Cast On, Bind Off Blog Tour

When I attended the Knitter's Review retreat back in 2010, part of the weekend included a trip to Storey Publishing!  I was so excited to be contacted to participate in the Cast On, Bind Off blog tour! They sent me a copy of this new little resource to review and giveaway, isn't that nice?


So what do I think of this book? My first thought was that it was so small! This book is only 6" x 7", just right to have tucked into your project bag or sitting nearby when you start or finish your project.  The pictures are fantastic, which for me is HUGE. There is also a spiral binding so the pages will lay flat while you are working (why why why don't more knitting books come like this?!) I am a self-taught knitter, and left-handed to boot. Good photographs and descriptions help me reverse what I need to do in order to achieve the right results.

 Each technique has the cast on or bind off name, aliases, and a brief description of the characteristics and when you would want to use it. There are photos of the front and back of the edge. Then you are taken stepwise through working each technique and tips to "Get it Right". The front cover has an index of the cast ons and the back cover has the index of the bind offs, clever!

 My default cast-on is usually the long tail cast on, but from this book I am now in search of a project that would require something else - I love the look of the "Tricolor Braided Cast On". I have been meaning to try a color work project, and never thought that the cast on could be multicolored as well! I also find that even after knitting for 10 years, I still need to look up how to Kitchener and I-Cord bind offs. This book will be staying close by my work area especially for those photos and steps.


Would you like to receive a copy of this book for your own resource library? Please leave a comment with a way to get in touch (either email or Ravelry id will work). Do you know of a color work project on which I could try this Tricolor Braided Cast On? Is there a cast on or bind off that stumps you? A winner will be drawn next Thursday, July 26!

You don't have to take my word for it, I'm just one stop on this blog tour. Check out what these bloggers and designers have to say about Cast On, Bind Off too!

7/9         Picnic Knits

7/10       Knit and Tonic

7/11       Zeneedle

7/12       Rambling Designs

7/13       Rambling Designs (pt. 2: Leslie Ann guest post)

7/14       Neo Knits

7/15       Knit & Nosh

7/16       Knitting at Large

7/17       Rebecca Danger

7/18       Lapdog Creations

7/19       Nutmeg Knitter

7/20       Yarnagogo

7/21       Weekend Knitter

7/22       knitgrrl

7/23       It's a Purl, Man

7/24       Whip Up

7/25       Knitspot

7/26       Under the Humble Moon

7/27       Knitting Daily

7/28       Knitting School Dropout

7/29       Hugs for Your Head

7/30       The Knit Girllls

Yarn Along - Jan 25

From small things,

~ Two of my favorite things are knitting and reading, and the evidence of this often shows up in my photographs. I love seeing what other people are knitting and reading as well. So, what are you knitting or crocheting right now? What are you reading? Take a photo and share it either on your blog or on Flickr. Leave a link below to share your photo with the rest of us!

The key things I have to show for the week are progress on the monster (he's got eyes!), and Nate's Baby Rock'n'Roll Neck sweater is just about done. I have ends to weave in and I have an idea in my head that I want this sweater to have a robot on it, down at the bottom stripes. Maybe felted? Maybe crocheted? I'm not sure, so I might wait on it for now. It deserves a post of its own and will have one in the next few days.

I picked up The Knitter's Life List from the library today. It is interesting to thumb through and would make a great book for a new knitter I think, but at this stage in my knitting game, it is not one I want permanently on my bookshelves. I also have been reading The Wilder Life: My Adventures in the Lost World of The Little House on the Prairie. I really enjoyed the first 20% of this book. It was funny, light-hearted, made me giggle as I recognized myself in the writing about the fondness for the "Little House" series. The little nuggets of information about what was probably real or probably fiction has been really interesting as well. Then the book takes a turn to making the comparison of "Girlhood / being a girl is just like being out on the wild prairie and the days of the pioneers". Ummm. Ok. I am not so thrilled on that part, and to me most of it seems like a stretch, but whatever. Then there was a section about the legal "stuff" of the day involving settlers and the Native American Lands. It just feels like this is filler and I do suppose there is a place for it. But eh. It is a light read and I'll be done with it soon. Good thing, as it is a library loan to my kindle so I only have it for a short time. I am very pleased that I finally figured out how to borrow the library books on my kindle, but there was a bit of drama and confusion there that was totally unnecessary.

Bookish

I spotted this meme on two blogs and I just couldn't resist. Plus my brain is sort of in a fog and funk right now and this seemed like a good idea at the time.
1. Favorite childhood book?
Is it possible to pick one? I was a huge fan of the whole "Little House" series, Trixie Belden, Nancy Drew, just about anything by Judy Blume, Bunnicula, Ramona & Beezus, Roll of Thunder Hear my cry, and Agatha Christie mysteries

2. What are you reading right now?
The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest

3. What books do you have on request at the library?
I think I have a few knitting / crochet books on request that I wanted to see.

4. Bad book habit?
I've gotten better with my books but as a kid, I would crack spines and dog ear the pages.

5. What do you currently have checked out at the library?
A pile of books for the Lorax: Ladybug Girl at the Beach, Hug Time, Is There Really a Human Race?, Muncha Muncha Muncha, Where are You Blue Kangaroo, No More Kissing, Wiggle, and one for me: Sweater Design in Plain English

6. Do you have an e-reader?
I have a Kindle2

7. Do you prefer to read one book at a time, or several at once?
While I might have ADHD with my knitting, I like to enjoy one book at a time.

8. Have your reading habits changed since starting a blog?
Not really, as the blog was started for knitting. I have occasionally reviewed books on the blog though.

9. Least favorite book you read this year (so far?)
I have gotten rather sick and tired of a few of the Lorax's books, and I didn't love the last Twilight book.

10. Favorite book you’ve read this year?
I really loved The Art of Racing in the Rain. And Eat, Pray, Love.

11. How often do you read out of your comfort zone?
Now that school is all done and I get to choose my own books, never!

12. What is your reading comfort zone?
I like a good story - that could be in anything I guess.

13. Can you read on the bus?
Sure.

14. Favorite place to read?
On the beach.

15. What is your policy on book lending?
Fairly lenient - I've never been burned on this, so I will lend stuff out.

16. Do you ever dog-ear books?
I used to when I was younger, but I don't anymore.

17. Do you ever write in the margins of your books?
Not so much

18. Not even with text books?
Nope.

19. What is your favorite language to read in?
English.

20. What makes you love a book?
Good story, good quotes, something that makes me think from a different point of view or interesting concepts where I can learn something new.

21. What will inspire you to recommend a book?
If I can't stop thinking about what I read or I can relate to it.

22. Favorite genre?
Mystery, memoirs

23. Genre you rarely read (but wish you did?)
History

24.Favorite biography?
Rachel Carson's

25. Have you ever read a self-help book?
Sure.

26. Favorite cookbook?
How to Cook Everything by Mark Bittman (referred to around here as the Bittman bible)

27. Most inspirational book you’ve read this year (fiction or non-fiction)?
I really enjoyed Eat, Pray, Love.

28. Favorite reading snack?
Mike & Ikes / Jellybeans

29. Name a case in which hype ruined your reading experience.
Harry Potter? I've seen the movies and while I'm sure the books are better, I have no interest to read them (maybe when the Lorax is old enough we can read them together)

30. How often do you agree with critics about a book?
I don't read too many book reviews, I don't care what the critics say.

31. How do you feel about giving bad/negative reviews?
I'm honest - if I didn't like what I read, why would I say otherwise?

32. If you could read in a foreign language, which language would you chose?
Italian

33. Most intimidating book you’ve ever read?
I have never thought of a book as intimidating, though in high school Shakespeare was probably just that. By the time I got to college and had to read it, something "clicked" and it was fine.

34. Most intimidating book you’re too nervous to begin?
Can't think of one.

35. Favorite Poet?
Shel Siverstein

36. How many books do you usually have checked out of the library at any given time?
With the Lorax, 5 - 10.

37. How often have you returned book to the library unread?
A handful - there's just not enough time - I'm working on knitting and reading on the kindle - sometimes it works.

38. Favorite fictional character?
the Pigeon (by Mo Willems), Miss Marple, Ramona,

39. Favorite fictional villain?
Dracula

40. Books I’m most likely to bring on vacation?
Something light and fluffy - stephen king, chick lit a la Jodi Picoult or Jennifer Weiner

41. The longest I’ve gone without reading.
Hard to say - several weeks?

42. Name a book that you could/would not finish.
I totally gave up on the Lord of the Rings, Profiles in Courage, The Killer Angels

43. What distracts you easily when you’re reading?
My toddler. but not much else. Jackson barking.

44. Favorite film adaptation of a novel?
Each time, the book was better, but maybe The Princess Bride?

45. Most disappointing film adaptation?
I'm not sure... so many times, the book was better.

46. The most money I’ve ever spent in the bookstore at one time?
Buying college textbooks easily ran up a few hundred dollars. Non college stuff could also be $100 or so buying gifts.

47. How often do you skim a book before reading it?
I'll flip through a book at the bookstore, but that's all. I'll skim / skip boring pages (Stephen King, I'm looking at you!)

48. What would cause you to stop reading a book half-way through?
Life.

49. Do you like to keep your books organized?
There is a mild organization going on in my shelves now, but it's quite fluid.

50. Do you prefer to keep books or give them away once you’ve read them?
I like to keep my books, but I've been thinning the shelves lately - books I'm not going to read again, books I didn't love can move out to someone elses house.

51. Are there any books you’ve been avoiding?
No.

52. Name a book that made you angry.
The last twilight book

53. A book you didn’t expect to like but did?
I'm blanking...If i think I'm not going to like it, I generally don't bother unless I hear from others that it's worth the effort.

54. A book that you expected to like but didn’t?
Best Friends Forever (Jennifer Weiner)

55. Favorite guilt-free, pleasure reading?
Knitting books? Cookbooks? Isn't it supposed to be guilty pleasures?

A few little things

And it's not crochet! Last night at SnB I whipped up a little Butterfly Ring - I had grand visions of all the cool butterflies I would make with my leftover sock yarns.

I made one. It is a very quick project (like I said, I was at knitting - it took maybe 30 - 40 minutes?), but was a little fiddly - so many ends! I've given this to the Lorax and I don't know that I will make more - maybe when she's older.

I heard a quick piece on the radio today - I think it was a sound bite for an upcoming interview with Marc Cohen? - he mentioned the music you hear when you're around age 11 really sticks with you and has a lot of meaning for you. For me, that would be 1989. So I googled a bit to jog my memory. From PopCultureMadness.com - The 100 Most Requested Songs - That's about right. My musical loyalty still makes me play all of these. In the time just before Nirvana, when big hair bands were still big and 80s pop was still radical... (I have to go update my iTunes now)
1. Love Shack - B-52's
2. Funky Cold Medina - Tone Loc
3. Bust A Move - Young MC
4. Wind Beneath My Wings - Bette Midler
5. Like A Prayer - Madonna
6. Joy and Pain - Rob Base & D.J. E-Z Rock
7. All I Want Is You - U2
8. Patience - Guns N Roses
9. She Drives Me Crazy - Fine Young Cannibals
10. Kiss - Art of Noise featuring Tom Jones
11. Lay Your Hands On Me - Bon Jovi
12. Put A Little Love In Your Heart - Annie Lennox and Al Green
13. Angel of Harlem - U2
14. Get On Your Feet - Gloria Estefan
15. My Perogative - Bobby Brown
16. The Best - Tina Turner
17. Paradise City - Guns N Roses
18. Wild Thing - Tone Loc
19. Every Little Step - Bobby Brown
20. I'll Be There For You - Bon Jovi
21. Another Day In Paradise - Phil Collins
22. Love In An Elevator - Aerosmith
23. Keep On Movin' - Soul II Soul
24. Don't Know Much - Linda Ronstadt & Aaron Neville
25. Eternal Flame - the Bangles
26. Express Yourself - Madonna
27. Smooth Criminal - Michael Jackson
28. After All - Cher and Peter Cetera
29. Buffalo Stance - Nenah Cherry
30. Love Song - the Cure
31. So Alive - Love and Rockets
32. Back To Life - Soul II Soul
33. Listen To Her Heart - Roxette
34. Orinoco Flow (Sail Away) - Enya
35. I Feel The Earth Move - Martika
36. When I See You Smile - Bad English
37. Birthday Suit - Johnny Kemp
38. Heaven Help Me - Deon Estus and George Michael
39. The Look - Roxette
40. Baby, Don't Forget My Number - Milli Vanilli
41. Dr. Feelgood - Mötley Crüe
42. Heaven - Warrant
43. She Wants To Dance With Me - Rick Astley
44. Me, Myself and I - De la Soul
45. Walk The Dinosaur - Was (Not Was)
46. Once Bitten Twice Shy - Great White
47. I Won't Back Down - Tom Petty
48. On Our Own - Bobby Brown
49. A Little Respect - Erasure
50. You Got It (The Right Stuff) - New Kids On The Block
51. Me So Horny - 2 Live Crew
52. Soldier Of Love - Donny Osmond
53. We Didn't Start the Fire - Billy Joel
54. Hey Ladies - Beastie Boys
55. The Living Years - Mike and the Mechanics
56. Stand - R.E.M.
57. Trouble Me - 10,000 Maniacs
58. Your Mama Don't Dance - Poison
59. Close My Eyes Forever - Lita Ford with Ozzie Osbourne
60 Closer To Fine - Indigo Girls
61. With Every Beat of My Heart - Taylor Dayne
62. Angel Eyes - Jeff Healy Band
63. Blame It On The Rain - Milli Vanilli
64. End Of The Line - Traveling Wilburys
65. Two Hearts - Phil Collins
66. Don't Wanna To Lose You - Gloria Estefan
67. Right Here Waiting - Richard Marx
68. If I Could Turn Back Time - Cher
69. Anchorage - Michelle Shocked
70. Straight Up - Paula Abdul
71. I'll Be Loving You (Forever) - New Kids On The Block
72. Pop Song 89 - R.E.M.
73. Hangin' Tough - New Kids On The Block
74. Dear God - Midge Ure
75. What I Am - Edie Brickell and New Bohemians
76. Miss You Like Crazy - Natalie Cole
77. I Like It - Dino
78. Forever Your Girl - Paula Abdul
79. Cherish - Madonna
80. I'm That Type of Guy - LL Cool J
81. Cult of Personality - Living Colour
82. My Fantasy - Teddy Riley Featuring Guy
83. Electric Youth - Debbie Gibson
84. Veronica - Elvis Costello
85. Partyman - Prince
86. As Long As You Follow - Fleetwood Mac
87. Right Back Where We Started From - Sinaitta
88. Runnin' Down a Dream - Tom Petty
89. Mayor Of Simpleton - XTC
90. Lost In Your Eyes - Debbie Gibson
91. Fascination Street - The Cure
92. Nightrian - Guns N' Roses
93. Seventeen - Winger
94. Now You're In Heaven - Julian Lennon
95. Good Life - Inner City
96. You Got It - Roy Orbison
97. One - Metallica
98. 18 and Life - Skid Row
99. Pretending - Eric Clapton
100. I Want It All - Queen

Friendship Bracelets!

I mentioned in an earlier post that long before I knit, I used to play with knots. I made friendship bracelets constantly - much like knitting, it was a fairly portable project, there are lots of colors and styles to choose from and the end result looks so neat! Have you heard? Amy, of the Things We Make blog, is hosting a Friendship Bracelet Swap! Full details are on Amy's blog, but the quick details are this:

Here's how to participate:
1. Email Amy at thingswemake [at] gmail [dot] com (be sure to let me know your name) by May 25 in order to sign up. I will reply with details by May 28.
2. Make one bracelet and mail it me to arrive no later than June 20. Please include a note saying who you are, your email/website/etsy/twitter info so that the person who receives your bracelet will know who their friend is. I will pair you up with someone so that you get a bracelet from the person who receives yours.
3. Optional: donate some extra bracelet making supplies and I'll bundle them to give to my local Boys & Girls Club so that younger girls can have the pleasure of making each other bracelets this summer.

Notes:
-I am leaving the type of bracelet you make completely open, so use gimp, embroidery thread, fabric, whatever you feel moved to use. (Channel your inspiration from when you went to summer camp!)
-Since the is my first swap, I'm collecting the bracelets and mailing them out to ensure that anyone who makes one gets on in return.
-Please be sure that you are able to commit to finishing and sending your bracelet when you sign up.


Links!
*Friendship-bracelets.net - video instruction and patterns (wow! I wish this had been around back in, oh, 1988!)
*Knit a basic Friendship bracelet (also mentions Icord, great idea!)
*Perdita - a knit bracelet from knitty.com - I made one of these - the lily of the valley - and all it needed was buttons... wonder where it is?

Goodbye 2009, I Want A Goat (dot com)

This is copied in its entirety from Craftivism.com - I love mash-ups (even before Glee brought them to the front) and I really want to give a goat.

Goodbye 2009, I Want A Goat (dot com): "

Here we are at another closing of a decade. Thankfully, unlike last decade, we aren’t worrying about technology crumbling or the world ending. Regrettably, however, there are more of us living with our countries in wars and recessions and other problems than in 1999, making us wish Y2K was our biggest problem.

And here at the end of 2009, even though I don’t know half the songs involved, I’m loving the message from this mashup of Top 25 Billboard Hits from DJ Earworm, United State of Pop 2009 (Blame It on the Pop). A song I discovered thanks to a Tweet from @jackgraycnn, reminding us to ultimately “Don’t worry/ Just get back up/ When you’re tumbling down,” something I’d like to think as more of a gentle pop culture directive than merely wishful thinking.

And speaking of Twitter, it seems to have been the buzzword for 2009. I don’t know about you, but I’m excited to cast the gruff and tumble year of 2009 good riddance, with its long job searches, skimpy bank accounts, tears of frustration, quickly escalating death tolls, heartbreaks, warring politicians and never-ending worried nights about bills and bills and bills. I don’t know about you, but I’m ready to dance.

And ready to welcome a more altruistic buzzword onto our cultural radars in 2010. A buzzword that speaks of love and hope and hugs and helping hands instead of short-and-sweet technological blips of our daily musings. Need a starting place to get ready for that new word? Or a way to jump-start that new feeling? Check out the video below* (be careful, though, as there is some “bad language”) for the awesome project I Want a Goat.

And remember that the $20 it costs you to buy a goat for a needy family in eastern India will go a hell of a lot farther than the $20 it costs you to buy imported organic pomegranate juice. And that doing good means looking a lot further than the nearest mirror.

Asking yourself, “Why goats?” Look no further than the I Want A Goat website:

For tribal people who are landless, raising goats is a great alternative source of income. Families who breed goats can earn a good profit selling the kids in the local market. The extra income provides a safety net for families that can be used for things like medicine, food during lean periods and farm equipment.

Whatever situation you might find yourself in this December 31, 2009, you could do worse than throwing up your hands in a tiny wee celebration, dancing to much needed goodbyes and fully embracing the new decade just waiting for us to greet it.

*This project was brought to my attention by the always illuminating Elephant Journal. It’s based on a Saturday Night Live skit called “I’m On A Boat,” which is linked and further explained here.

"

Crayola Joy

Color me excited, my baby used crayons!

We had a little playdate at our house yesterday. I pulled out crayons and paper for the older little girl who was coming over, but the Lorax was taken with them. So I put her at the table and she sat and colored for 20 minutes! She did it again in the afternoon! I feel like now we have some better options when we go out to a restaurant or something - bring on the crayons! She doesn't eat them! Currently our eating out with the Lorax is limited to the local diner, where the food is good and almost more importantly quick!

Later that afternoon.....

I finished the Necco Wafer from the Spring 2009 Twist Collective. It's adorable! And again, this was a knit where I was in contact with the designer and Carol was awesome! Most of the yarn was from the stash. Betsy kindly passed along the teal yarn for the body - the colors are so awesome! The sweater is great, but you wouldn't know it from the model.

She was in no mood to wear the sweater or pose for photos. Oh well. A hug and some kisses and eventually we get a sorta smile.

(love that my camera has a digital display that can flip around so she can see herself!)

I made the 18 month size, and it's big on Lorelai. She's 50th percentile for height / 25-30th percentile for weight, so I guess it's not too surprising. Better too big than too small. Hopefully I'll remember to try it on her before she outgrows it!

Someone left a comment asking about Jackson. He's here and doing fine. Tolerating Lorelai's attention (she's big into identifying his eyes / ears / nose / tail and petting him). Tolerating me...

I may be declaring my own "Doggie Knitting" month - have you seen this: Tofu the Gentle Dachshund - LOVE!!! I also have a knit dachshund kit, the sausage dogs pattern to do, the pileable pups in progress.... Hmm, ideas.

At SnB last night WifeMomKnitter and CostumeChick and I were talking about doing a sweater knit along. Maybe not all doing the same pattern, but all knitting a sweater at the same time. Given that I seem to be churning out sweaters lately (where did my sock mojo go?) I want to put it out there that I would be in! I've got yarn to do: Mr.Greenjeans, Snow White, Basic Black, Brown Betty, at least two different sweaters for Lorelai... and probably one or two more if I really sat down with my stash and my queue!

25 Things

Copying from my facebook notes. This has gone around so many times.
1. I'm usually late to the current trends.

2. I can't sleep with the closet doors open. When I was 6, I was convinced that ET lived in my closet and that totally freaked me out. It was a big closet too.

3. Hearing people whistle indoors is a pet peeve.

4. I have a silver dollar coin that my grandmother gave to me 15 years ago - it was given to her by some old aunt when my father was born for "teething" - she never used it for that purpose (nor have I used it for Lorelai) but I still have it.

5. I think dogs are better than cats.

6. I have a respectable yarn stash.

7. Sometimes I think about going back to school. For my education, not for teaching.

8. I can draw / doodle pretty well, I'd really like to develop that a bit more.

9. I used to be a terrible nail-biter and was envious of people who had nice looking nails and got manicures. I don't do it anymore, but I hate when my nails get longer than my fingers.

10. I don't really like other people's feet. I only like my feet right after they've had a pedicure.

11. I really can't stand seeing people wear shoes without socks. If you don't want to wear socks, wear sandals or flip-flops. Really give your feet a good airing out.

12. I'm left-handed and I have always used right-handed scissors (in my right hand).

13. I didn't know anything about football until I got married. This year I won first place in the pigskin pool playing against my husband, father-in-law and brother-in-law. I now have a football trophy!

14. The trophy is on the mantle. I should pull out some of my trophies from when I was a cheerleader (for basketball.)

15. I can't sing. I sing along in my car and to Lorelai, but she's too young to complain.

16. I love board games. Trivial Pursuit is my favorite.

17. I am super competitive. I keep track when I win (and when I don't) Trivial Pursuit and I will keep track of your wins / losses while watching Jeopardy and you are in the other room. Ask Dan, he'll tell you it's true. He'll also tell you he's currently winning at Trivial Pursuit.

18. I love trashy reality tv shows. "Rock of Love: Tour Bus" - is my current favorite.

19. I feel like vomiting when I hear someone speak-while-burping (is there a name for that?).

20. I love the sound of Lorelai laughing.

21. My favorite movies when I was a kid (and even now) are "The Princess Bride", "Labyrinth" and "Muppets take Manhattan" - I still quote them constantly.

22. I was not much of a girly-princess-girl as a kid. When I got married, it started to kick in (or be forced on me, not sure, but that's ok). My daughter is already carrying around pocketbooks. She's way girly-er than I am!

23. I am very picky about the quality of science that's shown in movies and on tv. It's one of the reasons I can't stand the movie "Blade".

24. I love coffee, Dunkin Donuts, regular (that's with cream & sugar)

25. I usually start things, then get distracted and leave them in some sort of unfinished state for a while - but I finished my list!

January 101 Update

(back on track with January!)

--------------------------------------------------
Original post here. Updates: January, February, March, June, July, August
, September / October, December.
---------------------------------------------------
I like a challenge. I love lists. I think this sort of list would be good to help me keep some focus (on me) now that the bulk of my focus is on my family. This list has been inspired by my family, friends, and the other lists in blogs I read...

Day Zero, Home of 101/1001 Project
The Mission
Complete 101 preset tasks in a period of 1001 days.

The Criteria
Tasks must be specific (ie. no ambiguity in the wording) with a result that is either measurable or clearly defined. Tasks must also be realistic and stretching (ie. represent some amount of work on my part).

Why 1001 Days?
Many people have created lists in the past - frequently simple goals such as New Year’s resolutions. The key to beating procrastination is to set a deadline that is realistic. 1001 Days (about 2.75 years) is a better period of time than a year, because it allows you several seasons to complete the tasks, which is better for organising and timing some tasks such as overseas trips or outdoor activities.

My List
Start date : 01 January 2008
End date : 28 September 2010

Key
Not yet started
In progress
Complete

1. Fill the large collage photo frames. (1/3)
2. Hang the photo-filled large collage photo frames (1/3)
3. Declutter: sell or give-away 101 material items I own (54/101)
-yarn, -clothes -books -house items
4. Learn to use the drop spindle. Completed: 3/11/08
5. Make enough yarn on the drop spindle to make a hat.
6. Learn to crochet. Completed: 8/30/08
7. Use crochet to make a simple amigurumi character.
8. Open a savings account for Lorelai and save $250 (250/250) Complete: 5/17/08
9. See 10 movies in the movie theater (5/10)
**1)Sex & The City
**2)Hancock
**3)The Dark Knight
**4)Mamma Mia
**5) Quantum of Solace
10. Submit my resume to the new science museum. Completed: 2/28/08
11. Attend a sheep and wool festival in CT
12. Go to the local farmer's market 15 times (4/15)
13. Submit photos to the Durham and Guilford Fairs each year (0/6)
14. Submit knitted objects to the Durham and Guilford Fairs each year (0/6)
15. Photograph Lorelai on the 30th of each month (14/33)
16. Cook one new recipe a month (13/33)
**"Chicken Bruschetta Bake" from the Stove Top Stuffing Mix Box. Just ok.**
**"Curried Lamb" from Woman's Day Magazine, crock-pot recipe. Bland.**
**"Stuffed Pepper Soup" copycat recipe of 99 restuarant recipe. Burnt the soup. Ick.**
**Turkey & Brocolli Casserole thing from Taste Of Home Magazine. Not bad.
**Mini Lamb Burgers with Couscous Salad from Real Simple - Delish!
**Baked Mac-n-Cheese with Chicken Sausage from "6 o'clock Scramble" online - yummy!
**Blueberry Cake from Cooking Light - ok, but all the blueberries sank to the bottom!
**Chrispy Chicken Romaine Salad - back of the bread crumb box - ok
**Blueberry Crumb Bars - not bad.
**Cranberry sauce - yum!
**Chai Spice Girl Cookies - pretty good
**Giada's Peppers stuffed with Orzo - not bad
**Honey-Mango Chicken from MaryJanesFarm Magazine - mild / ok
17. Drink 2-3 Liters of water a day.
18. Write a letter to Koji and Noriko to tell them about Lorelai.
19. Knit a sweater for me that fits and I love. Glee!
20. Knit 30 socks (15 pairs) (9/30)
**Bartholomew's Sock #1 done 1/21/08**
**Bartholomew's Sock #2 done 2/4/08**
**Lenore Socks #1 & #2 done in 10 days! 2/14/08**
**Two wee socks (one for the wee sock swap) 3/30/08**
**Tidal Wave Sock #1 done 5/25/08**
**Sanrio Socks #1 & #2 done 9/30/08**
21. I want to make the “Heirloom Ring Blanket” for my mom. Deadline: December 2008.
22. Sign Up for the 100 Push Up Challenge
23. Complete the 100 push-up challenge: initial test, Week 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
24. Update the blog once a week for a year. (13/52)
25. Go to four dachshund meet-ups. (2/4)
26. Make updated moo cards. Completed 10/15/2008
27. Make my own granola.
28. Get a routine physical with an internist. Completed 8/5/08
29. Get a body scan to check on the freckles / moles.Scheduled for Feb. '09
30. Go to the dentist twice a year (2/6)
31. Start doing yoga once a week, build up to three times a week.
32. Take Jackson for a walk daily, weather permitting. (Let's face it, he's a dachshund and doesn't fare well in cold, wet, or snow)
33. Save $1 for every item completed from this list.
34. Sew a pair of pajama pants.
35. Read 10 books. (10/10)
**1) The Good Good Pig
**2) The Memory Keeper's Daughter
**3) The Tender Bar
**4) You're Not You
**5) Water for Elephants
**6) Diary
**7) The Know-it-all
**8) Prince Caspian
**9) Smotherhood
**10) Redstripe
**11) In Defense of Food
**12) Garbage Land
36. Create a coordinated Halloween costume for Lorelai and Jackson. Complete 10/31/2008
37. I'm going to allow myself to purchase yarn with the condition that an equal (or greater) amount leaves the house.
38. Clean out and organize the junk drawers in the kitchen (2/2) Complete: 6/29/08
39. Write recipes on recipe cards as needed. No more torn out from magazine papers!
40. Send the grandparents a card / Lorelai photo once a month (9/33)
41. Post an Update of my 101 each month (9/33)
42. Grow plant / veggie garden from seed.
43. Grow 3 "new to me" plants / veggies each year (3/9)
**1) Broccoli
**2) Peas
**3) Corn
44. Give blood once a year. (0/3)
45. Read "The Killer Angels".
46. Try out peapod or other online grocery service.Complete: 1/2/08
47. Try out g-diapers.
48. Clean out email inbox and maintain so there's never more than 100 messages in there at a time.
49. Get a professional portrait of Lorelai. Adorable.
50. Buy 5 gifts from etsy.com each year (3/15)
**PrettyInPosies hair clips for Lorelai**
**Gift for Dan**
**Gift for a secret pal swap**
51. Clean out / organize the bloglines reader to remove blogs unupdated / uninteresting / topics /etc. once each year (1/3) 12/30/08 switched to Google Reader
52. Get back in shape to fit into my regular non-maternity clothes. All the maternity clothes are put away!
53. Bring old maternity clothes and newborn clothes to Beyond the Stork. Donated or put away
54. Replace the lights along the front walk. Complete: 6/8/08
55. Get back to at least my prepregnancy weight (minus an extra 5 - 7 pounds)
**As of 1/11/08 I'm down 28 pounds! 13 more to go to get to pre-preg.wt**
**11/4/2008 another 8 pounds to go.** 1/27/09 I'm within 5 pounds. Close enough.
56. Buy a scale to keep an eye on #55.Complete: 1/15/08
58. Complete 20 projects using stash yarn (9/20)
**1) Snowman Hat **2)Bunny Cozies **3)Batman Hat **4)rattles **5)Abby's Hat **6)Abby's Mitts **7)Turn a Square Hat **8)Turn a Square, Squared **9) Lorelai's Mitts
59. Knit 30 baby hats for charity, donate in Lorelai's name. (4/30)
60. Make my own sushi.
61. Make photocards for Valentine's Day, Easter, Halloween, Thanksgiving on home computer.
62. See a Broadway show.Complete: 5/3/08 Macbeth
63. Visit New York City.Complete: 5/3/08
64. Snorkel in the British Virgin Islands.Complete: 4/22/08
66. Host a holiday dinner for the family at least once a year. (1/3) Easter '08
67. Garden indoors with the AeroGarden, maintain the water and nutrients.
68. Get a bikini wax.
69. Vote for president. Completed 11/4/2008
70. Listen to 8 audio-books. (3/8)
**1) Microthrills by Wendy Spero
**2) The Knitting Circle by Ann Hood
**3) Certain Girls by Jennifer Weiner
71. Get my first tattoo
72. Go back to church
73. Knit three projects from each knitting book I own.
**Itty Bitty Hats a)Snowman Hat b)Bunny Tails Hat c)Upside-Down Daisy
**Mason-Dixon Knitting a)Baby Genius Burp Cloth
**Mason-Dixon Book 2 a)Toto potholder
**One Skein Wonders a)Flap Hat
**Natural Knits for Babies & Mom a)Lorelai's Mitts, b)Amelie "dress"
74. Join a local mom+baby group.
75. Copy the phone numbers in my cell phone into my paper address book.
76. Reinstall itunes.Complete: 1/3/2008
78. See if the nerds / geeks can rescue the data from the Dell hard drive.
79. Get back on birth control. completed 1/13/08
81. Sort through the boxes brought home from school.
82. Fully update stash on ravelry.
83. Fully update books on ravelry.
84. Fully update needles on ravelry.
85. Set up an etsy shop. Complete: 6/27/08
86. Sell 25 items from etsy shop. (2/25)
87. Get a table / space at a local craft fair. Completed 10/18/2008
88. Knit Dan & Virginia's wedding afghan. Deadline: June 2009.
89. Knit afghan for me!
90. Re-read 10 books that I read when I was in grades 6 - 8. (2/10)
**1) Little House on the Prairie
**2) Starring Sally J Freedman, as herself.
91. Purchase a TerraPass / CO2 offset for my car / home / acrylic knitting.
94. Use the canvas / knit bags not plastic when shopping. This is a full time habit now
95. Try sign language with Lorelai - 5 signs (4/5) **1) More (we're working on Help, Thank You, and Drink)
96. Come in second in the fantasy football league. OMG, don't want to jinx it but as of 11/4/08 I'm #1! I won!!!
98. Eat vegetarian for a week.
99. Learn to make pancakes.
100. Eat out at 5 new restaurants (5/5)
**The Time Out Tavern, Durham, CT
**The New Deal Steakplace, Westbrook, CT
**Mia Dona, New York City
**Nellie Green, Branford, CT
**Miso, New Haven, CT
**Tuscany Grill, Middletown, CT
101. Smile everyday. Be a good example / role model for my daughter. Be a good wife to my husband.

Replacements:
97. Knit 52 Hats in a year.
93. Knit 100 balls of yarn this year. A "ball" is considered finished when I have less than 50 yards leftover (starting with the Ruling in February)
92. Knit something for the in-laws (0/3)
77. Update the will to reflect guardianship for Lorelai, just in case.

Still undecided about what to replace these with.
80. Write a letter a month (2/33)
65. Try 10 recipes from Alton Brown's "Good Eats" (0/10)
57. Rediscover my yarn stash - pair up 20 new projects with stash yarn. (8/20)

Name that Tune (If you can hum it)

This is tough. I'm totally copying theatreknitter - and also avoiding any housework.

The game goes like this:

1. Grab your iPod or other MP3 player and randomize your songs.
2. Type the first line/phrase of the first 20-40 songs that come up (you can skip one if the first line is, say, the actual title of the song).
3. Anyone can try and guess the title of the song by commenting on this note.
4. When the title has been guessed, bold out the lyric and add the name of the person who guessed it.
5. NO cheating by using search engines to find answers.

1. I am a blessing manifested
2. She takes the blame / she covers the shame / removes the stain / it could be her name
3. I pulled out with the mountain laurel blooming / on a dirt road that is soon to be paved
4. What moon songs / do you sing your babies
5. six a.m. / day after christmas
6. it wasn't long before I lived with her / I sang her songs while she dyed my hair
7. I say my hell is the closet I'm stuck inside / can't see the light
8. Nothing so loud / as hearing when we lie / truth is not kind / and you've said neither am I
9. New York City / Center of the Universe
10. Sleeping through the evening / seeing dreams inside my head / I'm heading out / I've got some ins who say they care

11. In the day we sweat it out in the streets of a runaway American dream
12. I was doin' nothing special after 11 / oh we learned some tunes and wrote some songs
13. Go to Fred Segal / you'll find them there / Laughing loud so all the people stare
14. sarcastic mister know it all
15. There's gotta be a record of you somewhere / You gotta be on somebody's books
16. I was on the outside when you said / You said you needed me / I was looking at myself / I was blind / I couldn't see
17. There are places I remember / All my life though some have changed
18. I never loved nobody fully / always one foot on the ground
19. I like the way that they walk / And it's chill to hear them talk
20. I seek to understand me / All of my impurities and evils yet unknown

21. In these days and these hours of fury / When the darkness and answers are thin /
Lovers come and check out in a hurry / Shallow and hollow again
22. He’s been waiting around for the weekend / Figuring which club to sneak in
23. I am walking / out in the rain / and I am listening to the low moan / of the dial tone again (Bets, she may be to me what Alanis is to you)
24. Way down here you need a reason to move
25. I'm doin' this tonight / You're probably gonna start a fight / I know this can't be right.
26. All that phoney Beatlemania has bitten the dust
27. They stand in the way of love / And we will smoke them all / With an intellect and a savoir-faire
28. Woke up cold one Tuesday / I'm looking tired and feeling quite sick
29. Who can be the boss? / Look up to the cross / Stranded in the land of the lost / Standin up, I'm sideways

30. Well youre the real tough cookie with the long history
31. Her face is a map of the world
32. I keep a close watch on this heart of mine
33. I can’t help my feelings / I’ll go out of my mind.
34. Take 'em out the hood / Keep 'em looking good
35. We'd hit the bottom / I thought it was my fault / And in a way I guess it was
36. I could see the city light / Wind was blowing, time stood still
37. This is morning / That's when I spend the most time / Thinking 'bout what I've given up]
38. The bravest thing I've ever done / was to run away and hide / but not this time
39. I'm not aware of too many things / I know what I know if you know what I mean
40. It's just one of the days / when you don't wanna wake up

Dude. I so want to go on a road trip and just blare the radio.
I'm off to update my ipod now so I can have my own sing along on the way to SnB tonight.

December 101 Update

(Whoops, missed November!)
--------------------------------------------------
Original post here. Updates: January, February, March, June, July, August
, September / October
---------------------------------------------------
I like a challenge. I love lists. I think this sort of list would be good to help me keep some focus (on me) now that the bulk of my focus is on my family. This list has been inspired by my family, friends, and the other lists in blogs I read...

Day Zero, Home of 101/1001 Project
The Mission
Complete 101 preset tasks in a period of 1001 days.

The Criteria
Tasks must be specific (ie. no ambiguity in the wording) with a result that is either measurable or clearly defined. Tasks must also be realistic and stretching (ie. represent some amount of work on my part).

Why 1001 Days?
Many people have created lists in the past - frequently simple goals such as New Year’s resolutions. The key to beating procrastination is to set a deadline that is realistic. 1001 Days (about 2.75 years) is a better period of time than a year, because it allows you several seasons to complete the tasks, which is better for organising and timing some tasks such as overseas trips or outdoor activities.

My List
Start date : 01 January 2008
End date : 28 September 2010

Key
Not yet started
In progress
Complete

1. Fill the large collage photo frames. (1/3)
2. Hang the photo-filled large collage photo frames (1/3)
3. Declutter: sell or give-away 101 material items I own (34/101)
-yarn, -clothes -books -house items
4. Learn to use the drop spindle. Completed: 3/11/08
5. Make enough yarn on the drop spindle to make a hat.
6. Learn to crochet. Completed: 8/30/08
7. Use crochet to make a simple amigurumi character.
8. Open a savings account for Lorelai and save $250 (250/250) Complete: 5/17/08
9. See 10 movies in the movie theater (5/10)
**1)Sex & The City
**2)Hancock
**3)The Dark Knight
**4)Mamma Mia
**5) Quantum of Solace
10. Submit my resume to the new science museum. Completed: 2/28/08
11. Attend a sheep and wool festival in CT
12. Go to the local farmer's market 15 times (4/15)
13. Submit photos to the Durham and Guilford Fairs each year (0/6)
14. Submit knitted objects to the Durham and Guilford Fairs each year (0/6)
15. Photograph Lorelai on the 30th of each month (13/33)
16. Cook one new recipe a month (12/33)
**"Chicken Bruschetta Bake" from the Stove Top Stuffing Mix Box. Just ok.**
**"Curried Lamb" from Woman's Day Magazine, crock-pot recipe. Bland.**
**"Stuffed Pepper Soup" copycat recipe of 99 restuarant recipe. Burnt the soup. Ick.**
**Turkey & Brocolli Casserole thing from Taste Of Home Magazine. Not bad.
**Mini Lamb Burgers with Couscous Salad from Real Simple - Delish!
**Baked Mac-n-Cheese with Chicken Sausage from "6 o'clock Scramble" online - yummy!
**Blueberry Cake from Cooking Light - ok, but all the blueberries sank to the bottom!
**Chrispy Chicken Romaine Salad - back of the bread crumb box - ok
**Blueberry Crumb Bars - not bad.
**Cranberry sauce - yum!
**Chai Spice Girl Cookies - pretty good
**Giada's Peppers stuffed with Orzo - not bad
17. Drink 2-3 Liters of water a day.
18. Write a letter to Koji and Noriko to tell them about Lorelai.
19. Knit a sweater for me that fits and I love. Glee!
20. Knit 30 socks (15 pairs) (9/30)
**Bartholomew's Sock #1 done 1/21/08**
**Bartholomew's Sock #2 done 2/4/08**
**Lenore Socks #1 & #2 done in 10 days! 2/14/08**
**Two wee socks (one for the wee sock swap) 3/30/08**
**Tidal Wave Sock #1 done 5/25/08**
**Sanrio Socks #1 & #2 done 9/30/08**
21. I want to make the “Heirloom Ring Blanket” for my mom. Deadline: December 2008.
22. Sign Up for the 100 Push Up Challenge
23. Complete the 100 push-up challenge: initial test, Week 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
24. Update the blog once a week for a year. (12/52)
25. Go to four dachshund meet-ups. (2/4)
26. Make updated moo cards. Completed 10/15/2008
27. Make my own granola.
28. Get a routine physical with an internist. Completed 8/5/08
29. Get a body scan to check on the freckles / moles.Scheduled for Feb. '09
30. Go to the dentist twice a year (2/6)
31. Start doing yoga once a week, build up to three times a week.
32. Take Jackson for a walk daily, weather permitting. (Let's face it, he's a dachshund and doesn't fare well in cold, wet, or snow)
33. Save $1 for every item completed from this list.
34. Sew a pair of pajama pants.
35. Read 10 books. (10/10)
**1) The Good Good Pig
**2) The Memory Keeper's Daughter
**3) The Tender Bar
**4) You're Not You
**5) Water for Elephants
**6) Diary
**7) The Know-it-all
**8) Prince Caspian
**9) Smotherhood
**10) Redstripe
**11) In Defense of Food
**12) Garbage Land
36. Create a coordinated Halloween costume for Lorelai and Jackson. Complete 10/31/2008
37. I'm going to allow myself to purchase yarn with the condition that an equal (or greater) amount leaves the house.
38. Clean out and organize the junk drawers in the kitchen (2/2) Complete: 6/29/08
39. Write recipes on recipe cards as needed. No more torn out from magazine papers!
40. Send the grandparents a card / Lorelai photo once a month (9/33)
41. Post an Update of my 101 each month (9/33)
42. Grow plant / veggie garden from seed.
43. Grow 3 "new to me" plants / veggies each year (3/9)
**1) Broccoli
**2) Peas
**3) Corn
44. Give blood once a year. (0/3)
45. Read "The Killer Angels".
46. Try out peapod or other online grocery service.Complete: 1/2/08
47. Try out g-diapers.
48. Clean out email inbox and maintain so there's never more than 100 messages in there at a time.
49. Get a professional portrait of Lorelai. Adorable.
50. Buy 5 gifts from etsy.com each year (2/15)
**PrettyInPosies hair clips for Lorelai**
**Gift for Dan**
51. Clean out / organize the bloglines reader to remove blogs unupdated / uninteresting / topics /etc. once each year (1/3) 12/30/08 switched to Google Reader
52. Get back in shape to fit into my regular non-maternity clothes. All the maternity clothes are put away!
53. Bring old maternity clothes and newborn clothes to Beyond the Stork. Donated or put away
54. Replace the lights along the front walk. Complete: 6/8/08
55. Get back to at least my prepregnancy weight (minus an extra 5 - 7 pounds)
**As of 1/11/08 I'm down 28 pounds! 13 more to go to get to pre-preg.wt**
**11/4/2008 another 8 pounds to go.**
56. Buy a scale to keep an eye on #55.Complete: 1/15/08
58. Complete 20 projects using stash yarn (8/20)
**1) Snowman Hat **2)Bunny Cozies **3)Batman Hat **4)rattles **5)Abby's Hat **6)Abby's Mitts **7)Turn a Square Hat **8)Turn a Square, Squared
59. Knit 30 baby hats for charity, donate in Lorelai's name. (3/30)
60. Make my own sushi.
61. Make photocards for Valentine's Day, Easter, Halloween, Thanksgiving on home computer.
62. See a Broadway show.Complete: 5/3/08 Macbeth
63. Visit New York City.Complete: 5/3/08
64. Snorkel in the British Virgin Islands.Complete: 4/22/08
66. Host a holiday dinner for the family at least once a year. (1/3) Easter '08
67. Garden indoors with the AeroGarden, maintain the water and nutrients.
68. Get a bikini wax.
69. Vote for president. Completed 11/4/2008
70. Listen to 8 audio-books. (3/8)
**1) Microthrills by Wendy Spero
**2) The Knitting Circle by Ann Hood
**3) Certain Girls by Jennifer Weiner
71. Get my first tattoo
72. Go back to church
73. Knit three projects from each knitting book I own.
**Itty Bitty Hats a)Snowman Hat b)Bunny Tails Hat c)Upside-Down Daisy
**Mason-Dixon Knitting a)Baby Genius Burp Cloth
**Mason-Dixon Book 2 a)Toto potholder
**One Skein Wonders a)Flap Hat
74. Join a local mom+baby group.
75. Copy the phone numbers in my cell phone into my paper address book.
76. Reinstall itunes.Complete: 1/3/2008
78. See if the nerds / geeks can rescue the data from the Dell hard drive.
79. Get back on birth control. completed 1/13/08
81. Sort through the boxes brought home from school.
82. Fully update stash on ravelry.
83. Fully update books on ravelry.
84. Fully update needles on ravelry.
85. Set up an etsy shop. Complete: 6/27/08
86. Sell 25 items from etsy shop. (2/25)
87. Get a table / space at a local craft fair. Completed 10/18/2008
88. Knit Dan & Virginia's wedding afghan. Deadline: June 2009.
89. Knit afghan for me!
90. Re-read 10 books that I read when I was in grades 6 - 8. (1/10)
**1) Little House on the Prairie
91. Purchase a TerraPass / CO2 offset for my car / home / acrylic knitting.
94. Use the canvas / knit bags not plastic when shopping. This is a full time habit now
95. Try sign language with Lorelai - 5 signs (4/5) **1) More (we're working on Help, Thank You, and Drink)
96. Come in second in the fantasy football league. OMG, don't want to jinx it but as of 11/4/08 I'm #1! I won!!!
98. Eat vegetarian for a week.
99. Learn to make pancakes.
100. Eat out at 5 new restaurants (5/5)
**The Time Out Tavern, Durham, CT
**The New Deal Steakplace, Westbrook, CT
**Mia Dona, New York City
**Nellie Green, Branford, CT
**Miso, New Haven, CT
**Tuscany Grill, Middletown, CT
101. Smile everyday. Be a good example / role model for my daughter. Be a good wife to my husband.

I've got my eye out to replace these:
97. Read more than just the Art section of the New York Times Weekend Edition (\2\4/143) - No time to read this anyway.
93. Embroider a onesie for Lorelai. - she grows too fast for those onesies. Make her a sweater. Or toys.
92. Knit all holiday gifts by December 13. - Not realistic for a knitter that thinks she'll make more hats on Christmas Eve for gifts.
77. Expose myself to new music: Listen to one new artist a week (3/143)
80. Write a letter a month (2/33)
65. Try 10 recipes from Alton Brown's "Good Eats" (0/10)
57. Rediscover my yarn stash - pair up 20 new projects with stash yarn. (8/20)

September / October 101 Update

(Gosh I'm behind on this!)

--------------------------------------------------
Original post here. Updates: January, February, March, June, July, August

---------------------------------------------------
I like a challenge. I love lists. I think this sort of list would be good to help me keep some focus (on me) now that the bulk of my focus is on my family. This list has been inspired by my family, friends, and the other lists in blogs I read...

Day Zero, Home of 101/1001 Project
The Mission
Complete 101 preset tasks in a period of 1001 days.

The Criteria
Tasks must be specific (ie. no ambiguity in the wording) with a result that is either measurable or clearly defined. Tasks must also be realistic and stretching (ie. represent some amount of work on my part).

Why 1001 Days?
Many people have created lists in the past - frequently simple goals such as New Year’s resolutions. The key to beating procrastination is to set a deadline that is realistic. 1001 Days (about 2.75 years) is a better period of time than a year, because it allows you several seasons to complete the tasks, which is better for organising and timing some tasks such as overseas trips or outdoor activities.

My List
Start date : 01 January 2008
End date : 28 September 2010

Key
Not yet started
In progress
Complete

1. Fill the large collage photo frames. (1/3)
2. Hang the photo-filled large collage photo frames (1/3)
3. Declutter: sell or give-away 101 material items I own (25/101)
-yarn, -clothes -books
4. Learn to use the drop spindle. Completed: 3/11/08
5. Make enough yarn on the drop spindle to make a hat.
6. Learn to crochet. Completed: 8/30/08
7. Use crochet to make a simple amigurumi character.
8. Open a savings account for Lorelai and save $250 (250/250) Complete: 5/17/08
9. See 10 movies in the movie theater (4/10)
**1)Sex & The City
**2)Hancock
**3)The Dark Knight
**4)Mamma Mia
10. Submit my resume to the new science museum. Completed: 2/28/08
11. Attend a sheep and wool festival in CT
12. Go to the local farmer's market 15 times (4/15)
13. Submit photos to the Durham and Guilford Fairs each year (0/6)
14. Submit knitted objects to the Durham and Guilford Fairs each year (0/6)
15. Photograph Lorelai on the 30th of each month (10/33)
16. Cook one new recipe a month (9/33)
**"Chicken Bruschetta Bake" from the Stove Top Stuffing Mix Box. Just ok.**
**"Curried Lamb" from Woman's Day Magazine, crock-pot recipe. Bland.**
**"Stuffed Pepper Soup" copycat recipe of 99 restuarant recipe. Burnt the soup. Ick.**
**Turkey & Brocolli Casserole thing from Taste Of Home Magazine. Not bad.
**Mini Lamb Burgers with Couscous Salad from Real Simple - Delish!
**Baked Mac-n-Cheese with Chicken Sausage from "6 o'clock Scramble" online - yummy!
**Blueberry Cake from Cooking Light - ok, but all the blueberries sank to the bottom!
**Chrispy Chicken Romaine Salad - back of the bread crumb box - ok
**Blueberry Crumb Bars - not bad.
17. Drink 2-3 Liters of water a day.
18. Write a letter to Koji and Noriko to tell them about Lorelai.
19. Knit a sweater for me that fits and I love. Glee!
20. Knit 30 socks (15 pairs) (9/30)
**Bartholomew's Sock #1 done 1/21/08**
**Bartholomew's Sock #2 done 2/4/08**
**Lenore Socks #1 & #2 done in 10 days! 2/14/08**
**Two wee socks (one for the wee sock swap) 3/30/08**
**Tidal Wave Sock #1 done 5/25/08**
**Sanrio Socks #1 & #2 done9/30/08**
21. I want to make the “Heirloom Ring Blanket” for my mom. Deadline: December 2008.
22. Sign Up for the 100 Push Up Challenge
23. Complete the 100 push-up challenge: initial test, Week 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
24. Update the blog once a week for a year. (12/52)
25. Go to four dachshund meet-ups. (2/4)
26. Make updated moo cards. Completed 10/15/2008
27. Make my own granola.
28. Get a routine physical with an internist. Completed 8/5/08
29. Get a body scan to check on the freckles / moles.Scheduled for Feb. '09
30. Go to the dentist twice a year (2/6)
31. Start doing yoga once a week, build up to three times a week.
32. Take Jackson for a walk daily, weather permitting. (Let's face it, he's a dachshund and doesn't fare well in cold, wet, or snow)
33. Save $1 for every item completed from this list.
34. Sew a pair of pajama pants.
35. Read 10 books. (10/10)
**1) The Good Good Pig
**2) The Memory Keeper's Daughter
**3) The Tender Bar
**4) You're Not You
**5) Water for Elephants
**6) Diary
**7) The Know-it-all
**8) Prince Caspian
**9) Smotherhood
**10) Redstripe
**11) In Defense of Food
**12) Garbage Land
36. Create a coordinated Halloween costume for Lorelai and Jackson. Complete 10/31/2008
37. I'm going to allow myself to purchase yarn with the condition that an equal (or greater) amount leaves the house.
38. Clean out and organize the junk drawers in the kitchen (2/2) Complete: 6/29/08
39. Write recipes on recipe cards as needed. No more torn out from magazine papers!
40. Send the grandparents a card / Lorelai photo once a month (9/33)
41. Post an Update of my 101 each month (8/33)
42. Grow plant / veggie garden from seed.
43. Grow 3 "new to me" plants / veggies each year (3/9)
**1) Broccoli
**2) Peas
**3) Corn
44. Give blood once a year. (0/3)
45. Read "The Killer Angels".
46. Try out peapod or other online grocery service.Complete: 1/2/08
47. Try out g-diapers.
48. Clean out email inbox and maintain so there's never more than 100 messages in there at a time.
49. Get a professional portrait of Lorelai. Adorable.
50. Buy 5 gifts from etsy.com each year (2/15)
**PrettyInPosies hair clips for Lorelai**
**Gift for Dan**
51. Clean out / organize the bloglines reader to remove blogs unupdated / uninteresting / topics /etc. once each year (0/3)
52. Get back in shape to fit into my regular non-maternity clothes. All the maternity clothes are put away!
53. Bring old maternity clothes and newborn clothes to Beyond the Stork. Donated or put away
54. Replace the lights along the front walk. Complete: 6/8/08
55. Get back to at least my prepregnancy weight (minus an extra 5 - 7 pounds)
**As of 1/11/08 I'm down 28 pounds! 13 more to go to get to pre-preg.wt**
**11/4/2008 another 8 pounds to go.**
56. Buy a scale to keep an eye on #55.Complete: 1/15/08
57. Rediscover my yarn stash - pair up 20 new projects with stash yarn. (3/20) - rattles!
58. Complete 20 projects using stash yarn (4/20)
**1) Snowman Hat **2)Bunny Cozies **3)Batman Hat **4)rattles
59. Knit 30 baby hats for charity, donate in Lorelai's name. (1/30)
60. Make my own sushi.
61. Make photocards for Valentine's Day, Easter, Halloween, Thanksgiving on home computer.
62. See a Broadway show.Complete: 5/3/08 Macbeth
63. Visit New York City.Complete: 5/3/08
64. Snorkel in the British Virgin Islands.Complete: 4/22/08
65. Try 10 recipes from Alton Brown's "Good Eats" (0/10)
66. Host a holiday dinner for the family at least once a year. (1/3) Easter '08
67. Garden indoors with the AeroGarden, maintain the water and nutrients.
68. Get a bikini wax.
69. Vote for president. Completed 11/4/2008
70. Listen to 8 audio-books. (3/8)
**1) Microthrills by Wendy Spero
**2) The Knitting Circle by Ann Hood
**3) Certain Girls by Jennifer Weiner
71. Get my first tattoo
72. Go back to church
73. Knit three projects from each knitting book I own.
**Itty Bitty Hats a)Snowman Hat b)Bunny Tails Hat c)Upside-Down Daisy
**Mason-Dixon Knitting a)Baby Genius Burp Cloth
74. Join a local mom+baby group.
75. Copy the phone numbers in my cell phone into my paper address book.
76. Reinstall itunes.Complete: 1/3/2008
77. Expose myself to new music: Listen to one new artist a week (3/143)
78. See if the nerds / geeks can rescue the data from the Dell hard drive.
79. Get back on birth control. completed 1/13/08
80. Write a letter a month (2/33)
81. Sort through the boxes brought home from school.
82. Fully update stash on ravelry.
83. Fully update books on ravelry.
84. Fully update needles on ravelry.
85. Set up an etsy shop. Complete: 6/27/08
86. Sell 25 items from etsy shop. (2/25)
87. Get a table / space at a local craft fair. Completed 10/18/2008
88. Knit Dan & Virginia's wedding afghan. Deadline: June 2009.
89. Knit afghan for me!
90. Re-read 10 books that I read when I was in grades 6 - 8. (1/10)
**1) Little House on the Prairie
91. Purchase a TerraPass / CO2 offset for my car / home / acrylic knitting.
92. Knit all holiday gifts by December 13.
93. Embroider a onesie for Lorelai.
94. Use the canvas / knit bags not plastic when shopping. This is a full time habit now
95. Try sign language with Lorelai - 5 signs (4/5) **1) More (we're working on Help, Thank You, and Drink)
96. Come in second in the fantasy football league. OMG, don't want to jinx it but as of 11/4/08 I'm #1!
97. Read more than just the Art section of the New York Times Weekend Edition (\2\4/143)
98. Eat vegetarian for a week.
99. Learn to make pancakes.
100. Eat out at 5 new restaurants (5/5)
**The Time Out Tavern, Durham, CT
**The New Deal Steakplace, Westbrook, CT
**Mia Dona, New York City
**Nellie Green, Branford, CT
**Miso, New Haven, CT
**Tuscany Grill, Middletown, CT
101. Smile everyday. Be a good example / role model for my daughter. Be a good wife to my husband.

August 101 update

(September flew right on it, didn't it?!)
--------------------------------------------------
Original post here. Updates: January, February, March, June, July

---------------------------------------------------

I like a challenge. I love lists. I think this sort of list would be good to help me keep some focus (on me) now that the bulk of my focus is on my family. This list has been inspired by my family, friends, and the other lists in blogs I read...

Day Zero, Home of 101/1001 Project
The Mission
Complete 101 preset tasks in a period of 1001 days.

The Criteria
Tasks must be specific (ie. no ambiguity in the wording) with a result that is either measurable or clearly defined. Tasks must also be realistic and stretching (ie. represent some amount of work on my part).

Why 1001 Days?
Many people have created lists in the past - frequently simple goals such as New Year’s resolutions. The key to beating procrastination is to set a deadline that is realistic. 1001 Days (about 2.75 years) is a better period of time than a year, because it allows you several seasons to complete the tasks, which is better for organising and timing some tasks such as overseas trips or outdoor activities.

My List
Start date : 01 January 2008
End date : 28 September 2010

Key
Not yet started
In progress
Complete

1. Fill the large collage photo frames. (1/3)
2. Hang the photo-filled large collage photo frames (1/3)
3. Declutter: sell or give-away 101 material items I own (15/101)
-yarn, -clothes -books
4. Learn to use the drop spindle. Completed: 3/11/08
5. Make enough yarn on the drop spindle to make a hat.
6. Learn to crochet. Completed: 8/30/08
7. Use crochet to make a simple amigurumi character.
8. Open a savings account for Lorelai and save $250 (250/250) Complete: 5/17/08
9. See 10 movies in the movie theater (4/10)
**1)Sex & The City
**2)Hancock
**3)The Dark Knight
**4)Mamma Mia
10. Submit my resume to the new science museum. Completed: 2/28/08
11. Attend a sheep and wool festival in CT
12. Go to the local farmer's market 15 times (4/15)
13. Submit photos to the Durham and Guilford Fairs each year (0/6)
14. Submit knitted objects to the Durham and Guilford Fairs each year (0/6)
15. Photograph Lorelai on the 30th of each month (9/33)
16. Cook one new recipe a month (9/33)
**"Chicken Bruschetta Bake" from the Stove Top Stuffing Mix Box. Just ok.**
**"Curried Lamb" from Woman's Day Magazine, crock-pot recipe. Bland.**
**"Stuffed Pepper Soup" copycat recipe of 99 restuarant recipe. Burnt the soup. Ick.**
**Turkey & Brocolli Casserole thing from Taste Of Home Magazine. Not bad.
**Mini Lamb Burgers with Couscous Salad from Real Simple - Delish!
**Baked Mac-n-Cheese with Chicken Sausage from "6 o'clock Scramble" online - yummy!
**Blueberry Cake from Cooking Light - ok, but all the blueberries sank to the bottom!
**Chrispy Chicken Romaine Salad - back of the bread crumb box - ok
**Blueberry Crumb Bars - not bad.
17. Drink 2-3 Liters of water a day.
18. Write a letter to Koji and Noriko to tell them about Lorelai.
19. Knit a sweater for me that fits and I love. Glee!
20. Knit 30 socks (15 pairs) (4/30)
**Bartholomew's Sock #1 done 1/21/08**
**Bartholomew's Sock #2 done 2/4/08**
**Lenore Socks #1 & #2 done in 10 days! 2/14/08**
**Two wee socks (one for the wee sock swap) 3/30/08**
21. I want to make the “Heirloom Ring Blanket” for my mom. Deadline: December 2008.
22. Sign Up for the 100 Push Up Challenge
23. Complete the 100 push-up challenge: initial test, Week 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
24. Update the blog once a week for a year. (12/52)
25. Go to four dachshund meet-ups. (1/4)
26. Make updated moo cards.
27. Make my own granola.
28. Get a routine physical with an internist. Completed 8/5/08
29. Get a body scan to check on the freckles / moles.Scheduled for Feb. '09
30. Go to the dentist twice a year (0/6) Went in Aug, scheduled work for Sept.
31. Start doing yoga once a week, build up to three times a week.
32. Take Jackson for a walk daily, weather permitting. (Let's face it, he's a dachshund and doesn't fare well in cold, wet, or snow)
33. Save $1 for every item completed from this list.
34. Sew a pair of pajama pants.
35. Read 10 books. (10/10)
**1) The Good Good Pig
**2) The Memory Keeper's Daughter
**3) The Tender Bar
**4) You're Not You
**5) Water for Elephants
**6) Diary
**7) The Know-it-all
**8) Prince Caspian
**9) Smotherhood
**10) Redstripe
**11) In Defense of Food
**12) Garbage Land
36. Create a coordinated Halloween costume for Lorelai and Jackson.
37. I'm going to allow myself to purchase yarn with the condition that an equal (or greater) amount leaves the house.
38. Clean out and organize the junk drawers in the kitchen (2/2) Complete: 6/29/08
39. Write recipes on recipe cards as needed. No more torn out from magazine papers!
40. Send the grandparents a card / Lorelai photo once a month (7/33)
41. Post an Update of my 101 each month (6/33)
42. Grow plant / veggie garden from seed.
43. Grow 3 "new to me" plants / veggies each year (3/9)
**1) Broccoli
**2) Peas
**3) Corn
44. Give blood once a year. (0/3)
45. Read "The Killer Angels".
46. Try out peapod or other online grocery service.Complete: 1/2/08
47. Try out g-diapers.
48. Clean out email inbox and maintain so there's never more than 100 messages in there at a time.
49. Get a professional portrait of Lorelai. Adorable.
50. Buy 5 gifts from etsy.com each year (1/15)
**PrettyInPosies hair clips for Lorelai**
51. Clean out / organize the bloglines reader to remove blogs unupdated / uninteresting / topics /etc. once each year (0/3)
52. Get back in shape to fit into my regular non-maternity clothes.
53. Bring old maternity clothes and newborn clothes to Beyond the Stork. Donated or put away
54. Replace the lights along the front walk. Complete: 6/8/08
55. Get back to at least my prepregnancy weight (minus an extra 5 - 7 pounds)
**As of 1/11/08 I'm down 28 pounds! 13 more to go to get to pre-preg.wt**
56. Buy a scale to keep an eye on #55.Complete: 1/15/08
57. Rediscover my yarn stash - pair up 20 new projects with stash yarn. (0/20)
58. Complete 20 projects using stash yarn (3/20)
**1) Snowman Hat **2)Bunny Cozies **3)Batman Hat
59. Knit 30 baby hats for charity, donate in Lorelai's name. (1/30)
60. Make my own sushi.
61. Make photocards for Valentine's Day, Easter, Halloween, Thanksgiving on home computer.
62. See a Broadway show.Complete: 5/3/08 Macbeth
63. Visit New York City.Complete: 5/3/08
64. Snorkel in the British Virgin Islands.Complete: 4/22/08
65. Try 10 recipes from Alton Brown's "Good Eats" (0/10)
66. Host a holiday dinner for the family at least once a year. (1/3) Easter '08
67. Garden indoors with the AeroGarden, maintain the water and nutrients.
68. Get a bikini wax.
69. Vote for president.
70. Listen to 8 audio-books. (3/8)
**1) Microthrills by Wendy Spero
**2) The Knitting Circle by Ann Hood
**3) Certain Girls by Jennifer Weiner
71. Get my first tattoo
72. Go back to church
73. Knit three projects from each knitting book I own.
**Itty Bitty Hats a)Snowman Hat b)Bunny Tails Hat c)Upside-Down Daisy
**Mason-Dixon Knitting a)Baby Genius Burp Cloth
74. Join a local mom+baby group.
75. Copy the phone numbers in my cell phone into my paper address book.
76. Reinstall itunes.Complete: 1/3/2008
77. Expose myself to new music: Listen to one new artist a week (3/143)
78. See if the nerds / geeks can rescue the data from the Dell hard drive.
79. Get back on birth control. completed 1/13/08
80. Write a letter a month (2/33)
81. Sort through the boxes brought home from school.
82. Fully update stash on ravelry.
83. Fully update books on ravelry.
84. Fully update needles on ravelry.
85. Set up an etsy shop. Complete: 6/27/08
86. Sell 25 items from etsy shop. (1/25)
87. Get a table / space at a local craft fair.
88. Knit Dan & Virginia's wedding afghan. Deadline: June 2009.
89. Knit afghan for me!
90. Re-read 10 books that I read when I was in grades 6 - 8. (0/10)
91. Purchase a TerraPass / CO2 offset for my car / home / acrylic knitting.
92. Knit all holiday gifts by December 13.
93. Embroider a onesie for Lorelai.
94. Use the canvas / knit bags not plastic when shopping. This is a full time habit now
95. Try sign language with Lorelai - 5 signs (0/5)
96. Come in second in the fantasy football league.
97. Read more than just the Art section of the New York Times Weekend Edition (\2\4/143)
98. Eat vegetarian for a week.
99. Learn to make pancakes.
100. Eat out at 5 new restaurants (5/5)
**The Time Out Tavern, Durham, CT
**The New Deal Steakplace, Westbrook, CT
**Mia Dona, New York City
**Nellie Green, Branford, CT
**Miso, New Haven, CT
**Tuscany Grill, Middletown, CT
101. Smile everyday. Be a good example / role model for my daughter. Be a good wife to my husband.

Finish the sentence meme

Saw this twice today, and thought it was neat. Take if you like and share!

1. My uncle once worked at the zoo

2. Never in my life will I give less than my best.

3. When I was five my parents sent my dog "to the farm" and they still won't tell me what happened to him. I also went to Disneyworld. Being 5 had it's ups and downs :)

4. High school was where I met my best friends and my husband.

5. I will never forget the day Lorelai was born.

6. Once I met Anthony Rapp. Twice actually.

7. There’s this boy I know who is new to the world and I would really like to meet him. (Hi Will!)

8. Once, at a bar,a guy took my hat - it was St. Patrick's Day in Worcester, MA. I think I got the hat back. Don't remember that part.

9. By noon, Lorelai and I are usually out and about.

10. Last night I got to spend too short a time with one of my brothers.

11. If only I had a dog that didn't bark so much.... (I swear, dachshunds are GREAT watchdogs. A dust bunny scurries and they bark. Chipmunks fart and they bark. Don't get me wrong, I love love love love my dog. When he barks there is no changing his mind!)

12. “Next time I go to church” is not a phrase I say often, but probably should.

13. What worries me most the health of grandparents, aging parents, my brothers decisions and Lorelai's happiness.

14. When I turn my head left I see a door.

15. When I turn my head right I see twilight and trees.

16. You know I’m lying when..... Why would I answer that?

17. What I miss most about the Eighties is the music. And how my dad and I would rate hair do's with how many cans of hairspray were needed for the do.

18. If I were a character in Shakespeare I'd be (oh god, Betsy? VIK? help?) Who was the shrew, maybe her? Maybe a queen from Midsummer? I am not up on my Shakespeare.

19. By this time next year I might be working outside of the home?

20. A better name for me would be - Rachel? That's what some people think my name is, but it's not. I was so close to being a Molly or Sorcha, but Dad squashed those. I currently also go by "mommy" even though my daughter can't get past "mmmm".

21. I have a hard time understanding people who lack common sense. Or common courtesy. Or a sense of humor.

22. If I ever go back to school, I’d take an art class. Photography maybe. Drawing perhaps.

23. You know I like you if I respond in sentences and converse, not just "mmm-hmm."

24. If I ever won an award, the first person I would thank would be my parents probably. They've instilled all that is award worthy in me I think.

25. Take my advice, never forget to say Thank You.

26. My ideal breakfast is blueberry pancakes.

27. A song I love but do not have is that song from a LimeNViolet podcast that referenced Shakespeare and The Princess Bride.

28. If you visit my hometown, I suggest that you visit the trails.

29. Why won’t people use common sense? Think about others? Think about the planet? Think someone else might be right?

30. If you spend a night at my house you will be barked at by Jackson if you use the guest bathroom and you will either a)share a wall with the baby or b)share a room with yarn.

31. I’d stop my wedding for nothing short of the groom not showing (which he did. no worries.)

32. The world could do without drug advertisements all over the tv.

33. I’d rather lick the belly of a cockroach than sing in public.

34. My favorite blondie is a type of brownie?

35. Paper clips are more useful than staples.

36. If I do anything well it’s word puzzles. take photographs. make Lorelai smile. science.

37. I can’t help but shop a sale.

38. I usually cry when I think I've let someone close to me down.

39. My advice to my nephew/niece is will be Conduct and Effort are what count for everything. And someday you'll appreciate how cool your parents are.

40. And by the way, Have a Nice weekend!

July 101 Update

Can't believe it's already July 30!!
--------------------------------------------------
Original post here. Updates: January, February, March

---------------------------------------------------

I like a challenge. I love lists. I think this sort of list would be good to help me keep some focus (on me) now that the bulk of my focus is on my family. This list has been inspired by my family, friends, and the other lists in blogs I read...

Day Zero, Home of 101/1001 Project
The Mission
Complete 101 preset tasks in a period of 1001 days.

The Criteria
Tasks must be specific (ie. no ambiguity in the wording) with a result that is either measurable or clearly defined. Tasks must also be realistic and stretching (ie. represent some amount of work on my part).

Why 1001 Days?
Many people have created lists in the past - frequently simple goals such as New Year’s resolutions. The key to beating procrastination is to set a deadline that is realistic. 1001 Days (about 2.75 years) is a better period of time than a year, because it allows you several seasons to complete the tasks, which is better for organising and timing some tasks such as overseas trips or outdoor activities.

My List
Start date : 01 January 2008
End date : 28 September 2010

Key
Not yet started
In progress
Complete

1. Fill the large collage photo frames. (1/3)
2. Hang the photo-filled large collage photo frames (1/3)
3. Declutter: sell or give-away 101 material items I own (15/101)
-yarn, -clothes -books
4. Learn to use the drop spindle. Completed: 3/11/08
5. Make enough yarn on the drop spindle to make a hat.
6. Learn to crochet.
7. Use crochet to make a simple amigurumi character.
8. Open a savings account for Lorelai and save $250 (250/250) Complete: 5/17/08
9. See 10 movies in the movie theater (3/10)
**1)Sex & The City
**2)Hancock
**3)The Dark Knight
10. Submit my resume to the new science museum. Completed: 2/28/08
11. Attend a sheep and wool festival in CT
12. Go to the local farmer's market 15 times (4/15)
13. Submit photos to the Durham and Guilford Fairs each year (0/6)
14. Submit knitted objects to the Durham and Guilford Fairs each year (0/6)
15. Photograph Lorelai on the 30th of each month (8/33)
16. Cook one new recipe a month (8/33)
**"Chicken Bruschetta Bake" from the Stove Top Stuffing Mix Box. Just ok.**
**"Curried Lamb" from Woman's Day Magazine, crock-pot recipe. Bland.**
**"Stuffed Pepper Soup" copycat recipe of 99 restuarant recipe. Burnt the soup. Ick.**
**Turkey & Brocolli Casserole thing from Taste Of Home Magazine. Not bad.
**Mini Lamb Burgers with Couscous Salad from Real Simple - Delish!
**Baked Mac-n-Cheese with Chicken Sausage from "6 o'clock Scramble" online - yummy!
**Blueberry Cake from Cooking Light - ok, but all the blueberries sank to the bottom!
**Chrispy Chicken Romaine Salad - back of the bread crumb box - ok
17. Drink 2-3 Liters of water a day.
18. Write a letter to Koji and Noriko to tell them about Lorelai.
19. Knit a sweater for me that fits and I love. Glee!
20. Knit 30 socks (15 pairs) (4/30)
**Bartholomew's Sock #1 done 1/21/08**
**Bartholomew's Sock #2 done 2/4/08**
**Lenore Socks #1 & #2 done in 10 days! 2/14/08**
**Two wee socks (one for the wee sock swap) 3/30/08**
21. I want to make the “Heirloom Ring Blanket” for my mom. Deadline: December 2008.
22. Sign Up for the 100 Push Up Challenge
23. Complete the 100 push-up challenge: initial test, Week 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
24. Update the blog once a week for a year. (12/52)
25. Go to four dachshund meet-ups. (1/4)
26. Make updated moo cards.
27. Make my own granola.
28. Get a routine physical with an internist. Scheduled for August
29. Get a body scan to check on the freckles / moles.
30. Go to the dentist twice a year (0/6)Scheduled for August
31. Start doing yoga once a week, build up to three times a week.
32. Take Jackson for a walk daily, weather permitting. (Let's face it, he's a dachshund and doesn't fare well in cold, wet, or snow)
33. Save $1 for every item completed from this list.
34. Sew a pair of pajama pants.
35. Read 10 books. (10/10)
**1) The Good Good Pig
**2) The Memory Keeper's Daughter
**3) The Tender Bar
**4) You're Not You
**5) Water for Elephants
**6) Diary
**7) The Know-it-all
**8) Prince Caspian
**9) Smotherhood
**10) Redstripe
**11) In Defense of Food
36. Create a coordinated Halloween costume for Lorelai and Jackson.
37. I'm going to allow myself to purchase yarn with the condition that an equal (or greater) amount leaves the house.
38. Clean out and organize the junk drawers in the kitchen (2/2) Complete: 6/29/08
39. Write recipes on recipe cards as needed. No more torn out from magazine papers!
40. Send the grandparents a card / Lorelai photo once a month (5/33)
41. Post an Update of my 101 each month (5/33)
42. Grow plant / veggie garden from seed.
43. Grow 3 "new to me" plants / veggies each year (3/9)
**1) Broccoli
**2) Peas
**3) Corn
44. Give blood once a year. (0/3)
45. Read "The Killer Angels".
46. Try out peapod or other online grocery service.Complete: 1/2/08
47. Try out g-diapers.
48. Clean out email inbox and maintain so there's never more than 100 messages in there at a time.
49. Get a professional portrait of Lorelai. Adorable.
50. Buy 5 gifts from etsy.com each year (1/15)
**PrettyInPosies hair clips for Lorelai**
51. Clean out / organize the bloglines reader to remove blogs unupdated / uninteresting / topics /etc. once each year (0/3)
52. Get back in shape to fit into my regular non-maternity clothes.
53. Bring old maternity clothes and newborn clothes to Beyond the Stork. Donated or put away
54. Replace the lights along the front walk. Complete: 6/8/08
55. Get back to at least my prepregnancy weight (minus an extra 5 - 7 pounds)
**As of 1/11/08 I'm down 28 pounds! 13 more to go to get to pre-preg.wt**
56. Buy a scale to keep an eye on #55.Complete: 1/15/08
57. Rediscover my yarn stash - pair up 20 new projects with stash yarn. (0/20)
58. Complete 20 projects using stash yarn (3/20)
**1) Snowman Hat **2)Bunny Cozies **3)Batman Hat
59. Knit 30 baby hats for charity, donate in Lorelai's name. (1/30)
60. Make my own sushi.
61. Make photocards for Valentine's Day, Easter, Halloween, Thanksgiving on home computer.
62. See a Broadway show.Complete: 5/3/08 Macbeth
63. Visit New York City.Complete: 5/3/08
64. Snorkel in the British Virgin Islands.Complete: 4/22/08
65. Try 10 recipes from Alton Brown's "Good Eats" (0/10)
66. Host a holiday dinner for the family at least once a year. (1/3) Easter '08
67. Garden indoors with the AeroGarden, maintain the water and nutrients.
68. Get a bikini wax.
69. Vote for president.
70. Listen to 8 audio-books. (3/8)
**1) Microthrills by Wendy Spero
**2) The Knitting Circle by Ann Hood
**3) Certain Girls by Jennifer Weiner
71. Get my first tattoo
72. Go back to church
73. Knit three projects from each knitting book I own.
**Itty Bitty Hats a)Snowman Hat b)Bunny Tails Hat c)Upside-Down Daisy
**Mason-Dixon Knitting a)Baby Genius Burp Cloth
74. Join a local mom+baby group.
**Does Gymboree count? Went to class on 1/9/08, plan to keep going**
**Found a local group - much better in terms of time and location!**
75. Copy the phone numbers in my cell phone into my paper address book.
76. Reinstall itunes.Complete: 1/3/2008
77. Expose myself to new music: Listen to one new artist a week (3/143)
78. See if the nerds / geeks can rescue the data from the Dell hard drive.
79. Get back on birth control. completed 1/13/08
80. Write a letter a month (2/33)
81. Sort through the boxes brought home from school.
82. Fully update stash on ravelry.
83. Fully update books on ravelry.
84. Fully update needles on ravelry.
85. Set up an etsy shop. Complete: 6/27/08
86. Sell 25 items from etsy shop. (1/25)
87. Get a table / space at a local craft fair.
88. Knit Dan & Virginia's wedding afghan. Deadline: June 2009.
89. Knit afghan for me!
90. Re-read 10 books that I read when I was in grades 6 - 8. (0/10)
91. Purchase a TerraPass / CO2 offset for my car / home / acrylic knitting.
92. Knit all holiday gifts by December 13.
93. Embroider a onesie for Lorelai.
94. Use the canvas / knit bags not plastic when shopping. This is a full time habit now
95. Try sign language with Lorelai - 5 signs (0/5)
96. Come in second in the fantasy football league.
97. Read more than just the Art section of the New York Times Weekend Edition (\2\4/143)
98. Eat vegetarian for a week.
99. Learn to make pancakes.
100. Eat out at 5 new restaurants (5/5)
**The Time Out Tavern, Durham, CT
**The New Deal Steakplace, Westbrook, CT
**Mia Dona, New York City
**Nellie Green, Branford, CT
**Miso, New Haven, CT
**Tuscany Grill, Middletown, CT
101. Smile everyday. Be a good example / role model for my daughter. Be a good wife to my husband.