Watch AFI's Top 100

Finished! 11/27/09

The other day I went through AFI's Top 100 list and added all the films I haven't seen to my Netflix list. I can't believe how many of these I actually haven't seen. I guess I better get started; this is going to take a long while. The movies I've viewed so far are in bold. Continue to follow my progress over here.

1. Citizen Kane
2. The Godfather
3. Casablanca
4. Raging Bull
5. Singin' in the Rain
6. Gone with the Wind
7. Lawrence of Arabia
8. Schindler's List
9. Vertigo
10. The Wizard of Oz
11. City Lights
12. The Searchers
13. Star Wars: Episode IV: A New Hope
14. Psycho
15. 2001: A Space Odyssey
16. Sunset Boulevard
17. The Graduate
18. The General
19. On the Waterfront
20. It's a Wonderful Life
21. Chinatown
22. Some Like it Hot
23. The Grapes of Wrath
24. E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
25. To Kill a Mockingbird
26. Mr. Smith Goes to Washington
27. High Noon
28. All About Eve
29. Double Indemnity
30. Apocalypse Now
31. The Maltese Falcon
32. The Godfather: Part II
33. One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest
34. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
35. Annie Hall
36. The Bridge on the River Kwai
37. The Best Years of Our Lives
38. The Treasure of the Sierra Madre
39. Dr. Strangelove
40. The Sound of Music
41. King Kong
42. Bonnie and Clyde
43. Midnight Cowboy
44. The Philadelphia Story
45. Shane
46. It Happened One Night
47. A Streetcar Named Desire
48. Rear Window
49. Intolerance
50. Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
51. West Side Story
52. Taxi Driver
53. The Deer Hunter
54. MASH
55. North by Northwest
56. Jaws
57. Rocky
58. The Gold Rush
59. Nashville
60. Duck Soup
61. Sullivan's Travels
62. American Graffiti
63. Cabaret
64. Network
65. The African Queen
66. Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark
67. Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?
68. Unforgiven
69. Tootsie
70. A Clockwork Orange
71. Saving Private Ryan
72. The Shawshank Redemption
73. Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid
74. Silence of the Lambs
75. In the Heat of the Night
76. Forrest Gump
77. All the President's Men
78. Modern Times
79. The Wild Bunch
80. The Apartment
81. Spartacus
82. Sunrise
83. Titanic
84. Easy Rider
85. Blade Runner
86. A Night at the Opera
87. Platoon
88. 12 Angry Men
89. Bringing Up Baby
90. The Sixth Sense
91. Swing Time
92. Sophie's Choice
93. GoodFellas
94. The French Connection
95. Pulp Fiction
96. The Last Picture Show
97. Do the Right Thing
98. Yankee Doodle Dandy
99. Ben-Hur
100. Toy Story

Finished Goals: 48/101
Days Left: 687

Finish Every Gig in Rock Band 2

This goal was a mix of fun, frustration, challenge, and time consumption. When I first started, I didn't realize that the game forces you to play at increasingly difficult levels. I thought the whole time I could choose my level of difficulty per gig. Alas, some of the player's free will is taken as you move through the game. The better you play on the easier levels, the more the game pushes you to move to the next level, and once you do so, you can't really go back. This meant that on some of the most difficult songs, I was only given the option of playing on "Hard." And so I procrastinated a little on those. Finally, I summoned up the motivation and plowed through.

And then I hit the "Endless Playlist 2" challenge. Aw, crap. This gig is 84 songs straight. That's right, 84 songs with no break and no way stop and save the game. This gig took me 7 hours! I'm not even sure how I managed to get through it all. Needless to say, I was exhausted once it was done. And grateful. And maybe a little embarrassed that I just spent 7 straight hours playing a video game...

Finished Goals: 42/101
Days Left: 726

Crochet Myself a Sweater

I finally finished. I started this little gem a long time ago, but put it aside because I came upon a difficult direction in the pattern, and I needed some help. I eventually made my way over to Depth of Field at Cedar and Riverside, and they cleared it all up for me.

Considering that this is one of the more difficult patterns in the book I've been working from, I think the other projects I want to tackle in it should be pretty smooth sailing.

Finished Goals: 36/101
Days Left: 815

Complete 101 Postcrossings

Today my 101st postcard was registered on postcrossing.com. It took about 6 months. Not too shabby, if I do say so myself.

It's been really fun, actually. I think I'm going to continue doing it. I've gotten a lot of beautiful postcards from all over the world. Now all I need is better storage for them. I've been keeping them in a shoebox.

Finished Goals: 35/101
Days Left: 830

Sell Buffet

This is a piece of furniture my grandfather gave to me a few years ago when I bought my first house. It was something he had in storage for a very long time, and the purchase of my house and his need to clean out his storage apartment (yes, apartment!) happened to coincide.

Quite honestly, I've never particularly cared for it, as I don't think it fits with my decorating style. I used it for a while to store my china (which I never use), but when I moved in with Rich, I boxed it all up, and it seemed just as easy to leave it stored in the boxes.

So, needless to say, it was time to get rid of it. Rich and I tried advertising it on Craigslist to no avail. One day I mentioned it at work, and one of the girls decided she wanted it. After scheduling and rescheduling, she finally came and got it today in the rain. I have to admit that I have mixed emotions seeing it go. On the one hand I'm glad to unload it as we didn't really have the room for it in our humble abode, and I feel good knowing it went to a good home, but on the other hand, I feel a little guilty too. I'm sure once I fully take on the task of cleaning/organizing and decorating the room it was in, that feeling will dissipate quickly.

Finished Goals: 30/101
Days Left: 901

Collect a Complete Set of US State Quarters

Finished! 4/15/09

Today I went through all of my loose change to see which state quarters I already have. Obviously this will be an ongoing goal for quite some time. I sincerely hope to finish it before the 1001 days are up. States in my possession are in bold. You can continue to follow my progress over here.






Alabama
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Vermont
Virginia
Washington
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming
Finished Goals: 29/101
Days Left: 911

File 2008 Taxes

Finally! What a relief! I have to admit that the task was daunting. As a matter of fact, I felt it hanging over my head like a big, black, scary cloud since January 1st.

I'm not really sure why I felt so weighed down by the thought of getting everything ready. I suppose because I started a new business. Perhaps it's because I'm changing accountants. Maybe it's because I got married. Or it could be because I had some changes in my stock portfolio. Yeah, I think all of those things could be it.

I think next year will be a lot easier. Obviously, I won't have all of the issues I had in 2008. Plus, I learned so much from the mistakes I made this year, and I also know what worked really well for me. And, probably most importantly, I bought Quick Books, and am getting organized on that. So next year when it comes time to ship everything off to our accountant, I just have to send the file.

Finished Goals: 27/101
Days Left: 919

See Something at IMAX

Finished Goals: 26/101
Days Left: 929

List Update III: Small Accomplishments

There are a few small items on this list I have recently crossed off that I didn't think deserved individual posts, and so I decided that now is as good a time as any to provide a quick summary of them:

• 49. Finish entire To Do list once 3/16/09
• 55. Teach Zak how to properly load the dishwasher 2/1/09
• 63. Keep car clean for a month 3/2/09
• 65. Keep closet clean for a month 3/19/09
• 77. Submit a sentence to One Sentence 1/22/09
• 79. Submit 3 Overheards (3/3) 1/24/09 3/16/09 3/19/09
• 101. Pick up a stranger's tab 3/16/09

Also, I decided to wait on The 26 Things Project. While it is true that I don't know when the next list will be published, I just wasn't making time for nor was I enjoying it this time around. It seems silly to do it just to cross off my list when I still have well over 900 days left. I'm sure there will be at least one other opportunity during that time at some point.

Finished Goals: 25/101
Days Left: 938

Make 3 Scarves for Knit Your Bit

Today I finished the last of my three scarves for Knit Your Bit. The reasons why I chose to make three are because one or two just didn't seem like enough, and the project has been going on now for three years. It seemed like just the right fit.

Originally, I downloaded the patterns they had available on the site, but after doing the first one, I decided to look for another pattern to use instead of the other two I got from them. I found one I really liked, and so I used it for both of the other scarves, but with different colors. I think they turned out pretty well. My plan is to continue looking for new patterns and make one or two each year going forward. I hope the vets who get my scarves enjoy them!
Finished Goals: 21/101
Days Left: 943

Go Skiing

I haven't been skiing in about two years. The last time I went was around holiday time 2006-2007. We took Zak to Buck Hill for a snowboarding lesson, and while he was doing that, I hit the slopes too. I had never been to Buck Hill before; it's not my favorite.

If I had my choice of anywhere, I'd really like to go skiing at Breckenridge again. Seeing as though that wasn't a readily available option, today I took Zak to Afton Alps. He went skiing for the first time a few weeks ago on a school field trip and said he liked it. I thought it would be a fun activity for the two of us when he was home for spring break. It turned out I was right.

He tired out pretty quickly, but we had a bunch of good runs on the bunny hill together. When he decided to quit, I dropped him off at the chalet with a hot chocolate and took a couple of runs on my own. It was exhilarating! I'm definitely going to make skiing a higher priority from now on. I had forgotten just how much I love it.

Maybe for my birthday next year Breckenridge will be a readily available option...

Finished Goals: 20/101
Days Left: 946

Finish a Cross Stitch

I got my cross stitch done today. It took much longer than I thought it would, but I suppose counted patterns always do, and I haven't done a cross stitch in a long time, too.

Anyway, I realized that Zak doesn't have much for wall decor in his room, and I thought it would be fun to make him something to hang. Obviously, as he is a boy (a pre-teen at that!) I didn't want to do anything too frou frou. So I looked online and found a free skull and crossbones pattern. After I finished it, I mounted it on some red paper and framed it. Rich and I are going to hang it so when Zak comes home on Friday night, it will be there as a surprise for him. I hope he likes it!

Finished Goals: 19/101
Days Left: 955

Mini Cooper

Let me just begin by saying that I HAVE THE BEST HUSBAND IN THE WORLD!!!

Last week Rich stole my car out of the garage when I wasn't looking and took it to the Mini Cooper dealership. He was there for about 3-4 hours wheeling and dealing with them to get a good trade-in value on my car, as well as negotiating a price for a Mini. Meanwhile, I was at home watching Six Feet Under on DVD wondering where the hell my husband was and what was taking so damn long. I even sent him a few belligerent text messages urging him to explain himself and to come home.

Well, to make a long story short, today I reaped the benefits of all the (im)patient waiting I did last Saturday. Allow me to introduce to you my new Mini Cooper:


And I thought this goal was impossible to attain. Guess I was wrong. Now to just think of a name for it...

Finished Goals: 17/101
Days Left: 958

List Update II

I'm in the process of changing some of the goals on my list again. I originally had some goals on here that relate to my car; however, because I am getting a new car much earlier than I expected, it only makes sense to take those goals off and replace them with new goals.

The new goals are to design and get my 2nd tattoo, create and execute 5 new marketing ideas for my spa business, organize my spa room, and maintain the new organization for 1 month.

I always keep my room sanitized, of course, but I'm not so good at keeping everything organized in a work-friendly manner. At the end of the day it's just too easy to throw stuff in the cabinet and leave. No more! I thrive in clean spaces, and if I expect my business to grow, I need to respect that.

Make the Bed Every Day for 1 Week

Rich's parents gave me this beautiful new bedding for Hanukkah. Considering how I excited I was to receive it, you would think I would have rushed right upstairs to get it on my bed. Well, I didn't; I procrastinated.

Last week I just couldn't take it anymore. It didn't make sense for me to have this beautiful bedding sitting in a bag in my living room when it could be adorning my bed. So I took it out of the bag, washed it, and made the bed with it for the first time. Then I figured I may as well just keep doing it everyday. So Rich and I made a deal: he makes the bed on Saturdays and I make the bed Sunday-Friday. So far, it's worked out really well. Now I just need a few more pillows and some new sheets, and that portion of our bedroom will be all done.

Finished Goals: 16/101
Days Left: 959

Finish an Entire Sudoku Book

I am now a sudoku ninja. It took me just a little over a month, but I finished this book of 250 puzzles. Normally I start a sudoku book and then abandon it once I get to the last few puzzles that are a little bit harder. Not this time. I finished the whole book. I'm tempted to get the next one in the series and keep going actually. We'll see; I still have plenty of other goals to attack on this list.

Finished Goals: 15/101
Days Left: 964

Clean Out Closet

Today I finally tackled my closet. Unfortunately, that also means that I created a little more work for myself when I tackle a few of the other organizational tasks on this list. Oh well. I guess I'll deal with that when I cross those bridges. For now, I'm just going to celebrate the fact that I have a clean closet!

And a beautiful closet it is! Rich had California Closets come out and build a custom closet for me as a holiday gift a couple of months after I moved in. He knows me so well, and he did such a great job designing it to suit my needs. I actually have felt a little guilty for not fully taking advantage of it the past few months. So this is my new start to keeping my beautiful closet neat and organized and my clothes put away. Which adds a new task to my "In Progess" list: 67. Keep Closet Clean for a Month (with the idea that the first month is only the beginning).

Finished Goals: 14/101
Days Left: 967

Get a Physical (Updated)

Today I went over to Camden Physicians and had my first general physical examination in over 10 years. I'm almost positive the last time was my sophomore year of college. I went to University Health Services at UW-Madison to get checked out and renew my tetanus shot before I went on my semester abroad to London.

Funny, but it didn't seem as bad as I remember it. When I was a kid I hated going to the doctor. For anything. And I've always been really queasy when it came to dealing with blood or having needles poked in me. Exactly the same reasons why I had never donated blood before last month either. Through these two experiences, however, I've learned that both the doctor and needles aren't anything to fear. After all, I've done much worse to myself by accident that causes more pain and spilled blood than these two things put together.

I have to admit, though, that I feel a little like the one-armed bandit after having both my blood draw from and my tetanus shot in my left arm today.

Finished Goals: 13/101
Days Left: 977

*I got all of my test results back earlier this week, and I'm as healthy as can be. My doctor said I can get my next check-up in 3-5 years. Yippee!*

Surprise Rich

Normally we take Rich's car whenever we go anywhere together, but Saturday night we took mine when we went to a party because his was out of gas. Since he didn't go out yesterday, he didn't have a chance to fill up, and I just knew that he would be late to work if he waited until this morning.

So yesterday I stole his car out of the garage when I went to volleyball, and got gas and cleaned it out while I waited for the pump to finish. I really would have liked to have been able to vacuum the interior and wipe down all the windows and dashboard, but unfortunately because it was so late in the evening and also because I was on the way to meeting some of my teammates for a drink, I didn't have time.

Truth be told, he wouldn't have noticed anyway. While Rich did see that I had gotten him gas, he didn't even realize that I had cleaned it out. So I just have to assume he wouldn't have noticed the next step either.

But I'm counting this as an accomplished goal even if he didn't really appreciate it. I may have missed my mark a little, but I still tried. And, if nothing else, he wasn't late for work.

Finished Goals: 12/101
Days Left: 977

Camera

I purchased my new camera tonight! I got the Olympus Stylus 1010 in purple. This will be my third or fourth Olympus camera. Obviously, I really like the brand. They're so easy to use and have great functions. And it seems as though this model is pretty much the same as the one I had last (which was burgled from my home in December), so I know I'll like it and feel comfortable with it right away.

Truthfully, I wasn't planning on buying this tonight, but I was prompted by a few issues: 1. I don't think the insurance company will pay for it if I hold out much longer, 2. my iPhone takes pretty good pictures, but not good enough to replace a real camera (it has no flash), and I feel like I've missed out on pictures I could have taken, 3. Zak is in the district spelling bee next week and I must document it in order to humiliate him later in life, and 4. I really want to have pictures to post on here as I move through my list.

Finished Goals: 11/101
Days Left: 983

List Update

Today I decided to change my list just a tiny bit. It occurred to me that number 29, Pay off Kitchen Appliances, under "Finances" was redundant. Truthfully, due to the nature of the debt, I believe it is already housed under number 33, Pay off Credit Cards. That means that I could put another goal on my list in its stead.

I chose File 2008 Taxes. I know that April 15 is still pretty far away, but I want to get this done ASAP. And truthfully, I'm almost positive that I was actually supposed to have them filed by January 31. So that actually makes me delinquent (shhh... don't tell anyone), and since I seem to finish things on this list faster than my regular To-Do list, I figure it makes a wise addition. Furthermore, I think replacing one item related to finances with another is really the best course of action. I was tempted to put another fun item on the list instead, but my practicality got in the way.

Finished Goals: 10/101
Days Left: 983

Clean Car

I totally forgot I had put this on my list. I just did it today because I had been putting it off, and my car was ridiculously filthy. I actually didn't recognize it when it came out of the car wash because I haven't seen it shiny and black in a couple of months (thanks MN snowy, salty, slushy winter!).

So now that it's done, I'm going to work on 65. Keep car clean for a month. This never used to be a problem for me, but in the past few months, I've gotten lazy. I figure this is a perfect way for me to get back on track with keeping my car clean and neat, both inside and out. Plus, it will help me develop good habits for when I finally do 39. Purchase a Mini Cooper. Because I don't want to treat my new Mini like that. It deserves better.


Finished Goals: 10/101
Days Left: 984

New Navel Jewelry

I've been wanting a new piece of navel jewelry for a few months now. Don't get me wrong, I still really like the old piece, and I'll probably put it in again someday, but I felt the need for a change.

Luckily for me, Rich listened, and then he told his parents. So for my birthday, they gave me a gift certificate to Saint Sabrina's, and today I went in and used it. I didn't make an appointment; I didn't think it would be terribly busy on a Saturday around 4:30, and I was right. I waited only about 20 minutes after I picked out my jewelry and filled out all the paperwork. The procedure itself was painless and took about 5 minutes. So, bing bang boom, I have a new pretty piece of jewelry on my bod, and there's the really horrible picture to prove it (yeah, still need to get that camera, and now I realize I really need to start my wellness goals too).

Finished Goals: 8/101
Days Left: 986

Donate blood

Today I donated blood for the first time ever in my life. I have to say, it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. It helped that I had a friend with me too. Margaret came, and we popped our blood donation cherries together. And then we ate Cheez-It crackers and Oreos while chatting and drinking Sprite.

I didn't realize it would be such a process, though. When all was said and done, I had been at the Red Cross for almost an hour and a half. The actual blood-letting only takes 10 minutes or so, but all the questions and preparation before, and then the resting and eating after, take a long time.

But, in the end, I feel pretty good. And I'm really proud of myself. I didn't totally freak out (or pass out or throw up) like I thought I would. I'm even considering making that a part of my regular routine (you can donate every 56 days).

So, if you are interested in doing a good deed for the day and possibly saving someone's life, I highly recommend it. You can make your appointment online. And you don't have to find a blood drive to do it; you can just go to the blood donation room at the Minneapolis Red Cross (which is what I did). I think they may even take walk-ins if you decide to do it on a whim.

And by the way, Margaret and I got a chuckle out of this little nugget at the elevator as we left:

Bake Something New From Scratch

Today I tried a new baking recipe for zucchini bread. I have a Betty Crocker cookbook that has a recipe in it, and I've been meaning to try that for a long time; however, instead of digging out my book, I went to the website and found one that looked good (for all I know, it's actually the same recipe as in my book).

I already had most of the ingredients except the zucchini, ground cloves and vegetable oil, which Rich gladly picked up for me at the store while he was shopping for dinner ingredients.

As you can see from the picture (despite still not having a decent camera), the zucchini bread turned out delicious.
Some might even call it scrumptious. And it's ridiculously easy to make.

If you'd like to have a go at this yourself, I included the recipe below. I also highly recommend checking out the Betty Crocker website for other variations including pumpkin and cranberry.




Ingredients:
3 cups shredded zucchini (2 to 3 medium)
1 2/3 cups sugar
2/3 cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla
4 eggs
3 cups all-purpose or whole wheat flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 cup coarsely chopped nuts
1/2 cup raisins, if desired

Directions:

1. Move oven rack to low position so that tops of pans will be in center of oven. Heat oven to 350°F. Grease bottoms only of 2 (8x4-inch) loaf pans or 1 (9x5-inch) loaf pan with shortening or cooking spray.
2. In large bowl, stir zucchini, sugar, oil, vanilla and eggs until well mixed. Stir in remaining ingredients except nuts and raisins. Stir in nuts and raisins. Divide batter evenly between 8-inch pans or pour into 9-inch pan.
3. Bake 8-inch loaves 50 to 60 minutes, 9-inch loaf 1 hour 10 minutes to 1 hour 20 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pans on cooling rack 10 minutes.
4. Loosen sides of loaves from pans; remove from pans and place top side up on cooling rack. Cool completely, about 2 hours, before slicing. Wrap tightly and store at room temperature up to 4 days, or refrigerate up to 10 days.

High Altitude (3500-6500 ft):Heat oven to 375°F.

Make Homemade Salsa

This is a horrible picture of the yummy salsa I made tonight (I really should focus on 45. Purchase a Camera). I got the recipe from Ang, who served this at a little soiree we had a while back. I liked it so much, I asked her for the recipe, but then never made it. Hence, it's inclusion on this list.

I'm not really sure why I chose to make it when we don't have any chips to eat it with, but I found that it is just as delightful right off the spoon. The recipe is below if you'd like to give it a whirl. And by the way, when they say it should be highly seasoned, they really mean it.


Ingredients:
1 ripe avocado, cut into 1/2-inch dice
3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1 ripe red tomato, seeded and cut into 1/4-inch dice
1 ear sweet corn, shucked
1 scallion, both white and green parts, trimmed and finely chopped
1 jalapeno pepper or serrano chilies, seeded and minced (for a hotter salsa, leave seeds in)
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Coarse salt (kosher or sea) and freshly ground black pepper


Directions:
Place the avocado in the bottom of a nonreactive mixing bowl and gently toss with 2 tablespoons of the lime juice. Spoon the tomato on top of the avocado.

Cut the kernels off the corn. The easiest way to do this is to lay the cob flat on a cutting board and remove the kernels with lengthwise strokes of a chef's knife. Add the corn kernels to the
mixing bowl.

The salsa can be prepared to this stage up to 2 hours ahead. Refrigerate it, covered.

Just before serving, add the scallions, jalapeno and cilantro to the mixing bowl and gently toss to mix.

Taste for seasoning, adding more lime juice as necessary and season with salt and pepper to taste; the salsa should be highly seasoned.

Nintendo Wii

I got a Wii!
While I had planned on saving the money and buying it myself, instead my dad gave it to Rich and me as a Hanukkah gift (Hey, it still counts!). He also got us a couple of games: Mario Party 8 and Boom Blox. I have yet to open Mario Party, but Boom Blox has been fun. I highly recommend it. Here are some awful pictures I took with my phone while I was playing.




On a side note, I've also added a couple of other items to the In Progress list:

7. Get 10 Massages
48. Replace passenger-side mirror on car
93. Send cards to family for every birthday/anniversary (1/28)

Update Name & Beneficiary Info on Investments/Life Insurance

Today I finished my first goal! It's actually really good to get this one out of the way right at the beginning of the year.

Unfortunately, this task has now brought with it some baggage. My advisor informed me that it is time to write a will and assign my power of attorney and health care directive. So I guess I have that to do now. Just another item for my ever growing To-Do list that I need to finish at some point (#50). Or rather, I suppose I could take #12. Write 101 Things list off and put those things on instead. I guess I'll do that. Technically I finished writing my list before my start date anyway, so it shouldn't count.

It's acceptable to modify the list after starting, isn't it?

Day One!

Happy birthday to me! And welcome to Day One of my 101 in 1001 project! Finally! I actually have been really excited to start, and it's been difficult to wait for today. Alas, I made it, and I already chose many of the things I want to tackle first. They are, in no particular order:

17. Finish an entire Sudoku book
29. Pay off dryer
36. Save $1 for every day of the project
37. Save $10 for every goal achieved
69. Watch AFI's Top 100 (27/100)
86. Finish every gig in Rock Band 2
87. Reduce Netflix queue to less than 250
91. Complete 101 Postcrossings (8/101)
93. Send cards to family for every birthday/anniversary (0/28)
95. Donate 500,000 grains of rice (13,550/500,000)
99. Make 3 scarves for Knit Your Bit (0/3)

I can't wait to start accomplishing them. And while I've purposely chosen these tasks to start with, I have a feeling I may be surprised at which tasks I conquer next. I'm going to make an effort to blog about each one as I finish them, so stay tuned for more updates.

Day Zero

I learned about the Day Zero project from a girlfriend recently, and felt compelled to participate. Besides the fact that I'm a sucker for lists, it seems like a great way for me to set some goals that I can actually achieve, and then watch myself achieve them. Wish me luck!

Start Date: January 17, 2009 (My birthday!)
End Date: October 14, 2011

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 Focused. 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.