i wasn't using mysql because i didn't know the power of it at first now i'm a big fan of it.
Now lets stay on topic.
Things i suggest you make later on when you know the languge better.
These are projects not apps,
- BlackJack card game
- Pong * yes i said pong it's good for learning Drawing
- Socket sock chat
Apps i suggest you make to and learn from.
- Advanced notepad
- Nice Gui Advanced webbrowser
- Spammers
These may be common But trust me we all made them once.
Their common cause they work to teach you to code.