2024 Writing Stats

As part of my review of 2024, which is mostly a personal thing, I took a look at some *writing stats for 2024 (a big improvement over 2023).

In terms of writing new stories and working on current ones, there wasn't a huge difference, but I had decided last year to be more proactive with my writing and be brave by actually sending out more stories and risking more rejections. After all, if I send out more stories, instead of waiting for conditions to be perfect and instead of letting self-doubt rule, I have a better chance of having more accepted. Zero stories out = zero chances at acceptances, or in the words of Wayne Gretzky, "you miss 100% of the shots you don't take." It makes sense, but sometimes it can be hard to follow through.

So, here are my 2024 stats, along with the previous years (not all the years, just the last six) for comparison.

2024: I sent out 25 stories. I withdrew one, sold four, and am waiting to hear back on three others.

2023: I sent out one story, which was rejected.

2022: I sent out nine stories and sold one.

2021: I sent out six stories and sold zero.

2020: I sent out nine stories and sold one.

2019: I sent out one and sold one.

Hopefully, the number of stories sold this year will be greater than last, and maybe I'll be able to sell some to paying markets as well. That would be extremely helpful to me financially, but even if I don't, I won't stop writing. Whether I'm writing stories, letters, typing up a blog post, scribbling ideas on scraps of paper, making lists, or jotting thoughts in a journal, I am always putting pen to paper or fingers to the keyboard. It's been a constant since I was a child. I can't not write. Even if no one reads or enjoys what I write (and I hope that someone will), even if I'm the only one to read my words (as is often the case - writing only for myself), I won't stop. Writing can be difficult. It can feel like I'm just spitting out random letters and rooting around in them to form what I hope are sensical words. It can often resemble a bizarre word salad, but writing is a part of me. Writing = joy.

That said, fingers crossed 2025 shows even more progress. =)

*Writing, for the purpose of this post, refers to writing stories and submitting them in hopes of publication.

101 in 1001: List Seven

 from Day Zero Project (aka "101 in 1001 Days") 

The Mission: 

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 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. 

Start Date: April 1, 2024 

End Date: December 28, 2026 

* Completed tasks will be crossed out. 

* Tasks in progress will be in bold (so I can keep track of them easily). 

* Incomplete tasks will be left as is. 

My 101 

1. Leave an inspirational note in a book for someone to find. 

2. Take a cruise. 

3. Complete the 2024 NaNoWriMo challenge. 

4. Complete the 2025 NaNoWriMo challenge. 

5. Complete the 2026 NaNoWriMo challenge. 

6. Finish a Work in Progress. 

7. Read 100 books (audiobooks count). (29/100)

8. Make a short film. 

9. Go apple picking. 

10. Renew my passport. 

11. Get my permit. 

12. Learn to cook something. 

13. Write about my aunt's need for a kidney.

14. Share the above (#13) in least three places. (0/3)

15. Take the MENSA test. 

16. Host a tea party. 

17. Visit 5 places in New England I've never been to before. (2/5) 

18. Attend a film festival. 

19. Get certified in CPR. 

20. Pay off one credit card. 

21. Make a medical family tree. 

22. Attend the Portuguese Festival (Madeira Fest) in New Bedford 

23. Publish an article in a magazine or newspaper. 

24. Spend 45 days without going online (doesn't have to be consecutive) (2/45) 

25. Visit the Peabody Essex Museum. 

26. Finish "Who Killed Robert Prentice?" by Dennis Wheatley. 

27. Complete 25 creative writing prompts from Toasted Cheese (0/25) 

28. Visit Coney Island. 

29. Visit Old Orchard Beach, ME. 

30. Donate 100 items to charity. (0/100) 

31. Post about my 101 in 1001 progress 5 times. (0/5)

32. Participate in an armchair treasure hunt. 

33. Do the Walk to Rivendell Challenge before my 101 in 1001 challenge ends. 

34. Write 30 blog posts. (8/30) 

35. Visit a city or town I've never been to. 

36. Get reacquainted with my local library. 

37. Host a Game Night. 

38. Make 5 things inspired by Pinterest (0/5) 

39. See 5 movies in the theater. (0/5) 

40. Watch 10 new-to-me movies (theater, at home via whatever method, etc.)

41. Try 20 new things no matter how small.

42. Visit Rockport again. 

43. Visit Canada. 

44. Try audiobook narration. 

45. Take a tour of the Boston Public Library 

46. Review at least 30 relatives in my family tree (to check for dates, etc.) (8/30)

47. Lose 25 lbs. (10/25) 

48. From Learning to Love You More Assignment #53: Give advice to yourself in the past. 

49. Post the result of something inspired by The Soul Food Café. 

50. Create 10 new items for my Etsy Shop.

51. Make a list of 101 quotes that inspire me (0/101). 

52. Identify 100 Things That Make Me Happy. 

53. Organize dad's photos into an album. 

54. Write a letter to myself to be opened when the 1001 days are over. 

55. Make a list of 50 places I'd like to visit in my lifetime. 

56. Be able to do 10 pushups. (0/10) 

57. Submit 50 stories - or 50 times. It doesn't have to be 50 individual stories. (47/50) 

58. Send a query to a literary agent. 

59. Make a bucket list (100 things I want to do before I die). 

60. Purchase a first aid kit for the house. 

61. Answer the "50 Questions that Will Free Your Mind" 

62. Finish the list of books I own (LibraryThing). 

63. Visit Plymouth by train.

64. Be an extra in a movie. 

65. Make a family history book. 

66. Go on a day hike. 

67. Do Escape the Room. 

68. Do 5 Wits. 

69. See a live flamenco performance. 

70. See a live show (play, musical, concert, comedy, etc.), in addition to the flamenco performance in #69.

71. Try foods from five different cultures or countries.

72. Take a surfing lesson. 

73. Go to a scifi con.

74. Introduce Beanie to Farscape and The X-Files. (0/2)

75. Make a will.

76. Sign up for life insurance.

77. Complete 10 on my The Ultimate Reading Challenge list on Day Zero Project.

78. Go to a show at the Norwood Theater. 

79. Visit with my dad at least 5 times.

80. Complete all the items on my 24 in 2024 list.

81. Participate in the 21 Day Challenge to becoming a better you. 

82. Create a nice looking pedigree chart for myself. 

83. Create a nice looking descendency chart from whichever family I choose. 

84. Research at least 4 generations back on Beanie's side. 

85. Participate in MoreLoveLetters.com 

86. Take the train to Washington, D.C. to see the cherry blossoms. 

87. Bake chocolate chip cookies. 

88. Make ice cream from scratch. 

89. Bake some scones. 

90. Take five continuing education courses (online or in person). (0/5) 

91. Learn a new skill. 

92. Finish visual phasing of my siblings and my DNA. 

93. Write 100 letters. (64/100) 

94. Complete the 52 Week Money Challenge. (39/52) 

95. Bring Beanie to NYC for a day trip. 

96. Day trip to Providence. 

97. Get ice cream at Taikyaki. 

98. Transcribe 10 genealogy records for my research. (0/10) 

99. Put $10 into my savings for every completed item on this list. (8/101) 

100. Finish writing another 101 things before the end of the 1001 days. 

101. Complete all the items on this list. (8/101) 

Tasks Remaining: 101 

** previous lists: 

list one 

list two 

list three 

list four

list five

list six

101 in 1001: List Six

from Day Zero Project (aka "101 in 1001 Days") 

The Mission: 

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 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. 

 

Start Date: June 28, 2021 

End Date: March 25, 2024 

* Completed tasks will be crossed out. 

* Tasks in progress will be in bold (so I can keep track of them easily). 

* Incomplete tasks will be left as is. 

My 101 

1. Leave an inspirational note in a book for someone to find. 

2. Take a cruise. 

3. Complete the 2021 NaNoWriMo challenge. 

4. Complete the 2022 NaNoWriMo challenge. 

5. Complete the 2023 NaNoWriMo challenge. 

6. Finish a Work in Progress. 

7. Read 100 books (audiobooks count). (74/100)

8. Start an IRA. 

9. Make a short film. 

10. Go apple picking. 

11. Renew my passport. 

12. Get my permit. 

13. Learn to cook something. 

14. Take the MENSA test. 

15. Host a tea party. 

16. Meet 5 new people. (1/5) 

17. Visit 5 places in New England I've never been to before. (2/5) 

18. Attend a film festival. 

19. Get certified in CPR. 

20. Pay off one credit card. 

21. Make a medical family tree. 

22. Attend the Portuguese Festival (Madeira Fest) in New Bedford 

23. Publish an article in a magazine or newspaper. 

24. Spend 45 days without going online (doesn't have to be consecutive) (3/45) 

25. Visit the Peabody Essex Museum 

26. Finish "Who Killed Robert Prentice?" by Dennis Wheatley 

27. Complete 25 creative writing prompts from Toasted Cheese (0/25) 

28. Visit Coney Island. 

29. Visit Old Orchard Beach, ME. 

30. Take Beanie on two college tours. (0/2) 

31. Donate 100 items to charity. (20/100) 

32. Participate in an armchair treasure hunt 

33. Do the Walk to Rivendell Challenge before my 101 in 1001 challenge ends. 

34. Write 30 blog posts. (1/30) 

35. Visit a city or town I've never been to. 

36. Get reacquainted with my local library. 

37. Host a Game Night. 

38. Make 5 things inspired by Pinterest (0/5) 

39. See 5 movies in the theater. (0/5) 

40. Watch 10 new-to-me movies (theater, at home via whatever method, etc.) (10/10)

41. Try 20 new things no matter how small. (20/20) 

42. Visit Rockport again. 

43. Visit Canada. 

44. Try audiobook narration. 

45. Take a tour of the Boston Public Library 

46. Take Beanie to Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. 

47. Lose 25 lbs. (0/25) 

48. From Learning to Love You More Assignment #53: Give advice to yourself in the past. 

49. Post the result of something inspired by The Soul Food Café. 

50. Create 10 new items for my Etsy Shop. 

51. Make a list of 101 quotes that inspire me (0/101). 

52. Identify 100 Things That Make Me Happy. 

53. Organize dad's photos into an album. 

54. Write a letter to myself to be opened when the 1001 days are over. 

55. Make a list of 50 places I'd like to visit in my lifetime. 

56. Be able to do 10 pushups. (0/10) 

57. Submit 25 stories. (22/25) 

58. Send a query to a literary agent. 

59. Make a bucket list (100 things I want to do before I die). 

60. Purchase a first aid kit for the house. 

61. Answer the "50 Questions that Will Free Your Mind" 

62. Finish the list of books I own (LibraryThing). 

63. Take Beanie on the ferry to Salem. 

64. Be an extra in a movie. 

65. Make a family history book. 

66. Go on a day hike. 

67. Do Escape the Room. 

68. Do 5 Wits. 

69. See a live flamenco performance. 

70. See a live show (play, musical, concert, comedy, etc.), in addition to the flamenco performance in #69. 71. Try foods from five different cultures or countries. (2/5) 

72. Take a surfing lesson. 

73. Go to a scifi con.

74. Introduce Beanie to Farscape and The X-Files. (0/2)

75. Make a will.

76. Sign up for life insurance.

77. Complete 10 on my The Ultimate Reading Challenge list on Day Zero Project.

78. Go to a show at the Norwood Theater. 

79. Visit with my dad at least 5 times. (2/5) 

80. Visit with Uncle Carlos. (failed - he passed away)

  :(

81. Participate in the 21 Day Challenge to becoming a better you. 

82. Create a nice looking pedigree chart for myself. 

83. Create a nice looking descendency chart from whichever family I choose. 

84. Research at least 4 generations back on Beanie's side. 

85. Participate in MoreLoveLetters.com 

86. Take the train to Washington, D.C. to see the cherry blossoms. 

87. Bake chocolate chip cookies. 

88. Make ice cream from scratch. 

89. Bake some scones. 

90. Take five continuing education courses (online or in person). (0/5) 

91. Learn a new skill. 

92. Finish visual phasing of my siblings and my DNA. 

93. Write 100 letters. (21/100) 

94. Complete the 52 Week Money Challenge. (52/52) 

95. Bring Beanie to NYC for a day trip. 

96. Day trip to Providence. 

97. Get ice cream at Taikyaki. 

98. Transcribe 10 genealogy records for my research. (0/10) 

99. Put $10 into my savings for every completed item on this list. (6/101) 

100. Finish writing another 101 things before the end of the 1001 days. 

101. Complete all the items on this list. (6/101) 

Tasks Remaining: 101 

** previous lists: 

list one 

list two 

list three 

list four

list five

2019 Year in Review

As usual I fell behind on projects I wanted to accomplish this year, but that’s okay. There’s always next year. I did manage to tick a few things off my list, and I did pick up a reading habit again (even if the “reading” mostly consisted of audio books).
 

Here are a few of the things that happened in 2019, in no particular order:

1. Lots of letters received but not as many sent. I need to improve on that!
2. I went to the Downton Abbey Exhibit in Boston..
3. More genealogy and DNA cousin discoveries.
4. Read a fair amount of books but did not meet my Goodreads challenge goal of 50 books.
5. Reached out to some relatives and offered them an extra (free!) DNA kit and either never heard back or was told "no, thank you"
6. Funeral for my Uncle Manny who passed away 30 Sep 2018)
7. Took some courses online through Future Learn and managed to finish some but not all
8. Did not finish this year's NaNoWriMo effort
9. Tried NYC Midnight’s MicroFiction Challenge and received really good feedback
10. Submitted flash fiction to Alone in a Room with Invisible People's Halloween Podcast and was thrilled to have it read on the podcast! You can listen to my story, "Once in a Blue Moon," here on the Apple Podcast or Podbean at 19:14.
11. Saw my first Broadway play, Betrayal, in November, starring Tom Hiddleston, Zawe Ashton, and Charlie Cox, with special appearance by Eddie Arnold.
12.Took a bus to NYC for the first time
13. Rode the NYC subway by myself for the first time
14. Had lunch with Sharifa in NYC
15. Walk for Hunger in May
16. Took my niece to Harvard Square for the first time
17. Real ID adventures
18. Used Amtrak rewards points toward a free ticket (woo!)
19. Spent too much money
20. Saw some new shows on Netflix
21. Finally got to see the Avengers movies (;ast one / last two)
22. Played Monument Valley 1 and 2; also, Wizards United
23. Lost one pound (woo!)
24. Bean was concussed the weekend before her birthday.

25. Sick for the holidays and end of the year

2018 Review

2018 was eventful but thankfully not as eventful as previous years. Here are some of the things that happened in 2018, mostly in no particular order.

1. Made a new 101 in 1001 and started up this blog again.
2. Downton Abbey movie was announced!
3. Lots of letters sent and received!
4. More genealogy and DNA cousin discoveries
5. Read some books (I rediscovered audio books and podcast university lectures), saw some movies (finally saw ThorRagnarok), but didn't get much walking in (mostly due to the very hot summer we had)
6. In April Sharifa & Irvin visited Boston, and we got to hang out
7. Took my niece to L.A. Burdick for hot chocolate
8. Walk for Hunger in May
9. Letters Live, NYC in May
10. Helped with researching props for a NY festival play
11. Victory Gardens, Boston with my sis and dad (June)
12. June 10 - Sagres at Fan Pier, Boston, and the Boston Portuguese Festival on City Hall Plaza
13. The Wizard School Scavenger Hunt at the MFA (Watson Adventures, Aug.)
14. Mid Aug.-Sep. 30 was spent worrying about my Uncle Manny. It was a deja vu feeling in many ways from the year before when Hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico in 2017, and we had no word as to how he was until Oct. 7 when an internet angel actually went to his house (all I had was a PO Box and a vague description of where he lived) to check on him. Cells weren't working in his area so she snapped a photo and messaged it to me on Facebook once she was back in an area with reception. We were able to reach him by phone a week later and were overjoyed to hear his voice, but seeing his photo on Oct. 7 and being the receiver of such kindness from a total stranger had my mom and me crying happy tears. Fast forward to 2018 when he was supposed to visit us but had returned home early and fell ill. By all accounts he was ill when he was visiting other family, but he was worse when he returned to P.R. Weeks followed where the news of his health yo-yo'd between improvement and worsening. We got the call on Sep. 30 that he had passed away.
15. Finally attended the Boston Book Festival (Oct. 13)
16. November saw a get together with friends from high school, and it was great to catch up!
17. NaNoWriMo fail
18. Tried pork pot pie and a piece of English country manor farm cheese (it was green and had sage in it), although not at the same time

101 in 1001: List Five

from Day Zero Project (aka "101 in 1001 Days")

The Mission:
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 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.

Start Date: September 20, 2018
End Date: June 17, 2021

* Completed tasks will be crossed out.
* Tasks in progress will be in bold (so I can keep track of them easily).
* Incomplete tasks will be left as is.

My 101
1. Leave an inspirational note inside a book for someone to find
2. Take a cruise
3. Start a genealogy blog
4. Bring my laptop in for repair (4/19/19)
5. Complete the 2018 NaNoWriMo challenge
6. Complete the 2019 NaNoWriMo challenge
7. Complete the 2020 NaNoWriMo challenge
8. Finish a Work in Progress
9. Read 50 books (audio books count)
10. Start an IRA
11. Make a short film
12. Go apple picking
13. Renew my passport
14. Get my permit
15. Take the MENSA test
16. Learn to cook something
17. Host a tea party
18. Meet 5 new people
19. Visit 5 places in New England I've never been to before (0/5)
20. Attend a film festival
21. Participate in a charity event
22. Get certified in CPR
23. Complete all the items on this list (11/101)
24. Pay off one credit card
25. Keep a diary for a year
26. Go on a road trip
27. Get an article published in a magazine or newspaper
28. Keep a journal for this Day Zero Project (journal started on 9/22/18)
29. Attend the Portuguese Festival (Madeira Fest) in New Bedford
30. Spend 45 days without going online (doesn't have to be consecutive) (0/45)
31. Visit the Peabody Essex Museum
32. Finish "Who Killed Robert Prentice?" by Dennis Wheatley
33. Do 10 Random Acts of Kindness (8/10)
34. Complete 25 creative writing prompts from Toasted Cheese (0/25)
35. Visit Coney Island
36. Visit Old Orchard Beach, ME
37. Donate 100 items to charity (43/100)
38. Participate in an armchair treasure hunt
39. Do the Walk to Rivendell Challenge within the timeframe of 1000 days
40. Attend the 2018 Boston Book Festival
41. Write 30 blogs posts (14/30)
42. Visit a city or town I've never been to
43. Get reacquainted with my local library
44. Host a game night
45. Make 5 things inspired by Pinterest (1/5)
46. See 5 movies in the theater (0/5)
47. Try 10 new things, no matter how small (10/10)
48. Visit LaSalette
49. Visit Canada
50. Visit Rockport again
51. Try audiobook narration
52. See one of Beanie's games or performances
53. Take a tour of the Boston Public Library
54. Take Beanie to Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
55. From Learning to Love You More Assignment #53: Give advice to yourself in the past
56. Post the result of something inspired by The Soul Food Café
57. Create 10 new items for my Etsy shop
58. Make a list of 101 quotes that inspire me (0/101)
59. Identify 100 Things That Make Me Happy
60. Organize dad's photos into an album
61. Lose 20 lbs (7/20)
62. Write a letter to myself to be opened when the 1001 days are over
63. Make a list of 50 places I'd like to visit in my lifetime
64. Be able to do 10 pushups
65. Send a query to a literary agent
66. Make a bucket list (100 things I want to do before I die)
67. Purchase a first aid kit for home
68. Answer the "50 Questions that Will Free Your Mind"
69. Finish writing another 101 things before the end of the 1001 days
70. Finish the list of books I own (LibraryThing)
71. Be an extra in a movie
72. Take Beanie on the ferry to Salem
73. Make a family history book
74. Go on a day hike
75. Do Escape the Room
76. Do 5 Wits
77. See a live flamenco performance again
78. Attend a formal dress event
79. Try foods from five different cultures or countries (0/5)
80. Take a surfing lesson
81. Go to a show at the Norwood Theater
82. Visit my dad at least 5 times (0/5)
83. Say "hello" to and/or smile at 20 strangers
84. Participate in the 21 Day Challenge to becoming a better you
85. Create a nice looking pedigree chart for myself
86. Create a nice looking descendency chart from whichever family I choose
87. Research at least 4 generations back on Beanie's side
88. Participate in MoreLoveLetters.com
89. Say "yes" to something I would not normally do
90. Take the train to Washington, D.C. to see the cherry blossoms
91. Bake chocolate chip cookies
92. Make ice cream from scratch
93. Bake some scones
94. Learn something new
95. Finish visual phasing of my siblings and my DNA
96. Go to a festival
97. Go to a concert
98. Learn calligraphy
9. Complete the 52 Week Money Challenge (52/52)
100. Put $10 into my savings for every completed item on this list (13/101)
101. Take 5 continuing education or enrichment courses (5/5)

Tasks Remaining: 89

** previous lists
list one
list two
list three
list four

101 in 1001: List Four

from Day Zero Project (aka "101 in 1001 days")

The Mission:
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 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.

Start Date: June 16, 2014
End Date: March 13, 2017

* Completed tasks will be crossed out.
* Tasks in process will be in bold (so I can keep track of them easily).
* Incomplete tasks will be left as is.

My 101

1. Put $10 into savings for every completed item on this list (1/101)
2. From Learning to Love You More assignment #53: Give advice to yourself in the past
3. Post the result of something inspired by The Soul Food Cafe
4. Make a list of 101 quotes that inspire me
5. Identify 100 things that make me happy
6. Write a letter to myself to be opened when the 1001 days is over
7. Make a list of 50 places I would like to visit in my lifetime
8. Leave an inspirational note inside a book for someone to find
9. Write a book
10. Donate my hair to Locks of Love
11. Send a card or flowers to someone going through a tough time
12. Get my driver's license
13. Take a cruise
14. Complete the 2014 NaNoWriMo challenge
15. Bring my laptop in for repair (completed 7/23/14)
16. Finish a Work in Progress
17. Read 30 books
18. Start an IRA
19. Make a short film
20. Complete two of the items on my 43 Things list
21. Go apple picking
22. Renew my passport
23. Make a bucket list (100 things I want to do before I die)
24. Purchase a first aid kit for home
25. Take the MENSA test
26. Learn to cook something
27. Meet five new people
28. Host a BBQ
29. Make a treasure map for my niece to follow
30. Visit 5 places in New England I've never been to before (1/5)
31. Don't log into Facebook for a week
32. Answer the "50 Questions That Will Free Your Mind"
33. Attend a film festival
34. Participate in a charity event
35. Get certified in CPR
36. Make a list of 100 things about me
37. Make a list of my 50 favorite movies
38. Finish writing another 101 things list by the end of 1001 days
39. Complete all the items on this list
40. Take three continuing education or enrichment courses
41. Organize Ella photos
42. Finish the list of books I own
43. Pay off one credit card
44. Go kayaking
45. Keep a diary for a year
46. Go on a road trip
47. Get an article published in a magazine or newspaper
48. Keep a journal for this Day Zero Project
49. Attend the Portuguese Festival in New Bedford
50. Spend three days without going online
51. Visit the Peabody Essex Museum
52. Finish "Who Killed Robert Prentice?" by Dennis Wheatley
53. Do 10 random acts of kindness (2/10)
54. Complete 25 creative writing prompts from Toasted Cheese
55. Try contact lenses again
56. Be an extra in a movie
57. Try a new breakfast place
58. Go on a harbor cruise or take a ferry ride somewhere
59. Visit Coney Island
60. Donate 100 items to charity
61. Update my genealogy research
62. Plan a family reunion
63. Make a list of 100 books I would like to read
64. Go on a day hike
65. Participate in a scavenger hunt
66. See a live Flamenco performance
67. Participate in an armchair treasure hunt
68. Do the Walk for Rivendell Challenge
69. Attend the 2014 Boston Book Fesival
70. Attend a formal dress event
71. Write 10 blog posts
72. Dye my hair
73. Try foods from three different cultures
74. Visit a city I've never been to
75. Take a surfing lesson
76. Visit my Dad (completed 7/20/14)
77. Go to a show at the Norwood theater
78. Say "hello" to and/or smile at 20 strangers (4/20)
79. Get reacquainted with my library
80. Start a birthday calendar to help me remember when to mail cards
81. Have/host a game night
82. Start a Smash! book
83. Participate in the local film community
84. Make three things inspired by Pinterest (1/3)
85. Complete the 2015 NaNoWriMo challenge
86. Complete the 2016 NaNoWriMo challenge
87. Do a craft show
88. See 5 movies in the theater
89. Visit a bookstore
90. Take a day trip to NYC
91. Visit Canada
92. Have coffee or lunch with three friends I don't see often
93. Try 10 new things, no matter how small (3/10)
94. Buy a lottery ticket
95. Say "yes" to something I would not normally do
96. Participate in the 21 Day Challenge to becoming a better you
97. Visit La Salette
98. Go on a whale watch
99. Visit Rockport again
100. Send a message in a bottle
101. Participate in MoreLoveLetters.com

Tasks Remaining: 93

** previous lists
list 3
list 2
list 1

My 2011 Review - The Good, The Awesome, The Bad, The Ugly

In no particular order, here are some of 2011's highlights:

* major face failure in January; one year later, and I’m still haunted by the mystery person
* I took a chance. Twice. Both times it paid off in the short run but not the long run. I don’t regret taking either chance at all. :)
* I sold a lot (for me) on etsy. :) Unfortunately I didn’t make enough new items to sell. All my crafting/creating plans seemed doomed to remain .. unfinished.
* Walk for Hunger! :)
* reconnected with old friends :)
* made a new friend :)
* met new people :)
* attended a film screening for P7D :)
* said goodbye to NHS
* went hiking on Blue Hills :)
* realized I was falling into the old oubliette/limbo/holding patterns and tried unsuccessfully to break the patterns before it was too late
* spent too much time online
* my writing suffered; it was basically nonexistent for 2011
* got my copy of P7D! :)
* gave up coffee for awhile :) but drank too much coffee for the remainder of the year
* got into a Facebook habit in February because I had a reason to play on there
* long walks in the nice weather :)
* went on an actual date (go me!) :)
* failed NaNoWriMo
* enjoyed the beautiful weather as much as possible :)
* realized early on that my crush wasn’t crushing on me after all and that he was just being nice because he’s a nice person; of course, it didn’t make the realization any easier and so I lived in hope & denial for a while; “Nothing takes the taste out of peanut butter quite like unrequited love.” (Charlie Brown)
* saw a movie at Legacy Place (holy cow! that place is big!)
* was disappointed to discover I wasn’t as high on someone’s friend list as I thought I had been and spent too much time trying to figure out if I was a friend, a sometimes friend or just an acquaintance
* was amazed to meet someone who was actually excited to spend time with me :)
* was called cute (yay!) :)
* Duck Tour! :)
* visited with family, including a visit with my Dad :)
* Found two pairs of pants that actually fit! :)
* Joined PostCrossing :)
* Got some pen pals! :)
* won a gift basket :)
* had a visit from Missy :)
* NYC! :)
* was beyond tired (exhausted!) in the beginning of the year and in the end of the year
* had lasagna (December) :)
* too many strange, random comments made to me than I can recall
* 101 in 1001 failure! but I made a new list so it’s all good
* cancer in the family .. again :(
* R.I.P. Ray LaPierre - December 23, 2011 - sad Christmas :(

I think that was pretty much it.

It's 101: Take Three!

My last list is now a collection of failed goals. As time went along, I didn't spent much effort working on the list, but that's okay. If I was going to fail, I'm glad I failed gloriously.**

I've typed up my new list and have posted it here if you'd like to check it out. In choosing my goals this time I decided to mix it up a bit. There's a combination of "easier" one time goals (for example, #45) and longer, more complicated goals (for example, #100) throughout. Some goals are deceptively simple (like goal #27) but aren't as simple as they first appear (I haven't been to the movies since Mama Mia so there's no guarantee I'll accomplish #27 without some effort). I tried to make each goal realistic, and some are more challenging than others, but all should be fun to do in some way. I'm very excited by this new list. :)

Hopefully, I'll get myself in the habit of posting updates on my progress (success or failure).

new list
previous list
first list

Do you have your own list? What goals have you set for yourself? Do you have an opinion, some advice, or a question about something on my list? Feel free to share in the comments!

**Ben Browder (here and here)

**cross-posted to LJ

101 in 1001: List Three

from Day Zero (aka "101 in 1001 days")

The Mission:
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 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.

Start Date: Saturday, September 10, 2011
End Date: Saturday, June 7, 2014

* Completed tasks will be crossed out.
* Tasks in process will be in bold (so I can keep track of them easily).
* Incomplete tasks will be left as is.

My 101

1. Attend Dragon*Con.
2. Get my driver's permit.
3. Get my driver's license.
4. Take three continuing education or enrichment courses. (0/3)
5. Read 50 books. (4/50)
6. Start an IRA.
7. Try one new thing every month, no matter how small, for at least six months. (The months don’t have to be consecutive.) (6/6)
8. Take a cruise.
9. Complete the 2011 NaNoWriMo challenge. (Fail!)
10. Complete the 2012 NaNoWriMo challenge. (Fail!)
11. Complete the 2013 NaNoWriMo challenge.
12. Bring my laptop in for repair.
13. Submit one of my finished stories somewhere for publication.
14. Finish a WIP.
15. Make a short film.
16. Submit the film to at least three festivals. (0/3)
17. Participate in at least three projects/events in the local/New England film community. (0/3)
18. Organize Ella photos.
19. Finish the list of books I own.
20. Sell 10 items on ebay. (5/10)
21. Identify 100 things that make me happy.
22. Complete at least two things off my 43 Things list. (0/2)
23. Post the result of something inspired by The Soul Food Cafe.
24. Spend three days without once going online. (0/3)
25. Write 10 actual letters (not an email or a card). (10/10)
26. Go apple picking.
27. See five movies in the theater. (5/5)
28. From Learning to Love You More assignment #53: Give advice to yourself in the past.
29. From Learning to Love You More assignment #3: Make a documentary video about a small child.
30. Renew my passport.
31. Answer the "50 Questions That Will Free Your Mind."
32. Dye my hair.
33. Make a bucket list (100 things I want to do before I die).
34. Travel to Nova Scotia.
35. Participate in a charity event (other than/in addition to The Walk for Hunger)
36. Attend the Portuguese Festival in New Bedford.
37. Go on a day hike. (10/8/11)
38. Try 10 new (to me) flavored teas. These 10 tea flavors do not count toward goal #7. (1/10)
39. Participate (unofficially) in the Walk to Rivendell challenge.
40. Visit the Cloisters in NYC.
41. Visit Coney Island.
42. Re-certify in CPR.
43. Purchase a first aid kit for home.
44. List 25 new items in my etsy shop. (25/25)
45. Get my hair cut.
46. Make a little "movie" with my niece.
47. Visit the Peabody Essex Museum.
48. Visit Rockport again.
49. Visit Martha's Vineyard again.
50. Visit Nantucket.
51. Visit Newburyport.
52. Visit P-Town again.
53. Visit Georges Island again.
54. Participate in the 26 Things meme.
55. Write an article (on any topic) and submit to at least one publication of some sort (online or off). (0/2)
56. Take the MENSA test. (I'd say "join MENSA," but that assumes I'll automatically pass the test. haha)
57. Learn to cook something.
58. Go without caffeine for 30 days (doesn't have to be consecutive). (30/30)
59. Meet five new people. (4/5)
60. Go on 3 dates. (real dates, not these casual hanging out things I usually do) (3/3)
61. Attend a film festival.
62. Attend an author event of some sort.
63. Make an appointment with my PCP.
64. Start an art journal and work on it at least three times. (0/4)
65. Write in diary/journal at least ten times. (0/10)
66. Post at least 20 times in one of my blogs/online journals. A blog entry elsewhere (guest blogger, etc.) is fine, too. (20/20)
67. Participate in at least three online memes (LJ, writing memes, photo memes, art memes, etc.) Facebook-only memes do not count. (0/3)
68. Add 10 items to my zazzle stores. (3/10)
69. Watch a film I haven't seen before which has won Best Picture.
70. Finish "Who Killed Robert Prentice?" by Dennis Wheatley.
71. Put $10 into savings for every completed item on this list. (3/101)
72. Go to a concert.
73. Make a treasure map for my niece to follow.
74. Do a craft project with my niece.
75. Buy a pedometer for my niece.
76. Participate in Book Crossing at least once.
77. Participate in PostCrossing at least once.
78. Get a pen pal. (I used to have several!)
79. See a play or musical.
80. Get a book agent.
81. Do 10 random acts of kindness. (1/10)
82. Send 10 postcards to 10 different people.
83. Take a tour of the Day House.
84. Do a good deed.
85. Have lunch with an old or new friend. (12/30/11)
86. Complete 20 creative writing prompts from Toasted Cheese. (0/20)
87. Go to Castle Island.
88. Visit 5 places in New England I've never been to before. (0/5)
89. Go on a picnic. (4/16/12)
90. Do 30 continuous sit-ups.
91. Attend a live music performance.
92. Try contact lenses again.
93. Take my niece on a carriage ride.
94. Go on a harbor cruise or take a ferry ride somewhere.
95. Try a new place for breakfast (eating out).
96. Don't log into Facebook for a week.
97. Attend a barbecue.
98. Visit La Salette.
99. Explore Bird Park.
100. Complete all the items on this list.
101. Start another 101 things to do when the 1001 days near their end.

Days Left: 282
Tasks Remaining: 79

** previous lists:
list 2
list 1

#65. Identify 100 things that make me happy. (1-27)

I decided to review my 101 in 1001 days list this morning and tackle item #65. Identify 100 things that make me happy. This is a partial list at the moment because I don't want to just type as many things as possible without giving it much thought. I really want it to be a list of "100 things that make me happy" that I can refer to when I need a little reminder. ;)

1. My neice
2. Chocolate
3. Writing
4. Books
5. Stories/Storyelling
6. Walking
7. Watching movies
8. Making/creating things
9. Miniatures
10. The ocean
11. Listening to music (live music, on the radio, on my iPod, etc.)
12. My family
13. Sunshine
14. Making lists
15. Exploring new places, especially on foot
16. Taking a cruise
17. Small children playing, laughing, running
18. Eating ice cream, especially mint chocolate chip, with jimmies on a cone
19. Looking at old family photos and family albums
20. Learning new things
21. Daydreaming
22. Tap dance, Irish step, Flamenco, .. I love hearing the tap-tap-tap sounds when the person is dancing
23. Fruity scents .. strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, oranges, apples, etc.
24. Having time to myself
25. Ferry rides, boat tours, etc. - This one is closely related to #10 and #16, but deserves its own number, I think
26. Eating out, especially for breakfast, brunch or lunch
27. Grazing. I'd rather "graze" throughout the day, eating several "mini-meals" and snacking than have to endure the traditional three (large) meals a day all the time. Buffets, dim sum, tapas, etc., make me happy because I can have a little of this and a little of that instead of large portions of things I really only want a bite of. Grazing and snacking make me happy.

That's it for now. I'll revisit this list now and then and add to it. The results I'll share as the list progresses.

So tell me, what makes you happy?

#29, Photo in the Fair .. Fail!

Well, my last post was a bit lengthy. lol

I need to get back into posting here and elsewhere more regularly. I also have to finish editing my nanonovel. Once thing I'm not completing this year is #29 in my 101 in 1001 list: Enter a photo or craft in the Marshfield Fair. I have one photo ready as an 8x10" print, Bell Tower, but unfortunately, I have no money nor any time (but especially no cash or credit) to get it framed or matted as per the Fair's requirements. *sigh* So this year, #29 is a big Fail. :(

But hey, there's always next year.

So This is What It's Like in the Winner's Circle

On my fourth attempt, I have completed the challenge of NaNoWriMo. :)

At around 1am this morning I finished, with a little over the required word count of 50,000 and uploaded my story to the NaNoWriMo site for word verification. Somehow an extra 200 words were added in the process, but hey! that's fine by me. :) I'm quite pleased as you can imagine. It was very difficult to focus but focus I did and finished. Hoorah! The novel will need major reworking and revision, but I think the idea is a good one and has promise. So again I am happy with the results. :D

I really believe that part of the reason I was able to finish this year is the course How to Think Sideways that I'm taking. Without it I couldn't have pre-plotted without over plotting, and I think that helped me a great deal. I was able to plot just enough. Not over, not under, just enough structure to aid me as I struggled to get from one part to the next. And yes, it was a struggle, but it was so much easier this year than past years! :) Another reason was attending the Boston Kick Off party - fantastic motivational day. Then, of course, having writing buddies like atomicpagan kept me motivated as well. Finally, if I was stuck, I would think invisible robot fish or crime fighting tomatoes, grin like an idiot and start writing again.

I've decided that next year I won't be writing my nanonovel in my notebook. I'll just type it out. Writing then typing is not fun, especially when you're writing 50,000 words in 30 days. Some stories need to be written on paper, doodled on, scribbled over and dotted with asterisks and side bars full of conversational snippets for a later time. NaNoWriMo stories are better suited to being typed out with the first words that come to mind .. or to fingertips, as the case may be. Spill it all out on the keyboard! More efficient that way.

I've crossed NaNoWriMo 2008 off my 1001 list. Three down, 98 more to go!

NaNoWriMo Update

I like to write on paper with a nice pen. I like the way that feels, and it enables me to take notes, cross things out, make doodles in the margins as I write. So, for this year's NaNoWriMo attempt I did just that. I bought a notebook and wrote. I find I write best in the morning so I tried to do most of my writing at that time before I went to work and then finish off some more words at the end, but when I reached over 20,000 words, the realization of it all hit me like a mack truck. In order to have my word count validated and to officially "win," I would have to type it all in and upload it to the NaNoWriMo site by November 30. *headdesk*

I've since switched gears. I've started typing in the mornings what I've written so far, and I type new scenes into my laptop at night. Physically typing at night isn't foreign to me since that's when I'd usually check my email and respond to people online. I'm better at staying awake when I'm typing into the computer at 11:30pm than I am when I scribbling into my (paper) notebook. At night I have a stream of consciousness thing going on that works well for typing out a nanonovel. In two days/nights, I've typed around 7,000 new words of my story. (yay!) I'm aiming for 30,000 words before I go to sleep tonight. I know there are many who are way ahead of me (congratulations!!) and many who are behing me in word count (don't give up!!), but hitting the 30,000 mark would be such a confidence boost for me.

Luckily, I had written a series of sentences lite for the story as part of my class work in Holly Lisle's How to Think Sideways: Career Survival School for Writers course. Those little scene sentences are a godsend! I can easily stay on track and create new scenes at the same time. Taking Holly's class was a wise decision for me.

Oh! and Scrivener is working out great. Once the trial period is over, I'll have to purchase the program. I've been able to keep all my notes, sentences lite and work in one spot. And Scrivener keeps a running word count for me, and shows me a little graph/bar with my progress. How cool is that? Very cool in my book.

#71 on the List

I took a CPR class tonight. It was painless, and I learned a lot. Plus now I'm more confident about trying to help someone in distress. In high school I always felt intimidated by the whole thing and could never remember how many breaths, how many compressions, etc. This time it was good. M. was a great teacher. :)

Now I just have to get on with that nanonovel. I'm sadly behind, but I think I can still do it. I'm motivated by everyone else's progress. Great job, everyone! :D

edited to add:
#21 on the list - There's a new restaurant next to where I worked. I tried a lovely artisan sandwich there called Jardiniere. Very tasty. I also tried one of their Caprese sandwiches, but I've had a Caprese before so that didn't count.
#90 on the list - I watched "Spanglish" over the weekend with Tea Leoni, Adam Sandler, Cloris Leachman and the talented Paz Vega. Good movie. ;)

Stuff for Sale

Well, as part of my attempt at selling 10 things on ebay (and getting finances in better control), I've put a few things up for sale.

#59 is not put 10 things up for sale but sell 10 items. So it won't count until the items actually sell. If you'd like to put in a bid for anything, the items are here:

"Princess Bride" on VHS

Harlequein romance: "One Hot Summer" by Suzanne Scott

Harlequin romance: "Dodging Cupid's Arrow" by Kate Hoffman

Harlequin romance: "Not the Gal!" by Glenda Sanders

:)

Working on Reducing My Credit Card Debt

I'm focused once again on #20 on my 101 list. I've decided that, in November, I'm limiting myself to $40 in cash for spending money (toiletries, night out with friends, taking the train in town, etc.) Since it's novel writing month anyway, it shouldn't be too much of a hardship. $10 a week to spend. If all goes well, I will cut it down again the following month to $20 spending money. If not the following month (December), then definitely in January.

The trickiest thing about spending no more than $40 in November will be November 1. There's a NaNoWriMo write-in on that day. I could go in town to that after work (which I'd really like to do), but I'd be looking at spending a quarter of my monthly allowance on the train even before the week has started .. and then a few dollars on lunch or snacks (since it's in a restaurant). I could instead go to the Vegetarian Festival in town, but I run into the same problem with how much I'm spending that day. Plus, I lose out on word count while I'm in there at the festival. The positive side of the Veggie Fest is hanging out with my friend T. I haven't seen her in months, if not over a year now. My third choice is the most frugal. After work, I simply go home and write. Good for my pocket book. Good for my word count. Bad for my social life (which barely exists as it is).

Decisions, decisions ..

NaNoWriMo Prep and Working on my 101: #33 & #2

In preparation of NaNoWriMo, I'm attempting to get a few things done before November madness hits. Part of that is plotting out my 2008 nanovel (#33 on my 101 in 1001 list). Holly's course How to Think Sideways is a big part of that. In fact, my idea for this year's nanonovel is an idea generated from the course (lightning struck!). It will be a young adult novel like last year's attempt, but it's not a fantasy novel. It's more of a mystery which is a little different than anything I've tried before so I'm excited to get started on it.

Another part of my preparation is working on the EstellaDawn web site (#2 on my 101 in 1001 list). I've promised T. to have at least one version this weekend for her to check out. I'm hoping to have more than one version completed this weekend. Hopefully she'll like one of them, and then I'll simply tweak it a bit and upload to the server. Although the site has nothing to do with NaNoWriMo, finishing it will be a nice accomplishment and one less thing to worry about in November.

Lastly, although not official NaNo prep work, I'm heading in town tomorrow with Jo for a Boston NaNoWriMo Meet & Greet. It should be lots of fun!

101 in 1001 Days

from Day Zero (aka "101 in 1001 days")

The Mission:
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 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 organising and timing some tasks such as overseas trips or outdoor activities.

Start Date: Monday, October 20, 2008
End Date: Monday, July 18, 2011

I'm keeping track a little differently than I did before.
* Completed tasks will be crossed out.
* Tasks in process will be in bold (so I can keep track of them easily).
* Incomplete tasks will be left as is.

My 101

1. Get my ears repierced.
2. Get Estella Dawn website up and running.
('til then visit estelladawn.imagekind.com)
3. Finish one scrapbook project.
4. Attend another convention.
5. Start filming web series.
6. Get web series up and running (online, publicized).
7. Promote P7D.
8. Read M.A. Bernier’s “Dragonstone.”
9. Read one of the Pratchett books that Digger lent me.
10. Publish this list on the web.
11. Cook something in my crockpot.
12. Take a dance class.
13. Get my driver’s permit.
14. Get my driver’s license.
15. Take a class through either the BCAE or the CCAE.
16. Write in my diary at least three times in 2009. (fail!)
17. Read a book by Lois McMasters Bujold (the author Mreen always recommends to me).
18. Start an IRA.
19. Make a vet appt. for my kitty.
20. Get my credit card balances down to at least half of what I owe.
21. Try one new thing every month, no matter how small, for at least six months. (The months don’t have to be consecutive.) (5/6)
22. Take a cruise.
23. Visit Missy.
24. Visit Martha’s Vineyard. (completed Aug. 4, 2010)
25. Visit Canada.
26. Take a Boston Duck Tour.
27. Finish a cross-stitch project.
28. Have a picnic with my neice.
29. Enter a photo or a craft project in the Marshfield Fair.
30. Take the MENSA test.
31. Take a tour of the Day House.
32. Get a new library card.
33. Complete the 2008 NaNoWriMo challenge.
34. Complete the 2009 NaNoWriMo challenge. (fail!)
35. Submit one of my finished stories somewhere for publication.
36. Finish a WIP (not including NaNoWriMo, of course).
37. Make a short film.
38. Submit the film to at least three festivals.
39. Participate in the 26 Things meme.
40. Make FS commercial.
41. Produce something for local cable.
42. Organize Ella photos.
43. Replace ten VHS tapes with DVDs.
44. Plan a family reunion.
45. Catalogue my CDs.
46. Catalogue my DVDs.
47. Catalogue my VHS tapes.
48. Finish the list of books I own.
49. Copy one of my old diaries (from elementary school).
50. Put the VHS tape my aunt & uncle had made for my grandmother onto DVD.
51. Transfer my LCIII files onto my current laptop.
52. Transfer T.’s vids to digital form as she had requested.
53. Attend a film festival.
54. Get better acquainted with all the bells and whistles on my laptop.
55. Get better acquainted with all the bells and whistles on my camcorder.
56. Get better acquainted with all the bells and whistles on my new digital camera.
57. Dye my hair auburn.
58. See Cyanide Valentine live. (possible failure since Jake is now a solo act)
59. Sell 10 items on ebay. (4/10)
60. Put $20 into savings for every completed task. (0/101)
61. Organize my closet.
62. Finish a FS fan vid.
63. Make ATC series.
64. Work on altered journal (or something similar).
65. Identify 100 things that make me happy.
66. Complete at least two things off my 43 Things list. (1/2)
67. List my 100 favorite movies.
68. List my 100 favorite books.
69. Write the alphabet books for T. that I’d promised her.
70. Buy rainboots.
71. Take CPR class.
72. Start an Etsy shop. (completed 06/21/09)
73. Finish writing the first five episodes of my web series.
74. Buy pedometer for Micky & Christine. (1/2)
75. Buy pedometer for myself.
76. Visit with Brett & Mary again.
77. Get together with some Scapers (beyond 1 or 2 Boston Scapers).
78. Get a table for Estella Dawn on Norwood Day.
79. Upload five more photos to my imagekind account. (4/5)
80. Volunteer on someone else’s film.
81. Enter a music vid for the 2009 Creation Farscape con (assuming there is a con). (fail!)
82. Post the result of something inspired by The Soul Food Cafe.
83. Attend a craft fair.
84. Create an altered journal for the Library project.
85. Spend three days without once going online. (2/3)
86. Replan my torturemazes website.
87. Post ten more entries on the Beanywood blog. (0/10)
88. Make a 2009 New Years Resolutions list. (fail!)
89. Complete at least five things off that list. (0/5) (fail!)
90. Watch at least three of the videos my dad sent me.
91. Write 10 actual letters (not an email or a card). (10/10)
92. Go apple picking.
93. Start another 101 things to do when the 1001 days near their end.
94. Read the Book of Revelations.
95. Read 10 non fiction books. (0/10)
96. From Learning to Love You More assignment #53: Give advice to yourself in the past
97. From Learning to Love You More assignmnet #3: Make a documentary video about a small child.
98. Visit with my dad at least three times. (1/3)
99. Complete How to Think Sideways course.
100. Take a digital photography class.
101. Complete all the items on this list. (fail!)

Days Left: 33
Tasks Remaining: 85

** previous list

New 101 List!

This morning I finally completed my new list of 101 things to do in 1001 days. I'll post it later today. If you're interested, my old list is here. I didn't complete a lot of them, but I *did* complete more than I expected. My new list will have some repeats from the previous list, plus a few newer items.

I've included the writing course I'm currently taking on the list, too. Many of the items have meaning only to me (as well they should), but some are fun items I found on others' lists that I chose to borrow for mine.

It's an interesting challenge, and there is great satisfaction in ticking a completed item off the list. ;) I encourage everyone to give it a try if you haven't already.