Bands/Artists I Would Like to See in Concert

I have only been to one concert in my life, and it was an Andrea Bocelli concert that happened in October of last year.

I was on a sort of concert high for a while after his concert, and have been wanting to go to another one ever since.

I grew up listening to country music, so many of the artists on this list are from that genre of music.

Once I started listening to other types of music, becoming familiar with and liking other artists, I have been wanting to go to a concert of theirs as well.

In no particular order, here are the artists/groups that I would like to see in concert:

• Celtic Woman (I was supposed to go to one of their concerts in April, but I ended up not feeling well the day of the concert, so I didn't get to go)
  
  
• Celtic Thunder
  
  
• Michael Bublé
  
  
• Josh Groban
  
  
• Matthew West
  
  
• Garth Brooks
  
  
• Tim McGraw
  
  
• Camille and Kennerly--The Harp Twins
  
  
• Imagine Dragons
  
  
• Colbie Caillat
  
  
• Mannheim Steamroller (for their Christmas concert)
  
  
• Keith Urban
  
  
• Kenny Chesney
  
  
• Zac Williams
  
  
• Andre Rieu
  
  
• Reba McIntire
  
  
• Jonathan Antoine
  
  
• Pentatonix
  
  
• George Strait
  
  
• Shania Twain
  
  
• Alan Jackson
  
  
• Andrea Bocelli again (yes, I am still including him. He is one of my top favorite artists!)
  
  
• Travis Tritt
  
  
• The Piano Guys
  
  
• Clint Black

Hopefully I can see at least a few of these bands/artists in concert at some point. I have been itching to go to another one, ever since the Andrea Bocelli concert!

Who would you like to see in concert? If you have been to any concerts already, which one was your favorite?

10 Things That Help Me Relax

I am one of those people that get anxious and stressed out very easily, and there are several things that help me to relax.

I have quite a few things I like to do, to help me to relax and calm down, but I have decided to write about 10 things here (it was kind of hard to choose which ones I wanted to include here).

Here are 10 things that help me relax:

1. A long shower or bath
   What's better than a warm bath or shower? You can add a bath bomb or bath salts, light candles, have music playing (or have it silent)...it is SO relaxing! Plus, I get to have alone time, which is perfect for me.
   
   
2. A movie
   Movies were one thing that got me through one of the hardest times in my life, as it allows me to go into another reality for a while and forget everything else.
   
   
3. My favorite music
   I am always listening to music, and what I listen to depends on how I'm feeling. Lately, I have been mostly listening to Christian rock, but I have also been listening to country, pop, and Irish music.
   
   
4. Nature
   The sounds of the animals, the sound of wind blowing through the leaves and grass, running water, flowers...all of nature has such a calming effect on humans. I recently went through a tough time, and spent a long time at a local park, which really helped me.
   
   
5. Journaling/writing
   One of my passions is writing, and it always calms me down when I write. It allows me to get my point across, and I can use the words I want to use. Plus, I can take my time with what I want to say, and I can be creative as well.
   
   
6. Spending time alone, in my room
   I am very introverted, so any chance I can get, I spend time alone in my room (which has been a lot lately). It definitely helps allow me to recharge and allows me to think things through. 
   
   
7. Listening to audiobooks
   For quite some time now, I have mostly switched to audiobooks, as I can't seem to concentrate on a book if I read it myself. Plus, the narrators do a very good job of telling the story they are reading.
   
   
8. Snuggling with my cats
   I love it when my cats come over to snuggle on my lap. I get to love on them, they calm me down if I am stressed or anxious, and I get to spend time with them.
   
   
9. Baking
   Another passion of mine. For as long as I can remember, I have loved baking. I get to be creative with food, and people get to enjoy something that I make. There are endless possibilities of what I can make when it comes to baking, and I love that.
   
   
10. Photography 
    Yet another passion of mine. As with baking, I have loved photography for as long as I can remember. My favorite thing to photograph is probably flowers, as well as animals. Plus, I can be as creative as I want with how I want to photos to look.

These are probably my favorite ways to relax, and it is so nice to have multiple options that can help calm me.

1. 
   

What helps you to relax?

My Bedroom Bucket List/Wish List

For longer than I care to admit, my bedroom has been a disaster, and I have had zero motivation to do anything about it.

I have been watching cleaning videos, and looking for ideas on how I would like to decorate my room, and while that has helped some, it hasn't been enough for me to really get to work on my room.

Which is so frustrating!!

I hope to get it over with, and just do it, as I know I will feel so much better once it's finished.

So, here is my bedroom wishlist and bucket list, for what I hope to accomplish:

My Wishlist:

Mirror

New bed

TV (maybe)

Computer chair

Art/wall décor 

Mini fridge (yes, a mini fridge; I am a night owl, and am always hungry/thirsty at night, and I don't always feel like going downstairs to get something from the kitchen. Plus, I don't have my own bathroom, so I can't get a drink as easily when I am thirsty.)

Storage containers/baskets

Small/portable vacuum

Blackout curtains/blinds

Another lamp (I have one for my writing desk, but I would like to have another one for another part of my room, as well)

Cushions     

Pillows    

Laundry hamper

Corner shelving/floating shelves  

Violin stand

Guitar stand

Ukulele stand  

Bedding

Corkboard

Paint (I am thinking of some shade of blue for my entire room)

New bookshelf

My bucket list:

Get rid of garbage and recycling

Go through clothes, shoes, and accessories, and decide what to keep and what to get rid of

Go through books, CDs, and DVDs, and decide what to keep and what to get rid of

Get rid of old bed and set up new bed

Get rid of chifforobe (I haven't used it in years, and it takes up too much space in my small room)

Paint walls a different color

Vacuum  

Hang up/put clothes away

Put computer desk together

Set up computer and printer on computer desk

Rearrange furniture to how I want it

Put up curtains/blinds

Hang up art/décor 

Hang up a mirror

Set up instruments

Wash bedding, and put them on bed

Set up bookshelf, and put everything I want to in it

Well, that is everything I would like to do with my room. It's definitely a big project, and I am hoping to get started on it as soon as possible.

What is a big project on your to-do list? How do you find/get the motivation to get it done?

My Top 10 Favorite Summertime Activities

Summer is probably my favorite season, because it is warm out, we get to do more things, and it's a more relaxing/fun season.

At least, for me, it's fun and relaxing!

Warmer weather motives me more, for getting out and doing the things I want to do, and to enjoy the day.

In no particular order, here are my top 10 favorite summertime activities:

1. Bike riding
   I am one of those people that likes non-competitive sports and exercises, bike riding being one of the top ones. I can take my time riding, I don't have to have a particular route in mind, and I can see the neighborhood, while getting some exercise.
   
   
2. Swimming
   Swimming is another favorite non-competitive form of exercise for me. I love being in the water, and it's a good way to cool down during those hot summer days.
   
   
3. Farmers market 
   I finally started going to my local farmer's market a few years ago, and fell in love with it. I got to try new things, as well as favorites from different places.
   
   
4. Spending time at a park
   I love nature, so being at a park always calms me. There are a few different parks near me, that I can choose to go to, which is so nice.
   
   
5. Barbecues
   Barbecues are a summer staple, and they bring people together. And there's good food! What more can I say?
   
   
6. Festivals
   Festivals are always fun, with entertainment, food, games, and more, and I can go with friends and family. 
   
   
7. Watching pro baseball games on TV
   Baseball is probably my favorite sport to watch, and I have actually been to a couple major league games in person. 
   
   
8. Making s'mores
   Another summer staple! Chocolate, gooey marshmallows, and graham crackers...what more is there to say?
   
   
9. Spending time in the yard/on the porch
   I am a major homebody, and spending time in the yard, or on the porch, is one of my favorite activities to do at home during the summer.
   
   
10. Volunteering at Joni and Friends retreats
    I got to go to my first retreat in 2019, and it was the best decision I've ever made!!  Everyone has an amazing time, and comes away from it feeling loved, heard, and refreshed. You can read the post I wrote about the most recent retreat I went to HERE.

What are your favorite activities to do in the summer?

A Moment That is Special to Me

 

This photo was taken at the retreat I had gone to last month, of me going ziplining.

This moment is special to me, because I had pushed through my fear of heights, to do something I have never done before. No one forced me to do this, or suggested I do it; it was 100% my own decision. And, to be honest, I am so glad I did it!

For me, it was scary climbing up, as well as being on the small landing, but I pushed through my fear, and jumped off.

It showed me that I can do anything I put my mind to, if I am just brave enough to take that first step.

Right after I had done this, I said that I didn't want to go again, but now that some time has passed since the retreat, I am finding that I do want to go again, as well as try other activities that are out of my comfort zone.

Having this picture (as well as a video) of me doing this makes this experience all the more special to me, because I can relive it over and over again, as many times as I want, when I look at them.

I am so grateful that I got to do this, and to be able to have another first-time experience.

100 Places I Would Like to Visit in My Life

I love to travel, but I haven't been to very many places in my life (there are a few places that I have been to multiple times over the years) and I would love to change that.

Going to new places always fascinates me, as there are new-to-me spots to explore. 

I love nature, so seeing beautiful spots always makes me very happy!

So, in no particular order, here are 100 places I would like to visit:

1. Hawaii
2. Disney Land
3. Disney World
4. New York
5. Rome
6. Milan
7. Venice
8. Florence
9. Pisa
10. Bologna
11. Naples
12. Verona, Italy
13. Dublin
14. London
15. Paris
16. Springfield, Illinois
17. New Zealand 
18. Berlin
19. Amsterdam 
20. St. Louis
21. Holland, Michigan again (I went there as a kid, but I only vaguely remember it)
22. Seattle
23. New Orleans
24. Las Vegas
25. Birmingham, Alabama
26. Toronto
27. Vancouver
28. Rio de Janeiro 
29. Tokyo
30. Cancun, Mexico
31. Veracruz, Mexico
32. Beijing
33. Singapore
34. Atlanta
35. Glasgow
36. Edinburgh, Scotland
37. Jerusalem
38. Mumbai
39. Delhi
40. Queensland
41. Madrid
42. Washington DC again (I went on my school's 8th grade trip there, and it was only for a couple of days, so I would like to go on a longer trip there some day)
43. Boston
44. Albuquerque, New Mexico
45. Niagra Falls
46. Grand Canyon
47. Charleston, South Carolina
48. Key West
49. Juneau, Alaska
50. Antelope Canyon
51. Los Angeles
52. Hollywood
53. Mount Rushmore 
54. Yosemite National Park
55. Nashville
56. Alcatraz Island
57. Lake Tahoe
58. Pittsburgh 
59. Pearl Harbor
60. Taj Mahal
61. Pyramids in Giza
62. Warsaw, Poland
63. Krakow, Poland
64. Dubrovnik, Croatia
65. Bucharest, Romania
66. Bosnia & Herzegovina 
67. Lisbon, Portugal
68. Latvia
69. Prague, Czech Republic
70. Thailand
71. Philippines 
72. Georgia (the country)
73. Athens, Greece
74. Cairo, Egypt
75. Alexandria, Egypt
76. Kilkenny, Ireland
77. Munich
78. Vienna
79. Salzburg 
80. Bali
81. Khiva, Uzbekistan 
82. Morocco 
83. Bruges, Belgium
84. Eibsee, Germany
85. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
86. Luxor, Egypt
87. Cape Town, South Africa
88. Budapest, Hungary
89. Petra
90. La Huasteca in Xilitla, Mexico
91. Lake Bled in Slovenia
92. Stonehenge
93. Kylemore Abbey, Ireland
94. Zurich, Switzerland
95. Geneva, Switzerland
96. Kolmar, France
97. Santorini/Oia, Greece
98. Burano, Italy
99. Iceland
100. Wales

There are more places I would like to visit, but these are the ones I would most like to visit.

What places are on your travel bucket list?

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.