3 down, 998 to go...

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...

1. get married
2. travel to greece
3. adopt a pug
4. learn to use my camera in manual mode
5. implement an organizing system for incoming mail
6. save $50 a week
7. knit a baby blanket (already own the pattern and yarn)
8. design photography website
9. launch and promote photography website
10. finish reading middlesex
11. finish reading eat, pray, love
12. organize childhood photos
13. scrapbook at least one layout each week
14. cook a pot roast with all the fixings
15. update blogs at least once a week
16. send a care package
17. ride the bike trail once each summer
18. cook one new recipe each week
19. post new recipes on blog if they are a success
20. use slow cooker 3x each winter
21. get e-ring inspected every six months (march, september)
22. listen to iPod twice each week (why else do i have one?)
23. wash face 6/7 nights a week
24. use eye cream twice a day
25. use night cream 6/7 nights
26. clip coupons and use them
27. get a coupon pouch to keep in bag (completed)
28. use recycled bags every shopping trip
29. learn to speak greek and be semi-fluent
30. take dance lessons
31. learn to sew (at least pillows and curtains)
32. lose 10 lbs below goal weight and maintain
33. grow my nails, again
34. apply nail strengthener 2-3 times per week
35. complete the 30-day shred
36. learn to use photoshop
37. book a florist for the wedding
38. design and make wedding programs
39. design and make wedding placecards
40. design and make wedding menus
41. gather remaining supplies for centerpieces
42. create wish jar for wedding
43. design wedding favor packaging (completed)
44. make and package wedding favors
45. book hairstylist
46. book make-up artist
47. choose a cake design
48. order wedding bands
49. purchase and wrap bridal party gifts
50. order wedding invitations
51. hand address all wedding invitations
52. frame and hang/display engagement photos
53. write and send wedding thank you notes within 6 weeks
54. book airline tickets for our honeymoon
55. paint the bedroom
56. keep no more than 10 magazines on the coffee table
57. eat one piece of fruit each day
58. say "i love you" everyday
59. host a game night with friends
60. see a broadway show
61. host a dinner party
62. read pride and prejudice
63. send out christmas cards each year
64. learn to knit socks
65. organize a weekend getaway with elias
66. sell all unwanted rubber stamps and craft supplies
67. take an adult education class
68. send someone a homemade gift
69. spend a day at the met
70. borrow books from the library instead of purchasing
71. pay off credit cards
72. bake something once a month and share with family and friends
73. buy a really hot pair of jeans
74. donate clothes that are no longer worn
75. exercise at least 3x each week
76. picnic in the park each summer
77. kyack in the hudson river
78. have a child
79. do 50 crunches 3x a week
80. go to the beach once each summer
81. bring lunch to work 4x a week
82. take my vitamins each day
83. visit the ny botanical gardens
84. visit the bronx zoo
85. bake a carrot cake with cream cheese frosting, from scratch
86. put away clothes every night
87. stream clean living room couches
88. drink 8 servings of water each day
89. sell old jewelry
90. book a getaway trip for our first wedding anniversary
91. buy new nightstands
92. frame and hang marymount print
93. spend more time with my girlfriends
94. read 101 things i wish i knew when i got married
95. read loved walked in
96. read a more perfect union (completed)
97. get a manicure once a month
98. sell rubber stamps on e-bay
99. hold a tag sale
100. upgrade my camera
101. 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...

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:

1. Be decisive. Know exactly what you want, why you want it, and how you plan to achieve it.
2. Stay Focussed. Any goal requires sustained focus from beginning to end. Constantly evaluate your progress.
3. 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.
4. Write down your goals. It clarifies your thinking and reinforces your commitment.
5. 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.