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