Things That Made Me Happy in May

May was a good month for me, and I wanted to share what happened this month, that made me happy.

• Getting to go to a local ukulele meetup with a coworker
• Seeing Everything Everything in theaters
• Going to the first Thursday Night Out that's in town
• Going to the local Ethnic Festival
• Shopping at a local thrift store
• Going to another festival in town, and making a couple things at the bead shop
• Getting an A as a final grade in my spring semester class
• Going to Red Mango twice this month, and getting banana peanut butter smoothies (they are SOOOO good!!!)
• The warm weather (at least, the days that were warm)
• Getting a fidget spinner (yes, this made me happy!)
• Ordering t-shirts for the library's summer reading program
• The violin I ordered finally arriving
• Making a bracelet at the local library (I love beads!!!)
• Getting the first three seasons of Lost from the library's sale shelf
• Meeting the library's newest friend, a comfort dog, that children can read to each month
• Getting to decorate some cakes and cupcakes in one of the last classes of the semester
• Celebrating a loved one's birthday

Five Minute Friday: Mom

I am linking up with Kate Motaung with this week's Five Minute Friday.

Today's FMF is: MOM



This Mother's Day, like the last six, will not be celebrated in the normal way at my house.

Why?

My mom died a little over seven years ago, and I will not get to tell her in person how much she means to me. So now, Mother's Day is like any other day for me.

I am not a mother myself, so I can't really celebrate it that way either.

I have a project in mind that I want to try out, to have in memory of my mom.

My mom wasn't in the best of health for quite some time, but she never really complained. She was a trooper. She loved her job at the local library, and she loved to eat!!

I miss her more and more every day, and I wish she was still here, but I am glad she is not sick anymore. It really took a toll on her, as well as us.

I know she would be proud of us, and how far we have come, in the time since her death.

I went back to school and took several classes for my degree (baking and pastry), and my dad and brothers are doing well.

But of course, we wish she was still here, so she could experience more out of life, and so we can tell her all about our days.

I love you and miss you so much, mom!!

My New Violin FINALLY Came!!!

I had order a violin (a Crescent brand) in March, and it finally arrived today.

The case it came in.

The violin, bow, and the extras that came with it.

They had sent the original one I ordered soon after I ordered it, but before it arrived, it broke, so they offered to send another one (at no cost). I agreed to that, and was expecting it to come within a couple weeks afterwards.

It actually took closer to one month to get here, which I am not too happy about.

But, I am happy that it's here, and that it didn't get damaged somehow.

I haven't played it yet, but I did check it out, and compare it to my old violin. The new one is bigger, as my old one was used when I was in elementary school and is too small for me now.

It is been over 10 years since I last played, so I will have to relearn how to play. I bought a songbook a while ago, so I am really looking forward to getting back into it.

Comparing the sizes of my new violin (left) and my old violin (right).

 

I have always loved music, and instruments, so having the violin, as well as a ukulele and a guitar (can you see a theme going here?) makes me very happy. I am very rusty at playing instruments, as I haven't played any in so long, but I am willing to practice, so I can get better (especially better than when I played in elementary school, as I didn't really practice a lot back then!!).

 

I want to learn how to play other instruments as well, but this is one that I absolutely LOVE!! And one of the ones that I wanted to play first.

 

Looking forward to having a relaxing time, playing my new violin!!!

My Summer 2017 Bucket List

Here is my summer bucket list.

• Make at least one YouTube video
• Visit Navy Pier
• Ride the Ferris Wheel at Navy Pier
• Learn to barbecue
• Go swimming
• Go for a walk once a week
• Make homemade lemonade
• Go bike riding at least once a week
• Go mini golfing
• Go to the local Farmer's Market
• Go to an outdoor concert
• Put pictures into photo albums or scrapbooks
• Play Twister
• Make melted crayon art
• Be able to do a handstand for at least five seconds
• Practice cake decorating skills once a week
• Cook a new meal once a week/month
• Visit the local zoo
• Make s'mores
• Explore the city
• Go bowling
• Go on a picnic
• Go to an ice cream/froyo store
• Try out a running routine
• Host at least one game night
• See the Bean in person
• Buy a Polaroid Instax camera, and take lots of pictures
• Make a bear at Build-a-Bear
• Bake something once a week
• Start doing yoga regularly
• Go on a photo shoot
• Learn to speak/read/write Spanish fluently
• Learn how to skateboard
• Get a henna tattoo
• Volunteer at the local animal shelter at least once
• Learn how to apply makeup
• Make a vision board
• Go paintballing
• Play laser tag
• Write letters to friends, family
• Do a Wreck This Journal book
• Have a Harry Potter movie marathon
• Have an at-home spa day
• Watch fireworks
• Make pulled pork
• Learn how to sew
• Make homemade ice cream
• Make cheesecake
• Get bedroom redecorated
• Visit the Hemingway House/Birthplace
• Get my driving permit
• Practice driving
• Read one book a week

Yes, I know this is a long list. No, I don't expect to do every single one. But I want to try.