A Better Brooke - 101 Things in 1001 Days

My Poor Neglected 101 List.

noreply@blogger.com (Brooke) — Tue, 28 Dec 2010 17:52:00 +0000

April 23, 2009. That was my last update for this sad little blog. I've thought often about my 101 list over the months. I wish I could say I've accomplished a lot of work on this list in the almost-two-year-absence. My life has changed so much since I started it. I look back on it with a bit of sadness too. So many things I wish I could have changed in my day-to-day life. But a new year is upon me, and I would love to take a fresh new stab at this list and get myself motivated again to be a better me. I'm going to take a quick look through my list, update what I can, scratch things that no longer make sense, and add some new items. I know it's very cliche, but here's to a New Year and a New Me!

Lots & Lots & Lots of Updates

noreply@blogger.com (Brooke) — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 23:01:00 +0000

Pull up a chair and get cozy. I'm doing a mass update of my 101 Things list. It's been a long time coming. Some updates are good, some not so goo.

#6 - One day of each week, do not watch TV
What should I do with this one? The TV is rarely on during the day, but in the evening, it's always on in the background. I'm usually not paying much attention because I am on the computer, but it's still on. I either need to come up with a new goal to replace this one, or just flat out resolve that this is a goal I will not complete.

#7 - One day of each week, no Internet, except as necessary for job search/work
Ditto to #6 above.

# 10 - Read 5 non-fiction books
In Progress. I've started on two books, but have yet to complete them. Maybe next month?

#16 - Learn how to use PhotoShop to edit pictures
In Progress. I can use actions, but have no clue how people actually created those actions. And I'm only at the point where I run the action, and do very little adjusting to what comes out. I need to learn how to erase wrinkles!

#25 - Take daughter to her first movie in a theater
I'm not marking this complete, but about three weeks ago my sister took the kiddo to see Monsters vs. Aliens. She lasted about 45 minutes in the theater. She had a ton of fun, and three weeks later, she still talks about going to the movie.

#32 - Date night with husband at least once a month
March - Dallas Symphony with friends
April - TBD. Once DH comes back from his hockey tournament this weekend, we have three possible nights to go out on a date.

#40 - Try one new recipe each month
We have been trying out a new recipe just about every other week, if not every week.
March - My favorite new recipe we tried in March was Shake-in-the-Bag chicken from an old Weight Watchers cookbook.
April - My favorite new recipe for this month was Broccoli & Cheese Manicotti from my Healthy Cooking for Two cookbook.

#41 - Try one new restaurant each month
February - Zoe's (Yummmm)
March - Twisted Root Burger (so-so)
April - Cosmic Cafe (super yummy vegetarian restaurant)

#45 - Back-up pictures on external hard drive once a month
Check for January, February, and March. Peace of mind is there!

#46 - Organize daughter's vaccination/medical file
COMPLETE!

I finished this the day before her 2 year doctor appointment on March 5th. Everything from birth to two years is nicely organized in a big binder. I have charts of her growth, all the questions I asked at each check-up, vaccination records, etc. I was so happy to get this one done.

#47 - Place at least one item on Freecycle once a month
March - Non-working vacuum cleaner
April - Uh-oh, forgot about something for this month.....looks like I will be sorting through a closet or two this weekend.

#49 - Clean the fridge out completely once a month
We've actually been doing this each week after grocery shopping. Before loading all the new stuff in the fridge, we clean out each shelve and toss leftovers or expired items.

#50 - Clean out my car once a month
I don't remember a specific day in March when I clean it out, but I'm fairly certain that it was clean. I still need to clean it for April though. Test driving the Traverse though for the next eight weeks, I've kind of forgotten about my trusty old car.

#55 - No internet purchases for one entire month
In Progress. I was almost internet spending free for February, but I ended up making one purchase towards the end of the month. And so far, I'm internet spending free in April, but still have a little over a week to go...hope I stay strong!

#60 - Take a multi-vitamin every day for 6 months
I purchased more vitamins since I ran out, but I have not been good at remembering to take them every day.

#61 - Floss often enough that the hygienist can see an improvement next checkup
I'm still working on this one, holding out for the next 6 month check-up

#62 - Go caffeine-free (drinks) for 6 months (not chocolate)
Still holding strong on this. I think I'm over the need for caffeine, but I do miss a nice tall glass of iced tea now and again

#63 - Go chocolate-free for one entire month
I've already completed this goal, but I'm trying to stretch myself a bit further.

January - Yes
February - No (Just a little "No")
March - Yes
April - No (Big Fat "No")

See a pattern?

#69 - Go to bed before 11:00 p.m. at least once a week
OK, I've completely failed on this one. Not sure what else to say other than I stink.

#70 - Take ten yoga classes
COMPLETE!

I attended class #10 on March 9th. I then took one additional class the following week. But from that point on out, I've swapped Monday morning 6:00 a.m. yoga with Monday morning 6:00 a.m. Body Pump. I like it much better. I will never be the graceful, flexible yoga student. And after the initial guilt of not going back to class, I've been happy with my decision to do something else.

#75 - Send a hand-written note to a friend once a month
I forgot to do this in February, so I made up for it in March by sending out two notes. I still need to send something out in April

#89 - Get two family members to join Facebook
COMPLETE!

My brother and my mother are both on Facebook now, and they regularly send out updates too :) My mom even joined Twitter as well. I don't think we will ever convince my oldest sister to join, even though our extended family (aunts, cousins, second cousins) is joining.

#92 - Phase out non eco-friendly household cleaners
In Progress. I bought several Mrs. Meyers cleaning products as well as Method and Seventh Generation as I was running out of my harsh cleaners. I still have a ways to go to completely phase them out, but we are working on it (even changed dishwasher tabs to earth-friendly ones)

#97 - Take an “us" picture every month

Here's the picture for April . One of these days, I'm hoping we all are smiling and looking at the camera at the same time!

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Whew! Mass update is now done. I definitely have learned that I would rather make updates as I go!

Oh, and I am super bummed that I cannot figure out how to get dates to appear on my posts. I completely trashed my blogger template and started over from scratch, and still no dates. If anyone made it this far and has suggestions on what I should try, I am all ears!

#67 - Complete a ½ marathon

noreply@blogger.com (Brooke) — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 01:52:00 +0000

Today I ran in the Big D Half Marathon in Dallas. Yes, I ran 13.1 miles today! I get to cross a rather "big" item off my list of "101 Things". Wohoo!

I started training on January 1 for the half marathon, and three full months later I was able to accomplish my goal. I was on cloud nine when I crossed the finish line because I beat my own personal record (PR). I ran in a half marathon three years ago this past January in Phoenix. My time for that run was 2:06. When I set out to complete this half marathon, I really wanted to beat that time. And I'm happy to report that not only did I beat that time, but I also beat the 2 hour mark!! I completed it in 1:55:16 (8:48 mile). I've never run that fast before in my life! And it was "chilly" and rather windy out for the run too! (I often had to grab my hat so that the wind wouldn't take it away).

My favorite part of this run was seeing DH and TemTem cheering me on right after the nine mile mark. I got a little kiss from TemTem and that gave me an extra little boost in my step. And then they were at the finish line cheering me on as well. For some reason, I almost got a little emotional seeing her waving at me and then so excited to greet me once I finished. She wanted me to hold her, but man I was exhausted and she was heavy :) Oh, and our finish line was right at the entrance to where the Cotton Bowl is played at in Fair Park each year. Pretty cool, eh?

I ran in a full marathon (26.2 miles) three years ago this month. After that marathon, I said I would happily run in half marathons again someday, but I wasn't so sure I would ever want to run a full marathon again. After running 13.1 miles today, I can say that I definitely "enjoy" half marathons much more than a full marathon. Also, it's fun to participate in an organized event with people cheering on the sidelines. I love to people watch and check out other runner's gaits or what they wear or what silly superstitions they have (some guy in front of me had to touch each orange cone on the road that he passed).

I think my next half marathon will be in mid-May in Dallas again. I need to keep up with the running to keep up with the weight loss program!

General Update

noreply@blogger.com (Brooke) — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 04:38:00 +0000

I have some major updating to do on this blog. I have been plugging away at many of the items on my list. And other items, well....., I haven't been so good with working on.

I plan to post lots of updates over the next couple days so I can get caught up on these goals. I also need to hold myself accountable for the items I haven't been serious with.

To be continued....

#36 - Send a postcard to PostSecret

noreply@blogger.com (Brooke) — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 12:00:00 +0000

Sometime since starting my 101 Things in 1001 Days on January 1 and today, I've sent something to PostSecret.

But that's all I got for you, or else you might figure out my secret. :)

Marking another "Thing" off my list feels good.

#97 - Take an “us" picture every month

noreply@blogger.com (Brooke) — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 02:43:00 +0000

Here's our family picture for March. One of these months we will all be looking at the camera and be smiling! DH and I were on our way out to a birthday party at a piano bar, and TemTem was spending the evening with her Auntie Amy.

#75 - Send a hand-written note to a friend

noreply@blogger.com (Brooke) — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 15:44:00 +0000

Bad, bad me. I forgot to do this in February. I did purchase a card to send, I just forgot to write it out and mail it. I will double-up in March to make up for my slacking.

Hey, at least I remembered to send out all the needed birthday cards in February for goal #84 (Make a list of all family/friend birthdays and send them a card).

#49 - Clean the fridge out completely once a month

noreply@blogger.com (Brooke) — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 15:42:00 +0000

If you opened my fridge right now you wouldn't think I did this in February because it's so crammed full of food, but I did really clean it. I actually have been cleaning it once a week when we put our new groceries away.

#76 - Send a gift to someone in the mail for no reason

noreply@blogger.com (Brooke) — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 15:39:00 +0000

I loved doing this one, and actually did it twice. One very small little item to someone in January, and one "special" thing to a friend in February as a "pick-me-up".

Both people were surprised and very thankful. It not only brightened their days to receive something unexpected in the mail, but it brightened my day to do it.

Fun, fun goal on my list that I get to check off.

#47 - Place at least one item on Freecycle once a month

noreply@blogger.com (Brooke) — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 15:27:00 +0000

I placed four things on Freecycle in February, but only two of them have been claimed. (I am playing email run around with the other two items that are wanted, but have not been picked up).

So what did I Freecyle?

My old sewing machine since I have a spiffy new one to use. It went to special needs preschool program, so that made me feel good about putting it on Freecycle.
A collection of holiday teddy bears. The last thing my kid needs is more stuffed animals. The lady who took them was so thankful she even gave me hug. She was giving them to her niece.

I guess I will be reposting the other two items not yet picked up and will get to count those as items Freecycled in March :)

#50 - Clean out my car once a month

noreply@blogger.com (Brooke) — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 15:22:00 +0000

Since cleaning out my car really well in January, there wasn't much cleaning up that needed to be done in February. I've been really good at cleaning as I go, so that it's not one big disaster on wheels!

#45 - Back-up pictures on external hard drive

noreply@blogger.com (Brooke) — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 15:20:00 +0000

Back-up pictures on external hard drive once a month - check for February.

P.S. I've been pretty good at keeping up with my goals, just not so good about blogging about it.

#63 - Go chocolate-free for one entire month

noreply@blogger.com (Brooke) — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 15:15:00 +0000

Although I completed this goal in January, I challenged myself to see how far I could go beyond one month.

Well, I made it three weeks through February, and then I slipped. I was so thirsty, I went to the fridge and took out one of my sister's organic chocolate milks and downed it before I realized what I had done. And then it was TemTem's birthday jubilee week, and I made cake balls, so there was no way I could stay away from chocolate.

But now with the start of May, only 4 days in so far, I'm back to being chocolate free. Let's see how far I make it this month. I'm an all-or-nothing type of girl, that's why I have to do this. It's either lots and lots of chocolate, or no chocolate. No middle ground of me, as I lack a little think called "eating in moderation".

#62 - Go caffeine-free (drinks) for 6 Months

noreply@blogger.com (Brooke) — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 15:12:00 +0000

Two months of being caffeine-free - January and February. There are still days where I would love to have a heavily caffeinated latte from Starbucks or a big iced tea, but it's not too hard staying away from it.

#70 - Take ten yoga classes

noreply@blogger.com (Brooke) — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 15:09:00 +0000

March 2nd - Class #9

Another class. Another round of not being very coordinated or balanced or stretchy or flexible. Yoga is just not really my thing, as much as I would like for it to be. I loved prenatal yoga, so I'm not sure why I don't like it now. (Maybe because it helped me find comfortable positions when my back was hurting).

#97 - Take an “us" picture every month

noreply@blogger.com (Brooke) — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 05:12:00 +0000

My hopes that our family pictures would get better with each month didn't really come through for the month of February. It's kind of hard to get all three of us to look at the camera and smile. But here it is, two snapshots of us that can be counted as the "February Family Picture". And yes, it was taken again on the last day of the month, in the evening. (Goal for next month is to not wait to last minute again).

I attempted to take the first picture of us, but my arms aren't that long. Oh, and my impatient-when-it-comes-to-taking-pictures sister took the second one of us.

#70 - Take ten yoga classes

noreply@blogger.com (Brooke) — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 03:15:00 +0000

February 23rd - Class #8

Wohoo, only two more "required" classes before I'm done with this one. Today, I was the only one in class, so I had my own personal yoga instructor. It was a little odd, but at least I had one-on-one instruction and it helped me a bit. I'm still am not very flexible, I have no balance or core strength, and I feel like a fish out of water.

It's-Been-A-While Type of an Update

noreply@blogger.com (Brooke) — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 13:44:00 +0000

I've been keeping up with my 101 Things, I just have been a little lazy about posting about them. So here goes, a nice mass update.

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#7 - One day of each week, no Internet, except as necessary for job search/work

I've decided I hate this goal as it is currently written! When I wrote this, my intentions were to cut back on how much I am on the Internet. Well, my "Internet free one day a week" was becoming more of a hassle. I would ask DH to check the weather for me. Or I would ask him to pull up a great recipe sitting in my Inbox. I was checking email on my phone. Basically, I was being sneaky and trying to get my fix any way I could.

Even with my one day a week away from the Internet, I was still on my laptop all the time. I probably spend anywhere from 3 - 4 hours a day surfing away. I also find that I often will "just check" a few things out while the kiddo is running around. So I think I am going to change this task. Still mulling it over, but here are a few options:

Limit Internet time to two hours per day, except as necessary for job search/work.

OR

Limit Internet time to only early morning, nap time, or late evening.

Any thoughts on how I should work on my addiction?

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#32 - Date Night with Hubby at Least Once a Month
February 2009

DH and I went out on Friday, February 13th with another couple to a great wine bar. There we ordered in sushi and I had two (2!) glasses of a fantastic Riesling. Afterwards, we met up with another couple and attended The Big Damn Band concert. The later event was not planned at all, and it turned out to be a pretty fun time!

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#40 - Try one new recipe each month

I've come to realize this task has been the easiest one so far, and I should probably tweak it to make it more challenging. Since we have started meal planning each week, we have been going through our cookbooks every weekend and picking out new things to try. We usually pick from our Weight Watcher or Lickety Split Meals cookbooks, as these have the healthiest recipes. And we probably try at least 2 - 3 new recipes each week right now! My favorites so far have been the White Bean Salad on Feta Pita Crisps. DH also made a Curry Chicken Stew that surprised both of us with how yummy it was. I imagine that once we make it through the cookbooks, we will start circling around and repeating some of our favorite recipes. But for now, this former eat-out-all-the-time family is having fun with new recipes.

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#41 - Try one new restaurant each month

This month we tried Zoes Kitchen for lunch one day. And then I made DH take me back the very next day because I enjoyed it so much! They are a small chain, but I had never heard of them before. Their philosophy is "Eat Smart. Eat Fresh." I love this concept! The food was awesome and it worked well with my healthier eating plan. Just thinking about it makes me hungry right now....maybe I should start with breakfast though.

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#70 - Taken Ten Yoga Classes
February 9th (my birthday) - Class #6
February 16th - Class #7

You think I would have learned with Class #6 that it's not a super smart idea to run 4 miles on the treadmill and head into class dripping with sweat. But no, I did the same thing again for Class #7. Although I did plan to get to the gym even earlier to I could cool down a bit before class, but it's hard to be at the gym at 5:00 a.m. I was proud enough I made it there at 5:15 a.m. (yoga starts at 6:00 a.m.). I wanted to run before class so that I could get home, shower, eat, and relax before kiddo wakes up. Still not enjoying yoga as much as I had hoped I would.

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#78 - Offer to babysit for my friends at least 5 times

DH and I did not have plans to go out on Valentine's Day. Since we'd be staying home, I offered to babysit for about six (yes 6!) different moms (from my Margarita Mamas group). Only one mom took me up on the offer! Amelia is 17 months old, and was the best kid I ever, ever watched (and I did tons of babysitting in high school). Poor TemTem had a major case of jealousy. She did not want Amelia to sit in my lap or play with her toys. She kept whining "Moooommmmmmaaaa!" Amelia's parents just went to the movies, so it was a quick night. And I get to mark this goal as in progress.

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#90 - Go without a bag at the store or purchase an additional reusable bag if I forget to bring mine

I should have marked this as In Progress last month. I've been really good about this. I've only had to purchase 1 new reusable bag so far. On occasion, I've found that I am stuck and still need to get a plastic bag. But I always recycle the plastic bag. And I've been known to often just tell the clerk at a store that I don't need a bag at all if I've forgotten my reusable one. We even have extra reusable bags in DH's car. The good news here is that we always use our reusable bags at the grocery store. And we even get a five cents per bag credit for using our own.

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Enough updates for today! I will be back soon with hopefully a few more. My own personal goal is to mark at least one goal "Completed" this month!

#70 - Take ten yoga classes

noreply@blogger.com (Brooke) — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 06:10:00 +0000

February 2nd
5th yoga class completed, and I'm half way through this goal (yipee).

We had a substitute instructor for the class on Monday. She was very calm and relaxing. The She brought these wonderful, fresh, warm towels sprayed with a lemon verbena aromatherapy. So relaxing, especially after running on the treadmill prior to the 6:00 a.m. yoga class this week.

#71 - Try 5 New Exotic Fruits

noreply@blogger.com (Brooke) — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 05:55:00 +0000

1st new fruit sampled: Passion Fruit
Verdict: Two thumbs way up!

I've had passion fruit teas and maybe even sorbet in the past. But I've never actually bought a passion fruit, cut it, and tried eating it. Oh my, let me tell you! My taste buds did a little jig. Next trip to the grocery store will result in me picking up a few more of these oh-so-tasty treats.

I had to ask the gentleman working in the fruit section at Whole Foods how I know when it's ripe. When it's super wrinkled and looks almost squished, it's ripe. And then I did a Google search this evening to see just exactly how one is to cut and eat this fruit. Great answer to my burning question here.

#62 - Go caffeine-free (drinks) for 6 Months

noreply@blogger.com (Brooke) — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 22:12:00 +0000

One month down and five more to go. This was hard to start again since I LOVE iced tea and Starbucks lattes. I only had a headache or two within the first two weeks. But now that I'm in the swing of it, hopefully the next few months will fly by. I may even start brewing some decaffeinated tea for myself. And yes, there are days where I would love to have a jolt of caffeine to get me moving, but I'm managing!

#97 - Take an “us" picture every month

noreply@blogger.com (Brooke) — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 22:02:00 +0000

I will be the first to admit that I am the least photogenic person of anyone I know. (It kinda runs on my side of the family too). I would rather be behind the camera than in front of it. We have lots of pictures of DH and TemTem, but not so many of her and I, and even fewer of the three of us.

And nothing like waiting until the last minute on this one, but on the last day of the month in the evening before we headed out for dinner, I remembered we needed an "us" picture for the month. TemTem was overtired and cranky and did not want to play along. As her parents, we look like we have expressions that say "let's get this over with already". I'm hoping that our pictures will get better with each month!

#65 - No eating after 8:00 p.m. for one month

noreply@blogger.com (Brooke) — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 21:56:00 +0000

This goal made me realize how often I would snack in the evenings after TemTem would go to bed. I would eat all the things I didn't really want her to see me eat. I would eat just to eat - pretzels, crackers, cookies, ice cream.

I know it's overall better not to eat so late in the evenings, and there were many times were my stomach would cry out that it was hungry! But I'm happy to say that I stuck it out and accomplished this goal in January.

I will try to stick with this one going forward simply as part of the "healthier living" lifestyle I'm trying to adopt. But if I feel like eating a bowl of popcorn or an apple with cheese after the kiddo is in bed, I won't feel too guilty about it.

#63 - Go chocolate-free for one entire month

noreply@blogger.com (Brooke) — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 21:51:00 +0000

I'm on a roll here! Since today is the first day of February, I got to mark off lots of things accomplished in January.

This one shocked the hell out of me! I'm a huge fan of chocolate. Huge. There was one time as a kid when they thought I might be allergic to chocolate, and I had to stop eating it for a few weeks and I thought I was going to go crazy. (Turned out I was allergic to the solvent used to clean a friend's carpet).

When January started, I about wanted to cry about missing out on chocolate. It actually went pretty well with my "eating healthier" mindset, so I was able to make it the entire month without chocolate! I still miss it, but I might even try to challenge myself and see how long I can go without out. I'm such an all or nothing type of person, and can rarely do anything in moderation!

Just happy to get this one checked off the list! Woo-hoo!

#41 - Try one new restaurant each month

noreply@blogger.com (Brooke) — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 21:47:00 +0000

January
Blue Fish

I waited until the last minute on this one, and then said "Hey honey, want to go out to dinner tonight?" So we had a bunch of places in mind to go to, but many of the menus we checked out online were a little pricier than we wanted to spend. We ended up at a sushi restaurant that we hadn't looked at before heading out and still spent more than we wanted to spend! The food was good, but I ate way to much. It was also a bit to "commercial" of a sushi restaurant for our liking. Not so sure that we would go back here, as there are other sushi restaurants in the area that we liked better.

We have a few restaurants still in mind to check out next month.