is very nice, and the class size is small, which I like (including me, there are four students).

 All we did on the first day was go over the syllabus, and what we needed for the class. And then talked for a little bit. That took almost an hour. Which is 1/5 the length of a normal class period.

We will be working on making gumpaste flowers, more piping skills, decorating cookies, and going over what we learned in the beginning cake decorating class.

For the midterm, we have to make a 3-D/sculpted cake, which I'm a little apprehensive about, as I have never made a cake like that before. I already have a few ideas on what I want to do, and hopefully it'll turn out alright.

For our final, we have to make a gumpaste flower bouqet. Which, I suppose, is somewhat easier, in a way.

I am really looking forward to this class, and to learning new skills, that I can most definitely put to use in the future!!

Taking Better Care of Myself

For quite some time now, I have been wanting to start an exercise routine, and to eat healthier. I just lack the motivation to actually start either.

On Monday, a friend of mine offered to give me a three-day pass to a local gym that he goes to. I figured I would take him up on the offer, and we decided to meet up on Tuesday afternoon.

It actually went really well. My friend gave me a tour of the facilities, then we played basketball for a little while, then went on to use the treadmills. We were there for an hour, and to be honest, I was surprised I was able to last that long.

I am trying to find the best gym for me, that doesn't cost too much, and is close by. There are several gyms that are in the area, but most of them are more than I can really pay. Only one is decent, but it is one of the ones that's furthest from me.

Although, the gym I went to with my friend offers a scholarship if anyone needs it, which reduces the cost quite a bit, and it is one of the closer ones to me.

So, hopefully I can figure something out soon. I really want to get in better shape, and I want to start as soon as possible.

Ready for a Relationship

I have decided that I am ready for a boyfriend.

For quite some time, I didn't want to have a boyfriend, as I wanted to mature as a person first.

And, I wanted to concentrate on school.

I'm still in school, but I have decided that I'm ready for a relationship now, and that I don't have to finish school before I can begin one. Although, I do plan to keep up with the schoolwork, of course!!

I am looking for a guy:
  who doesn't mind staying in sometimes (I'm not real big on going out),
  who's kind/caring,
  sensitive,
  funny,
  close in age to me (no more than three years difference either way),
  loves children and animals,
  loves to cook and/or bake,
  is patient,
  will love ALL of me/love me for me,
  who can be spontaneous,
  loves to travel,
  will always lift me up when I am feeling down,
  loves to read,
  loves to watch movies
 
He doesn't have to get me anything for my birthday, but he has to at least acknowledge it.

There may be other things I look for in a guy, but if he has these qualities, then I'll be very happy.

My parents had not forced me, or made me wait to start a relationship; this was all my decision. They never forced me to have a boyfriend, nor did the force me not to have one either. I think they wanted me to make my own decisions in terms of relationships.

Which I am very thankful for, as I don't think I would have been able to handle it if they forced me into a relationship.

Here's to hoping I find a good guy, who'll love me for me, and who'll love ALL of me.

Bucket List Accomplishments

Every so often, I would look for bucket list ideas on Pinterest, and other websites.

I have been doing so the last few days, and I have decided to post the ones I have already done. It's not much, but it's a start.

• Be a bridesmaid (I was a bridesmaid when I was thirteen, at my oldest brother's wedding)
• Go to California (I was able to go in 2004, as a high school graduation gift from my oldest brother)
• See/go across the Golden Gate Bridge
• Go tent camping
• Visit Washington, D.C. (I got to go on the eighth grade trip)
• Meet Rich Koz (who does Sevengoolie; I got to meet him when I was 12/13 years old, as I was friends with his daughter)
• Go horseback riding on a mountain (I got to do this in Montana, and in California)
• Try snow skiing (my junior high hosted a one day trip to Wisconsin when I was in eighth grade, which I got to go on)
• Try water skiing (I got to try in Michigan one time; I didn't do that well, but I was happy that I got to try)
• Ride in a limo (I got to do this both on the way to, and from the airport, when my family and I went to Montana several years ago)
• Go to a high school play/concert (I've gone to a few, although they were after I graduated from high school myself. I should have gone while I was still there, as the ones I went to after, were really good!)
• Make Top Ramen Salad (my sister made this several times before, and I loved it so much that I wanted to make it myself. I just made it the other day, for the second time.)

There may be a few more, but this is all I can think of at the moment. I hope to be able to cross off many, many more soon!!

I Am Now a Working Girl...Almost

I had a job interview at Cold Stone Creamery on Monday, and on Monday night,  I found out that I got a job there!!!

I have training tomorrow from 12 to 5 pm, and Friday and Saturday from 5 to 11:30 pm. Then I guess I will officially be a part of the team there.

At the interview, there were five other applicants there as well. We had to sing one of their mini songs by ourselves, and then sing another one in a group. Afterwards, the guy who was head of the interview had interviewed us individually, asking us about school, transportation, and similar questions.

I wasn't really expecting to get hired, as none of the other places I have applied to in the past had responded to my applications.

But, I am super happy to be able to have this job.

This job is perfect for me, as it gives me the experience I need, and want, for the field I am getting a degree for (baking and pastry).

Plus, I love ice cream!!

Hopefully all goes well, and I do well at work.

AAAAHHHHH!!!!!!!!!! I can't believe I'm going to be working!!!

30 Before 30

I have heard about people doing a 30 before 30 thing, where they do thirty things they really want to do, before they turn 30 years old.

Even though my 30th is not that far off, I have decided to make my own 30 before 30 list, and try to complete as much of it as possible.

So, here is what's on my '30 Before 30' bucket list:

1. Get a job
2. Get my driver's license
3. Visit the Bean in person
4. Redecorate my bedroom
5. Go on a trip by myself
6. Do things out of my comfort zone, to bring me out of my shell/shyness
7. Learn to sew
8. Take at least one Zumba class
9. Get my ears pierced at least once more
10. Get a massage
11. Buy a DSLR camera and accessories
12. Do a photo shoot with me in front of the camera
13. Visit Lincoln Park Zoo
14. Go paintballing
15. Buy a full-size violin, and relearn how to play it
16. Take a cooking class
17. Volunteer at an animal shelter
18. Learn Italian
19. Go ice skating
20. Take a self defense class
21. Go bowling
22. Visit the Farmer's Market
23. Go to a Blackhawks game
24. Buy a pair of white shoes and doodle on them
25. Spend a day at Great America
26. Visit the Botanical Gardens
27. Go mini golfing
28. Spend a day at Navy Pier
29. Visit a pumpkin patch
30. Paint something on canvas

Hopefully I can get most of these checked off before my birthday, but I'm not going to rush into getting all of these done, as my birthday is coming up soon. I can't wait to get started on this!!

"You Should Be a Model"

When I was in elementary school, people have told me that I should be a model, because I was tall, even back then.

Although I was flattered that they thought I should be a model, I just was not interested in being one.

For one, I was really shy (and still am), and felt awkward being in front of a group of people. I also felt awkward about posing for photos.

And, it entailed a lot of things that I wouldn't have wanted to be a part of.

Lately, though, I've been thinking of doing a photo shoot in town someday. This is something I would like to do, as part of one of my goals of doing one thing a month to get me out of my comfort zone/shyness/shell.

Plus, I love photography, and would love to get more experience in the field.

I'm not planning on becoming a full-time model; I just want to experience being part of a photo shoot. I don't mind being in front of the camera (as long as I'm not doing anything that'll make me look foolish or embarrassing!), so hopefully I can have this experience this sometime soon.

Summer Goals

This post from a fellow blogger reminded me of the goals I set for myself a while ago, but never really started.

I have been on summer break for just over a month now, and I haven't done too much in regards to summer goals. I have a hard time motivating myself, so I am hoping to have friends, family, and others help me start, and stay on track, with what I want to do.

The goals I have decided to make for this summer are:

• 30 minute bike ride or walk 2-3 days a week
• Swimming once a week, or every other week
• Practice cake/cupcake decorating skills once a week
• Read at least one book a week
• Apply for jobs until I get hired
• Make, eat at least one healthy meal a day
• Go to Farmer's Market each week
• Learn to sew
• Spend ten minutes a day cleaning bedroom up
• Do one thing a month that brings me out of my shyness/comfort zone/shell

These are all the goals I have so far, for this summer. I'm sure I will thing of more as the summer goes on, though, and will add them to my list.

So far, I've only done the bike ride/walking goal. Not good :(

I lack the motivation to really do much, when I'm not volunteering (I volunteer three days a week, for 2 hours each day), so I will most likely enlist a friend or two, to help me out with some of these goals, to keep me on track.

I really hope I can get going in the next week or two, as I am really to do more, and take on more responsibility. I really need it!!

On the Hunt for a Job

I am finally bringing myself to apply for jobs in the area. I have applied to a pet store a few weeks ago, but was told I didn't get the job (which I wasn't happy about, as I love animals, and would loved to have gotten the job).

Today, I applied to a restaurant that's a block from where I live, so it would be perfect in terms of traveling to and from work.

Tomorrow, there is a job fair going on at the local Jewel, that my dad told me about. So, I will hopefully be going to that, and applying there as well.

Hopefully, I can get a job soon, and become more independent. I haven't had a job in quite a while, and would love to be working again.

I am definitely going to apply to other places as well, until I get hired, but I just wish I had a job already.

I am a shy person, so interviews, and being around people I don't know, is very scary for me.

Here's to hoping I get a job soon. VERY soon!!

California Dreamin'

I forget what movie it was, but I was recently watching a movie, where one of the songs had the words "California Dreamin' " in it, and it reminded me of my trip there in 2004.

It was a graduation gift from my oldest brother, and I am very thankful for that experience. I had never been to the west coast before, and never seen a body of water that big.

Yes, I know it's just water, but it was still pretty cool.

I got to visit San Francisco, see the Golden Gate Bridge, see Alcatraz from a boat tour, go kayaking in a lake, see the third Harry Potter movie, visit a few towns, and many other really cool things.

My favorite part of the trip, apart from being in California and visiting my brother and sister-in-law, was going horseback riding the last full day of my visit.

I LOVE horses, and when my brother asked what I wanted to do, the only thing I could think of was horseback riding.

We went on a 2-hour trail ride up a local mountain. It was really beautiful, and I truly enjoyed it.

Now, I am wanting to go back, and visit the state, as I had really enjoyed being there.

Hopefully I'll be able to do that sometime. I love to travel, and would love to be able to go to many more places in my life.

My Passion for Photography

One of the things I am very passionate about is photography, and I plan on getting a degree in photography one of these days.

I have a page on Facebook (Diane Genge Photography), which I've had for a while now, as well as an Instagram account (https://instagram.com/dgengephotography/).

While out to lunch with a friend today, she asked me about the photos on my personal Facebook account, asking whether it's just a hobby, or if I want to do it professionally.

The answer: Both!

It is something that I truly enjoy doing, and would love to be able learn more about it, and to take better photos as well.

Yes, I know some of my photos aren't that great. But, it happens. That's how you learn. And that's what I love about photography. That there's always room to make mistakes, and to learn from them and do better next time.

And that I can be as creative as I want to be, without a lot of pressure.

So, hopefully within the next few years, I can start pursuing a degree and a job in photography. Or at least, get more experience in the field.

Summer Volunteering

While at the library today, one of the children's librarians asked me if I wanted to volunteer in the children's area again, over the summer.

I immediately said yes, as I love the children's area.

Yes, I am an adult. I am well aware that I am older than the kids the room is geared towards. But, that doesn't bother me.

So, when the librarian asked about volunteering again, I was VERY happy!!

This will be the third summer in a row, that I get to volunteer there. Last summer, I actually gained a good friend, who had only been working there for the summer.

She is an amazing person, who I am so grateful to have met!

The theme for the reading program this year is superheroes, and I am looking forward to all the things that the library plans on doing this summer! So, bring on the summer!!!

Things I SHOULD Give Up for Lent...But Most Likely WON'T

I got the idea for this from the blog Living in Yellow, in this post.

In the past, I would decide to give something up, but it wouldn't work out in the end. I wouldn't be able to stay away from it for long.

There are things that I should definitely give up for Lent, but I seriously doubt I will be able to stay away from them for that long, like...


Eggless Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough
      Seriously, that stuff is ADDICTING!!!

Looking at wedding stuff on Pinterest.
      For some time now, I have been going on Pinterest every day, looking at wedding ideas on Pinterest. I'm not in any kind of relationship right now, so it's not like I'm planning anything at the moment. Pinterest is seriously making me jealous of those who are.

The Internet.
      I spend way too much time on the computer, and on the Internet. I'm on practically every single day, for at least 3 or 4 hours a day. That seriously needs to change.

Junk Food
      I tend to eat quite a bit of junk food, and I am not proud of it. I live in a household where there is always some form of unhealthy food around, and it's always tempting to gravitate towards that, than more healthier options. I am trying to motivate myself to eat healthier, but it's hard with what's always around (we do have healthy foods, but I reach for the unhealthy ones more often).

One thing that isn't really a "giving up" thing, that I seriously need to do, is to clean up my bedroom, and to be in a cleaner environment. I am not a neat freak, so I always just toss stuff onto my bedroom floor, and a lot of my things go missing, or end up broken. So, that is one thing I want to start working on this Lent season, and hopefully keep it up.

Camille and Kennerly: The Harp Twins

I recently saw a video on Facebook, of twins Camille and Kennerly Kitt, twin sisters who both play the harp. They are known as the harp twins :)

Let me just say, that they are AMAZING!!!

They play harp versions of popular TV, movie, game, and commercial songs, which are awesome.

You can check them out on Facebook here, and on YouTube here.

I love find out about new (to me, at least) music, that I enjoy, and that I can share with others.

What's even better, is that the twins are from my hometown. Pretty cool!!

I can't wait to see/hear what else they will be performing in the future.

Wishing on a Wedding

For quite some time now, I have been wishing I could get married. And soon.

Every so often, I would get hooked into looking at wedding ideas on Pinterest, and I wish I was actually planning for my own wedding.

I was a bridesmaid in my oldest brother's wedding (actually, the ONLY bridesmaid), and it made me really happy that he included me in the party. I was 13 years old at the time, and I miss the days I spent celebrating my brother's wedding.

What's more, the final for my cake decorating class, which I am taking this spring, is to make...

A wedding cake.

I know we are supposed to get practice in making these kinds of cakes for class, but it's like this final is taunting me or something.

I'm trying to be patient in waiting for my turn to be the bride, but it's hard as I am getting older, and it doesn't seem to be happening any time soon.

I really want to be a bride/wife, and then a mother.

I am very much a family person, and I really want to have my own family someday (hopefully sooner, rather than later). So here's hoping I meet and marry my prince within the next few years (please, please, please???!!!).

School Has Begun

Well, yesterday was the first day of school for the spring semester.

This class is supposed to be about five hours long, because we will be making cakes and stuff, but since today was the first day, the teacher just explained what we will be doing, and what all we need. That took about an hour.

I'm excited about what we are going to do, but also nervous, because I've never done anything quite like this.

We are going to make sugar/fondant roses, learn different decorating techniques, and make multi-tiered cakes.

For our midterm, we have to make a decorated birthday cake, and for the final, we have to make a 2-3 tiered wedding cake.

Yikes!!!!!

I really hope I do well on those two, because I've never done decorating like this before.

I've only done icing on the tops of cakes/cupcakes. Nothing at all like the professionals do.

Although, I am really looking forward to this class. I really enjoy classes that are hands on, instead of students just sitting for a couple hours, listening to lectures.

The only down side to this class is that it is five hours long. Hopefully, with all the baking and decorating we will be doing, that time will go by fast.

Here's hoping that I do well in this class!!

Valentine's Day for Singles

I'm not a big fan of Valentine's Day, partly because I'm single (and have been my entire life). And partly because it has become a highly commercialized holiday.

At least, it is in my opinion.

I mean, I have nothing against people getting their loved one something on Valentine's Day, but I'm just not into it.

Although, a few times, a guy friend of mine gave me some presents for Valentine's Day, which I actually like(d).

One was a cute white teddy bear, with a heart on its tummy. I actually LOVE teddy bears, so this was one present I didn't mind receing,

For all you couples out there, who like to celebrate, happy Valentine's Day! For you singles out there, don't feel like you have to be with someone to enjoy the day. Do something that you enjoy, that makes you happy.

As for me, I don't have any plans to celebrate, but I'm sure I will find something to do ;)

Lifetime Plans/Dreams

I just read a blog post by one of my favorite bloggers, about how, when she was growing up, her family made "lifetime plan" binders, which she continued doing when she got married, and now, with her kids.

I thought that was a great idea, and will definitely be making my own soon!

For some reason, I love making lists, and planning things out, so this would be great for me to do. I just wish I thought of doing it years ago!

There are a lot of things I want to do in life, and seeing it written down in this way would be awesome, and would motivate me more, to do the things I want to do.

So, thank you, 71 Toes, for blogging about your "lifetime plans," and inspiring me to want to make my own. And to actually work towards them!

Little Reminders in Life

As I was leaving the library yesterday, I decided to take this picture of the statue that's in the entrance of the library.

Not until after I got home, and was doing some editing of this picture, did I realize, I never properly look at this statue.

I knew it was of people, but I didn't really pay attention to how they were standing/positioned. I have gotten so used to it over the years, that I just never gave the statue a second thought. The statue has been a part of the library for as long as I can remember.

It made me realize that every once in a while, I need to slow down, and enjoy the world around me. To truly see the beauty in life.

I love moments like this! Where something reminds me to just slow down, and be aware. Be in the now. It helps me enjoy life even more, to be more thankful for this life.

International Day of Acceptance

Today is the International Day of Acceptance.

What is International Day of Acceptance?

It is:

A day dedicated to social acceptance of disability and to honor the late Annie Hopkins, founder of 3E Love and creator of the International Symbol of Acceptance.

That description is from the Day of Acceptance website.

I love that there is something like this, that brings awareness to disabilities, letting people know that those with disabilities are human beings, just like them, and that they want to be treated with respect, love, and dignity.

I myself have a learning disability, and although it isn't as severe as other disabilities, I do understand, to some extent, of what other people with disabilities go through.

Just remember, if you meet someone with any kind of disability, whether physical, emotional, etc., they don't want to be seen or treated as a disability. They want to be seen as a person. Treat them with respect. Treat them as the person they are.


Happy International Day of Acceptance!!

Joni and Friends Retreats 2015

I just found out that this years' Joni and Friends Retreats are now open for registration. I seriously want to go to one, but money is tight, and I don't know if I will be able to go this year.

Joni and Friends Retreats are like summer camps, where people with disabilities, and their families, can go for a week to just relax, unwind, and not think about the stresses in their life.

I really hope I can figure out a way to get the money before everything fills up. These retreats sound like a lot of fun.

I am trying to think of ways to fundraise money for this one retreat, that I really want to go to, which costs $460. It's one of the least expensive ones, but still expensive for me.

I'm not dead set on going this year, because of the cost, but I want to start saving for one of these retreats, as I seriously want to go.

As I am typing on, I am thinking of having bake sales to raise money. I don't know if it'll be quite enough, but it's an idea, and I am willing to give it a try.

Here's to hoping I can volunteer at a retreat someday!!

My Bucket List for 2015

I have decided to do a bucket list for the whole year, instead of just for one season.

• Make a snowman in the winter
• Get a job
• Learn to decorate cakes
• Work on book I want to publish
• Plant/grow a garden
• Make sweater for dad
• Buy a full-sized violin for myself
• Learn to make one new dish a week/month
• Volunteer at the local animal shelter
• Clean up my bedroom, and keep it clean
• Paint my bedroom walls
• Make at least one flower crown
• Volunteer at a Joni & Friends Retreat
• Become certified in CPR/First Aid
• Make a rainbow cake
• Learn to sew
• Go on a weekend trip by myself
• Find new places in town to visit
• Make homemade ice cream
• Have a picnic in the park with friends
• Go bowling
• Take one photo a day for one year
• Tie dye shirts/other articles of clothing
• Go paintballing
• See the Bean in person
• Make homemade mac and cheese
• Fill eggs with paint and toss them at a canvas
• Put positive notes in a public area
• Visit Brookfield Zoo
• Go to the local Farmer's Market
• Make s'mores
• Go to garage sales/estate sales
• Relearn Spanish
• Go sledding in winter
• Make/drink egg nog
• Make a gingerbread house
• Go ice skating
• Make bread from scratch
• Get my picture taken with Santa in winter
• Participate in the annual winter fest
• Skpe with someone
• Go to thrift shops each month
• Get my driver's license
• Make a pinata
• Start drinking tea regularly
• Visit Navy Pier
• Visit the Adler Planetarium
• Visit the Museum of Science and Industry
• Make a YouTube video
• Make care packages for the homeless
• Have a friend sleep over at my place
• Go for a bike ride with friends
• Go to Glendale Heights Fest with friends
• Have a movie night with friends
• Have a girls' night in/out with friends
• Read A Christmas Carol
• Go horseback riding
• Eat at Atlas Kafe
• Eat at Mama Thai
• Go mini golfing with friends and/or family
• Build something at Build-a-Bear
• Start my own garden
• Go swimming at least twice during the summer
• Dye eggs for Easter
• Finger paint
• Blow bubbles on a really cold day, to make frozen bubbles
• Visit the Morton Arboretum
• Hang out on Lake Michigan with friends
• Learn how to French braid
• Have a hot fudge sundae
• Try snowboarding
• Visit the Shedd Aquarium
• Volunteer at an animal shelter
• Jump off the diving board (I'm afraid of heights, and even diving boards scare me)
• Make paper snowflakes (something I haven't done since I was in elementary school)
• Go on a shopping spree
• Take pictures in a photo booth
• Visit the Chicago Botanic Gardens
• Go to Six Flags for a day
• Own at least one knitting loom

This is all I can think of at this time, but I'm sure I'll think of more as time goes on.

One Goal I REALLY Want To Start...And Keep...

Is to exercise five days a week, and to eat healthier.

I have been wanting to for ages, but I just never did anything about it. So, I am hoping that 2015 will be the year for better health for me.

I am asking friends to help me become more accountable for what I do and eat, so I can get this goal going. Officially. And keep it going.

I really want to take up Zumba, yoga, and maybe Pilates. They have interested me for quite some time, but I never really did anything with them yet. I am thinking I may do one, one day, another a different day, and so on. Maybe.

There are a few exercise centers within a few blocks of my house, that I am thinking of checking out, if I decide to go to one on a regular basis.

Exercise isn't one of my favorite things, but I have checked out videos on Zumba, yoga, and Pilates, and they seem to make exercising a lot more fun, and enjoyable. So, hopefully I will be more willing to get moving more often this year.