52 in 52: Week 4

Question 4 of "Questions that Will Free Your Mind"

When it’s all said and done, will you have said more than you’ve done?

I sure hope not. Quite literally, I think I listen and "do" more than I speak. The exception to this is when I'm with my family and/or Fiance...lucky them! ;) There is a lot that we all say or claim we want to do or accomplish, but how often do we set aside time or save up money to do these things-not often enough. Doing this challenge has already served as a reminder for me to do some of the things that I have been wanting to, and hopefully after I complete it I will be able to look back and be proud of the accomplishments I've made. I also think one could contemplate this question by asking the question, "Will you have said more than you've done in helping OTHERS be successful?" We all claim we are supportive and willing to help, but do we when this support is most needed?! I think helping others can often times in the end be just as rewarding as accomplishing our own goals. And who knows, you could probably help do both at the same time! This will be one of my focuses this week: helping OTHERS by recognizing their achievements, strengths, and goals.

Great song providing perspective and a reminder to be aware and grateful. Love, faith, and hope can go a long way! Remember...focusing on others before yourself!

Week 4 of 52: Make a List of 25 of my (and my Fiance's) Best Qualities 

Appreciating who you are is important in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. We don't often sit down and think about what we are good at. Excuses or reasons for this include lack of confidence, time, or interest. I believe that if we can't be proud of who we are, accept our strengths and weaknesses, we are not able to fulfill any roles to the best of our ability. If I am not happy with me, I can't be a good partner, supervisor, daughter, or student. Doing this for  KS was also beneficial. I don't often share with him what I love and appreciate most. Interestingly enough, we shared many of the same qualities. I am looking forward to see if he also had similiar qualities listed for myself and himself. 

Sorry to all of you who were looking forward to hearing about my successful mile-running...whoops. Look for that in the future. I did run one mile though! And am still feeling the effects of that...

52 in 52: Week 3

Question 3 of "Questions that Will Free your Mind"

If life is so short, why do we do so many things we don’t like and like so many things we don’t do?

That is a good question and everyone should think about it. Obviously in life we do things that we don't want to in order to provide for a better  today and future  for ourselves and for others. I think the key is turning things that you don't like, into things that you do like. If you find the beauty and good in life, then maybe these things or people won't be so dreaded. I also think we focus on what others think and want more often than we think about we want-Why? Who cares?  People, including myself at times, worry so much about fitting in with a group of people. If I do what they like, even if I don't want to, I will be accepted. Why do we surround ourselves with people like this? Find the things that make you happy and find the happy in things (even the ones you don't like). If you choose not to, don't complain.  

Not sure if that truly answered the question, but that's all I got for now.

Week 3 of 52 Weeks: No Dessert! AHHH!

Well...I unfortunately added $3 to the donation bank. Twice it was because I honestly forgot, and once was because I couldn't resist Red Velvet cake (and I was feeling generous-$1 to charity) ;) Of course, the week I sacrifice desserts, I want a Reese's, Varsity Donut, milkshake, and pudding in the same meal. Not really, but some days I wouldn't deny that. Now this week, I start running a mile everyday! Yikes! Last mile I ran was probably in 4th Grade and it was because I HAD to in order to pass the class. Hopefully this week will be good motivation for me and my 5K pursuit.

In honor of ending this challenge: Puppy Chow Bars...YES PLEASE

Happy {Not-so-Kansas-Spring} Monday
Snow in the forecast tomorrow, looks like Snoctopus might inherit a sibling :)

52 in 52: Week 2

Question 2 of "Questions that Will Free your Mind"

Which is worse, failing or never trying?

Never trying-we can often learn the most from failing. If you never try you'll never know what you're truly capable of.

Week 2 of 52 Weeks: Take a Picture Each Day

Meet the Staff I work with-they have been so wonderful.

The Best of Friends-Spending time with these two always brings a smile to my face.

Sweet Boy-Lovin' life with this one.

Love the song and love the words-with love life is much better.

Bring on Spring-Kansas life is becoming much warmer, greener, and bright! :)

First BBQ of the season was a success. Can't wait until many more! Next on the list-Juicy Lucys

Proud to be a Wildcat

I enjoyed this challenge. It reminded me to remember to be grateful for the simple things in life.

Excited to see what next will bring!

52 in 52: Week 1

Question 1 of  "Questions That Will Free your Mind"

How old would you be if you didn't know how old you are?

I'm not sure I can answer with an exact age. I'm also not sure that the numerical age is the important piece to remember when reflecting on this question. I think maturity and responsibility are very important components of a successful person. I strive to be both mature and responsible in my daily life. However, I think that too often adults lose the wonder they once had as children. We all were once so curious and creative. Yes, this may not continue to be encouraged in our everyday life, but that doesn't mean it isn't allowed.  Children dream, love, and can be happy with very little.
Why can't adults be? Why can't I be?  

If I didn't know how old I was, I would say that I am older than what I am. I need to focus on the happiness associated with simplicity, imagination, and simply loving others and the beautiful life I have been blessed with.

Week 1 of 52 Weeks:List of 100 Most Meaningful Experiences of My Life
I won't bother sharing my list of 100 experiences. However, I did notice important trends among my list. Without difficulty and relationships almost all of these experiences wouldn't exist.

Here are some of my most meaningful experiences:
-Meeting my fiance and best friend (and his family)
-Learning when to let go of someone or something
-Becoming a Godparent and cousin to a beautiful child(ren)
-Family Traditions (Uncles dressed as Santa for Christmas) and Vacations (Disney, Virginia, Texas)
-Traveling Abroad
-Going to Graduate School
-Illness (family and self)
-Volunteering (various service trips)

I have been so blessed to be surrounded by the most supportive and loving people-my friends and family. A quarter of my list consisted of names. Names of friends, family, supervisors, and strangers. Would you be on anyone's list? That's what this activity made me think. What am I doing to help create an experience for someone's list of 100 most meaningful experiences? I also found it interesting that a lot of my experiences on this list would have, at one time, been considered obstacles. I probably prayed that they would end, go away, or be cured. I'll think about that next time I am struggling.



Week 2 consists of taking one picture a day and reflecting on it...

DIY Tying the Knot Wire Rings

A few weeks ago I noticed a lady wearing a wire heart ring, and was inspired to try myself. Instead of the heart, I thought about creating some "tying the knot" rings. I used 20-gauge wire, a round-nose jewelry plier, and a highlighter for sizing. These were pretty easy to make and of course, cheap! It costed me about $10 for the pliers and wire, and I still have plenty of wire. It also took me about 30 minutes to make about 10 rings!

Steps to making DIY Knot Ring:

1. Wrap the wire around a sizing tool (highlighter, chapstick, etc.)

2. Leave an even amount, about an inch on both sides, after the wrap. 

3. Make a loop with one side of the wire. 

4. Stick the other end of wire through the loop. 

5. Bend both ends around the "knot" and secure them in the back 

Hope the special recipients like them! :)

turning negative into positive

It has been awhile. School and work has got the best of me, but I still saved some time to doodle. Here is what I came up with:

I'm trying to get into the habit of turning negative energies into positives, by doing something that allows me to still express my concern but on a positive side. For example, instead of being disappointed in myself for spending a day doing something that I don't enjoy and then complaining about, I decided to reflect on the quote, "What you do today is important because you are exchanging a day of your life for." I could either continue to complain about my awful day, which really wasn't that awful. Or I can think the affects of wasting time and energy being negative has on my day. It doesn't do any good wasting time on people or things that drain the positive energy out of you. Turn it into something good. 

Crafting on a Budget

Crafting on a Budget: Book Page Paper Flower and Dry Erase Part II

Book Page Flower

Materials: Hot Glue, Book Pages

I bought an old book from Goodwill for $1. I then cut four different size petal shapes (5 of each size ranging from 3 inches in diameter to about 1)-measurements don't need to be exact. Roll over the edges of each piece. For the center I just rolled up a small piece of piece in a cylinder. This is what I began gluing the pieces (beginning with small) to. You can create smaller or larger flowers depending on the size of the petal. Here is how mine turned out:

(Hanging) Dry Erase Board 

Materials: Fabric/Paper, Frame

I used the same steps to create this as I did the previous Dry Erase Boards. TOO EASY!  However, I use these WAY more often. All you need is some fabric or paper and a frame. Insert the fabric or paper into the frame, grab a dry-erase marker and you are all set! These are great for notes, lists, and reminders! The best part is it cost me less than $3. I found burlap in the remnants section at Hobby Lobby.

Complete!