Convince Luke to take some sort of dance lessons with me (ballroom, salsa, swing, etc)
I've never thought we would be the couple going to dance lessons. But I think it would be really fun to do, even if we sucked. So I need to convince Luke, save a few bucks, and get a babysitter. Then we can do it! :)
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
47 - Set Up a Date Night
Find a trusted babysitter and set up a monthly date night from that point on (0/?)
After a year of living here in Chicagoland, we still don't really have a babysitter to speak of. I have a few friends who have voiced their willingness to help out, but I think it's important to find someone who's not a friend, whose sole purpose in our lives is to care for our kids. And finding someone we trust is going to be a task, I think. But it needs to be done. Once it is done, I want to schedule a regular, monthly date with my husband. As it stands now, we rarely get time alone, and I know it would be good for us to go out together and reconnect on a regular basis.
After a year of living here in Chicagoland, we still don't really have a babysitter to speak of. I have a few friends who have voiced their willingness to help out, but I think it's important to find someone who's not a friend, whose sole purpose in our lives is to care for our kids. And finding someone we trust is going to be a task, I think. But it needs to be done. Once it is done, I want to schedule a regular, monthly date with my husband. As it stands now, we rarely get time alone, and I know it would be good for us to go out together and reconnect on a regular basis.
48 - Write a Weekly Letter of Gratitude
Write a weekly letter of gratitude to Luke (0/143)
My husband rocks. Sometimes I forget. Sometimes he makes it easy to forget. ;) But he is a wonderful man and I am lucky to have found him, found him early, and to have him around. In concert with goal 36, I want to write him a letter, even a short one, once a week reminding him that I love him and exactly why. I'm sure he does something every week that I can be grateful for, and I think it would behoove our marriage to remember, and to let him know I'm grateful.
Update: 1/1/10 I did this regularly for a few months but it kind of fell off. He was coming to expect them and I think they were losing some meaning. I still need to get back into the habit of doing it at least sometimes because he did really appreciate them in the begining.
My husband rocks. Sometimes I forget. Sometimes he makes it easy to forget. ;) But he is a wonderful man and I am lucky to have found him, found him early, and to have him around. In concert with goal 36, I want to write him a letter, even a short one, once a week reminding him that I love him and exactly why. I'm sure he does something every week that I can be grateful for, and I think it would behoove our marriage to remember, and to let him know I'm grateful.
Update: 1/1/10 I did this regularly for a few months but it kind of fell off. He was coming to expect them and I think they were losing some meaning. I still need to get back into the habit of doing it at least sometimes because he did really appreciate them in the begining.
49 - Family Portrait
Have a professional family portrait taken
We've had Quentin's portrait done once (his third christmas - and he had one taken in daycare/preschool at about 18 months old). That's it. No family pictures, no "watch me grow" portraits. Which is fine, since I'm a shutterbug and take pictures of him on a regular basis. But still, it would be nice to have a family portrait done, have prints made, given away, and hung up on the wall.
We've had Quentin's portrait done once (his third christmas - and he had one taken in daycare/preschool at about 18 months old). That's it. No family pictures, no "watch me grow" portraits. Which is fine, since I'm a shutterbug and take pictures of him on a regular basis. But still, it would be nice to have a family portrait done, have prints made, given away, and hung up on the wall.
50 - Go Camping!
Go camping as a family at a real campground with tents and all
Add this to the list of "things we've been saying for ages that we ought to do." We want to take the boys camping to a campground with tents, a fire pit, and a lake. Real, live bathrooms are ok. ;) I'm thinking my childhood campground, Sand Lake. Luke really likes the jerky in Dublin, anyway.
Update: 1/1/10 Ha! We did this over the summer! We went to the local forest preserve but there was a tent and all! No lake though :(
Add this to the list of "things we've been saying for ages that we ought to do." We want to take the boys camping to a campground with tents, a fire pit, and a lake. Real, live bathrooms are ok. ;) I'm thinking my childhood campground, Sand Lake. Luke really likes the jerky in Dublin, anyway.
Update: 1/1/10 Ha! We did this over the summer! We went to the local forest preserve but there was a tent and all! No lake though :(
51 - Go to an Amusement Park
Go to Michigan's Adventure or Six Flags or Cedar Point
We live near all three of these places and haven't been to the latter two ever (together), and haven't been to the first one in years. This would definitely be a fun family trip, especially in a couple of years when Jude's 3 or so and can enjoy it a little more.
We live near all three of these places and haven't been to the latter two ever (together), and haven't been to the first one in years. This would definitely be a fun family trip, especially in a couple of years when Jude's 3 or so and can enjoy it a little more.
52 - Visit the Arboretum
Visit the Lisle Arboretum
When we lived in this area 4-5 years ago, we saw the Arboretum and thought, "huh, that looks cool." But we never went. We've now been back for over a year and have a little knowledge about it, but still haven't been. One of these summers (at least one), I want to take the boys out there and see what there is to see!
When we lived in this area 4-5 years ago, we saw the Arboretum and thought, "huh, that looks cool." But we never went. We've now been back for over a year and have a little knowledge about it, but still haven't been. One of these summers (at least one), I want to take the boys out there and see what there is to see!
53 - Go Fruit Picking
Go fruit picking at least once per summer (0/3)
This is, like so many items on my list, something I've been meaning to do. I want to take the kids fruit picking at one of the many orchards in the area or in Michigan and on our "visit home" route. If we can do it at least once per summer, I'll be happy! My mouth is watering just thinking about fresh-picked blueberries.
Update: 1/1/10 We did this over the summer with blueberries. It was tons of fun!
This is, like so many items on my list, something I've been meaning to do. I want to take the kids fruit picking at one of the many orchards in the area or in Michigan and on our "visit home" route. If we can do it at least once per summer, I'll be happy! My mouth is watering just thinking about fresh-picked blueberries.
Update: 1/1/10 We did this over the summer with blueberries. It was tons of fun!
54 - Spend Quality Time With the Kids
Spend quality time with the boys for at least once solid hour weekly (0/143)
This doesn't sound like much "quality time" to spend with my kids, I know, but hear me out. This is pure, dedicated time. For one hour a week, at least, I'll give my full and undivided attention to the boys. We can play games, read books, sing songs, whatever. I won't touch my computer or my blackberry, I won't talk on the phone or read a book. I will give every ounce of my attention for one solid hour to my boys. Hopefully this will take hold and spread into more time, but I'm holding myself accountable to at least an hour a week.
This doesn't sound like much "quality time" to spend with my kids, I know, but hear me out. This is pure, dedicated time. For one hour a week, at least, I'll give my full and undivided attention to the boys. We can play games, read books, sing songs, whatever. I won't touch my computer or my blackberry, I won't talk on the phone or read a book. I will give every ounce of my attention for one solid hour to my boys. Hopefully this will take hold and spread into more time, but I'm holding myself accountable to at least an hour a week.
55 - Type Up the Family Story
Type up my grandfather's family history story and make our family tree
Many, MANY years ago, my grandpa typed (on a typewriter!) up a family history and gave it to me. I've been meaning, forever, to type it up on a computer, e-mail it to my aunts, etc. And I actually started once or twice, but never finished. It's only maybe 10 pages and shouldn't take me long at all. I just need to sit down and actually DO it. Using the history, I can make a family tree.
Update: Done!
Many, MANY years ago, my grandpa typed (on a typewriter!) up a family history and gave it to me. I've been meaning, forever, to type it up on a computer, e-mail it to my aunts, etc. And I actually started once or twice, but never finished. It's only maybe 10 pages and shouldn't take me long at all. I just need to sit down and actually DO it. Using the history, I can make a family tree.
Update: Done!
56 - Go to Chicago Museums
Go to all of the big museums in Chicago (with or without the kids) (0/?)
We live in Chicago, and I haven't been to ANY of its museums. I plan to make a list of what exactly constitutes a "big museum" to make this goal a bit more specific. Then I'll update the question-mark with an actual number. :)
We live in Chicago, and I haven't been to ANY of its museums. I plan to make a list of what exactly constitutes a "big museum" to make this goal a bit more specific. Then I'll update the question-mark with an actual number. :)
57 - See the West Coast
See the west coast (of the USA) and/or the ocean
I've had an unnatural affinity for California et al. for as long as I can recall. I have a suspicion my mental picture is slightly romanticized, but I'll never know until I go. And I've been trying to convince Luke to take me for our entire adult lives. Thus, a goal! Sometime in the next 1001 days, I'd like to make it out there to at least SEE one of the western states and preferably the ocean as well.
Update: OH MY GOD I DID THIS As part of my surrogacy screening, I went to Los Angeles. It was beautiful. I want to move there before 2012.
I've had an unnatural affinity for California et al. for as long as I can recall. I have a suspicion my mental picture is slightly romanticized, but I'll never know until I go. And I've been trying to convince Luke to take me for our entire adult lives. Thus, a goal! Sometime in the next 1001 days, I'd like to make it out there to at least SEE one of the western states and preferably the ocean as well.
Update: OH MY GOD I DID THIS As part of my surrogacy screening, I went to Los Angeles. It was beautiful. I want to move there before 2012.
58 - Visit 3 New States
Visit three states I've never been to (0/3)
Goals 57 and 61 will help with this one, but I'll still have to make an effort to throw in Iowa or something. I'm not counting just driving through states on either end (as states I've been to OR as states I'm visiting). But I haven't been to many states (I've lived a sheltered life, ok?), so this shouldn't be too hard.
Goals 57 and 61 will help with this one, but I'll still have to make an effort to throw in Iowa or something. I'm not counting just driving through states on either end (as states I've been to OR as states I'm visiting). But I haven't been to many states (I've lived a sheltered life, ok?), so this shouldn't be too hard.
59 - Visit St. Ignace or Mackinac
Visit St. Ignace or Mackinac
Some time before Quentin was born, Luke and I took a mini-vacation to St. Ignace and Mackinac Island. We stayed in a hotel in St. Ig for a night or two, and took the ferry to the Island while we were there. It was probably the most fun we've ever had. It was only a weekend, but it definitely FELT like a vacation. We would LOVE to take two trips up there, one with the kids (and even with family and THEIR kids) and one just us. But for goal-setting purposes, we'll stick with one trip total for now, and save the rest for another list.
Some time before Quentin was born, Luke and I took a mini-vacation to St. Ignace and Mackinac Island. We stayed in a hotel in St. Ig for a night or two, and took the ferry to the Island while we were there. It was probably the most fun we've ever had. It was only a weekend, but it definitely FELT like a vacation. We would LOVE to take two trips up there, one with the kids (and even with family and THEIR kids) and one just us. But for goal-setting purposes, we'll stick with one trip total for now, and save the rest for another list.
60 - Visit Canada
Visit Canada
So I grew up in Michigan. It was the west coast of Michigan, but nonetheless. We lived in Detroit for two years. Do you think I ever made it across the bridge? Nope. I've NEVER been to Canada. I'd like to complete goal 99 before this one, even though it's not strictly required.
So I grew up in Michigan. It was the west coast of Michigan, but nonetheless. We lived in Detroit for two years. Do you think I ever made it across the bridge? Nope. I've NEVER been to Canada. I'd like to complete goal 99 before this one, even though it's not strictly required.
61 - Visit Christina and Adam in Philly
Visit Christina and Adam in Philly
Two of my very favorite people, whom I already don't see enough, are moving to Philadelphia. BOO TO THAT. Chicago's way better, guys! Anyway, I have promised them a visit, and soon. I fully intend this goal to be accomplished this summer, AND I fully intend to go sans children. We shall see.
Two of my very favorite people, whom I already don't see enough, are moving to Philadelphia. BOO TO THAT. Chicago's way better, guys! Anyway, I have promised them a visit, and soon. I fully intend this goal to be accomplished this summer, AND I fully intend to go sans children. We shall see.
62 - Go Back to Red
Get my hair colored "Julianne Moore red" in a salon
I love my pink hair. Love it, love it, love it. But I also really liked being a redhead. I always wanted *real* red hair, a la Julianne Moore. If I can get it done in a salon (will require bleaching, undoubtedly) then I want to do it. That's not to say I won't go back to pink eventually (or even shortly), but I need to at least try on the "natural redhead" look.
I love my pink hair. Love it, love it, love it. But I also really liked being a redhead. I always wanted *real* red hair, a la Julianne Moore. If I can get it done in a salon (will require bleaching, undoubtedly) then I want to do it. That's not to say I won't go back to pink eventually (or even shortly), but I need to at least try on the "natural redhead" look.
63 - Get 10 Manicures
Get 10 Manicures (0/10)
My fingernails vary between being pretty decent and pretty ratty. Getting a manicure makes me feel pretty and darn it, I deserve it! So three per year doesn't seem too excessive. Maybe I'll actually find a nail polish that stays put.
My fingernails vary between being pretty decent and pretty ratty. Getting a manicure makes me feel pretty and darn it, I deserve it! So three per year doesn't seem too excessive. Maybe I'll actually find a nail polish that stays put.
64 - Get My Eyebrows Done
Get my eyebrows waxed (or threaded) once per month (0/33)
I am horrible at keeping up on eyebrow waxing, and they get out of control. Once a month is a reasonable time period, I think?
I am horrible at keeping up on eyebrow waxing, and they get out of control. Once a month is a reasonable time period, I think?
65 - Get a Brazilian
Get a Brazilian Wax
Yeah not going to go into detail here since you don't really want to picture this. But maybe I'll brave up in 2.75 years. Maybe,
Yeah not going to go into detail here since you don't really want to picture this. But maybe I'll brave up in 2.75 years. Maybe,
66 - Get Another Tattoo
Get Another Tattoo
I've been wanting another tattoo pretty much since my first one healed up. I've been thinking of getting a Celtic Tree of Life for some time. I also have a few other ideas. Technically one is not supposed to get inked while breastfeeding (I guess you heal more slowly while nursing), so I'll probably wait until I'm finished to complete this one. But I have almost 3 years. I think I can do it. :)
I've been wanting another tattoo pretty much since my first one healed up. I've been thinking of getting a Celtic Tree of Life for some time. I also have a few other ideas. Technically one is not supposed to get inked while breastfeeding (I guess you heal more slowly while nursing), so I'll probably wait until I'm finished to complete this one. But I have almost 3 years. I think I can do it. :)
Sunday, December 28, 2008
67 - Complete the Couch-to-5k Program
Complete the Couch-to-5k Program - 10 weeks (0/10)
I first heard of the Couch-to-5k Program about 6 years ago. I even went out and bought new running shoes. I think I NEVER ONCE ran in them. UGH. I keep reading in the blogosphere of people completing it and I must be one of them! I plan to complete this in the spring/summer, utilizing a pedometer or stopwatch or maybe just the GPS on my CrackBerry. We shall see.
Update: I DID IT I DID IT (this summer) I even ran a 5k race for charity!
I first heard of the Couch-to-5k Program about 6 years ago. I even went out and bought new running shoes. I think I NEVER ONCE ran in them. UGH. I keep reading in the blogosphere of people completing it and I must be one of them! I plan to complete this in the spring/summer, utilizing a pedometer or stopwatch or maybe just the GPS on my CrackBerry. We shall see.
Update: I DID IT I DID IT (this summer) I even ran a 5k race for charity!
68 - Use the Wii Fit Every Day
Use the Wii Fit (or another Wii Fitness game) for 30 days straight (0/30)
Being that it is currently winter (and I plan to start this one ASAP), the best thing I can think of to get me in the groove of exercising is to use my Wii Fit. I bought it, used it about 4 times, and haven't since. So I really ought to get back in the habit. I also bought another Wii Fitness game (My Fitness Coach) that I can throw into the mix to help give me some variety. 30 days straight or one game or another will get me going, and then I'll back off to 3 days per week after that.
Being that it is currently winter (and I plan to start this one ASAP), the best thing I can think of to get me in the groove of exercising is to use my Wii Fit. I bought it, used it about 4 times, and haven't since. So I really ought to get back in the habit. I also bought another Wii Fitness game (My Fitness Coach) that I can throw into the mix to help give me some variety. 30 days straight or one game or another will get me going, and then I'll back off to 3 days per week after that.
69 - Use the Wii Fit Three Times Per Week
Use the Wii Fit or another Wii fitness game 3x per week for 6 months straight (0/24)
This is really just a continuation of the previous goal (68). The first is to get me in the habit, and the second is a maintenance phase.
This is really just a continuation of the previous goal (68). The first is to get me in the habit, and the second is a maintenance phase.
70 - Get Below 200 lbs
Get below 200 lbs
This is kind of a big thing for me. I don't mind being "fat" as the activists call it. Ok, maybe I do. I have body image issues, I'll admit it. But I'm working on them. At any rate, this is a number that haunts me. I was below it once in adult memory, and I loved it. I felt great about myself (happy? no. Issues, remember? but it's a start), and I was healthier, too. So this is my goal. I have enough to lose that this will probably stretch over the course of the 1001 days, but hopefully in tandem with some of my other goals, it will work out a bit more easily.
This is kind of a big thing for me. I don't mind being "fat" as the activists call it. Ok, maybe I do. I have body image issues, I'll admit it. But I'm working on them. At any rate, this is a number that haunts me. I was below it once in adult memory, and I loved it. I felt great about myself (happy? no. Issues, remember? but it's a start), and I was healthier, too. So this is my goal. I have enough to lose that this will probably stretch over the course of the 1001 days, but hopefully in tandem with some of my other goals, it will work out a bit more easily.
71 - Stop Drinking Soda
Stop drinking soda for 30 days straight (0/30)
I used to drink soda rarely if ever. Over the past few months, we have developed a bad habit of buying nad drinking soda. So to help cut this amount down, I want to cut it out entirely for a month and go from there.
I used to drink soda rarely if ever. Over the past few months, we have developed a bad habit of buying nad drinking soda. So to help cut this amount down, I want to cut it out entirely for a month and go from there.
72 - Go to the Dentist
Go to the dentist
I haven't been to the dentist in ages, and I'm pretty sure I have a couple of fillings that are falling out. I have put it off and put it off and now we have insurance and I have very little excuse to continue to put it off. Hence, a goal!
I haven't been to the dentist in ages, and I'm pretty sure I have a couple of fillings that are falling out. I have put it off and put it off and now we have insurance and I have very little excuse to continue to put it off. Hence, a goal!
73 - Get a Bike and Ride It
Get a bike and ride it to the places in my SMB in non-winter months
We've been saying for years now that we all need bikes. So one of my goals is to actually GET ONE, and use it. A good way to do that, I think would be to ride to the places in my Square Mile Block (see goal 5) rather than driving, since they're by nature nearby. I'd really like to make a recreational family habit of bike riding as well.
Update: We finally got bikes over the summer and rode semi-regularly. It was awesome.
We've been saying for years now that we all need bikes. So one of my goals is to actually GET ONE, and use it. A good way to do that, I think would be to ride to the places in my Square Mile Block (see goal 5) rather than driving, since they're by nature nearby. I'd really like to make a recreational family habit of bike riding as well.
Update: We finally got bikes over the summer and rode semi-regularly. It was awesome.
74 - Stop Eating after 7:30 pm
Stop eating after 7:30 pm again - start with 30 straight days to get in the habit (0/30)
For a few months, I was doing really good at not eating after 7:30 pm. It felt good to not be loaded down with undigested food late in the evening. I was getting back in touch with what it felt like to be hungry (ish), and not just automatically stuffing my face at the first twinge of hunger or boredom, but actually stopping to think first. I relished my breakfasts because I was finally allowed to satiate my hunger! I want and need to get back into this habit. I'll start by doing 30 days straight, which will be sufficient to meet the goal. But I need to stay in the habit after that.
For a few months, I was doing really good at not eating after 7:30 pm. It felt good to not be loaded down with undigested food late in the evening. I was getting back in touch with what it felt like to be hungry (ish), and not just automatically stuffing my face at the first twinge of hunger or boredom, but actually stopping to think first. I relished my breakfasts because I was finally allowed to satiate my hunger! I want and need to get back into this habit. I'll start by doing 30 days straight, which will be sufficient to meet the goal. But I need to stay in the habit after that.
75 - Scan Quentin's Saved Artwork and Photographs
Scan all of Quentin's saved artwork and our printed photographs - archive them on the external drive
All of Quentin's artwork we've saved over the years is mostly boxed up gathering dust. Some of it is out and around and at risk for getting ruined. So I am thinking a good way to get around this, to save it for posterity without taking up space is - you guessed it - digitize it. I want to get it all scanned in and archived on the backup drive.
Same goes for our photographs. Any prints we have (that didn't come from digital photos in the first place) need to be scanned into the computer so they are saved.
All of Quentin's artwork we've saved over the years is mostly boxed up gathering dust. Some of it is out and around and at risk for getting ruined. So I am thinking a good way to get around this, to save it for posterity without taking up space is - you guessed it - digitize it. I want to get it all scanned in and archived on the backup drive.
Same goes for our photographs. Any prints we have (that didn't come from digital photos in the first place) need to be scanned into the computer so they are saved.
76 - Clean Out the Garage
Clean out the garage
This doesn't need much explanation. Like a good percentage of the population, we have a garage in which our vehicle does not fit, because we have lots of CRAP in it. When we first moved in (before we were finished moving), we were able to park in the garage and it was WONDERFUL. But when we finished moving, we piled boxes upon boxes into our precious parking space. Most of that stuff isn't even used. So, again in the spirit of goal 84, I think many of the 101 things will come from the garage. Then we can use that space for both the car and goal 77.
This doesn't need much explanation. Like a good percentage of the population, we have a garage in which our vehicle does not fit, because we have lots of CRAP in it. When we first moved in (before we were finished moving), we were able to park in the garage and it was WONDERFUL. But when we finished moving, we piled boxes upon boxes into our precious parking space. Most of that stuff isn't even used. So, again in the spirit of goal 84, I think many of the 101 things will come from the garage. Then we can use that space for both the car and goal 77.
77 - Make a List of "Must-Have" Things
Make a list of "must-have" things - consider getting rid of everything else
In the spirit of goal 84, I want to make a list of the absolute necessities in my/our life. Things I currently feel I just could not do without. This will probably help me accomplish goal 84 by helping me realize what's really important to me. I also want to seriously consider getting rid of MORE than 101 things - i.e. everything not on the list. This will be tougher, since I'm not the only one who uses things... But maybe once the garage is cleaned out (see goal 76!), I can store some of the things that are not on the must-have list in there for awhile and get rid of them if they go unused for a period of time.
In the spirit of goal 84, I want to make a list of the absolute necessities in my/our life. Things I currently feel I just could not do without. This will probably help me accomplish goal 84 by helping me realize what's really important to me. I also want to seriously consider getting rid of MORE than 101 things - i.e. everything not on the list. This will be tougher, since I'm not the only one who uses things... But maybe once the garage is cleaned out (see goal 76!), I can store some of the things that are not on the must-have list in there for awhile and get rid of them if they go unused for a period of time.
78 - Help Q Pare Down His Toys
Help Quentin pare down his toys before unpacking from Christmas each year (0/3)
As usual, the boys got quite a few toys at Grammie & Grampie's houses for Christmas. We culled toys when we moved in October, but I am SURE we can stand to get rid of some more before adding even more toys to the mess. And of course, we'll need to do this on a yearly basis, because Christmas is NOT the only time these boys acquire toys. I guess in subsequent years, I'll be helping Q AND J pare down.
As usual, the boys got quite a few toys at Grammie & Grampie's houses for Christmas. We culled toys when we moved in October, but I am SURE we can stand to get rid of some more before adding even more toys to the mess. And of course, we'll need to do this on a yearly basis, because Christmas is NOT the only time these boys acquire toys. I guess in subsequent years, I'll be helping Q AND J pare down.
79 - Burn a Copy of Digital Photos
Burn a copy of all of our digital photos to keep in the fire safe
My biggest fear is that disaster will strike and we will lose all of our digital photos stored on the hard drive and not in print. So I want to make sure we have a copy not just on the computer and the backup drive, but also a CD copy in our fire safe so they are - SAFE. I also want to update this disk at least once per year, preferably more often.
My biggest fear is that disaster will strike and we will lose all of our digital photos stored on the hard drive and not in print. So I want to make sure we have a copy not just on the computer and the backup drive, but also a CD copy in our fire safe so they are - SAFE. I also want to update this disk at least once per year, preferably more often.
80 - Rip and Backup All Music
Rip and backup all of our music and get rid of physical CDs
We rarely listen to CDs, except for in the car - and the car has a hookup for our MP3 player. CDs take up so much space and are really just extra clutter. So I want to make sure we have all of our music on at least one computer AND the backup drive and then get rid of all of the physical CDs. We can take them to Frugal Muse and get either some cash for them or exchange them for BOOKS.
We rarely listen to CDs, except for in the car - and the car has a hookup for our MP3 player. CDs take up so much space and are really just extra clutter. So I want to make sure we have all of our music on at least one computer AND the backup drive and then get rid of all of the physical CDs. We can take them to Frugal Muse and get either some cash for them or exchange them for BOOKS.
81 - Get a Swiffer Wet Jet
Get a Swiffer Wet Jet - Sweep and mop at least once per week after buying it
Probably my worst chore is mopping. I'm pretty good at sweeping, but mopping the kitchen happens less than once per month, honestly. So I want to get a Swiffer Wet Jet so I don't have to deal with mop buckets or filling the sink and can just make a quick job of it. Hopefully this will make it easier to do on a regular basis - at least once per week! Once I buy the Swiffer, I'll update this with the number of weeks left so I can keep track of my progress.
Probably my worst chore is mopping. I'm pretty good at sweeping, but mopping the kitchen happens less than once per month, honestly. So I want to get a Swiffer Wet Jet so I don't have to deal with mop buckets or filling the sink and can just make a quick job of it. Hopefully this will make it easier to do on a regular basis - at least once per week! Once I buy the Swiffer, I'll update this with the number of weeks left so I can keep track of my progress.
82 - Develop a Morning Routine
Develop a morning routine - stick to it for 30 days
Similar to 83, I want to develop routines to help the household run more smoothly. My mornings are probably my post potentially productive time, but I often while it away doing not much. So I am hoping that my developing and maintaining a morning routine, I can get into the habit of getting things such as emptying the dishwasher, getting the boys dressed and fed, and reading some books or something else educational-ey.
Similar to 83, I want to develop routines to help the household run more smoothly. My mornings are probably my post potentially productive time, but I often while it away doing not much. So I am hoping that my developing and maintaining a morning routine, I can get into the habit of getting things such as emptying the dishwasher, getting the boys dressed and fed, and reading some books or something else educational-ey.
83 - Develop an Evening Routine
Develop an evening routine - stick with it for 30 days
I am horrible at routines, but I know they make the household run smoother. So I want to develop a routine involving keeping things neat and clean before going to bed. Sticking with it for 30 days will help to ingrain it into my mind and make it a habit. I hope!
I am horrible at routines, but I know they make the household run smoother. So I want to develop a routine involving keeping things neat and clean before going to bed. Sticking with it for 30 days will help to ingrain it into my mind and make it a habit. I hope!
Saturday, December 27, 2008
84 - Get rid of 101 things
Get rid of 101 things
Materialism is killing me lately. I'm feeling Gandhi hardcore, and so in the spirit of "less is more," I want to rid our lives of 101 pieces of clutter. I'm sure I can do it - books that don't get read, old pieces of cookware, ratty sheets, unplayedwith (!) toys, etc. I plan to keep track of what exactly I throw out, too.
Materialism is killing me lately. I'm feeling Gandhi hardcore, and so in the spirit of "less is more," I want to rid our lives of 101 pieces of clutter. I'm sure I can do it - books that don't get read, old pieces of cookware, ratty sheets, unplayedwith (!) toys, etc. I plan to keep track of what exactly I throw out, too.
Friday, December 26, 2008
85 - Plant and maintain an herb garden
Plant and maintain an herb garden for use in cooking
I have a black thumb. BUT about three years ago I had a really successful herb garden - rosemary, thyme, basil, oregano, and marjoram. It was awesome for making pizza sauce. I halfheartedly tried again a year or so ago, but didn't do nearly as well. We miss having fresh herbs all of the time, and this is an important one for me. It encompasses local eating (grow your own!), healthy eating, and cooking. Also, I'm not allowed to grow food or flowers right now (in our townhouse), but I can grow herbs in pots on our patio without too much trouble.
I have a black thumb. BUT about three years ago I had a really successful herb garden - rosemary, thyme, basil, oregano, and marjoram. It was awesome for making pizza sauce. I halfheartedly tried again a year or so ago, but didn't do nearly as well. We miss having fresh herbs all of the time, and this is an important one for me. It encompasses local eating (grow your own!), healthy eating, and cooking. Also, I'm not allowed to grow food or flowers right now (in our townhouse), but I can grow herbs in pots on our patio without too much trouble.
86 - Attend a wine tasting
Attend a wine tasting
I've been wanting to do this for about 5 years. There are all kinds of places that host these in our area, and between our house and our family's houses. It should be easy to do, we just need to make it happen. A lot of my goals are of this nature (just need to DO it), and hopefully this list will help with that!
I've been wanting to do this for about 5 years. There are all kinds of places that host these in our area, and between our house and our family's houses. It should be easy to do, we just need to make it happen. A lot of my goals are of this nature (just need to DO it), and hopefully this list will help with that!
87 - Buy and work through "Song School Latin"
Buy and work through "Song School Latin" with the boys
One of my big educational goals for the boys is to help them learn Latin (and learn with them!). Since Quentin's only going to be nearly 6 at the end of my 1001 days, I'm going to start them out with "Song School Latin," which is a program especially designed for the little ones. It includes a lot of music, games, and fun. Hopefully we can all learn a little bit with it.
Update: 1/1/10 We bought it last year and have done a little work in it. We need to keep at it though.
One of my big educational goals for the boys is to help them learn Latin (and learn with them!). Since Quentin's only going to be nearly 6 at the end of my 1001 days, I'm going to start them out with "Song School Latin," which is a program especially designed for the little ones. It includes a lot of music, games, and fun. Hopefully we can all learn a little bit with it.
Update: 1/1/10 We bought it last year and have done a little work in it. We need to keep at it though.
88 - Vote in all Federal, State, and Local elections
Vote in all Federal, State, and Local elections
I need to find out the dates of all upcoming elections for the next 3 years and put them on the calendar. This includes not only federal elections (senate), but also state elections and local elections, school boards, whatever. We live in a democracy and I need to take better advantage of my voter's voice.
I need to find out the dates of all upcoming elections for the next 3 years and put them on the calendar. This includes not only federal elections (senate), but also state elections and local elections, school boards, whatever. We live in a democracy and I need to take better advantage of my voter's voice.
89 - Upgrade the family computer
Upgrade the family computer
Luke's computer (aka the family computer - the desktop) is probably 4 or 5 years old now, and it could stand to be upgraded. We got a 22" flat panel monitor for Christmas this year, and the computer just doesn't deserve it. It needs a new processor and some more RAM, and a new processor requires a new motherboard. The cost of all of this pretty much necessitates an entirely new computer. Either a new computer or upgraded parts will suffice to complete this goal.
Luke's computer (aka the family computer - the desktop) is probably 4 or 5 years old now, and it could stand to be upgraded. We got a 22" flat panel monitor for Christmas this year, and the computer just doesn't deserve it. It needs a new processor and some more RAM, and a new processor requires a new motherboard. The cost of all of this pretty much necessitates an entirely new computer. Either a new computer or upgraded parts will suffice to complete this goal.
90 - Move again
Move again - somewhere with a fenced yard and garage or somewhere WARM
While we really love our townhouse, we're planning to move eventually and this will probably happen within the next 3 years. We don't have much of a yard to speak of where we currently are, our cat's not allowed to live with us, and it's still the midwest. I really want the boys to have a yard to play in, and a fenced one would make me feel much safer. I'd also love to move to Seattle or somewhere without 6 months of winter. So I'm hoping when we move we can meet at least one of these two specifications: a fenced yard AND a garage (we only have a garage now), or somewhere warm. If we could get all in one, that would be super!
While we really love our townhouse, we're planning to move eventually and this will probably happen within the next 3 years. We don't have much of a yard to speak of where we currently are, our cat's not allowed to live with us, and it's still the midwest. I really want the boys to have a yard to play in, and a fenced one would make me feel much safer. I'd also love to move to Seattle or somewhere without 6 months of winter. So I'm hoping when we move we can meet at least one of these two specifications: a fenced yard AND a garage (we only have a garage now), or somewhere warm. If we could get all in one, that would be super!
91 - Have friends over for dinner
Have friends over for dinner twice each year (0/6)
We often have family come to visit and stay over but this is different. I want to actually host dinner or a dinner party twice a year, for local friends. This will require a clean house (!), a good recipe, and good friends. And lots of fun! Hopefully this sort of thing will also entail card games or dice or some other social activity in addition to FOOD.
We often have family come to visit and stay over but this is different. I want to actually host dinner or a dinner party twice a year, for local friends. This will require a clean house (!), a good recipe, and good friends. And lots of fun! Hopefully this sort of thing will also entail card games or dice or some other social activity in addition to FOOD.
92 - Go on a picnic each summer
Go on a picnic each summer (0/3)
Picnics are one of those things you should and CAN do easily on a regular basis. But for some reason, we never really manage to make it happen. I want to make it a point to do a full-on picnic with the boys at least once every summer. Memories in the making!
Picnics are one of those things you should and CAN do easily on a regular basis. But for some reason, we never really manage to make it happen. I want to make it a point to do a full-on picnic with the boys at least once every summer. Memories in the making!
93 - Go to my 10-year class reunion
Go to my 10-year class reunion
When I realized I could put this on the list, my jaw dropped. I can't believe I'll be 10 years out of high school in less than 3 years! Luke and I will definitely be making plans to attend, and we have a nice family and life to show for the past 10 years.
When I realized I could put this on the list, my jaw dropped. I can't believe I'll be 10 years out of high school in less than 3 years! Luke and I will definitely be making plans to attend, and we have a nice family and life to show for the past 10 years.
94 - Throw a party for Luke's 29th
Throw a party for Luke's 29th Birthday (the end of the 1001 days!)
My husband's 29th birthday is September 29th, 2011, which also happens to be the end of my 1001 days (part of the reason I started on New Year's Day instead of the Solstice). So I figure I'll commemorate by throwing a birthday bash!
My husband's 29th birthday is September 29th, 2011, which also happens to be the end of my 1001 days (part of the reason I started on New Year's Day instead of the Solstice). So I figure I'll commemorate by throwing a birthday bash!
95 - Keep a 101/1001 Handwritten Journal
Keep a 101/1001 handwritten journal - Write about each goal at least once
There's just something about actually putting ink on a page. I want to keep a handwritten journal of my progress, including the master list and these entries detailing each goal. Then I want to write about each goal at least once more as I am working on it or even thinking about/planning it. I can keep my monthly and yearly lists in here, as well. It may or may not be basically a replica of this blog (or the blog may or may not be a replica of the journal), but either way I think it will be good for me.
There's just something about actually putting ink on a page. I want to keep a handwritten journal of my progress, including the master list and these entries detailing each goal. Then I want to write about each goal at least once more as I am working on it or even thinking about/planning it. I can keep my monthly and yearly lists in here, as well. It may or may not be basically a replica of this blog (or the blog may or may not be a replica of the journal), but either way I think it will be good for me.
96 - Look over this list
Look over this list at the beginning or end of each month and year - form mini goal lists
Many of my goals are 30-day goals. Some projects, such as vacations, are broader-spectrum, but still can be taken on on a yearly basis. By looking over the list on a monthly and yearly basis, assessing my progress, and deciding what to focus on that month and year, I hope to stay on task. This will be kind of a mini goal-setting session, breaking the 101 into bite-sized pieces.
Many of my goals are 30-day goals. Some projects, such as vacations, are broader-spectrum, but still can be taken on on a yearly basis. By looking over the list on a monthly and yearly basis, assessing my progress, and deciding what to focus on that month and year, I hope to stay on task. This will be kind of a mini goal-setting session, breaking the 101 into bite-sized pieces.
97 - Post a new 101/1001
Post a new 101/1001, including anything not done from this list
I think goal-setting is a great habit to get into, and I think 101/1001 can help me to keep focus and direction in my life. I want to do this again and again and again!
I would like to think I'll accomplish all 101 goals on this list by September 29, 2011, and I'm certainly going to try. But in the event I don't, I'll start a new 101/1001 list off with any uncompleted items. If I do complete them all, I'll start a new 101/1001 list fresh.
I think goal-setting is a great habit to get into, and I think 101/1001 can help me to keep focus and direction in my life. I want to do this again and again and again!
I would like to think I'll accomplish all 101 goals on this list by September 29, 2011, and I'm certainly going to try. But in the event I don't, I'll start a new 101/1001 list off with any uncompleted items. If I do complete them all, I'll start a new 101/1001 list fresh.
98 - Buy a Sewing Machine
Buy a sewing machine and learn to sew enough to hem pants and repair clothes
My mom didn't really do anything domestic, so I've had to learn it all as I go - cooking, cleaning, etc. Sewing is one I haven't picked up yet, and I really wish I knew enough at least to hem and repair. I can probably get a secondhand machine on craigslist or else get one of the little ones made for the non-domestic types like me.
My mom didn't really do anything domestic, so I've had to learn it all as I go - cooking, cleaning, etc. Sewing is one I haven't picked up yet, and I really wish I knew enough at least to hem and repair. I can probably get a secondhand machine on craigslist or else get one of the little ones made for the non-domestic types like me.
99 - Get a Passport
Get a passport already!
Not sure how this didn't end up in the "travel" section. I know I had it on my list earlier. Anyway, I have never had a passport, and I need one. I'd like to get one before attempting goal 60, even though it's not strictly required. I'd also like to get passports for the kids.
Not sure how this didn't end up in the "travel" section. I know I had it on my list earlier. Anyway, I have never had a passport, and I need one. I'd like to get one before attempting goal 60, even though it's not strictly required. I'd also like to get passports for the kids.
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