New Year, New Update!

I've been hesitant to write this, because when I was going over my 101 list it seemed like I hadn't done much of anything. No progress or anything. But then, I remembered that it's a list of things that I want to TRY to do- not a list of things that I need to do every day. Besides, by the time I had finished reading the list, I did find a few things that I've accomplished.

So, here we go!

2. Asking for help... this is tough. Sometimes, I think it's easier to just do things rather than asking someone to help me do them. So, I'll give myself 50% on this one.

3. Relaxing? Nope. Well, kind of right now. But since I'm doing something off of my to-do list, does it count?

4. I was afraid of getting a flu shot this year. I don't know why. But, I did make sure Mr. G (my son) got one.

18. Freerice.org: 71,360/100,000 grains of rice donated. And I'm getting smarter too!

25. I did write a love letter to my husband! It was a little sappy, but mostly it stayed true to what I would really say to him.

26. Another year, some more animals headed out into the world via WorldVision. Last year, we donated 6 ducks. This year, we were able to give a little more and we donated 13 small farm animals. Not only do the animals provide a source of year-round food, but families can sell the extra eggs and offspring to purchase things they can't grow themselves. It feels really good to help.

49. I dressed up for Halloween this year! We were going to go trick-or-treating with the baby group we're a part of, but it was really cold. So, we had a small Halloween party instead! My little guy went as a puppy, and I was Frida Kahlo. Delightful! I didn't have to buy anything for my costume, I just threw it together!

58. I've been taking a LOT of pictures, and we've actually managed to get a few nice family shots too.

75. I've had some interesting luck as far as meeting famous people goes... living near the Green Bay, Wisconsin area, I've had a few run-ins with some of the Packers lately... once, almost a literal run-in when I almost ran into Aaron Rodgers while he was jaywalking from the Don Hutson center over to Lambeau. The important thing is that I DIDN'T hit him. :) I also (that same day) was at the mall in Green Bay and stumbled across a fashion show hosted by Jenna Ushkowitz (Tina from Glee). And finally, one of the retired Packers came and had breakfast at my family's restaurant a few months ago. Good times.

79. We went to most of a MLB game. The little man freaked out after the Brewers hit two homers in a row (followed by fireworks), so we ended up leaving at the end of the 5th inning. It was still fun while we were there... and while the tiny man wasn't screaming. 

             

                                      

98. Another thing that makes a person feel good? Telling someone that you are thankful for the things they have done for you. Even little things, that might not mean much to anyone else. I wrote a letter to a former teacher and it was a good thing to do.

101. The last update for today- we got a video camera! For free! 

Thanks for reading! 

Happy 2013! 

Laura

Full Blog Update!

Yes, you all know that I've graduated and spent a lovely weekend with my homies in Chicago... but what else have I been up to? I'm glad you asked!

I will say right off- the spiritual life aspect is still being pushed to the side. Intentionally, or unintentionally, I don't like it. I'm trying to use my time more affectively and carve out more room to read my bible or even just pray, but like anything, when you don't use your faith every day, you start to lose it.

I've been journaling more, and trying to take more family pictures... I'm just very used to being the person behind the camera.

We've got tickets to see the Brewers play in September, so that will be another item off of my list! I can't wait- we're going with my brother and his family. The last time my bro and I were at a Brewers game together was in 1990... and he got lost. We spent much of the time attempting to locate him- having a snack and coloring in the security office.

I am very happy to say that I wrote a letter to someone who changed my life, and it felt really good. Not only that, but the person I sent it to told me that it came at the right time and she was very thankful for it. I think everyone should do this- spread a little more gratitude and thankfulness around.

Oooo! We got a new digital camera. Because I dropped the other one on our tiled bathroom floor.

Things are coming along very nicely. I've completed a few things, and am well on my way to finishing others. It feels great!!

I am a college grad!... now when is my degree going to get here???

Hello happy followers!


 I am a college graduate, as of June 9th. I came, I learned, I walked. I may have tripped a little... I mean, no, that wasn't me. I was completely graceful and elegant. Along with graduating from college (goodbye, #29!) I also can cross #63 off- spending the weekend in Chicago with my boys! 
 It was a wonderful time- lots of sightseeing, eating good food, and enjoying a break from the real world. We also managed to be right on Michigan Ave as the Chicago naked bike ride went by... that was an interesting experience. The leader of the group? An elderly gent on roller blades wearing only a g-string.

Anyhow- here's a picture of me to cleanse your mental imager.

101 Update... Things Are Looking Good!!

Hi All!
I notice that the number of followers is growing, welcome! I don't update very often, but when I do, I have a LOT to say! :) Here we go:
Mental & Physical Health:
4. Get a flu shot- donsies! Got one this year, so did Mr. Naturally Inspired and little Mr. Naturally Inspired.
6. Little Mr. and I have been doing really well taking walks, especially since the weather has finally blossomed into a beautiful spring. We go to the post office a lot together. 
8. Done! No candy for a week.
9. Done! No cookies for a week.
10. Not done... still wasting too much time. Working on it though!
Spiritual Life:
 This is the area that has been getting the least amount of my attention, I think. I don't mean it to, but praying and reading my Bible get shoved to the side far too often. Much room for improvement here!
Caring for Others:
18. So far, I'm up to 43,480 grains of rice donated. Almost halfway to my goal!!
24. I'm doing okay sending people birthday and anniversary messages... some days, I'm not great, some days, I am. It's like life, right? :) We do the best we can.
29. YES! I graduate from college one week from Saturday. Because I am super awesome. 
33. The husband and I have both been trying to be better with this. We have a recycling garbage can now, and we sometimes even put the right things in it.
35. My garden is in full swing! Get ready for this. I am growing: 2 kinds of peppers, 3 kinds of tomatoes, sugar snap peas, regular shelling peas, cucumbers, strawberries, raspberries, 3 kinds of squash/zucchini, 3 types of flowers, and 6 different herbs. All in containers! Oooo, I can't forget the lettuce! Here's a picture of them a couple of weeks ago:

 Thankfully, they are all outside now. Sadly though, it got too cold for them one night and I've had to replant a few. But it's still early, so I think we'll be alright!

Financial:

39. Sell Matt's car? CHECK!

Creativity:

46. Working on the blog. I have a name picked out, and about 10 manicures that I've done and taken pictures of. I'd like to have a few more before taking the plunge. Also, we are renovating a house right now and should be moved in in the next couple of weeks. After that, it's a go!

53. I sent in a secret to Postsecret.com... and it was picked to be on the site, on Mother's Day. It made me feel pretty special, actually.

56. I have been making sure to journal more. School is over, and part of my "wasting less time" campaign is using some nap times to write. It feels good.

60. The new types of manicures I've done: holographic, accent finger, stamping, dotticure, tape, skittles, ombré, and crackle. 8/10!

Travel:

63. I will be spending next weekend in Chicago with my boys! It's going to be a delightful time (I hope- still nervous about traveling that far with a baby).

Culture:

  I've done a few crossword puzzles, and that's about it for this category. But, this challenge is still young!

Misc.:

84. I have been doing really good wearing my nail polish. I've slipped during the past couple of weeks, but things come up: travel, school, and a baby who's nap times fluctuate wildly. I'm hovering around 15% of my collection that I've used.

88. Done and done! So far, I've sent 54 cards and I've received 44. Including the US, I've sent/received cards from 25 different countries. Surprisingly, I've gotten the most cards from Germany and the Netherlands. Also surprising? The 4 cards I've gotten from Taiwan... it seems like a strange place to get so many cards from when I haven't gotten any from places like Italy or Mexico.

90. Not doing great at brushing Varmit each week, and I feel terrible about it. She's gotten pushed to the side since the little Mr. was born, and it's not fair. I might need to re-vamp this item into something a little different (quality time).

94. Done! I've completed over 20 swaps so far, mostly in the US, but also in Canada, England, and Germany. It's really fun getting to know other people and getting access to products that aren't available in this country.

95. Working on it...

98. I have the person picked out (who changed my life) and I've started composing the letter in my head. I just need to put pen to paper. 

 Well, that's about it for now... and in good time, because the little man is starting to bellow. Thanks for reading!

Laura

101 (Round 2) Update

Hello All... All 6 of you. :) I've been working my way through several things on my list, concentrating mostly on the simple things that help me, as a stay-at-home mom, stay connected with the world.

Starting from the top:

6. George and I have been walking at least once a week. Lately, it's been inside the mall, but only because it's so cold here! I think he likes it, he smiles at everyone!

10. I'll admit, I've been doing alright with this lately because I've had no time to waste! Between traveling, holidays, getting ready for a new quarter of school, and working on some projects at home, I'm tapped. Oh yeah... I've been watching the little man too. :)

24. Gotta love Facebook for this one! Instead of just writing a generic "happy birthday," I've been trying to include a memory, an inside joke, or a specific wish for my friends and family. I hope that they realize I'm thinking about them even if we haven't connected in a while.

26. I love this one! This year instead of buying St. Nick's presents for each other, we bought 6 ducks through World Vision. They will be headed to a family in need and used for eggs, meat, and breeding. It's amazing how little it takes to make a difference in someone's life. Next year, we're aiming for a whole menagerie!

29. I've officially registered for my last classes as a college student and I've applied for graduation. Wish me luck on getting everything done and wrapped up in time!

34. Easy way to use less paper towels? Stop buying them. Ta-da!

88. I love postcrossing! So far, I've sent 10 postcards around the world- to people in the US, China, Canada, Taiwan, Turkey, the Netherlands, and more! I've also received 8 cards from around the world. It's so cool getting to hear about other people and how they live. The cards are beautiful and often written in other languages... it makes a mailbox full of bills much more friendly!

94. I've completed 4 MUA swaps already, with 3 more in process... this is such a good way to recycle cosmetics. For me, it's all about the nail polish. I've traded 10 polishes that I didn't like/didn't wear for 23 polishes that I've wanted to try. Of course, not every swap works out like that, but I was getting rid of some high-end polishes... who needs 'em!

The best thing about having these goals is that a lot of them don't require much time, effort, or energy- all things I'm pretty short on right now. And finally, I leave you a picture that represents what happens when I have a spare moment. 'Til next time!

Laura

Finally! My NEW 101 List:

Hello Again!

It's taken me a bit longer to finish this list than the last one, but this time around, I have a 4 month old son and a full class load. But never fear! I have valiantly plugged along, and now it is finished!

So, same rules apply:

The Challenge:
Complete 101 preset tasks in a period of 1001 days.

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

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

You can find more info and view the lists of lots of other people at dayzeroproject.com.

On to the list!!

For all intents and purposes, my journey with this list began October 1st, 2011 and will be complete on June 28th, 2014. Again I have broken it into several different areas and this time around, I might have a secret goal or two...

Mental & Physical Health:

1. Lose weight. (while this goal itself doesn't have a set amount, other goals will give clearer signs as to where I want to end up)

2. Ask for help when I need it.

3. Try to relax more; it's only life. (I believe my husband will be able to tell me if this is a success or not!)

4. Get a flu shot each year. (0/3)

5. Eat a salad every day for a month, twice. (0/2)

6. Take George for a walk at least once a week. (0/143) For the record, George is my son, not an animal. :)

7. Fit into Old Navy size XL or L.

8. No candy for 1 week.

9. No cookies for 1 week.

10. Stop wasting so much time!

Spiritual Life:

11. Complete a Bible study with Matt.

12. Finish reading the Bible.

13. 15 minutes per day of devotional time (reading the Bible, praying, etc.) for at least half of the days. (0/501)

14. Complete a Bible study with Ben and Stephanie.

15. Pray daily with Matt and George.

16. Mature in my faith.

17. Teach George the Lord's Prayer.

Caring for Others:

18. Donate 100,000 grains of rice on freerice.org. (0/100,000)

19. Donate one scarf per year to Knit Your Bit. (0/3)

20. Donate at least one Christmas Box per year. (0/3)

21. Do 10 nice things for people, without them knowing. (0/10)

22. Give free manicures to teens for dances at least once a year. (0/3)

23. Donate money to postpartumprogress.com.

24. Send personalized birthday and anniversary messages to friends and family.

25. Write Matt a love letter.

26. Donate 1 animal per Christmas to World Vision. (0/3)

Education/Life Skills

27. Learn to drive stick.

28. Take a self-defense class.

29. Graduate college.

30. Get my CPR certification.

31. Learn to french braid.

Environmental:

32. Actually use the re-useable shopping bags!

33. Recycle.

34. Use less paper towels.

35. Have a garden next summer.

Financial:

36. Pay off credit cards.

37. Start a savings account.

38. Sell 20 items on Etsy in one year. (0/20)

39. Sell Matt's car.

40. Have 100 No Spending days, twice. (0/2)

41. Check our credit scores once per year. (0/3)

42. Save $5.00 for each task I complete.

43. Set up a budget, and STICK TO IT.

44. Shhh, it's a secret.

Creativity:

45. Take a young me, now me photo.

46. Start a nail polish blog.

47. Complete a cross stitch sampler.

48. Write a letter to myself to open in 10 years.

49. Dress up for Halloween twice. (0/2)

50. Complete a 31 Day Nail Challenge. (0/31)

51. Learn to crochet.

52. Get caught up with scrapbooking.

53. Send a secret to Postsecret.com.

54. Learn to make two more homemade soups. (0/2)

55. Furnish dollhouse, add inside door and attic stairs.

56. Journal at least once per week. (0/143)

57. Use my sewing machine to complete a project.

58. Take more family pictures.

59. Complete 25 creative writing prompts.

60. Try 10 new types of manicures. (0/10)

Travel:

61. Take a picture on the Brooklyn Bridge, holding a copy of A Tree Grows In Brooklyn.

62. Take a train somewhere.

63. Spend a weekend in Chicago with Matt and George.

64. See the Golden Gate Bridge.

65. Go on a hot air balloon ride.

66. Visit 5 new states. (0/5)

67. Visit Jeremy and Marissa in Italy.

68. Visit New York City.

69. Go on a BIG trip for our 10th wedding anniversary in 2013.

Culture, Mostly Pop: Music, Movies, and Books:

70. Buy new trivia books for the bathrooms. (0/2)

71. Find an original/very old copy of Joy in the Morning in a book store.

72. Complete 15 crossword puzzles, at least one hard. (0/15)

73. Go to 5 museums/art galleries. (0/5)

74. Make a list of 15 movies I want to see and watch them all. (0/1, 0/15)

75. Meet someone famous.

76. Go to a drive-in with Matt.

77. Listen to all 500 songs on the Rolling Stone's Greatest Song List (most recent edition). (0/500)

Misc.:

78. Go to an NFL game.

79. Go to an MLB game.

80. Re-learn and memorize all the state capitols. (0/50)

81. Learn and memorize the order of the US Presidents. (0/44)

82. Take George to the zoo.

83. Memorize George's SSN.

84. Wear each color of nail polish I have.

85. Buy living room furniture.

86. Print 1 new picture of George a month for a frame in the bedroom.

87. Re-do my Etsy shop.

88. Send 25 postcards through postcrossing.com. (0/25)

89. Organize pictures with Mom.

90. Brush Varmit once per week. (0/143)

91. Mow the lawn on a riding lawnmower without incident.

92. Put together a family recipe book.

93. Buy colorful rainboots.

94. Complete 10 MUA swaps. (0/10)

95. Shhh, it's another secret!

96. Get another tattoo.

97. Put together a list of Kolosovsky family contact information, birthdays, and anniversaries.

98. Write a letter to someone who changed my life.

99. Get a new digital camera, and learn to use all of the settings.

100. Have a rummage sale at the Inn.

101. Get a video camera.

There you have it! My new goals! I hope that they inspire you to reach for new things too.

Laura

Coming to the End...

Hello Everyone!

It has been 987 days since I started this endeavor. And it has been a journey indeed. I barely remember the person I was almost 3 years ago. So much has happened since then. Marriages, health issues, births, travels, adventures, misadventures, and everything in between. I've started writing a 2nd 101 list because even though this 1st list may not seem like a success in terms of what I finished and what I didn't, at least I was working towards some things. And in the past couple of years, this list has helped open the doors to a lot of wonderful people, places, and things.

Anyhow... time to update the first list for the final time. Stayed tuned for the new list, which I hope to have completed by September 30th, the final day for this list.

Overall Health (Mental & Physical):

1. Lose 5lbs. (45/5) That's right- 45 pounds! I lost it in a manner that I would never, ever recommend. I've kept it off for 2 months now.

2. Keep weight off for at least 12 months. (2/12)

3. Stand on the dock at Grandma Findlay's house at sunset and yell for any or no reason.

4. Try acupuncture.

5. Work out at least 3 times a week. (?/429) I'm not sure of the number, I don't think it's over 100 though. Something to strive for in the next list!

6. List 25 things I like about myself. (25/25) My hair; the beauty mark on my right collarbone; 90% of the time, my glass is more than 1/2 full; I never ever stop hoping; that Mamma Mia! makes me so happy I want to cry; I'm smart; I'm funny; I love my family; I'm creative; I have nice ears; I can paint my fingernails so well it looks professional; my voice; my name; my dreams; my goals; how I can remember song lyrics after only hearing the song once; my sarcasm...sometimes; my ability to put together puzzles; my handwriting; my love of nesting dolls; how easily entertained I am; my love of bad jokes; my choice of husband; my faith; and my CD mixes.

7. Do yoga at least once a week. (?/143) I did this at least 20 times, but again, something to work on for the next list... if I want to!

8. Try the couch to 5k program- start in the spring.

9. Get new glasses.

10. Take a dance class.

11. Ask for help if I need it. Never have I been more successful with this. Thank God!

12. Cut out red meat for two weeks. (doesn't have to be consecutive) (0/2)

13. Cut out bread for three weeks. (again, doesn't have to be consecutive) (0/3)

14. Eat only when I'm hungry. Taking a mulligan on this one- this doesn't work when you are pregnant or depressed.

15. Find better birth control.

16. Take a self-defense class.

17. Make a list of 100 things that make me happy. Optional, doodle them onto the craft room walls. (0/100)

Generosity:

18. Donate 1,500,000 grains of rice. (177,450/1,500,000) Fell a bit short... but I tried!

19. Help someone cross an item off of their 101 list. (within reason)

20. Donate blood at least three times. (3/3)

21. Be a Salvation Army bell ringer one season.

22. Tip the cost of the meal once.

23. Tip 50% of the meal twice. (0/2)

24. Donate at least one scarf a year to Knit Your Bit. (3/3)

25. Donate two Christmas Shoeboxes a year. (0/4)

Spiritual:

26. Complete two Bible/Spiritual book studies with a friend. (5+/2)

27. Read The Love Dare by Stephen Kendrick with Matt.

29. Make finding a church home a priority.

30. If we find a church, try joining the worship team. This didn't work out, but I did try it.

Skills/Education:

31. Take two lifelong learning classes at WTC. (2/2) Sadly, they were very boring. On the up side, they could be counted towards my degree.

32. Enroll in college and complete three semesters/quarters. (3/3) And then some! Only a couple more to go!

33. Learn to drive a stick shift well... no more bumpy first gear!

34. Learn to shoot a handgun.

35. Learn archery... learn to arch?

36. Become CPR certified.

37. Learn to french braid.

38. Learn to make origami cranes.

39. Learn to knit.

40. Make a better effort to learn Russian.

41. Learn to juggle.

For the Environment:

42. Use only cloth napkins.

43. Buy ten reusable shopping bags. (10/10)

44. Stop buying bagged salads, learn to make my own.

45. Find something better than plastic bottles to keep me hydrated.

Financial:

46. Use all tax returns to pay off credit card debt. (2/2)

47. Save $10 from each of my paychecks, and $20 from each of Matt's. (min. $50/month) Every $100 goes to credit card debt.

48. Make a budget with Matt, and stick to it! (2/30+)

49. Pay back J & K. ($500/$500)

50. Have 501 No Spending Days! (150/501) Oi! I'm so bad with this! I really want to include this on the next list and give it a better try.

Writing:

51. Write a letter to my future firstborn. Started 2/1/09 Still working on it.

52. Write a poem.

53. Send a secret to Postsecret.

54. Send five letters/postcards/care packages for no reason each year. (15/15)

55. Journal at least once a week. (143/143)

56. Send Ella and Eli a letter once a month. (3/30+)

57. Write better descriptions for all my Etsy listings.

58. Keep a dream journal.

Travel:

59. Visit Jeremy in D.C.

60. Take a picture of myself on the Brooklyn Bridge, holding a copy of A Tree Grows in Brooklyn.

61. Take a road trip with no destination.

62. Ride a train somewhere.

63. Go on a hot air balloon ride.

64. Visit Betty Smith's grave with mom.

65. Go to Six Flags with a group of friends for my 26th birthday.

66. Visit five new states. (0/5)

67. Mule the Grand Canyon.

68. Chase a storm.

69. Visit Anna in London, and go to at least two other countries while there. Part done, part still working on it!

Music, Movies, & Books:

70. Clean up my Ipod- remove every song I don't like!

71. Get rid of all VHSs, replace with DVDs.

72. Get new trivia books for both bathrooms. (0/2)

73. Watch every episode of Freaks & Geeks. (18/18)

74. See The Weepies in concert. A great big YAY!

75. Find a hardcover copy of Joy in the Morning in an antique store.

76. Convince someone of the awesomeness that is Abba.

77. Find five new songs/musicians/groups each year that affect me (i.e. make me so happy or so sad or so etc... perhaps something I can listen to over and over again.) (15/15) The Call, Regina Spektor; Baba O'Riley, The Who; Dust in the Wind, Kansas, Defying Gravity, Kerry Ellis; Petra Haden; Whatever It Takes, The Faders; Many the Miles, Sara Bareilles; Matt the Electrician; Poker Face, Lady Gaga; Waking Up in Vegas, Katy Perry; Be My Thrill (album), The Weepies; You Make My Dreams, Hall & Oates; Hallelujah, Kate Voegele; The Runaways; Tuesdays Gone, Lynyrd Skynyrd.

78. Read at least two new-to-me books a week from the library. (286/286)

79. Read Ayn Rand's The Fountainhead.

80. See the musical Wicked. Twice!

81. Read the Twilight series.

82. Make and keep a movie for insurance purposes. Started 1/23/09 Last Updated 12/09

83. Watch all the movies we have that I haven't seen yet. Done!!

Misc.:

84. Complete (with no outside help) fifteen crossword puzzles. Can be any level, but one must be hard. (4/15) 3 Easy, 1 Medium

85. Complete (finally!!!) my hot air balloon puzzle.

86. Organize childhood photographs with mom.

87. Finish refurbishing dollhouse- including furniture.

88. Brush Varmit once a week. (?/143) This kind of got derailed during my pregnancy and now with a newborn.

89. Make someone's day.

90. Limit computer time to two hours a day, four out of seven days a week. (?/572) Epic fail! Again, something I should really strive for... may be easier after I stop going to school online. :)

91. Complete Keri Smith's 100 ideas. (0/100)

92. Buy big happy rain boots and go puddle jumping.

93. Dye my hair red.

94. Wear false eyelashes on a regular day... extra points if they're sparkly. Glue allergy... enough said.

95. Scrapbook at least five hours a month. (0/175)

96. Try eggplant.

97. Buy a new nude bra.

98. Submit a photo to bestkisses.com.

99. High-five five strangers in non-athletic venues. (1/5) 1/28/09 High-fived a guy at the counter at the Barnes & Noble Cafe... he was quoting my favorite poem!

100. Reconnect with my Kolosovsky family. Still working on this, but it's been going well!

101. Find the best tattoo artist in the state (or tri-state area) and have them do my little red dragon.

There you have it- 42 completed, with 20 others that I have started. So, 62 out of 101. Not bad! Wish me much luck on the next one.

Laura