Updated Bucket List

If you were following along last year, you’ll know that I crossed three items off my bucket list!

18. Go on a cruise

I went on a cruise! How lucky am I? I went with two of my friends from work, one of their parents, and my son. We had a blast! I feel privileged to say I’ve crossed this item off. I didn’t think I would do so as soon as I did after making my first bucket list blog. Check out my blog post “Bucket List #18 and #35.”

35. Own a robot vacuum

I’m such a goof. I love this being on my list. This was definitely a tax return purchase. It isn’t one of the crazy expensive ones, but still a purchase I didn’t want to splurge on without extra money. I don’t use it as often as I’d like, but I’m still pleased with my purchase! Check out my blog post “Bucket List #18 and #35.”

39. Ride on a train

I accomplished this early on in January. The 14th to be exact. It didn’t go how I expected, but I crossed it off the list! Go check out my blog post “Bucket List #39.”

——

There was an item that should have been on my list but I forgot until the moment it happened.

  1. Get on a jumbotron

My best friend invited me to a basketball game. I wore my favorite sparkle dress from Swan and Sparrow Boutique. I received numerous compliments on the outfit. Then my time to shine finally came. My best friend and I made it on the jumbotron! I tried to capture the moment with my phone, but I missed it.
I later found an app that searches for the jumbotron moments and was able to capture it and save the awesome memory. Thank you to my friend for helping me cross this item off my list.

——

I partially accomplished a couple of items but I cannot fully cross them off the list.

  1. Walk on the side of a road when a car drives through a puddle and get splashed by it

I almost wrote a blog about this one because I was so excited about it, but I couldn’t get the wording right, and it started to seem silly. Anyways, my air conditioning busted in my car in 2023. I typically drive with my windows down now. One day after a rainstorm I had my windows down and drove towards work. Shortly after pulling off from a light, I got blasted with a wave of water on the driver’s side. How wonderful! I cracked up laughing. I loved it even though I was a little wet for work. I knew this was likely the most probable situation that my bucket list item would come true. I would likely see it coming any other time and I liked the surprise of this situation.

  1. Fill at least 100 journals with my thoughts

I started writing in one journal a month. I wrote in 11 of them and felt fairly accomplished towards this goal. I didn’t fill any of them up but I’m going to write in each again in 2024 and keep moving.

  1. Become fluent in Spanish

I bought Duolingo at the end of 2022 and spent all of 2023 practicing Spanish. I reached a 400-day streak recently and I’m planning to keep moving forward. I’m nowhere near fluent, but I’m still working on getting to a point to hopefully be a better resource for my clients.

  1. Have a picture with all eight of my siblings

I didn’t get a picture with all eight of my siblings but I did with three of my older siblings and that was a huge accomplishment. I would still love to have all of them together one day but we’ll see if that happens!

I also wanted to add a few more items to the list.

  1. Catch a foul ball or a home run ball at a baseball game
  2. Write a blog a week at least one year
  3. Be on a game show
  4. Indoor skydive
  5. See the aurora borealis

I’m up to 57 items on the list! I’ve crossed off four! 53 to go!

I’m not sure if I feel any differently about the bucket list this year. I have no plans to accomplish any of these items yet. I do feel that my motto for my life and my son, “Adventure Awaits,” is as important as ever. I wish I had more confidence that I would be able to complete more items more frequently. Unfortunately, the money aspect is an issue. Most of my items cost money. I’m working on saving money so I can plan more trips. A few of my friends helped with the items from last year, so I will probably start tag teaming some friends in to see what we can accomplish together.

I think I’m going to shoot for these items this year:

1. Pet a Giraffe

16. Go horseback riding

56. Indoor Skydive

There are lists on google with thousands of items on them. I wonder if having a huge list like that would be better or if keeping it smaller is the way to go? I guess a long list or a short list can be equally as unattainable. I can’t even begin to imagine a life event where I would meet any of the famous people on my bucket list. I think having dreams is a good thing but having a thousand items would get overwhelming for me. I’ll stick to my short list with a few likely unattainable items. To each their own.

This blog is short and basically just updating y’all. Nothing super interesting. Thank you for reading anyways! 

Remember, your dreams are important. Do whatever it is that makes you happy. Take risks but also don’t be afraid to stay in your comfort zone. Getting out of bed every day is hard enough. Don’t make having a bucket list drain you if you do not accomplish anything on it. Be proud of yourself for getting through each day! You’re loved and valuable regardless of what you do in life.

It’s 2024!

It’s once again the time everyone considers new year resolutions. It’s a time some use to start fresh on goals that maybe they did not accomplish the previous year. While in reality time doesn’t magically become any different, but the freshness the new year brings is kindly symbolic.

I know not everyone cares and there are enough memes out there about being the same person as the previous year, but I enjoy the concept of resolutions. You’re welcome to check out last year’s blog on the same topic. I achieved some halfway and completely ignored others. I didn’t accomplish any of my goals in their entirety, but I gave it the best shot I could.

2023 was as average of a year as some I’ve had. I kept the same job. My son and I celebrated our birthdays. My car had a few repairs needed as it seems to need every year. I continued to live in my lovely apartment. I gained a few unwanted pounds. I continued my journey to becoming a published author. Most importantly, I survived. I made it through each day even on the hard days. Luckily, there weren’t too many of those.

I did lose the one person in my life that felt like would always be there. My grandpa passed shortly before the new year. Something about him made one believe that he would be around forever. I loved my grandpa more than most. He had the best heart. My therapist once asked me who in my life I would consider loved me. The first thought in my head was my grandpa. He always showed up for me. When he ran his grocery store, he would always be there to teach me the ropes. He always encouraged my goals and said I could do anything. He always played with my brother and I and made us laugh. He taught us how to be creative and make unique items one wouldn’t see anywhere else. He taught us to love those around us. He always showed up on Valentine’s Day with a chocolate rose and told us he loved us. He was a constant in life and even as I got older and moved across the country, he still had a presence. I knew he was asking about me and checking in on how my life was going. He never had an attitude of “I told you so.” Regardless of what happened in life he would simply listen and then move on to what was next. He was the best storyteller. He had some of his favorites he would share consistently. He had some humorous ones and ones that were simply mesmerizing. He could draw in anyone who met him. He would always help those in need and never ask more from someone than what he knew they could give. I loved him so much and losing him is the one completely horrible part of 2023.

As we move into 2024, I hope to honor my grandpa with the life I live. I want him to know I’m continuing my dreams and hopefully write some things that he would be proud of.

In 2024 I have a few resolutions. Here is my list:

  1. Fill in journals with my thoughts.
  2. Continue writing my novel.
  3. Go to the gym at least once a week. (Gotta start small)
  4. Eat more vegetables.
  5. Support my son’s needs at school.
  6. Try to start up my book club again.
  7. Try to convince my mom to move to Texas.
  8. Drink the daily recommended amount of water.

Last year I was able to write in a journal every month at least a few pages, except for the month of December. I had a journal for each month, and I swapped them out on the first of each month. I hope to use the same journals and continue writing in them to hopefully fill all 12 up this year or at least in a few years.

I continued to refine some of the pages I’ve already completed towards my novel last year. This year, I hope to write more original content and add it to the work already done. I would love to get a rough draft completed, but we shall see.

I was fairly consistent for a good half of the year towards my gym goals last year. I slacked off towards the end of the year and want to get back into the habit of gym attendance. Even if it’s just walking on a treadmill for an hour, that’s more than I was accomplishing towards the end of last year.

I honestly couldn’t tell you a time I truly ate many vegetables last year. I felt accomplished when I would add lettuce and tomatoes to a chicken sandwich at a drive thru. Who are we kidding though, I would almost always pull of the tomatoes when the texture would get to me and a few lettuce strips a year isn’t going to cut it. I truly need to work on my eating habits and hope to add more veggies to my meals in 2024.

My son struggled with kindergarten in 2023. He was new to school and hasn’t adjusted well. I’m hoping to get some services set up for him in the new year and ensure he has what he needs to be successful.

Last year I fell flat on my book club goals. I couldn’t find the umph I needed to post as much as I wanted and reading the books would sometimes be me shoving them in the night before we were supposed to meet. I want to consider doing one book every two months to see if that takes off some of the pressure. I hope my friends are still interested in joining me!

My mom has been caring for my grandpa for a number of years. Since he passed, she may consider moving. I have always wanted to live with my mom again, but she loves living in her current home. I don’t know that she would want to stay without my grandpa so I’m trying to convince her to live with me. Texas is lonely without my mom and having her around would be so peaceful and enjoyable. I hope she’ll consider it!

I LOVE water. Aside from milk and juice every once in a while, I only drink water. I know water is good for your health. I want to stay hydrated and reap the benefits of having enough water in my body.

Just as I said last year, even if you set resolutions and don’t accomplish them, you’re still amazing. It’s always worth trying to accomplish your goals but you’re not any less worthy if you don’t in the timeline you hoped, or even if they’re never reached.

I also plan to reach more goals toward my blog and website. I would love to get updated photos and make the site a little more refined. I would like to post more blogs in general to keep a consistent flow of words out to my readers. I would love to know if there are any topics y’all would be interested in reading about. Feel free to comment, email, or reach out to me on my Instagram.

The ideal situation would be to write a blog a week, but I think I’ll likely accomplish at least one a month. That’s what I’m shooting for. I appreciate those that continue to support me, especially my mom. Thank you for reading my blogs. I hope to interact more with y’all in 2024!

Tucker’s Grocery

To the man that taught me what love feels like. To the man that would give the shirt off his back to those that need it. To the man that served the communities he belonged to for his entire life. To the man who helped build a beautiful family with many generations still growing. There will never be anyone like you on this earth. I hope this short story in honor of you will be a small token of the love I have for you. Thank you for being the best grandpa!

This story is inspired by the grocery store my grandfather owned for all of my childhood and one of my favorite stories my grandfather would tell us.

—–

   For about 20 miles Derek drove past nothing but cows, trees, and the most beautiful grass you will find in the entire country. He traveled to visit his aunt and uncle who lived in a small town in Kentucky. When he received directions, he learned the saying “if you blink you will miss it.” The churches he passed were as plentiful as the farms. It appeared to Derek that southern people really like beef and Jesus. 
   Derek still had a good 45 minute drive before he reached his aunt and uncle’s home when he drove up on what appeared to be a diamond in the rough. A small white sign with black letters read “Tucker’s Grocery” on the front of a two story building. Derek usually tried to make trips to see his family without stopping but the urge to use the restroom and grab a snack made this place seem irresistible. 
   He pulled into a large gravel parking lot and parked next to, what had to be, every Dodge truck that existed. Derek mentally added another item to the list of things Southern people like. Dark gray horizontal wood lined the building, similar to that of a log cabin.  A cork board, larger than the one window on the front of the first floor, held random signs and business cards. A charity auction flyer, a local tire shop business card, and a few carvings that said things like “James and Samantha 4-ever” and “Jody wuz here,” were the stars of the board. 
   It did not take Derek long to realize the grocery store only occupied the first floor of the two story building. Based on the floral curtains on the top floor’s one window, he figured the upstairs must be where the owner lived. Derek walked around in this small country store and awed at how many things could be shoved into one space. The list included a deli selection, an aisle of basic grocery needs, a fridge and frozen food section, a room in the back that held three spinning shelves of movies, dog and cat food, shelves of sodas, buckets of nails and screws, and this store also happened to be the local post office drop off. Derek used the entirely too small bathroom, grabbed a Ski from the fridge, a package of powdered donuts, and a turkey sandwich before deciding to sit for a few minutes at the small seating area. 
   The older man sitting in the only chair not physically attached to the tables gave off the energy of a store owner. Derek quickly learned his name to be Keith and became internally disappointed that no one here was named Tucker. Derek also made the observation that no women were in the store. Every seat at the 12 seater table held a body, except for one, which Derek sat in. Keith started a new story as Derek removed the Saran Wrap that clung perfectly around his turkey sandwich. The story was about growing up in the West. 
   “Growin’ up out west was so nice. Ya never had to worry about not having a job,” Keith started with a calm demeanor. The other 11 men seemed to grunt and nod along like Keith was a god and only his words mattered in this store. Keith continued with a shocking statement of: “We always had a job digging the Grand Canyon.” 
   No one said anything and, like robots, continued to nod along. Derek cleared his throat, and whether he was a god or not, decided to correct Keith. “Wasn’t the Grand Canyon a natural phenomenon?” 
   All 11 heads turned to Derek as Keith said smoothly, “That is what we want people from the East to think so they’ll come spend their money.” 
   Derek considered this statement for a moment and then, with a smirk, asked, “Well, what’d they do with all the dirt and rocks?” 
   Keith didn’t skip a beat and immediately asked, “Have you ever heard of the Rocky Mountains?” 
   Derek turned to his sandwich which, at this point, he had only taken one bite of and began to focus fully on the task of eating so he could get back on the road as quickly as possible.  The other 11 men did not seem bothered by this conversation at all. They all began to share random stories, eat their food, and there were even a few card games that had started. 
   At this store, you paid for whatever you ate after you ate it. Keith ran this store alone and was the one behind the cash register when Derek headed out to leave. Derek had never seen a man with such mischievous eyes. Although mischievous, he radiated kindness and even stated Derek could take a drink to go on him if he wanted. Unsure why, Derek felt he would listen to anything this man said, so he took an extra Ski, considering you can only get them in a few places in the country anyways. 
   Now back in his car, Derek moved to put his seat belt on as he thought about Keith’s strange story. Derek felt 99.9% positive that Keith had made the story up as a joke but the story was told with such confidence it made Derek doubt himself. Derek got back on the road to his aunt and uncle’s home and had a feeling he would always remember Tucker’s Grocery and its interesting owner.

Thankfulish

At church this past weekend, the pastor spoke about being grateful.  He spoke about “thanksgiving” and the Bible verse from Psalm 100:4.  Basically, the lesson is to be grateful and you’ll be closer to God and feel happier in your life in general. 

Since Thanksgiving is tomorrow, I thought it would be fun to create as long of a list as I can come up with of things I’m grateful for at this moment in my life.  I also wanted to use it as an opportunity for those who need an idea for your turn in the “what are you thankful for” part of Thanksgiving dinner. 

These are in no particular order, simply what came to my head in a random moment over the last few days.  My son, God, family, and friends will always top my list so they’re not included here. These are the random other thoughts of my head.  

  • Grape Uncrustables
  • Thumbs
  • Stuffed animals
  • Swimming
  • The smell of popcorn 
  • Leggings 
  • Trashcans 
  • Books 
  • The movie Elemental 
  • Trains (Check out my “Bucket List #39” Blog)
  • Journals
  • Paint 
  • The smell of grass
  • Shoes 
  • Texting 
  • Pushpins 
  • Movie theaters 
  • Recliners 
  • Stitch
  • Giraffes
  • Markers
  • Cups with snarky messaging 
  • Vacuums (Check out my “Bucket List #18 and #35” Blog)
  • Hoodies 
  • Cats
  • Greeting cards
  • Swings 
  • Flutes 
  • Blankets 
  • Blueberry Pancake scented candles 
  • Glasses 
  • Baby wipes 
  • 212 – if you know, you know.
  • Board games 
  • Backpacks 
  • Pencils 
  • Language learning apps
  • Sand
  • Picture frames 
  • Stickers 
  • Fitbits 
  • Card games 
  • Tape 
  • Wrapping paper videos 
  • Tiaras
  • Socks 
  • Tiktok
  • Bananas 
  • Michael B. Jordan (Check out my “Michael B. Jordan” Blog)
  • Potatoes and their versatility 
  • Disney 
  • Lanyards
  • Washers/Dryers
  • Soap
  • Christmas trees
  • Sticky notes 
  • Music
  • Sunflowers and their seeds 
  • Computers 
  • Apartments 
  • Smiling 
  • Hammerhead sharks 
  • Blogging
  • Pokemon
  • Tiny versions of big things 
  • Puzzles
  • Video games 
  • Zip up jackets 
  • Knick knacks 
  • Holiday decor 
  • The patience song (Check out my “10 Songs for Mental Health Support” Blog)
  • Cameras
  • Book to movie adaptations 
  • Buckets 
  • Naps 
  • Birthdays 
  • Random themed parties 
  • Hawaiian bread 
  • Phones 
  • Dinosaurs

If you spent your time reading my silly list, thank you.  I’m grateful for all those who have viewed my website and blog since I created it almost two years ago.  

Truly, there is something about focusing on all the positives in life, even if they’re silly little minute things when you’re looking at life as a whole.  Life is overwhelming.  There’s so much bad.  It never gets any easier, but we can try to shift our focus.  Be grateful for all you have, and hopefully all you don’t won’t seem as noticeable.  

I spent about an hour coming up with this list, and I couldn’t stop smiling.  I wanted to find as many random things as I could to hit a laugh in someone’s day.  I hope you’re smiling.  I hope your holiday (if you celebrate) is amazing.  If you don’t celebrate, I hope you take time to be thankful anyways!  I love you all! 

His Plans

How did a church sermon inspire a blog about being ghosted and relationships in general?  

I just plugged in my Ipod and Kelly Clarkson’s song What Doesn’t Kill You (Stronger) came on and now I’m even more ready to explain so many things.  

Scoffing is the general reaction to people saying things like “God spoke to me,” or “I heard God so clearly.”  I don’t get it.  I’m constantly begging to hear something.  Literally words.  I would love to have God appear and be like “DO THIS, DUMMY.”  I assume God wouldn’t call me a dummy but I need instructions like those yellow dummy instruction manuals I recall from childhood.  

Recently, I’ve been feeling the words “God has plans for me,” playing over and over in my head.  I went to church the last two weeks and both the main pastor and a guest pastor said those exact words.  I often feel like the message is meant for me but even more so these last two weeks.  

I’ve been hating everything and everyone (probably not everyone but I’m being dramatic for entertainment purposes).  My job brings me loads of anxiety.  Being a single parent drains my energy battery consistently.  Being single in general makes me feel some type of way and my therapist is probably tired of hearing about it. 

A couple of weeks ago I met a cutie patootie on the dating app I’ve been using.  He seemed nice, was great at banter, and I appreciated the ease of being around him.  He asked me to be his girlfriend fairly quickly after spending time together.  After a fun and honestly lovely week, I never saw him again.  He kept talking to me for a bit, but then *poof.*  He was gone and I’ve never been more confused.  

Did I come on here to complain about being ghosted?  Am I writing this with the hopes of him reading it and knowing how uncool it is to ghost someone?  Probably a bit of both.  However, it’s more than that.  

I’m writing this blog because I love to write.  This topic is something that is on my mind and I felt motivated to write about it.  This brings me back to the words playing in my head.  God has plans for me.  I’ve dreamt of being a published author and writing, regardless of what it’s about, brings me closer to my dreams.  

I’ve felt that writing is part of God’s plan for me.  After hearing the message at church this past Sunday, the first thing that came to my mind is that I need to write.  Everything in me screamed that this is something I needed to do.  I started with my journal and began complaining to it about being single and then this blog came to my mind.  

The pastor stated “We will never complete anything if our intentions are without actions.”  Oof.  I’ve been ignoring my computer.  I’ve been ignoring my journals.  I’ve been binge watching tv shows and scrolling TikTok to pass the time instead of doing things that will bring me closer to my dreams.  How can I continue to pray to God about being clear when I’m not listening.  I’m blocking him out with Sister, Sister reruns or anything else I can use to drown my depressing thoughts.

I’m a writer.  I’m going to be a published author.  This blog is every bit about motivating my dreams as it is about relationships.  Now, my mom helped with a little inspiration behind this blog.  She suggested I write down a list of what I’m looking for in a potential partner and pray on finding someone that meets the list.  

My immediate reaction is to complain.  I told her I’ve tried that before and God didn’t listen.  I said what I say over and over that I can’t hear God and don’t think he listens to me.  I remembered while writing this blog that I found a journal a few weeks back with a list exactly like the one she suggested.  I wrote it back in September of 2019.  

Honestly, it’s a fairly superficial list.  I’ll share the picture on my Instagram so you can see the official list but I’ll list what it says here: 

“In no Particular Order…

Loves Disney
Has ambition/dreams
Is at least my height/taller
No more than 7 years older than me
No more than 3 years younger than me
Is fit/healthy 
Has a job
Lives alone or has no issues with moving 
Wants to travel
Loves giraffes
Has a degree or is working on getting one
Can discuss politics/religion/race without getting angry
Loves to read/wants a library in future home
Has good teeth
Doesn’t drink or smoke
Follows basic traffic/driving laws 
Doesn’t need to be told to help around the house
No sex before marriage”

I share this part of myself to speak on what it’s like being single and exploring relationships.  I’m literally asking for someone to simply not hate on the fact that I have a large giraffe collection and stop at stop signs.  It’s not that difficult.  

In all seriousness, we should be more thoughtful about our potential partners.  Are they kind to strangers?  Do they interact with children with ease and no creepiness?  Do they have a sense of humor?  There are so many more things than my simple list from 2019.  I didn’t write anything else in the journal after I made this list and don’t believe I looked back at it until I stumbled across it a few weeks ago.  I obviously didn’t take it too seriously and know that I never prayed about it like my mother suggested.

I complain about being single often.  It’s such a weird place to be when you’re in your 30’s and feel like you’re missing out on something.  I’ve always thought that I make a great partner.  I’ve always wanted to make someone laugh and cheer them on in all their dreams.  

Relationships are the same as my dreams.  God has a plan for me.  I don’t know what that plan is and I still would love for Him to come scream it in my face but I’m finding the path to patience, even if it’s filled with many complaints to my therapist.  

Church has been huge for me.  I’ve felt a lot closer to God than when I’m out here in the wilderness wild ’n out with no assistance.  Writing is also huge for me.  When I write, I feel such a freedom I can’t explain.  I feel like I’m truly doing God’s calling.  

So, even though I am salty about being ghosted, I’m still out here with hope about God’s plan.  I’m curious what everyone else’s future partner lists look like.  I feel like lately I’ve been using math.  

The humor of my college best friend +
The height of my baby daddy+
The accent of an ex+
The faith of a college friend+
The ambition of this recent ghoster+

I don’t know what kind of person those things would equal but it’s hard not to compare people to the people you’ve met and possibly dated in the past.  I have no idea what my future partner’s total being will be but I’m excited to find out.  

I’m thankful for this opportunity to write about my life and share a little of my goofiness with the world.  I’m thankful to my church for inspiring me to put actions along with my prayers.  I plan to continue building my relationship with God and hope to better understand His plans for me!   Thank you for coming along this journey with me!

Bucket List #18 and #35 

If you haven’t read my bucket list blog, please head here: https://authorarielpierce.com/2023/01/03/a-30-year-olds-bucket-list/ 

I considered writing an individual blog for each item but decided against it. I thoroughly thought through a well-constructed blog about how owning a robot vacuum changed my life.  

It did for about a week and then it became, like many things I own, a reminder that my mental health is questionable.  

Bucket List item number 35 is to “Own a robot vacuum.”  

I own a robot vacuum! I honestly bought it months ago, shortly after I published the original bucket list blog. However, writing became a thing I couldn’t do for pleasure for a bit. The last blog I published was my mom’s birthday blog in February. We’re creeping up on four months of zero writing… Ouch. I don’t think I realized things were that bad until writing that sentence.  

However, I sought out a psychiatrist, per my therapist’s recommendation, and things have been improving! Maybe I’ll write about that experience in a later blog post.  

Any who.  

I own a robot vacuum! I love it, and here’s the link if you want to love it too: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B079QYYGF1/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_image_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

It does the job. However, prior to it being able to do it’s job, my floor must be free of hazards. It will bump around bigger, heavier items. It will suck up most of the smaller mess, but it will not do well with all the toys, clutter, and miscellaneous items I have all over the place. It will run, but it will suck up your socks and get stranded on a small item that’s too big to get sucked into it.  

Basically, I need to clean my apartment before I run my vacuum. So, the vacuum is great, but I haven’t had the mental gusto to be able to keep my apartment clean enough to run it on the regular. I’ve already posted a blog on how mental health connects to cleanliness, so I won’t go much further into this concept. Here is that blog if you would like to check it out: https://authorarielpierce.com/2022/09/19/to-clean-or-not-to-clean/ 

The most exciting part is that I checked off a second item on my bucket list!

———-

A surprising turn of events is that I checked off a fairly big item on my bucket list since my last blog post as well.  

Bucket List item number 18 is to “Go on a cruise.” 

The tickets have been purchased since February, ya know, one of those tax refund splurge purchases!  

I didn’t want to spill the beans on this one until I for sure went on the cruise. From May 22, 2023 until May 26, 2023 (technically until about 9 AM on May 27th), I was on a cruise!  

I don’t know if it was the fresh Mexico air or five days avoiding any work obligations, but I felt motivated to write about my second and third bucket list items!  

This third item is now crossed off the list thanks to the help of my lovely friend who also led me to cross the first item off the list. She and her family were planning to go on this cruise, and she invited me to join. I couldn’t pass up this opportunity. I didn’t have any major obligations and felt a vacation would be a change of pace.  

I don’t really feel going into details of the trip are important as there was nothing monumental about this trip like the lesson I learned on the train. I had fun, got to spend time with two of my friends, kissed a hot stranger, and my brain finally felt a freedom it had been lacking for years.  

I guess I can say, take the vacation. Do something that requires no obligation to anyone but yourself. If you have children, take them with you if you want, but make sure to find moments for yourself. We all deserve breaks. We deserve moments of goofing off, of meeting new people and sharing a laugh, of leaving our work obligations behind for a bit. If you can’t do that, I don’t know what it is you do but it makes my heart hurt a bit for you.  

Here are a few photos I enjoy. I’m keeping most to myself, but the water was so peaceful and who doesn’t love a good towel art animal.  

Here’s to checking off a third bucket list item!  

Best Mom in the World

I told my mother a lot as a child “You’re the best mom in the entire world.”  Her response would often be, “I’m your only mom.” 

While that may be true, she said it because she didn’t believe MY statement to be true.  

So, I would say, “well, I don’t know if you’re the best mom in the world, but you’re the best mom for me.” 

I inherently changed my original statement because my mother doubted herself.  

Let me spend some time telling you, and my mother, why she is the best mother in the entire world. 

  1. My mom taught me how to dream.  I dreamt of playing the flute.  She was there as I cried because I couldn’t figure out how to play Mary had a Little Lamb.  She was there when I played my first solo in a concert.  She encouraged me to keep playing as long as I desired.  I dreamt of being a doctor.  She told me I could do anything.  She encouraged my brain and helped me believe I was smart enough.  I dreamt of being a writer.  She encouraged me to go back to school when everyone else told me it was a waste of time.  She reads all my blogs and tells me what she thinks of them.  She listens as I propose new ideas.  She listens as I read a chapter of my novel to her.  She tells me she can’t wait to read from my published book one day.  I dreamt of changing the world.  She introduced me to Faith Hill’s song “Wild One.”  
  1. My mother taught me to love God.  I remember being in my freshman “Christian Beliefs” class in college.  I’m fairly certain that was the name of the class… Anyways, one of the assignments was to write a paper about our beliefs.  The only part of the paper I recall being in one of the longest papers I’ve ever written is, “I believe in God because my mother exists.  How could someone so wonderful come from anything but a loving and caring God?”  I witnessed my mother struggle with her relationship with religion and God and learned that this is okay.  We’re meant to question.  We’re meant to wonder.  We’re not meant to follow blindly and not have struggles.  Our relationships with God are our own and we have to build them up in whatever way works for ourselves.  I loved seeing her Bible on the coffee tables of my childhood homes.  I loved seeing her face look so studious as she took time to soak in the words.  I loved singing songs with her as we listened to K-Love radio station in the car.  I loved seeing her happy in the moments when she felt loved by someone who loves us unconditionally.  
  1. My mother taught me to protect myself (and possibly be a little paranoid but it’s okay).  She appeared in my ear on a field trip in 8th grade.  I traveled with my school band but have no memories as to where we were going.  We stopped at a mall to eat and have a bit of free time.  My best friend and I were goofing off in a photobooth when a pair of feet appeared towards the bottom of the curtain.  The person attached stated, “can I join you?”  When we didn’t respond, he opened the curtain and repeated his question.  My friend froze and I immediately responded with “no thank you.”  He did not leave and I pushed my frozen friend out of the booth to get away.  He continued to follow us and I knew we needed to get around more adults.  I directed my friend to the nearest store where we stood by the checkout until we saw a larger group of friends that seemed to scare off the creep.  Without my mom encouraging me to learn how to protect myself, I’m not sure I would have known what to do.  She never wanted me to have to rely on anyone else for my protection.  She encouraged my grandfather’s lessons on what to do in certain situations if all you had was your hands, a knife, or other random objects.  I also appreciated the statements, “don’t talk to strangers,” “always check your backseat before getting in a car,” and “let me know when you get there.”  She also protected me from gum, gatorade, and ramen noodles.  Probably a number of other foods as well.  I couldn’t tell you the research but there’s possibly something sketchy in those items.
  1. My mom taught me about adventure.  It was generally just me, my mom, and my brother growing up.  Everything we did together held adventure material.  Trying to out race a storm to get home safe?  Adventure.  Traveling somewhere and ending up lost?  Adventure.  Going to the grocery store?  Adventure.  Semi homeless for a bit?  Adventure.  This likely holds a little bit of number three as well.  She wanted us to feel protected and know that even though things might not be totally okay, we were a team and would figure out how to get through it together. 
  1. My mom taught me about money.  We didn’t always have it.  There were days when I knew my mom struggled.  There were days when our home wasn’t always our home.  Yet, I never felt I lacked anything.  My childhood was filled to the brim with everything I needed.  I learned to value people over money.  I learned that no matter how much money you have, you are worthy of having everything.  I learned that no matter how little you have, you can still help others.  I learned that a child should never feel bad about the financial status of their parents.  My mother never made us feel bad about wanting things.  She never made us feel bad for asking for things she couldn’t give us.  She simply explained it wasn’t in the budget and she would try another day.  She worked so hard even though she shouldn’t have had to.  The world isn’t kind, but she did her best to give us the best life.
  1. My mom taught me how to love others.  One of the most important lessons my mom taught me growing up encouraged me to put more thought into my actions than the actions of others.  She taught me that some people didn’t know how to be kind or were too hurt to care.  She taught me that people deserved love even if they could not give it.  She taught me to give to others without expecting anything in return and if I couldn’t do that then don’t give.  She taught me to give to others without a thought as to what they do with your gift.  It didn’t matter what they did with it.  If you feel compelled to help another person, then you better do it.  
  1. My mom taught me about selflessness.  I never heard an ill word about my father growing up.  I never knew about the struggles she felt about sending my brother and I to our father’s home for visits.  As an adult, she tells me, “I wanted you to build your own opinion of your father and not be impacted by my feelings.”  Despite being hurt by my father’s actions, she did not insert her feelings into our relationships with our father.  As a parent now, I am attempting this same method with my son’s father.  I’ve never known the level of selflessness she held until attempting to do what she did.  She truly exemplifies what it means to put your children first.  
  1. My mom taught me how to listen.  She listened to my flute playing.  She listened when I complained about someone from school.  She listened to my loud singing as she tried to watch tv.  She listened to all the different dreams I shared with her.  She listened when I changed my mind despite creating a bit of an inconvenience for her.  She listened to who I cared about and cared about them too.  She listened to who I cared less about and still cared about them too.  She listened to my stories without interruption.  She listened as I shared who I loved and loved them too.  She listened as I shared things I did wrong.  She listened as I shared things I did right.  She listens as I complain about the world even though she may not always agree.  She listens as I doubt my ability to be a mother.  She listens as I tell her I likely won’t ever move home.  We argue and sometimes hang up the phone on each other but I know I could call her back in a few minutes and she would still listen.  She tries her best to hear my perspective and has always encouraged me to consider the perspective of others.  
  1. My mother taught me how to be silly.  I have so many memories of laughing with my mom.  I loved hearing her attempt to wake me up by calling me silly nicknames that I’m not even sure how to spell here.  I loved her singing the patience song at us to make us laugh when we were being impatient and then being a good sport when we started singing it back to her as we got older.  I loved hearing her laugh when we would tell her stories.  I loved when she would happily oblige creating a snake out of the paper straw wrappers every time we went to a restaurant.  I love hearing her giggle with my son even though he’s in that phase of not knowing his jokes don’t make any sense. 
  1. My mother taught me to love myself.  When your mother believes in your dreams, you believe in your dreams.  When your mother tells you you’re beautiful, you believe you’re beautiful.  When your mother tells you you’re talented, you believe you’re talented.  The world often tried to tell me my dreams were crazy, I didn’t fit the beauty standard, and I’m not as talented as I think.  My mother always disputed those thoughts that tried to take over my brain.  I didn’t always believe her and I’m still working on it.  Having your biggest fan in your corner really helps your self esteem.  My mom taught me that no matter what anyone says, I’m not lacking anything.  My mom taught me that no matter what anyone says, I’m not too much.  My mom taught me that as long as I’m happy with myself, it won’t matter what anyone thinks of me.  She taught me to embrace my giraffes.  That may be a weird statement but a number of partners I’ve had often told me my giraffe collection was childish.  She told me not to change and one day someone will love me as I am and will celebrate me, giraffes included.  I dress as I want because my mom allowed me the freedom to do so.  I write these words because my mom reminded me my thoughts are important.  I love myself because she first loved me.  

Mom, thank you for recognizing early that I’m a wild one.  Thank you for letting me be me even when it seemed questionable.  Thank you for loving me, especially on days I don’t remember to love myself.  Thank you for teaching me so many wonderful things even though I doubt you had any idea you were teaching me so much. 

Mom, I may not be in a place to afford a trip to see you.  I may not be able to send you a physical gift.  I may not even know what gift you would want (outside of a visit from me).  However, I love writing because of you.  I love creating because you helped me learn to create.  You gave me so much hope for the future.  You gave me so much love that I couldn’t possibly ever give back to you.  

Mom, I give you the gift of my words.  My heart is in these words and I hope you know that no matter where I am, I am always with you.  I couldn’t possibly exist without all you did for me and continue to do.  You’re my conscience.  I love others because you first loved me.  I love you, mom. 

Happy Birthday!

Bucket List # 39

I shared my bucket list with a few of my coworkers and they started throwing out suggestions on how to accomplish some of the items.  Most of the items on my list require a large amount of planning. 

Item 39 did not take much planning!  As a reminder, if you haven’t read my blog “A 30-Year-Old’s Bucket List,” or simply don’t have all 51 items of my list memorized, number 39 is “Ride on a train.”  

I did not expect to cross off an item on my bucket list so quickly after my blog post on January 3, 2023. I crossed off number 39 on January 14, 2023!

My coworker mentioned going on a train ride where you travel to a small town, spend a couple hours there, and then travel back.  Conveniently, this same coworker received an email that included a promotion code for up to 75% off ticket price and sent it to me. I booked the tickets a few days later. 

I’m not really sure what led me to build up so much anticipation for this bucket list item.  I created most of the bucket list as I wrote the blog, googling ideas to create a more significant list.  I’ve thought about riding a train but never thought about it as something I would be sad about if I never rode one.  Maybe it being the first item on the first major list I’ve created made it feel more important somehow.  Owning a robot vacuum or taking a pottery class don’t really compare to going on safari or swimming with sharks.  Riding on a train is not one of the most exciting items on the list.  

Regardless, I pulled out the pink and black checkered hat I’ve been referring to as my “train driver hat,” for 10 years, and hyped myself up for this bucket list item.  

When the day came, it seemed to go downhill quickly.  Our third companion became unable to join the trip causing my son to cry.  The train’s speed exceeded my son’s patience but not my expectations; the thing went much slower than I imagined.  The town had a few antiques shops, one noticeable restaurant within walking distance, and a few random other buildings, none of which were very entertaining for a four year old or a 30-year-old, for that matter.  My son had a complete melt down when I informed him I had no quarters to get a gumball out of the gumball machine.  The train ride back lasted an eternity.  

I became so frustrated with the trip not meeting my expectations, I didn’t enjoy it.   The reality is, we were in a train cart built over 60 years ago.  It was my son’s favorite color.  I finally got to cross between two train carts while in motion like I’ve always wanted.  I went on an adventure with my son who thanked me with the sweetest, “thank you for going on a train with me, mommy.”  

A friend once told me that he had one more continent to check off before he’d been on all of them. That’s an amazing accomplishment. It does make me wonder about the expectations we build for our dreams. We create lists, put pins in locations on maps, and create huge lives for our future selves. What happens when we step foot on all the continents or cross all 51 items off our bucket list? Are we frustrated because our expectations possibly weren’t met or sad because we feel like there’s not much left to do?

I think it’s okay to feel both.  Our expectations may often be higher than the reality we experience.  We all have different dreams and some may feel they’ve met them all.  

I’m still attempting to figure out how to manage my expectations so I can enjoy adventures with my son even if I’m not as excited about each one as I may have hoped.  I’ll keep y’all updated as I go along.  

Keep Moving Forward is a good place to start.  Keep adding items to your bucket list.  Keep stepping foot on new ground.  Even though life often lets us down, it’s okay to look forward.  I also think it’s okay to find peace in the moment.  It’s okay to rest.  It’s okay to do whatever it is that brings you joy so long as you’re not hurting yourself or others. 

I hope to share many more adventures with y’all!  1 item down, 50+ to go!

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We are struggling with so much every day.  I am here to be an advocate for mental health and helping others.  If you’re struggling with an internal battle, just know, I am here with you!  My website/blog and social media page are safe places!  Share your dreams and your struggles.  Life isn’t easy but you’re doing great!

AABC – 2022 Year-End Summary

2022 marked year two of the book club I started on a whim in 2021.  I hoped to read 12 books but the last half of the year is actively being blocked by my defense mechanisms due to it being ROUGH. 

So, in total, The Adventure Awaits Book Club (AABC) read 10 books, although we weren’t able to schedule to discuss the last two.  

Here’s a list of the AABC’s 2022 picks: 

  1. The Pact by Jodi Picoult 
  2. The Final Girl Support Group by Grady Hendrix 
  3. They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera 
  4. In Five Years by Rebecca Serle
  5. Run, Rose, Run by Dolly Parton and James Patterson
  6. Verity by Colleen Hoover 
  7. Loki: A Bad God’s Guide to Being Good by Louie Stowell
  8. Bear Necessity by James Gould-Bourn
  9. When Women Were Dragons by Kelly Barnhill
  10. A Doll’s House by Henrik Ibsen

My personal favorite for the year 2022 was When Women Were Dragons by Kelly Barnhill. It started out slow and I doubted it’s quality and then the women empowerment message came through at the end.  There’s something about women not tolerating crap from anyone and turning into dragons that sounds like a world I would want to live in.  A close second is Bear Necessity by James Gould-Bourn.  The wholesomeness of that book brought joy to my heart and we all need a book that will do that for us every now and then. 

The book that surprised me the most was A Doll’s House by Henrik Ibsen.  While the women empowerment message is a little foggier in this play, I freaking loved it.  The main character made a questionable choice regarding her children but I felt supportive of half of her decision.  I didn’t expect to love this play so much because the plays I have read in the past often move too slow.  With the shortness of this one, it moved quickly and held much more spunk than I expected.  

The Pact by Jodi Picoult also surprised me but not in the way I wanted.  Jodi Picoult’s books have left me completely shocked by her twists and feeling a sense of wanting to read more.  The Pact did not do that for me.  I felt irritated and like that is how you were supposed to feel for no reason.  I didn’t really get it but I’m still a fan of the author so I would likely still recommend this one for her writing.  

If you want a book to mess with your mind, read Verity by Colleen Hoover.  I’ve heard some questionable information about Colleen recently that is a bummer.  I’ve read a few of her books and have enjoyed them.  It’s such a strange feeling to respect someone’s work but start to lose respect for who they are as a person.  

The other five books were all solid choices.  I’m a sucker for love stories and others in the AABC are fans of more slasher/spooky titles.  I think we picked a decent variety of themes and genres for 2022.  

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I posted an introduction blog, for how I planned to incorporate my book club into my website, around the time I created my website but did not follow through with what I hoped to accomplish. 

This is not a promise but rather a goal for 2023.  I will, again, aspire to post on the book club portion of my website a photo of the cover of whatever we are reading and will update the title each month.  I will then aspire to post a blog sharing my opinion as well as AABC’s thoughts on each book.  

I will also plan to post the books to my Instagram page, https://www.instagram.com/authorarielpierce/, so there will be multiple places for y’all to interact despite not being in the official group.  

Let me know what books you recommend we check out during 2023!  Please feel free to comment suggestions on the blog page, send ideas to my email, or interact on Instagram!  Happy reading, y’all!

Our January 2023 book club choice is, Looking for Alaska by John Green!

A 30-Year-Old’s Bucket List

The only memory I have of my bucket list involved me anxiously hoping my high school crush didn’t consider me a total loser. There were only two classes in high school I recall his significant presence and most other encounters were outside of class. In one class, we had to present a PowerPoint presentation including a different item of our bucket list on each slide. Obviously, my love for him wasn’t real because I can’t recall a single item he once dreamed to do before he died.  

The only two items I recall on my bucket list were meeting Jason Castro and riding in a hot air balloon. I’m not opposed to those items remaining on the list, but I’m not as infatuated with Jason Castro as I was when he appeared on season seven of American Idol.  

After I forced my mom to read my New Year’s Day blog, I felt inspired to write another blog with a similar concept. My mom stated she felt inspired by my last blog. She stated the inspiration came when I said it was okay if someone didn’t accomplish the New Year’s resolutions they create. She felt humans do deserve to love themselves even if their plans don’t go as they hoped.  

Hi, mom! Thanks for reading my last blog and all the ones before that. Thanks for being my biggest fan. Thanks for inspiring me to follow my dreams!  

New Year’s Resolutions typically entail some sort of change in your day-to-day life. Whether that be going to the gym, eating better, reading more, traveling more, etc. It’s typically self-improvement motivated.  

If you haven’t seen The Bucket List starring Morgan Freeman and Jack Nicholson, I would recommend checking it out. This movie prefaced my high school class assignment to inspire us to think creatively about what we wanted on our lists.  

Bucket Lists are lists of things you want to do before you die. Unlike New Year’s Resolutions, these lists are typically more long term than short term. They are typically more extravagant than a small life change.  

I thought it would be fun to document what 30-year-old Ariel wants to do before she dies so I can look back one day and see if I am laughing at the memory like I am high school Ariel or count all the things I’ve been able to do.  

So, here we go. Here’s what’s on 30-year-old Ariel’s bucket list. These are in no particular order.  

  1. Pet a giraffe.  
  1. Publish a book.  
  1. Voice a character in an animated movie.  
  1. Visit Giraffe Manor in Kenya.  
  1. Meet Michael B. Jordan (If you haven’t read my Michael B, Jordan blog, please do. Maybe the extra views will get the word out to him! Haha!). 
  1. Go to Disney World with friends. 
  1. Walk on the side of a road when a car drives through a puddle and get splashed by it.  
  1. Buy a new flute.  
  1. Fill at least 100 journals with my thoughts.  
  1. Visit the Australia zoo.  
  1. Own a pink Volkswagen Beetle. 
  1. Complete one of those man vs. food challenges. I’d request mine involve breakfast food.  
  1. Ride in a helicopter.  
  1. Attempt to snowboard.  
  1. Meet Tom Hanks since he shares the same birthday as me and that seems like a good enough reason. 
  1. Go horseback riding.  
  1. Swim with sharks.  
  1. Go on a cruise.  
  1. Finish the crochet blanket I started in high school. 
  1. Have a room in my home dedicated to my reading and writing aspirations.  
  1. Become fluent in Spanish. 
  1. Kiss someone in the rain (It happened to my best friend when we were teenagers, it can happen to me too, right?). 
  1. Visit Times Square on New Year’s Eve.  
  1. Visit the Grand Canyon.  
  1. Ride a double-decker bus and get off it like Amanda Bynes did in What a Girl Wants.  
  1. Go on an extravagantly planned date that my date planned.  
  1. Meet Hilary Duff since someone told me I looked like her once and getting a selfie with her would be legit. 
  1. Star in a mermaid inspired photo shoot.  
  1. Take a picture with the person playing Ariel at Disneyland or Disney World.  
  1. Visit Mount Rushmore. 
  1. Go to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and pick out my own wand.  
  1. Design a pair of shoes.  
  1. Attempt to surf.  
  1. Have a home with a huge kitchen island. 
  1. Own a robot vacuum.  
  1. Be a bridesmaid or maid of honor.  
  1. Ride in a hot air balloon. Yes, it is still on the list!  
  1. Get a tattoo on my arm and have my mom not be mad at me.  
  1. Ride on a train. 
  1. Impact the universal mental health conversation in a huge way.  
  1. Work with an organization/cleaning company in some way. I find cleaning/organizing TikTok fascinating.  
  1. Have a picture with all eight of my siblings present.  
  1. Go on safari.  
  1. Ride an elephant and camel. 
  1. Receive a love letter from someone I also love (No creepy letters, please).  
  1. Go on a segway tour.  
  1. Visit places that have “The World’s Largest…” miscellaneous item.  
  1. Go on a zipline. I almost did but I have an almost embarrassing story involving the high school crush I mentioned above. I’ll tell the story if I’m ever famous.  
  1. Play a game of paintball.  
  1. Make a font out of my handwriting.
  1. Take a pottery class.  

I made this list up as I went. I’ve only religiously thought about six of these before writing this blog. I couldn’t stop as I got going. I also think it’s super fun to have stopped at 51 because I want to hear how many people that irritated.  

Here’s my inspiring message. If you have 51 items on your bucket list and you complete zero, you are still worthy. You don’t have to do anything to be worthy of love and happiness. You’re worthy simply because you exist. These lists are simply around to add a little oomph to our lives. We deserve to have fun if we can, but we all have different ideas of what fun looks like.  

Figure out what makes your shoulders shimmy or brings out your happy dance and do those things but even if you don’t, you’re still amazing. You are so loved!