101 Things in 1001 Days

I like lists. Lists for shopping, to-do’s, what I’ve done, and steps to solve a problem all interest me. I like the creative energy, the possibilities, and the fun of new thoughts.

Right now I am on a “live a fuller life” kick. So New Year’s Resolutions and Bucket Lists are especially interesting.  However, I am not always good about follow through because of not being precise enough in the goal, no accountability, or because I didn’t allow enough time.  I have joined the 101 Things in 1001 Days bandwagon to address these three hindrances.

Michael Green is the creator of the Day Zero, the home of the 1001 Day Project.

Michael explains “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.

My start date is Tuesday, November 1, 2011.  My end date is Tuesday, July 29, 2014.

Below is my list of 101 items. As time goes on, I may delete or alter one or more of my goals. Some things that I posted today may no longer be a good fit when I go to do the activity.

This activity is not about perfection. It is about growth. It is about living my life to the fullest according to the plan God has for me. It is about making time for fun. It is about discovering who I am and who I am becoming.

NOTE: As I finish each thing, I will hotlink the item to its completion post.

After the jump is my list. Click on (more…) to see it.

Books

1. Complete Wreck This Journal (with niece)
2. Declutter my books
3. Read a book in another language
4. Read all the books currently on my book shelves
5. Read Bible in 4 different translations
6. Read all books by Charles Dickens
7. Read Classics and other books on my Kindle

Creative

1. Complete The Artist’s Way
2. Find a personally inspirational quote and work it into a piece of art or home decor
3. Have a completely home-made Christmas
4. Make “Jar Recipe” gifts
5. Make a quilt (Christmas, flower blocks, green blocks, jeans)
6. Send a message in a bottle
7. Use only reusable bags for grocery shopping (make or buy 6 bags)

Famous Landmarks

1. Attend Albuquerque’s Balloon Fiesta NEW MEXICO
2. See the Statues of Easter Island CHILE
3. Visit the Winter Palace in Saint Petersburg RUSSIA
4. Walk the Freedom Trail MASSACHUSETTS

Fashion and Body

1. Eliminate all clothing that does not currently fit
2. Find a hairstyle that is modern and flattering
3. Find the perfect little black dress

Festivals and Events

1. Go to a jazz festival

Food

1. Bake all the cookies in my cookie cookbook (with nieces)
2. Compile a month’s worth of recipes from the anti-inflammation diet
3. Cook all recipes in church cookbook
4. Do once-a-month cooking 3 times
5. Make a family cookbook
6. Make a list and learn to do 12 new recipes/techniques (with others)

Health and Fitness

1. Eat no junk food for 101 days
2. Find a “sport or exercise” I love and  do regularly
3. Get down to my goal weight
4. Keep a 101 days movement calendar
5. Take a self-defence class
6. Whiten my teeth

Hobbies and Skills

1. Get over my fear of public speaking (Toastmasters?)
2. Knit something other than a scarf
3. Learn 5 magic tricks
4. Take a dancing class

Languages

1. Learn Biblical Languages (Greek & Hebrew)
2. Learn Spanish (Take a Spanish class and/or take a Spanish class abroad)

Lists

1. Bucket List Winter of 2011-2012, 2012-2013, 2013-2014
2. Bucket List Spring of 2012, 2013, 2014
3. Bucket List Summer of 2012, 2013, 2014
4. Bucket List Fall of 2011, 2012, 1013
5. Look at my hobby list and do something once a month 12 times
6. Make a list of my fears and what I can do to face and defeat them
7. Write a list of 100 places I would like to visit in my lifetime
8. Write a list of 101 things I’ve already achieved
9. Write a list of everything I want to change about myself
10. Write Theological Bucket List

Money

1. Buy a house
2. Develop an alternative source of income
3. Donate a paycheck
4. Go a month without buying anything that isn’t a necessity
5. Help daughter pay off her student loans
6. Pay off my student loans
7. Save a 6-month emergency fund
8. Write a living will

Movies

1. Watch all six Star Wars movies
2. Rewatch all three Lord of the Rings films (extended version)
3. Watch all Harry Potter films
4. Watch every DVD I own

Music

1. Learn 12 hymns by memory
2. Learn how to download music

Outdoor Adventure

1. Do a silent retreat
2. Go dog sledding in Alaska
3. Go on walking vacation
4. Live in a foreign country for one year (make plans to do 2020)
5. Sleep in a treehouse

Personal Development

1. Answer the “50 Questions That Will Free Your Mind“
2. Check my 50th birthday list and do what wasn’t done
3. Fast, pray, and get counsel about going back to school
4. Have a clear out and throw away/give to charity everything I haven’t used within 12 months
5. Learn 3 poems by heart
6. Learn to touch type
7. Leave an inspirational note inside a book for someone to find
8. Make a wish at 11:11 on November 11, 2011
9. Memorize list of Bible verses
10. Say “yes” to something I would not normally do  I was the last minute speaker for our women’s Christmas party. I do not like speaking in front of a crowd eevn though I know the people.

Photography

1. Have a family portrait taken 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
2. Learn to use every function on camera
3. Make a photo book (my kiddos, nieces, Jerusalem/Jordan photos and New Zealand photos)
4. Take a digital photography class
5. Take a self-portrait every week for one year

Technology

1. Clean out computer files
2. Clear out blog drafts and keep below 5
3. Empty email inboxes and keep at zero by end of each day

Travel

1. Go on a cruise (to Alaska with son)
2. Go to Disneyland during Christmas season
3. Visit a local winery with Daniella, Tim, & Elizabeth

Volunteer

1. Do a run/walk for charity and get donations ($1000.00)
2. Visit/Help Astrid or Kelly
3. Volunteer after a disaster
4. Volunteer for 3 months overseas

Writing

1. Complete 25 writing prompts from http://www.creativewritingprompts.com
2. Do 30 days Random Acts of Kindness
3. Document accomplishing these goals via this blog.
4. Send 10 Postcards via postcrossing.com
5. Write 5 letters to 5 people who changed my life
6. Write a letter to my kiddos to be opened after I die
7. Write/post daily during NaNo/BloWriMo 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

Your Turn . . . What would you put on your list of must-do things for the next 2 1/2 years?