Hello, 2013!

Anyone reading this?

I know it has been ages since I've updated this blog. It hasn't been a priority, and I won't say that it will be this year either because real life > the Internet. I'm constantly having to remind myself to step away from the computer, put down the phone (and now I have a Kindle, so I have to put that down too) to engage in real life. And oftentimes I still end up spending too much time on the computer, so it's just better to not hold myself to any expectations at all for see alli scrap. (I'm not saying blogging is bad. I love reading blogs, and I'm Mormon; journaling is what we do. I have a private journal where I record the personal details of our lives. It's just too hard for me to keep any consistency with this second blog.)

That said, I do want to keep the site up and running so that I can post from time to time. Today I'm back because I cannot resist the urge to talk about my goals for the New Year and the progress I've made on my 101 in 1001 list. When I was in school, I was one of those kids who could not wait to get my school supplies and plan my back to school outfit. Although (let's be honest) I didn't want to surrender my freedom, I did love the excitement of a new school year. The beginning of the new year feels exciting to me too. It's the chance at a fresh start.

I've been participating in Lara Casey's brilliant step-by-step goal setting series over the last few days. Lara inspires me to make things happen. I'm working on part 3 right now, which is deciding what you will say YES and NO to in 2013. Seems like the perfect opportunity to review my 101 goals and reflect on what needs to change. Hard to believe it's been two years since I wrote them!

Here are few things I've accomplished:*
1. Went on a cruise
2. Visited National Parks in Puerto Rico and on St. John!
3. Sang in a choir. I was actually part of the angel chorus in a Christmas pageant last December.
4. I've made huge strides domestically. I cook and clean A LOT more than I did at the end of 2010.
5. Thanks to a Groupon I saw a movie at a drive-in theater this summer!
6. I saw Wicked last year around this time.
7. Since our baby was born in February, we've used our Netflix account a ton.
8. I flossed every day for a month. I think I deserve a cookie.
9. Sent a letter to my in-laws who are serving a mission in Russia. They come home at the end of next month!
10. I made a family letter for 2011 and 2012. I just finished 2012's today, and I'm so pleased with how it turned out. I'll post it here later.
11. We saved for a down payment on a house and then actually purchased one! I didn't think that would happen before my 30th birthday, but life is full of surprises.
12. We opened a mutual fund.
13. We're still saving $100/month for a dream vacation using Smarty Pig.
14. I've read more than 10 nonfiction books. The classic novel goal isn't going so well.
15. I funded three Kiva projects.
16. We adopted a family for Christmas last year. Loved it.

Progress:
1. I'm working on following FlyLady's daily tasks this month. This one has been challenging because I usually go out of town at least one weekend per month.
2. I only need to make it to the temple 4 more times to meet my goal.
3. I've been to the Family History Center once.
4. I'm writing down things I'm grateful for this month.
5. 100% visiting teaching last month (for the first time in a very long time).
6. Working on video recording (and later transcribing) 5 memories from my dad. I interviewed him when I was home for Christmas, so I've got about 12 minutes of recorded conversation so far.
7. I'm working on a google doc of important addresses.
8. I'm creeping along in the Old Testament at a snail's pace. I'm in first Chronicles now. By the way, my blog friend Rachel read all of the standard works in 2012, meaning the entire Bible, Book of Mormon, Doctrine & Covenants, and Pearl of Great Price. That blows my mind. She is a rock star.

Things I still really want to do two years later:
1. Go camping.
2. Have professional photos taken this year of our family. 
3. Review ASL.
4. Go to the temple more.
5. Clean out Google Reader (again).
6.Volunteer at Capital Area Food Bank.
7. Go to Enchanted Rock/swim in Hamilton Pool.
8. See a Jack Johnson concert (probably not going to happen by September).
9. Eat more fruits and veggies.
10. Finish the Old Testament.

Then there are other things I want to work on--primarily related to my marriage, parenthood, and my new home--that were seriously overlooked the first go round. That's why I'm going through the Making Things Happen steps. Do you have any goals for 2013? I love to read what everyone wants to accomplish. Share yours!


*I've updated the original 101 in 1001 list if you want a breakdown of every little thing.

No. 4: Visit a Texas City I've Never Been to Before

Yesterday I met my mom in Warrenton, Texas for the huge Show Daily Antique Week that's held there every year. My niece Karly had a tent there for her business and invited us to go. It was so neat to search through what seemed like mile after mile of antiques, crafts, and junk.

I almost came home with this puppy, but Henry said no. I cried a little when we put her back...someday.

No. 28: Skillet Chicken Vesuvio

 

I made this for dinner on Friday. Simple to make, but very flavorful. It got a "pretty good" rating from Henry, which means we'll probably have it again.

And here's a picture from today (taken by Henry):

Love.

No. 26: Paint Something

Back in January, Henry and I went to Art Attack and chose to paint a bowl.

I wish I could say that this was a fun and relaxing experience, but it mostly wasn't. We went on this particular Saturday out of obligation to use a Livingsocial deal I'd purchased a few months earlier. (I discovered the day before that my deal expired the following Monday, and by golly, we weren't going to let it go to waste.) So off we went at the end of a super Saturday (on our way back home from a trip to the temple, dinner in San Marcos, and who can remember what else), a little grumpier than we should have been.

You could say we had a difference of opinion in terms of artistic technique (I'm a perfectionist, he's not), but in the end, we compromised: I got to darken the outside of the bowl, but I didn't triple wipe down each little dot on the rim. We are both happy with the way it turned out, and our marriage is still intact. =)

I've made progress on a few more of my 101 goals too. Since my last update, I've printed the photos for my coasters (No. 31), and, as mentioned in my last post, I got a facial (No. 56). I also exercised three times per week throughout February. I haven't exercised that much in a long, long time, if ever! I'm also working on the goal to try at least two new recipes per month. I've got a few others I'm focusing on too.

I do have a question for my fellow 101ers: What are you going to do if you don't achieve a goal on your list? There's one on my list that I didn't do so hot on (No. 76: Don't use credit cards for anything other than gas/food/medicine in Jan and Feb 2011). Totally forgot about all the expenses connected to the wedding. I'm thinking I'm just going to replace it with a new goal. What do you think?

No. 19: A Photo Workshop

This past Saturday I participated in Kristen Duke's Say No! to Auto photography workshop. Let me start off by saying that I'm so glad I did! 

When I put "take a photography class" on my 101 list, I never thought I'd be able to mark it off so quickly.  I got my dSLR in December 2009, and since then I've toyed with the idea of taking courses through the local community college, online, and via a Groupon offer. I didn't feel ready to commit to any of those options though. Out of my budget. Too time consuming. No idea what the class size/environment would be like. (I'm making this sound like a life-altering decision, I'm sure, but I didn't want to go down an avenue that would be a waste of my time or money, you know?) But when Kristen posted a link on facebook about this workshop, I thought it sounded perfect for me:

1. Afternoon commitment. 
2. Affordable price. 
3. Small class size (10-15 students).
4. I already knew Kristen,* and I knew she wouldn't scam me!

We all met at Kristen's house, which was nice and cozy. She started by giving us all a packet with our textbooks for the day, one large, more detailed spiral and a smaller one to take on the go. We jumped right in and learned how to adjust ISO, aperture, and shutter speed.

And Kristen explained the basics for figuring out where to start with each setting. She also shared her tips for getting great portraits and doing basic photo editing.

 The information was a little confusing at first, but it started making sense once we practiced. We took a walk to an open field down the street from Kristen's house.

First we took pictures of our model and Kristen's assistant/photographer for the workshop, Jenny Polson.

Then Kristen asked us to pair off with a partner to practice some more. Naturally, I picked my friend Laura. I tried to get some fun backlit ones...

But this one is my favorite. You're so beautiful, Laura!

So, the bottom line: I loved the workshop. Not only did I finally get a grasp on ISO, aperture, and shutter speed, but it was also so much fun! I can't wait to practice, practice, and practice some more...and my husband thought I took a lot of photos before...he ain't seen nothing yet!


*Kristen took photos of me and my husband in February 2009. I was so impressed with her kindness and the quality of her images. She took the photo we had made into a canvas print that now hangs above our TV. 

You can read Kristen's recaps of the workshop here and here. Click on over.

No. 16: Organize Craft Boxes

I have officially crossed off four items from my 101 in 1001! One is not so exciting (updating my address on my driver's license), but I think I will post pictures and/or write a lil somethin' somethin' about the others.

Here are some pictures of number 16. Organize and label craft storage boxes. This was one of those things I'd been meaning to do forever ago, and my list finally motivated me to do it! Same with the driver's license change.

 It feels so good to be productive and to get organized!

Photowalk Austin: Travis Heights

date: 1/1/11

neighborhood: travis heights

It's Friday, and I don't know about you, but I'm tiiiired. I thought these bright photos might add some cheer to this cold, damp, and foggy day...

not that I'm not cheery under this layer of tiredness...uh, hello, 3-day weekend!!!!!

101 in 1001: The First Week

I'm going to try to update my 101 in 1001 list with my progress each Sunday. I've also decided that I won't be updating the page I created (that's the one linked at the top of my blog) except to mark off goals I've completed. If you're confused at this point, don't worry about it. It's just that the post and the page are two different things, and it's kind of a hassle to have to update both each time I want to change something.

Anyway, I think I got off to a good start for my first week! These are goals I've started working on:

10. Clean out Google Reader: only leave most favorite blogs. I started with 180 blogs, and I've cut back to 136. I think I still need to do some purging though.
13. Shred documents in office once per month for six months. Pictured above. If we're being perfectly honest though (as we should always strive to be), I only did a small portion of the shredding that ended up in that large garbage bag. Henry did most. But I did help.
15. Spend 30 minutes each Saturday reviewing my schedule for the coming week for the rest of the 2010-2011 school year.
21. Photowalk around neighborhoods in Austin (South Congress, Downtown, South Lamar, Hyde Park, Campus, 360 area, etc.). I want to devote new posts to each neighborhood I visit.
33. Keep a family calendar for 2011.
47. Read the entire Old Testament (1184 pages). This one is slooow going.

48. Read the Book of Mormon as a family in 2011.

      50. Study topics for Sharing Time one month in advance in 2011.            

      51. Do something, anything, to have Family Home Evening each week.

57  57. Exercise twice a week every week for 3 months in 2011.     

     72. Compile a family birthday list.

     76.  Don’t use credit cards for anything other than gas + food + medicine in January and February 2011.

     77. Pay off all student loans by mid 2011.

     86.  Read 10 nonfiction books. Started Blink.

        I have four more goals I'd like to work on this month too, but I'm not sure if I'll get to them. My niece who is four months older than me (unusual family) is getting married the first week of March, and it is time to really move into high gear for planning her wedding!

101 in 1001

 one hundred and one things in one thousand and one days.

start: 1/1/11 / end: 9/27/13

in progress: italic / completed: strikethrough
progress updated on 8/26/13

Travel

1.        Obtain a new passport.

2.        Go on a cruise.

3.        Go to 3 states I’ve never been to before (0/3).

4.        Visit a Texas city I’ve never been to before.

5.        Go to three new temples I’ve never been to before (1/3).

6.        Visit The Orange Show in Houston.

7.        Visit two new National Parks (2/2).

8.        Stay in a bed-and-breakfast once per year (0/3).

9.        Visit Enchanted Rock.

Organization & Time Management

10.     Clean out Google Reader: only leave most favorite blogs. (went from 180 to 100)

11.     Go without social networking/reading blogs for two days per week for six months.(7/48)

12.     Backup photos that are currently on computer.

13.     Shred documents in office once per month for six months (3/6).

14.     Update address on driver’s license.

15.     Spend 30 minutes each Saturday reviewing my schedule for the coming week for the rest of the 2010-2011 school year.

16.     Organize and label craft storage boxes.

17.     Be on time to 5 out of 7 appointments for two weeks (6/13-6/19/11, 6/20-6/26/11).

Developing Talents

18.     Finish reading the photography book I own.

19.     Take a photography class. (Completed with Kristen Duke on 1/29/11!)

20.     Research what lens to buy next.

21.     Photowalk around neighborhoods in Austin (South Congress, Downtown, South Lamar, Hyde Park, Campus, 360 area, etc.).

22.     Sing karaoke.

23.     Sing in a choir.

24.     Make a header for my blog.

25.     Make something pretty in Illustrator.

26.     Paint something. (1/22/11; painted a bowl)

27.     Make my college years’ online journal into a book.

Domestication/Home Front

28.     Try 2 new recipes a month for 6 consecutive months (12/12).

29.     Complete 3 chores a week for five months.

30.     Follow flylady’s flight plan for a month.

31.     Print photos for coasters.

32.     Make a craft I can display in my home.

33.     Keep a family calendar for 2011.

34.     Build a 3-month supply of pantry foods.

35.     Plant and eat vegetables from my own garden.

Experiences

36.     Go to a drive-in movie theater.

37.     Pick fruit at a pick-your-own farm and do something with it.

38.     Take a UT tower tour.

39.     Go on a photo scavenger hunt with a group of friends.

40.     Go to a Jack Johnson concert.

41.     Go see a play.

42.     Use our Netflix account each month for six consecutive months.

43.     Swim in Hamilton Pool.

44.     Attend a UT football game.

Spiritual

45.     Go to the temple 12 times in 12 months—2 sealings 2/2, 9 endowment sessions  5/9, 1 baptism 1/1

46.     Go to the Family History Center six times.(6/6)

47.     Read the entire Old Testament (558/1184 pages).

48.     Read the Book of Mormon as a family in 2011 (185/531).

49.     Read the New Testament as a family once we finish the BOM.

50.     Study topics for Sharing Time one month in advance in 2011 (7/16).

51.     Do something, anything, to have Family Home Evening each week.

52.     Write in gratitude journal every day for 3 months.

53.     Write in my journal for 30 minutes each Sunday for 6 months straight.

54.     100% visiting teaching for 6 months straight.

Health

55.     Get a professional massage.

56.     Get a facial.

57.     Exercise twice a week every week for 3 months in 2011 (Jan 2011: 8/8, May 2011: 9/9, June 2011: 9/9).

58.     Exercise three times a week every week for 3 months in 2011. (Feb 2011: 12/12)

59.     Take a reusable water bottle to work every day for 3 weeks (3/7-3/11, 4/4-4/8, 5/23-5/27).

60.     Eat 3 servings of veggies a day for a week.

61.     Eat 2 servings of fruits a day for a week.

62.     Floss every day for a month.

Family & Relationships

63.     Ask my dad to record five personal memories.

64.     Have professional photos taken.

65.     Go on a girls’ weekend trip.

66.     Go camping with my husband.

67.     Send letters to Russia with love.

68.     Have a "sister day" once per quarter.

69.     Send one hand-written letter a month for six months.

70.     Burn my old home videos to DVD & mail to my parents.

71.     Compile a family email/mailing address list.

72.     Compile a family birthday list.

73.     Send a birthday card to parents and siblings + siblings-in-law (2/22).

74.     Send a birthday card to nieces and nephews (1/21).

75.     Send out a family letter at the end of 2011 and 2012.

Financial

76.     Don’t use credit cards for anything other than gas + food + medicine in January and February 2011.

77.     Pay off all student loans by mid 2011.

78.     Purchase a new lens.

79.     Have $10K in emergency fund.

80.     Save for a down payment on a house.

81.     Live off of Henry’s income and save what I earn.

82.     Open a mutual fund.

83.     Save $100 monthly for one “dream” vacation outside of the U.S.

84.     Put aside $10 in savings for each task completed and put it towards “dream” vacation.

Knowledge & Career

85.     Read 12 classic novels.

86.     Read 10 nonfiction books (2 spiritual): The Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother, Freakonomics, The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks; Heaven is Here; Bringing Up Bebe; Make the Bread, Buy the Butter; The Happiness Project; Talking Back to Facebook; Ina May's Guide to Childbirth; Real Food for Mother and Baby; Food Rules: An Eater's Manual

87.     Go to an ASHA convention.

88.     Update my resume.

89.     Research background of SHARS/Medicaid in schools.

90.     Get caught up on Medicaid billing.

91.     Spend an hour reviewing ASL vocabulary once a month for 5 months

92.     Relearn 10 common phrases in Spanish.

93.     Learn 10 common phrases in Mandarin.

Good

94.     Visit thehungersite.com every day for a month.

95.     Choose a project on Donors Choose or Kiva and fund it.

96.     Volunteer at Capital Area Food Bank.

97.     Adopt a family for Christmas.

   Surprise someone with flowers.

  Surprise three people with treats once per year (4/9).

  Make five hygiene kits.

  Babysit for a couple so that they can go to the temple together.

Completed: 54/101