Plan of Action

I'm almost a quarter of the way through my mission now in terms of time, just about three and a half weeks to go, but I'm seven accomplishments shy of being a quarter of the way through my goals. After slacking off for a month and returning to that realization, I decided I needed to take a more focused approach to this. I set aside an hour or so to spend with my list and a calendar and tried to work out at least a rough sketch of what to do when. Below is what I came up with so far.

Major Goals
1. Move
-- Ideally this will happen around the six month mark at my current job, which puts it at around February-March. Realistically, it probably won't happen for about a year if I do it alone, but more serious talks with my boyfriend about the practicality of living together may change things up. As it stands now, however, my tentative expectation is mid to late 2009.
2. Go on vacation
-- I'd absolutely love to go away for our anniversary for an extended weekend, but it'll depend on his schedule and my financial situation. Tentative expectation for completion is late January 2009.
3. Apply to USF
-- Tentative: apply end of 2009; enroll beginning 2010. Worst case: apply end of 2010; enroll beginning 2011.
4. Start working on a second degree
-- If I'm not enrolled for my BA by 2010, going for additional certification (preferably in accounting, if not something more HR specific) will count.
5. Start learning another language
-- I'm going to investigate Rosetta Stone. No time frame yet.
6. Spend a bare minimum of an hour every week working on my book for six months
-- I've accepted that this won't be done until I move or otherwise find a job that isn't an hour away from my house. I plan to do it, though, once one or the other of those conditions has been met for three months.
7. Submit a piece to a writing competition three times
-- I'm not even sure where to begin with this, so suggestions are welcome and should be solicited from friends in the near-ish future. Not a pressing concern yet.
8. Get something published
-- I know my former college had a literary magazine so I'm going to look into seeing if they accept the work of alumni. If they do, I'm pretty sure I could at least get something in there. No time frame yet.
9. Write to Mrs. Lengell
-- My intention is the next time high school starts up again.
10. Write to Mrs. Ledman
-- Same as above.
11. Begin repaying my parents for school
-- I'm thinking this will be done primarily with tax checks, though they've been pretty adamant about not accepting money from me so I may have to think of a work around.
12. Set up a savings account
-- October. Period. This is a ridiculously easy goal and it's sad that I needed it on here to get it done and that I still haven't done it. Enough's enough.
13. Have a balance of at least $2010 by completion of the list
-- I plan to enroll in the 401k plan at work and think it's fair to count my contributions to that toward the $2010 balance since it's effectively the same thing: savings.
14. Write down seven personal secrets and leave them random public places
-- I think I should stash some slips of paper in my car so I can do this on the go when I'm feeling brave or adventurous.
15. Get rid of sentimental items that are just taking up space or collecting dust (taking pictures first to make an album is okay)
-- I want this finished by December, the end of the year at the latest, so I need to get cracking. I've got the camera and the album, now I just need the time to go through all my stuff.
16. Get rid of all books I don't have a reason to keep
-- Weekend of Thanksgiving due date. Mom's objections to my purge pile may stand, but will not count against me since I was willing to get rid of things, just not able.
17. Get to at least the great grand parents branch of my family tree
18. Find a hobby to share with my parents individually (1/2)
-- Bowling will be my thing with mom when she's well enough. Hopefully that'll be soon, for a lot of reasons.
19. Try to establish a relationship with Dominick
-- This entails dealing with spending more time with Nana so I have a go between. Progress should really be made before his next birthday (August)
20. Make a new friend
-- I need to start putting myself in more situations where this will be possible. I'll revisit the issue by a third of the way through the mission in terms of goals accomplished if not done yet.

Health Goals

21. Get new glasses
22. Get a hair cut twice
23. Sleep for a full eight hours a night for a week
24. Drink only water for a month three times (1/3)
25. Drink one glass of regular water for every bottle of flavored water for a month three times (2/3)
-- March 2009
26. Be a vegetarian for a month
-- March 2009
27. Use lotion daily for two months
28. Take a multivitamin every day for a month three times
29. Walk to 19 and back once a week for month three times
-- May count toward Goal 30
30. Exercise for at least 20 minutes three times a week for a month three times
-- Look into exercise tapes and find one that's short enough to work into every-other-day routine.
31. Lose 66 pounds by my 22nd birthday (5/66)
-- As I'm still doing more inches than pounds, I've decided fitting a size 12 is an acceptable substitute. It's still rather challenging and falls completely in line with the goal's original intention. I will not let myself feel guilty about that alteration.


Self-Esteem Goals

32. Do not wear any form of makeup for a month
33. Wear a skirt or dress in public three times
34. Fill a notebook page with things I'm proud of myself for
-- Start by the end of the year and add to gradually until full
35. Fill a notebook page with things I like about myself
-- Same as above. More practical than trying to do all at once
36. Obtain at least ten pictures of myself that I truly like
37. Allow a friend/friends to choose five pictures of me to be put on MySpace (I get no say)


Karma Goals

38. Start recycling
-- At least work on plastics. Put water bottles in a bag and take them to a recycling place myself if need be. *Also, look into getting a water purifying pitcher to reduce bottle use all together.
39. Opt for paper (or reusable bag) rather than plastic
-- Wait until after moving when I'm grocery shopping myself
40. Use natural light rather than electricity whenever possible for a month
-- March 2009
41. Turn off the computer every time I leave the house or go to bed for a month
-- March 2009
42. Get rid of clothes I never wear (donate what is acceptable)
43. Get rid of an old casual article of clothing when I buy a new casual article twenty times (donate what is acceptable) (4/20)
44. Donate to a charity that really means something to me
-- Cancer awareness or pro-choice foundation ideally. By November 2009.
45. Use a day off to do something for someone else four times
46. Compliment a complete stranger ten times (3/10)
47. Forgive someone who doesn't deserve it
-- I may simply have to consider swapping this goal out for something else. Others think the people I forgive don't deserve it, but if I'm forgiving someone at all, sincerely, then I think they deserve it. It's like an impossible goal since I rarely hold grudges anyway.
48. Offer unsolicited help ten times (2/10)
49. Admit when I'm wrong six times
50. Stand up for something I believe in
51. Tell ten other people about Mission 1001 (5/10)


Learning Goals

52. Learn how to cook five things (1/5)
53. Learn how to diagram a sentence
-- Library book or internet research. Begin April 2009
54. Learn how to play four songs on the piano
55. Learn how to do my own taxes
-- Attempt to file my own this year (next year?; which ever means next time taxes are done).
56. Learn how to use QuickBooks
57. Learn the area well enough to at least know how to find major cities
58. Learn to drive a stick
59. Learn about local government (senators, governors, laws, etc)
60. Take a government class
-- Reading the text book of the class will count as equivalent.
61. Take a philosophy class
-- Reading the text book of the class will count as equivalent.
62. Take a history class
-- Reading the text book of the class will count as equivalent.
63. Take a computer class
64. Read the Constitution
-- Complete by the end of the year; ideally, but not necessarily, before the election.
65. Read the Declaration of Independence
66. Memorize all countries in the European Union
-- Pick a few and commit them to memory. Once those are down, add others. Repeat until all are known.
67. Complete The Intellectual Devotional (272/365)
68. Do a crossword or logic problem weekly for three months
69. Figure out how to save a back-up copy of all old LJ entries and do so
70. Grow something (flower, vegetable, etc)
71. Fix something (technology issue, physical issue, etc)
72. Build something (table, shelves, etc)
73. Make something (painting, sculpture, etc)
74. Solve a Rubik's cube


Experiencing Goals

75. Go to a museum four times (1/4)
-- Dali Museum again, Florida Holocaust Museum, Museum of Fine Arts
76. Go to an aquarium
77. Go to the zoo
-- October!
78. Go to a seminar/lecture
79. Go to a play
80. Go to a concert
81. Do not watch TV for a week five times
-- I'll do this probably as soon as Project Runway is over.
82. Do not go online but for school and email purposes for two weeks twice
83. Spend time reading or writing outside every month for a year
84. Go for a long walk somewhere every month for a year
85. Go somewhere by myself that I have never been before (twice if not a social place)
86. Visit somewhere over 100 miles away twice
87. Join and actively participate in a club or organization similar in nature
88. Fill a new photo album with pictures of times with friends
89. Spend an entire day taking pictures
90. Decorate/design a room
91. Participate in NaNoWriMo
-- Try it this year, but don't be discouraged if it's too much.
92. Write two pages in my diary every week for two months twice
93. Watch a movie I haven't seen before every month for a year (9/12)
94. Read at least one book every three months (3/11)
95. Read three articles from a news source three times a week for three months
-- Mid 2009
96. Try a new dish every other month for a year (5/6)
97. Get up early when I don't have to seven times
98. Keep my room completely clean for a whole month
99. Buy something relatively expensive that I want but don't need
100. Volunteer three different places
-- Library, political campaign, and.. ?
101. Tutor someone

Week 37

Highlights:

• I tried mussels (96)! A little rough on their own, but delicious in a white wine cream sauce.
• Watched a silly chick flick type movie (93)
• Posting up a reminder of my mission at my desk at work prompted some co-workers to ask about it and I got to tell some new people about the whole concept (51).
• The Declaration of Independence gave me goosebumps (65).


Major Goals

1. Move
2. Go on vacation
3. Apply to USF
4. Start working on a second degree
5. Start learning another language
6. Spend a bare minimum of an hour every week working on my book for six months
7. Submit a piece to a writing competition three times
8. Get something published
9. Write to Mrs. Lengell
10. Write to Mrs. Ledman
11. Begin repaying my parents for school
12. Set up a savings account
13. Have a balance of at least $2010 by completion of the list
14. Write down seven personal secrets and leave them random public places
15. Get rid of sentimental items that are just taking up space or collecting dust (taking pictures first to make an album is okay)
-- I've parted with five things that meant a lot to me. 01-19-08
-- I tore apart my room and in the process found a lot of stuff I could get rid of. I do want pictures of it first, though, and lack a camera. As soon as I get mine back, though, and actually print the pictures to make sure I definitely still have a visual memory, this stuff is out. 05-13-08
-- My very first car, which I bought myself and learned to drive in, was finally sold. It was hard to part with, but I really do lovelovelove the car my parents bought me a (long) while ago to replace it so I got over it faster than I thought I would. Plus the money went toward accomplishing another goal. 07-08-08
16. Get rid of all books I don't have a reason to keep
-- Sold two text books already, others on are eBay and my next trip to the library will result in a donation of regular books. 01-20-08
17. Get to at least the great grand parents branch of my family tree
18. Find a hobby to share with my parents individually (1/2)
-- Dad took me to the range and showed me how to shoot a gun. My aim is terrible (my eye sight worse), but I had fun. We plan to go again soon. 04-24-08
-- Not started yet, but mom wants to start going bowling together when our situation in general finally allows for it. I suck at bowling, but I think we'll have fun doing it together.
19. Try to establish a relationship with Dominick
20. Make a new friend


Health Goals

21. Get new glasses
22. Get a hair cut twice
23. Sleep for a full eight hours a night for a week
-- Who knew I could accomplish something without even setting my mind to it? Yaaaay Spring Break!
24. Drink only water for a month three times (1/3)
-- One down, two to go. =) 02-29-08
25. Drink one glass of regular water for every bottle of flavored water for a month three times (2/3)
-- I didn't plan on combining this goal with the one above when I wrote the list, but why not? The whole point is to be building healthy habits and that is still happening. 02-01-08
--It didn't occur to me just how much plain water this would amount to me drinking if I combined this goal with the one above. SO not doing that next time around. 02-11-08
-- As above, one down, two to go, but this one will be much easier the next time around. 02-29-08
-- Working on the second round of this now, should be finished 04-30-08
26. Be a vegetarian for a month
27. Use lotion daily for two months
28. Take a multivitamin every day for a month three times (3/3)
-- I forgot which, but it's specifically for women with an emphasis on calcium and whichever that other vitamin is that I've been really lacking. First round will be complete: 04-01-08
-- Why not go straight for the third? Finished fully 06-01-08
29. Walk to 19 and back once a week for month three times
-- Began as of 02/24/08, first of three thus will be complete 03/24/08.
30. Exercise for at least 20 minutes three times a week for a month three times
-- Messed this up TWICE already. >=\
31. Lose 42 66 pounds by my 21st 22nd birthday (5/66)
-- Still losing more inches than pounds, but I think I can live with seeing more results in the mirror than I do on the scale. =D
-- So, I started off strong and then it all went down hill. Stuff happened in my life and I just hit a wall in motivation after having to stop being so dedicated for a while. There's not a chance I'll actually accomplish this goal as it is, but I plan to work on 66 pounds by age 22 instead.


Self-Esteem Goals

32. Do not wear any form of makeup for a month
-- Mid June to the end of July make-up free! I never really wear much more than eyeliner and mascara anyway, but I use it as a "mental mask" on important days because it makes me somehow less self-conscious. I went to a couple interviews and other such significant things without any on and managed just fine. Mission accomplished. Go me!
33. Wear a skirt or dress in public three times (3/3)
-- Awards Ceremony at school. When I had to walk up to a stage in front of an auditorium full of people. 04-17-08
(-- I meant to go hanging out with a friend, but she bailed on me so I went by myself to a tanning salon. In shorts. =) 05-28-08)
-- Interview/Testing. Coincidentally, also at my school. I looked great. =) 06-25-08
-- Another interview that didn't ultimately lead to a job, but I still think I did well and looked wonderful. 06-30-08
-- Wore a skirt to the interview for my new job AND on the first two days working there. =) 08-05-08
34. Fill a notebook page with things I'm proud of myself for
35. Fill a notebook page with things I like about myself
36. Obtain at least ten pictures of myself that I truly like
37. Allow a friend/friends to choose five pictures of me to be put on MySpace (I get no say)


Karma Goals

38. Start recycling
39. Opt for paper (or reusable bag) rather than plastic
40. Use natural light rather than electricity whenever possible for a month
41. Turn off the computer every time I leave the house or go to bed for a month
42. Get rid of clothes I never wear (donate what is acceptable)
-- Two HUGE garbage bags full off stuff so this goal is very nearly complete, I just have to go through the boxes of stuff that were put elsewhere and get rid of things I (hope I) will never wear again. 03-19-08
-- In tearing apart my room, I also realized I waste a TON of space holding on to clothes I never wear. That problem has been taken care of. Another two giant bags full of stuff went off to Good Will and I now have a very open and organized closet. 05-13-08
43. Get rid of an old casual article of clothing when I buy a new casual article twenty times (donate what is acceptable) (4/20)
-- 1. Bought four shirts, gave away four shirts. 01-25-08
-- 2. Bought more shirts, gave away more shirts. My old wardrobe is gradually being phased out as my new ones takes its place. 02-01-08
--3. Again with the shirts. 05-15-08
--4. My mother is gaining a whole new wardrobe as I do since most of my shirts go to her. 08-09-08
44. Donate to a charity that really means something to me
45. Use a day off to do something for someone else four times
46. Compliment a complete stranger ten times (3/10)
-- 1. A woman in the doctor's office had a gorgeous tattoo and I couldn't not compliment her. 04-08-08
-- 2. I didn't realize it was a shirt I owned (and almost wore that day) at the time, but I complimented a woman on it none the less. 05-01-08
-- 3. The woman seated beside me while I was waiting to be seen for an interview had on unique and cute shoes, so I complimented her on them and we chatted for a bit about the way women sacrifice comfort to be cute. I need to stop being so shy and these little successes in talking to strangers really help. PLUS! I get to brighten someone's day a bit. Good thing all around, I say. 07-23-08
47. Forgive someone who doesn't deserve it
48. Offer unsolicited help ten times (2/10)
-- 1. Volunteered to help out someone who's planning something that (through no fault of her own) is winding up being done very last-minute. 01-18-08
-- 2. Someone parked next to me spilled coffee all over the inside of their car; I gave them paper towels and carried their trash to the can for them. 01-29-08
49. Admit when I'm wrong six times
50. Stand up for something I believe in
51. Tell ten other people about Mission 1001 (5/10)
-- 1. Katie 02-04-08; 2. Aisha 02-05-08 3. Lynn 09-25-08 4. Gaye 09-25-08 5. Melissa 09-25-08


Learning Goals

52. Learn how to cook five things (1/5)
-- Sausage & Mushroom Stirfry. Random concoction after wandering around the store unable to decide what I wanted to dinner. It turned out delicious, particularly considering this was my first time making a whole real meal and not many months ago I regularly screwed up macaroni and cheese. 02/19/08
53. Learn how to diagram a sentence
54. Learn how to play four songs on the piano
55. Learn how to do my own taxes
56. Learn how to use QuickBooks
57. Learn the area well enough to at least know how to find major cities
-- I can now find St. Pete, Clearwater and Largo with relative ease and I am starting to figure out my way around the Seminole/Clearwater/Largo area just by paying attention while out with the boy. 02-14-08
-- Dunedin and Oldsmar are not quite major cities, but I can now find them, too. Given how directionally challenged I am, that's progress. 06-03-08
-- There are two ways that I kind of know to get to Tampa now and I'm getting much more comfortable with highways and interstates. I think if I can remember how to get to Orlando after we go, I'll count this as complete. 07-05-08
-- I now definitely know how to get TO Tampa. Navigating once there is still another matter. 07-09-08
-- Navigating the area once IN Orlando would be a bit more tricky, but I can get TO Orlando now. 08-03-08
58. Learn to drive a stick
59. Learn about local government (senators, governors, laws, etc)
60. Take a government class
61. Take a philosophy class
62. Take a history class
63. Take a computer class
-- I enrolled before I finished writing my list, bearing in mind that I could drop the class if I was too intimidated. I've since decided I'm sticking it out, so I'm counting this as done.
-- I got an A in all three. =D 04-28-08
64. Read the Constitution
65. Read the Declaration of Independence
-- It was a lot shorter than I expected, but also more moving. I'm hoping the Constitution will be as enjoyable, though I know it's far more lengthy. 09-25-08
66. Memorize all countries in the European Union
67. Complete The Intellectual Devotional (272/365)
-- One per day for a year. I've kept it up daily so far.
68. Do a crossword or logic problem weekly for three months
-- Here's hoping I last the full three months. 06-10-08 to 09-10-08
-- I was doing great, more than one a week, and then I got a job. =/
69. Figure out how to save a back-up copy of all old LJ entries and do so
-- Thanks to someone else's help and computer skills, that wasn't nearly as difficult or time consuming as I thought. I now have every LJ entry going from 2004 through present saved on a flash drive. 01-27-08
70. Grow something (flower, vegetable, etc)
71. Fix something (technology issue, physical issue, etc)
-- I couldn't send mail via Microsoft Outlook before and now, thanks to some help from oblivious-seeming customer service people, I can. 01-21-08
72. Build something (table, shelves, etc)
-- I built a computer desk for my mom. 01-20-08
73. Make something (painting, sculpture, etc)
74. Solve a Rubik's cube
-- Started 02/25/08. No where near finished, but I'm getting there.


Experiencing Goals

75. Go to a museum four times (1/4)
-- After much talking about it, the boy and I FINALLY went. So worth the wait. Seriously, if you are ever in or near the Tampa/St. Pete area of Florida, you should REALLY go to the Dali Museum. The symbolism and the subtleties and the way he injects such real light into his paintings is just phenomenal. Honestly, one of the best things I have done all year (and it has been an eventful year!).
76. Go to an aquarium
-- The boy took me Friday and I absolutely loved it. There was an otter, there was every where some beautiful display of evolution, there was no shortage of people to observe and there was someone wonderful to share it all with. 04-25-08
77. Go to the zoo
78. Go to a seminar/lecture
79. Go to a play
-- Pirates of Penzance with the boy and his family. 04-13-08
Jesus Christ Superstar with the boy and his mother. 06-29-08
80. Go to a concert
81. Do not watch TV for a week five times
82. Do not go online but for school and email purposes for two weeks twice
83. Spend time reading or writing outside every month for a year
-- This goal was two-fold in nature when I put it on the list. I spend too much time indoors and not nearly enough time any more reading or writing. Here's to becoming a more literary non-hermit.
-- Starting over. May 08 to May 09 now.
-- Failed. Again. Grr. Maybe I'll start reading outside during my lunchbreak.
84. Go for a long walk somewhere every month for a year
85. Go somewhere by myself that I have never been before (twice if not a social place)
86. Visit somewhere over 100 miles away twice
-- Sea World with one of my best friends, her boyfriend, and my boyfriend!! According to MapQuest, it's 101 miles from my house. 03-21-08
-- Orlando area in general, really. Went to see La Nouba in Downtown Disney, went up to the Prime Outlets mall, went walking around the area near our hotel. Fun mini-vacation for my birthday weekend. 08-01-08
87. Join and actively participate in a club or organization similar in nature
-- I'm an officer (Treasurer Vice President as of 01-22-08) in Phi Beta Lambda and our first meeting is Tuesday. I'll move this out of the completed section if I don't remain active, but I think being an officer doesn't leave me that option. 01-18-08
88. Fill a new photo album with pictures of times with friends
-- Barely begun, but at least it is started. Hopefully it will be more wholly underway by the end of this month, but give how busy I've gotten with school, I'm not going to beat myself up too much if it gets put on a back burner again.
89. Spend an entire day taking pictures
90. Decorate/design a room
-- I have an idea for my room in mind that I think will be pretty spiffy and not too hard to cover up if I still wind up moving out in the near-ish future. Design part is underway, at least, just waiting on my dad to be available to redo all the wires for me to actually do the decorating part.
-- Again, tearing apart my room created opportunity. Furniture has been rearranged, some decorative items are already purchased with more to come, and I know exactly how I want to paint the walls (and the ceiling! AND the closet door!!) so I'd say this one is pretty much done, just waiting on the funds for follow-through (I'll drop it back to in-progress if the follow-through doesn't happen soon). 05-17-08
91. Participate in NaNoWriMo
92. Write two pages in my diary every week for two months twice (2/2)
-- Five weeks this month, four weeks next month. (9/9) 02-29-08
-- Five weeks each month. (10/10) 07-06-08
93. Watch a movie I haven't seen before every month for a year (9/12)
-- I think I may keep this up beyond "for a year." Movies are more enjoyable than I thought.
   1. I Am Legend, 3:10 to Yuma, Death Sentence, Chuck and Larry, Stand by Me, Dreamcatcher, and Sunshine. Seriously, this is more new movies than I usually watch in a year.
   2. Momento, Across the Universe, Match Point
   3. Juno, Bladerunner, American Gangster, Reign Over Me, Resident Evil: Apocalypse, The Jane Austen Bookclub
   4. Road to Perdition, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, Scarface
   5. Elektra, Batman Begins, and Reservoir Dogs
   6. Troy, The Mist, August Rush, The Happening
   7. War, Hellboy, Steel Magnolias, Batman, Batman Forever, Batman & Robin, Batman Begins, The Dark Knight
   8. Knocked Up, The Night of the Hunter, Gone, Baby, Gone
   9. Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day
94. Read at least one book every three months (3/11)
--(Jan-Mar)
• The Notebook 02-03-08
• The Old Man and the Sea 02-07-08
• Transparent Things 03-24-08
-- (Apr-Jun)
• Kitchen Confidential 04-03-08
• Emma 04-09-08
• Persuasion 04-14-08
• Lolita 04-23-08
• Mansfield Park 04-26-08
• A Clockwork Orange 04-27-08
• American Psycho 05-07-08
• One Hundred Years of Solitude 06-12-08
• Out of My Mind 06-16-08
• Of Love and Other Demons 06-16-08
• A Tale of Two Cities 06-28-08
-- (Jul-Sept)
• The Lovely Bones 07-15-08
• The General in His Labyrinth I'll have to double-check the exact date I finished, but it wasn't a particularly impressive book. I like the symbolism of the title and that's about it. Just not my thing.
• Great Expectations Again, I'll have to check the date, but I LOVED this book. I think I'm going to love all of Dicken's work. Perfect flow to the story and very engaging twists to the plot. <3
95. Read three articles from a news source three times a week for three months
96. Try a new dish every other month for a year (5/6)
-- 1. Old Retreat Glazed Chicken 01-17-08
   1a. Red Curry Beef (No idea if that's the actual name, but I liked it anyway.) 01-26-08
-- 2. Veal, Peppers and Mushrooms 03-29-08 (Completely disgusting, but definitely fits with my definition of "new" so it counts.)
-- 3. Chimichanga from an authentic Mexican restaurant. Loved it. 05-16-08
   3a. Sushi!! 05-31-08
-- 4. Pad Prig with beef. Simple Thai dish. Some kick, but familiar elements. Curry was better, but I still liked it. 07-06-08
-- 5. Cozze in Bianco. Mussels steamed in white wine, basil, lemon butter and Pernod. I don't think I could eat mussels plain, but I loved them prepared that way. 09-26/08
97. Get up early when I don't have to seven times
98. Keep my room completely clean for a whole month
99. Buy something relatively expensive that I want but don't need
-- Lovely little camera that I am eager to put to use, but it unfortunately came with a defective battery so I have to wait for them to ship me a new one and pray that it actually works. Apparently, it's a common problem for this brand of camera. None the less! I made the purchase and accomplished the goal! Go me. 07-08-08
100. Volunteer three different places
101. Tutor someone

Week 36

Intellectual Devotional. Mostly.

Major Goals

1. Move
2. Go on vacation
3. Apply to USF
4. Start working on a second degree
5. Start learning another language
6. Spend a bare minimum of an hour every week working on my book for six months
7. Submit a piece to a writing competition three times
8. Get something published
9. Write to Mrs. Lengell
10. Write to Mrs. Ledman
11. Begin repaying my parents for school
12. Set up a savings account
13. Have a balance of at least $2010 by completion of the list
14. Write down seven personal secrets and leave them random public places
15. Get rid of sentimental items that are just taking up space or collecting dust (taking pictures first to make an album is okay)
-- I've parted with five things that meant a lot to me. 01-19-08
-- I tore apart my room and in the process found a lot of stuff I could get rid of. I do want pictures of it first, though, and lack a camera. As soon as I get mine back, though, and actually print the pictures to make sure I definitely still have a visual memory, this stuff is out. 05-13-08
-- My very first car, which I bought myself and learned to drive in, was finally sold. It was hard to part with, but I really do lovelovelove the car my parents bought me a (long) while ago to replace it so I got over it faster than I thought I would. Plus the money went toward accomplishing another goal. 07-08-08
16. Get rid of all books I don't have a reason to keep
-- Sold two text books already, others on are eBay and my next trip to the library will result in a donation of regular books. 01-20-08
17. Get to at least the great grand parents branch of my family tree
18. Find a hobby to share with my parents individually (1/2)
-- Dad took me to the range and showed me how to shoot a gun. My aim is terrible (my eye sight worse), but I had fun. We plan to go again soon. 04-24-08
-- Not started yet, but mom wants to start going bowling together when our situation in general finally allows for it. I suck at bowling, but I think we'll have fun doing it together.
19. Try to establish a relationship with Dominick
20. Make a new friend


Health Goals

21. Get new glasses
22. Get a hair cut twice
23. Sleep for a full eight hours a night for a week
-- Who knew I could accomplish something without even setting my mind to it? Yaaaay Spring Break!
24. Drink only water for a month three times (1/3)
-- One down, two to go. =) 02-29-08
25. Drink one glass of regular water for every bottle of flavored water for a month three times (2/3)
-- I didn't plan on combining this goal with the one above when I wrote the list, but why not? The whole point is to be building healthy habits and that is still happening. 02-01-08
--It didn't occur to me just how much plain water this would amount to me drinking if I combined this goal with the one above. SO not doing that next time around. 02-11-08
-- As above, one down, two to go, but this one will be much easier the next time around. 02-29-08
-- Working on the second round of this now, should be finished 04-30-08
26. Be a vegetarian for a month
27. Use lotion daily for two months
28. Take a multivitamin every day for a month three times (3/3)
-- I forgot which, but it's specifically for women with an emphasis on calcium and whichever that other vitamin is that I've been really lacking. First round will be complete: 04-01-08
-- Why not go straight for the third? Finished fully 06-01-08
29. Walk to 19 and back once a week for month three times
-- Began as of 02/24/08, first of three thus will be complete 03/24/08.
30. Exercise for at least 20 minutes three times a week for a month three times
-- Messed this up TWICE already. >=\
31. Lose 42 66 pounds by my 21st 22nd birthday (5/66)
-- Still losing more inches than pounds, but I think I can live with seeing more results in the mirror than I do on the scale. =D
-- So, I started off strong and then it all went down hill. Stuff happened in my life and I just hit a wall in motivation after having to stop being so dedicated for a while. There's not a chance I'll actually accomplish this goal as it is, but I plan to work on 66 pounds by age 22 instead.


Self-Esteem Goals

32. Do not wear any form of makeup for a month
-- Mid June to the end of July make-up free! I never really wear much more than eyeliner and mascara anyway, but I use it as a "mental mask" on important days because it makes me somehow less self-conscious. I went to a couple interviews and other such significant things without any on and managed just fine. Mission accomplished. Go me!
33. Wear a skirt or dress in public three times (3/3)
-- Awards Ceremony at school. When I had to walk up to a stage in front of an auditorium full of people. 04-17-08
(-- I meant to go hanging out with a friend, but she bailed on me so I went by myself to a tanning salon. In shorts. =) 05-28-08)
-- Interview/Testing. Coincidentally, also at my school. I looked great. =) 06-25-08
-- Another interview that didn't ultimately lead to a job, but I still think I did well and looked wonderful. 06-30-08
-- Wore a skirt to the interview for my new job AND on the first two days working there. =) 08-05-08
34. Fill a notebook page with things I'm proud of myself for
35. Fill a notebook page with things I like about myself
36. Obtain at least ten pictures of myself that I truly like
37. Allow a friend/friends to choose five pictures of me to be put on MySpace (I get no say)


Karma Goals

38. Start recycling
39. Opt for paper (or reusable bag) rather than plastic
40. Use natural light rather than electricity whenever possible for a month
41. Turn off the computer every time I leave the house or go to bed for a month
42. Get rid of clothes I never wear (donate what is acceptable)
-- Two HUGE garbage bags full off stuff so this goal is very nearly complete, I just have to go through the boxes of stuff that were put elsewhere and get rid of things I (hope I) will never wear again. 03-19-08
-- In tearing apart my room, I also realized I waste a TON of space holding on to clothes I never wear. That problem has been taken care of. Another two giant bags full of stuff went off to Good Will and I now have a very open and organized closet. 05-13-08
43. Get rid of an old casual article of clothing when I buy a new casual article twenty times (donate what is acceptable) (4/20)
-- 1. Bought four shirts, gave away four shirts. 01-25-08
-- 2. Bought more shirts, gave away more shirts. My old wardrobe is gradually being phased out as my new ones takes its place. 02-01-08
--3. Again with the shirts. 05-15-08
--4. My mother is gaining a whole new wardrobe as I do since most of my shirts go to her. 08-09-08
44. Donate to a charity that really means something to me
45. Use a day off to do something for someone else four times
46. Compliment a complete stranger ten times (3/10)
-- 1. A woman in the doctor's office had a gorgeous tattoo and I couldn't not compliment her. 04-08-08
-- 2. I didn't realize it was a shirt I owned (and almost wore that day) at the time, but I complimented a woman on it none the less. 05-01-08
-- 3. The woman seated beside me while I was waiting to be seen for an interview had on unique and cute shoes, so I complimented her on them and we chatted for a bit about the way women sacrifice comfort to be cute. I need to stop being so shy and these little successes in talking to strangers really help. PLUS! I get to brighten someone's day a bit. Good thing all around, I say. 07-23-08
47. Forgive someone who doesn't deserve it
48. Offer unsolicited help ten times (2/10)
-- 1. Volunteered to help out someone who's planning something that (through no fault of her own) is winding up being done very last-minute. 01-18-08
-- 2. Someone parked next to me spilled coffee all over the inside of their car; I gave them paper towels and carried their trash to the can for them. 01-29-08
49. Admit when I'm wrong six times
50. Stand up for something I believe in
51. Tell ten other people about Mission 1001 (2/10)
-- 1. Katie 02-04-08; 2. Aisha 02-05-08


Learning Goals

52. Learn how to cook five things (1/5)
-- Sausage & Mushroom Stirfry. Random concoction after wandering around the store unable to decide what I wanted to dinner. It turned out delicious, particularly considering this was my first time making a whole real meal and not many months ago I regularly screwed up macaroni and cheese. 02/19/08
53. Learn how to diagram a sentence
54. Learn how to play four songs on the piano
55. Learn how to do my own taxes
56. Learn how to use QuickBooks
57. Learn the area well enough to at least know how to find major cities
-- I can now find St. Pete, Clearwater and Largo with relative ease and I am starting to figure out my way around the Seminole/Clearwater/Largo area just by paying attention while out with the boy. 02-14-08
-- Dunedin and Oldsmar are not quite major cities, but I can now find them, too. Given how directionally challenged I am, that's progress. 06-03-08
-- There are two ways that I kind of know to get to Tampa now and I'm getting much more comfortable with highways and interstates. I think if I can remember how to get to Orlando after we go, I'll count this as complete. 07-05-08
-- I now definitely know how to get TO Tampa. Navigating once there is still another matter. 07-09-08
-- Navigating the area once IN Orlando would be a bit more tricky, but I can get TO Orlando now. 08-03-08
58. Learn to drive a stick
59. Learn about local government (senators, governors, laws, etc)
60. Take a government class
61. Take a philosophy class
62. Take a history class
63. Take a computer class
-- I enrolled before I finished writing my list, bearing in mind that I could drop the class if I was too intimidated. I've since decided I'm sticking it out, so I'm counting this as done.
-- I got an A in all three. =D 04-28-08
64. Read the Constitution
65. Read the Declaration of Independence
66. Memorize all countries in the European Union
67. Complete The Intellectual Devotional (265/365)
-- One per day for a year. I've kept it up daily so far.
68. Do a crossword or logic problem weekly for three months
-- Here's hoping I last the full three months. 06-10-08 to 09-10-08
-- I was doing great, more than one a week, and then I got a job. =/
69. Figure out how to save a back-up copy of all old LJ entries and do so
-- Thanks to someone else's help and computer skills, that wasn't nearly as difficult or time consuming as I thought. I now have every LJ entry going from 2004 through present saved on a flash drive. 01-27-08
70. Grow something (flower, vegetable, etc)
71. Fix something (technology issue, physical issue, etc)
-- I couldn't send mail via Microsoft Outlook before and now, thanks to some help from oblivious-seeming customer service people, I can. 01-21-08
72. Build something (table, shelves, etc)
-- I built a computer desk for my mom. 01-20-08
73. Make something (painting, sculpture, etc)
74. Solve a Rubik's cube
-- Started 02/25/08. No where near finished, but I'm getting there.


Experiencing Goals

75. Go to a museum four times (1/4)
-- After much talking about it, the boy and I FINALLY went. So worth the wait. Seriously, if you are ever in or near the Tampa/St. Pete area of Florida, you should REALLY go to the Dali Museum. The symbolism and the subtleties and the way he injects such real light into his paintings is just phenomenal. Honestly, one of the best things I have done all year (and it has been an eventful year!).
76. Go to an aquarium
-- The boy took me Friday and I absolutely loved it. There was an otter, there was every where some beautiful display of evolution, there was no shortage of people to observe and there was someone wonderful to share it all with. 04-25-08
77. Go to the zoo
78. Go to a seminar/lecture
79. Go to a play
-- Pirates of Penzance with the boy and his family. 04-13-08
Jesus Christ Superstar with the boy and his mother. 06-29-08
80. Go to a concert
81. Do not watch TV for a week five times
82. Do not go online but for school and email purposes for two weeks twice
83. Spend time reading or writing outside every month for a year
-- This goal was two-fold in nature when I put it on the list. I spend too much time indoors and not nearly enough time any more reading or writing. Here's to becoming a more literary non-hermit.
-- Starting over. May 08 to May 09 now.
-- Failed. Again. Grr. Maybe I'll start reading outside during my lunchbreak.
84. Go for a long walk somewhere every month for a year
85. Go somewhere by myself that I have never been before (twice if not a social place)
86. Visit somewhere over 100 miles away twice
-- Sea World with one of my best friends, her boyfriend, and my boyfriend!! According to MapQuest, it's 101 miles from my house. 03-21-08
-- Orlando area in general, really. Went to see La Nouba in Downtown Disney, went up to the Prime Outlets mall, went walking around the area near our hotel. Fun mini-vacation for my birthday weekend. 08-01-08
87. Join and actively participate in a club or organization similar in nature
-- I'm an officer (Treasurer Vice President as of 01-22-08) in Phi Beta Lambda and our first meeting is Tuesday. I'll move this out of the completed section if I don't remain active, but I think being an officer doesn't leave me that option. 01-18-08
88. Fill a new photo album with pictures of times with friends
-- Barely begun, but at least it is started. Hopefully it will be more wholly underway by the end of this month, but give how busy I've gotten with school, I'm not going to beat myself up too much if it gets put on a back burner again.
89. Spend an entire day taking pictures
90. Decorate/design a room
-- I have an idea for my room in mind that I think will be pretty spiffy and not too hard to cover up if I still wind up moving out in the near-ish future. Design part is underway, at least, just waiting on my dad to be available to redo all the wires for me to actually do the decorating part.
-- Again, tearing apart my room created opportunity. Furniture has been rearranged, some decorative items are already purchased with more to come, and I know exactly how I want to paint the walls (and the ceiling! AND the closet door!!) so I'd say this one is pretty much done, just waiting on the funds for follow-through (I'll drop it back to in-progress if the follow-through doesn't happen soon). 05-17-08
91. Participate in NaNoWriMo
92. Write two pages in my diary every week for two months twice (2/2)
-- Five weeks this month, four weeks next month. (9/9) 02-29-08
-- Five weeks each month. (10/10) 07-06-08
93. Watch a movie I haven't seen before every month for a year (8/12)
-- I think I may keep this up beyond "for a year." Movies are more enjoyable than I thought.
   1. I Am Legend, 3:10 to Yuma, Death Sentence, Chuck and Larry, Stand by Me, Dreamcatcher, and Sunshine. Seriously, this is more new movies than I usually watch in a year.
   2. Momento, Across the Universe, Match Point
   3. Juno, Bladerunner, American Gangster, Reign Over Me, Resident Evil: Apocalypse, The Jane Austen Bookclub
   4. Road to Perdition, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, Scarface
   5. Elektra, Batman Begins, and Reservoir Dogs
   6. Troy, The Mist, August Rush, The Happening
   7. War, Hellboy, Steel Magnolias, Batman, Batman Forever, Batman & Robin, Batman Begins, The Dark Knight
   8. Knocked Up, The Night of the Hunter, Gone, Baby, Gone
94. Read at least one book every three months (3/11)
--(Jan-Mar)
• The Notebook 02-03-08
• The Old Man and the Sea 02-07-08
• Transparent Things 03-24-08
-- (Apr-Jun)
• Kitchen Confidential 04-03-08
• Emma 04-09-08
• Persuasion 04-14-08
• Lolita 04-23-08
• Mansfield Park 04-26-08
• A Clockwork Orange 04-27-08
• American Psycho 05-07-08
• One Hundred Years of Solitude 06-12-08
• Out of My Mind 06-16-08
• Of Love and Other Demons 06-16-08
• A Tale of Two Cities 06-28-08
-- (Jul-Sept)
• The Lovely Bones 07-15-08
• The General in His Labyrinth I'll have to double-check the exact date I finished, but it wasn't a particularly impressive book. I like the symbolism of the title and that's about it. Just not my thing.
• Great Expectations Again, I'll have to check the date, but I LOVED this book. I think I'm going to love all of Dicken's work. Perfect flow to the story and very engaging twists to the plot. <3
95. Read three articles from a news source three times a week for three months
96. Try a new dish every other month for a year (4/6)
-- 1. Old Retreat Glazed Chicken 01-17-08
   1a. Red Curry Beef (No idea if that's the actual name, but I liked it anyway.) 01-26-08
-- 2. Veal, Peppers and Mushrooms 03-29-08 (Completely disgusting, but definitely fits with my definition of "new" so it counts.)
-- 3. Chimichanga from an authentic Mexican restaurant. Loved it. 05-16-08
   3a. Sushi!! 05-31-08
-- 4. Pad Prig with beef. Simple Thai dish. Some kick, but familiar elements. Curry was better, but I still liked it. 07-06-08
97. Get up early when I don't have to seven times
98. Keep my room completely clean for a whole month
99. Buy something relatively expensive that I want but don't need
-- Lovely little camera that I am eager to put to use, but it unfortunately came with a defective battery so I have to wait for them to ship me a new one and pray that it actually works. Apparently, it's a common problem for this brand of camera. None the less! I made the purchase and accomplished the goal! Go me. 07-08-08
100. Volunteer three different places
101. Tutor someone

Week 35

I give. I'm not going to keep beating myself up over being busy. Next month, I'll recommit. Until then, I'm coasting guilt-free.

Major Goals

1. Move
2. Go on vacation
3. Apply to USF
4. Start working on a second degree
5. Start learning another language
6. Spend a bare minimum of an hour every week working on my book for six months
7. Submit a piece to a writing competition three times
8. Get something published
9. Write to Mrs. Lengell
10. Write to Mrs. Ledman
11. Begin repaying my parents for school
12. Set up a savings account
13. Have a balance of at least $2010 by completion of the list
14. Write down seven personal secrets and leave them random public places
15. Get rid of sentimental items that are just taking up space or collecting dust (taking pictures first to make an album is okay)
-- I've parted with five things that meant a lot to me. 01-19-08
-- I tore apart my room and in the process found a lot of stuff I could get rid of. I do want pictures of it first, though, and lack a camera. As soon as I get mine back, though, and actually print the pictures to make sure I definitely still have a visual memory, this stuff is out. 05-13-08
-- My very first car, which I bought myself and learned to drive in, was finally sold. It was hard to part with, but I really do lovelovelove the car my parents bought me a (long) while ago to replace it so I got over it faster than I thought I would. Plus the money went toward accomplishing another goal. 07-08-08
16. Get rid of all books I don't have a reason to keep
-- Sold two text books already, others on are eBay and my next trip to the library will result in a donation of regular books. 01-20-08
17. Get to at least the great grand parents branch of my family tree
18. Find a hobby to share with my parents individually (1/2)
-- Dad took me to the range and showed me how to shoot a gun. My aim is terrible (my eye sight worse), but I had fun. We plan to go again soon. 04-24-08
-- Not started yet, but mom wants to start going bowling together when our situation in general finally allows for it. I suck at bowling, but I think we'll have fun doing it together.
19. Try to establish a relationship with Dominick
20. Make a new friend


Health Goals

21. Get new glasses
22. Get a hair cut twice
23. Sleep for a full eight hours a night for a week
-- Who knew I could accomplish something without even setting my mind to it? Yaaaay Spring Break!
24. Drink only water for a month three times (1/3)
-- One down, two to go. =) 02-29-08
25. Drink one glass of regular water for every bottle of flavored water for a month three times (2/3)
-- I didn't plan on combining this goal with the one above when I wrote the list, but why not? The whole point is to be building healthy habits and that is still happening. 02-01-08
--It didn't occur to me just how much plain water this would amount to me drinking if I combined this goal with the one above. SO not doing that next time around. 02-11-08
-- As above, one down, two to go, but this one will be much easier the next time around. 02-29-08
-- Working on the second round of this now, should be finished 04-30-08
26. Be a vegetarian for a month
27. Use lotion daily for two months
28. Take a multivitamin every day for a month three times (3/3)
-- I forgot which, but it's specifically for women with an emphasis on calcium and whichever that other vitamin is that I've been really lacking. First round will be complete: 04-01-08
-- Why not go straight for the third? Finished fully 06-01-08
29. Walk to 19 and back once a week for month three times
-- Began as of 02/24/08, first of three thus will be complete 03/24/08.
30. Exercise for at least 20 minutes three times a week for a month three times
-- Messed this up TWICE already. >=\
31. Lose 42 66 pounds by my 21st 22nd birthday (5/66)
-- Still losing more inches than pounds, but I think I can live with seeing more results in the mirror than I do on the scale. =D
-- So, I started off strong and then it all went down hill. Stuff happened in my life and I just hit a wall in motivation after having to stop being so dedicated for a while. There's not a chance I'll actually accomplish this goal as it is, but I plan to work on 66 pounds by age 22 instead.


Self-Esteem Goals

32. Do not wear any form of makeup for a month
-- Mid June to the end of July make-up free! I never really wear much more than eyeliner and mascara anyway, but I use it as a "mental mask" on important days because it makes me somehow less self-conscious. I went to a couple interviews and other such significant things without any on and managed just fine. Mission accomplished. Go me!
33. Wear a skirt or dress in public three times (3/3)
-- Awards Ceremony at school. When I had to walk up to a stage in front of an auditorium full of people. 04-17-08
(-- I meant to go hanging out with a friend, but she bailed on me so I went by myself to a tanning salon. In shorts. =) 05-28-08)
-- Interview/Testing. Coincidentally, also at my school. I looked great. =) 06-25-08
-- Another interview that didn't ultimately lead to a job, but I still think I did well and looked wonderful. 06-30-08
-- Wore a skirt to the interview for my new job AND on the first two days working there. =) 08-05-08
34. Fill a notebook page with things I'm proud of myself for
35. Fill a notebook page with things I like about myself
36. Obtain at least ten pictures of myself that I truly like
37. Allow a friend/friends to choose five pictures of me to be put on MySpace (I get no say)


Karma Goals

38. Start recycling
39. Opt for paper (or reusable bag) rather than plastic
40. Use natural light rather than electricity whenever possible for a month
41. Turn off the computer every time I leave the house or go to bed for a month
42. Get rid of clothes I never wear (donate what is acceptable)
-- Two HUGE garbage bags full off stuff so this goal is very nearly complete, I just have to go through the boxes of stuff that were put elsewhere and get rid of things I (hope I) will never wear again. 03-19-08
-- In tearing apart my room, I also realized I waste a TON of space holding on to clothes I never wear. That problem has been taken care of. Another two giant bags full of stuff went off to Good Will and I now have a very open and organized closet. 05-13-08
43. Get rid of an old casual article of clothing when I buy a new casual article twenty times (donate what is acceptable) (4/20)
-- 1. Bought four shirts, gave away four shirts. 01-25-08
-- 2. Bought more shirts, gave away more shirts. My old wardrobe is gradually being phased out as my new ones takes its place. 02-01-08
--3. Again with the shirts. 05-15-08
--4. My mother is gaining a whole new wardrobe as I do since most of my shirts go to her. 08-09-08
44. Donate to a charity that really means something to me
45. Use a day off to do something for someone else four times
46. Compliment a complete stranger ten times (3/10)
-- 1. A woman in the doctor's office had a gorgeous tattoo and I couldn't not compliment her. 04-08-08
-- 2. I didn't realize it was a shirt I owned (and almost wore that day) at the time, but I complimented a woman on it none the less. 05-01-08
-- 3. The woman seated beside me while I was waiting to be seen for an interview had on unique and cute shoes, so I complimented her on them and we chatted for a bit about the way women sacrifice comfort to be cute. I need to stop being so shy and these little successes in talking to strangers really help. PLUS! I get to brighten someone's day a bit. Good thing all around, I say. 07-23-08
47. Forgive someone who doesn't deserve it
48. Offer unsolicited help ten times (2/10)
-- 1. Volunteered to help out someone who's planning something that (through no fault of her own) is winding up being done very last-minute. 01-18-08
-- 2. Someone parked next to me spilled coffee all over the inside of their car; I gave them paper towels and carried their trash to the can for them. 01-29-08
49. Admit when I'm wrong six times
50. Stand up for something I believe in
51. Tell ten other people about Mission 1001 (2/10)
-- 1. Katie 02-04-08; 2. Aisha 02-05-08


Learning Goals

52. Learn how to cook five things (1/5)
-- Sausage & Mushroom Stirfry. Random concoction after wandering around the store unable to decide what I wanted to dinner. It turned out delicious, particularly considering this was my first time making a whole real meal and not many months ago I regularly screwed up macaroni and cheese. 02/19/08
53. Learn how to diagram a sentence
54. Learn how to play four songs on the piano
55. Learn how to do my own taxes
56. Learn how to use QuickBooks
57. Learn the area well enough to at least know how to find major cities
-- I can now find St. Pete, Clearwater and Largo with relative ease and I am starting to figure out my way around the Seminole/Clearwater/Largo area just by paying attention while out with the boy. 02-14-08
-- Dunedin and Oldsmar are not quite major cities, but I can now find them, too. Given how directionally challenged I am, that's progress. 06-03-08
-- There are two ways that I kind of know to get to Tampa now and I'm getting much more comfortable with highways and interstates. I think if I can remember how to get to Orlando after we go, I'll count this as complete. 07-05-08
-- I now definitely know how to get TO Tampa. Navigating once there is still another matter. 07-09-08
-- Navigating the area once IN Orlando would be a bit more tricky, but I can get TO Orlando now. 08-03-08
58. Learn to drive a stick
59. Learn about local government (senators, governors, laws, etc)
60. Take a government class
61. Take a philosophy class
62. Take a history class
63. Take a computer class
-- I enrolled before I finished writing my list, bearing in mind that I could drop the class if I was too intimidated. I've since decided I'm sticking it out, so I'm counting this as done.
-- I got an A in all three. =D 04-28-08
64. Read the Constitution
65. Read the Declaration of Independence
66. Memorize all countries in the European Union
67. Complete The Intellectual Devotional (258/365)
-- One per day for a year. I've kept it up daily so far.
68. Do a crossword or logic problem weekly for three months
-- Here's hoping I last the full three months. 06-10-08 to 09-10-08
-- I was doing great, more than one a week, and then I got a job. =/
69. Figure out how to save a back-up copy of all old LJ entries and do so
-- Thanks to someone else's help and computer skills, that wasn't nearly as difficult or time consuming as I thought. I now have every LJ entry going from 2004 through present saved on a flash drive. 01-27-08
70. Grow something (flower, vegetable, etc)
71. Fix something (technology issue, physical issue, etc)
-- I couldn't send mail via Microsoft Outlook before and now, thanks to some help from oblivious-seeming customer service people, I can. 01-21-08
72. Build something (table, shelves, etc)
-- I built a computer desk for my mom. 01-20-08
73. Make something (painting, sculpture, etc)
74. Solve a Rubik's cube
-- Started 02/25/08. No where near finished, but I'm getting there.


Experiencing Goals

75. Go to a museum four times (1/4)
-- After much talking about it, the boy and I FINALLY went. So worth the wait. Seriously, if you are ever in or near the Tampa/St. Pete area of Florida, you should REALLY go to the Dali Museum. The symbolism and the subtleties and the way he injects such real light into his paintings is just phenomenal. Honestly, one of the best things I have done all year (and it has been an eventful year!).
76. Go to an aquarium
-- The boy took me Friday and I absolutely loved it. There was an otter, there was every where some beautiful display of evolution, there was no shortage of people to observe and there was someone wonderful to share it all with. 04-25-08
77. Go to the zoo
78. Go to a seminar/lecture
79. Go to a play
-- Pirates of Penzance with the boy and his family. 04-13-08
Jesus Christ Superstar with the boy and his mother. 06-29-08
80. Go to a concert
81. Do not watch TV for a week five times
82. Do not go online but for school and email purposes for two weeks twice
83. Spend time reading or writing outside every month for a year
-- This goal was two-fold in nature when I put it on the list. I spend too much time indoors and not nearly enough time any more reading or writing. Here's to becoming a more literary non-hermit.
-- Starting over. May 08 to May 09 now.
-- Failed. Again. Grr. Maybe I'll start reading outside during my lunchbreak.
84. Go for a long walk somewhere every month for a year
85. Go somewhere by myself that I have never been before (twice if not a social place)
86. Visit somewhere over 100 miles away twice
-- Sea World with one of my best friends, her boyfriend, and my boyfriend!! According to MapQuest, it's 101 miles from my house. 03-21-08
-- Orlando area in general, really. Went to see La Nouba in Downtown Disney, went up to the Prime Outlets mall, went walking around the area near our hotel. Fun mini-vacation for my birthday weekend. 08-01-08
87. Join and actively participate in a club or organization similar in nature
-- I'm an officer (Treasurer Vice President as of 01-22-08) in Phi Beta Lambda and our first meeting is Tuesday. I'll move this out of the completed section if I don't remain active, but I think being an officer doesn't leave me that option. 01-18-08
88. Fill a new photo album with pictures of times with friends
-- Barely begun, but at least it is started. Hopefully it will be more wholly underway by the end of this month, but give how busy I've gotten with school, I'm not going to beat myself up too much if it gets put on a back burner again.
89. Spend an entire day taking pictures
90. Decorate/design a room
-- I have an idea for my room in mind that I think will be pretty spiffy and not too hard to cover up if I still wind up moving out in the near-ish future. Design part is underway, at least, just waiting on my dad to be available to redo all the wires for me to actually do the decorating part.
-- Again, tearing apart my room created opportunity. Furniture has been rearranged, some decorative items are already purchased with more to come, and I know exactly how I want to paint the walls (and the ceiling! AND the closet door!!) so I'd say this one is pretty much done, just waiting on the funds for follow-through (I'll drop it back to in-progress if the follow-through doesn't happen soon). 05-17-08
91. Participate in NaNoWriMo
92. Write two pages in my diary every week for two months twice (2/2)
-- Five weeks this month, four weeks next month. (9/9) 02-29-08
-- Five weeks each month. (10/10) 07-06-08
93. Watch a movie I haven't seen before every month for a year (8/12)
-- I think I may keep this up beyond "for a year." Movies are more enjoyable than I thought.
   1. I Am Legend, 3:10 to Yuma, Death Sentence, Chuck and Larry, Stand by Me, Dreamcatcher, and Sunshine. Seriously, this is more new movies than I usually watch in a year.
   2. Momento, Across the Universe, Match Point
   3. Juno, Bladerunner, American Gangster, Reign Over Me, Resident Evil: Apocalypse, The Jane Austen Bookclub
   4. Road to Perdition, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, Scarface
   5. Elektra, Batman Begins, and Reservoir Dogs
   6. Troy, The Mist, August Rush, The Happening
   7. War, Hellboy, Steel Magnolias, Batman, Batman Forever, Batman & Robin, Batman Begins, The Dark Knight
   8. Knocked Up, The Night of the Hunter, Gone, Baby, Gone
94. Read at least one book every three months (3/11)
--(Jan-Mar)
• The Notebook 02-03-08
• The Old Man and the Sea 02-07-08
• Transparent Things 03-24-08
-- (Apr-Jun)
• Kitchen Confidential 04-03-08
• Emma 04-09-08
• Persuasion 04-14-08
• Lolita 04-23-08
• Mansfield Park 04-26-08
• A Clockwork Orange 04-27-08
• American Psycho 05-07-08
• One Hundred Years of Solitude 06-12-08
• Out of My Mind 06-16-08
• Of Love and Other Demons 06-16-08
• A Tale of Two Cities 06-28-08
-- (Jul-Sept)
• The Lovely Bones 07-15-08
• The General in His Labyrinth I'll have to double-check the exact date I finished, but it wasn't a particularly impressive book. I like the symbolism of the title and that's about it. Just not my thing.
• Great Expectations Again, I'll have to check the date, but I LOVED this book. I think I'm going to love all of Dicken's work. Perfect flow to the story and very engaging twists to the plot. <3
95. Read three articles from a news source three times a week for three months
96. Try a new dish every other month for a year (4/6)
-- 1. Old Retreat Glazed Chicken 01-17-08
   1a. Red Curry Beef (No idea if that's the actual name, but I liked it anyway.) 01-26-08
-- 2. Veal, Peppers and Mushrooms 03-29-08 (Completely disgusting, but definitely fits with my definition of "new" so it counts.)
-- 3. Chimichanga from an authentic Mexican restaurant. Loved it. 05-16-08
   3a. Sushi!! 05-31-08
-- 4. Pad Prig with beef. Simple Thai dish. Some kick, but familiar elements. Curry was better, but I still liked it. 07-06-08
97. Get up early when I don't have to seven times
98. Keep my room completely clean for a whole month
99. Buy something relatively expensive that I want but don't need
-- Lovely little camera that I am eager to put to use, but it unfortunately came with a defective battery so I have to wait for them to ship me a new one and pray that it actually works. Apparently, it's a common problem for this brand of camera. None the less! I made the purchase and accomplished the goal! Go me. 07-08-08
100. Volunteer three different places
101. Tutor someone

Week 34

Zilch. Just keeping up with the Intellectual Devotional, barely.

Major Goals

1. Move
2. Go on vacation
3. Apply to USF
4. Start working on a second degree
5. Start learning another language
6. Spend a bare minimum of an hour every week working on my book for six months
7. Submit a piece to a writing competition three times
8. Get something published
9. Write to Mrs. Lengell
10. Write to Mrs. Ledman
11. Begin repaying my parents for school
12. Set up a savings account
13. Have a balance of at least $2010 by completion of the list
14. Write down seven personal secrets and leave them random public places
15. Get rid of sentimental items that are just taking up space or collecting dust (taking pictures first to make an album is okay)
-- I've parted with five things that meant a lot to me. 01-19-08
-- I tore apart my room and in the process found a lot of stuff I could get rid of. I do want pictures of it first, though, and lack a camera. As soon as I get mine back, though, and actually print the pictures to make sure I definitely still have a visual memory, this stuff is out. 05-13-08
-- My very first car, which I bought myself and learned to drive in, was finally sold. It was hard to part with, but I really do lovelovelove the car my parents bought me a (long) while ago to replace it so I got over it faster than I thought I would. Plus the money went toward accomplishing another goal. 07-08-08
16. Get rid of all books I don't have a reason to keep
-- Sold two text books already, others on are eBay and my next trip to the library will result in a donation of regular books. 01-20-08
17. Get to at least the great grand parents branch of my family tree
18. Find a hobby to share with my parents individually (1/2)
-- Dad took me to the range and showed me how to shoot a gun. My aim is terrible (my eye sight worse), but I had fun. We plan to go again soon. 04-24-08
-- Not started yet, but mom wants to start going bowling together when our situation in general finally allows for it. I suck at bowling, but I think we'll have fun doing it together.
19. Try to establish a relationship with Dominick
20. Make a new friend


Health Goals

21. Get new glasses
22. Get a hair cut twice
23. Sleep for a full eight hours a night for a week
-- Who knew I could accomplish something without even setting my mind to it? Yaaaay Spring Break!
24. Drink only water for a month three times (1/3)
-- One down, two to go. =) 02-29-08
25. Drink one glass of regular water for every bottle of flavored water for a month three times (2/3)
-- I didn't plan on combining this goal with the one above when I wrote the list, but why not? The whole point is to be building healthy habits and that is still happening. 02-01-08
--It didn't occur to me just how much plain water this would amount to me drinking if I combined this goal with the one above. SO not doing that next time around. 02-11-08
-- As above, one down, two to go, but this one will be much easier the next time around. 02-29-08
-- Working on the second round of this now, should be finished 04-30-08
26. Be a vegetarian for a month
27. Use lotion daily for two months
28. Take a multivitamin every day for a month three times (3/3)
-- I forgot which, but it's specifically for women with an emphasis on calcium and whichever that other vitamin is that I've been really lacking. First round will be complete: 04-01-08
-- Why not go straight for the third? Finished fully 06-01-08
29. Walk to 19 and back once a week for month three times
-- Began as of 02/24/08, first of three thus will be complete 03/24/08.
30. Exercise for at least 20 minutes three times a week for a month three times
-- Messed this up TWICE already. >=\
31. Lose 42 66 pounds by my 21st 22nd birthday (5/66)
-- Still losing more inches than pounds, but I think I can live with seeing more results in the mirror than I do on the scale. =D
-- So, I started off strong and then it all went down hill. Stuff happened in my life and I just hit a wall in motivation after having to stop being so dedicated for a while. There's not a chance I'll actually accomplish this goal as it is, but I plan to work on 66 pounds by age 22 instead.


Self-Esteem Goals

32. Do not wear any form of makeup for a month
-- Mid June to the end of July make-up free! I never really wear much more than eyeliner and mascara anyway, but I use it as a "mental mask" on important days because it makes me somehow less self-conscious. I went to a couple interviews and other such significant things without any on and managed just fine. Mission accomplished. Go me!
33. Wear a skirt or dress in public three times (3/3)
-- Awards Ceremony at school. When I had to walk up to a stage in front of an auditorium full of people. 04-17-08
(-- I meant to go hanging out with a friend, but she bailed on me so I went by myself to a tanning salon. In shorts. =) 05-28-08)
-- Interview/Testing. Coincidentally, also at my school. I looked great. =) 06-25-08
-- Another interview that didn't ultimately lead to a job, but I still think I did well and looked wonderful. 06-30-08
-- Wore a skirt to the interview for my new job AND on the first two days working there. =) 08-05-08
34. Fill a notebook page with things I'm proud of myself for
35. Fill a notebook page with things I like about myself
36. Obtain at least ten pictures of myself that I truly like
37. Allow a friend/friends to choose five pictures of me to be put on MySpace (I get no say)


Karma Goals

38. Start recycling
39. Opt for paper (or reusable bag) rather than plastic
40. Use natural light rather than electricity whenever possible for a month
41. Turn off the computer every time I leave the house or go to bed for a month
42. Get rid of clothes I never wear (donate what is acceptable)
-- Two HUGE garbage bags full off stuff so this goal is very nearly complete, I just have to go through the boxes of stuff that were put elsewhere and get rid of things I (hope I) will never wear again. 03-19-08
-- In tearing apart my room, I also realized I waste a TON of space holding on to clothes I never wear. That problem has been taken care of. Another two giant bags full of stuff went off to Good Will and I now have a very open and organized closet. 05-13-08
43. Get rid of an old casual article of clothing when I buy a new casual article twenty times (donate what is acceptable) (4/20)
-- 1. Bought four shirts, gave away four shirts. 01-25-08
-- 2. Bought more shirts, gave away more shirts. My old wardrobe is gradually being phased out as my new ones takes its place. 02-01-08
--3. Again with the shirts. 05-15-08
--4. My mother is gaining a whole new wardrobe as I do since most of my shirts go to her. 08-09-08
44. Donate to a charity that really means something to me
45. Use a day off to do something for someone else four times
46. Compliment a complete stranger ten times (3/10)
-- 1. A woman in the doctor's office had a gorgeous tattoo and I couldn't not compliment her. 04-08-08
-- 2. I didn't realize it was a shirt I owned (and almost wore that day) at the time, but I complimented a woman on it none the less. 05-01-08
-- 3. The woman seated beside me while I was waiting to be seen for an interview had on unique and cute shoes, so I complimented her on them and we chatted for a bit about the way women sacrifice comfort to be cute. I need to stop being so shy and these little successes in talking to strangers really help. PLUS! I get to brighten someone's day a bit. Good thing all around, I say. 07-23-08
47. Forgive someone who doesn't deserve it
48. Offer unsolicited help ten times (2/10)
-- 1. Volunteered to help out someone who's planning something that (through no fault of her own) is winding up being done very last-minute. 01-18-08
-- 2. Someone parked next to me spilled coffee all over the inside of their car; I gave them paper towels and carried their trash to the can for them. 01-29-08
49. Admit when I'm wrong six times
50. Stand up for something I believe in
51. Tell ten other people about Mission 1001 (2/10)
-- 1. Katie 02-04-08; 2. Aisha 02-05-08


Learning Goals

52. Learn how to cook five things (1/5)
-- Sausage & Mushroom Stirfry. Random concoction after wandering around the store unable to decide what I wanted to dinner. It turned out delicious, particularly considering this was my first time making a whole real meal and not many months ago I regularly screwed up macaroni and cheese. 02/19/08
53. Learn how to diagram a sentence
54. Learn how to play four songs on the piano
55. Learn how to do my own taxes
56. Learn how to use QuickBooks
57. Learn the area well enough to at least know how to find major cities
-- I can now find St. Pete, Clearwater and Largo with relative ease and I am starting to figure out my way around the Seminole/Clearwater/Largo area just by paying attention while out with the boy. 02-14-08
-- Dunedin and Oldsmar are not quite major cities, but I can now find them, too. Given how directionally challenged I am, that's progress. 06-03-08
-- There are two ways that I kind of know to get to Tampa now and I'm getting much more comfortable with highways and interstates. I think if I can remember how to get to Orlando after we go, I'll count this as complete. 07-05-08
-- I now definitely know how to get TO Tampa. Navigating once there is still another matter. 07-09-08
-- Navigating the area once IN Orlando would be a bit more tricky, but I can get TO Orlando now. 08-03-08
58. Learn to drive a stick
59. Learn about local government (senators, governors, laws, etc)
60. Take a government class
61. Take a philosophy class
62. Take a history class
63. Take a computer class
-- I enrolled before I finished writing my list, bearing in mind that I could drop the class if I was too intimidated. I've since decided I'm sticking it out, so I'm counting this as done.
-- I got an A in all three. =D 04-28-08
64. Read the Constitution
65. Read the Declaration of Independence
66. Memorize all countries in the European Union
67. Complete The Intellectual Devotional (251/365)
-- One per day for a year. I've kept it up daily so far.
68. Do a crossword or logic problem weekly for three months
-- Here's hoping I last the full three months. 06-10-08 to 09-10-08
-- I was doing great, more than one a week, and then I got a job. =/
69. Figure out how to save a back-up copy of all old LJ entries and do so
-- Thanks to someone else's help and computer skills, that wasn't nearly as difficult or time consuming as I thought. I now have every LJ entry going from 2004 through present saved on a flash drive. 01-27-08
70. Grow something (flower, vegetable, etc)
71. Fix something (technology issue, physical issue, etc)
-- I couldn't send mail via Microsoft Outlook before and now, thanks to some help from oblivious-seeming customer service people, I can. 01-21-08
72. Build something (table, shelves, etc)
-- I built a computer desk for my mom. 01-20-08
73. Make something (painting, sculpture, etc)
74. Solve a Rubik's cube
-- Started 02/25/08. No where near finished, but I'm getting there.


Experiencing Goals

75. Go to a museum four times (1/4)
-- After much talking about it, the boy and I FINALLY went. So worth the wait. Seriously, if you are ever in or near the Tampa/St. Pete area of Florida, you should REALLY go to the Dali Museum. The symbolism and the subtleties and the way he injects such real light into his paintings is just phenomenal. Honestly, one of the best things I have done all year (and it has been an eventful year!).
76. Go to an aquarium
-- The boy took me Friday and I absolutely loved it. There was an otter, there was every where some beautiful display of evolution, there was no shortage of people to observe and there was someone wonderful to share it all with. 04-25-08
77. Go to the zoo
78. Go to a seminar/lecture
79. Go to a play
-- Pirates of Penzance with the boy and his family. 04-13-08
Jesus Christ Superstar with the boy and his mother. 06-29-08
80. Go to a concert
81. Do not watch TV for a week five times
82. Do not go online but for school and email purposes for two weeks twice
83. Spend time reading or writing outside every month for a year
-- This goal was two-fold in nature when I put it on the list. I spend too much time indoors and not nearly enough time any more reading or writing. Here's to becoming a more literary non-hermit.
-- Starting over. May 08 to May 09 now.
-- Failed. Again. Grr. Maybe I'll start reading outside during my lunchbreak.
84. Go for a long walk somewhere every month for a year
85. Go somewhere by myself that I have never been before (twice if not a social place)
86. Visit somewhere over 100 miles away twice
-- Sea World with one of my best friends, her boyfriend, and my boyfriend!! According to MapQuest, it's 101 miles from my house. 03-21-08
-- Orlando area in general, really. Went to see La Nouba in Downtown Disney, went up to the Prime Outlets mall, went walking around the area near our hotel. Fun mini-vacation for my birthday weekend. 08-01-08
87. Join and actively participate in a club or organization similar in nature
-- I'm an officer (Treasurer Vice President as of 01-22-08) in Phi Beta Lambda and our first meeting is Tuesday. I'll move this out of the completed section if I don't remain active, but I think being an officer doesn't leave me that option. 01-18-08
88. Fill a new photo album with pictures of times with friends
-- Barely begun, but at least it is started. Hopefully it will be more wholly underway by the end of this month, but give how busy I've gotten with school, I'm not going to beat myself up too much if it gets put on a back burner again.
89. Spend an entire day taking pictures
90. Decorate/design a room
-- I have an idea for my room in mind that I think will be pretty spiffy and not too hard to cover up if I still wind up moving out in the near-ish future. Design part is underway, at least, just waiting on my dad to be available to redo all the wires for me to actually do the decorating part.
-- Again, tearing apart my room created opportunity. Furniture has been rearranged, some decorative items are already purchased with more to come, and I know exactly how I want to paint the walls (and the ceiling! AND the closet door!!) so I'd say this one is pretty much done, just waiting on the funds for follow-through (I'll drop it back to in-progress if the follow-through doesn't happen soon). 05-17-08
91. Participate in NaNoWriMo
92. Write two pages in my diary every week for two months twice (2/2)
-- Five weeks this month, four weeks next month. (9/9) 02-29-08
-- Five weeks each month. (10/10) 07-06-08
93. Watch a movie I haven't seen before every month for a year (8/12)
-- I think I may keep this up beyond "for a year." Movies are more enjoyable than I thought.
   1. I Am Legend, 3:10 to Yuma, Death Sentence, Chuck and Larry, Stand by Me, Dreamcatcher, and Sunshine. Seriously, this is more new movies than I usually watch in a year.
   2. Momento, Across the Universe, Match Point
   3. Juno, Bladerunner, American Gangster, Reign Over Me, Resident Evil: Apocalypse, The Jane Austen Bookclub
   4. Road to Perdition, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, Scarface
   5. Elektra, Batman Begins, and Reservoir Dogs
   6. Troy, The Mist, August Rush, The Happening
   7. War, Hellboy, Steel Magnolias, Batman, Batman Forever, Batman & Robin, Batman Begins, The Dark Knight
   8. Knocked Up, The Night of the Hunter, Gone, Baby, Gone
94. Read at least one book every three months (3/11)
--(Jan-Mar)
• The Notebook 02-03-08
• The Old Man and the Sea 02-07-08
• Transparent Things 03-24-08
-- (Apr-Jun)
• Kitchen Confidential 04-03-08
• Emma 04-09-08
• Persuasion 04-14-08
• Lolita 04-23-08
• Mansfield Park 04-26-08
• A Clockwork Orange 04-27-08
• American Psycho 05-07-08
• One Hundred Years of Solitude 06-12-08
• Out of My Mind 06-16-08
• Of Love and Other Demons 06-16-08
• A Tale of Two Cities 06-28-08
-- (Jul-Sept)
• The Lovely Bones 07-15-08
• The General in His Labyrinth I'll have to double-check the exact date I finished, but it wasn't a particularly impressive book. I like the symbolism of the title and that's about it. Just not my thing.
• Great Expectations Again, I'll have to check the date, but I LOVED this book. I think I'm going to love all of Dicken's work. Perfect flow to the story and very engaging twists to the plot. <3
95. Read three articles from a news source three times a week for three months
96. Try a new dish every other month for a year (4/6)
-- 1. Old Retreat Glazed Chicken 01-17-08
   1a. Red Curry Beef (No idea if that's the actual name, but I liked it anyway.) 01-26-08
-- 2. Veal, Peppers and Mushrooms 03-29-08 (Completely disgusting, but definitely fits with my definition of "new" so it counts.)
-- 3. Chimichanga from an authentic Mexican restaurant. Loved it. 05-16-08
   3a. Sushi!! 05-31-08
-- 4. Pad Prig with beef. Simple Thai dish. Some kick, but familiar elements. Curry was better, but I still liked it. 07-06-08
97. Get up early when I don't have to seven times
98. Keep my room completely clean for a whole month
99. Buy something relatively expensive that I want but don't need
-- Lovely little camera that I am eager to put to use, but it unfortunately came with a defective battery so I have to wait for them to ship me a new one and pray that it actually works. Apparently, it's a common problem for this brand of camera. None the less! I made the purchase and accomplished the goal! Go me. 07-08-08
100. Volunteer three different places
101. Tutor someone