Tale As Old As Time

If you have seen Disney's Beauty and the Beast, you probably remember that iconic library that Beast gave to Belle; if you have not seen the movie, stop reading this and go watch it. The reason I bring up the library is because my dream is to one day have my own amazing library.

"Image: Tours Departing Daily"
This is not the library from the movie but a reproduction of the Beast's library in Disney's California Adventures in Anaheim, CA.

There is not enough time or money for me in the world to obtain such a vast collection. I want to start with the books that are my favorite and move on to books from my favorite genres. After that I want to own classics, first editions and any other books I can get my hands on. I want to build a library that is iconic to me.

"Image: Pesky Librarians"

"Image: Sunchild57 Photography"

Most people do not know that I am a big book nerd, but, those that are close to me do. I love getting lost in a great story, getting to know all the characters and losing track of time saying "just one more chapter." When reading I love the feeling of holding an actual book; I am not a fan of nooks or kindles. I know that with electronic mediums, you can access the books much faster and easier to travel with. With school I do not have a lot of free time; but, not enough time for me to start reading by electronic mediums. I wish I had more time for reading for fun; reading for school is not the same and is not something I enjoy. Text books will not be making an appearance in my library.

"Image: Erik Schepers"

"Image: Alienratt"

Whether you dream about an amazing library or not, I encourage everyone to read; if you do not like reading you may have not found something you like, but, trust me there is a book out there for everyone. Do not give up.

Dream House

Someday I not only want to afford my own house, but, be able to build it how I see it in my dreams.

Now when I say build, I do not mean me but actual contractors. Now I am not an architect so I will work with someone to make sure my house will be the best it can be. 

"Image: Brian Tobin"

Lets start with the outside. 

The exterior walls will be stone. I want part of the front to look like a tower, think Rapunzel, where the stairs will be located in the inside. I want the front yard to have a porch with a swing and big comfy chairs, so, company and I can sit out there and talk. In the front I also want a flower garden and a big gated front yard, so children can play safely. I also want a big backyard. In the back I want a pool with a grotto, waterfall and slide. I want to have a playground for the children and family. A fire pit and a bar/barbecue would be great as well. Also, I want to have different types of trees and bushes that produce different types of fruit and vegetables. 

"Image: Joseph"

"Image: Caviness Landscape Design, Inc."

"Image: Mari Smith"

Next the inside.

I want at least three stories. The first story will have the laundry room and guest or kids bedrooms. The second story will have the kitchen and master bed and bath. The third story will have a play room and comfy theater. On the first floor, I will also have 2.5 bath. On the second floor, there will be the master bath and then a half bath. On the third floor, there will be two half baths. The kitchen will be big to accommodate for company and allow me to cook for many people and cook efficiently with enough space. The inside needs some more thought and work but, theses are the things I dream about. 

"Image: Reneemo"

"Image: Chalon Handmade"

"Image: Moozlehome"

I see the layout in my dreams but specific details about decorating keep changing. The details will definitely match my personality and things I love. I  can say for sure there will be Paris and Marvel decorations in my house, the rest is yet to be determined. 

"Image: Chris Devers"

"Image: Heath"

Go and Build your own Dreams!

City of Lights

A dream I have had for a long time, is to visit Paris, France.

This dream may seem somewhat cliche; but, I want to be the typical tourist and visit everything that Paris has to offer. I am in love with the thought of Paris and hope one day that I can find out if it is everything I ever dreamed of.

"Image:Taylor Miles"

First, I want to visit every landmark that Paris is known for plus the ones they are not. The Eiffel Tower is at the top of my list. I want to go during the day to see the beauty of Paris and at night to see the "city of lights." I know there is an elevator to the top, but, I want to take the stairs so I can see the view from different levels. The next place on my list is Le Louvre. Some people go and spend a couple hours looking at the more famous artifacts; I am going to need at least a whole day, open-to-close, so I can look at every single thing in there. Le Louvre has so many great artifacts; I don't want to miss a single thing. Norte Dame De Paris is the next landmark I want to visit. The architecture is so beautiful and amazing. I want to see the gargoyles and the bells. I even want to feed the birds outside, another tradition that tourists do. Another place I want to see is the Arc De Triomphe. I want to walk through it and take time to look at the details. Some other places I want to visit are Versailles, Palais Royal, Musee d'Orsay, Panthéon, and Sacré Coeur Basilica. The last place on my list is Disneyland Paris. I love anything disney and anything Paris; so, of course I need to go.

"Image: Photophilde" 

"Image: Diana Robinson"

"Image: Yann Caradec"

Paris is not only known for its landmarks but, for its food too. I want to walk down the streets and go up to the little shops and get crepes. I want to eat crepes almost to the point of being ok if I never see another crepe again in my lifetime. I also want to eat some Croque Madames, a grilled ham and cheese with a poached egg on top. I have never had a macaroon; so, I'm not sure if I will like them, but, I would love to try some in Paris. For breakfast on some days I dream of eating some Pain au Chocolat, a croissant with chocolate. Heck, I would even be down to try some of the many different cheeses Paris has. I really want to eat some Gelato; I have only heard great things and am excited to try it some day. Like landmarks, Paris has so many great food options; and, I dream that in the future I will be able to try it all.

"Image: Emille Hardman"

"Image: Robyn Lee"

I want to get the whole experience that Paris has to offer; so, I would be down to try just about anything. I could go on forever about things I want to do while visiting, but there is not enough time in the world. If you have suggestions or ideas that you do not see but recommend, please leave a comment below.

Rêveurs d'au revoir!
(Till next time Dreamers)

Come Spy With Me

This week my dream is to become a member of the International Spy Museum in Washington, D.C. 

I first heard about the Museum through the show "Mysteries at the Museum." Of all the museums that the show has shown, the International Spy Museum is the most intriguing one I have seen.

"Image: Carl Raether"

The museum offers different types of membership; but, the membership I am most interested in is the Agent X membership. With this membership I would be getting all of the benefits that basic members get as well as attending a cocktail party with real spies, guest passes and a $25 gift card to the museum store.  

The museum has exhibits and collections that show the history and craft of espionage, not only in the United States but internationally as well. They have items that have been used by real spies and items from spy movies. Some items that they have on display are disguised weapons, and concealment devices for different objects such as weapons, cameras and transmitters and photos and documentation of known and captured spies. This is just a little of what the museum has. There is some objects that are more exciting than others. Espionage is so interesting to me; so, every object is exciting to me.

"Image: Ben Fullerton"

"Image: Powhusku"

"Image: Michlel"

The museum also offers interactive spy experiences such as Operation Spy and Spy City. In Operation Spy, you become the spy and are tasked with a mission. This experience takes place in the museum. You will be able to do activities that real spies actually do. Some of those activities are decryption and interrogation, also you will have to get in and out of secure places without getting caught. In Spy City, you are equipped with a GPS device and sent outside on a secret mission. You still do activities that spies do. Both sound and look like so much fun. I am dreaming of a time when I will be able to.

However, the cost-of-living is so high in Washington D.C., that the closest I will come to achieving this dream is visiting the museum on a trip to the Capitol. 

Sail Away With Me

A dream that I have had for almost 10 years, is to stay at Atlantis Paradise Island in the Bahamas.

"Image: drpavloff"

When I was younger, the reason I wanted to go was the water slide that went through the shark tank. I saw a picture of Aaron Carter, in a tween magazine, sliding down. I have been to many waterparks and down many water slides; but, none of them have ever come close to being as cool as the Atlantis one. Just look at the slide below and you will see; it is awesome from start to finish.

"Image: David Kosmos Smith"

The slide is what drew me to Atlantis, but further research has made me fall in love with the entire resort. What they have to offer is everything I could ever dream about having on a vacation. Besides the water park they offer a variety of activities for adults and kids. For adults they have a casino, golf, fitness center, tours and many more fun activities. For kids they have rock climbing, a marine habitat, pottery and other great activities to keep them busy and having fun. I want to go down all the water slides and float around the lazy river, getting a really
                                                                                     great tan. Not if I get there, but when I                                                                                          get there I am going to make the most of
                                                                                     my time there and spend every moment,
                                                                                     that I am awake, doing activities that
                                                                                     will create great memories.

"Image: Don McCullough"

I have also dreamed of how I would get to Atlantis. I want to take a cruise there. I have done my research on cruises to the Bahamas as well. Disney has a cruise that goes there. This is where I combine some of my dreams together: Disney cruise, Star Wars and Atlantis. This month Disney announced they will have "Star Wars at Sea." I could not think of a more perfect cruise for me than a Disney Star Wars cruise. I have never been on a Disney cruise; but, I know I would have a great time. I love mostly, everything Disney and from what I have heard and seen, the cruise looks like so
                                                                                  much fun.

Where we're going, we don't need dreams!

"Image: Star Wars"

"Image: bright_shadow56"

The Happiest Place on Earth

My dream this week is to have a successful career.

"Image: Tom Bricker"

My dream is to work for the Walt Disney Company. From many hours of research, getting a job at the happiest place on earth is a real possibility. Before I am able to get a full time position, I will need to complete a recent graduate internship. When people usually think of getting a job with Disney, they think of working in the park. However, there are so many jobs outside of the parks. Disney has five segments and many employees work within each. I am interested in working within any of the five segments. I will be graduating this May with a bachelor's degree in Management and a minor in Criminal Justice. I am more interested in working a job with more law aspects but, I am more than capable of working a management job.

I used to think getting an internship after graduation, rather than getting a job, was a dumb idea. Two reasons I changed my mind are most Disney internships are paid and most job listing require its candidate to have experience. The internship will not be an easy one but it will be fun and I will learn so much. My dream for getting the job is that Disney will see what a valuable asset I am and offer me a full time position once my internship is over.

I love Disneyland and just about everything else Disney. It is a great company with many opportunities to offer. It continues to make decisions that put it ahead of all other competitors. Purchasing Star Wars, Pixar and Marvel was a smart decision; and, I would love to work within those companies through Disney. Having a career doing a job that I love will make everything I have worked towards all worth it.

"A dream is a wish your heart makes"
Ilene Woods, Cinderella

"Image: Tom Bricker"

"Image: Aislinn Sweeney"

"Image: Aislinn Sweeney"

"Image: Aislinn Sweeney"

Hello World

Let me introduce you to my digital dream board. Each week I will post a new, achievable dream that I would like to happen in my lifetime.

My first dream is to make it to graduation this year. Graduation is so close; I can feel it. Making it there will not be easy, it will take time, effort and hard-work. Rather than having an easy last semester, I put off taking some classes and now I have a crazy semester ahead. I am taking 19 hours, working three jobs and completing a hundred hours internship. Reaching graduation will be no small feat, but will be all worth it. Walking across the stage and getting my diploma is what I look forward to. 

"Image: gadgetdude"

I am so excited for graduation. Having my family together at the same time is something I look forward to as well. I could not imagine sharing that moment with any other group of people besides them. They are my biggest cheerleaders, and a big part of why I have made it this far. They see the best in me and remind me that luck did not get me this far, I got myself this far. 

I love Baylor and will miss it so much, but I am excited to see what lies ahead for me after graduation. For me, getting to graduation is also about figuring out what I am going to do after. I still have yet to figure out what I want to do. Anyways, finding a job is a whole other dream that I will write about later on.

No dream is too small; so, keep on dreaming!

"Image: Aislinn Sweeney"

"Image: Aislinn Sweeney"