A Synopsis of My First 101 in 1001

Well, that deadline went whooshing by. :)

Just last week, my 1001 days were up to complete my 101 tasks, and it has been an awesome experience. I'm a big fan of lists as it is, and to be able to look back over the list, and remember meeting the goals is a neat digital keepsake. Of course, tons of things didn't get done. I have yet to sew a dress or plant a tree, but several of the things I didn't get done were replaced by experiences I wouldn't replace. And the ones I did do were even better.

I didn't just graduate high school... I'm a month away from graduating university.

I didn't just apply to work at Pine Cove... I spent five intense, exhausting weeks as a Baby Ruth.

I didn't learn basic Latin... but I learned enough Classical Hebrew to read unedited Old Testament text.

I didn't read Brothers Karamazov... but I read Anna Karenina and 54+ other books.

Each of these experiences have a story with them. And even though my list has a 37% success rate, I'm going to do it again. Something I found was that, over time, my goals changed. And you know what? I was fine with that. I don't have to meet all of my goals, but at least I can try, right? This list has been a trial run of sorts, to see what makes a good long term goal and what doesn't.

So stay posted. I'll be compiling a new list, and hopefully have it up before my graduation!

Two Year Overview

You know it's bad when your own mother, who you call every day at 10:30 sharp says "you haven't been updating your blog recently." Either I need to start calling her more, or updating.

The truth is, I've had an emotionally taxing couple of weeks, and now finals are upon me.

Something I have noticed recently, when looking at my 101 in 1001 list, is how much I've changed in the last, approximately 650 days. Sure, that's two years, but it's interesting how much my life plans have changed and new opportunities have been brought to light. The funniest, I feel, is my goal to graduate high school in 2009. Not only will I have graduated high school in the 1001 days, but will be about a month away from my bachelor's degree at the end. :)

It's looking more and more like Latin is not going to happen, but that's fine. I took a logic course instead (I wanted some classical education) and really enjoyed it. Also, I'll be taking a course on Shakespeare, and reading more Tolstoy that I can fathom next year. Overall, I've enjoyed university so far. I'm really really excited about my Number Theory and two Game Theory courses next year, but that's just the inner math nerd in me.

The photography goals have basically been shot, but I do still enjoy venturing out with my camera. I just feel awkward taking pictures of people who I don't know because I'm worried that they'll think I'm creepy, and of people I do know, because they think I'm annoying. So that restricts the pictures to general landscapes or still life, which is fine. But I have also learned to knit and really really enjoy geocaching, and those things aren't expressed on the list at all.

I also need to work on organizing, but that was obvious before this list was created. That being said though, I have coped really well with having my own place away from home, and managing my school work. I think I just try to fit my work into methods that other people use, but don't have the motivation to do so because my own twisted ways work. For example, I have my planner, and a dry erase board in my room with a running to-do list. I own more books than I need, but all of them I either really like, or haven't read yet (but plan to), or feel like I will use them in the future (think homeschooling). In any case, the shelf in Calgary is all alphabetized, and the one in Halifax is sorted by topic.

I will reveal that the personal: dsumrwm is code (hah) for "don't screw up my relationship with Matthew". Again, I have to admit that early on in our relationship, I was concerned my past track-record was dismal (and it was). I figured I would do or say something stupid or hurtful, and that would be that. I probably have said stupid and hurtful things at some point or another, but he's been gracious and we've grown so much over the last two years. We actually had our third "anniversary" (complicated reasoning there) on Sunday, and it was incredible to look back. Long distance relationships aren't easy, but in some ways, I almost thing they're better if you can't get married anytime soon. They force you to take things slower and talk through a lot more. And it's not like we never see each other. So that's been awesome. In any case, I think it's safe at this point to say that's completed. I have overcome that fear, and things are looking very interesting in the next 360 days, much less thirty years.

Bible reading is also going well. I am in Romans now, and I have found that the bus is the best time to include that reading. Most mornings (with the exception of some Tuesday and Thursday mornings, for some reason) I pull out my little pouch as soon as I manage to make my way to a vacant seat, and get a couple chapters read. If I've had an exhausting day, but it's not really late (again, not sure why, but if it's dark, I just feel like staring out the window) I read another couple chapters on the way home. It's not like I have much better to do for my daily hour commute, and it's a wonderful way to start and wrap up the day. I will likely finish Revelation by the end of May, and then it's back to Genesis. I'm really enjoying it. And I'm taking a history of ancient Israel course next fall, so that will probably include some Old Testament readings.

The memorization isn't going as well, but I found a great scripture memory list that I'm working on, and I actually got one nailed down last week. This week is Psalm 16:11.

Anyway, so much for me studying tonight. I have continued my mentality of "If God wants me here, there's no way I'll fail out, and if he doesn't, there's no way I can pass." Not that I've been slacking off. I just don't take exams too hard, and the theory has served me well so far. Everything's lined up to graduate in approximately 350 days. I should start a real countdown... I should get some sleep though... I do love my sleep. That hasn't changed in two years. :)

Reasoning: Organization

Make a list of the "vital items" in my life
Donate the rest - These items are to reduce my clutterbug clutter, and to give it to people who need it

Do this again 3 months later - I have a way of thinking I'll use something, but a year later I still haven't. This will eliminate those items.

Make CDs for all my pictures and file them - Partially for organization, and partially because my computer's C drive is nearly full. Eek!

Reorganize emergency evacuation box - I've had to use it before, and I haven't updated it since we evacuated for Rita.

Create a laminated, wallet sized version of this list - So I have it with me.

Schedule all these goals - So I don't procrastinate.

[Private: FOMMBACDD] (0/30)

Reasoning: Health

Drink only water for 2 months (except the weekly tea)(0/61) - I get dehydrated really easily and need to drink more water. The problem is, I don't. This will make me, because I have nothing else to drink!

Go on a 20 minute walk each day for a week (0/7) - Part of this is physical health, but really, a 20 minute walk won't do much. I plan do do this after school one week for mental health, to just unwind.

Reach weight goal (aka loose 11 lbs) - I don't think I'm fat or anything, but I think I could be healthier. I also realise that muscle weighs more, so if I get inspired to become fit, but can't get down 11 lbs, I'd consider this accomplished.

Intentionally take the stairs rather than the elevator >5 stories (up and down) - Fitness

Bike through GBP 3 times (0/3) - Fitness (GBP stands for George Bush Park, which I really like)

Have a cup of tea once a week (3/33) - relax

Get wisdom teeth removed - Needs to be done, unfortunately. The ETA is January/ February '09

Wear retainer every day for 3 months (0/92) - Should be done. My retainer wear is disgraceful.

Reasoning: For Myself

Grow my hair out long for the 1001 days, and only cut to trim - I like my hair short, but I really miss it and being able to do fun things with it.

French braid my own hair - Usually when I want my hair French braided, I have to get my mom to do it. I'd lik to know that I have the abiliy to do it myself. However, I have to wait till it's longer now.

[Personal: dsumrwm] - I put these three personal ones on here because they are things I want to do, but since this is a public blog, they're also things I don't really want to share with the world. I do know what they mean though, haha. Don't worry.

Fly a kite - I've flown kites before, though I don't remember how successfully. Again, just something I want to make a point of doing.

Complete a 1000 piece puzzle - My family did a lot of puzzles when I was little, probably because my mom's family does a lot of puzzles. I enjoy them, but haven't done it for a while. I got a pretty one, and it's almost done, so when it is I'll post pictures.

[Personal: malotfmhcact]- This could go under organization too.

Go to a prayer room for an hour- I've been to a couple different prayer rooms and it's amazing the calmness in them. It's a wonderful opportunity to grow closer to God, and I want to make a point to do that.

[Personal: fabtf]- Because I need to. And it's done anyway, so...

Reasoning: For Others

Give Blood - We've heard in classes how much blood a person in sugery could need. I think I'm type O or type A (IaIo) if you go by my parent's types and genetics, so a lot of people could use mine.

Pay for the person behind me in the drive through line - I saw a newsclip where someone did that, and it went on for hours and hours. Wouldn't it be neat to start something like that? Now I just have to find a drivethrough Starbucks.

Buy someone flowers - They're so cheery! I know who I'm buying them for and when, but I can't put that on here since they read this. It's going to be a thank you.

Plant a tree - I did a research project on deforestation this year. The stats are bad. The world needs more trees.

Take Ziggy to the Children's Hospital 5 times (0/5) - My dogs are both therapy certified, but we don't use it. What a shame! They'll be happier for getting out, and some kid could be happier for seeing them.

Cook dinner for both sets of grandparents (0/2) - I appreciate all that they do for me, and it's the least I can do.

Put change in someone's expired meter - I saw this on someone else's and thought it was neat.

Handwrite and mail 1 letter a month for 2010 (0/12) - I love getting handwritten letters, but it is rather selfish to constantly recieve without giving back, isn't it?

Make a family member breakfast in bed - We have an awesome cookbook of breakfast dishes, and I want to practice one out. I remember for years, we would get breakfast in bed on our birthdays and I loved it. It'd be nice to make someone it.

Attend one of Aneca's basketball games and Kim's swim meets (0/2) - I really stink at making time to notice other's accomplishments. I don't think I've ever attended one of my friend's sporting events (not that many of my Texas friends are the sporting type). It would be nice to show my support.

Reasoning: Art

Take one photo each day of 2009 and make an album of them (0/365) - Work on my photography skills and artistic eye

Do the Alphabet Photo Challenge (0/26) - More artistic eye than photography skills

Do the 100 Snapshots Challenge (0/100) - I was looking for yet another challenge relating to photography and stumbled upon this one.

Sew a dress - My mom wants to teach me before I start college, and I really want to learn. And I really want a new dress that costs less than $80. I've already found the pattern, and we'll probably start in August.

Make a dishes set at the Harry Potter - The Harry Potter is this pottery studio in Katy, Texas. I went there once with my friends and made a mug. Unfortunately, the method of color they use is glaze, which looks beautiful if done properly, but is a little complex. I learned how to use glaze in my 8th grade art class, later that year. I want to make a better set.

Finish my quilt - A finish what I have started project. I'm done the front, but we're short on fabric for the back, so I'm going to have to be creative. The problem is that I'm somewhat frustrated at myself for measuring wrong in the first place, and can't bring myself to be creative till I get over that.

Create a Tshirt quilt and start a WR quilt (0/2) - I have a bunch of tshirts set aside from various clubs and school activities I've been in, and a tshirt quilt pattern. As for the wedding ring quilt, I really like the pattern and it's definitely a challenge- just google search wedding ring quilt and you'll see all the fancy curves (I'm used to sewing straight).

Embroider six pillowcases (3 sets of 2) (0/6) -I love hand embroidery, and have some really cute pillow cases that my dad made when he was younger. I want to make some as well.

Make a paper crane mobile and give it to someone as a baby shower gift - I read a book once about the Chinese belief in paper cranes, and how 100 will bring good luck (or something like that). I'm not sure if I believe that, but they look pretty, and it'd be a nice homemade gift.

Attend a school play - The play that my current high school is doing next year is a musical that I've never seen before, but want to. This will urge me to go, hopefully.

Frame 10 pictures and display them (0/10) - I don't have many pictures hanging, just on my dresser. I think if I had 10, I'd have to hang some of them.

Press flowers - Something I did as a child. It sort of immortalizes them.

Make my grad scrapbook - I have a load of cirtificuits in a storage bin under my bed. They need a better display.

Preform on the piano for >10 people at once - Basically, this means a recital (even a small one) which is scary. Eeek. But it would be nice to have one.

Embroider a table cloth - The one we have on our table now was made by a past relative (great aunt, or something). It doesn't fit right, so we need a new one, but I like the style of it.

Puzzle: Completed

Recently, I stopped in the local Toys R' Us. After being dismayed that they didn't carry Dutch Blitz (what I had come for) I wandered over to the puzzles to pick one out. There were some challenging ones: a cat next to a stucco wall, a bird walking along the beach, the New York skyline. I decided on a field of black-eyed susans with a rock wall. I know, call me crazy. There's lots of yellow, green, and rock-color. However, I learned some important things while consturcting this puzzle. First, my cat likes to play with (move, chew, hide) puzzle pices. Next, my mom gets very excited when she gets a piece, and has her own special sucess yell. Lastly, don't judge a puzzle by its cover; the box had cropped a good couple inches off the bottom of the picture, leaving part of the brick wall rather challenging. All in all, definitely worth it!

Some Kiki damage:

Finished product:

-Written June 27, 2008

Reasoning: Education

This section was the easiest for me to come up with items.

Graduate in 2009 :) - This is sort of a gimme. I do plan on graduating.

Apply to U of C, HBU, and Rice - The interesting one here is Rice. I have little doubt I'll get into U of C and HBU, but Rice? My Mom is worried that sometimes I don't try things because I may fail, and because I don't do that often, it's a deterrent. The problem with that is I don't know my far limits. So, I'm applying to Rice.

Complete my Freshman year of university with marks I'm proud of - So I don't slack off for the first year. I also plan on completing my Sophomore, Junior, and Senior year with good marks, but that does not fall within the 1001 days

Take a cooking class - My mom loves cooking classes, and wants to do one with me. I think it'd be fun.

Learn basic Latin - Not gonna lie, I think it'd be fun to speak a dead language. Haha.

Learn how to drive a manual transmission - I like to drive, so I might as well learn all the aspects to it. Plus, it's pretty much all they have in some parts of Europe.

Learn how to speed read (ie, finish speed reading book and speed read one novel) - My dad and I were going to take a speed reading course, but never got around to it. Then I bought a book, and just need to finish it. I think it'll help me in school.

Make a well educated vote - Part of being a good citizen. Plus, I'll be turning 18, and duel citizenship has it's advantages.

Learn how to properly shoot a gun - I've shot guns before. It's not that hard, just line up the sites and pull. It's more about spending quality time with my dad.

Learn how to change a tire - This one's for safety. For some reason, I frequently fear a flat tire. I don't know if you'd call it a phobia or what, but I have been known to, in the middle of my trip, have to pull over and check tires. Scariest part is, I don't know how to change them. Hopefully, this will change soon.

Pick a topic, totally immerse myself, and write a paper - I spent some time in the U of C library one day (pretending to be a student and looking very nonchalant, of course), and that place is FASCINATING. At the time, I was doing research for an English project, but I think it would be neat to research a topic of my choice.

Take the photography class offered at school in Fall '08 - It seems really interesting- it's all old film cameras and black room developing. The challenging part is going to be getting to school early, every day, but I think I'll learn a lot from it.

Reasoning Intro

I was reading Rae's 101/1001 list, and she made a very good point; part of the list is the reasoning for choosing the items. Since I haven't gotten any requests to write about other things during my holidays, I'm going to take the time to write about this. They will be posted while I'm on vacation, though hopefully I'll squeeze in another post or two before then. Enjoy.

101 goals in 1001 days

It seems fitting for my final day of grade 11.
See http://triplux.stilljournal.com/dayzero/

Start Day: June 11th, 2008
End Day: March 9rd, 2011

To be accoplished

Accomplishing

Accomplished


Education (8/12)
Graduate in 2009 :)
Apply to U of C, HBU, and Dalhousie
Complete my Freshman year of university with marks I'm proud of
Take a cooking class
Learn basic Latin
Learn how to drive a manual transmition
Learn how to speed read (ie, finish speed reading book and speed read one novel)
Make a well educated vote
Learn how to properly shoot a gun
Learn how to change a tire
Pick a topic, totally immerse myself, and write a paper
Take the photography class offered at school in Fall '08

Art (5/15)
Take one photo each day of 2009 and make an album of them (0/365)
Do the Alphabet Photo Challenge (1/26)[Done: x]
Do the 100 Snapshots Challenge (4/100)
Sew a dress
Make a dishes set at the Harry Potter
Finish my quilt
Create a Tshirt quilt and start a WR quilt (0/2)
Embroider six pillowcases (3 sets of 2) (0/6) {Edit-> make a set of 7 tea towels}
Make a paper crane mobile and give it to someone as a baby shower gift
Attend a school play
Frame 10 pictures and display them (0/10)
Press flowers
Make my grad scrapbook
Preform on the piano for >10 people at once
Embroider a table cloth

For Others (4/10)
Give Blood
Pay for the person behind me in the drive through line
Buy someone flowers
Plant a tree
Take Ziggy to the Children's Hospital 5 times (0/5)
Cook dinner for both sets of grandparents (0/2)
Put change in someone's expired meter
Handwrite and mail 1 letter a month for 2010 (2/12)
Make a family member breakfast in bed
Attend one of Aneca's basketball games and Kim's swim meets (0/2)

For Myself (7/8)
Grow my hair out long for the 1001 days, and only cut to trim
French braid my own hair
[Personal: dsumrwm]
Fly a kite
Complete a 1000 piece puzzle
[Personal: malotfmhcact]
Go to a prayer room for an hour
[Personal: fabtf]

Health (2/8)
Drink only water for 2 months (except the weekly tea)(0/61)
Go on a 20 minute walk each day for a week (0/7)
Reach weight goal (aka loose 11 lbs)
Intentionally take the stairs rather than the elevator >5 stories (up and down)
Bike through GBP 3 times (2/3)
Have a cup of tea once a week (8/33)
Get wisdom teeth removed
Wear retainer every day for 3 months (0/92)

Organization (0/8)
Make a list of the "vital items" in my life
Donate the rest
Do this again 3 months later
Make CDs for all my pictures and file them
Reorganize emergency evacuation box
Create a laminated, wallet sized version of this list
Schedule all these goals
[Private: FOMMBACDD] (0/30)

Really Stretch Myself (2/6)
Submit a photo into the Calgary Stampede show
Submit a quilt into the Heritage Quilt show
Go flying with my dad
Do all my cooking for a month on one day
Compete in a Sudoku Championship
Apply for Camp Nanny and/or Baby Ruth at PC

Reading (0/6)
the Bible (finish this first time, and go through it again)
Memorize a new passage each month (1/34)
Read Scottish Chiefs for Librivox
Read Brother's Karamazov
Read Vanity Fair
Read The Chronicles of Narnia in Spanish

Travel/Nature (3/16)
Go on a real picnic
Go to a drive in theatre and watch whatever they're playing
Go to a bed and breakfast
Watch the sunrise from over downtown Calgary
Go to Devonian Gardens once it's reopened
Visit the Creation Museum by Red Deer
Go to the museum at the foot of the Sam Houston statue
Go to 8 other museums (7/8) [Done: Scottish National Museum, Royal Scottish Museum, the military museum in Edinburgh Castle, Fisheries Museum in Anstruther, Writer's Museum, Cartoon Museum, Brittish Museum]
Watch a meteor shower (Aug 11/12)
Visit Nicole's memorial 4 times (0/4)
Attend little white church next to Dad's house one Sunday
Go to King's Orchard
Go to a Flea Market
Tour 5 Universities (4/5) (University of Edinburgh, University of Calgary, Dalhousie University, University of Brittish Columbia)
Visit my Great-grandmother and Great-Grandfather's grave sites (0/2)
Go to Brazos Bend S.P's planetarium

Finances (1/3)
Save [$xxxxx] by Day 1001
Don't attend any movie in theatres (select, preplanned, exceptions allowed)
Rather, rent one movie a month for a relax night (2/33)

Random (4/9)
Beat Matthew at chess
Add 10 spoons to my spoon collection (5/10) [Wallace, Stonehenge, one Bianca has for me, Peggy's Cove, Maltnomah falls]
Complete US Quarter collection ( 40/50)
Play chess with a complete stranger at a park
Make apple butter
Wear a skirt every day for a month (0/30)
Make perogies
Attend a wedding
Attend two graduation ceremonies (0/2)

101 in 1001 Intro

On Wednesday, I have my last class! :)

For the last couple days, I have been compiling a list of 101 things I want to do in the next 1001 days. I will be starting this at noon on June 11, 2009 and it will last till March 9, 2011. The website for more information on the project is here.

If anyone's with me, let me know. My list will be posted on Wednesday at noon, and there will be a link on the side of my blog next to my reading list. I'll update it every now and then with my accomplishments.

And information on the SABC will be released as I find out more... *patience*.