Friday, February 13, 2009
Queen of...
I am the QUEEN of goal-setting-and-not-completing. I'm still working on some things, and will probably glance over the list when I'm feeling in need of a project. I may even make sure we get a vacation in the next three years. Beyond that? yeah, no. TOO MUCH PRESSURE.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Thursday, January 1, 2009
January Roundup
January Goals:
Monthly/Weekly
7. Eat at one new local pizza place17. Take a picture every day (16/31)
18. Take a self-portrait
19. Take a picture of the boys
48. Write a letter of gratitude to Luke per week (2/4)
54. Spend an hour of quality time with the boys per week (0/4)
64. Get my eyebrows waxed
30-day projects
74. Stop eating after 7:30 pm (3/30)Books/Movies
Start 39. by getting and beginning a Bible reading planOther
11. Work on rice donation (8,000/1,000,000)16. Do one random act of kindness
Start 88. Look up election dates and put on calendar
As I accomplish these, I'll italicize those in progress, noting numbers where applicable, and will strikethrough those which are completed.
McMama's 101 in 1001 Master List
The Mission:
Complete 101 preset tasks in a period of 1001 days.
The Criteria:
Tasks must be specific (ie. no ambiguity in the wording) with a result that is either measurable or clearly defined. Tasks must also be realistic and stretching (ie. represent some amount of work on my part).
Why 1001 Days?
Many people have created lists in the past - frequently simple goals such as New Year's resolutions. The key to beating procrastination is to set a deadline that is realistic. 1001 Days (about 2.75 years) is a better period of time than a year, because it allows you several seasons to complete the tasks, which is better for organising and timing some tasks such as overseas trips or outdoor activities.
My Rules/Disclaimers
I reserve the right to change goals depending on circumstances, but not just because I'm getting lazy. For instance, if we have financial hardship, I'll cut down on the trip-taking. If I break a leg, I might give myself a rest on the biking or Wii Fit-ing. The point of this list is personal growth, not showing I can stick staunchly to a list. I will end up with a total of 101 goals int he end, however.
The List:
2. Keep track of money spent on eating out/coffee for 6 months and reduce it by 25% for 6 months (0/6) (0/6)
4. Go to a Farmer's Market for produce at least 5 times each summer (0/15)
5. Research businesses in my SMB and go there first whenever possible when we need things
6. Don't use plastic bags for 3 months straight (0/3)
8. Stop eating eggs
9. Eat vegan for 30 days straight (0/30)
11. Donate 1,000,000 grains of rice (8,000/1,000,000)
12. Become a gestational surrogate
13. Send flowers to 5 people just because (0/5)
14. Send 10 handwritten cards/letters (0/10)
15. Donate blood as many times as I'm eligible after nursing and pregnancy end
16. Perform 20 random acts of kindness (0/20)
Photography/Career
17. Take a picture every day - Print them and make a book at the end of the project (7/1001)
18. Take a self-portrait once a month (0/33)
19. Take pictures of the boys standing together in front of a white wall and individual close-ups of their faces once a month (0/33)
20. Buy a long zoom lens (to 200 or 300 mm)
21. Buy a decent-quality 50mm lens (large aperture)
22. Buy a wide angle lens (~18mm)
23. Buy a "spy" lens and use it in the photo a day project
24. Create a presentable physical portfolio and upload the work to SmugMug
25. Learn how to develop black & white film (take photo 1101)
26. Identify an inspirational photographer and buy at least once piece of his or her work (for inspiration!)
Personal Growth
27. Write my will
28. Do 52 nights unplugged - Use the time to work on 101 things
29. Make a japa mala bracelet and learn 5 mantras (0/6)
30. Take a series of piano lessons and learn/memorize at least one real piece
31. Have a conversation with a Deaf person in ASL
32. Get good earplugs and wear them for an entire weekend (Sun-Tues) day
33. Learn how to change a tire and do it once
34. Learn to swim using real strokes
35. Learn CPR and Infant CPR
36. Start a gratitude journal - Write in it every night a month, once per year (0/90)
37. Start a dream diary - Write in at least 50 dreams (0/50)
Books & Movies
38. Read 10 "Great Books" or "Classics" and write about them (0/10)
39. Read the entire Bible, Qur'an, and Bhagavad Gita (0/3)
40. Read one Book about Buddhism and one about Mohandas K. Gandhi (0/2)
41. Read 5 "banned books" (0/5)
42. Read "The Quantum World, Quantum Physics for Everyone" by Kennith Ford
43. Have a LOTR movie marathon
44. Watch AFI's 100 "must-see" Movies (0/100)
45. Go to the drive-in 10 times (0/10)
Marriage & Family
46. Convince Luke and take some sort of dancing lessons (swing, salsa, ballroom, etc.)
47. Find a trusted babysitter and set up a monthly "date night" from that point on
48. Write a weekly letter of gratitude to Luke (1/143)
49. Have a professional family portrait taken
50. Go camping as a family at a real campground with tents and all
51. Go to Michigan's Adventure or Cedar Point or Six Flags
52. Visit the Arboretum
53. Go fruit picking at least once per summer (0/3)
54. Spend quality time with the boys for at least one solid hour weekly (0/143)
55. Type up my grandpa's family history story and make our family tree
56. Go to all of the big museums in Chicago (with or without kids)
Travel
57. See the west coast/ocean
58. Visit 3 states I've never been to (0/3)
59. Stay in St. Ig or Mackinac
60. Visit Canada
61. Visit Christina and Adam in Philly
Beauty/Physical
62. Get my hair colored "Julianne Moore Red" in a salon
63. Get 10 manicures (0/10)
64. Get my eyebrows waxed once/month (0/33)
65. Get a Brazilian Wax
66. Get another tattoo (Tree of Life)
Health/Fitness
67. Complete the Couch-to-5k program - 10 weeks (0/10)
68. Use Wii Fit for 30 days straight (0/30)
69. Use Wii Fit 3 times a week for 6 months straight (0/24)
70. Get below 200 lbs
71. Stop drinking soda for 30 days straight (0/30)
72. Go to the dentist
73. Get a bike and ride it to the places in my SMB in non winter months
74. Stop eating after 7:30 pm again - start with 30 days to get in the habit (6/30)
Organization
75. Scan all Quentin's saved artwork and all of our printed photographs and archive them on the external hard drive
76. Clean out the garage
77. Make a list of "must-have" things - seriously consider getting rid of everything else
78. Help Quentin pare down his toys before unpacking from Xmas - do this yearly (1/3)
79. Burn a copy of all of our digital photos and keep in the fire safe
80. Rip and backup all of our music - get rid of physical CDs
81. Get a swiffer wet jet - Sweep and mop at least 1x per week after that
82. Develop a morning routine - stick to it for 30 days straight (0/30)
83. Develop an evening routine - stick to it for 30 days straight (0/30)
84. Get rid of 101 things
Random
85. Plant and maintain an herb garden for use in cooking
86. Attend a wine tasting
87. Buy and work through "Song School Latin" with the boys
88. Vote in all Federal, State, and Local elections
89. Upgrade the family computer
90. Move again - somewhere with a fenced yard and garage or somewhere WARM
91. Have friends over for dinner twice each year (0/6)
92. Go on a picnic each summer (0/3)
93. Go to my 10 year class reunion
94. Throw a party for Luke's 29th birthday (the end of the 1001 days!)
101 Things Tasks
95. Keep a 101/1001 handwritten journal - Write about each goal at least once (0/101)
96. Look over the list at the beginning or end of each month and year - form mini-goal lists
97. Post a new 101/1001, including whatever's not done from this list
Add-Ons
98. Buy a sewing machine and learn to mend/hem
99. Get a passport
100.
101.
Complete 101 preset tasks in a period of 1001 days.
The Criteria:
Tasks must be specific (ie. no ambiguity in the wording) with a result that is either measurable or clearly defined. Tasks must also be realistic and stretching (ie. represent some amount of work on my part).
Why 1001 Days?
Many people have created lists in the past - frequently simple goals such as New Year's resolutions. The key to beating procrastination is to set a deadline that is realistic. 1001 Days (about 2.75 years) is a better period of time than a year, because it allows you several seasons to complete the tasks, which is better for organising and timing some tasks such as overseas trips or outdoor activities.
My Rules/Disclaimers
I reserve the right to change goals depending on circumstances, but not just because I'm getting lazy. For instance, if we have financial hardship, I'll cut down on the trip-taking. If I break a leg, I might give myself a rest on the biking or Wii Fit-ing. The point of this list is personal growth, not showing I can stick staunchly to a list. I will end up with a total of 101 goals int he end, however.
The List:
Money
1. Pay off CC debt and get 401k/IRA contributions set up2. Keep track of money spent on eating out/coffee for 6 months and reduce it by 25% for 6 months (0/6) (0/6)
Environment
3. Give only handmade or service gifts for all birthdays/holidays4. Go to a Farmer's Market for produce at least 5 times each summer (0/15)
5. Research businesses in my SMB and go there first whenever possible when we need things
6. Don't use plastic bags for 3 months straight (0/3)
Food
7. Eat at 30 new-to-me local pizza places (0/30)8. Stop eating eggs
9. Eat vegan for 30 days straight (0/30)
Philanthropy/Kindness
10. Go through volunteer training at a local domestic violence/homeless shelter (whichever I can find) and volunteer11. Donate 1,000,000 grains of rice (8,000/1,000,000)
12. Become a gestational surrogate
13. Send flowers to 5 people just because (0/5)
14. Send 10 handwritten cards/letters (0/10)
15. Donate blood as many times as I'm eligible after nursing and pregnancy end
16. Perform 20 random acts of kindness (0/20)
Photography/Career
17. Take a picture every day - Print them and make a book at the end of the project (7/1001)
18. Take a self-portrait once a month (0/33)
19. Take pictures of the boys standing together in front of a white wall and individual close-ups of their faces once a month (0/33)
20. Buy a long zoom lens (to 200 or 300 mm)
21. Buy a decent-quality 50mm lens (large aperture)
22. Buy a wide angle lens (~18mm)
23. Buy a "spy" lens and use it in the photo a day project
24. Create a presentable physical portfolio and upload the work to SmugMug
25. Learn how to develop black & white film (take photo 1101)
26. Identify an inspirational photographer and buy at least once piece of his or her work (for inspiration!)
Personal Growth
27. Write my will
28. Do 52 nights unplugged - Use the time to work on 101 things
29. Make a japa mala bracelet and learn 5 mantras (0/6)
30. Take a series of piano lessons and learn/memorize at least one real piece
31. Have a conversation with a Deaf person in ASL
32. Get good earplugs and wear them for an entire weekend (Sun-Tues) day
33. Learn how to change a tire and do it once
34. Learn to swim using real strokes
35. Learn CPR and Infant CPR
36. Start a gratitude journal - Write in it every night a month, once per year (0/90)
37. Start a dream diary - Write in at least 50 dreams (0/50)
Books & Movies
38. Read 10 "Great Books" or "Classics" and write about them (0/10)
39. Read the entire Bible, Qur'an, and Bhagavad Gita (0/3)
40. Read one Book about Buddhism and one about Mohandas K. Gandhi (0/2)
41. Read 5 "banned books" (0/5)
42. Read "The Quantum World, Quantum Physics for Everyone" by Kennith Ford
43. Have a LOTR movie marathon
44. Watch AFI's 100 "must-see" Movies (0/100)
45. Go to the drive-in 10 times (0/10)
Marriage & Family
46. Convince Luke and take some sort of dancing lessons (swing, salsa, ballroom, etc.)
47. Find a trusted babysitter and set up a monthly "date night" from that point on
48. Write a weekly letter of gratitude to Luke (1/143)
49. Have a professional family portrait taken
50. Go camping as a family at a real campground with tents and all
51. Go to Michigan's Adventure or Cedar Point or Six Flags
52. Visit the Arboretum
53. Go fruit picking at least once per summer (0/3)
54. Spend quality time with the boys for at least one solid hour weekly (0/143)
55. Type up my grandpa's family history story and make our family tree
56. Go to all of the big museums in Chicago (with or without kids)
Travel
57. See the west coast/ocean
58. Visit 3 states I've never been to (0/3)
59. Stay in St. Ig or Mackinac
60. Visit Canada
61. Visit Christina and Adam in Philly
Beauty/Physical
62. Get my hair colored "Julianne Moore Red" in a salon
63. Get 10 manicures (0/10)
64. Get my eyebrows waxed once/month (0/33)
65. Get a Brazilian Wax
66. Get another tattoo (Tree of Life)
Health/Fitness
67. Complete the Couch-to-5k program - 10 weeks (0/10)
68. Use Wii Fit for 30 days straight (0/30)
69. Use Wii Fit 3 times a week for 6 months straight (0/24)
70. Get below 200 lbs
71. Stop drinking soda for 30 days straight (0/30)
72. Go to the dentist
73. Get a bike and ride it to the places in my SMB in non winter months
74. Stop eating after 7:30 pm again - start with 30 days to get in the habit (6/30)
Organization
75. Scan all Quentin's saved artwork and all of our printed photographs and archive them on the external hard drive
76. Clean out the garage
77. Make a list of "must-have" things - seriously consider getting rid of everything else
78. Help Quentin pare down his toys before unpacking from Xmas - do this yearly (1/3)
79. Burn a copy of all of our digital photos and keep in the fire safe
80. Rip and backup all of our music - get rid of physical CDs
81. Get a swiffer wet jet - Sweep and mop at least 1x per week after that
82. Develop a morning routine - stick to it for 30 days straight (0/30)
83. Develop an evening routine - stick to it for 30 days straight (0/30)
84. Get rid of 101 things
Random
85. Plant and maintain an herb garden for use in cooking
86. Attend a wine tasting
87. Buy and work through "Song School Latin" with the boys
88. Vote in all Federal, State, and Local elections
89. Upgrade the family computer
90. Move again - somewhere with a fenced yard and garage or somewhere WARM
91. Have friends over for dinner twice each year (0/6)
92. Go on a picnic each summer (0/3)
93. Go to my 10 year class reunion
94. Throw a party for Luke's 29th birthday (the end of the 1001 days!)
101 Things Tasks
95. Keep a 101/1001 handwritten journal - Write about each goal at least once (0/101)
96. Look over the list at the beginning or end of each month and year - form mini-goal lists
97. Post a new 101/1001, including whatever's not done from this list
Add-Ons
98. Buy a sewing machine and learn to mend/hem
99. Get a passport
100.
101.
1 - Pay off Credit Card Debts, Set Up IRA/401k
Pay off CC debt and get 401k/IRA contributions set up
2 - Track and Reduce Eating-Out Spending
Keep track of money spent on eating out/coffee for 6 months and reduce it by 25% for 6 months (0/6) (0/6)
4 - Go to the Farmer's Market
Go to a Farmer's Market for produce at least 5 times each summer (0/15)
5 - Stay in My SMB
Research businesses in my SMB and go there first whenever possible when we need things
10 - Become a Volunteer
Go through volunteer training at a local domestic violence/homeless shelter (whichever I can find) and volunteer
12 - Become a Gestational Surrogate
Become a gestational surrogate (carry and birth someone else's baby)
Update: 1/1/10 - I am well on my way to doing this! Hoping to have contracts signed in the next couple of weeks.
Update: 1/1/10 - I am well on my way to doing this! Hoping to have contracts signed in the next couple of weeks.
15 - Donate Blood
Donate blood as many times as possible
Donating blood is something I've always liked to do. After 9/11 and Katrina, there wasn't much I could do financially to help out the victims. Between being pregnant and nursing, I haven't gotten to do it much lately. I'm planning to get pregnant again sometime soon (see goal 12), but I want to donate whenever I can.
Donating blood is something I've always liked to do. After 9/11 and Katrina, there wasn't much I could do financially to help out the victims. Between being pregnant and nursing, I haven't gotten to do it much lately. I'm planning to get pregnant again sometime soon (see goal 12), but I want to donate whenever I can.
16 - Perform 20 Random Acts of Kindness
Perform 20 random acts of kindness
Generosity, philanthropy, kindness - all are good for the heart, the soul, and the spirit. Whether it's letting someone cut in front of me in line at the grocery store, paying for the coffee of the person behind me in line, or something else, this will be good for me, and good for others.
Generosity, philanthropy, kindness - all are good for the heart, the soul, and the spirit. Whether it's letting someone cut in front of me in line at the grocery store, paying for the coffee of the person behind me in line, or something else, this will be good for me, and good for others.
17 - Take a Picture Every Day
Take a picture every day (1/1001)
I've read that taking a daily picture can really help sharpen an eye. Not to mention, it's just a good habit. I am a photographer, I need to take pictures. This also seems like a good way to chronicle the happenings of our life over the next 1001 days.
I've read that taking a daily picture can really help sharpen an eye. Not to mention, it's just a good habit. I am a photographer, I need to take pictures. This also seems like a good way to chronicle the happenings of our life over the next 1001 days.
18 - Take a Montly Self-Portrait
Take a self-portrait once a month (0/33)
I tend to change a lot - my hair especially - over short periods of time. So I guess I should chronicle my changes and my aging (why?! WHY?!) on a monthly basis.
I tend to change a lot - my hair especially - over short periods of time. So I guess I should chronicle my changes and my aging (why?! WHY?!) on a monthly basis.
19 - Take Monthly Pictures of the Boys
Take wide and close up pictures of the boys together monthly (0/33)
I take frequent pictures of the boys, but I want to take pictures that are intended purely to chronicle their growth. I want to take individual close-ups of their faces and one full-length shot of them standing together against a white wall on a monthly basis.
I take frequent pictures of the boys, but I want to take pictures that are intended purely to chronicle their growth. I want to take individual close-ups of their faces and one full-length shot of them standing together against a white wall on a monthly basis.
20 - Buy a Long Zoom Lens
Buy a long zoom lens (~200-300mm)
I'm not too fussed about the quality, but I really want a longish zoom lens. I like to shoot close-up and I like to shoot from a distance. I also need to build up a small collection of lenses in a variety of lengths.
I'm not too fussed about the quality, but I really want a longish zoom lens. I like to shoot close-up and I like to shoot from a distance. I also need to build up a small collection of lenses in a variety of lengths.
21 - Buy a 50mm lens
Buy a decent-quality 50mm lens (~f/1.8)
Another lens for my critical lenses collection. I'm thinking about this one from Canon, since it's 50mm, f/1.8, and affordable.
Done!
Another lens for my critical lenses collection. I'm thinking about this one from Canon, since it's 50mm, f/1.8, and affordable.
Done!
22 - Buy a Wide-Angle Lens
Buy a wide-angle lens (~18mm)
One more lens purchase - a wide-angle. This will complete my "critical lenses" setup.
One more lens purchase - a wide-angle. This will complete my "critical lenses" setup.
23 - Buy an Angle Attachment
Buy a "spy lens" angle attachment and use it in the photo-a-day project
This spy lens attachment looks like it would be a lot of fun to use in street photography. I tend to try and shoot more natural poses and a journalistic style. I think a lens like this would help get less stiff and nervous poses out of my subjects.
This spy lens attachment looks like it would be a lot of fun to use in street photography. I tend to try and shoot more natural poses and a journalistic style. I think a lens like this would help get less stiff and nervous poses out of my subjects.
24 - Create a Presentable Portfolio
Create a presentable physical (print) portfolio and upload the pics to SmugMug
I currently have a handful of so-so quality prints from my first photo class (in an envelope), and that's my portfolio. Obviously that's not going to cut it for long. I suspect I'll make some decent photos and prints over the next couple of years worth of classes, so I can make a nice portfolio and get digital versions uploaded to SmugMug. Maybe I'll even get a job.
Update: 1/1/10 - I did this as part of my winter photography class. You can see the results at daedalusstudio.smugmug.com
I currently have a handful of so-so quality prints from my first photo class (in an envelope), and that's my portfolio. Obviously that's not going to cut it for long. I suspect I'll make some decent photos and prints over the next couple of years worth of classes, so I can make a nice portfolio and get digital versions uploaded to SmugMug. Maybe I'll even get a job.
Update: 1/1/10 - I did this as part of my winter photography class. You can see the results at daedalusstudio.smugmug.com
25 - Learn to Develop Black & White Film
Learn to develop black & white film (take photo 1102)
This is *almost* a cop-out goal, since I have to take photo 1101 for my Photography certificate/degree anyway. BUT since this is another something I've always wanted to do, I figure it's fair. I'm really looking forward to learning this nearly archaic practice! I'm sure there's something special about the tangible nature of black & white developing.
This is *almost* a cop-out goal, since I have to take photo 1101 for my Photography certificate/degree anyway. BUT since this is another something I've always wanted to do, I figure it's fair. I'm really looking forward to learning this nearly archaic practice! I'm sure there's something special about the tangible nature of black & white developing.
26 - Identify an Inspirational Photographer and Own a Piece of His/Her Work
Identify an inspirational photographer and buy at least one piece of his or her work (for inspiration!)
As a student of photography, I'm finding my greatest inspiration is other photographers. More than assignments to photograph certain things or in a certain way, seeing the work of other photographers inspires me to go out and try new things, gives me ideas for projects, and makes me think about *who I want to be* as a photographer. So I think identifying a particular photographer that inspires me and picking a work to own is a great career goal.
As a student of photography, I'm finding my greatest inspiration is other photographers. More than assignments to photograph certain things or in a certain way, seeing the work of other photographers inspires me to go out and try new things, gives me ideas for projects, and makes me think about *who I want to be* as a photographer. So I think identifying a particular photographer that inspires me and picking a work to own is a great career goal.
27 - Write My Will
Write my will
This one I've been meaning to do since I was pregnant with Quentin. Now that we have children, it's really important that we get our affairs in as much order as they can be in just in case the worst should happen. Quentin has 'god'parents, but it's not legal. Jude doesn't even have that. We really need to get it together and get wills written.
This one I've been meaning to do since I was pregnant with Quentin. Now that we have children, it's really important that we get our affairs in as much order as they can be in just in case the worst should happen. Quentin has 'god'parents, but it's not legal. Jude doesn't even have that. We really need to get it together and get wills written.
28 - Do 52 Nights Unplugged
Do 52 nights unplugged - use the time to work on 101 things
52 nights unplugged is a brilliant idea for a way to get out of the screen and into life. One night a week (maybe starting at 6pm, when Luke gets home - I may re-evaluate when I decide to undertake this goal), for a year, I plan to completely unplug - no tv, no computer, no crackberry. I'll use the unplugged time to work on goals that don't require a screen.
52 nights unplugged is a brilliant idea for a way to get out of the screen and into life. One night a week (maybe starting at 6pm, when Luke gets home - I may re-evaluate when I decide to undertake this goal), for a year, I plan to completely unplug - no tv, no computer, no crackberry. I'll use the unplugged time to work on goals that don't require a screen.
29 - Make a Japa Mala
Make a japa mala and learn five mantras
I've had a fascination with prayer beads for a long time. The smooth, meditative nature of chanting prayers seems soothing. I made myself a quasi-rosary a couple of years ago, and learned to say hail marys (I already knew our father). I'd like to make a japa mala and learn a few mantras as well. Hopefully one of these traditions can help me learn to unwind and meditate.
I've had a fascination with prayer beads for a long time. The smooth, meditative nature of chanting prayers seems soothing. I made myself a quasi-rosary a couple of years ago, and learned to say hail marys (I already knew our father). I'd like to make a japa mala and learn a few mantras as well. Hopefully one of these traditions can help me learn to unwind and meditate.
30 - Take a Series of Piano Lessons
Take a series of piano lessons and learn/memorize at least one piece
I have pretty much always wanted to learn to play the piano. Luke says I'm living vicariously through Quentin since I've got him in private piano lessons. But he loves it. At any rate, I think it's time I take some of my own and learn to play at least a piece or two.
I have pretty much always wanted to learn to play the piano. Luke says I'm living vicariously through Quentin since I've got him in private piano lessons. But he loves it. At any rate, I think it's time I take some of my own and learn to play at least a piece or two.
31 - Have a Conversation With a Deaf Person in ASL
Have a conversation with a Deaf person in ASL
They say you can't really learn a language without using it with a native speaker (or in this case, signer). I don't personally know any Deaf people, though. I am signed up for a 'coffee night' with a local ASL club, which includes some Deaf members and a lot of students. BUT, I haven't gone. There are no Deaf ASL teachers at my community college, either. So an important goal for me in the near future is to meet and hold an ASL conversation with a Deaf person.
They say you can't really learn a language without using it with a native speaker (or in this case, signer). I don't personally know any Deaf people, though. I am signed up for a 'coffee night' with a local ASL club, which includes some Deaf members and a lot of students. BUT, I haven't gone. There are no Deaf ASL teachers at my community college, either. So an important goal for me in the near future is to meet and hold an ASL conversation with a Deaf person.
32 - Wear Earplugs for an Entire Day
Get good earplugs and wear them for an entire weekend day (Sun-Tues)
One of the things we did in my ASL class was to go out for a "no voice" dinner. We had one person who was the "interpreter" and everyone else had to communicate using only sign. The hard part was pretending not to be able to hear! The whole evening was supposed to be an event in understanding the difficulties Deaf people encounter living out their lives in a hearing-centric culture. Another suggestion was to wear earplugs for a day. So I think I'm going to try that, on one of Luke's days off, so I can incorporate him into the scenario, and make sure we are out and about in the world. As I'm planning to keep going with my ASL education (maybe even through a 'terp program), I think this would be a great exercise in empathy.
One of the things we did in my ASL class was to go out for a "no voice" dinner. We had one person who was the "interpreter" and everyone else had to communicate using only sign. The hard part was pretending not to be able to hear! The whole evening was supposed to be an event in understanding the difficulties Deaf people encounter living out their lives in a hearing-centric culture. Another suggestion was to wear earplugs for a day. So I think I'm going to try that, on one of Luke's days off, so I can incorporate him into the scenario, and make sure we are out and about in the world. As I'm planning to keep going with my ASL education (maybe even through a 'terp program), I think this would be a great exercise in empathy.
33 - Learn to Change a Tire
Learn to change a tire and do it once
My husband is an auto technician. I am a tough girl. I should be able to change a tire, even though odds are I'll never need to know how (see the first sentence). So I'm going to get Luke to show me how to do it and let me do it from start to finish once so I know I can.
My husband is an auto technician. I am a tough girl. I should be able to change a tire, even though odds are I'll never need to know how (see the first sentence). So I'm going to get Luke to show me how to do it and let me do it from start to finish once so I know I can.
34 - Learn to Swim
Learn to swim, using real strokes
I can swim, technically. I can keep myself from drowning, I can move through water, I am perfectly comfortable in the deep. However, I would love to learn proper swimming techniques, and be able to swim for fitness as well as pleasure. So sometime in the next 1001 days, I'll take a class somewhere and learn a stroke or two.
I can swim, technically. I can keep myself from drowning, I can move through water, I am perfectly comfortable in the deep. However, I would love to learn proper swimming techniques, and be able to swim for fitness as well as pleasure. So sometime in the next 1001 days, I'll take a class somewhere and learn a stroke or two.
35 - Learn CPR
Learn CPR and Infant CPR (get certifications)
Since I have kids, I really should have learned these things ages ago. And really, Jude's probably old enough now that infant CPR is a moot point. Still, I think it's worthwhile.
Since I have kids, I really should have learned these things ages ago. And really, Jude's probably old enough now that infant CPR is a moot point. Still, I think it's worthwhile.
36 - Start a Gratitude Journal
Start a gratitude journal - write in it every night for a month, once per year (0/90)
Hopefully this, in conjunction with goal 37, will help me get back in the habit of writing, and I'm also hoping this will help me to remember, every day, to be grateful for my wonderful life!
Hopefully this, in conjunction with goal 37, will help me get back in the habit of writing, and I'm also hoping this will help me to remember, every day, to be grateful for my wonderful life!
37 - Start a Dream Diary
Start a dream diary - write at least 50 dreams
Journaling is one of those things I always *try* to do. This in conjunction with goal 36 will hopefully help me get into the habit of at least writing *something* on a regular basis. I rarely remember my dreams (if I dream anymore at all), and hopefully this will help me to remember and maybe even analyze.
Journaling is one of those things I always *try* to do. This in conjunction with goal 36 will hopefully help me get into the habit of at least writing *something* on a regular basis. I rarely remember my dreams (if I dream anymore at all), and hopefully this will help me to remember and maybe even analyze.
38 - Read 10 'Great Books' or Classics
Read 10 'Great Books' or 'Classics' and blog about them (0/10)
There are SO MANY good books, classic books, I've never read. I am a fairly educated person, but I feel uneducated having not read so many of these. I need to be part of the "Great Conversation." So I'm going to pick 10 books for now (added to the other goal books) and chip away slowly at the list.
There are SO MANY good books, classic books, I've never read. I am a fairly educated person, but I feel uneducated having not read so many of these. I need to be part of the "Great Conversation." So I'm going to pick 10 books for now (added to the other goal books) and chip away slowly at the list.
39 - Read the Entire Bible, Qu'ran, and Bhagavad Gita
Read the entire Bible, Qu'ran, and Bhagavad Gita (0/3)
In the spirit of knowledge and understanding, I'd like to read all three of these holy books. I know there are other holy books, but there are only so many days in 2.75 years. I plan to use a bible-reading schedule to get it read in a year or two. The other two books are much more manageable.
In the spirit of knowledge and understanding, I'd like to read all three of these holy books. I know there are other holy books, but there are only so many days in 2.75 years. I plan to use a bible-reading schedule to get it read in a year or two. The other two books are much more manageable.
40 - Read One Book About Buddhism and One About Gandhi
Read one book about Buddhism and one book about Mohandas Gandhi (0/2)
In the same spirit as goal 39, these two books will hopefully complement each other, each giving a different perspective on religion and spirituality. I'm thinking I'd like to read Gandhi's autobiography as my Gandhi book, but I may pick a different one when it comes down to it.
In the same spirit as goal 39, these two books will hopefully complement each other, each giving a different perspective on religion and spirituality. I'm thinking I'd like to read Gandhi's autobiography as my Gandhi book, but I may pick a different one when it comes down to it.
41 - Read 5 'banned books'
Read 5 'banned books' (0/5)
It's always good to buck the establishment, yeah? I don't know if I'll come up with the intended list and post it here, or if I'll just look over a list or two of purported banned books on a semi-regular basis and pick one here and there. As long as I read 5, I'm good.
It's always good to buck the establishment, yeah? I don't know if I'll come up with the intended list and post it here, or if I'll just look over a list or two of purported banned books on a semi-regular basis and pick one here and there. As long as I read 5, I'm good.
42 - Read "The Quantum World, Quantum Physics for Everyone"
Read, "The Quantum World, Quantum Physics for Everyone" by Kennith Ford
I first heard of Quantum Physics from a guy a worked with (in a childcare center, of all places) my freshman year of college. Since then, I've read a few things here and there on the Internet and had the best intentions to read a few books. This year (well, this 1001 days!), I'll finally read one. I've heard this is the best beginning book on QP for non-scientific types. Which is me.
I first heard of Quantum Physics from a guy a worked with (in a childcare center, of all places) my freshman year of college. Since then, I've read a few things here and there on the Internet and had the best intentions to read a few books. This year (well, this 1001 days!), I'll finally read one. I've heard this is the best beginning book on QP for non-scientific types. Which is me.
43 - Have a LOTR Movie Marathon
Have a Lord of the Rings Movie Marathon
We love our LOTR! I can't count how many times we have seen them, but one more is always good!
We love our LOTR! I can't count how many times we have seen them, but one more is always good!
44 - Watch AFI's 100 Must-See Movies
Watch or Re-Watch AFI's 100 must-see movies (0/100)
We're movie-watchers. We pay $75 a year to our library and get unlimited rentals. They have a really good selection, too. I'm sure they will have all of the AFI movies. We have surely seen some of them, but I'm thinking we can go through the whole list, re-watching some and watching others for the first time.
We're movie-watchers. We pay $75 a year to our library and get unlimited rentals. They have a really good selection, too. I'm sure they will have all of the AFI movies. We have surely seen some of them, but I'm thinking we can go through the whole list, re-watching some and watching others for the first time.
45 - Go to the Drive-In
Go to the drive-in 10 times (0/10)
We LOVE the drive-in. It tends to work pretty well with our littles (ages 1.5 and 4.5 this summer), and it's just fun and nostalgic. The nearest drive-in is pretty close to us, only about a 10 minute drive. Still, we usually say we should go far more often than we actually go. I figure 3-4 times per year is a good goal to push us a little but still stay in our budget.
We LOVE the drive-in. It tends to work pretty well with our littles (ages 1.5 and 4.5 this summer), and it's just fun and nostalgic. The nearest drive-in is pretty close to us, only about a 10 minute drive. Still, we usually say we should go far more often than we actually go. I figure 3-4 times per year is a good goal to push us a little but still stay in our budget.
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