I have learn one thing about blogging… I get sick of updating this site. The mobile version of the site is not optimal. Now that I have this crazy “phone” that can do everything, I never turn on my desktop. If you want to see my progress, I do try to update the list once each month. Just click on the button in the upper righthand corner. The list will be updated 8/31/11.
I haven’t forgot and am still following the list. I just have not had a good chunk of time, or motivation to sit down and write. I plugged my computer back in, and just bought the new Cee-lo Green album so here you go.
Let’s start with the fact that I made a dress (#27. Create a dress-sewing)! I got the silly idea in my head that I wanted to be my childhood doll Orange Blossom for Halloween. You know, Strawberry Shortcake’s token black friend circa 1981. There was no way to be spot on without make the costume from scratch. For extra credit, since it has taken me so long to update my blog and this list… I made a hat as well. Who knew I could sew, or use a sewing machine rather. The only other singe/solitary time I used a sewing machine was a class in high school… in which, I believe, I also learned to properly frost a cake! I’m still not entirely domesticated, but close. Anyway, no one other than people with female children (little or grown), and a few fellow girls of color (mixed, afri-am, & kor-am) knew what I was for Halloween without the tag I had tied to my wrist.
Since we are on the subject of Halloween, I would like to confess that I am a “chickenshit”, and did not go through the super scary Soap Factory Haunted House this year. Honestly, I am having a hard time justifying the completion of this goal. Why would I want to get over this fear really? This is one of those fears that is justified… paying to walk through an unfamiliar building while a bunch of strangers try to make you pee your pants and scream. I just don’t know. I mean isn’t this one of those primal instincts, fear/be on alert in new surroundings… especially when people are trying to scare you. I think I may want to keep this fear. I didn’t go this year, but there is always next October, if I decide I should try to complete this one (#43 Soap Factory Haunted House).
I have completed #3, which I have found to be one of my favorites. I visited 31 new restaurants/venues! Minneapolis is great for this goal, as we have tons of new restaurants popping up. Almost monthly it seems, granted many of them don’t surpass the year marker. That may have a lot to do with location and poor money management more than great food or entertainment. I will say my favorite discoveries, though not necessarily new, but new to me at the time have been: Wilde Roast( great brunch/coffee/box lunch catering), Sen Yai Sen Lek (wonderful Thai), La Belle Vie (elegant food and drinks/sit in the bar side for dinner), Victory 44 (chefs are your everything- well made creations, though apparently Travail is the new sister restaurant. It’s supposed to be even better), Cafe Maude (beautifully smooth food and atmosphere), and Chimborazo (fabulous Ecuadorian, simple ingredients, great empanadas).
I successfully accomplished swimming in a lake (#61) this summer in WI. I know that doesn’t sound like a big deal, but the last time I swam in a lake was in high school and I am pretty sure skinning dipping was involved. The lake this summer was much cleaner than the high school lakes were at the time, and not directly next to a busy street with mutant fish. I also went apple picking again (#37). I would really like to make this an annual event. I’m partial to apple crisp and apple sauce made by moi with fresh apples. Not to mention the awesome Kettle Corn that is a must whenever the scent is floating in the air around you (dido for the farmers market… Kettle corn!). I recommend Aamodt’s in Stillwater. If you have children, there is also a corn maze that you pass on the way. Aamodt’s also own hot air balloons, and have a wine shop on site. Another notable was clearing my lunch budget and making most of my lunch at home (#22). I actually had $30 left from my original $170 allowance. Word!
I have completely failed the picture everyday goal (#44). There was about a month (mid-July- mid-August) where I barely took any photos. But I am cool with that. I have taken so many photos and with my new fancy phone (Droid X people). I have taken photos almost everyday single day since the end of August. I still have to download all of the new photos- no promises this time on when that will happen 
.
I am currently learning to crotchet (#96) thanks to Ryan’s mama. She gave me some yarn, needles, and a book. Though I have discovered that sewing may be more my poison. I don’t think I have the patience right now to crotchet, and it kind of hurts my hands. I think I will just try to finish this belt for Jonna, and resign myself to the fact that it’s okay for me not to crotchet or knit even though it seems all the other crafty chicks crotchet and knit shit like its going out of style. Which it never will thanks to Etsy. I will stick to making soap and smelly stuff with the occasional sewing experiment! Speaking of Etsy, Kari and I went to this awesome craft fair this morning, No Coast Craft 612, and I am aching to get my butt (and soap) into the craft fair circle. I get so intimated, but this one wasn’t like that. Most of the vendors just had Etsy sites too, and hopped the local fairs. It just seemed more attainable and my soaps would have totally fit in there. It also helped that Kari gave me the “you could totally do this” pep talk after. I don’t know why I fear this so much, but I always talk myself down about trying to go further with the soap. 2011 no more talking myself out of stuff. Half the point of this list was to get more yeah and less nah, yet I still wiggle out of the soap progression. Hmmm…
Update complete, and sorry again for the super long delay. Keep holding me accountable people! I have a long way to go, but I am still getting things completed and experiencing a ton of new things in the process. I still highly recommend writing one of these lists. It is definitely life altering and eye opening to say the least.
2011, more yeah less nah!
I promise I will upload photos and give you an update once we get my desk put together and my computer hooked up. I am currently using Ryan’s for the time being. In the meantime, buy a soldering iron.. they are really fun once you relax!
That doesn’t sound right. I meant… my hand was really shaky the first time I used one to make a necklace. You just need to relax, because you can always fix a mistake later.
I am 6 months into this list, and I only have 9 things completed. I thought some of these items would be a breeze, but as usual, life has gotten in the way a bit. This is not to say that I am failing, because I am not! I am simply falling a little behind. The plan was to complete 3 goals per month. Granted I am currently working on a few of the 31s right now, and coming close to completion on the new restaurants/venues (#3) and half way with the Test Kitchen(#10). I really need to step up my game this spring and summer.
Apparently, this list is motivating some of my friends to try new things and make an effort to go places they normally wouldn’t make time for previously. I think that is so awesome, and it was one of the things I’d hoped for, not only for myself, but anyone around me.
I am moving at the end of the month, so making curtains for the porch(#20) will need to be modified somewhat since I will no longer have a porch. Perhaps I can make curtains for the kitchen or reupholster a chair. The only thing I am planning to take care of before I move is finishing the necklace(#26), and begin the Jillian video again(#40).
On Thursday, for Girlie Night, we all went to the 5-8 Club for Juicy Lucy. It just happened to be around the same time that the Food Network was broadcasting the show they shot here for the best Juicy Lucy. It was of course between Matt’s and the 5-8. I had never been to the 5-8 and the line was out the door. We waited patiently, and it was well worth it. I honestly cannot say which bar has the better burger, as I was so hungry that I was in no shape to judge. I will say that I am thrilled both establishments have received all of this great press. It is always fun to see small restaurants with long waits, and everyone in line more than willing to stick around.
The community class Amy and I took in January, came in handy last week. My hair decided to stage a sit in within my tub drain. The hair protester, angry that my head had kicked them out, pushed themselves deep into my bathroom piping. Based on the tips I had learned from our Mr. Fit-it class, I removed the sink and tub stoppers, and snaked the drain. Unfortunately the unruly hair had lodged too far in for my snake to reach, or had pushed it further in. I had to call Roto-Rooter. He was very impressed with my skills (so was I) and told me that usually when a guy does what I did, they break something. New found girl power was running through my veins. So when the Homesmart guy came the next day to fix my dryer that was no longer spinning, I watched closely. Next time the belt breaks, I’m on it!
On a side note, go see Macbeth at the Guthrie if you still can. Macbeth is hot this time!
I have been to 3 dance performances in the past 5 weeks, which is not like me at all. I am loving it! Northop has a great line up this year, and I’ve enjoyed them so much I am contemplating season passes next year. Ryan is secretly addicted to ” So You Think You Can Dance”, so I figure it wouldn’t be too much of a stretch to see a show each month… It will be “So You and Everyone Else Know You Can Dance”. Jonna and I went to the Saturday afternoon Balanchine Couples Show. I had no idea what we were in for. So this wasn’t a normal ballet performance by any means, which turned out to be a bit educational for me. Suzanne Farrell is apparently some crazy famous ballerina/choreographer, who happens to also be this other super famous choreographer’s muse, Balanchine. She decided that he was fabulous, and deserved a show dedicated to some of his “Pas de deux passages”. To top it all off, Ms. Farrell told a little story before each piece. This was a little annoying, but really educational. She would give an overview, so we didn’t really have to wonder, since we were not viewing the entire show. And now there are a few shows of Balanchine’s that I would like to see. Jonna and I both thought she was a little self absorbed, but I guess that goes with the territory as a famous muse, right. The dancers were amazing and some of the costumes were as well. I got to see a tutu! Other great things: I checked off #75 (Go to a Ballet), and all for $20 (staff discount!) each. I am now interested in the ballet, which is the whole point of this damn list. Try new things, revisit old things, and find new interests… oh yeah, and complete the list in the set time frame!
It’s Ryan and my 7th anniversary this week! Ryan’s sista, Wendy, bought him tickets to the Hendrix Experience, so we are starting off with that Wednesday night. Ryan is a beautiful guitarist, and loves Hendrix so it’s a win win situation! I will get to mark off another notch on #4(plays/musicals/shows), as I have roughly a bagillion to go! Then Thursday we are going to dinner at our new favorite restaurant, Sen Yai Sen Lek on Lowry and Central NE. I highly recommend it. We usually avoid eating sea bugs, but the Miang Kam is so yummy and the Khao Soi is delicious. Last time, we kept looking at each other in amazement that this giant bowl of sauce and noodles could make every taste bud jump for joy! We all know how I like nice people… well they totally scored in that department too. Great service! I had read before hand that the service was bad, and I just didn’t see it. I will say that we were not in a hurry and were talking a lot, so I wasn’t really paying any attention to time. Friday, we will be hanging with Wendy and Mark! I get to see Ryan 3 nights in a row, which is highly unusual for us (work schedules suck!). I am super pumped! 7 years
Happy Birthday Amy!!!!
This month has been kind of a wash with medical issues, so the list has gone on hold for the past 4 weeks. The only thing I managed to complete was creating 31 playlists (#15), and they are pretty awesome. My favorite one is my Ol’ Shit mix (30s-50s jazzy mix…46 songs).
So, as you know, I posted that picture of my incision a few weeks ago. I think dirty birdies are checking this picture out… It’s had 16 views, and most of my other pictures have only topped out at 8. Come on now
This has nothing to do with my list, but there are a few CDs I highly recommend checking out (some are not new… I am just groovin’ on them right now). In no order:
Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros- Up from Below
Novelle Vague- 3
Happy Apple- Happy Apple Back on Top
Dark Was The Night- A Red Hot Compilation
Blossom Dearie- Verve Jazz Masters 51: Blossom Dearie
Ok Go- Of the Blue Colour of the Sky (many songs have a strong Prince influence)
Otis Redding- The Very Best of Otis Redding
Santigold- Self-titled
Feist- Open Season:Remixes and Collaborations
DeVochka- Curse Your Little Heart[EP]
The Triplets of Belleville Soundtrack (Ben Charest)
I promise to get back on the list wagon this week!
My ticker now has assistance from a pacemaker! No more Ctl+Alt+Del!
I am a one handed typer right now and napping constantly, so this is all you get for now. More to come when I am off the meds and out of the sling. There was a bit of drama before the surgery… but the surgery itself went extremely well! And best of all- it’s over!!!!!!
Thanks for all the good vibrations you have been sending my way
This year, I’ll be participating in an awesome event—Pro-Choice Resources’ 17th Annual Bowl-a-Thon on March 25th! I’ll be raising funds, cheering, and supporting the vital programming of PCR.
I’ve agreed to raise at least $200 in donations. I need your help! I am asking you to donate any amount to this great resource for the girlies in our communities.
Please feel free to spread the word, if you know of anyone else that may be interested in pledging a donation! Again, any amount is appreciated… $5 makes a difference!
Thank you all so much!
Donate online at
http://bowlathon.prochoiceresources.org/pcrsweet/participantpage.asp?uid=55&fundid=27
I had a mouse, and a cat that has decided that mice are of no real interest to him now that he is older as has become partial to sparkle balls and tops to plastic bottles. I bought live traps to capture this cute little guy and set him free. When I got home tonight, there he was all trapped. He had broken the other trap and ate all the peanut butter. So I just jump in the car just now, after debating if he was already dead or not as he wasn’t moving at all (plus Ryan was pumping me up to go). I drove to a building near my house and let him out on the sidewalk. He was totally jumping all around when I opened the top. I figure if he’s a smart mouse, he will follow the sidewalk path and find a way inside… otherwise it is the circle of life for him! Now what is worse a trap that kills them on the spot or releasing him into the freezing cold? Well… hopefully the little guy found his way into the building and will evade any other traps they have out!
Care of Artful Ceramics http://artfulceramics.com
Lake Harriet is hosting their annual kite flying festival this weekend! I can mark one down finally for my “go to 31 festivals/etc(#9). This one will be no problem to get through this spring and summer, since Minnesota is chalk full of festivals, fairs, and parades during the warmer months. I have a fun new idea for my 31 pieces art(#5) now, so after I get paid, I will be gathering supplies to work on the pieces over the next few weeks (I will take tons of pictures). I am pretty excited about it. Amy and I start our first community ed class at the end of the month (#86… though I will have 2 more to take after this one). All the lakes are frozen now, because it is freakin’ bone chilling here right now, so hopefully I can make a few of my peeps go ice skating with me in the next 2 weekends at Lake of the Isles(#67).
I have lost 4 lbs. so far of my 31 goal (#13). All this picture taking has set me into high gear (totally chubby…it’s not cute). I joined this online thing called www.sparkpeople.com. It’s pretty cool and it keeps track of everything workouts/food and you can get great workout tips. We’ll see how long I can keep up with it, but so far so great! Don’t worry this is not going to turn into one of those watch me lose weight blogs. It just happens to be one of the many goals I am working on over the next few months. I’m not going to get all Valerie Bertinelli on you
I am currently obsessed with the Harry Potter books (part of #1…this is probably my easiest goal). Ryan and I are both currently devouring them. I can’t wait to watch the movies now! I am also reading the Wind-up Bird Chronicles by Murakami. My friend Kelly (who also turned me on to Murakami’s novels) just gave me The World Without Us by Weisman (I know… there is a pun in there). She says it’s awesome, and I will begin that when I am laid up at home after surgery to become a cyborg . I bought Catch 22 on my last Half Price Book trip when I was on the hunt for cheap Harry Potter books. I feel kinda silly for not having already read it, since it is suppose to be one of those books everyone has read. That is the book update.
Scientology is goofy and a bit condescending, by the way. I don’t want to learn anymore about it (part of #95). I have read enough about it to say with confidence that it is nutty! Yes, Tom and woman from that King of Queen’s show, your religion is total and complete craziness. I thought before reading that book that I would really go all out just for the fun of it, and do that test they try to sucker people in with… but no… they scare me!
Happy New Year to anyone/everyone that has read this! And read the Harry Potter books if you haven’t already, because they are totally fun… though it seems Ryan, myself, and my co-worker Michelle, are the only ones in the universe that haven’t read them yet.
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