Journal entry 121--World Events

What world event changed some part of your outlook on life?


I'd have to say the attacks of the World Trade Towers on 9/11 changed the way I view the world. It seems as though I was blissfully ignorant of the world's problems until those attacks. Now I hesitate just a little before traveling and feeling a bit harden to the world. I remember the morning of the attacks. I was in California and it was quite early. My friend called me to tell me to turn on the news. I wasn't able to turn it off for the next 3 weeks. With tears streaming down my cheeks, I went throughout the days in shock. I can imagine that event had an impact on many people.

Journal entry 120--School

What was your favorite subject in school and why?


I always enjoyed my science classes, in particular zoology. I was a lab assistant three times and loved getting the dissections ready for the students. Animals have always been fascinating to me and I really enjoyed learning about invertebrates and vertebrates. Another subject that thrilled me was art. I think I took an art class every semester since middle school. It's too bad I'm not a better artist!

Journal entry 119--Blessings

With the Thanksgiving holiday here, take a moment to write down all your blessings in life.


My biggest blessing in life is my family--my husband and three children. They bring such joy and excitement to my humdrum life. I know I'll miss the noise and running around when the kids leave for college one day. I can see why people look forward to grandchildren. I have an amazing husband who supports and encourages me in all I do. He is and always will be my blessing. I also have a great extended family. My husband's family treats me like a blood relative and I love the fact that I grew up close to my aunts, uncles and cousins. I know how blessed I am for my family and am thankful for them everyday.

Journal entry 118--Thanksgiving

Describe a memory you have from Thanksgiving past.


Every year for Thanksgiving, my family would go to my grandparent's house for dinner. All my cousins were there and aunts and uncles. The house was filled with children running around in and out of the adult's legs. I loved going to my grandparent's house each year. My grandma was a wonderful cook and made the best lemon meringue pie using her fresh lemons off the tree. Each year, (before there was cable TV) a Christmas movie called, "Santa and the three bears" was shown. To me, it signified the start of the Christmas season. I remember looking forward to that movie each year. Now you can watch it in July!

Journal entry 117--Finds

Describe a time when you found something really exciting, something that made your day or possibly changed your life.


When I was 5 years-old and walking across the street, I saw a desert tortoise in the middle of the road. He was about the size of a softball and had no choice in the fact that I grabbed him and headed home. My mother was use to my sister and I bringing home strange stray animals and didn't really object. My brother fixed up a cage for the tortoise and I named it Pokey because it continually stuck its head through the chicken wire fencing that held him in. I kept Pokey for another 15 years and he tripled in size! He "ran" all over the backyard and actually came when he heard me call for him! I guess my voice was associated with dinner. Pokey was finally donated to a desert tortoise protection group because they are endangered animals. I'm sure he's still alive and even bigger.

Journal entry 116--Autumn

Describe what is it you like or dislike about the season, Autumn.


I love the fall! We use to live back East and Autumn was my favorite season. It was a time of crisp, cool air and colorful falling leaves. Everything about it was and still is--cozy weather. The kind that wraps you up in a blanket in front of the fire with a warm mug of cocoa. Fall signifies the coming of the holidays, whichever you celebrate. I especially like it when it rains and you can stay inside and watch the drops splash as they hit the ground. Each fall, back East was a time for fresh pressed apple cider and homemade doughnuts. Delicious! Now I live in an area that is sunny all year long. For that I can't complain, but I do at times miss the colors and crisp air of Eastern Autumns.

Journal entry 115--Dreams/Nightmares

Write about a reoccurring dream or nightmare you've had for a long time.


Mine could be classified as either a dream or a nightmare depending on your point of view. I like to think of it as a nightmare. Every now and then I dream that I'm back in high school. This dream is so vivid that it takes me awhile before I realize I'm actually dreaming. Usually, I'm either at my locker and have forgotten the combination or I'm sitting in class and there's a test I haven't studied for. I'm overcome with panic and dread knowing that I can't remember a thing about Geometry or Calculus, which is usually what the dream is about. The nightmares are so frustrating because I think I'm going to fail the class and not go onto college. After most of the initial fear is over, I wake up realizing it's been a long time since I was in high school.

Journal entry 114--Embarrassment

Describe a time when you were embarrassed. What happened?


I was just thinking today about a time when I was in second grade and a boy in class liked me. It was always difficult for me to not be embarrassed about boys when I was little because I had an older brother who painfully teased me about everything. In class, I was the classmate of the week and each child had to fill out a form telling why they thought I should be the classmate of the week. A boy named Mike had a crush on me and wrote on the back of his paper, "I love you." I wanted to crawl under a rock! That booklet was supposed to be displayed on my desk for back to school night. Everyone would see it! I had a plan. I scribbled on the back of all the papers so it would not look out of the ordinary. Looking back, you can still see Mike's words of adornment. Apparently my scribble plan didn't work.

Journal entry 113--Food

Describe the worst food you've ever eaten.


During Easter one year, my family and I went to a friend's house to celebrate. My friend had made mashed potatoes, only just by looking at them, I had no idea that's what they were. These mashed potatoes looked like and had the consistency of applesauce. They were brown, runny and chunky. Yuck! They tasted quite terrible as well. Needless to say, we always made sure we ate before going to her house again.

Journal entry 112--World

If you could go anywhere in the world right now, where would it be?


I would love to go to a mountain cabin with my family and just relax, play games together and watch movies. The thought of this is so cozy and warm, thinking of a roaring fire in the fireplace and hot cocoa. Another place I would love to be is on a cruise boat. We recently went on a cruise and loved it! I didn't have to lift a finger! My kids loved the all you can eat buffets and we all enjoyed the shows. It was a great experience for our family and we had fun on the excursions together.

Journal entry 111--Fearless

List a few things you would do if you were completely fearless.


The first thing I would do is skydive. Heights are not my favorite thing, therefore jumping out of an airplane thousands of miles above ground is frightening to me. I would also be able to play solo piano pieces for an audience without feeling like getting sick. There are many things I could do if fear didn't get in the way. The worse fear we have is the fear of failure. That's the fear that stops me from writing books, playing piano solos in public, etc... I'm not sure why I and most people feel this way. I always tell my children that it doesn't matter what others think as long as you tried. I need to take my own advice and just do it!

Journal entry 110--Clever

Write about something clever you came up with on your own that helped you solve a problem.

When I was younger, I had small frogs as pets. I was never quite sure what to feed these frogs because it was the first time I had pet frogs and they were so tiny. I figured if I put a bit of honey in the bottom of a plastic bowl and place the bowl outside, I could collect tons of ants. And I did! Once the bowl was fill with ants stuck in the honey, I quickly sealed the lid on the bowl and placed it in the freezer. After a short time, the ants would of course, freeze and I could then knock them into the frog terrarium. Some of the ants would start moving as they defrosted, and the frogs would have their supper.

Journal entry 109--Goals

What goal or goals are you unable to accomplish because of doubts about your ability.

I have always wanted to write an book. Ever since I was in 8th grade, I've wanted to write some sort of book. For a long time, it was children's books, now I'm not sure what to write. The thing that always stops me is my lack of confidence. I often think about the many other people who could probably write better than I. Boy, I need some help! Writing on a blog has helped me get back into the writing mode. It also helps that the kids are all in school! Maybe soon I'll get started on that novel.

Journal entry 108--Thankfulness

List 10 things for which you are thankful.


1. Indoor plumbing. I can't even handle the bathrooms at campsites.
2. Ice. I love cold, icy water to drink.
3. Freedom to worship as I please.
4. Fresh fruits and vegetables. I don't like canned fruits and veggies much.
5. The ability to read and learn.
6. My bed. I'm glad I don't sleep on the floor.
7. Past teachers who have inspired me to live my full potential.
8. My life.
9. Ruthie, my silly puppy and the challenges she brings me.
10. Lastly, my family, of course and all their love and encouragement.

Journal entry 107--Grandparent's house

What are reminded of when you think of your grandparent's house.


I think the color blue because they had light blue carpet everywhere. Even the kitchen had carpet only it was the kind especially made for kitchens. I wanted carpet in my kitchen when I grew up because of grandma's house. Their bathroom had a sunken shower. You had to walk down 3 steps to get to the shower. One of my childhood wishes was to fill it up with water and swim in it. My grandmother also had an oil lamp in her bathroom. The kind of lamp that looks like it's raining but it's oil drops sliding down wires. My grandparent's house was such a fun place to play as a child. She had a rose garden with probably 50 bushes that smelled like heaven along with two lemon trees. Those lemons were in her wonderful lemon meringue pie, which we ate at every family get together. My grandma was an organists so she had two beautiful organs and a baby grand piano. She would teach me some organ techniques and I loved to play on the organs. When I think of my grandparent's house, I think of togetherness, love and security.

Journal entry 106--Rules

How do you feel about rules? Do you willingly follow them or fight against them as you go?


I've always struggled with being told what to do. Of course I follow rules, otherwise I would be in jail. I'm happy to obey the laws of the land and follow the guidelines of my church but it is difficult to obey when I've been ordered to do something. Fortunately this doesn't happen often but it did as a child. I have to continually remind myself of how I felt when I was ordered to do something and not repeat that with my children. I guess I would have been a terrible soldier in the military.

Journal entry 105--Forgiveness

Who has been the hardest person in your life to forgive? Why can't you forgive this person?


My entire life, I've had difficulty forgiving my father for not being in my life. It has always upset me that he was an alcoholic and chose to love drinking more than his children. One of the two people in life that are suppose to love their children unconditionally and my own father couldn't even handle that. I've tried to understand his childhood and where he was coming from but it's still very difficult because I have felt cheated out of a father all my life. Before I wasn't quite sure exactly what I had missed out on but then after I got married and met my father-in-law, I knew. He is the polar opposite of what my father was and I'm grateful he's in my life. I don't know if I've forgiven my father. I still have a lot of anger toward him but I'm working on forgiving.

Journal entry 104--Animals

If you could be any animal in the world, what would it be and why?


I think I would need to be a fantasy animal because the idea of flight has always intrigued me and also going anywhere underwater. If I had to choose something I think it would be an eagle. Although, the thought of a mouse diet is very unappealing. Maybe I could be a shark or some creature in the abyss. That way, I could explore the ocean. Probably the best life of an animal is my puppy, Ruthie's. I suppose I could be her and have a life of ease--sleeping on a cozy bed, constant attention and meals on demand!

Journal entry 103--Unique

Write about someone you know who is unique. What makes this person so unique?

When my husband and I lived in Utah, there was a woman named Talitha who was probably the most unique, eccentric person I have ever known. Her house decor was eclectic as well as her taste. She wore beautiful, vintage clothing and costume jewelry and her television was always turned to QVC to order any trinkets she might be missing. Talitha drove an old, orange Mercedes with matching, furry seat covers. Inside and out the car was orange. On one occasion I went with her to a pawn shop to look for old jewelry. She decided to bring her pet ferret with us into the store. Of course, the ferret escaped and we chased it all over the shop until someone grabbed it. All the while, Talitha was unfazed and laughing about the situation. We got back into her orange Mercedes with the ferret and her Cocker Spaniel which was waiting patiently in the car and drove home. Talitha brought some fun and uniqueness to my life.

Journal entry 102--Death list

What are some things you would like to do after you die? This may sound like a strange topic to write about but I believe in life after death and there are things I want to do that I can't do in this life. If you don't believe in life after death, write about things you would like to do if you had magical powers.


Some of the things I would like to do are to explore the bottom of the ocean floor. It boggles my mind to think that the ocean is miles deep and there are so many unexplored areas to find. I want to be able to see every inch of the ocean. I also want to relive my children's childhoods. To hold them as babies again is something that matters tremendously to me. I'd like to see what my husband was like as a child and to explore the many universes out there. Flying like a bird is another priority on my death list and finding out any of the unsolved mysteries of the past. Finally, like in my previous post, I want to dance and be taught by one of the best dancers ever, Gene Kelly.

Journal entry 101--Talents

If you could have one talent that you do not have now, what would it be and how would it change your life?

I've always said that in my next life, I want to be able to dance. Not just the kind of dancing for weddings or proms but like the contestants on "So You Think You Can Dance?" I love the fact that they can dance any style and usually make it look presentable. That's what I want to do. I want to be able to dance all the ballroom styles, hip-hop, jazz, even tap! Of course, my husband would also need the ability to dance so I'll have a partner. I guess we had better start taking some lessons.

Journal entry 100--Luxury

What is a luxury item you can't possibly live without and why?

I'm thinking a computer should be listed as a necessity item since most people have one. If this is the case, then I would have to choose a piano as my luxury item I can't live without. I love music and playing the piano so I can't imagine my life without one. My entire childhood always involved a piano in it and now that my kids play as well I enjoy listening to them. The piano is a beautiful instrument although it's a heavy instrument! It certainly would be difficult to carry with me.

Journal entry 99-Voting

Please take a moment to describe your first time voting in an election. What year was it and did your candidate win?

The first year I voted in an election was when George Bush Sr. ran against Dukakus. I really had no idea about either candidate but was just voting the same way as my mother, who was a Democrat. I remember going to work and hearing my boss and coworker talking about Bush and why I was wrong to want to vote for Dukakus. Looking back I realized I should not have even voted in that election in the first place because I did not fully understand each candidate's position. I was influenced by my mother which is what so many young people are today--influenced by parents or peers. Should we raise the legal voting age?!?

Journal entry 98--Birds and Bees

How and when did you first learn about the birds and the bees? Were your parents able to teach you before school friends did?

I was taught about the birds and the bees when I was only 8 years old, and unfortunately it wasn't by my mother. I learned about it from my best friend and her brother. Their father was a plastic hand surgeon and had a library full of medical books with many graphic pictures. When my friend and her brother found out how I thought babies were made they just laughed and took me to their father's library. I got an eye full and ear full that day and had a very difficult time looking at my mother for the next few weeks.

Health Benefits of Journal Writing Tools With Heart

Health Benefits of Journal Writing Tools With Heart

Journal entry 97--Collection

Write about something you collected as a child or that you collect now. If it was something collected as a child, do you still collect it?

I use to collect anything that had to do with cows. I had cow Christmas ornaments, garland, shirts, stuffed cows, mugs, stickers, books, and slippers. For Halloween one year, I even dressed up as a cow. For years, friends and family would give me anything connected to cows for my birthday and holidays. After a while, I stopped wanting to collect cows. However, my friends and family did not receive that memo! For another couple of years, I continued to receive cows related items as gifts. I don't collect cow things anymore. I now collect Christopher Radko Christmas ornaments!

Journal entry 96--Childhood

Write about something you did as I child that you would never think of letting your child do now.

There were several things I could do as a child that my children now can't. For example, I use to walk to school and I lived a good distance from my school. Now I don't let my kids walk to school because of safety issues. The biggest thing I did as a child was go to the mall with just my friend. We were only 9 years-old! I can' t even imagine letting my kids do that in today's world. It's sad that our children have lost so much potential for freedom because of predators.

Journal entry 95--Pets

Write about a memory regarding a pet such as a dog, cat, hamster, etc.

When I was 5 years old, I remember watching my father give a shot to our diabetic dog. Of course the dog was not happy about this and would cry. I would sit and peek out the window and cry as well. I didn't understand that the insulin shots were actually helping the dog and I just thought that my father was being mean. That is the only memory I have of this dog, the first dog I ever had in my life.

Journal entry 94--Cheating

Have you ever cheated on a test or project at school? Be honest!

I remember cheating on a geography test with my cousin. She had missed the test and was taking a redo. I sat behind her and she basically took my entire completed test and copied the answers. Eventually our teacher slowly walked towards us and simply took my test and my cousin's test away. Needless to say, we didn't get a good grade on that test and never cheated again.

Journal entry 93--Hair

As I was running my hands through my hair trying to think of a topic, I came up with this. Describe how you wore your hair as a child.

I had long hair that went down to my waist with bangs. My hair was completely straight and would not hold any type of curl. My mother would put my hair in curlers at night. The next day when my hair was curly, my mom would put it into two pony tails and make ringlets. Each pony tail had about 5 long ringlets on it. I looked like Shirley Temple! As I got older the hair got shorter and bigger as the 80's approached.