20 Wishes: Steps to self improvement.

I have been thinking a lot about what I want this blog to be.

It changes, and whenever I talk to Joe, I can see my vision, but the next day it is gone and I have to look for it again.

But finally, I realized why I truly blog.

1. To help me be published (I want to be a real author. And getting my name out there- in any way- helps.)

2. Because I did not stop living when I had a baby. 

Really, number 2 is the main reason. 

I was so scared to have a baby- because I was afraid I would stop living. I would become so absorbed with having children that I would stop caring about myself, and when that time came that my kids moved on- I would be left with nothing. 

I was afraid of growing up and needing to take care of someone else and not just being taken care of.

So, I blog to show people that you DO NOT DIE AFTER HAVING A BABY. You are still you. You live, you experience life, you go on adventures.  That is want I want to share.

But lately, I have become frustrated. Because I feel like many people I meet in Nebraska, are living, eating, breathing, for their kids. And it is making me forget who I am. 

I LOVE my daughter. I do live for her. Seeing her happy makes me happy. I go places for her, do everything for her. But one day, I want her to have her own family- and I want to make sure that I am still my own person then. 

So, this post is for that day. For now. For me. For her.

Truly Lovely is starting a 20 wishes in one year link-up, and I want to take part. I want to do it for me- so that I can remember who I am. 

Some things will be in benefit of my daughter, because she IS part of me, and that won't ever change. But I am Mary Davis. 

A mother, a wife, a writer. 

I dream big

I live bigger.

<div align="center"><a href="http://www.trulylovelyblog.net/category/twenty-wishes/" title="Truly Lovely"><img src="http://www.trulylovelyblog.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/wishes-button.png" alt="Truly Lovely" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

1. Start canning.

Learn to can, jam, syrup, preserves, salsa, anything. Just start to do it.

2. Read more.

Ideally, I want to get to one book a week. I don't know if that will happen in a year- but maybe at least 2 a month.

3. Learn to crochet.

I started, then stopped. I want to make something, that can be used.

4. Be able to run a 5k.

I want to be in better shape. I want to be able to run all I want.

5. Go to the temple at least once a quarter.

I know that we live so close (45 min) and I want to go once a month, but for now- once a quarter.

6. Make a scarp book.

Of our wedding, Sariah, marriage so far, something. Finish it.

7. Ride a horse.

Preferably not in a trail ride- but go wherever I want to ride.

8. Grow a garden.

I don't know how I will do it, it won't be very big- but I want to grow some sort of garden, even it it is in pots or herbs. 

9. Visit church history sites.

Mostly Independence and surrounding areas.

10. Go camping.

On a long trip- with hikes.

11.Be more self-sufficient.

Make my own tortillas, broth, dry my own herbs, cloth diappers. I don't think I can do all this- but I want to at least be buying less packaged food and make my own.

12. Make GOOD bread.

I love to bake, but whenever I make bread- it isn't 'sandwich' quality. That is my goal.

13. Make couple friends.

I miss Idaho where we lived 20 feet away from multiple friends, where we could in 10 minutes plan an outing/activity. I want us to find "couple" friends.

14. Write.

At least have a detailed outline of my book written out.

15. Go to a spa.

I want to go to a spa and have a full day of pampering.

16. Date Night

I want to go on a least one date a month without the baby cakes (who I do LOVE).

17. Make our place "ours".

I was reading an article that to be happy at home, you need to have your own 'nick-knacks' around. We don't. No pictures of even us. I want to craft, create, whatever- arrange out place to show our interests, dreams, personalities. 

18. Have a harvest Party.

I have seen/heard of these, and I REALLY want to host one.

19. Find "my-style".

When we have some more money to buy clothes, I want to re-do my wardrobe and find clothes that I am actually happy with (at least do as much as I can in a year. At least a week worth of clothes?).

20. Do a toddler-friendly activity daily.

I feel horrible about this, but I feel like Sariah is at a difficult age- the world as it is is engaging enough for her, and she is still rather obsessed with putting things in her mouth, that most activities I find I can't quite do yet. But I want her to learn more, so I am determined.