Month: August 2015

I Must Admit!

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Last night, we attended a farewell party for my nephew and his beautiful wife. They are packing up and moving to Colorado! They are taking a week-long road trip on the way there, meandering through the country. I must admit, I am a little jealous!

We have other family in Colorado, so we have visited 3 times. It is such a beautiful state, the mountains are gorgeous. I would never get tired of looking at that beauty. We have been to the top of Rocky Mountain National Park. The view is breathtaking, although my fear of heights made me queasy up there. But it was worth it!

I definitely want to go back. Maybe it’s time to plan another trip to visit family. A road trip doesn’t sound so bad right now. Sure, flying is faster, but you can take whatever route you want when you drive.

To Jeff and Jen, I wish you all the best on your new adventure! Have a safe, fun-filled trip and enjoy every minute in Colorado. We will miss you! Love you!

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It Could Happen!

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If you’ve been reading my blog posts, then you know that I love to read. That love of reading inspired a dream I’ve had since I was a teenager in school. That dream is to write and publish a successful novel. While I have not yet begun a novel, I did, several years ago, participate in NaNoWriMo.

NaNoWriMo is a program where you are challenged to write a 50,000 word rough draft during the month of November. I remember thinking that 30 days would be a piece of cake in which to get 50,000 words in. However, after about the first week, finding quiet time to write a set amount of words every day became a challenge. But, I did it. I successfully wrote 50,000 words. I felt like I had truly accomplished something. But, I have not let anyone read my story, lol. I have not even looked at it since I finished. I’m sure it needs a LOT of work!

This summer, I was reading a new novel from one of my favorite authors. I had to just keep chuckling to myself as I read this book because the storyline was very similar to the storyline of my rough draft! A famous author had the same kind of idea for a story that I did several years ago. Maybe you would be reading my book now had I kept going with my story. How cool would it be to see my name in the bookstore window? It could happen!

Bucket List

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Do you have a bucket list? It seems that people are always saying that one thing or another is on their bucket list. I have a bucket list in my head, not a list written down somewhere. I suppose after this post, I can say I have somewhat of an actual list. I thought I would share with you some things on my bucket list, including some that I have checked off already.

Here is a sampling of my bucket list:

Travel through Europe, explore my Irish heritage in Ireland, take a trip with no itinerary, run a 5k, try being a vegetarian, write and publish a successful novel, ride a zip line, have kids (check this one off, I have two amazing sons), see the northern lights, take photos like a professional, photograph the milky way, knit a scarf (lol don’t judge), have six pack abs, experience New Years eve in Times Square, see the pacific ocean, hike in the Grand Canyon, start a blog (check this one off), participate in NaNoWriMo (check this off),  get a massage, be independently wealthy, visit the Florida Keys, see the Atlantic ocean (check this off), try yoga, train ride to another city (check this off), visit all 50 states, see Mount Rushmore (check this off), get a pedicure, see Niagara Falls.

It’s fun to be able to check things off, but there are still a lot of things left to do. I better get moving!

What’s on your bucket list?

I think I can!

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So, this morning I finished week two of couch to 5k. I was sure that I would not survive this week! The running intervals this week were 90 seconds. To all of you runners out there, 90 seconds is nothing. But for a beginner like me, 90 seconds is some kind of torture! That being said, by today, it didn’t feel so bad. This week was not as hard as I thought it would be. I was actually looking forward to heading out for my walk/run this morning! I’m not sure how next week will go, but today I’m feeling pretty darn good! Do you have any tips for me to stay motivated?

Are you a YouTuber?

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Do you post videos on YouTube? Do you like to watch videos on YouTube? I do not post videos, but it’s always a possibility I suppose. I’m finding that a lot of things are possible these days!

I like to watch all kinds of videos on YouTube. I have a few channels that I subscribe to and watch regularly. Some are music channels, like Kenny Chesney, Luke Bryan, Daughtry, and a few others. Some channels I like are related to essential oils, such as Elizabeth Medero, (she’s one of my favorites), Natalie Brookhart, Alissa Brewies, and, of course, Young Living Essential Oils.

I also subscribe to a couple gaming channels. You should check out ExoTic Diizy, and Shadowghoul131.

It’s amazing to think that you can find a video for just about anything. Some make us laugh, some make us cry, some are informative, some provide a lesson, and some are strictly entertainment. What kind of videos do you like to watch? Who do you subscribe to?

Summer Weather

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Another hot, sunny day! I love summer weather like this! For me, this is how summer should feel. I love to sit outside on days like today, soaking up the warmth and sunshine. I am definitely the minority in my household when it comes to liking hot weather. These are the kind of days I like to spend out by the pool. When it is hot like this, I get in the pool to cool off. Then I sit in the sunshine for a while, and then get back in the pool. Perfect summer day!

Can I Be A Runner?

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I have always, for the most part, tried to stay active. I have thousands of miles on my exercise bike. I find I can ride and ride if I have a good book to keep my mind off of how far I’ve gone. However, I haven’t rode in a while. When the nice weather arrived a few months ago, I started walking on my street. Walking was a nice change of pace for me as it got me out of the house. I have enjoyed it!

I also have a small weight set that I use to try to keep myself in even better shape. I don’t use it everyday, but frequently enough to keep myself toned up.

Yesterday, I started a couch to 5k program. My oldest son started this same program a short time ago and he has encouraged me to give it a try.  So, I did.  I have always thought that I would not be able to handle running. Never thought I had the stamina to do it. Still not convinced that I do, lol.

The first day was not too bad. The program is just thirty minutes, three times a week. You do intervals of walking/running. This week, each running interval is shorter than the walk intervals, but it sure seemed like the running time was longer! I survived and I feel pretty good about it. I will report back here from time to time to let you know how it’s going. If I stick it out, I’ll be able to call myself a runner! Wish me luck!

Cherry Cheese Pie!

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I am gonna share one of my all-time favorite pie recipes. I got this recipe from my mom, not sure where she got it. I love this pie, and my oldest son likes it too. It is easy to make and even easier to enjoy!

1 graham cracker crust

1  14oz can Eagle Brand Milk

1 8oz brick cream cheese

1/3 cup lemon juice

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 can cherry pie filling

Let cream cheese soften. Beat cream cheese until light and fluffy. Beat in Eagle Brand Milk. Add lemon juice and vanilla and stir until well mixed. Pour into crust. Chill until firm. Top with cherry pie filling. Enjoy!

Reading!

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Do you love to read? I love to read! I could spend hours in a bookstore looking for new reading material. I have not joined the ebook revolution because I enjoy having a book in my hand. I have amassed a large book collection over the years. I’ve had to get rid of some each time I run out of room to store them. But I love to keep them in case I want to read them again.

For a long time, I had just a few favorite authors whose books I bought regularly. Now, I have branched out and have no problem reading something from different authors. Some of my favorites are: Nora Roberts, Elin Hilderbrand, Mary Kay Andrews, Susan Wiggs, Susan Mallery, Danielle Steel, Kristin Hannah, Nicholas Sparks,  just to name a few.

I have done a lot of reading this summer. It’s so easy to get lost in a good book. Sometimes a book is so good, I don’t want it to end. I love creating an image in my head of the setting of the book, and of the characters. I also imagine myself writing a novel someday thanks to my love of books. Someday!

Happy Reading!