Make a Craft from Craftgawker

So maybe it's not exactly a craft, and it's definitely not perfect, but all in all, I consider it successful. And yeah, I guess I have a thing for rainbow pastries.

Goals Accomplished: 48
Days Remaining: 505
Money Saved: $976

Sew a Clothing Item for Myself

I enjoyed my first class at The Needle Shop so much, that I decided to take a second one, and I figured I may as well knock off another goal while I was at it.

I took the Bias Cut Skirt class, and this is what I made! I'm really pleased with it, and I've already gotten more fabric to make another one. Quick, easy, and not terribly expensive. I see a lot of skirts in my future.

Goals Accomplished: 38
Days Remaining: 659
Money Saved: $722

Take a Vacation

Privelege Aluxes, Isla Mujeres, Mexico

Rich and I went to Mexico for a short vacation at the beginning of August, and even though it rained for one of the days, it was still really great to get away. And since we were getting wet in the rain anyway, we just hopped in the pool and hit up the swim-up bar. Because when you are on an all-inclusive vacation, you take advantage of all weather conditions to grab a piña colada -- or six.

I think probably my favorite part of the vacation, even though I behaved like a panicked child for some of it (luckily my husband is very patient and knows just how to calm me down) was when we went scuba diving. Floating underwater with the fish is such a surreal experience. We saw lobsters, an eel, a huge school of fish, barracuda, puffer fish, stone fish, lion fish, a freaky looking stick animal thing, and so many other forms of sea life. I told Rich when we were done that maybe diving just isn't for me because I get so seasick (which is what makes me panic), but I don't know if that's true because I do actually enjoy the underwater part. I think I just need to go more often, which means more vacations. Yeah, I think I could handle more vacations.

Goals Accomplished: 32
Days Remaining: 701
Money Saved: $620

Visit the Willis Tower Skydeck

I'm sure my parents must have brought me here when I was a child, but I don't remember. So it seemed like a visit as an adult was appropriate. Plus, with the new glass ledge, I knew the Skydeck was a must-see on my exploration of my new home city. Standing on that glass ledge gave me the sensation of falling. After about five minutes I had to step back onto firm ground, but I'm glad I did it.

My one piece of advice if ever you visit: make sure to buy the Fast Pass. Otherwise the line is horrendously long, and full of people you don't really want to spend several hours with.

Goals Accomplished: 30
Days Remaining: 726
Money Saved: $575

Design and Get Third Tattoo

I accomplished this task today kind of by accident. One day I realized what I wanted my next tattoo to be, and today I was getting it. As I was sitting on the couch tonight, it suddenly dawned on me that I finished one of my goals. Bonus!

It means, "This too shall pass." My grandmother used to say it all the time, and while my relationship with her was never very close, I appreciated this lesson. And now I'll have it with me forever.

Goals Accomplished: 28
Days Remaining: 733
Money Saved: $498

Make the Super Epic Rainbow Cake

It took me three hours, and it ain't as pretty as I'd like it to be, but it was really fun and it tastes delicious. I don't care for meringue or butter cream frosting, so I used a lemon cream cheese icing. So freaking good. I think I am in a sugar coma now.

You can find the original here, but I must warn you, it's much more polished and beautiful than mine.

Goals Accomplished: 24
Days Remaining: 758
Money Saved: $483

Break Three Personal Records at Work

This goal definitely helped keep work a more interesting challenge, and also forced me to be more diligent in tracking my progress each day. The cherry on top is that not only did I set new personal records, but I also broke company records!

Without further ado, they are:

1. Highest service dollars in one month (April)
2. Highest retail dollars in one month (April)
3. Highest service dollars in one day (6/9/12)

Goals Accomplished: 23
Days Remaining: 761
Money Saved: $470

Volunteer at a Race

On Sunday, Rich and I volunteered at the Cinco de Miler put on by RAM Racing. They tout it as Chicago's only 5 mile race. This year the course was at Montrose Harbor.

Somehow we were designated the captains of the first aid station. I don't know why. We had zero experience volunteering at a race. But there we were at 7 AM with the guys delivering the truck of supplies figuring out how much of everything we needed and where to put it.

I asked Rich to take charge of the Gatorade stations, and I prepped the water tables. We each had a total of 6 volunteers -- teenagers sent with their teachers from a couple of local schools to get their service hours. The kids did a pretty good job staying on task, and despite running out of Gatorade half way through the runners, I think we did a great job. I don't think we will do it again, though. I just like running races better than helping to organize them.

Goals Accomplished: 22
Days Remaining: 794
Money Saved: $427

Visit My Parents in Arizona

I hate Arizona. I don't understand why someone stopped in the desert and said, "Hot as hell here. No water. I know! I'll build a house and live here." But they did, and now there are a lot more houses here, including my parents' house in Fountain Hills. And since every time my mom comes to Chicago she ends up in the suburbs and I hardly get to see her, it just made sense for me to go to her for a real visit.

I got in Sunday night and we went to a sports bar for dinner before heading home. As Chicago is two hours ahead now, Monday morning I was up before the sun, but we didn't get going until a little while later. My mom is a docent at the Musical Instrument Museum (MIM), and she really wanted to take me there. I went, not realizing just how large the place is and how many installations they have. I was very impressed, and I highly recommend a visit if ever you make it out there.

On Tuesday morning we hit the gym so I could get in my 3.5 mile training run, came home for lunch, and then did some shopping. Surprisingly, I really didn't buy that much. There were two items from MAC I was planning on getting just because the tax is cheaper here and I didn't have time at home before I left, but otherwise I just got a lip gloss and a hair product at Sephora. Totally thought I was going to find some clothes or a scarf or something, but we actually didn't even go into any clothing stores. Anyway, after that we grabbed dinner at Blue 32 where we met Rich's parents. It was a nice night, so we sat on the patio outside and my two dads smoked cigars.

Wednesday was spa day. We went to Willow Stream Spa at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess. We each had a massage and pedicure, a Cobb Salad (which was delicious!) for lunch, and then hung out by the pool for a bit and took advantage of the sauna, whirlpool, eucalyptus inhalation room, and waterfall treatment pool. We were there for about 6 hours, and it was truly a needed and appreciated break! Once we got home, we took my mom's dog, Zory, for a walk and a short hike up the mountain before hitting the showers and going out for drinks and dinner with my mom's friend, Kylie (who is actually my age).

Today is going to be another trip to the gym and lunch, and then it's back to the airport and homeward bound. Overall, I've had a really great trip, and I'm glad that I came. I needed some Mommy and me time!

Goals Accomplished: 21
Days Remaining: 841
Money Saved: $370

Take a Chicago Architectural Tour

Today I took a 2 hour tour with the Chicago Architecture Foundation. I didn't realize it, but they actually have quite a large selection of different tours you can go on. I selected the Chicago Old and New: Intersections walking tour.

The docent for my group was Max, who was extremely knowledgeable and friendly. I really enjoyed her presentation style, and I learned so much about a few different types of architecture and some great Chicago history. It was an entertaining and educational way to spend a beautiful day, and I'd really like to do it again.

Goals Accomplished: 20
Days Remaining: 849
Money Saved: $352

Make a Craft from a Pattern on Ravelry

This is a really horrible picture of the awesome hat I made from a pattern I found on Ravelry. It was really fun to make, and I learned a bunch of new knitting techniques all during one project! I'm giving this one away, but I'm excited to make one for myself too. I think I might add a pocket to it...

Goals Accomplished: 19 
Days Remaining: 852
Money Saved: $339

Write 101 Yelp Reviews

Today I wrote my 101st Yelp review. This was a pretty fun and interesting goal to achieve. I've actually become pretty active in the Yelp community as a result, and I even acquired Yelp Elite status. I'm excited to keep writing more reviews and hopefully go to an Elite event soon. It would be nice to meet the people in person who I've been interacting with in the Talk threads! If you are on Yelp too, friend me.

Goals Accomplished: 18
Days Remaining: 856 
Money Saved: $325

Watch the Sex and the City Box Set

My in-laws gave me this set as a holiday gift about four years ago, and I never opened it. I really wanted the set, and had asked for it, so it was just silly and a waste that I hadn't watched any of it in four years.

I didn't have HBO while the show was airing, so I had seen some of the episodes, but always edited and not in any particular order. Well, now I have seen every single episode, unedited, in order from beginning to end of all 6 seasons. I even went through all the bonus material, including playing those ridiculous games. And while I may watch some of the episodes again, I will definitely never do that again.

Goals Accomplished: 16
Days Remaining: 899
Money Saved: $262

Design and Purchase a Pair of Jeans on Indi

I have been drooling over jeans from Indi for a few years now. I've gone on the site and designed several different pairs of jeans just for fun, dreaming of the day I would finally purchase a pair. Alas, I never felt like I was thin enough to justify the expense, and I never could decide what I wanted to order.

Then I saw a Groupon that offered $100 off. That pretty much took care of using the price as an excuse. And then I realized what was missing in my denim wardrobe: a pair of skinny jeans I could wear inside boots. I just needed to decide if the size I am now is the size I'm going to be. The answer to that is pretty simple: I haven't changed sizes in about a year, so I'm probably not going to in the next year.

I finally placed my order today after much designing and redesigning. I really wanted to make sure that I chose all the best features for me. I ended up with the Duboce Skinny style. They should be at my door in about a month. I hope they fit!


Goals Accomplished: 15
Days Remaining: 907
Money Saved: $244

Go to a Movie Alone

I had never been to a movie by myself before, so I hit a matinee today on my day off. I opened up my Fandango app on my phone, clicked the tab for right now, and chose the flick that seemed the most appealing to me.

That flick happened to be Young Adult with Charlize Theron, and written by Diablo Cody. Charlize Theron was very good. The movie... Well, let's just say it's pretty typical Diablo Cody fare. Yup, it's set in Minnesota (where she isn't actually from, by the way). Yup, there are "cleverly" written lines. And yup, it ends with pretty much no resolution.

However, the experience of going to the theater on my own was pretty nice. Yeah, I felt a little bit moronic when I laughed (or scoffed) out loud with no one there to do so with me, but I also didn't have to share my Milk Duds, or my arm rest, I got to pick the movie, and it didn't look like I was trying to give my husband a blowie when I took a sip from my soda without lifting it out of the cup holder.

Goals Accomplished: 14
Days Remaining: 912
Money Saved: $229

Make 6 Scarves for Knit Your Bit

During my last 101/1001, I challenged myself to make three scarves for Knit Your Bit, and I figured since this is my second list, I should make twice as many.

So here they all are. I like some more than others, and there's one I don't like at all (I'm not telling which one!), but I'm still pretty proud of the work I did -- especially since I even knitted a couple of them, and that was completely new for me.

I'm sending them off tomorrow, and I truly hope the veterans who get them enjoy them. And perhaps I'll make thrice as many during my next 101/1001...

Goals Accomplished: 13
Days Remaining: 913
Money Saved: $218

Visit the Shedd Aquarium

I hadn't been to the Shedd Aquarium since I was a child, so I was definitely overdue for a visit. And then, voila!, there was a Groupon offering a discount on two adult passes with access to the Jellies exhibit.

The Groupon expires tomorrow, so we meant to go on Sunday, but we totally forgot our plans. So after work last night Rich and I headed over for a couple of hours. I have to say that it's much smaller than I remember, but we also didn't get to see everything. We totally missed the Oceanarium with the dolphins, penguins, sea lions, etc. We had a misunderstanding about to what our wristbands allowed us entry.

I'm going to count this goal as done, but I'm definitely going back to see everything I missed. I'm most disappointed that I didn't get to see the penguins.

Goals Accomplished: 11
Days Remaining: 931
Money Saved: $180

Become Reiki 1 Attuned

Today I received my Reiki 1 attunement. It was something I can't really describe. I felt so happy and full of energy, light, and power during and after.

I can't go into the details of the process but to say that I met with my teacher a couple of times to learn, I studied at home a lot and practiced on myself, and then met with my teacher a final time today to receive my last instruction and attunement. It is amazing and only the beginning of a new journey for me. I'm excited!

On another note, this also marks completion of 10% of my goals so far! What a great day! Yay, me!

Goals Accomplished: 10
Days Remaining: 933
Money Saved: $168

Attend a Running Clinic

I'd been having some pain in my right foot and leg lately. I knew it had to be from heel striking as I was running, but I didn't know what to do to fix the situation. Then while I was tooling around on Fleet Feet's website, I saw they have a Good Form Running Clinic on their calendar.

This is exactly what I was looking for. First, they took video of us running with and without our shoes. Then, I learned about the four steps to good form running: Posture, Mid-Foot, Cadence, and Lean. There were so many light bulb moments for me, especially when we got to see our video and the instructors evaluated us based on what we learned. Now I know how to fix that heel striking issue, and hopefully I'll have happier runs -- and feet!-- going forward.


Goals Accomplished: 9
Days Remaining: 943
Money Saved: $148

Complete the 30 Day Song Challenge

I saw friends doing this on Facebook a few months ago, and I thought it looked kind of fun. I feel like I've been really out of sync (no pun intended) with the music scene since we moved to Chicago, and I thought doing this challenge might help me get more interested in music again, and really just discover some insight into myself as well.

Goals Accomplished: 8
Days Remaining: 968
Money Saved: $115

day 01 - your favorite song In Your Eyes by Peter Gabriel
day 02 - your least favorite song Tie between Shout by Tears for Fears and Electric Avenue by Eddy Grant
day 03 - a song that makes you happy American Girl by Tom Petty
day 04 - a song that makes you sad Never is a Promise by Fiona Apple
day 05 - a song that reminds you of someone Edelweiss from The Sound of Music
day 06 - a song that reminds you of somewhere This Island Earth by The Nylons
day 07 - a song that reminds you of a certain event From This Moment On by Shania Twain
day 08 - a song that you know all the words to Come Sail Away by Styx
day 09 - a song that you can dance to Rock Your Body by Justin Timberlake
day 10 - a song that makes you fall asleep The Space Between by Zero 7
day 11 - a song from your favorite band Yer So Bad by Tom Petty
day 12 - a song from a band you hate Your Little Hoodrat Friend by The Hold Steady
day 13 - a song that is a guilty pleasure Fuck You by Cee Lo Green
day 14 - a song that no one would expect you to love Shake That by Eminem
day 15 - a song that describes you She's Always a Woman to Me by Billy Joel
day 16 - a song that you used to love but now hate Break It Off by Rihanna and Sean Paul
day 17 - a song that you hear often on the radio Rolling in the Deep by Adele
day 18 - a song that you wish you heard on the radio The Photograph Song by The Debut
day 19 - a song from your favorite album Desperado by The Eagles
day 20 - a song that you listen to when you’re angry You're Crazy by Guns N' Roses
day 21 - a song that you listen to when you’re happy Take It Easy by The Eagles
day 22 - a song that you listen to when you’re sad My Skin by Natalie Merchant
day 23 - a song that you want to play at your wedding The Luckiest by Ben Folds
day 24 - a song that you want to play at your funeral Eli Eli by Hannah Senesh
day 25 - a song that makes you laugh Fuck Her Gently by Tenacious D
day 26 - a song that you can play on an instrument Stairway to Heaven by Led Zeppelin
day 27 - a song that you wish you could play Wild Horses by The Rolling Stones
day 28 - a song that makes you feel guilty Heal Over by KT Tunstall
day 29 - a song from your childhood A Smile and a Song from Snow White
day 30 - your favorite song at this time last year In Your Eyes by Peter Gabriel