August Round Up

1-Pay off my car: Still in progress and will be for a while

2-Pay off the rest of my credit card debt: At the rate I am going, I will be debt free by Christmas! Yay me!

3-Create a budget: Still too free spirited for a complete budget, but there is still time

4-Lose weight: I have lost 15 pound since June, but am far from done

5-Join a gym & set up an exercise program: Joined the new LA Fitness down the street today. I have an appointment with a trainer on Tuesday

6-Collaborate with someone on a creative project: DONE, though this still feels like an ongoing goal for me.

7-Exercise at least 3x a week: I had been going walking daily until I sprained my ankle/hurt something in my foot last weekend. It is starting to get better, so I think I will soon be back on track.

8-Make an appointment with a personal trainer: DONE - we are meeting on Tuesday at 7 p.m.

9-Make a quilt: No progress, but I've thought about it. I STILL have pieces all cut out (not a great accomplishment - they've been cut out for over a year!), but have yet to sew anything together. I also remembered I have the makings of a second quilt, becuase a friend gave me a bunch of pieces she had cut, then decided not to put together.

10-Complete January blogstravaganza: DONE. I did try posting once a day for the month of January, howevever it did not quite pan out. I did, however, write just about every day, so from that standpoint it was a success. I'm going to call this one good, since the point was really to write something every day. I am working out a new writing goal in my head that involves taking it all a little more seriously. I really don't treat it like something I care about.

11-Write 12 short stories, essays or poems in the next year (I.e. 1/month): This goal has not quite worked out as I planned it. I almost think that it would have been better just say write X every day/week. I did write a poem the other day, though. I met a new friend who has really inspired me to work harder at writing and stop treating it like something that doesn't matter to me, to create a zone that makes it ok for it to suck since I didn't work that hard at it anyway. I need to set some goals that will help me with that. For now, I will continue with the list (or link to) of pieces I've written even though it doesn't really cover everythin i've been working on. I write something most days, so I'm not sure how to distinguish other than to say that it must be a purposeful, finished piece. So, here is what I have thusefar: 1. I did write a piece I rather like about family back in January; 2. I wrote a poem based on a writing prompt from my friend Wendy; 3. Am working on a poem/short prose thing right now and also an essay.

12-Finish the first draft of my mystery novel: No real progress, but I did finally find all my plot and character notes that had been lost.

13-Learn another language: Still stuck at the same place I was last month.

14-Take a class

15-Join/start a writing group or take a writing class: Done, but ongoing, so I hesitate to mark it off the list. Technically, I did do what I set out to, though. I started working my way through The Artist's Way and have been posting the exercises that don't get too personal here. My writing duo and I exchanged pieces about a month ago, then petered out. We need to repurpose what we're doing. Something about it wasn't working. I think I need more structure. I have also been working through some writing prompts from Wendy on her livejournal community - Spirit Writes. It has been a lot of fun, because it has prompted me to write about some topics I normally wouldn't choose on my own.

16-Make something with my own hands once a month (craft project):Jan - ?, Feb - ?, March - ?, April - collage, May: ?, June: ?, July: ?, August - ?

17-Join a choir or that music thingy from the "Keep PDX Weird" event: I have not done this, but I have found a friend who wants to join me in playing some violin duets/possibly get together a group to play chamber music.

18-Learn 12 new songs on my violin in the next year (I.e. 1/month): In preparation for duet playing, I have begun to practice regularly again. Right now I am still polishing last month's Seitz Conerto and have added a couple more along with some Vivaldi.

19-Get my bow rehaired: Still need to do this.

20-Clean out/organize my books: Put a few more books in the Goodwill box, but I really haven't done much more with this since last month

21-Make curtains for my bedroom

22-Go for a walk in a new park/trail at least once a month. April - went for a walk in Wilsonville where I work. May - Nowhere new. June - Went for a walk at a botanical garden at the beach. July - No parks, just daily walks around the neighborhood where I work. August - Still need to do this

23-Learn about wine

24-Try a new recipe once a month: Jan 08: Thai Pizza; Feb 08: West African Ground Nut Stew; Carribbean Black Beans with Orange Juice and Candied Ginger; March 08: Ziti with Sundried Tomato Cream, Plaintains with Apples and Sweet Potatoes, Tangy Orange Salad Dressing; April 08: Vegetarian Carne Guisada; May08: Chocolate and Cranberry Cookies (from Apples for Jam- I am sad to report that I really did not like them). Penne with Shrimp, Cream and Tomatoes (also from Apples for Jam and DELICIOUS!); June 08: Mushroom Marinara sauce from Posie Gets Cozy website (so good!); July 08: Mole Enchiladas; August 08: Tomorrow I am making an Eggplant Lasagna

25 - Invite friends over for dinner once a month: Jan 08: Jenny & Jesus; Feb 08: - ; March 08: Paula (kinda - we ended up eating out); Jen, Becky, Nancy, Jenny, Dejadira; Ruth, Jala, DeEtte; April 08: Jenny, DeJadira, Antonio; May 08: I am sure we had someone over, but for the life of me, I cannot remember who it was; June 08: Jenny & kids; July 08: Apala; August 08: Jen & Becky (picnic in the park, but I provided the food, so it counts!)

26-Try a new restaurant once a month: Jan 08: Jim Dandy; Feb 08: Van Hanh; Mexican Restaurant on 122nd...can't remember the name, but it was good; March 08: Mexican Restaurant by work - can't remember the name, but it's by the Thai restaurant (like that tells anyone but me anything!); April 08: - the vegan café next to my mom's chiropractor's office in Milwaukie (I know - again with the great record keeping!) May 08: Sweet Pea Baking Company (vegan and they have the yummiest peanutbutter bars!; June 08: El Tapatio (both the one on 82nd Ave in PDX AND the one in Coquille, OR), The Sea Hag (Depoe Bay, OR); the Doogers in Seaside (I've already eaten at the one in Cannon Beach); July 08: El Pollo Loco in Gresham; August 08: not yet, but I want to try the new Morrocan place by work

27-Make Stollen: This probably won't happen until a little closer to Christmas, but I look forward to having some filled with marzipan and rum soaked raisins as soon as possible.

28-Once a month, pick someone and buy them a gift/do something to make them happy for no reason at all: Jan 08 no one; Feb 08 - sent flowers to my mom; March 08 - Cadbury eggs for Mary (b/c they're her favorite and she was having a bad day); April 08 - bought my mom a lily, also have something for Jen that I can not yet reveal, because I have yet to send it; May 08 - Bought my mom a sparkly silver tote, because she liked my gold disco bag; June 08 - While on vacation bought Deja and Antonio various souvenirs and also sprung for the $25 deluxe dune buggy ride instead of the $12 craptacular one; July 08 - stuff for Jen (though it was for her birthday); August 08 - Tickets for Phantom of the Opera for my mom

29-Moisturize every day: I have actually been doing MUCH better about this. I have found this really great one from Wei East called Youth Recaptured that leaves my skin looking so nice. Boots' No. 7 also has a good moisturizing serum that I've been using this week since my Wei East ran out.

30-Organize my recipes: No new progress since last month

31-Study a new Tarot card each month: This SO has not happened, but I did do a couple of readings for myself in August

32-Go on a real vacation: DONE! Spent 3 days in Eastern Washington in May and went on a week long vacation to the coast in August. I also have some time off in September, but I don't think I'll be going anywhere big.

33-Resume Wednesday activity schedule with Jen. Check! BUT we fell out of the habit again. We went to go see The Princess Bride at Portland Parks summer movie series tonight, so hopefully we will get back on track soon

34-Spend a month as a vegetarian - Completed Feb08

35-Play my guitar more than once a year

36-Cut my diet coke consumption down to 1 a day (or better - none a day): I'm down to 1 or 2 (usually 2), so I'm not marking this off yet, but i'm getting better

37-Sign up for organic grocery delivery or foodshare

38-Study a new artist/composer each month: So far not much progress, though I did forget that I read up a bit on Sofonisba Anguissola a bit back in January.

39-Go to a concert/play once a month: Jan 08: The Devil and Daniel Webster; Feb 08: Sweet Honey in the Rock; March 08: Corteo, Ladysmith Black Mambazo; April 08: Nothing yet. May: None; June 08: Nothing yet; July 08: nada; August 08: The Phantom of the Opera

40-Go to the Shakespeare festival in Ashland.

41-Host a summer barbeque. I had one all planned, then the dog had to have surgery, so I never sent out the invitations. Maybe when I'm off after ext week

42-Plan a trip to Europe

43-Renew my passport

44-Go through and get rid of CD's that need to be released into the wild

45-Go on another retreat: I have some time coming, but I don't think I'm going to have the money to do anything to big. I'll work out a way to have some alone time, though.

46-Visit the Oregon Trail museums I haven't yet visited: I really need to find out what these are. So far I have been to the End of the Oregon Trail Museum in Oregon City, Tamastslikt in Pendleton, and the Oregon Trail Museum in Baker City.

47-Read a poem each week: I read poetry, I'm not sure if it's once a week, though.

48-Read something in another language each week

49-Visit the East Coast

50-Write a handwritten letter to someone once a month

51-Meet a friend for coffee/drinks/whatever once a month. No real changes. Really, the point of making this a goal was that I found myself feeling kind of hermit-like at the beginning of the year and turning down a lot of invitations I should have accepted. This does not seem to be a problem anymore. I think I smell an empty spot for a new goal.

52-Regularly deposit money into savings. Clearly I have budgeting issues. I've mostly just thought about this.

53-Take control of my 401k investments by taking a class/reading a book on investing: My 401k is actually changing in October. I really need to get on this.

54-Call or e-mail friends at least once a week. Haven't really been keeping track, but I think this works out. Setting this goal was a companion to #51. Things are just different from the way they were when I set these goals. I'm feeling more connected again, but I do need to be bettre about setting aside some time each day to check in with people, so I don't go months without any contact.

55-Finish the photo wall

56-Take (or procure) a flattering picture of each of my friends for the wall. I've been taking a lot of pictures.

57-Attend a pow-wow

58-Make a dress

59-Clean out my closet (clothes AND shoes)

60-Buy new underthings and get rid of the old: I am not the proud owner of 3 new bras, but I want to get some more. I also purchased myself some new panties. I need to take some time and go through the drawer and trash the old stuff, though.

61-Clean out the garage

62-Attend a pagan festival (Beltaine and/or some other)

63-Update my birthday list. Do I even HAVE a birthday list? I mean really, all in one place? I don't think so. Maybe I need to CREATE a birthday list.

64-Take pictures at events, gatherings, etc.

5-Go to the beach once a month in the sunny months: June - check! July - :-(, August - :-(

66-Visit Leavenworth: DONE - completed May 08

67-Paint my bedroom: It is not yet complete, but I am working on it.

68-Pull up the carpet in my bedroom: After the painting's done

69-Paint the deck: This could be a project for my week off

70-Paint the front porch This could be a project for my week off

71-Go on a road trip during the summer. Done (June 08) and I want to take more!!!

72-Use my Entertainment book regularly, keep track of the savings & put them in a fun money jar

73-Buy and TAKE a daily vitamin Purchased in Feb and have been taking it sporradically (though I have gotten better since I started taking Alli)

74-Learn to knit

75-Go camping. Done! As of last week I have spent time in both a state park yurt and a cabin at a KOA campground!

76-Get and update a new address book

77-Learn enough about photography to make my good pictures more than happy accidents: Checked out a book on digital photography from the library

78-Go to a reading or lecture at least once a month

79-Participate in NaNoWriMo for real and following their rules

80-Join Amnesty International

81-Join The Humane Society (or some other animal organization)

82-Learn to make an origami crane

83-Run the whole way around the track

84-Go on December pilgrimage with Jenny R. and her family

85-Write something (journal, blog, whatever) every day In progress - If I've not written EVERY day, I've definitely done so ALMOST that often.

86-Buy a new ring as a reminder: Done. Bought butterfly ring in Jan 08

87-Get a manicure

88-Treat myself to a spa day

89-Create an enticing reward system for every 10 pounds: I think my "system" may simply be that I get to make a frivolous purchase for every 10 lost. The first 10 was a Jason Mraz cd. I have a few more before I get to buy the next one, but I'm thinking it may be the final season of Buffy.

90-Get tickets for my mom to be able to see Cirque du Soleil: DONE - saw Corteo with my mom on March 11

91-Read the Bible, Koran, Baghavad Gita

92-Buy a pair of comfortable athletic shoes - DONE. Bought some really nice black and turqoise Avia running shoes on my way home today

93-Visit a Buddhist temple

94-Learn yoga/take an exercise class: Yoga is on the schedule at my new gym. They also have a Latin Impact class that looks intriguing

95-Plant a vegetable/herb garden

96-Make preserves

97-Research and make a list of fun summer festival outings- In progress - I am still using the lovely Gustav Klimt datebook my friend Lorin got me for Christmas to record them

98-Make stepping stones for the garden. I have this scheme in my head wherein I invite my friends over for a crafty stone making extravaganza and then use their completed stones to pave the garden path. That way, whenever I am strolling along I will look down and think of them!

99-Go berry picking on Sauvie Island

100-Buy fresh cherries from the fruit loop when they are in season: DONE - kinda...It's too late to do mucha bout it this year and I did get my fresh, local cherries, which was the point. I did not do this from the fruit loop, however I did buy local fresh cherries here in town and bought some peaches from the orchards near Maryhill when I was there a week or so ago.

101-Plan something fabulous for my birthday this year. Done. Invited a bunch of girlfriends over for a vegetarian feast with not one, but two cakes. How did I get two cakes? Well, you see I went to this bake sale to benefit the women detained in last summer's Del Monte raids. One of the women there was a baker, and we bought one of her cakes. As we were talking to another friend, I thought "Why not order a cake from her for my birthday instead of giving money to Lamb's bakery?" So, I immediately went back and asked her if she would do it. She was happy to.The thing is that when I got home with the original non-birthday cake, I found that the frosting tasted oddly lardy. I didn't want lard cake for my party. Who does? Getting old is bad enough, getting old with only a lard cake for succor does not help ANYTHING! So, I called Lamb's and ordered a mocha cake filled with raspberry and decorated with lovely spring flowers. But, of course, I would have felt too guilty cancelling my original order, so I didn't. It's not like you can call a sweet Mexican lady who is worried about deportation and whether she'll be able to afford plane tickets to take her American citizen children with her and tell her that her cake is lardy and strange, so I decided to just suck it up. The whole point from the beginning was to help her out in a way that wouldn't make her feel like it was charity. The cake was just a side benefit, but not really the point, anyway. So, that's how I ended up with a cake from her AND my Lamb's cake. But that's not where the story ends. The story ends beautifully (and with the birthday miracle of a surplus of cake, which is again beautiful!), because her birthday cake was not lardy at all but light and airy with strawberries and creamy, delicious frosting. Apparently all that stuff about karma is true!