Day Zero Project Update: Weeks 12-14

Instead of daily posts, I thought it would be a lot easier for me and you if I did weekly update posts.  These will track my progress each week.  I will highlight what I’ve done, what I want to do, and any interesting tidbits.  Sometimes I’ll add pictures and/or links.  Hopefully these posts will keep me accountable to me list…

What I Did

22. Keep a journal for this project — Obviously an ongoing goal. I got a beautiful black soft cover journal to use.  I am determined to journal at least a bit each day.

19. Blog 1001 times — 7 posts for the last three weeks (121/1001)

32. Read my height in books — This week’s height: 4 in   (30.5/68 in.)

15. See 101 new movies (12/101)

• Conan the Barbarian -- As ridiculously cheesy as I thought it would be, but J loves the series.
• The Trip -- Steve Coogan playing uber Steve Coogan... Amazing!  The best part was all the little conversations while driving.
• Very Bad Things -- J couldn't believe that I'd never seen this movie.  It was so over the top crazy, and I loved it.
• Mission Impossible 4 -- We got free tickets to a preview.  It was good for a Mission Impossible movie.
• Sherlock Holmes: Game of Shadows -- We love us some Sherlock, Robert Downey Jr., Jude Law, and Guy Ritchie.  Amazing!
• Gem-X Cops -- J bought this incredibly cheesy, messed up movie because its sequel has a blond Paul Rudd...  and the best part, it has horrible dubbing from Cantonese.
• Monte Carlo -- Silly teen flick.
• Fright Night -- Remake was just as B movie as the original.  I was loving it.

37. Pass 250,000 pages read for my 1,000,000 pages challenge — (55,636/250,000)

55. Try 30 new recipes (8/30)

• Moroccan Chicken -- Not as much flavor as I would have liked
• Broccoli Chicken Pesto Penne -- Definitely a keeper

76. Make 100 homemade cards (100/100)

96. See the opera, orchestra, or theatre production -- J and I saw the Aspen Sante Fe performance of The Nutcracker

31. Finish 30 reading challenges (7/30)

• 2011 -- Finally finished it; took me long enough though.
• Fables -- Love this series, repeating this for next year.

What I Plan to Do Next Week

I really need to start my quote page and work on my random tasks.  And the boys and I are going to build a gingerbread house.

Monthly Goal

January's task is to watch all of the James Bond movies.  We have 22 movies to watch this month.  I really think we can do it.

Overall Progress

6 / 101

Day Zero Project Update: Weeks 9-11

Instead of daily posts, I thought it would be a lot easier for me and you if I did weekly update posts.  These will track my progress each week.  I will highlight what I’ve done, what I want to do, and any interesting tidbits.  Sometimes I’ll add pictures and/or links.  Hopefully these posts will keep me accountable to me list…

What I Did

22. Keep a journal for this project — Obviously an ongoing goal. I got a beautiful black soft cover journal to use.  I am determined to journal at least a bit each day.

19. Blog 1001 times — 15 posts for the last two weeks (114/1001)

32. Read my height in books — This week’s height: 5 in   (26.5/68 in.)

15. See 101 new movies (4/101)

• Breaking Dawn -- Yes, I am one of those that love the Twilight series.  I had to see it.  Some good parts, some bad parts, overall pretty good.
• The Muppets -- Went with the boys the day after Thanksgiving.  We loved it!
• Your Highness -- As stupid as I thought it would be, but I had to see it.

20. Complete NaNoWriMo – miserable failure, but I tried

37. Pass 250,000 pages read for my 1,000,000 pages challenge — (53,389/250,000)

55. Try 30 new recipes (6/30)

• Sweet Potato and Apple Soup

66. Save $5 for every task completed ($25)

76. Make 100 homemade cards (70/100)

100. Scrapbook 100 pages (42/100)

6. See all of IMDB's Top 250 movies (5/250)

• Alien

What I Plan to Do Next Week

More of the same.  Plus I want to finish my homemade Christmas cards and start my list of inspiration quotes. (reposted -- third time is a charm, right?)

Monthly Goal

None for December as I will be crazy busy with the Holidays!

Overall Progress

4 / 101

Day Zero Project: Week 7-8 Update

Instead of daily posts, I thought it would be a lot easier for me and you if I did weekly update posts.  These will track my progress each week.  I will highlight what I’ve done, what I want to do, and any interesting tidbits.  Sometimes I’ll add pictures and/or links.  Hopefully these posts will keep me accountable to me list…

What I Did

22. Keep a journal for this project — Obviously an ongoing goal. I got a beautiful black soft cover journal to use.  I am determined to journal at least a bit each day.

19. Blog 1001 times —  15 posts for the last two weeks (99/1001)

32. Read my height in books — This week’s height:  2 in   (21.5/68 in.)

31. Finish 30 reading challenges  (5/30)

• Contemporary Romance finished

15. See 101 new movies (2/101)

• Attack the Block -- awesome British film involving kids from the projects and an alien invasion.  A must see!  And Nick Frost has a small part!

20. Complete NaNoWriMo -- still working on it

33. Bookcross 20 books -- I sent out 10 books toward my goal (10/20)

37. Pass 250,000 pages read for my 1,000,000 pages challenge -- At the end of October, I passed the 50,000 pages mark.  I am officially 1/5 of the way done!  (50,789/250,000)

55. Try 30 new recipes (5/30)

• Roasted Chicken, Leeks, and Apples -- not the greatest, but I might try it again to tweak

66. Save $5 for every task completed ($20)

72. Complete “50 Questions that Free Your Mind” (10/50) -- Questions #6-10

82. Make a wish at 11:11 on November 11, 2011 -- I would tell you what i wished, but then it wouldn't come true!

What I Plan to Do Next Week

More of the same.  Plus I want to start on my homemade Christmas cards and inspiration quotes. (reposted — I never got around to this last week, so I’m going to try again, again.  I feel like I'm repeating, but everything got so crazy these past weeks, I didn't get much else down.)

Monthly Goal

Still trying to pound out some chapters for NaNoWriMo.  I feel like I'm failing, but I keep at it a bit at a time.

Overall Progress

4 / 101

More Random Answers...

As part of my Day Zero Project, I am answering “50 Questions to Free Your Mind” (Google it).   I had originally thought to do these in my personal journal, but then I thought, why not put them on my blog.  So get ready for some rambling answers.  Don’t say I didn’t warn you… Here's my post for questions #1-5.

6. If happiness was the national currency, what kind of work would make you rich?

Teaching, hands down.  I loved my time teaching, but found there were many obstacles.  The biggest one was the money.  Funny fact, I just realized today that I make the same amount as a receptionist as I did teaching.  That's sad.  I went to college for teaching.  I spent upwards of 50 hours a week teaching.  I put my blood, sweat, and tears into that job and I barely got by.  Despite that, I loved my time teaching.  People keep asking me if I'm going to get make into it and I am really uncertain at this stage.  Do I want to spend more time and money switching my license and then possibly getting paid barely enough to live?  It's such a tough decision...

7. Are you doing what you believe in, or are you settling for what you are doing?

What a follow-up question.  Based off of my answer to #6, I am completely settling right now.  I like my job.  I believe in what the organization is trying to do.  But my contribution is very small.  I would love to be doing more to help children and families. 

8. If the average human life span was 40 years, how would you live your life differently?

I would have made the move (physical and emotional) much earlier.  About 18 months ago, I made a major decision that has changed the course of my life for the better.  I am very excited about this new direction.  But what I really wish is that I figured my life out a little earlier.  Maybe I could have saved myself a lot of heartache. 

9. To what degree have you actually controlled the course your life has taken?

Such a tough question.  I really don't know how to answer this one.  At times i feel very much in control of my life and then at other times I feel complete helpless.  Does this question really give us any idea of big life events?  I am still trying to figure that out.

10. Are you more worried about doing things right, or doing the right things?

Doing the right things.  The outcomes are my focus right now.  I am trying to make decisions that will have positive outcomes and effects.  Unfortunately those outcomes are slated for the future.  I won't be able to see the effects for awhile now, I just have to keep faith. 

Day Zero Project: Week 5-6 Update

Instead of daily posts, I thought it would be a lot easier for me and you if I did weekly update posts.  These will track my progress each week.  I will highlight what I’ve done, what I want to do, and any interesting tidbits.  Sometimes I’ll add pictures and/or links.  Hopefully these posts will keep me accountable to me list…

What I Did

22. Keep a journal for this project — Obviously an ongoing goal. I got a beautiful black soft cover journal to use.  I am determined to journal at least a bit each day.

19. Blog 1001 times —  27 posts for the last two weeks (84/1001)

32. Read my height in books — This week’s height:  8.5 in   (19.5/68 in.)

31. Finish 30 reading challenges  (4/30)

• Page to Screen Challenge finished
• Vampire Reading Challenge finished

6. See all of IMDB's Top 250 movies (4/250)

• 39. Citizen Kane -- Wonderfully amazing movie.  Forget the acting, the set design gets me every time.  I love how Welles frames shots.  My favorite effect is when Susan leaves Kane and walks through the door of her bedroom out through the hallway and to the outer door.  It's one long hallway.  And then later we get to see the same shot from the opposite end.  Gorgeous!

What I Plan to Do Next Week

More of the same.  Plus I want to start on my homemade Christmas cards and inspiration quotes. (reposted -- I never got around to this last week, so I'm going to try again.)

Monthly Goal

Tuesday starts a new month and with it comes my first big monthly challenge.  I'm starting these off with the hardest one: 20. Complete NaNoWriMo.  I'm going to try.  I might fail miserably one this one, but I'm really going to try!  Wish me luck!

Overall Progress

3 / 101

Day Zero Project: Week 4 Update

Instead of daily posts, I thought it would be a lot easier for me and you if I did weekly update posts.  These will track my progress each week.  I will highlight what I’ve done, what I want to do, and any interesting tidbits.  Sometimes I’ll add pictures and/or links.  Hopefully these posts will keep me accountable to me list…

What I Did

22. Keep a journal for this project — Obviously an ongoing goal. I got a beautiful black soft cover journal to use.  I am determined to journal at least a bit each day.

19. Blog 1001 times —  11 posts for the last week (57/1001)

32. Read my height in books — This week’s height:  1.5 in   (11/68 in.)

31. Finish 30 reading challenges -- Graphic Novel Challenge finished (2/30)

72. Complete “50 Questions that Free Your Mind” -- You can read my answers to questions #1-5 here.  (5/50)

100. Scrapbook 100 pages -- Catching up on my backlog.  I'm finally up to Jan. 2011.  (15/100)

What I Plan to Do Next Week

More of the same.  Plus I want to start on my homemade Christmas cards and inspiration quotes.

Monthly Goal

None.  A breather month to adjust to the plan and my new work schedule.

Overall Progress

3 / 101

In Which I Share Some Personal Thoughts...

As part of my Day Zero Project, I am answering "50 Questions to Free Your Mind" (Google it).   I had originally thought to do these in my personal journal, but then I thought, why not put them on my blog.  So get ready for some rambling answers.  Don't say I didn't warn you...

1. How old would you be if you didn't know how old you are?

18.  (I'm 29 really.)  In many ways I still feel like a kid (maybe that's a good thing).  I don't feel overly worked or tired.  But I also don't feel like I'm a grown-up with a grown-up life.  I'm still figuring out what i want to be when I grow up.  I was a teacher and loved it, but don't know if that's my career path.  I still want to have more kids and possibly get married.  I don't get the settled feeling that I associate with being older.  Maybe this is what being an adult feels like, but I just feel really young. 

2. Which is worse, failing or never trying?

The teacher in me is screaming "never trying." And overall, that would be my answer.  But here's the thing... I'm always scared to try.  I am a really shy person.  I have a hard time putting myself out there.  So sometimes I make excuses to myself to not try.  And I know I will end up regretting things unless I get out there.  That first step is really hard.

3. If life is so short, why do we do so many things we don't like and like so many things we don't do?

Often we have a very warped sense of priorities.  We let certain things rule our life.  I've met people so focused on their job (even though they hate it) that they miss time to relax or spend with family and friends.  I've met others who get so caught up in cleaning or having their house just perfect that they work themselves to the bone.  And it's not completely their fault.  We've been taught that perfect households and a high paying job are what we strive for.  That's just not true.  We all need to stop and take a look a how we spend our time.  What are our priorities?  Are we missing out on things?  I admit that I really need to stop sometimes and prioritize my own life. 

4. When it's all said and done, will you have said more than you've done?

Probably.  Again it's hard for me to take that first step so sometimes I talk a lot but don't act.  Currently I am really trying to reexamine my wants and needs. 

5. What is the one thing you'd most like to change about the world?

Our ability to listen.  Many of the world problems come from misunderstandings or lack of truly listening.  We need to get better at listening to other people when they talk and share instead of just thinking about what we're going to say next.  My prime example of this is American politics.  All I see and hear and read is people (I don't care what side you're on anymore) yelling at the "other side."  We don't listen and try to respond.  We don't listen and understand.  We don't listen and care.  We yell.  And yell louder if it seems like the other side isn't hearing.  Peace starts with listening...

Day Zero Project: Week 2-3 Update

Instead of daily posts, I thought it would be a lot easier for me and you if I did weekly update posts.  These will track my progress each week.  I will highlight what I've done, what I want to do, and any interesting tidbits.  Sometimes I'll add pictures and/or links.  Hopefully these posts will keep me accountable to me list...

What I Did

22. Keep a journal for this project — Obviously an ongoing goal. I got a beautiful black soft cover journal to use.  I am determined to journal at least a bit each day

19. Blog 1001 times -- 33 posts for the last two weeks (46/1001)

6. See all of IMDB’s Top 250 movies (3/250)

• The Matrix

32. Read my height in books — This week’s height:  5 in So far: 9.5 in

55. Try 30 new recipes (4/30)

• Strip steak with mango, peach, jalapeno salsa
• BBQ Gouda Chicken
• Orange Dill Mahi Mahi

What I Plan to Do Next Week

More of the same I imagine.

Monthly Goal

None.  A breather month to adjust to the plan and my new work schedule.

Overall Progress

3 / 101

Day Zero Project: Week 1 Update

Instead of daily posts, I thought it would be a lot easier for me and you if I did weekly update posts.  These will track my progress each week.  I will highlight what I've done, what I want to do, and any interesting tidbits.  Sometimes I'll add pictures and/or links.  Hopefully these posts will keep me accountable to my list...

What I Did This Week

22. Keep a journal for this project -- Obviously an ongoing goal. I got a beautiful black soft cover journal to use.  I am determined to journal at least a bit each day.

6. See all of IMDB's Top 250 movies (2/250)

• Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind -- Adore Miyazaki films and this one was stunning.  Not Howl's Moving Castle stunning, but still pretty amazing.
• Star Trek (2009) -- Read my review

11. Watch 10 foreign films (1/10)

• Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind (Japanese)

15. See 101 new movies (2/101)

• Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind
• Super

17. Write a letter to myself to be opened at the end of 1001 days -- A weird letter to write, but I did it.  Left myself a little note at the beginning of the journal to revisit at the end of the time period.

19. Blog 1001 times (13/1001)

32. Read my height in books -- This week's height:  4.5 in So far: 4.5 in

66. Save $5 for every task completed -- $15 this week

67. Sell something on eBay -- Sold a few collectable dolls, collectable plates, and a Vera Bradley purse.  Feeling glad to make a bit of money and get rid of stuff laying around.

55. Try 30 new recipes (1/30) -- Fish tacos with red beans and rice (see Weekly Meal Plan #8)

64. Get a piggy bank --  a pretty shiny silver one!

31. Finish 30 reading challenges (1/30) -- Summer Romance Reading Challenge Finished

What I Plan to Do Next Week

Obviously I am going to continue all the ongoing goals listed above.  More movies, journaling, and reading... heaven!  I also want to start finalizing the monthly goals so I can have a plan.  I always feel beter if I have a good game plan.

Monthly Goal

None -- I wanted a breather month to organize and plan.  I do love my lists!

Overall Progress

3 / 101

Day Zero Project! 101/1001

I just joined this amazing new (well new to me) project: 101/1001. 

From Day Zero:

The Challenge: 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 your part).

Why 1001 Days?  Many people have created lists in the past - frequently simple challenges such as New Year's resolutions or a 'Bucket List'. 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, study semesters, or outdoor activities.

Who runs this website?  The Day Zero Project was created by New Zealander, Michael Green.

I have started my project list today (September 20, 2011).  As part of my list, I thought it would be better to break it down into categories.  I will be updating my list (adding and notating completion) on a weekly basis.  Here's my list of 101 things (broken down into categories):

Movies and Music

1. Go to 5 concerts
2. Visit the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland
3. Listen to 26 new bands (one for each letter of the alphabet)
4. Go to a music festival
5. Make a playlist of my favorite 101 songs
6. See all of IMDB's Top 250 movies
7. Have a Pixar marathon
8. See a movie at a drive-in
9. See a movie at an outdoor setting (not a drive-in)
10. Choose an actor/actress and see all their films
11. Watch 10 foreign films
12. Watch all the James Bond movies
13. Have a zombie movie marathon
14. Spend a day in PJs watching movies
15. See 101 new movies

Writing and Books

16. Keep a "Six Words to Describe the Day" journal for 6 months
17. Write a letter to myself to be opened at the end of 1001 days
18. Make a list of 101 inspirational quotes
19. Blog 1001 times
20. Complete NaNoWriMo
21. Find 26 unfamiliar words (one for each letter of the alphabet) and use in a blog post
22. Keep a journal for this project
23. Finish 100 creative writing prompts
24. Buy a moleskine notebook
25. Write 1000 words a day for a month
26. Complete The Artist's Way
27. Spend an afternoon in the park reading
28. Reread all of the Harry Potter books
29. Reread all of Jane Austen's novels
30. Read all the Booker Prize winning books
31. Finish 30 reading challenges
32. Read my height in books
33. Bookcross 20 books
34. Leave an inspirational note in a book to be found by someone else
35. Join or create a book club
36. Attend 3 literary events (not book club meetings)
37. Pass 250,000 pages read for my 1,000,000 pages challenge

Fashion, Body, Food, and Health

38. Buy a Little Black Dress
39. Get a full body massage
40. Buy a business suit
41. Get laser eye surgery
42. Buy a vintage dress
43. Throw away all my underwear and start again
44. Have a facial
45. Have manicure or pedicure
46. Take a yoga class
47. Eat only raw food for a day
48. Meditate every day for a month
49. Complete the 200 squat challenge
50. Go pick berries
51. Make 10 different types of cupcakes
52. Eat an apple a day for a month
53. Host a wine and cheese party
54. Host a regressive dinner party
55. Try 30 new recipes
56. Go on a preplanned picnic
57. Take a cooking class
58. Build a gingerbread house
59. Have a candlelit dinner
60. Tae a brewery tour
61. Make homemade salsa
62. Host a tea party
63. Host a homemade pizza party

Money

64. Get a piggy bank
65. Give money to a street musician
66. Save $5 for every task completed
67. Sell something on eBay
68. Tip 100%
69. Cash in my change jar
70. Don't spend any money for a week
71. Donate 100,000 grains of rice on freerice.com

Personal Development

72. Complete "50 Questions that Free Your Mind"
73. Take an IQ test
74. Learn to say "I love You" in 10 languages
75. Learn to make an origami crane
76. Make 100 homemade cards
77. Complete a soduku puzzle
78. Take 26 photos of things that inspire me (one for each letter of the alphabet)
79. Take a college class for fun
80. Do a 3-5 km walk
81. Get a passport
82. Make a wish at 11:11 on November 11, 2011

Activities, Travel, and Events

83. Stay at a Bed and Breakfast
84. Attend Mardi Gras
85. Celebrate St. Patrick's Day in a Irish pub
86. Participate in a flash mob or zombie walk
87. Go hiking or horseback riding
88. Go canoeing or kayaking
89. Build a snowman
90. Jump into a pile of leaves
91. Fly a kite
92. Play Bingo in a Bingo hall
93. Go ice Skating
94. Participate in or create a scavenger hunt
95. Visit 5 museums
96. See the opera, orchestra, or theatre production
97. Complete a coloring book
98. Take pictures in a photo booth
99. Send 10 postcards with postcrossing.com
100. Scrapbook 100 pages
101. Send flowers to a friend just because

I am so exciting to be starting this challenge!!!