10 Things I Wish I had done now that it is too LATE

Its interesting how somethings can just rock your boat. Over the past few days I have been considering my limitations, goals, and dreams. I have also been reliving the wondrous adventures of my past. Do not get me wrong, I have done a lot for my young life. I have been around the world (Japan, Philippines, France, South Africa, Mozambique). I have a college degree. I am married and have two fantastic children. I've lived through unimaginable things. Yet, I cant help seeing all the things I fee like I am going to miss. So this post is dedicated to those things and finding a way to recreate new goals that are possible!

At the very bottom of my page is my "Life List," which is basically a bucket list. The first few things on this list come straight from it because ultimately, they are the ones I am saddest about losing.

1. I wish I had gone straight into the mission field. With the news that  require handicap accessible living, living on the mission field seems less and less likely. It's heart breaking.

2. Its really too bad that having a farm it not practical. That is unless some one else wants to tend it for me.

3. I will never change a tire. There goes wanting to be a truly renaissance woman.

4. I wish I had danced. Not just ballroom dancing, because that is still possible. I wish I had gotten out there and "shook it". I wish I had taken lessons or did something. I wish I had moved, because now I am sad I cant.

5. I wish had finished my second degree in education. I look at it now and it losses practicality. I mean, what is the purpose if I will have to give it up someday.

6.  I wish I had done a few more crazy things. Weird huh? I wont be able to do them in my midlife crisis.

7. I wish I had saved money when I was single. Like I said, find out you have a disability is expensive.

8. What is the likelihood I will ever travel the world again? Not much.

9. All of these things on m 30 BEFORE 30 list- Learning to Hula Hoop, set up for retirement, and exotic workouts.

10. I wish I had lived more in the now instead of the future. Its about time I change that.

Do you have any suggestions on what to replace these with? Share them with me!

30 Before 30: Five

This number has been my hardest to think of yet. I started thinking out of my comfort zone. So, number five is:

go skinny dipping 

OR 

take a Japanese style group bath.

Weird? Yes. However, I wish I was brave enough to do so when I was actually on Japan. As for the skinny dipping... it may be the closest American equivalent. I'm not sure who I'd trust for this adventure. 

What can I say? I am one weird cookie. If you would like to get to know me better, you can check out my Life ("bucket") list at the bottom of the page. This includes my more serious, personal goals. Thankfully, Ive seen the list shrink over the years and someday I hope to live a life where I finish the list and have to create another- "What to do when you've done it all". 

Please look it over, give me suggestions. I have a strong belief in living to the fullest. I make an effort to do so. Sometimes I need to be shaken from my rut and remember that life is short!

Day Twenty-Four: Snowy Sunday

It was a lovely snowy day today! It makes it even better to know I wont have to go to  work tomorrow. Schools closed already around here, so I'm free! Even with the wintry weather, we did get to go to church. Another great message from my pastor at River Church. After church we had lunch with my parents and did a little shopping adventure at Marshalls. I found several great deals, but with my husband's help, I controlled myself. There were Coach sneaker is my huge size 11, and at sixty bucks they were a good deal... but not needed! I did however get my first pair of cigarette style pants. Its the closest thing to skinnys I have ever gotten. Anyway, on with the post!

My Outfit

Had it not been snowing I would have rocked some kind of heel. I didn't want to risk injury so I stuck to my flats once again.

From top: black dangle earrings, Argyle sweater, suede like studded skirt, flats

Due to cold weather I also opted for a suede like skirt and a warm sweater. I had hoped to dress Spring like by now. Still, I love the skirt. Back before the holidays last year I got it at Lane Bryant. The cute stone studs make it unique and more special than a normal pencil skirt. The sweater is from Old Navy. During the winter they usually have a great selection of sweaters. The earrings are also from Lane Bryant.

Close up of skirt

My Life List

I realize I'm cutting into the theme of this week by finishing this up today. I wasn't very good about keeping up with it over the last few days. I wanted to share a few things I think I want to add to my life list at the bottom of the site. First, I think I want to enter some kind of plus size pageant. I have entered a few traditional pageants, but they just see a fat girl and not who I am. Now that I'm older and married, those are no longer even an option. Second, I want to be able to take care of myself in a few untraditional ways like changing my own tires, oil, and wiper-blades. I think depending on a guy to do all that is silly (although I like when my husband takes care of things).  Third, I want to learn to work with wood. I'd like to complete at least one project in that area.  I also want to learn basic plumbing. Its just a fact of life that things will break! And last, but not least, I want to feel comfortable enough to wear a bikini. That is a huge jump for me, but as I get more comfortable with my curves it may come.

Looking Forward

This coming week we will be focusing on random acts of kindness again.  We will also be looking at my plans for Spring break. It should be a fun collection of things! Since I have no work, there will be no packed lunch included in the post tomorrow. Otherwise, I look forward to sharing more with you!

Day Twenty: A Cuppa Coffee Kinda Day

For those who dont know me well, I RARELY drink coffee, and never in the morning. But, this morning was a different case. After several nights of little sleep, two sick children, and almost falling asleep in the shower, I knew I needed to do something. I drank a cup of coffee, but much to my disappointment, it didn't help at all. All I can say is that Im tired... I still think Im super mommy today.

My Lunch

My lunch today was yummy. Still leftovers, but good ones. Mexican bake (also known as taco bake or casserole) and Mexican corn. I do love my casseroles. I enjoy making them. I enjoy eating them. I enjoy sharing them with others. What is not to like about them?

I was hoping to do two bento lunches this week, but its not going to happen. I am hoping to celebrate Spring in Friday's bento.

My Outfit

My outfit turned out better today than yesterday. In fact, I got a large number of compliments on my blouse today. It is one of my personal favorites now anyway, but that just kicked it to my complete favorite I think. I got it recently for an interview, but never wore it for one. I really think the cowl neckline makes it slimming. I have lots of picture today! I hope you enjoy.

Here are pictures of my outfit with and without my coat. This is the denim coat I spoke about it my basics. I love it. It is from Lane Bryant and its one of my favorite pieces. The shirt is from J C Penny's. They always have decent clearance and their work clothing in plus sizes is rocking now.
The pants are also J C Penny's I believe. If I haven't mentioned before, my basic black flats are from Payless.







Happy Spring! My jewelry today was inspired by our new season. I also have some great photos for you to view of those as well.

My necklace was a Christmas gift from my mother, so I cant say where its from. The ring however is from a Celtic fair that comes every year to my town near St. Patrick's day. I've had this ring since last year when I asked my husband if I could get a right hand ring. I meant to make it my signature piece, but it gets caught on things. That is very challenging as a parent. So, now its just worn on occasion, like many of my other rings.

Life List

Ive thought a little bit about my life list today. I have considered this blog some as well. I really want to make something out of this. Im not sure how or even what exactly, but its becoming a part of me. I am trying to think how I can incorporate it into my life list. I have also been thinking about how I can make a mark on this world. What will be people remember about me? Who will they say I was? What did I do? Our goal should be to change our world.

Day Eighteen: A Life List

Forgetful Manda

So, at work today I was supposed to have worn green again. I didn't, so I was the kindergarten outcast. Thankfully a coworker had a green bead necklace that I could borrow. I was at risk of being pinched before that point. Otherwise, my outfit turned out alright. It was another rainy, sock soaking day. My hair kind of looked like a drowned cat, but what could I do?

My Outfit

Im proud to say a little less Lane Bryant today, and a little more variety!

From the top: pink and purple dangle earrings, brown sweater, purp

le cords, gold cap toe flats.

 My sweater is from Old Navy and the cords are from J C Penny's. I usually steer away from colored pants but my husband loved these so much that he insisted on them. Although you cant see them in the top picture, I really think the earrings make the outfit. They are a Lane Bryant buy, but they are so fun. They do run on the heavier side, so its hard to wear them for long periods of time.


My Lunch

Leftovers are starting to become a theme for my lunches. They are easy and require so little preparation, its sad. Today's left over surprise is spaghetti. I will warn you, this was not a good choice for a carry along to work food. Its messy and red. That being said, it tasted great even with the mushrooms.

For the health benefits I also included some tomatoes and cucumbers that were salt and peppered. To counter act my good decision, I also brought garlic bread.

Considering Life Lists

I hope you took a few moments to glance over my life list below. Having life goals is an important part of knowing who you are. Some things on my life list are under my control, others are not (my siblings for example). Many of them take some kind of effort on my part. It has been a while since I read over my list. At one time there were many more things on that list. Its amazing how much Ive been able to remove already at the age of twenty-five. I'm married with children, Ive traveled to many countries, my education is complete, I've even overcome great medical issues. At times I have added new things to my list. On rare occasion something strikes me as so amazing or important that I have to add them. The last two things added were the festival of lanterns and seeing a thunder-snow. These are two breath taking views I don't want to miss in my life time. Over the course of this week I will take some time to consider my list. I want to look deeper into why many things are included. I may also decide to add more as I spend this extra little time in self discovery. Now is your chance to get involved. Leave a comment and share something on your life list.

My Kindergarten lucky number today is 50.... lets see what happens!

Day Sixteen: Looking Rough

I thought my outfit was alright this morning, but the pictures today make me think otherwise. The only good part about today's photo is you get to see one of my very handsome sons, Henry. Saturdays are lazy days, I usually don't wash my hair or wear make up. However, both the kids napped at the same time and free time came available, so I took it. It was very nice to have the time in silence while I showered. I still didn't wear any makeup, so if I do look rough, I apologize!

My Outfit

We celebrated St. Patrick's day as a family today, so I had to wear green. Searching through my closet, I now realize I need to buy more green clothing. The pickings were slim and I'm pretty sure my t-shirt had a tiny hole somewhere. Grr, its what I get for keeping clothes so long! It was also very hot, but I didn't realize that until I was already dressed. The weather lead me to wear two different styles through out the day.

The warm weather forced me to pull my hair out of my face so my scarf doubled as a hair bandanna. This picture does give a good view of my one of a kind earrings. These were another great craft fair find. The scarf is retro/vintage... rescued from toss aways.

 My green shirt is from Old Navy many, many seasons ago. My love for this t-shirt was obvious when I found the hole in it. My favorite part is the braid detail around the neckline and flowing sleeves. The jeans are Lane Bryant. The cutest accessory, the baby is all "AmanDrew" (my husband and I's collective nickname). As you can tell I left off my feet. That is because I didn't wear shoes for most of the day. When I did I wore my gold cap toe flats.

 I hope everyone has fun plans for St. Patrick's day tomorrow. Since my family celebrated early, I don't know what exactly we will be doing. Of course we will wear green again, but otherwise I haven't the slightest idea. If you have any good ideas for fun, fashion, or food for tomorrow, please leave a comment below. I want to know!

A Little Laugh
Check out this very funny movie I found today.

This guy has some rocking moves. You can find where I originally found this on Facebook.



Tomorrow starts a new week and a new additional weekly theme. I'm not really sure which direction to take, so here is another opportunity to share your thoughts. We may take a deeper look at my Life List which is located at the bottom of the blog. So, take a little time and read it over.