#15 -2/7

#15- Read a "missed" classic

I finished "Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl". I knew the premise of the book going into this whole thing. WWII, Jewish girl in hiding, Gestapo find the families' hiding spot, concentration camps, death. I get it.

But no one warned me that I would absolutely fall in love with this non-fictional character. Her wit. Her charm. Her intellect. Her self-awareness. I was smitten with her writing style and stories.

Not only was the story a good lesson and perspective on WWII, but also on adolescence. Those challenging teen years. Discovering yourself, forming your character.

Excellent book but I bawled and bawled and bawled last night at the conclusion.

#49

#49- Bubble bath with candles
(Photo: Google)
Again, no real pictures, I was enjoying myself.

#47

#47- Breakfast in Bed
(In the original post I wrote "bed in breakfast"...hehehe)

(Photo: Google)

I didn't take a picture of breakfast in bed...hello, I was enjoying my breakfast in bed! Does it count if I was the one who made it? I say yes. I made Marshall breakfast in bed and then hopped in and joined him. It wasn't this fancy. But there was juice, hashbrowns, scrambled eggs, strawberries, and turkey bacon. Yum, yum, yum.

Don't spill...

#45

#45- No internet for 7 days

Maybe I should try this one again because I wanted to see what I would do with all of my free-time since I am an INTERNET ADDICT. But I was visiting a friend and didn't have a lot of projects available to me at the time, so...I watched a lot of trashy TV. Um, not very mindful. But I did it.

And seriously, I am so addicted to the internet.

#35

#35- Go to a state in the USA I haven't been to yet

I went to Oklahoma. Seriously.

#15- 1/7 Read 7 "missed" classics

(Image: Google)

I finished reading John Steinbeck's "Of Mice and Men". Depressing, thought-provoking. You know, it's a classic.

I'm working on The Diary of Anne Frank.

#96

#96- Write a poem and read it to at least one person

With limited funds, I wrote Casey a poem for our seven year anniversary. Collective "aw..." and he knew enough to give me praises for my effort.

#91

#91-Speak in front of a group

I spoke in my branch the other day. The topic was a real challenge for me and I have to admit I was petrified. I used to speak in front of groups periodically and I was at the point it wasn't a big deal. But eek! It had been awhile.

And yes, I spoke really fast and I was shaking. I didn't say I had to do it well, I just had to do it.

#88

#88- Blog about something memorable in each year of my life before my 25th birthday

Click here to read

#80

#80- Give up an argument before it begins

Instead of demanding answers and being all self-righteous about how I am perfect. And fighting until the problem was resolved or we were both so hurt and frustrated we gave up, I lovingly said I wasn't happy and I needed time and space.

I didn't fight. I didn't argue. I channeled all of the love I felt into that discussion.

(Image: Google search. Most of my images are found on Google. I am horrible at giving credit.)

And naturally, it went smoothly.

Still hard. But I was very grateful I didn't attack his character or demean him while I explained what I needed.

Very good experience.

#72

#72- Send holiday cards with a personal note on each

While listening to Josh Groban's Christmas CD and drinking hot chocolate. Loved the cards I found on Etsy this year.

#67

#67- Watch "Little Women" with all of my sisters

Jen is Meg. The nurturer, the mom, the wife, keeping the family together.
I am Jo. The wanna-be career woman, dramatic, explorer.
Jessica is Beth. Loving, sensitive, kind-hearted, musical.

Janeen is Amy. 'Nuff said. (Sorry Neeners, we tease.) Youngest, traveler, artistic, fashionable, going to marry for money not love. ;)

(PS- This took place after we went sledding, so forgive our lovely appearances.)

Really, we all don't exactly match up with "our" character but we giggle and laugh about it anyhow. Oh, and cry. We always cry at various parts.

#52

#52- Play piano seven times

I'm re-learning songs I played ten years ago after a few months of practice. I've never been a "natural" but I have lost a lot over the years when I didn't have access to a piano.

Want to know one of my secret wishes?

I want to be a piano teacher. First, I need a piano. Second, I need materials and skills in teaching. Third, I need students.

Someday.PS- Notice the yellow ivory key on the keyboard. Cool huh?

#11

#11- Read an autobiography of someone I have never heard of before

I actually read two because I thought I had said I would do this seven times...

• "A Lucky Child: A Memoir of Surviving Auschwitz as a Young Boy" Thomas Buergenthal
• "Princess: A True Story of Life Behind the Veil in Saudi Arabia" Jean Sasson

Naturally, I learned much.

Suggestions for good autobiographies for a future read?