#49: The Twelve Days of Christmas – I’m Workin’ On It.

November 16, 2009 at 2:11 pm · Filed under 101 Things, Random Things, Special Events

Every year mid-December I start getting a little excited – not just because I love Christmas (BECAUSE I DO! OH! I LOVE CHRISTMAS!) but because we do the Twelve Days of Christmas in my house. My husband started it a few years ago, getting me a gift each day before Christmas and we’ve now adapted it so pretty much everyone is getting small gifts for twelve days before Christmas.

And when I say small gifts, I mean it. We’re not trying to break the bank, we just have fun giving each other silly things that will make the recipient smile. I love getting Tic Tacs and cans of soup and candy canes and gum and giftcards to Starbucks. The point is that it’s better to give than receive – and so this year, I want to give the Twelve Days of Christmas to someone else.

This is where you come in.

But why? you ask. Surely you have friends and family you could do this for locally, that wouldn’t involve sending a package out of state and asking the internet if they want presents.

Well, yes. I do.

But the thing is… HOW WOULD I CHOOSE? I mean, if I did it for my sister, my brother might get his feelings hurt. I’d love to do it for my best friend – but would my other friends feel left out? GAH. It becomes this thing where I really just want it to be fun! For the recipient… and for me.

So here’s the deal, if you think you might wanna get twelve days of gifts, LEAVE A COMMENT. This is not a sponsored blog post – I don’t have companies lining up to give me stuff to give you. This is stuff that’s gonna come from ME and I’ll send it to you (continental U.S. people only, please – for the sake of shipping). On Thanksgiving at some point, I’ll randomly select the recipient of my holiday-gift-giving love. If your name is selected, I’ll let you know. And then. AND THEN? Gifts. In. The. Mail.

Twelve gifts.

So, as a getting to know you thing (which will help if your name is chosen) when you leave your comment let me know a few things:

1) What’s your favorite way to spend a few extra bucks?
2) What’s your favorite color?
3) And anything else you think I should know…

Okay, ready, set…. GO.

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Monthly Update: October 2009

November 1, 2009 at 4:28 pm · Filed under 101 Things, Monthly Updates

Wow, I feel like I was pretty productive this month. I read A LOT of books, including two “classics” (but not “Count of Monte Cristo” which found a new home in October. I won’t miss it).

Always a sporadic flosser, I made it a habit in October – flossing EVERY day (Item #19). I found ways to make it easy and now, to not floss would just be WEIRD. Sometimes, I floss my teeth at red lights while I’m driving. I don’t think there’s anything remotely attractive about it, but then again, I don’t think there’s anything attractive about gingivitis either.

Of COURSE I took my coffee mug with me at least once this month (#39: Oh, and why aren’t I doing that more often?). I’m in the process of making a mix cd (The theme? Coming of age. It’s all stuff from my high school years – so we’re looking at 1990 – 1994. Yeah. Talk about a trip in the way back machine). I organized all my recipes (#75 – and uh, that probably deserves a post of its own, because holy cow – that was a HUGE undertaking!).

What’s next on my agenda? Well, I’m still reading a lot. I’m about to start scrapbooking my oldest daughter’s portraits into a book – and by scrapbooking I mean, one picture, one page – no funky embellishments or stickers. Soon I’ll announce my plans for my 12 days of Christmas list item (and you’ll probably want to read about it because it involves presents and maybe YOU).

A friend sent me a recipe for what she tells me is a pretty awesome mojito, but now the weather is getting cold – I may be a kooky-crazy girl and try it out in November, even if that’s not really my favorite mojito time of year.

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I’m Finally Reading Vonnegut

October 20, 2009 at 9:06 pm · Filed under 101 Things, Reading & Writing

As I type this, “The Count of Monte Cristo” is in an envelope traveling media mail to a much better home than I could have ever provided for it. I couldn’t love or understand it quite like it needed. I couldn’t accept it for what it is. I was not a good book-owner, and fortunately, I have found a lovely new home for it.

And in its stead, I’ve started reading Kurt Vonnegut’s “Slaughterhouse-Five.” Nope, I’ve never read this or any book by Vonnegut before.

I find this kind of frustrating, actually, this reading of classics. To find that there are so many books out there that I haven’t read – and it’s not entirely that I haven’t wanted to. I mean, where were the teachers who were supposed to make me read these books? On one hand, I read a lot of books – and during the banned book week, I was surprised to find that many of the books I read in my American Lit class were on that list. In that respect, I’m shocked that those were a part of my school’s curriculum, but I’m glad to have read those.

But then people quote books or talk about their beloved favorites and in my head I’m saying, “Hmmm. Never read that. Or that. OR THAT.”

So, here I am with “Slaughterhouse-Five”. Page 38. In less than 24 hours, I’ve gotten further than I did in ten months with TCOMC.  I think I made the right choice.

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In Progress: Gettin’ My Floss On

October 11, 2009 at 4:17 pm · Filed under 101 Things, Health & Body

Confession: I am a sporadic flosser.

I brush my teeth several times a day. I am fanatical about getting to my six-month dental appointments. I only chew sugarless gum.

But when it comes to flossing? It’s some sort of mental block that keeps me from making it a regular “thing”. I do it occasionally. Apparently, I floss enough that I don’t have gum disease and my dentist hasn’t yelled at me – but come on. How hard can it be to adopt it as part of my routine? Just as I now remember sunblock daily, I should remember to floss, right?

So, here I am.

I’ve remembered to floss the past ten days. Twenty-one more to go til I have this one crossed off my list (and hopefully somehow etched in my brain to make it HABIT).

Wish me luck.

(Also, Glide floss is the best. It doesn’t get stuck between your teeth and it’s a very nice mint flavor. You’re welcome).

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September 2009: Monthly Update

October 1, 2009 at 2:29 pm · Filed under 101 Things, Monthly Updates

Whoa nelly, y’all. Can you believe ANOTHER month is over? I’ve been at this list for 9 months now, and I’m makin’ some headway in getting things accomplished. In September, I read 11 books. E*L*E*V*E*N. I can’t believe it, either (and seriously: “South of Broad” by Pat Conroy? Best I’ve read in awhile. Check it out).

I’ve gotten about halfway through the 50 states with my state map postcards (I got #26 the other day… I think. I have to look at the list and update it). Got my summer pedi at the beginning of the month (I’m getting the fall pedi tomorrow – yay for weddings! My sis is getting hitched this weekend and she is insisting on taking the wedding party for mani/pedi’s. FAR BE IT FROM ME to say no).

This month, I paid it forward to a friend of mine. A few Saturdays ago, she had posted on Facebook that her daughters were bummed about not getting donuts for breakfast. Luckily the “Donut Fairy” was at the store picking up donuts for her own daughters. The Donut Fairy left a box of donuts on their front porch for them to find later. That was fun – but I made it clear to my OWN daughters – there really IS no Donut Fairy.

I’m starting to get worried about item #36 (two concerts of my choice per year) – I’ve been to one – but so far haven’t seen anything else coming to the area that I want to see. If there is going to be one thing I might not be able to accomplish on the 101 list, I’m afraid that might be it. *POUT*

I made an awesome book of my 365 photos through Shutterfly this month (Item #46, CHECK). It came out so beautifully – I was very VERY pleased with the end product).

I’m in the midst of reading another classic, “To Kill A Mockingbird”. I regret to inform you that “The Count of Monte Cristo” is a lost cause. I cannot, will not do that to myself. I tried. I really really tried. Currently, I’m using the book as a fly swatter/mosquito crusher.

I also started organizing my recipes (#75) – I’m very nearly done. Did you know that I have more cheesecake recipes than ANYTHING else? If you’re surprised, you shouldn’t be. I looooove cheesecake.

That wraps up September. Not sure what October will bring… But you know I’ll keep you posted.

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#2: Complete 365 Project

September 1, 2009 at 8:29 pm · Filed under 101 Things, Random Things ·Tagged ,

On September 1, 2008, I ventured out with my camera on a still dark morning trying to find what might be my first “capture” of my journey with Envisage 365. I remember the joy of getting a beautiful shot of the morning sky, and I remember like a whirlwind the 364 days that followed.

The year was filled with trips to Starbucks, days spent in the hospital while my grandfather was in ICU for his heart problems and surgery, days spent with my children outside, days spent with my children inside, days when the only thing I did worth taking a picture of was curling on the sofa with a book.

But every day and every moment combined to make a beautiful reminder of my life – of the moments big and small – of my life, and the people in it. Things I might not have remembered without this reminder: The big dog waiting at the Starbucks drivethru, that election day coincided with the first day of the gingerbread lattes for the season, or how I ate damn near a whole bag of candy conversation hearts (BY FAR, the best part of Valentines Day).

This year also taught me that I really enjoy taking pictures. I don’t know that I’d call what I do photography, but I have definitely noticed the way I look at things has changed. My eye for a good shot has improved – and I really am enjoying myself. Someday I may even buy myself a grown up camera.

SarahTwo_365of365

So, with that – yesterday was the end of my year.

And today? Today begins a new year.

What? Did you think I was going to quit? NO. WAY.

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July 2009 Update

August 1, 2009 at 3:17 pm · Filed under 101 Things, Monthly Updates

How is it possible that I went to Chicago again without visiting the way up high tippy-top part of the Hancock building for a drink? I’ve now been several times since the beginning of this project and have not yet managed to get there – BUT I WILL. (I’m starting to suspect I’m going to have to make a trip SPECIFICALLY for this purpose because I can’t seem to get myself together to do it otherwise).

July wasn’t a very productive month, though I suppose maybe a smidge more productive than June. I definitely made more progress in that whole book reading thing in July (though seriously, I slow way down in summer. A lot. Who knew?).

I went to the derm for my mole check (hated every minute of it, thanks! But I’m just fine). I’m still remembering to take in my reusable mug. Still putting notes in library books (it’s really my favorite part of it all. I love that part SO much). Still sending cards or postcards or letters monthly (Love that part too – because getting cards and postcards back? That is AWESOME).

There are still so many things I want to do for my project. I need to get cracking on reading the classics (Count of Monte Cristo? I’m giving it two very bored thumbs down. I have “To Kill A Mockingbird” waiting in the wings, but I may need to give “The Count” the boot. I don’t know if I can stand it).

I still need to memorize a poem, but which one. I have many I love – but wonder which one I should choose (my favorite is one by Pablo Neruda – but really don’t know if I want to go for mush right now!). I don’t question my ability to memorize something – I still have bits and pieces of a poem I memorized in eight grade floating around in my head (the first line “I wandered lonely as a cloud…” – if you comment with the poem and the author, I’ll send you… Something. GO!). Any poem suggestions for me to memorize?

I think once summer settles down, I’ll start getting more things done. I would love to start planning trips to visit two states I’ve never been before – that’s about 55-60% of the country, so, shouldn’t be too hard to find someplace new to go – but… where?

Hope your July was awesome – hope if you have a list going, that it’s coming along as well.

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Update – June 2009

July 5, 2009 at 3:06 pm · Filed under 101 Things, Monthly Updates

Wow, I can’t believe six months of this project are over – especially because June felt like a major slow down for me – especially as far as reading went. School’s out, the kids are home and I’m a cruise director most days, steering them from one activity to another and trying to fight off the evil monster of boredom.

In June, I finished my list of 101 Things that Make Me Happy.  Also, on the list front I completed the list of 43 Things I Like About Myself (this one was difficult, but I did it – it was a tremendous accomplishment for me. Those who know me understand how I can truly be so thrilled about this).

I finally got a post office box set up and am ready to receive state map postcards (check out my list - if you live in a state from which I don’t yet have a postcard and want to send one, I’d LOVE IT! Also, if you want to just send regular postcards, I’d like that too! Mail is fun!). You can comment or connect with me via Twitter, and I’ll let you know how you can send me mail.

Y’all know I finally walked the marathon in June. VERY exciting, and I’m fairly sure I’m going to do it again next year. I was walking with such an awesome group – I’d love to join them again next year… but, I am also debating the location. How awesome would it be to walk in DC or Boston or one of the other locales? Might be pretty cool to try again somewhere new. (And going to DC again? It’s #93 on my list).

I went to a movie by myself in June. Being by myself? Awesome. The movie? Meh. Oh well. Can’t win ‘em all.

July should be another slow month - but maybe I’ll pick up a few more books and get a few more pages read. June crushed my average!

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#1: 101 Things That Make Me Happy

June 28, 2009 at 10:38 am · Filed under 101 Things, Lists

Another task accomplished.

I’ve been working on this list from the beginning – my list of 101 Things that Make me Happy. It’s random, there is no method to my madness really and though a lot of the items on my list are things rest assured, I find happiness in many places, many ways – and the best part of this list was that it forced me to take stock of some of the things I normally take for granted.

So, check it out, if you wish. And if you want to make me really happy, you’ll leave me a comment telling me what random things make YOU happy. Because comments and random are fun.

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#101: Water Balloon Fight!

June 27, 2009 at 8:27 pm · Filed under 101 Things, Kid Stuff, Random Things

SarahTwo_299of365

The thing about summer that makes me crazy is that I am a mom who works from home. During the school year, my oldest daughter goes to school full time, and my youngest is in preschool/daycare two full days a week, which means that I have two pretty good chunks of uninterrupted time to get work done – and then I’m easily able to fill in the extra time I need to do work around my three year old’s naps.

During the summer? Not so much. I have struggled to find the balance and there are days when you have to throw your hands up in the air and say, “Screw balance!” and just have fun.

Yesterday was that day.

I took the girls out for donuts for breakfast (I did coffee and a bagel – random Sarah confession – there is really only ONE kind of donut I like. One. And if that is an option, it is SO hard to resist – but any other kind of donut? I will happily walk away from it, turning up my nose and being all, “Ewwwww. Donuts.” Yeah, I’m weird). We got back in the car and I had no idea where I was intending to go. I just started driving. Then an idea popped into my head…

Water balloons.

I went to the grocery store, picked up TWO packs of 150 balloons. The girls were so freaking excited that Seven walked RIGHT INTO  A LAMP POST because she was looking at the balloons while walking back to the car. She’s fine now, don’t worry.

Filling up the balloons was a gigantic pain in the butt – I had kind of anticipated that the handy little jobby-doo they give you with the balloons would fit over the kitchen faucet – but it didn’t. Outside we went.

Three hundred balloons? Just so you know? You DO NOT NEED 300 balloons. For anything. Ever.

Also, orange balloons pop more than any other color.

After a long extended time filling them up, we had our fight [I'm still working on editing the video which I'll eventually post here or via YouTube] – and first of all – those suckers can HURT. Second of all, I think there was too much air in the balloons  somehow (from the hose? I have no idea), because those suckers BOUNCED.

So, was it the event I pictured in my head? Nope, not really. (Also, I must have been wearing a target on my crotch – took several hits to the crotchal region. Thanks, kids). We had a fun time though, and for a day, I was able to just let go and be silly.

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