So...I didn't post last month. Sorry about that guys. Well, here goes!
21. Read a book a month. [2/32]
I finished Catching Fire, as well as Mockingjay. And then we went to the midnight showing of Hunger Games. Such a good book and movie. Kristen said I can marry Jennifer Lawrence if Kristen ever dies.
24. Write in my journal at least once a week for a year. [3/52]
I started writing every Sunday morning before Church. It's good, because I have until 1 p.m. every day, and writing in my journal is a better Sunday activity than watching Law and Order on Netflix.
26. Solve a Rubik’s cube.
My brother informed me that he can teach me how to solve a Rubik's cube, so that's good news. :)
47. Learn how to ride a motorcycle.
I not only learned how, but I took a motorcycle safety course, got my license, and bought a motorcycle! It's a Kawasaki Vulcan 500 LTD. Kristen got a helmet and jacket too, and we've been out riding together once. We're excited to go again - just need to get that baby a sitter. This will be my primary transportation come this fall (well, it already is my primary transportation now).
56. Go on a couples date once a month.[2/32]
We had dinner with my friend and his girlfriend this month. We're still behind, but we'll catch up.
65. Write my little brother (on a mission) as often as possible.
I wrote him last week, to show off how cool my new motorcycle is. He thought it was pretty awesome.
76. See Wicked.
My mom bought me tickets to see it in Portland, and we flew there to see it (first plane trip with baby - she did pretty good). It was mostly an excuse for Mom to see the baby, but Wicked was awesome! I loved it.
82. Go to the zoo.
The whole family (minus Jacob, who's in Brazil of course) was in town for General Conference weekend. On Saturday, we went to the Hogle Zoo. Adilynn loved it (she's 2). Scarlett didn't really realize what was going on, but she loved all the new sights and sounds.
86. Get my passport renewed.
I mailed my renewal application in, and got my passport back fairly quickly. I remember Kristen's taking much longer (we were worried it wouldn't get to us before we left for Mexico on our honeymoon). They gave me back my old one, too - I was worried I wouldn't have my stamps anymore.
91. Do my home teaching every month [1/32]
I'm doing better. I don't just blow it off. I sincerely am trying to do my home teaching. I got out to one family last month, and couldn't get a hold of the other two families (I did try). I didn't make it this month, so I'm resolving to get it done in May for sure.
92. Have a Passover dinner.
This is a sorta win. I made lamb, but it wasn't on Passover, and since it wasn't actually on Passover, I skipped the unleavened bread and bitter herbs. We had potatoes and green beans with our roast leg of lamb instead.
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
February 2012
Hi again! This month I didn't get a lot completed - nothing I can cross off, anyway. But I did make some progress on a few of my goals.
6. Visit three new states.
Last week I had a business trip to Arizona. It was around 75 degrees and beautiful.
21. Read a book a month. [0/32]
Now, I'm not done, but I started re-reading Catching Fire. I'll finish it and another book in March.
27. Lose about 4 inches from my waist, and add 1 inch to my arms.
33. Get down to 150 lbs. and maintain it (lose the belly fat!).
I'm working on both of these. I started the Atkins Diet this week. You can read about it here.
47. Learn how to ride a motorcycle.
I signed up for a safety riding class! It's not til April, but I'm going to learn how to ride! :)
65. Write my little brother (on a mission) as often as possible.
I wrote him once this month - I should write more.
69. Continue giving blood every 8 weeks.
Going today!
86. Get my passport renewed.
I sent in all the paperwork this month and am now just waiting to get it back.
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
January 2012
So I'm a few days (ahem, week) late. Sorry guys! Here's what I've accomplished so far:
16. Bought a computer - a Samsung laptop for graduate school, because...
14. ...I got into business school! I'm going to BYU in the fall to get my MBA. Wahoo!
56. Go on a couples date once a month. This month, I can say that we went out to dinner with my brother and his girlfriend. My mom was there too, but I'm going to count it anyway. :)
So it's a slow start...but I'll get there!
16. Bought a computer - a Samsung laptop for graduate school, because...
14. ...I got into business school! I'm going to BYU in the fall to get my MBA. Wahoo!
56. Go on a couples date once a month. This month, I can say that we went out to dinner with my brother and his girlfriend. My mom was there too, but I'm going to count it anyway. :)
So it's a slow start...but I'll get there!
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Day Zero 101 Second Try
You might want to split this up into multiple readings for yourself. Seriously - it's that long.
I started out with a lofty goal of completing 101 goals in 1001 days. Well, I didn’t quite do it. But I didn’t do too bad. I think the point of this exercise was to get me thinking about setting and truly achieving those goals. To be honest, I don’t know how many people really read this in the first place, but just the fact that it was out there helped motivate me.
I completed 52 out of my original 101 goals (more than half!), and partially completed two. Although to be honest, I fudged a little on the definitions of the goals for a couple. :) As goal 101 states, I adjusted some of the goals as needed. I ended up adjusting eight of them, completing two of those eight, and partially completing three of the revised goals. For those who care to know, here is a list of my successes (and failures), and a few comments from yours truly (in italics/bold):
Successes
4. Decorate my apartment.
6. Eat lobster.
7. Kiss outside in a downpour.
10. Visit a state I've never been to before.
13. Get medical / dental insurance.
14. Write a short story.
18. Read one book a month. [32/32] I did so good! I read a TON of books, It was awesome.
19. Get a new driver's license (do I have to get it in Utah?).
20. Give blood every two months (I have O negative and CMV negative blood, which means I'm the universal donor, and that they can give my blood to babies). [11/16]
23. Write a will.
24. Buy a piano. This was my first big purchase with my real job. I love having a piano in my home.
25. Be at home for my littlest brother's / dad's birthdays for the first time since the year 2000.
30. Go to the beach (I miss it so much!).
32.OLD: Play 18 holes of golf (at least so I can say I did it). NEW: Play 9 holes of golf (at least so I can say I did it).*
35. Go skinnydipping. :)
36. Eat fondue, either at a restaurant, or (more ambitiously) learn how to do it myself at home.
37. Act in a play at the Hale and one at the Scera. [2/2] I performed in Singin’ in the Rain at the Scera, and in “A Christmas Carol” at the Hale (2010 and 2011). Yay!
38. OLD: Shave my head (not shiny, though). NEW: Visit my sister and brother-in-law in Rexburg once or twice a year.
39. Get over her. This was a big achievement. That girl had quite a hold on me. But I’m very happy to say I’ve been happily married for almost three years, and we had a baby girl in September (our first).
40. Give a ridiculously HUGE tip for good service at a restaurant.
43. Go camping in Moab.
44. Learn how to change my own oil.
46. Play baseball / softball on a team.
47. Fall in love again.
48. Get married. The best thing I’ve ever done to this point in my life.
49. Surprise my family with a random trip to see them.
50. Create a wikipedia article.
52. Buy furniture for my new apartment.
54. Get a local library card.
57. Make scones from scratch.
58. Buy at least two power tools.
61. Play roller hockey.
62. Go to a concert.
63. Go to a drive-in theater.
64. Figure out how to get rid of arm bumpies...then get rid of them.
66. Bake a cheesecake.
68. Go for two weeks without any type of food made with refined sugar. When I did the Atkins Diet, I went without any sugar for two weeks. I’m going to go back on it at some point, as I lost almost 10 pounds in that time.
71. Finish re-reading the Narnia series.
73. Register to vote and then vote in the November election.
74. Buy a BBQ and use it for a small party.
75. Stay at a bed and breakfast on the Oregon coast. This was a great trip. The end.
76. Dress up really cool for Halloween one year instead of blowing it off like usual.
77. Go to a tanning salon.
78. Get a massage (hey - it's not just for girls).
80. Be at work early every day for a week.
82. Be the lead in a play again.
84. Go to Disneyland.
87. Kiss under the mistletoe, and at midnight on New Year's.
88. Replace my old wallet (even though I don't want to - I've had it for 8 years). :(
90. Go to a water park.
94. Take another tap dance class / get back into tap. Although I didn’t take a class, I did get back into tap with the play “Singin’ in the Rain.” Awesome.
97. Make a brand new meal once a month. [32/32] We love making new meals. Check out www.melskitchencafe.com. We love just about everything we’ve made from there (which is a lot).
100. Go watch a professional theater production.
101. Adjust any of these goals if they are no longer applicable, and reward myself with a treat for every one accomplished.
Partial Success (also carrying over to the next wave) – What happened?
16. Take the GMAT / apply for business school. I finally took the GMAT in March (I got a VERY good score), and I’m very excited to hopefully get into a business school to start this fall!
22. Audition for and act in a film. I auditioned for a small, independent film last year – I didn’t get it. I don’t know if this is going to happen, as it’s a lot of time to take off to do a film, but here’s hoping!
67. OLD: Read at least five minutes from the scriptures every day. [0/1001] NEW: Attend a session at every Utah temple [6/13]* We’ve attended sessions and/or done sealings at the following Utah temples: Salt Lake, Draper, Jordan River, Mt. Timpanogos, Provo, and Manti. Before we leave Utah, we need to hit Logan, Ogden, Bountiful, Oquirrh Mountain, Vernal, Monticello, and St. George. Payson, Brigham City, and the second Provo temple aren’t open yet.
86. OLD: Don't refuse an invitation to do something just because I don't want to go / be social. Only refuse if I have a genuine conflict. NEW: Go on a couples date once a month. [12/22]* We’ve been pretty good about hanging out with other couples. It’s good to get more socialization. I think this is even more important now that we have a baby.
83. OLD: Write one missionary a month. [0/32] NEW: Write my little brother (on a mission) as often as possible.* I've been a bad pen pal so far with Jacob, who is in Brazil, but I resolve to do better!
Goals to Carry Over to the Next Wave - Where I Am Currently
1. Go to the Grand Canyon and watch the sunrise.
2. Finish writing my book, and get it published. I’ve finished writing it – I’m still in the editing phase.
3. Lose about 4 inches from my waist, and add 1 inch to my arms.
5. Learn how to ride a motorcycle.
8. Whiten my teeth.
9. Go horseback riding on a date.
11. Sell something on eBay. I’ve got a whole slew of old electronics just right for eBay-ing!
12. Organize and print off all my journals.
17. Plant a small "garden" (at least with potted plants).
21. Pay off all debt...early.
26. Highlight or dye my hair (for the first time) just for the heck of it.
27. Go one month without eating out (fast food or otherwise).
28. Visit Washington, D.C.
29. Hike Mt. Timpanogos at night and watch the sunrise from the top. Hopefully I can do this before I start school.
31. Pay for a stranger's meal at a restaurant.
33. Travel to at least one LDS church history site.
34. Babysit a new baby.
42. Be in a dinner group (start one if there are none to join).
45. OLD: Get a physical. NEW: Lower my cholesterol to safe levels.* I got a physical recently and they told me I need to lower my cholesterol levels.
51. OLD: Go on a 45-minute (at least) bike ride once a week. [0/143] NEW: Get bike fixed, and go on a bike ride.* I will make it happen this summer.
55. Have a week-long (or even month-long) Facebook fast.
56. Play outside in a thunderstorm, including - but not limited to - jumping in puddles.
59. Save 35% of my take-home pay (put it in savings and don't touch it).
60. Make a shelf or display cabinet of some sort for my shot glass collection.
65. OLD: Pick up on a girl I don't know and get her phone number. NEW: Surprise my wife with a random gift. This is good to always keep on there – keeps me in good graces.
69. Buy a homeless person a meal (and eat with them).
70. Record songs in a real recording studio.
71. Learn to snowboard.
79. OLD: Get the trackpad on my computer fixed...finally. NEW: Buy a new computer.* I will need one for school.
81. Buy a kite. Fly it.
85. Write in my journal at least once a week for a year [0/52]
91. Get at least one custom-made, French-cuff shirt.
96. Learn all the articles of and amendments to the Constitution (don't have to memorize word for word).
98. Read Les Miserables.
99. Visit my little brother's grave.
Goals I’m Dropping – Why?
15. Write a short play. At one point, I really wanted to do this, but if I’m honest, I don’t really care to write a play anymore – I’m happy just performing in them/directing them.
41. Be able to immediately snap in and out of character when acting. Although I’m not sure I can necessarily do this yet, I feel I’m fairly good at it. Also, I feel it’s too difficult to measure, and goals should be measurable.
53. Stop getting road rage. I don’t drive as much as I used to, so I’m already a happier driver. I also feel that as I strive to be a better person, this will take care of itself.
72. Get a fish as a pet. I have a wife and a kid– pets aren’t really up there on my list anymore.
89. Write a freelance article and get it published somewhere. I’m content with publishing on my blog.
92. Re-memorize some of the poems I learned in 5th grade (Casey at the Bat, Sick, The Little Blue Engine, The Gettysburg Address, first page of Paul Revere's Ride). These are fun, but I’d rather memorize other things / spend my time doing other things.
93. Write a song (this is getting pretty ambitious). I’m okay with just singing other people’s songs.
95. Read books to kids at the library. I’m happy to just read to my nieces, and very excited to read to my own baby.
61 New Goals!
1. Graduate from business school.
2. Get a good internship.
3. Get a good job post graduate school.
4. Make a pie from scratch (that doesn’t end up with the pie plate shattered all over the kitchen).
5. Dress up with my wife and little girl for Halloween again.
6. Act in a play after grad school is over.
7. Create and use a budget.
8. Get down to 150 lbs. and maintain it (lose the belly fat!).
9. Hang out with my little brother once a week.
10. Continue giving blood every 8 weeks.
11. Visit another country.
12. Buy a house.
13. Have another baby.
14. Read a book a month. [0/32]
15. Go to Alaska.
16. Blog once a week for 3 months straight.
17. Get my bottom teeth fixed.
18. Set up a savings account for my daughter.
19. Do family history and submit a name / do the temple work.
20. Buy IPO stock (preferably Facebook when/if it does its initial offering).
21. Start my own business (this may roll over into the next 101).
22. Get our Halloween pumpkins from a pumpkin patch.
23. Cut down our own Christmas tree.
24. Get my UK driver’s license renewed (somehow) – expires May 16, 2012.
25. Get my passport renewed.
26. See Wicked.
27. Get up early and watch the sunrise.
28. Make homemade ice cream.
29. Learn how to use my smoker (and charcoal) well, and make delicious ribs.
30. Only use my phone for making phone calls/work emails for a week (no internet/games).
31. Go a month with no soda.
32. Do my home teaching every month [0/32]
33. Eat at the dining room table 3 times a week for a month.
34. Have a Passover dinner.
35. Have a movie series marathon (i.e. X-Men, LoTR, Star Wars, Harry Potter).
36. Go berry picking.
37. Make butter from cream.
38. Read the Ensign cover-to-cover every month. [0/32]
39. Learn how to program Excel macros.
40. Go to a professional sports game.
41. Buy a crossover/second vehicle.
42. Solve a Rubik’s cube.
43. Go paintballing.
44. Learn how to strum on my guitar well.
45. See Garth Brooks in concert.
46. Buy a kayak (or two).
47. Create a picture frame using a router for detail work.
48. Go to the zoo.
49. Go camping.
50. Visit Yellowstone.
51. Do my best to never pass a street beggar without offering them something.
52. Go to a city council meeting.
53. Read the Old Testament from beginning to end (including the Psalms and Proverbs).
54. Take Kristen back to my mission.
55. Vote in all national, state, and local elections.
56. Visit three new states.
57. Visit the spiral jetty.
58. Visit the Hollywood sign in California.
59. Go water skiing.
60. Go on a cruise.
61. See a film at Sundance.
I started out with a lofty goal of completing 101 goals in 1001 days. Well, I didn’t quite do it. But I didn’t do too bad. I think the point of this exercise was to get me thinking about setting and truly achieving those goals. To be honest, I don’t know how many people really read this in the first place, but just the fact that it was out there helped motivate me.
I completed 52 out of my original 101 goals (more than half!), and partially completed two. Although to be honest, I fudged a little on the definitions of the goals for a couple. :) As goal 101 states, I adjusted some of the goals as needed. I ended up adjusting eight of them, completing two of those eight, and partially completing three of the revised goals. For those who care to know, here is a list of my successes (and failures), and a few comments from yours truly (in italics/bold):
Successes
4. Decorate my apartment.
6. Eat lobster.
7. Kiss outside in a downpour.
10. Visit a state I've never been to before.
13. Get medical / dental insurance.
14. Write a short story.
18. Read one book a month. [32/32] I did so good! I read a TON of books, It was awesome.
19. Get a new driver's license (do I have to get it in Utah?).
20. Give blood every two months (I have O negative and CMV negative blood, which means I'm the universal donor, and that they can give my blood to babies). [11/16]
23. Write a will.
24. Buy a piano. This was my first big purchase with my real job. I love having a piano in my home.
25. Be at home for my littlest brother's / dad's birthdays for the first time since the year 2000.
30. Go to the beach (I miss it so much!).
32.OLD: Play 18 holes of golf (at least so I can say I did it). NEW: Play 9 holes of golf (at least so I can say I did it).*
35. Go skinnydipping. :)
36. Eat fondue, either at a restaurant, or (more ambitiously) learn how to do it myself at home.
37. Act in a play at the Hale and one at the Scera. [2/2] I performed in Singin’ in the Rain at the Scera, and in “A Christmas Carol” at the Hale (2010 and 2011). Yay!
38. OLD: Shave my head (not shiny, though). NEW: Visit my sister and brother-in-law in Rexburg once or twice a year.
39. Get over her. This was a big achievement. That girl had quite a hold on me. But I’m very happy to say I’ve been happily married for almost three years, and we had a baby girl in September (our first).
40. Give a ridiculously HUGE tip for good service at a restaurant.
43. Go camping in Moab.
44. Learn how to change my own oil.
46. Play baseball / softball on a team.
47. Fall in love again.
48. Get married. The best thing I’ve ever done to this point in my life.
49. Surprise my family with a random trip to see them.
50. Create a wikipedia article.
52. Buy furniture for my new apartment.
54. Get a local library card.
57. Make scones from scratch.
58. Buy at least two power tools.
61. Play roller hockey.
62. Go to a concert.
63. Go to a drive-in theater.
64. Figure out how to get rid of arm bumpies...then get rid of them.
66. Bake a cheesecake.
68. Go for two weeks without any type of food made with refined sugar. When I did the Atkins Diet, I went without any sugar for two weeks. I’m going to go back on it at some point, as I lost almost 10 pounds in that time.
71. Finish re-reading the Narnia series.
73. Register to vote and then vote in the November election.
74. Buy a BBQ and use it for a small party.
75. Stay at a bed and breakfast on the Oregon coast. This was a great trip. The end.
76. Dress up really cool for Halloween one year instead of blowing it off like usual.
77. Go to a tanning salon.
78. Get a massage (hey - it's not just for girls).
80. Be at work early every day for a week.
82. Be the lead in a play again.
84. Go to Disneyland.
87. Kiss under the mistletoe, and at midnight on New Year's.
88. Replace my old wallet (even though I don't want to - I've had it for 8 years). :(
90. Go to a water park.
94. Take another tap dance class / get back into tap. Although I didn’t take a class, I did get back into tap with the play “Singin’ in the Rain.” Awesome.
97. Make a brand new meal once a month. [32/32] We love making new meals. Check out www.melskitchencafe.com. We love just about everything we’ve made from there (which is a lot).
100. Go watch a professional theater production.
101. Adjust any of these goals if they are no longer applicable, and reward myself with a treat for every one accomplished.
Partial Success (also carrying over to the next wave) – What happened?
16. Take the GMAT / apply for business school. I finally took the GMAT in March (I got a VERY good score), and I’m very excited to hopefully get into a business school to start this fall!
22. Audition for and act in a film. I auditioned for a small, independent film last year – I didn’t get it. I don’t know if this is going to happen, as it’s a lot of time to take off to do a film, but here’s hoping!
67. OLD: Read at least five minutes from the scriptures every day. [0/1001] NEW: Attend a session at every Utah temple [6/13]* We’ve attended sessions and/or done sealings at the following Utah temples: Salt Lake, Draper, Jordan River, Mt. Timpanogos, Provo, and Manti. Before we leave Utah, we need to hit Logan, Ogden, Bountiful, Oquirrh Mountain, Vernal, Monticello, and St. George. Payson, Brigham City, and the second Provo temple aren’t open yet.
86. OLD: Don't refuse an invitation to do something just because I don't want to go / be social. Only refuse if I have a genuine conflict. NEW: Go on a couples date once a month. [12/22]* We’ve been pretty good about hanging out with other couples. It’s good to get more socialization. I think this is even more important now that we have a baby.
83. OLD: Write one missionary a month. [0/32] NEW: Write my little brother (on a mission) as often as possible.* I've been a bad pen pal so far with Jacob, who is in Brazil, but I resolve to do better!
Goals to Carry Over to the Next Wave - Where I Am Currently
1. Go to the Grand Canyon and watch the sunrise.
2. Finish writing my book, and get it published. I’ve finished writing it – I’m still in the editing phase.
3. Lose about 4 inches from my waist, and add 1 inch to my arms.
5. Learn how to ride a motorcycle.
8. Whiten my teeth.
9. Go horseback riding on a date.
11. Sell something on eBay. I’ve got a whole slew of old electronics just right for eBay-ing!
12. Organize and print off all my journals.
17. Plant a small "garden" (at least with potted plants).
21. Pay off all debt...early.
26. Highlight or dye my hair (for the first time) just for the heck of it.
27. Go one month without eating out (fast food or otherwise).
28. Visit Washington, D.C.
29. Hike Mt. Timpanogos at night and watch the sunrise from the top. Hopefully I can do this before I start school.
31. Pay for a stranger's meal at a restaurant.
33. Travel to at least one LDS church history site.
34. Babysit a new baby.
42. Be in a dinner group (start one if there are none to join).
45. OLD: Get a physical. NEW: Lower my cholesterol to safe levels.* I got a physical recently and they told me I need to lower my cholesterol levels.
51. OLD: Go on a 45-minute (at least) bike ride once a week. [0/143] NEW: Get bike fixed, and go on a bike ride.* I will make it happen this summer.
55. Have a week-long (or even month-long) Facebook fast.
56. Play outside in a thunderstorm, including - but not limited to - jumping in puddles.
59. Save 35% of my take-home pay (put it in savings and don't touch it).
60. Make a shelf or display cabinet of some sort for my shot glass collection.
65. OLD: Pick up on a girl I don't know and get her phone number. NEW: Surprise my wife with a random gift. This is good to always keep on there – keeps me in good graces.
69. Buy a homeless person a meal (and eat with them).
70. Record songs in a real recording studio.
71. Learn to snowboard.
79. OLD: Get the trackpad on my computer fixed...finally. NEW: Buy a new computer.* I will need one for school.
81. Buy a kite. Fly it.
85. Write in my journal at least once a week for a year [0/52]
91. Get at least one custom-made, French-cuff shirt.
96. Learn all the articles of and amendments to the Constitution (don't have to memorize word for word).
98. Read Les Miserables.
99. Visit my little brother's grave.
Goals I’m Dropping – Why?
15. Write a short play. At one point, I really wanted to do this, but if I’m honest, I don’t really care to write a play anymore – I’m happy just performing in them/directing them.
41. Be able to immediately snap in and out of character when acting. Although I’m not sure I can necessarily do this yet, I feel I’m fairly good at it. Also, I feel it’s too difficult to measure, and goals should be measurable.
53. Stop getting road rage. I don’t drive as much as I used to, so I’m already a happier driver. I also feel that as I strive to be a better person, this will take care of itself.
72. Get a fish as a pet. I have a wife and a kid– pets aren’t really up there on my list anymore.
89. Write a freelance article and get it published somewhere. I’m content with publishing on my blog.
92. Re-memorize some of the poems I learned in 5th grade (Casey at the Bat, Sick, The Little Blue Engine, The Gettysburg Address, first page of Paul Revere's Ride). These are fun, but I’d rather memorize other things / spend my time doing other things.
93. Write a song (this is getting pretty ambitious). I’m okay with just singing other people’s songs.
95. Read books to kids at the library. I’m happy to just read to my nieces, and very excited to read to my own baby.
61 New Goals!
1. Graduate from business school.
2. Get a good internship.
3. Get a good job post graduate school.
4. Make a pie from scratch (that doesn’t end up with the pie plate shattered all over the kitchen).
5. Dress up with my wife and little girl for Halloween again.
6. Act in a play after grad school is over.
7. Create and use a budget.
8. Get down to 150 lbs. and maintain it (lose the belly fat!).
9. Hang out with my little brother once a week.
10. Continue giving blood every 8 weeks.
11. Visit another country.
12. Buy a house.
13. Have another baby.
14. Read a book a month. [0/32]
15. Go to Alaska.
16. Blog once a week for 3 months straight.
17. Get my bottom teeth fixed.
18. Set up a savings account for my daughter.
19. Do family history and submit a name / do the temple work.
20. Buy IPO stock (preferably Facebook when/if it does its initial offering).
21. Start my own business (this may roll over into the next 101).
22. Get our Halloween pumpkins from a pumpkin patch.
23. Cut down our own Christmas tree.
24. Get my UK driver’s license renewed (somehow) – expires May 16, 2012.
25. Get my passport renewed.
26. See Wicked.
27. Get up early and watch the sunrise.
28. Make homemade ice cream.
29. Learn how to use my smoker (and charcoal) well, and make delicious ribs.
30. Only use my phone for making phone calls/work emails for a week (no internet/games).
31. Go a month with no soda.
32. Do my home teaching every month [0/32]
33. Eat at the dining room table 3 times a week for a month.
34. Have a Passover dinner.
35. Have a movie series marathon (i.e. X-Men, LoTR, Star Wars, Harry Potter).
36. Go berry picking.
37. Make butter from cream.
38. Read the Ensign cover-to-cover every month. [0/32]
39. Learn how to program Excel macros.
40. Go to a professional sports game.
41. Buy a crossover/second vehicle.
42. Solve a Rubik’s cube.
43. Go paintballing.
44. Learn how to strum on my guitar well.
45. See Garth Brooks in concert.
46. Buy a kayak (or two).
47. Create a picture frame using a router for detail work.
48. Go to the zoo.
49. Go camping.
50. Visit Yellowstone.
51. Do my best to never pass a street beggar without offering them something.
52. Go to a city council meeting.
53. Read the Old Testament from beginning to end (including the Psalms and Proverbs).
54. Take Kristen back to my mission.
55. Vote in all national, state, and local elections.
56. Visit three new states.
57. Visit the spiral jetty.
58. Visit the Hollywood sign in California.
59. Go water skiing.
60. Go on a cruise.
61. See a film at Sundance.
There - told you it was long. If you stuck with it, you're a rockstar. I will try and update at least monthly on where I am. In fact, that's a good idea - I'll post on the last day of each month where I stand with my goals. Peace!
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Need to Get Crackin'!
So, I figured it was about time for an update. Below is the list of my goals I have yet to achieve and some of my comments on them. I have until next April 22. Oh man.
Travel
1. Go to the Grand Canyon and watch the sunrise.
29. Hike Mt. Timpanogos at night and watch the sunrise from the top. We almost did this last year, then decided "Meh - we'll do it next year!"
38. Visit my sister and brother-in-law in Rexburg once or twice a year [1/4].* One visit down, 3 to go. I have a new niece coming soon, so I'm sure I'll get up there again soon. :)
75. Stay at a bread and breakfast on the Oregon coast. We're planning on going to the Oregon coast this summer - maybe we'll stay at a B&B, but maybe I'll modify this goal. We might decide to stay in a house instead.
Staying Educated / Writing
2. Finish writing my book, and get it published. I keep setting dates to do this, but it hasn't happened yet. I'm in the editing phase now.
15. Write a short play.
16. Take the GMAT / apply for business school. I'm studying for the GMAT, but I need to buckle down and study harder. It's hard to be motivated.
18. Read one book a month. [8/32] Kristen and I have been reading a lot of books lately. Mainly because she gets them from the library.
92. Re-memorize some of the poems I learned in 5th grade (Casey at the Bat, Sick, The Little Blue Engine, The Gettysburg Address, first page of Paul Revere's Ride).
94. Take another tap dance class / get back into tap. Hmm...maybe this summer.
96. Learn all the articles of and amendments to the Constitution (don't have to memorize word for word).
98. Read Les Misérables.
Physical Appearance and Health / Self Control
3. Lose about 4 inches from my waist, and add 1 inch to my arms. We're P90X-ing it, baby!
8. Whiten my teeth.
26. Highlight or dye my hair (for the first time) just for the heck of it.
27. Go one month without eating out (fast food or otherwise).
45. Get a physical.
51. Go on a 45-minute (at least) bike ride once a week. [0/143] This probably needs to change. This was to help me get healthy, but we're already exercising a lot.
53. Stop getting road rage. Doing better on this, but I haven't been driving much.
55. Have a week-long (or even month-long) facebook fast. Probably going to be week-long.
68. Go for two weeks without any type of food made with refined sugar.
The Home Life
72. Get a fish as a pet.
Firsts
5. Learn how to ride a motorcycle.
35. Go skinnydipping. :)
71. Learn to snowboard.
97. Make a brand new meal once a month. [18/32] We're doing great on this. We love mykitchencafe.blogspot.com, and use it a lot for new meals.
Dating / Being Social
9. Go horseback riding on a date.
74. Buy a BBQ and use it for a small party.
Financial
Service
20. Give blood every two months (I have O negative and CMV negative blood, which means I'm the universal donor, and that they can give my blood to babies). [8/16] Still letting them stab me on a regular basis.
31. Pay for a stranger's meal at a restaurant.
69. Buy a homeless person a meal (and eat with them).
83. Write my little brother (on a mission) as often as possible.* [9/??] Trying to do my best at this. I miss him.
Acting / Music
22.Audition for and act in a film.
41. Be able to immediately snap in and out of character when acting. I'm not bad at this now.
70. Record songs in a real recording studio.
82. Be the lead in a play again.
93. Write a song (this is getting pretty ambitious).
Family
25. Be at home for my littlest brother's / dad's birthdays for the first time since the year 2000.
49. Surprise my family with a random trip to see them. I'm going to count coming up there in April for my little brother's play. It's not really a surprise, but it's close enough. :)
99. Visit my little brother's grave. Maybe I'll get to do this when we're there in April.
Random Fun
34. Babysit a new baby. I just had a niece born, and I'm sure we'll get to babysit her soon!
56. Play outside in a thunderstorm, including - but not limited to - jumping in puddles.
62. Go to a concert. We're going to see Paramore / Relient K on May 8!
63. Go to a drive-in theater. Gotta find a theater first!
81. Buy a kite. Fly it.
90. Go to a water park.
Being Part of the Community
Other
12. Organize and print off all my journals.
79. Buy a new computer.*
91. Get at least one custom-made, French-cuff shirt.
101. Adjust any of these goals if they are no longer applicable, and reward myself with a treat for every one accomplished. Haven't done any rewarding for my goals, but I've done some goal adjusting (as evidenced by the goals with asterisks).
Travel
1. Go to the Grand Canyon and watch the sunrise.
29. Hike Mt. Timpanogos at night and watch the sunrise from the top. We almost did this last year, then decided "Meh - we'll do it next year!"
38. Visit my sister and brother-in-law in Rexburg once or twice a year [1/4].* One visit down, 3 to go. I have a new niece coming soon, so I'm sure I'll get up there again soon. :)
75. Stay at a bread and breakfast on the Oregon coast. We're planning on going to the Oregon coast this summer - maybe we'll stay at a B&B, but maybe I'll modify this goal. We might decide to stay in a house instead.
Staying Educated / Writing
2. Finish writing my book, and get it published. I keep setting dates to do this, but it hasn't happened yet. I'm in the editing phase now.
15. Write a short play.
16. Take the GMAT / apply for business school. I'm studying for the GMAT, but I need to buckle down and study harder. It's hard to be motivated.
18. Read one book a month. [8/32] Kristen and I have been reading a lot of books lately. Mainly because she gets them from the library.
92. Re-memorize some of the poems I learned in 5th grade (Casey at the Bat, Sick, The Little Blue Engine, The Gettysburg Address, first page of Paul Revere's Ride).
94. Take another tap dance class / get back into tap. Hmm...maybe this summer.
96. Learn all the articles of and amendments to the Constitution (don't have to memorize word for word).
98. Read Les Misérables.
Physical Appearance and Health / Self Control
3. Lose about 4 inches from my waist, and add 1 inch to my arms. We're P90X-ing it, baby!
8. Whiten my teeth.
26. Highlight or dye my hair (for the first time) just for the heck of it.
27. Go one month without eating out (fast food or otherwise).
45. Get a physical.
51. Go on a 45-minute (at least) bike ride once a week. [0/143] This probably needs to change. This was to help me get healthy, but we're already exercising a lot.
53. Stop getting road rage. Doing better on this, but I haven't been driving much.
55. Have a week-long (or even month-long) facebook fast. Probably going to be week-long.
68. Go for two weeks without any type of food made with refined sugar.
The Home Life
72. Get a fish as a pet.
Firsts
5. Learn how to ride a motorcycle.
35. Go skinnydipping. :)
71. Learn to snowboard.
97. Make a brand new meal once a month. [18/32] We're doing great on this. We love mykitchencafe.blogspot.com, and use it a lot for new meals.
Dating / Being Social
9. Go horseback riding on a date.
74. Buy a BBQ and use it for a small party.
Financial
Service
20. Give blood every two months (I have O negative and CMV negative blood, which means I'm the universal donor, and that they can give my blood to babies). [8/16] Still letting them stab me on a regular basis.
31. Pay for a stranger's meal at a restaurant.
69. Buy a homeless person a meal (and eat with them).
83. Write my little brother (on a mission) as often as possible.* [9/??] Trying to do my best at this. I miss him.
Acting / Music
22.
41. Be able to immediately snap in and out of character when acting. I'm not bad at this now.
70. Record songs in a real recording studio.
82. Be the lead in a play again.
93. Write a song (this is getting pretty ambitious).
Family
25. Be at home for my littlest brother's / dad's birthdays for the first time since the year 2000.
49. Surprise my family with a random trip to see them. I'm going to count coming up there in April for my little brother's play. It's not really a surprise, but it's close enough. :)
99. Visit my little brother's grave. Maybe I'll get to do this when we're there in April.
Random Fun
34. Babysit a new baby. I just had a niece born, and I'm sure we'll get to babysit her soon!
56. Play outside in a thunderstorm, including - but not limited to - jumping in puddles.
62. Go to a concert. We're going to see Paramore / Relient K on May 8!
63. Go to a drive-in theater. Gotta find a theater first!
81. Buy a kite. Fly it.
90. Go to a water park.
Being Part of the Community
Other
12. Organize and print off all my journals.
79. Buy a new computer.*
91. Get at least one custom-made, French-cuff shirt.
101. Adjust any of these goals if they are no longer applicable, and reward myself with a treat for every one accomplished. Haven't done any rewarding for my goals, but I've done some goal adjusting (as evidenced by the goals with asterisks).
* - adjusted goals since original list was made
Well, there we are. I still have 67 goals to complete. Sheesh! There are several that have to be done during the summer time, so I'll make a special list of those for this summer. The rest...well, I better get going!
Monday, October 12, 2009
Oh the Places You'll Go!
So I haven't written a blog for this in a long time, so I thought I'd do a little catching up. My wife and I have done a lot of things on this list, which is great. Here goes:
43. Go camping in Moab. We went camping in Moab - see Facebook for pictures. It was a blast to hike around Canyons Nat'l Park.
84. Go to Disneyland. We're going to Disneyland on Thursday!!!! WOO HOO! It's been almost 13 years since I've been, so I'm really excited. Kristen is really excited.
67. Attend a session at every Utah temple.* We're working on our goal to attend a session or do sealings in every temple in Utah. There are 13, so we've got some work to do. Our goal as a couple is actually to accomplish this in our first year of marriage. So far, we've done sessions in Manti, Provo, Mt. Timpanogos, and Draper. Draper was the most recent. For those of you who go, make sure you have your own clothes - they DON'T rent them out. Lesson learned the hard way (although not as bad as it could have been - they found me some pants to wear). :)
4. Decorate my apartment. We've decorated our apartment quite nicely, with candle wall sconces, curtains, paintings, etc. It's pretty nice. Now we have to find a place for everything in our new place (we're moving to North Orem).
32. Play 9 holes of golf (at least so I can say I did it).* I played in a work golf tournament. I sucked, but I had fun. That's all that matters, right?
36. Eat fondue, either at a restaurant, or (more ambitiously) learn how to do it myself at home. We got a fondue pot for our wedding, and we made fondue one night! It was totally awesome. I actually like the cook-in-oil fondue thing more than the swiss cheese fondue. Maybe we should try different kinds of cheeses. Any suggestions?
97. Make a brand new meal once a month. Oh man - we found this GREAT blog, called My Kitchen Cafe, and we've made so many meals from it, it's not even funny. Seriously - I recommend it to just about everyone. The food is fantastic. We've never made a meal we haven't liked - there were a couple that were just okay, but most are amazing. Definitely check it out.
57. Make scones from scratch. Yep, I made scones for breakfast one time...with honey butter...they were delicious.
6. Eat lobster. Yeah, I tried it. Kristen and I ate at Red Lobster one evening, and I had a taste or two of hers. It was all right - honestly, not my favorite.
20. Give blood every two months. Still donating blood whenever I'm eligible. Kristen joined me last month. It was her first time donating, and she was nervous since she's a little squeamish about blood. But she did it! I'm so proud of her! :)
83. Write my little brother (on a mission) every week.* Just finished a letter to Zach yesterday. I haven't written every week, but I'm trying to write regularly. I know how much letters mean to missionaries...and I miss him too.
37. Act in a play at the Hale and one at the Scera. I thought I would maybe get a chance to mark off half of this goal, but no go. I got called back for Christmas Carol at the Hale, but rejected after that. Well, not so much rejected outright as just never called. They have that, "Don't call us - we'll call you" standard. This just in - I got an email. It looks like they changed their rules. They still don't call/email those they don't call back, but if you get called back and don't make it into the show, at least you get an email (albeit three days after your friends got calls to be IN the show, so you knew you didn't make it in anyway).
100. Go watch a professional theater production. Kristen and I went to see "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" a while back. It was a cute show - definitely geared toward children, though.
54. Get a local library card. I finally got one! Too bad we're moving away from Springville. Gotta get one in Orem now. Dang.
43. Go camping in Moab. We went camping in Moab - see Facebook for pictures. It was a blast to hike around Canyons Nat'l Park.
84. Go to Disneyland. We're going to Disneyland on Thursday!!!! WOO HOO! It's been almost 13 years since I've been, so I'm really excited. Kristen is really excited.
67. Attend a session at every Utah temple.* We're working on our goal to attend a session or do sealings in every temple in Utah. There are 13, so we've got some work to do. Our goal as a couple is actually to accomplish this in our first year of marriage. So far, we've done sessions in Manti, Provo, Mt. Timpanogos, and Draper. Draper was the most recent. For those of you who go, make sure you have your own clothes - they DON'T rent them out. Lesson learned the hard way (although not as bad as it could have been - they found me some pants to wear). :)
4. Decorate my apartment. We've decorated our apartment quite nicely, with candle wall sconces, curtains, paintings, etc. It's pretty nice. Now we have to find a place for everything in our new place (we're moving to North Orem).
32. Play 9 holes of golf (at least so I can say I did it).* I played in a work golf tournament. I sucked, but I had fun. That's all that matters, right?
36. Eat fondue, either at a restaurant, or (more ambitiously) learn how to do it myself at home. We got a fondue pot for our wedding, and we made fondue one night! It was totally awesome. I actually like the cook-in-oil fondue thing more than the swiss cheese fondue. Maybe we should try different kinds of cheeses. Any suggestions?
97. Make a brand new meal once a month. Oh man - we found this GREAT blog, called My Kitchen Cafe, and we've made so many meals from it, it's not even funny. Seriously - I recommend it to just about everyone. The food is fantastic. We've never made a meal we haven't liked - there were a couple that were just okay, but most are amazing. Definitely check it out.
57. Make scones from scratch. Yep, I made scones for breakfast one time...with honey butter...they were delicious.
6. Eat lobster. Yeah, I tried it. Kristen and I ate at Red Lobster one evening, and I had a taste or two of hers. It was all right - honestly, not my favorite.
20. Give blood every two months. Still donating blood whenever I'm eligible. Kristen joined me last month. It was her first time donating, and she was nervous since she's a little squeamish about blood. But she did it! I'm so proud of her! :)
83. Write my little brother (on a mission) every week.* Just finished a letter to Zach yesterday. I haven't written every week, but I'm trying to write regularly. I know how much letters mean to missionaries...and I miss him too.
37. Act in a play at the Hale and one at the Scera. I thought I would maybe get a chance to mark off half of this goal, but no go. I got called back for Christmas Carol at the Hale, but rejected after that. Well, not so much rejected outright as just never called. They have that, "Don't call us - we'll call you" standard. This just in - I got an email. It looks like they changed their rules. They still don't call/email those they don't call back, but if you get called back and don't make it into the show, at least you get an email (albeit three days after your friends got calls to be IN the show, so you knew you didn't make it in anyway).
100. Go watch a professional theater production. Kristen and I went to see "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" a while back. It was a cute show - definitely geared toward children, though.
54. Get a local library card. I finally got one! Too bad we're moving away from Springville. Gotta get one in Orem now. Dang.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
I'm Getting Married...
...So I'm crossing that goal off the list. As a recap of some of the goals I've reached in the last little while, here goes:
30. Went to the beach. Kristen and I went to the Oregon coast when she visited me in Portland for New Year's.
71. Finish re-reading Narnia series. Kristen and I have been reading a lot more lately, and I picked the Narnia books back up, and finished the last 3 or 4 in a couple weeks.
64. Figure out how to get rid of arm bumpies...then get rid of them. I found out that I actually have a condition called keratosis pilaris, which is a buildup of keratin in the skin (usually on the outside of the upper arms and/or thighs). It essentially clogs the hair follicles and creates hard bumps. It's not acne, and about 50% of the population has it. However, it's hereditary, and you have to keep up with treatments (such as using a loofah, moisturizing with lotion containing salicylic acid, urea, or alphahydroxy, etc.), or it will come back. So, unfortunately, I can't get rid of these things permanently, but at least I know what they are / why I have them.
77. Go to a tanning salon. In preparation for our honeymoon to warmer climates, Kristen and I tanned a bit. I actually enjoyed it - it's very relaxing in there - although I probably increased my chances of skin cancer by 500%.
7. Kiss outside in a downpour. No explanation needed. :)
48. Get married. They say not to count your chickens before they hatch, but that chicken is peeking through the eggshell now, since it is tomorrow we're getting married. :)
46. Play baseball / softball on a team. I'm currently playing on a work softball team, and it's great (aside from how bad I suck at batting).
So life is good! I'm getting married tomorrow!!!!!!
30. Went to the beach. Kristen and I went to the Oregon coast when she visited me in Portland for New Year's.
71. Finish re-reading Narnia series. Kristen and I have been reading a lot more lately, and I picked the Narnia books back up, and finished the last 3 or 4 in a couple weeks.
64. Figure out how to get rid of arm bumpies...then get rid of them. I found out that I actually have a condition called keratosis pilaris, which is a buildup of keratin in the skin (usually on the outside of the upper arms and/or thighs). It essentially clogs the hair follicles and creates hard bumps. It's not acne, and about 50% of the population has it. However, it's hereditary, and you have to keep up with treatments (such as using a loofah, moisturizing with lotion containing salicylic acid, urea, or alphahydroxy, etc.), or it will come back. So, unfortunately, I can't get rid of these things permanently, but at least I know what they are / why I have them.
77. Go to a tanning salon. In preparation for our honeymoon to warmer climates, Kristen and I tanned a bit. I actually enjoyed it - it's very relaxing in there - although I probably increased my chances of skin cancer by 500%.
7. Kiss outside in a downpour. No explanation needed. :)
48. Get married. They say not to count your chickens before they hatch, but that chicken is peeking through the eggshell now, since it is tomorrow we're getting married. :)
46. Play baseball / softball on a team. I'm currently playing on a work softball team, and it's great (aside from how bad I suck at batting).
So life is good! I'm getting married tomorrow!!!!!!
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