iChange

Sick Sick Sick

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah) — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 14:15:00 +0000

I am very sick right now with pneumonia but I have been feeling better this morning so I will update the missing days later this evening. I am sorry to anyone who's been thrown off kilter by me not updating. I apologize.

~Sarah

Day 146: Famous Last Words

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah) — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 13:44:00 +0000

Today's Task: 4/20

"Decide what your last words will be."

People are often remembered by their last lines. Sure, your life and your deeds will tag along as well, but if the last thing to escape your mouth is "My life was a lie." you will taint every moment before. Prepare yourself and go down famously. Even if it's as simple as "I told you I was sick!"

I have always joked that my last words will be, "The gold is buried in..."

If you find yourself falling uninspired, check out this list of Famous Last Words.

Day 145: Urban Myth

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah) — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 13:14:00 +0000

Today's Task: 4/19

"Start an Urban Myth."

It's pretty simple to fool the masses through email nowadays. Just head to this list at Snopes and tell me how many of those emails you got and believed. On top of that, how many of you still recieve those emails? I get at least one a week. Now, I'm not going to reply with the appropriate Snopes link. Now I'm just going to embellish the story and enhance it's veracity.

Making up an Urban Myth is simple:

1. Place it during a setting that the average American can relate to (cooking, babysitting, office jobs, cleaning the house, washing the car etc.)

2. Blame an irresponsible, ill-prepared person who "if only they had read this email" would have been fine.

3. Blame something people already distrust: large corporations, drug use, teenagers, politicians, criminals etc.

4. Have science back it up by throwing in some psuedo realistic sounding reference to chemicals, police reports or physical evidence.

5. If you can photoshop an image for the myth, it'll be thrice as believeable. You can even find a scary picture and just make up a story for it.

Example:

One night, about 20 yars ago. I had a baby sitter who was evil. And a little brother who was perfect and sweet. But then that .. that woman, she duct taped him to a wall. And she didn't know it at the time but there are tetrahydrochlorines in the adhesive component of duct tape. It's the same component in cigarettes that eats through skin. And infants are highly suscepitble to its toxins. My brother died a day later. It was horrible. And unexepected. KEEP DUCT TAPE AWAY FROM YOUR KIDS!!!

Day 144: Machismo

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah) — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 13:08:00 +0000

Today's Task: 4/18

"Celebrate machismo today and dedicate your day to "manly" activities."

Ladies, if you're married or dating, do something he wants to do today. Whether its camping out for the opening baseball game and final hockey games or hitting the lake for the Spring's first fishing trip, tag along. You may learn something and you might actually enjoy yourself.

Guys, let go today and do what you most want to do. Consider it an extra birthday. <3

For anyone who's already in between the sexual division of male and female, go out of your way to embrace machismo today. Don't let anyone insult you or your friends without threatening them. Gamble without fear of loss. Embrace overindulgence and let no one convince you your choices may be inappropriate. Machismo means you are always right.

Day 143: Friendship

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah) — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 13:05:00 +0000

Today's Task: 4/17

"Do something nice for a freind today."

Actions speak louder than words. Remind someone today that your words can be backed up by your actions and show them how much they mean to you. Whether it's your best friend or a coworker, get out there and make someone feel appreciated today.

Day 142: Senseless Day 3

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah) — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 13:23:00 +0000

Today's Task: 4/16

"Go through the day without using your sense of taste."

A few creative ways to do this is to eat something really spicy in the morning to numb your tastes the rest of the day or you can suck on a piece of ice. Another though less safe way is to coat your tongue with (these are medicines and should not be used if you have low tolerence or allergies to these over-the-counter drugs) Ambesol or Vicks Throat Spray which are designed for strep throat or cold sores. They numb the skin and would effectively kill your taste buds for a while.

As for myself, I will attempt to eat food without flavor or spice today. There are plenty of bland, tasteless foods out there. I usually avoid them, but today I will give my stomach a break and avoid salts, sweets and spices. :)

Day 141: Birdcatching

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah) — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 13:21:00 +0000

Today's Task: 4/15 (Happy Tax Day! -_^)

"Build a bird's nest or get a feeder and lure some photo-friendly wildlife into your yard."

I love this task. I'm not sure what kind of birds I can get here in Brooklyn, probably pigeons or seagulls since we're so close to the water. My mom has hummingbirds in her backyard in Texas because she's had a feeder and garden out there for as long as I can remember.

If you would like to do this task, step one would be to identify the local birds and see what kind of bird your planning on luring into your yard and taking in as tenets. Then, once you know how big they are and where they like to nest (not mention what months they'll be hanging around the neighborhood) then it's time to construct a nestbox. There is a simple guide here which can be adjusted to size depending on your species of choice.

Good luck! And, as always, have fun.

Day 140: LOL KKK

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah) — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 13:46:00 +0000

Today's Task: 4/14

"Prank call and spam the KKK today."

Sure, it's normally wrong to aggravate and annoy businesses and social clubs, but what if the entire world supports your decision? Does it then become socially and morally acceptable to mess with the bad guys? Is it wrong to ding-dong-ditch the principal but okay to do it to the school bully?

I'll let you make that decision for yourself. But personally, I never supported the idea of "turning the other cheek". I'm all for picking on those who pick on others. Comeupance is so much more rewarding than tolerance.

870-427-3414

Maybe you'd just like to contact their headquarters and... chat. -_^

Day 139: Me, My Clone and I

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah) — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 14:19:00 +0000

Today's Task: 4/13

"Save your DNA with instructions to be cloned in the future."

Fingernails, hair, a drop or two of blood. Just put something in a small glass test tube or container and secure it away in a safe box with explicit instructions on why you deserve to be cloned. Maybe, in 3009, you will wake up to a better brighter future. Maybe.

For some realistic information on cloning, I recommend this site: Cloning Fact Sheet

It's a little more informed than wikipedia. -_^ As for myself, I'd rather be reborn than cloned. You can't clone my memories, just the lump of muscle that stored them. There's still something to be said for environmental factors after all.

Day 138: Knots Learning

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah) — Sun, 12 Apr 2009 14:07:00 +0000

Today's Task: 4/12

"Learn to tie a new knot or two."

Found an awesome site for this task today: http://www.animatedknots.com/. It has animated gifs to show you step-by-step for each knot and even has them seperated by uses such as "boating" or "climbing". Learn a few knots today. Practice on your shoes or a bit of string or a jumprope. You never know when your knot knowledge could save a life!

Full Knot List

Day 137: Nibbled Nightmares

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah) — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 13:54:00 +0000

Today's Task: 4/11

"Start a week long journey of cheese-dream tests. Eat a different cheese each night right before bed and record your dreams the next morning. See if the cheese->dream theory holds up."

This post will be updated as I try this:

Saturday, 4/11: Swiss. I dreamt of something violent. John says I was yelling. I don't remember any of it.
Sunday, 4/12: Blue Cheese. I dreamt of Maple Story. I think I need to cut back on how long I play the game.
Monday, 4/13: Cheddar. I dreamt of the dirty dishes and my dishwasher trying to eat them.
Tuesday, 4/14: Mozzeralla. I dreamt of being trapped at work and unable to leave. I woke up in a panic and dreaded coming in this morning.
Wednesday, 4/15: Cream Cheese. I dreamt of being trapped in Maple Story as a character and unable to delete people from my Buddy List. Annoying people who want me to train them. NOooooooOOOoooOOOooo...

Day 136: Love Day

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah) — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 15:40:00 +0000

Today's Task: 4/10

"Tell your parents you love them while you still can."

Nothing hurts more than a missed opportunity. It's grim to admit, but you never know how much time you have with loved ones in your life. Show them you appreciate them every day.

If you've already lost a loved one close to you then look around at the people you have left and let loose on the love! You may already know how regret feels, don't let it happen again.

It's never too late to say what you might have said.
It's never too late to do what you might have done.
Today is the day.

Day 135: Subtext

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah) — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 15:32:00 +0000

Today's Task: 4/9

"Learn to Read Between the Lines."

Whether it's a finacial contract or a social conversation, learning to wade through life's subtext may prove useful one day.

That line that says "additional fees may be incurred" means you wil be charged for the "convenience" of everything from shipping to surcharges.
The girl who tells you she'd "rather not work" even though she doesn't have children is a golddigger looking for someone to support her.
That guy who says he's "not ready for commitment" is seeing someone else and hasn't decided who he likes more.
The boss who says a job was "tailored for your unique talents" means no one else wanted to do it.

Today's the day to stop getting walked on. It's also the day to be direct with others. You've translated their subtext, now sit back and decode your own.

Day 134: 1337 #@x0r

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah) — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 14:25:00 +0000

Today's Task: 4/8

"Hack something."

hack (v.) - To alter or gain access to (a computer file or network) illegally or without authorization. To obtain or use something beyond its original intent.

This site is an interesting site: http://www.wonderhowto.com/ which may or may not show you how to do some things which may or may not save you money or be legal. It's up to you. Don't do anything you feel unsure about.

As much as I'd love to hack into the web design of Scientology's front page and publish all the documents they keep hidden from the public like the Xenu story or their direct connection to and ownership of groups like ABLE, Applied Scholastics and NARCONON. But I don't fancy myself a prison personality. So, instead, I'll just keep publishing this information elsewhere and "hack" the real world instead.

I'll keep talking as long as someone will listen.

Day 133: Full Spectrum

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah) — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 13:14:00 +0000

Today's Task: 4/7

"Invent or discover a new color today."

No doubt we all have a favorite color or color scheme we tend to stick with. Today's the day to break out of old habits and try something new. If you love blues, embrace reds. If you stick with pastels, go dark. If you enjoy dark, go neon. There's probably a whole wide world of colors you didn't even know looked awesome on you or your house. Here's a small list to get you started: http://math.ubbcluj.ro/~sberinde/wingraph/colors.gif

As for myself, I've been wearing nothing but black and "insert bright color here" lately. Maybe I'll pull out the muted blues and tans I usually reserve for the summertime and lounge it up tonight instead. Afterall, today is the first day of my Spring Break. :)

Side story:
I paint in acrylics and to save money I only buy 5 colors and mix them to make everything else I need. White - Black - Red - Blue - Yellow. I learned to be cheap from art class color wheels! There was one painting which I needed metallic sheen for and splurged on some brass and silver, but that was my one discretion (and it looks awesome) so maybe expanding my palette was worth it afterall.

Day 132: Lucky Number

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah) — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 15:27:00 +0000

Today's Task: 4/6

"What's your lucky number? Put it to work today!"

Mine is 235. There are a handful of people who may know why. Tonight I'll be playing 2-3-5 on Pick Three. Who knows what could happen? :)

Other ways you can use your lucky number is to bet on that horse, follow and athlete with the number, eat a set amount of food, find an item you've been wanting when it hits that price, make a wish, count your toes (or your blessings), get that many chores done today, write that many pages in your book, or just count that many stars this evening. Whatever it is you delight in, make your own luck today. Embrace the numerological joy of lucky numbers and be happy.

Day 131: Hierarchy

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah) — Sun, 05 Apr 2009 15:29:00 +0000

Today's Task: 4/5

"Defy Hierarchy today. Step out of line and be your own person."

Outcast or out caste. It's your choice. You are either hated and burdened or loved and burdened. Caste and hierarchies are only ever benficial for those on top. Don't kill yourself trying to climb an invisible ladder. Today, build your own ladder and be the best you you can be. Forget the rest.

Day 129: Blessings

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah) — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 12:57:00 +0000

Today's Task: 4/3

"Count your blessings."

No, really, count them up. Sit down, make a list and add up all the reasons you have to be thankful. And when your list is complete, keep it somewhere to cheer you up when you are blue and, of course, to be added to later when you have so much more to be grateful for later in life. :) It's all uphill from here.

My list is just getting started...

Love

Family

Shelter

Food

Security

Education

Books

Movies

Friends

Skill

Condfidence

Blogs

Words

Life

Air

Water

Day 128: New Fruit

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah) — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 12:46:00 +0000

Today's Task: 4/2

"Try a new fruit today."

Do it! Not only are most fruits good for you, they also taste delicious. I had mine in the form of a kiwi-banana smoothie at Bally's. And it was delicious! I had never had actual kiwi before, just candies flavored like it. The real fruit is 100x better.

Here is a list of every culinary (edible) fruit wikipedia users could think of: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_culinary_fruits

That should help you get started.

Day 127: April's Fool

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah) — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 13:26:00 +0000

Today's Task: 4/1

"What else? Prank someone!"

Since it's a Wednesday, I've included some Office Prank ideas for you below though there are much much more at http://www.squidoo.com/OfficePranks

At the end of the day, everyday, empty someone's stapler leaving only 2 or 3 staples. They will have to refill it everyday, and go crazy.
Advertise a colleague's job as available. Leave their number with extension for contact. Be sure it is well paying and with low qualifications.
Each day move a co-workers desk an inch.
Drop a lemon slice or maraschino cherry into someone's water bottle.
Spray glitter on anything.
Move everything off someone's desk and into the office fridge.
Play "Eye of the Tiger" everytime your boss walks in.
Replace photos of friends and family with that of say Scott Baio, Eugene Levy, Drew Carey, William Shatner, or The New Kids on the Block. Also set their screen saver to a slideshow of these photos.
Drop a rubber duckie into the watercooler when you are changing the bottle.
Remove the ink from every one of their pens.
Open a container of lice powder, and leave it in the bathroom. Say nothing to anyone. Panic will slowly rise.
Put a brown paper bag in the office fridge labeled "squirrel"
Before an important meeting, replace everything on a co-workers desk with the Hello-Kitty version or everything pink (pens with feather tops, pink pads, ...)
Tape a really long memo or calendar to the inside door of the elevator.
Install the Clapper on anything.

Most importantly, have fun and make sure you don't actually damage any property or your reputation. It's always best to prank friends and family, NOT someone you dislike. Never prank in hate.

Day 126: Consumer Rights

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah) — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 13:13:00 +0000

Today's Task: 3/31

"Enforce your Consumer Rights today and fight the system."

First, read up: http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/consumer.shtm

Then, if you feel you have been wronged in any way by any business, today is the day to get even and voice your complaint. Whether it's a coupon they didn't take, a defective product, false advertising or just plain old-fashioned swindling, you do not have to stand for it. Know your rights. They should never be an "inconvenience" to you.

If taxpayers are expected to "bail out" companies who cannot run their businesses properly, then we better start standing up for our expectations. If Ford is getting a bailout, then I want environmentally friendly vehicles from them. If the MTA here in NY wants to hike fares then they better provide on-time service and clean the stations.

Too many companies are used to getting something for nothing (and in some cases, becoming monopolies who are allowed to get away with near-criminal price gouging). Get a return on your investment today. Speak up and make a difference.

Day 125: Horoscope

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah) — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 12:55:00 +0000

Today's Task: 3/30

"Take your horoscope seriously today."

You can either look one up on your own to follow or use the open-ended horoscopes I have written below:

Aries: March 21-April 19 You already know you CAN, today is the day to DO. Act on something you've been confident enough to do for quite some time.

Taurus: April 20 - May 20 You've been waiting for quite some time. Today is the day to stop waiting, you've earned your reward.

Gemini: May 21 - June 21 You know that big event you were invited to? Go. They need you there to liven things up. Nothing's as fun without you there.

Cancer: June 22 - July 22 Express yourself today. Write the song you've been composing in your head, the poem your heart sings when that special someone walks by. Today is the day to leave your mark on the world.

Leo: July 23 - Aug. 22 You've been trying to teach them how to do this for a while, today you will find your inspiration. Just teach it in a different way, you know how and they'll finally understand.

Virgo: Aug. 23 - Sept. 22 Enjoy solitude today. Get lost in the park or the city and find a new path home. If you feel inclined, bring a sketchbook or camera or maybe just a book to read in your new hideaway.

Libra: Sept. 23 - Oct. 22 Time can heal all wounds or open old ones. Today think upon your past in a non-judgemental view and see if you've misjudged or overlooked anyone's transgressions. Forgive or forget them today and know that you made a wise decision.

Scorpio: Oct. 23 - Nov. 21 Forget the rest of the world today and do something for you. No, I said forget them. Don't worry about what people think of you for one day and just be yourself.

Sagittarius: Nov. 22 - Dec. 21 Tell someone what you really think of them today. You know you've been dying to so just say it already and lift that weight from your shoulders. You'll feel so much better.

Capricorn: Dec. 22 - Jan. 19 Plan for your next vacation today. Decide the place, the month and what you want to do. It's okay to get excited a little early, you always accomplish what you set your heart on.

Aquarius: Jan. 20 - Feb. 18 You're always so focused on your own success and getting things done on time but this week you need to slow down and look at the world around you. Do something nice for someone else today, no matter how small, you will be loved for it.

Pisces: Feb. 19 - March 20 Volunteer yourself for a future charity project today. Whether it's Habitat for Humanity or the local Food Drive, set aside part of your calendar to enlarge your heart and share some of that overflowing love.

Day 124: TV-Free Weekend (Part 2)

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah) — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 10:49:00 +0000

Today's Task: 3/29

"Do not watch TV today; do something else indoors."

What better day to start Spring Cleaning than today? It's time you shut off teh tube and get everyone involved helping out. Sort through those boxes in the back of your closet, organize and clean out the fridge or clean up all the old bills off your desk. We've all got our little messes around the house we never seem to get to. Today, I'm going to clean up my front room and organize my desk. How can I ever hope to be a successful teacher with a desk like that?!

And when you're all done with the housework, take sometime to pamper yousrself without the television. I suggest a warm bubble bath, soft music and a good book. Go ahead, you deserve it.

Day 123: TV-Free Weekend (Part 1)

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah) — Sat, 28 Mar 2009 10:42:00 +0000

Today's Task: 3/28

"Do not watch TV today; do something outdoors instead."

Get out of the house, no matter the weather. It's Saturday. Go to the park, go to the theatre, go read a book by the pool or just go for a drive. Whatever it is you choose to do today, make sure it gets you out of the house and into the fresh air. I'll update later with what I've done because it highly depends on whether we get rain tonight or not. I'll be at school not watching TV until noon at least. :)

Day 122: Parrot Pal

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah) — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 12:59:00 +0000

Today's Task: 3/27

"Go to your local pet store and teach the parrot there to say something you have been dying to say yourself."

This sounds like a fun task to do. Unfortunately, the birds in pet stores, usually ignore me. If I really wanted to train a parrot to say all the subconcious things I never utter aloud, I'd have to buy one. If I feed them and take care of the bird, they'll probably be more willing to take instruction from and want to mimic me. Then I can grow even one step closer to being a full fledged pirate. yarrrrr...

For instruction on training your parrot to talk see this link.

You can also have the same fun with a cockatoo as I have been witness to my dad's birds singing the Barney "I love you, you love me" song back in California. It can be done if you repeat something enough.