My Week at Joni and Friends Family Retreat 2023: Days 1 and 2

Family retreat has now come and gone, and I had an amazing time there!! I so needed this week at camp.

I wish I was still there, as the week went by too fast. I have decided to break this post up into 3 parts, so that it won't be too long to read. This post will be about days 1 and 2, Sunday and Monday.

I was in the sweet shop again this year, which I was very happy about. This year was my fourth year at retreat, and every year I was in the sweet shop.

For a while, I wasn't sure if I would be able to go to retreat this year, but things turned out in my favor, and I got to go.

I did week 2 (Sunday, June 11 to Friday, June 16) of this retreat again, like I have every year (there are three weeks total), and I arrived a day early, on Saturday, with a friend who was also doing week 2 (although she was also staying for week 3 and couldn't drive me home).

Sunday, the STMs who weren't there already arrived, and we then started training. Training was basically how to handle situations that may arise, how to treat the campers/families that are coming, as well as the different types of disabilities.

The woman I was rooming with for the week was in the sweet shop with me, as well as another woman who I roomed with for the 2 years previously, which was pretty cool!

We had an hour of training, then lunch, then more training, and then dinner. After dinner, those who were a buddy to a camper/family made posters to welcome them to camp, and we had ice cream in the sweet shop.

I had brought some supplies with me, to make a poster of my own to honor my mom. The theme this year was Fearless, and the decorations that were there were of superheroes, and when I read that we could dress up as a personal hero (or do something to celebrate a personal hero), I immediately thought of my mom.

I put a picture of my mom in the middle of the poster, put My Mom My Hero around the picture, then added some images of things that she liked around the rest of the poster. I also added the words courageous and strong in one corner, and love split up on either side of the photo (L and O on the left side, V and E on the right).

I am very happy with how it came out, and others have said they liked it, as well.

Monday, we had breakfast, lunch, and some last-minute training before the families/campers came.

I went to the sweet shop at one point during the day, along with the others that were in the sweet shop, to make some brookies (part cookie, part brownie; they are sooo good!!) to sell to those at camp.

I was struggling with things during the family arrival time, and I was allowed to go the sensory room that they have on the campus. I think it took me about half an hour or so to calm down. I am so thankful for the sensory room!

Once all the families were there, we had dinner, a welcome ceremony, and then an ice cream social. 

Once the ice cream social was over, we had some free time before the STMs had a debrief at around 9:15 pm.

While I was sitting at one of the outdoor tables, waiting for the debrief to start, one of the leaders came over to sit with me, and started asking me about my faith and my relationship with God.

I told her that my faith isn't where I would like it to be, that I want to deepen my faith as well as my relationship with God. I also said that I had been wanting to do both for years, but never really knew how to go about that.

She then asked if I wanted to fully accept God into my life right then, and to start my journey to a stronger faith. I was a bit surprised by that question, but I said yes, as I really wanted to do this, and that I was in the right place for this journey to start.

The leader then prayed for me, and then she helped me pray to God for helping me in my journey, and to fully come into my life.

Once we finished praying, she asked me if I wanted to share my decision with the other STMs at the debrief, and I told her I didn't feel comfortable with telling them myself. She then asked if I would like her to start out, telling them about our conversation, and then have me say one sentence about my decision, and I was fine with that.

When the debrief started, she asked me to come up, and as I did so, one of the other leaders came up as well, to support me while I stood in front of everyone. I was surprised by that, but very happy that she was there, as I would not have been able to stand there on my own. 

When I told everyone my decision, they all stood up and cheered for me. Yet again, I was surprised by that, but it made me realize that I made the right choice, and that everyone at the retreat supported me, and that they truly cared about me.

So, even though there were a few bumps at the beginning, the start of retreat was going well, and I was feeling so loved by the other volunteers!

I so wish I could travel back in time and relive retreat. It was the best week of my life, and I so needed the time I spent there.

Part two of this post will come on Monday, and part three will be on Wednesday (at least, that is what I am planning).

I so hope that I get to go to retreat next year as this is always my absolute favorite time of year. I have made so many amazing friends, and have some amazing memories that will last me a lifetime. That is something I would never trade for anything.

My July Reading Bucket List (and June Recap)

Well, June was a bust for reading. 

I didn't read ANYTHING that I was hoping to read. I think I just lost motivation and needed a break. I know it's a good thing to take a break from things sometimes, but I do feel bad for not having read anything in June. I love to read, as it helps me to cope with the goings-on in life.

I am ready to get back into reading, though, and enjoy it again.

My reading bucket list for July:

1. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald 
   
   
2. Outlander by Diana Gabaldon
   
   
3. The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown
   
   
4. Beyond the Wand: The Magic and Mayhem of Growing Up a Wizard by Tom Felton
   
   
5. The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman

Yes, I know it's the same as last month, but I do want to read these books this year and would love to read them as soon as possible.

Here's hoping that I will actually read something this month.

My Summer 2023 Goals and Bucket List

I can't believe it's nearly summer already. This year has just flown by so far!!

As I always do, I have decided to make a bucket list for the summer. I am one of those people who love to make lists, so this was a no brainer for me.

I prefer warm weather over cold, which means I am more willing to do things outside.

Although I am a major introvert and home body, I can only take so much of staying home, so the nicer it is outside, the more I want to do things outside.

Hopefully, this summer I can do more of the things I would like to do, and have a fun, relaxing summer.

Without further ado, here is what I would like to do this summer:

• Apply for a new job
• Get bedroom cleaned up
• Redecorate bedroom
• Create with sidewalk chalk
• Go swimming at least once
• Work on junk journaling
• Make origami
• Go on a bike ride 1-2x a week
• Put together 3D Downton Abbey puzzle
• Go to the zoo
• Visit a museum
• Learn how to apply my own makeup
• Visit the farmer's market
• Paint
• Complete one of my video games
• Learn how to play the violin
• Read 4-6 books
• Binge watch season 2 of Call the Midwife
• Binge watch season 2 of Outlander
• Binge watch season 1 of Bonanza
• Be a tourist in my town
• Make lemon bars
• Go for a walk 3-4x a week
• Make and fly a kite
• Learn how to barbecue
• Go out for ice cream
• Make popsicles  
• Make a vision board
• Get my hair cut
• Read out on the porch 3x a week
• Learn how to juggle
• Day in the city
• Build a fort
• Have at least one game night
• Make slime
• Learn a new card game
• Create a skincare routine
• Create a haircare routine
• Knit or crochet at least one project
• Be an STM at a Joni and Friends retreat  (I am actually getting to do this from June 11th through the 16th, and I am so excited!!!)
• Write in a prayer journal every day  
• Make s'mores
• Have a root beer float
• Blow bubbles
• Paint my nails
• Have at least one self-care day a month  
• Become more confident in who I am
• Repot my succulent
• Make edible cookie dough

Hopefully I can do at least a few of these things this summer. I can't wait to see what's in store for me this season!

What is on your bucket list for the summer?

My June Reading Bucket List (and May Recap)

Another month gone by, and another one has begun. Why do the days fly by so darn fast?!?

I ended up getting into a slump in May, and hardly read anything. I only read a few chapters of both Outlander, and of The DaVinci Code. Both are pretty good, from what I have read so far.

I am going to put a hold on reading the entirety of Outlander, because it is such a long book, but The DaVinci Code is going on the list for June.

I love to read, but I think I just needed a break from books, just because I felt myself not feeling up to it.

So, here is my reading bucket list for June:

1. The DaVinci Code by Dan Brown
   
   
2. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
   
   
3. Ender's Shadow by Orson Scott Card
   
   
4. The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman
   
   
5. Beyond the Wand: The Magic and Mayhem of Growing Up a Wizard by Tom Felton

I hope I can get back in the swing of things, and read at least one entire book this month. 

I am volunteering at a retreat this month, from the 11th through the 16th, so I don't know how much reading I will be able to do during that time, but I will definitely get some in.

I did feel kind of bad for not reading as much in May, as I had the previous months, but I moved past that feeling, and am ready to get back into it, and looking forward to some good reads.

Hopefully June goes well, reading wise!

My May Reading Bucket List (and April Recap)

My reading for April went pretty well. I completed reading Coraline by Neil Gaiman and Life Without Limits by Nick Vujicic, and have started reading Outlander by Diana Gabaldon. 

I was not expecting to finish reading Outlander in one month, which is fine with me. It is a LONG book, and will take me a while to finish.

Since it is over 600 pages, I will keep Outlander on my May reading list (and possibly June), until I can actually finish it.

Long books like this kind of scare me, but I am determined to read the entire book!

So, here is my reading bucket list for May:

1. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
   
   
2. Ender's Shadow by Orson Scott Card
   
   
3. Outlander by Diana Gabaldon
   
   
4. The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown
   
   
5. The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman

Again, I hope that I can keep going with my goal of reading at least 2 of the books on my monthly bucket list. I am not a fast reader, and I can sometimes get distracted by other things. But, I have been doing well since I set and started this goal, which is great for me!

Are you planning on reading any books this month? What do you typically like to read?

I Get to Go to Joni and Friends Family Retreat After All!!

I didn't think I was able to go to family retreat this year, for some personal reasons, but things have worked out in my favor, and I AM going!!!

I this will be my fourth year going, and fourth retreat. I went in 2019, 2021, and 2022. There were no retreats in 2020, of course, because of the pandemic, but I am glad they have happened since then.

This year's theme is FEARLESS, and the bible verse that goes with that is 1 Corinthians 16:13-14:

Be on guard, stand firm in the faith. Be courageous, be strong, and do everything with love.

Inspired by the theme, the volunteers are encouraged (it is not required, so people can do this only if they want to) to dress up in costumes related to the theme. I was told that some of the decorations that will be put up are of superheroes, so that is a possibility for what to wear for costumes.

I haven't decided yet whether or not I want to dress up, but if I do, I want to decide as soon as possible what I want to wear.

The retreat I am going to is in Michigan, right on the lake, and is from June 11 thru the 16 (volunteers come on the 11th, for training, and then the families/campers come on the 12th).

My favorite part of retreat is probably the talent show, where everyone who wants to, gets to show off their skills. It is always a fun time!

I think another favorite part of mine is that we get to send Happy Grams to the families, campers, and other volunteers. It always makes me smile when I get them!

I have made many friends at retreat, and it has brought me out of my shell a bit (I am a very shy, reserved person, so doing something like this is huge for me).

If you are interested in learning more about Joni and Friends, you can go HERE, as well as HERE to find out more about retreat. You will not regret it, if you go!!

The only thing I don't like about retreat, is having to leave!

Family retreat is where people with disabilities and their families go for a week of rest, fun, and a faith-centered renewal, where they don't have to worry about appointments, therapy, or many other things associated with disability.

They get to just be, have fun, and make new friends and memories to last a lifetime.

I can't wait to go!!!

Do you have any fun plans for the summer? As of right now, Family Retreat is the only definite plan I have for the summer. But, that's ok. That means I can make spontaneous plans the rest of the season!

My April 2023 Reading Bucket List (And March Recap)

Yet another month has gone by!

I did pretty good with my reading. I read 3 of the 5 books I wanted to in March: Angels and Demons by Dan Brown, The Art of Getting It Wrong: Finding Good in the Misadventures of Life by Stephen Miller, and A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle.

I think my favorite book out of those three is The Art of Getting It Wrong. The author talks about how he got where he is now, all the lessons he learned in life, and how his faith helped him get through life.

I love watching his channel on YouTube, and enjoyed reading about how it all came about, as well as how he handled things that came his way.

I am very happy with how March went, reading wise! I am proud of how consistent I am, with sticking to reading every day. I enjoyed it when I was younger, and am enjoying it now.

Now, here is what I would like to read for the month of April:

1. Outlander by Diana Gabaldon
   
   
2. Ender's Shadow by Orson Scott Card
   
   
3. The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown
   
   
4. Life Without Limits by Nick Vujicic
   
   
5. Coraline by Neil Gaiman
   

Hopefully, I can keep up with how much I would like to read each month (2-3 books).

As you have noticed, my reading bucket list is a combination of different genres within fiction and non-fiction.

I decided to go out of my comfort zone of what I prefer to read, and try other genres, to see if I would like the books.

So far, I am liking all the books I have read so far, which is a big plus. Hopefully I will like more of the books I read in the future, than ones I don't like.

What are you planning on reading this month?

My Top 10 Favorite Springtime Activities

I can't believe spring is here again! I prefer warmer weather, so I always look forward to the spring and summer months.

There are lots of things I like to do in the spring, but there are some things that are my most favorite to do.

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

1. Gardening
   Gardening is one of those activities that is slow, but shows rewards in the end. It helps me focus on the task at hand, instead of anything else that could be going on. It helps me relax, enjoy the moment, and nurture something beautiful.
   
   
2. Long walks
   I haven't been doing much exercising, which I definitely need to change. Walking is probably one of my favorite forms of exercise, particularly when it is warm outside.
   
   
3. Spending some time out on the porch
   If I want to go outside, but don't feel like going anywhere, hanging out on the porch is my favorite spot for relaxing.
   
   
4. Spending some time at a park
   Parks definitely calm me down, especially when I am having a bad day, so I do try and spend some time at a park whenever possible.
   
   
5. Dyeing eggs for Easter
   This is one thing I will never get tired of doing, nor do I think anyone is too old to dye eggs.
   
   
6. Spending time at the local library
   Whenever I go to the library, I can usually find something new that I would enjoy, and something old that I have always loved, whether it's a book, a movie, or music. There are even some great activities and events that happen there, that interest me. You never know what you will find during each visit to the library, and that's what I love about it!
   
   
7. Bike riding
   Bike riding is probably one of my top few favorite forms of exercise. I'm not into playing team sports (I do like to watch baseball and hockey, but I'm just not into playing sports), so anything that I can do by myself is great.
   
   
8. Going thrifting
   Thrifting is probably my favorite form of shopping, as I don't know what I can expect to find each time I go to a thrift store. I usually don't have a mission of what I want to get in mind, which is probably not a good idea, as I might go overboard with purchases! But, I love finding things that would interest me, that I can give a second chance.
   
   
9. Going to the movies
   I haven't been to the movies since the pandemic started, but before then, I would go to the movies often, mostly by myself. I don't mind going by myself, as I love watching movies, and going out to the theater helps me get out of the house for a while, and chases away cabin fever.
   
   
10. Making s'mores
    I love s'mores, so I make these whenever I can. What's not to love about gooey chocolate, marshmallows and graham crackers?!

What do you like to do in the springtime?

My Spring 2023 Bucket List

Spring is on the way, which means it's time for my spring bucket list!

I love making bucket lists, especially for each season, and to try and do as many of them as I can. 

With the way things went last year for me, I want to try and focus more on my mental (and physical) health, so I can be in the best possible place I can be, health-wise. I want to do what is best for me, and what I truly enjoy/love doing.

So, in no particular order, here is my 2023 Spring bucket list:

• Play on a playground
• Plant flowers
• Plant veggies
• Fly a kite
• Dye my hair purple
• Go on 2-3 walks a week 
• Create a fairy garden
• Paint on canvas
• Paint my nails
• Dye Easter eggs
• Have a game night
• Buy myself flowers
• Bake cookies or cupcakes 
• Make fruit smoothies
• Get my hair cut
• Go on a picnic
• Go thrifting
• Find a job that I will love (I had to quit my last job because it was causing my anxiety to get really bad)
• Get my bedroom cleaned up
• Redecorate my bedroom
• Create an exercise routine that works for me
• Create a skincare routine that works for me
• Create a haircare routine that works for me
• Improve my cake and cookie decorating skills
• Learn Spanish
• Donate clothes I don't want anymore
• Donate books, CDs, DVDs I don't want anymore 
• Read 2-3 books a month 
• Read the Bible every day
• Pray every day 
• Have 2 self-care/spa days a month
• Knit or crochet at least one item a month 
• Ride my bike 2-3x a week 

Hopefully I can do at least some of these things this spring, and have an enjoyable season.

What do you want to do this spring?

My March 2023 Reading Bucket List (and February Recap)

How is it March already?! The days are going by so fast!!

February was good, for me, in terms of reading. I completely finished reading the Anne of Green Gables graphic novel, The Hobbit, and Madly, Deeply: The Diaries of Alan Rickman.

I was surprised that I was able to read as much as I did, as it usually takes me some time to start something, and then to finish it, as well. But, I am happy with being able to finish 3 books in February.

Now, on to the books that I would like to read this month (in no particular order):

1. The Art of Getting It Wrong: Finding Good in the Misadventures of Life by Stephen Miller
   
   
2. Angels & Demons by Dan Brown (I already have read a few pages in this, but got caught up with reading Madly, Deeply, Anne of Green Gables, and The Hobbit, so this book is going on my March list.)
   
   
3. Outlander by Diana Gabaldon
   
   
4. A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle
   
   
5. Ender's Shadow by Orson Scott Card

So, that is my reading list for this month. Hopefully March goes as well as February did, with reading at least 2 of these books.

I am so glad I decided to get back into reading physical books, especially now that I know I can focus more on what I am reading. I am enjoying it, and am looking forward to all the books I hope to read this year. I do still plan on listening to audiobooks, but I just wanted to include physical books as well.

What do you want to read this month?