101 things

101 things in 1,001 days. I don't know where this idea originated, but I learned of it (as I do with most cool blog things) from Michelle. It's not like my life isn't crazy enough, so I thought I'd add a list of (probably unattainable) goals to it. At least it sounded better than making lame, soon-forgotten New Year's resolutions [ed. note:  my original intent was to post this on New Year's Day, but my list wasn't completed by then. So it's sat in my drafts for six months, and I'm just now getting around to finishing and posting it. But I've sort of been working on a couple of things since January, which is why a couple are crossed off.]

The mission:  Complete 101 preset tasks in a period of 1,001 days. My 1,001 days ends April 1, 2015.

The criteria:  Tasks must be specific (i.e. no ambiguity in the wording) with a result that is either measurable or clearly defined. Tasks must also be realistic and stretching (i.e. represent some amount of work on my part).

Why 1,001 Days?:  Many people have created lists in the past - frequently simple goals such as New Year's resolutions. The key to beating procrastination is to set a deadline that is realistic. 1,001 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 organizing and timing some tasks such as overseas trips or outdoor activities.

As I was writing my list, I started to run out of ideas around 60, so I browsed a few other people's lists. If it looks like I stole something from your list, I probably did (though, in my defense, I already had some of the things on the other lists on mine before I ever went searching). I really ran out of steam around 75, so they get pretty weak after that. I've tastefully redacted a few items because they aren't really for public consumption, but are things that need to be on my list. I hope you understand. I'll eventually have a tab on my home page so you can keep up with my progress, if you're so inclined. So with that, here, in no particular order, is my list:

1. Teach a college course.
2. Lose 10 pounds and keep it off for six months (0/10 pounds, 0/6 months).
3. Lose 20 pounds and keep it off for six months (0/20 pounds, 0/6 months).
4. Complete the Couch 2 5K program.
5. Run a 5K.
6. Get a new car.
7. Purchase a laptop.
8. Paint three rooms in my house (0/3).
9. Set up my sewing room.
10. [Redacted]
11. [Redacted]
12. Learn to sew two pieces of clothing (0/2)
13. Purge the house of excess crap three times (0/3).
14. Have a garage sale.
15. Visit three new states (0/3).
16. Eat at five new restaurants (0/5).
17. Cook dinner three nights a week for three months (0/12 weeks).
18. Take a sign language class.
19. Learn basic carpentry.
20. Donate to five charities (0/5).
21. Find a regular volunteering opportunity.
22. Get a tattoo.
23. Go skydiving.
24. Take a Spanish class.
25. Cross stitch three stockings (0/3).
26. Randomly send a card to someone once a month (0/33).
27. Buy a grown-up suit. (6/8/12. I bought a nice suit to wear to an interview for a job I didn't get. I kinda want to burn that suit now, even though I look fantastic in it.)
28. But a grown-up pair of heels.
29. Attend the ballet.
30. Read one non-work-related book a month (2/33).
31. Attend an opera.
32. Visit a foreign country.
33. Visit three museums (0/3).
34. Redo landscaping.
35. Paint basement.
36. Complete Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University course.
37. Find a working budget and stick to it for six months (0/6).
38. Take three sessions of ballet classes (0/3)
39. Take boys to the zoo 10 times (0/10).
40. Take boys to the science museum 10 times (0/10).
41. Attend a blogging conference.
42. Meet a blog friend in real life.
43. Work out three days a week for three months (0/12 weeks).
44. Go gluten and refined sugar free.
45. Get head shots taken.
46. Get a good family portrait.
47. Get a new job.
48. Throw one kick-ass party.
49. Purge boys' clothes and toys every other month (1/16).
50. [Redacted]
51. Go on a real vacation.
52. Visit my BFF two times (0/2).
53. Go to Spring Lodge for a week.
54. Buy a plant and keep it alive for six months (0/6).
55. Buy a bike.
56. Convert small bedroom into a playroom.
57. Shampoo carpets and furniture every six months (0/5).
58. Reconnect with two old friends (0/2).
59. Visit three local attractions I've never been to (0/3).
60. Sell or donate all old baby stuff.
61. Make a vision board.
62. Get rid of my magazine stash.
63. Own one ridiculously expensive purse, pair of shoes, sunglasses, or other accessory.
64. Finalize my will.
65. Find a church.
66. Find the perfect preschool for W. (February 2012; his current daycare is the perfect place for him, AND had a preschool program!)
67. See a movie by myself.
68. Go to a concert.
69. Give blood eight times (0/8).
70. Get a facial.
71. Learn to apply make-up properly.
72. Start college funds for both boys. (7/2/12. I won a giveaway from CollegeAdvantage, and now each boy has a college fund worth exactly $50 dollars. Woo!)
73. Put money in college funds every week for three months (0/12 weeks).
74. Give up pop for a month (0/30 days).
75. Get life insurance.
76. Take the boys on a train ride.
77. Repair back porch and steps by myself.
78. Get a psychic reading.
79. Go away for a weekend all by myself.
80. Go on a cruise.
81. Sew curtains for the bedrooms (0/3 rooms).
82. Learn how to crochet or knit.
83. Go ice skating.
84. Go apple picking.
85. [Redacted]
86. Go to Cedar Point with the kids.
87. Go to Cedar Point without the kids. (8/25/12. I went with my bestie from law school and had a great time. I also spent the least money I've ever spent at CP. It was epic.)
88. Ask a friend on a date at least once every three months (0/11).
89. Judge at a state speech tournament. (3/1/12. I got lucky and got asked to go this year. It was as awesome as I thought it would be, and I really hope I get to do it again.)
90. [Redacted]
91. Find the perfect preschool for R.
92. Get rid of cable.
93. Dance in pointe shoes.
94. Cancel all magazine subscriptions (except Cooking Light). (I'm pretty sure I've done this...I haven't renewed anything that's come due this year, and I haven't gotten any more subscriptions.)
95. Find a mentor.
96. Cook one recipe from every cookbook/cooking magazine I own (0/eleventy billion).
97. Wear an accessory every day for a month (0/30 days).
98. Get a manicure.
99. Get a pedicure.
100. Earn back all advanced vacation time. (Mid-August 2012. I don't remember exactly when it happened, but I'm now out of vacation hour debt!).
101. Pay off my car early.