101 in 1001

3 down, 998 to go...

2008-09-03T06:50:00.000-07:00

Two days into this project and I've completed three items:

# 27. get a coupon pouch to keep in bag (completed) I was in Staples looking for something else entirely and ended up finding a cute zippered nylon pencil pouch in with all of the school supplies that was slim, light and the perfect size. Now, it's in my purse, filled with coupons.

# 96. read a more perfect union (completed) I loved this book. Really delved into the insanity of the wedding industry and how even the most sensible of us can get caught up in it all. I particularly enjoyed the knot.com references throughout. Though the book was written a few years ago, nothing has changed there.

# 43. design wedding favor packaging (completed) Ahh...the wedding favor design. Yes, I read the above book and yet, am myself caught up in wedding frenzy. I have a vision of what I want and am working hard to make that happen (with minimal carnage, thank you very much!). When my FI and I were walking through Michael's craft store on Monday, I had the favors in the back of my mind but never thought I would actually find what I wanted there. And then, I did.

My challenge in this is going to be keeping track and checking in. Some of the items I've listed are ongoing or, are things that will require at least a few weeks of consistency - enough to become habit (ex. taking daily vitamins, exercising 3x per week). In that vein, I'll plan to report on many of these things as I go along, referencing them without checking them off just yet.

101 things...

2008-08-20T19:31:00.000-07:00

get married
travel to greece
adopt a pug
learn to use my camera in manual mode
implement an organizing system for incoming mail
save $50 a week
knit a baby blanket (already own the pattern and yarn)
design photography website
launch and promote photography website
finish reading middlesex
finish reading eat, pray, love
organize childhood photos
scrapbook at least one layout each week
cook a pot roast with all the fixings
update blogs at least once a week
send a care package
ride the bike trail once each summer
cook one new recipe each week
post new recipes on blog if they are a success
use slow cooker 3x each winter
get e-ring inspected every six months (march, september)
listen to iPod twice each week (why else do i have one?)
wash face 6/7 nights a week
use eye cream twice a day
use night cream 6/7 nights
clip coupons and use them
get a coupon pouch to keep in bag (completed)
use recycled bags every shopping trip
learn to speak greek and be semi-fluent
take dance lessons
learn to sew (at least pillows and curtains)
lose 10 lbs below goal weight and maintain
grow my nails, again
apply nail strengthener 2-3 times per week
complete the 30-day shred
learn to use photoshop
book a florist for the wedding
design and make wedding programs
design and make wedding placecards
design and make wedding menus
gather remaining supplies for centerpieces
create wish jar for wedding
design wedding favor packaging (completed)
make and package wedding favors
book hairstylist
book make-up artist
choose a cake design
order wedding bands
purchase and wrap bridal party gifts
order wedding invitations
hand address all wedding invitations
frame and hang/display engagement photos
write and send wedding thank you notes within 6 weeks
book airline tickets for our honeymoon
paint the bedroom
keep no more than 10 magazines on the coffee table
eat one piece of fruit each day
say "i love you" everyday
host a game night with friends
see a broadway show
host a dinner party
read pride and prejudice
send out christmas cards each year
learn to knit socks
organize a weekend getaway with elias
sell all unwanted rubber stamps and craft supplies
take an adult education class
send someone a homemade gift
spend a day at the met
borrow books from the library instead of purchasing
pay off credit cards
bake something once a month and share with family and friends
buy a really hot pair of jeans
donate clothes that are no longer worn
exercise at least 3x each week
picnic in the park each summer
kyack in the hudson river
have a child
do 50 crunches 3x a week
go to the beach once each summer
bring lunch to work 4x a week
take my vitamins each day
visit the ny botanical gardens
visit the bronx zoo
bake a carrot cake with cream cheese frosting, from scratch
put away clothes every night
stream clean living room couches
drink 8 servings of water each day
sell old jewelry
book a getaway trip for our first wedding anniversary
buy new nightstands
frame and hang marymount print
spend more time with my girlfriends
read 101 things i wish i knew when i got married
read loved walked in
read a more perfect union (completed)
get a manicure once a month
sell rubber stamps on e-bay
hold a tag sale
upgrade my camera
attend church at least once a month

start date: Monday, 9/1/2008

end date: Monday, 5/31/2001

do a little good, get a little good...

2008-08-20T12:18:00.000-07:00

i've been intrigued by this project for a while now. some may wonder why on earth i would choose to start my list in the midst of planning my wedding and all of the other changes in my life but, really, if not now - when? i was raised by two wonderful individuals who emphasized independence, responsibility and caring. these three things led me to work in human services, to move away from home at 17, to love travel and adventure and to know that the most important thing in life is family.

so that's why now is the perfect time to start. just at the point where i am about to form my own family with my true partner, knowing he will support me in this attempt and in all of the good and bad that comes with living.

"life is slippery. here, take my hand." -h. jackson brown, jr.

The Mission:

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 my part).

Why 1001 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. 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 or outdoor activities.

Some common goal setting tips:

Be decisive. Know exactly what you want, why you want it, and how you plan to achieve it.
Stay Focussed. Any goal requires sustained focus from beginning to end. Constantly evaluate your progress.
Welcome Failure. Frequently, very little is learned from a venture that did not experience failure in some form. Failure presents the opportunity to learn and makes the success more worthy.
Write down your goals. It clarifies your thinking and reinforces your commitment.
Keep your goals in sight. Review them frequently, and ensure that they are always at the forefront of your thinking.

my list is coming and will take shape over the next few days & my 1001 days will officially begin on monday, september 1, 2008.