#66

SOLVE A RUBIK'S CUBE

I don't remember when I was first introduced to the Rubik's Cube. I do remember being extremely frustrating by the toy. Now, I realize that I did not have a methodology to solving the cube. It was my hope that a series of random moves would solve the cube. Silly girl... :)
Last year, the Rubik's cube regained its popularity. Instead of passing notes about the latest scandal, students were quietly teaching each other how to solve the cube. It did not take long before my competitive side kicked in and I wanted to solve it as well. While several methods exist for solving the cube, it was suggested that I try to solve it in layers. The first layer is about as far as I could get on my own ability. After that, I gave up...

Here we are again... a year later and I figured this would be a good task to add to my list. It took several weeks (between some breaks, of course) to remember how I got the first layer and then learn/memorize the algorithms for the last two layers. I looked at a TON of YouTube videos but still struggled. It was up to a few of my students (again) to teach me the algorithms. Oddly, one student in each of my college prep classes took it upon himself to be the Rubik's guru. I enjoyed learning this way much more than the videos because I could interact with my 'teacher'. Most of my thought processes occur verbally (anyone who knows me can attest to that) so I wanted to work through the algorithms in front of each 'teacher' and be able to ask questions to clarify. As it turns out, they were able to correct mistakes I was making that a video would never be able to help with.

It may have started as just memorization techniques but now I am starting to work backward and realize why the algorithms work.

Mostly, it is just about having the patience to follow through with something I initially perceive as difficult. It is about not quitting but just taking breaks when necessary (to save my sanity). Now... it is about trying to see how fast I can solve it because my wonderful friend, Lauren, is feeling a little competitive about it now.

This will be fun. ;)

TASK #66...COMPLETED 2/26

#83

RIDE ON MARTA

Turns out MARTA was not as exciting as I expected. It felt a lot like the subway when I went to New York last year...except it wasn't nearly as crowded and people were friendly. It was on my list though so I am excited about accomplishing this task anyway.

The trek on MARTA was actually on the way to my very first visit to see Supercross with some friends and to take my little boy for his birthday (the big 5). We got a pit pass, he got a fake tattoo, way too much cotton candy and a cool shirt & hat. It was an adventure just like everything else has been up to this point.

Watching the races got me excited to go on a motorcycle, which is another task on my list.

After the long MARTA ride back (we got separated from one of our friends. that was hilarious!), we dropped another friend of mine back at her car near her house and headed back to my ex-husband's house. I hated to hand the lil' guy off to his dad that night but I was so thankful that dad was willing to exchange a little of his time for this birthday present.

It also reminds me how lucky I am to have such a great relationship with my ex. We have come such a long way from where things used to be. Little occurrences like these remind me to thank God for all that He has done in my life to get to this point. I used to pray for God to soften my ex's heart so we could have a civil conversation. In the process, I know that He has softened my heart so my ex and I can work better together for our children. When I hear other people in the same position I am in but without the relationship with their ex that I have with mine, I cannot help but feel sad. I cannot help but feel blessed for what I have. I cannot help but thank God repeatedly for giving this to me.

TASK #83...COMPLETED 2/21

#27

CHANGE A TIRE COMPLETELY BY MYSELF


There are certain times when I am reminded of the absence of my father. I recently realized how much I still allow that to hold me back. It is so much easier to dwell on the negative things in our lives than all the blessings.


Let me explain... I have three uncles and a grandfather who have always been important parts of my life. My biological father left when I was four. We lived with my grandparents until my mom got remarried right before I turned 9. Her husband became 'Dad'. He taught me how to throw a ball and he sat on the bleachers through many rainy softball games while everyone else ran for cover. He introduced me to James Taylor's music while I sat on the floor and stared at his fingers as they gracefully moved along the neck of his guitar. His own father was absent from his life so he did the best he could in helping my mom parent me and my brother. I can tell you that was no easy feat. It's been over twenty years since my mom and 'Dad' got married, over ten years since they split up, almost eight years since my mom got remarried to my stepdad, and about five years since I last spoke to my 'Dad'.

By this point, you are probably wondering what any of this has to do with changing a tire. Nothing really. The first thought that went through my head was "Every father should teach his little girl how to do this". This was just the catalyst to a number of different thoughts and ultimately to the above ramblings.

Like I said before, I think God has a bigger plan for this list than just learning origami or changing a tire. The lessons I am learning are helping me work through issues - past and present. They are helping me realize what I am capable of. Learning how to change a tire was liberating. It reminded me that I don't NEED a man to get things done. It is moving me slowly from feeling the NEED for a man around to simply having a desire to have one around.

I started reading some C.S. Lewis books after a friend gave me "Mere Christianity" ( a GREAT book by the way if you have not read it). One of my favorites by Lewis though is "The Great Divorce". It tells the tale of a traveler who appears in Hell (in a dream) and gets on a bus with other passengers on a trip into Heaven. The passengers see loved ones in Heaven and those loved ones try to convince the passengers to stay in Heaven. One of these conversations occurs between a husband and a wife. The husband is one of the passengers on the bus while the wife is in Heaven. She is trying to tell her husband that she didn't need him. He gets offended because he thinks she is insulting him. The wife tries to explain that her love for him is a more pure love now that it is not based out of need. I thought this passage was extremely moving. It gave me a new found desire for my next relationship. Imagine just being with someone because you WANT to. Not because he keeps you from being lonely. Not because he has high social status. Not because he has an impressive career. Simply because your preference is to be with him. I can only imagine the intensity of the love that can grow out of that.

TASK #27...COMPLETED 2/21

#17

GET A MASSAGE

It seems necessary to begin by telling you why Friday was the perfect time for the massage. If you have read the posts up to this point, you already know that I was lucky enough to take a trip to the local ER within the last couple of weeks because I had a wryneck... AKA stupid spasm in my neck. You also may already know that I teach high school... mostly seniors. This is the point in the year where a large percentage of seniors get a horrific disease that renders them incapable of showing up for school, doing any work outside of class or being responsible citizens. This disease is called "senioritis." It is highly contagious and its side effects are so disastrous that it causes the adults around them to experience extreme loss of patience and intense fits of rage. Some adults have been known to get bald spots from ripping their hair out in frustration.

Unfortunately, I have been contaminated by the side effects of senioritis. Irresponsibility on the part of some of my seniors has led to concentrated doses of whining. The potency of the whines is so powerful that I felt one more day could cause me to admit myself to the local psychiatric ward. ;) Before taking such drastic measures, I decided to finally take advantage of a gift certificate given to me for my birthday.


The only time in my life I have gone to a massage therapist was Mother's Day 2003. My daughter was about to turn one and my Mother's Day gift was a day at the spa. My massage therapist then was a man and it was weird to have someone other than my husband put his hands on me. This time was no different.

Friday afternoon led me to Patrick's, a day spa and salon tucked in a little corner of a shopping center. I checked in with the lady at the desk, was given a fancy glass of ice water (with a splash of lemon) and escorted to a changing area. The lovely woman let me know that Greg was going to be my massage therapist. Surely, I heard her wrong. I kindly asked her to repeat herself. Lo and behold, I heard her correctly the first time. I was going to have a man for my massage therapist. At this point, I felt there was no turning back and I had a male massage therapist before so there would be no problem, right?

I met Greg and was led into the dimly lit room. It smelled great and there was ambient music playing as well. Overall, the massage was great. I felt refreshed and relaxed afterward despite the awkwardness of a strange man putting his hands all over me. I'm not even married now and it was more uncomfortable than it was the first time. Weird... Maybe I need to go back just so I can overcome that uneasy feeling.... haha

TASK #17... COMPLETED 2/20
Needless to say, I will not be posting any pictures to document this task ;)

BONUS #1

KEEP YOUR ROOM CLEAN...

Growing up, my mother (and especially my grandmother) told me to always wear clean underwear in case you were in an accident and had to go to the hospital. I am pretty sure I am not alone in this. Yesterday, I discovered that you always want to keep your room clean in case you have a crazy muscle spasm in your neck while you are in the shower, which renders you a light-headed nauseated mess wrapped in a towel on your bedroom floor forcing you to call your in-laws to come take you to the hospital.

For the second morning in a row, I woke up with a stiff neck. It wasn't nearly as bad as the day before; however, it was still uncomfortable. I did my rounds on my email and Facebook, started the shower and went downstairs to put the night's dinner (meatloaf) in the oven to save time before heading to my small group for church. The water was hot when I got back upstairs and I was ready for my morning shower. Aaah....

I do not remember exactly when the next delightful even occurred but I know I was not done taking my shower yet. I began to massage my neck on either side of my spine when I hit something (probably a nerve). The pain was excruciating, my right arm went limp and I found myself leaning on the shower wall crying like a baby. A few seconds later, I was able to stand straight (not a good idea, by the way). My vision began to get a little fuzzy and a wave of nausea hit me. Talk about scary. The last time I felt like that was when I was pregnant with my daughter standing in a Subway restaurant getting ready to order, fainted right on the floor at the front of the line and woke up to my husband yelling my name. Not good memories.

Anyhow... I squatted down in the shower just until the feeling faded and by sheer will, was able to grab a towel and make it to my bedroom to get my cell phone. By this time, it was a little before 5:00 in the morning. You can imagine how many of my friends were awake at this point. That's right...NONE! I know that my mother-in-law wakes up pretty early to go to work so I tried to call her. It only took a couple of times before she realized some crazy person was calling at the butt crack of dawn and called me back. I was a bubbling mess laying on my bedroom floor wrapped in a towel with my hair soaking wet. With my hands and voice shaking, I was able to tell her what happened. By this point, both of my children woke up to the sound of their mother sobbing.

Needless to say, they were a little concerned. My in-laws let me know that they were on their way over and hung up. Next I had to figure out who was going to watch my 'kids' at school. There is a short list of people I would call in a situation like this and one of them is a gold medalist in sleeping. :) (♥ you, L!) The other one has a husband who is a super light sleeper so they won! Again, babbling like an idiot, I was able to let her know what happened and tried to give her some idea of what to do with my students at school. The phone calls were made and then the wave of thoughts came over me...

I had meatloaf in the oven that was supposed to be done soon. I had no clothes on and my mother and father-in-law were on their way over. The upstairs to my house was a disaster area (thanks to my hurricane children). I had NO clue how I was going to get dressed and in case we needed an ambulance to move me, there was NO way I was letting them see me in nothing but a towel.

This is where my kids jumped in and became my little heroes (especially my daughter). Still laying on the floor in excruciating pain in nothing but a towel, I directed both of my children to get themselves dressed and ready for school. I told my daughter how to turn the oven off and they both went downstairs. You have to understand here that my children HATE to go downstairs by themselves when I am upstairs. There was absolutely no whining this time. My lil' guy followed my daughter downstairs. She told me later that she was about to give up because she was scared but then my son saw the letters O-F-F. Mission accomplished!

Here's where it gets interesting (or funny, whichever way you decide to look at it). My daughter (6 1/2 years old) went to get me clothes (the whole nine). I specifically told her that I needed my 'boy' underwear. If an explanation is needed you'll just have to live without it. I managed to roll over in my towel so she could hook my bra. I had to send her back down because the underwear she picked was definitely NOT what I wanted anyone to see me in. We tried to get my pants on (with no success) around the time my in-laws got to my house. My mother-in-law came up stairs and got a towel to wrap around my neck for support but couldn't lift me up by myself. My father-in-law was called up stairs and four of us helped me change my pants. Talk about team work. [Side note: I have come to realize that people really don't care who sees their skivvys when you are in so much pain.]

We got all the school stuff together for my kids and a short time later were headed to the local ER. Every time the brakes were pressed or we turned I felt miserable. We finally made the 20 minute drive (it felt like 20 hours) and there was barely anyone there. Wow, did I luck out!

The wait did not seem too long from triage to get a room and then to finally see the nurse practitioner. He let me know that I was going to get a few different drugs (one of them an IV with valium). I don't think I have ever been so excited to get stuck with a needle. Within 5 minutes of the valium, I was asleep. My mother-in-law waited patiently in the quiet room as I slept and never left me. I don't know how I got so lucky to have such an amazing 'family'.

I woke up about an hour or so later. With very little prompting, I started spilling my guts about a lot of things that I don't think I ever would have said had I been fully aware of myself. In my entry about donating blood, I mentioned that I talk a lot when I'm nervous. Apparently, I just talk a lot. :) The meds just helped me reveal too much.

I was diagnosed with a wryneck. (nothing worth writing home about) The rest of the day was spent on my in-laws couch asleep and feeling wonderful from all the medication I had to take.

I realized yesterday (reminded, really) what amazing children I have. To be so young and still be able to remain as calm as they did was so awesome. I was so proud and feel like God gave me a way to remember what a blessing they really are. Not only that but my in-laws sacrificed their day to help me. The kids still went to school and both of them had good days despite being up an hour earlier than usual and the 'excitement' of the morning.

As I sat in the seat waiting for triage (and even now), all I could think was how lucky I was that I had:

two amazing people who were willing to come help me and my kids

a wonderful relationship with my in-laws despite so many hard times we had been through in years past

two awesome kids who were able to see beyond themselves to help their mom

co-workers (and friends) who were able to come up with plans at the last minute and calm my students because they had a test scheduled for the next day

an emergency room that was nearly empty

friendly (and funny) ER workers to help me feel at ease

and a GREAT God to remind me of all the blessings I have in my life

I didn't think the lesson I was going to learn was going to be so quick and definitely did not think it would happen in this way. It is the daily lessons that are constant reminders of how blessed we are to have special people in our lives. I hope that I can maintain this level of awe and not take it for granted as easily as I sometimes tend to do. It reminded me how life can change in an instant. We better be prepared and we better not waste one precious second.

#46

DONATE BLOOD

In preparation for this task, I went to see our volunteer center coordinator. She had a nice little sheet that gave me some tips for keeping my iron level high enough to donate blood (i.e. cook in a cast iron skillet, combine foods with Vitamin C and iron). Vitamin C actually helps with the absorption of iron. The tips are especially helpful for females. Drinking lots of water also helps your blood flow easier so I have been trying to drink much more than I usually do.

I showed up a little early to get checked in and saw a few of my students. One girl, "Leana", was working the blood drive since she is part of the volunteer center. My students already knew how nervous I was about donating blood. It wasn't the needle that scared me. It was just the recollection of a bad memory from when I was a kid.

My mom used to give blood pretty frequently. There was only ONE time where she got light headed and almost passed out in the parking lot after giving blood. From that point on, I was hesitant about donating blood. The one thing that has plagued me is the thought that my blood is in high demand. My blood type is O negative and is considered the universal donor. Basically, anyone can receive my blood; however, I can only receive my same blood type. People with O positive would not even be a match for me because they have the Rh factor. Since my blood does not have the Rh factor, it would see the blood that DOES have the Rh factor as a foreign body and try to "attack" it. The same thing occurred when I was pregnant with both of my children. There is a shot that is necessary if this is the case but that is not part of this story.

Before getting in a chair to donate, I had to get my finger pricked to check my iron level (which turned out to be okay) and then answer a series of questions. I completely understand the reason for asking the questions but they are crazy. (i.e. have you ever paid someone for sex or drugs? umm... NO!) Everything checked out fine and since I am a teacher, I was moved to the front of the line.

I sat with Seth, a funny guy who works with the Red Cross. "Leana" told him it was my first time and he said, "Me, too." ... That part wasn't so funny. :) One of my horrible habits is talking ALOT when I'm nervous. AND I laugh alot when I'm nervous. I don't remember half of what I told Seth but I know that I was rambling the entire time. He didn't seem too freaked out. He informed me of every step he was taking and was super gentle when he finally stuck the needle in. "Leana" took pictures and a video for me. About twenty minutes later, another guy, David, came and finished me up.

It was a breeze. Even better was the fact that I got juice AND Nutter Butter cookies when I was done. I would DEFINITELY do it again. Hopefully, I will get Seth in April when I take advantage of the opportunity to save a life.

There is one thing that keeps sticking out in my mind that happened while waiting to donate blood as well.

"Leana" found me after I left the little cubicle for the crazy questionnaire. While we waited to get an open seat, "Leana" mentioned one of the guys working the blood drive was a little on the creepy side. I thought "What a shame. He's pretty hot." It made me think about a devotional that a friend of mine sent to me today. Interesting (but not surprising) how the timing was so perfect. It said in regards to choosing a mate: "Part of the problem is that so often our decision is based only on physical attraction and we neglect the need for shared beliefs and values". In all honesty, this has happened to me more times than I would care to admit. Men that I have been attracted to from the very beginning were FAR from the man I would want to share my life with. The devotional went on to remind the reader that "the divorce rates were lower [when parents arranged marriages] because the match was made on the basis of compatibility - similar values and shared beliefs." This seems to go right along with the belief that the best relationships come out of friendships first. While I feel physical attraction is important, I have come to realize that it is something that can develop with the attraction to the person's heart.

It is so amazing how God is finding little ways to open my eyes to things that are completely irrelevant to the situations I am in. I wonder what lesson I'm going to learn in the next task.

"Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying 'This is the way; walk in it.'" ~Isaiah 30:21

TASK #46...COMPLETED 2/11

#72

LEARN TO HIT A 3-POINT SHOT

I made plans to go practice throwing a 3-point shot today. After talking to my 'coach', I figured a good goal wasn't just to hit a 3-point shot but to actually hit a certain percentage. Coach Mc and one of the boys' basketball coaches today said that 2 or 3 out of 10 was a reasonable goal for a beginner.

I really didn't get to practice during the week since I don't have access to a basketball net...and I didn't know how far away the three point line was. Google probably could have helped me on that one come to think of it. Anyhow, I did practice the technique. Imagine how silly I looked squatting and throwing my hands in the air as if I were shooting a basketball ... but NOT. The thought of seeing someone else doing that makes me chuckle a little so hopefully I could give others a little laugh at my expense. I honestly hadn't thought of that until just now. HA

Coach Mc had me start off in front of the free throw line again (probably just for a little bit of confidence). It wasn't long (maybe a handful of shots) before I was trying for the three. All I needed was a little encouragement and some guidance. Interestingly enough I found myself freely asking her to watch a particular movement during my shot because I didn't feel comfortable. It is hard to describe but I felt more willing to articulate what I was uncomfortable about. For instance, my motion did not feel right when I was trying to position myself for the shot. I was bending my knees and moving the ball in such an awkward fashion that I wound up hesitating and not taking the shot.

This may not seem like much but for me a little light bulb went on. I needed to be able to determine what was not feeling right and tell Coach what it was. Once I did that, she was able to observe me and give me tips on how to correct myself. I MADE MY GOAL! She counted three shots made in ten attempts. The ones that made it in were great. Two of them were "nothing but net". The other one bounced a little on the rim and finally went in. Coach was so excited. She even made an announcement to everyone else in the gym. :) No one else was as excited as we were though.

It is fascinating to me how even in little things like this that communication is so crucial to success. She could have watched me for awhile and tried to make suggestions. Things did not click with me though until I let her know where I was having trouble. Once we focused on that, everything else started to fall into place. I am slightly disappointed though. Those shots were made right before time ran out and we had to leave. What is even worse (in some respects anyway) is that I didn't even have my camera because I wasn't anticipating making my goal today.

I guess I should never underestimate myself. Success is so close sometimes that we do not even realize it.

Thinking about it now... how many times have I quit on something in my life that was so close to being a success? Hmm... Definitely something to keep in mind.

TASK #72....COMPLETED 2/10

#40

HAVE A BANANA SPLIT FOR DINNER

I was so excited to cross this one off of my list. Ice cream is definitely one of my favorite things to eat. Even when it is cold outside. Just the thought of ice cream makes me happy.

Some friends and I were going to see "He's Just Not That Into You" last night since it was the opening weekend. I figured we might as well work on getting something crossed off my list so I forced them all to eat banana splits with me for dinner. :)

I'm still trying to decide how I feel about the movie. It was definitely entertaining at times but it was a bit thought provoking for an over thinker like me. Each of the women in the film could have depicted me at different points in my life. But I digress...

After the movie, we all went to my friend's house to have our "dinner" and just hang out.

The ingredients for our banana split:
Mayfield Banana Split Ice Cream
Bananas (duh!)
Caramel Syrup
Sugar-Free Chocolate Syrup (weird, I know)
Chopped walnuts in syrup
Maraschino cherries
Extra Creamy Whip Cream

I have a terrible habit of making noise when I eat good food...especially dessert. I think it started before I even put the first bite in my mouth. It looked so good and tasted great. Turns out the idea was a hit with all the girls. And the suggestion was made for us to do it again...

Umm..... YES!!!!!!!

TASK #40... COMPLETED 2/8

#91

LEARN A CARD TRICK...

I had the privilege Friday to learn a couple of card tricks from some students. They are really enjoying the fact that they get to teach ME for once and correct me when I mess up. It's been fun for everyone.

Of course, I had to be fair to all of my classes and started the class period with the card trick. :)

There are two great things about card tricks. They provide a little bit of wonder and excitement for those who do not understand how it was done. It is a great way to stretch your brain by trying to figure out the trick.

What is aggravating to me is when some people decide it is their duty to tell everyone how easy the trick is and share the trick with everyone. One of my students did this. I was slightly annoyed to say the least and when that happens I have a very hard time holding back. The thing about it is that I probably could have handled it better. I did not fly off the handle and yell but I definitely gave him a hard time about ruining it for others.

When is it that we decide we are "too cool" to just sit back and enjoy the wonder of a card trick? Why is it that some people feel it necessary to make others feel stupid for enjoying the trick?

I guess I already know the answer to that but it's still frustrating...

TASK #91.... COMPLETED 2/6

Not a Bucket List...

When I tell people about my list, the first thing they say is “Is this a Bucket List?”. Definitely NOT… I do not plan to die December 31, 2009. A bucket list essentially is a list of things that one wishes to do before “kicking the bucket”. I hope that God has planned for me to be around for a long time to come. There are still too many things to experience.

I gave a little snippet of why I started this list but let me try to explain a little more. As I recall it (my mom may say differently), I have been afraid to try anything for the majority of my life. I did not want to be bad at anything and failure was not an option. Most people would have tried harder so they wouldn’t fail. Not me. I always quit before I had a chance to fail. Not something I am proud of but it is something I have come to realize about myself. Denying it any longer is just silly - for lack of better words. (Sorry, I’ve been hanging out with a 6 – and 4-year old).

I picked up softball pretty quick and stuck with it. I enjoyed cheerleading. When I finally made the high school squad, I was excited until I struggled with a stunt at the first practice and one of the guys made fun of me. At the time, it seemed my decision to quit was because I could get a scholarship to pay for softball (although I was no star at it). Years later, I realize it was just part of my M.O. Quit before you fail.

This attitude has extended into relationships as well. The whole ‘quit before you fail’ mentality turned into ‘leave before you are left.’ I can think of at least a handful of friendships that have ended at the first sign of conflict. It always seemed to hurt less when I had control of the situation. In essence, I was only setting myself up for major failures as an adult.

I could go on about it and there are more instances where you would get a better idea of why I started this list. It is as much as I wish to reveal on such an open forum.

Back to the list…

I tried my 3-point shot yesterday. I found myself making excuses for not being able to hit it. Specifically, the fact that I have no upper body strength. My coach (one of my students and a part of the girls’ basketball team) gave me some tips for getting around that. No excuses now.

I have been practicing my guitar and struggle with the C chord. Again, my initial thought is that I have short stubby fingers.

It always seems easiest to make excuses. My first step is to work through the excuses. Eventually, I want to just try it and have no excuse for why I fail at it. I want to try it without fear of embarrassment. Pride is an awful thing. I plan to conquer it.

#41

Learn where all the US States are and the capitals of each

Let's get one thing straight here... I did at one time know all of the states and their capitals. Learning them again does a couple of things. First, it fills up a slot in my list. Second, it reminds me that I can still memorize facts. Some of my favorite facts to memorize came from songs so I went in search of a song that would teach me the states and their capitals. Along the way, it helped me locate them as well. I spent the majority of the weekend playing the video below over and over and over again. In the process, my daughter learned them as well. We have a great duet with the song as well. I sing the city or state and she'll sing the other half. It's been a blast.



TASK #41 COMPLETED 2/1

#36

Learn to do Origami...(make a frog)



I just learned a valuable lesson in making lists of accomplishments. That is: Don't be too specific.



One of my students taught me to make an origami crane. The frog, which is on my list, is a bit more difficult than I had anticipated. I can get to the last couple of folds without any major problems; however, making the legs and body has posed a small problem. The very last step is an especially difficult one to get through.



Pay close attention to step #15... Click on the picture to see an enlarged version if you have a hard time seeing/reading step #15.




On top of this obstacle, my wonderful friend, Lauren, determined that I cannot cross this task off of my list because I have not perfected the frog and I can only make the crane.

While the completion of this task is up for review so is her application to be my friend!
Love you, Lauren!

Too much time was put into making the crane so I am being stubborn and tentatively crossing this off my list.

My conscience was bothering me too much about posting this task as completed AND not having successfully completed the frog. Today (2/2) I finished the frog without looking at the instructions. Yes, I did step #15... :-P

TASK #36 COMPLETED 1/30... FROG COMPLETED 2/2

#65

Finding 100 things to do/try/accomplish this year presented a bit of a challenge. I shared the goal with my students (high school juniors and seniors) to get ideas. Needless to say, I got many crazy ideas but definitely had a few that made the list.

The day after sharing the list one of my students walked in with a bag of Valentine's Tootsie Pops. :) This was exciting for a number of reasons. The first being her willingness to get the bag of Tootsie Pops to help me with my goal.

I attempted to lick but cheated a bit (I only licked one side until some of the Tootsie Roll Center was exposed). There is no point in doing this. I was only cheating myself. By the way, it took me 250 licks.

A couple of people assured me that I had to lick the Tootsie Pop until I exposed ALL of the Tootsie Roll Center. Not wanting to be a slacker, I put my children to bed that night and set off again. I stayed close to the computer to type in the benchmarks as I got to them. It took only about an hour or so and .... 1425 licks later I had only Tootsie Roll left on the lollipop. Of course, I was so excited about achieving my goal that I did not take a picture of the lollipop before I devoured the rest.

One of the main goals for this is to take pictures of each accomplishment in order to scrapbook later. Again, I am no slacker. I cannot fail on my very first task so... I am determined to try again.



TASK #65 COMPLETED 1/28

The Infamous List...

1. Start cycling (still setting the 'measurable' goal)
2. Learn to play one song on the guitar and/or piano
3. Plan an international trip
4. Karaoke ... COMPLETED 6/3
5. Ride on a motorcycle...COMPLETED 3/6
6. Go on a trip with just me and the kids... COMPLETED 12/28
7. Dive off a diving board ... COMPLETED 6/28
8. Graduate ... COMPLETED 7/27
9. Go on one date ... COMPLETED 3/25
10. Do something kind for a complete stranger ... COMPLETED 6/13

11. Go to a play ... COMPLETED 8/16
12. Make a funky cake (Teddy Grahams @ the pool) ... COMPLETED 7/5
13. Go salsa dancing ... COMPLETED 5/8
14. Try a new ethnic food ... COMPLETED 3/25
15. Go hiking ... COMPLETED 6/6
16. Campout in the backyard with the kids ... COMPLETED 6/24
17. Get a massage ... COMPLETED 2/20
18. Skip school...COMPLETED 3/27 Happy Birthday, J!!
19. Go to a museum ... COMPLETED 6/30
20. Wear a bathing suit and feel good in it ... COMPLETED

21. Send out Christmas cards ... COMPLETED 12/2
22. Learn to make an ethnic dish ... COMPLETED 7/7
23. Learn to juggle
24. Ride a scary rollercoaster (like Goliath) ... COMPLETED 6/23
25. Reflect on my greatest weakness and see how it's my greatest strength ... COMPLETED 7/21
26. Study a book of the Bible in depth ... COMPLETED 10/10
27. Change a tire completely by myself ... COMPLETED 2/21
28. Learn to knit
29. Go to the Varsity ... COMPLETED 6/23
30. Write a letter to my Dad ... COMPLETED 6/19

31. Make a pottery project ... COMPLETED 6/30
32. Have an all night movie marathon
33. Learn to change the oil in my car ... COMPLETED 6/10
34. Learn about another religion
35. Write my will
36. Learn to do origami…COMPLETED 1/30 (make a frog)...COMPLETED 2/2
37. Do a family tree ... COMPLETED 11/23
38. Do a 1000- piece jigsaw puzzle...COMPLETED 3/1
39. Go to a state I've never been to...COMPLETED 4/26
40. Have a banana split for dinner...COMPLETED 2/8

41. Learn where all the US States are and the capitals of each…COMPLETED 2/1
42. Paintball
43. Dance in the rain wearing fancy clothes ... COMPLETED 5/16
44. Go on a road trip to see the sunrise at the beach ... COMPLETED 7/24
45. Decorate a wall with pictures friends have taken ... COMPLETED 9/10
46. Donate blood...COMPLETED 2/11
47. Read Paradise Lost
48. Make a snow angel...COMPLETED 3/1
49. Plant a tree ... COMPLETED 6/2
50. Talk to a non-believer about Christ

51. Go to Savannah with Lauren...COMPLETED 12/29
52. Jump in a puddle ... COMPLETED 6/3
53. Build a sandcastle ... COMPLETED 7/24
54. Go to a college football game with the kids
55. Play kickball
56. Eat 'real' sushi ... COMPLETED 5/10 & 5/15
57. Go to a drive-in movie
58. Shoot the Hooch ... COMPLETED 8/22
59. Play in a Texas Hold'em game
60. Hit a golf ball 50 yards ... COMPLETED 7/3 (Halfway done!!)

61. Go-kart racing ... COMPLETED 6/18
62. Learn to say _________________ in Spanish (TBD) ... COMPLETED 7/1 "Te amo con todo mi corazón"
63. Play laser tag
64. Snowboard/surf
65. Find out how many licks it takes to get to the center of a Tootsie Pop COMPLETED 1/28…1425 licks
66. Solve Rubik's cube ... COMPLETED 2/26
67. Paint a picture ... COMPLETED 7/2
68. Ride in a convertible with the top down ... COMPLETED 8/29
69. Climb a tree ... COMPLETED 7/2
70. Learn to make a new balloon animal

71. Shoot a gun (skeet shooting) ... COMPLETED 8/1
72. Learn to hit a 3-point shot ... COMPLETED 2/10
73. Learn to drive stick shift
74. Pull a prank on someone ... COMPLETED 5/14
75. Be in two places at once...COMPLETED 4/26
76. Go on a slip 'n' slide ... COMPLETED 6/24
77. Make a digital scrapbook ... COMPLETED 12/22
78. Take a picture with a stranger...COMPLETED 3/21
79. Stay up for 24 hours ... COMPLETED 7/24
80. Play in the mud

81. Make a music video
82. Learn to take a compliment ... COMPLETED 11/11
83. Ride on MARTA ... COMPLETED 2/21
84. Write a letter to myself ... COMPLETED 8/12
85. Buy clothes w/o looking at the price tag ... COMPLETED 5/21
86. Learn how to say ______ in sign language ... COMPLETED 6/14
87. Jump in a pool with all my clothes on ... COMPLETED 7/4
88. Go to a Haunted House
89. Jump on a trampoline ... COMPLETED 8/21
90. Do a front flip into a pool ... COMPLETED 6/28

91. Learn card trick ...COMPLETED 2/6
92. Learn how to rock the cradle with a yo-yo
93. Make homemade ice cream ... COMPLETED 6/30
94. Ride a mechanical bull
95. Write a poem and read it aloud to an audience
96. Take a picture worthy of putting on the wall AND hang it up! ... COMPLETED 5/31
97. Go star gazing… COMPLETED 10/24 (sleep under the stars)
98. Surprise a friend
99. Catch a firefly ... COMPLETED 7/5
100. Name a star after someone
**Get a tattoo/piercing...COMPLETED 4/7
**Make an Italian meal (like Grandpa) ... COMPLETED 2/14
**Get a makeover