A new year.

I want to get down a bit of what I'm looking forward to in 2014. These aren't really resolutions, just my goals. I've also shrugged off my 101 in 1,001, quite a while ago for that matter, which I'm completely at peace with... I think it was too much for me, as a semi-type-A person, to keep track of efficiently. I realize that doesn't make the most sense {type-A not wanting to keep track of things} but I was setting up myself to spend way too much time each month looking at and tracking things. For me, this works much better; keeping goals broad and positive. Though I do acknowledge the value of measurable goals, for me right now, this feels good.

Anyway! I'm going to write out Dear Abby's New Year Resolution as I did last year and then some of those things I'm interested in for 2014. I really like this little ditty {I couldn't think of a better word}; it's concise and thoughtful and even if I read it once or twice a year, it brings good, grounding, and simplistic perspective.

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 Dear Abby's New Year Resolution; adapted by Pauline Phillips from the original credo of Alcoholics Anonymous.

 Just for today, I will live through this day only. I will not brood about yesterday or obsess about tomorrow. I will not set far-reaching goals or try to overcome all of my problems at once.

I know that I can do something for 24 hours that would overwhelm me if I had to keep it up for a lifetime.

Just for today, I will be happy. I will not dwell on thoughts that depress me. If my mind fills with clouds, I will chase them away and fill it with sunshine.

Just for today, I will accept what is, I will face reality. I will correct those things that I can correct and accept those I cannot.

Just for today, I will make a conscious effort to be agreeable. I will be kind and courteous to those who cross my path, and I'll not speak ill of others. I will improve my appearance, speak softly, and not interrupt when someone else is talking. Just for today, I will refrain from improving anybody but myself.

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 For 2014...

1. Finish up my school year; for me this means teaching my classes while making some good plans in place for my maternity substitute.

2. Prepare ourselves, as much as we can, for welcoming another life into this world. A life that we are in charge of {what an odd concept for us}.

3. Prepare our home and car for this little one; crib {pack n' play, stroller, car seat, diapers, clothing...}.

4. Birth our child.

5. Keep our child alive; this one is very important!!

6. Make some strides towards finishing up my teaching credential.

7. Get ourselves moved when our lease runs out this summer {ugh} {be positive!}.

8. Continue to explore cooking our tried and true favorites as well as some new dishes.

9. Continue to get to know my husband and our marriage. I think this process is a never-ending experience for all married/committed couples. It's also an aspect of marriage I wasn't able to really know until we had been married for about a year and a half. It astounds me how amazing this relationship can be and how rewarding it is. It can only be more challenging --> rewarding as we continue to know each other and our relationship. Sorry to get sappy on you here! But it's true ♥.

10. Get back into running!

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As I mentioned earlier, I'm grateful for everything that 2013 brought us {highs and lows} and I'm thankful in advance for where we will find ourselves in 2014. Let the games begin!
xoxo, natty ♥

101 in 1,001 January 2013 Update {FINALLY!}.

More than midway through February, here's a January 2013 update for  posterity's sake...life got a little hectic {new job} but I was at least thinking about all this.
Background reading:
 
You can read about what this is all about HERE.
HERE'S last month's post {the first monthly post}.
You can check out my Google document HERE, which I'll try to update a bit more than once a month.
Goals complete: 1/101
Goals in progress: 9/101

In the past month...

I accomplished:

#88 Subscribe to a magazine...this one was unanticipated! I actually got a subscription as a gift but I'll count it!

Things begun/in progress {an "*" implies a regular monthly/weekly goal}:  

#38 Read four books a year...this one was unanticipated! I read "The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian" by Sherman Alexie. I'll be putting a little bit of a review up here I believe.
#61 * Call my grandmother once a week.
#63 * Talk to my parents once a week.
#64 * Go to mass or another spiritual/meditative event twice a month.
#69 * Call a friend once a week.
#73 * Go on a date with my husband once a month...I cannot remember exactly where but it happened.

#77 Celebrate my birthday and continue our birthday traditions 
#81 * Send a handwritten note to someone once a month...I sent early Valentine's in January and that counts!
#82 See four movies in the theaters each year...this one was unanticipated! We saw "Zero Dark Thirty".
#95 Walk Guinness once a week.



Things that did not happen that I had hoped to accomplish:

#29 * Back up my computer once a month. 
#24 Cancel our cable TV.
#36 Quit Facebook.
#41 Update this list each month...uh-oh.
#87 Try dramatic eye-make-up for a night {maybe my birthday?!}

In the next month I'd like to begin/accomplish {apart from regular monthly/weekly}:

#24 Cancel our cable TV.
#36 Quit Facebook.


I'm keeping it pretty simple for February, especially considering it has only 11 more days left. I think that #24 might be difficult what with March Madness coming up and Mad Men beginning in April.
xoxo, natty ♥

101 in 1,001: The Beginning.

Yesterday I debuted my new and improved "101 in 1,001" list. Today I'm doing my first {of many!} monthly updates.

Background reading:
You can read about what this is all about HERE.
There is no past monthly update since this is the first month!
You can check out my Google document HERE, which I'll try to update a bit more than once a month.

In the past month I accomplished:

Nothing! Well, I did a fair amount of things but nothing officially related to this list. 

Things still in progress:  

Nothing! 

In the next month I'd like to begin/accomplish:

#24 Cancel our cable TV.
#36 Quit Facebook.
#77 Celebrate my birthday and continue our birthday traditions.
#87 Try dramatic eye-make-up for a night {maybe my birthday?!} 

Regular monthly/weekly goals:

#29 Back up my computer once a month. 
#41 Update this list once a month.
#61 Call my grandmother once a week.
#63 Talk to my parents once a week.
#64 Go to mass or another spiritual/meditative event twice a month.
#69 Call a friend once a week.
#73 Go on a date with my husband once a month.
#81 Send a handwritten note to someone once a month.
#95 Walk Guinness once a week.

I seem to have a lot of weekly/monthly things going on but I'm OK with that!
xoxo, natty ♥

101 in 1,001: the Real Deal.

OK, here I go again. I started my "101 in 1,001" last January because I was inspired by others doing so and I felt as though it was a solid, life-improving, reachable, and accountability-inducing endeavor and I still hold those opinions. 

But, as I mentioned earlier this week, I didn't put in the best forethought considering the life changes that were ahead of us so I'm beginning anew and I'm, as I was a year ago, still really excited about this.

My mission: to complete these 101 goals in the next 1,001 days, or at least get as close as I can. I don't think that this is an exercise in checking items off a list, rather, I'd like to be more accountable in my life than I feel I currently am and I'm looking forward to a concrete reminder of how I feel as though I can improve my personal accountability. 

In 101 neat and tidy steps. 

I'm kidding with that last one, by the way; I don't thing that many things turn out perfectly neat and tidy and as-planned but I do enjoy having a list in front of me. And really, I am not going to beat myself up if I don't accomplish each and every goal; this is an exercise in improvement and any steps in a positive and peaceful direction are accomplishments.

My criteria: my goals need to be specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound {S.M.A.R.T. goals if you're keeping track}...or somewhere in that neighborhood. I'm aiming for specifically-worded goals {"read a book a month" vs. "be smarter"}, goals that I can measure in things produced, accomplished, given, earned, etc., goals that I see as actually within my reach in the next 2.75 {approximately} years {running for president of the US is just not going to happen}, goals that matter to me {"running a marathon" sounds great to me while "starting my own personal photography business" does not}, and goals that I'd like to see happen on or before September 28, 2015 {"time-bound"}.

I came up with categories to help me organize my goals and thoughts and those are areas of my life/the world that matter to me and it's easier to scan through my list each month and decide which goals I'd like to tackle in the next few weeks when they're not in one long list.

Why 1,001 days: Lots of bloggers {and non-bloggers I'm sure} have done a "101 in 1,001" and what I've gleaned from reading through their introductions to these lists is that 1,001 days is close to three years which allows for several weather cycles {to provide for various travel conditions} and money-saving cycles, as well as some other things, I imagine, but I like the idea of having a few winters, springs, summers and falls to get stuff done. It's also nice to have time to try and save money for certain goals.

Start date: January 1, 2013 {it's a Tuesday}
End date: September 28, 2015 {it's a Monday}
Goals complete: 0/101
Goals in progress: 0/101
Last updated: January 2, 2013

Crossed out marks a completed item.
Italics marks a partially completed or in-progress item.
Bold indicates an adjustment due to unforeseen circumstances.

Here's my Google document that I'll be aiming to keep updated somewhat weekly.

A disclaimer: to maintain some spontaneity and chaos in my life, these categories are in super random order and each goal and category's numerical placement plays no role in its importance.

House and Home {4}
1. Frame wedding prints.
2. Make a weekly cleaning schedule.
3. Stick to our weekly cleaning schedule for a month.
4. Connect our DVD player. 
 
Celebrate {7}
5. Dye Easter eggs.
6. Decorate for Christmas.
7. Make a gingerbread house.
8. Host a cookie exchange.
9. Send out Christmas cards on or before 12/15 in 2013 and 2014 {0/2}.
10. Get and decorate a Christmas tree.
11. Host a holiday meal. 
 
Healthy Physical Body {9}
12. Run two marathons; one in 2013 and one in 2014 {0/2}.
13. Don't hit the snooze button for a month.
14. Get a facial.
15. Run a turkey trot on Thanksgiving each year {0/2}.
16. Live as vegetarians for a month.
17. Go skiing.
18. Get a massage.
19. Be in bed by 9:45 PM and awake and dressed by 8 AM each day for a month.
20. Begin my run or exercise routine before 8AM for a month.

Organized, Frugal, and Responsible {15}
21. Transfer friends' birthdays, emails, and phone numbers into an electronic address book.
22. Finish our Wedding Thank you notes.
23. Organize my recipe collection.
24. Cancel our cable TV.
25. Begin saving for a home.
26. Organize CD and DVD collection.
27. Don't eat out for a month.
28. Create an emergency kit for our home and car {0/2}.
29. Backup my computer once a month {0/33}.
30. Go an entire month without buying anything for myself that isn't food or medicine {eating out is not allowed}.
31. Pack up my wedding dress.
32. Clean and organize the inside of our car.
33. Unsubscribe myself from email lists that I don't need to be on.
34. Be CPR certified each year {0/3}.
35. Make and stick to a budget.

Wise Mind {7}
36. Quit Facebook.
37. Join a book-club.
38. Read four books each year {one every three months} {0/11}.
39. Write a list of 101 things I've already achieved in my life.
40. Create a new 101 in 1,001 list to begin on January 1, 2016.
41. Update this list each month {0/33}.
42. Donate a dollar for each unrealized goal to a charity.

Crafty {3}
43. Sew something that I can wear.
44. Finish/make my t-shirt quilt.
45. Sew something as a gift. 

Adventurous New Things {5}
46. Visit New York City.
47. Visit New Orleans.
48. See a show on Broadway.
49. Go to the Shenandoah Valley.
50. See the Grand Canyon in person.

Tree Hugging {3}
51. Take only public transportation or walk for a month.
52. Go camping each Summer-Fall {0/3}.
53. Acquire or make a fabric/reusable paper towel set. 

Hungry Culinary Delights Eating Cooking {5}
54. Can or jar something.
55. Read through the Joy of Cooking.
56. Read through Mastering the Art of French Cooking.
57. Make Beef Bourguignon.
58. Sign up for a Spring/Summer CSA.

Family {5}
59. Visit California family twice a year {0/6}.
60. Visit with my in-laws twice a year {0/6}.
61. Call or see my grandmother once a week {0/143}.
62. Celebrate my brother's high school graduation.
63. Talk to my parents once a week {0/143}.

Soul Emotional {3}
64. Go to mass or another spiritual/meditative event twice a month {0/66}. 
65. See the Nutcracker ballet.
66. Go "offline" {no internet or email} for a week. 

Friends {3}
67. Arrange and go on a trip with friends.
68. Host a sports-watching party.
69. Call a friend on the phone once a week {0/143}.

Travel {2}
70. Visit a new country.
71. Visit three new states {0/3}. 

Me & Him {8}
72. Begin a family.
73. Go on a date with my husband, even if it's just ice cream, once a month {0/33}.
74. Go to the snow for the day.
75. Have a picnic.
76. Welcome another dog {or cat} into our home.
77. Celebrate our birthdays and continue to develop birthday traditions {0/6}.
78. Take a picture of us on our anniversary holding the picture from the previous year {0/3}.
79. Add a new Christmas ornament to our annual collection for 2013 and 2014 {0/2}.

Just Because {9)
80. Go to an NBA, NFL, or MLB game.
81. Send a handwritten note to someone once a month {0/33}. 
82. See four movies in the theaters each year {one for every three months} {0/11}.
83. Plan and throw a surprise party. 
84. Go to a U-pick farm. 
85. Put an inspirational/happy quote somewhere I will see it each day.
86. Attend or host a clothing swap.
87. Try dramatic eye make-up for a night.
88. Subscribe to a magazine. 

Remember {4}
89. Acquire a digital single-lens reflex camera.
90. Have a couples/family photo session with a photographer.
91. Print out photos and make an album for each month of a year.
92. Order wedding prints.

Ambitious  {2}
93. Begin a teacher certification process.
94. Acquire an "e-reader".

Kind to others  {7}
95. Walk Guinness once a week {0/143}.
96. Volunteer at an animal shelter.
97. Knit a scarf or make a blanket to donate to a shelter or hospital. 
98. Leave a nice note for someone in the windshield of their car.
99. Pay for someone behind me in line. 
100. Volunteer at a committee or at an event at church.
101. Make a double batch of soda bread to send as a gift for St. Patrick's Day.

I'm really glad I've got these goals written down and tomorrow I'll do my first monthly post and then on Friday you can look forward to December 2012's month of pictures. A plethora of my little life is being laid before you Reader; happy 2013!
xoxo, natty ♥

2012; a Year in Review.

I'm enjoying some high-octane cough syrup and a Z-pack and thinking about the year behind us. I could drone on, I'm sure, but I'd like to list my top 12 2012 moments/events/things {a blurb for each month!}. 

I've also been thinking ahead. My poor 101 in 1'001 has been languishing since, oh, June {?}, I believe. In hindsight, maybe I should have thought a bit more before compiling that list. When I wrote it last December I full well knew that we were on the verge of some pretty hefty life changes {job quitting, moving across the country, living in a new city...} but I took none of that into consideration and came up with my 101 as if we were going to continue living and working in San Jose, CA.

With that being said, I'm giving myself a pass. This pass is a chance to re-write my list and start over with the caveat that I realistically consider what our life looks like now and will look like in the next 1,001 days {September 28, 2015 FYI}.

For today, and to spare you from volumes of blog-post reading, I'll stick with my 2012 Top 12.

In calendar order.

January

After driving home from an Arizona Christmas and New Years we spent our first month in our new apartment as husband and wife.

I celebrated a birthday. I started making wreaths. We cooked {tortilla soup!} and ate out and just enjoyed being together.

February

Our first Valentine's Day as a married couple saw us to the beach for a winter's day visit. I made heart decorations for our apartment using my mother-in-law's old sewing machine. 

We also ate crab, polenta, and celebrated Mardis Gras.


March

I enjoyed my last Spirit Week {check it out each day} at school, dressed to the nines to coordinate with the five themes, and it all culminated with making my first diaper cake for a coworker's baby shower {it was non-edible}. We celebrated St. Patrick's Day with a meaty and salty feast, went to Arizona to learn about hummingbirds and Spring Training, and then returned to California to get ready for Easter. 

Michael enjoyed a birthday.

April

I graded a lot, we celebrated several birthdays, enjoyed Easter egg coloring, visited the east coast {!}, and cooked a lot. 

We started enjoying some farmer's market finds and began to think about a cross-country move.

May

Michael decided where he'd like to go to school {and where we'd be living for the next two years!!!}: Washington, DC! 

I wrapped up my last school year, we celebrated several graduations, I made another diaper cake {still inedible!}, and we continued prepping for a Big Move.

June

We made the final preparations to move out of our apartment which included selling off all that we could and shipping the rest to DC. 

I began my last teaching stint with a summer school class, we CLEANED with the kind help of my mother, and got ready to say our goodbyes.

July

We celebrated my cousin John's graduation with a fun trip to San Diego before coming back to the Bay Area and officially setting sail. 

We camped for two nights, spent a night in Portland, Oregon, enjoyed a wonderful week in Home, Washington, and then trekked our way across the northern swath of our country to arrive at our new home in Washington, DC. The best part of our journey was being able to visit with dear friends along the way {St. Paul, Chicago, and Hershey : we ♥ you!}.

August

We got settled in DC. Mike began his career as a graduate student and I tried to get us moved into the amazing apartment that we now call home. 

I confirmed a job that would start in September.

September

We celebrated our first anniversary! Mike and I continued to get settled into our new city and got to know our neighborhood and new friends.

My mom visited us for two weeks in which she helped us SO much by cleaning and cooking for her two busy hosts. The Franciscan Monks blessed Guinness in honor of St. Francis and his feast day.

October

We drove up to New York to visit my cousin John at Elmira College; the leaves were beautiful the further north we got! The days got shorter and Hurricane Sandy brought several days of strong wind and rain to DC, though nothing like what New York and New Jersey saw. I signed us up for a CSA.

The Giants won the World Series!!!! And we hosted a fun pumpkin carving party that even included prizes. 

November

For such a short month we did quite a lot! We visited with friends, cooked a great deal of root vegetables {thanks CSA!} and enjoyed time at home. Family came into town for the week of Thanksgiving and we cooked {most of the meal} and hosted our first Thanksgiving!!! We all rolled ourselves to bed that night feeling very content and grateful for good food and even better family and friends.

I wrapped up my job and began to look ahead to teaching again; even though I thoroughly enjoyed my first few weeks without grading, in late September I started to think about how much I miss the daily engagement and interaction of being a teacher and that getting back into that classroom is where I'm drawn to.

December 

I continued running and cooking in DC. I also continued looking for teaching opportunities that might crop up in the latter half of the 2012-2013 school year {few and far in between}. We went out with friends and enjoyed being in the city leading up to Christmas. The tragedy at Sandy Hook happened and I, as well as many others I imagine, am still working through it. I think with the holidays happening directly after the shootings, my mind was occupied and that the next few post-Christmas/New Years weeks and days will bring me some time to think this over.

We arranged for Guinness to have a helpful friend/guardian/apartment-sitter for our time away; the dog was unimpressed. I got to San Jose before Michael joined me and then we trekked to Gilbert, Arizona, to enjoy the rest of the holidays with family.


Dear 2013 : I am ready and excited for you and what you have to bring, both the good and bad since without darkness there cannot be light {but I'm mostly looking forward to the GOOD!}.


May you all out there know that I am sincerely thankful that you are in my life {even if you're an internet lurker and I don't know you [Hi!]} and I THANK you for being a part of my journey. A Happy and Healthy 2013 to each and every one of you!
xoxo, natty ♥

101 in 1001 : March & April 2012.

March came and left as did April. With my grandmother’s stroke and the traveling that we did {a weekend in Arizona in March and a week on the east coast in April} paired with the general chaos that kind of accompanied those conditions I’ve been frantic. Thus, I’m doing a two-month update and also giving myself some leeway on a few monthly/seasonly goals.

We have also got some big things coming up in the next three months and I’m looking forward to checking off several goals. I’m so happy to have started this list and to know that I have something to be accountable to.

Are you continuing with or starting any interesting goals? The end of the school year is rapidly encroaching and times of transitions always seem to be great opportunities to do something new.

And if you’re celebrating victory against the French at the Battle of Puebla today, then may you do so safely.

At the start of every month I’d like to write about my “101 in 1,001”; what I’ve completed in the past four or so weeks and what I look forward to in the next.

Click HERE to read what this is all about and click HERE to keep track of more up-to-date progress via the Google document.

March-April 2012: 3/101 goals complete; 23/101 goals in progress.

Did I begin:

* Number 53: Finish my long-ago-began t-shirt quilt. Eeeek again…no.

* Number 56: Plant bulbs. Eeeek x 3…no.

Did I complete:

* Number 30: Back up our computers. Nope.

* Number 35: Sign up for a produce delivery service. Aaaaand not yet.

* Number 63: Leave a nice and anonymous note for someone once a season; 0/11. No, but see the end of this post for an explanation.

* Number 92: Finish writing thank you notes. Almost but still “no”!

Did I continue:

* Number 1: Enjoy local nature {hiking, biking, etc.} {local = within a two hour car ride} once a month; 4/33. Yes! Desert Botanical Gardens in March and local San Jose streets in April!

* Number 16: Talk to my parents once a week; 18/132. Yes!

* Number 18: Identify 132 things that make me happy {one a week}; 18/132. Week 10: gearing up for Spirit Week! Week 11: It IS Spirit Week!. Week 12: going to Arizona this weekend. Week 13: my grammy will recover from her stroke. Week 14: Spring Break is on the horizon! Week 15: East Coast here we come! Week 16: no more airplanes! Week 17: it’s SO pretty outside! Week 18: field trip is over. Week 19: it’s AP week #1 and there are no bells at school.

* Number 25: Get all of my documents and accounts switched over to my new name. Yes…kind of! April 2012 : I have my new driver’s license!

* Number 32: Come up with a new way to be green every month; 4/6. Yes. March 2012: no manicures/pedicures. This might sound a bit prissy but I love these things and I figure that it’s fewer chemicals out there. April 2012: only women might understand this and I’m blusing just thinking about it but in the spirit of transparency I’m recording it : the Diva Cup. May 2012 : getting veggies at a farmer’s market and using less packaging in the process.

* Number 39: Walk Guinness in the evenings at least once a week; 18/156. Yes.

* Number 49: Bake cookies or breads once a month; 4/33. Yes. March 2012: chocolate chip cookies. April 2012 : sugar cookies.

* Number 50: Cook something new every month; 4/33. Yes. March 2012: enchiladas! April 2012: fajitas!

* Number 72: Go to the movies once a month; 3/33. Yes; kind of. See my above note about March. March 2012: “The Hunger Games” {everything I wanted it to be!}.

* Number 89: Continue to uphold and develop our own traditions {birthdays, New Year, Thanksgiving, Halloween, anniversary, etc.} Yes! Mikey’s birthday {3/2012}.

* Number 90: Blog once a day until June 2012. Yes!

* Number 99: Read through the “50 Questions That Will Free Your Mind” once a month; 4/33. Yes!

Unexpectedly:

* Number 4 : Visit six states I’ve never been to {an airport layover doesn’t count}. April 2012 : Massachusetts!

* Number 27: Go one month without buying anything for myself that isn’t food related. Woo Hoo! Part of my Lent this year is to not buy anything for myself that isn’t food/medicine/work related. I began on 2/22 and completed this on 3/21 {four weeks = one month}.

* Number 65 : Visit with an older/home-bound/sick person once every six months. April 2012 : visited with neighbor Ted.

* Number 71 : See my friends who live in other states once a year; 1/3. Saw Becs in March and Fence in April!

* Number 78: Visit a museum once a season; 2/11. Winter 2011-2012: The Oakland Museum of California on 2/18/2012. Spring Break 2012 : Smithsonian Institution National Museum of Natural History, National Museum of the American Indian and the Smithsonian National Museum of American History.

In May 2012…

I would like to begin:

* Number 28: Donate to my Alma Maters once a year.

I would like to complete:

* Number 25: Get all of my documents and accounts switched over to my new name.

* Number 30: Back up our computers.

* Number 63: Leave a nice and anonymous note for someone once a season; 0/11.

* Number 92: Finish writing thank you notes. 

I would like to continue:

* Number 1: Enjoy local nature {hiking, biking, etc.} {local = within a two hour car ride} once a month; 4/33.

* Number 16: Talk to my parents once a week; 18/132.

* Number 18: Identify 132 things that make me happy {one a week}; 18/132.

* Number 32: Come up with a new way to be green every month; 4/33.

* Number 49: Bake cookies or breads once a month; 4/33.

* Number 50: Cook something new every month; 4/33.

* Number 72: Go to the movies once a month; 3/33.

* Number 89: Continue to uphold and develop our own traditions {birthdays, New Year, Thanksgiving, Halloween, anniversary, etc.}.

* Number 90: Blog once a day until June 2012.

* Number 99: Read through the “50 Questions That Will Free Your Mind” once a month; 4/33.

xoxo, natty ♥

101 in 1001: March 2012.

At the start of every month I’d like to write about my “101 in 1,001”; what I’ve completed in the past four or so weeks and what I look forward to in the next.

Click HERE to read what this is all about and click HERE to keep track of more up-to-date progress via the Google document.

February 2012: 1/101 goals complete; 16/101 goals in progress.

Did I begin:

* Number 21: Purchase five of my favorite books from growing up; 0/5. Eeeek…no.

* Number 53: Finish my long-ago-began t-shirt quilt. Eeeek again…no.

* Number 56: Plant bulbs. Eeeek x 3…no.

Did I complete:

* Number 5: Buy a lottery ticket. Again…no.

* Number 30: Back up our computers. Nope.

* Number 35: Sign up for a produce delivery service. Aaaaand not yet.

* Number 92: Finish writing thank you notes. Almost but still “no”!

Did I continue:

* Number 1: Enjoy local nature {hiking, biking, etc.} {local = within a two hour car ride} once a month; 2/33. Yes! Pebble Beach {not the Pebble Beach!} 2/12/2012 Mike, Guinness and I…lovely pebbles instead of sand! 

* Number 12: Ski at least twice every winter/spring; 1/6. No but I decided that having skied several times in one weekend back in January counts…so, yes? 2/6.

* Number 16: Talk to my parents once a week; 9/132. Yes!

* Number 18: Identify 132 things that make me happy {one a week}; 9/132. Week 5: a new month is here which means my first monthly update! Week 6: trying a new recipe or two. Week 7: our first Valentine’s Day as a married couple and planning to make fondue together. Week 8: crafting for St. Paddy’s Day & Mardi Gras is this week. Week 9: continuing my Lenten practices and starting some exercise.

* Number 25: Get all of my documents and accounts switched over to my new name. Yes…kind of! This was technically begun in 2011 but it still counts! I have a DMV appointment 2/21/20012 to get a new driver’s license.  Update: I didn’t bring our marriage certificate; ooops!

* Number 32: Come up with a new way to be green every month; 2/6. Yes. February 2012: I kind of cheated and didn’t think too much about this one before the month started but it soon came to me; this month we aren’t using the heater at all in our apartment. It’s been such a mild winter and it gets really warm in our place naturally an usually it’s just I who turns it on because I’m “cold” so this will be a great time to just deal with it.

* Number 39: Walk Guinness in the evenings at least once a week; 9/6. Yes.

* Number 49: Bake cookies or breads once a month; 2/33. Yes. February 2012: pound cake for Valentine’s fondue. I also did a lemon bread but it was not that great.

* Number 50: Cook something new every month; 2/33. Yes. February 2012: pork butt in the crock pot…so good!

* Number 57: Begin to sew and create something that I can wear; something I can use around the house and something that I can give to someone else; 1/3. Sadly, not continued.

* Number 72: Go to the movies once a month; 2/33. Yes! February 2012: “Chronicle” {not so good but I had really wanted to see it so it was a good day all-in-all}.

* Number 89: Continue to uphold and develop our own traditions {birthdays, New Year, Thanksgiving, Halloween, anniversary, etc.} Yes! Fondue for Valentine’s Day {2/2012}.

* Number 90: Blog once a day until June 2012. Yes!

* Number 99: Read through the “50 Questions That Will Free Your Mind” once a month; 2/33. Yes!

Unexpectedly:

* Number 27: Go one month without buying anything for myself that isn’t food related. Woo Hoo! Part of my Lent this year is to not buy anything for myself that isn’t food/medicine/work related. So far so good. Begun on 2/22 and should be completed on 3/21 {four weeks = one month}.

* Number 78: Visit a museum once a season; 1/11. Winter 2011-2012: The Oakland Museum of California on 2/18/2012.

In March 2012…

I would like to begin:

* Number 53: Finish my long-ago-began t-shirt quilt.

* Number 56: Plant bulbs.

I would like to complete:

* Number 30: Back up our computers.

* Number 35: Sign up for a produce delivery service. Especially since warmer weather {& more interesting fruits and veggies} is coming up.

* Number 63: Leave a nice and anonymous note for someone once a season; 0/11.

* Number 92: Finish writing thank you notes. 

I would like to continue:

* Number 1: Enjoy local nature {hiking, biking, etc.} {local = within a two hour car ride} once a month; 2/33.

* Number 16: Talk to my parents once a week; 9/132.

* Number 18: Identify 132 things that make me happy {one a week}; 9/132.

* Number 32: Come up with a new way to be green every month; 2/33.

* Number 25: Get all of my documents and accounts switched over to my new name.

* Number 49: Bake cookies or breads once a month; 2/33.

* Number 50: Cook something new every month; 2/33.

* Number 72: Go to the movies once a month; 2/33.

* Number 89: Continue to uphold and develop our own traditions {birthdays, New Year, Thanksgiving, Halloween, anniversary, etc.}.

* Number 90: Blog once a day until June 2012.

* Number 99: Read through the “50 Questions That Will FreeYour Mind” once a month; 2/33.

Wowzas. Much like last month I’m not putting too much out there for the next four weeks. I’m realizing now that I’m definitely still getting the hang of this whole thing…how I like to write my monthly update as well as how to look ahead for the next month. It’s not as easy as just writing the initial list. But. I’m totally loving this. It might appear as though my list is full of funny little things {bake once a month!} but, oddly enough, it feels great to have these mini goals to look forward and hold myself accountable to…they make the larger goals {apply for a graduate program!} seem not-so-daunting.

With that said, let’s go March!

Happy Lion & Lamb Month {that has NOTHING to do with Twilight, btw, click here to read about what I mean} to you dear Reader!

xoxo, natty ♥

Lemony Lovliness.

This week I ventured into New Baking Territory and created my very own loaf of lemon bread; yum!
As I mentioned a few weeks ago one of my pals gifted me with a bagful of Meyer lemons and I decided to do something with them for my monthly baked good goal.
After a bit of searching I decided on a bread/pound cake thing with a glaze. It was pretty easy to whip up.

That red juice squeezer/bar contraption made things go quickly for me!

I might have baked it a bit too long because it seemed a bit dry but it might also be that I let it sit out for many hours "cooling".
No matter what, though, it was delicious and made good use of at least half of those lemons. The other five or so have gone into various dinners; thanks Lauren!

Yum! Yesterday's picture.

Have you baked anything new recently? Do you have a fall-back baked good? Mine is usually chocolate chip cookies {a little too often maybe} so I was glad to try something new. Happy almost Friday to you!


PS
Here's an approximation of what I did. 

Cake ingredients:
1.5 cups of flour
1 tsp baking powder
about half of 1/4 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
A little over 1 cup of sugar
4 eggs at room temperature
Grated lemon zest from 1 to 2 lemons
A scant 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice {put some more aside for the syrup and glaze}
2 sticks of melted and cooled butter {salted or unsalted is up to you}
1/4 cup of sour cream at room temperature {I used plain Greek yogurt}
1 tsp of vanilla extract


Syrup ingredients: 
1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
1/3 cup sugar

Glaze ingredients:
1/2 cup confectioner's sugar
1 to 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice 


Make the loaf!

• Preheat oven to 350.
• Sift together flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt.
• In your mixer {or using a hand-held jobaroo} mix together the sugar, eggs, lemon zest and lemon juice.
• Slowly add in the melted butter {I used a tablespoon to do the trick}.
• Slowly add in the sour cream and vanilla.
• Quickly fold in the flour mixture taking care not to over mix.
• Bake this dude up in a 9x5 {approximately} baking pan. I greased the heck out of mine AND lined it with foil. Do what you will to ensure that your finished product pops out nicely and doesn't break apart in a sad and crumbly manner.
• Cook for 20 minutes at 350 then another 30 to 35 at 325 {though I'm not sure how effective it is to lower an oven temperature in the middle of a job but that's what I did...}. Or at least until a toothpick stuck into the center comes out clean.
• Let the loaf cool. I usually put the pan with the loaf still in it onto a cooling rack or if you're brave and it's dropped in temperature a bit, put the loaf itself onto a rack.

Now make the syrup!

• Stir together about 1/3 of a cup of lemon juice and the same amount of sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat until it dissolves. 
• When the loaf has cooled for about 15 minutes then score the top and sides of the bread. Using a brush {or pour slowly} coat the top and sides of the loaf with the sugar/lemon mixture. Use about half, let it soak in for about 10 minutes and then finish it off. Or do it all at once. Whichever pleases you.

Now make the glaze!

• Mix together half a cup of confectioner's sugar and a few more tablespoons of lemon juice. Mine came out thin so maybe go heavy on the sugar. Pour this over the top and enjoy!!!

xoxo, natty ♥

101 in 1,001: February 2012.

***Major disclaimer...this is a DOOZY of a post. If you have not much interest and/or not much patience, either wait until tomorrow or scroll down to the bottom for a brief summary...***

At the start of every month I'd like to write about my "101 in 1,001"; what I've completed in the past month and what I look forward to in the next.

Click HERE to read what this is all about and click HERE to keep track of more up-to-date progress via the Google document. 

January 2012: 0/101 goals complete; 0/101 goals in progress.

Did I begin:

• Number 12 : Ski at least twice every winter/spring season? Yes! Woot! Check out this post HERE. 1/6.

• Number 25 : Get all of my documents and accounts switched over to my new name? I have begun this long and tedious process but much is yet to be changed over.

• Number 30 : Back up our computers? Again, I have begun this long and tedious process but much is yet to be done...although we do have an external hard drive.

• Number 57 : Begin to sew and create something that I can wear, something I can use around the house and something that I can give to someone else? Yes! I made a dish towel!

 
           1/3.
***Attention: these following goals, in hindsight, all belong up above {in the "Did I begin:" category} though they began in the below category {"Did I complete:"}! So...now I know better!***

• Number 1* : Enjoy local nature {hiking, biking, etc.} {local = within a two hour car ride} once a month? Yes, look forward to a post later this week about our excursion to Half Moon Bay ! 1/33

• Number 16 * : Talk to my parents once a week? Yes...they may not be the longest conversations but we do check in. 5/132.

• Number 18 * : Identify 132 things that make me happy {one a week}?  Week 1: the prospect of an entire year ahead of me, especially since Spring is on the horizon. Week 2: warm days even if they’re not that great for out environment. Week 3: it’s finals week...I can go into work each day but since I’m not teaching I can grade! Week 4: starts out with my birthday! Week 5 : a new month is almost here which means my first monthly update! 5/132.

• Number 32 * : Come up with a new way to be green every month? Yes: January 2012: with the new plastic bag ban and being required to pay ten cents a paper bag I’m being very vigilant about using my collection of reusable bags in the stores. 1/33.

• Number 39 * : Walk Guinness in the evenings at least once a week? Yes; lucky dog! 5/132.

• Number 41 : Take an exercise class or play a sport at least once a week for a month, one that isn’t running related? Alas, no...though the thought was bandied about...perhaps February?

• Number 49 * : Bake cookies or breads once a month? Yes; January 2012: easy-bake molasses ginger cookies from Trader Joe’s. Check out this post HERE. 1/33.

• Number 50 * : Cook something new every month? Yes; January 2012: tortilla soup from the Pioneer Woman; yum! 1/33.

• Number 72 * : Go to the movies once a month? Yes; January 2012 : “The Descendants” {SO good!}. 1/33. 

• Number 89 : Continue to uphold and develop our own traditions {birthdays, New Year, Thanksgiving, Halloween, anniversary, etc.}? Yes; New Year: wear new underwear New Year’s Eve through January 1, eat black eyed peas on New Year Day...{was meant to happen but didn’t}, Henry’s Hi-Life for Natty’s birthday

        
        {January 22 though we went on the 23rd}...

• Number 90 * : Blog once a day until June 2012? Well, yes...

• Number 92 : Finish writing thank you notes? Well, yes...though we are not done yet.

• Number 99 * : Read through the “50 Questions That Will Free Your Mind” once a month? Yes. 1/33.

Did I complete: 

• Number 29 : Complete our taxes before March 1^st? Yes! Though it was my man who did so; thanks SO much sweetie! 1/3.

• Number 35 : Sign up for a produce delivery service? Sadly we did not but we would still like to!

• Number 55: Make a wreath? Done and done! January 2012 I made a Valentine’s wreath.

        Then I made two Birthday wreaths; one for me and one for Mikey, still  
                January 2012.

As of February 2012: 2/101 goals complete; 16/101 goals in progress.

Since I started with so many ambitions for January I think that with February I'm not going to add on too many more! 


In February 2012...

I would like to begin:

• Number 21: Purchase five of my favorite books from growing up; 0/5.
• Number 53: Finish my long-ago-began t-shirt quilt.
• Number 56: Plant bulbs. Ideally paper whites that I can do indoors...technically still planting! 

I would like to complete:

• Number 5: Buy a lottery ticket. Why not?!
• Number 12 : Ski at least twice every winter/spring season; 1/6.
• Number 30 : Back up our computers. 
• Number 35 : Sign up for a produce delivery service.
• Number 92 : Finish writing thank you notes.

I would like to continue: 

• Number 1* : Enjoy local nature {hiking, biking, etc.} {local = within a two hour car ride} once a month; 1/33
• Number 16 * : Talk to my parents once a week; 5/132.
• Number 18 * : Identify 132 things that make me happy {one a week}; 5/132.
• Number 32 * : Come up with a new way to be green every month; 1/33.
• Number 25 : Get all of my documents and accounts switched over to my new name. 
• Number 49 * : Bake cookies or breads once a month; 1/33.
• Number 50 * : Cook something new every month; 1/33.
• Number 57 : Begin to sew and create something that I can wear, something I can use around the house and something that I can give to someone else; 1/3. 
• Number 72 * : Go to the movies once a month; 1/33.
• Number 89 : Continue to uphold and develop our own traditions {birthdays, New Year, Thanksgiving, Halloween, anniversary, etc.}.
• Number 90 * : Blog once a day until June 2012.
• Number 99 * : Read through the “50 Questions That Will Free Your Mind” once a month; 1/33.

* denotes a weekly/monthly occurrence.

Wow. If you're still with me, Bless You. Honestly, I suppose that these monthly updates are really and truly more for me and my own accountability. But thanks if you're interested too!
I have felt very energized in the pursuit of my goals. I always tell my students how much more manageable work is in small chunks rather than one fell swoop and breaking down the things that I would like to do in my life into smaller tasks is no different. I also realize how many of my pursuits are ongoing affairs! At the start of January pretty much everything I had in the "I would like to complete:" category should have gone into the "I would like to begin:" area but "oh well". Suffice it to say, I am thrilled to still be thinking about what I began the New Year wanting to do and that is not an easy feat for yours truly. So, let's go February! All 29 of your ever lengthening days!
xoxo, natty ♥