Demons and Diamonds

Today is a special day in two counts. One is a count of days added to my life; the other is a count down to my new life. Today marks two years of living after a failed suicide attempt and exactly forty-nine days until I marry my best friend.

When I reflect on how dark my life was two years ago, I am still surprised I survived. I nearly didn't. But I am so glad I did! I have met many good people and friends in the last two years that I wouldn't have met otherwise. I've lived in three different states in the last two years, and I'm about to add another to that list. And I met the man I'm soon marrying.

Someone recently asked me about my relationship with Matt, and I realized that I wouldn't be as good a match for him had I not experienced everything involved in my suicide attempt. There are several reasons why, but the biggest one is I learned not to judge people by their past. Had I met Matt earlier than when I did, I wouldn't have given him a third date. He would have just been another passerby. He often says the same.

However, God is so good. He led me on a path that I took to mean failure. In reality, He was moving me toward something greater in places I didn't think or want to look.

My demons are still here and will likely always be with me. Yet, now I have a companion to help me defeat them. I have to fight my own battles, but Matt is there to hand me a new weapon after the first one breaks. (He jokes that the "Beyond" in Bed Bath & Beyond stands for battle axes.) That is what the diamond on my hand stands for: a partner to support me when the demons feel too big, and someone to continue counting days of living with me.

Here's to living and trusting in God's timing and love.

Current count: 49 days until the wedding
Current count: 730 days of living

My Answer to a Dreaded Question

Last night, a family friend asked me the question I currently dread most: "What are you up to these days?"

I gave some answer that satisfied his question, but my mumbling about going back to school and looking for work told nothing of the journey that got me where I am today. To the outsider, it looks like I'm doing nothing with my life. To those who know me well, they know it has been a long, hard battle to reach my current mental state.

Three years ago almost to the day, my life took an unfathomable turn for the worse (and ultimately for the better). The turning point was a phone call from someone I considered my friend that turned my world upside down. Now, I won't go into the details because I don't want to dredge up old wounds; however, I will tell you that that phone call set me on the path to my mental health deterioration. Shortly after, I began having regular panic attacks that interfered with school, church, work, and every other aspect of my life for the next six months.

Towards the fall of 2015, I sunk into an episode of depression, which I talked about in this post. I thought I had reached my lowest point when I wrote that post, and at that time, I had. What I didn't know was that 2016 would be even scarier than the previous year. Just when I thought it couldn't get worse, it did. You can read about that in this post, in which I wrote about my biggest suicide attempt. I'm happy to say I haven't had any attempts since April of 2016!

Now, we come to 2017. If you had told me that this year would entail my living in two different states, suffering one of my hardest heartbreaks, experiencing family illness and death, and finding myself back in my hometown, I probably would have told you to go away in uncharacteristically harsh language. Yet, here I sit with the year coming to a close having survived another year and somehow managed to be in my healthiest mental state in years! I find myself having successfully finished a semester of college, having met new friends, maintained my boundaries, and having gained a confidence, strength and self-awareness I didn't have before.

This is not to say I will never struggle with depression or anxiety again. Those monsters still sneak up on me once in a while to make sure I won't forget them, but I now know how to handle them and how to keep them manageable. I even have had the opportunity to love and support some of my dear friends in their own mental health struggles. These instances make all my hardships worth something. My journey to good health is far from over, yet it becomes easier each day. It is easier to get out of bed. It is easier to laugh at something my date said. It is easier to serve someone. It is easier to create again. And it is ever easier to hope.

So, to answer the dreaded question above, I am living; I am thriving; I am becoming a better me.

If you or someone you know needs help, visit this suicide prevention resources page.

If you need support right now, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or text “Hello” to 741-741.

Why I Stay

On the days I don't want to stay, I read a lot of articles and blog posts about reasons to stay, and I've decided to share my list. Maybe it can help someone find a reason to stay too. Some are trivial, some are universal. All of them are mine.

I stay for the fresh smelling rain of the Pacific Northwest. It wasn't until yesterday when I remembered just how much NW rain brings me joy.

I stay for all the quilt projects I want to finish.

I stay for friends who have touched my life.

I stay for the days when I can finish a workout and am glad that I started.

I stay for running days. I still don't love running, but I love the accomplished feeling when I cross the finish line!

I stay for goals yet to be accomplished like earning my bachelor's and master's degrees.

I stay for ice cream and dark chocolate.

I stay for my new dreams like spending a birthday in the Southern Hemisphere. I've always wanted to experience a summer birthday.

I stay for my nieces and nephews, who are my top nine reasons for staying! 

I stay for future adventures with friends and especially with my nieces and nephews.

But most of all, I stay for me. My story is not done. I stay to live and share it.

The Same Road, Two Very Different Road Trips

This week is National Suicide Prevention week in the United States. Because of that, I want to write two posts, one about the last time I was actively suicidal and another about why I stay (this year's theme of TWLOHA).

Let me set the stage. These road trips happen along I-15 from California to Utah, a route I have driven many times. Specifically, these moments happen on I-15 driving north of Cedar City, Utah.

March 2017
I'm on my way to attend FanX with my oldest nieces. I know it will be a fun time. We are seeing the new "Beauty and the Beast" on opening day. We're scheduled to take pictures with a couple celebrities and all have costumes. Okay, my costumes are just fan shirts, but that's how I roll. All of that is the good I'm excited for during this trip.

The downside? I'll be seeing my recent ex-boyfriend a week after a very emotional breakup. I want to see him and I don't. I'm feeling rejected by him but more so from God. It is a dark place. I am back in my dungeon and feeling a loss of hope. Not even my "Bad Day" playlist will help today.

That darkness and loss of hope leads me to contemplate driving into oncoming traffic. It's a serious consideration that is both enticing and scary. Thankfully (I suppose), I've been down this path before and know the danger signs well enough to reach out for help.

--

I didn't pull into oncoming traffic and made it to Utah safely, but there was a good stretch of road where that outcome was questionable. I did make it through that trip with all its fun moments and emotional moments. It proved, once again, that I need my family sometimes to survive.

Myself and my nieces, Whitney and Monique heading to FanX the day after driving

This brings me to the second trip.

July 2017

I am on my way to Utah once again. This trip is quite different from the last time. Happy music is blasting, and I'm singing along to all the songs. I'm excited to see my family, excited to watch my niece play softball, and making really good time.

At some point, I realize I've reached the stretch of road where I was suicidal months before and the contrast hits me. This is the proof that I am in a better headspace, proof that I am healthier, proof that all the therapy and doctor's appointments have been worth it. This is the confirmation I've needed before going after new dreams. 

This is the ultimate proof that hope and healing are real.

If you or someone you know needs help, visit this suicide prevention resources page.

If you need support right now, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or text “Hello” to 741-741.

365 Days of Living

Today is the first anniversary of my suicide attempt, which you can read about in this post here.

It's been 365 days of fighting demons and learning that life is worth the fight. There have been good days and bad days, but what I've learned the most is that this process isn't linear. My fight isn't over, but there are less demons than before. I can get out of bed nearly every day. I am going back to work soon and making plans to live on my own again later this year. I finally found a therapist I like and a medication that works. I am making healthy changes, setting running goals and finding my passions to build a fulfilling life. In fact, I'm participating in the Unmasked 10M event put on by the Hogwarts Running Club and benefiting TWLOHA, an organization so dear to my heart. Not only does this combine two of my sources of hope, I decided it also was one of the best ways to celebrate living.

Because of my experiences this last year, the knowledge that God has been and will always be right beside me is now permanently embedded into my soul. He is shaping me into more than I ever dreamed and guiding my life to become more than what I planned.

Because today stirs up so many emotions, I am choosing to focus the most on gratitude.

To everyone in my life, thank you. Thank you for your prayers and kind thoughts sent my way. Thank you for reminding me of my value when I cannot see it myself. 

To those who stayed with me through my darkest and most desperate times, I can't thank you enough. You were my lifeline when I couldn't help myself. Your words of support, texts, and confidence in me reminded me that I had strength to continue on.

To those who left and who kept their boundaries, thank you for recognizing what you could handle and for choosing to take care of yourself. Self-care is so important.

To my therapists, thank you for working with me and for guiding me through the dark maze of depression. You helped me see my gradual progress and gave me hope for better things to come. Thank you for accepting me as I was each time I entered your office whether it was a good or bad mental health day.

To my amazing nieces, thank you for showing wisdom beyond your ages by accepting that I couldn't always keep my promises. Thank you for being concerned and expressing your unconditional love to me. Some days, your love is the only thing that keeps me fighting.

To my family, thank you for the support you've given me this year, whether emotional, financial, physical, or just your love. I wouldn't be as healthy as I am today without your care and support. Thank you for the tough love that was needed (and sometimes not). I know you are trying your best to understand, and I love you for that.

Please, please, if you or someone you know is struggling, take heart. There is hope in the darkness. Help is available. You matter. You are important. 

If you or someone you know needs help, visit this suicide prevention resources page.

If you need support right now, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or text “Hello” to 741-741.

Just Like Piecing a Quilt

Healing is like making a quilt. 

A quilt starts off as bolts of different fabric in the store, perfectly content to be on the shelf. The fabric minds its own business until someone comes and cuts off a yard or two or three. Then the fabric is taken home where it is cut again into pieces of various sizes. The fabric may even wonder why it is being cut into smaller pieces.

The fabric doesn't know what pattern the quilter envisions, nor does it know the beautiful masterpiece it will become in the end. Sometimes, the quilt takes a bit of configuring if a piece isn't cut correctly or if the pieces don't fit quite right.

A lot of work, time and patience are required of the quilter as piece after piece is sewn together creating blocks. Assembling the pieces seems never ending. Blocks are remade if a piece was cut incorrectly. Mistakes are made, seams are ripped out and resewn. Blocks are rearranged until the perfect combination is found. Often, the original plan is changed a bit to create an even better masterpiece.

Then there is the intricate work of quilting the quilt, or sewing the quilt top, batting and back together. This can take a long time if done by hand. It's quite amazing to see a flat quilt top come to life as the tiny stitches add texture and compliment the quilt design.

As I chose these quilt pictures, I realized how long it took me to finish. I began piecing it in October 2013. I remember making the flying geese blocks (all the triangles) and cursing them because there were so many and because the sewing had to be perfect for all blocks to be straight. I finished the quilt top in February 2014 in time for my friend's baby shower. But it took me until August 2014 to quilt it by hand and finish the binding- just in time to enter it into the State Fair.  It was a labor of love and my favorite quilt I have made so far.

What does this have to do with healing? It's the same process. I think I'm in the sewing and seam ripping stage, where things feel worse as they are improving and the light seems like it will never return. But all hope is not lost! It is that same labor of love I need to put into myself. Work, time and patience are required for healing. I have faith that working through my depression will ultimately lead to the masterpiece of my life quilt that God has planned. I cannot see the outcome, but I know He can. I just have to hold onto that.

If you or someone you know needs help, visit this suicide prevention resources page.

If you need support right now, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or text “Hello” to 741-741.

Depression: My Unwanted Companion Part 2

Depression is a mental illness. Major Depression is one type and is defined by the National Institute of Mental Health as "severe symptoms that interfere with your ability to work, sleep, study, eat, and enjoy life."

Depression can have several symptoms. This time, I seem to have emotional extremes with no middle ground. I either have a good day where life feels normal, or I have a bad day where I am really sad, frustrated, angry, or anxious. (By "bad day", I mean a day where my depression is overpowering and outweighing everything else.) There have only been a few scary times when I felt completely empty. One of those times resulted in an overdose attempt, which is why those times are so scary to me.

There have been countless people who have supported and loved me through all of this whether I reached out to them or not. I am grateful for the friends who have stuck it out and haven't left me. The biggest paradox of my depression is the desire for isolation and desperate need for friends. I hesitate every time I reach out to someone, especially on the days I am most drawn into myself.

Because I know how difficult it is when a friend with depression reaches out to you, here are two recommendations on articles for what to say or not say to someone with depression: here and here.

When I reach out to someone during a panic attack or a bad day, I'm seeking reassurance that I am not alone and that I will survive whatever I am going through in that moment. Comments such as "I'm here" or "You will be okay" are the most helpful to me.

One of the side effects of my depression is I have become a very timid and shy little girl. As I said before, I often hesitate to reach out to someone because I feel like I am bothering them. I know I am not a bother, otherwise, the people I reach out to would have told me to get lost long ago. However, I still feel that way. I often push through it and still reach out, and sometimes, I don't. 

The hardest thing about feeling so timid is I often turn to only two or three people when I need help. The most common phrase I hear in some form or another is someone asking how they can help. I often won't ask for what I need because for whatever reason I think I just can't ask someone to help with that. Honestly, help with things like laundry, cooking, grocery shopping, and cleaning my room is what I need most, but I'm often too embarrassed, prideful, or I lack the energy to ask for what I need.

This isn't the end. One day at a time is all I can do for now. And that's okay.

Recommended posts from the To Write Love on Her Arms blog:

Five Lies Depression Told Me

For Those Who Have Stayed

But Your Life Isn't That Bad

Click to read Part 1.

If you or someone you know needs help, visit this suicide prevention resources page.

If you need support right now, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or text “Hello” to 741-741.

Depression: My Unwanted Companion Part 1

This is a really scary two part post for me, but it's one I've been thinking about for a while now. After reading a blog post today on the To Write Love on Her Arms blog asking people to share their stories before they are finished, I decided today was the day. Here is my story as it is being written.

I may have dealt with depression before this, but the first time I knew for sure I was struggling with depression was after my mom's stroke three years ago. Expecting to spend Christmas in Venice that year, I stopped in Washington to visit my parents before I was to leave. When I arrived in Washington, my dad and I went straight to the hospital to visit my mom who had gone in the day before. I learned my mom had had a stroke and changed my plans to stay in Washington to be there for my mom and dad. 

After spending nearly a month of taking care of my mom and being a support for my dad, I returned to Utah emotionally depleted. I had nothing left to give. I retreated into myself over the first few weeks I was home. I know I wasn't a pleasant roommate at the time. (Thank you for still being my friend after that Adri!) Reading became my refuge; I devoured book after book. I read 15 or so books in two months, which eventually led to my reading goal of 50 books that year. During this time, I also started therapy. I remember using a scene in a comic strip to describe how I felt to my therapist. I felt as if I was trapped in a dungeon much like the following scene from Rose is Rose by Don Wimmer and Pat Brady. 

Through the personal work I did in therapy and the constant love given to me by my friends, I eventually made my way out of that dungeon and stayed out for a long time.

Then 2015 happened.

This year has been one of the hardest years of my life. After dealing with constant panic attacks for the first half of the year and heartbreak, I managed to find myself back in my dark dungeon called depression. There wasn't an evident cause like last time, although my guess is it was again depletion depression. Anxiety and depression are two sides to a teeter-totter. They are often found together.

At first, I thought I was just dealing with homesickness because I had recently returned from a week of visiting my parents in Washington. But the sadness lingered and worsened. I retreated into myself and hid in my room. I think there was a week where my roommates didn't see me at all. I stopped going to church for several weeks and cancelled on plans with friends. Frankly, it's amazing I made it to work those weeks.

People began to notice and reach out to me, which I appreciated; however, I wasn't ready or willing to ask for help. I kept thinking things would improve as if by magic. They didn't. My depression started interfering with work and with my health. I stopped eating and didn't sleep well. I felt as though I was under an avalanche and the more I kept trying to get out from underneath it, the more it caved in on me. It was kind of like this Wile E Coyote clip:

Finally after about a month of trying it on my own, I admitted I needed help. I met with my bishop in one of the hardest interviews of my life. He put me in contact with a wonderful therapist two days later.

Continued in Part 2 

If you or someone you know needs help, visit this suicide prevention resources page.

If you need support right now, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or text “Hello” to 741-741.

Lessons & Accomplishments of 2011

As the old year passes and the new year approaches, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on some lessons and accomplishments from this year.

In 2011, I learned that asking for help, while extremely hard at times, is important. I am still trying to implement this principle in my life. I know that I can't do everything as much as I think I can. My visiting teachers and other friends have come to my aid and rescued me from the "dragons" that I faced. I witnessed the example my brother's family gave me of accepting help. They were probably most influential in teaching me this lesson.

In 2011, I learned the blessings of tithing. I had previously gained a testimony of tithing by not paying it in previous years. This year, I really strived to pay my tithing no matter how hard it felt. Let me tell you, there were a few months where it took every ounce of my faith to write and hand in my check. Because I have religiously paid my tithing, I have witnessed a few financial miracles. I've had a general peace about my finances. I have been able to better manage my money (for the most part) to live off my paychecks.

One miracle that stands out is the day my a headlight on my car burned out. I was down to my last dollar till my next paycheck with nothing to spare. A co-worker purchased a jewelry order from me. As I was driving to the bank to deposit the money from the order, I noticed my headlight was out. I was then able to immediately buy a replacement bulb and resolve the problem. That experience may seem like nothing special to you, but I recognize the timing of that blessing.

In 2011, I overcame a roadblock in my life that I had forgotten was there. It took moving to Utah and meeting an amazing friend to change my life in a way that resolved years of trying to avoid that particular roadblock.

In 2011, I completed my first quilt made entirely by me! I enjoyed that project immensely. I love seeing my quilt appear in pictures posted of the baby recipient on Facebook. I love hearing the compliments about my quilt given to the mother. At one point, the mother teased me that she received more comments on the beautiful quilt than on the cuteness of her baby!

In 2011, I learned the importance of working a job that I enjoy. After going through a bad situation in a job that I dreaded, finding my current job was a God-send... literally. The day after I quit my first job, I met the employment specialist in my ward. I didn't know she was the employment specialist at the time. I told her about my need for a new job, and she promptly helped me revise my resume. She helped me find a job faster than I ever could have on my own. Just as an needless piece of information, I have now worked at this job longer than any other job in my work history!!

In 2011, I experienced the greatest loss in my life so far. However, out of that, I have learned to trust in the Lord's timing and tender mercies.

This last year has been a roller coaster of a ride! Here's to a the year 2012!

Happy New Year my friends!

A Tribute of Gratitude

Like most people, I have pondered gratitude a lot this month. I decided to focus on people I am grateful for this month. While I am grateful for the influence of so many people in my life, I want to dedicate this post to a just few!

Frazzled to Peaceful in 0.2 Moments

Wow... Has it really been almost a month since my last post? I need to jump back into the blog world and keep this updated. Hopefully, I will take the time this week to post pictures of my completed sewing projects.

Alive and Well

I'm BACK!!!

My computer arrived in the mail this morning after being separated from me for nearly a month! (It was having some issues, so I left it in Washington to be fixed back in July.) I felt rather lost without my computer. So, please pardon another short post while I dust off my computer and get back into my usual routine!

A few updates:
-I started a new job a week and a half ago. I absolutely love it!!
-My friend Hungry got married, and I was able to go.
-My Grandpa Don passed away, and I was able to attend the funeral (same trip as the wedding).
-I finished the baby quilt I have been working on for a few months! (I'll have pictures of that soon.)
-I caused my niece to think I am weird! (That's a great story that I'll share later.)

I hope you all have a wonderful day!
Paka

My Beautiful Washington

I'm back home this week in my beautiful Washington! It has been a much needed breath of fresh, cooler air. I came out for a jewelry training and to visit friends and family. Oh, how I have missed my dear friends! There is nothing quite like sitting up early in the morning, laughing hysterically over some silly story. I love how silly I become with certain friends around me. There is a voice of reason in my head that rolls its eyes at me when I get this way! But, I love, love, love turning into that crazy 16-year-old self again without a care of what anyone thinks of me!

I am hoping to keep this crazy girl with me long enough to enjoy the upcoming YSA dance and conference next weekend. I haven't yet found a friend who brings this out in me. I'm hoping that spending time with my Washington friends will help loosen me up as I return to Utah. It's hard to explain.

Enjoy your wonderful week!

Here is a post all about the beauties of my beautiful Washington at Mona's Musings!

It's Here!

My terribly missed card reader arrived in the mail this week! I have missed that little thing for two months, with 345 pictures to show for it! (Most of those pictures were from my nieces playing with my camera on the Fourth.)

Next week is going to be a busy and exciting week. I have an audition for an orchestra that I am frantically trying to resurrect my old flute solos for! On top of that, I am leaving for a vacation the same day as the audition. I have a lot of practicing and packing to do this weekend! Oh, the Pioneer Day Parade is Monday, which I am hoping to go see (depending on how my flute solos are coming!)

Here is a collage of highlights from my summer so far to enjoy while I sort out the adventures that merit their own post!

(Click to enlarge)

Have a beautiful weekend!
Paka!

Coming soon: The reveal of two completed quilts!!

Adventures Galore

This summer has been wonderful so far. I participated in a friend's wedding. I went on a road trip with another friend. I attended a baby shower where I showed off the baby quilt I have in the making. I spent a wonderful Fourth of July with two of my nieces! I have tons of pictures to share of all these fun activities, but I can't load them onto my computer until my card reader (that I left in Washington back in May) arrives in the mail.

Until then, have a wonderful week!

Attempting to Juggle

Many things have happened in the last month since moving into my new place. Our ward is functioning now, complete with a Relief Society presidency and soon-to-be Elders Quorum. I, unsurprisingly, have been called as one of the ward organists. I know, big surprise right? I knew that as soon as I opened my mouth and admitted to playing the organ I was in for it! I actually enjoy playing this organ. It is forcing, rather providing an opportunity for me to learn to play the foot pedals.

I am also trying to be involved in many other areas besides music. I feel that this ward will help me discover and develop new talents and gifts. Yesterday, I expressed a desire to be involved in fellowshipping new members of our ward. Right away, this friend thought of a few ways for me to become involved. I am so grateful for the generous people in this ward, especially the bishopric.

This weekend was a bundle of rash decisions. I bought a new phone and changed my number, which has been so nice. I love my new phone! Another decision was trying to find out what was wrong with my knee. As a result of out-of-state health insurance, I ended up visiting the ER to learn that I apparently have tendinitis in my knee. (I'm not sure I agree with that diagnosis, but I'll get a second non-ER opinion soon.) The third and most rash decision is something I have prayed and fasted over. While this decision is not logical at all, I feel it is the right one to make. And I will leave you all guessing as to what that decision is! Aren't I nice?

Have a wonderful week!

This is The Place

It may be corny to quote what Brigham Young said when he saw the Salt Lake Valley, but it portrays my feelings exactly. After being here one month, I found a house to live in and a job (which I accepted the offer yesterday) that is close by. I can't tell you how many times I have felt a confirmation that I am in the right place for my life. Big things are going to happen in the next few years! I know of two off the top of my head: I will finish my education, and I will be financially independent from my parents. At least, those are my goals for the next few years.

I participated in a historic event this last week. Student Wards were done away with and the creation of Young Single Adult Stakes and Wards replaced them. We met in a big regional meeting at the Conference Center to learn what stakes we are in. Last Sunday was our first Stake Conference where we learned the boundaries of our new ward. I am so excited for this new ward. I know it will be wonderful. I will admit that it is foreign to me to have stake leaders who I have never met, but I know they are good men.

I have really enjoyed my three roommates so far. They are all spunky and quirky girls, who love life. I am the oldest, only by nine months, and it is interesting to hear insight come out of my mouth. (It's as if I knew what I was talking about!) I have taken the opportunity of my move to really stay close to my Heavenly Father and the Spirit. I have been surprised on many occasion of what I am led to say and learning that it was exactly what they needed to hear. Words aren't enough to express my gratitude to the Lord for His abundant blessings this last month and in my life.

Okay, now for the fun part. Here is a video tour of my house that I took for my parents. (So, you can ignore the comments to my mom and dad.) Sorry if it is a little wordy. Enjoy!

Life is good; God is great! Paka!!

On the Road Again

I'm moving!!!

I'm leaving the rain, which I love, to live in the desert.  Many new adventures are ahead with school, work and life. Once I am settled, I shall resume my blogging!

So, stay tuned!

Birthday Report

Earlier this month, my friends and I celebrated my birthday by having a party of course! It was an adventure just getting to the party. Murphy's Law was in full force that night. In spite of all that worked against me, I made it to my party and helped set up with minutes to spare before the final guests arrived! (Everyone else was helping with the set up.) Whew!

New Year, New Beginning

Happy 2011!!!

This year is going to be a great year; I can just tell by all the wonderful things already planned! Many changes will be made this year. Many projects will be completed. I won't give away all the goodies before they happen!

As you can tell by the birthday themed background, my birthday is just over a week away! I have been counting down the days since December 22nd, when there are exactly 22 days till my birthday! More on that celebration in the coming weeks.

I have several goals for this year. One of them involves this blog! I am going to be more than just a Once-a-month blogger this year! I have been greatly inspired by many, many blogs this week. I am really excited about my new ideas for Piano Plinker that will be unveiled as the year continues.

To start the year off, tomorrow evening will be the unveiling of a weekly themed post occurring on Tuesdays. Let me just say, it will wet your appetite! Tune in tomorrow to discover a delicious side of Piano Plinker!

Paka, paka!