Imaginary Christmas Wishlist

Around this time of year, everyone is creating their Christmas Wishlists. Sure there are things that I want, but what about the things that I want, but can never have? I started thinking about all the things that I would wish for if I could have anything. I think I've created a pretty awesome Imaginary Christmas Wishlist.  Now, if I could only figure out how to make one of these things come true.

Who wouldn't want to own a time traveling machine? I would love to be able to go anywhere in the universe during any time period. Of all the time machines to choose from, the Tardis is by far the best choice. It's a beautiful slick design, it's bigger on the inside and it comes with the Doctor. How can you go wrong with that?

Of all the animals in the world, be it fact or fiction, the panda is my favorite. One Christmas when I was a kid, my mom gave me a stuffed panda. I dragged that lil guy with me everywhere and slept with him every night. Ever since then, I've always wanted a panda. I imagined all the awesome things we would do together, like go down slides, eat lots of bamboo and sit around looking all cute and junk.  

I'm sure that you've figured out that Pride and Prejudice is one of my favorite novels and obviously, Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy is the epitome of a dream man. There's so much to love about him, he's a gentleman, he has an amazing home and he's passionate. I know that initially, he seems cold and distant, but when you get to know him he's a fierce protector of those that he loves. I wouldn't want to marry him, I'm already married to someone amazing, but a date with Mr. Darcy would be a dream.

I'm pretty sure that at first this would be a great idea, but later I would regret it. Old Gregg would turn obsessive, maybe try and steal Markus from me, but I feel like it might be worth it. We could hang out in his cave, do our makeup and paint watercolors. Also, he could  serenade me anytime all while I drink Bailey's from a shoe.

Of all the fictional schools, Hogwarts would definitely be the coolest and most interesting. The facilities alone are worth attending. Who wouldn't want to go to a school with moving staircases, haunted bathrooms and talking paintings? I can't forget to mention the awesome teachers and the coolest kids in all the land. The best part would be the relationships you would form and the experiences you would have.

If you've seen Midnight in Paris, then you know that Paris in the 1920s is a writer's dream. I couldn't even imagine how inspiring the city would be during this time. I've never been to Paris, it's on the Wandering Wishlist, and I'm dying to go. I've heard so many wonderful things about the City of Lights. If I could go during the 1920s, I would sit at a cafe and spend hours writing. Then at night, go out and do the Charleston with the Fitzgeralds and Dali.

Even though Steve Zissou is a bit selfish and not the best leader, he still goes on fantastical adventures. I have a fear of the ocean, so I think the best way to overcome that fear, would be to join Team Zissou. Sure, everyone on the team has issues, but who doesn't? Hunting the jaguar shark would be the greatest of adventures. You've got to admire Zissou's thirst for vengeance. Also, I've always wanted to wear their uniforms. I think they're quite cool.

I remember every weekday afternoon, I would run into the house, so I could catch Sailor Moon. This show was the most important show in my life. My friends and I even picked which scouts we would be. I was Sailor Jupiter and even wore my hair like her for a year. I spent evenings dreaming about Tuxedo Mask and how I could punish people on behalf of the moon. Of all the female super heroes, they were also the hottest.

I feel like this needs no explanation. Who wouldn't want to be bff's with Ron Swanson? He'll be able to teach me how to build things all while eating bacon. Sounds awesome.

I think being around this kind of genius would hopefully rub off on me. I would love to roam the streets of England solving cases. I'm pretty sure he would drive me crazy after five minutes, but that's what happens when you around someone so intelligent.

So, dear readers, that is my Imaginary Christmas Wishlist and I hope you enjoyed it. If you had a list, what would be on yours? Make sure to leave a comment and let me know!

Haedong Yonggungsa

In my birthday post, I shared a few pictures from Haedong Yonggungsa. As I've said before, temples in Korea all tend to look the same. They're all the same green and red color scheme and the construction of the buildings are exactly the same too. Whenever someone suggests going to a temple, I always pass. Once you've seen one, you've seen them all. The only difference is probably the way you get there. I think this is why I fell in love with Yonggungsa. It still has the same temple structure you see everywhere else, but it's stunningly beautiful and very different from the others.

On the way to temple, there is a different kind of feeling. I could feel the anticipation rising as we passed animal statues of the Chinese zodiac, walked down steps lined with bamboo trees and strolled across wooden bridges. As soon as the temple came into view, I was overwhelmed with how breathtaking it was. The temple is nestled on top of rocky cliffs and has the ocean as a backdrop. The place was overflowing with people and I've heard that it's always busy regardless of the time or season. I understand why it's so popular and always busy. It's a magnificent temple that is unique and beautiful and one that everyone in Korea should visit! 

Wandering Wednesday | Tennessee Road Trip | 2 of 3

On the second part of our Tennessee road trip, we drove to Pigeon Forge and to the Appalachian Mountains. These were the first mountains that I ever saw up close. Also, this was the first time I went hiking and I was very excited. I couldn't have thought of a better place, the Appalachian Mountains are beautiful.

Interesting side note, Markus and I are wearing strange looking neon t-shirts because my students were fundraising for a missions trip to Mexico. The spray painted Mexican themed designs onto t-shirts. At the time, it was all the rage. And now? I still stand behind my decision. I would do anything for my kids and if wearing a shirt while in the Appalachian mountains is a way to support them, I would do it again and again.

We drove up one of the mountain listening to soundtracks and rolled the windows down. Between the five of us, no one said a word. We were in awe of the beauty that surrounded us. We finally made it to the top of the mountain and parked.  We walked on a little trail to the very top. This was the first time I ever walked anywhere that steep and my legs were so confused. They didn't understand what was happening. It was quite an interesting experience.

While exploring, we found the Appalachian Trail and the boys were ecstatic. They managed to convince Victoria and I that we should hike the trail. When we started, it was great. I felt like a real explorer on my first mountain adventure. Then after about 20 minutes, I was done. My legs turned to jello. I was having trouble breathing. It wasn't a good look for me. Despite all that, I'm still really happy that my first mountain hiking experience was on the Appalachian Trail. How sweet is that?

Taejongdae | 2 of 2

During our visit to Taejongdae, we were able to fit in quite a bit. It was the perfect afternoon despite the weather conditions. On this particular day, it was really cold and windy. We went on a treacherous ferry tour around the island. Seriously, I thought we were going to sink. We kept flying through the air and landing hard on the water. At one time, I looked at the ferry captain and I must've looked terrified because he reassured me that we were okay.

Thankfully, we survived the ride on the death ferry and were able to climb up on the rocks and have lunch. We thought ahead and picked up fancy triangle kimbap at Lotte Department Store. We climbed up really high, found the perfect rock, shared our food and enjoyed the view. I've always wanted to go on a picnic and this was my first one! Couldn't have picked a better place to have my first picnic.

After Markus and I had lunch, we walked up the pathway toward the lighthouse. We walked down the stairs toward the ocean and the wind was so strong that it literally pushed me back. I thought I was in a hurricane, it was that intense. We muscled through it though and it was worth it. The rock formations aren't what I was expecting and were so massive and majestic. It was like exploring an alien planet. As I've said before, I absolutely love Taejongdae. Every time we go, I always find something new and something I've never seen before.

Chatsworth House | Derbyshire, England 5 of 5

One of my favorite parts of the 2006 Pride and Prejudice film is when Lizzy Bennet walks through the marble statue room of Pemberley. I actually thought it was a room that they created for the movie, since there was a marble statue of Mr. Darcy. In actuality, it was the other way around, I think the producers saw the room and then created the statue. 

The marble room was quite amazing. I could almost hear the song from the movie,

"Living Statues of Pemberley"

playing in the background. I've seen marble statues before, but never this close. I couldn't believe how realistic they looked. They looked like they would get up at any minute and put some clothes on. It was a nice way to end our tour of Chatsworth House.

Finally, we've reached the final part of Chatsworth House. Being able to spend the day here was a dream come true. I'm so thankful for my thoughtful husband and for our dear friends James and Ari. If it weren't for them, I wouldn't have been able to walk the halls of "Pemberley".