Leaving our frozen landscape for a quick junket to Florida for the Christening. A last glitter of winter clings to the window.
01.16.09
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Scrubbed Clean
Snow
by Anne Sexton
Snow,
blessed snow,
comes out of the sky
like bleached flies.
The ground is no longer naked.
The ground has on its clothes.
The trees poke out of sheets
and each branch wears the sock of God.
There is hope.
There is hope everywhere.
I bite it.
Someone once said:
Don't bite till you know
if it's bread or stone.
What I bite is all bread,
rising, yeasty as a cloud.
There is hope.
There is hope everywhere.
Today God gives milk
and I have the pail.
01.13.09
Snow
by Anne Sexton
Snow,
blessed snow,
comes out of the sky
like bleached flies.
The ground is no longer naked.
The ground has on its clothes.
The trees poke out of sheets
and each branch wears the sock of God.
There is hope.
There is hope everywhere.
I bite it.
Someone once said:
Don't bite till you know
if it's bread or stone.
What I bite is all bread,
rising, yeasty as a cloud.
There is hope.
There is hope everywhere.
Today God gives milk
and I have the pail.
01.13.09
Monday, January 12, 2009
Friday, January 09, 2009
January 8th -Subjects
One of the most challenging aspects of this project is getting out into the world enough to find subjects to photograph. It is as if my office has become a prison. I found the following image on my drive home. The softness suggests the look of the actual windows through fog, but what is missing is an eerie blue cast to the glass that it attracted me to it in the first place. I need to get out more...
01.08.09
One of the most challenging aspects of this project is getting out into the world enough to find subjects to photograph. It is as if my office has become a prison. I found the following image on my drive home. The softness suggests the look of the actual windows through fog, but what is missing is an eerie blue cast to the glass that it attracted me to it in the first place. I need to get out more...
01.08.09
Wednesday, January 07, 2009
January 6th - Epiphany
As the Christmas season (blissfully in many respects) draws to a close, its last gasp is the celebration of Epiphany. It is not much of a “celebration” in the traditional sense, but this year I’ve been tripping over references to the idea of Epiphany, the Three Kings, Three Wise Men, and even Three Wise Women. It’s as if I have missed some elemental aspect of this particular holiday season and the cosmos doesn’t quite want to let me off the hook just yet. And while I generally relate to and identify more with the idea of God (Spirit, Nature) than Jesus (probably a byproduct of the religious extremism of my community), in recognition of the fact that regardless, I’m obviously still searching for something, here is an excerpt from a one that actually touches on that very thing (plus the reference to Robert Frost doesn't hurt either)
From a reflection by Martin B. Copenhaver, the author of To Begin at the Beginning: An Introduction to the Christian Faith.
“But perhaps the most important reminder in this beloved story is the seemingly throw-away line at the end: after leaving the infant Jesus, "they left for their own country by another road." Matthew says that they did that to avoid the vengeful king Herod. But, in another sense, isn't that what an encounter with Jesus is supposed to do to all of us? We can leave changed. We can find another way. After encountering him we can choose a road less traveled by. And that can make all the difference.
Prayer
Dear God, may I leave my encounter with the Jesus in this season as a changed person, returning to familiar places by another road. Amen.”
01.06.09
As the Christmas season (blissfully in many respects) draws to a close, its last gasp is the celebration of Epiphany. It is not much of a “celebration” in the traditional sense, but this year I’ve been tripping over references to the idea of Epiphany, the Three Kings, Three Wise Men, and even Three Wise Women. It’s as if I have missed some elemental aspect of this particular holiday season and the cosmos doesn’t quite want to let me off the hook just yet. And while I generally relate to and identify more with the idea of God (Spirit, Nature) than Jesus (probably a byproduct of the religious extremism of my community), in recognition of the fact that regardless, I’m obviously still searching for something, here is an excerpt from a one that actually touches on that very thing (plus the reference to Robert Frost doesn't hurt either)
From a reflection by Martin B. Copenhaver, the author of To Begin at the Beginning: An Introduction to the Christian Faith.
“But perhaps the most important reminder in this beloved story is the seemingly throw-away line at the end: after leaving the infant Jesus, "they left for their own country by another road." Matthew says that they did that to avoid the vengeful king Herod. But, in another sense, isn't that what an encounter with Jesus is supposed to do to all of us? We can leave changed. We can find another way. After encountering him we can choose a road less traveled by. And that can make all the difference.
Prayer
Dear God, may I leave my encounter with the Jesus in this season as a changed person, returning to familiar places by another road. Amen.”
01.06.09
Tuesday, January 06, 2009
A.S.
January 5th - said a final goodbye to A.S. A woman who was probably far more complex than people gave her credit, and probably suffered far mor than she (or anyone) deserved. Still, the gathering seemed to be a healing circle for the estranged - especially G. Hopefully seeds of reconciliation were planted.
01.05.09
January 5th - said a final goodbye to A.S. A woman who was probably far more complex than people gave her credit, and probably suffered far mor than she (or anyone) deserved. Still, the gathering seemed to be a healing circle for the estranged - especially G. Hopefully seeds of reconciliation were planted.
01.05.09
Sunday, January 04, 2009
Friday, January 02, 2009
ResolutionsAfter 40 (YIKES!) years (give or take a few when I was blissfully young, innocent and not at all worried about what other people thought of me) I have basically come to accept the fact that the only thing I should resolve for New Year’s is not to make a New Year’s Resolution. In fact it was quoted in the New York Times this week that the average person’s New Year’s Resolution is abandoned by Valentine’s Day – I probably beat that curve by a month.
And I don’t know if I have simply decided that I don’t have the energy to make myself prettier, younger, hipper, funnier, or any other adjective that describes some sort of societal deficiency that I should strive to overcome (which I could), or to lose those last 15 pounds (which I should), but this year I am categorically refusing to undertake any Quixotian quests for shallow media-motivated disenfranchised self-improvement.
That being said, since I do believe that there are many areas of my life in need of a tune-up, I am rather resolving to turn my attentions inward and ramp things up emotionally, intellectually, and creatively. Being that sounds pretty daunting just looking at it (let alone doing it), I have devised a plan to break it down into manageable steps using a“One per …” formula. So with the caveat that the resolver reserves the right to substitute any or all resolutions for ones of equal or greater value, here is the plan for 2009:
- Take at least one picture per day – keep a digital and print record
- Read one book per week – keep a log of titles and authors
- Plan one outing per month – preferably with someone new each time
- Work on one project for the whole year (considering bodhran or Italian, but the jury is still out on both)
To show that this resolution is made in good faith, below are the photos for 01/01 & 01/02…
Felice Anno Nuovo!
01.01.09 & 01.02.09
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Note to Self - Don't Forget to Look!I will say that in the final days of the election I became something of a crazy (OK, maybe not crazy, but definitely crazed!) person. An unquenchable thirst for information threatened to take over my day to day activities. And while I am ecstatic at the outcome (!!!) I will freely admit that it took a while for me to re-integrate living into my previously obsessive existence. Hence, no photos, no blogging, and in fact, very little of anything that constitutes personal creativity…
BUT, today I received a gift, and was lucky enough to have my camera on me at the time. So while the photo quality leaves something to be desired, the viewing experience bordered on the spiritual (and I am assuming that since I was the only one stopping to look, meant just for me - so thanks!)
Following are pictures of two coyotes playing in the field at Indian Knoll & Geneva Road.
Monday, October 20, 2008
Yes We Cans!So I was driving yesterday morning (mostly ‘cause I felt so guilty that I didn’t even have a dollar to put in the basket at church that I didn’t go) and I was thinking about the photos of the Obama rally in St. Louis with 100,000 people. And then, seemingly out of nowhere, but not quite because it had been talked about at the DGAAN meeting, but not that much, so still pretty much out of nowhere, that the Obama campaign should ask people to bring donations of food to their rallies to donate to local food pantries. That St. Louis rally could have brought in almost a quarter of a million cans of food!
I’m not sure where this idea came from, because in fact, it id not feel like it was mine. I ruminated over it all day, but it still felt like it was plucked from thin air and plopped in my head. So while I would normally then just drop it, I instead emailed the Obama campaign and told them my idea. I’m not sure if anything will come of it, but if they all of a sudden start collecting food at their rallies, I’ll know that it was a pretty special idea.
I hope it happens!
Today's Election Advent Calendar Message:
"Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power. "
- Abraham Lincoln
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Autumn ReprieveAfter yesterday’s angst, today brought a modicum of relief as the need to immediately pack up shop has receded ever so slightly. The floor seems to be littered with eggshells, but at least it is not moving boxes (I think).
Providing a welcome distraction (as well as a couple of hours away from work) was two great lectures that were part of a conference called The Language of Nature. The first was “A Natural History of the Chicago Region” by Joel Greenberg – an author and naturalist, his discussion focused primarily on the history of prairies in the Illinois area, and “Restoring Kinship with the Land” by John Price – a Professor of English at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, he offered a very engaging talk about finding ways to connect emotionally and physically with one’s own landscape. The second talk was “The Nature of Story” by Donna Seaman. A literary critic and editor for Booklist, she spoke about the influence of the natural world on fiction and non-fiction writers.
Both excellent presentations that made the world feel a little wider on a day when it was feeling pretty small.
A second welcome distraction was today’s weather. In a word, GLORIOUS! Trees seemed to turn overnight and a warm breeze sent leaves dancing to the ground. Following are pictures from the KlineCreek Farm, which looked just too pretty not to stop for at least a couple of minutes.
Today's Election Advent Calendar Message:
"Voting is one of the few things where boycotting in protest clearly makes the problem worse rather than better."
- Jane Bowles
Monday, October 13, 2008
What Now?
Such sadness (yet all truth, I know) following yesterday's interaction - I hesitate to call it a conversation in that it was more a wandering through emotional minefields with the hopes of inducing the least possible carnage...
I feel like we are living in the middle of the quote by Anaïs Nin: “And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom”
Things are pretty painful.
Today's Election Advent Calendar Message:
"Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety."
- Benjamin Franklin
(If I stay, am I giving up my own essential liberty to purchase safety?? Will everything now seem like a prophetic sign?)
Such sadness (yet all truth, I know) following yesterday's interaction - I hesitate to call it a conversation in that it was more a wandering through emotional minefields with the hopes of inducing the least possible carnage...
I feel like we are living in the middle of the quote by Anaïs Nin: “And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom”
Things are pretty painful.
Today's Election Advent Calendar Message:
"Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety."
- Benjamin Franklin
(If I stay, am I giving up my own essential liberty to purchase safety?? Will everything now seem like a prophetic sign?)
Friday, October 10, 2008
Found Art
Many, many thanks to the wonderful individual(s) responsible for these beautiful mini environmental art installations found this morning on the Geneva Spur of the Prairie Path in Winfield. I LOVE that someone would take the time to do this!!!
Many, many thanks to the wonderful individual(s) responsible for these beautiful mini environmental art installations found this morning on the Geneva Spur of the Prairie Path in Winfield. I LOVE that someone would take the time to do this!!!
Today's Election Advent Calendar Message:
"It may be necessary temporarily to accept a lesser evil, but one must never label a necessary evil as good. "
- Margaret Mead
"It may be necessary temporarily to accept a lesser evil, but one must never label a necessary evil as good. "
- Margaret Mead
Tuesday, October 07, 2008
Muddling Through
A dreary day, of which the highpoint has been my walk with Dougal. Bad political karma all around, a debate I don't think I can stomach (will watch Charlie Rose for spin though - keeping my fingers crossed for Doris Kearns Goodwin!!), rain and just general malaise...
Today's Election Advent Calendar Message:
"The right to be heard does not automatically include the right to be taken seriously."
- Hubert H. Humphrey
A dreary day, of which the highpoint has been my walk with Dougal. Bad political karma all around, a debate I don't think I can stomach (will watch Charlie Rose for spin though - keeping my fingers crossed for Doris Kearns Goodwin!!), rain and just general malaise...
Today's Election Advent Calendar Message:
"The right to be heard does not automatically include the right to be taken seriously."
- Hubert H. Humphrey
Monday, October 06, 2008
Helping the Digestion
Because I can become naturally politically combative (not necessarily partisan, but more often railing against the lemming-like tendencies of the populous to decry profusely and/or wax poetically about individuals and issues of which they possess neither the inclination to understand nor the ability to articulate that have become “all the rage”) I generally do not engage in full-contac
t political discourse with my family. This is mainly due to the fact that we all never FULLLY disclose our political leanings and the desire to respect each other’s opinions far out-weighs the need to drive home a point, no matter how passionately it is held.
That being said, it was a sheer delight to sit around the table this weekend and hear a collective cry (OK, mine was more of a wail) of concern regarding the scariest possible outcome of the November elections. Even if we differ on baseball teams (mine not having fallen just yet!) it is comforting to know that those from whence I came share my belief that the unique values that formed this country should not be sold to the highest bidder or distilled to the lowest common denominator…
Today's Election Advent Calendar Message:
Because I can become naturally politically combative (not necessarily partisan, but more often railing against the lemming-like tendencies of the populous to decry profusely and/or wax poetically about individuals and issues of which they possess neither the inclination to understand nor the ability to articulate that have become “all the rage”) I generally do not engage in full-contac
t political discourse with my family. This is mainly due to the fact that we all never FULLLY disclose our political leanings and the desire to respect each other’s opinions far out-weighs the need to drive home a point, no matter how passionately it is held.That being said, it was a sheer delight to sit around the table this weekend and hear a collective cry (OK, mine was more of a wail) of concern regarding the scariest possible outcome of the November elections. Even if we differ on baseball teams (mine not having fallen just yet!) it is comforting to know that those from whence I came share my belief that the unique values that formed this country should not be sold to the highest bidder or distilled to the lowest common denominator…
Today's Election Advent Calendar Message:
"The only title in our democracy superior to that of President is the title of citizen."
- James Madison
- James Madison
Friday, October 03, 2008
Peace Fest 2008
In just a little over 30 days, as we come dangerously close to letting the uninformed and/or easily swayed hijack, once again, the constitutional right (not to mention the Constitution itself) of American individuals to a government by the people and FOR THE PEOPLE, it leaves one just slightly more optimistic about our future to see a little group of people so committed to the idea of Peace that not only do they choose to celebrate it but they ask their government to celebrate it too!
Following is the Mayoral Proclamation declaring September 21st, 2008, West Chicago Peace Day.
West Chicago City Council Proclamation #487:
Proclaimed, September 2, 2008
Declared an official holiday by the United Nations in 1981, Peace Day is celebrated worldwide in over 200 countries. The historic U.N. Peace Day resolution calls for an international day of global ceasefire and nonviolence. All nations and individuals are invited on this day to cease all hostilities and join in a worldwide celebration, reflection, and one minute of silence for inner and world peace. The hope is that more and more people will be inspired to carry the commitment of nonviolence forward into the days beyond, until everyday is a celebration of peace.
Recognizing that in 1981, the United Nations officially declared the twenty-first day of September of every year to be Peace Day, calling for an international day of global ceasefire and nonviolence;
WHEREAS, citizens of West Chicago, Illinois understand that peace is an active process that embraces the deepest hopes of all people, and remains humanity's guiding inspiration; and
WHEREAS, we recognize that an enduring peace is our most important national interest, as well as a core value; and
WHEREAS, peaceful unity, understanding and cooperation among individuals and nations is essential to the freedom of all; and
WHEREAS, we share the vision of a day when humanity knows only peace among all nations and in every heart; and
WHEREAS, we are proud to join the rest of our nation and people from around the world in avowing our deepest commitment to peace in our homes, our communities and across the globe;
NOW, THEREFORE, I Michael B. Kwasman, Mayor of the City of West Chicago, do hereby proclaim September 21, 2008 as
WEST CHICAGO PEACE DAY
Photos from Peace Fest 2008
In just a little over 30 days, as we come dangerously close to letting the uninformed and/or easily swayed hijack, once again, the constitutional right (not to mention the Constitution itself) of American individuals to a government by the people and FOR THE PEOPLE, it leaves one just slightly more optimistic about our future to see a little group of people so committed to the idea of Peace that not only do they choose to celebrate it but they ask their government to celebrate it too!
Following is the Mayoral Proclamation declaring September 21st, 2008, West Chicago Peace Day.
West Chicago City Council Proclamation #487:
Proclaimed, September 2, 2008
Declared an official holiday by the United Nations in 1981, Peace Day is celebrated worldwide in over 200 countries. The historic U.N. Peace Day resolution calls for an international day of global ceasefire and nonviolence. All nations and individuals are invited on this day to cease all hostilities and join in a worldwide celebration, reflection, and one minute of silence for inner and world peace. The hope is that more and more people will be inspired to carry the commitment of nonviolence forward into the days beyond, until everyday is a celebration of peace.
Recognizing that in 1981, the United Nations officially declared the twenty-first day of September of every year to be Peace Day, calling for an international day of global ceasefire and nonviolence;
WHEREAS, citizens of West Chicago, Illinois understand that peace is an active process that embraces the deepest hopes of all people, and remains humanity's guiding inspiration; and
WHEREAS, we recognize that an enduring peace is our most important national interest, as well as a core value; and
WHEREAS, peaceful unity, understanding and cooperation among individuals and nations is essential to the freedom of all; and
WHEREAS, we share the vision of a day when humanity knows only peace among all nations and in every heart; and
WHEREAS, we are proud to join the rest of our nation and people from around the world in avowing our deepest commitment to peace in our homes, our communities and across the globe;
NOW, THEREFORE, I Michael B. Kwasman, Mayor of the City of West Chicago, do hereby proclaim September 21, 2008 as
WEST CHICAGO PEACE DAY
Photos from Peace Fest 2008
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Tuesday, September 09, 2008
This Blog Thing
In my search to be relevant (thank you Denny Crane) in the blogosphere, I have been trying to identify the consistently appealing elements of the blogs to which I respond, and work to incorporate them into mine.
In my search to be relevant (thank you Denny Crane) in the blogosphere, I have been trying to identify the consistently appealing elements of the blogs to which I respond, and work to incorporate them into mine.
Since I am, as of yet, lacking a specific topical focus for my musings (a tact that seems to fast track a blogger toward a certain clarity of content) and I do not have a universal viewpoint through which I can connect with the internet masses (i.e., mommyhood, shopping, guns, free-diving, etc.) I have in the meantime decided to simply do my best to create a blog which I myself would find appealing. I'm not sure how this will play out, but one unifying element that I gravitate toward on blogs is the photography. Not a big revelation to anyone who knows me, but in living on the fringe of the modern tech world, I am not even remotely versed in producing a photographic blog. So for the immediate time being, my efforts will include bringing pics to this page.
Monday, September 08, 2008
UPDATE - 99 Problems - One of them being Laziness
So the crack about laziness turned out to be slightly prophetic, but it’s not like I haven’t been doing ANYTHING…
So as a means to jump back into the blogging fray, I’ll start with an abbreviated update of my 99 things. To start, they’ve been changed to 50 things - but really, isn’t practicality the foundation for success??? This serves more as a reminder for me, so I won't be giving regular updates. I just needed a kick in the pants to get going... Here’s the list so far:
50 Things for 2008
THE MEANINGLESS CATEGORY:
1) Re-learn how to have a conversation
I hadn’t thought about this one, but the more I am, I’m wondering if it was my conversation ability or those I chose to engage. Perhaps I should be re-learning how to choose someone to have a conversation with…
2) Re-learn how to walk in high heels
Not too much progress, but now that I’m in the new office where I have to dress like a girl, I’m going to aim for extending the dress code down to my feet.
3) Manicures - even every now and then
New, but no progress yet.
4-9) TBD!
THE HEART CATEGORY:
10) Write one letter per month.
Bad, bad, bad.
11) Leave a server a really big tip in proportion to the ticket
Well, I left a $5.00 tip for a carwash I didn’t even get??? I’ll shoot for one better than that before the end of the year.
12) Use the Steve Chandler “Call List”.
Haven’t. Should.
13) Find lost friends.
See 12
14) Make one friend date per month.
Dragging Marc to the Art Institute for the Africa exhibit.
15-19) TBD!
THE HEALTHY CATEGORY:
20) Walk Dougal every day.
Good on this one!
21) Ride my bike to work 2 days a week for the entire summer and then some...
Didn’t, but I have high hopes for September and October.
22) Lose 15 pounds
No, but am going to join Warrenville, and with the biking, there might be progress.
23) Find a Doctor and an Ob/Gyn AND GO!
Before November!
24) Continue with dental work.
Good in theory, but bad in pocketbook.
25) Fall in love with Exercise
Maybe not in love, but there are moments of like…
26) Be able to do 20 pushups by my 40th birthday
This one is still on the docket!
27-29) TBD.
THE GET SMART CATEGORY:
30) Learn Basic Spanish.
Investigate the library. CDs for car?
31) Read, Read, Read
Does 1085 pages of the Lord of the Rings count?.
32) Take a class
OK, find a class.
33) Re-evaluate my relationship with the media
34) Go on a Gossip Diet
35) Be an informed voter in November
And try not to have an aneurysm before the 4th!
36-39) TBD
THE FOOD CATEGORY:
40) Organize cookbooks and recipes
TASTEBOOK!
41) Make 1 new recipe per week.
Crockpot?.
42) Eat Fresh Food
Sounded good in theory.
43) Look for sustainable food options
Do it
44) Try one new restaurant per month
Do it..
45) Throw a Tapas Party
Really, just do it.
46-49) TBD!
THE FINANCIAL CATEGORY:
50) Increase what I’m savings by 25% per month.
Start a “Saving Yourself” account.
51) Go on a buying “fast”
And clear out what I have.
52) Think about investments/retirement
Do SOMETHING.
53) Make a budget
Know where our money is going!!
54) Open a “Rainy Day” bank account.
See #50
55) Apply for and get a credit card
Use and pay each month – shoot to boost credit score above 700 by 2009
56-59) TBD
THE SUGGESTION CATEGORY:
60-69) TBD. This is for when someone says “You’ve got to…”
THE CULTURE VULTURE CATEGORY:
70) Use twice the value of my Art Institute membership
So far, Hopper & Winslow, Africa in September, & Bresson fallYEAH!)
71) Renew National Geographic Membership
Did that AND Smithsonian!
72) See one opera at the Lyric
Matinee series plus Tristain & Isolde w/ Mom & Joy.
73) Go to Ravinia
Lyle Lovett w/ Matt & Chung - awesome!
74) Play Bodhran!
Step it up.
75) Visit one new museum
Not yet.
75) Take an Architectural Boat Tour
And again, not yet. But fall would be pretty…
76-79) TBD!
THE TRAVEL CATEGORY:
80) Renew Passport!
DON’T MISS ANY OPPORTUNITY!
81) Be a Tourist at Home
Didn’t do this, but again, fall IS really pretty.
82) Visit Maureen in MD
Sigh, No.
83-89) TBD
THE RANDOM CATEGORY:
90) Take LOTS and LOTS of pictures
Fill the photo diary!
91-99) TBD… lots TBD…
So the crack about laziness turned out to be slightly prophetic, but it’s not like I haven’t been doing ANYTHING…
So as a means to jump back into the blogging fray, I’ll start with an abbreviated update of my 99 things. To start, they’ve been changed to 50 things - but really, isn’t practicality the foundation for success??? This serves more as a reminder for me, so I won't be giving regular updates. I just needed a kick in the pants to get going... Here’s the list so far:
50 Things for 2008
THE MEANINGLESS CATEGORY:
1) Re-learn how to have a conversation
I hadn’t thought about this one, but the more I am, I’m wondering if it was my conversation ability or those I chose to engage. Perhaps I should be re-learning how to choose someone to have a conversation with…
2) Re-learn how to walk in high heels
Not too much progress, but now that I’m in the new office where I have to dress like a girl, I’m going to aim for extending the dress code down to my feet.
3) Manicures - even every now and then
New, but no progress yet.
4-9) TBD!
THE HEART CATEGORY:
10) Write one letter per month.
Bad, bad, bad.
11) Leave a server a really big tip in proportion to the ticket
Well, I left a $5.00 tip for a carwash I didn’t even get??? I’ll shoot for one better than that before the end of the year.
12) Use the Steve Chandler “Call List”.
Haven’t. Should.
13) Find lost friends.
See 12
14) Make one friend date per month.
Dragging Marc to the Art Institute for the Africa exhibit.
15-19) TBD!
THE HEALTHY CATEGORY:
20) Walk Dougal every day.
Good on this one!
21) Ride my bike to work 2 days a week for the entire summer and then some...
Didn’t, but I have high hopes for September and October.
22) Lose 15 pounds
No, but am going to join Warrenville, and with the biking, there might be progress.
23) Find a Doctor and an Ob/Gyn AND GO!
Before November!
24) Continue with dental work.
Good in theory, but bad in pocketbook.
25) Fall in love with Exercise
Maybe not in love, but there are moments of like…
26) Be able to do 20 pushups by my 40th birthday
This one is still on the docket!
27-29) TBD.
THE GET SMART CATEGORY:
30) Learn Basic Spanish.
Investigate the library. CDs for car?
31) Read, Read, Read
Does 1085 pages of the Lord of the Rings count?.
32) Take a class
OK, find a class.
33) Re-evaluate my relationship with the media
34) Go on a Gossip Diet
35) Be an informed voter in November
And try not to have an aneurysm before the 4th!
36-39) TBD
THE FOOD CATEGORY:
40) Organize cookbooks and recipes
TASTEBOOK!
41) Make 1 new recipe per week.
Crockpot?.
42) Eat Fresh Food
Sounded good in theory.
43) Look for sustainable food options
Do it
44) Try one new restaurant per month
Do it..
45) Throw a Tapas Party
Really, just do it.
46-49) TBD!
THE FINANCIAL CATEGORY:
50) Increase what I’m savings by 25% per month.
Start a “Saving Yourself” account.
51) Go on a buying “fast”
And clear out what I have.
52) Think about investments/retirement
Do SOMETHING.
53) Make a budget
Know where our money is going!!
54) Open a “Rainy Day” bank account.
See #50
55) Apply for and get a credit card
Use and pay each month – shoot to boost credit score above 700 by 2009
56-59) TBD
THE SUGGESTION CATEGORY:
60-69) TBD. This is for when someone says “You’ve got to…”
THE CULTURE VULTURE CATEGORY:
70) Use twice the value of my Art Institute membership
So far, Hopper & Winslow, Africa in September, & Bresson fallYEAH!)
71) Renew National Geographic Membership
Did that AND Smithsonian!
72) See one opera at the Lyric
Matinee series plus Tristain & Isolde w/ Mom & Joy.
73) Go to Ravinia
Lyle Lovett w/ Matt & Chung - awesome!
74) Play Bodhran!
Step it up.
75) Visit one new museum
Not yet.
75) Take an Architectural Boat Tour
And again, not yet. But fall would be pretty…
76-79) TBD!
THE TRAVEL CATEGORY:
80) Renew Passport!
DON’T MISS ANY OPPORTUNITY!
81) Be a Tourist at Home
Didn’t do this, but again, fall IS really pretty.
82) Visit Maureen in MD
Sigh, No.
83-89) TBD
THE RANDOM CATEGORY:
90) Take LOTS and LOTS of pictures
Fill the photo diary!
91-99) TBD… lots TBD…
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
99 Problems - One of them being Laziness
So I could lie and say that I’ve been on hiatus due to some spectacular adventure or some meaningful sojourn, but of course, it really has only been because I’m lazy. (or perhaps unwilling to sit for an extended period of time and ruminate on my own neurotic personality!) That being said, at least I have only reneged on my commitment to CHRONICLE my “comeback” - I have managed to actually DO a few things that I hope will bring me closer to being the being of my dreams.
One of those things stemmed from a small blog entry on Gapers Block that highlighted a girl named Jessi who had started a blog called My99Problems. Her goal was to choose 99 things to accomplish over the course of the year. In her words:
“This past December, I regretfully declared to several co-workers that I would start a blog. My initial thoughts were that I would simply keep a journal type of blog, but C said “You need to have a goal before you start, otherwise you won’t keep it up.
So I decided, because I frequently say I will do something but don’t follow through, this would be a perfect time to start a blog about my goals (which I am calling problems, more on that later). Having my goals for the year in writing not only holds me accountable for them, but acts as a perpetual to-do list.”
As a non-follower-througher from way back, this of course struck a chord with me and I decided to give her system a shot! But since I already find my journaling slightly narcissistic, I’m not going to blog about it – I’m just going to work on it and if anything interesting transpires in the process, perhaps I’ll give an update. Here’s the list so far:
99 Things for 2008
THE MEANINGLESS CATEGORY:
1) Re-learn how to have a conversation
I am hoping that this is not the result of some latent neurological disorder (although I should keep that on the radar just in case) or from being beaten down about my inability to tell a story (ahem…) but as of late I am completely unable to even answer a simple question, let alone hold a meaningful discourse, without struggling. What’s up with that??
2) Re-learn how to walk in high heels
Obviously this will be on-going, but between graduated heels and my new orthodics, I’m shooting for a killer pair by New Year’s! (I mean really – what 39 year old can’t walk in heels???)
3-9) TBD!
THE HEART CATEGORY:
10) Write one letter per month.
One real, handwritten letter. To 12 different people. Since it is April, this month I need to write 4!
11) Leave a server a really big tip in proportion to the ticket
12) Use the Steve Chandler “Call List”.
Write a list of everyone who is important to me. Include their addresses, phone numbers & emails, and contact someone off the list every day.
13) Find lost friends.
Like Liz…
14) Make one friend date per month.
Aim to make it fun, unusual, and something that sparkles on the calendar.
15-19) TBD!
THE HEALTHY CATEGORY:
20) Walk Dougal every day.
Good for me, sure – but important for him. Besides, he deserves it!
21) Ride my bike to work 2 days a week for the entire summer and then some...
22) Lose 15 pounds
Not to much, but enough to feel healthy and able to reassess.
23) Find a Doctor and an Ob/Gyn AND GO!
I mean, really.
24) Continue with dental work.
They’ll never get all fixed unless I keep going.
25) Fall in love with Exercise
Not as unrealistic as it sounds…
26) Be able to do 20 pushups by my 40th birthday
Regular ones!
27-29) TBD.
THE GET SMART CATEGORY:
30) Learn Basic Spanish.
Or maybe Italian – but Spanish is much more practical. Investigate the library. CDs for car?
31) Read, Read, Read
Nuff said.
32) Take a class
Any class.
33) Re-evaluate my relationship with the media
34) Go on a Gossip Diet
35) Be an informed voter in November
Know positions on all candidates and vote from the brain as well as the gut.
36-39) TBD
THE FOOD CATEGORY:
40) Organize cookbooks and recipes
Make a file for all loose recipes and create a USEABLE resource. That being said…
41) Make 1 new recipe per week.
Preferably together.
42) Eat Fresh Food
Support Wednesday Farmers Markets in Winfield
43) Look for sustainable food options
www . localharvest . com
44) Try one new restaurant per month
With new people if necessary – it doesn’t have to be expensive, just different.
45) Throw a Tapas Party
We have the cookbooks and pans...
46-49) TBD!
THE FINANCIAL CATEGORY:
50) Increase what I’m savings by 25% per month.
Which is 25% more than nothing, so I’ll have to work out an amount.
51) Go on a buying “fast”
Simplify. What do I really need??
52) Think about investments/retirement
What can I do within my current constraints?
53) Make a budget
Know where our money is going!!
54) Open a “Rainy Day” bank account.
See #50
55) Apply for and get a credit card
Use and pay each month – shoot to boost credit score above 700 by 2009
56-59) TBD
THE SUGGESTION CATEGORY:
60-69) TBD. This is for when someone says “You’ve got to…”
THE CULTURE VULTURE CATEGORY:
70) Use twice the value of my Art Institute membership
Only 5 visits, not including special tickets! (Hopper & Winslow 5/10, Ruscha 6/1, Bresson fall, etc.)
71) Renew National Geographic Membership
And read it!
72) See one opera at the Lyric
Season starts in September. Get cheap tickets – Tristan & Isolde...Madam Butterfly…Lulu
73) Go to Ravinia
Tickets on sale APRIL 17!
74) Play Bodhran!
Practice! Listen to recordings. Practice! This can be a cool talent.
75) Visit one new museum
The more unusual, the better!
75) Take an Architectural Boat Tour
For $28 during the week, it is a heck of a way to enjoy Chicago in the summer!
76-79) TBD!
THE TRAVEL CATEGORY:
80) Renew Passport!
Because you never know…
81) Be a Tourist at Home
Spend 48 hours being a tourist in Chicago – Sears Tower anyone?
82) Visit Maureen in MD
Take the Cruiser for a ride!
83-89) TBD
THE RANDOM CATEGORY:
90) Take LOTS and LOTS of pictures
Fill the photo diary!
91-99) TBD… lots TBD…
So I could lie and say that I’ve been on hiatus due to some spectacular adventure or some meaningful sojourn, but of course, it really has only been because I’m lazy. (or perhaps unwilling to sit for an extended period of time and ruminate on my own neurotic personality!) That being said, at least I have only reneged on my commitment to CHRONICLE my “comeback” - I have managed to actually DO a few things that I hope will bring me closer to being the being of my dreams.
One of those things stemmed from a small blog entry on Gapers Block that highlighted a girl named Jessi who had started a blog called My99Problems. Her goal was to choose 99 things to accomplish over the course of the year. In her words:
“This past December, I regretfully declared to several co-workers that I would start a blog. My initial thoughts were that I would simply keep a journal type of blog, but C said “You need to have a goal before you start, otherwise you won’t keep it up.
So I decided, because I frequently say I will do something but don’t follow through, this would be a perfect time to start a blog about my goals (which I am calling problems, more on that later). Having my goals for the year in writing not only holds me accountable for them, but acts as a perpetual to-do list.”
As a non-follower-througher from way back, this of course struck a chord with me and I decided to give her system a shot! But since I already find my journaling slightly narcissistic, I’m not going to blog about it – I’m just going to work on it and if anything interesting transpires in the process, perhaps I’ll give an update. Here’s the list so far:
99 Things for 2008
THE MEANINGLESS CATEGORY:
1) Re-learn how to have a conversation
I am hoping that this is not the result of some latent neurological disorder (although I should keep that on the radar just in case) or from being beaten down about my inability to tell a story (ahem…) but as of late I am completely unable to even answer a simple question, let alone hold a meaningful discourse, without struggling. What’s up with that??
2) Re-learn how to walk in high heels
Obviously this will be on-going, but between graduated heels and my new orthodics, I’m shooting for a killer pair by New Year’s! (I mean really – what 39 year old can’t walk in heels???)
3-9) TBD!
THE HEART CATEGORY:
10) Write one letter per month.
One real, handwritten letter. To 12 different people. Since it is April, this month I need to write 4!
11) Leave a server a really big tip in proportion to the ticket
12) Use the Steve Chandler “Call List”.
Write a list of everyone who is important to me. Include their addresses, phone numbers & emails, and contact someone off the list every day.
13) Find lost friends.
Like Liz…
14) Make one friend date per month.
Aim to make it fun, unusual, and something that sparkles on the calendar.
15-19) TBD!
THE HEALTHY CATEGORY:
20) Walk Dougal every day.
Good for me, sure – but important for him. Besides, he deserves it!
21) Ride my bike to work 2 days a week for the entire summer and then some...
22) Lose 15 pounds
Not to much, but enough to feel healthy and able to reassess.
23) Find a Doctor and an Ob/Gyn AND GO!
I mean, really.
24) Continue with dental work.
They’ll never get all fixed unless I keep going.
25) Fall in love with Exercise
Not as unrealistic as it sounds…
26) Be able to do 20 pushups by my 40th birthday
Regular ones!
27-29) TBD.
THE GET SMART CATEGORY:
30) Learn Basic Spanish.
Or maybe Italian – but Spanish is much more practical. Investigate the library. CDs for car?
31) Read, Read, Read
Nuff said.
32) Take a class
Any class.
33) Re-evaluate my relationship with the media
34) Go on a Gossip Diet
35) Be an informed voter in November
Know positions on all candidates and vote from the brain as well as the gut.
36-39) TBD
THE FOOD CATEGORY:
40) Organize cookbooks and recipes
Make a file for all loose recipes and create a USEABLE resource. That being said…
41) Make 1 new recipe per week.
Preferably together.
42) Eat Fresh Food
Support Wednesday Farmers Markets in Winfield
43) Look for sustainable food options
www . localharvest . com
44) Try one new restaurant per month
With new people if necessary – it doesn’t have to be expensive, just different.
45) Throw a Tapas Party
We have the cookbooks and pans...
46-49) TBD!
THE FINANCIAL CATEGORY:
50) Increase what I’m savings by 25% per month.
Which is 25% more than nothing, so I’ll have to work out an amount.
51) Go on a buying “fast”
Simplify. What do I really need??
52) Think about investments/retirement
What can I do within my current constraints?
53) Make a budget
Know where our money is going!!
54) Open a “Rainy Day” bank account.
See #50
55) Apply for and get a credit card
Use and pay each month – shoot to boost credit score above 700 by 2009
56-59) TBD
THE SUGGESTION CATEGORY:
60-69) TBD. This is for when someone says “You’ve got to…”
THE CULTURE VULTURE CATEGORY:
70) Use twice the value of my Art Institute membership
Only 5 visits, not including special tickets! (Hopper & Winslow 5/10, Ruscha 6/1, Bresson fall, etc.)
71) Renew National Geographic Membership
And read it!
72) See one opera at the Lyric
Season starts in September. Get cheap tickets – Tristan & Isolde...Madam Butterfly…Lulu
73) Go to Ravinia
Tickets on sale APRIL 17!
74) Play Bodhran!
Practice! Listen to recordings. Practice! This can be a cool talent.
75) Visit one new museum
The more unusual, the better!
75) Take an Architectural Boat Tour
For $28 during the week, it is a heck of a way to enjoy Chicago in the summer!
76-79) TBD!
THE TRAVEL CATEGORY:
80) Renew Passport!
Because you never know…
81) Be a Tourist at Home
Spend 48 hours being a tourist in Chicago – Sears Tower anyone?
82) Visit Maureen in MD
Take the Cruiser for a ride!
83-89) TBD
THE RANDOM CATEGORY:
90) Take LOTS and LOTS of pictures
Fill the photo diary!
91-99) TBD… lots TBD…
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