1001 Days in the life...

Time flies....

2011-07-06T08:51:00.000-07:00

....When you're having fun! I recently came to the realisation that...other than it being many months since my last post, that I am around the 6 month mark - 6 months left before my 101 list is up. Eep!!

I could go over the last few months but I don't even know where to begin - other than to say there's been many up's and down's. I just celebrated my 27th birthday this past holiday weekend and was it awesome? Hells yeah!!! Ashley and I saw Katy Perry at the ACC. It was my first time there, and I also got to fit in my first Jays game, go up the CN Tower (nearly loosing my stomach) all spent in some very good company.

So let's get to it - what's left? Well, #6 will be accomplished next month, I am headed back to Maine with my family for a week. Might even get to to strike #81, go surfing again, at the same time :)

I managed to scratch off number #45 - renewed my passport in April which was great timing for my birthday weekend as I was surprised to be taken on a shopping trip over the boarder (thought it nearly came to a quick end when I failed to turn up my passport before leaving).

Hmm...have not even picked up a French novel since making my list...so that will have to go on the new one!!! Along with a few others....I have too many tasks to accomplish in such a short amount of time, but in the same breath, there is so much that I can. Looks like I'll be scrap booking my travels, baking up my files, and sewing myself something, hopefully with the help of my mom's ancient sewing machine. Might get down to the east coast to visit Sam and little Z. Maybe I'll pick up Zen and the Art of Motorcycle maintenance and take my second attempt at getting that wrapped up. Would also love to start painting again....that canvas and brush set given to me for my 25th birthday by Jocey is still untouched. I should look into taking that art class as well as maybe join Steph for some salsa dancing.... I can hear her saying DO IT!! I hear you!

The first car...well that is pretty clear that that is not happening - after moving downtown it's not really a priority. but learning how to drive standard is going to be accomplished by the end of this summer, I'm lucky my sister is willing and persistent to teach me.

What else is there to accomplish - I seem to have a couple of items that require me to be on a rollercoaster - haha, perhaps I can make that trip to Montreal before the summer season ends and get myself to La Ronde as well as get in a visit the Biodome.

So much to do and I haven't even listed them all. If you're at all curious to see exactly what I am going to be getting into (and what I have actually accomplished) I have the list of accomplished and remaining tasks linked to the blog.

I usually try and give you a peak of how the time since my last post has been passed but I've been a little less snap happy I guess! There was a Joys night, some St Paddy's day shenanigans, road trips, drive-ins and the start of patio season. Birthdays and milestones, sad and painful goodbyes, happy new additions and so many things, more than I could have imagined would fill the past 6 months. If there's anything that I've come to know for certain in the past couple of years is the importance of not taking those you love for granted and making most of the time you have with them.

A little St Paddy's day fun!

ESD Poutine's - Kate's birthday

Drive-In night to see The Hangover II (believe this crossed an item of someone's list!)

Ashley and I waiting to see Katy Perry :)

It's a long way down!!

Snapped this while on my awesome and very random Montreal day trip to visit and shop with Cherry!

Wine and cards by solar lamp light - A laid back Saturday night on the rooftop with Tor :)
The first of the season I think!

Marshmallow world in the winter

2011-02-02T11:09:00.000-08:00

Well I'm happy to say that sleep finally came that week. Insomnia for 1 week was more than i could take so I was very happy to have that cured.

I've never been a good sleeper. Sometimes it takes forever to fall asleep, sometimes I need to have music on to get there. I can't sleep in unless I'm really sick. Just like I cannot for the life of me take a nap midday unless I'm sick. It's weird to some people, but I can't explain why or how. The idea of staying in bed late into the morning/afternoon can be appealing, don't get me wrong, but it just doesn't happen for me. When it does though...I relish in it :)

Kate and I were catching up via email yesterday about our respective weekends and she was sharing with me that she finally got some sleep of her own, and therefore had a relatively uneventful weekend. She's been really under the weather for the past few weeks and on top of it is quitting smoking (which is AMAZING and we are so happy and proud of her for taking this on), and hasn't been sleeping well at all. Many many sleepless nights that rival my own insomnia. So after a late Friday night out with us girls, Saturday meant sleeping in and, how did she spend the rest of her day? Snuggled up with her fiancé who visits from Toronto every weekend. That may not be an eventful weekend but it sounds like a pretty perfect Saturday afternoon to me!

Looking back at the first month of 2011....I am amazed at how different a schedule I have been keeping. Girls nights have been far and few in 2010 - we've all just got lots on our plate and when it came time to get together, we usually opted for something low key and affordable. In the recent weeks, I have gone out almost every weekend. There was always something to go to or do, a show to see or people to meet up with. But...wow have I already started feeling the effects of it. Living downtown is the biggest culprit. Everything is either a short walk or cab ride away, which means less money spent getting to and from places, but apparently this also means money that i dont have being spent on cover and drinks that should be going to other things...like that big ol' scary thing i reference from time to time: my credit debt.

Which is why Monday morning's string of emails from Michelle and Steph were exactly what I needed to put things back into perspective. Starting a new budget, which is an item on my 101 list, and getting things under control is going to be how I will make this a good year financially. I've also added a resolution which is to have a certain amount of money saved up by this time next year. It is now included in my budget and fingers are crossed I can make it happen. I know that I can, it's just a matter of following through.

A few other items to check off for the month are two new recipes tried. The first was dinner on Sunday (so technically this item belongs to the month of January). Sunday after returning home from a window shopping excursion with the girls and realizing I hadn't really eaten much, decided that it being 4 pm meant that lunch and dinner were going to be a single meal. Being low on ingredients I was pleasantly surprised to find the frozen shrimp I had bought a few weeks ago. MMmmm. Shrimp linguine and a cream cheese based sauce with some diced veggies tossed in the pan. Ended up being a much more elaborate meal than I originally thought. The other recipe I tried was last night out of pure boredom and lack of anything "bad" (i.e. chips) to eat. Though it's a one-ingredient dish I'm counting it towards the "new recipe" category as I've never done it before. I made this: http://www.thekitchn.com/thekitchn/stay-cool/how-to-make-creamy-ice-cream-with-just-one-ingredient-093414. So tasty especially with chocolate added...as peanut butter is not my thing. I love thektchn.com.

Outside my window is a snow globe. We are supposed to get a pretty decent dumping of snow today as a storm roars through Southern Ontario and up our way.... and that we can expect to only see half of what is expected elsewhere. I heard something about Chicago getting close to 50 cm today?? So that said and looking outside I have to say that yes, yes, we are getting an ok deal here in Ottawa in that case. But...I am again day dreaming back to my NC road trip that found me on a surfboard in the Atlantic and ohhhh if I only that were me right now. Sun beating down, waves rocking underneath and getting prepped to catch the next wave. Bliss. Ohh and there were dolphins, did I mention dolphins ?? :)

Though with all this snow, maybe what I should be thinking is "show me to the hills and pass me my board". A surfboard and hot weather it may not be, but my confidence in snow boarding is renewed again. That now said though, what I REALLY wish for .... is to be at Tremblant again.

Mr. Sandman, bring me a dream...

2011-01-06T09:47:00.000-08:00

And I mean it quite literally. Sleep has managed to evade me the past few nights. I'm not sure why but the tossing and turning is starting to take effect. I feel tired and kind of like I'm loosing my marbles.

It may not be helping that I've been getting to bed late, but when I get there, as tired as I feel I'm suddenly wide awake. And then my brain kicks in. I don't even know what I am thinking about. I have not had this many sleepless nights in a long time. Usually I can pin point the problem but at the moment I am clueless. Something is keeping my mind so occupied it won't stop perhaps? Or is it just an off week?

As this post today is brought to you by my lack of sleep, I'm going to share the random thoughts that have made up my morning so far. Oh what gems!

Cold days like this make me wish I could be somewhere warm with a surfboard beneath me, paddling out and catching a wave. I had a really hard time knowing how to spot a good wave without Doug giving me the heads up to start paddling hard. Brad was a natural and Steph knew what she was doing, and they were also great motivators. NC still stands out as one of my favourite weeks ever.

Also, maybe not even catching a wave, just lying on the board and listening to the ocean and the sky. That is the mood I am in today. Mmmm, warm, sun, beach, board and the smell of coconut sunscreen - those are what sweet dreams are made of.

Going for coffee after work today is a brilliant plan, just what I need to get me through the rest of the day. That is exactly what I was thinking about 30 minutes ago. And I will be in good company which gives me that much more to look forward to. However...now that I think about it, as I have already had two cups today and possibly another on its way not before too long.... will coffee be the demise of what I was hoping would be my first night of a good night's sleep??? Maybe hot chocolate would be the wisest choice here. Yes. hot cocoa, that'll do :)

I'm so tired that I forgot my work pass, and my office key that is attached to it, along with proper shoes. Thankfully I had a pair stashed at my workspace in Marketing. Its days like this I'm thankful that my unorganized ways, as well as two workspaces, worked out well for me. I was not looking forward to wearing boots all day.

I'm getting stoked for Tremblant. Michelle and I leave in just over a week's time :) I really only have one big hope for the weekend.... and that is that I doesn't land me in the emergency room again. Especially being so far from home. I was very thankful fort that, Dan's smooth driving back from Wakefield that night all the way to the Civic in Ottawa while I cradled my arm in the makeshift splint and sling, and for my dad and his comforting manner that got me through the 3 hours that followed. Other things I look forward to are possibly ticking off some list items...not sure what off the top of my head, but i'm positive there are at least 1 or 2 that could be accomplished while away and have the days free to do whatever I please.

Alright, I think this is a good place to end my sleep deprived mumblings -

Outer Banks, NC

The one and only surf shot of the surf trip

Last day in Wilmington, NC

Fractured wrist on 1st day and 2nd run of the season :(
(I look fine here but I was not so happy sitting in the ER)

My lovely cast tattoos :)

Happier days! Monte Ste Marie. (The year before I fracture the wrist)

Cruising with Steph and B-Rad towards the Outer Banks. I am so happy and calm here. Blissed out on sun, sand and love :)

2011-01-04T19:08:00.000-08:00

Whenever I talk about my past year, I tend to often sum it up as not a great year, mostly in part to the rocky start it had 2 months in. This, however, really isn't a fair assessment. I can hardly base an entire year on a rough patch. As profoundly as it affected me it is also what I think in turn made 2010 what it was for me. When I really look at it I can honestly say I had a pretty damn awesome 2010! Good times with friends and family and oooh the parties, and the campouts, star gazing, amazing live music, amaaaaazing food, engagements, babies, milestones, and oh my it's been a busy year!

So I don't usually make resolutions, but if i did, one of them would definitely have to be to keep up my blog as I have been sooo very bad at doing. I haven't crossed many other tasks off my projectzero list since the fall. Over the next week I want to look at my list and start pick a few things. On the top at the moment, is to take an art class. I thought maybe painting at first but now I think it's going to be drawing. It's what I've always loved best. Drawing in my sketchbook for the Art House Co-cop Sketchbook Project has shown me my skills are VERY rusty. Speaking of which...that book which is also very empty...considering i need to mail it by January 14th. *eeep*. As long as I can get some time in I will fill out the pages with views from my window and maybe a spot along the canal (or at least in my head cause it might get hella cold between now and next week!). Wow that's so soon. Way to drop the ball again Jamie Elaine.

So the past few months have been peppered with great memories :) Birthdays and dinners and fun activities. Highlights include a fall bbq at Jay's one night as well as pre-drinks there another night followed by wine at BDT and then beers at Le Troquet in Hull to celebrate his, Laura and Tanya's birthdays in October. Great friends make the best memories :) Birthday fun, dinner drinks and dancing at The Velvet Room for Jossie's 26th, and snuggly, comfy and snack filled movie night for Tor's birthday. Um and gingerbread house making, as per the tradition :) Cooking and baking for friends, working my tail off at the Gallery and Jacob (sigh) but knowing this will help make 2011 a better year because there will be a nice big chunk out of that debt! Not to mention, I love the girls I work with at the store. They are all so lovely and funny. The Gallery is also going well, it's been one hell of a year that's for sure. Ups and downs but wow have we got sooo much going on now. It makes for days that fly by. I particularly like to think back about the many coffee dates with coworkers, cause sometimes you just need to get that little break and just go look at pretty things in windows while sipping our Starbucks' to break up the day :)

And reflecting back, as the start of the year often conjures up all of these recent things, I can definitely say that 2010 was not just a good year, or a great year, it was a year of growth for me. In small steps, but growth none the less. I can only hope to keep going forward in this way :) I've come a long way from where I was last March. I know many of us go through it in some way and its usually unexpected, as mine was, but once you've healed enough to poke your head out of the sand, there's still a little ways to go. I was lucky to have friends who just kept pushing me on. By summer time, i was back to my old self, or rather, a new happy self. Oh this summer was amazing. As was the fall.

Things I'm really looking forward to so far for 2011 are fast approaching - Michelle and I are heading to Tremblant for a week. I've never been and I'm very stoked for this mini-holiday. I'm also a little anxious, have not been on my board very often since I fracture my wrist two years ago. And my sister's own accident last year definitely had me less enthused about hitting the slopes again. I made a trek up to the hills last year with Grant and while it was accident free this time, the wipe outs were not encouraging, but he was. Oh yes and then there was the deer that nearly took us off the road on the drive home. Poor car, not like it didn't already take enough beatings! So me + snowboarding in 2011 = it's going to happen! I enjoy it so much but just need to get the bad experience out of my head. Tremblant here I come {please be kind!}.

And so much more. Kate and Derek have a wedding to plan now, and I cannot wait :) I couldn't be more excited for these two. And maybe this year I'll get to go surfing again. It's been nearly 2 years but that experience has left me ready and waiting for my next chance, so why not this year ? And off, striking more things of my 101 things to do in 1001 days list. Art classes, as i mentioned will hopefully be in the works starting this month. Maybe I'll get to fly somewhere.

Tonight however, will find me tackling the ever elusive fitness goals. Michelle and I are hitting the gym for what I can only expect will be an exhausting test of my endurance. An hour of Body Combat and then an hour of stretching in Body Flow. Yes, we will be braving it along with everyone else jumping back on their fitness resolutions, so i'm expecting a jam packed class tonight at the gym.

Update: yep, so...body combat is crazy and insane...but also amazing. I definitely got my butt kicked in those 60 minutes...too dead to stay for body flow. I'm so ready to go back next week. Here's to hoping I can walk tomorrow :)

At Relay for Life 2010

Bday shenanigans at ESD post dancing :) I'm so talented!

Sandbanks August 2010

MOctoberfest, mustaches were a must :)

Halloween :D

Jossie's Bday!

Good friends... The best I could have wished for.

<3 love my girlies!

It's here :D

2010-10-04T15:52:00.000-07:00

My sketchbook was waiting for me in my mailbox this afternoon :)

Can't wait to start filling the pages. YAY!!!

Catching up

2010-09-27T10:07:00.000-07:00

93. Try two new recipes a month.

I definitely abandoned this somewhere way back...but have been making strides to giving myself more time to do items like this on my list. I've definitely succeeded this month, with a few new dishes under my cooking belt..or, err, apron...

I was off from work sick for a week with a bad case of asthma - induced by a sore throat from a few weeks back. Stuck on my couch for a week, 3 days in, and I was B.O.R.E.D. I can only watch so many episodes of Say Yes to the Dress, CSI, Criminal Minds and Tommy Europe whipping people into shape on shows like The Last 10 pounds or Bulging Brides. Ugh those last too made this sicky rethink her spot on the couch and think back to the fitness goals I had set forth for myself and how they have not been met. I had thought of this about a month or so ago when I ran into a friend - my former fitness trainer - and he asked if I was still working out hard...and sadly I couldn't say "Oh yeah!". At the time of running into him I was still going to my dance classes and the odd workout here and there, so I think what I offered up in response was a half-hearted"Yeah, I try". But now when I think of this...being sick with asthma doesn't really make me wanna run down the street to the gym and pump some iron or do yoga for the fear of, you know, passing out from lack of oxygen. So I would have to find something else to get me off the couch. At least I could move.

I could cook! This only contributes to the work I will need to do once I do get back to the gym, BUT...ahh who cares. Under the suggestion of my mom, who knew I had a chicken sitting in my freezer, I finally made my first attempt at cooking at whole chicken. I found a tasty sounding roasted chicken recipe in the latest Food & Drink book, mixed it up and prepped my little chicken for the oven. It was still a little frozen so I knew it would take a bit more time, and I checked it thoroughly as I don't have a meat thermometer to go by. The result....an AMAZING success. I pat myself on the back. It was juicy, it was tender and just the right flavours I had been aiming for with the seasoning. I'd say cooked to perfection. I cut a few slices off and made a quick salad and ta-da: dinner :)

Another recipe I tried my hand at was homemade chicken soup soup. I made this the other night. With the chicken being so small the bones and carcass didn't leave me too much to work with to make the stock, but, it worked none the less. After the stock was made I threw in veggies, some chicken, and rice and I must say, for my first chicken soup it was a WIN!

Lastly, I tried my hand at making Alfredo sauce. I've never made it from scratch so I was a little anxious it would be a pasty mess or a drippy, thin catastrophe. Overall, it gets a passing grade, but I think I can still perfect it. The consistency was almost right and the taste could use just a little something i can't quite figure out yet.

And now that I think about alfredo sauce... I did get another dish under my cooking belt. A couple of weeks ago I had a friend over for dinner and while I had been planning on using the ground beef my mom had given me for my first ever meatloaf, it ended up being put to use as a pasta bake. My friend as it turns out is not the biggest fan of meatloaf (but insists it's due to her family's recipe). She said she didn't care what i made, but seeing as i wanted to make something we would both definitely enjoy, I went with a pasta bake. I used Fusilli pasta, and I cooked up the ground beef and veggies. Layered cheese on top and tossed in some leftover slices of Italian sausage from the day before. The result was tasty cheesy goodness. It was pretty amazing if I do say so myself. Meatloaf, I will make you one day. One day soon!

Anyhow, enough about cooking. There are a few other tasks that I think I will be making good on in the coming weeks. As mentioned in an earlier post, I am making cookies for our Workplace United Way Campaign silent auction (#100). I'm also looking into a new workout schedule (#38) with my workout buddy. We live close and this will make for a great motivation to actually get out and go to the gym, I'm hoping to start light with once-twice a week then working up to more frequent visits. My task mentions a trainer, but I haven't been to her in over a year so this has fallen by the way side. Its also part of my "being smart with money" effort (#16). Speaking of which, I plan on visiting the bank in the coming weeks and meeting with an advisor to get further in my reduction of debt, which I must say, I've come a long way since I first tacked this onto my list. It was a lot scarier then, now its manageable.

My last update is art related. I signed up for this really cool art project being organized by Art House Co-op and the Brooklyn Art Library. http://www.arthousecoop.com/projects/sketchbookproject It's a really different idea and I'm kinda stoked at the idea that the work that I put into this book is going to be available for mass viewing. You order a sketchbook and all you have to do is fill it. You can pick a theme from the ones offered or have them choose for you. After the books are all returned completed to the Library, they are catalogued and inventoried and then they are taken on a tour to the following cities in the States: Brooklyn (NY), Austin (TX), San Francisco (CA), Portland(ME), Atlanta (GA), Chicago (IL), Washington (DC) and Winter Park (FL). It is my hope to make the trek down to one of the shows in the spring when the tour is on, most likely either to Brooklyn or perhaps on its stop in Portland.

Even if my work only gets checked out a handful of times knowing that something with my name attached to it can be considered published work is kind of exciting...and intimidating. Now that I've signed up and picked a theme (Down Your Street), I'm hoping that I will not make this a flop. Eeee... Also...this means new art supplies.....oh exciting!!! To Wallack's I will go after next pay day. Have not been this excited about a new project in a while. I haven't really done art in a while and I can feel the excitement bubbling up inside me. A new focus, a new project, and something to express myself...I'm curious as to what I am going to come up with in the 40-50 pages.

A little something to consider...

2010-08-31T10:04:00.000-07:00

My good friend Cherry sent me this link last week. The idea is genius. I am thinking of participating...I just want to be sure I can fill the book up. What a brilliant idea for an art show.

http://www.arthousecoop.com/projects/sketchbookproject

Summer time

2010-08-31T09:04:00.001-07:00

It's been two months, and even with gentle nudging from Gen...I have left my blog on its own to fend for itself. This summer has been quite the whirlwind despite not feeling like I've actually done a whole lot. But looking back at some recent adventures...that isn't entirely true!

Things to mark off...

3. Visit at least 3 of the 5 Great Lakes :: Visited Lake Ontario for our camping trip August 13-15 when we went to Sandbanks. It was one hell of a weekend. I had the best time.
42. Ride a rollercoaster. - Not quite a rollercoaster story, but I went to Ottawa'a Super-EX with J just over a week ago, and we rode the Fireball and, while its not really a rollercoaster I also went on The Zipper for the first time. I don't totally count them as rollercoasters, but as they are fair rides and Fireball was crazy I'm gonna put it here as an honorable mention :)
73. See a shooting star. :: More shotting starts! While camping at Sandbanks August 13-15 we went out to the beach and watched an incredibly clear sky lit up by stars. I counted about 10 shooting stars.

74. Buy a lottery ticket. :: Done. I bought a Lotto Max ticket in June.

75. Go on a picnic. :: Done! Had a great picnic with friends at Westboro beach. To make it more interesting the organizers decided on a theme. The letter M. That whatever we all brought to share had to have something to do with the letter M. I brought mimosa's and made rice crispie squares for dessert, as they are made with marshmallows.96. Plan and embark on a random weekend getaway. :: A plan is in the work for a girls getaway with Michelle.
100. Make something to put in the silent auction for our United Way Workplace Charitable Campaign. :: In the works: have notifies the organizer that I will be baking my Oatmeal Chocolate Chip cookies for the auction.

I still have so much to accomplish and will be looking to my friends for the help!! They are fabulous and so supportive, we are all doing these things together and it makes me really happy to know that I have managed to surround myself with some pretty amazing individuals.

I had an amazing summer. My 26th burthday was another for the books. We celebrated on my rooftop and hit Elgin street for some dancing and some late night celebratory ESD poutines....

I also checked out some great acts at Bluesfest this summer. I saw Arcade Fire who were amazing. I was not a big fan before seeing them (i had no real opinion as I had never really listened to them before), and seeing them made quite the difference. I also saw Drake with the girls, and checked out a bit of the comedy tent and also got to spend a little time in one of the VIP suites thanks to some passes from work which I shared with my sister and Mike. That was a great night. Throw in all the random get togethers, dinners, breakfasts, dance parties, camp-outs and Mayofest shenanigans...this has been an amazing summer.

After the start to the year, I had been putting a lot of faith into having a good summer. I was hoping that the majority of my healing, mentally and emotionally, would have occurred. As it turns out, I wasn't too far off. I've taken a lot more time for myself and doing things that make me happy. There is only so much you can do when you wake up one day and realize nothing was how it seemed. There's a lot of rebuilding just on an emotional level, which I found has been the hardest part. I have always been a very open and trusting person and to have that blow up in my face I was very worried about how that would change me. And I really can't know until that is tested...but for now, I am feeling almost whole again, like myself, if not a happier version :)

Below: a shot of our picnic at Westborow beach, chilling in the hot tub at Mayofest, a group shot at Sandbanks provincial park beach and a gorgeous shot of the sunset over Lake Ontario.

I hope everyone had a great summer. And it's not over yet so if there's something you've been wanting to accomplish this summer you've still got just over 22 days to go!

Next on my to do list: start painting again (thanks for the suggestion Joce).

Look back...

2010-06-17T13:06:00.001-07:00

This is going to look like a reposting of my list, but it's really just to remind myself of where I am at with this project. The whole reason why this blog exists. My Project Zero list. Let's see what's new that I can check off....

101 Things to Do in 1001 Days

1. Start the blog! :: April 20, 2009 (Wow its been over a year!!...I need to blog more...eep!)
2. Read 2 books a month ~ in progress, keep your eyes on the book list for updates ~
3. Visit at least 3 of the 5 Great Lakes - Will soon be visiting Lake Ontario on my camping trip to Sandbanks in August this year :D
4. Learn to surf :: June 1-3 I took surf lessons with Steph and Brad down in North Carolina. What an amazing experience!!!! I can't wait to go again!
5. Pick up a new sport. ::Tennis - I am still improving ..work in progress :)
6. Go to Maine.
7. Re-Read Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance. (why? because we had to read it for our first year intro to comms' research methods and i never finished it)
8. Visit Laura in Edmonton.
9. Go on a road trip with no predetermined destination.
10. Go a month without junk food.
11. Plan a sisters holiday.
12. Buy my first car.
13. Improve my french. :: in progress
14. Purge my excesses. Do an inventory and cut what I don't need/no longer use/wear; donate the casualties :: May-June 2010 - Along with items sold at a fundraiser yard sale I donated a lot of clothing and other items to the St. Vincent de Paul. I'm not finished though as moving into a TINY apartment has shown me I still have too much stuff!!
15. Put my credit on ice for an extended period until my balance is back at zero. :: Started Winter 2010 - have already made big strides on this. Am out of scary territory and back into just bringing everything down.
16. Set a monthly budget, decide on a strategy and stick to it.
17. Document "a day in the life" in pictures (Inspired by Tor)
18. See a favourite band in concert. :: June 17th 2009 - Went to see No Doubt in Montreal with my sister!! Amazing show!! Since then I have also seen several great acts at last years Bluestfest 2009, like Metric, OLP, The Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Paolo Nutini to only name a few. I also saw Kings of Leon in the fall which was an amazing show. And how can I leave out FABULOUS Lady Gaga in November. The show was ridiculous!!!
19. Go camping. :: Camped for the week in North Carolina (June 2009). Camping plans in the work for this years birthday as well as the camping trip to Sandbanks in August.
20. Try rollerblading again.
21. Organize my music finally.
22. Host a "family dinner" night with friends. :: Have had several in the last year but yet one to be documented here - to be updated soon!
23. Watch the sunrise. :: June 12th, 2010, walking with Tor around the Relay track, we suddenly realized the sky was getting brighter!!
24. Skinny dip.
25. Read 7 novels in french.
26. Get a membership to the Bytowne theatre.
27. Begin painting again, create a series.
28. Take a writing workshop or class.
29. Go to an outdoor concert. :: Done July 8-18 - I had the great gift of a festival pass to see all of Bluesfest!! I saw amazing shows, some noteable favs: Metric, OLP, GirlTalk, Paolo Nutini, Estelle, Ice Cube, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Cake...and there are many others that were AMAZING.
30. Make a scrapbook of my trips to Bermuda.
31. Send postcards on my travels.
33. Have a girls night in.
34. Stay up all night. :: Relay for Life 2010 - I did not sleep or nap for over 24 hours.
35. Give up Facebook for 2 weeks.
36. Give up my bus pass for a month and bike to work every day. - :: Finally succeeded...because I now live close enough to work that I have to use for a pass!!! Have been walking in instead...but will have to get the bike going soon.
37. Host a craft night.
38. No more being lazy. I have a gym membership and I hardly use it. I will work out for an hour 3 times a week in addition to me weekly hour sessions with my trainer. Get my money's worth out of this.
39. Start an RRSP.
40. Go canoeing.
41. Go to the Biodome.
42. Ride a rollercoaster.
43. Ride a rollercoaster I have been to scared to ride. TBD.
44. Go to La Ronde for the first time!
45. Renew my passport (this will be coming in the 1001 days)
46. Pick a random topic p/month and learn everything there is to know about it. Started April 21.
47. Learn to knit a scarf.
48. Make a list of 100 things that make me happy (also inspired by Tor!) - April 29th - in progress
49. See a ballet.
50. Go to an opera.
51. See a broadway show.
52. Drive a boat.
53. Try Zip-Lining.
54. Go on a hike.
55. Do something once a month that challenges my normally shy nature. (this is going to be tough)
56. Go to the east coast and visit Sam, and my cousin Alli while she's at St F.X.
57. Learn how to drive a manual tranmission.
58. Learn 5 new constellations.
59. Plant a tree.
60. Take a cooking class.
61. Walk for a cause. :: Done!! Relay for Life June 11th-12 2010 was quite the experience. I look forward to doing it again next year with my friends. We had a great time despite the poor weather.
62. Leave a book (bookcrossing.com)
63. Sew myself something.
64. Make a time capsule.
65. Win something. :: Won a copy of "Her Fearful Symmetry" from a Metro news contest
66. Keep a journal.
67. Have a work friends night out.
68. See 5 foreign films.
69. Take an "art break" at least once a month - Take advantage of where I work and see the art I love so much! :: Took a break this week when Victoria came in to see the new summer exhibition www.gallery.ca/poplife
70. Have a spa day with someone. :: Best birthday surprise!! My girlfriends Pam, Tor and Kate, along with a little help from my boyfriend kidnapped me on my birthday and surprised me with a day at the Nordik Spa. It was my first time there, and the baths are AMAZING. It was honestly THE best way to spend a hung over morning, lol. Thanks again girls for the great afternoon and I hope we do it again soon.
:: August 15th Shawn and I went to Holtz Spa for a couples hot stone massage. Again - amazing :)
71. Play golf (i.e. find someone patient to take me and teach me how to golf)
72. Do yoga. :: Done, have yet to go back but will soon hopefully.
73. See a shooting star. :: June 2009 - laying out on Pam's backyard with the gang, caught a glimpse of 2 shooting stars that night :)
74. Buy a lottery ticket.
75. Go on a picnic.
76. Go sailing.
77. Go fishing.
78. Learn how to *actually* throw a football (yes i'm serious)
79. Create a photo-story series.
80. Make artwork from 10 of my favourite photos.
81. Go surfing again!
82. Send christmas cards. :: Sent cards this past Christmas 2009
83. Update my resume. :: Update resume spring 2010 - now I'm all sorted out :)
84. Fly somewhere.
85. Donate to a food drive.
86. Use an audioguide and tour the Gallery's collections.
87. Back up my files and photos.
88. Update my design portfolio.
89. Visit a lighthouse.
90. Ride a horse. ::Photoshoot with Gen June 20th 2009. I got on a horse. So beautiful!
91. Plan my dream trip to Italy.
92. Learn a new style of dance.
93. Try 2 new recipes a month.
- May: 1) Rolled oats apple cake - and it was a big hit! yay!
94. Organize my bills.
95. Read through the entire Bible.
96. Plan and embark on a random weekend getaway.
97. Go snorkeling.
98. Cook dinner for my parents. - May 10 2009 - My sister and I cooked my parents an amazing 4 course meal for Mother's Day :)
99. Take an art class.
100. Make something to put in the silent auction for our United Way Workplace Charitable Campaign.
101. Make another list at the end of 1001 days! :)

I think that is the most up to date the list can be at this moment. I still have a long way to go but I am looking forward to getting all of these done and enjoying every experience :D I am a bit lacking in keeping track of things particularly lately as the move and not having internet at home and not being very organized in general has meant that I am totally...well..unorganized in thought as well!! Once my kitchen is as it should be I can start cooking more, for one. Will be trying to getting into a routine that will allow more time to read as well as more time to get outside and do things to enjoy the weather.

Awesome!

2010-05-18T13:01:00.000-07:00

Wow! Thank you to the lovely people who came out to support me and my Relay for Life team at our Yard Sale last weekend. We raised over $650 dollars!!! Thank you, Thank you , Thank you! It ended up being a great day with great weather. Overcast at times, the sun would not fail to come out and warm us all up for a bit and brighten our spirits :) It also felt good to get rid of some old things that will now get a new life with someone else.

Other fun news: I feel like I'm one of the last to join this bandwagon but I recently heard about 1000awesomethings.com and the book that was just recently published based on the blog. I've started reading recent and past entries at least once a day, and I think it's absolutely brilliant!! Or I guess I should say, I think its awesome :) It's sort of like a daily reminder of how many seemingly insignificant moments in life are often worth taking the time to enjoying them to their fullest and realizing just how awesome these small things are in the bigger picture.

I stopped by the display in Chapters the other day and flipped through the book (The Book of Awesome) and the first page I opened it to read (and I am paraphrasing because I do not remember the exact wording) 'when you hit the elevator button and it's there waiting for you.' "Ding! AWESOME". And isn't it? If you live in an apartment building with tempermental elevators like I do then you completely understand this. We have three elevators in our building and it seems that one is always sitting on one of the high floors, the other is in service for moving things, and the other one is out of service and has been for weeks/days/sometimes months. So when I get home from work after a long day or when I'm running late in the morning and that elevator is waiitng for me as soon as I hit up/down, it really is awesome :) So I thank Neil Pasricha, the creator behind 1000awesomethings.com, for giving a nod to all the awesome things that happen to us daily, and pointing out that we should celebrate more often the awesome small things and worry less about the small not-so-awesome things.

More awesome news: I will be moving in to my new place soon. I can barely contain how excited I am. And then I look at my stuff and realize how much I need to scale down or else I will be living in very tight quarters with all of my belongings with little room to move around! So I've made that my project for the week along with painting a few things and then in 2 weeks time, I will be on the move. Time flies when you're busy and having awesome times :)

2010-05-12T10:25:00.000-07:00

As I've mentioned a couple of times in past posts I'm participating in the Ottawa-Neapean area Relay for Life this year with a group of good friends. The Relay takes place on June 11th 2010. In addition to our individual fundraising efforts we are hosting a Yard Sale this weekend, thanks to the very generous hospitality of Theresa Stanley for letting us use her front yard for the sale along with giving us a place to keep many items over the past few months. Consider this another plug for the event. If you're in the area please come out and visit us and say hi and make a purchase or donation. Everything is going towards the Canadian Cancer Society. We are all really stoked for this weekend and my fingers are crossed that the weather will be kind to us. (PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE!)

http://ottawa.en.craigslist.ca/gms/1735494079.html

In other news...I'm getting ready for the fast approaching end of the month and my move. I'm getting very excited and stressed over the idea of moving everything out of here and into another, smaller, space with an even smaller elevator to do the job. This elevator at my new building is like, half -if not 2/3 - the depth of your average elevator so...there is at least one item (ie. my mattress) that will have to get trekked up the 10 floors to my place... sorry AND many many thanks advance to the friends and family that will help make that happen. You get an extra beer, cookie, or heck even a full meal for being the ones who help me make those trips. All my other furniture can be taken apart and brought up in the elevator. I am going to be in serious debt to those who can lend me a hand :)

I've just finished reading "If You Have To Cry, Go Outside" by Kelly Cutrone. If you follow/followed either one of MTV's The Hills and/or The City, you know her as the no b-s'ing, and sometimes scary, brilliant mastermind behind the very successful PR firm People's Revolution. Well this book...was amazing. I love her writing style and I love a lot of what she had to say. Not all of it was applicable to me, but the ideas behind her words and stories pretty much all hit a chord with me in some aspect of my life. It essentially details how she got to where she is, what she had to do to get there and the reminder that one day you can have it all and everything feels right in your life, the next its blown up in your face only for you to realize you weren't really on the path you were meant to be on. But it's ok, because with this new realization, you've been given the chance to make yourself a new path which may be even better than the one you just fell off of. To do something with your life that you are meant for, not only the things that you have been taught to believe you are meant for, but to do the things in your life that enrich your soul because it speaks directly to who you are under all the surface stuff.

I just found it a very positive, motivating and interesting read. It was my own little reminder that with the number of road bumps I've hit lately, that they have all happened for a reason and it's because there are other greater things that are going to come in my life. And I'm working on making them happen.

2010-04-27T12:30:00.000-07:00

If you know me then you know the the Twilight series has managed to find a way into my heart. I mentioned in an earlier post that I saw the first movie before deciding to the read the book to see why all these people where either crazy about it or poking fun at the people who were crazy about it. ...And then I read the 4 books in the span of one weeks and fell in love with the story. There is just something about the way their love story is written that kept me reading.

The movies...how..do I say this. Well..I enjoyed Twilight and also enjoyed New Moon. But I have to stress that to anyone who hasn't read the books then PLEASE do not judge the story by the movies. The movies have their own merits, but the books are sooo much better.

That said...the recently released extended trailer for the 3rd installment, the film adaptation of Eclipse, got me giddy with anticipation to see how one of the more interesting and back-story packed novels in the series is played out. I have a feeling many things are going to be left out (sadly) but it also looks like we'll get to see a chunk of the fight that goes down in the baseball field that we miss in the novel since that whole time is spent witnessing the drama unraveling between Bella, Edward and Jacob up on the mountain top away from the battle. Interesting.

This is definitely on my summer movie list :)

New beginnings...

2010-04-16T12:54:00.000-07:00

1 month and 2 weeks and I will be in new surroundings. A new home base, that is. Very excited and very anxious at the (fast) approaching idea that I am going to be living on my own. Like a real grown up, oh my!! I'm very excited about the new place, but also kind of sad to know that I will miss my river view and AMAZING sunsets from our balcony at my current place I share with Steph. This, however, has given me the much needed kick and inspiration to start on my art-oriented tasks from my list. I received the perfect sized canvas from Jocelyne for my birthday and I plan on using that to create a lanscape of the view from my balcony. I'm thinking a near-sunset shot, when the light is just as I want it. It will also serve as a great piece to remind me of my first apartment and what a great time I had over the two years.

It's a weird feeling. I'm scared. Because as most of my closest friends know, I'm a totally baby when it comes to being alone at night. Just knowing someone is in the other room is a comfort. That said, I'm am really looking forward to this new experience. A change to have a space of my own. When I start to get nervous, I remind myself about how excited I am to decorate my own space. I've been playing around with mini floorplans which I think will be essential. I'm moving into a much smaller space and therefore I think I need a more laid out plan going in to this than the one I didn't really have when I moved into my first apartment which had a generous amount of space to work with. I'm going to be getting rid of some furniture and hopefully doing a full wardrobe cleanout as well. An honest to goodness new start. Somewhere that is my own and untouched by my recent past. Memories that I will be happy to no longer be reminded of on a regular basis.

The other big exciting thing about it is that it is right downtown. I am so stoked to live dowtown! Being within walking distance of work is a plus, not to mention being closer to friends who already live downtown. I think this will make for a very interesting/fun first summer at my new place. There will be so much more to discover that I haven't yet. One of my closest friends is coming to Ottawa this summer for an intership on the Hull side. She has found a place to live for the summer downtown not very far from where I will be. We just know its going to be a fantasic summer with her hear and living so close.

Soo...more news. List related there isn't much..sadly!! I have been keeping up with my goal to try out new recipes every month...unforunately I have been remiss in keeping track!! My mind has been going crazy for the past few months that I have gotten pretty disorganized in regards to my goals. But that is soon to change. In addition to the apartment hunting I've also picked up another job on the side. This goes hand in hand with my goal of regaining control over my financial situation. What's better is I am really enjoying it so far.

My guilty pleasure this week was re-reading the last Twilight installment, Breaking Dawn. I don't know what brought it on. And I was just as hooked as I was reading it the first time. Indeed a guilty little pleasure and oh so satisfying. So I have already re-read a book on my list...so..I can't say I've made progress. But I am enjoying myself :)

Relay news! My Relay for Life team and I are making great progress in fundraising! And might I add that Ashley is making AMAZING progress! Everyone is doing well, but she is our shining star. Many thanks go out to her and her coworkers who indulged in her home baked treats in exchange for donations. Coming soon is our yard sale in May, and there are 2 other possible events, but I won't mention them till they are solid. But trust me, they are big and we hope will be a great source of raising funds. If you wish to donate to help our team make our fundraising goal to help beat Cancer, please click here!

I seem to have just lost the words I was going to continue this post with...but I'm anxious to post now.

Wishing all of you a lovely weekend! Its a little rainy but it's the playoffs. I plan on finding a spot on Elgin to watch the game and then celebrate the night away. TGIF with some good friends and a big pitcher of beer!!!

New focus

2010-03-11T08:06:00.000-08:00

I was thinking this morning how with the recent turn of events seems like a great time to re-focus on the goals I set for myself in my 101 Things To Do in 1001 Days list.

Another item to knock off is a book! Like most chick-lit material, once I picked it up I was done it in no time. The only reason it took me 3 days is because I forced myself NOT to read it in one sitting. Last night however I did blast through the last 3rd of it last night when I couldn't sleep. Twenties Girl is the latest book from Sophie Kinsella (of Confessions of Shopaholic 'fame') and it's a very fun read. Just the thing I need!

This weekend I will be doing something new! While it's not an item on my list it is something I have wanted to do but never really thought about doing it. If that makes sense... ? Jocelyne and Dan had the brilliant idea to head up to a sugar bush and as the weather has been getting warmer and warmer (curiouser and curiouser!) they thought now is the time to go before we lose anymore snow! So that is the plan for this weekend and I'm very excited to go out and do something different than what I would normally be doing with my weekend.

I have been working hard at keeping busy and distracted and so far it has only been turning out in my favour :) I have been able to focus on making some important decisions that I have been putting off for some time. Though I am occasionally sidelined by negative thoughts about recent events, and no matter how often I let my mind go to places I dont want it to, I remind myself that no matter what I may or may not have done differently, the end result would be the same. I can only be thankful that things came to an end when they did, and not a few months from now when I would be moving in with someone I clearly didn't know very well. I don't mean to sound like a victim, but I was fully betrayed and that's been the hardest part and why my mind is still attached to things I wish it weren't. Eventually, this will be easier. I know this. And I DO appreciate those reminders. My friends are superstars :)

In the meantime, I am focusing on my list. I was going through a bunch of my files (music, photos, cv's) the other day and remembered I have some organizing tasks on my list which I think I will tackle this weekend along with maybe start on another book. And room organizing, which has been put off for too long. It's time for a little spring cleaning!!

A few other things...

2010-02-18T13:04:00.000-08:00

Added to my Reading list on the right
What I am currently reading is Natalie MacLean's "Red, White and Drunk All Over". I don't know if it just that I am wine lover myself, but this book is brilliant: it's funny and smart and makes me want to become a wine critic, if not just to enjoy fantastic wines but to also get the chance to travel to all these beautiful spots around the world.

I also added two sites I have been frequenting as of late. Check out the links to the right.
Questionable Content is simply just one of the funniest online comic series I have encountered. If the title doesn't say it all, it's revealed in the cleverly created cast of characters and plot lines. If you check out the site, I earnestly suggest you begin from comic number 1. Not only do you get the full story, but you see the progression of the artists work. There are, however, are over 1500 comics to date, so it might take you a while. This will also cause you to possibly adore it as much as I do.
The other site is a current favourite and may not be up and running if you go looking for it months after this post. It's essentially a live feed set up by a Shiba Inu breeder of some of the cutest puppies ever. What more is there to say?

I suck

2010-02-18T12:18:00.000-08:00

I do! I physically cringe when I see my last post dated in October 2009. I will not waste time chidding myself, but just to say that...ouch, I have really let my goal slip away. I can only offer that it can only be blamed on all the wonderful people in my life that keep me busy and away from my computer! (that and my tendencies to procrastinate on everything!)

It feels like I should have so much to say as so much time has gone by - and in fact, there have been changes and new developments since my last post - but it feels like I have nothing to report because life still feels the same.

It feels very much like having lunch with an old friend whether it be weeks, months, even a couple of years since you've seen each other. The moments when you feel like the answer to "So, what's new?" is "....Not much, actually". Maybe it's just the way my life has been going that "not much" is really happening that is reeally new over the span of a few months, even stretching back a couple of years. I am still in the same job I began 7 years ago, with some but little change in my role. I have lived with my lovely roommate for almost 2 years now and things are still going very nicely :) I am still very much in love with the man I met only 10 months ago. It's the day tyo do changes that often go un-remarked because they seem like just that - the day-to-day things that seem like they are of not of much importance to anyone but ourselves.

But you can always start somewhere...so where shall I?

My LIST. The whole driving force behing the creation of my blog!!

- The blog :The list has fallen by the wayside. I can only say - thank goodness I have lots of time...but even that seems to shorten as I think about all the things I want to do. So what can I check off?

- Number 22. Steph and I have hosted several "family" dinner parties with our friends over the past year, and another one is coming up this weekend. The guests often change, but they are all like family. Great good. Great wine. Great company.
- I have also gotten back in taking my health and persoinal weight issues more seriously and putting my gym membership to use. Number 38. I am not going to make any progress if I am not doing anything to cause progress! It has been a slow start but now that I've gone to a few classes at the gym, combined with my once-a-week pole fitness classes, mixed in with other activities like skating, free yoga classes at Lululemon in westboro from time to time, and a home work-out plan (yeah!), I am starting to get back into a routine. I have always run well on routines.
- Ooh I just found another one to check off. Number 72: Do Yoga.
- Number 65, I WON something :) I won a book through a local newspaper only a couple of weeks ago. Thank you Metro News :) The book which I still have yet to read. My roommate, however, snacthed it up I think the second she saw it sitting on the front bench. She devours book like the world is going to run out of them. It is the latest novel by the author of the Time Traveller's Wife. My roomate shared with me that it was a big departure from the Time Traveller's Wife, and the synopsis of it has really got me interested. This is the review I read prior to entering the draw. Thank you, NYTimes :)

More updates to come, this time, I will write again! If not only for myself but for Gen whom I told I would post something the first week in January... In time, I come around!

Take a walk...

2009-10-09T12:01:00.000-07:00

....and make it count! This June 2010 my friends and I are going to be participating in one of the 3 Ottawa-area Relay's for Life. We are pumped and are starting our fundraising now. Our team captain Kate has already got the major ball rolling and we are receiving a very generous donation to our cause from her workplace. Thank you to Newell Physiotherapy for the help!!!!

When you register to participate you are asked to set a fundraising goal for the team, and we have decided our goal is to raise $3,000 to go to the Canadian Cancer Society. It is our sincerest hope that we surpass this, but $3,000 is something we feel we will be proud of. :) Any amount to the cause counts and we will have fun working together to meet our goal. We've already got a list of fundraising ideas and events that we will be using in the coming months. We are going to succeed :)

My life has thankfully not been directly touched by Cancer, but I have close friends and extended family who have. The more we can do to help the research continue and to help the cause, the better. It all makes a difference, not only the funds but the emotional support we can give each other. We have named our team in the memory of our friend Eddy's mother and we will be walking in her name. Angels for Alice are ready for a great challenge.

If you would like to learn more about CCS and the Relay for Life please visit www.cancer.ca. Additionally, if you would like to sponsor myself and our team please visit my personal page http://convio.cancer.ca/goto/jamiemcglashan. Or start your own team and take a walk and make it count !!

2009-10-05T11:54:00.000-07:00

Knocked off the list are two recipes from September = my first try at lasagna which I mentioned earlier and recently a Lemon Squares recipe which got a rave review :) With Thanksgiving around the corner, I've got some things planned so I have some new things to add to my repertoire.

I have been stuck at home sick the past week and half and this is the first day back to the real world. It feels good to be doing something productive again, but at the same time....haha, sleeping in and being lazy had its benefits. Being sick with asthma however, does not. It also reminds me how badly I need to get on with finding something that suits me better than my current situation. That is always in progress, but I've really stalled since this summer.Otherwise, things couldn't be better.

Things on the go now are thanksgiving plans, and Halloween plans. Family Thanksgiving plans are being made including our traditional venture up to the Gatineau Hills to see the pretty leaves and take a few snapshots. As well, Shawn and I have got our Halloween costumes figured out - this is the earliest I have done this in many years. I'm very excited for my costume, it's a theme I've been wanting to do for some time. Stay tuned for those pictures! Also on the list of things coming up is a wedding this Saturday for Shawn's cousin. I love a good excuse to get dressed up, and do some dancing.

Speaking of dancing, one of our next date nights will be dance lessons. I am very very very excited for this. Shawn has some dance training. I...not so much..as in none. We've talked about taking lessons together and finally it is going to happen. he;s up for whatever so I've chosen ballroom. Fingers crossed I don't end up having a case of two left feet.

What else is new - I have been bad with the 101 list lately...but I do have a lot of time still to finish it off, of course, but it's always a little victory when I get to cross something off. Come to think of it...dance lessons are on my list. So is a hike in the Gatineaus which is also coming up in a couple of weeks, we have a hike and picnic planned with some friends, hoping it will be a nice afternoon, not like all this rain we have been getting.

More news....ohh a favourite - Jocelyne and I have started back on with our pole fitness classes. It really is a great workout and its something fun and not something I dread doing. I've recently fell out of love with my gym membership. I keep it for group classes, but otherwise we have not gotten along since early this summer. Jocey and I took up pole fitness classes around this time last year and progressed through 2 of the levels. Well then came other expenses and then my fractured wrist and signing up for new classes got put off for a while. Recently the instructor opened up her own studio and Joce and I are now back to it. And after a week off due to illness, going back to class this week will feel great. Plus I have a lot of catching up to do. Jocey's got a lot of things down that I don't quite have the hang of yet, so tomorrow night will be catch up night! We laugh cause people think it's got to be really sexy...but often we just end up laughing at ourselves cause its not at all sexy when you are learning...there's a lot of bruising, and a lot of hesitation. It's all very awkward looking at first...falling, pole "burn"...but its also so much fun and I always leave exhausted after a class.

One last thought - things I need to get back on are reading! I need time to read, and I'm going to make a point of it. We have what I think of as a big-small library at home, a collection of books includes Steph’s collection, my collection, and a load of books donated from friends. Gotta start somewhere! I'm also keen on getting my finances in order, as I've talked about it in length with some close friends and gotten their sage advice on some steps that so far has things finally settling now and getting into a good spot. Getting by with a little help from my friends :)

Meant to post this yesterday (Monday), I saved it and just got back to it now. See you next week!

Updates

2009-09-16T10:54:00.000-07:00

An update post (to save you from having to jump back to my first post for those that are reading to check on my progress).

15. Put my credit on ice for an extended period until my balance is back at zero. :: Have accomplished not using my credit cards for the last month and a half. So far so good.

16. Set a monthly budget, decide on a strategy and stick to it. :: in process of making one

18. See a favourite band in concert.
::June 17th 2009 - Went to see No Doubt in Montreal with my sister!! Amazing show!!
::July 2009 - Got to see several amazing bands including favs Metric and Our Lady Peace at Bluesfest.
::September 17th - Another great show to be I'm certain, going to see Kings of Leon play here at ScotiaBank Place.

29. Go to an outdoor concert.
:: Done July 8-18 - I had the amazing gift of a festival pass to see all of Bluesfest!! I saw amazing shows, some noteable favs: Metric, OLP, GirlTalk, Paolo Nutini, Estelle, Ice Cube, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Cake...and there are many others that were AMAZING. Thanks for the gift of music Shawn :)

36. Give up my bus pass for a month and bike to work every day. ::Attempted and Major Fail! - will try again!!

70. Have a spa day with someone.
::And How!!! My girlfriends Pam, Tor and Kate, along with a little help from my boyfriend kidnapped me on my birthday and surprised me with a day at the Nordik Spa. It was my first time there, and the baths are AMAZING. It was honestly THE best way to spend a hung over morning, lol. Thanks again girls for the great afternoon and I hope we do it again soon.
::August 15th Shawn and I went to Holtz Spa for a couples hot stone massage. Again - amazing :)

83. Update my resume. :: recently updated my resume a few weeks ago.

93. Try 2 new recipes a month. ::May: 1) Rolled oats apple cake - and it was a big hit! yay!
:: September - Ok so I let this one get away from me and I have some updates to make but the latest addition is Lasagna. I made it at the start of the month for Shawn when he was coming over for dinner one night. And it was delicious! I have been keeping to my 2 a month goal but I will have to add those here later when I can remember what they were!

Thanks again to those who are following my blog - I know I don't post quite as often as I'd like but if the last few days have been an indication I will do my best to keep it up!! More pictures to come as well.

And too my lovelies Pam and Kate (who both just realized this blog exists) - I hope you've enjoyed catching up on my posts. :) xo

You can check out more of my Bluesfest album here

Absolutely Inspiring!

2009-09-16T07:22:00.000-07:00

Need a little inspiration today? http://holly101list.wordpress.com/

If I haven't mentioned it before, I know some pretty inspiring people. Another one of them is Holly. She's been a good pal for several years now, she's been a close friend and like a borrowed big sister many a time :)

Holly started her 101 Things in 1001 Days project last winter, and so far has been ticking things off the list like mad! Way to go Holly! She's been cooking up a storm, kissing in the rain, sleeping on her blacony, reading, writing letters and even becoming a local celebrity of sorts. She recently was on a local radio station, Hot 89.9, to play in their daily competition "Crush Rush". One of her goals was to do this..and she did it!! Yeah!!! But it didnt stop there. She contacted the station after to ask for the audio and explained she wanted to add it to her collection of things to show that she has been progressing through her list...which then lead to her explaining the list. They were so wowed by the idea they had her come back on the show to explain to all of ottawa what she is doing and so far has been getting feedback from tons of people who are inspired by what she is doing. Which is not only really cool, but excellent as one of her goals was to inspire 5 people....she's definitely overpassed this. Keep going Holly, you really are an inspiration.

Check out her blog, where you can also listen to her two appearances on Hot 89.9 as well as check out all the fun pics she's been taking in documenting her experiences.

Today: Is number 56. "Get over fear...give blood! " Holly and 4 other friends of ours are going to give blood, some for the first time just like Holly. What a great goal. My friends like to save lives...what do yours do? :) Hahha..I kid. But really this is a fabulous task and I wish you much luck today Holly, Pammy, Kate, Tor and Dan (the seasoned pro). Love you guys you all rock!

Nobody puts baby in the corner

2009-09-15T13:57:00.000-07:00

Ok so it actually took me many years before I ever saw this movie. But I've sinced watched it at least a dozen times. Its one of those movies that I watch and I get chills.

In memory of Patrick Swayze, and his battle with cancer, here is the final dance scene from Dirty Dancing. (My favourite of the movie...chills!!! chills!)

Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WpmILPAcRQo

http://reason.com/blog/show/136078.html

Yes!

2009-09-15T13:47:00.000-07:00

Found it! I posted a link to the audio for this a few weeks ago, well I came across this on you tube today and have been listening/watching it over and over. Love the song. Video is pretty wicked. Makes me miss the days when I was in high school when I used to watch Much Music and there was actually music videos playing.... Also makes me miss having Much Music ...basic cable..you are kinda sorta boring.

2009-08-31T13:48:00.000-07:00

I just finished spending a fabulous week with one of my favourite people. Shawn and I spent the past week and a bit house/cat sitting for my friend Gen and her husband Steve while they jetted off to Italy. A well deserved vacation and much needed break from life for someone who has been busting her behind all summer on her ever growing new gig as a photographer. Fifteen:Fifty-One Photography has been booked solid for this summer wedding season, along with some maternity shots and family portraits. Italy came at the perfect time I think.

Now she's back (YAY!) and her stories have made me ache even more to just get the heck outa dodge and see more of the world that is waiting for me to see it.

Anyhow, back to the wonderful man I got to spend my down time with for a week. It was a great experience. It's probably the most time we have spent together since we began dating almost 4 months ago. Things with Shawn have seemed to just easily, so easily, fall into place. We clicked practically from day one. His open and warm smile, and his (lame) jokes are the first thing that brought me in. It took him 2 weeks to pop the date question. On one hand, it came outa no where, but yet, at the same time, I thought "took you long enough!".

Now almost 4 months later, it feels like I've known him for longer than I've known most of my closest friends. He's also fit in quite well with the closest of them, which has been very important to me. My girls are the pillars in my life. There's family and then there are those who are like family, just as close as family, and I have some pretty amazing people in my life whom I count in that group. I love them and I don't know what I would do if they were to disappear.

Shawn - well he's made life interesting since he came into my life. For a couple of 4 months we have actually had a couple of ups and downs that we've both weathered through mostly unscathed, and I have little fear of what is to come for us next. We have talked really openly about where we are at right now and at time where, in the past, is often when I get cold feet and jump ship, I feel glued to this spot and I don't want to move. And "playing house" for a week in a beautiful home, pet included, things were pretty...nice :) Making dinner together, taking walks, doing chores together, just spending down time with each other... and...oh especially BBQing - my favourite as I live in an apartment where we can't have BBQs or grills on the balconies - things just felt right. I know 4 months is early, but I already know that Shawn is someone special and someone who I know will stay in my future.

Thank you Gen and Steve for allowing us to watch over your beautiful home while you were gone. If it wasn't for not wanting to live on Reactine any longer, poor Tugger would have been kidnapped home with me!! You have a lovely home. And p.s. I love my little piece of Italy, Gen. You can never go wrong with jewellery with this girl. ;)

Ohhhh and before I go, a few updates...

A new book is on the go thanks to Kate (I may have mentioned this in a past post)...I've been slowly going through it as August has been a crazy month, but with fall I feel curling up with a book will be done much more easily, especially will the fresh weather we've been having since last week.

I also hit my two recipes a month goal this time around. An Oreo-Cheesecake for dessert the night Shawn and I were at Gen and Steve's prior to their departure. I also tried my hand for the first time at cabbage rolls. Verdict = good but I did not season the meat enough. Should have used a bit more salt. They cooked well, but it just needed more...taste. But overal, I'm pleased. I was worried they would turn out uncooked or just....a mess. Next...I've got my eyes set on making Moussaka and maybe...Lasagna...? Or another dessert... Baking has always been my favourite. My dad mentioned they were "low" on oatmeal chocolate chip cookies. Just a hint I guess!

Back to the 'real' world

2009-08-24T12:00:00.000-07:00

Working in Marketing and Communications for the better half of my time, as well as on the web team here at the Gallery, I recently decided that it was important for me to brush up on my social marketing skills. I started a Twitter account a while ago but let it fall by the wayside (much like my little blog here). I will be updating regularly again, so please ch-ch-check it out if you tweet, too :) @jamiemcglashan

I'm also going to try and be really really good with my blog posts from now on. Fall will mean (a little) less time outside and more time for sitting down and letting my words flow out freely :) My 101 Things in 1001 days project will not work on itself.

2009-07-30T11:50:00.000-07:00

Song I can't stop playing this week :D Its a goodie. Jay-Z feat. Rihanna and Kanye "Run This Town".

**update** my apologies, had to remove the link here due to copyright.

A bit of a stretch

2009-07-29T07:42:00.000-07:00

I feel like after reading the entire Twilight saga in a week that I went through a reading detox. Things got so busy with the weeks leading up to our surf trip, and even after coming home it was always something every week. Either a birthday, an amazing day out in the country taking pretty pictures, random (crazyfun) roadtrips, or another birthday here and there, and reading just didn't factor in. I have honestly had very little "me" time lately. Summer has been a blast but sometimes we just need to decompress.

In June, while on our trip, we had a fair amount of down time. Surfing was both physically and mentally exhausting and on occaisions we'd take a couple hours out - pretty much a necessity - and nap, play cards, or read. I brought along with me one of the 3 novels Shawn had lent me. Two of these are James Rollins, his favourite author. I had never read or heard of him but they are comparable to the Dan Brown novels (also whom I have not read but thanks to Hollywood, he's on my radar). Shawn insisted it might be something I'd enjoy at least to try it on for size. So I chose The Judas Strain to start.

Now...I have always been someone with a very active imagination. I can spend hours a day dreaming coming up with various plots or scenarios on pretty much anything in my life or stemming from pure fantasy. Well, this book ceretainly awakened that active imagination subconsioucly, and after a few days of reading, the suspense and action started top seep into my dreams at night. I was always running from something, or looking for something, and it was always a dire situation.

The Judas Strain is the first action/suspense/mystery novel I have ever read. Its brilliant. However...it was almost too much for me. There is so much going on in every page, I felt like I was watching a movie unfold infront of my eyes. So many details, so many key players, and several locations. My brain often felt in overdrive! I think this is why it took me nearly 2 months to finish this novel. I could only ever get through a handful of pages before I would feel like I needed to put it down, breath, and move on to something else before I went crazy.

I read the last quarter of the book in the span of 2 days while I was sick from work. I thought, ok here comes the end of July, and I have definitely..shamefully...dropped my 2 books a month quota, so lets at least get this under my belt. Reading something so far out of my realm was a challenge but also thoroughly satisfying. After a few fluffy books I think I'll be ready to take on the next James Rollins sitting on my book shelf. I have picked up one of the books Kate lent me months ago to start on. Bitter is the New Black. Its a 'chick-lit'. And I have no doubt I will devour it in a matter of days. Might meet my monthly quota afterall!!

If you want to learn more about James Rollins and his novels, you can check out his web site here http://www.jamesrollins.com/.

A few things ticked off the list...

2009-06-29T09:43:00.000-07:00

I recently updated my first post with some things I've been able to cross off my list in the past month.

- I learned how to surf on my holiday in North Carolina, where I also camped for the entire week. Thats two birds with one stone, woot!!
- I have recently picked up a new sport. Shawn is teaching me how to play tennis (not so much teaching as he has sorta thrown me into it saying "you can do it!" and me hoping I don't hit myself in the face with my racket)
- I saw a couple of shooting stars while star gazing at Pam's during her graduation party in early June.
- I went to a favourite band, No Doubt, in concert in Montreal on June 17th.

:) You can check out my progress with my day zero project by checking back to that first post every now and then.

This weekend I will be doing some more camping for my birthday!! I'll also soon be able to check-off my outdoor concert goal with Bluesfest starting here in Ottawa next week!! I am very excited to see Our Lady Peace!! Um..and Ice Cube?!? For real??? haha. I have the amazing opportunity to see all of the shows this year thanks to a very generous birthday gift :) This will not be wasted, I can't wait!!! :D

Coming soon...

2009-06-23T12:49:00.000-07:00

Just a quick note to say I am, in fact, still alive. I have been explaining to Gen that for some reason unknown to me, everytime I come to do a proper update, words seem to escape me and they just aren't flowing out the way I want them to. I have started about 4 entries that are all sitting untouched on my desktop.

You can expect a handful of entries in the next week, I have much to update you on. Like my surfing trip with Steph and Brad, and how amazing it was and how wonderful they are. Like my mid-week break with my sister to Montreal last week to see No Doubt (another thing to cross off my list!), and how amazing the show was, and how good it is to have our quality time.

I am also dying to tell you about how fun it was working with Gen on the design(s) for her Fifteen:Fifty-one Photography (http://www.fifteenfiftyone.ca/) logo and business card, and how much fun it is to play model for her from time to time. We recently had a great weekend in Vars on a farm, and I got to bring two of my favourite people with me. In addition to her personal blog here, you can also check out her 15:51 blog here!

So that is just a teaser as I am not feeling the words coming the way I want them to. But I know there are some of you who are waiting to have something to read. I promise - it will come soon. Am waiting to find the words, though I feel like maybe its the words that are waiting to find me.

It is not a lack of inspiration. Far from it as I am surrounded by individuals who continue to amaze me with their talents, passions, and everyday brilliance. It is simply what feels like a lack of time to put things down, and missing the right voice. I know I will soon hit my stride again. Thanks for following in my journey :)

And since pictures can sometimes speak louder than words...in the meantime......

Aloha!

2009-05-29T07:41:00.000-07:00

13 hours....and I will be packing myself into Brad's already packed-to-the-hilt Vibe and setting off on a 15-hour (potentially longer) drive to North Carolina. That's right....my surfing trip has finally arrived :) Steph, Brad and myself are heading down to catch some waves for a few days next week.

I am:
hoping I don't drown;
hoping I don't get eaten by a shark;
hoping I don't break something;
getting nervous butterflies;
sooooo freakin' excited I can't sit still.

I know:
that this is going to be THE best trip ever, with two of my best friends;
that surfing will be a fun and - something tells me - a humbling experience;
that I can't wait to sit on the beach and soak up some rays;
that I am looking forward to the campfire dinners and toasting marshmallows;
that I really should have started packing last night....

This is the first full-on long distance road trip I am taking with friends and not my family, so I think this ads to the bubbles of excitement in my stomach right now. A little backstory: While I wasn't in on the conversation initially, what I remember is that it occured at the Honest Lawyer here in Ottawa in November over one of our happy hour get togethers. Brad and Steph must have been talking about Australia and surfing (as my flatmate had lived there for a year and had taken it upon herself to learn how to surf, smart girl) and both agreed they wanted to do a surfing trip in the near future. Why not? Locations were discussed and a few options were singled out but nothing concrete was made, other than a promise that they would indeed follow through.

Some of us throw these suggestions out with no follow through but this, this is not characteristic of either of them. I know both of them are the types when if they've set their mind to something, then its going to be done, somehow, someway, eventually. Indeed, this idea would turn out to be more than just happy hour talk, more than just a pipe dream (ba-dum-bum!) :) Surely enough, a few weeks later Steph suggested I should join them as well in planning the trip. That was all I needed :) Planning began - magazines were bought, websites consulted (a favourite being this fun jem: www.riptionary.com), stories with friends who share a passion for surfing were heard (special thanks on my end to Krysia for her lovely words of encouragement and reminder that surfing is about the journey, and about respect, for the people and the ocean) - and Steph came up with a beautiful plan to hit up the east coast, close to home, not gonna break the bank per se. And so we were NC bound as a few months ago.

Which is why I can't believe we are leaving tonight. Its finally here. The email from the surf camp this morning requesting my age, height and weight to ensure they prepare the right equipment for me added just that extra jolt of excitment to my morning. Honey, Zimzala and Brosef (that's right..I picked out our surf names...) are south bound as of midnight tonight. Thanks to everyone who have left me friendly send-of messages for a safe and happy trip. Trust: there will be many many many photos. I will do my best to not disappoint on that front.

Aloha!

My week with Edward Cullen

2009-05-13T10:17:00.000-07:00

So... I said that they would make it into the reading list. Eventually. Well that happened much sonner than anticipated! Not only did I pick up Twilight last week, but I also ended up going through it so fast I found myself picking up New Moon, Eclipse and the final book of the saga, Breaking Dawn, by Wednesday afternoon.

This world that Stephenie Meyer has created was just that irresistible.

I had never heard of the books till the movie for the first book of the series, Twilight, started being promoted last summer. From the previews it looked like it might be interesting but as it was I never saw the movie. 2 weeks ago on a quiet night Steph and I decided to watch it. It was cute, fantastic soundtrack!, and overloaded with teen angst, but the love story between Edward and Bella was hard to not fall in love with. The movie intrigued me enough to read the books that I had long avoided because it seemed all a little crazy to me!

I have not read a series like this in a long time that literaly had me reading non-stop. I never put the books down when I was at home. House work be damned, if I was home I was sitting on the couch or in bed reading. My entire week was filled with these characters and their secret worlds. Vampires who attend high school and who don't spontaneously combust in the day light. Werewolves who don't need a full moon to go on the hunt. And enough teen angst to last me a lifetime, thank you very much! There were parts for me that were difficult/painful to read, particularly Bella's self deprecating over and over (gag) and many parts where Jacob was just being the biggest jerk (the kid seriously drove me nuts after the 2nd book). While I won't divulge the ending for those who don't know it and want to read it, what I will say is that I found the ending thoroughly satisfying. Almost so to the point of it being too convenient... but still, satisfying.

I just love a good story and Twilight seriously delivered on that. I'm already looking forward to seeing the adaptation of New Moon onto film which is due out this fall, with the girls who I place full blame on for making me want to pick up the books in first place!! (I love you!)

The book list begins...

2009-04-30T07:54:00.000-07:00

# 2 is on.

I've almost finished At A Loss for Words, by Canadian author Diane Schoemperlen. I have yet to reach the end but I defnitely recommend this one as I haven't put it down. It's a short read which is perfect for getting me back into reading for pleasure. It's light, fun, beautifully written. At the same time it's also heart wrenching and often depressing. I've been a fan of books written in journal/diary form in the past. The first person narrative draws me in and I am submerged into the story, which must be why I can't put it down.

One day left before a new month, so I will have to curl up with it tonight. For the time being I too am at a loss for words so I invite you to read the review from the Ottawa Citizen. :)

For the rest of my reading I've added a list to the right which I will update as I finish each book. I've got 4 lined up so far, and Pam is working on me to start the Twilight series by Stephenie Meyer. I said I wouldn't cave...but it looks like that series will eventually find it's way onto the list.

Just a little thank you...

2009-04-20T10:59:00.000-07:00

Tor has been a good friend of mine since we bonded in our grade 9 creative writing class. Something in those hours of poetry, made-up-vocabulary sessions, character studies and whatever else we were forced to conjure up from our most creative recesses of our minds brought us together and we have been tight ever since. Of course we also bonded over the fact that were both young girls who were absolutely boy-crazy (and still are) Hahaha! Tor started her '101 in 1001' journey last spring and it is she who has inspired me to start my own. She is someone I admire for many reasons, one of them being that she has been very determined to go for what she wants. I have every inclination to believe that she will find herself real, honest to goodness true happiness in whatever she does.

She also has the best style and clothes, and that alone is something I can always appreciate :)

As I mentioned earlier, I have often thought of starting a blog which is a relatively new desire of mine that surfaced sometime during my university years studying Communications. I never followed through because I often felt like I didn't really have anything that I really wanted or needed to put "out there". Two years ago I began working in the Marketing and Communications department at the Gallery. One of my new colleagues was Gen, who since then has become a dear friend and whom I can lovingly refer to as a surrogate big sister. Many hours have been spent at the Starbucks up the street over lunch pouring over the latest in each others lives. She has intently (and patiently!) listened to my stories on family and friends, my aspirations, my fears, my dreams, happy and sad times, very sad times, amoung other things. Oh and let's not forget boys! Not only is she willing to lend an ear she is also often the kick in the butt that I need, whether I want it or not. And that is something I am truly grateful for because I know how stubborn I can be. And it only endears me to her more.

Though I am getting off track! Gen is a very talented writer, and it is her very own blog that inspired me to choose this as my first step of 101 things I would like to accomplish over 1001 days. Once I have her permission, you'll find a link to see for yourselves why she has been such an inspiration to me. She's also a very talented up-and-coming wedding photographer. You'll be able to find a link to her site from my blog soon.

Thank you both for being such inspirations :)

By Monday, January 16, 2012...

2009-04-20T09:21:00.000-07:00

...I will have succesfully {hopefully} tackled the following..

I have always toyed with the idea of starting my own blog, but as often as I thought about it I would quite quickly come back with the thought of...well what could I possibly have to say? Ask many of my closest friends and even they will tell you I'm more often than not the quiet one. And I often play things safe. I think this among other reasons is why the idea of the Day Zero Project is so attractive to me.

My friends could also probably you that I have a knack for being long winded...so I digress and will get to the point of why I, and you, are here.

My list. Number one as you see is to start a blog. To keep track of my progress for myself and for those who wish to share in my journey over the next 1001 days. The blog will accomplish not only to ensure I stay accountable for the goals I have set out, but it will also give me an outlet to talk about the significance, big or small as they may be, in my life.

101 Things to Do in 1001 Days

1. Start the blog! - April 20, 2009
2. Read 2 books a month ~ in progress, keep your eyes on the book list for updates ~
3. Visit at least 3 of the 5 Great Lakes
4. Learn to surf :: June 1-3 I took surf lessons with Steph and Brad down in North Carolina. What an amazing experience!!!! ::
5. Pick up a new sport. :: I am learning how to play tennis with Jocelyne and Dan :)
6. Go to Maine.
7. Re-Read Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance. (why? because we had to read it for our first year intro to comms' research methods and i never finished it)
8. Visit Laura in Edmonton.
9. Go on a road trip with no predetermined destination.
10. Go a month without junk food.
11. Plan a sisters holiday.
12. Buy my first car.
13. Improve my french. :: in progress
14. Purge my excesses. Do an inventory and cut what I don't need/no longer use/wear; donate the casualties.
15. Put my credit on ice for an extended period until my balance is back at zero.
16. Set a monthly budget, decide on a strategy and stick to it.
17. Document "a day in the life" in pictures (Inspired by Tor)
18. See a favourite band in concert. :: June 17th 2009 - Went to see No Doubt in Montreal with my sister!! Amazing show!!
19. Go camping. :: Camped for the week in North Carolina. Will also be camping for my birthday weekend coming up.
20. Try rollerblading again.
21. Organize my music finally.
22. Host a "family dinner" night with friends.
23. Watch the sunrise.
24. Skinny dip.
25. Read 7 novels in french.
26. Get a membership to the Bytowne theatre.
27. Begin painting again, create a series.
28. Take a writing workshop or class.
29. Go to an outdoor concert.
30. Make a scrapbook of my trips to Bermuda.
31. Send postcards on my travels.
33. Have a girls night in.
34. Stay up all night.
35. Give up Facebook for 2 weeks.
36. Give up my bus pass for a month and bike to work every day.
37. Host a craft night.
38. No more being lazy. I have a gym membership and I hardly use it. I will work out for an hour 3 times a week in addition to me weekly hour sessions with my trainer. Get my money's worth out of this.
39. Start an RRSP.
40. Go canoeing.
41. Go to the Biodome.
42. Ride a rollercoaster.
43. Ride a rollercoaster I have been to scared to ride. TBD.
44. Go to La Ronde for the first time!
45. Renew my passport (this will be coming in the 1001 days)
46. Pick a random topic p/month and learn everything there is to know about it. Started April 21.
- May: it will be Italy.
47. Learn to knit a scarf.
48. Make a list of 100 things that make me happy (also inspired by Tor!) - April 29th - in progress
49. See a ballet.
50. Go to an opera.
51. See a broadway show.
52. Drive a boat.
53. Try Zip-Lining.
54. Go on a hike.
55. Do something once a month that challenges my normally shy nature. (this is going to be tough)
56. Go to the east coast and visit Sam, and my cousin Alli while she's at St F.X.
57. Learn how to drive a manual tranmission.
58. Learn 5 new constellations.
59. Plant a tree.
60. Take a cooking class.
61. Walk for a cause.
62. Leave a book (bookcrossing.com)
63. Sew myself something.
64. Make a time capsule.
65. Win something.
66. Keep a journal.
67. Have a work friends night out.
68. See 5 foreign films.
69. Take an "art break" at least once a month - Take advantage of where I work and see the art I love so much!
70. Have a spa day with someone.
71. Play golf (i.e. find someone patient to take me and teach me how to golf)
72. Do yoga.
73. See a shooting star. :: June 2009 - laying out on Pam's backyard with the gang, caught a glimpse of 2 shooting stars that night :)
74. Buy a lottery ticket.
75. Go on a picnic.
76. Go sailing.
77. Go fishing.
78. Learn how to *actually* throw a football (yes i'm serious)
79. Create a photo-story series.
80. Make artwork from 10 of my favourite photos.
81. Go surfing again!
82. Send christmas cards.
83. Update my resume.
84. Fly somewhere.
85. Donate to a food drive.
86. Use an audioguide and tour the Gallery's collections.
87. Back up my files and photos.
88. Update my design portfolio.
89. Visit a lighthouse.
90. Ride a horse. ::Photoshoot with Gen June 20th 2009 I got to get on a horse. So beautiful!
91. Plan my dream trip to Italy.
92. Learn a new style of dance.
93. Try 2 new recipes a month.
- May: 1) Rolled oats apple cake - and it was a big hit! yay!
94. Organize my bills.
95. Read through the entire Bible.
96. Plan and embark on a random weekend getaway.
97. Go snorkeling.
98. Cook dinner for my parents. - May 10 - My sister and I cooked my parents an amazing 4 course meal for Mother's Day :)
99. Take an art class.
100. Make something to put in the silent auction for our United Way Workplace Charitable Campaign.
101. Make another list at the end of 1001 days! :)