My 2017 Goals

Happy 2017 everybody!!!!!!  I'm honestly really excited for the new year because 2016 sucked.  I had THE worst year and I'm not exaggerating.  I was in the hospital, broke my knee, and had tooth surgery.  Those are just the highlights.  For the last few years I set goals for the new year.  I didn't really do so well last year but I'm going to try harder.  If you want to see what my 2016 goals were click here.  What are your goals?

Read 12 books: One book a month shouldn't be too hard since I joined a blogger book club.  You can join too if you would like.

Blog 3-5 times a day: I want to really share more with you guys.  If you have any ideas then let me know.

Worry less: I have bad anxiety so I really want to work on that this year.

Watch more movies: I didn't really watch many movies because I was so sick.  I love movies!

Be more social: I am a pretty shy person so I want to get out more and socialize.

Work with more brands:  Now that I redid my blog I hope more opportunities will come my way.

My 2016 Goals

Happy 2016!!!  It's that time again.  It's time to set goals that we want to accomplish.  Last year was the first time I actually made goals for myself.  I didn't do very well but I didn't fail either.  If you want to see them go here.  2015 had a lot going on and I loved it!  I did decide to go back to school which did change what I had planned.  I'm in the groove now though so I hope to make my 2016 even better!!!  What is a goal you have for 2016?


Read 12 books: I failed to read 10 last year so why would I add more?  I really want to challenge myself.  A book every month shouldn't be hard.

Start a podcast: My friend and I are in the process of learning how to start it.  So hopefully in 2016 we can launch it.

Blog 5 days a week: I did pretty well last year so I'm going to keep going with it!  I want to do deeper topics so if you have any ideas let me know.

Get a tattoo: This might seem random but I'm going to be 27 this year.  I'm terrified of needles so this will be a big step for me.  I'm ready!

Take a vacation: I didn't do this last year.  I think this Summer we will finally do it.  I'll go anywhere!

Journal: I found a 5 year journal but I didn't want to commit to that.  I'm going to try a year instead.  I think it will be fun to look back on.

Take more pictures: I love photos but I always forget to take them.  I'm going to capture  more memories this years.



xo,
Jerica

DWTS Season 21: The Most Memorable Year

It's week 4!!!!  If you missed last weeks recap check it out here.  Tonight's theme is always my favorite.  It's time for the most memorable year episode!!  This is when the celebrities do a dance representing their most memorable year.  I already know I'm going to be an emotional wreck!  I always am every season.  Tom Bergeron will not be hosting tonight because his father is ill.  Stepping in for him is Alfonso Ribeiro.  Somebody will be going home tonight.  Make sure you vote for your favorite so they stay safe!

ALEXA PENAVEGA AND MARK BALLAS:

Her most memorable year is 2000.  She booked her biggest role in Spy Kids.  This week she danced the Foxtrot.  I thought this dance was super adorable.  I loved the entire concept.  It felt very young and fresh which I love.  It was just fun!  There were a few mistakes but it was her first proper ballroom dance.  She just needs to stay on this path.  Her score is 21 of 30.

GARY BUSEY AND ANNA TREBUNSKAYA:

His most memorable year is 1979.  He booked his biggest role as Buddy Holly.  This week he danced Jazz.  Well I preferred last week.  He definitely had passion because it was a huge part of his life.  He just isn't improving like the other celebrities.  He does entertain you though.  I just don't think this show is for him.  His score is 16 of 30.

TAMAR BRAXTON AND VALENTIN CHMERKOVSKIY:

Her most memorable year is 2012.  Her husband was put into a coma and then she got pregnant.  This week she danced the Rumba.  It was breathtaking.  The story was so real and it affected me.  I totally cried because it was just so touching.  The connection was perfect.  I also loved that they danced a very classic Rumba.  I could watch that all day!  Her score is 27 of 30.

HAYES GRIER AND EMMA SLATER:

His most memorable year is 2014.  He blew up into a social media star overnight.  This week he danced Contemporary.  I thought the dance was great.  It was really clean and sharp.  I feel like I didn't totally get his story.  He did break out of his shell but he just isn't my favorite.  I thought he looked strained during the lift.  I like him but I don't love him.  His score is 27 of 30.

ALEK SKARLATOS AND LINDSAY ARNOLD:

His most memorable year is 2015.  He stopped terrorists on a train in Paris.  Then the weekend there was a shooting at his community college in Oregon.  This week he danced the Paso Doble.  I thought he did an amazing job.  You could totally feel the passion.  I did want more emotion because it would have made it so much better.  He does surprise me every time he dances though.  His score is 24 of 30.

NICK CARTER AND SHARNA BURGESS:

His most memorable year is 1992.  He met and joined the group Backstreet Boys.  It saved him from his childhood.  This week he danced Jazz.  This dance was EVERYTHING!!  This was pretty much my entire childhood!  I WANT MORE!!!!!  Can I please be Sharna?  She's living my dreams right now!  I have nothing else to say!  He is the BEST!!  His score is 27 of 30.  P.S. That deserved a 30!

CARLOS PENAVEGA AND WITNEY CARSON:

His most memorable year is 2012.  His band Big Time Rush was at his peak so when it was all over he hit rock bottom.  His met his wife the next week at church and it changed his life.  This week he danced the Waltz.  It was beautiful.  I really wish he was more at the leader board.  He needs a big break out moment.  It was lovely and I enjoyed it.  It was mesmerizing.  His score was 25 of 30.

PAULA DEEN AND LOUIS VAN AMSTEL:

Her most memorable year is 1989.  She left her husband and started her cooking business.  This week she danced the Cha Cha.  I thought this was one of her best dances.  I did want her to have a lot more fun.  She needs to just focus and remember her dance.  Also her legs look AMAZING!  She needs to just be confident.  Her score is 18 of 30.

ANDY GRAMMER AND ALLISON HOLKER:

His most memorable year is 2009.  He was just a street performer and then his mother passed away from breast cancer.  This week he danced the Cha Cha.  I loved this dance!  It was really fun and he made the best of his situation.  He had a couple of mistakes but the message was great.  You can decide to make any situation positive.  I love that!  He just needs to have a big break out moment.  His score is 23 of 30.

BINDI IRWIN AND DEREK HOUGH:

Her most memorable year is 2006.  Her father passed away unexpectedly and she was only 8.  He was her hero.  This week she danced Contemporary.  I totally lost it the second it started.  It just immediately touched me.  This dance left me breathless.  It was just beautiful and I could watch that all night long.  She's amazing.  I have no words.  Her score is 28 of 30.

Results:

Nick, Bindi, Andy, Paula, Alexa, Alek, Hayes, Tamar, and Carlos are safe.  Gary has been eliminated.

xo,

Jerica

5 Tips To Stay Motivated

Hey guys!  Today's post is something that can help us all.  We all struggle with staying motivated.  It could be with work, school, or even life.  I thought I would share some tips that I use when I feel in a slump.  If you have any tips to share I would love to hear them!  I hope I helped you in someway.

Take A Break:

Sometimes taking a step back can give you a whole new frame of mind.  You can take as long as you need.  I don't blog when I don't feel motivated because it reflects in my posts.  I wait about 3-4 days and I feel better about my content.  For school, you can use a reward system.  Set goals and you complete it you can do something you enjoy.  For example for every 30 pages you read you can watch 2 YouTube videos.

Set A Schedule:

Every Sunday night I plan out my week.  Writing down everything that you want to do makes you actually want to do it.  Figure out when you are most productive.  I work better at night so I write blogs, do homework, and read emails.  It really does help!

Get Inspired:

Sometimes we just run out of ideas.  There are a TON of ways to get inspired.  Go outside.  Listen to music.  Watch a movie.  Try something new.  Basically just get out and away from whatever you are working on.

Think Positively:

Don't be so hard on yourself.  Just do the best you can and look at it positively.  If you are negative then it will reflect on your work.  Look at every situation with an open mind and just enjoy it.

Be Yourself!:

This is the most important tip.  Being true to yourself is all that matters.  Don't worry about what other people want you to do or what you think they will like.  Do what feels right for you.  There is only one you so be the best you that you can be!




xo,
Jerica

People With Disabilities Matter

Today's post is something very personal to me.  I experienced something that was extremely rude a few days ago and I wanted to speak up.  If you want to know more about my disability then read this post.  I've been in a wheelchair my entire life but I don't see myself that way.  I never have and never will.  I feel like I need to stand up for people who can't do it themselves.

Let's talk about the situation that I mentioned.  In December I graduated from college with a Computer Science degree.  I decided to go back for Computer Programming this fall.  I was having trouble with my Financial Aid so I decided to call the office.  I obviously can't drive on my own or take care of myself.  The lady basically said if I'm that incapable how am I taking classes and I should sign my rights over to somebody else.  I was EXTREMELY hurt and offended.  I reported her as well.

I have a brain that works.  I have my own thoughts and opinions.  I am a human being.  So my legs don't work and I can't use my arms, who cares?  I am still a person and deserve to be treated like everybody else.  Some disabilities aren't as noticeable as mine but they still matter.  Next time you see somebody who is in a wheelchair, deaf, blind, or even have down syndrome say hello.  Trust me it will make them feel happy.  Don't pity us because we don't pity ourselves.



xo,
Jerica

Book Review: All The Bright Places

It's time for a book review!  I have been talking about this book in my last couple of posts and I finally finished it.  It's been awhile since I was this into a book.  I could not put it down!  I read 100 pages in 15 minutes because I just had to know what was happening next.  I actually saw this book on Zoe's YouTube channel and thought it sounded interesting.  I'm SO glad I checked it out!

Here is the description from Barnes & Noble.  Theodore Finch is fascinated by death, and he constantly thinks of ways he might kill himself. But each time, something good, no matter how small, stops him. Violet Markey lives for the future, counting the days until graduation, when she can escape her Indiana town and her aching grief in the wake of her sister’s recent death. When Finch and Violet meet on the ledge of the bell tower at school, it’s unclear who saves whom. And when they pair up on a project to discover the “natural wonders” of their state, both Finch and Violet make more important discoveries: It’s only with Violet that Finch can be himself—a weird, funny, live-out-loud guy who’s not such a freak after all. And it’s only with Finch that Violet can forget to count away the days and start living them. But as Violet’s world grows, Finch’s begins to shrink.

I absolutely LOVED this book.  It really gave a whole new insight on mental problems.  I've never known anybody with a mental issue but I've often wondered how their mind works.  This book made me understand it a lot better.  I thought the character's were very relatable even though I've never went through what they did.  I was not prepared for the ending!  Be prepared for tears!  This book is a YA book but I think anybody would enjoy it.  I'm actually sad it's over!  It is being made into a film but I'm not sure they will be able to capture everything like the book does.  I highly recommend this!  Have you read this book?  Let me know your thoughts.




xo,
Jerica

4 Tips For Surviving Monday's

Let's be real Monday's can be rough.  It's nobody's favorite day of the week unless it's a holiday.  Unfornately it's not going away so we might as well make the best of it!  I have 4 tips that will make your Monday's just a little bit better.  Hopefully they will help some of you!  Share your tips as well!

1. Create A Playlist

Waking up is always hard for me no matter what day it is.  Somehow Monday's are especially hard!  I have a playlist on my iPod that I set as my alarm.  Pick songs that are upbeat and fun because it will set your mood for the day.  Mine includes One Direction, Taylor Swift, and Maroon 5.  I also have a lot of 90's songs.

2. Have A Good Breakfast

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day.  There are SO many quick and healthy options to choose from.  One of my favorites is oatmeal with fruit in it.  It really is filling and makes me feel more energized.  If you don't have time to sit and eat just make a smoothie.  It works just as well!

3. Plan Your Outfit

Having everything ready for your day will make you feel less stressed.  Rushing around in the morning can make you forgetful.  Lay anything you'll need out the night before to prevent that.  It just makes your day go super smooth.  Plus you can sleep an extra 10 mintues!

4. Tidy Your Space

This is something new I've started doing.  Coming home to a clean room and a nice bed makes you feel releaved.  If you had a bad day you can just come home and turn on Netflix.  You don't have to worry about cleaning because it's already done!  It only takes a few minutes if you do it daily.

xo,

Jerica

Quiz Tuesday: Are You More Optimistic, Pessimistic, Or Realistic?

Happy Tuesday!!!  I hope you all had a great 4th.  I did but I'm still exhasusted!  It's quiz time!!!!  Today's quiz is called Are You More Optimistic, Pessimistic, Or Realistic?  I thought this would be quite interesting.  In my mind I think I'm optimistic.  I've always also been told I'm a very optimistic person so I thought I would see if it's true.  If you want to take this quiz as well just click here.  Let me know what your results are!

I got Optimistic!  The description says: You are upbeat and always see the positive side of life. You have a firm grip on reality, and maintain a cheery attitude even when things aren’t going your way. It’s hard to keep you down because you see setbacks as temporary and use them as tools to get better.

I find that to be very accurate.  I don't like being negitive because it just makes be feel sad.  I try to see the good in every situation.  It really makes life so much better.  Maybe I'll do a whole post on it.


xo,
Jerica

New Series Idea

Hey guys!  I want to thank all of you for following my blog.  It really means a lot to me!  Today's post is all about all you!  I really want to start a series where we can discuss any topics. I've been watching a TON of videos like this on YouTube so I thought it would be perfect to blog about.  I want to be a debate/discussion series. I love thought provoking topics and it will help me get to know you guys better. It can be about life, pop culture, or just anything really. If you have suggestions leave a comment or email me at jerica.berner@gmail.com.  I really look forward to hearing all your topic ideas!


xo,
Jerica

My Thoughts On Bruce Jenner

This is a post I've been wanting to do for awhile.  I have watched the 20/20 special and the Kardashian special as well.  I now feel ready to share my opinions about Bruce being transgender.

To be honest, I originally wanted to watch the 20/20 interview because I thought it was all for publicity.  I just could not believe that Bruce Jenner was going to be a woman.  After about 5 minutes in I realized just how real it was.  I personally have never met a person who was transgender.  Watching the interview gave some really great insight.  I feel like I understand what it really means now.

I watched it with my mom who I thought would hate it.  She is very Christian and isn't very open minded with topics like this.  Surprisingly she felt the same way I did.  I felt bad that he lived his life with such a huge secret.  Nobody should ever have to do that.  I know that people can be extremely brutal to that community which makes it harder to come out.  I think that Bruce can really help the community and make a difference.

I have watched the Kardashians for years and I always wondered why he allowed them to be so rude to him.  Watching that special made me cry.  He loves his family SO much that he thinks his decision will hurt them.  I think they are just scared because they have no idea what to expect.  I would feel the same way.  It showed that they are human and they do have feelings.  I really liked how they never mentioned their image being ruined.  They love and support him no matter what.

The hardest part for me was his conversation with Kris.  I cried a lot.  She is hurt that he couldn't share these feelings with him.  Being together 25 years, she now feels it was all a lie.  It wasn't though.  He has been living with this secret since he was 8.  That is why he never shared how he was feeling.  He will still be the same person but free.  I'm so glad that now he can finally be her.

I want to know what you guys think.  I find it very inspiring.  Be who you are, not who the world wants you to be.  Also, be respectful of the LGBTQ community.  They are humans just like us.  Remember that different is a good thing.



xo,
Jerica

DWTS Season 20: Most Memorable Year

It's week 4!  If you missed last week's recap you can check it out here.  Make sure you subscribe so you never miss it!  This week's theme is one of my favorites.  The theme is Most Memorable Year.  It's always SUPER emotional so I know it won't disappoint.  Tonight somebody will be eliminated.  Make sure you are voting for your favorite couple so they don't go home too soon!!!


NASTIA LIUKIN AND DEREK HOUGH:

Her most memorable year was 2008 when she won gold in the Olympics.  This week she danced the Argentine Tango.  It was AMAZING!  I wish it never ended!!  It had passionate and the lifts were fantastic.  She could have gotten more in character but I didn't mind.  She has really improved her posture which has been her biggest critique.  I just loved her!  She will go very far!  Her score was 36 of 40.

MICHAEL SAM AND PETA MURGATROYD:

His most memorable year was 2014 when he came out as gay which hurt his already broken relationship with his dad.  This week he danced the Rumba.  It wasn't my favorite that he has danced but it was very emotional.  You could just feel everything.  It was beautiful and I like his story a lot.  He has really improved.  His score was 30 of 40.

RIKER LYNCH AND ALLISON HOLKER:

His most memorable year was 2014 when his band R5 took off.  This week he danced the Tango.  I'm really starting to like him.  He always stands out and I always remember him.  The music was really hard to pull off a proper Tango but he did great.  I really enjoyed it!  He had some frame issues but he'll improve.  His score was 34 of 40.

ROBERT HERJAVEC AND KYM JOHNSON:

His most memorable year was 2006 when his mom passed away from cancer.  She watched the show all the time so this dance is for her.  This week he danced the Waltz.  I got very emotional.  I was just entranced.  It was his best yet and I know his mom would have been so proud.  It was so elegant and beautiful.  I'm glad they kept it classic.  He will go very far especially because he improves each week.  His score was 34 of 40.

CHRIS SOULES AND WHITNEY CARSON:

His most memorable year was 2014 when he found love on The Bachelor.  This week he danced the Rumba.  It had really beautiful moments but overall it was a bit stiff.  He has had much better dances.  He really needs to work on his chemistry with his partner especially with the dance of love.  It was really simple and elegant though.  He needs to work a little bit harder.  His score was 27 of 40.

PATTI LABELLE AND ARTEM CHIGVINTSEV:

Her most memorable year was 1973 when her son was born.  This week she danced a Jazz.  I'm just not a fan of hers.  She did add more content but she barely moves.  I don't see why the judges are so obsessed with her.  You can't just do the same moves every single week.  I don't think she even has a chance of winning.  Her score was 30 of 40.

RUMER WILLIS AND VALENTIN CHMERKOVSKIY:

Her most memorable year was 2014 when she didn't care about what the bullies say about her.  She realized she is perfect the way she is.  This week she danced the Waltz.  I always love whatever she does.  It was powerful bur also unique.  She is just SO inspiring!  It did need more Waltz content but it looked amazing.  She is dancing for every girl out there.  Her score was 35 of 40.

SUZANNE SOMERS AND TONY DOVOLANI:

Her most memorable year was 1977 when she got the role on Three's Company.  This dance is for John Ritter who was her costar and who has since passed.  This week she danced the Foxtrot.  It was very emotional.  I loved the content so much.  It was fun and light hearted which fits her personality.  It was my favorite by her so far.  Her score was 28 of 40.

WILLOW SHIELDS AND MARK BALLAS:

Her most memorable year was 2011 when she was casted as Prim Rose Everdeen in the Hunger Games.  This week she danced Contemporary.  I FREAKING loved it!  I'm actually a huge fan of the Hunger Games so I wanted more.  It had so much passion and emotion.  I'm blown away by how good she is.  It totally was for the fans and I wanted more!  Her score was 39 of 40.

NOAH GALLOWAY AND SHARNA BURGESS:

His most memorable year was 2005 when he was hit by a roadside bomb in the war.  He lost two limbs but has now accepted it.  This week he danced Contemporary.  It was very touching and inspiring.  He really let his guard down and gave us all courage.  This whole thing was beautiful.  He even did lifts which were so great.  I applaud him.  His score was 32 of 40.

Results:

Patti, Suzanne, Willow, Rumer, Noah, Chris, Robert, Nastia, and Riker are safe.  Michael has been eliminated.

xo,

Jerica

Movie Review: The Judge

It has been snowing like crazy here in Nebraska.  So I have been using this time to catch up on movies.  This week I watched The Judge.

I'm not sure how to describe it without giving too much away.  This is what IMDB says: Big city lawyer Hank Palmer returns to his childhood home where his father, the town's judge, is suspected of murder. Hank sets out to discover the truth and, along the way, reconnects with his estranged family.  I fell absolutely in love with with this movie!

I had very high expectations for this film.  Every one in my family had nothing but great things to say about it.  It totally lived up to the hype!  It was very emotional so prepare yourselves.  I feel like I learned so much about myself as well.  I can't give examples or else it will give it away.  This is one of the best films I've seen in awhile!  Have you seen it?  Share your thoughts!


xo,
Jerica

My Anorexia Story

Today I wanted to get personal with you guys.  I know that some of you may be dealing with this and I want to help.  I am an anorexic survivor.  The first step to any problem is admitting it.  Let's start from the beginning.

As a kid I was always quite chubby.  I couldn't be active thought due to being in a wheelchair.  My weight never bothered me until I was 11.  I was happy and just loving life.  I started noticing that all my friends were so skinny and could wear cute clothes.  I wanted to look like them.  Then it happened, I was called fat.  This totally devastated me.  I had to do something!  So I woke up one morning thinking if food makes you fat then not eating must make you skinny.  Logical right?

You have to remember that I was only 11 so I didn't even know eating disorders existed.  I started off by just skipping breakfast.  My parents worked full time so they never knew.  After a few months I realized I had lost a little weight.  It wasn't enough though so by summer I cut out lunch as well.  It took over my entire mind!  I became obsessed!  I was SO hungry but it was working!  People were noticing and say how good I looked!  My mom just assumed it was puberty until I decided I needed to be even skinnier.  Every night we ate dinner as a family so I had to take control but go unnoticed.  First I'd only eat half my plate and then a fourth until finally I would only eat 4-5 bites.  My mom would bribe and beg me to eat with ice cream, candy, and cake.

I'm not going to say my weight but I was slowly killing myself.  I was weak and tired all the time.  Finally my mom told me that if I kept going down this path I would die.  That's when it hit me.  I realized I wasn't being my true self.  I had let this obsession control me.  I started drinking Ensure shakes and slowly got my appetite back.  I'm not gonna lie, I still struggle daily with my weight.  You are never actually cured.  I still have thoughts about keeping my weight low.  I have learned to ignore them.  I just tell myself that I don't need to please others.  I am who I am.

If any of you are going through this know I'm here for you.  If you want talk privately you can email me or leave a comment.


xo,
Jerica

Being The Bigger Person

Yesterday a disagreement happened between me and a person who I thought knew me pretty well.  I consider them to be a friend.  I've defended her, stood up for her, and been nothing but nice.  Now I feel betrayed.  I won't go into full detail but I've learned a major lesson.  What lesson?  Being the bigger person.

First off, no matter what the situation, there is a certain way to approach me.  You have to ease into it otherwise I am automatically defensive.  This is exactly what happened.  I freaked out!  I'm not a fighter but when I get mad words just fly out.  I don't stop and think.  I may have said a few things that offended and upset her.  I immediately wanted to call my mom because I knew she'd be in my corner.  Then I thought I'm 25 not 12 so I should probably handle it myself.

After being alone for a few minutes I cooled down.  I did apologize but she didn't seem to accept it.  I'm only human.  Of course I'm going to make mistakes and say things I don't mean.  It feels refreshing to be mature.  Sometimes, no matter what you do, you just need to be the bigger person.  I know it's hard but I know you can do it.



xo,
Jerica

Miracles Aren't Real?

Last week I read an article that really upset me.  If you aren't into religion then you may not like this post.  Just know that these are my thoughts and opinions.  I'd like to know your thoughts in the comments.

A guy named Kevin Malarkey wrote a book called The Boy Who Came Back From Heaven after he was in a coma for 2 months due to a car accident.  This left him paralyzed.  At the time he was 6 and at 17 he is claiming it was all fake.  He made the entire story up!  He is quoted saying: "Please forgive the brevity, but because of my limitations I have to keep this short. I did not die. I did not go to Heaven,” Malarkey writes, calling, well, malarkey on himself. “I said I went to heaven because I thought it would get me attention. When I made the claims that I did, I had never read the Bible. People have profited from lies, and continue to. They should read the Bible, which is enough. The Bible is the only source of truth. Anything written by man cannot be infallible."  I totally disagree with his statement.

I was raised a Christian.  I went to church every Sunday and studied the Bible.  He is right that people should read the Bible but how dare he claim other peoples experiences are lies.  Just because he lied about his story doesn't mean others did.  I believe miracles happen and sometimes we have spiritual experiences in order to have a second chance at life.  We are all on this Earth for a purpose.  We don't necessarily know our purpose but that's just a part of life.  You have to make the most out of our life especially if we have a second chance.

I personally never read this book but I have read others.  The books are meant to inspire people not take the place of the Bible.  You can't group everybody into your category.  I'm glad he admitted the truth but he still made a profit so he probably shouldn't be judging others.  The book has since been pulled from stores as it should be.  What do you think about this?  I'd love to hear!



xo,
Jerica

Jerica's World Week Recap

Happy Wednesday!  I hope you all having a great week so far.  Today I thought I would share my blog posts from the past week.  What were your favorites?  Let me know!

10 Lessons I've Learned In 25 Years: Here I talk about lessons we wish our parents weren't right about.

Living With Muscular Dystophy But Not Letting It Define You: This is all about letting nothing define you no matter what the situation.

Now Is Your Time: This about living in the now and not putting off things you want to do in life.

Book Haul: These are the newest books I've purchased.

Lazy Day Essentials *Winter Edition*: Here are some essentials for the perfect lazy winter day!

Is Technology Taking Over Your Life?: Is our society too focused on technology instead of actual human interaction?

Hindsight Review: My newest TV obsession!

Quiz Tuesday: Which Frozen Character Are You?: Who doesn't love quizzes and Frozen?

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xo,
Jerica

Now Is Your Time

We are already a week into the new year.  Let's be real, most of us have either broken our resolutions or haven't even started.  I saw this quote on Instagram the other day and new I must post about it.  Nobody knows how much time we have left on Earth.  We all have a list of things we want to do before we die.  So why wait?  Life is too short for excuses.  I'll be 26 this summer and I want to accomplish as much as I can!  I have a mission for all of you.  Everyday day do something you love.  Don't keep putting it off.  If you want to run a marathon then start training now.  If you want to backpack through Europe then book the flight.  No more excuses!  Trust me you won't regret it.  Now is your time!  Tell me what you want to do!


xo,
Jerica

Living With Muscular Dystophy But Not Letting It Define You

I was diagnosed with Muscular Dystrophy when I was a year old.  If you don't know what this is, it means I have an extra chromosome which prevents me from walking.  Over time your muscles slowly deteriorate until ultimately you die.  This is just something that my parents and I have learned to deal with.  I'm hear to tell that you that just because you have a disease you don't have to let it define who you are.  I don't look in the mirror and see myself in a wheelchair.  All I see is a normal 25 year old who goes out to bars, goes to concerts, and just enjoys life.  Of course I know I have certain limitations but I still find a way.  I have never felt alienated or left out in my entire life.  I remember being 5 and wanting to play t-ball because my cousin did and my mom said I could.  In the end I hated it and quit after our first game.  The point is to not let anything define you except yourself.  You decide who you become not some stupid disease.  Muscular Dystrophy is only a small part of me and that's how it should be.  If you also have Muscular Dystrophy and would like to talk please email me.



xo,
Jerica

10 Lessons I've Learned In 25 Years

Life can be a crazy ride.  Last year I turned 25 and finally learned some actually lessons.  You hear your parents tell you things but you never believe them.  There comes a time when you finally realize they are right...even though we never want to admit they are.  Here are 10 I have learned throughout life.  What lessons have you learned?  Let me know!

1. There are better things to worry about than your fashion
2. People change and it isn't always for the better
3. A good best friend will be there no matter what
4. Always save your money for a rainy day
5. Your dream job isn't always how you imagine it
6. You will experience heartbreak and it's never easy
7. Stand up for yourself
8. Hobbies are a great thing
9. Siblings may let you down but you can always count on them
10. Be your true self

xo,

Jerica

My 2015 Goals

Now that our New Years Eve hangovers have hopefully disappeared, I thought I would do a post about my goals for 2015.  I've never set resolutions before mostly because I don't like really like that word.  I feel like resolutions always fail so why not make goals instead.  It's easier for me to set many goals to achieve.  2014 was an AMAZING year for me!  I got to meet one of my biggest idols of my life Justin Timberlake.  I never imagined that would happen.  I also got to meet Aaron Carter which was an awesome experience as well.  I graduated from college with a degree in Computer Science.  A lot of really great things happened and plan on making 2015 even better!  What are some of your goals for this year?


Reconnect with my dad:  I haven't spoken to my dad in about 4 or 5 years.  He and my mom got divorced and he moved out of the area.  I recently found out he's moving back this year.  I'm hoping our relationship can be fixed and continue to grow.

Take a vacation:  I'd really like to take a family vacation this year.  My mom, sisters, and I haven't been on a vacation together in forever.  Now I have two nieces as well who would love it.  Even if it's just going to the state fair at least we are all together.

Learn French:  This probably seems like an odd goal but it really isn't.  In high school I wanted to study French but took Spanish instead.  I discovered an app called Duolingo so I'm ready to learn.

Read 10 books:  I've always loved to read.  Now that I'm done with school I will have more time.  This should be easy to complete.

Blog 5 days a week:  I want to be more active on this blog.  Ideally I want to blog Monday through Friday.  I'll be happy with at least 3 posts a week though.

Meet Taylor Swift and One Direction:  I'm going to see both of them in concert.  Meeting them would be the best thing EVER!  If anyone can help me out then please let me know.  I'm dreaming big!  I'd be happy with just meeting one.

Drink more water:  I don't really ever drink water so I figured I would attempt this.



xo,
Jerica