Well the Lenten season is officially complete. I must say that Lent for me was very challenging this year but I am amazed at how much I've grown because of it. I faced a number of difficult situations that I could not rely on alcohol to make easier. Bad days at work, relationship hurdles, PMS, all of it I had to deal with on my own. I had to face the hard truths about many things and while it often felt like way more than I could handle, I did it. I grabbed the beast by the horns and took that son of a bitch out. Now that I've been through this, I honestly feel like there isn't anything I can't do.
I'm also very proud of what I accomplished in this time. I made a list of eight things I wanted to do/improve in this time and I think I did a very good job with it.
1. Exercise
I began running again and just this past week I got back up to 16 minutes. My last run was amazing and I remembered once again why I love it so much. My goal is to run a 5K at the end of June and maybe even the Storm the Bastille 5K in July.
2. Do something useful after work every day
This time has been amazingly precious to me. I've gotten to run errands, do stuff around the apartment, hang out with Natertots more, and cook some great meals for us. Speaking of which...
3. Cook more
I'm really proud of this one. I've gotten back into cooking because of my earlier work schedule and it's awesome. I've made coconut lime tilapia with mango quinoa, Italian vegetable soup, buffalo chicken pizza, spinach-artichoke pizza, Mexican casserole, pecan crusted tilapia with cheddar jalapeno sweet potatoes, and lots and lots of dips ;) I'm REALLY looking forward to all the yummy seasonal dishes I'm going to make in the summer.
4. Eliminate unnecessary stress
I think I can always improve on this one but I've gotten so much better. My PMS week in March was amazing because I made the decision at the start of it to relax and not let anything too small get to me. It did wonders. I think it's remarkable the kind of attitude change that can take place if you just put your mind to it.
5. Watch more movies
Ahhh nice, quiet Friday nights with Nate watching movies. This was wonderful. And while I really missed hitting the town and having a few martinis at Blu on a Friday night, this was such a lovely alternative. Brewing a pot of coffee, eating ice cream, getting into our pajamas and curling up on the couch...those are some memories I will hold dear for a long time.
6. Spend less money
I definitely spent way less money in the last six weeks. I was able to pay off huge chunks of my credit card and even with some of the financial setbacks I had at the beginning of the year, I'm confident I will have my step-dad and mom paid back a year from now. And that'll be huge.
7. Work harder at my job
I've definitely been putting more of myself into my job this year. I think I'm starting to really find my place there and working hard gives me a lot of satisfaction at the end of the day. Since my performance review is now complete and I've received lots of great feedback from my managers, I feel like I'll be even more inspired to not only do my current job well but take on new, more challenging tasks.
8. Be a better girlfriend
During the last six weeks, my relationship has evolved in ways I can't even describe. If I think about the person I was one year ago, I cannot imagine her getting through the stuff that I've gotten through. I've really tackled some personal demons and I now feel stronger than I ever have before. It wasn't all me though. Without Nate, none of it would have been possible. He's helped me come out of my shell and he's inspired me to be the kind of person I've always wanted to be. With him by my side, there isn't any challenge I can't overcome, problem I can't solve, and goal I can't achieve.
Well there you have it peeps! Quite a little journey I took from the end of February until now. I am now looking toward the future, excited to take what I've learned and expand upon it. Thank you to everyone who helped me get through Lent even when I was a psycho bi-atch. So what are we waiting for? Let's have a drink!
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
And so it begins...
Today is the official start of Lent and I can say, without hesitation, that I'm ready for it. While my life has been wonderful for the past five months, I feel like I'm not giving enough back. Lent may be a Christian tradition, but being the Buddhist that I am I believe it can also be a time to take stock of what you have and do whatever is necessary to better your karma. I've been blessed with so many wonderful gifts in the past year but I often feel like I expect more out of my life when I shouldn't. When things go wrong I blame the powers that be and nine times out of ten these are things that I can prevent by having a different attitude or perspective. So while my official Lenten sacrifice is alcohol this year, I'd also like to take the next six weeks to learn and grow and come out a better person. Here's a few of my own personal goals:
1. Exercise
Because I was able to finagle an earlier shift at work, I have no excuses NOT to exercise anymore. Even with it still being winter, March is relatively tame and while the streets and sidewalks aren't perfect, it's definitely possible to run for at least 15 minutes in the afternoon. I should also incorporate yoga, pilates and meditation into my daily routine because these days, I could certainly use an outlet for relaxation and stress release.
2. Do something useful after work every day
It's unrealistic to think I'm going to work out everyday, especially when I've had a really tough day at work. I would, however, like to do something with that time besides sitting around. In the summer, I should spend time outside and enjoy the weather. On days when it's not so nice out, I would love to just sit at Bucks or in my big brown chair reading or working on my book. And because my work hours are much more in sync with my boyfriend's now, I'm hoping to get more quality time with him as well :)
3. Cook more
This one goes hand in hand with the first two. Because I'm getting home at 4:30 rather than 6:15, I actually have time to put together a decent dinner and eat it before I go to bed. With spring and summer coming up, I also have the option of going to my parents' house and cooking out with them. There will be a lot of opportunities to invent new things, and hey, maybe I'll even add them to the food blog I never update! ;)
4. Eliminate unnecessary stress
I have this little problem with sweating the small stuff that I truly feel needs to be nipped in the bud right now. Whether it's the way a car switched lanes, my weekend plans falling through, or my neighbor's loud music, I have an annoying tendency to make said issues way bigger than they actually are. Sure, everyone's allowed to get pissed off every now and again. I just think that I tend to project something bigger onto these insignificant occurrences. Bad traffic causes me to resent my commute and thus want to quit my job. Weekend plans falling through causes me to become upset with people who were completely not at fault. My neighbor's loud music causes me to want to find a new apartment. It's when my mind takes this sudden dramatic turn that I say to myself, whoa girl, take it easy. Life is waaaay too short to over-think such tiny matters especially when there are so many little things worth getting excited about.
5. Watch more movies
This is a no brainer. Watching movies makes me happy and I don't do enough of it. This is also the perfect time to set such a goal because it is now post-Oscars when all the good stuff is coming out on DVD. It's a great time to catch up on all the really high quality films I missed when they were in theaters.
6. Spend less money
After spending over $1100 on my car in a month, financial reality is definitely hitting me and thus I think it's time to re-evaluate my spending habits. While I consider myself to be very good with money, I also think I have a tendency to make superfluous purchases. Everyone should treat themselves now and again. But if 'treating myself' turns into a habit, it becomes that much more difficult to appreciate something like a new pair of jeans, a bottle of top shelf liquor, or a night on the town.
7. Work harder at my job
It's no secret that I've grown somewhat resentful of my job and it's been making it harder to go above and behind. I pride myself on the good work ethic I have and the last thing I want is for that to suffer because of certain qualms I have about my working environment or job responsibilities. My annual review is coming up and I think the timing couldn't be more perfect. I want to take this opportunity to really figure out not only what I want from my job, but how *I* can contribute more. Maybe it's not an ideal position that I want to be in forever, but I'm very lucky to have it right now so I should find a way to make the most of it.
8. Be a better girlfriend
So my boyfriend, the lovely person that he is, might be thinking...how can you be any better than you are now? Well, whether he knows it or not, I think I can. He's a very selfless and understanding person and thus he deserves the best. I don't want to drag my own problems or bad mood into my time with him because that time is sacred. I know I shouldn't "fake" being okay when I've had a bad day. Bottling emotions isn't good for anyone. However, sometimes it's better to just let go of what's bothering me for the time being and not squander the time we have together. I think the two of us have been doing a bang-up job so far but that's no reason not to always be cognizant of how our relationship is going. No matter how long we're together, these are the things I will never stop doing: being open and honest about everything, not taking any of his amazing qualities for granted, and supporting and loving him no matter what.
Alright, well there you have it! This is a very exciting time for yours truly and I'm quite confident that in six weeks, I'll be a much happier and much healthier person :)
1. Exercise
Because I was able to finagle an earlier shift at work, I have no excuses NOT to exercise anymore. Even with it still being winter, March is relatively tame and while the streets and sidewalks aren't perfect, it's definitely possible to run for at least 15 minutes in the afternoon. I should also incorporate yoga, pilates and meditation into my daily routine because these days, I could certainly use an outlet for relaxation and stress release.
2. Do something useful after work every day
It's unrealistic to think I'm going to work out everyday, especially when I've had a really tough day at work. I would, however, like to do something with that time besides sitting around. In the summer, I should spend time outside and enjoy the weather. On days when it's not so nice out, I would love to just sit at Bucks or in my big brown chair reading or working on my book. And because my work hours are much more in sync with my boyfriend's now, I'm hoping to get more quality time with him as well :)
3. Cook more
This one goes hand in hand with the first two. Because I'm getting home at 4:30 rather than 6:15, I actually have time to put together a decent dinner and eat it before I go to bed. With spring and summer coming up, I also have the option of going to my parents' house and cooking out with them. There will be a lot of opportunities to invent new things, and hey, maybe I'll even add them to the food blog I never update! ;)
4. Eliminate unnecessary stress
I have this little problem with sweating the small stuff that I truly feel needs to be nipped in the bud right now. Whether it's the way a car switched lanes, my weekend plans falling through, or my neighbor's loud music, I have an annoying tendency to make said issues way bigger than they actually are. Sure, everyone's allowed to get pissed off every now and again. I just think that I tend to project something bigger onto these insignificant occurrences. Bad traffic causes me to resent my commute and thus want to quit my job. Weekend plans falling through causes me to become upset with people who were completely not at fault. My neighbor's loud music causes me to want to find a new apartment. It's when my mind takes this sudden dramatic turn that I say to myself, whoa girl, take it easy. Life is waaaay too short to over-think such tiny matters especially when there are so many little things worth getting excited about.
5. Watch more movies
This is a no brainer. Watching movies makes me happy and I don't do enough of it. This is also the perfect time to set such a goal because it is now post-Oscars when all the good stuff is coming out on DVD. It's a great time to catch up on all the really high quality films I missed when they were in theaters.
6. Spend less money
After spending over $1100 on my car in a month, financial reality is definitely hitting me and thus I think it's time to re-evaluate my spending habits. While I consider myself to be very good with money, I also think I have a tendency to make superfluous purchases. Everyone should treat themselves now and again. But if 'treating myself' turns into a habit, it becomes that much more difficult to appreciate something like a new pair of jeans, a bottle of top shelf liquor, or a night on the town.
7. Work harder at my job
It's no secret that I've grown somewhat resentful of my job and it's been making it harder to go above and behind. I pride myself on the good work ethic I have and the last thing I want is for that to suffer because of certain qualms I have about my working environment or job responsibilities. My annual review is coming up and I think the timing couldn't be more perfect. I want to take this opportunity to really figure out not only what I want from my job, but how *I* can contribute more. Maybe it's not an ideal position that I want to be in forever, but I'm very lucky to have it right now so I should find a way to make the most of it.
8. Be a better girlfriend
So my boyfriend, the lovely person that he is, might be thinking...how can you be any better than you are now? Well, whether he knows it or not, I think I can. He's a very selfless and understanding person and thus he deserves the best. I don't want to drag my own problems or bad mood into my time with him because that time is sacred. I know I shouldn't "fake" being okay when I've had a bad day. Bottling emotions isn't good for anyone. However, sometimes it's better to just let go of what's bothering me for the time being and not squander the time we have together. I think the two of us have been doing a bang-up job so far but that's no reason not to always be cognizant of how our relationship is going. No matter how long we're together, these are the things I will never stop doing: being open and honest about everything, not taking any of his amazing qualities for granted, and supporting and loving him no matter what.
Alright, well there you have it! This is a very exciting time for yours truly and I'm quite confident that in six weeks, I'll be a much happier and much healthier person :)
Thursday, January 22, 2009
One year ago...
...we lost a gifted artist, loving father, and courageous human being. I still feel pangs when I think of Heath Ledger being taken but I'm grateful he lives on in his films. In honor of the one-year anniversary of his death, I'd like to call attention to the phenomenal number of awards and nominations Heath has received for his unforgettable performance in The Dark Knight, including the Oscar nomination he received this morning.
List of awards and nominations Heath Ledger has received for the year 2008-2009: (courtesy of IMDB)
-81st Annual Academy Awards
Best Supporting Actor (TBD)
-66th Annual Golden Globe Awards
Best Supporting Actor (WON)
-2009 British Academy Film Awards-BAFTA (Winners will be announced on February 8th, 2009)
Best Supporting Actor (TBD)
-15th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards (Winners will be TELECASTED LIVE on January 25th, 2009 on TBS and TNT)
Best Supporting Actor (TBD)
-2008 Australian Film Institute Awards
Best Actor-International (WON)
-14th Annual Broadcast Film Critics Associations Critics Choice Awards
Best Supporting Actor (WON)
-2009 London Film Critics' Circle Awards (Winners will be Announced on February 4th, 2009)
Actor of the Year (TBD)
-13th Annual Satellite Awards
Best Supporting Actor (nominated)
-2008 Los Angeles Film Critcs Association Awards
Best Supporting Actor (WON)
-2008 Washington D.C. Area Film Critics Association Awards
Best Supporting Actor (WON)
-2008 Boston Society of Film Critics Awards
Best Supporting Actor (WON)
-2008 San Francisco Film Critics Awards
Best Supporting Actor (WON)
-2008 San Diego Film Critics Awards
Best Supporting Actor (WON)
-2008 Phoenix Film Critics Awards
Best Supporting Actor (WON)
-2008 Austin Film Critics Awards
Best Supporting Actor (WON)
-2008 Toronto Film Critics Awards
Best Supporting Actor (WON)
-2008 Houston Film Critics Awards
Best Supporting Actor (WON)
-2008 Dallas-Fort Worth Critics Awards
Best Supporting Actor (WON)
-2008 New York Online Film Critics Awards
Best Supporting Actor (WON)
-2008 Southeastern Film Critics Awards
Best Supporting Actor (WON)
-2008 St. Louis Film Critics Awards
Best Supporting Actor (WON)
-2008 Chicago Film Critics Awards
Best Supporting Actor (WON)
-2008 Detroit Film Critics Awards
Best Supporting Actor (WON)
-2008 Las Vegas Film Critics Awards
Best Supporting Actor (WON)
-2008 Florida Film Critics Awards
Best Supporting Actor (WON)
-2008 Utah Film Critics Awards
Best Supporting Actor (WON)
-2008 Oklahoma Film Critics Awards
Best Supporting Actor (WON)
-2009 Kansas City Film Critics Award
Best Supporting Actor (WON)
-2008 African American Film Critics Awards
Best Supporting Actor (WON)
-2009 Central Ohio Film Critics Awards
Best Supporting Actor (WON)
-2009 Online Film Critics Awards
Best Supporting Actor (WON)
-2009 Vancouver Film Critics Awards
Best Supporting Actor (WON)
-2008 Bulgaria Film Critics Awards
Best Supporting Actor (WON)
-2008 EDA Awards
Best Supporting Actor (WON)
-2009 National Society of Film Critics Awards
Best Supporting Actor (nominated; runner-up)
-2008 New York Film Critics Awards
Best Supporting Actor (nominated)
-2008 GQ Australia Men of the Year Awards
Best Actor (WON)
-35th Annual People's Choice Awards
Favorite Onscreen Match-up - shared with Christian Bale (WON)
Favorite Ensemble Cast - shared with rest of the cast of TDK (WON)
-3rd Annual Scream Awards
Best Actor in a Fantasy Film or TV (WON)
Best Villain (WON)
***Heath Ledger so far has WON 35 awards, and been NOMINATED 43 times
List of awards and nominations Heath Ledger has received for the year 2008-2009: (courtesy of IMDB)
-81st Annual Academy Awards
Best Supporting Actor (TBD)
-66th Annual Golden Globe Awards
Best Supporting Actor (WON)
-2009 British Academy Film Awards-BAFTA (Winners will be announced on February 8th, 2009)
Best Supporting Actor (TBD)
-15th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards (Winners will be TELECASTED LIVE on January 25th, 2009 on TBS and TNT)
Best Supporting Actor (TBD)
-2008 Australian Film Institute Awards
Best Actor-International (WON)
-14th Annual Broadcast Film Critics Associations Critics Choice Awards
Best Supporting Actor (WON)
-2009 London Film Critics' Circle Awards (Winners will be Announced on February 4th, 2009)
Actor of the Year (TBD)
-13th Annual Satellite Awards
Best Supporting Actor (nominated)
-2008 Los Angeles Film Critcs Association Awards
Best Supporting Actor (WON)
-2008 Washington D.C. Area Film Critics Association Awards
Best Supporting Actor (WON)
-2008 Boston Society of Film Critics Awards
Best Supporting Actor (WON)
-2008 San Francisco Film Critics Awards
Best Supporting Actor (WON)
-2008 San Diego Film Critics Awards
Best Supporting Actor (WON)
-2008 Phoenix Film Critics Awards
Best Supporting Actor (WON)
-2008 Austin Film Critics Awards
Best Supporting Actor (WON)
-2008 Toronto Film Critics Awards
Best Supporting Actor (WON)
-2008 Houston Film Critics Awards
Best Supporting Actor (WON)
-2008 Dallas-Fort Worth Critics Awards
Best Supporting Actor (WON)
-2008 New York Online Film Critics Awards
Best Supporting Actor (WON)
-2008 Southeastern Film Critics Awards
Best Supporting Actor (WON)
-2008 St. Louis Film Critics Awards
Best Supporting Actor (WON)
-2008 Chicago Film Critics Awards
Best Supporting Actor (WON)
-2008 Detroit Film Critics Awards
Best Supporting Actor (WON)
-2008 Las Vegas Film Critics Awards
Best Supporting Actor (WON)
-2008 Florida Film Critics Awards
Best Supporting Actor (WON)
-2008 Utah Film Critics Awards
Best Supporting Actor (WON)
-2008 Oklahoma Film Critics Awards
Best Supporting Actor (WON)
-2009 Kansas City Film Critics Award
Best Supporting Actor (WON)
-2008 African American Film Critics Awards
Best Supporting Actor (WON)
-2009 Central Ohio Film Critics Awards
Best Supporting Actor (WON)
-2009 Online Film Critics Awards
Best Supporting Actor (WON)
-2009 Vancouver Film Critics Awards
Best Supporting Actor (WON)
-2008 Bulgaria Film Critics Awards
Best Supporting Actor (WON)
-2008 EDA Awards
Best Supporting Actor (WON)
-2009 National Society of Film Critics Awards
Best Supporting Actor (nominated; runner-up)
-2008 New York Film Critics Awards
Best Supporting Actor (nominated)
-2008 GQ Australia Men of the Year Awards
Best Actor (WON)
-35th Annual People's Choice Awards
Favorite Onscreen Match-up - shared with Christian Bale (WON)
Favorite Ensemble Cast - shared with rest of the cast of TDK (WON)
-3rd Annual Scream Awards
Best Actor in a Fantasy Film or TV (WON)
Best Villain (WON)
***Heath Ledger so far has WON 35 awards, and been NOMINATED 43 times
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Love me some Oscar nods
Well as much as I can't believe it, the Oscar nominations come out in two days. I'm pretty sure I'm the only one in my social circle that cares, but when has that ever stopped me from obsessing over them? This year there's a REALLY good crop of movies out there for the picking so even if the Academy Awards don't interest you, I think the films that will be nominated are definitely worth checking out. Whether it's a brilliant performance, amazing script, or phenomenal cinematography and sound, the Oscar nods can be a very useful guide for what to see in the theater or put on the top of your Netflix list.
So in honor of this momentous occasion, I'm going to do what I do every year and predict the nominations for the six big categories.
* - what/who I'm currently pulling for
BEST PICTURE
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
The Dark Knight
Frost/Nixon
Milk
*Slumdog Millionaire
Wildcard: The Reader
BEST DIRECTOR
David Fincher - The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Christopher Nolan - The Dark Knight
Ron Howard - Frost/Nixon
Gus Van Sant - Milk
*Danny Boyle - Slumdog Millionaire
Wildcard: Stephen Daldry - The Reader
BEST ACTOR
Clint Eastwood - Gran Torino
Frank Langella - Frost/Nixon
Sean Penn - Milk
Brad Pitt - The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
*Mickey Rourke - The Wrestler
Wildcard: Richard Jenkins - The Visitor
BEST ACTRESS
Anne Hathaway - Rachel Getting Married
Sally Hawkins - Happy Go Lucky
Angelina Jolie - Changeling
Meryl Streep - Doubt
*Kate Winslet - Revolutionary Road
Wildcard: Kristen Scott Thomas - I've Loved You So Long
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR
Josh Brolin - Milk
Robert Downey, Jr. - Tropic Thunder
Philip Seymour Hoffman - Doubt
Heath Ledger - The Dark Knight
Dev Patel - Slumdog Millionaire
(*Um, this is by far the hardest category from which to choose a favorite...which is okay since it won't matter in the end)
Wildcard: Michael Shannon - Revolutionary Road
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS
Penelope Cruz - Vicky Christina Barcelona
Viola Davis - Doubt
Amy Adams - Doubt
Marisa Tomei - The Wrestler
*Kate Winslet - The Reader
Wildcard: Taraji P. Henson - The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY
Happy-Go-Lucky
Milk
Rachel Getting Married
Vicky Cristina Barcelona
*Wall-E
Wildcard: The Visitor
ADAPTED SCREENPLAY
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Doubt
Frost/Nixon
The Dark Knight
*Slumdog Millionaire
Wildcard: The Reader
And as a fun little aside, I thought I'd call attention to a list E-dubs put together this week. It's a tribute to what they consider the all-time worst Oscar snubs in history. Rather than give you the whole list (there were 100 after all), I'd like to simply point out the significance of #1 and #2. Actually, I don't even need to point it out. I think these pics will speak for themselves!
Now get your ass up and see some movies!!
So in honor of this momentous occasion, I'm going to do what I do every year and predict the nominations for the six big categories.
* - what/who I'm currently pulling for
BEST PICTURE
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
The Dark Knight
Frost/Nixon
Milk
*Slumdog Millionaire
Wildcard: The Reader
BEST DIRECTOR
David Fincher - The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Christopher Nolan - The Dark Knight
Ron Howard - Frost/Nixon
Gus Van Sant - Milk
*Danny Boyle - Slumdog Millionaire
Wildcard: Stephen Daldry - The Reader
BEST ACTOR
Clint Eastwood - Gran Torino
Frank Langella - Frost/Nixon
Sean Penn - Milk
Brad Pitt - The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
*Mickey Rourke - The Wrestler
Wildcard: Richard Jenkins - The Visitor
BEST ACTRESS
Anne Hathaway - Rachel Getting Married
Sally Hawkins - Happy Go Lucky
Angelina Jolie - Changeling
Meryl Streep - Doubt
*Kate Winslet - Revolutionary Road
Wildcard: Kristen Scott Thomas - I've Loved You So Long
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR
Josh Brolin - Milk
Robert Downey, Jr. - Tropic Thunder
Philip Seymour Hoffman - Doubt
Heath Ledger - The Dark Knight
Dev Patel - Slumdog Millionaire
(*Um, this is by far the hardest category from which to choose a favorite...which is okay since it won't matter in the end)
Wildcard: Michael Shannon - Revolutionary Road
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS
Penelope Cruz - Vicky Christina Barcelona
Viola Davis - Doubt
Amy Adams - Doubt
Marisa Tomei - The Wrestler
*Kate Winslet - The Reader
Wildcard: Taraji P. Henson - The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY
Happy-Go-Lucky
Milk
Rachel Getting Married
Vicky Cristina Barcelona
*Wall-E
Wildcard: The Visitor
ADAPTED SCREENPLAY
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Doubt
Frost/Nixon
The Dark Knight
*Slumdog Millionaire
Wildcard: The Reader
And as a fun little aside, I thought I'd call attention to a list E-dubs put together this week. It's a tribute to what they consider the all-time worst Oscar snubs in history. Rather than give you the whole list (there were 100 after all), I'd like to simply point out the significance of #1 and #2. Actually, I don't even need to point it out. I think these pics will speak for themselves!
Now get your ass up and see some movies!!
Monday, January 5, 2009
2008 hodgepodgery
Ohhhhhhhhhkay the year is officially over!! And how did I officially do on my 25/25 list? Well I completed 17 of the 25 goals, and did a bang up job with the remaining eight. In the immortal words of that random photo store dude on Seinfeld, "I'd say that's damn good!" So let's take a closer look at how I tackled my list, shall we?
25 Goals for my 25th Year
1. Finish notes on all Hitchcock films (3-4 per month)
2. Take another acting class
3. Break my 'times I've seen a single movie in the theater' record (currently holds at 5 with Spider-Man
4. Pay Katie and David back
5. Go on a date (I am allergic to dating so this is, in fact, going to be a challenge)
6. Give up alcohol for Lent
7. Improve digestive health (vitamins, less stress, more fiber, less alcohol, etc.)
8. Read 12 books (7/12)
Darkness, Take My Hand - Dennis Lehane
Faith of My Fathers - John McCain
No Country for Old Men - Cormac McCarthy
Sacred - Dennis Lehane
The Rules of Attraction - Bret Easton Ellis
Bringing Down the House - Ben Mezrich
Twilight - Stephenie Meyer
9. Do at least one freelance writing piece for profit
10. Cater a cocktail party
11. Build savings account (at least $100 a month)
12. Go to the Milwaukee Art Museum
13. Eat at one new restaurant every month
14. Volunteer with at least one charitable group
15. Donate $5 to 1-3 charities of your choosing every month
16. Take up meditation/find a serene place in the city to meditate
17. Get a digital camera
18. Create a food blog with recipes and pictures
19. Go to the opera, symphony or ballet
20. Attend the Triduum at St. John’s
21. Watch at least one documentary every month (8/12)
22. Run a 5K
23. Do a Pilates Challenge (30 sessions in 60 days)
24. Keep a gratitude journal
25. Buy 15 classic albums from the Rolling Stone 500 (13/15)-Bob Marley & The Wailers: Legend
-Bob Dylan: The Essential Bob Dylan
-The Mamas and the Papas: If You Can Believe Your Eyes and Ears
-Cyndi Lauper: She’s So Unusual
-U2: Achtung Baby
-Pink Floyd: Dark Side of the Moon
-Todd Rundgren: Something/Anything
-Neil Young: After the Gold Rush
-Otis Blue: Otis Redding Sings Soul
-Carole King: Tapestry
-Miles Davis: Kind of Blue
-CSNY: Deja Vu
-Frank Sinatra: In the Wee Small Hours
-Billy Joel: 52nd Street
-Otis Redding: The Otis Redding Dictionary Of Soul
So for the things I did not accomplish or complete, well I came close. For #1, I finished notes on 27 Hitchcock movies and I only have 10 left. #3, well I saw The Dark Knight five times in the theater and watched it on my friend's big screen TV. I'd say that's pretty damn close! I read 7 out of 12 books, and considering I was never an avid reader AND I had a pretty busy year, I'm very proud of #8. Oh and none of those books were Harry Potters ;-) #9 and #11 didn't end up being so important because I actually accomplished something even better. I got a new job that boosted my salary by $12,000. Not too shabby at all. #14 I wish I could have checked off the list and I'm really hoping to find more volunteering opportunities in 2009 because that really is important to me. I was only able to see 8/12 documentaries for #21 but the ones I did see affected me immensely. I ran out of time at the end of the year and thus was not able to do #23. However, I think all the running and training I did for the 5k more than made up for it.
As for the things I DID accomplish, well I'm proud of each and every one of them. I discovered a ton of great music, saw some amazing films, exercised my creative culinary muscles, ran a 5k race, improved my health, put a major dent in my Hitch book, fell in love with the city of Milwaukee, and fell in love with a boy :) I have to say it was one of the greatest years of my life if not the greatest. I hope to carry over many of these goals into 2009 because I truly believe they not only enhanced my life, but made me a much happier, healthier and well-rounded person.
25 Goals for my 25th Year
1. Finish notes on all Hitchcock films (3-4 per month)
3. Break my 'times I've seen a single movie in the theater' record (currently holds at 5 with Spider-Man
8. Read 12 books (7/12)
Darkness, Take My Hand - Dennis Lehane
No Country for Old Men - Cormac McCarthy
Sacred - Dennis Lehane
The Rules of Attraction - Bret Easton Ellis
Bringing Down the House - Ben Mezrich
Twilight - Stephenie Meyer
9. Do at least one freelance writing piece for profit
11. Build savings account (at least $100 a month)
14. Volunteer with at least one charitable group
21. Watch at least one documentary every month (8/12)
23. Do a Pilates Challenge (30 sessions in 60 days)
-Bob Dylan: The Essential Bob Dylan
-The Mamas and the Papas: If You Can Believe Your Eyes and Ears
-Cyndi Lauper: She’s So Unusual
-U2: Achtung Baby
-Pink Floyd: Dark Side of the Moon
-Todd Rundgren: Something/Anything
-Neil Young: After the Gold Rush
-Otis Blue: Otis Redding Sings Soul
-Carole King: Tapestry
-Miles Davis: Kind of Blue
-CSNY: Deja Vu
-Frank Sinatra: In the Wee Small Hours
-Billy Joel: 52nd Street
-Otis Redding: The Otis Redding Dictionary Of Soul
So for the things I did not accomplish or complete, well I came close. For #1, I finished notes on 27 Hitchcock movies and I only have 10 left. #3, well I saw The Dark Knight five times in the theater and watched it on my friend's big screen TV. I'd say that's pretty damn close! I read 7 out of 12 books, and considering I was never an avid reader AND I had a pretty busy year, I'm very proud of #8. Oh and none of those books were Harry Potters ;-) #9 and #11 didn't end up being so important because I actually accomplished something even better. I got a new job that boosted my salary by $12,000. Not too shabby at all. #14 I wish I could have checked off the list and I'm really hoping to find more volunteering opportunities in 2009 because that really is important to me. I was only able to see 8/12 documentaries for #21 but the ones I did see affected me immensely. I ran out of time at the end of the year and thus was not able to do #23. However, I think all the running and training I did for the 5k more than made up for it.
As for the things I DID accomplish, well I'm proud of each and every one of them. I discovered a ton of great music, saw some amazing films, exercised my creative culinary muscles, ran a 5k race, improved my health, put a major dent in my Hitch book, fell in love with the city of Milwaukee, and fell in love with a boy :) I have to say it was one of the greatest years of my life if not the greatest. I hope to carry over many of these goals into 2009 because I truly believe they not only enhanced my life, but made me a much happier, healthier and well-rounded person.
December hodgepodgery
Well it was a ridiculously busy month but I was able to check a few things off...
13. Eat at one new restaurant every month
This month I ate at Eagan's, the restaurant located inside the infamous 'Abode of the Damned." I went with Katie and Nate before what would have been Katie's Christmas party. It was a total blast. We indulged in a few Manhattans and I had the Buffalo Chicken Salad which was to DIE for. Very good times indeed ;-)
15. Donate $5 to 1-3 charities of your choosing every month
This month I donated $25 to the Salvation Army. Katie actually took time out of her schedule to volunteer as a bell-ringer and that inspired me to donate to the them.
25. Buy 15 classic albums from the Rolling Stone 500 (8/15)
I took it upon myself to ask for a plethora of RS list albums for Christmas and I got the following:
Otis Blue: Otis Redding Sings Soul
Carole King: Tapestry
Miles Davis: Kind of Blue
CSNY: Deja Vu
Frank Sinatra: In the Wee Small Hours
Mmmkay that about does 'er! Stay tuned for my 25/25 year-end wrap up!
13. Eat at one new restaurant every month
This month I ate at Eagan's, the restaurant located inside the infamous 'Abode of the Damned." I went with Katie and Nate before what would have been Katie's Christmas party. It was a total blast. We indulged in a few Manhattans and I had the Buffalo Chicken Salad which was to DIE for. Very good times indeed ;-)
15. Donate $5 to 1-3 charities of your choosing every month
This month I donated $25 to the Salvation Army. Katie actually took time out of her schedule to volunteer as a bell-ringer and that inspired me to donate to the them.
25. Buy 15 classic albums from the Rolling Stone 500 (8/15)
I took it upon myself to ask for a plethora of RS list albums for Christmas and I got the following:
Otis Blue: Otis Redding Sings Soul
Carole King: Tapestry
Miles Davis: Kind of Blue
CSNY: Deja Vu
Frank Sinatra: In the Wee Small Hours
Mmmkay that about does 'er! Stay tuned for my 25/25 year-end wrap up!
Sunday, November 30, 2008
November hodgepodgery
Wow, I was one busy little bee in November but I still managed to get some major things accomplished. So let's get started!
4. Pay Katie and David back
Yes, I finally paid my sis and step-dad back after all these years. $750 later...I feel a TON of relief. Now I just have to start chippin' away at that chunk I owe my mom... ;)
8. Read 12 books (7/12)
This month I finished Twilight by Stephenie Meyer, which is appropriate since the movie came out and is doing extremely well at the box office. I absolutely LOVED this book and thus I asked for the remaining three of the series for Christmas.
10. Cater a cocktail party
Katie and I hosted a harvest cocktail party at my parents' house the weekend before Thanksgiving and it was a total success and such a blast to plan, organize, and execute. Together we prepared Spiced Mixed Nuts, Crackers with Brie & Fig Spread, Butternut Squash & Apple Soup, Cranberry-BBQ Meatballs, Fried Ravioli with Pumpkin Dipping Sauce, and Pecan Pie Bars & Pumpkin Bread. The guests loved the food which made me so happy I may have to do it every year!
13. Eat at one new restaurant every month
Well I didn't technically eat at a new restaurant but I did get to do something I've wanted to do all year and that's try the brunch and infamous Bloody Mary at Bayou. So Nate and I headed there one lovely Saturday morning and I got the Chicken & Waffles and a Blackened Bloody Mary. Both were amazing. In fact I even ordered a second Bloody, and I can honestly say it's the best in the city.
15. Donate $5 to 1-3 charities of your choosing every month
This month I donated $5 to the Hunger Task Force through the food drive Kohl's is running Nov-Dec. I also donated $25 to the Children's Hospital of Wisconsin.
So I only have one month left to tackle this list and it's no secret that I'm not going to get it all done. But the holidays are meant to be enjoyed so I'm not going to bust my hump to do 478727 things. I'm definitely going to try my best to get as much done and be proud of the accomplishments that I do achieve.
4. Pay Katie and David back
Yes, I finally paid my sis and step-dad back after all these years. $750 later...I feel a TON of relief. Now I just have to start chippin' away at that chunk I owe my mom... ;)
8. Read 12 books (7/12)
This month I finished Twilight by Stephenie Meyer, which is appropriate since the movie came out and is doing extremely well at the box office. I absolutely LOVED this book and thus I asked for the remaining three of the series for Christmas.
10. Cater a cocktail party
Katie and I hosted a harvest cocktail party at my parents' house the weekend before Thanksgiving and it was a total success and such a blast to plan, organize, and execute. Together we prepared Spiced Mixed Nuts, Crackers with Brie & Fig Spread, Butternut Squash & Apple Soup, Cranberry-BBQ Meatballs, Fried Ravioli with Pumpkin Dipping Sauce, and Pecan Pie Bars & Pumpkin Bread. The guests loved the food which made me so happy I may have to do it every year!
13. Eat at one new restaurant every month
Well I didn't technically eat at a new restaurant but I did get to do something I've wanted to do all year and that's try the brunch and infamous Bloody Mary at Bayou. So Nate and I headed there one lovely Saturday morning and I got the Chicken & Waffles and a Blackened Bloody Mary. Both were amazing. In fact I even ordered a second Bloody, and I can honestly say it's the best in the city.
15. Donate $5 to 1-3 charities of your choosing every month
This month I donated $5 to the Hunger Task Force through the food drive Kohl's is running Nov-Dec. I also donated $25 to the Children's Hospital of Wisconsin.
So I only have one month left to tackle this list and it's no secret that I'm not going to get it all done. But the holidays are meant to be enjoyed so I'm not going to bust my hump to do 478727 things. I'm definitely going to try my best to get as much done and be proud of the accomplishments that I do achieve.
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