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Halfway Day: Review 25 for 2025 List

Posted in Positive Living, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on July 2, 2025| Leave a Comment »

Happy Halfway Day, dear reader! Today is the halfway point of the year and a great time for me to review my 25 for 2025 List. According to Gretchen Rubin, “It’s important to celebrate our accomplishments—and also to notice what doesn’t work. Halfway Day is a great time to reflect on our aims and to adjust our approach.”

My friend Liz and I met on Zoom a couple of weeks ago to review our lists, bounce ideas off of each other, and give one another support going into the second half of the year. I love that Liz and I have this mutual interest in personal development, and I value her input as well as her friendship. I had some time to reflect on ideas that came out of our conversation, and I created Jumpstart July for myself. For one month, my focus is going to be on building sustainable habits and realistic routines that I believe will help me accomplish the remaining aims on my 25 for 2025 list.

My one-word theme for this year is PHOENIX. I am preparing to rise up to the challenge of completing my aims with renewed energy like a phoenix rising out of the ashes. At the beginning of 2025, I chose to focus on self-care, organization, reading, creative pursuits, and fun, so let us take a look at my progress from the first half of this year.

My 25 for 2025 List

  • 1. Contact SPA 728 for health assessment information.
  • 2. Strength train 2-3 times per week.
  • 3. Walk at least 30 minutes daily, preferably outside. as of today, walked 28 times
  • 4. Reduce reflux meds to 20 mg. 
  • 5. Keep a JOY journal.
  • 6. Create a Book of Life.
  • 7. Clear the clutter in my scrapbook room. in progress
  • 8. Clear the clutter in my bedroom closet.
  • 9. Buy a comfortable chair for my home office.
  • 10. Organize home library. in progress
  • 11. Keep track of spending on books. January-June: $600.61
  • 12. Start a new booktube project. (Saturday Morning Momentum: Thrive in 2025)
  • 13. Organize videos on Kat’s Novel Adventures (create playlists). in progress
  • 14. Read 25 Books that have been on my shelves for 5 years or more. in progress
  • 15. Start The Dark Tower Series by Stephen King. changed from read to start
  • 16. Read Paperbacks from Hell by Grady Hendrix.
  • 17. Write 25 blog posts on The Kat Files. including this one, 6 of 25 posts
  • 18. Scrapbook 25 times in 2025.
  • 19. Attend TAC Scrapbook Event in June with Donna and Heather.
  • 20. Volunteer at the Friends of the Library store during the summer. filled out volunteer form
  • 21. Visit the New Orleans Vampire Café in New Orleans.
  • 22. Visit the English Tea Room in Covington.
  • 23. Visit the Hammond Farmers & Artisans Market at least 5 times. 1 of 5 times
  • 24. Attend The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee at The Columbia Theatre in March.
  • 25. Put a deposit down on running The Open Book in Scotland.

As for my other fun plans for 2025, I am earning gold stars.

  • Participate in Gretchen Rubin’s #Read25in25. every day for 25 + minutes
  • 2025 Reading Challenge on Goodreads 51 of 100 books (behind on book reviews)
  • Nevermore, Folklore February, Zombiethon Readathons ✅
  • Interaction with members of the Chills, Thrills, and Kills Book Club on Facebook not much
  • Book Clubs (FOMO, MGM, Cozy Cottage, and Book Wyrm) participating in all 4 clubs
  • Collabs with Kelsi (Terrifier live chat; cohosted Old School April)
  • Frugal February ✅
  • TA-DA List haven’t offically started list

I have completed 5 aims with 9 aims in progress. Even though I have taken a step back from creating content on my YouTube channel (15 videos released between January and April), I successfully hosted three readathons and consistently host livestreams on Wednesday afternoons and Saturday mornings. I am in a weird place with my channel at the moment, and I have taken a hiatus from creating content with no idea when I will start creating new content. Also, I made a slight adjustment to #15 on my list. Instead of reading The Dark Tower Series, I am starting it this year. There is no way with all of the other books I want to read this year that I will be able to read the entire series by the end of 2025, especially since I have not even started reading The Gunslinger, yet.

The second half of the year will see a recommitment to the aims on my 25 for 2025 list, working hard on self-improvement, especially where my health is concerned, and getting my home in order. I also have to spend time helping my Dad get his house in order. I will not be going back to work this fall as a Title I Tutor, so between now and the end of the year, I will be helping him with decluttering and organizing his house. I am ready to get started, and I am excited to see everything I will accomplish in the next six months. 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 2025? Happiness!

“The magic in new beginnings is truly the most powerful of them all.” ~ Josiyah Martin

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Phoenix: 25 for 2025 + Read25in25

Posted in Positive Living, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on March 4, 2025| 2 Comments »

Daylight Saving Time is fast approaching, dear reader, and I am thrilled to finally get my new year in high gear. Stepping into 2025 felt overwhelming but oddly familiar to stepping into 2024. I was playing catch-up from the previous year while having a vague idea of my plans for this year. I had adjusted my mindset last year and started my 2024 on the Lunar New Year. So, that plan was put into place again this year, but the Lunar New Year has come and gone with barely any progress. Why? I am still stuck in catch-up mode because of a few tasks I cannot let go. With that being said, I am seeing a bright light at the end of the tunnel, and I have a project in place that I think will make 2025 my best year, yet.

PHOENIX is my word for 2025. My friend Kelsi actually came up with my word. On a car ride together in November, I shared with her that I was thinking about my one-word theme for the new year and what I was leaning towards, and she offered the Phoenix (a mythological creature that is reborn from its ashes) as a suggestion. After wearing out RESET in 2024 and desperately wanting my season of sorrow to end, I needed a strong word to get back on course. My plans for this year focus on self-care, organization, reading, creative pursuits, and fun.

In addition to my one-word theme, I created a 25 for 2025 list with my aims for the new year. Almost all of the items on my list are new; however, I did carry over six items from last year that I did not complete but really want to accomplish this year. Take a look at what I have planned for myself for 2025.

Kat’s 25 for 2025 List

  • 1. Contact SPA 728 for health assessment information.
  • 2. Strength train 2-3 times per week.
  • 3. Walk at least 30 minutes daily, preferably outside.
  • 4. Reduce reflux meds to 20 mg. 
  • 5. Keep a JOY journal.
  • 6. Create a Book of Life.
  • 7. Clear the clutter in my scrapbook room.
  • 8. Clear the clutter in my bedroom closet.
  • 9. Buy a comfortable chair for my home office.
  • 10. Organize home library.
  • 11. Keep track of spending on books. 
  • 12. Start a new booktube project. (Saturday Morning Momentum: Thrive in 2025)
  • 13. Organize videos on Kat’s Novel Adventures (create playlists).
  • 14. Read 25 Books that have been on my shelves for 5 years or more.
  • 15. Read The Dark Tower Series by Stephen King.
  • 16. Read Paperbacks from Hell by Grady Hendrix.
  • 17. Write 25 blog posts on The Kat Files.
  • 18. Scrapbook 25 times in 2025.
  • 19. Attend TAC Scrapbook Event in June with Donna and Heather.
  • 20. Volunteer at the Friends of the Library store during the summer.
  • 21. Visit the New Orleans Vampire Café in New Orleans.
  • 22. Visit the English Tea Room in Covington.
  • 23. Visit the Hammond Farmers & Artisans Market at least 5 times.
  • 24. Attend The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee at The Columbia Theatre in March.
  • 25. Put a deposit down on running The Open Book in Scotland.

I made a bingo board with my aims! Several members in the Happier in Hollywood Facebook group shared their bingo boards at the beginning of the year, so I decided to do one as well. Fun project!

Other Fun Plans for 2025:

  • Participate in Gretchen Rubin’s #Read25in25. The challenge is to spend 25 minutes reading daily in 2025. This challenge is the third element of Rubin’s Design Your Year: 2025 with the one-word theme and list of aims being the other two elements. According to Gretchen Rubin, “Research shows that reading is good for us: it benefits mental health, sharpens the brain, makes us more empathetic, helps us learn, and increases our tolerance for uncertainty. And most importantly, it’s fun!” Reading at least 25 minutes every day will be an easy daily challenge for me because I LOVE reading. It is my favorite activity, and I already read every day much more than 25 minutes; therefore, I have designated my daily 25-minute reading time for this challenge to read nonfiction.
  • Join the 2025 Reading Challenge on Goodreads. My goal is to read 100 books this year. Follow me on Goodreads (Katherine Loyacano).
  • Host three readathons on my YouTube channel: Nevermore, Folklore February, and Zombiethon.
  • Interact with members of the Chills, Thrills, and Kills Book Club on Facebook.
  • Participate in Booktube Book Clubs (FOMO, MGM, Cozy Cottage, and Book Wyrm).
  • Continue doing Collabs with Kelsi. Our collabs can be viewed on her YouTube channel, Slime and Slashers – A Nostalgia & Horror Channel as well as her new movie YouTube channel, Nightmares and Nostalgia. Please consider subscribing to Kelsi’s channels in 2025.
  • Participate in Frugal February. This is a NO spend month.
  • Keep a TA-DA list for 2025. 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.

Additionally, I will continue creating videos for my Youtube channel, Kat’s Novel Adventures. I passed my two-year anniversary of releasing my first video on 28 October 2024. As of the writing of this post, I have 1.19K subscribers and 270 videos for public viewing. My channel was monetized in May 2024, and I received my first check in January of this year. Happiness Boost! My channel growth is a slow-going process, dear reader, and I am fine with it. I love my small community of friends; they bring me so much joy. I have included a video about Designing My Year: 2025 below if you are interested in hearing more about my plans for 2025. Please consider subscribing to my channel, giving me a like, and leaving a comment.

As you can see, dear reader, I have planned another year of adventures for 2025. All of these aims and activities give me hope of getting my life back on track. I am excited about tackling my aims while also exploring other opportunities that might crop up this year. Happiness!

“Wake up, wild one! You are the phoenix, the firebird, the one who rises from the ashes of the past.” ~ A. A. Malee

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My TA-DA List for 2024

Posted in Positive Living, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , on February 19, 2025| Leave a Comment »

As I mentioned in my last post, Review 24 for 2024 List, I am sharing my TA-DA List for 2024. The first month of 2024 started off a bit rocky. My mom broke her hip on 23 December 2023, and she had to have surgery the next morning. I spent 11 nights (and a couple days) in the hospital with her before she was transferred to a skilled nursing facility on 03 January 2024. My Dad took the day shift for the most part. I live an hour away from Ochsner Hospital, so there were a couple of days I just stayed day and night because I did not want to drive home then drive back later that afternoon. And, it also gave my Dad a break. Despite it not being the most ideal situation, especially during the holidays, I treasure that time with my mom. I did not want her to be alone, and I enjoyed taking care of her alongside the hospital staff. My mom was discharged from the skilled nursing facility on 23 January 2024, and we got back into our routine with me driving to and from my parents’ house a couple of times a week to help my Dad care for her.

Reflecting on my year revealed that I had pockets of time throughout 2024 that added up to plenty of joyful adventures with family and friends. 2024 was definitely a year filled with peaks and valleys for me. As you know, dear reader, we cannot just experience the peaks in life. However, the valleys sure do make us appreciate the peaks even more. Even though I hosted, co-hosted, and participated in readathons (online) throughout the year, I scaled back tremendously on my participation during these reading events. I also started listening to audiobooks in February since I was driving to and from my parents’ house on a regular basis. This format afforded me more time to read since reading is my absolute favorite pastime. So, I may not have completed all of the aims on my 24 for 2024 List, but it is pretty clear from my TA-DA list that I accomplished a great deal overall in 2024.

TA-DA 2024

  • My Health Adventures (Yearly Eye/Dental appointments; Mammogram; Gynocologist)
  • Lunch dates, coffee dates, dinner dates, movie dates, and movie watch parties with friends and family sprinkled throughout the Year
  • Participated in various online Readathons/Book Clubs/Buddy Reads (Booktube) throughout the Year
  • Hosted What’s Up Wednesday! weekly live Reading/Productivity Sprints on my Youtube Channel
  • Attended Plays (Grease, The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940, War of the Worlds, Frankenstein, and Clue)
  • Helped Mom with health-related issues (January-August)
  • Slumber parties with my parents (January-August)
  • Attended Dementia Caregiver Support Group Meetings with my Dad (January, March, April, October)
  • Title I Tutoring Job at Mater Dolorosa School on Tuesdays and Thursdays (January-May)
  • Improv Workshop with Lynae LeBlanc at Anubis Improv (January)
  • Hosted the Nevermore Readathon: A Week with Edgar Allan Poe on my YouTube channel (January)
  • Gnarley Gras with Barry, Sr. (January)
  • Co-hosted the Mardi Gras Readathon with Laurie @Books, Ink and Paper (January/February)
  • Book Shopping at the Friends of the Library Store (January, June, September)
  • Hosted Folklore February Readathon on my YouTube channel (February)
  • Improv Workshop with Adrienne Bruno at Anubis Improv (February)
  • Attended Booktube Besties Virtual Reading Retreat (February)
  • Attended Disturbed concert with Barry, Sr. (February)
  • Participated in Live Book Discussion of Grimm Memorials with Kelsi and Nathan on Kelsi’s Youtube Channel (March)
  • Co-hosted the Old School April Readathon with Kelsi @Slime and Slashers (April)
  • Attended a Tea Party at the Sims Library at Southeastern University (April)
  • Visited Shelly at Wetmore Cemetary and attended Dinner afterwards with friends (April)
  • Hosted Zombiethon for my YouTube channel (May)
  • Zombie Awareness Month (May)
  • Live Horror Chat with Cliff on his channel Cliff’s Dark Gems (May)
  • Reached 1,000 Subscribers on Kat’s Novel Adventures (May)
  • Livestreams with Andy @ Self Pub with Andy and Emma @ Emma Bennet (May)
  • Kaitlyn’s Baby Shower (June)
  • Tea Party with my sister Rachel and my parents (June)
  • Group Mind Workshop at Anubis Improv (June)
  • Started The Book Wrym Club with Alex (June)
  • Visited Andrew at Library in Baton Rouge (June and August)
  • 4th of July BBQ at Kerry and Natalie’s home with Barry, Sr. (July)
  • Two-Day Trip to Orange Beach and visited Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo with Barry, Sr. (July)
  • Helped Dad plan Mom’s burial arrangements (August)
  • Attended one session of Sketch Writing Level 1 at Anubis Improv (August)
  • Attended Booktube Besties Virtual Reading Retreat (August)
  • Fall/Halloween Decor Shopping with Kelsi (August)
  • Helped Mrs. Billie with health-related issues (August-October)
  • Performed in Blood on Yellowstone at Columbia Theatre (September)
  • Volunteered at MDS Book Fair (September)
  • Andrew and Meagan got engaged (September 12th) Happiness Boost!
  • Attended Author Event (Jerry Pallota) at Baton Rouge Library and had lunch with Andrew afterwards (September)
  • Title I Tutoring Job at Mater Dolorosa School: Monday-Thursday (September-December)
  • Part of the Monster Squad for Kelsi’s online Halloween-A-Thon Event (September/October)
  • Nalco Trunk or Treat with Barry, Sr. and Dad (October)
  • Dinner at Jeff and Joanna’s home to meet Kerry Cyrus’s girlfriend Michelle (November)
  • Thanksgiving at Kerry and Natalie’s home with Barry, Sr. and Dad (November)
  • Visited Shelly at Wetmore Cemetary and attended Mass afterwards with Barry, Sr. and friends (November)
  • Attended Friendsgiving with Barry, Sr. (November)
  • Watched The Muppet Christmas Carol Movie at the Columbia Theatre with Barry, Sr. and Dad (December)
  • Hosted Holiday Hell Reading/Productivity Sprints (live) on my Youtube Channel (December)
  • Krampus Haunted House with Kelsi (December)
  • Mr. Clarence’s 80th Birthday Party with Dad (December)
  • Brayden and Melyssa’s Gender Reveal Party (December)
  • Visited Mom at Lakelawn Cemetary with Family (December)
  • Hosted Christmas – Sister and niece Emma in town (December)
  • Edgar Allan Poe Speakeasy with Barry, Sr. (December)
  • Lunch with friend Georgia and her family who were visiting NOLA (December)

As you can see, dear reader, 2024 had a good amount of joy. Sometimes, it is hard to spot the joy when you are living in the midst of sorrow or upheaval. This is the second year in a row that the second half of the year did not go smoothly, and I did not get to everything on my 24 for 2024 list. However, I was still able to maintain my connections with family and friends, continue working on my creative pursuits, and participate in activities that brought me joy while helping my Dad take care of my Mom and helping my mother-in-law when she needed it. Losing both my Mom and Mrs. Billie unexpectedly within a couple of months of each other was difficult. I miss them so much, and not a day goes by that I am not thinking about them. I take solace in knowing they are in their heavenly home with Shelly. I cherish the many memories of my time with my Mom and Mrs. Billie and will forever be grateful for my time with them. They were amazing women who did a great deal for my family and me over the years. As I stated last year in my 2023 TA-DA List, “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!

“It is not length of life, but depth of life.” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

Note: Photo was taken by me to mark the 2nd Anniversary of my YouTube channel, Kat’s Novel Adventures, on 28 October 2024.

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Review 24 for 2024 List

Posted in Positive Living, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on February 9, 2025| 4 Comments »

2024 started off in the same fashion 2023 ended with my mom in the hospital with dementia and a broken hip. I decided to give myself grace and begin my new year on the first day of the Lunar New Year. I admit it was a bit weird not starting a brand new year on 01 January, but considering the circumstamces, it felt like the right decision for me.

2024 turned out to be a continuation of my Season of Sorrow. My mother died in August and my mother-in-law followed her to heaven three months later.

As you can see, dear reader, by the date I am publishing this post and the lack of posts published in 2024, life had other plans for me. That is not to say I did not work on my aims or find pockets of joy amidst the upheaval. I am steadily trying to catch up on life, but it has been a sloth-slow process. Today is the day to share how I did with my 24 for 2024 list! I chose RESET as my word for 2024, and boy did I wear it out. It seemed like I was resetting every other week. With that being said, I did accomplish a few aims on my 24 for 2024 List. I completed nine items, started four items, and attempted one on my list.

Kat’s 24 for 2024 List

  • Time-track at least once per quarter (March, June, September, December). YES ✔
  • Join The 5AM Club by getting up at 5AM each morning (The 5AM Club). YES ✔
  • Implement the 20/20/20 Formula (The 5AM Club). NO (used it more for Focus Work)
  • Implement the Pre-Sleep Ritual (The 5AM Club). NO
  • Quit Coffee. STARTED (Gave up afternoon coffee on 06/19)
  • Strength train two times per week. NO
  • Walk at least 30 minutes daily, preferably outside. NO
  • Get a massage. NO
  • Clear the clutter in my scrapbook room. NO
  • Buy a book cart. YES ✔
  • Buy two bookcases for living room. YES ✔
  • Organize home library. STARTED
  • Keep track of spending on books. NO
  • Get library cards (Tangipahoa, Livingston, and Baton Rouge parishes). YES ✔
  • Start a new booktube project. YES ✔
  • Read 24 Books that I did not get to in 2022/2023. STARTED (read 11/24; started 1, but put to the side)
  • Have a Year of Christie (Agatha Christie) 2.0. STARTED (read 3/6)
  • Buddy Read Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt with Alex @ Frankfiction. YES ✔
  • Read The Daily Stoic: 366 Meditations on Wisdom, Perseverance, and The Art of Living by Ryan Holiday and Stephen Hanselman. YES ✔
  • Read The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron. NO
  • Read On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft by Stephen King. YES ✔
  • Write about my adventures in Sicily on my blog. ATTEMPTED
  • Organize photos and video clips from my Sicily trip. NO
  • Scrapbook 24 times in 2024. NO

Other Fun Plans for 2024:

  • I participated in Gretchen Rubin’s #Write24in24 Challenge. Loved this challenge! I did not use it the way I originally planned, but I did write (mainly book reviews) 25 minutes or more each day.
  • I joined the Goodreads Challenge again and set my goal to read 100 books in 2024. I reached my Goodreads goal back in November and ended the year having read 111 books.
  • I participated in Booktube Book Clubs (FOMO, MGM, Cozy Cottage, The Book Wyrm Club).
  • The Chills, Thrills, and Kills Book Club is still on hiatus; however, I have some ideas that I’d like to implement in 2025. I’m not quite ready to give up on it, yet.
  • I participated in Frugal February and saved some money. Gold star for me!
  • I collaborated with Kelsi in 2024. I was a one of her co-hosts for Old School April and one of her Monster Squad members for Halloween-A-Thon. We buddy read The Store by Bentley Little in August for the GarbAugust readathon and had a live Movie Chat about the movies we watched during the spooky season.

As for my Birthday Message Project 2.0, it fell by the wayside with everything that happened in the second half of the year which is when I wanted to complete the project. I just did not have the motivation or the energy. So, it might be something I try again in 2025, but it will not be on my 25 for 2025 List. Also, I did not keep up with a TA-DA List for 2024; however, I do plan to reflect on the year, write the list, and post on my blog like I have in the past.

Considering 2024 was another rollercoaster of a year where I continued living in a season of sorrow, I think I did okay with my 24 for 2024 list. I am grateful for my Youtube channel community. I passed my two-year anniversary of releasing my first video on 28 October 2024. My weekly Wednesday sprints that I host on my channel have been a continued source of joy for me. My community is super supportive and really helped me through the last year and a half. And, speaking of my channel, I have included a video about my Happier Trifecta Review below if you are interested in hearing more about my accomplishments and some of the books I read in 2024. Please consider subscribing to my channel, giving me a like and a share, and leaving a comment.

Currently, I am playing catch up with content both on my channel and here on my blog. I already designed my year for 2025, and I cannot wait to share with you my one-word theme, my 25 for 2025 List, and Gretchen Rubin’s yearly challenge. I really am hoping you will see more of me in 2025. How did you do with your goals in 2024, dear reader? Happiness!

“For last year’s words belong to last year’s language and next year’s words await another voice. And to make an end is to make a beginning.” ~ T.S. Eliot

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RESET: 24 for 2024 + Write24in24

Posted in Positive Living, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on February 8, 2024| 5 Comments »

The Lunar New Year is fast approaching, dear reader, and I am thrilled to finally start my new year. Stepping into 2024 without a plan felt odd, but I adjusted my mindset as the month of January unfolded, and I am NOW ready to get the ball rolling on accomplishing my aims for this year.

RESET is my word for 2024. After the dreadful demise of 2023, I have been desperate to hit the reset button. My plans for this year are to replace some bad habits with some good ones, clean up the clutter in my environment, and boost my sense of creativity and play by cultivating an existing interest. That last plan, regarding creativity and play, is the result of taking Gretchen Rubin’s Habits for Happiness Quiz.

In addition to my one-word theme, I created a 24 for 2024 list with my aims for the new year. Almost all of the items on my list are new; however, I did carry over three items from last year that I did not complete but really want to accomplish this year. Pretty much all of my aims fall into one of my three plans which have to do with habits, clutter-clearing, and creativity/play. Take a look at what I have planned for myself for 2024.

Kat’s 24 for 2024 List

  • 1. Time-track at least once per quarter (March, June, September, December).
  • 2. Join The 5AM Club by getting up at 5AM each morning (The 5AM Club).
  • 3. Implement the 20/20/20 Formula (The 5AM Club).
  • 4. Implement the Pre-Sleep Ritual (The 5AM Club).
  • 5. Quit Coffee.
  • 6. Strength train two times per week.
  • 7. Walk at least 30 minutes daily, preferably outside.
  • 8. Get a massage.
  • 9. Clear the clutter in my scrapbook room.
  • 10. Buy a book cart.
  • 11. Buy two bookcases for living room.
  • 12. Organize home library.
  • 13. Keep track of spending on books.
  • 14. Get library cards (Tangipahoa, Livingston, and Baton Rouge parishes).
  • 15. Start a new booktube project.
  • 16. Read 24 Books that I did not get to in 2022/2023.
  • 17. Have a Year of Christie (Agatha Christie) 2.0.
  • 18. Buddy Read Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt with Alex @ Frankfiction.
  • 19. Read The Daily Stoic: 366 Meditations on Wisdom, Perseverance, and The Art of Living by Ryan Holiday and Stephen Hanselman.
  • 20. Read The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron.
  • 21. Read On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft by Stephen King.
  • 22. Write about my adventures in Sicily on my blog.
  • 23. Organize photos and video clips from my Sicily trip.
  • 24. Scrapbook 24 times in 2024.

Other Fun Plans for 2024:

  • I am participating in Gretchen Rubin’s #Write24in24. The options are to spend 2-4 minutes or 24 minutes writing daily in 2024. This challenge is the third element of Rubin’s Happier Trifeca with the one-word theme and list of aims being the other two elements. According to Gretchen Rubin, “If you write consistently, you’ll be astonished by how much you can accomplish in 2024. We often underestimate what we can do if we work consistently.” Writing at least 24 minutes every day will be a fun daily challenge for me because I LOVE writing. My writing time will be devoted to blog posts, book reviews on Goodreads, scrapbook journaling, lists (to-do & ta-da), correspondence with family and friends (cards), notes for videos, and morning pages (The Artist’s Way). These are just a few of the writing activities I have planned for 2024; however, other possibilities might be added to my list throughout the year.
  • On Goodreads, I joined the 2024 Reading Challenge, and my goal is to read 100 books this year. Follow me on Goodreads (Katherine Loyacano).
  • I want to revamp the Chills, Thrills, and Kills Book Club.
  • I will participate in Booktube Book Clubs (FOMO, MGM, Cozy Cottage).
  • I will continue doing Collabs with Kelsi. Our collabs can be viewed on her YouTube channel, Slime and Slashers – A Nostalgia & Horror Channel. Please consider subscribing to Kelsi’s channel in 2024.
  • I will participate in Frugal February again. This is a NO spend month.
  • I will be doing a Birthday Message Project 2.0 in 2024.
  • I plan to keep a TA-DA list for 2024. 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.

Additionally, I will continue creating videos for my Youtube channel, Kat’s Novel Adventures. I passed my one-year anniversary of releasing my first video on 28 October 2023. As of the writing of this post, I have 769 subscribers and 152 videos for public viewing. My little channel is growing slowly, and I am hoping I will reach and surpass 1,000 subscribers in 2024. That channel milestone would be a HUGE happiness boost! I have included a video about my Happier Trifecta below if you are interested in hearing more about my plans for 2024. Please consider subscribing to my channel, giving me a like, and leaving a comment.

As you can see, dear reader, I have planned a year of good habit-forming, organizing, reading, writing, and scrapbooking adventures for 2024. All of these aims and activities will give me an opportunity to RESET my life and get back on track. Well, that is my plan anyway. Happiness!

“Every sunset is an opportunity to reset. Every sunrise begins with new eyes.”     ~ Richie Norton

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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.

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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

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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

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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

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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

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