As promised!!

Check out my new frames!  I'm very excited that the came so quickly.  I'm also very glad to get rid of my old, broken down frames.  They were no good, very very crooked, and made me look insane!  Seriously, no sane person wears glasses that crooked for six months... unless, of course, they can't afford to replace them.  Anyhow.  Enjoy the pics!

Let's Update This Bad Boy...

Alright, wonderful and hopefully patient readers...   I've got a lot of things to update, so here goes. 

9. In progress!!  I've had my eye exam, and the new glasses will be here before the end of the month.  It's especially exciting, since my current pair of glasses broke in November.  I managed to, for lack of a better term, "honkey-rig" them with my incredible resining skills and they have been usable, but the left lens is totally crooked and I look insane in pictures.  So, can't wait for the new ones!  I'm also going to be trying contacts sometime soon.  I have a bit of a problem sticking things in my eyes, but everything can be overcome, right?  I'll be posting a new picture soon with my pretty new frames.

18. So far, I've donated 150,000 grains of rice.  It's tough.  Not so much the questions, but the sheer volume of them that I have to answer correctly!  I enjoy learning new things, and have been having a lot of fun with the Famous Paintings subject since I spent some time recently at the National Gallery in a certain big city on my list...

20. Ah, donating blood.  Remember the first time I tried in January?  The fun and excitement of an un-anchored vein?  Well, this time, my "good" arm and vein were ready and raring to go.  But still no.  Well, I got about another half pint.  This time, the trouble was that my blood came out so slowly that it was clotting in my arm, in front of the needle.  Now, if your stomach turns easily, skip to the next item.  But if you enjoy the slow turning of a queasy stomach, imagine someone pulling a needle out of your arm with an 8 inch line of clotted blood connected to it.  Yep.  I was so disappointed.  So disappointed that I cried over the phone to my husband on the way home.  I just really wanted to be able to help out in this way.  However, the glass is half full, right?  I'm still not ready to give up.  And!  Big plus, the helpful people at the Red Cross informed me that if (knock on wood) I'm ever in an accident, my slow-flowing blood will be a big positive.  Anyhow, I'm going to give it one more try, in May, and let's all keep our fingers crossed that it goes smoothly.

29. & possibly 30. There's a new church in town, and we hope to try it out this Sunday.  I'm not sure if they have a service this week, but if they do, we'll be there.  And also, if it works out, I would like to gather my courage and try to sing, not only in public, but as a leader of the songs. Again, keep the fingers crossed.  I miss having a church family, and feeling involved with God.  

41.  The juggling is not going so well.  Turns out, the hand/eye coordination is not as good as I thought.  Someday!!

42.  Still using cloth napkins mostly, except when we get take out and they include paper napkins.  That being said, we do try to ask that they not put them in with our order.  Go us!

43.  COMPLETED!! We now have 10 reusable shopping bags that we try to remember to use every time.  I think the key is keeping some in my car, and keeping some in my husband's.  And then just grab one when you head into a store!

45.  We have stopped buying plastic water bottles.  The solution?  Reusable plastic bottles!  Shocking, I know.  We purchased two large plastic containers with spigots to keep full in the fridge (they take up 2/3 of the top shelf!) and for me to take to work and around, two much smaller reusable bottles (in pretty purple and pink).  I even took one of my reusable bottles on vacation recently.  I consider this one in progress still because it's a struggle to not just buy a bottle if I'm out and about and thirsty.  Still going...

46.  One down, two to go.

47.  Saving money is hard.  Really hard.  Especially when one has a tendency to shop due to stress, boredom... etc.  Same reasons I overeat.  Yikes.  Too deep, right?

49. COMPLETED!  Slowly, we work at getting rid of our debt.  Personal debt goes first, when it's this personal.

50. See # 47.

51.  This one's pretty interesting, actually.  I started the letter on February 1st, 2009.    Sometime soon after that, my husband and I began having very serious debates about whether or not we actually WANT to have children.  We decided no.  I'm going to continue writing that letter though.  I know my mind now, but I'm not naive enough to think that it will always be the same.  Right now, I can't imagine anything but all of the things I'd have to give up for a child.  Maybe someday it won't seem like I'm giving up anything.  

55.  Going strong.  I'd love to write more, but I've been very scatterbrained for the past few months.  Still trying.

56.  Only missed one month so far!  And my darling niece wrote a letter back to me (with help from her mom) AND she made me a beautiful bracelet!!  The card is still proudly displayed on my tv.  My main purpose with this one is to stay connected to these beautiful kids, especially with the physical distance of living across the state from them.

69. Visit Anna in London.  DONE!  Oh my God, I've been to England.  That being said, we didn't make it to visit any other countries while I was there, and that's my fault.  My whole life, I've had very bad bouts of homesickness.  Incapacitating homesickness.  Combine that with never having been that far and for so long from my husband, and my first 2 days in jolly old London were miserable.  I changed my plane ticket on day 3 and came home 6 days early.  I had a great time while I was there, with my sister, and meeting her fella, and just wandering around.  As a girl from rural Wisconsin, the transportation system was overwhelming at first,  but I eventually took the tube (subway) and buses by myself!  Even late at night!  I saw the President's motorcade.  I saw 4 green girls, and I saw where Anne Boleyn was beheaded.  I got to hang out with my sister, who is my best friend.  I miss her so much now, but I don't regret coming home early.  My husband, my other best friend, is too big a part of me to leave for that long.  We'll go back together someday.  For two weeks or more, but together.  

Here's Big Ben... my brotha.

This is me, pounding on the wall, desperate for some magic action.  Good times.

70.  I'm up to the letter I!  Only 2000 songs to go...

71. 26 VHSs left!  Some of them are going to be difficult because of their obscurity.  Also, Disney movies and that stinkin' Disney vault are getting on my last nerve.  Not really, but it's fun to complain.

75.  Still trying to find a hardcover copy of Joy in the Morning... Asked some guy about it in a book store in London, and he got lippy with me.  Ahh, the British.  The most politely rude people in the world.  

77.  Defying Gravity, Kerry Ellis.  My God, her voice is absolute heaven.

78.  59/286  I've decided not to update the titles because I've been reading so much.  However, I will keep updating my favorites.  Or at least update you on what I'm currently reading.  Right now, I'm reading the Uglies series by Scott Westerfeld.  FANTASTIC!  I've only read the first book so far, but it was great.  

80. DONE!  Not only did I see Wicked, but I was able to treat my sister and her man to a show in LONDON.  There is something so cool about seeing a musical or play in a foreign place.  Yes, I could have caught it in Chicago, Minneapolis, or even Des Moines (and I will soon take my husband there!) but to see it in London at the Apollo Victoria was breathtaking.  The musical itself is truly inspiring.  It doesn't follow the book's story line exactly, but it's wonderful.  Kerry Ellis as Elphaba was breathtaking.  Her voice was so fantastic, I teared up during some of her songs.  I couldn't clap loud enough, and I'm looking forward to arguing with my father-in-law over who was better, Kerry Ellis or Idina Menzel... no contest.  

81.  Loved it, and they're now some of my favorite go-to books.  I'd just like to say that I'm not usually one with the trends.  But you say the word vampire, and I'm totally on board.  Ever since Lestat & Louis, and The Last Vampire series by Christopher Pike, I've been slightly obsessed with these immortal creatures.  

82.  Updated it just today!

83. 38 to go!  I've decided not to list these either, unless I love them so much it needs to be said.  The count changes a lot because sometimes we buy a movie that the husband's seen and I haven't, or vice versa.  Hard to keep a count.

88. 14 weeks down, a bunch to go.  Husby helped out when I was in London, many thanks to him for helping with my list!

90.  Not going well.  I like the computer, too much.  Will have to concentrate harder on this one.

There we have it!  Finally updated, and I really want to update more often.  I like to get it all out like this, it's therapeutic.  I hope you enjoy reading this, and thanks for listening.

Laura

Is Spring Really Coming Soon?

Well everyone, it's been another long time between posts. 

 I've been struggling the last few weeks to keep an upbeat attitude.  I've been continuing on my list journey, mostly with # 78.  I read when I need a break from real life.   The problems of literary characters sweep me away from the seemingly endless trials, troubles, and annoyances in my own life.   I know that that isn't healthy.  So, I've also been trying to write some things out in my journal.  

Add to my ennui a cold shared with my husband for almost 2 weeks, a crack in a windshield, and the pressure of making the house presentable to in-laws, and I'm fried.  I'm also fighting to accept people as they are, and fighting against myself and my Charlie Brown football tendencies.  I know that I will always always always run for the ball, for that great kick.  It's worth the times flying through the air for the times I make contact.

Anyhoo.  I will be back in a few days, hopefully well-rested and with a clear head, to fully update you on my progress.  

Laura

Too Long To Be Away...

Hello faithful followers!  

  I feel like I've been gone from the blogging world forever.  In reality, it's only been about 12 days, and I do have a good excuse.  My hard drive died!  I went to turn it on one morning, and all that came up was a grey screen with a blinking question mark box.  That was a sad day.  I'd like to give a shout out to The MacGuys for all their assistance in getting me a new, bigger hard drive for the same price as the old and for their quick service.   If anyone would like to contribute to the "Dear God, that was still soooo expensive fund", please contact me directly.  

  I've been very productive in the time it's taken to get the old compy up and running again.  I've crossed off two more items from my list, and have been really blessed with some great experiences. I've also come to an important decision.

The two items I've crossed off are # 73 and # 89. 

  #89 was cool.  I had been thinking a lot about my friend Cindi for a couple of days when I finally decided to call.  It's hard for me to call because she is sooo busy and I don't want to intrude.  I mean, she has 3 young kids, a husband, a teaching job, and everything that entails.  But the day after I called, she sent me an e-card that flat out said I had made her day by calling, and that I shouldn't ever feel like I'm intruding because apparently, I give her a break from her life.  She is one of the coolest people I know, and I just felt great about it.  So, even though #89 is technically complete, I'm going to continue to try and do it again and again.  It's an awesome feeling!

 #73 was to watch all the episodes of the show Freaks & Geeks.  I wanted to give it a try because I've heard a lot of people talking about how funny it was... the same reason I initially watched Arrested Development.  Now, I don't know what those people were talking about, because the show is not all that funny.  But it's real.  It took about 6 or so episodes before I was hooked, and until the end of the last episode before I was in love, but it really is a very good show.  I understand why it wasn't a huge hit when it was on the air.  It wasn't a sitcom, and it wasn't really a drama.  As my husband said, it was kind of a newer, funnier version of The Wonder Years.  I would strongly suggest it to anyone.  The cast is full of recognizable faces, and the best (and sometimes worst) thing about it is that they are all so human, all the time.  You really got to know everyone and see inside their lives.  And relate to it. 

Oi, this is getting long.  

The big decision I've made is to cancel my Curves membership.  It's just not working out for me.  When I went last year, it was at the same time everyday, at a smaller location, with the same group of wonderful people.  That branch was closed and sold, and the cool people scattered, and it's all different now.  But as it turns out, those women- Patty, Diane, Kristen, and a few others were really the driving force behind my going.  Sure, losing weight was great, and the exercise was a good program.  But it's so hard for me to go and not relate to anyone I'm exercising with.  So, I've changed #5 from go to Curves at least 3 times a week to use our elliptical at least 3 times a week.  We'll see how it goes.

Anyhow.  That's enough for today.  Remember to just keep trying, keep smiling, and never be afraid to adapt.  That's what it's all about.

Laura

Month Two!

Hello again internet people!  Here we are, at the beginning of another wonderful month.  Let's dig right in, shall we?

Life is pretty good.  

Going to Curves was a trouble spot last month, but I've been feeling more and more like I want to go.  And, even better, I have been going!  Well, once anyhow, but it's only the 3rd!  I'm going tomorrow and Thursday, and then I'm aiming for 4 times a week!

On a more serious note, I started writing a letter to my first born on Sunday.  I didn't expect it to be so intense.  I guess I thought I would say something to the effect of, "Hey, can't wait until you're here..."  Not quite.  I started writing about my childhood, and the things I would want to do differently, and I don't know.  I started tearing up!  In a coffee shop while waiting for a friend, no less.  Oh well.  If these goals weren't difficult, I wouldn't try at all.

I'm attempting to teach myself to juggle.  I just have to learn to loosen up a bit.  Sheesh.  It's juggle, aren't you supposed to look a little silly?

Anyhow, I must stop writing about these things, and get to doing them.

Toods,

Laura

First Month of My List is Nearly Complete...

With a month nearly  behind me, I'm still very excited and inspired by my list.  I feel that overall I've been doing pretty well.  There's always room for improvement, of course, but let's count the good things first, huh?  

I've crossed off 3 items on my list- numbers 85, 96, & 97.  Victories!  

Altogether, I'm currently working on 23 other items... wow, that's a lot all at once!  I really do enjoy having goals.  And this experience, while it's only been about 30 days, has really opened me up to learning about and attempting new things.  I'm enjoying stepping out of my comfort zone, and I'm trying to just relax about everything in general.  Life's funny like that, you know? 

 I must admit, working at the library is just spectacular!  I'm really reading again for the first time in years.  I'm reading things that I've never read before, which is pretty awesome as well (I tend to re-read and re-read...).  I've read 21 books this month (since Jan. 5th), and I'm well into 3 others.  That's actually something I could scale back on... haha.  Goals are easy, limits are hard.  

My husband and I have both enjoyed trying to get rid of our VHSs.  We really enjoy our movie collection, but let's face it- tapes are practically obsolete.  It will be a while before we get them all replaced.  There's one in particular- The 60s, a mini-series that was on NBC about 10 years ago.  Finding it on DVD is doable, the price tag is not.  Apparently, it's really rare.  Ah, challenges!!

Item # 99- This was fantastic!  I was working at B & N in the cafe the other night, and my friend Lauren and I were talking about poetry.  I was describing my favorite poem (The Cremation of Sam McGee, Robert Service) when a customer came up.  I told her I would finish telling her about it after he left because it's an epic and very interesting poem.  However, this customer-guy starts reciting the poem!!!  It was such a beautiful moment, I swear my mouth dropped open and my eyes welled up.  Anyhow, that's one out of five.  And also, read Robert Service- it's wonderful.

It's all the big things and the little things, and the people who are interested and willing to help me out.  My husband is great at making sure we use only cloth napkins, and the wonderful women at Curves are really supportive, not just in exercise, but with everything I've been doing on the list.  

Speaking of Curves, it's one of the things I really need to start going full force on.  I've been worn out the past two weeks because of a sinus infection and working two jobs, but I don't want to make excuses, I just want to tap into that part of me that goes all out on everything.  Same with yoga- it really does energize you for the day.

Anyhow, wrapping up this post and this month, here are a few of the highlights:

Attempting to donate blood- it was an experience that probably would keep most people from doing it again, but it just makes me laugh.

High-fiving a stranger... so much fun!

Donating rice- almost 120,000 grains this month. 

Sticking to saving money from our checks specifically to put towards bigger credit card payments.

Trying eggplant- turns out, it tastes like tomatoes, I thought.

And finally- reading, reading, reading!!!!

Keep the hope alive,

Laura

The Good in the World...

Sheesh.  Another morning spent tearing up over wonderful people found on the internet... there are worse things out there, I guess.  If you're reading this (and I hope you are), take a minute to check out the following websites.  I guarantee they will improve your mood, and maybe even get you to go out and help someone.

www.1000thingsthatmatter.com

www.theburiedlife.com

www.bestkisses.com

Never forget that this is a good world, and that there are good people out there.  There are also people who need our help.  If you can do it, do it.  If you can help, help.  Don't leave it up to the next person, because eventually, there is no next person.

First they came for the Jews and I 

did not speak out because I was

not a Jew.

Then they came for the 

Communists and I did not speak

out because I was not a 

Communist.

Then they came for the trade

unionists and I did not speak out

because I was not a trade 

unionist.

Then they came for me

and there was no one left to

speak out for me.

Pastor Niemoller