Final 2008 Round Up

Welcome to my final 2008 round up wherein I reflect on my progress and feel grateful to Anne for nudging me to collaborate with her on meeting our goals. It's really been fun and I look forward to what we both will acheive in the coming year. Like Anne, I feel compelled to reevaluate my goals and focus more on the things that are truly important to me (or at least fun). Goodbye jiveass place fillers, hello real goals that will improve my quality of life! But more on that later! Today's task is to take stock of the past year. In the end, I finished about 1/3 of the things on my list and have been plugging away at quite a few more. Considering that the original project was to take place over more than one year, this isn't so bad.

1-Pay off my car: Still in progress, but in about two days it will be my ONLY debt! After that, one more year and I will be debt free!

2-Pay off the rest of my credit card debt: COMPLETE.

3-Create a budget: Will be complete before I go back to work on January 5. I have a spreadsheet ready and just need to plug in the amounts.

4-Lose weight: Lost 20 pounds. I have more to lose, but the goal was to lose weight, which I have done. In the works for 2009 are more specific goals than "lose more weight", which means that next time around will be more challenging, but that's ok!

5-Join a gym & set up an exercise program: Join a gym - COMPLETE. The exercise program is still a bit tenuous. My foot is almost completely healed now, so I am confident that there are good things to come in the new year!

7-Exercise at least 3x a week: This is a tough one. There was a period where I was indeed exercising more than 3x a week. I've exercised three times this week, but between injury and lack of discipline, this has not remained constant. One of the challenges I'm finding with these ongoing goals is making them specific enough to feel a sense of completion. Lifestyle issues are particularly hairy in this respect. I have a few ideas (maybe counting in hours per month or something and keeping like I did with the recipes), but any suggestions are welcome.

9-Make a quilt: No progress. Maybe I am just not meant to be a quilter. I like the idea of being creative, but maybe quilting is not my thing. I find myself much more crafty when I can use my creativity for nefarious or at least humorous purposes.

11-Write 12 short stories, essays or poems in the next year (I.e. 1/month): I really don't like the way I framed this goal and I really have no idea of how many I wrote. I wrote a few poems, a ton of blog posts, and am working on a story. So, I think the spirit of the goal is complete, but the literal framing of it not so much. I guess I'll count this as half.

12-Finish the first draft of my mystery novel

13-Learn another language: I learned a lot of Spanish this past year, but not enough that I am comfortable saying that I have learned the language.

14-Take a class

16-Make something with my own hands once a month (craft project):Jan - ?, Feb - ?, March - ?, April - collage, May: ?, June: ?, July: ?, August - ?, September: ?, October: ?, November: ?, December: Angels to hold the place cards for Christmas Dinner (and they are awesome in an amusing way, because I cracked myself all the way up with them)

17-Join a choir or that music thingy from the "Keep PDX Weird" event

18-Learn 12 new songs on my violin in the next year (I.e. 1/month): COMPLETE. One of the best things I've done this year is to pick up my violin more often. I really want to find a way to make music a regular, active part of my life again.

19-Get my bow rehaired

20-Clean out/organize my books: A never ending task. I wonder if I will ever be done.

21-Make curtains for my bedroom

22-Go for a walk in a new park/trail at least once a month. Went a few times, but definitely not once a month.

23-Learn about wine. I did learn some things, but not as much as I wanted to, so I don't feel good calling this complete.

24-Try a new recipe once a month: Complete! 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; September 08: Cajun Salmon with eggplant and pomegranate salad; October 08: Tamale "pie"; Sour Cream Apple Pie (the first and most delicious pie I have ever made - I will definitely make this again!); November 08: Whiskey Glazed Carrots (SO good! I don't even like cooked carrots and I LOVED this AND I can see many applications for the whiskey glaze, which would be awesome on sweet potatoes or winter squash!); December 08: Rum Raisin Cupcakes, Maple Glazed Sweet Potatoes, Mango Chicken

25 - Invite friends over for dinner once a month: Complete!! 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!); September 08: Jeff; Apala; October 08: don't think I had anyone over - too gimpy/sick for cooking for guests; November 08: Jeff; December: Winns; Jeff

26-Try a new restaurant once a month: COMPLETE! I missed a month here and there, but there were also months where I tried more than one, so I'm okay with closing this one out., since it was just for fun. 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; September 08: the new Hawaiian restaurant down the road; October 08: not sure...I think I may not have tried anything; November 08: Maggiani's in Troy, MI & a dreadful place (also in Troy) called Tichonderoga that had dead animal heads hanging all over the place - not my choice. They are known for their game. I positioned myself in a spot at the table where I would not have to look anything dead in the eye and ate butternut squash lasagna in protest. Also California Pizza Kitchen in the Salt Lake City airport; December 08: Nothing new.

27-Make Stollen: COMPLETE! I made it for Christmas and it was delicious!

28-Once a month, pick someone and buy them a gift/do something to make them happy for no reason at all: COMPLETE! 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; September 08: Gave Apala a Miriam Makeba cd; October 08: gave one of the nicer neighborhood kids almost ALL of our Halloween candy, because it seemed like it was going to be a slow night. I also wrote up daily ghost stories for a friends at work for 13 days before Halloween, simply because she likes them. November 08: Have been a selfish bitch! I can't really think of anything I've given anyone as a present for no reason, though I have taken my mom out for a dinner a few times. Does that count?; December 08: Tickets to see The Color Purple on New Year's.

29-Moisturize every day: Still a little hit and miss, though having a nice moisturizer is helping and I did do this deep skin treatment the other day that gave my face a really healthy glow.

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

31-Study a new Tarot card each month: No progress. I think it's just not the time. It's really not a super important goal to me.

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): Complete. It has been 2 1/2 weeks since my last diet coke or caffeine of any sort!

37-Sign up for organic grocery delivery or foodshare.

38-Study a new artist/composer each month

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; September 08: nothing yet; October: nothing; November: nothing; December: The Color Purple

40-Go to the Shakespeare festival in Ashland.

41-Host a summer barbeque. Next summer!

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

46-Visit the Oregon Trail museums I haven't yet visited: Visited: End of the Oregon Trail Museum in Oregon City, Tamastslikt in Pendleton, and the Oregon Trail Museum in Baker City.

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. I'm counting this as complete. For the past few months I have gotten together with friends pretty regularly. 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

53-Take control of my 401k investments by taking a class/reading a book on investing: SO glad I didn't bumble into making bigger investments with all the Wall Street mess! For now, I am holding on with what I'm currently doing until I feel more comfortable with some more daring investments.

54-Call or e-mail friends at least once a week. Complete.

55-Finish the photo wall

56-Take (or procure) a flattering picture of each of my friends for the wall

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: Complete.

61-Clean out the garage

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

63-Update my birthday list. Subscribed to one of those birthday reminder dealies, but only some of my peeps are in it. I think I may go back to using my calendar.

64-Take pictures at events, gatherings, etc.

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

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: The rainy season has begun. I don't see any progress being made on this until spring or after.

70-Paint the front porch See #69

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: Bought it, never really got into taking it regularly

74-Learn to knit

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- Complete. You can thank Israel. Seeing the footage of a group of Palestinians carrying the body of a small child drove me to action. The Israel/Palestinian situation is, of course, complex with a lot of misbehavior on both sides, but this little child corpse was emblematic of the kind of suffering Amnesty works to alleviate. I've volunteered for them off and on for years now, but I feel good being an official member.

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. Complete. Was it EVERY day? Probably not, but pretty close and that is enough for the spirit in which the goal was set.

87-Get a manicure

88-Treat myself to a spa day

89-Create an enticing reward system for every 10 pounds: Complete.

91-Read the Bible, Koran, Baghavad Gita

93-Visit a Buddhist temple

94-Learn yoga/take an exercise class: I have been reticent to go back since the original "training" incident, however, 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

98-Make stepping stones for the garden

99-Go berry picking on Sauvie Island

So, that's it for this year. I'll be back with some updated goals soon. I'm still tweaking, but I feel pretty good about the way the new list is shaping up and look forward to keeping myself accountable here!

Re-evaluating the past and making it into New Year's resolutions

I heard from an ex-boyfriend over this holiday season. This is the one ex I have absolutely no hard feelings towards. Consider the bookends on this story. The ex before him kept me away from his friends because he defined me as something other than a friend, made fun of my ethnicity periodically and assured me that if we had kids he would take them aside at the age of 5 and explain masturbation to them because that is what his mom did for him, while becoming upset that I was making too many child care decisions (for a child that didn't exist and never would, mind you) when I said I thought it would be good to have some religious instruction for a child (I didn't even pick the religion). There were some other things too and the relationship only lasted as long as it did because it was long distance for the vast majority of it.  The one after really wasn't a boyfriend since it took only a couple of weeks for him to call me and tell me that I was way too into him and he had to break it off, when truly I had been thinking about how much longer I'd be willing to give him a chance since there wasn't much spark- nonetheless, when I told him that I wasn't that into him, whether it be denial or whatever, he honestly did not understand what I was saying. Seriously. Did not understand the words I was saying. Which of course triggered something in me and made me have one of the most ridiculous and angry conversations ever trying to break this delusion he was so soundly under that he was really that wonderful and there really was no other option but that I desired him above all things in this world.

So consider that in the middle of this was a boyfriend that I got along fabulously with, my parents loved him, his family loved me and it ended because he was feeling too much pressure from his friends and family to move in with me or marry. I hadn't even pushed the issue and had taken him at his word the whole time that he wasn't ready. 

Ever since I got the message, this has weighed a little heavy on my mind because it is fairly rare that something from the past comes back that makes you re-evaluate a time in your life and think about the path not taken. How different my life would have been had things gone differently. And I think about myself and the things that have changed in me. Some things, such as my appreciation for cats as pets (in spite of her currently licking herself and not appearing super attractive) has definitely been a plus in my life. There are other things that were different that I think I want to reach back for though. I have been thinking about putting New Year's resolutions on top of my 100 things list because I think of resolutions as a bit more character driven rather than completion driven. So here are a couple differences and the goals that may come out of them.

1) I had less stuff. 

I lived in an apartment with two roommates. One roommate had lived in that apartment for over 10 years and had it basically outfitted. I had a bed and a chair and desk. Now I fill my own apartment. I get into these moods where I feel I have too much and I am definitely feeling it now. I have two boxes in my closet that I haven't even looked in since I moved. That is too much. So, the first bigger goal is to have less things in my apartment at the end of the year than I have now.

2) I went to the gym.

I woke up early and went to the gym. It was supposedly the gym used by the Boston Bruins (I don't know if I believe that, but I didn't talk to any of the guys there), which meant it was a serious gym. I didn't get any lines about how being fat was unattractive (which a friend of mine heard and was annoyed by when she went to a Bally's nearby) and I wasn't given girl-oriented exercises. When I mentioned to my then boyfriend what exercises the trainer had given me, he was surprised, "Really? You're doing 21's?" So, I recently joined a new gym and it is time for me to get serious again now that my back issues are done.

3) I volunteered.

I was a Girl Scout Leader. I volunteered at the Aquarium. I looked for these opportunities regularly. I haven't been doing that much anymore. I fell into a monetary donation schedule instead of a time donation schedule. Every year for a while, I would make the resolution to be a better person than I was the year before. I thought that meant honesty, fairness, not hurting others and finding a way to participate and give back to the community. I think this is a resolution I have to bring back.

4) I went to the movies.

I had friends that were much more willing to do things last minute or try out different restaurants, see movies, go to museums or concerts. Those friends are now married and harder to see or moved away. I have some new friends that are more willing to do stuff in spite of being married, which is really nice. I even started playing Dungeons and Dragons (in spite of asking about it because of Tim's interest, he decided not to play) to give my inner geekiness time in the bright light of day. In short, I think the lesson I learn here is that once you are in a place for a while, you feel like it is familiar and that there isn't as much new going on. Add to that my own hermit tendencies which can be surprisingly strong and it means I don't go out as much. There was a point when I would take the subway for an hour just to get to a store I liked because I couldn't believe (after no car in Southern California) how great it was to have functional transportation again (please note: New York public transportation is still the king in my book). So, I think I need to revisit the museums and go see a movie. Basically, I need to get out more often and try new things. I also can't wait for others. When I lived in New York City, I would go out on my own when no one else was interested and I loved it. I need to recapture that spirit as well for when Tim or anyone else doesn't have the time or the inclination to go with me.

5) I spent money on clothes.

I didn't spend a lot of money, but I did buy myself a new piece of clothing with way more regularity than I do now. I also went to the hairdresser more often. I recently had two weddings to go to in one month. I took a friend with me to the family wedding and told her how I had to go out and buy some make up since I had thrown all I had away. She asked me why. I told her that every boyfriend I had (except one, who said nothing) had told me I didn't need to wear make up and asked me not to. She then went on to tell me how an older co-worker of hers had given her the advice that she should look a little better than her husband (in my case, boyfriend) wanted her to. The men are motivated to keep you a little less than you could be to avoid attracting other men. I don't know if I really believe this, but I do think the money I've invested in my appearance is lower than it should be and maybe it is time to do something about that. So, as a general resolution, begin to exert some more effort in how I look.

I think that is already way more than enough to add and I'll stop there. I am looking forward to a new year and the opportunity to continue to be productive and improve myself.

End of Year Round Up

So, before I go on and do some re-evaluation on the goals as listed, here is a final list for this year on where I stand on progress made in the past year.

Before the current update: 69 things left to do. That means that this year I completed 31 goals- almost a third!

1) Make an afghan for afghans for Afghans - Begun! I even created a blog for it www.craftyproject.blogspot.com.
2) Consolidate 401k/IRA/503b plans hanging around from previous jobs - Second credit card is paid off and I will be canceling it after the zero balance bill shows up. This is fantastic news. Then, once the other credit card is fully paid off (still need reimbursement from my company for the class I'm taking), I can worry about this. I'm in no rush with the market as it stands right now. I do think patience on this will be the best.
3) Research before and one year after consolidation the performance of the funds - Nope.
4) Confirm at least once that all address in my address book are accurate - The bonus of Christmas cards is getting everyone's addresses off of them. Still in progress
5) Call everyone who sent me a Christmas card within 6 months of January 1 - This now applies to the current Christmas. I can do it.
7) Buy a good pair of winter boots - This is pretty desperate right now since we had so much snow and one pair of my shoes now has a hole in the sole. Water doesn't get in, but I squeak and sigh now.
9) Watch all my Looney Tunes DVDs - I started to watch one of the DVD's when I was home one weekend. Unfortunately, I watched a special anniversary show with interviews with famous Hollywood actors and what it is like working with Bugs and Daffy. Honestly, some of these stars really aren't much stars any longer.
10) Lose at least 20 pounds - I call progress because I joined a gym yesterday. I'm pretty excited to get back in the habit. In addition, I'll be seeing the integrative nutritionist twice a month beginning in January. If this combo doesn't work, then I think I may need to pull a genetics card.
11) Get green stripe belt - Nope.
13) Go to taekwondo class three times a week for at least one month - Nope.
14) Finish at least 5 books I haven't finished yet sitting on my shelves - two of five done. This is moving ahead pretty well.
15) Visit Mom for a week - No plans yet.
16) Visit Tim's family - No plans yet.
18) Visit family graves - Not done yet.
22) Get amber ring fixed - Not done yet.
23) Finish a Wii game - Not done yet. I've been playing different stuff, but not as much as I should to complete anything.
24) Finish Pikmin 2 - Not done yet.
27) Try a new recipe every month - I definitely did this. This past month I cooked three kinds of fondue. No kidding. It was fun and easier than I thought.
28) Finish DK Junglebeat - Nope.
34) Find and buy jeans that fit well - I still haven't even tried. .
35) Buy a good black turtleneck - I was ordering things off the internet and had this marked to do, but then I missed the folded corner and didn't get it done. This will happen shortly, I think.
37) Make something with a piece of fabric I already own - The pile of yarn project has really kick started some work, which is great. One of the projects I am interested in is a purse- which would need a fabric liner. This may be the way in to completing this.
38) Go through and organize jewelry - Stalled out.
39) Sell/Try to sell something I've made - Not yet.
40) Finish at least 4 of the cross-stitch kits that I have - I started working on one on Christmas.
42) Make and post a product for my website - Strategizing still
43) Buy beeswax candles - I just got a couple candles for Christmas. Not beeswax- I still feel I need to use what I have before I buy more.
44) Go to a fair - Next year. 
45) Invite someone to my house every month - This coincides with the fondue cooking for this month.
46) Clean out front room closet - No, but I will be making a couple New Year's Resolutions that will impact this.
47) Clean out file cabinet - Let's say I have filing to do.
48) Try to print my own photos on printer - I think the printer is attached now, but I have scanning to do before I print anything.
49) Organize/Store files sitting under desk - No further progress.
52) Import DVDs into computer- Nope.
54) Get Looney Tunes on my iPod - Although this would facilitate my viewing of Looney Tunes, I haven't done it.
55) Catch up on podcasts - Still making progress. I just have a huge backlog on a couple of them and I am slowly chipping away. 
56) Set up folders for iPod in iTunes and organize updating/synching - I think this is basically done, but will hold off on checking it off until I catch up on one particular podcast.
57) Post to website every month - I did a full redesign of the website, which makes me happy. As regards posting every month, it is a little less important due to the redesign of content.
61) Decide on other domain name: parked domain or new site and set it up - It is the setup part that still needs to be done
62) Get a full first draft of translation - Nope.
63) Figure out camera settings for indoor group pictures - I haven't looked into this more.
64) Find something red to wear for rat year - Done. I've been wearing a garnet bracelet given to me by my parents. I don't know if things have gotten better because of it, but I am wearing it.
65) Figure out what to do with earrings I don't wear - I'm thinking bracelet, but haven't actually looked at what I have to work with yet.
66) Read travel book by Achim von Arnim - Not yet.
67) Go to geek knitting meeting - I think arranging my own geek knitting is what will have to happen- unless going to the guild meeting counts. I think it might. Too bad this stopped right after I found out about it.
68) Evaluate usefulness of Seashore program - I just heard about another open source graphics program for the mac. I need to look into this.
70) Finish scanning old paper photos - That is part of cleaning out files under the table. Fingers crossed, will be done by the end of this year.
72) Get a backup made of my digital/digitized photos - Not done yet.
74) Find a Spanish reader and read it- I found it. I haven't read it.
75) Learn at least 250 kanji - I bought a learning game for the DS which will help me learn the kanji. I'm not advanced enough yet to have that be the focus yet, but I am feeling good about having the means to achieve this.
76) Read one of the Polish books at home - Not yet.
77) Read through/finish Vietnamese textbook - No advancement yet, although I put all the audio material on my iPod.
83) Have a day where I fully live: "If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say it at all." - As mentioned in an earlier post, I did this. 
84) Translate my resume into German - Nope.
85) Take someone on my favorite downtown walk - Not yet.
86) Write letters to three people letting them know how special they are - Not yet.
87) Set up an ebay account to see that sanrio item - Nope.
88) Finish a first draft of a creative writing project - Nope.
90) Spend no money for 4 days straight - Honestly, I wasn't paying attention. I think I probably got through three days without thinking much about it, but I think I need to put a little more consciousness on this to get it done.
91) Eat at No 9 Park - Not yet.
92) Eat at Aujord'hui - Not yet.
93) Figure out how I will convert to digital TV - No real plan for this, but I should figure it out in the next couple months.
94) Bind a book - Nope.
95) Make/Attempt to make all the box patterns in that origami book - Progress made. I got through the first 4 patterns this week.
96) Make the cherry blossom origami that was the reason I got that other origami book - Nope.
97) Save for/Plan/or Actually take a trip to the Pacific Northwest - Still a dream waiting to take more complete form.
98) Meet Wendy's children - Not yet.
99) Try to learn a song on the harmonica - I need to get a harmonica.
100) Learn 5 chords on the guitar and be able to switch between them all well - I started to work on this, but haven't lately since there is so much else I keep working on.

So that means two more things to mark off, bringing my first year total down to 67 left to do. Like Martina, I'm thinking about re-evaluating a few of these. I think that will come at the beginning of the next year. It's not too bad, though, if I may say so myself.