101 in 1001

Hello again!

Andrea at Run, Eat, Date, Sleep gave me the most amazing idea today. She has a page on her website called 101 in 1001. I’ve seen the link before, but I’ve never gone to it. Today I checked it out and this is what I found …

The Challenge:
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 your part).

Why 1001 Days?
Many people have created lists in the past – frequently simple challenges such as New Year’s resolutions or a ‘Bucket List’. 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, study semesters, or outdoor activities

To create your own list visit Day Zero Project.

I spent most of the afternoon creating my list (its not as easy as it sounds). I am starting my list as of today (March 22, 2010) and it will end on December 17, 2012.

Through making (and completing) this list I hope to in the process make myself a better person, mother, wife and friend and have a lot of fun!

Without further ado, my list …

For Myself

1. Complete a marathon.
2. Complete a triathlon.
3. Pay off all debt except mortgage.
4. Read 50 books.
5. Maintain a weight of 150 lbs or less.
6. Stay current on yearly pap exam. (Due March 2011)
7. Clean out garage.
8. Start a savings to buy a new vehicle with cash.
9. Buy a road bike.
10. Try 5 new things. (0/5)
11. Have a professional massage.
12. Drink only water for 2 weeks. (Does not have to be consecutive). (0/2)
13. Start a retirement fund.
14. Floss everyday for a month. (0/30-31)
15. Update progress on my blog monthly. (0/34)
16. Do something completely alone that I normally wouldn’t do by myself.
17. Try 50 new recipes. (0/50)
18. Plant a garden.
19. Get another tattoo.
20. Create a running scrapbook.
21. Stop swearing for one full month.
22. Have professional family pictures taken.
23. Learn to swim, well.
24. Take a kickboxing class.
25. Make a vegetarian recipe book.
26. Buy 20 new tops/shirts. (0/20)
27. Buy 12 new pairs of pants/jeans. (0/12)
28. Buy 5 new pairs of shoes (not for work or running) (0/5)
29. Buy 3 new dresses/skirts. (0/3)
30. Go to the dentist.
31. Try fondue.
32. Go to a museum.
33. Wear a Halloween costume.
34. Make a new friend.
35. Go on a trail run.
36. Go hiking.
37. Learn to change a tire.
38. Create a to-do list everyday for a month. Finish it. (0/30-31)
39. Go to a play.
40. Listen to a CD/take a class/read a book to learn Spanish.
41. Get a passport.
42. Listen to 3 audiobooks while exercising. (0/3)
43. Make a list of 100 positive things about myself. (0/100)
44. Try Body Pump again.
45. Get my birthmark checked by a Dermatologist.
46. Save all change and cash it in at the end of the 1001 days.
47. Create 3 recipes, submit to Allrecipes. (0/3)
48. Create a filing system for paperwork.
49. Obtain RNC. (National nursing certification in Perinatal nursing)

For Family

50. Leave a nice note to my hubby once a week.
51. Create a time capsule for Lincoln.
52. Go on a date with hubby once a month. (0/34)
53. Start a new tradition.
54. Plan a mother/son activity once a month. (0/34)
55. Go to the movies with hubby, ten times. (Can count toward date nights)(0/10)
56. Cook a meal for a family member that does not live with me.
57. Buy hubby 3 random gifts. (0/3)
58. Make a family photo calendar.
59. Kiss hubby for no specific reason three times a day for a month.
60. Make a list of 100 things I love about my hubby. Leave it where he can find it. (0/100)
61. Start a diary to my son, write in it atleast 50 times. (0/50)
62. Save $5 for each list item completed.
63. Create a will.

For Others

64. Write 5 thank-you/kind notes a month. (0/34)
65. Donate blood, three times. (0/3)
66. Donate clothes/toys twice a year. (0/6)
67. Donate $500 to charity. (0/500)
68. Leave 50 Operation Beautiful notes. (0/50)
69. Inspire atleast 2 other people to create lists. (0/2)
        Please let me know if I have inspired you.
70. Leave a 100% tip.
71. Research charities and choose one to support that is especially meaningful to me.
72. Volunteer my time to a cause I care about.
73. Send flowers to someone.
74. Donate $5 for each list items not completed.
75. Comment on 50 random blogs. (0/50)
76. Cook a meal for a friend.
77. Teach someone how to cook something.
78. Offer to babysit for someone for free.
79. Send Christmas cards each year. (0/3)
80. Send a random care package to someone.

For the Earth

81. Continue a vegetarian diet (except for brainless creatures, i.e. scallops/clams/oysters/mussels).
82. Use re-useable shopping bags, twenty times. (0/20)
83. Recycle all plastic bags.
84. Research ways to “Go Green”, apply three. (0/3)
85. Eat Vegan for one whole day. (0/1)

For Fun 

86. Visit Disney World.
87. Go on a cruise.
88. Go on a couple’s only vacation, twice. (0/2)
89. Ride a rollercoaster.
90. Knit something.
91. Travel to see a friend.
92. Sew something.
93. Send a PostSecret.
94. Fly a kite.
95. Go on 3 day trips. (0/3)
96. Try 10 new restaurants. (0/10)
97. Make homemade canned goods.
98. Spend the night outdoors.
99. Go to/do five new things in my city. (0/5)
100. Buy a food dehydrator and make my own dried fruit/veggies.
101. Make a new 101 in 1001 list.

 I encourage you to make your own list. (And let me know if you do, so that I can count you towards my goal). Just through the process of making the list I have learned alot about myself, who I am, and who I want to become. It’s a very powerful process!

Dinner tonight was Ceasar Salad, Eggplant Parmigiana, Green Beans with Carmelized Burnt Green Beans, and Cibatta Rolls.

The plate is actually much smaller than it appears in the picture. I always make myself eat on a small plate. Its my way of tricking myself into thinking I’m eating more than I actually am. You can pile alot of food on a small plate though, I have found.

My salad featured Texas Toast Salt & Pepper Croutons. I think they are going to be a new obsession!

Forgive the messy hair. It’s my non-do do.

Now its family time. Have a great night!