My 101 list

THE MISSION:

Complete 101 preset tasks in a period of 1001 days.

THE CRITERIA:

Tasks must be specific (i.e. no ambiguity in the wording) with a result that is either measurable or clearly defined. Tasks must also be realistic and stretching (i.e. 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 organizing and timing some tasks such as overseas trips or outdoor activities.

I began this 10 list on January 5, 2007. My 1001 days ends October 2, 2009. I think I have that right anyway.

My List….Wish me luck!

PERSONAL HEALTH

1. Learn to do the splits, both ways.
2. Play in a more competitive volleyball league.
3. Learn how to ski and/or snowboard.
4. Learn to water-ski.
5. Learn to dance or at least learn rhythm.
6. Start hiking again.
7. Learn to snow ski or snowboard.
8. Compete in a grass or sand volleyball tournament.
9. Learn pilates or yoga.
10. Run in a half-marathon.
11. Take Emma on a walk every day for a month.
12. Learn to belly dance.
13. Go camping.
14. Learn how to scuba dive.
15. Go snorkeling.
16. Work out 4 times per week for 4 months.
17. Try rock climbing.
18. Clean my car and keep it clean for a month.

THE SHALLOW STUFF

19. Look good in a bikini.
20. Buy pair of designer jeans and/or handbag with own money.
21. Get rid of my shorts tan forever.
22. Lose at least 5 pounds by the time I see Ben again in March.
23. Buy a pair of Converse one stars for Project Red and get my name sewn on them.
24. Save up and finally buy Ben the Breightling watch I promised him when we got engaged.
25. Grow my hair out to shoulder length.

TRAVEL

26. Go to the beach once a month during the summer.
27. Go skydiving solo, not tandem.
28. Go to Hawaii or Bali.
29. Travel to Costa Rica.
30. Travel to Switzerland.
31. Go to Loch Ness.
32. Take a whale-watching trip.
33. Go on a cruise to the Caribbean.
34. Visit Canada.
35. Go to NYC and do all of the touristy things in the time allowed.
36. Convince Ben to go on one big roller coaster. (NOT the Tower of Terror)

COMMUNITY SERVICE

37. Find a way to get involved for international humanitarian effort like World Hunger, AIDS, etc.
38. Buy hybrid car myself with my own money.
39. Donate to a non-profit once a year.
40. Complete 10 random acts of kindness.
41. Get certified in adult and infant CPR/first aid.
42. Sell all unwanted DVDs and CDs and donate the money to a local animal charity.

PERSONAL GROWTH

43. Be nicer to myself and tell myself one nice thing about me everyday for a month.
44. Refuse to say anything mean about myself everyday for a month.
45. Learn Spanish again.
46. Make at least 2 new friends in the next year and so on…
47. Get dressed up for Halloween and not just talk about it.
48. Go caving and/or spelunking to get over my claustrophobia.
49. Stop drinking soda forever.
50. Get a new hobby that Ben and I can enjoy doing together.
51. Get a good paying job in my field.
52. Change my state and voter registration.
53. Learn how to make jewelry and make myself something.
54. Complete (or make my best attempt) one hard crossword puzzle per week for 2 months.
55. Finish the professional writing certificate I’m in the middle of.
56. Have a baby.
57. Create a Fozzie themed baby room when it’s time.
58. Learn sudoku
59. Get over my fear of the dark.

FOOD

60. Learn to use chopsticks.
61. Find a good Mexican or Indian restaurant in Raleigh.
62. Learn how to share food.
63. Try one new food every month for a year.
64. Try all of the foods that I used to hate.
65. Get all cookbook recipes on the computer so I don’t need the books.
66. Learn to like sushi.
67. Make a very fancy dessert and make it taste very good.
68. Eat no fast food for 6 months.
69. Fix a real dinner at least 4 times per week for the next 3 months.
70. Eat at 10 restaurants that I have never eaten at before.

HOBBIES

71. Learn to sew and sew a piece of clothing for myself.
72. Fully train Emma.
73. Organize our iPhotos so they make sense.
74. Scan all regular photos and put in computer.
75. Read 10 classic novels that I’ve never read before.
76. See an AVP tournament game.
77. Read at least 2 non-fiction historical books per year.
78. Help to coach either a volleyball or softball team.
79. Watch a classic movie once a month.

MISCELLANEOUS

80. Learn one new software program per year. Done for 2007.
81. Take more pictures of everyday life.
82. Volunteer to help with two “wives” things per year, even though I hate them.
83. Create my own Christmas card next Christmas.
84. Send flowers to three people who will appreciate them.
85. Carve an intricate (aka hard) pumpkin for Halloween and make it look good.
86. Create a blog so that I can post this list. Completed January 5, 2007
87. Have a real snowball fight, something that I have never done before.
88. Stay home next Christmas and don’t feel guilty about it.
89. Learn to decorate a cake so that it looks professional.

HOME

90. Replace all of the old lamps in the house.
91. Redecorate the guest bedroom.
92. Buy a real dining room table
93. Redo the faucets in the guest bath and master bath/remodel master bath
94. Reorganize the kitchen cabinets so they make sense.
95. Repaint the kitchen.
96. Paint the half bath.
97. Stain the back deck.
98. Cultivate an herb garden.
99. Make my house as energy efficient as possible.
100. Learn how to fix things around the house like easy plumbing stuff and fixing things.
101. Organize all of the closets in the house and throw out/donate stuff we don’t use.