My 2024 Christmas Goals/Bucket List

It is the holiday season again (this year went by so fast!!), and with it comes all of the fun activities we can do. 

I don't care for the cold, snow, and ice, but I enjoy pretty much anything else about the season and can't wait to experience these things this year!

I had been thinking a while about what I would like to do this year, and this is what I came up with. I hope to be able to do many of these this Christmas season and am looking forward to making some new memories.

In no particular order, here is what I would like to do this Christmas season:

• Drink hot chocolate
• Go ice skating
• Decorate a gingerbread house
• Watch Christmas movies
• Listen to Christmas music
• Bake Christmas cookies
• Play video/board/card games
• Build a snowman
• Drink non-alcoholic eggnog
• Make ornaments
• Put a puzzle together
• Send Christmas cards
• Paint
• Create an Advent wreath
• Make/get an Advent calendar
• See the Christmas lights at the local zoo
• Visit a Christmas market
• Make and decorate a Christmas cake
• Have a spa day
• Read A Christmas Carol
• Attend a Christmas church service
• Make paper snowflakes
• Write and send letters to friends
• Attend a Christmas craft fair
• Create a charcuterie board
• Learn about Christmas traditions in other countries
• Make a chicken pot pie
• Learn 1-2 Christmas songs on the violin
• Learn 1-2 Christmas songs on the ukulele
• Make a prayer board

If you celebrate Christmas, what is on your list of things you would like to do this year? I hope you have a wonderful Christmas season!!

30 Things I Am Thankful For in 2024

Well, it's the holiday season once again. 

Once again, I have decided to make a list of things that I am grateful for. It helps me to see all that I have, and all that I am able to do in my life.

For a few years, I struggled with enjoying the holidays, as I was dealing with grief, but now I enjoy the holidays again (albeit still with some grief). I am looking forward to Thanksgiving and Christmas this year and can't wait to see what they hold for me and my family and friends.

Here are 30 things I am thankful for this year:

1. My home
2. My family (which includes my cats)
3. My friends
4. My health
5. My faith
6. Joni and Friends
7. Get Organized HQ Virtual
8. My library's Library of Things
9. My library's creative studio
10. My blogs (yes, I have more than one)
11. Getting to make my first t-shirt quilt this year
12. A loved one doing much better after a health scare
13. Being able to declutter expired food from the kitchen (we unfortunately had a lot!)
    (I know this is a weird thing to be thankful for, but we had a lot of food that was just sitting there for a very long time, not being used, so it was time to get rid of it all)
14. Being able to declutter Christmas decorations that we don't use/are broken or in bad shape
15. Getting to design my own garden flag in my library's creative studio
16. Watching a presentation by a librarian at my local library, on ADHD and autism
17. Audiobooks
18. Knitting
19. Crocheting
20. Baking
21. Photography
22. Making a garden flag in my library's creative studio
23. Living close to shops/stores/restaurants
24. Being able to watch livestreams of church services
25. Being able to get a new phone when the old one quit working
26. Video games
27. Reusable water bottles
28. Books
29. Movies
30. Music

What are you thankful for this year? If you are celebrating, I hope you have a happy, safe Thanksgiving!

Five Minute Friday: Fight

It has been quite a while since I have participated in a Five-Minute Friday, but I felt inspired by this week's prompt, and decided to join in.

I love to write and have missed these weekly prompts, so it feels really good to be back, doing these again.

Without further ado, here is my interpretation of this week's prompt.

Fight

Just over 14 years ago, my mom was fighting for her life, and although the fight ended here on earth, she won when she went to heaven.

Her fight has ended, but mine has just begun, fighting depression, anxiety, grief, and all the emotions that come with losing a loved one.

My mom was the one I always went to when I needed to talk, especially if I was having a hard time and needed comfort. She was so patient and understanding with me when I was going through the worst of my depression, knowing that I was in a battle with my mind and struggling to overcome the fears and thoughts I was experiencing.

I have also been fighting with not speaking up and reaching out to people I trust in times of need. Especially with God. Much of the time I feel like I would be a burden to others, to God, if I reach out to them, asking for help.

I know that is not true, but it is hard not to believe that, when I am feeling down, like I am not worth being heard.

With God, my friends, and family by my side, I am winning this fight, and I know that I can continue to win. I know that I am stronger than my fears, my anxieties, and anything else that may try to bring me down. I know that I will one day, I will see my mom again, and that is something worth fighting (and waiting) for.

My Fall 2024 Goals/Bucket List

It is nearly Fall, which means it's time for my Fall goals/bucket list! I love making these kinds of lists, as it helps me figure out what I want to do this season and find events near me that relate to what's on my list.

I have been thinking about what I wanted to do this Fall for a while and am looking forward to doing as many of these as I can.

I think I love making to-do/bucket/goals list because I can write out the things I want to do and feel a sense of accomplishment from checking something off. It makes me feel productive, like I am able to do the things I love without too much trouble.

So, without further ado, here is what I want to do this Fall:

• Paint/carve/decorate a pumpkin
• Watch Fall/Halloween themed movies
• Make Halloween cookies
• Paint
• Knit or crochet a blanket
• Knit or crochet a sweater for myself
• Put together a puzzle
• Create a Fall-themed wreath
• Make crafts with fallen leaves
• Paint my nails a Fall color
• Roast pumpkin seeds
• Do a corn maze
• Make s'mores
• Read 1-2 books a month
• Drink hot chocolate
• Make a scarecrow
• Have a game night
• Put away summer clothes
• Attend a Fall festival
• Bake a pumpkin pie
• Cook Thanksgiving dinner
• Go on an outdoor photography walk
• Decorate my room for Fall/Halloween
• Spend a day scrapbooking
• Binge watch a TV show
• Color in a coloring book
• Watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade
• Make chili
• Go to a Joni and Friends Walk n' Roll
• Have an at-home spa day
• Go on solo/self-dates
• Make Boo baskets
• Make cinnamon rolls
• Donate to a food bank
• Go thrifting
• Create Fall-themed charcuterie boards
• Write letters to friends
• Make second t-shirt quilt

What do you want to do this Fall?

Get Organized HQ Virtual 2024

I am so excited about this year's Get Organized HQ Virtual! This is my fourth year attending, and I love learning new tips and tricks to help me get organized in my house, and in life in general.

I heard about this event from another blogger a few years ago, and I decided to check it out, as it sounded interesting. I am so glad I did, as it was so informative, fun, and exactly what I needed.

At this event, there are speakers who talk about tips for decluttering, organizing ideas, crafts, faith, self-care, meal planning and prepping, tips for parents as well as empty nesters, and more.

There is always something to learn every year, and many of the speakers have bonuses for those who attend the event. There are even giveaways for items that help keep your home clean and organized.

Even though this is my fourth year attending this event, I feel like I could always learn more, to see what would work for me.

You can find more information about Get Organized HQ, here.

You can also find more information about GOHQ Virtual and to get your free ticket here, if you are interested in checking it out. 

Or you can purchase an All-Access Pass here and get instant and lifetime access to the event.

There are 100+ speakers at this event, so there may be some tips and tricks that don't relate to you and your situation, so don't feel like you have to watch every single video. You can pick and choose which ones you feel like would most benefit you. 

That is one of the best things about this event. You don't have to get to everything, if it's not something that would work for you.

If you decide to get a ticket, I hope that you will be able to learn something at this event, and that you are able to find something that can help you have a cleaner, more organized home that you can feel good about. 

My Summer 2024 Goals/Bucket List

Summer is nearly here, and as usual, I have created a bucket list of things I want to do during the season.

Summer is my favorite season, as it is warm, and I am more willing to spend time outside. I feel like I am more productive during the warmer months, because I am not cold, and I can focus more on what I am doing.

The one thing I am unable to do this summer, that I am sad about not getting to do, is volunteering at a Joni and Friends retreat. Which I'm not too happy about, as retreat is one of the few things that brings me so much peace and joy every year. I am hopeful that I will be able to go next year.

In no particular order, here is my summer bucket list:

• Go swimming
• Get bedroom cleaned up
• Redecorate my bedroom
• Make lemonade
• Ride my bike
• Go for walks
• Make a t-shirt quilt
• Learn to play 1 song on the violin every 1-2 weeks
• Read the Bible every day
• Pray every day
• Memorize one bible verse every 1-2 weeks
• Paint
• Make smoothies
• Go to the farmer's market
• Get my driving permit, and practice driving
• Improve baking, cake and cookie decorating skills
• Go on self-dates
• Spend a day (or more) in the city
• Go out for ice cream
• Dye my hair purple
• Build a fort
• Apply for a new job
• Have a movie marathon
• Make friendship bracelets
• Binge watch a TV show
• Make a fairy garden
• Draw with sidewalk chalk
• Read outside
• Make lemon bars
• Write letters to friends
• Knit/crochet at least one item
• Reach 100% in a video game
• Put a puzzle together
• Learn Spanish
• Paint my nails
• Make charcuterie boards
• At-home spa day at least once a month
• Take photos
• Make origami
• Learn how to barbecue  
• Learn to cook 3 meals  
• Bake a pizza from scratch
• Work on writing a book
• Become more comfortable with public speaking  
• Figure out an exercise routine that works for me, and keep up with it
• Learn how to apply my own makeup
• Make a prayer board
• Make a junk journal
• Go thrifting
• Volunteer
• Write poetry

Here's hoping to a fulfilling, relaxing, fun and memory-making summer.

What is on your summer goals/bucket list?

My Current Favorites

 I haven't done one of these lists in quite a while, so I figured it was time for another favorites list.

I have had this post saved for quite a while, adding to it as I find new/new to me things that I end up loving. I eventually forgot about this list, until recently, so I figured it was time to post it, as there is a good amount of new favorites on here.

• His Mercy is More by Matt Boswell
  I recently heard this song on the radio, and absolutely love it.
  
  
• Pink Piglets from Candy Club
  I found out about this from a friend who is collaborating with the company to sell these, and I loved them the first time I tried them!
  
  
• Dragon Eggs from Candy Club  
  These are another find from the same friend. They are soo good!!
  
  
• Irish singer Hozier
  I found out about Hozier through Girls' Life magazine, where they posted about some Irish artists to listen to for St. Patrick's Day. I am part Irish, so of course, I was intrigued by this article. I decided to check out Hozier, who was the first artist they mentioned. His full name is Andrew Hozier-Byrne, and he is from Bray, Ireland. His music is described as bluesy folk. I looked him up on Spotify, and liked what I heard when I listened to his music.
  
  
• The Art of Getting It Wrong: Finding Good in the Misadventures of Life by Stephen Miller
  I read this book for the first time last year, and absolutely loved it! It is about the authors life, and what he learned along the way, from his early years to now. He talks about jobs he's had, his school and home life, his faith, and his YouTube channel. 
  
  
• Suave Skin Solutions Nourishing Lotion
  I found this lotion last year, while shopping for some last-minute things for a trip I was taking.
  
  
• Macrame
  I've known about macrame for a long time, but never got into it until recently. I have only made a couple small things, but it has got me hooked, and wanting to make more.
  
  
• Heart of God by Zach Williams
  This song gives us a glimpse into God's heart, what he does for us. He puts the right people in our lives at the right time, showing us His love. It shows us what faith can do, for ourselves as well as for other people. He hears our cries, and lifts our burdens, if we just come to him.
  
  
• Because of Bethlehem by Matthew West
  This song reminds us of where the savior's life started, and where our hope, love, and grace comes from. It tells us of the beauty of a humble beginning, and the beauty of God's mercy and love.
  
  
• The Hope of Christmas by Matthew West  
  I know Christmas was several months ago, but I just had to include this song on this list.
  
  
• Somewhere in Your Silent Night by Casting Crowns 
  In this song, it reminds us that God has always been with us, will always be with us, has always loved us, and will always love us, no matter what we have done or will do. We just have to turn to him, and accept his love, grace, mercy, peace. To accept him, even in our "silent night."
  
  
• Disney Dreamlight Valley video game  
  This game has apparently been out for a couple of years now, but I just recently heard of it. I decided to check it out from the library to see what it's like, and I quickly fell in love with it. There are many Disney characters in the game, from the classics like Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, and more, to newer characters like WALL-E, Mirabel from Encanto, and more. At the time of this post, I have unlocked about 24 characters, the last ones being Buzz Lightyear and Woody.

Well, that is my entire list of current favorites. It's a good mix of music, games, crafts, snacks, books, and beauty products. I wonder what I will come across for my next favorites list?

What are some things you are currently loving?

My Spring 2024 Goals/Bucket List

Spring is almost here, and that makes me so happy! I'm not a fan of the cold, snow and ice, so it's always a relief when spring comes.

As always, I have made a goals/bucket list for the spring and am hoping to get around half of this completed.

In no particular order, here is what I would like to do this spring:

• Get rest of retreat photos printed and picked up
• Get bedroom cleaned up
• Begin relearning how to play the violin
• Get bike ready for riding (inflate tires, put lights on)
• Memorize 1 bible verse every 1-2 weeks
• Read 1-2 books a month
• Go for walks
• Learn how to sew
• Work on making t-shirt quilt
• Go on self-dates
• Paint
• Dye Easter eggs
• Draw with sidewalk chalk
• Create a fairy garden
• Take photos
• Make friendship bracelets
• Write letters to friends
• Go to my church's Easter mass
• Reach 100% in a video game
• Binge watch a TV show
• Make charcuterie boards
• Buy a new pair of sandals
• Go thrift shopping
• Color in a coloring book
• Put together a puzzle
• Knit or crochet a shawl
• Make an Easter basket for myself
• Play board/card games
• Apply for a new job
• Start a YouTube channel
• Start a new skincare routine
• Start a new haircare routine
• Work on my mental health
• Create and work on an art journal
• Learn how to cook better, so I can make more meals for myself and my family
• Learn Spanish
• Learn how to be more confident in my speaking abilities

There will probably be more things that I will add to this list, but this is a good starting point for what I would like to do this spring.

I am so glad spring is almost here!

What is on your bucket list for spring?

Songs I Would Like to Learn How to Play on the Violin

I played the violin for a couple of years in elementary school, and I quit after that because at the time, I got bored of it. 

Now, I know that I quit because I didn't want to practice on a regular basis. Basically, I wanted to be good at playing the violin, but didn't want to put in the work and effort needed.

I regret quitting now, because I still have a love for the instrument, and want to play again. The thing is, since it's been so long since I've played, I don't remember a thing. I have forgotten how to read music, where the notes are on the strings, everything.

Which is frustrating for me. But, I am determined to relearn how to play, and to actually practice on a regular basis. I miss playing, and would love to be able to play again, and be proficient in it.

Of course, I want to start out learning easy songs, so I'm not overwhelmed by it. I plan on learning one song every week or so, depending on how easy or difficult it is.

In no particular order, here are the songs I would like to learn how to play on the violin:

• Happy Birthday
• Mary Had a Little Lamb
• Twinkle Twinkle Little Star
• The Star-Spangled Banner
• Amazing Grace
• Yankee Doodle
• Brahms' Lullaby
• My Bonnie Lies Over the Ocean
• Danny Boy
• Silent Night
• Joy to the World
• The Star Wars Theme song
• Harry Potter theme song
• We Wish You a Merry Christmas
• Somewhere Over the Rainbow
• Game of Thrones theme song
• You Are My Sunshine
• You Raise Me Up
• Pure Imagination
• Frere Jacques
• For He's a Jolly Good Fellow
• This Old Man
• O Holy Night
• Hot Cross Buns
• Row Row Row Your Boat
• What Do You Do with a Drunken Sailor
• Hallelujah by Leonard Cohen
• Firework by Katy Perry
• Happy by Pharrell Williams
• My Heart Will Go On
• Here Comes the Sun
• Can You Feel the Love Tonight
• La Bamba
• A Whole New World
• We Will Rock You
• Good King Wenceslas
• O Come All Ye Faithful
• Jingle Bells
• Deck the Halls
• Angels We Have Heard on High
• God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
• Away in a Manger
• A Thousand Years
• Bella's Lullaby
• Beauty and the Beast
• In Christ Alone
• Yellow Submarine
• Part of Your World
• Lean on Me
• Any Dream Will Do
• Oh Susanna!
• Pomp and Circumstance
• Love Theme from 'The Godfather'
• Do-Re-Mi from 'The Sound of Music'
• Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy
• Summertime
• Pink Panther Theme
• Nothing But the Blood of Jesus
• How Great Thou Art
• It is Well with My Soul
• Jesus Loves Me, This I Know
• To God Be the Glory
• The Lord's Prayer
• When the Saints Go Marching In
• Hallelujah
• What a Friend We Have in Jesus
• Agnus Dei
• Ave Maria
• Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
• Ding Dong Merrily on High
• Miracle Hymn
• What a Beautiful Name
• 10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord)
• Firm Foundation (He Won't)
• O Come O Come Emmanuel
• Can't Help Falling in Love
• Hanging Tree
• Frosty the Snowman
• This is Halloween
• Waltz from Sleeping Beauty
• Jeopardy Theme
• Eleanor Rigby
• Theme from Pirates of the Caribbean
• Carol of the Bells
• When You Wish Upon a Star
• Super Mario Bros.
• Tale as Old as Time
• Do You Want to Build a Snowman?
• How Far I'll Go (from Moana)
• Waymaker
• What a Wonderful World
• Misty Mountains (from The Hobbit)
• Auld Lang Syne
• Schindler's List theme
• Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo
• Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow
• We Three Kings
• This is Me from The Greatest Showman
• Can't Help Falling in Love
• The First Noel
• Tale as Old as Time

I know this is a lot, but seeing as I haven't played in so long, I want to make up for it, I guess. And because I really do want to learn how to play all these songs.

There may be more songs I will add to this in the future, but this is enough to keep me busy for quuite a while, which I am happy about.

Like I said before, I am going to learn one song at a time and won't move on to the next song until I know how to play each one.

Do you play any instruments? If so, what do you play? If not, do you want to play one, and what would you like to play?

2024 Goals (A Little More Specific)

I have been thinking a lot about my goals, and figured I would like to be a little more specific with what I want to accomplish this year.

I have split them up into categories, to make it easier to find each goal, and to see how I want to grow in each category. Hopefully this will be the year that I actually work on many of these goals, as I tend to procrastinate a lot. And I want to change that.

These are in no particular order, but here is a somewhat more detailed list of my goals for 2024.

Relationships

Talk to at least one friend/family member a day

Have a few game nights with friends

Go on at least one trip with friends

Be in a loving, healthy relationship with a significant other

Go on adventures with friends/family/significant other

Make crafts together

Make new friends

Finances

Save more than I spend

Be wiser about the things I purchase/how much I purchase

Learn how to budget

Build up an emergency fund

Work towards becoming financially stable/independent

Track my spending

Work

Update my resume

Find a job that I love, that works for me

Stand up for myself/speak up, if something isn't right

Try networking

Develop skill sets

Gain new experiences

Improve work relationships

Learn to set boundaries

Gain hands-on experience in fields that I am interested in

Start a new degree

Health

Eat a more balanced diet

Some form of exercise every day (30-45 minutes a day)

Improve my daily hygiene habits

Drink more water every day

Improve my posture

Do a regular digital detox

Create a skincare routine that works for me

Create a haircare routine that works for me

Home

Get bedroom cleaned up

Redecorate bedroom

Keep bedroom clean

Declutter as much stuff as possible, that I don't need/want anymore

Create an ICE (In Case of Emergency) binder

Personal

Learn to speak up more

Don't worry about what others think of me

Pray every day

Deepen my faith

Deepen my relationship with God, Jesus

Do one thing a month, that is out of my comfort zone

Spend less time online (maybe down to 1 or 2 hours a week)

Learn Spanish a little each day

Learn how to play one song on the violin a week

Read up to 3 chapters of a book each day  

Get over my fear of driving (more specifically, of hitting someone or something), get more comfortable driving, and finally get my driver's license

Knit or crochet at least one item a month

Develop better social skills

Improve my public speaking skills

Work on my procrastination

I know this is a lot, but I want to at least get started on some, and complete others, depending on how long each goal takes to complete.

Hopefully I can actually make changes in my life, as things are slow for me now. I am in a sort of waiting/in-between period, and I am ready to really live my life. I am done with feeling like I am failing in life and am ready to do more. To be more than someone who is waiting for something to happen, instead of actually doing it.

Have you set any goals for 2024? How are you doing in achieving them?