Bucket Lists and Their Purpose

Over the years (and as I'm grown older), the concept of a "bucket list" has always eluded me.

What, exactly, IS a bucket list?

buck·et list

noun

informal 

a number of experiences or achievements that a person hopes to have or accomplish during their lifetime. 

"making this trip is the first thing on my bucket list"

Until more recently, I felt as if bucket lists were used as a way for people to say "Wow, I wish I could do these things in my lifetime, but if it doesn't work out, that's okay too."  To me, that just doesn't make sense.  In addition, if there are items on someone's bucket list that rely on something or someone else accomplishing a particular item first (for instance, become a best-selling music artist would require one to be discovered and signed with a record label first, and then require people of the world to buy copious amounts of that record to throw one into the "bestselling" category), is difficult no matter WHAT the outcome might be in the end.  It would require means outside of yourself to accomplish this goal, and the only one you can really depend on to make your dreams come true at the end of the day is...well...yourself.

Now, I am pretty positive that not everyone views bucket lists this way.  In fact, I'm even more positive in thinking that I'm probably one of only a select few with that particular outlook.  But, due to this, I've never really been one to dwell on and then make a list of items that I don't believe in striving too hard to accomplish before I leave this Earth.

HOWEVER

I can see how a list, even a small one, of things I am adamant about accomplishing before I pass, especially if they are aspirations that solely depend on me to complete, is something worth thinking about and using to construct this said "bucket list" for myself.

So, with all that being said, the following list of items I am about to share with you shall henceforth be known as...



1. Finish My Novel

This one is rather self explanatory.  I want to finish my novel that I've been working on for the better part of two years now in order to have it ready to submit for publication consideration.  It may not seem like a monumental start to a bucket list of any nature, but to me, it would be one of the biggest accomplishments of my lifetime, even if I don't get published.

2. Visit Egypt

I would love to visit the country of Egypt in my lifetime.  I have always been fascinated with the ancient Egyptians and their way of life, as well as their history, philosophy, and growth as a nation over so many years.  The overall history embedded in the country, plus the mystery and enchanting unknown surrounding the entirety of the Egyptian pyramids and tombs, makes it one of the highest places on my list of such to visit, and also the one I plan to make a reality in my lifetime.

3. Visit Europe

Again, something pretty self explanatory, but also very important to me in accomplishing.  I have been to England once in my lifetime, when I was just 13 years old.  I went to visit family and celebrate two familial birthdays shared by two cousins - one from the US, and one from England.  It was a large family gathering from many different countries, and thankfully I remember most of it.  However, I know for a fact that I did not take advantage of the opportunity to be in a place I now long to go back and visit.  With that being said, I want to make sure I travel to as many European destinations in my lifetime as possible.  I won't make it a priority to hit a certain number of destinations to visit, but want to make sure that I make an attempt to see as many as I can, including England again.  The destinations above are some of the options I would always consider, London and Colmar being the two I most want to see, but any and all will be applicable to fulfilling this bucket list item.

This would also include using the rail as well to get to and from certain destinations.  European train travel is tied right up there with visiting Europe!

And last, but certainly NOT least...
4. Hike the Pacific Crest Trail

This...this is something I so desperately want to do in my lifetime, something I hold so dear to me that I can't help but think about it on a daily basis, almost every hour.  I know deep down that it will take a hell of a lot of planning, and I would need to be even more careful than most who complete this venture.  Being that I'm type 1 diabetic, it would be very detrimental to me, and to others for that matter, if something happened to me while I was on this trek.  Not to mention making sure I had enough supplies and treatment with me to make the expedition in the first place.  I would have to have care packages set up for me at each and every stop imaginable, make peace with the fact that my pack would be considerably weighed down by the supplies I would have to carry to treat myself for low and high blood sugars, and make sure I was under the strictest control of my life in order to eliminate as many possibilities of disaster as possible.

But with all of that being said, and all of that against me, this is still the one thing I want most to complete in my lifetime.  I don't care if I'm 32 or 62 when I do it, I just want to make it happen.  I don't want to do it alone either (mostly because of the diabetes thing again), but I do want to make sure I meet new people.

I blame a lot of this on Cheryl Strayed, the compelling and bestselling author of "Wild" - the book in which Cheryl does the same thing - hike the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT).  Recently, the movie based on the book hit theaters, starring Reese Witherspoon as Cheryl, and that film just helped fuel my passion for this to be a reality.  Seeing the trail through the lens of a film camera was the closest I've ever been to doing the real thing, and I can only imagine what it would be like to take those steps myself.


One day, this will be my biggest accomplishment in life



And with that, you have my bucket list.

Peace out, world.




If you're interested in reading Cheryl Strayed's amazing memoir "Wild", you can order it from Amazon right here:

Don't have a Kindle?  Buy one from Amazon Here!

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I Need Your Help!

As some of you may have known, I just participated in the National Novel Writing Month's (NaNoWriMo) 50,000 word challenge - to write 50,000 words of a brand new novel in the month of November...and I won!

But now, there's more -

My beloved readers and followers - I need your help with something of the utmost importance!

MY BOOK TITLE

I have gone through so many names and work-in-progress (WIP) titles than I know what to do with, but I've settled on 3 to choose from as of now, and I need your help picking which one it should be!

As most are aware, there's A LOT that goes into a title for a book.  It has to tie in with the novel as it is, but it also has to have a sense of mystery at the same time.  You want your title to grab readers and make them think, "Yeah, I really want to read that book!"

I am purposefully NOT going to put a synopsis or blurb of my book here for you to look at, inspect, or base your choice off of in the end.  I truly want a completely raw and untarnished decision from anyone and everyone that answers the question for me.  Which title speaks to you the most WITHOUT having read the back of the book (or front flap for hardcovers)?

So - your input is IMPERATIVE!  Please, choose from the titles in the poll below, and send me any comments if you would like!  Share this poll as well with your friends, because I want anyone and everyone to have a say in it.  You are all going to be helping me tremendously.  Thank you all ahead of time from the bottom of my heart!

Which book title do you prefer?

The Fate of An Illusion

The Choice of Timid Hearts

The Unexpected Fate

Poll Maker

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Happy Friday!

You know it's going to be a good day when you start your day off with a little 

❤  Hermione Granger ❤ 

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Apologies...and a New Job

So I've been a right git lately.

I apologize to everyone on the lack of posts that I have had on here since July.  It's been a whirlwind of a few months.

Let's see...

So, last you saw me was in July - loving life in Los Angeles, having just started a new job, moved into a beautiful new apartment (you'll see pictures here!), and basically enjoying the summer as it was meant to be.

Thursday, July 24th, I was laid off from my brand new job.

Yeeeepppp - that was a fun day.  The company I was working for didn't really plan well when they decided to revamp their Creative Services department.  Hiring tons of new people to amp up their creative side means, in the end, that it's going to cost more money to run that department.  Well, my company didn't really think about that, and ended up firing 5-7 people off of my team...

...with me included.

So, alas - I was jobless, having just secured a new apartment (and therefore a new rent), purchased a whole apartment full of new furniture (and paying a rather high price), and still had all of my normal bills to pay as well. - including pay for my prescriptions (which are VERY important to a Type 1 Diabetic like myself!).

Things were not good - but hey, I kept my head held high, and hit the job market hard, applying for anything and everything that sounded interesting to me, as well as as many jobs that I could apply to for companies that had reputations for taking care of their employees.

Check in 2 months later - I'm receiving unemployment money - which is just barely making me able to pay my bills - I recently adopted a new dog (long story - but he's super cute!), my student loan repayments had finally kicked in (which eventually got deferred - but THAT was an ordeal) and, lo and behold, I still didn't have a job. I hadn't even gotten a nibble of a possibility.

Finally, after almost 3 months of searching, I found a position I really liked and, thankfully, they really liked me too. I'm now working as a Business Analyst/Social Media Manager for a company that manages charter schools here in California, as well as Illinois, Tennessee, and Louisiana in their Special Education department.  And I LOVE my job.

Anyway, I do apologize for the lack of posts recently - but to make up for it, here are some pictures of fluffy puppies and pretty places!  I'll be back in the next day or two with content posts of books I've recently read, games I've recently played, and movies I've recently seen.  Be prepared for overload!

Til then... <3

My new puppy - Mr. Sheldon

And my new apartment :)

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Return to Los Angeles

Well, it's true.

I've finally made it back to sunny Southern California.

I'm back in LA!

I recently returned from a road trip across the entire United States mainland, and am proud to say that it I am still married, still in love, and still have my head on after such a journey!  Don't get me wrong, it was a bit overwhelming - but we did it!

6 days...

We did it in 6 days!

From Washington, DC to Los Angeles, CA, we drove for 6 days and 5 nights.

I started my new job just three days after we arrived here.  And now my wife has a great job as well!  We're doing pretty well, although I have to say, I'm already ready for a new vacation!

We've already been to Disneyland, gorged on Mexican food, ridden our bikes along the beach, taken our puppy to the dog beach in San Diego, spent a weekend away on a mini vacay, purchased a grill and BBQ'd many of our meals, and become much more tan than when we were in DC.

In just a few months, we should have our own place secured, new furniture setup in our new home, jobs well underway and proving us well, and about to begin the baby process.  Yep, that's right!  By the end of 2015, I should be a parent :).  My wife and I will select and secure a doctor by the end of this year, and have the process lined up to start around the beginning of Spring 2015.

This has been a great move for us, and we are even more excited to watch what comes forth in what else it has to offer.  I am so happy to be home, and glad that my wife is adjusting so well to being here. :)

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Hiatus

I will be on hiatus while getting married, going on my honeymoon, and going through the holiday season.  Please stay tuned for when I can update again, and enjoy your holidays!

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Sharing is Caring - Time for Shares!

Introducing a new section of the blog to you today called "Sharing is Caring"!  What I plan to do is start sharing with you things that I love in the categories of music, movies, books, and possibly more (but we will focus on those for the time being lol).  I hope to be able to share with you many of the things that inspire me and that I love by sharing with you what comes across my path.  I've found many great books and songs through other blogs that I follow, and I wouldn't have known of their existence had that blog not mentioned it.  So, if anything, I hope to bring that same experience to any of you who read these :).

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Getting to Know You (or Me!)

Okay people, today you're going to get to know about me, the blogger herself :).  Please indulge me in allowing the first post of this blog to be about me (and not judge me as conceited in doing so lol).  I figured it would be a prime time to do one, so that I didn't have to bore you later on in the future with mundane details.  Let's get to it then!

Name: Far Nerdy (but, it's Elizabeth too ;P - my pen name is Elizabeth Riley)
Height: 5'4"
Eye Color: Brown
Hair Color: Brown
Lefty or Righty?: Righty
Summer or Winter?: Winter preferably, but that's because I grew up in Southern California (Los Angeles), and the winters there are pleasant.  I am also a BIG fan of Fall :) 



Birthday: October 30 (yep, that's right, I was born the day before Halloween, at like 11:45pm lol - my mom didn't want a "Halloween Baby" :P)

Favourite color: Blue
Best school subject(s): I am an English major, with writing as my specialty, however I am also very good at accounting, computer science and programming, IT, and graphic design.
Favorite Book: Harry Potter books (duh), followed up by "Ready Player One" by Ernest Cline and "A Walk in the Woods" by Bill Bryson
Favorite Holiday: Toss up between Christmas and Halloween
If you could pick anywhere to live the rest of your life, where would it be? Back in Southern California.  I've lived in a few different places in my life so far all over the US, but nothing beats "home".  Thankfully, my fiancée has agreed to move back there in a few short years :).
Do you drink? Smoke? Do drugs? Why, or why not? I drink rarely, mostly just as a social thing (weddings, celebrations, going out with friends once in a blue moon, etc.).  I don't smoke or do drugs though - never have, never will.  Being that I am also Type 1 Diabetic, those things can really be a bigger problem to deal with for me.
What kind of music do you like? I LOVE all types of music.  I'm usually not partial to rap or artists like Usher, etc. - but even then, there are a few songs I love and keep on my playlists.  But I'm a big fan of artists and bands such as Damien Rice, Sheryl Crow, Coldplay, Goo Goo Dolls, The Lumineers, Mumford & Sons, Bruno Mars, Chapeaumelon, Brandi Carlile, Fun., Melissa Etheridge, Electric Light Orchestra, Boston Pops Orchestra, She & Him, Led Zeppelin, Arcade Fire, Pink Floyd, and Oliver Tank.
Have you ever been bullied? Not necessarily bullied.  I mean, I was a bit in middle school, but that was...wow...15 years ago lol?  However, living life as a lesbian has definitely brought me the reality that we live in a hateful world sometimes.  But I'm hoping for a brighter future, as does everyone I'm sure :)
If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be? Probably Sushi, but then I'm sure I'd perish from mercury poisoning lol
Are you religious? I don't "belong" to any specific religion, no.  However, I went to a catholic high school, where I was taught not what it was being a catholic, but what it was being a person of moral value.  I learned a lot about being open and fair, to not passing judgement, and not assuming the worst from everyone.  I learned there that the phrase is "innocent until proven guilty", not "guilty until proven innocent".  I learned many, many things at that school that made me the person I am today, and the spiritual person I am.
When you were young, what would you dream you would be when you grew up? I had a lot of different aspirations - from filmmaker, to make-up designer, to film editor, to graphic designer, to psychologist (therapist), to writer lol.  I've decided on writer, but I work in non-profits as my full-time work now :).
What is your favorite sport? Both watching and playing = baseball and swimming.  Although I've gotten into hockey lately lol.
What is the nicest compliment you've ever been given? This message I received from my fiancée:  "I feel so blessed that you are in my life. I couldn't imagine life without you now that I am with you. I am so grateful that you are there for me, and what I do know is I don't want to spend my life with ANYONE else, and no matter what happens, I have you and that means the world to me. I will always be able to be happy as long as I have you. You are the blood that runs through my veins and pumps my heart full of love. You are so dear to me, I wish I could describe to you how much you mean to me but the truth is words just don't do it justice. I love you."
Early bird or night owl? Well, I wake up at 6am lol, but I do my best writing, thinking, and more at night.
Are there any childhood possessions you still hold on to? I still have a teddy bear in my apartment from when I was 3 days old :)
Where do you live? Be as general or specific as you want. I live in the Washington, DC area on the Virginia side.
What was the longest car ride you’ve ever taken? I've driven across the United States...twice...lol. One trip took 6 days, the other took 5.  The longest day of driving on one of those trips was 17 hours.
Do you want to live until you’re 100? I want to live as long as I am able, hoping that I can be with my family and the people I love until the day I die.

Celebrity crush: Emma Watson - and I crush HARD :P 






Gamer? Totally - I have a custom designed PC gaming laptop, a PS3, an Xbox 360, and a pre-order already in place for the PS4.  Some favorite games include: the Mass Effect Series, the Uncharted series, and all of The Sims games.
Coffee drinker? Yep, every morning.




Are you single? No, happily engaged to be married this October :)

Are you happy? Very!
Are your parents still married? Yes they are :)
Are your grandparents still married? Unfortunately, both sets of my grandparents have passed on, but my mother's side was no longer together, and my dad's side were still together.
Have you ever broken someone’s heart? Unfortunately, I did.  My last ex.  Our relationship was poisonous and detrimental, with lots of things wrong, including some forms of abuse in many different ways.  As soon as that occurred, I left.  Even though it was the right thing to do, I know it broke her heart. 
Have you ever broken your own heart? In ways, yes.
A few best friends or many regular friends? A few best friends - its all about quality vs quantity, right? :)
Have you ever white water rafted? I have not, but I'm dying to try it!
In a significant other, smile or eyes? light or dark hair? Short or tall? Well, my fiancée has both a beautiful smile and eyes, medium brown hair, and is 1" taller than me.  Let's just say that lol ;)
Last phone call? Yesterday on my way home from work with my best friend in California
Last thing you ate? Breakfast this morning
Last thing you drank? Coffee lol
Do you get along with your family? Yes, very well.  My mom and I had a rough time when I was 16-19, but it has since rebuilt and been very beneficial.  I get along great with most of the rest of my family. 
How many siblings do you have? I have two half-brothers from my Dad's first marriage.  One I speak to and love dearly, while my other brother is unfortunately estranged from the family because of some things he did repeatedly despite our constant efforts to help.
Any pets? I have two rats at my apartment, and lovable dog, Riley, at my parent's house in California.  She has a bad back and is handicapped in one of her back legs, so the trip to DC when I moved was too much for her.  She is loved and happy being with my parents and their dog in sunny California, and I cuddle and play with her whenever I visit.
Who is/are your best friend(s)? Maura, by far.  I've known her more than 20 years, since I was just out of diapers.
Any tattoos currently? Would you ever get one? No tattoos, and I don't know if I would get one.  If I ever did, it would be of my child's name, because that will NEVER change.
Any piercings? Want any? Just in my ears.  Nothing else is desired.
Biggest pet peeve? When people are changing lanes while driving and turn on their indicator, then leave it on FOREVER after they've already changed lanes.  Totally bugs me!
What did you do today? I am working today, then I will go home tonight, do my exercise routine before my fiancée comes homes, make dinner with her, then cuddle up and watch a movie before turning in for an early night.
Favorite movies? Gosh that's a hard one LOL.  The Harry Potter movies, for sure, then followed by at least WallE, 50/50, and Little Women (1994).
Favorite TV shows? The L Word, The Big Bang Theory, and Family Guy are some of my favorites.
What age do you want to get married? Well, I'll be 27 when I get married lol
How many oceans have you swum in? The Pacific and the Atlantic
How many countries have you been to? How many states? I've been to MANY of the states, especially in my drives across the county.  I've only been to England though.  However I am going to Cancun, Mexico for my honeymoon!
What would you name your daughter? Addison
What would you name your son? Aidan
Play any sports? I used to play baseball, soccer, and swim
What language do you want to learn? I know some French, and would love to learn it fluently as well as Italian
Titanic or the Notebook? I'm going to have to go with Titanic because my brother worked on the movie :)

What would your parents have named you if you had been the opposite sex? Napoleon - and nicknamed me "Nappo".  I still haven't forgiven them for this lol.





Do you eat breakfast every morning? Yes, every single morning. :)
When did you stop believing in Santa? I believe I was 10 or 11 years old when it happened.
What’s the last time you got a nosebleed? Only about a month ago because of allergies.
What was your first job? I worked at McDonald's as a kid in high school.  I was only there for 2 months though before I started working for my Dad lol.
Ever burned anything on purpose? An old friend of mine and I burned leaves outside once when we were younger.  Boy, did we get in TROUBLE lol.  Don't play with fire kids!
Do you play an instrument? Piano, guitar, ukulele, and Rock Band (lol)
Where do you want to go on vacation? I'd love to travel Europe in it's entirety.  Greece is also up there, as well as going on safari in Africa.  I'd also like to travel to the Caribbean :)

That about wraps it up!  As an added bit of info, here is a picture of me and my fiancée, just so you guys have an idea. She is on the left, I am on the right (this is one of our photos from our engagement shoot where we decided to do a "nerdy" theme one lol):

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Welcome, Welcome to Another Blog!

Thanks to one of my fellow admins (and close friend), I am taking a whack at starting a blog in which all of you lovely people are kind enough to show an interest in!  First off, I thoroughly want to thank each and every one of you for taking a look and giving me the chance to engage with you one more way. 

What I hope to accomplish with this blog is to let you in on some more information about me, get to know the ins and outs in some parts of the Harry Potter world, share in stories and experiences that people (including myself) have had in regards to Harry Potter and literature, as well as post things that strike me as funny, entertaining, adorable, heartwarming, or just plain restoring faith in humanity.

In this blog, you'll get to know me as a person and admin, while also getting connected to other realms of the universe that surround fandoms, fan fiction, nerdiness, and general all-around geekery.  Not for you?  No problem!  Thanks for stopping by anyway :).

This blog should be updated on a daily basis, if not multiple times during the day.  I hope you will follow me and give me a chance to bring some additional entertainment into your digital lives.  It should be a lot of fun.

DISCLAIMER:  If you are offended or not a fan of any of the following: Harry Potter, The Big Bang Theory, Emma Watson, fan fiction (of the Harry Potter variety and others), Star Wars, movies, music, literature and reading, books, LGBT rights and activism, The L Word, girls kissing, boys kissing, love, sex, and gay marriage - please DO NOT follow this blog.  This is a SFW blog, but haters gonna hate, and I ain't got time for that ;).

I'm quirky, kind, loveable, and fun.  If that's not for you, then it was nice seeing you. Otherwise, welcome, welcome!  It's nice to meet you all :)

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