Feeds:
Posts
Comments

Archive for the ‘Positive Living’ Category

My TA-DA List for 2023

Posted in Positive Living, tagged , , , , , , , on January 22, 2024| 5 Comments »

As promised in my last post, Review 23 for 2023 List, I am sharing my TA-DA List for 2023. The first half of 2023 was amazing! I experienced some exciting adventures, developed some new relationships, and made some wonderful memories. The second half of the year presented some challenges and heartbreak with my mom’s dementia diagnosis mid-September and the death of my childhood best friend Shelly at the end of November. I may not have completed my 23 for 2023 list, dear reader; however, I kept myself busy by spending quality time with family and friends, working, traveling, reading, improvising, creating content, and taking care of my health, family, friends, and home.

TA-DA 2023

  • Health (Dental Implant Crown; Bone Density Scan; Ultrasound; Biopsy; Cardiologist; Regular Crown; Yearly Eye/Dental appointments)
  • Lunch dates, movie nights, dinner dates, and drink nights with friends and family
  • Attended Plays (Sound of Music, Romeo and Juliet, OZ, To Kill a Mockingbird)
  • Participated in various Readathons on Booktube throughout the Year
  • Collabs with Kelsi (Old School April Readathon)
  • Live Streams with Kelsi (books/movies: May, July, and October)
  • Chills, Thrills, and Kills Book Club (run monthly with Kelsi; January-July)
  • Buddy Read The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson/Zoom Meeting Discussions with Rachel (January-March)
  • Anubis: Improv Level 3 8-Week Class (January-March)
  • Helped Mrs. Billie with health-related issues (January-August; December)
  • Helped Claire with Editing Assignments (January-November)
  • Birthday Message Project (January-December)
  • Kaitlyn’s Bridal Shower (January)
  • Pokeno Sub (January and May)
  • Created/Hosted Folklore February Readathon for my YouTube channel (February)
  • Couples Shower for Kaitlyn and Marc with Barry, Sr. (February)
  • Attended Gnarley Gras with Barry, Sr. (February)
  • Auditioned for Clue at The New Octavians & got the role of Mrs. Peacock; unfortunately, play was cancelled (February)
  • Orange Beach, Alabama trip with Barry, Sr. (February)
  • Applied for my first Passport (February)
  • Proctored/Supervised ACT at Southeastern University (February, April, and June)
  • Kaitlyn & Marc’s Wedding with Barry, Sr., Andrew, & Barry, Jr. (March)
  • Andrew’s Juried Art Exhibit at Southeastern University (March)
  • Anubis: Improv Level 3 Showcase (March)
  • International Honor Society Ceremony/Banquet for Andrew (March)
  • Buddy Read The Midnight Library with Mary @ Booking Through Life (March/April)
  • Anubis: Improv Level 4 8-Week Class (March-May)
  • Annual Crawfish Boil (April)
  • Created/Hosted Zombiethon Readathon for my YouTube channel (May)
  • Zombie Awareness Month (May)
  • Andrew’s Thesis Defense in Art History at Southeastern University (May)
  • Anubis: Improv Level 4 Showcase (May)
  • The Cure Concert in NOLA with Barry, Sr. (May)
  • Andrew’s Graduation from Southeastern University (May)
  • Duran Duran Concert in NOLA with Barry, Sr. (June)
  • Scrapbooking (attended TAC Scrapbook Event with Shelly and Donna in June)
  • Fr. Jamin’s Farewell Party at St. Margaret Church (July)
  • Readings for Amityville ’74 at Columbia Theatre (July)
  • Booktube Besties Retreat (July)
  • The Producers Concert in NOLA with Barry, Sr. (July)
  • Helped Mom with health-related issues (July-December)
  • Lunch with cousin Danny and his wife Patty who were visiting NOLA (August)
  • Started Title I Tutoring Job at Mater Dolorosa School (August)
  • Guest on Margaret Pinard’s Fireside Chat (August)
  • Volunteer at HGCS’s Book Fair (August)
  • Sicily Trip with Andrew, Dad, Rachel, Lee, and Emma (September)
  • Halloween Decor Shopping with Kelsi (September)
  • Family Fall Fest at Nalco with Barry, Sr. (October)
  • Livestreams with Andy @ Self Pub with Andy and Emma @ Emma Bennet (October/November)
  • Visited Andrew at Library in Baton Rouge (November)
  • Helped plan Shelly’s Funeral Mass at St. Margaret Church (December)

As you can see, dear reader, 2023 started off with lots of new adventures, opportunities to learn and grow, and treasured time making memories with family and friends. Even though the second half of the year did not go as planned, and I did not cross off every item on my 23 for 2023 list, I still feel like I made strides in 2023 towards creating a better life for myself. I will forever be grateful for the special friendship and bond I shared with Shelly and the memories we had made together since the 3rd grade. And, I am thankful that I still have time to make more memories with my mom. Life is not only short, unpredictable, and at times unfair, but it is also precious, beautiful, and at times full of adventure. Live life to the fullest and make every day count. Happiness!

“Live! Live the wonderful life that is in you! Let nothing be lost upon you. Be always searching for new sensations. Be afraid of nothing!” ~ Oscar Wilde

Note: Photo was taken by me at the villa I stayed at in Scopello, Sicily in Italy.

Read Full Post »

Review 23 for 2023 List

Posted in Positive Living, tagged , , , , , , , , , on December 31, 2023| 9 Comments »

2023 started off full of promise, projects, and possibilities. The first six months of the year flowed smoothly. Then, I hit a speed bump in July, thus beginning my season of sorrow and the reason I have not posted anything in the last six months. That story will be told another day.

Today is the day to reflect on my 23 for 2023 list! I chose CREATE as my word for 2023, and for the most part, it worked well with the aims I accomplished on my 23 for 2023 List. I completed nine items and started three items on my list this year.

  • Schedule dental appointment (implant crown). YES (February; implant process complete)
  • Buy myself flowers quarterly. YES (last quarter flowers in picture above)
  • Buy a new vacuum cleaner. YES (Dyson…I love it!)
  • Buy two white bookcases for office. YES (I bought four.)
  • Buy a book cart. NO (suffering from decision fatigue)
  • Deal with digital clutter. (email, photos, documents). STARTED (still have lots to declutter)
  • Organize home office. YES
  • Organize home library. NO (need more bookcases; bought one for livingroom)
  • Write my personal manifesto. NO (never thought about it)
  • Write a will. NO (dragging my feet)
  • Scrapbook monthly. NO (only at annual June event with girlfriends)
  • Complete Year of Gratitude scrapbook. NO (sadly)
  • Learn StreamYard to host sprints on my YouTube channel. YES (now host weekly sprints on Wednesdays)
  • Host two Readathons on my YouTube channel (February/May). YES (Folklore February – February and Zombiethon – May)
  • Read 23 Books that I did not get to in 2022. STARTED (only read 9 books and 1 novella from my 23 Books in 2023 List)
  • Have a Year of Christie (Agatha Christie). YES (love reading Agatha Christie stories)
  • Read The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron. NO (attempted in June, but too overwhelmed)
  • Read The Galveston Diet by Mary Claire Haver, M.D. NO (on hold after seeing new cardiologist)
  • Revisit Outer Order, Inner Calm by Gretchen Rubin. NO (no time)
  • Read Tranquility by Tuesday by Laura Vanderkam. YES (really enjoyed it and participated in project)
  • Complete Becky Higgins Classroom: Photo Tips + Work Flow. STARTED (need to finish in 2024)
  • Complete the WordPress Blogging course. NO (disappointed; maybe try again in 2024)
  • Update theme (layout) for blog. NO (still suffering from decision fatigue; disappointed; maybe try again in 2024 )

In addition, I participated in two reading projects which I am still participating in one of them (Goodreads) until the end of today because I am hoping I can finish the book I am currently reading by bedtime. I joined the Goodreads Challenge again and set my goal to read 75 books in 2023. I reached my Goodreads goal back in September and hope to complete 95 books this year. I also read 6 terrific books with members of my Chills, Thrills, and Kills Book Club. Sadly, the book club has been on hiatus since the fall, and I am not sure what its future will be in the upcoming year.

I participated in three book clubs on a regular basis throughout 2023. They are the FOMO Book Club, the Middle Grade March Book Club, and the Cozy Cottage Book Club. I read some fantastic books and attended some enjoyable meetings with wonderful discussions. I plan to continue participating in these book clubs in 2024.

I participated in Collabs with Kelsi, participated in Frugal February, and created birthday videos for most of my family/friends for my Birthday Message Project. Circumstances out of my control prevented me from creating videos for everyone this year, so I may consider creating birthday videos for those peeps I missed in 2024. Finally, I did not keep a TA-DA list for 2023. If I can wrangle up some time to create one in the near future, I will do it and publish it in January. I would like to acknowledge my wins this year. The only other extra project, where I was not consistent, was #Outside23in23. I am disappointed that I did not do better with this project, but I did not make it a priority.

Overall, I think I did okay with my 23 for 2023 list considering the turmoil that entered my life in the second half of this year. I could never have predicted that I would be ending the year in a season of sorrow. Sadly, I will still be in this season starting 2024.

Currently, I am thinking about my one-word theme for 2024. As soon as I settle on one, I will start creating my 24 for 2024 List. January will be a month of wrapping up loose ends from 2023 and planning for 2024 since I did not have the time I usually have in December to wrap up the current year and plan for the upcoming year. How did you do with your goals in 2023, dear reader? Happiness!

“When life is sweet, say thank you and celebrate. When life is bitter, say thank you and grow.” ~ Shauna Niequist

Read Full Post »

Halfway Day: A Moment of Reflection

Posted in Positive Living, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , on July 2, 2023| Leave a Comment »

According to Gretchen Rubin, author of The Happiness Project, “observing Halfway Day on July 2nd is a catalyst for reflection.” Six months ago I shared with you, dear reader, my one-word theme for 2023, my 23 for 2023 List with my aims for the year, as well as a list of other fun plans I wanted to participate in alongside my aims. All of these tools set into motion the resolutions I wanted to achieve for myself throughout the year. Today, I am sharing how I am doing with my one-word theme, my aims, and my additional projects thus far.

My one-word theme is CREATE. YES, my year has been all about creating through 1) bringing (something) into existence (content, organization of my office), 2) causing (something) to happen as a result of my actions (relationships-community, friends, family; memories), 3) originating a role by playing a character for the first time (performing improv; graduating from Anubis Improv; auditioning), and 4) investing with new rank or title (myself through personal development; cohosting content with others).

My 23 for 2023 List

  • 1. Schedule dental appointment (implant crown).
  • 2. Buy myself flowers quarterly. (1st and 2nd quarter) ongoing
  • 3. Buy a new vacuum cleaner.
  • 4. Buy two white bookcases for office. bought 3; planning to buy a 4th one soon
  • 5. Buy a book cart.
  • 6. Deal with digital clutter (email, photos, documents). slow going; bought additional photo storage
  • 7. Organize home office.
  • 8. Organize home library.
  • 9. Write my personal manifesto.
  • 10. Write a will.
  • 11. Scrapbook monthly. only scrapbooked 2 days at event in June
  • 12. Complete Year of Gratitude scrapbook.
  • 13. Learn StreamYard to host sprints on my YouTube channel.
  • 14. Host two Readathons on my YouTube channel (February/May).
  • 15. Read 23 Books that I did not get to in 2022. slow going; I’ve read 6 so far.
  • 16. Have a Year of Christie (Agatha Christie). slow going; I’ve read 3 so far.
  • 17. Read The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron. started in June; postponed
  • 18. Read The Galveston Diet by Mary Claire Haver, M.D.
  • 19. Revisit Outer Order, Inner Calm by Gretchen Rubin.
  • 20. Read Tranquility by Tuesday by Laura Vanderkam.
  • 21. Complete Becky Higgins Classroom: Photo Tips + Work Flow.
  • 22. Complete the WordPress Blogging course.
  • 23. Update theme (layout) for blog.

Other Fun Plans for 2023:

  • #Outside23in23 super inconsistent; recommitted on July 1st
  • 2023 Reading Challenge (Goodreads) 47/75 (10 books ahead of schedule)
  • Chills, Thrills, and Kills Book Club ✅
  • FOMO Book Club ✅
  • Collabs with Kelsi not as many as last year; The Shining and Year of King wrap up; cohost Old School April (sprints); cohost live chat of Night of the Living Trekkies
  • Frugal February did well for the majority of the month; spent a little moolah on an overnight trip to Orange Beach-room free of charge (had to use voucher in February); visited bookstores, but spent very little on used books; dinner out
  • Birthday Message Project 18 birthdays so far
  • TA-DA List keeping one loosely

Even though I have only completed 7 aims, there are 4 aims that I have been consistently working on (slowly) since the beginning of the year. I have accomplished a great deal on my YouTube channel, my reading life has expanded, and I am making wonderful memories with family and friends. The second half of the year will see a major lifestyle change that will affect my health (hopefully positively), recommitting to some of the aims on my 23 for 2023 List, and a trip to Sicily in September. I am looking forward to the adventures I will be having from now until the end of 2023. Dear reader, what are some aims you reached in the first half of this year? What are you looking forward to accomplishing or experiencing in the second half of 2023? Happiness!

“Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom.” ~ Aristotle

Read Full Post »

My 23 for 2023 List

Posted in Positive Living, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , on January 2, 2023| 12 Comments »

Happy New Year, dear reader! Welcome to the beginning of 2023 and a blank slate ready for all sorts of adventures to develop and to be recorded throughout this upcoming year. I chose a one-word theme this year that will bring (something) into existence, cause (something) to happen as a result of one’s actions, (of an actor) originate a role by playig a character for the first time, and invest (someone) with a new rank or title. Keep reading for the one-word theme reveal.

I am also super excited about everything I have included on my 23 for 2023 List. Most of the items on my list are new; however, I did carry over eight items from last year that I did not complete but still feel like they are important enough to accomplish this year. Take a look at what I have planned for myself for 2023.

Kat’s 23 for 2023 List

  • 1. Schedule dental appointment (implant crown).
  • 2. Buy myself flowers quarterly.
  • 3. Buy a new vacuum cleaner.
  • 4. Buy two white bookcases for office.
  • 5. Buy a book cart.
  • 6. Deal with digital clutter (email, photos, documents).
  • 7. Organize home office.
  • 8. Organize home library.
  • 9. Write my personal manifesto.
  • 10. Write a will.
  • 11. Scrapbook monthly.
  • 12. Complete Year of Gratitude scrapbook.
  • 13. Learn StreamYard to host sprints on my YouTube channel.
  • 14. Host two Readathons on my YouTube channel (February/May).
  • 15. Read 23 Books that I did not get to in 2022.
  • 16. Have a Year of Christie (Agatha Christie).
  • 17. Read The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron.
  • 18. Read The Galveston Diet by Mary Claire Haver, M.D.
  • 19. Revisit Outer Order, Inner Calm by Gretchen Rubin.
  • 20. Read Tranquility by Tuesday by Laura Vanderkam.
  • 21. Complete Becky Higgins Classroom: Photo Tips + Work Flow.
  • 22. Complete the WordPress Blogging course.
  • 23. Update theme (layout) for blog.

Other Fun Plans for 2023:

  • I am participating in Gretchen Rubin’s #Outside23in23. Basically, you spend a total of 23 minutes outside every day in 2023. According to Gretchen Rubin, “Going outside boosts our physical and psychological health, gives us more time in nature, and helps us mindfully appreciate the moment and our senses.” Going outside every day will be an easy daily challenge for me because I LOVE so many characteristics about being outdoors. Some of the activities I plan on doing outside are ones I pretty much do every day already, such as walking for exercise, walking my dogs, reading, exploring nature, taking photographs, having outdoor adventures (at a park/zoo, in a city, or my own backyard). These are just a few of the activities I can do with so many other possibilities to add to my list.
  • On Goodreads, I joined the 2023 Reading Challenge, and my goal is to read 75 books this year. Follow me on Goodreads (Katherine Loyacano).
  • I will continue participating in the Chills, Thrills, and Kills Book Club.
  • I will participate in the FOMO Book Club on booktube.
  • I will be doing a Birthday Message Project in 2023. This will replace my Instagram projects I have done the last two years. Even though I will not be doing a specific project on Instagram, I will still be active on there. Follow me on Instagram (katherineloyacano).
  • I plan to keep a TA-DA list for 2023. This list is for goals or activities that I accomplished throughout the year but were not included on my original list. These accomplishments should be celebrated, too.

Last but certainly not least, I will continue creating videos for my Youtube channel, Kat’s Novel Adventures. I released my first video for 2023, and it is all about my one-word theme and my 23 for 2023 list. Please consider subscribing to my channel in 2023, giving me a like, and leaving a comment.

There you have it, dear reader, lots of enjoyable plans for the new year. What do you have planned in 2023? Have you made some resolutions or a 23 for 2023 list? If you could choose a one-word theme for this year, what word would you choose? Mine is CREATE, and I cannot wait to start creating more happiness and joy in my life. I would love to know what your plans are for this year. You can comment on this post or email me at katloyacano@gmail.com. Happiness!

“In order to be successful in the new year, stay focused, develop a positive attitude, and be passionate with your dreams.” ~ Bamigboye Olurotimi

Read Full Post »

My TA-DA List for 2022

Posted in Happiness Project, Positive Living, tagged , , , , , , , on December 27, 2022| 2 Comments »

As promised, dear reader, I am sharing my TA-DA List for this year. 2022 has been a fantastic year for me! I am grateful for all of my adventures (the good, the bad, and the ugly) that I experienced and all of the wonderful memories I have made throughout the year.

I may not have completed my 22 in 2022 list; however, I kept myself busy with working, traveling, spending time with family and friends, reading, acting, and taking care of my health, family, and home.

TA-DA 2022

  • Health (Colonoscopy, Endoscopy, Nerve Test, Mammogram, Bloodwork + Yearly Doctor/Dental appointments)
  • Lunch dates, movie nights, and drink nights with friends and family
  • Instagram (Year of JOY Project)
  • Collabs with Kelsi (Year of King, Halloween, and Christmas)
  • Live Streams with Kelsi (books and horror movies)
  • Chills, Thrills, and Kills Book Club (run monthly with Kelsi; January-November)
  • Elton John Concert in NOLA with Shelly (January)
  • Matthew Morgan’s Actor Audition Workshop in MS with Brian and Maria (January)
  • Pokeno Sub (January and July)
  • Welcomed Luna to the Family (February)
  • Puppy Training Classes with Luna at Petco
  • Move-In Day for Helen (February)
  • Friends of the Library Book Sales with Andrew and Michelle (February/April/August/November)
  • Move-Back Home Day for Andrew (March)
  • Attended Plays (Puffs, Lion King, Hamilton, The Way We Say Goodbye, The Jungle Book)
  • Proctored/Supervised ACT at Southeastern University (February, April, October, and December)
  • Improv Workshops (April-Anubis; July-Rich Talarico)
  • Hand-Lettering Class (April)
  • Vera Cost in the mystery dinner theatre Phantom of the Columbia at the Columbia Theatre (April)
  • Travel (visited The Killians in Atlanta in May for Emma’s Graduation; visited NYC with Andrew in June)
  • Zombie Awareness Month (May)
  • Annual Crawfish Boil (May)
  • Van Gogh Immersive Experience with Barry (May)
  • Quit my job as an Instructional Coach at Holy Ghost Catholic School (May)
  • Subscribed to Beachbody on Demand (June); finished 4 fitness programs
  • Kaitlyn and Marc’s Engagement Party (June)
  • Scrapbooking (attended TAC Scrapbook Event with Shelly, Heather, and Donna in June)
  • Readings for The Jungle Book (June/July)
  • Oral Surgery: dental implant (June)
  • Summer Fun List (June-September)
  • 4th of July with Family @ Kerry and Natalie’s house (July)
  • Halloween Decor Shopping with Kelsi (August)
  • Volunteer at HGCS’s Book Fairs (August and November)
  • Buddy Read A New Earth by Eckhart Tolle/Zoom Meeting Discussions with Rachel (August-November)
  • Anubis: Improv Level 1 8-Week Class (August-October)
  • Connie Khan in the mystery dinner theatre Murder! At the Disco at the Columbia Theatre (September)
  • L.M. Montgomery Readathon (September-November)
  • Fall Fun List (September-December)
  • Anubis: Improv Level 1 Showcase (October)
  • Fall Fun Day with Kelsi (October)
  • Octoberfest @ Gnarley Barley with friends (October)
  • Rocky Horror Picture Show with friends (October)
  • Sleepover with Michelle (October)
  • Launched YouTube Channel, Kat’s Novel Adventures (October)
  • Anubis: Improv Level 2 8-Week Class (October-December)
  • Melissa’s 7th Grade Book Challenge (October-December)
  • Greta Van Fleet Concert in NOLA with Barry, Jr. (November)
  • Friendsgiving with high school friends @ Wendy’s house (November)
  • Cloak and Dagger Christmas Readathon (December)
  • Christmas Evil Readathon (December)
  • Anubis: Improv Level 2 Showcase (December)
  • Help Mrs. Billie with health-related issues (December)
  • Instagram Year of JOY Project
  • Year of King Reading Project with Kelsi
  • Shelly and Kat at Elton John concert
  • Luna Belle Loyacano
  • Kat as Vera Cost in Phantom of the Columbia
  • Andrew moves back home in March after his bedroom was destroyed by Ida in August 2021.
  • Michelle and Kat at lunch before Library Sale shopping
  • Van Gogh Immersive Experience
  • Road Trip to Atlanta with my Daddy
  • Family Time in Atlanta
  • TAC 2022 with Shelly, Kat, and Heather (Donna-MIA)
  • Kat and Andrew at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC
  • Hamilton with Andrew, Shelly, and Kerry
  • Andrew turned 21 years old
  • Kat as Connie Khan and Sable as Donna Winter in Murder! At The Disco
  • Fall Fun Day with Kelsi
  • Improv 1 Showcase (Love Island UK)
  • Rocky Horror Picture Show with Helen and Shelly
  • Barry, Jr. and Kat at Greta Van Fleet concert
  • Improv Level 2 Class
  • Friendsgiving 2022
  • Apple Pie Martini on Christmas evening
  • The 3 Cackling Hens on Christmas evening

As you can see, dear reader, 2022 was about making memories, having adventures, and spending time with family and friends. Even though I did not cross off every item on my 22 for 2022 list, I still feel like I accomplished a great deal in 2022. I am extremely grateful for being in good health and able to have all of these experiences this year. As I mentioned in last year’s post regarding my TA-DA List in 2021, “Although I am a planner by nature and love setting goals and making resolutions, I also enjoy learning and trying new activities. When opportunity knocked, I opened the door and accepted whatever adventure was across the threshold. Life is truly an adventure.” And, I still feel this way today as I reflect on 2022. Happiness!

“Live life to the fullest. You have to color outside the lines once in a while if you want to make your life a masterpiece. Laugh some every day. Keep growing, keep dreaming, keep following your heart. The important thing is not to stop questioning.”  ~  Albert Einstein

Read Full Post »

Review 22 for 2022 List

Posted in Happiness Project, Positive Living, tagged , , , , , , on December 23, 2022| 2 Comments »

Today is the day to reflect on my 22 for 2022 list! I chose CHANGE as my word for 2022, and there have been a few significant changes that have occurred in my life in 2022. My family and I said good-bye to our 13 1/2 year old dog Sophie when she crossed the Rainbow Bridge in early January. We unexpectedly welcomed Luna, a ten-week-old puppy, to our family in February. And, I quit my job as an Instructional Coach at HGCS in May. I only completed six items on my list this year and started the process of completing four others.

  • Time-track in January. YES
  • Tweak morning routine. YES
  • Make consultation appointment with oral surgeon (implant). YES (April; implant process started in June)
  • Learn a 30-60 second monologue. YES (performed at auditioning workshop in January)
  • Buy a new vacuum cleaner. NO (suffering from decision fatigue; bag or bagless?)
  • Get wedding rings resized. NO (waiting on hubby to find jeweler)
  • Clean out and organize master closet. NO (procrastinating)
  • Plant new garden in front of the house. NO (procrastinating)
  • Purge paper and organize file cabinet. STARTED (plan to carry over to 2023)
  • Go paperless (bills and statements). STARTED (plan to carry over to 2023)
  • Scrapbook monthly. NO (only in June; not feeling it-making me sad)
  • Complete Year of Gratitude scrapbook. NO (tried in June at event; too overwhelming)
  • Have a Year of King (Stephen King). YES (collaborated with Kelsi)
  • Update theme (layout) for blog. NO (suffering from decision fatigue; super disappointed)
  • Research video editing software. YES (sticking with iMovie until new laptop purchased)
  • Complete a puzzle. NO (kept forgetting; need a space; try again in 2023)
  • Write a will. STARTED (received paperwork; need to complete in 2023)
  • Revisit A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life’s Purpose by Eckhart Tolle. YES (buddy read with Rachel)
  • Read The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron. NO (disappointed; plan to try again in 2023)
  • Complete the WordPress Blogging course. NO (disappointed; plan to try again in 2023)
  • Take a WordPress Podcasting course. NO (did not make time; concentrated on YouTube instead)
  • Take Becky Higgins Classroom: Photo Tips + Work Flow. STARTED (need to complete in 2023)

In addition, I participated in three reading projects which I am still participating in until the end of December. I did the #Read21in21 challenge again, where I read daily for 21 minutes. Instead of reading nonfiction like I did in 2021, I am reading children’s literature (middle-grade/young adult) books. I joined the Goodreads Challenge again and set my goal to read 50 books in 2022. I reached my Goodreads goal back in September and hope to complete 75 books this year. The children’s literature books read for #Read21in21 will be included in that total number of books. I also read 11 awesome books with members of my Chills, Thrills, and Kills Book Club.

I participated in Collabs with Kelsi, participated in Frugal February, and posted joyful pictures regularly on Instagram for my Year of Joy Project. Finally, I kept a TA-DA list for 2022 which I will be sharing with you soon, dear reader. The only two extra projects, where I dropped the ball, were #Rest22in22 and #Walk20in20. I just did not commit to either one.

Overall, I think I did okay with my 22 for 2022 list considering a few of the changes in my life this year. I knew when I made my list last December that it was slightly ambitious, especially with us still dealing with the aftermath of Hurricane Ida and COVID restrictions becoming almost nonexistent. I also had more acting and improv opportunities along with all the preparations for launching my own YouTube channel. Once you see my TA-DA list, dear reader, you will understand why I was not focusing all of my attention on my 22 for 2022 list. HA!

Currently, I am working on my 23 for 2023 list, and I think I have my new word for 2023 picked out. I usually reveal my one-word theme and yearly list in January, but I may try posting it earlier if I can get my act together. No promises, since I am up to my eyeballs in books for my December readathons and movies for my movie marathons. How did you do with your goals in 2022, dear reader? Happiness!

“A goal is not always meant to be reached; it often serves simply as something to aim at.” ~ Bruce Lee

Read Full Post »

Halfway Day: Review My 22 for 2022

Posted in Positive Living, tagged , , , , , , , , , , on July 10, 2022| 4 Comments »

Greetings, dear reader! Gretchen Rubin has created a Calendar of Catalysts, “a menu of dates to use as reminders to stop, evaluate, and plan.” According to Gretchen Rubin, July 2nd is Halfway Day. What a great day to spend a few moments reviewing your goals for the year! In my case, I reflected on my 22 for 2022 list.

My one-word theme for the year is CHANGE, and there have certainly been a few changes in my life so far this year. In January, my family and I said good-bye to our beloved 13.5-year-old German Shepherd Sophie. Surprisingly (especially for me), we welcomed a new puppy Luna into our family on 14 February. But, the biggest change this year has been my decision to quit my job as an Instructional Coach which ended this past May. Without a doubt, more changes are on the horizon for the remainder of this year, and I am actually excited about exploring the unknown and seeing where life takes me.

“Unless you try to do something beyond what you have already mastered, you will never grow.”

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Kat’s 22 for 2022 List

1. Time-track in January.

2. Tweak morning routine.

3. Make consultation appointment with oral surgeon (implant).

4. Learn a 30-60 second monologue.

5. Buy a new vacuum cleaner.

6. Get wedding rings resized.

7. Clean out and organize master closet.

8. Plant new garden in front of the house.

9. Purge paper and organize file cabinet.

10. Go paperless (bills and statements).

11. Scrapbook monthly.

12. Complete Year of Gratitude scrapbook.

13. Have a Year of King (Stephen King).

14. Update theme (layout) for blog.

15. Research video editing software.

16. Complete a puzzle.

17. Write a will.

18. Revisit A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life’s Purpose by Eckhart Tolle.

19. Read The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron.

20. Complete the WordPress Blogging course.

21. Take a WordPress Podcasting course.

22. Take Becky Higgins Classroom: Photo Tips + Work Flow.

As you can see, I have not made much progress on my 22 for 2022 list. What have you been doing, Kat? Well, it turns out a puppy takes up A LOT of time. Luna is wonderful, sweet, and a momma’s girl; however, she is also high energy, high maintenance, and time-consuming. *SIGH* She is also not the only fur baby in the house.

I am reading a ton (35/50 books so far)! Kelsi and I are killing it with our Year of King project, and our book club continues to meet monthly. I have also been participating and exploring other projects that have cropped up since I made my list back in December. These opportunities may or may not impact where I end up at the end of the year, but I feel they are worth pursuing. Currently, I am working on a few of the items that I consider ongoing; they are just not fully completed, yet. These items include: #5, #7, #9, #10, #12, #13.

Finally, I created a Summer Fun List with all kind of activities I have been enjoying this summer. Plus, I tacked on It’s a Charming Life’s Summer Bucket List for more enjoyable summer activities. Clearly, I cannot help myself this summer. HA! The good news is I still have the second half of the year to finish my list. I am hopeful I can complete my list because I am NOT giving up!

There you have it, dear reader! What have you accomplished or not accomplished this year? Any surprises or regrets with how you have spent the first half of 2022? At this point, I can honestly say I have experienced more surprises than regrets. The key is to keep progressing daily towards those goals no matter how big or small the steps. Every step forward gets me closer to reaching my goals. Happiness!

“One part at a time, one day at a time, we can accomplish any goal we set for ourselves.” ~ Karen Casey

Read Full Post »

#YearofJoy2022: A Photo Project Focusing on JOY

Posted in Positive Living, tagged , , , , , , , , on January 22, 2022| 2 Comments »

Last year, I recorded my “Year of Gratitude” through pictures on Instagram with the intention of creating a physical scrapbook. I still fully intend to create that scrapbook; however, it may take me some time. In hindsight, I should have scrapbooked by the month to keep up with it. I am a SLOW scrapbooker. HA! It will include all the people, places, things, books, and experiences that I was essentially grateful for in my life during 2021. In all fairness to myself, I was not really sure how my project would evolve or if I’d even keep up with posting a daily picture. Now that the year has ended, I have some ideas.

As part of my #Read21in21 Challenge last year, I read Joyful: The Surprising Power of Ordinary Things to Create Extraordinary Happiness by Ingrid Fetell Lee (December). I realized shortly after reading it that the pictures I posted for my gratitude project were of people, places, and things that brought be a great deal of joy and provided me with lots of happiness boosts. I loved documenting my Year of Gratitude so much, I decided to do another project for 2022, Year of JOY.

Now, I have been taking joyful pictures since the new year started, but I am a bit behind on posting them on Instagram. I will catch up in the coming weeks. I recently read a post, “JOYSPOTTING 101” on Lee’s blog called The Aesthetics of Joy where I downloaded her Joyspotter’s Guide for free. According to Ingrid Fetell Lee, “Joyspotting is a simple practice of tuning your attention to the joy in your surroundings.” Additionally, I joined her 7-day Joy Jumpstart program. It is self-guided, so I can work on it at my own pace which is generally a snail’s pace. Furthermore, I have requested to join Lee’s FaceBook group, The Joyspotters Society. I think this group will add more joy to my year.

In addition to joyspotting, which is physically seeing something you could not see before, I will also be joyfinding. What is the difference? For me, joyspotting is finding joy in the wild. It is unexpected, a joyful surprise. However, the more joy you SPOT, the more noticeable it will become in your life. Whereas joyfinding, in my opinion, is something acquired or that you already own (a physical object); it is already a part of your life (a person, a fur baby, your home), or it is something abstract like love. You basically FIND joy interacting with people, places, or things that already exist in your life or expecting to experience at some point in your day, month, or year. Either way, the goal is to experience more JOY in 2022.

  • Kat & Barry, Jr. on his birthday (joyfinding)
  • my lunchbox (joyfinding)
  • Chocolate Chip Cookies (joyfinding)
  • pot of succulent plants on my co-worker’s desk (joyspotting while subbing)
  • Angel Birdbath (joyspotting while walking through HGCS garden)
  • Things & Stuff (joyspotting at Home Goods)

Dear reader, you bring me joy every time you stop by to read my blog posts. I hope your year is off to a spectacular start. It is hard to believe that January is almost over. I finished my time-tracking challenge scheduled for 10 January-16 January but decided to track my time for an additional week which will end tomorrow night. I will share my results with you soon. Also, if anyone is interested, Kelsi and I will be hosting our live discussion on Misery tomorrow 23 January at 2:00 PM CT. Click the link below to set a reminder. In the meantime, I hope you have a joyful weekend. Happiness!

“You have a whole world of joy right at your fingertips. There’s no method you need to learn, no discipline you need to impose on yourself. The only requirement is what you already have: an openness to discovering the joy that surrounds you.” ~ Ingrid Fetell Lee

Read Full Post »

Change: 22 for 2022

Posted in Positive Living, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , on January 2, 2022| 10 Comments »

Happy New Year, dear reader! Welcome to the beginning of a new year with endless opportunities waiting for us to experience, explore, and embrace. I am excited about 2022 for many reasons which will emerge as this year unfolds.

CHANGE is my word for 2022. I have been craving change for my life for quite some time, and Hurricane Ida has inspired me to engage change. Today, I am enthusiastically embarking on a journey to change several areas of my life.

In addition, I created a 22 for 2022 list with my aims for the new year. Most of the items on my list are new; however, I did carry over six items from last year that I did not complete but feel they will encourage me to make changes this year. Take a look at what I have planned for myself for 2022.

Kat’s 22 for 2022 List

1. Time-track in January.

2. Tweak morning routine.

3. Make consultation appointment with oral surgeon (implant).

4. Learn a 30-60 second monologue.

5. Buy a new vacuum cleaner.

6. Get wedding rings resized.

7. Clean out and organize master closet.

8. Plant new garden in front of the house.

9. Purge paper and organize file cabinet.

10. Go paperless (bills and statements).

11. Scrapbook monthly.

12. Complete Year of Gratitude scrapbook.

13. Have a Year of King (Stephen King).

14. Update theme (layout) for blog.

15. Research video editing software.

16. Complete a puzzle.

17. Write a will.

18. Revisit A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life’s Purpose by Eckhart Tolle.

19. Read The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron.

20. Complete the WordPress Blogging course.

21. Take a WordPress Podcasting course.

22. Take Becky Higgins Classroom: Photo Tips + Work Flow.

Other Plans for 2022:

  1. I am participating in Gretchen Rubin’s #Rest22in22. Basically, you rest for 22 minutes every day in 2022. According to Gretchen Rubin, “Research shows that rest is an essential element of working well and working smart. Working for long stretches without breaks leads to stress and exhaustion. Taking time to rest can refresh the mind, boost productivity and focus, and replenish mental energy.” Rest will look different to me from day to day depending on my schedule for the day; however, rest could be taking a nap, meditating, reading, drinking a cup of coffee while sitting on my front porch, or talking with a friend.
  2. On Goodreads, I joined the 2022 Reading Challenge, and my goal is to read 50 books again this year. Follow me on Goodreads (Katherine Loyacano).
  3. I will continue reading daily (#Read21for21) for at least 21 minutes per day, so no day goes by without having read something for pure enjoyment. Instead of reading nonfiction books during this allotted time, I have chosen to read children’s literature. This will allow me to track the number of books I read during that time frame and read the piles of unread books I currently own in that category.
  4. I will continue participating in the Chills, Thrills, and Kills Book Club.
  5. I will continue doing Collabs with Kelsi. Our collabs can be viewed on her YouTube channel, Slime and Slashers – A Nostalgia & Horror Channel. Consider subscribing to Kelsi’s channel in 2022.
  6. I will continue my walking streak and walk daily for at least 20 minutes (#Walk20in20).
  7. I will participate in Frugal February again. This is a NO spend month.
  8. I plan to keep a TA-DA list for 2022. This list is for goals or activities that I accomplished throughout the year but were not included on my original list. These accomplishments should be celebrated, too. 
  9. In 2021, I did an Instagram project called #yearofgratitude2021 which I plan to scrapbook. I posted a picture every day of someone or something I am grateful for in my life. This year, my Instagram will focus on JOY and is called #yearofjoy2022. Follow me on Instagram (katherineloyacano).

As you can see, dear reader, I have quite a bit planned for this year. What do you have planned in 2022? Have you made some resolutions or a 22 for 2022 list? If you could choose a one-word theme for this year, what word would you choose? I would love to know what your plans are for this year. You can comment on this post or email me at katloyacano@gmail.com. Happiness!

“If you are going to reach your goals and create the life you desire, you will have to make new choices that will lead you to new actions.” ~ Debbie Ford

Note: I do not own the image in this post, nor do I claim to own this image. 

Read Full Post »

My TA-DA List for 2021

Posted in Happiness Project 2021, Positive Living, tagged , , , , , , on December 23, 2021| 6 Comments »

Many of you know I am a superfan of Gretchen Rubin and her work on happiness and good habits. On her podcast back in September of 2017, she talked about writing a “TA-DA list” if you are feeling dragged down by your to-do list. This year, I decided to keep a TA-DA List of activities I participated in or endeavors I accomplished throughout 2021, so I would not beat myself up too much for not completing everything on my 21 for 2021 list which I reviewed yesterday on my blog.

TA-DA 2021

  • Instagram (Year of Gratitude Project)
  • Collabs with Kelsi (Movie Musicals, Holiday Horror, Zombie Awareness Month, Slashers, Fear Street Trilogy, Halloween, Christmas…check out her fantastic channel for horrorific content)
  • Live Streams with Kelsi (books and horror movies)
  • Became Mr. Mike’s Godmother at the Easter Vigil (attended weekly RCIA classes with him; huge honor)
  • Travel (visited Helen in Colorado in April; visited my Aunt Carolyn and cousins in Utah in July)
  • Scrapbooking (attended TAC Scrapbook Event with Shelly, Heather, and Donna in June)
  • Weekly lunches with friends and family (part of summer fun list)
  • Created the Chills, Thrills, & Kills Book Club with Kelsi (meet and greet was in April; monthly Zoom meetings)
  • Zombie Awareness Month
  • Completed Level 3 Improv Class (in-person in June)
  • Improv Showcase with The Improvables (June)
  • Friday the 13th Date Night with the Hubster (August)
  • Survived Hurricane Ida (still dealing with the aftermath; currently in recovery mode)
  • Survived Tendonitis in my right wrist (finally had to get the shot)
  • Welcomed Ice Cream Bar to the Family
  • Halloween Decor Shopping with Kelsi (October)
  • Vlogs (Hurricane Ida, First Day of Fall, Halloween Decor Shopping/Thematic Fun Day with Kelsi)
  • Halloween ReadaThon
  • Mrs. Slides in the play, The House on Haunted Hill, at the Columbia Theatre (October/November)
  • Successfully throwing Mrs. Billie a surprise 90th birthday party
  • Halloween Fun List
  • Christmas Fun List
  • Christmas Evil Challenge
  • Instagram Gratitude Project
  • Collab with Kelsi
  • Live Stream with Kelsi
  • My Godson, Mr. Mike
  • Helen, Shelly, and Kat in Colorado
  • Karen, Aunt Carolyn, & Kat at American Burgers in Tooele, Utah
  • Donna, Shelly, Kat, and Heather at TAC
  • Kat and Kat at lunch over the summer
  • Book Club created with Kelsi
  • Zombie Awareness Month
  • Improv 3 Class: David (teacher), Maria, Kat, Kerry, Janet, and Brian
  • The Improvables (Showcase)
  • Friday the 13th Date Night
  • Survived Hurricane Ida
  • Ice Cream Bar
  • Halloween Vlog with Kelsi
  • Halloween ReadaThon
  • Mrs. Billie
  • Christmas Evil Challenge

As you can see, dear reader, I kept busy in 2021 even though I did not cross off every item on my 21 for 2021 list. I am absolutely grateful for all of my experiences this year. Every single one of them carried a blessing into my life, making it richer and creating wonderful memories. Although I am a planner by nature and love setting goals and making resolutions, I also enjoy learning and trying new activities. When opportunity knocked, I opened the door and accepted whatever adventure was across the threshold. Life is truly an adventure. Happiness!

“Ta-da list: I was surprised to learn that many people get very fired up by making a ta-da list. By reminding themselves of everything they’ve already accomplished, they find the drive to continue.” ~ Gretchen Rubin

Read Full Post »

« Newer Posts - Older Posts »

Mybookworld24

My Life And Everything Within It

Marcelo Oleas

Self-Love Champion and Life Coach

The Cozy Burrow

Books, Writing, & The Cozy Life

In Dianes Kitchen

Recipes showing step by step directions with pictures and a printable recipe card.

Grace Thoroughgoods life musings

Mostly Theatre, Books and Travel

Edge of Humanity Magazine

An Independent Nondiscriminatory Platform With No Religious, Political, Financial, or Social Affiliations - FOUNDED 2014

Wandering Ambivert

HappierHealthier.Blog

Creative personal growth toward better health and happiness

Keto Zeal

Movy - Best Movie News

Finger Lakes Connected

Eat Think Wellness

Health Matters

The Kat Files

Finding Adventure in Everyday Life

The Dave Cave

empoweringoneselfblog.wordpress.com/

Get On With It

Writing and drawings by Nick.

theleadlesspencil

Doing the best that I can, at writing, running and living

Brewing Coffee, Twisting Words & Breaking Pencils

Writing Sparkle Books

Li. A. Wake

Author and Screenwriter

dastardly.reads

procrastination.queen

This West London Life

Attempting to live a better story ... and scrapbooking it.

Ask Dr S.

Lifestyle, Performance, Physical Medicine

ilovemyhomebusiness.wordpress.com/

Helping families one family at a time.