Once a month works well

As I am well into year 2 of this crazy 101 things in 1001 days, I thought I would resort to updating the list once a month. The first weekend works well. Here is a brief update for the past 4 weeks:

Read:

Q&A (Slumdog Millionaire)

Dreams From My Father

The Yaris Driving Manual

Currently reading "Last Night I Dreamed of Peace" & "Eco-holic"

Watched from the AFI list:

Bridge Over the River Kwai

Did:

-Started my training for the 1/2 marathon

-Currently giving 9% of my salary to my retirement (still need to increase to 10%)

-Attended another Girls' Weekend at a cabin on Anchor D Ranch...well, it was girls and Dan.

- been working through some Lenten meditations on what it means to live simply and without the extras...rather than give up something, this Lent, I am seeking to enjoy what I have.

-Working on taking my lunch to work....did it 3 times last week. I think I am going to adjust the 101 item to bringing my lunch 4 times a week for 4 weeks.  There is always opportunity to meet up with friends so don't want to say no just because of a silly list.

-Am at 2030 things on my happy list

Not a really exciting month in the 101 journey...hopefully March will turn out a bit better.

one year has passed

Yeah - 365 days are done!!

I can't believe one year has already gone by for the 101 things in 1001 days project.  Here are some recent updates on my project:

Read: The World is Flat - by Thomas Friedman

The Big Book of Breakfast (yes, it is a recipe book but I am in love with it)

How to Make a Journal of Your Life

A Long Way Gone by Ishmael Beah

Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen

The Mermaid Chair by Sue Monk Kidd

The Dance of the Dissident Daughter by Sue Monk Kidd

The End of the Alphabet by CS Richardson

Currently reading: Q & A (the book Slumdog Millionaire is based on)

Did: 

- Bought my new mac laptop. I love it!!!

- Many creative things were made in December: Bags, pillows, daytimers, aprons - all for Christmas presents

- Signed up for the 1/2 marathon race in May so am running 2-3 times per week again.

- Another girls weekend is taking place in mid-February...looking forward to it

- Had my annual Christmas brunch with 22 guests... I think that brings me up to speed on having people over.

- Used two opportunities to give of my time and resources to those in need over the Christmas season

So after a year, I think I am in good shape. I have completed 19 items on the list and there are 28 items in progress.  With 635 days to go, I think I will make a good dent in the list. I may not complete but that is okay with me.

Only 698 days to go.

698 days - that means less than 2 years for this list. Oh, well...if it gets done, that will be wonderful but I am pretty sure some things will not be accomplished. It is the journey that matters - so they say. Anyhow, here is a quick update:

Reading - Obviously, I have a eclectic reading list. Here are three books I read recently to indicate the diversity:


"Last Minute Sewing Gifts"
"Do You Remember Me?"
"Shock Doctrine" - currently reading
Also read (not in picture): "The Book of Negroes" & "The Nine Lives of Charlotte Taylor"

Creativity - Since my fabric is nicely ironed and folded, I knew I needed to attack the pile and make things. I cannot reveal what I made as Christmas is nearly here and some of my loved ones will be receiving "makesies" gifts this year.



Online dating - Have enrolled in one site, am looking at another one. There are no crazy adventures yet. I thought about doing another blog about funny things that happen in the pursuit of finding a mate but thought better of it. If you want to know any adventures, you need to ask me.

The Girls Weekend - so much fun to get away and drink wine and over analyze. Canmore is so close but you feel like you are a million miles away from normal life. It was fabulous.

Mending: My sewing basket is mostly empty. There are only 3 pieces left and they are not my size so there is no hurry. They will probably go to goodwill in the next go-around of purging.

Time moves quickly but many things on my to-do list are part of my daily life now so it is good. I still can't believe 300 days have already past since posting the list.

The 101 list is being neglected

I hope to re-start my list in November...life derailed slightly over the past 4 months and I was struggling with whether or not a life to-do list was even necessary or relevant to me. But what I realized is that my life is about how I live it and to grant myself grace when necessary. Doing things I love, that bring joy, that challenge me and that ultimately change me...that is what this list is about. So here is the past 2-month update:

10 km run - in untypical fashion, I made a mistake about the date of the run I signed up for thus missing the run. Technically, I have run 10 km....just not in a race but in lots of training. It was a tough day. However, to redeem myself (or punish - I am not sure which), I committed to running a 1/2 marathon next May...I am running with a friend so I should get the date right this time around.

Faith based community - the past 2 weeks, I attended a gathering which is fairly un-churchy. I plan to connect with their relational pastor and see what type of involvement there is...they speak of taking water to the world...being a blessing of love to people in our lives. It seems to fit with the journey I am currently on - love God, love others - simple faith.

Creativity - just some ink drawings...i love one in particular - a dragonfly. It may show itself on gifts this Christmas. I hope to make this holiday pure make-sies and philanthropic in nature. (just a warning to my family). I also made my Halloween costume - I was a gold digger. Pictures to follow in future post.

Friends over - I am making up for lost time recently. In the past week, I had friends over four times for dinner/lunch or breakfast. I hope to continue this habit.

Running - well, during the training for the race, I was running 3-4 times a week. I am now doing a once a week "regiment". In February, I will be upping the training in prep for the 1/2 marathon (am I insane?)

Photo printing - I printed Asia and Europe trip photos to put in frames. Still have a few more to print but it is progress.

Purging - Perhaps my purging is semi-annual. I took another load to charity in September. That is twice this year.
Fabulous women letters - I am just completing the first one tonight. It should be in the mail this week.

Sunrise - Ok, it wasn't purposeful. But I saw the most amazing prairie sunrise (and sunset) during a business trip to Northern Alberta. I left Edmonton at 7 a.m. when it is still dark and the sunrise did not disappoint. I am counting it!!!

Voting - participated in the Canadian federal election in October. For the first time, I did the advance vote as the actual election day was so busy for me.

Girls Weekend - am planning a girls weekend with 4 of the posse in Lake Louise for mid-November. Yeah!!!

However, despite the update of my 101 list, the simplicity of the following photo does hold appeal.