The bracelet

Every day I make my list of things to do. Often I make more than one list. I have grocery lists, Christmas shopping lists, lesson plan lists, things to bring to school lists, things to bring home lists, people to call lists. You name it, and I have a list. I even put things on my lists that I have already accomplished, just to check them off. Blogging has been on my list for weeks.

I find blogging intimidating. I began blogging back in May before my travels around the world. It seemed that I wasn't blogging often enough, or my entries were too long, or too short, or there weren't photos, or I wrote something inappropriate. I wanted to make sure that everything I wrote was a story, or a great event that people would love to read. But, I have grown up since May. Yeah, right. But, I do think I have learned more about the blogging world. It isn't about the huge events or the hilarious stories, it's the little things. Or at least, that is what this blog will be for me.

I want to share my little stories. I don't want to worry about blogging or stress about writing the right thing. I just want to keep you updated. So, welcome!

My new blogging resolution hasn't been perfect yet. I already stressed over the title of the blog and the web address, but it is what it is.

Before I left for my travels this past summer my grandmother gave me a present. As I went to open it I said, "Grandma, you didn't have to do this." She replied, "I know. Open it." (For anyone that knows my grandmother, you can here her saying it!)  Well, okay then, I'll shut my mouth. I unwrapped the box and saw the Kohl's price tag, typically Grandma.  Inside there was a small silver bracelet engraved with, "Live Fully." The inside of the bracelet is engraved with "Be Brave. Be Bold. Be Wise. Be Happy." I immediately put it on and I have yet to take it off. At first, I didn't take it off because I didn't know where else to keep it while traveling. But it means something more to me now. I have told my grandma I haven't taken off the bracelet, and I love it, but I'm not sure she believes me. She has every right not to! I used to wear the jewelry she gave me only when I went to visit.  I would always rave about how beautiful it was, or how often I wore it.  I thought I was doing the right thing at the time.

The bracelet is always on my wrist, and it constantly reminds me to live fully. I know what that means to me, and now all of my three loyal readers will know as well, and that's what matters.  So here I am, being brave and blogging about my bracelet, but there is plenty more to come.  It may be exciting, it may be boring, and it may be inappropriate (sorry, Dad), but it's my bracelet.  My bracelet from Grandma.