23 Things I Would Like to Learn in 2023

Since it is now 2023, I have decided to make a list of 23 things I would like to learn this year.

I love learning new things, and expanding my mind. It helps keep my mind active and sharp, and I can say that I know how to do something, once I've learned how to do it.

I love to be creative, so many of the things on my list are ways I want to be creative in my life. I want to enjoy life more, so learning something new everyday is a great way to do that!

So, in no particular order, here is what I would like to learn this year:

1. Sewing
2. Macrame
3. Curling my hair
4. Applying my own makeup
5. Spanish
6. Songwriting
7. Video editing
8. Photography 
9. French braiding
10. Reading musical notes
11. Playing the violin (again)
12. Playing the ukulele
13. Playing the guitar
14. Self defense
15. Managing my money better
16. To be confident in myself
17. To improve my baking and decorating skills
18. How to get and stay more organized
19. To be more confident in my driving abilities
20. To decorate cakes and cookies
21. How to draw
22. How to paint with acrylics and watercolor
23. How to find the best deals on groceries

What are some things you would like to learn this year?

My Goals and Bucket List for 2023

Happy new year!!! I can't believe another year is over, and a new one has come again! Where has the time gone?!

Every year, I like to make a list of goals and a bucket list of things I would like to do by the end of the year, and this year is no exception.

In no particular order, here are my goals and bucket list for 2023:

• Get a new job that I will love
• Get bedroom cleaned up
• Redecorate bedroom
• Be an STM at a Joni and Friends retreat
• Dye my hair purple
• Get a second piercing in both ears
• Get a tattoo in memory of my mom
• Relearn how to play the violin, and play on a regular basis
• Learn how to play the ukulele
• Learn Spanish
• Work on writing a book
• Get my driver's license
• Drink more water
• Visit a friend in another state
• Read the bible in one year
• Go on regular walks
• Have regular self-care/spa days
• Put 3D Downton Abbey puzzle together (it's almost 900 pieces!! I've been putting off putting it together because of that!)
• Practice my baking and cake decorating skills on a regular basis
• Learn to sew
• Get into a healthy, loving relationship with a significant other
• Pray every day
• Practice yoga regularly
• Spend between one week and one month off of social media
• Make more friends
• Learn how to be more self-confident
• Purchase a DSLR camera, and learn how to take better photos
• Create and keep up a regular skincare routine
• Create and keep up a regular haircare routine
• Go ice skating
• Go sledding
• Try making macarons
• Learn how to manage my money better
• Knit or crochet a blanket
• Improve my posture
• Learn how to play the guitar, and play on a regular basis
• Write at least one song
• Go to at least 2 concerts/plays
• Go on a road trip with friends
• Declutter anything I don't want/need anymore
• Take self-defense classes
• Learn how to apply my own makeup
• Learn how to curl my hair
• Learn how to edit videos
• Start my own YouTube channel, and post regularly

What are your goals/things you would like to do in 2023? 

I hope you had a wonderful holiday season, and that this year is good to you!

What I Got for Christmas 2022

I can't believe today is Christmas! This year has flown by so fast. There were both good, and not so good, moments throughout the year, but I am thankful for everything I have, and I can't wait to see what 2023 will bring.

My family's annual traditions are pizza on Christmas Eve and opening presents, and then celebrating with my sister and her family on Christmas day.

All in all, I had a good Christmas.

For those who may be interested, I am posting what I got for Christmas this year. I am not doing this to brag, but just to say what I got.

Here is what I got for Christmas this year:

• Call the Midwife season 1 on DVD
• The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2 on DVD
• Bonanza Season 5 on DVD
• Toy Story 4 on DVD
• A Family Christmas by Andrea, Matteo, and Virginia Bocelli (CD)
• NRSV Bible
• Portable phone charger
• Wall Outlet Extender
• Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire illustrated edition book
• Harry Potter Crochet Wizardry book by Lee Sartori
• Star Wars: A Musical Journey Violin Instrumental Play-Along sheet music book
• Disney Hits for Ukulele sheet music book
• Ukulele case
• Slippers  
• Prayer Journal for Women
• Sherpa blanket

If you celebrate Christmas, what presents did you get? What traditions are you doing (or did do) this year?

To those who celebrate, I hope you have a wonderful Christmas and a happy new year!

My Favorite Christmas Movies

I can't believe it's the holiday season again! Where has the time gone?!

Even though I don't like the cold and snow, I do like the festivities that come with the season. One of the big ones for me is watching Christmas movies, especially my favorites.

I have already watched several of the movies on this list, and will be watching more leading up to Christmas (I may even watch some more than once!).

Movies are one of the things that help me relax, as well as help get me through a tough time, so any reason to watch a movie, especially holiday movies, is perfect!

So, in no particular order, here are my favorite Christmas movies:

• The Year Without a Santa Claus
• A Christmas Carol (the George C. Scott version, the Jim Carrey Version, and the Muppets version)
• A Christmas Story
• The Polar Express
• Santa Claus is Comin' to Town
• Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer
• The Santa Clause
• The Santa Clause 2
• The Santa Clause 3
• Frosty the Snowman
• Home Alone
• Home Alone: Lost in New York
• Miracle on 34th Street (the 1947 version, with Edmund Gwenn as Santa)
• A Charlie Brown Christmas
• Fred Claus
• Arthur Christmas
• The Grinch
• How the Grinch Stole Christmas  

If you celebrate Christmas, what are your favorite Christmas movies?

My Top 10 Favorite Wintertime Activities

 Winter is my least favorite season, as I don't like being cold and walking in snow and ice. But, I do like some of the activities associated with winter.

When winter comes, I am one of those people that prefers to spend my time indoors, so if I can enjoy any activities that don't require going out in the snow, then I am one happy girl!

So, here are my top 10 favorite wintertime activities:

1. Watching Christmas movies 
   I love watching Christmas movies, and only do so during this time of the year (to make them more special and enjoyable).
   
   
2. Making Christmas cookies (and other treats)
   I love to bake, and have always made cookies for Christmas. My dad always requests cream cheese chocolate chip cookies (they are sooo good!!), so that is something I make each year.
   
   
3. Celebrating Christmas with family and friends 
   I love being able to make holiday memories with my friends and family. The holidays are always a special time of year, and I enjoy being with those I love.
   
   
4. Curling up under a warm blanket/comforter
   Since I am one of those people who doesn't like the cold, I love curling up under blankets, and just relaxing and getting cozy.
   
   
5. Listening to Christmas music
   I love listening to Christmas music!! It always puts me in the holiday mood, and makes Christmas more festive and enjoyable.
   
   
6. Drinking hot chocolate
   Hot chocolate is probably my absolute favorite winter drink. It warms me up, it is yummy, and chocolate is one of my favorite treats! I always look forward to 
   
   
7. Building/decorating gingerbread houses
   I love to be creative, and building and decorating gingerbread houses is something I love doing every year. I get to decorate it however I want to, and seeing the finished product is always worth the work.
   
   
8. Wrapping Presents
   I absolutely LOVE wrapping presents! Knowing that the recipient will enjoy the present, and seeing the happiness on their faces, makes wrapping presents all the more special.
   
   
9. Putting a puzzle together
   The colder it gets, the more I want to put a puzzle together (something I love doing no matter what time of year it is!). I am not a winter person, so things that I can do inside, like puzzles, are a big plus for me.
   
   
10. Taking my picture with Santa
    This is one thing I will never get tired of doing, and I don't care what other people think. I love getting my picture taken with Santa!

What are your favorite winter activities? I hope you all have a wonderful holiday season!!

My 2022 Christmas Wishlist

I can't believe it's Christmastime already! This year just flew by!!

Even though I don't like the snow and the cold, I love listening to Christmas music, watching Christmas movies, baking cookies, and everything else that comes with the holidays.

I love posting about what I want for Christmas, so people can see what I am into, and, of course, what I want for Christmas.

I do not expect to get everything on this list. These are just things that I would like to get. I will be happy with whatever I get for Christmas.

Here is my Christmas list for 2022:

• Mockingjay Part 2 on DVD
• Toy Story 4 on DVD
• Outlander season 2 on DVD
• Bonanza season 5 on DVD
• Call the Midwife season 1 on DVD
• UNO! Attack
• Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza card game
• Infinity Cube Fidget Toy
• Prayer Journal For Women: 52 Week Scripture, Devotional, & Guided Prayer Journal
• Violin stand with bow holder
• 101 Christmas Songs for Violin by Hal Leonard Corp.
• Portable artist easel stand
• Himalayan salt lamp
• A Family Christmas CD by Andrea, Matteo, and Virginia Bocelli
• Hot glue gun
• Prayer journal from Coffee and Bible Time
• Tote bag from Coffee and Bible Time
• Pencil pouch from Coffee and Bible Time
• Star Wars Instrumental Solos for Strings: Violin, Book & Online Audio/Software by John Williams
• Slippers
• Bible carrying case
• Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire Illustrated Edition book
• Bible (yes, I am asking for a bible for Christmas!)
• Ukulele case
• Ukulele stand
• First 50 Songs You Should Play on Ukulele book (various artists)
• Ukulele strap
• 3-Tier cooking and baking cooling rack
• Case for my Microsoft Surface Go tablet
• Wall outlet extender
• 3-Tier collapsible cooking and baking cooling rack
• Microsoft Surface case
• Harry Potter: Crochet Wizardy: The Official Harry Potter Crochet Pattern Book by Lee Sartori

I know this is a lot, but like I said earlier, I don't expect to get everything on this list. This is just what I would like to get.

If you celebrate Christmas, what is on your wishlist?

My 2022/2023 Winter and Christmas Bucket List

Well, it's the holiday season again, and that means Christmas/winter activities!

Winter is my least favorite season, with the cold, snow, and ice, but I do like the activities that come with the season.

As usual, I have decided to make a bucket list for Christmas and winter. I don't expect to do everything on this list, but I would like to do as many of them as possible.

In no particular order, here is my winter/Christmas bucket list for 2022/2023:

• Watch Christmas movies
• Make snowmen
• Go sledding
• Make hot chocolate
• Decorate my bedroom for Christmas/winter
• Bake Christmas cookies
• Go ice skating
• Take pictures with Santa
• Create a winter playlist
• Have a snowball fight
• Make paper snowflakes
• Bake a loaf of bread
• Complete a jigsaw puzzle
• Have a game night
• Have eggnog
• Do an Advent calendar
• Try snowboarding
• Decorate a gingerbread house
• Have a few spa days
• Make a winter/Christmas themed junk journal
• Make a winter/Christmas themed sensory bottle
• Send Christmas cards to friends
• Make a winter wreath
• Buy a new pair of pajamas
• Build a fort
• Make paper snowflakes
• Make ornaments
• Paint canvases
• Knit or crochet a blanket
• Listen to Christmas music
• Relearn how to play the violin
• Learn how to play the ukulele
• Relearn how to play the guitar
• Learn how to apply makeup
• Make snow ice cream
• Sign up for Joni and Friends retreat (the one I go to has registration that opens in January)
• Journal/write on a regular basis 
• Have regular self care days
• Binge watch a TV show
• Make a blanket fort
• Make a gift for someone
• Make a Christmas stocking
• Make a snow globe
• Spend a day in the city
• Make peppermint bark
• Paint my nails
• Scrapbook
• Try craft ideas from Pinterest
• Make a vision board

I am looking forward to the holidays, and hopefully I can do as many things on this list as possible.

If you celebrate Christmas, merry Christmas! If you celebrate another holiday, happy holidays! If you don't celebrate anything, I hope you have a wonderful winter season!!

What is on your winter/holiday bucket list?

30 Things I Am Thankful For This Year

I can't believe the holiday season is upon us once again. 

For a few years now, I have been making a list of things I am thankful for, and am doing so again this year. 

It definitely does help, making a list of things you are grateful for, to see how much you have in life, and how blessed you are.

Here is what I am thankful for this year:

1. Family and friends
2. My cats
3. Music
4. Joni and Friends retreats
5. Photography
6. Baking
7. Audiobooks
8. Painting
9. Knitting
10. Crochet
11. My bike
12. Bullet journaling
13. Junk journaling
14. A new job that I love
15. My Microsoft tablet
16. Warm baths and showers
17. Trying new things
18. Making new memories
19. Fidget toys
20. My home
21. Text messages from friends
22. Composition notebooks (I have quite the collection of these notebooks!)
23. Prayer
24. Stickers (I LOVE stickers!!)
25. Board, card, and video games
26. Swimming 
27. My violin, guitar, and ukulele
28. Puzzles
29. Self care
30. My health

What are you thankful for this year? If you celebrate, happy Thanksgiving!

My Favorite Halloween Movies

To those who celebrate, happy Halloween!!

Since I am too old to go out trick-or-treating, and I don't have any kids of my own to take out, I tend to stay home and watch Halloween movies in celebration of the holiday (which is just fine with me!).

I tend to scare easily, so I prefer the "tamer" scary movies (and there is nothing wrong with that).

Movies are one of my favorite ways to pass the time, and I love diving into another world for a while. Plus, watching movies that are specific to a season or holiday always make that time of year more fun, more special to me.

So, in no particular order, here are my favorite Halloween movies:

• The Nightmare Before Christmas
• Coraline
• Hocus Pocus
• It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown
• Monster House
• Beetlejuice
• Casper
• ParaNorman
• Ghostbusters 1 & 2
• Young Frankenstein
• Hotel Transylvania 1, 2, & 3
• Dracula (with Bela Lugosi as Dracula)
• Corpse Bride
• Sweeney Todd
• Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit
• The Addams Family & The Addams Family Values

What are your favorite Halloween movies? 

My Top 10 Favorite Fall Activities

Although I prefer the warmer seasons, I do like the activities that come with the cooler seasons as well.

I am one of those people who love to take part in the seasonal activities that come along with each season, and I will definitely do them as long as I can!

It's always fun to celebrate each season as they come, and to celebrate the holidays that come with them.

So, in no particular order, here are my top 10 favorite Fall activities:

1. Pumpkin carving/painting
   This is one thing I will never get tired of doing. I love getting creative, and figuring out what I want my pumpkin to look like.
   
   
2. Watching Halloween/Fall movies
   I'm not a big fan of the really scary movies, so I like to watch the "tamer" Halloween movies. Which is just fine with me! I normally watch holiday movies during the season they are meant for, so that I can enjoy them even more than I would if I watched them all the time.
   
   
3. Baking Halloween/Fall cookies and other treats
   I love to bake, so any reason to bake something makes me happy! Especially if it is holiday/seasonally themed.
   
   
4. Playing video games
   I know this isn't technically a "Fall" activity, but I wanted to include it anyway. I don't play a lot, but it helps me relax when I do. I am a big homebody, so anything that I like to do that can be done at home, makes me very happy!
   
   
5. Snuggling up in bed, under a warm and cozy blanket, watching a video or reading a book
   Another thing that really makes this homebody happy! I am a major homebody, so this is one thing I can be seen doing a lot.
   
   
6. Drinking hot chocolate
   Hot chocolate is my favorite Fall drink, and a classic Fall drink as well.
   
   
7. Baking pumpkin pie
   One of my absolute favorite pies, both to make and to eat. I love it when I get to make something that I and others enjoy eating, and something that is only around for a season makes it even more special and enjoyable.
   
   
8. Putting puzzles together
   Puzzles are one of my favorite hobbies, and I have a good sized collection of puzzles that I like to put together. A few of them are 3D, which are my favorite, as they are more challenging. I normally like to put a puzzle together by myself, but occasionally I will have another person or two, to help me out.
   
   
9. Baking pumpkin seeds
   I love toasted pumpkin seeds, and I try to make them every Fall. They are so good! I usually make them the classic way, with just salt on them, but I might add other seasonings as well, to see how they come out.
   
   
10. Watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
    One of my favorite things to watch in the Fall! I love seeing the floats, and the acts that they put on each year. And, of course, seeing Santa at the end!

What are your favorite Fall activities?