My North Pole elf powers have taken a serious hit in the past few years. In 2016, I had to repurchase two gifts due to damage. This year, I received two damaged gifts and was only able to successfully replace one. The other was a handmade, custom item and arrived twice in terrible condition due to measurement issues; I chose to walk away with a refund rather than risk receiving a third defective product. Seriously, what has happened to me?? Gifting used to be my cup of tea, and now I can’t seem to climb out of the funk I’m in. I carefully observe the recipients so I can pick the perfect gifts; I make an airtight budget so I can save and spoil my loved ones; and I buy from trustworthy sources (eBay has disappointed me one too many times). I’m still satisfied with my 2017 gifts, but I can’t help feeling disappointed. On top of my misery, I can’t see Star Wars: The Last Jedi until Monday night. UGH!!! On the bright side, I have a day off (from my retail job) to relax a little bit. Even though I have a to-do list of work that has to get done, I will definitely be squeezing in some baking, Christmas movies, & reading. Happy Saturday!
I feel like a bear who hibernated through the spookiest month of the year and awakened just in time for the holiday season. I am currently watching Christmas movies on Hallmark whilst enjoying open windows & a cool Autumn breeze. Allow me to elaborate on where I’ve been. I had a cold for two weeks in September; when it went away, I thought my illness quota for the year was fulfilled. WRONG!! A little over one week later, the flu took me by the throat and refused to let go for a few weeks. A lingering cough wrecked my throat and made it really hard to talk. Of course that has no effect on a blogger, but it sure does put a damper on Youtube productivity. I still have a little bit of a cough, which is annoying beyond verbal description, but I am healthier and more energized than I was last month. I have a few more updates for you so keep on reading.
• I turned twenty-three on November 5th. Physically, I don’t look my age thanks to Baby Face Syndrome, but I am right on track mentally; I spend most of my time stressing about adult decisions and responsibilities. Growing up is awesome! 😭 In all seriousness, I had a fantastic birthday. I watched Christmas movies in the morning, ate Greek food with my family in the afternoon, visited Barnes & Noble in the evening (I may or may not have walked out with 2 books), & watched Impractical Jokers with my brother before bed. Not a bad day! 😊
• Allow me to introduce you to my new obsession: zoo live cams! For people who can’t afford frequent trips to the zoo, live videos of eight different animals are available on the San Diego Zoo website. Go ahead! Give in to your curiosity and take a peek! Hint: They are more active during the day, tigers excluded.
• I’m almost done with the 2016 Reading Challenge. I only have two more categories to complete. I will be posting a detailed update soon; in the meantime you can follow my Pinterest board and see all the books I’ve been reading.
I also joined the reading challenge on Goodreads by pledging to read at least 45 books before the end of the year. Find me using this link to see what books I have read:
• I reached 100 subscribers on Youtube!! From the bottom of my heart, thank you to everyone who has supported me thus far. I can’t wait to see what else the future holds. If you aren’t already subscribed, follow the link & hit the red button to become a member of my Youtube family and receive notifications every time I upload videos.
My channel is lifestyle just like this blog so I’m positive you will enjoy the content. Subscriptions are free and only require a Google account, Gmail included. I would really appreciate your support! Blogging brings me so much fulfillment as a writer, and Youtube is the whipped cream on top of a creativity sundae. 😄
• Fear not fellow Christmas enthusiasts! Artmas & Blogmas are already on my radar and officially in production. Due to my retail job, I might be a little more absent than usual this year, but I will be posting come hell or high water. Sit back, relax, & take a trip down memory lane to mentally prepare.
If you’re wondering what the heck is going on, here’s a basic synopsis: Since DC Comics threw their moviemaking hat into the ring that Marvel has dominated since the 2000s, fans have split down the middle, and it is heated. Relax! I’m not going to pick a side and start an argument. I’m here to talk about my disappointment. If you like a movie embraced by the majority, no one bats an eyelash. If you like a movie despised by the majority, all hell breaks loose. Why do people feel the need to bully individuals who like a certain movie?! No amount of argument is going to change someone’s personal feelings. You can hate a movie, but don’t attack someone who liked it. It isn’t difficult to walk away without saying something, especially on the internet.
This is a great time to be alive! The superheroes we grew up watching on TV are now on the big screen. We are getting films from DC and Marvel every single year. Why can’t we all just get along and agree that this is FREAKING awesome? If you like a movie, feel free to share and spread the love. If you didn’t like a movie, respect your fellow fans and consider keeping your opinion quiet or refraining from a review that is nothing other than a bashing session.
There’s only one way to end on a positive note. You’re welcome! 👍
Good evening/morning readers! It is 12:28 am, and I got home from work forty minutes ago. I am currently wrapped up in blankets listening to the rain and watching “The Great Holiday Baking Show.” I’m so glad Mary Berry finally made it to the USA. :D My Sunday was eventful to say the least. I once again stayed home from church because I was sick. The week before was more of an exhaustion-related illness. This week, I am actually S-I-C-K. As I was preparing to chug ginger ale and get well, one of my managers called and asked me to work a double shift. Although my head was pounding, I said yes because I knew she really needed help. It was absolute hell dealing with holiday madness for 8 hours, but I survived. Two more days of work and I will finally have time to relax and watch Christmas movies with my family. TWO. MORE. DAYS. HALLELUJAH!!! All of you are most likely warm and snug in your beds right now so sleep tight and don’t let the bugs bite. ;)
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Is sneezings even a word? Oh well! It sounds clever. ;) I stayed home from church today because I woke up feeling like I had been hit by a truck. Dairy-free egg nog and “The Great British Bake Off” on Netflix has proved to be a successful remedy. I really need to get better because I work tomorrow night. Lovely! Sadly, today was the last day of Hanukkah. I am grateful for all of the gifts I received. To commence the Festival of Lights, I will be watching “Maccabees: The Story of Hanukkah.” Here is a clip of the short, animated movie:
Last night I started reading “The Pawn” by Steven James. I have read it before, but I am starting over because the series is longer now so I want to refresh my memory of the first few books. The Patrick Bowers Files is a great series; in a nutshell, the books are thrilling crime/mystery adventures. The format is similar to that of “Criminal Minds” on TV because you read from many points of view including agent Patrick Bowers and the unknown serial killer. I will definitely be reading a few chapters before bed tonight. Smart decision! If you are interested in this series, click the link: Books
I am off work today so the only things on my to-do list are PJs, Christmas movies, and blogging. Even though Hanukkah is in full swing and Christmas is 15 days away, I am in holiday limbo right now. Perhaps starting the festivities early really is a December buzzkill. Either that or my long, emotional year full of changes is taking its toll on my mentality. Oy vey!! I love Christmastime. I’m pretty sure there is elf somewhere in my heritage. Why oh why is the Christmas struggle real right now??! I’m sorry readers. Despite my attempts to be holly jolly, I’m only human. That’s what this blog is all about, me being myself. Unfortunately that includes mood swings. ;) Perhaps eggnog, Chinese food, and quality time with my brother will boost my spirit. :D
I waited three years for November 5, 2015. I can finally say “I’m feeling 22!!!” If you are unsure of what I’m referring to, listen to this:
” I don’t know about you, but I’m feeling 22!”
Follow along as I take you through my day: My best friend Gabby bombarded me with texts at 7am, wishing me “Happy Birthday!” and gifting me with Tom Hiddleston and Johnny Depp gifs. HAHAHA!!! I tried to go back to sleep but couldn’t. I decided to make myself some homemade salted caramel coffee. My mug didn’t fit under the Keurig so I removed the bottom container. That was a big mistake because it catches excess liquid. When I poured in the water, the excess had nowhere to go but all over the counter. Fun times! Unfortunately, the coffee did not taste as great as my expectations. Next, I spent some time checking my social media accounts, blogging, and watching “Criminal Minds.” I published a very special art project that took three months to complete; I made collages to represent my top 6 favorite TV and movie couples. Check it out: Can’t Help Falling in Love
Due to my early morning start, I fell asleep on the couch around 11am. I was awakened one hour later by my mom wishing me “Happy birthday!” and encouraging me to open my presents. I received seasons 6 and 7 of “Little House on the Prairie” and the complete series of “The Nanny.” Yes, yes, and YES. I ate pancit for lunch and relaxed until 4pm. My family went to “Wood Ranch BBQ & Grill” for dinner. I had an 8oz sirloin and macaroni & cheese; wings and rolls were also involved. From there, we went to an Ontario Reign vs San Diego Gulls hockey game. The Gulls are the Anaheim Ducks minor league team so I was cheering for them; unfortunately they lost 4-1. The game wasn’t the most exciting thing I have ever experienced, but we didn’t pay full price thanks to Groupon so I guess it was kind of a win. I ended the night with Ben & Jerry’s “Americone Dream” ice cream and “The Carol Burnett Show.” Not a bad day! My family is also planning a belated-birthday trip to the zoo very soon. I will be vlogging so subscribe to my Youtube channel and keep an eye out for that video within the next 2 months. :)
So far, I haven’t had any “One Year Older Epiphanies.” I don’t feel one year older, but that has a lot to do with the fact that I still look twelve. In the next year of my life, I want to continue working hard and expanding my blogs and Youtube channel. Having outlets for my voice and creativity means the world to me. Thank you to each and every one of you who have chosen to subscribe and follow along with me; it means a lot to me that you care about what I write. Also, I can’t believe our little blog family is 11 members away from 200. What an amazing gift!!
I hope you enjoyed my birthday recap. Don’t forget that Christmas is coming! Artmas (on my Art Blog) starts in 38 days, and Blogmas will begin in 25 days. You don’t want to miss it!
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