101 Things in 1,001 Days

It’s hard to believe that it’s been 1,001 days (well, really 1,003, but who’s counting) since I started my original 101 Things project!  I have to admit that I didn’t come anywhere close to finishing all the items on the list.  Some just weren’t financially feasible, some weren’t feasible because of time constraints, and some I just changed my mind about.  I decided to start a new list that begins tomorrow, May 1, 2013.  This list will be complete on January 26, 2016.  You’ll see that this list is a little on the short side…however, I fully intend to get to 101 items.  I just want to make sure that I include things that really interest me and not just adding items to get to 101!  If anyone is interested in helping/joining me on any of these, please let me know!  I’m always up for partners-in-crime!

1. Arrive at work on time everyday for a month.
2. Exercise 3 times per week for 2 months.
3. Visit the Hermitage.
4. Make a "cookbook" with all of my favorite recipes.
5. Add 3 more states to my "states I have visited" list.
6. Frame my diplomas and hang in my office.
7. Frame my CPA certificate and hang in my office.
8. Find a church in Nashville that I LOVE.
9. Serve a meal to the homeless.
10. Go watch a movie at a Drive-In Theater.
11. Learn to make homemade ice cream from my mother.
12. Fill up my Pandora bracelet with charms.
13. Save a pretty hefty down payment for our house.
14. Either rent or sale Patrick’s house (that we are currently living in).
15. Buy a new house!
16. Give up caffeine for a week.
17. Go on a NashTrash Tour.
18. Take a 1-week Facebook sabbatical.
19. Teach Zoey to "Say the Blessing."
20. Visit Cades Cove again.
21. Take a hike in the Smoky Mountains.
22. Move my old college textbooks out of my parent’s basement.
23. Refinish my Grandmother's cedar chest.
24. Go horseback riding again.
25. Visit the Frist.
26. Have some wedding pictures printed and framed.
27. Complete the Provisional Year of the Nashville Junior League.
28. Have a baby.
29. Buy a new car.
30. Have my wedding dress preserved.
31. Make a “yearbook” for our 1^st anniversary.
32. Make a “yearbook” for our 2^nd anniversary.
33. Make a “yearbook” for our 3^rd anniversary.
34. Change my name on all important documents (i.e. bank accounts, credit cards, passport, etc.)
35. Buy dining room furniture for our house when we buy one.
36. Get to my goal weight.
37. Finish decorating our outdoor seating area.
38. Organize our spare bedroom.
39. Organize our garage.
40. Assemble and ride the bike Patrick got me for Christmas 2012.
41. Create a Home Management Binder to help Patrick and I with organization.
42. Create an Emergency Binder with all of our important documents.
43. Create an Owner’s Manual Binder so they are all in one place.
44. Read The Upper Room devotional every day for a month, without missing a day.
45. Pay for someone’s meal in a fast food drive-thru.
46. Complete all long runs in training for a half marathon.
47. Run another half marathon.
48. Spend a day not looking at my To Do List!
49. See Rock City.
50. Leave the United States again.
51. Go on a picnic.
52. Take Patrick back to Rodizio Grill.
53. Take a Nashville Food Tour.
54. Take a Grand Ole Opry Backstage Tour.
55. Visit the new Music City Center.
56. Volunteer at Second Harvest Foodbank.
57. Eat dinner at The Sushi Train.
58. Eat a meal at Bobbie’s Dairy Dip.
59. Pretend to be in my 20s again and head out to The Stage.
60. Have our letter from President and Mrs. Obama framed.
61. Do something cute with all our wedding cards.
62. Host a Bridesmaids' Reunion to get my girls back together again.
63. Attend a Justin Timberlake Concert.
64. Take a girls' trip.
65. Take a Mother/Daughter trip.
66. Take a photography course...not a "class" but a "course."
67. Visit Circle G Ranch in my hometown of Strawberry Plains, TN.

101 Things Update!

It's been awhile since I gave the 101 Things list any love...and I'm here to remedy that today.  Let me give you a little update on what I've been up to lately.

#57 - Have a Yard Sale!
Done!  I accomplished this in the fall and I even blogged about it here!  It was tons of fun and we made a lot of money!  Always a nice way to start the Christmas shopping season!

#64 - Go on a girls weekend trip with Anna Catherine and Kathleen.
This also happened back in the fall...the weekend before Thanksgiving to be exact.  We had a great time in St. Petersburg and Clearwater.  We ran in the Women's Half Marathon down there and then spent a few days at the beach...Love spending QT with these girls.

#75 - Make 2 new friends.
For anyone who knows me, you know that I love meeting new people and having tons of friends.  Well, that fact alone made this task somewhat difficult.  The reason is because it's hard for me to determine at what point I've have crossed over to becoming "friends" with someone.  I mean, both of these 2 girls I have known for several years!  And I'm not exactly sure at what point I became friends with them, but it seems like one day I looked up and realized that I consider them both good friends.  They are very sweet, lots of fun, and I know they would do anything for me...and I would them.

The first is my friend, Katie from work.  She's a sweetheart and we have tons of fun talking about everything going on in our lives and what's happening outside the office.  She can also bake a killer cake and is a large supply of some of my favorite recipes.  We're also joining the Junior League together this year, so I'm super pumped about that!

The second is my friend, Laura.  She and I are in the Nashville Junior Chamber together and we actually served on the Board together, before my term was up.  Sometime last year, she joined our Kickball team and I think that's when we really got to know each other better!  Anyone who knows Laura knows she's a super fun chic!

I consider myself very lucky to add these 2 ladies to my "friends" list!  If you don't know them, you should definitely meet them!

#3 -- DONE!!!!!

Here I go again...marking something else off the ole 101 Things list and forgetting to blog about it...well, don't worry, you will read many posts about this life changing event!  #3 on the list was to Get Married!  And on July 14, 2012, I did just that! 

I can't wait to feel everyone in on all the fun and promise to get started soon, instead of just talking about it!  For now, I must work on taxes...and I must combine 2 households!  Gee whiz, this girl is BUSY!

Hope to be back tomorrow starting in on all the fun!  Until then...here's another teaser from the photo booth!

#94 -- DONE!!!!!

I've thought about this item on my 101 Things list for quite some time.  I haven't blogged about it, yet, because I feel like it's something that has happened over time, rather than all of a sudden one day.  This item is to find a mentor.  I definitely didn't want to just walk up to someone some time and ask them to be my mentor...instead, I feel like this is a relationship that grows over time...I feel that it must be someone you really click with and who you look up to in all areas of life...not just one particular area, such as a career.

My mentor is my friend at work, Sandy.  She has 2 adorable and sweet pre-teen girls, she loves to run (she's ran several half marathons, done of triathalons, and will probably one day run a full marathon), she has tons of friends (despite the fact that she's so busy all the time), and still manages to have a career in public accounting (no small feat with a family).  As I have a lot of life changes in the coming years, I hope that I can keep it all together half as much as she is able to!

#41 -- DONE!!!!!

As soon as we got our engagement pictures back, I knew I wanted to create a photo book including some of my favorites!  As a means of motivation, I decided to add it to my 101 Things!  Since we need a guest book for our wedding, this seemed like the perfect option!

Well, it arrived last week, and I love it even more than I expected!  Here are a few of my favorite pages of the book:

The cover pic is definitely my favorite engagement pic we have!

I alternated between color pics and black and white...here's a color page!

Close up of where our guests will sign in.

One of my favorite pics of my beau!

The back cover...

Have you ever made a Photo Book before?  They are sooooo easy and sooooo worth it!  I love having the pages to flip through at my leisure.  =)

#89 -- DONE!!!!!

Hello 101 Things List!  I've missed you lately...it seems that I almost forgot about you, but really, I've just been oh, so busy and didn't even have time to think about you!  Oh, well, there's no time like the present, right?

I wish I could say that the item I am checking off today is some magnificent feat that I have accomplished through hard work and will power...however, I must say, I had absolutely nothing to do with this post!  Instead...all the credit goes to my beautiful sister, Laura!  She graduated this past weekend from the University of South Carolina with a Masters degree in Higher Education Student Affairs!  I am so proud of her and all she has accomplished...all while living away from the comforts of being close to family and friends!  Here are a few pics (with commentary) from the big day!

It's hard to tell, but this is Laura receiving her "hood."  Each of the hoods are a different color to symbolize what the degree is in.  Her's was a Columbia Blue.

Laura and a few of her co-workers!

Laura and her good friend, Tabitha!

The whoooole family!  

Me with my aunt, Carole!

Me with my beau!

The under 40 crew!  =)

Such proud parents!

The South Carolina football stadium from the top of the restaurant we ate at, Top of Carolina!  It was a revolving restaurant and soooo cool!

Congratulations Laura!  I'm so proud of you and know you will be very successful!

#68 -- DONE!!!!!

Yet again, I blog about something and then realize it was on my 101 Things list, so I have to blog about it again, so I can mark it off!  Oops! 

Well, anyway, we went to Jack Daniels this weekend and it was so much fun!  I think anyone who visits Nashville should check this place out.  It's free, it's entertaining, and it's a nice drive outside of Nashville.  Patrick enjoyed it just as much as I expected him to!

Have a great weekend friends...looks like I'll be working a little and then heading to Knoxville for a little visit with family and friends.  See you all on Monday!!!!!

#69 -- DONE!!!!!

Well, it seems like this is the week to mark things off the 101 Things list, isn't it?  I just love the feeling of accomplishment, and let's face it...if I'm going to get this list done before April 27, 2013, I better keep moving.

Today, I'm marking off the fact that on Sunday, January 1, 2012 (New Year's Day) I didn't leave the house all day.  I know this may not seem like a big deal to some, but when I was making my list I realized that I don't know the last time I spent an entire day at home...and obviously it took me a year and a half into the list before I accomplished it!

It was a good day...not a very productive one, as all I did was lay around, watch football and eat, but it was a fun, relaxing, snuggle with my doggy and my beau, kinda day!  Maybe I need to do those more often...like sometime in the next 2 years.  =)

#49 -- DONE!!!!!

Well, since this is work related (and all of our client information is confidential), this will be a really quick post!  However, since I put it on my 101 Things list, I wanted to do a quick post on it.  I'm excited to say that I have brought in my very own client at work!  This doesn't really mean all that much, but it's very exciting for me because it's a goal that I've had for quite some time!  It is a small step in the direction of my career and now I can mark it off my list and begin my focus on even bigger things!  Because, after all, I am a constant...

#9 -- DONE!!!!!

This girl is the proud owner of her very own iPad!  Thanks to my parents, Patrick, my brother, and sister, I was able to get this bad boy for Christmas and I LOVE it!  It is my new addiction and toy and I couldn't be happier with it!  I'm still learning all the bells and whistles, but I'm sure I'll figure it out over time.

So happy to mark one more thing off my 101 Things list!  WOOHOO!

#99 -- DONE!!!!!

Even though I got a new phone over a month ago, I couldn't let it go without updating my 101 Things list!  I honestly forgot I had this item on my list until I revised it a few days ago.  So, here ya go...a pic of my new, fabulous iPhone!

This Otterbox is amazing, BTW!

#74 -- DONE!!!!!

This year Patrick and I decided to do a "family" Christmas card!  It was intended to be a Zoey Christmas Card, but while we were having pictures made, we had a few snapped of all 3 of us and those turned out pretty good, too, so we decided why not?

Over a year ago, I won a photo shoot at a silent auction and never had a need to cash it in...WELL, all I needed was a dog to find a good excuse!  So, I called Tim from Mindub Photography and asked if the certificate was still good, and he said of course!  We agreed to meet up at the Ag Center here in Nashville!  It was a terribly cloudy and ugly day, but a great day for beautiful photographs!  We loved all of them, but here are our favorites:

Yes, in the above pictures, Zoey looks like the perfect little angel...WELL, take a look at these pics...they are representative of how much fun she was having...and Patrick and me, too:

And finally...the pics that made the cut for the Christmas card...

Thanks, Tim for doing such wonderful pics!  We couldn't be more pleased!!!!!

101 Things Update

Since I have reached the halfway point of my 101 Things Challenge, I decided to revisit this list of mine and change the items that I'm no longer interested in or I'm no longer able to complete to something that is a little more realistic or has recently become important to me.  First, let me explain which items I'm removing, and why:

3.  Review my finances on a monthly basis for 6 months so I can, hopefully, stay on track.
While I know I SHOULD be doing this, I kind of think that it's just too hard to measure...therefore, it has to go!

8.  Purchase a window treatment for my laundry room, foyer, and spare bathroom.
No, I'm not proud that many of the items related to my home haven't gotten wrapped up during the last year and a half.  However, it looks as if Patrick and I will be living in his house after the wedding...and, let's face it...If I haven't had time to do these things in the last 16 months, I'm probably NOT going to find time before we get married.  =(

9.  Purchase new appliances for my kitchen.
Please see #8 above.  =)

10.  Fix my drippy sink all by myself.
Please see #8 above.  =)

27.  Make a photo book of mine and Patrick's trip to St. Louis.
I hate it I never got this done...and I REALLY hope I do complete it one day.  However, it's not looking good with everything else on my plate, so I've decided to make photo books of more recent events.

33.  Borrow my sister's bike and actually ride it.
For some reason, I just never did this and now I've lost interest...shocking!

41.  Apply and be accepted to Nashville's Young Leaders Council.
Even though I would have LOVED to do this, and I think it would have been excellent training, the whole purpose is to learn how to serve on a Board.  Since I just joined my 2nd board, I think it may no longer be necessary...also, I think it takes up a LOT of time...that I don't have.  =(

45.  Watch every Glee episode to date.
I really just stopped watching this show, so I don't really see that it makes sense to go back and watch them all.

50.  Send 5 thank-you cards to various individuals who deserve them.
Again, too hard to measure!  I'm sure I've actually done this and just can't remember who they've been sent to...

52.  Get my old TV set up in my bedroom.
Please see #8 above.  =)

54.  Purchase and hang pictures for all walls in my condo.
Please see #8 above.  =)

55.  Purchase a small table for my foyer.
Please see #8 above.  =)

57.  Put in new floors in both my full bathrooms.
Please see #8 above.  =)

58.  Install a new showerhead in my bathroom.
Please see #8 above...this is getting out of control.  =)

60.  Buy furniture for the patio outside my bedroom.
Please see #8 above.  =)

73.  Go to a UT vs. South Carolina football game.
Since my sister graduates in May, I doubt I'm going to make this one...sorry Laura.  =(

80.  Don't check e-mail for an entire day at work.
Let's face it...it's 2011, and just not possible...

88.  Babysit Peppermint for an entire weekend.
Sorry mom and dad...I think we all agree though that with Zoey this probably won't work out now!

Now without further adu...here are the NEW and improved 101 Things items:

3.  Get married!
8.  Successfully combine houses with Patrick.
9.  Get an iPad.
10.  Visit the Hermitage.
27.  Run a half marathon in under 2:30.
33.  Make a wedding photo book.
41.  Make a photo book of our engagement pictures.
45.  Learn how to make homemade ice cream from my mom.
50.  Have a blogger meet-up.
52.  Gain 100 blog followers.
54.  Register Zoey for agility classes.
55.  Fill up my Pandora bracelet with charms.
57.  Have a yard sale.
58.  Buy a house.
60.  Give up caffeine for a week.
73.  Blog ever work day for a month.
80.  Teach Zoey to "Say the Blessing."
88.  Get a sponsor for my blog.

Well, there you have it!  Wish me luck!!!!!

#6 and #34 -- DONE!!!!!

So, after I returned from visiting my sister, I totally forgot that I had accomplished not just one, but 2 items on my 101 Things list!  Number 6 was to take a trip with my mom and sister and number 34 was to visit my sister in South Carolina...well, wouldn't you know, I was able to kill 2 birds with one stone and knock both of those suckers out in the same trip!  Which, after the amount of fun we had on this trip, I almost wish we hadn't done them both in the same trip!

I know I told everyone how much fun we had on this trip, but I really don't think I can adequately put it into words!  It's amazing to me how much my sister is growing up and how close she is to being a hard working young professional.  It's also amazing to me how my mother becomes a better parent with each year, and she makes the whole thing look so easy!  We had a wonderful trip and I REEEEAAAALLLY hope we get to do it again next summer!

#40 -- DONE!!!!!

Over a year ago, Sandy and I decided to buy a Groupon to take a cake decorating class.  We had already decided that we would wait until the perfect festive occasion came along and then we would have the perfect excuse to show off our cakes..well, we waited and waited, then we forgot, then we waited some more.  Well, next thing you know, our groupon was about to expire...SO, we decided to head to the cake decorating class on a random Wednesday afternoon. 

The class was a lot of fun!  We had a great time and really enjoyed decorating our cake with fondant.  Here is a picture of my cake:

Me with Sandy and her girls!

Definitely glad I put this one on my 101 Things list because it was F-U-N!

#23 -- DONE!!!!!

Meet Zoey!  A Boston Terrier/Jack Russell 4 month old puppy, who weighs 18 pounds and is (hopefully) potty trained!  Patrick and I have been thinking of getting a dog for several months now (hence the reason it's on my 101 Things list), but just never could find the exact one!  Well, last Sunday, after being forced to leave the pool because of rain, we headed to the Nashville Humane Society to just "look."  Next thing you know, this little girl was winning our hearts!  We didn't get her that night, but instead decided to head home and sleep on it.  The next day, we knew she was OUR dog! 

Even though it has been a big change in both mine and Patrick's life, we are already so attached to this little girl, we really don't know what we did before she came along!  My favorite thing about her is how she cuddles up with me on the couch after I have taken her out in the mornings and we go back to sleep until my alarm goes off (yes, she wakes up SOOOOOOOOOOO early). 

I so look forward to her growing up and seeing how much she changes over the next several months!

#62 -- DONE!!!!!

For those who don't know, I have always had a love affair with all things related to cheering, dancing, gymnastics, etc.  Therefore, when Kathleen told me about a friend of her's who was trying out to be a Titans Cheerleader and asked me if I would like to go with her to the open tryouts, I was ecstatic!  She didn't even know this was on my 101 Things list...I guess she just knew I would love it!

Here are a few pics from the evening:

Tennessee Titans Cheerleaders - WOOHOO!

Our friend, Anne, just after introducing herself to the crowd!

Anne dancing in a group (she's the one on the right)!

Now doing her solo dance!

I guess you all are wondering if she made it...well...

YES SHE DID!

A final pic of the entire squad!

It was a great time, and I am so glad I got to go!  Thanks for the invite, Kat, and Anne, I can't wait to cheer you on this fall from the stands!

#17 & #24 -- DONE and DONE!!!!!

I am tired, exhausted, jet lagged, and sad for my trip to be over, but I couldn't go to bed tonight without crossing 2 big items off my 101 Things list!  Patrick and I had a wonderful trip and I can't wait to update everyone on all of our adventures.  Be on the lookout for daily posts in the coming days!

Hope everyone had an awesome Memorial Day, and I can't wait to catch up on all of your blogs!

#65 -- DONE!!!!!

I'm so excited to get back into my 101 Things!  I can't believe how long it's been!

In October 2005, I made what I consider my first "big girl" purchase...a brand new car!  I loved that car so much, and I still do...but as the years went on, I became well aware of the car payment and what a big pain it was EVERY SINGLE MONTH!  Well, I am happy to say that I made my final car payment this week, and now that car is ALL MINE!!!!!  I surely hope I can drive it for several more years so I can save up some money for other, more fun items! 

Just before dropping it in the mail!

#36 -- DONE!!!!!

I really wish this blog post was more exciting, but honestly, if it wasn't for the fact that this is on my 101 Things list, I wouldn't even bother blogging about it.  What is this boring task you ask?  Well, I FINALLY (after more than 9 months of not having one) bought a DVD player.  Yep, I told you...pretty boring...that's what happens when Patrick and I decide we want to rent a movie on a Saturday night!  The last time this happened we had to snuggle around my laptop because we forgot I didn't have a DVD player until we got back to my house.  At least we remembered before Target closed!  =)