101 in 1001

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.

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.

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.

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!