10 Goals I Would Like to Complete by the End of the Year

Since I am in between jobs right now, I am trying to motivate myself to be more productive at home. There are a few projects that I would like to work on, that take time to complete, and I know that the sooner I get started, the sooner they will be done.

Since I have a lot of time on my hands right now, it's the perfect time to work on at least one or two of these goals, so that I am not sitting around all day, wasting my time.

So, here are the ten goals that I would like to complete by the end of 2022:

1. Get my bedroom cleaned up and redecorated
   This has been on my to-do list for ages, and I just never had any motivation to work on it, and get it done. My bedroom is a complete disaster, and it is stressing me out, so I want to get started (and finished, of course), as soon as possible, so I can be able to actually relax in my room.
   
   
2. Get a new job
   I had to quit my job at my local library back in May, as I was dealing with a toxic person, so I am on the hunt again, for a new job. I have already started looking for a job, but have not applied to any yet, and I know that jobs can fill up pretty quick, so I really need to get going on applying.
   
   
3. Get driving permit, and practice driving until I am confident in my abilities
   I took driving lessons in high school, but I have barely driven since, so I am not confident in my driving abilities. I would love to be able to get my license sometime, hopefully within the next year, so that I don't have to always rely on others to get me places.
   
   
4. Get a tattoo in memory of my mom OR dye my hair purple
   I may have to wait a while to get a tattoo, because of my current situation, so I figured I would have a second option for this, which would be easier for me to accomplish.
   
   
5. Learn Sign Language and Spanish
   I don't expect to be completely fluent, but I would like to learn a little every day, so I could communicate more with people, who are deaf/hard of hearing, and those who do not know much English.
   
   
6. Knit/Crochet at least 3 items
   I love to knit and crochet, yet I don't do either very much. I miss working on something, when I have finished a project, and would love to knit and crochet on a more regular basis. I had learned how to knit first, and then learned how to crochet as well, when I was confident in my knitting abilities, and I love both the same.
   
   
7. Donate unwanted clothes, accessories, media (books, DVDs, CDs), etc.
   I have so much stuff, a lot of it that I don't use or wear, and it is overwhelming. I have started going through my clothes, to see what I want to keep and give away. Hopefully I can go through the rest of my stuff within the next couple of months, and donate the things I don't want anymore.
   
   
8. Get better at baking and cake decorating
   I went to school for baking, and have hardly made use of what I have learned. I want to improve my skills, as I am still not very good at some things, like decorating. I love doing hands-on activities like this, as I get to make things, and it's fun as well. I get to be creative with what I make, which I love! I don't practice the skills I learned nearly enough, and I want to change that.
   
   
9. Learn how to cook better
   I am ok at cooking, but I would like to be better. I can make the basics, like macaroni and cheese, grilled cheese, pasta, and other easy foods, but I would like to included more foods, that can take more time and skills to make, and become more confident in what I can do.
   
   
10. Create an exercise routine that works for me
    For quite some time now, I have not been taking very good of myself, and that needs to change. I plan on figuring out what exercises I can do, that I like, and that I would be able to keep doing on a regular basis.

What are some goals that you would like to complete this year?

My Time at the 2022 Joni and Friends Retreat

I can't believe retreat has been over for a few weeks now; it went by so fast!! It went from June 12 through the 17th.

I wanted to post about retreat sooner, but I got sick a few days after I got home, and it took a while to feel better.

On Saturday, June 11th, a retreat friend drove me up, and I stayed at a hotel for the night.

Sunday morning, I got to the retreat campus, and we had a day filled with training on Sunday.

Everyone found out what their job was during camp, and I was in the sweet shop again (which I was happy about; I love being in the sweet shop!).

On Monday, we had some final training in the morning and early afternoon, and then the families arrived. Our theme for camp this year was An Anchor for the Soul, so the costumes we wore were water themed. Some people were pirates, some were sea creatures, some we captains...it was fun to see all the different costumes.

For the campers/families, there are activities they can do in the afternoon, like zip-lining, horseback riding, boating/tubing, swimming, and a talent show.

After all of the families arrived, we had dinner, a welcome ceremony, and an ice cream social (which I helped out with).

Tuesday thru Thursday, there were morning groups for the campers, and I helped with some baking each morning. I made some brookies (part cookie, part brownie) for the sweet shop, and I helped man the shop in the afternoons.

The volunteers had devotionals/worship before breakfast Monday-Thursday as well, where a pastor spoke to us about passages that related to this year's theme (An Anchor for the Soul). Then, we got into groups according to which area we were serving in and prayed for everyone for that day, and went to breakfast.

On Tuesday, there was a carnival, and a petting zoo for everyone to enjoy, as well as horse-drawn carriage rides. I love horses, so I of course went on the carriage ride.

During my break on Tuesday, I got to go horseback riding, which I was so excited about!!! I haven't gone riding since 2004, and I sorely missed it.

On Wednesday, I did some more baking for the sweet shop, and manned the shop again in the afternoon. Then I was allowed to go horseback riding again, which I, of course, loved!

There was a parents dinner that I helped set up (we put tablecloths on the tables, as well as place settings and decorations). Us volunteers got to eat with the parents, once everyone got their food.

After the dinner, there was a break in activities, and in the evening, we all were able to enjoy a dance, as well as some games.

On Thursday, I did even more baking, manned the sweet shop again, and then there was the talent show in the evening.

After breakfast, there was an accessible worship, where those who wanted to come on (or near) the stage, could do so while worshipping.

There was a special lunch for moms, that I helped set up. Again, we got to eat with the moms, after everyone got their food.

I was surprised with a chance to go zip-lining on Thursday, something that had been on my bucket list for quite a while.

I am afraid of heights, so I had to push through my fears to do this, but I actually enjoyed it. It was fun!

The talent show was fun. There were jokes, dancing, a Star Wars light saber fight, music, signing (a song that was performed in Sign Language by a group), instrument playing, and a few other acts.

Then, when the talent show was over, people could either do karaoke, or go over to the sweet shop for snacks.

Friday was the last day of retreat, which I was not happy about. I did not want to go home just yet.

There was breakfast, families and volunteers packed up their belongings, we had a closing ceremony, and then when the families left, the volunteers had a lunch where we talked about how the week went.

During the closing ceremony, one of the other volunteers surprised me with a cat necklace that she made. I had no idea anyone was going to give me anything, so I was very surprised by the sweet gift! I have two cats of my own, which is why she gave me the necklace.

I can't believe camp is over already; it felt like it went by in the blink of an eye! I am already looking forward to next year, and hoping that I get to go again.

I have come to love retreat, which is now my happy place, where I get to serve and have my heart filled up at the same time.

Can next June come already, please?!?!

My Summer 2022 Bucket List

 Like I always do, I have made a summer 2022 bucket list.

Hopefully I can tick off a few of these things by the end of summer, and that I can have a more enjoyable one this year.

In no particular order, here is my summer 2022 bucket list:

• Make lemonade
• Go swimming at least once
• Learn how to barbecue
• Get a second piercing in each ear
• Make s'mores
• Spend a day (or more) in the city
• Go mini golfing
• Make popsicles
• Get bedroom cleaned up
• Get a new bed
• Paint bedroom walls a different color
• Donate unwanted clothes
• Donate unwanted books
• Donate unwanted DVDs
• Donate unwanted CDs
• Visit the local zoo
• Have a regular spa/pamper day at home
• Draw with sidewalk chalk
• Bake something once a week
• Go thrift shopping
• Visit the local farmer's market
• Practice playing the violin 10 minutes a day
• Host a game night
• Paint at least once a week
• Binge watch Outlander
• Binge watch Call the Midwife
• Binge watch the last few seasons of Hawaii Five-O (the remake, I have seen the series through, I think, season 7)
• Knit or crochet at least one thing a month
• Make slime
• Bake at least one loaf of bread
• Visit a friend in another state
• Write a song
• Learn how to apply my own makeup
• Put together the Downton Abbey puzzle I got a few years ago
• Participate in an Escape Room
• Learn how to sew
• Make new friends
• Make bracelets
• See a movie at a drive-in
• Go on at least one date by myself
• Work on writing a book
• Dye my hair purple
• Look for a job

I may add a few more things as time goes on, but this is what I have at this point. And I am happy with this list!

What is on your bucket list for 2022? 

Songs I Would Like to Learn to Play on the Violin

I am trying to motivate myself to re-learn how to play the violin, as I love the instrument, and the sound it makes.

I played for a couple of years in elementary school, but quit because I got bored (and because I didn't want to practice :/ )

And I have regretted quitting for quite some time now. I enjoyed playing, and being in my school's orchestra (although I didn't really enjoy practicing then).

I would love to be able to get back into playing again, although it may take quite a while to remember where the notes are, as it has been a very long time since I last played. 

I bought a new violin, that is the right size for me, as the one I used in elementary school is, of course, too small for me now. I also have a few books of sheet music, so I am ready to play whenever I want to.

I am also hoping to print off some sheet music, for some of the songs below, as I don't have all of them in my collection.

So, in no particular order, here are the songs I would like to learn how to play.

• Happy Birthday
• Twinkle Twinkle Little Star
• Mary Had a Little Lamb
• Amazing Grace
• Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer
• Ode to Joy
• We Wish You a Merry Christmas
• Jingle Bells
• Adeste Fideles (O Come, All Ye Faithful)
• Row Row Row Your Boat
• Silent Night
• Hark! The Harold Angels Sing
• Harry Potter Theme Song
• Minuet in G
• Somewhere Over the Rainbow
• Oh Holy Night
• We Three Kings
• Down to the River to Pray
• This Little Light of Mine
• He's Got the Whole World in His Hands
• Too-ra-loo-ra-loo-ra
• Take Me Out to the Ball Game
• Five Foot Two, Eyes of Blue
• A Whole New World
• Can't Help Falling in Love
• My Heart Will Go On
• You Raise Me Up
• A Thousand Years
• Here Comes the Sun
• Colors of the Wind
• Mary, Did You Know?
• Can You Feel the Love Tonight
• Beauty and the Beast
• How Far I'll Go
• The Prayer
• Thriller
• White Christmas
• Rolling in the Deep
• God Bless America
• Circle of Life
• Mele Kalikimaka
• The Star Spangled Banner
• The Rainbow Connection
• Blackbird
• Ghostbusters 
• Yellow Submarine
• Yesterday
• What a Wonderful World
• Silver Bells
• Eleanor Rigby
• I Want to Hold Your Hand
• Come Fly With Me
• This Land is Your Land
• You'll Be in My Heart
• Happy
• Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da
• Lean on Me
• Twist and Shout
• With a Little Help from My Friends
• Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds
• Good Vibrations
• Take Me Out To the Ball Game
• All About That Bass
• Time After Time
• Love Me Tender
• America (My Country Tis of Thee)
• Eight Days a Week
• In Dreams (from Lord of the Rings)
• Unchained Melody
• Shake It Off
• Aloha Oe
• Raindrops Keep Fallin' on My Head
• You'
• You're a Grand Old Flag
• Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah
• Bella's Lullaby (from Twilight)
• Love Me Tender (Elvis)
• Candle in the Wind
• Ba, Ba, Black Sheep
• Itsy Bitsy Spider
• Swing Low, Sweet Chariot
• Do Your Ears Hang Low
• If You're Happy and You Know It
• The Old Gray Mare

I'm sure there will be more songs I would like to learn how to play, but this definitely enough for me to learn for quite some time.

Now, to just get the motivation to practice! 

I have time to play, so it's not a matter of finding the time. It's finding the motivation.

My Current Favorites

I haven't done a current favorites post in a while, so I thought it was time to do another one. 

I like sharing what I am loving at the moment, in case someone would be interested, and find something they might like as well.

So, in no particular order, here are my current favorites:

• Oxford Bleu perfume by English Laundry
  I got this in an Ipsy bag a few months ago, and instantly fell in love with it when I used it.
  
  
• Dream perfume by Catherine Malandrino
  I also got this through Ipsy, as there was a sale going on where this and the Oxford Bleu perfumes were sold together. I decided to get both, as I loved Oxford Bleu and wanted to get more of it, as well as wanting to try this one. I am hooked on both, and am hoping to get more at some point.
  
  
• Trenches by Tauren Wells (song)
  A friend of mine was going through a tough time, and she recently posted about this song. I decided to listen to it, and instantly loved it.
  
  
• Snyder's of Hanover Twisted Pretzel Sticks Seasoned with a Buttery Blend of Spices
  One of my brothers recently got a package of these pretzels for the first time, and I decided to give them a try. They are SOOOO good!!
  
  
• Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings
  I recently watched this movie, and absolutely loved it.
  
  IMDB describes this movie as "Shang-Chi, the master of weaponry-based Kung Fu, is forced to confront his past after being drawn into the Ten Rings organization."
  
  
• Loacker Chocolate-Flavored Quadratini Bite Size Cream Filled Wafer Cookies
  We had a cookie exchange in December, to celebrate Christmas, and someone had brought these in. I immediately fell in love with these when I tried them.
  
  
• The Disney movie Encanto
  Another movie I watched recently, and loved it. It shows that everyone has a purpose in life, no matter what they went through, that everyone has their own kind of "power."
  
  IMDB's description of this movie: "A Colombian teenage girl has to face the frustration of being the only member of her family without magical powers."

What are you currently loving?

My Spring 2022 Bucket List

Well, here I am making another list! 

Spring and summer are probably my favorite times of year, because it is getting warmer, we can do more things outdoors, and the sun is out for longer periods of time.

I love making lists, and thinking about all the things I would like to do, and this is as good a time as any to make a list like this.

So, in no particular order, here is my spring 2022 bucket list:

• Dye eggs for Easter
• Work on cleaning up bedroom
• Figure out an outfit/costume for Joni and Friends retreat welcome ceremony
• Dye my hair purple
• Practice playing the violin 10 minutes a day
• Donate unwanted DVDs
• Donate unwanted CDs
• Donate unwanted books
• Donate unwanted shoes
• Donate unwanted accessories
• Donate unwanted clothes
• Start writing a book
• Knit or crochet one item a month
• Bake one thing a week
• Buy a new pair of shoes
• Go to bed by 11 pm every night
• Get retreat fee paid off
• Fly a kite
• Make a bird feeder
• Make slime
• Make a fairy garden
• Paint at least once a week
• Draw with sidewalk chalk
• Host a game night
• Make s'mores
• Have a spa day once a week
• Go thrift shopping
• Ride bike to and from work
• Be an STM at a Joni and Friends Retreat (the retreat I am going to happens right before summer officially starts)
• One spa day a week/every other week
• improve baking and decorating skills
• Get my driving permit
• Bake at least one loaf of bread
• Complete a video game
• Complete the 3D Downton Abbey puzzle I got a few years ago
• Go on a long walk or bike ride
• Learn how to apply my own makeup
• Learn Spanish
• Learn Sign Language
• Learn how to juggle
• Learn how to French braid
• Learn how to do Dutch braids
• Learn how to do fishtail braids
• Make an emergency binder
• Make recipe binders
• Read the Bible every day
• Make an emergency bag
• Binge watch Outlander
• Binge watch Call the Midwife

What is on your bucket list for spring? I can't believe how fast this year is going by already!

I can't wait to see how much of my bucket list will be accomplished. Hopefully I can make a few of these happen!

Time to Start Thinking About Retreat!

The registration for Joni and Friends retreat opened on the 11th, and I have already signed up to volunteer. I am so excited!!

This will be my third year serving (my first retreat was in 2019, and it was obviously cancelled in 2020), and I am so looking forward to it!

I will be going to week 2 of the Michigan retreat, at Maranatha, and am debating whether or not to do a second week (there are 3 weeks of retreat this year). They have a different theme each year, and I am looking forward to finding out what this year's theme is!

There are a few different ways you could serve at retreat. One way is by being a buddy to a camper/family. 

Another way is by helping out with programing, with the hospitality table, the bookstore/shop, and similar jobs.

The third way, which is what I have done at the retreats I have served at, is running the sweet shop. I have a feeling I will be serving in this position again, for this year, but we will see what they decide (the directors and other people in charge of retreat choose where to place each STM (short term missionary), based on where they feel the person fits in best).

I am so thankful that I decided to go to week 2 my first time, as I met (and became friends with) some amazing people. They are truly inclusive, understanding, and welcoming, and I felt an immediate connection with them.

In a nutshell, retreat is where families/people living with disabilities can go for 5 days of fun, relaxation, worship, and friendship. They are taken care of by people who truly care for and love them.

If you are interested in learning more about Joni and Friends, you can go HERE, and if you would like to learn more about retreats, and to sign up for one (you can sign up to either volunteer, or participate as a family/camper), you can go HERE.

If you are on the fence about volunteering at a retreat, I suggest trying it once. You will definitely fall in love with the people, and serving them in one of the best ways possible. You will not regret it!!

I can't wait for June!

My 2022 Goals/Bucket List

If you don't already know, I love making lists, and goals/bucket lists are no exception.

For a while now, I have been thinking about what I would like to do in 2022, and lots of things came to mind.

In no particular order, here is my 2022 goals/bucket list:

• Get my driver's permit, and practice driving
• Be an STM at a Joni and Friends Retreat (maybe even 2)
• Go to a Joni and Friends Walk 'n Roll
• Visit a friend in another state
• Get a tattoo in memory of my mom
• Get a second piercing in each ear
• Get bedroom cleaned up
• Redecorate my bedroom (paint walls/ceiling, new bed, put computer desk together, etc.)
• Paint on a regular basis
• Work on writing a book
• Go ice skating
• Go sledding
• Learn to sew
• Learn Sign Language
• Learn Spanish
• Get a DSLR camera
• Be in regular contact with my friends
• Go to at least one concert/event
• Learn how to make macarons
• Crochet/knit on a more regular basis
• Play the violin on a regular basis
• Do at least 4 things out of my comfort zone
• Cook Thanksgiving dinner
• Read the bible in a year
• Learn how to apply my own makeup
• Learn to film and edit videos
• Have my own YouTube channel, and post on a regular basis
• Be in a healthy, loving relationship with a significant other
• Decorate my bedroom for Christmas
• Grow more in my faith
• Make a t-shirt blanket with the t-shirts I want to use for this project
• Make meaningful gifts for friends, family
• Declutter my digital photos
• Binge watch Outlander
• Binge watch Call the Midwife
• Update my resume
• Learn to barbecue
• Draw with sidewalk chalk
• Fly a kite
• Go to the beach
• See the zoo holiday lights
• Read the entire bible in a year
• Spend a day (or more) in the city
• Make recipe binders
• Learn how to make macrame
• Go out for ice cream
• Try a sensory deprivation tank
• Pack and send shoebox presents for Operation Christmas Child
• Learn how to French braid
• Learn how to do a fishtail braid
• Figure out how to best take care of myself (exercise routine, mental health days, etc.), and keep up a regular routine
• Donate unwanted DVDs, CDs, and other unwanted items still in good condition
• Put together and decorate a gingerbread house
• Create an emergency fund and use it only for that
• Create a vision board/book
• Be a tourist in my own town
• Have one technology-free day a week, and find other things to do
• Write in my prayer journal on a more regular basis
• Create a self-care routine and keep it up
• Learn how to be a better friend
• Track money spent
• Increase my confidence/self-esteem
• Learn one new word a day
• Refresh my grammar and spelling skills
• Become more comfortable talking to people/more comfortable with public speaking
• Visit New York
• Learn to play the piano
• Relearn how to play the guitar, and play on a regular basis
• Write at least one song
• See the Harlem Globetrotters in person
• Figure out more topics to blog about, and post at least once a week
• Dye my hair purple
• Complete a video game
• Learn Tunisian crochet
• Practice yoga 3x a week

Yes, I know this is a lot, and I most likely will not complete all of these, but I would like to do as many of these as possible this year.

What would you like to do in 2022? I hope this coming year is a good one!

My First Homemade Gingerbread House

I love gingerbread houses, and I normally buy pre-made, unassembled ones to put together and decorate, but I recently found a gingerbread house cookie cutter set, so I decided to make my own this year.

I bought some candy and snacks to decorate with, and got to work on baking, assembling, and decorating.

I got frustrated a few times, because the pieces to build the house, as well as some of the decorations, wouldn't stay put after a while, when I had put the icing on, so I had to get creative with that.

I had ended up using a plastic food storage container to hold up the pieces, so they can stay put while the icing dries.

                                                                      So very messy!

                                                                 The start of decorating

My decorations for the house

The front

This front piece of the house broke as I was putting assembling the house, so I had to "glue" it back together before moving on.

Left side

The back

The part with the candy cane Kiss is supposed to be a wreath

The round red piece of candy is supposed to be a window

                       The right side                       

It was very messy, and I had to have a lot of patience for this, as it took a long time for the icing to set on each side, before I could move on to another part of the house.

But, it was worth it in the end. I know the completed house looks messy, but it came out pretty good, and I am happy with it.

Although, next year I might just go with a pre-made kit, just to save me all this frustration, and impatience.

It was a fun experience, though, making it from scratch!

What I Got for Christmas 2021

To those who celebrate, merry Christmas!! To those who don't, I hope you had a wonderful day anyway!

I can't believe Christmas is here again! Where has the time gone?!

I celebrated with my dad, a few of my siblings, and my niece and nephew.

For those who are curious, here is what I got for Christmas this year:

(NOTE: I am not trying to brag, I just wanted to share what I got with those who may be interested. I am very happy with everything that I got, and was not expecting to get every single thing I asked for.)

• WREBBIT Harry Potter Hagrid's Hut puzzle
• Microsoft Surface Go stylus
• A lanyard
• Dragonfly in Amber book by Diana Gabaldon (part of the Outlander series)
• Downton Abbey season 6 on DVD
• The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1 on DVD
• Outlander Season 1 on DVD
• Bonanza season 4 on DVD
• Lego The Hobbit PS4 game
• Bike lights
• First 50 Songs You Should Play on the Violin book
• How to Read Music in 30 Days: Music Theory for Beginners book by Mathhew Ellul
• Believe CD by Andrea Bocelli
• Paints
• Paint brushes
• Canvases

Overall, I had a good Christmas.  I have already started putting together the puzzle, as well as playing the Lego Hobbit game.

I can't believe this year is almost over already. It went by so quickly!

How was your Christmas? How did you celebrate? I hope it was as wonderful as possible, and if it wasn't, I hope you will have better days to come.