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.

My Favorite Christmas Movies

I am an avid movie watcher, and I absolutely love watching Christmas movies. 

Watching Christmas movies always gets me in the holiday mood, which makes me look forward to the season each year.

In no particular order, here are my favorite Christmas movies.

• A Christmas Carol
  There are 3 versions that I love: Disney's version with Jim Carrey, the one with George C. Scott, and the Muppets version
  
  
• A Christmas Story
  
  
• The Polar Express
  
  
• A Charlie Brown Christmas
  
  
• The Grinch
  
  
• How the Grinch Stole Christmas
  
  
• The Santa Clause trilogy
  
  
• Santa Claus is Comin' To Town
  
  
• Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
  
  
• Arthur Christmas
  
  
• Home Alone
  
  
• Home Alone 2: Lost in New York
  
  
• The Year Without a Santa Claus
  
  
• Miracle on 34th Street (the original)
  
  
• Frosty the Snowman

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

My Winter 2021/2022 Bucket List

I can't believe it's almost winter! And that it is the end of 2021. Where has the time gone?!

As always, I have decided to make a winter bucket list, of things I would like to do this winter. I hope to be able to accomplish as many of these as I can.

In no particular order, here is what I would like to do this winter:

• Go sledding
• Go ice skating
• Make a snowman
• Have a snowball fight
• Watch Christmas movies
• Drink hot chocolate
• Go to a Christmas market
• Donate toys to children in need
• Make and send out Christmas cards
• Crochet a blanket
• Practice playing violin 3-4x a week
• Make Christmas cookies
• Work on cleaning up bedroom
• Work on writing a book
• Have spa days
• Make a gingerbread house
• Put Downton Abbey puzzle together
• Make paper snowflakes
• Build a fort
• Bake a loaf of bread
• Attend a Christmas concert
• Visit a far-away friend
• Spend a day (or more) in the city
• Decorate my bedroom for Christmas/winter
• Decorate our Christmas tree
• Celebrate my birthday with friends
• Put together and decorate a gingerbread house
• Paint my nails
• Host a game night
• Dye my hair purple
• Take winter pictures
• Make a snow globe
• Color in a coloring book
• Paint
• Binge watch one of these shows: Call The Midwife, Outlander
• Develop an indoor exercise routine (and stick to it)
• See a play or musical
• Buy a new pair of pajamas
• Write and send letters to friends
• Take a photo with Santa
• 
  

What are things you would to do this winter? 

My 2021 Christmas Wishlist

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

I thought I would share what is on my wishlist this year. I love hearing/reading about what is on other peoples' lists, so I figured I would do the same for those who are like me!

I do not expect to get all of these things. These are just things I would like to get. I will be happy with whatever I get.

In no particular order, here is what I would like to get for Christmas:

• Once Upon a Time Season 2 on DVD
• Bonanza Season 4 on DVD
• The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1 on DVD
• Outlander Season 1 on DVD
• Downton Abbey Season 6 on DVD
• ChristmasLand by Jonathan Antoine (CD)
• Smartphone tripod
• Stylus pen for Microsoft Surface Go
• Paint brushes
• Paint palette
• Acrylic paints
• Canvas boards
• LEGO The Hobbit game for PS4
• How to Read Music in 30 Days: Music Theory for Beginners--With Exercises & Online Audio by Matthew Ellul
• Dragonfly in Amber by Diana Gabaldon
• Wrebbit 3D Hagrid's Hut 3D Jigsaw Puzzle
• UNO Flip! game
• UNO Attack! game
• Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza game
• Bike lights
• Lanyard keychain

I am looking forward to Christmas, and spending time with my family. 

If you celebrate Christmas, what is on your wishlist?

My Favorite Andrea Bocelli Songs

I first found out about Andrea Bocelli about 12 years ago, sort of on accident. 

I was at home one day, bored, and flipping channels on TV. I came across his most current concert at the time, and I thought it seemed interesting, so I decided to watch it. I have been a fan ever since.

Since I was able to see him live in concert last month, I have decided to share my favorite songs of his.

In no particular order, here are my favorite songs:

• Because We Believe
  
  
• God Bless Us Everyone
  
  
• Go Where Love Goes
  
  
• Cuando Me Enamoro
  
  
• When a Child is Born
  
  
• Dell' Amore Non Si Sa
  
  
• Resta Qui
  
  
• Funiculi Funicula
  
  
• Mamma
  
  
• Can't Help Falling in Love
  
  
• I Believe

My favorite Andrea Bocelli versions of Christmas songs:

• Santa Claus is Coming to Town
  
  
• Jingle Bells
  
  
• Adeste Fidelis
  
  
• O Tannenbaum
  
  
• God Bless Us Everyone (this song was in Disney's A Christmas Carol)
  
  
• Angels We Have Heard on High
  
  
• Cantique de Noel (O Holy Night)

He has such an amazing voice, and I still can't believe I got to go to one of his concerts!

Who is your favorite band/artist? What are your favorite songs of theirs? Have you been to any of their concerts?

My Wardrobe Wishlist

I have been going through my wardrobe to see what I want to add or replace, and have made a list of what I would like to get.

I am slowly figuring out what my style is, and what I like and don't like. It has definitely been trial and error figuring it out, but I believe I know what it is that I like, and want.

So, in no particular order, here is my wardrobe wishlist.

• Plaid/flannel long sleeve
  I love plaid/flannel clothing, and had a plaid long sleeve button-up in high school, which I wore a lot in the fall. I don't think I have it anymore, and I would love to have another one.
  
  
• Denim jacket
  Denim clothing is always a classic staple, and I would love to have a denim jacket (or two).
  
  
• Denim shorts
  
  
  
• Sundresses
  I'm not big on dressing up, but I think it's always a good thing to have at least a couple sundresses in my closet. I haven't had one in years, so I think it's about time I got another one.
  
  
• Classic white sneakers
  What can I say? White sneakers go with everything. I prefer sneakers over heels, so these would be perfect for me.
  
  
• Overalls
  I love overalls, yet I haven't had a pair in years.
  
  
• Paper bag shorts
  I had a paper bag pair of shorts that I loved, and I wore it out, so I would like to get another one someday.
  
  
• Newsboy cap(s)
  
  
  
• Initial necklaces
  I've never had any jewelry with my initials on them, and have always loved the way they look.
  
  
• Initial rings
  
  
  
• Birthstone rings
  My mom wore a ring with the birthstones of us kids, and I love the idea of birthstone jewelry.
  
  
• Abstract art rings
  
  
  
• Shacket(s)
  I recently heard about shackets, which is a combination of a shirt and a jacket. It seems like it would be very comfy, and I love comfy clothes.

What is on your wardrobe wishlist?

My Top 20 Favorite Christian Songs

I like and listen to a few different genres of music, but lately, I have been mainly listening to Christian music.

I started listening to Christian music in 2010, when I was having a hard time, and needed something to help get me through every day. 

There are many songs that I like, but there are some that are my absolute favorite.

So, in no particular order, here are my top twenty favorite Christian songs.

1. Truth Be Told by Matthew West
   
   
2. Scars in Heaven by Casting Crowns
   
   
3. Talking to Jesus by Elevation Worship, Maverick City Music
   
   
4. Free to be Me by Francesca Battistelli
   
   
5. Mean Girls by Leanna Crawford
   
   
6. I Can Only Imagine by MercyMe
   
   
7. The Father's House by Cory Asbury
   
   
8. Nobody by Casting Crowns featuring Matthew West
   
   
9. Revolutionary by Josh Wilson
   
   
10. There Was Jesus by Zach Williams, Dolly Parton
    
    
11. No Hopeless Soul by Stephen Stanley
    
    
12. One Day by Cochran & Co.
    
    
13. When We Fall Apart by Ryan Stevenson
    
    
14. Come As You Are by Crowder
    
    
15. Love Moved First by Casting Crowns
    
    
16. In the House by Crowder
    
    
17. This is Amazing Grace by Phil Whickam
    
    
18. Truth I'm Standing On by Leanna Crawford
    
    
19. What If by Matthew West
    
    
20. Peace Be Still by Hope Darst

Basically, all these songs are saying that God is there for you all the time, no matter what. That He will always love you, and will always come through for you, no matter what you do, or what happens in life.

He knows what is on our hearts and minds, and He will help you, if you just ask. 

Speaking the truth is always the best thing to do, even if it is hard. Especially if it is hard. And that is what God does. He speaks the truth.

The songs are saying that no matter what other people say or think, God says you are beautiful, that you are worthy, that you are His. That you can be who and what you were created to be, and not to let what others say and think to determine who you are, or what you are worth.

God doesn't break or go back on His promises, and he will do what he says, if you trust and believe in Him.

I am so thankful to have made the decision to listen to Christian rock, as it has helped me get through some difficult times. And I enjoy listening to it, even when I'm having a good day.

If you listen to Christian music, what are your favorite songs?