ImagineJess - Photographer

Goal #72 Get a passport

2009-11-05T15:37:00.003-05:00

Completed and used even. I had to get a passport because I was shooting a wedding in the BAHAMAS!! That was an amazing experience. The couple is friends with another friend of mine that I shot a wedding for last year. Susie got married in Sept 08 and I shot her wedding. Susie's maid of honor was Cate. Cate got married in Sept of this year and loved my work so much, she and Nick (husband), wanted me to come to the Bahamas with them! How cool was that!! It was really beautiful! See pictures! On my way back through customs, the agent asked me what I was doing in the Bahamas. I said "Shooting a wedding". He said "SHOOTING what?". "Pictures! Taking pictures! I'm so sorry! Shooting is a bad word to use in customs. I'm so sorry! Shooting pictures for a wedding!". He just laughed at me.

It's not cancer!!

2009-10-23T15:46:00.000-04:00

So, most of world didn't know anything about this until today..and now that it's over, I'll share my story.

A month ago, I found a lump in my left breast. I'm really maticulous about doing my monthly self-exams, so I knew that this hadn't been there before. It was slightly painful and a lot scary. When it wasn't gone a week later, I called my GYN and went to see her. She thought it might be a cyst and sent me for an ultrasound and mammogram. They confirmed it was not a cyst, that a cyst would be fluid filled, and this that was a solid mass. I needed a biopsy. A week later, I went to a different doc who told me that because of the location and shape, he felt an ultrasound-guided biopsy would be better. I waited another week. Yesterday, I had that biopsy done. You go in, they do another ultrasound. They locate the tissue, give some lidocaine, make a small incision, and stick a probe in there to grab some tissue samples. They took 8 samples total. They also put a small piece of titanium in there as a marker for future mammograms. (I won't set off any metal detectors at the airport or break any x-ray machines). After they bandaged me up, they sent me for another mammogram to check the placement of the marker. They only allowed me to take Tylenol for pain because aspirin or ibuprofen encourages bleeding. I wasn't to do anything for the rest of the day. No shower this morning either (Yuck!). Don't worry...I spongebathed. For today, I can lift 5 lbs and tomorrow, I can resume normal activity. I called for the results today. It's not cancer!! It's benign! Yahoo! Thank you Lord!

I can tell you this has been one of the scariest experiences of my life. It ranks up there pretty high. The waiting and wondering what was happening with me was torture. The prospect of having to tell my son that I had cancer...wondering what would happen to my body...all those thoughts were in my head. I tried to have an attitude of "I'm not going to panic until someone says I have a reason to", but there were times that the fear made it almost impossible to breathe. I watched my grandmother go through it and it was awful.

My point in writing this note is two things
1. Please please please do your monthly self exams. It could save your life.
2. Don't let someone tell you that you're fine until they have proof. So many people tried to tell me "don't worry, it's nothing, I don't know what you're nervous about, I had something like that, it's a cyst, it's scar tissue from surgery, it doesn't need to be checked", and more BS statements. GET CHECKED! 18 yr old girls have gotten breast cancer, my doctor has a 32 year old patient right now with it. GET CHECKED!

Thanks for letting me share my story.

Why Goal #77: Write something and get it published

2009-09-25T14:48:00.003-04:00

I just thought this would be a cool thing...to be able to say that I had something published. I know people publish stuff on the web all the time and it's probably fairly easy, but it's something I've never done before besides blogging. I have my something written and I was going to post it here, but then I thought, maybe I should get it published somewhere else first so I can receive the proper credit for it. I'll post it once I'm published. (And leave you in suspense until then!)

Three months of not posting, but I'm not missing

2009-08-06T12:50:00.001-04:00

So yeah...three, almost four months of no blogging. I won't get into why right now. It's a long story. But, I am happy to report I haven't forgotten about my list and with God's grace, I've even made some progress!

Here's an update (and I'll try to get back to blogging everyday on here)

1. Clean my house to the point that anyone can drop by and it doesn't cause major panic: I can honestly say that I'm at that point!

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: Well, I've started the process. I've gone out and gotten some stuff to organize the studio. I've taken all the loose CDs and devised a plan as to how to file them all. And my desk is CLEAN!!

3. Organize (not just clean) my studio in general. There's no excuse for it's condition: Well, it's clean. There's a path in the room and I have started getting rid of things I don't need, so there's progress and this is SO about progress not perfection.

4. Eat something that counts as fruit more often (juice, applesauce, and craisins count!): more often...probably more often because I love summer fruits...berries and such, so I would say that counts. Some of this stuff it hard to keep track of.

5. Photocopy everything in my wallet in case it gets stolen. (thanks Sarah!):nope, not yet. SO simple, so what's my issue?

6. ~~Do my dishes EVERY day~~ (sad, huh?): YES!! I can actually say yes to this. Thanks to Flylady.net, I have gotten into the actual HABIT of doing my dishes everyday and sometimes more than that. It makes my life actually a bit more peaceful and my kitchen a much more pleasant place to be! Thanks Flylady!

7. Go to bed by midnight every night (No more staying up past midnight because I'm working on photography stuff) I have to say that for the most part, I've actually been doing this. In fact, there are very few nights that I'm up past midnight for anything anymore. And, I think I've ruined my ability to do so because come somewhere around 10p, I start getting pretty sleepy. Not so great for those weddings that end at 1am, but I manage to get through those. There's action happening so I'm out there in the action, but at home, sitting on the couch or at my desk editing, my eyelids are pretty heavy after 10p. Ya know what's weird? As I look back on the lack of sleep I was getting and the craziness of the way I was working, it's almost insane and I can't envision myself going back and living like that again. Yaah for me...a healthy lifestyle change: getting an adequate amount of sleep on a fairly regular basis.

8. ~~Sell my old lightmeter.~~ (don't worry, I bought a new one first): I just did this today actually, to a friend from church and he seemed quite pleased and I got a decent deal for it. I'm happy with that!

9. Get a new camera before Mar 2009.: As evidenced by the fact that it is well past March 2009 and I don't have a new camera, I haven't reached this goal, but by the end of this project, I do believe I shall have a new camera.

10. ~~Get my car fixed and back on the road~~

11. Make a plan to save for Summit.:I'm actually not going to Summit this year. This is a bit of a long story. I've gone to Summit for the past three years and totally intended to go this year, but my sister was pregnant and they needed to induce her early because the baby wasn't doing well. He wasn't growing because something was wrong with her placenta, so they decided that he needed to be born sooner than normal. She was scared and I decided that I would fly out to AZ and help her have the baby. I couldn't afford to do them both, so I had to give up Summit for this year. It's ok though. Summit will be there next year. Helping my sister have my nephew is a once in a lifetime experience. I totally made the right decision. I can start saving for Summit for next year.

12. Make a plan to save for Lakeside.: Jason decided not to go to Lakeside this year. He ended up doing a summer program and would have only been able to go to Lakeside for one week and he decided that it wasn't worth it to go for one week, so he didn't go at all. Same as above...I'll start saving for next year.

13. Make a plan to save to visit my brother.: This plan is still in the works. Here's the story on this one. I have a plane ticket that I need to use before April 9, 2010. I had already bought my plane ticket for Summit, and it was non refundable, so I have a ticket for anywhere that I need to use. I'll likely use it to go see my brother and sister. That's one part of the plan taken care of. I need to work out the timing, the car rental, food money, and the $150 for the change in the ticket.

14. Plan out my vacation time for next year.: Vacation time?!? So much has happened since I last wrote! Vacation...that would basically be my whole summer. See, in April I herniated a couple of discs in my back and had to have surgery, so my summer has been spent recovering from that. Vacation? Not exactly, but a LOT of time off.

15. Get a flu shot before I get the flu.: Too late! Until next year...

16. Journal at least once per week.: Not even close. Looking at this list reminds to though. A goal still in progress

17. Shoot a new picture every day that isn't because I've been contracted to do it. Shoot it for fun. Not every day, but I have been shooting more.

18. Post each of the above said pictures and comment.: I'll try to get some posted. I've posted some here.

19. Get someone to buy one of the above said pictures.

20. Blog about each of my goals and take a picture of it. (They should mean something to me): Still in progress

21. ~~Get back in touch with man who's life I saved a few years ago.~~ (I'll explain later) I did this by sending him and his wife a letter. She wrote back and I'm going to write to them more often

22. Remember everyone's birthday in my family and send something.: still need to make that list

23. ~~Buy a video camera.~~ This was actually a cool story. I take online surveys for just one company and one of the surveys I did involved doing a video diary on contacts, so they sent a free video camera and the reward for doing the study was keeping the video camera. It's not super high tech or anything and I would like a better one someday, but I'm satisfied with this one for now. It serves it's purpose and I'm trying to stick to a tighter budget, so I'll take the free one!

24. Do a photo session of myself with another photographer. (Translation: have my picture taken!) (Thanks for the idea Bob!) (by 9/24/09) still working on this. My friend/client, Sarah, is the one who's going to do it, but she's in the process of closing on a house, so we are going to wait until all of that is settled. I do havea a plan though.

25. Read 2 chapters of my bible every day. (yes, every day!): Again, not even close, but this reminds me of my goals.

26. Put $50 into savings each week.: Not even close. And in addition to that, I did a new budget recently and I can't do $50/week. I can only do $50/month. It's better than nothing though.

27. Tithe 10% each month.: I've just recently started doing this. 10% of all income, not just my main income. God gave me the ability to shoot, work, and earn this income. I need to have the faith that by giving 10%, he will take care of me then too. He always has. I've always had a roof over my head and enough food for my son to eat. I've been in hard times, but I will say that those times have made me stronger for it.

28. Scrapbook my pictures that I have from when I shot film. (by 11/1/2009): Haven't so far, but I did manage to scrapbook the programs from the weddings I've shot. I try to get a program from each one. It reminds me of the places I've been and the fun I've had with my clients.

29. Business plan.: still working on it

30. Keep my phone, laptop, bluetooth, GPS, camera batteries, and Ipod touch charged. (Just call me gadgetgirl!): I've kept them charged pretty consistently. I actually need to get a new bluetooth. Mine broke. Maybe I'll do that today.

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 this year. My back was injured this year. I did walk the 2K with my team. Supposedly I'll be able to do it next year. Here's hoping!

32. Answer 10 emails every day within 24 hours.: Still not perfect at this, but I do try to answer them promptly. This one was set to get into a good habit. I'm working on it.

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.: I have done this some. I took some shots from one of my fav. weddings and put them in a six-shot frame. I have others I want to put up. I want to get more of a design. At the same time, I don't need to put too much effort into this one because I'm likely moving sometime around next May.

35. Send flowers (or something similar) to 5 people just because.: Not yet.

36. Go camping before Summer ends in 2009.: Not yet, but I have plans.

37. Declutter my house!: This is in process too thanks to Flylady.net again. It's more of a long term goal, but I'm getting there. By the time I move, I'd like to be decluttered.

38. Scan all 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2008 contracts and put them on disc and file them.: Not yet, but this reminding me that I need to. This whole thing is a work in progress and progress I am making. I've gotten rid of a lot of stuff in an effort to declutter my house and make life a little more simple.

39. Take 20 mins each week to plan out my days as best I can for the week.:hmmm...this is a tough one to judge. I did buy a dry erase board to write the schedule for the next ONE day, but not the whole week. It changes too much. I am using my ical more and my blackberry calendar and the kitchen calendar. So, I guess I'd consider that successful. I should try and do it on a weekly basis though.

40. Pay my bills on time every month.:not quite yet, but I am in the process of creating a new budget and really understanding what I owe and setting up a system that works. That's progress too!

41. Import and USE quicken to keep track of my accounts.: yeah, not so much. I'm not sure if I'm going to do this one or not. It's still up in the air.

42. Create a budget and stick to it. Again, progress. I've set up a budget and I'm in the middle of a book called Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey. It's great and I'm doing my best to stick to it.

43. Clean my room.: There's been a LOT of progress on this one! I got all my shoes into my closet and they are neat. I cleaned and organized the bookshelves. I cleaned off this dresser that I used to stack clothes I didn't feel like putting away. I cleaned off the plastic dresser. More to do, but I need to find a balance I think. I think I'm looking for perfection and it's not perfect yet.

44. ~~Make my bed 6 days every week.~~:YES!! In fact, I make my bed EVERY day now. It's a habit that I've finally picked up, just like doing the dishes. Hooray for me!

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.:I've just started doing this the past few days. I'll keep at it.

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): I haven't done these yet, but I'm in the process of doing this. I really will explain this at some point.

47. Return all voicemails (business and personal) within 24 hours with at least an email.: I have gotten much better at returning voicemails promptly. A much better way to do business!

48. ~~Clean Jason's room (WITH him, not FOR him)~~:YES! Another goal accomplished. I actually did end up doing it for him while he was away, but it's his responsibility to keep it clean now. He's actually been doing good, with reminders to make his bed, all dishes out, laundry in the hamper, and pick up the floor. Simple instructions when it's only a little messy has been working well instead of waiting until it gets so overwhelming he has no idea where to start.

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.~~: Did this and now almost all of my videos and DVDs fit in the cabinet. There are still a few more to get rid of, but I did sit down and accomplish this task.

51. Learn 1001 new ASL signs.: this is a tough one to judge. I may have to let this one go. Or, maybe what I'll do is sit down and see if I can sign 1000 things and count it that way. I'm guessing I must know at least 1000.

52. Spend one day wandering through Middletown just for the experience and good shots. : Not yet, but this list reminds me that I want to do it. I took the date restriction off. It's nice enough out now and I can go at any time.

53. Find 25 things at home to sell for ebay or craigslist.: Not so far. I did sell one lens, but 25 is a crazy long list. I could have done clothes, but they are hard to sell, especially because I'm so small and there are SO many clothes on there. Besides, I've been donating the clothes I don't want to a friend of mine's thrift shop. I wonder what else I could sell? I have a lot of stuff I need to get rid of in my attic. Maybe I can find 25 things up there.

54. Read a chapter of a book in addition to my bible at least once per week.: I have been reading more because I have more time right now. And I have things I want to accomplish like the total money makeover. It actually feels good to take some time for myself to read and improve myself. I like self-help stuff more that fantasy or anything like that.

55. Check "Jenny from the Farm"'s blog every week and help keep her accountable.: I've been reading sometimes, but not weekly. Sorry Jenny! I'll get on that more.

56. Pay off my car.: Not yet, but I'm getting closer. And with a new budget, I'll be able to keep up with my payments. I should get a total though.

57. Take an online course.: not yet, but I've been thinking about taking some business classes and this reminds me that I need to look into it.
58. Recruit 3 people to do 101 in 1001.:not so far. Haven't really tried though either.

59. Call my brother once a week.: can't say that I've done very well with this one so far. I've called him more often than I used to.

60. Leave and arrive at the times I say I will for 30 consecutive days.: I suppose I should start this one sometime. I can't count today because I was already late for an appt. I have to get better about this...hence the goal. I think I'll start next week. I'm going to VT for the weekend and I won't really need to be anywhere by a certain time. Next week.

61. Make the most comprehensive photography to-do list and don't make more than one!: well, I have started a list in one book that I'm working out of. I've been combining notes that I take other places. I found this is a great thing actually because I can feel like I'm accomplishing things as I can cross them off the list and I can just keep adding to it as I think of things.

62. Tackle that list! (Photography stuff is on-going, so I can't say complete it): I have been and it feels good to be productive!

63. Pray with Jason every night that he's with me. Haven't started this yet. It's tough because he's thirteen now and it's tough to start new things, but I'll try. No guarantees on this one, but I'll try.

64. Get a facial. Not yet. Not even really sure where to go. any ideas?

65. Get a massage. Not yet. It's not cheap and I haven't really felt like I've needed it. In addition to that, with me having my back surgery and all, I'd be afraid they'd hit the sorest spots. I think one will have to wait a bit.

66. Wear different jewelry one day per week.: This is so not happening at all. I think I'm just one of those people that wears the same jewelry all the time. I do have a couple different necklaces I wear occasionally, but not usually.

67. Get a NICE suit for 2009 wedding season.: Truth be told, I already have a nice suit, quite nice actually, but ya know how you get certain clothes that just become your favorite? Well, I have a pair of black dress pants that I love so much and they aren't the best, but I seem to want to wear them more than the fancy suit. What to do...

68. Have 101 "no spend" days (0/101): I probably have done some of these, but I haven't kept track, so it doesn't count. I need to count so I can accomplish this goal. Today doesn't count.

69. Read "The Mom Factor" and complete workbook. I have started this and done some of the workbook. This is a really intense, deep book, that makes you really put some serious time into it. It's going to take some time, but I'm determined to do it.

70. Lead and go through another step study. This is currently in progress. We started in April and are still working through it. Should be able to cross this one off by next April.

71. Enter and win a contest. Not yet. Haven't really concentrated on this one yet.

72. Get a passport. This one is in progress too. I'm actually waiting for it to come. I've applied for it. Now I just have to wait. Pray it gets here before Sept 11th. I'm going to the Bahamas to shoot a wedding on the 12th. Woo hoo!

73. Take Jason to Disney : Not yet, but he just went with his dad in April, so I think this one can wait a while. Sometime in the next three years though!

74. Donate blood twice per year well, I was too sick to do this last year and so far, not much better. I have to find out how long after surgery you have to wait to donate. There are always opportunities around, so I need to check into it.

75. Drink nothing but water and milk for one week per year. At first I thought this might be better done in the winter when it's not so tempting to drink ice tea and lemonade, but I do think it can be done in the summer now that there so much flavored water out there. I have become particularly fond of Sobe Life Water. Great flavor, but not like juice and nothing bad in it for you, but lots of vitamins! Maybe I'll start this one today.

76. Make a quilt. haven't even thought about starting this one yet. Too many other projects going on.

77. Write something and get it published. Again, haven't even thought about what I'd write, but I do write a blog even though that doesn't count.

78. Make Crescia twice a year Didn't do this last year, but it's something I should do soon. I love this Italian bread!

79. Make Passate twice a year Didn't do this last year either. I have to get the right meat grinder to do this. There is one at Kensington Market for $60, but that's kind of steep! But if I can make passate, it will be worth it. Maybe I'll pick it up tonight. Got to get workin' on these goals!

80. ~~Go bowling with Jason~~

81. Get rid of yahoo account. not yet. I have to finish transferring all the important emails out of it first.

82. Find 10 new ways to make money with my photography: Not yet, but I'm open to suggestions. I did see some photo greeting cards and postcards recently.

83. Make homemade bread with Jason. Not yet, but I did buy yeast so we can do this one. Jason is away this week, but maybe next week before he goes back to school. I can't believe school is starting again already! And by the way, we are doing the bread all by hand. No bread machine!

84. Get evaluated for braces.: Not yet. I think...well, I don't know what I think. I think I want to get out of debt before I get into more debt. That sounds like to makes lots of sense!

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): YES! Done. Another one down I'll do a separate entry about my experience.

86. Pay back people I owe (Dr. H, A. J.-VT, A.R.-trumbull): Not yet, but I have a plan that is about to be put into action regarding this goal.

87. Get my own health insurance Not yet. Waiting until I have to, but I do need to look into plans and stuff.

88.~~Make the hallway closet usable~~

89. Take a dance lesson (or two) Not yet. And not for a while. I'm still recovering from surgery.

90. See a broadway show (besides Lion King) This would have been a great thing to do before school started. There's still time to do this, but not before school. I'll have to make it a special trip. No idea what I want to see.

91. Organize online files/folders to get rid of unwanted duplicates I have actually started this by buying a terabyte drive to store everything. That's as far as I've gotten so far.

92. Network with 25 new people each year This one is a bit tougher to count, but I'll try. I can say that I've done one person for sure. I stopped into a shop in Middletown called the Ladybug Boutique. The owner and I are connected on a site call Merchant Circle.com, so I wanted her to be able to put a face with a name. I told her I'd tell brides looking for gifts to check her out and she took some cards to have in the shop for people looking for a photographer. Only 24 more to go.

93. Do a photo session with someone famous Not yet and not sure how to go about this or who I definitely want to shoot with or where or how or anything. I think I'd like to do something in natural light in someone's house. Martha Stewart came to mind but she and I don't have much in common. I'll have to look and see what famous people live in New England.

94. Do a photo session with Jason once per year I did this last year when I was actually shooting engagements with a client of mine. I'll have to post some shots here.

95. Reconnect with Mr. Lunn before he retires. : Sadly enough, I didn't accomplish this before he retired. I think I might see if I can find an address and send him a letter thanking him for all he did for us. He really was an amazing man. I'll tell about that some other time.

96. Have a consultation at a MAC counter (not the computer) and buy what they suggest. Not yet, but maybe sometime this week. I forgot about this one.

97. Take a class at the Apple store. Not yet. It's still on the list to do though.

98. Make a list of 25 fun things to do with Jason and complete list by end of project. I made the list, and am still working on completing it.

99. Find a long-term project for Jason and I do together and do it. Still not sure about what to do for this one. Something that we can work on a little at a time since he's going to be starting school next week.

100. Take Jason on a cruise. Not yet and probably not until sometime next year or the year after. It's expensive and there's a lot happening this year and next year too! Not telling yet though! :-)

101. Make another 101 list.: this is in process and I'm not going to release it until this one is complete

Why Goal 98?

2009-04-15T10:51:00.004-04:00

#98: Make a list of 25 fun things to do with Jason and complete list by end of project.

I'm going to do tackle two birds with one stone. I'm going to tell you the why, and then I'm going to make the list. Seriously productive!

Why: Because life is crazy and like many parents, I don't feel like I spend enough quality time with Jason. That's really about it. I'm so much on the page of making memories that we can share later in life, as opposed to buying him the latest cool toy or game. Those things are tangible, but not indestructible. Memories (until you get Alzheimer's are indestructible...although, I know, after working with many Alzheimer's patients, that early memories are actually preserved and are favorite things to talk about. Just don't ask them what they did yesterday or had for breakfast this morning. I've actually enjoyed many conversations with people that have Alzheimers. I love seeing their face light up as they talk about days gone by, and I get to hear cool stories too about times that I will likely never know personally. But alas, I digress) So, yeah...making memories. 25 fun things to do. This is actually going to be a fairly easy list to create...I think:

1. Go ice skating
2. Go roller skating
3. Go to the movies
4. Go to six flags
5. Play SPIT
6. Have a water balloon or squirt gun fight
7. Go to a broadway show
8. Take a road trip to VT to see my family
9. Go to Quincy Market
10. Make homemade choc chip cookies
11. Go to a baseball game
12. Go bike riding
13. Go see an air show
14. Go to a professional kite flyers exhibition
15. Go to the beach
16. Go camping/hiking
17. Make crystals from coal: (Yes, I had to look this one up. I'm running out of ideas.
Your child is familiar with coal: it's those chalky black briquettes that cook up burgers and hot dogs on the open grill. But does your child know that with a lot of pressure - and even more time - coal can be transformed into glittering diamonds?

You don't have to wait millions of years to turn coal into a beautiful gem. With this activity, watch coal turn into crystals right before your eyes! While you're at it, take time to explain how diamonds are formed: your child will be surprised to learn that natural material, like peat, is compressed over years and years into carbon-rich coal, and then into crystals!

What You'll Need:
an adult helper
measuring spoon
liquid blue laundry detergent
iodized salt (table salt)
small bottle of ammonia
small jar
plastic picnic spoon or old table spoon
8 to 10 charcoal briquettes
disposable pie tin
food coloring – any colors

What You Do:
Measure 2 tablespoons each of liquid blueing, laundry detergent, salt, and ammonia into a small jar. Have an adult helper supervise this mixing. Avoid breathing the ammonia fumes as much as possible. Stir with an old tablespoon or plastic picnic spoon.

Place 3 or 4 charcoal briquettes on a disposable pie tin. Add a few drops of food coloring on each briquette.

Pour some of the detergent, salt, and ammonia solution over the top of the charcoal pieces. While the crystals are forming, replenish your supply of solution.

As you enjoy the beautiful colors and shapes that emerge, repeat the process with 3 or 4 more briquettes.

18. Go fishing.
19. Go on a walk and take pictures together. Me with my camera and Jason with my backup camera. Compare results later. Find favorite pictures and frame together.
20. Get a video camera and make a video for far away family members
21. Go on a picnic
22. Set up a scavenger hunt. I'll be the taxi and he has to tell me where to go for his next clue
23. Go bowling
24. Go to the batting cages/bumper boats/car racing place
25. Go out for ice cream.

Ta-da! I made this list. Now I just have to do it. Just do it!

Does this count? #19

2009-04-01T13:10:00.005-04:00

Ok... this might be a stretch. Goal #19 is to have someone buy a picture that I shot for fun. One of my favorite wedding shots is this one. Now, for fun, I turned it black and white and added these words to it: Do not walk behind me, I may not lead, Do not walk in front of me, I may not follow, Just walk beside me, And be my friend. I had it printed on canvas by Canvas On Demand, (whom I LOVE!) in a 16x20 size. I'm donating it for a silent auction that is going to benefit Kampala Children's Center in Kampala, Uganda, Africa. My church is sending a missions team for the third summer in a row this year, and this silent auction is a fundraiser for the team and for the center.

Now, yes, the picture was part of a contracted job, but what I've done with it was not contracted at all. What do you think?

On another note, one of the pictures that I did take just for fun has been requested by a friend of mine in TX to be printed and framed. I know that counts. That picture is from my "Signs" series...well, it's not a full series yet, I just started it, but it's in the making.

Why goal #99

2009-03-31T11:35:00.002-04:00

Goal #99 - Find a long term project for Jason and I to do together. And, no, cleaning house doesn't count. ;)

There's no complicated explanation for this one. Just quality time with my son. Again, like the cruise thing...something memorable that we can talk about years down the road...like "Mom remember when we built that such-and-such." or "remember when we volunteered for a whole year at XYZ place". I still haven't come up with any ideas, so I'm definitely open to suggestions. He's 12. I thought about maybe building a model car or volunteering somewhere with him. Thoughts?

Goal #17

2009-03-17T18:58:00.004-04:00

Shoot one new picture every day just for fun. Well, I felt inspired today and decided to shoot and post immediately because I knew that if I didn't, I'd forget, so here it is.

Signs. This gives me an idea. I was trying to think of a name for the shot and I thought..."New Beginnings". Nah...are there old beginnings? "Bursting Forth"...tacky. "Signs of Spring"...hmmmm... that gives me an idea. A series. Name: Signs. Not streets signs. Signs like..."Signs of Spring". What else can I capture that is a sign of something? We'll see. It's got me thinking anyway.

So, this is Signs of Spring.

I'm still here

2009-03-05T10:31:00.005-05:00

I haven't forgotten about my list. The one that I've been focusing on the most is to get the house clean. I've been doing some things at the house very consistently. My dishes REALLY are being done everyday now. And my bed! My bed is being made every day! And this morning, I spent 5 or 10 mins in my studio just decluttering. It's not perfect, but if you remember from the way beginning, I gave up on doing things perfectly. I have made some real progress since this started. My car repairs which totaled almost $5000 are complete and paid for and I'm not in debt because of it. I have a business plan started. I cleaned out the hall closet and now my son can have a place to hang up his pants. I got him to start working on his room, one step at a time, and there was finally enough free space the other night for me to be able to get to his wall and remount his light. And it's a great improvement.

As I go back and reread my list, it's a good reminder for me to pay attention to the things I haven't been working on and see the things I need to let go. I wanted to get a new camera before Mar 2009. Didn't happen, but I am trying to save money. Get a flu shot before I get the flu. No flu shot this year, and no flu....yet. I need to get back to taking pictures and I need to post the ones I've done and the ones of the goals that I've completed! Too many things to pay attention to...blogging, twitter, facebook, my website blog, in addition to life and the 101 goals too! I might just ditch the twitter thing. I don't pay attention to it, but it's one of those nagging things in my mind that I feel like I should pay attention to. It's....mind-clutter!

I did complete my goal about my tax receipts. My taxes are filed and I've gotten (and spent) my refund already. :( I guess it's time to really DO that budget and figure out Quicken (another goal).

Updated list and somewhat revised

2009-02-09T13:03:00.005-05:00

1. Clean my house to the point that anyone can drop by and it doesn't cause major panic
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 more often (juice, applesauce, and craisins count!)
5. Photocopy everything in my wallet in case it gets stolen. (thanks Sarah!)
6. Do my dishes EVERY day. (sad, huh?)
7. Go to bed by midnight every night (No more staying up past midnight because I'm working on photography stuff)
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.
12. Make a plan to save for Lakeside.
13. Make a plan to save to visit my brother.
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.
17. Shoot a new picture every day that isn't because I've been contracted to do it. Shoot it for fun.
18. Post each of the above said pictures and comment
19. Get someone to buy one of the above said pictures.
20. Blog about each of my goals and take a picture of it. (They should mean something to me)
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!)
26. Put $50 into savings each week.
27. Tithe 10% each month.
28. Scrapbook my pictures that I have from when I shot film. (by 11/1/2009)
29. Business plan.
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.
32. Answer 10 emails every day within 24 hours.
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.
36. Go camping before Summer ends in 2009.
37. Declutter my house!
38. Scan all 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2008 contracts and put them on disc and file them.
39. Take 20 mins each week to plan out my days as best I can for the week.
40. Pay my bills on time every month.
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.
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.
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.
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.
54. Read a chapter of a book in addition to my bible at least once per week.
55. Check "Jenny from the Farm"'s blog every week and help keep her accountable.
56. Pay off my car.
57. Take an online course.
58. Recruit 3 people to do 101 in 1001.
59. Call my brother once a week.
60. Leave and arrive at the times I say I will for 30 consecutive days.
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.
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
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
79. Make Passate twice a year
80. ~~Go bowling with Jason~~
81. Get rid of yahoo account.
82. Find 10 new ways to make money with my photography
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
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.

Update = Progress!!

2009-02-04T16:56:00.000-05:00

Quick update:
1. Clean house- still in progress and good progress at that. I've been de-cluttering thanks to Flylady (www.flylady.net) and there's real improvement. My livingroom has been clean to the point of non-panic for a few weeks now and it's so simple to just pick up everyday instead of letting it build up.

8. Sell lightmeter. I'm getting closer. I took the pictures that I need to post on Ebay this morning.

10. Get my car fixed. YES!! DONE! YAHOO!! I got my car this morning. 5 months I've been without it and I finally saved enough to get it back and not put myself in debt. It was hard but worth it.

33. Get my receipts for tax time. This is almost complete. It will be complete when I actually file them which will be soon. I just need to finish calculating my mileage and click send. SO CLOSE!!

88. Make the hallway closet useable. ALSO DONE!! Last night, I cleaned out out. There was drywall/plaster all over the floor from a plumber that had to come and do some work on the pipes in the closet. They were leaking water from the people upstairs, so I had to empty the whole thing out so he could do his work. Then, he left this huge mess in there! I've ignored it for many months now, but I can finally use it. I think that it will become temporary storage as I clean Jason's room (yes, his room is that bad) and then I will be able to accomplish that goal too.

I keep having my goals in mind and still working. Not perfectly, but I tossed that idea out a long time ago, thank God!

Why Goal #100

2009-01-22T15:32:00.003-05:00

Goal #100 - Take Jason on a cruise. To be totally honest, there isn't much "Why" behind this one. I guess I say "Why not?". Well, there is a reason I want to do this. Because, I've never been on one myself, and I think it would be a really cool experience for both of us. So, I'd like to experience it. And, another reason...because when I was a kid, we didn't do family vacations. Partly because the money just was not there, and partly because my family situation changed quite a bit. I lived with my mom, then I lived with my grandparents, then I moved back in with my mom and step-father...and there's even more than that, but those are the major ones. It was one of those things that just didn't happen. And I'd like to create a memorable experience for Jason that he can carry with him throughout his life. I want to reminisce with him years down the road, and hear things like "Remember when we went on the cruise, and such-and-such happened?".

Too white-picket-fence-y? Well, what parent doesn't want to create that for their kids? I love when Jason tells me "Mom! Remember when we saw Disney on Ice? I loved that! That was a fun day!" Or, "Mom! Remember when you took me to NY just to go to FAO Schwartz? That was so cool!" Or, Mom! Remember when we went to NY to see The Lion King on Broadway! That was fun! When can we go see another show?". I'm so over the "buy-your-kid-every-new-toy" line of thinking. Because, what ends up happening? The toy gets broken, or it ends up being remembered as "yeah...I think I got that for...Christmas...like 2 yrs ago...and I forgot who gave it to me..." Don't get me wrong, I did get Jason stuff for Christmas, like new Tech Deck stuff, and this REALLY cool desk calendar that has you make 365 different paper airplanes, one for each day. That's all good, but the other things I got him were a gift certificate for us to go ice skating, and another one for us to go bowling. Experiences. He's still talking about the little kid he made friends with at the rink, and about how he beat me at bowling, 3 games in a row! That's the STUFF I'm going for!

Goal #41

2009-01-22T15:00:00.003-05:00

Goal #41 - Import and use Quicken. I'm well on my way to accomplishing this. I installed it last night and started to set it up. I have more information to enter and more to learn about how it works, budgeting, forecasting, etc., but I can tell you that it feels pretty good to know that my expenses are not more than my income. Mind you, I only have $2 difference, but everything is covered from braces, to summercamp, to debt, savings, actual bills, haircuts, and of course, the typical expenses like electricity, rent, gas, food, etc,. I have to set up a payment schedule and all of that, but I feel pretty good about making progress in this area. I even saved the two receipts that I got from the store and my haircut today so that I can enter them in later. Sadly, I am one of those crazy people that doesn't keep my checkbook register well, and it's not worked out so good for me. Dr. Phil's loving voice came to me and said "So, how's that workin' for ya?" Not too good. It's time for a change.

This whole Flylady thing I'm doing is REALLY good! It's helped me break things down into manageable tasks. Flylady says "you can do anything for 15 mins." This doesn't just have to pertain to cleaning the house. I've been meaning to read Dave Ramsey's "Total Money Makeover" book for a long time. A friend gave me a copy as a gift last year and it's still on my shelf. Then, my mom gave me the same book for Christmas. A good reminder that I needed to get to it. It's now a month after I got the book, and until last night, it sat, just like the other one. Then I thought about it...Well, I can't read the whole thing, cover to cover, in one sitting. But, I can read it 15 mins at a time. So, that's my goal. Read it, 15 mins per day.

I'm motivated!

Short and sweet updates

2009-01-21T15:56:00.005-05:00

Goal 1: Clean house: So, I've gotten back on the Flylady (www.flylady.net) wagon and first and foremost, my sink IS shiny today! My livingroom is clean. My laundry is put away, and I am well on my way to tackling the next room. Not sure what my target is yet. Actually, according to Flylady, I need to do this 15 mins at a time and move on! Otherwise, I'll get bored and overwhelmed. Yes, ma'am! 15 mins on one task and MOVE ON! Just folded the laundry? Then go to another room and tackle a hotspot!

Goal 6: Dishes everyday. I did them today! Right in line with goal 1.

Goal 7: Midnight bedtime: I've been getting better but totally relapsed on that one last night/this morning. 4am bedtime. Up at 7am. I'm sorry! I got in the zone while I was working! Same story too "I'll go to bed at 12am. Look up. It's 12:06a. Ok, well, I blew that. I'll go as soon as I edit pictures through the ceremony. Oh! But I love the formals...ok, I'll just do the formals." 4 hours later the whole thing is done and I'm only getting 3 hours of sleep. I'll be fine tonight, but tomorrow is going to be painful. It's the 2nd day after thing again. {{{hangs head in shame}}}. Well, thanks to Flylady, I'm going to pick it back up, jump in where I'm at, try to not be a perfectionist, and love myself anyway.

Goal 44: Make the bed. Did it today! And loving it!

Goal 48: Jason's room. He and I actually did some decent work in there on Sat. Only for about a 1/2 hour, but it made a difference. Hopefully more this weekend.

Goal 55: Read Jenny from the Farm's blog 1 x per week. Read it today.

Goal 92: Network with 25 new people each year. I almost forgot I did this. I was in the post office just before Christmas. I was talking to the woman at the desk and a guy behind me overheard me saying I am a photographer. Well, the woman at the desk was saying how she does human resources type stuff on the side. I asked her if she had a card. In this economy, I know lots of people looking for jobs. She said no, not yet...it is her own business and she doesn't get cards. I said "Every good businesswoman should always have a card on them!". The guy behind me asked if I had one, which I did. He gave me his, and less than an hour later, he emailed me saying he checked out my site, he likes it, he may use me in the future and would be happy to pass my name along to others. I thanked him and agreed to do the same. He's a lawyer for a firm that specializes in small businesses (contracts, disputes, etc.)

Networking...it works. I'll blog more on that another time.

Interesting thing about Goal #51

2009-01-16T17:01:00.005-05:00

Quick story about how Sign Language helped me!

Here's something else you don't know about me. I died. No, really! I did! When I was in college, I got Toxic Shock Syndrome. And yes, there is more than one way to get it, and no, I didn't get it the way everyone thinks. Actually, they never did figure out how it happened. "Toxic shock can result from wounds secondary to minor trauma or surgery incisions where bacteria have been able to enter the body and cause the infection. And TSS can affect anyone who has any type of staph infection, including pneumonia, abscess, skin or wound infection, a blood infection called septicemia, or a bone infection called osteomyelitis". I got it in April and I had pneumonia in Feb, so it could have been from that. Anyway...I was in college, started feeling nauseous one day. Not tossing my cookies, but not good. That continued and within two weeks, I was unable to get out of bed, had this really weird sunburned looking rash on my entire body, was so dizzy I thought I was going to pass out everytime I sat up and basically thought I had the flu. A friend brought me to the ER on a Friday, they told me I had the flu, gave me a bag and a half of IV fluid and sent me back to school. That Monday, I was back in the ER with fever of 105, a blood pressure of 70 over ?? (nothing) and just felt awful. Sitting at the triage desk was the last thing I remember until I woke up in ICU on a ventilator after having been in a coma for a week. After they admitted me, they brought me to my room, I crashed, they sent me to ICU, and started searching their medical journals trying to figure out what was wrong with me. In the meantime, my body was shutting down, so they had to go through and figure out how to support each of the systems in my body, plus get rid of whatever was making me sick.

The list:
-Ventilator to make me breathe, complete with head brace to keep me from pulling it out and from creating sores on my body. (I have the scars prove it. Maybe I'll post those at some point)
-NG tube to keep me fed.
-Central line to monitor my heart.
-IV's in both arms to administer 13 different antibiotics
-Catheter (nuff said)
-No-droopy foot boots so I wouldn't get foot drop plus pillows everywhere else to keep my skin healthy.
-Eyes taped shut so my corneas didn't dry out.

They had called my mom in CT to come up to VT because they weren't sure that I was going to make it. They told her this on the phone!! They had actually called her before I crashed, so when they gave her my location information, and she got to the hospital, she was told "I'm sorry, she's not here anymore". Nice, guys! Then they told her everything that happened in the 4 hours it had taken her to get there and sent her to ICU. I was already in a coma by now. Sometime the next day, they finally figured out what was wrong with me and continued my treatment. 8 days later, I woke up..sort of. I was semi-conscious and pretty confused about all the stuff around me, why I couldn't open my eyes, and what was down my throat!

My brother was there, thank God, because I started signing to him once they released my hands. I don't remember this, it's just what I was told. Half conscious, trying to sign. We only knew the alphabet at this point, plus my hands were swollen up from all the fluids they had been putting into me. It was a challenge to say the least. As I slowly regained consciousness, I was able to sign a little better, but it was still frustrating because my brother was my only interpreter, and he was shouting out the letters as I made them. i-n-e-e-d-t-o-b-e-s-u-c-t-i-o-n-e-d. I'd get to the end of the phrase and he'd go...wait...what was the 2nd word? AAUUGH!! Sidenote...suctioning is the grossest, freakiest thing ever, next to being intubated. I would know exactly where the congestion was in my chest...I could feel it, so I would indicate "I only need to be suctioned a little. Not all the way. Just a little". Um...yeah...there is no suctioning a little. They go all the way down every time. Blah.

I still remember when they finally took me off the vent and extubated me. I felt like they were taking my lungs out with all the tubing! My job that first day was to breathe. That's it. Sit in a chair and breathe. If I could breathe on my own for 6 hours, I wouldn't have to go back onto that AWFUL machine. Can I tell you that I almost didn't make it? I was SO tired! It's hard work to breathe when you haven't done it in over a week! But, I made it. The next day, I went to a regular floor to gain some strength, and WALK! I finally got to walk again. I went 100 ft and I was SO proud of myself and SO exhausted! My ICU doc followed me throughout my stay even though he didn't have to, and he told me that at first, he didn't think that I would make it. I'm sure glad he was there! Before I went home, I got to go and visit the ICU nurses that took care of me, and thank them for all they did, and they said the same thing... I almost didn't make it. I still have notes that I wrote while I was still in ICU, and I don't remember writing them...how weird is that? Dr. Reisch said he was going to put me in a medical journal. I wonder if that ever happened.

Anyway...Sign Language helped me communicate when I was too weak to hold a pen and didn't have the ability to speak. And thank you Dr. Reisch for saving my life.

Why Goal #51

2009-01-16T16:31:00.005-05:00

Goal #51 - Learn 1001 new signs in Sign Language. The thought behind this was that I would learn one new sign every day. Yeah...not so much. Ahhh! I just realized that Sign Language is something that few people know about me. Yes, I Sign, and I LOVE it! I started signing when I was a kid. I had a great-aunt and uncle who were Deaf. One had mumps or something and I'm not sure why the other was Deaf. I do mean was when I talk about them. Both are passed-on now. My brother and I learned the Sign Language alphabet growing up. My aunt gave us this HUGE red book full of thousands of signs, but I didn't learn much beyond the alphabet until I was an adult. I wanted to learn because I was always so fascinated watching my aunt and uncle. Not a word spoken, but completely understanding each other. It was amazing and beautiful and I wanted be be part of their world. So, learn I did. And I thought I was hot stuff! I had this unique skill and I would spell and spell and they sat and watched and spelled right back. Now that I know as much as I do, I'm amazed at their patience and how TEDIOUS it must have been sitting through my fingerspelling! Bless you Aunt Connie and Uncle Pedio!

When I was in my 20's, I got a brochure from American School for the Deaf offering community Sign Language classes. I went to every one and completely fell in love with the Language, the culture, the people...

I attended a program called Total Immersion. 5 days of only Signing. No talking allowed. You could write if you needed to, but what better way to learn a language and understand a culture than to be immersed in it? I had only been Signing for a few months when I went, so I was pretty lost. I learned SO much though! Body language, facial expressions, and silence. To get the full effect, I wore ear plugs all week so that I wouldn't even hear people's footsteps. I went to classes and sat in on conversations, learned how to use a TTY, played games and ate meals with people I had never met, and even participated in a Deaf drama. It was SO cool! I want to go back, and I will, but it's $500, so I have to wait until my finances are REALLY good.

I went to a couple semesters of college for Deaf Studies hoping to become an interpreter, but finances and travel got in the way and I didn't continue. I continued to learn anyway and Sign any chance I got. It's one of those things that if you don't use it, you lose it. One day, a friend from church asked me "If I bring someone to church who is Deaf, will you interpret?". I was a bit taken aback and intimidated, but I agreed and I've been doing that for the last year or so. It's a challenge, but I LOVE it! I met a wonderful woman who is Deaf and SO patient with me. I'm fluent enough that she gets learn about God, like REALLY learn, for the first time in her life, and she blesses me with her patience and friendship.

So, why goal #51? Because there are always new signs to learn and I'm not as fluent as I'd like to be. So, I went online today and learn two new signs: Behold (like "behold, the lamb of God"). And Abundant. Hey! I just got a great idea from a friend of mine and fellow blogger; maybe I should do a quick video blog of the differnt signs I learn. Then, others can learn too! I make no promises of how often I will do this. I'll put it on my next 101 list, but I will try. Maybe this weekend, I'll record a blog in Sign and then translate into written words. That sounds like fun!

Go to bed, and then make it!

2009-01-16T09:00:00.003-05:00

Goals #7 and #44 accomplished for today. Goal #7 - Go to bed before Midnight. Last night, I went to bed at 11:20p. How's that for progress!?! I'm smiling this morning. I feel ready to tackle my day...and my sink is shiny! "SAY WHAT?!?" I'm sure I heard that as a collective statement. Some of you may know what I'm talking about, but for those that think I have OCD, let me assure you, I don't...I don't think! No, seriously, a shiny sink is a big deal. There's this wonderful woman somewhere in the world named Marla, AKA The Flylady. She has a book about getting your house clean, uncluttered (you can't organize clutter), and getting you FLYing. What is FLYing? Finally Loving Yourself. How? By getting out of CHAOS...Can't Have Anyone Over Syndrome. If you think I'm making this up, go to flylady.net. She'll explain. I've gotten on board with this a few times, and here I find myself again starting from the beginning, which is...Shine your sink. The idea is that a shiny sink is nice to have and by doing it, you've accomplished something. It might be something small, but folks...it works. My sink is empty, shiny, and it makes a world of difference. It's like the bed making thing. The rest of my kitchen leaves much to be desired, but it looks more put together because there aren't piles of dishes in my sink.

So, in addition to going to bed at a reasonable hour and having a shiny sink, goal #44 has also been accomplished. Make the bed. I have found that it's much easier to make it every day than to start making it again after it's been unmade for a week. It's a lot less messed up in the morning, so it takes less time to make. Common sense? Well, for now. Easy? Yup...for now. We'll see how well I can continue it once I'm married and there is someone else on the other side of my bed...

Goal #55

2009-01-15T17:10:00.001-05:00

Just read Jenny From the Farm's blog for this week and commented. I'm on a roll!

update and one more goal completed. Yaah!

2009-01-15T16:38:00.005-05:00

Well, one good thing I can say is that it hasn't been a month since I blogged last...only about two weeks. So, that's a plus.

So, I completed Goal #80 - Go bowling with Jason. We went this past weekend. I know it's not a huge life changing goal...well, maybe it is...maybe it is to Jason; not this specific bowling trip, but things like this. We actually had a really good weekend. On Sat., Jason and Rob had a "guys day" while I had an appt. down in Greenwich, CT with a potential wedding couple (who actually did book this week, thank you very much!). They went to a movie and to this really cool place called The Book Barn. I want to go too! And then on Sunday, we went bowling after church. So...big deal?...maybe. Small deal?...that's ok because I did set a goal and accomplish it which gives me hope for the rest of my list.

Other updates:
Goal #6 - Dishes every day. I have to say that I'm greatly improved in this area. I admit I've had some good motivation. My sweetie comes over and makes dinner a lot, so we are going through dishes much faster than before. If I don't do them, I can't eat!

Goal #7 - Midnight bedtime. I haven't kept track too well, but I can tell you that I looked at the clock last night and it was 11:56p, so it's improvement. I'll be honest and tell you that the night before was 2am. Progress not perfection.

Goal #10 - Get my car back on the road. Last time I wrote I had $1865 left to pay. Now I only have $1815 left to pay. Sad, I know. I've been without my poor car since Sept. but waiting is worth not getting into worse debt. Trust me. And I will be SOOOOO happy to have it back. I'm close. In fact, I think I will have it by Feb.

Goal #17 - New pic every day. I've been shooting more, but not every day, and yes, I know I have yet to upload many. I will though. I PROMISE!

Goal #33 - Get receipts together for tax time. So, they are all together. I've started inputting them into excel and should be done with that by the end of the month. I'm not considering this goal done until my taxes are filed.

Goal #44 - Make bed six days per week: This is like the dishes one. I've been doing better. Much better, and it makes a difference. It's true that even if your room is a mess, a made-bed makes a world of difference.

Goal #46 - 4th step on e-h. I have yet to explain this one, but I will, and I started it last night. It's going to be productive.

Goal #66 - Wear different jewelry - I have a necklace on today that I don't usually wear, and while it's not jewelry, I did paint my nails with actual color last night. And, I just took a picture of them to upload and show off, so there's my pic for the day. I have one other one that I shot today, but I can't post it. Why, you say? Well, it's of my derriere...yes, that's right, my tuckus. And why would I take a picture of that, you ask? Well, because I landed on it recently. Monday night, I was going down my front stairs, and they were covered in ice. Thanks to no porch light and no salt from my landlord, plus a bit of darkness added in, I fell, right down the stairs, and landed hard. Fortunately, I didn't hit my head, but I did hit my low back and bottom on the stairs and have now been gifted with a mark that is a full rainbow of colors at this. So, I wanted a picture of my bruise...but I'll spare you the visual on that one.

That's all for now folks...

Two goals completed!

2009-01-02T12:02:00.002-05:00

I did it. I actually completed two goals! Goals #49 and #50. 49 was: To rearrange my livingroom. I wanted to do this to shake things up a bit. I can't go out and buy new furniture right now but I wanted to see something new. I think I like the new look. It will be better when I take my Christmas tree down. Then I'll be able to see the TV from either side of the couch, but I do think I like the look. There's a recliner in my livingroom that I can't wait to get rid of. It's my ex's and besides my couch, it's the only other funiture in there that you can sit on, so it stays for now, but he doesn't want it, won't take it, so I'm stuck with it. I think I'm setting myself an unofficial goal to get rid of this chair and replace it with a new one by the end of this year.
#50 was to clean out my video cabinet. I had videos and DVDs in the TV cabinet, on the TV cabinet, around the TV cabinet, in video boxes, in the other room, everywhere. Who needs all that and what 12 yr old still needs Power Ranger videos? Blech!! So, out of there they went. Now, being that I'm into donating things, I'm trying to figure out what to do with them. I could give them to my library to add to their collection, but they only collect on certain days (love living in a small town, right?), or I could give them to good will. Either way, they aren't in the cabinet anymore, so YAAAAAAAHHHHH ME!!!!!!!! There is hope for me yet.

By the way, on the whole house cleaning goal...I think I've cleaned my livingroom about 7 times in 6 days. I can't stand it! Every time I clean it and then leave to do something else, I come back and there's stuff on the floor again, sneakers in the middle of the floor, a candy wrapper on the couch, a video on the window...does it ever end? Not with a 12 yr old I guess...

STILL here and haven't forgotten my goals

2008-12-30T11:24:00.009-05:00

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!

2008-12-08T11:38:00.005-05:00

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

2008-11-13T11:56:00.004-05:00

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

2008-11-07T14:39:00.003-05:00

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

2008-11-05T15:21:00.000-05:00

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

2008-11-04T21:28:00.004-05:00

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.

2008-11-04T13:43:00.007-05:00

(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

2008-11-04T13:35:00.004-05:00

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...

2008-11-04T13:03:00.000-05:00

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

2008-11-04T12:50:00.010-05:00

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

2008-11-04T12:42:00.002-05:00

Clean house: in progress.

File CD/DVDs: in progress.

Organize studio: 0/1

Eat fruit: 1/4

Photocopy wallet stuff: 0/1

Dishes every day. 1/4

Midnight bed time: 1/3

Sell lightmeter: 0/1

New camera: 0/1

Fix car: 0/1

Summit saving plan: 0/1

Lakeside saving plan: 0/1

Brother visit saving plan: 0/1

Plan vacation time: 0/1

Get flu shot: 0/1

Journal 1x/wk: 0/1

New pic daily: 3/4

Blog pics: 1/4

Someone to buy pic: 0/1

Blog about goals: 1/101

Get in touch w/ USMC guy: 0/1

List b-days: 0/1

Buy video camera: 0/1

Photo session: 0/1

2 chapters of bible daily: 0/8

$50 into savings weekly: 0/1

Tithe 10% monthly: 1/33

Scrap film pics: 0/1

Create business plan: in progress

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

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

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

Prepare receipts for tax time: 0/1

Hang fav. shots in studio: 0/10

Send flowers just because: 0/5

Go camping before end of 09 summer: not yet

101 clutter gone: not yet

Scan all contracts: 0/1

Plan each week: 1/1

Pay bills on time: not yet

Use Quicken: not yet

Create budget: not yet

Clean room: not yet

Make bed 6 days per week: 0/840

Wash face every night: 0/3

4th step: 0/3

Return voicemails: not sure how to track this

Clean Jason's room: 0/1

Re-arrange living room: 0/1

Clean video cabinet: In progress

1001 new ASL signs: 0/1001

Wander and take pics of Middletown: 0/1

25 things to sell on ebay: 1/25

Chapter of book weekly: 0/140

Check Jenny from the Farm blog weekly: 2/140

Pay off car: 268/6700

Take online course: 0/1

Recruit 3 people to 101 in 1001: 0/4

Call brother 1x/week: 1/1

30 days no late: not started

Photography to do list: 0/1

Do the to do list:

Pray with Jason nightly: 0/2

Get a facial 0/1

Get massage 0/1

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

Wedding suit: 0/1

101 no spend days: 0/101

Mom factor: 0/1

New step study: 0/1

Contest: 0/1

Passport: 0/1

Jason to Disney: 0/1

Donate blood: 0/6

Water/Milk 1 wk: 0/3

Quilt: 0/1

Write and publish something: 0/1

Make Crescia: 0/6

Make Pastate: 0/6

Bowling: 0/1

Bya Yahoo: 0/1

10 ways to make money with photography: 0/10

Homemade bread: 0/1

Braces: 0/1

$100 at Casino: 0/1

Pay debts: 0/3

Own health insurance: 0/1

Hallway closet: 0/1

Dance lesson: 0/1

Broadway show: 0/1

Organize files: 0/1

Network w 25 people each year: 0/75

Famous person photo session: 0/1

Jason photo session: 0/3

Reconnect w Mr. Lunn: 0/1

Mac counter: 0/1

Class at Apple: 0/1

List of 25 fun things: 0/1

Long term proj: 0/1

Cruise: 0/1

New list: in progress

Duh! I almost forgot!

2008-11-03T15:40:00.015-05:00

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

2008-11-03T14:30:00.003-05:00

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...

2008-11-03T09:49:00.002-05:00

#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...

2008-10-24T17:16:00.000-04:00

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

2008-10-24T13:46:00.000-04:00

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