1 down, 14 to go. (16)

I jumpstarted my book reading last night, reading two thirds of the first book of 15. This morning, I finished the book. (I'm a little excited!)

The Walk by Richard Paul Evans
Started: Saturday, Jan. 29
Finished: Sunday, Jan. 30
Recommended: Yes
Notes: Easy read, just like Lauren said.

Quotes:
"Some might call this a love story. Those without love will call it a travelogue. To me, it is one man's journey to find hope. There are things that happened to me that you might not believe. There were lessons learned that you might not be ready for. No matter. Accept or dismiss what you will. But, let me warn you in advance--which is more than I got--that what you read won't be easy. But it's a story worth telling. It's the story of my walk." - Prologue (pg. 3)

"The assumption of time is one of humanity's greatest follies. We tell ourselves that there's always tomorrow, when we can no more predict tomorrow than we can the weather. Procrastination is the thief of dreams." - Al Christofferson's diary, Chapter 3 (pg. 24)

"People instinctively fear people with beards (like Santa Claus, or the homeless guy who sits next to you on the bus), when, historically speaking, it should be mustaches we most worry about (e.g. Hitler, Stalin, John Wilkes Booth)." - Al Christofferson's diary, Chapter 23 (pg. 151)

"As I was putting back my razor, my cell phone rang, startling me. I had forgotten that I had it. I instinctively checked to see who was calling, but I didn't recognize the number, so I didn't answer. The phone was my last link to the world I had left behind. It was more than a link--this sleek device was filled with contacts, schedules, and a history--a microcosm of the very world I was walking away from. I did what every cell phone user has occasionally fantasized. I hurled the device as far as I could into the lake. It barely made a splash." - Chapter 24 (pg. 158)

"In the smaller towns, a stranger walking through is met with mild suspicion or curiosity and usually both. No doubt at least one of the towns along my route would someday print an article about my appearance that would read like this. Unidentified, hat-wearing man walks through town..." - Chapter 24 (pg. 159)

"In addition there were two seasonal specials, gingerbread and rhubarb. I asked which was better. 'That depends.' 'On what?' 'On whether you prefer gingerbread of rhubarb.' Ask a dumb question. 'I'll try the rhubarb.'" - Chapter 24 (pg. 171)

"I truly loved my hat. It was one thing that made me happy. I could imagine the Aussies in the outback, herding sheep or kangaroos or whatever in their Akubra hats, the rain spitting down on them, rolling off their hats' brims to their shoulders. The more it rained the more I loved my hat. I wondered if I would look ridiculous wearing it in Key West." - Chapter 27 (pg. 199)

Recipes for Sucess!

French Toast on Monday; Drummies from tonight. Both tasty!

Peach Ginger French Toast
Adapted from Eat Better America's Whole Grain Raspberry French Toast

Who knew I'd be so good at adapting recipes with things in my cupboards? Here, I didn't want to go to the store for raspberries and ginger, so I substituted those with the peach ginger jam my buddy Lauren gave me (good luck getting your own!). It turned out spectacularly!

Ingredients
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup skim milk
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 3 slices white whole-grain bread, diagonally cut
- 1/3 cup peach ginger jam

1. Spray frying pan with cooking spray. Preheat to medium heat. In shallow bowl, whisk eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla and cinnamon until blended.
3. Dip each slice of bread into egg mixture, turning to coat both sides. Place in pan and cook 4 to 6 minutes (turn once) until golden brown. Top each serving with jam.

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Chicken Drummies
Adapted from Self Magazine's Drumsticks with Vegetable Skewers

I would like to make the real recipe someday, but my adapted recipe fit so much better in my short timeframe. I was also missing a lot of key items like onions...and a baster. I thought it turned out fine, but I would recommend marinating the chicken in the bag mixture for an hour at least.

Ingredients
- 1 cup lowfat plain yogurt
- 1/2 cup lime juice
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 2 teaspoons of ground black pepper
- 5 chicken drumsticks

1. Preheat oven to 475 degrees. Place foil in 8x8 clear pan.
2. Combine yogurt, lime juice, salt, pepper in a large resealable bag. Squish around. Add drumsticks to the bag. Place in refrigerator for 15 minutes.
3. Take drumsticks out of the bag and place in the foiled pan. Drizzle bag mixture on top. Bake in the oven for 30 minutes, turning over chicken and drizzling more mixture every 10 minutes.

Side dishes:
Salad included one Roma tomato, romaine lettuce and ranch dressing. Toss mini corn cobs in the microwave for a few minutes.

More Success, Less Failure

Thursday, Jan. 13 - Thursday, Jan. 20

Successes:
6. Build stronger relationships with [specific people] - Progress!
8. Cook a well-balanced dinner at least twice per week - French Toast ; Chicken & Potatoes
9. Complete one exercise-like activity once per week - A very cold 20 minute walk
15. Clean my apartment and car twice per month - Apartment 1; Car 0
16. Read 15 books - It all starts with making a list
18. Dedicate one hour per week to clipping coupons and creating grocery lists - Yup!
28. Make a conscious effort to have more fruit on hand at home and at the office, especially grapefruit - YES!
31. Write in journal to release both positive and negative emotions - Journal or Bust.
39. Dedicate one hour per week to researching new, healthy recipes and two hours to cook them - Hand in hand with #18 (which is definitely helpful)
51. Verbalize a compliment for someone different once per week - Check!
53. Sign up to be a table captain at my organization's Sioux Falls event - Yikes.
59. Create an organizational plan for finances, bills, etc. - Progress! Organized old stuff, now I need a plan for the future
63. Dedicate one hour per week to organizing work files, duties, etc. - Check!
68. Volunteer with Sioux Falls Jazz & Blues Society - Yes!
69. Build friendships with co-workers by events outside of work at least five times per year - 1 down, 4 (or more) to go
95. Save at least $150 per month for Europe - Done!

Failures:
19. Dedicate two hours per week to creating a monthly budget and maintaining it - Oops...
21. Refrain from [activity] - Oops...
37. Dedicate two hours per week to practice and re-learn Spanish - There aren't enough hours in the weekend!
62. Make an effort to return calls within four hours - Epic fail #1

One Success; One Failure

One might be one-dering where I have been. Well, I have one success and one failure for you.

Success:
68. Volunteer with Sioux Falls Jazz & Blues Society
Tonight, I volunteered at a SFJB concert. Like last time, I asked to take tickets. (Something about wandering around a dark theater with a flashlight and telling people where to sit--aka ushering--freaks me out.) I especially enjoy volunteering for SFJB because of Katrina and because a couple co-workers volunteer too.

Tonight's concert featured Stefon Harris & Blackout, who I thought were great. I am so glad that I was able to stay to listen to the jazz group for about an hour. They had some really original tunes. Thumbs up!

Failure:
62. Make an effort to return calls within four hours.
You wouldn't think this would be hard, but it is (for me). Some days I wish I never had a cell phone. The rest of the time I don't think I could live without it. This week was more like the first thought. I failed to call three people back this week. Wa wa.

Better luck next time!

Planner: Purchased

It wasn't part of the list, but I thought it would be a good idea to purchase a weekly planner to make sure I'm doing what I'm supposed to be doing. Any successful person would tell us that organization is key.

Today I'm working from bed. And by that, I mean listening to Pandora and organizing the next 1001 days from the comforts of my electric blanketed bed.

If only there were planners for 2.74 years...

(16) Read 15 Books

Quick! I need ideas of good books to read in the next 1001 days. I only need 15 - which is like 14.5 more than I read last year.

Recent suggestions:
- Twilight series (4)
- Harry Potter series (7)
- Gone, Baby, Gone by Dennis Lehane

Ones of interest...
- The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
- Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption by Laura Hillenbrand
- Matterhorn by Karl Marlantes
- The Imperfectionists by Tom Rachman
- The Hand That First Held Mine by Maggie O'Farrell
- The Memory Palace by Mira Bartok
- 365 Thank Yous by John Kralik
- Room by Emma Donoghue
- Crazy Love by Francis Chan
- Heaven is for Real by Todd Burpo
- Sarah's Key by Tatiana de Rosnay
- The Ha-Ha by Dave King

Ones I should finish...
- Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert
- Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen- The Best American Short Stories (2005) by Michael Chabon

Ones from my bookshelf...
- Jane Austen Ruined My Life by Beth Pattillo
- The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd
- Last Days of Summer by Steve Kluger
- Mansfield Park by Jane Austen
- Sense & Sensibility by Jane Austen

Help!

----------------------------------------------
UPDATE...the next morning

Wow! Thanks for all of the Twitter responses!

Suggestions:
- Mountains by Mountains by Jodi Picoult
- The Hunger Games by
- The Help by
- Here If You Need Me by
- A Dirty Job by
- This is Where I Leave You by
- The Omnivores Dilemma by
- The Unlikely Disciple by
- Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett

Which led me to search more on the internet...
- Say You're One of Them - Uwem Akpan
- Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides
- On the Road by Jack Kerouac
- Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer
- The Boys of Summer by Roger Kahn
- The Great Railway Bazaar by Paul Theroux
- Autobiography of Malcolm X by Malcolm X
- East of Eden by John Steinbeck
- Freedom by Jonathan Franzen
- Light in August by John Steinbeck
- One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez

Unachieved Goals

Now that I have published 'The List,' I should plan for the unexpected. While I am completely excited for this project, I recognize the need for realism.

If, for any reason, I cannot complete a goal (or decided to exchange it for another goal), I will donate $2 to Kiva. In case you haven't heard, Kiva is a wonderful organization that connects lenders with entrepreneurs to help alleviate poverty across the globe. Now, these aren't just ANY entrepreneurs. Be sure to check out How Kiva Works - there's even a video!

So, there is a plenty of happiness possible if I should fail miserably :)

Making Your Own List

Clearly, 101 in 1001 is a contagious project. It started with Jen, then Lauren, then myself, then Alaina.

If you're wondering where you should start, I can send you in the right direction.

1. Start your list today. Grab a pen and piece of paper and jot down as many things you can think of down onto the paper (I got to 45 before my mind went blank). These are the things that have been floating around in your mind for a while, and I think that they are the things you want most. Hold back from looking at others' lists until later.

2. Check out other lists. At your discretion (mine was at #76), check out some of your friend's lists. If you are the first in your group to start it, Google it. Check out these links too:

• Day Zero Project
• 101 Goals in 1,001 Days
• 101 Goals in 1,000 Days - Delicious

3. Refine the list. 101 Goals in 1,001 Days has some great ideas about that. With her tips, I was able to turn my lame goals into good ones.

• Challenge yourself
• Be specific
• Make it measurable

And - don't forget to ask yourself this question about each and every goal - Will accomplishing this goal make me happier? (P.S. The answer should always be yes.)

4. Organize, organize, organize! 101 Goals in 1,001 Days makes it pretty clear that there isn't much of a reason to start this project if you don't plan on being organized. I can't imagine doing it willy-nilly, but maybe that is just my personality.

5. Turn those goals into accomplishments!

Good luck!

The List

Here goes!

Day 1: January 13, 2011
Day 1001: October 23, 2013

1. Meet Heather in Europe for a two-week minimum vacation
2. Visit Arielle in Boise on a 3-day weekend
3. Prepare and share a great, meaningful maid of honor speech
4. Complete a gratitude journal daily for 6 months
5. Practice patience and understanding with [person]
6. Build stronger relationships [with specific people]
7. Go on 10 dates
8. Cook a well-balanced dinner at least twice per week
9. Complete one exercise-like activity once per week
10. Attend three tweet-ups
11. Attend five Chamber events
12. Join YPN and attend seven events
13. Make a conscious effort to make choices based on my thoughts/feelings instead of others
14. Study each closet item and determine whether or not I feel confident wearing it; donate all 'no's'
15. Clean my apartment and car twice per month
16. Read 15 books
17. Ask my doctor about [issue] and explore solutions
18. Dedicate one hour per week to clipping coupons and creating grocery lists      Re-evaluated 2/1/11 - Complete 26 Things project

19. Dedicate two hours per week to creating a monthly budget and maintaining it
      Re-evaluated 2/1/11 - Create a monthly budget and dedicate one hour per month to maintain it
20. Find God
21. Refrain from [activity]
22. Join a Bible study to read and understand the Bible
23. Attend a live Juanes concert
24. Order the signature meat meal at Carnaval Brazilian Grill
25. Sew curtains for my bedroom (bonus points for living room curtains)
26. Get a pedicure and manicure
27. Get a deep tissue massage
28. Make a conscious effort to have more fruit on hand at home and at the office, especially grapefruit
29. Utilize the clubhouse fitness center once per month
30. Floss every day for one month
31. Write in journal to release both positive and negative emotions
32. Purchase five new bath towels
33. Watch no more than two movies by myself each month
      Re-evaluated 2/1/11 - Four
34. Positively demand attention when I have something to say or when I need help
35. Write, call, or attend events to support friends and family
36. Attend 10 DrawnTown events
37. Dedicate two hours per week to practice and re-learn Spanish
      Re-evaluated 2/1/11 - Month
38. Write a list of strengths and weaknesses and create an action plan to empower myself in them
39. Dedicate one hour per week to researching new, healthy recipes and two hours to cook them
      Re-evaluated 2/1/11 -clipping coupons, and creating grocery lists
40. Find a church in Sioux Falls to call my own
41. Take three bubble baths
42. Create an action plan to cook all of the food in my freezer
43. Attend one rodeo per year
44. Meet one neighbor from my apartment complex
45. Hang out with my camp friends once per month
46. Host a game night at my apartment
47. Start a 'Guess Who's Coming to Dinner' club
48. Attend five plays
49. Drink two glasses of water per day for one month
50. Go out for a run once per month (treadmills count)
51. Verbalize a compliment for someone different once per week
52. Participate in Make a Difference Monday or Drive Thru Difference once each
53. Sign up to be a table captain at my organization's Sioux Falls event
54. Paint my nails/toenails once per month
55. Visit friends in Rapid City
56. Visit Kate in Lincoln
57. Go out in the Twin Cities once
58. Feel more comfortable with [this]
59. Create an organizational plan for finances, bills, etc.
60. Host a get-together at my apartment that includes use of pool, hot tub and/or game room
61. Show appreciation of family and friends more often
62. Make an effort to return calls within four hours
63. Dedicate one hour per week to organizing work files, duties, etc.
64. Set up weekly meeting with supervisor
65. Go swimming
66. Watch or read the news at least twice per week for one month
67. Get new glasses
68. Volunteer with Sioux Falls Jazz & Blues Society
69. Build friendships with co-workers by events outside of work at least five times per year
70. Go out to lunch with co-workers twice per year
71. Plan a golden birthday party that reflects who I am today
72. Go hiking
73. Go out for a fun night wearing heels
74. Make hummus
75. Sew an ironing board cover
76. Obtain a library card and use it once per month
77. Create an action plan for organization in all aspects of life (calendar required)
78. Plan a drive-in movie night with friends
79. Bring inherited bicycle to my new apartment and utilize it once per month in the summer
80. Listen to a book on tape
81. Listen to a new artist every day for one month
82. Plan a potted balcony garden and water plants as necessary
83. Memorize the locations of every country in the world
84. Bring lunch to work every day for one month
85. Bike to work once
86. Learn to knit or crochet
87. Publish a 'Happiness' blog or make a list of 101 things that make me happy for display
88. Complete an ab workout once per week for 6 months
89. Create a recipe book for my kitchen
90. Can something (Fruit? Salsa? Jam?)
91. Sign up for a college course for personal or professional development
92. Order new checks
93. Prepare an emergency kit for my car
94. Give handmade gifts for Christmas 2011
95. Save at least $150 per month for Europe
96. Finish college scrapbook
97. Back up computer files on hard drive and store in a fireproof safe
98. Visit two states I have not been to before
99. Mail a postcard to PostSecret and PostCrossing
100. Participate in Reverb
101. Open an Etsy shop

Now that you know all of my secrets...make your own!

the background story

What is it I am doing, you ask? Well, let me enlighten you.

It all started a few weeks ago, as I planned not to make one silly new year resolutions. But after reading an article (which, I might add, I didn't think had any effect on  me) from BlogHer's Lisa Morrow, I found myself reaching for the ol' journal instead the light switch that night. So, there I was...journaling at the beginning of the new year. How fitting.

Well, a few resolutions turned into the first entry of my gratitude journal, which turned into the beginning of 101 goals to achieve in 1001 days. The gratitude journal idea first came from an IgniteSD event last August from a local who had created a rockin' iPhone app.

The 101 idea originally came from the blogs of two friends, Jen and Lauren. The concept involves making a list of 101 things to do in 1001 days. It can be anything and there are plenty of websites to help you make that list (and believe me, it's harder than you think!)

My first blog post about the topic included a taste of resolutions, gratitude journal and 101 in 1001. Not too long after, there was a second and third post as I finished up the list. Don't read them, though, because I have decided to refine my list since then.

It wasn't until Tuesday evening, that I found a website offering suggestions for the popular project, called 101 Goals in 1,0001 Days: Advice and Action Plans for Every Goal Under The Sun. It was then that I began reviewing my own list and deciding that it must be refined. I found Step 3 especially helpful.

Now that my list is refined and I am organized, I am ready to begin the next 1001 days.