45 Days

I haven't reviewed my 101 Things list in awhile. I checked it the other day and lo and behold, I've accomplished many of the items. Other items - not so much. May 1 is listed as my end date.

The most interesting thing about the list is how much my priorities have changed in about 1,001 days. I wrote the list when Benny was a baby, I was finishing my dissertation and looking for a job. Since that time, I have had another baby, found a job, quit that job, started teaching and started my own business - all in about three years. Ah-mazing.

Socially, the list was helpful in reminding me how much I like to meet new people, hang out, have a good time and generally socialize. In the past three years I have made far more than five friends (yes, that was a goal, believe it or not) and organized a ladies' book club. I have read more books than I ever though possible (25 at current count). I have not managed to run as many half-marathons as I had slated, but I did run two. That's something.

In the next few weeks I'll provide a more detailed analysis of my progress and create a new 101 Things list. Stay tuned!

The List: An Update

Finishing Sarah's Key made me realize that I am one book closer to finishing a goal on my 101 Things in 1001 Days list. Fifteen books down, five to go (per #2). That also means I'm a wee bit closer to finishing another goal of writing a book review for all 20 books. Book reviews are good for remembering things about the book that I may not remember otherwise. I wish I had written a book review for EVERY book I've ever read. There are many, many that I have forgotten.

So, where am I at on my list of goals? Upon review, it seems that some of the goals are outdated or may need to be tweaked to reflect my current life situation. For example, hosting dinner parties is pretty much out of the question with two kids who go to bed before 8:30. However, we can host a mean BBQ, which is exactly what we did last Friday. We had three great couples over, which resulted in four boys and two little girls who could play together. Three "dinner" parties down, two to go. Also, my parents are now both 60, so organizing a birthday party for them doesn't make sense. However, I have been toying with the idea of getting them a really great "just because" gift to thank them for all of their support over the past few years. I'm still thinking...

I've been doing a pretty good job of writing my grandma AND sending her pictures of the kids (#18) and getting closer to my goal of six total letters (one to go). Nate and I will be traveling to Oregon this summer to attend a wedding. It won't necessarily be the most romantic vacation we've ever taken, but it will be fun - and that's romantic enough at this point (#67). The half-marathons in almost every city I have lived is probably a goal I won't reach (#79, 80), but I do plan to run another half-marathon in October and that might have to do. Nate is also very insistent that I buy new bras (I have one functional - and I use that term lightly - bra right now) and has gone so far as buying me a gift certificate to Victoria's Secret, so I'll accomplish goal #94.

Several goals will need some revision. For example, backpacking with Benny is do-able. But backpacking with Benny and Lila will probably need to wait a few years. I think we'll do it, but not in the time allotted. Fiddle classes, while that sounds fantastic, won't happen due to time constraints (and, quite frankly, lack of interest at this point). The metal vines on our awning will stay put for the time being because the awning will be up for the foreseeable future. We have decided not to plant Aspen trees in the front yard, but we will be planting other cool stuff there in the fall.

After reflecting on the list a little, I'll add one new goal: #102 - Revise the list to replace unattainable goals with new, more realistic and exciting goals.

New Season, New Goals

Fall is officially in full swing. I haven't checked my list of things to accomplish in awhile. I checked it today (at work, bad me) and realized that the list has been a good motivator for me to do things. For example:

#23. Make bed every morning. I've been almost 100 percent here. Whenever I'm home in the morning, I make the bed. It's become routine. Granted, that's only three days a week. But Nate has also started making the bed when I leave early (not often, but sometimes). He also makes a point to tell me when he's made the bed.

#17. Attend at least three book readings. I love to hear how authors craft their stories. It's fascinating to me! I'm attending a book reading and signing this weekend of one of my favorite authors: Margaret Atwood. I had to buy the hard copy of her new book to get a ticket, but this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity chance to see a prolific writer talk about her craft. I'm very excited!

#66. Grow bangs out. I would have done this regardless of the list. But, it's been nice to document my progress. And remind myself why bangs are a BAD idea in the first place. Too bad a new girl started and has super cute bangs. Makes me think...

#58. Sweep and mop kitchen every week for three months. I've delegated this chore to Nate. One way to be productive is to delegate. I'll take the credit!

Now I'm going to focus on the easier items to complete: writing friends and family, surprising my mom with little gifts, going on family bike rides. Gotta start making that stuff happen!

Making Progress on the List

Now that I am done, really done, with my dissertation, I feel like I can focus more on accomplishing items on my list of 101 things to do in 1001 days. I've even crossed a few items off the list. It has been rather difficult to do much of anything in the past two weeks with Benny's whacked out sleeping. The kid has reverted back to that period when he was about 18 months old when he wailed whenever we put him to bed. He's doing it again and putting up an even stronger fight. Often he has been crying for 1-2 hours (with a couple of interventions by me or Nate) before he finally lets in and goes to sleep. Then, on top of all of that, he has been taking sub one hour naps. But, I digress.

The list. Yes. So, I've successfully defended my dissertation AND graduated (#30 and #31). I've started growing an herb garden (#15). Today I added two items to the list that I had already completed, but that should have been on my list when I first wrote it (I think that's OK): Join a networking group (#72) and buy Benny a used bike trailer (#74). I joined a young nonprofit professionals group today, which should help me accomplish #11, getting a job. I found Benny a fantastic bike trailer on craiglist today for a fraction of what it would cost new.

I've even made lots of progress on other items that may take more effort and perseverance. I'll be running a half-marathon with a friend on June 14 (#5). I've been introducing new books into Benny's rotation (Once Upon a Potty, Elmo's Easter Hat, and Where the Wild Things Are). As expected, Where the Wild Things Are has been a big hit. Benny likes Max and his wild rumpuses. However, Benny is more apt to ask for Josh in Once Upon a Potty. He learned how to say wee wee (for pee) and pee pee (for penis) from that book. Sadly, it hasn't helped much with potty training.

Thanks to the list, I've also started to make my bed (nearly) every morning. Strangely, it has been a real treat to get into a made bed at night. I have to think of 26 more items for the list. And I will. But it may take me awhile. Especially if Benny doesn't get to sleep! (It's 9:22 p.m. and he's still awake. I put him to bed at 8:15 p.m. At least he isn't crying - right now.)

The List. The List. The List.

It turns out that coming up with a list of 101 goals, dreams, and responsibilities is really difficult. I posted 55 items to the right. This list is going to be a work in progress! It was easy coming up with the first 35 or so. And then. And then I had list-writer's block.

There are some key goals on this list that I'll be crossing off soon! Defending my dissertation and graduating are two. I'm running a half-marathon in June. We hope to paint the living room soon. As in a month soon.

Other goals are further out. I'd like to run a marathon. Get preggers. Buy lots of stuff that I've been putting off for a long time (a fantastic purse, gorgeous pillows for the couch, etc.).

This list is also a great thing to blog about. I'll be reporting about it periodically. It's going to be a great 1001 days!

Goals

Now that I'm finished with biggest project of my life (thus far), I've been thinking about what to do with my free time. A friend of mine (who also has a blog, From the Mind of Me) has put together a list of 101 things she wants to accomplish in 1001 days. I think that's a fabulous way to organize goals and dreams and responsibilities. I'll put my own together soon.

While I'm working on that list, however, I wanted to share what this friend wrote about keeping a relationship strong. I think she was incredibly insightful. While I'm waiting to figure out what my goals, dreams, and responsibilities are, I'm going to work on this list (thanks Katy!!!). Here they are:

• Remember you're on the same team.
• Kissing, real kissing, is important.
• If you don't have the money, don't spend
• Keep your home clean and as clutter free as possible. No one likes living in a mess and it does wonders for your well being if you come home to a clean house and a made bed.
• A mini vacation to a Holiday Inn for a night can make you really happy.
• It's best to not be critical of your husband's tomato sauce. When you tell him "I don't really like the cinnamon in it" there's no need to tell him 3 more times when he makes it again. He understood the first time. You don't like cinnamon in your tomato sauce. Done.
• The last and most important thing on my list this year and every year- Talk about the shit you don't want to talk about or that makes you uncomfortable.

I have to admit, the tomato sauce doesn't apply to my relationship with Nate (although I'm sure I've done the same thing).

Top 10 List

I've been day dreaming of all the things I'll do once I'm finished with my dissertation. I'm ready to throw this thing out. Here's how I'll spend my time when I turn this damn thing in...

10. Volunteer
9. Shop
8. Paint
7. Socialize (even go out on dates with my husband!)
6. Watch movies without feeling guilty
5. Help out more with home improvement projects
4. Plan more exciting, fun things for Benny
3. Take a yoga class
2. Have another baby
1. Read books for fun!!!

These are in no particular order. I'm excited for everything. Particularly with doing more fun stuff with Benny and reading books for fun!

Someday. Someday.