Re-evaluating, and #96

So, I guess I was counting on life getting in the way of getting things done when I put in the last few goals on my 101 list. Either that or I was copping out of thinking of four more goals. I've been really bad about getting around to re-evaluating the list, which I was supposed to do in June, but here's my changes:

• 4. Bike to work every day for a month. No longer an option, so it's going to become "Go on a 30+ mile bike ride."
• 6. Take a tap class once a week for three months. I don't see myself doing that, but taking a single tap class will be feasible, and will likely make me want to take more.
• 7. Do a stretch routine every night for a month. and 9. Do an ab workout every night for a month. and 13. Floss 1x a day for a month straight. These are simply not working because i seem to not like to do things on a daily basis (surprise). I'm going to aim for 3x a week, and make the flossing for two months straight because that's a habit that I need to really get into.
• 46. Read Popular Science to see if I'd ever want to write for them. I need to scope out more magazines than just the one, so I'm changing it to "Read three science magazines to understand what science writing is all about, especially medical science."
• 48. Read Bonnie's New Yorker's fiction piece at least 6 times. Well, I never did that and now Bonnie doesn't get the New Yorker, and I'm not going to be living with her anymore... so now it's going to be "Read non-fiction or travel writing in a magazine I could submit to and write an article in the same style." since I need the writing practice anyways.
• 60. Complete a Project 365. Well, the camera met the ocean and I was so far behind already at that point that 2008 is no going to work out, so I'm adding in a little extra goal to this, to entice me to start before Jan 1, 2009: "OR a photo-a-city for BER."

I'm also going to relax a bit on the goals themselves as they reach completion... There have been many that I really haven't kept track of as I was actually doing them. That and I went to Mexico and never really learned any spanish, but didn't need to know any. So completed goals are now up to 15/101. I'm behind by 9 for being at 8 months in (at a 3/month completion average rate required). Luckily, I've got a lot of free time to work on some of the easier-to-complete goals, being unemployed and all.

Lastly,there is number 96... What to put in for that one? I think the new goal, much facilitated by my new job and ever-increasing competition with some friends (who know who they are... ;)) will be to "Increase my states visited to 40/50." Should be fun, relatively manageable, while getting some stories along the way.

closed doors

Closed
Originally uploaded by arirose

Sometimes, even when the new year is beginning, I feel like I am staring down all of the possibilities that will never be. Lately, I've felt frustrated at home, in my job, and even in my creative endeavors. I haven't written much of anything beyond what I'm posting on here and what I've been scribbling in my journal over the last week, and while I feel incredibly uplifted by the activity of writing every day in my journal and by participating in Project 366, there is still a bit of me lagging. Part of the frustration comes from not being able to let go--I can't let go and just scribble, I can't let go of the daily grind of work, and I can't let go of the frustration of walking into a messy apartment that's only half (or maybe a third) my fault.

Today just felt like a million doors slammed in my face. I woke up late and missed a bus because I didn't feel good, but whining about maybe fighting off a cold doesn't get you any leeway. I fought my way through work, but since there really isn't enough work for 5 people to be occupied constantly, the lull periods caught up with me and allowed me to wallow in feeling crappy. Of course, now that I am home and have laid around watching TV and relaxing all night, I am feeling better. I feel like I'm allergic to work, yet, even when there are lull periods, I get nothing done that is actually productive, work-wise or personally. Maybe eight months in is about time to take a real vacation.

...so after a day of dreary boredom, closed doors, and frustration, it's time to start looking for the open window.

progress reporting

Moleskines and Herkimer
Originally uploaded by arirose

It's 6 days in and I can hardly see results. My flickr Project 366 set is woefully lacking 360 photos still, my journal is only 10 pages in, and I'm going to have to put off selling my snowboard until after I loan it to a friend for our Whistler trip. But on the other hand, I'm getting myself out of bed to brush my teeth and I'm curling up with my moleskine and my pen to write out both the positive and negative effects of the days. My camera is constantly with me allowing me to take shots of things I normally would just pass by without a glance and I even went to a yoga class today. So why does this feel so much better than a New Year's Resolution? Probably the chance to mess something up and try again (I've given myself a lot of leeway on this... none of my goals require perfection on the first try).

I'm trying to keep up with my list in the sidebar, and putting even more effort into not allowing myself to go for too many goals at a time. The only two things I have completed is the knitting project, and sending out thank-you notes for Christmas gifts (which is only one part of that goal... it cannot be crossed off in its entirety until June '10!). Here's the list of what I've made steps towards:

3. Snowboard 10x in one season. (2/10) [Two more to add when I get back from Whistler, and maybe one before that!]
12. Brush teeth 2x a day for a month straight. (5/30)
34. Set up automatic payments for insurance and car payments. [Just have to mail in the second form, and get the companies to recognize them.]
56. Write a journal entry everyday for at least 3 months straight (Embodiment). (5/92)
57. Write a blog post a week for 3 months straight. (1/12)
60. Complete a Project 365 (or 366...). (5/366)

Epiphany Brunch
Originally uploaded by arirose

That's quite the list for the first week of the year. I'm surprised how easy the regular things like journaling, teeth-brushing, and Project 366 have been to accomplish. Soon enough, I'll add the yoga to this list since I felt really wonderful at class this morning. If I can get myself to go to more classes on a regular basis again, I'll be crossing that one off sooner than I thought! I should also soon be started on more of the car details since I have to do tabs next weekend. I'll probably go get everything else done-- whatever I choose to afford at least. Plus, I have to buy my roof rack for snowboarding because of the Whistler trip upcoming so there's no reason to not get the rest done. Luckily, one of my car purchases is solved already-- I went home for a Epiphany Lunch/ Brunch/ let's- just- enjoy- these- decorations- one- more- time- before- mom- takes- them- down Party. Grandma and Grandpa came over too, bearing "Epiphany presents." Mom, Dad and I had just been talking about how I needed a brush/scraper thing for my mountain-bound car when Grandma handed me just that! Thanks to Grandma I have one less thing to shop for on my way to crossing off another goal.

paring down the enormity

The start of the New Year was really wonderful. Monday night was spent with friends, playing Wii and drinking champagne as the Space Needle fireworks lamely fizzled out. The next morning, Vinh suggested dim sum which was much fun (and so very tasty!) which we followed up with a nice walk along the waterfront all the way through the sculpture garden and Myrtle Edwards park. A little coffee shop chillin' (and journal writing), then the Rose Bowl, and subsequent photo uploading and knitting. Overall, a very laid back and relaxing day off to start things off right!

So in order to start off this list properly, I figure I'll have to create a shorter list from the main one. To kick things off, I'm going to work towards starting at least 10 goals this month, finishing at least 3 since that's the number required per month to stay on track. With one out of the way last night, I'm on a roll! I've also started working on Project 366 and journaling every day, keeping track of my teeth brushing (and dragging myself out of bed to make sure I get it done at night, a downfall of mine sometimes), and sending out thank-you notes for christmas (now I just need to remember to put the stamps on and stick them in the mailbox). So here's the list of what I'm getting started on or hoping to finish before Valentine's Day rolls around.

Vinh and the Dim Sum
Originally uploaded by arirose

To finish by Feb. 14th:
12. Brush teeth 2x a day for a month straight. (1/30)
34. Set up automatic payments for insurance and car payments.
38. Sell snowboard and coat on Craigslist.
39. Do my taxes by Valentine's Day.
40. Get car details completely fixed up (4th headlight, check engine light, etc).
62. Learn to knit cables. (1-1-08)
82. Send thank-you notes for all gifts from Christmas and birthdays. (C07, B08, C08, B09, C09, B10)
To start working towards:
2. Become capable enough at yoga to comfortably complete a level II class.
3. Snowboard 10x in one season. (2/10)
17. Take a spa day once every 3 months (Hot House, Massage, Facial, Manicure/Pedicure, or Bubble Bath work!) (0/11)
24. Fill food journal with recipes.
56. Write a journal entry everyday for at least 3 months straight (Embodiment). (1/92)
60. Complete a Project 365 (or 366...).
67. Back-up hard drive 1x a month for a year straight. (0/12)
68. Get desk fully organized and keep it neat for 3 months.
93. Join Netflicks and develop a 20-movie list. Watch them. (0/20)
94. Buy 10 CD's rather than downloading. (1/10)