STILL here and haven't forgotten my goals

I haven't forgotten my goals...in fact, they are on my mind quite often. I just haven't had time to blog about them. SOOOO much stuff is happening, but SO much of it is good. First, it's Christmas time, and that has a big impact on my time. Second, I have a man in my life now. An incredible man whom I am quickly falling in love with. So, it's that fun, new relationship, warm/fuzzy, writing his name a hundred times a day feeling.

So...anyway...here's the status on my goals:
1. Clean my house: I've been doing better at this and though I didn't make my 12/1 date, I've made really good progress and I have to post before and after shots. Plus, now with my new guy, I have even MORE motivation to have a clean house.
2. File CD/DVDs: I've been getting better about filing current stuff, but haven't started on the old stuff.
3. Organize my studio: Not there yet.
4. Eat something that counts as fruit every day: Every day...not so much, but more definitely. Plus, I want to eat better in general, and I have to because my sweetie is diabetic, so I need to have good foods at the house.
5. Photocopy everything in my wallet: Not yet.
6. Do my dishes EVERY day: Still not EVERY day, but better than before.
7. Midnight bedtime: better, but not perfect.
8. Sell my old lightmeter: Not yet.
9. Get a new camera before Mar 2009: Not yet.
10. Get my car fixed and back on the road
11. Make a plan to save for Summit: Not yet.
12. Make a plan to save for Lakeside: Not yet.
13. Make a plan to save to visit my brother: Not yet.
14. Plan vacation time for next year: Not yet.
15. Get a flu shot: Didn't do this and I think it might be too late now, but I still don't have the flu.
16. Journal: Not EVERY week, but I have started journaling again.
17. Shoot a new picture every day: Not EVERY day, but definitely more.
18. Post each of the above said pictures and comment: Someday I'll post them.
19. Get someone to buy one of the above said pictures: Not yet.
20. Blog about each of my goals and take a picture of it: Not yet.
21. Get back in touch with man who's life I saved a few years ago: They sent me a Christmas card, so I have the address now. I still have to connect with them though.
22. Remember everyone's birthday in my family and send something: Not yet.
23. Buy a video camera: Not in the budget yet.
24. Do a photo session of myself with another photographer: Plans with Sarah when it's warm.
25. Read 2 chapters of my bible every day.: Not even close:
26. Put $50 into savings each week: Nope. Not yet. Still recovering from Christmas and car.
27. Tithe 10% each month: Did for Nov. but not Dec.
28. Scrapbook my pictures that I have from when I shot film: Not even close.
29. Business plan: working on it, but won't make the goal date.
30. Keep my phone, laptop, bluetooth, GPS, camera batteries, and Ipod touch charged. (Just call me gadgetgirl!): Getting better, but still not every night.
31. Train for the women's 5k and run it at Race in the Park for Breast Cancer on Mother's Day weekend each year: not time yet.
32. Answer 10 emails every day within 24 hours: Just realized that this is a bit redudant, but anyway...trying my best to answer emails promptly.
33. Get my receipts together for tax time: I think I actually have most of them together. I need to start calculating.
34. Put some of my fav. shots up on my studio walls: Not even close.
35. Send flowers (or something similar) to 5 people just because: Not yet.
36. Go camping before Summer ends in 2009: I have a plan for this! I have REALLY good plan for this.
37. Get rid of 101 things that are just clutter: I've been doing this, but not documenting it. My list needs to be better next year...more documentable.
38. Scan all 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2008 contracts and put them on disc and file them. (by 1/1/09): Didn't make this one, but I'm going to do it by the end of this project!
39. Take 20 mins each week to plan out my days as best I can for the week: Yeah...still not doing this!
40. Pay my bills on time every month: Trying to! Everything is still on and all of that, but my car broke and it's $5000 to fix. Yes, $5000 folks. How do you make a sad smiley with a tear?
41. Import and USE quicken to keep track of my accounts: Not yet.
42. Create a budget and stick to it: Finally sat down and went through my bills and wrote them down. Now I need to make the plan...
43. Clean my room: Did a little bit. Must organize too though.
44. Make my bed 6 days every week: I actually have been doing this more often. The fact that I have sweetie now makes me more motivated to have a clean house too though.
45. Take better care of my skin. Wash face every night. No more going to bed with makeup on the face, even if it's late: Nope. Still working on it. This list is a great reminder. Maybe I'll post it in my house.
46. Do 4th step on m, e-h, and a general one. (I'll explain later) (m - finish by 1/1/2009, e-h finish by 3/1/09, general finish by 5/1/09): Not yet, but I REALLY need to!
47. Return all voicemails (business and personal) within 24 hours with at least an email: Still not perfect, but working on it. I need more hours in the day!
48. Clean Jason's room (WITH him, not FOR him): It's the worst it's been
49. Re-arrange living room: YES!!!!! I did this! I did it!! I have to blog on this separately!!!!! Completed 12/15/2008
50. Clean out video cabinet and get rid of anything that I haven't watched in the last....2 years: YES!!! Did this too! Everything we have now fits in there!! YES!!!!!!! Completed 12/23/2008
51. Learn 1001 new ASL signs: This is a tough one because I learn new ones all the time, but it will remind me to keep learning.
52. Spend one day wandering through Middletown just for the experience and good shots: I'll do this when it's warm
53. Find 25 things at home to sell for ebay or craigslist: Not yet.
54. Read a chapter of a book in addition to my bible at least once per week: Not yet.
55. Check "Jenny from the Farm"'s blog every week and help keep her accountable: I've been reading as much as possible. Still trying to do this.
56. Pay off my car: Pay off my car repairs first!
57. Take an online course: Not enough time right now.
58. Recruit 3 people to do 101 in 1001. Nope. I've been telling people though.
59. Call my brother once a week: Not sure about the once a week thing, but more often definitely.
60. Leave and arrive at the times I say I will for 30 consecutive days. Not yet. Soon though. The holiday craziness is over.... There's hope.
61. Make the most comprehensive photography to-do list and don't make more than one! (Not yet)
62. Tackle that list! (Photography stuff is on-going, so I can't say complete it: Still working on it.
63. Pray with Jason every night that he's with me: Sadly, not yet.
64. Get a facial: Not yet.
65. Get a massage: Not yet.
66. Wear different jewelry one day per week: More often definitely, but probably not once per week.
67. Get a NICE suit for 2009 wedding season: Not yet. Catch up on bills and fix car first.
68. Have 101 "no spend" days: I should document this and do this now. I'm trying to be good.
69. Read "The Mom Factor" and complete workbook: Not yet.
70. Lead and go through another step study: Someday, but not yet.
71. Enter and win a contest: Nope
72. Get a passport: SO easy, so why haven't I done this?
73. Take Jason to Disney: Not yet.
74. Donate blood twice per year: Can't until May
75. Drink nothing but water and milk for one week per year: Been drinking more milk, but I'll have to really think and plan this one.
76. Make a quilt: Not even close
77. Write something and get it published: Not yet.
78. Make Crescia twice a year: Not yet, but I'm making it for my sweetie soon so that will be once.
79. Make Passatelli twice a year: See above.
80. Go bowling with Jason: I bought him a gift card for Christmas to do this, so I'm thinking this will happen soon. Completed 1/11/09
81. Get rid of yahoo account: Not yet
82. Find 10 new ways to make money with my photography: Not yet.
83. Make homemade bread with Jason: Soon
84. Get evaluated for braces: After Jason
85. Take $100 and hit the slots at the casino, ONCE. (Do not spend any gain) And once it's gone it's gone. (I know this sounds wasteful, but I've never been before, and MAYBE I'll come away with more than I went with. Remember, I can't spend anything I win): Fix car and pay bills first.
86. Pay back people I owe (Dr. H, A. J.-VT, A.R.-trumbull): Other bills first.
87. Get my own health insurance: Not yet.
88. Make the hallway closet usable: Almost.
89. Take a dance lesson (or two): not yet
90. See a broadway show (besides Lion King): fix car, pay bills first
91. Organize online files/folders to get rid of unwanted duplicates: not yet
92. Network with 25 new people each year (0/75): Not yet
93. Do a photo session with someone famous: not yet
94. Do a photo session with Jason once per year: I did one for 08 already. I did his pictures after I did some engagements in NH. It was good. I'll post a few soon.
95. Reconnect with Mr. Lunn before he retires (by 6/1/09): Not yet.
96. Have a consultation at a MAC counter (not the computer) and buy what they suggest.: Not yet
97. Take a class at the Apple store: Not yet.
98. Make a list of 25 fun things to do with Jason and complete list by end of project.: Need to start that list.
99. Find a long-term project for Jason and I do together and do it: Not yet.
100. Take Jason on a cruise: Not yet
101. Make another 101 list: In progress

I'm still here. Will do something less boring soon.

I'm such a slacker! BUT I'm not giving up!

I'm such a slacker! This is a crazy busy time of year and with one less week between Thanksgiving and Christmas, I'm ready to stick my head in the sand! As you might have figured out by now....I'M STRESSED! Shopping, working, cleaning, scheduling, budgeting, blah, blah, blah. There aren't enough hours in the day or in the night, for that matter.

I read an article today that talked about myths about busting stress. The only ones that were true were all unhealthy or illegal! What's up with that? There was one good one that was true...that pets can help relieve stress (not mine, I have an obnoxious parakeet!), but the other solutions that actually work: 1. Marijuana (it increases serotonin)(NO!! I'm not advocating this or participating, so no worries there! I'd rather be stressed!) 2. Alcohol (Depresses the Central Nervous System)(also not a big fan) 3. Retail Therapy aka SHOPPING (releases dopamine)(Great time to break the budget, right?) UGH! I'm not encouraged.

So the myths that aren't true: 1. Comfort food (most are carbs, and carbs causes highs and lows in your blood sugar) 2. Punching a pillow (actually causes more irritation and aggression) 3. Marriage (if it's a happy one, it can help, but otherwise it makes things worse)

I think my biggest stress causing problem: LACK OF SLEEP (which by the way is on my 101 list)(See...I do have a point that is actually related). I do it to myself every time. I sacrifice sleep in the name of productivity and getting work done. But, how productive or even creative do you think I am at 1:30a? Some nights I'm ok and I feel great while I'm working, but then it takes me three days to recover. Worth it? Probably not. What's worse? When I do get enough sleep, I feel GREAT! I'm happy, I'm productive, I'm organized even! So what's my issue? I still don't know. I think about it and wonder about those people who wake up with a nasty hangover and proclaim "I'm NEVER drinking again!", yet next weekend they are making their way toward that next hangover. Or people who stop smoking or lose weight. I hear them say things like "I feel so much better, I have more energy, I can breathe better", yet I find the smokers huddled in a corner to puffing away in 27 degree weather or the overeater ordering a couple of big macs at Mickey D's.

So, I guess the undeniable truth here is that I am a workaholic. I know you might be thinking this is a bit extreme (which I'm also known for), but it seems that this is an undeniable truth. No, no...don't minimize it to make me feel better. It's true. Some symtoms (I read online): 1. Finding my worth in my work. Hate to say it, but yeah...I do find some of my worth in my work. I love what I do. I love that I'm good at it. I love that other people love it. Not all of my worth is about my work. I do have a healthy love of self (in a non-conceited, fairly humble way) just because I'm me, but I do find SOME of my worth in my work. 2. Taking work home. Yeah...well, when I'm not on location, my editing work is at home, so that's kind of unavoidable. But, the amount of time I spend working at home in contrast to doing other things at home is out of balance. I cannot even tell you the last time I sat down to just watch a show, or read a book, that didn't involve my laptop being with an arms-length, just in case I got an email or because I'm "justifying" my "break" by doing some kind of work every 15 mins and then getting back to "break" activity. 3. Work is always on your mind. Well, to some degree this is a necessary evil. Working for a company where you are a partner does come with a degree of responsibility for not just you, but the company as well. I often think or say "A good businesswoman always has a card on her". Everywhere I go, there is potential for networking or new business, so while it's not always in the forefront of my mind, it is usually in there somewhere. 4. You have no social life other than work related events. I have to say that I've been entertaining this thought about being a workaholic for a while now, and have committed to do some things just for fun. I went to a cookie exchange this weekend knowing that I would get no work done, but that it would be fun and good for me. I went to a Deaf Christmas play yesterday with a friend. I spent an entire day at a friend's house a few weeks ago, and it was great! I haven't gotten past the guilt part of doing those things yet though. Therein lies the problem. I shouldn't feel guilty about having fun. I might be a slacker about blogging, but I'm no slacker about work. Perfectionism is weaved into this as well. I want to have everything done and everyone be happy with me, so I set unrealistic deadlines and go to extremes to meet them. 5. You get upset when others suggest you cut back on your work. GUILTY! Big time. My biggest defense: "You have no idea what it's like". Other defenses: "I'm doing better...Progress not perfection." "Work will get cut back when everything is done, and that's going to be soon." (REALLY? If everything gets done, then I'm in trouble because it means I have no job/future work). 6. You don't take vacations or you take work with you on vacation. GUILTY. Do you know that the only time I was at the beach this summer was for work? (with the exception of one evening when my sister was here from CA). I went to CA for a conference this summer. Don't you know my laptop was with me or at my hotel running slideshows or exporting files? And my Ipod touch and cell phone were on just in case I got an important email or phone call.

I do have a belief about this though. If I were better organized with my materials and time, I think I would feel better about the time that I do spend working and probably spend less time working. I know there's a phrase out there about working smart. I need to look into it. There are some things that can be done to combat workaholism. I've started doing some recently. 1. Set limits on time devoted to work. (I need to add "And stick to them." I've tried doing that. Care to know just how pitiful this is? Read on: I literally have told myself...I'm going to work for 15 mins and then fold the laundry. Then I'll work for 15 more mins and then do the dishes. Then I'll work for 15 more mins and then vacuum. How often do you think that works? Don't answer that. I know...not nearly often enough)(One more example of pitiful. I've come home at 11:30p and actually entertained the thought of opening up my laptop to check email and doing something quick. I don't have that ability. I have literally had to tell myself "When you walk in the door, do NOT even OPEN your computer). 2. Set aside quality time with family and friends. I have started doing this more. See above: friend's house, play, and cookie exchange. Also, I've committed time every night to play cards with my son. (No, not poker!) 3. Use your creativity towards a hobby. I've started doing that too. I've been much more conscious about taking pictures just for fun and not just because I'm contracted to. It's actually been great! Makes me feel like a field reporter and makes me look for interesting things to shoot.

Writing...writing is also good. It helps with the stress. And I actually LOVE to write.

So, all that ranting to say...I'm still here. I'm glad I have almost three years to accomplish my 101 and I'm glad that I've accepted that I'm not going to do it perfectly. There's much to be added to this including pictures for one of my goals, more writing on why I set each goal, pictures of my alarm clock for the nights that I did get to bed by 12am. And more. Stay tuned. I may be small, but I'm mighty, and I'm determined to follow this through! Grrr! I'm putting my game face on! Maybe I'll take a picture of that and post it!

Still here and still walking it out

Almost a week of no blogging, but I'm ok with that. I do kind of feel like a slacker and know that follow through isn't a strong suit of mine, so I'm back and determined to not give up, even if I'm not perfect (which we've already determined is the case).

Update:
1. Clean house: The house is still in progress, but I'm making headway. The dishes are clean, the laundry is in process, the floor is washed, and I've been doing a bit more every day. I do believe I'll make my 12/1 goal.
4. Fruit daily: I went grocery shopping finally and I have fruit now, and although it's not every day, I did have apple juice yesterday and a banana today. Further back than that, I can't remember, which I guess, is why I need to not wait a week to blog.
6. Dishes daily: Not exactly daily, but much better and under control.
7. 12am bedtime: Still not there quite yet. I've had a few nights where I've done this, but mostly out of exhaustion and I have not remembered to take a pic of my clock. Have to get better at this. I am getting to be earlier usually though. Failed last night: 2:30a.
10: Car fixed: Much progress has been made here. Gave the garage the money to buy the new engine. Last week authorized them to do the labor, and I was able to ditch my rental and use their loaner. $2900 give or take $100 left to go. I paid them $750 today, so I'm well on my way. I can't wait to have it back because I did get spoiled with the cushy rentals and now...well...I just want mine back!
17: New pic every day: Not so much, but I am shooting more for fun.
18: Post them: Soon
20: Blog about goals: later today.
30: Gadgets charged: Not so well this week. Phone died the other day, Ipod died. Other than that ok, but just ok and sometimes wasn't my goal. Need to do better.
55: Jenny's blog: I have been reading and posting to her blog.
59: Call brother: He actually called me this week, so I guess that counts, and ya know...it's really good to be in touch with him regularly. We grew up together and I forgot how much fun he is to talk to.
74: Donate blood: I was supposed to be able to do this last Sat. Didn't happen. I went, but I couldn't give. Why? In late Sept., I got this illness called costochondritis (inflammation of the intercostal muscles), and myocarditis (inflammation of the tissues around your heart). When you have this, it makes you feel like you're having a heart attack. When I got diagnosed at the ER, they told me that I would feel significantly better in 4-6 wks and the virus would be gone in six months. SIX MONTHS! At the blood drive, I was answering all their health questions and I wanted to be honest. I'm not contagious or anything, but the Red Cross said I had to wait 6 months from the date of my last symptoms, which happened to be last Friday. Blah. Such a thing as being too truthful? Now I can't donate until May. I still might be able to do the 2x next year...

That's all for now.... some progress I guess, but I need to stop slacking!

Two days of no blogging

I didn't blog for a couple of days. Maybe I should say that I couldn't blog. Why? I had no words and even less motivation. And it was kind of easy to stay away, but I knew I had to come back, that I had to get up on my feet and start moving, or it would be too easy to quit.

#1 - Clean house: Still in progress. Hoping to make some good progress this weekend.
#4 - Fruit every day: I REALLY have to go grocery shopping this weekend.
#6 - Dishes every day. Well, more than before, but not EVERY day. I do rinse every day so they don't get gross, but this goal is showing me how much I'm not home! Breakfast is usually a couple of bowls, spoons, and glasses. Dinner really depends on if it's just me, and if I'm even home.
#7 - Midnight bedtime: Yeah, this is a lot harder than I thought. I'm more conscious of it, but haven't made it all week. I'll post my clock pictures later. I haven't taken them every night either. What is my issue? Last night, I did go to bed around 12:30am and got a good 6 1/2 hours of sleep and I feel good. So, if I want to feel good, then I need to sleep. It's not hard to understand, yet I still struggle with work taking more of a priority than sleep. What's up with that?
#10: Fix car: It's getting there. Still waiting on the check to come in, the garage is working on it, and I have a loaner from them. (Think about that scene in the movie "The Mask" - "Hey Marv! Bring around....the LOANER") It's not THAT bad, but I really got spoiled with the nice new 2008 PT Cruiser rental. But on the flip side, this car will make me SO grateful to get my nice CRV back.
#17: New pic daily: I didn't blog Wed or Thurs, but I did shoot. It's been fun doing this one because I have my camera with me and I'm conscious being more observant about things around me and trying to see my environment through a different lens (pun intended).
#20: Blog about goals. Later.
#30: Keep stuff charged: My gadgets have not died since I started this, so I am plugging them in more often.
#32: 24 hr email response time: I have been taking the time to answer my emails more quickly, so I'm not sure about the actual 10 responses per day part (and I don't want to get obsessive), but with this project in mind, it makes me want to care of it, and it makes for happier clients.
#44: Make bed: I never realized how often (like mostly every day), that I don't make my bed. What to do about that....
#45: Wash face: Sad as it is, I am not doing this well. I take my make up off, but don't take the time to do GOOD skin care at night.
#61: Photography list: I started the list and add to it as I think of things and go through files and emails. I don't want to miss deadlines because I'm spending so much time on the list though, so it's a work in progress.
#82: New ways to profit from photography: a friend suggested Istock. I'm going to start the process. They have a pretty rigid screening process, so I need to pull my best stuff together.

That's it for today.

Goal #17 pics on 11/5

These were shot at my local pizza place, literally around the corner

from my house. I had to do SOMETHING while I was waiting.

I kept looking around to see what I could do with this place. I got

some interesting looks from people wondering what in the world I

was doing, but it also made me feel kind of "artsy" since I was really trying to see differently and stretch my mind. I got that rush of adrenaline like a dog on the hunt.

for Goal #17 - New pic every day

Here are my "fun" shots for today. I grabbed some shots at the polls. A few in the morning when I went to vote, and the last one that night. My town held true to this being the biggest turnout for elections in a REALLY long time.

Goal #21 - This is long but worth reading. It's a cool story.

(In keeping with Goal #20)
Goal #21: Get back in touch with the man who's life I saved a few years ago.

Picture it, Worcester, 2006. (for all you fans of Sophia from Golden Girls, a smile just spread across your face.) A young photographer (that's me) is part of a team of 4 photographers selected to take pictures at a historic event taking place at Mechanics Hall in Worcester, MA. The event is to honor those men and women in our military and specifically those that fought in the Korean War. The entire hall is filled with people; Gold Star families trading stories about their loved ones lost, Blue Star families holding each other up as mothers hang on to hope while they await their children's return from Iraq, Ex-POWs enjoying a relaxing lunch and each other's company, being so grateful they were not forgotten. Throughout the day, we are visited by General Peter Pace, Senator Ted Kennedy, and even Ed McMahon. So, there I was, in a room, surrounded by Ex-POWs, listening to their stories, capturing photos of these men sharing their stories with friends and strangers alike.

From behind me, I hear, "Oh my God! Somebody help!". I turn around to see a man, the color of a blueberry, choking, and his wife slapping him on the back. My immediate thoughts: "he's choking! Please, God, let someone come and help! No one's coming! I should do something!". I put my camera down on the table, go over to him, stretch my arms around him and begin the Heimlich. More thoughts "My arms aren't long enough...find his belly button...ahh, there it is....remember your training...I'm never going to be able to do this hard enough!...Where are the medics!!?!". Amazingly enough, after 5 or 6 times of inward-upward, he coughs up the object (i'll spare you the details of that), falls back into his chair, and is quickly attended to by the medics, (who's timing was NOT impeccable). He was fine. The hostess of the room comes over, hugs me and thanks me, and exclaims "You're shaking!" to which I reply "That was scary!". She asked if I had done that before, to which I replied "Yeah...on a mannequin!". Praises and thanks from his wife and eventually from him, and the lunch continues. Sometime later, I'm approached by General Pace who seemed to be about 7 ft tall. "Young lady!?" "Yes...sir?" (I thought I had done something I shouldn't have and was in trouble. I didn't know he was in the room when all this happened) "I saw what you did for that man. OUTSTANDING! How about a picture?" So, the other photographer came and took the picture, and for the rest of the day I was greeted with "Hey. You're the girl! You're the girl that saved that guy!". "Yes, yes I am".

Ok, so all of that is the background. Why are these people on my list? Well, because for every holiday after that, I received a card from this couple. And I do mean every holiday...Christmas and Thanksgiving, Easter, 4th of July, New Year's, and even St. Patty's day. We talked a few times after the incident, including one conversation where his wife told me "John told me that's the closest to death he's ever been", to which I replied "Well, he managed to survive being a POW, I wasn't about to let him choke to death on his roast beef!".

Eventually the cards and calls stopped, so that's why I set this goal. I have their number and I want to reconnect with them. This man might owe me his life for that day, but I owe him mine for fighting for my freedom and he deserves my attention and respect.

Scared but brave

Well, I said I might post what I wrote and am hoping to get published somewhere, so here it is. I'm not sure it's done yet, but I like it's direction. I wrote this because I intepret through Sign Lanugage at my church, and I was inspired and excited one particular day, after the woman I interpret for, learned and accepted something totally new in her faith. I thought about how we all have different gifts and how God uses my hands to speak to someone who might otherwise not know Him.

God Speaks through My Hands

My face softens with His peace
My hands form His words
Pictures of love and mercy
Forgiveness and grace
Truth and life
God speaks through my hands
To open the ears of the Deaf
To hear our Creator speak
Eyes fixed upon mine
Searching my face, watching my hands,
Yearning to hear our Father’s voice
Through Deaf ears
God speaks through my hands
My heart listens as
God speaks through my hands

Bed time...

To stay accountable and because I said I would, I'm posting the pic of my clock at the time I went to bed. I'm not proud of it, but I'm hoping that since I know people are going to be checking, I'll take some action to make progress. Yes, that time is actually 1:59am. Zzzzz....

Pushing onward

Goal #20 - Me...sort of...blogging about my goals.

Specific progress:
#1. Clean house: The house is still in progress. I put the video cabinet back together last night, minus the 5 videos we are going to donate. I still have two video boxes to go through. I did take a pic of the status of the house, but I'll post those pics when the house is clean. That way I can show something positive, because, it's scary right now! I'm a bit of a slacker during wedding season when it comes to the house. You would think that it would stay cleaner considering I'm hardly home during that time, but somehow, that equation isn't adding up. Hmm....

#4. Eat fruit: I made a decision to buy some fruit juice today, and as tempting as the orange juice was, it was only 10% juice, so I bought 100% apple. My fruit for the day.

#6. Dishes: Didn't touch the dishes last night because I went dinner with a friend, so they're not any worse, but not any better. HAVE to finish and put away night.

#7. Midnight bedtime: Didn't do so well with this, yet again. I did take a pic of my clock at the time I went to bed though and I'll post that later. I'm not moving my clock next to my bed because I'll never get up that way. I need to physically get up out of bed and shut it off and start my day or the snooze button and me are going to be good friends, and that's bad. So, on a positive note, I did go earlier than I did the night before. That whole accountability thing was on my mind as I watched the minutes tick by. Accountability is scary, but it's good scary.

#10. Car: I'm well on my way to getting my car fixed and back on the road. I booked another wedding and will be receiving the contract and check for that this week, so I called the garage and gave them the thumbs up to do the work. And, they in turn told me they have a FREE loaner for me until the work is done. HALLELUJAH!!! A rental at $200 a week is painful!

#17. New pic every day: I took some shots at the polls this morning. (I'll post later in keeping with goal #18. I don't have my card reader with me.)

#20. Blog about my goals. One each day maybe.

#30. Gadgets charged: I did! I plugged in my phone, bluetooth, and Ipod touch last night. GPS stays plugged in the car. Camera batteries are charged because I'm not using my main camera. I'm using my XT for this project. More portable.

#32. Email response time: 24 hours - I have been better about responding quickly. It's good for business to say the least.

#50. Video cabinet: It's put back together minus 5 videos to be donated. Two more boxes to go.

#55. Jenny from the Farm: Read her blog today, offered a suggestion, and asked a question to get her thinking about one of her goals.

#66. Jewely: I wore my watch today, and that counts because I don't usually wear it. A small start, but it's something.

#77. Publish something written: I finished (I think) something I wrote about my Sign Language. Maybe, I'll get brave and post it here. I'm looking to see where I'm going to try and get it published. I've decided that posting it on the web myself and hoping someone sees it doesn't count. I need an outside person to read, like, and want to use for something.

Progress report 11/4

I'm going to try and post a short progress report weekly so you don't have to dig through my old posts to see just what it is that I'm actually talking about.


1. Clean house: in progress.


2. File CD/DVDs: in progress.


3. Organize studio: 0/1


4. Eat fruit: 1/4


5. Photocopy wallet stuff: 0/1


6. Dishes every day. 1/4


7. Midnight bed time: 1/3


8. Sell lightmeter: 0/1


9. New camera: 0/1


10. Fix car: 0/1


11. Summit saving plan: 0/1


12. Lakeside saving plan: 0/1


13. Brother visit saving plan: 0/1


14. Plan vacation time: 0/1


15. Get flu shot: 0/1


16. Journal 1x/wk: 0/1


17. New pic daily: 3/4


18. Blog pics: 1/4


19. Someone to buy pic: 0/1


20. Blog about goals: 1/101


21. Get in touch w/ USMC guy: 0/1


22. List b-days: 0/1


23. Buy video camera: 0/1


24. Photo session: 0/1


25. 2 chapters of bible daily: 0/8


26. $50 into savings weekly: 0/1


27. Tithe 10% monthly: 1/33


28. Scrap film pics: 0/1


29. Create business plan: in progress


30. Keep electronics charged: phone 2/4, bluetooth 2/3, laptop 4/4, GPS 4/4, camera batteries 4/4, Ipod 1/4


31. Train for women's 5K: after Jan. Recovering from illness


32. Answer 10 emails within 24 hours: not sure how to track this.


33. Prepare receipts for tax time: 0/1


34. Hang fav. shots in studio: 0/10


35. Send flowers just because: 0/5


36. Go camping before end of 09 summer: not yet


37. 101 clutter gone: not yet


38. Scan all contracts: 0/1


39. Plan each week: 1/1


40. Pay bills on time: not yet


41. Use Quicken: not yet


42. Create budget: not yet


43. Clean room: not yet


44. Make bed 6 days per week: 0/840


45. Wash face every night: 0/3


46. 4th step: 0/3


47. Return voicemails: not sure how to track this


48. Clean Jason's room: 0/1


49. Re-arrange living room: 0/1


50. Clean video cabinet: In progress


51. 1001 new ASL signs: 0/1001


52. Wander and take pics of Middletown: 0/1


53. 25 things to sell on ebay: 1/25


54. Chapter of book weekly: 0/140


55. Check Jenny from the Farm blog weekly: 2/140


56. Pay off car: 268/6700


57. Take online course: 0/1


58. Recruit 3 people to 101 in 1001: 0/4


59. Call brother 1x/week: 1/1


60. 30 days no late: not started


61. Photography to do list: 0/1


62. Do the to do list:


63. Pray with Jason nightly: 0/2


64. Get a facial 0/1


65. Get massage 0/1


66. Different jewelry: 1/140 (I wore my watch today)(yes, that's different for me)(hey, it's a start!)


67. Wedding suit: 0/1


68. 101 no spend days: 0/101


69. Mom factor: 0/1


70. New step study: 0/1


71. Contest: 0/1


72. Passport: 0/1


73. Jason to Disney: 0/1


74. Donate blood: 0/6


75. Water/Milk 1 wk: 0/3


76. Quilt: 0/1


77. Write and publish something: 0/1


78. Make Crescia: 0/6


79. Make Pastate: 0/6


80. Bowling: 0/1


81. Bya Yahoo: 0/1


82. 10 ways to make money with photography: 0/10


83. Homemade bread: 0/1


84. Braces: 0/1


85. $100 at Casino: 0/1


86. Pay debts: 0/3


87. Own health insurance: 0/1


88. Hallway closet: 0/1


89. Dance lesson: 0/1


90. Broadway show: 0/1


91. Organize files: 0/1


92. Network w 25 people each year: 0/75


93. Famous person photo session: 0/1


94. Jason photo session: 0/3


95. Reconnect w Mr. Lunn: 0/1


96. Mac counter: 0/1


97. Class at Apple: 0/1


98. List of 25 fun things: 0/1


99. Long term proj: 0/1


100. Cruise: 0/1


101. New list: in progress

Duh! I almost forgot!

I actually did do something for Goal #17: Shoot a new pic every day that I'm not contracted for. On Sat. night, I ventured over to downtown Middletown to grab something sweet from Cold Stone, and I passed Javapalooza (great coffee place. Swankier (is that a word?) than Starbucks). Upon gazing in the window, I came upon...well, to put it frankly, Willie Wonka and a couple of Oompa Loompas. I grabbed some shots right then and there, and on the way to back to my car, after getting a sweet ending to a Sat. night (strawberry ice cream with Ghiaradelli chocolate chips), they came out of the coffee shop and asked if I wanted them to pose for me. Well, sure!! So, this is my shot from Sat. that was just for fun.

A method to my madness (AKA why I'm doing this project) Goal #101

In keeping with goal #20, here's a feeble attempt at blogging about each of my goals and eventually having a picture with each. Since the beginning is often a good place to start, it would only make sense to begin with goal #1. On the other hand, in keeping with my attempt to be at least slightly creative, I think I'll start with....with...ummm....decisions, decisions! OK...I'll start with goal...number....21? Nah...I think I'll keep the suspense on that one going a bit longer. Let's do goal #101. Backwards...ok...only somewhat creative, but I'm functioning on, let's just say, less than 6 hours of sleep (not in keeping with goal #7. I'm a work in progress). I'll be creative tomorrow.

Goal #101: Create a new 101 list. Well, I'll be totally honest with you. I stole this idea from about 874 other people. Maybe a few less than that, but my point is this is a common goal. And a good one at that. After creating my 101 list and seeing all that I hoped to accomplish in just under three years, I said to myself, "Self, this project could have major implications in your life. Good ones too! In that case, I think I'd like this to be an ongoing project". I don't know about you, but I hope to still be learning and growing when I'm 98 yrs old. As long as the growing isn't horizontally, I think it should have some good results. :) That's one reason for wanting to do another list. The second reason is that once I got going, I was on a roll! After my list was done, I still had other ideas. So, the blog for that list is in draft form in my blog box, waiting to be added to as ideas come, only to be published on July 30, 2011 (this is the day after my current list is to be completed).

And so it begins...

#17 - Picture for 11/3. Compute keys. These are my keys to the world! Scary thought, but true. Isn't technology grand?

I've learned quite a bit just in the two days since I've officially started this "project". First thing I learned: This might not go according to plan. Why? 1. Life happens. 2. I'm not perfect. Big surprise? Not really. The fact that I seemed to be striving for perfection... Even less of a surprise. It's a character defect of mine that I struggle to rid myself of. Mind you, I'm not saying that I actually achieve perfection. In truth, far from it. But, my list shows me that, yet again, I tend to strive for unattainable goals. Pretty much anything on my list that I put down "do X every day"....yeah, not such a hot idea. I'm setting myself up to fail. Some of these things I can't manage to do once a week, yet I expected myself to jump in and start doing them every day, without fail.

Hmmm...Time to rethink a bit, which is what I did in the shower this morning (a great place for deep thoughts to happen!). First thing I did was take some of the dates off of some of my goals. Why? The goal is 1001 days. I don't have to accomplish 45 things in the first 30 days. 101 things, 1001 days.... I've got time. Breathe! Besides, I don't want this to be the New Year's Resolution I give up on by January 15th, ya know?

In thinking about the point of this project, one overall goal is to get better organized. This project has set me on a path to get there.
- I did actually start working on the house (goal #1) and will probably have it finished by Dec 1.
- I did do my dishes this morning (goal #6) and am motivated to keep my kitchen clean. It's good to have clean dishes. I like not having to eat cereal from a cool whip bowl! (a bit of an exaggeration, but you get the idea).
- I have been more conscious about what time I go to bed (goal #7), even though I haven't made it yet. Not that this is a great excuse, but I'm still finishing up wedding stuff. The actual season of shooting weddings is pretty much done for me from now until March, but I'm still processing the last few events and want to hit my deadlines.
- As for taking a picture of each of my goals (goal #20)... I'll post pics of the CLEANED rooms as they become complete. Too embarrassing to post the before shots! Dishes...I'll shoot a pic of those later. It takes time to do dishes, and I didn't want to be late getting out of the house this morning. (I was still 10 mins late leaving). The bedtime thing... Hmmm...I can't do it for the days previous, but I think I'll move my alarm clock next to my bed and maybe shoot a pic of me in it and the time it is. I promise not to cheat. And that will keep my accountable. If I have to shoot a pic and post it showing what time I get to bed, maybe that will motivate me to get there earlier.
- I have a plan for #24 (photo session of me). When I told a friend/client about this one, she offered to do the shoot, and we'll probably do it after we all thaw out in the spring/summer and head to the beach at the Cape. I won't be able to complete this one for a while, but there's a plan being formulated. (Thanks Sarah!)
- #27 - Tithe 10% each month - I did put my check in the plate last Sunday for my 10% tithe for Nov. I'm very humbly proud of myself. God always provides and I've known that. Hopefully this will get me out of living in a spirit of poverty. It has been said that the spirit of poverty is not that you're afraid you don't have enough, it's being afraid that more will not come. Something like that. God has always taken care of me and I need to trust that he will continue and will bless my faith in Him.
- #29 - Business plan - I have started researching and writing notes for this. It's not going to be perfect from the start, but that's why they call it a rough draft, right?
- #39 - I did take some time to plan my week this week. I put in appts, things that I need to do (i.e. go to Staples and get DVDs so I can keep producing weddings). Not really feeling the good effects of this one yet. I'm sure I'll appreciate it soon though.
- #50 - Video cabinet - Jason and I started this yesterday. I had him pull all the videos out and pick 5 to get rid of. Unfortunately, life happened and we had to leave and now all the videos are stacked in the middle of the living room floor. A work in progress...
- #57 - Online course - I haven't actively done much on this except start thinking about what kind of course I want to take. I'm thinking about marketing, or small-business finance if there is such a thing.
- #74 - Donate blood 2x/yr - I'm donating on Sat. and last Sat., I went to a health expo and signed up to be a platelet donor and a bone marrow donor.
- #95 - Reconnect with Mr. Lunn - I'm going to try and get to the high school one day at lunch, but I'm also planning to go to a football game soon. I wanted to go to homecoming this Friday, but I have something else I HAVE to do. :-( (I'll tell you about Mr. Lunn soon)

It has begun, a little unsteady, but it's a start. I have a feeling I'm going to learn much about myself through this. To keep things updated, I think I'll post an updated, shorten list periodically. Not sure how often yet.

Stay tuned! (p.s. I promise to try to be less long-winded)

Getting started...

Where to start...the list. Need to make the list. I can't get started if I don't have a plan. Three years... we'll be in the next decade by the time some of this stuff gets done. Ok...I'm done procrastinating.

Here's the list:

1. ........ AAAUGHH!! Writer's block! No wonder I became a photographer!

FOCUS!

1. Clean my house to the point that anyone can drop by any time and it doesn't cause major panic (by 12/1)
2. File each and every CD/DVD of each event I've shot so I no longer have plastic cartons of CDs on my desk.
3. Organize (not just clean) my studio in general. There's no excuse for it's condition.
4. Eat something that counts as fruit every day (juice, applesauce, and craisins count!) (0/1001)
5. Photocopy everything in my wallet in case it gets stolen. (thanks Sarah!)
6. Do my dishes EVERY day. (sad, huh?) (0/1001)
7. Go to bed by midnight every night (unless I'm doing something fun. No more staying up past midnight because I'm working on photography stuff) (0/1001)
8. Sell my old lightmeter. (don't worry, I bought a new one first)
9. Get a new camera before Mar 2009.
10. Get my car fixed and back on the road
11. Make a plan to save for Summit. ($1500)
12. Make a plan to save for Lakeside. ($800)
13. Make a plan to save to visit my brother. ($1000)
14. Plan out my vacation time for next year.
15. Get a flu shot before I get the flu.
16. Journal at least once per week. (0/140)
17. Shoot a new picture every day that isn't because I've been contracted to do it. Shoot it for fun. (0/1001)
18. Post each of the above said pictures and comment (0/1001)
19. Get someone to buy one of the above said pictures. (0/1)
20. Blog about each of my goals and take a picture of it. (They should mean something to me) (0/101)
21. Get back in touch with man who's life I saved a few years ago. (I'll explain later)
22. Remember everyone's birthday in my family and send something.
23. Buy a video camera.
24. Do a photo session of myself with another photographer. (Translation: have my picture taken!) (Thanks for the idea Bob!) (by 9/24/09)
25. Read 2 chapters of my bible every day. (yes, every day!) (0/2002)
26. Put $50 into savings each week. (0/140)
27. Tithe 10% each month. (0/33)
28. Scrapbook my pictures that I have from when I shot film. (by 11/1/2009)
29. Business plan. (by 01/01/09)
30. Keep my phone, laptop, bluetooth, GPS, camera batteries, and Ipod touch charged. (Just call me gadgetgirl!)
31. Train for the women's 5k and run it at Race in the Park for Breast Cancer on Mother's Day weekend each year. (0/3)
32. Answer 10 emails every day within 24 hours. (0/10010)
33. Get my receipts together, organized, and documented for tax time. (by 3/1/09)
34. Put some of my fav. shots up on my studio walls.
35. Send flowers (or something similar) to 5 people just because. (0/5)
36. Go camping before Summer ends in 2009.
37. Get rid of 101 things that are just clutter. (0/101)
38. Scan all 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2008 contracts and put them on disc and file them. (by 1/1/09)
39. Take 20 mins each week to plan out my days as best I can for the week. (0/140)
40. Pay my bills on time every month. (0/140)
41. Import and USE quicken to keep track of my accounts.
42. Create a budget and stick to it.
43. Clean my room.
44. Make my bed 6 days every week. (0/840)
45. Take better care of my skin. Wash face every night. No more going to bed with makeup on the face, even if it's late. (0/1001)
46. Do 4th step on m, e-h, and a general one. (I'll explain later) (m - finish by 1/1/2009, e-h finish by 3/1/09, general finish by 5/1/09)
47. Return all voicemails (business and personal) within 24 hours with at least an email. (0/1001)
48. Clean Jason's room (WITH him, not FOR him)
49. Re-arrange living room.
50. Clean out video cabinet and get rid of anything that I haven't watched in the last....2 years.
51. Learn 1001 new ASL signs. (0/1001)
52. Spend one day wandering through Middletown just for the experience and good shots. (by 8/1/09)
53. Find 25 things at home to sell for ebay or craigslist. (0/25)
54. Read a chapter of a book in addition to my bible at least once per week. (0/140)
55. Check "Jenny from the Farm"'s blog every week and help keep her accountable. (0/140)
56. Pay off my car. ($6700 to go)
57. Take an online course.
58. Recruit 3 people to do 101 in 1001. (0/3)
59. Call my brother once a week. (0/140)
60. Leave and arrive at the times I say I will for 30 consecutive days. (0/30)
61. Make the most comprehensive photography to-do list and don't make more than one!
62. Tackle that list! (Photography stuff is on-going, so I can't say complete it)
63. Pray with Jason every night that he's with me.
64. Get a facial.
65. Get a massage.
66. Wear different jewelry one day per week. (0/140)
67. Get a NICE suit for 2009 wedding season. (by 3/1/09)
68. Have 101 "no spend" days (0/101)
69. Read "The Mom Factor" and complete workbook.
70. Lead and go through another step study.
71. Enter and win a contest.
72. Get a passport.
73. Take Jason to Disney
74. Donate blood twice per year (0/6)
75. Drink nothing but water and milk for one week per year. (0/3)
76. Make a quilt.
77. Write something and get it published.
78. Make Crescia twice a year (0/6)
79. Make Passatelli twice a year (0/6)
80. Go bowling with Jason
81. Get rid of yahoo account.
82. Find 10 new ways to make money with my photography (0/10)
83. Make homemade bread with Jason.
84. Get evaluated for braces.
85. Take $100 and hit the slots at the casino, ONCE. (Do not spend any gain) And once it's gone it's gone. (I know this sounds wasteful, but I've never been before, and MAYBE I'll come away with more than I went with. Remember, I can't spend anything I win) (0/1)
86. Pay back people I owe (Dr. H, A. J.-VT, A.R.-trumbull)
87. Get my own health insurance
88. Make the hallway closet usable
89. Take a dance lesson (or two)
90. See a broadway show (besides Lion King)
91. Organize online files/folders to get rid of unwanted duplicates
92. Network with 25 new people each year (0/75)
93. Do a photo session with someone famous
94. Do a photo session with Jason once per year (0/3)
95. Reconnect with Mr. Lunn before he retires (by 6/1/09)
96. Have a consultation at a MAC counter (not the computer) and buy what they suggest.
97. Take a class at the Apple store
98. Make a list of 25 fun things to do with Jason and complete list by end of project.
99. Find a long-term project for Jason and I do together and do it.
100. Take Jason on a cruise.
101. Make another 101 list.

Ready....set.....go!!

101 things in 1001 days

One of my very favorite clients has sparked me to challenge myself to set 101 goals to achieve in 1001 days. At first, I thought, "That's not a lot of time". Then I did the math. That's almost three years! I better aim high. Then I thought "this could be the ultimate way to get completely organized!" I can put stuff that I want to get done in my house, financial goals, business goals, fun goals (got to have some of those!), learning goals, being nice to people in life goals, and the list goes on. Wish me luck! I am going to begin on Nov. 1, 2008.

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.

Some common goal setting tips:
1. Be decisive. Know exactly what you want, why you want it, and how you plan to achieve it.

2. Stay Focussed. Any goal requires sustained focus from beginning to end. Constantly evaluate your progress.

3. Welcome Failure. Frequently, very little is learned from a venture that did not experience failure in some form. Failure presents the opportunity to learn and makes the success more worthy.

4. Write down your goals. It clarifies your thinking and reinforces your commitment.

5. Keep your goals in sight. Review them frequently, and ensure that they are always at the forefront of your thinking.

P.s. If you want to do this too, follow this link and get going!http://www.triplux.com/dayzero/default.asp?view=masterlist