So, a few things have been crossed off the list, which is very exciting.  But somewhat disappointing is how many things I had In Progress that I have had to admit that I have not been keeping in progress – i.e., #55, tithing.  This is one of those I need to pick back up, among others.  I would maintain some of them for a month or even close to 2, but then would completely get out of the habit.  So, gotta start over!  However, to stay positive, these are the newly completed goals!  And actually, a fair number of these were goals I had to maintain for 2 months and feel as tho I have since achieved   So, here’s the update; bear with me as some of this stuff happened awhile ago, but I’m just filling you in! (For a reference, check out the entire 101 in 1001 list!)

#16: Throw a Christmas Party at some point for friends - So yeah.  This happened this past December.  I threw a Tacky Sweater Christmas party.  Now, it should have been an extraordinarily fabulous party, but there was a snowstorm.  So it was simply fabulous.  While attendance was down due to the weather, we still had a great time and wore some TACKY sweaters and ate some delicious food & had great drinks   Even the preparations for the party were fun, and I’m all for holiday parties on a regular basis!

#26: Get into a graduate school program – PRAISE GOD HALLELUJAH THIS HAPPENED THIS YEAR.  Third time’s the charm?  More likely, God is infinitely wiser than I am in His timing and more accurate in assessing my motivations.  Be that as it may, I have been accepted to Wake Forest’s M.A. in Counseling program, which I am THRILLED about.  Classes start in August.  I’m ridiculously excited.  Hallelujah.

#35: Take on my own car payments – Soooooo this is a less positive achievement, but nevertheless one that needs to be crossed off.  Instead of taking on my car payments when I was financially ready in order to achieve a new level of fiscal responsibility and ease my parents’ burdens…I totaled my car last September.  So the insurance paid off my car and gave me some extra $ and my parents were kind enough to loan me my father’s old car, which has no car payments as it is paid off.  So, I have no car payments to make at the moment, but rest assured that whenever this car gives out (which please dear Lord let it last through grad school) I will be taking on the new car payments of the next car…

#53: Begin writing a novel – Why is this one that it’s embarrassing to say I can check off?  Perhaps because you’ll note this is cleverly worded so as to say “Begin writing” and not “Complete” or “Publish”, and really anyone can begin anything.  So it feels a little bit like cheating.  But still, in my efforts to begin writing creatively again and pushing myself, I’m pretty pleased with even achieving a beginning   It’s not a novel proper as it’s not fiction, but it is going to be wonderful (even if only read by me!).  It’s going to be about the exciting life & times I’ve had as an RC.  Yes.  Epic.

#58: Do something alone and just for myself once a week – I have become SO MUCH BETTER at this!  And I love it.  Sometimes it’s nothing more than writing in my journal, or sitting on my balcony in silence, or lighting candles in the apt, or driving to B&N to drool, or taking a bath.  Sometimes it’s a massage or an (at home) pedicure or turning off my phone & computer super early or what have you.  I do wish that more often it was running or yoga or going to the gym, but alas…baby steps   It is so crucial for me to have my time by myself, and I’m finally getting into the habit of taking it…whenever I can lol.  Really helps with the burnout.

#65: Improve wardrobe and MAINTAIN dressing nicely on a daily basis – Again, this is one goal that implores you to be patient with my baby steps.  But this I mean a) stop wearing graphic t-shirts from high school and college on a daily basis (achieved)   b) don’t dress like one of my teenage cls every day of the week (achieved)  c) actually wear make-up and put effort into my hair/jewelry from time to time  d) wear things that are flattering.  However, this does have to be balanced against the fact that I work 5 days a week and can’t wear anything that is revealing, or that I will care if it is ripped or stained with either manure or bleach.  Also dresses & skirts are completely off-limits for work.  BUT, even within the strictures of my necessary work clothes, I feel as tho I have come a LONG way on this goal since I incorporated it into my 101.  I do make an effort!  Hurray!  Of course, I still have days where only a my ‘These clothes are good enough to drink in” t-shirt will do (oops can’t wear that one to work either tho…role model!)

#66 – Explore the shoe world and obtain some nice shoes – Again, this is one in which you have to bear with me.  My shoes have greatly improved.  And I have a variety of way nicer ones than I ever have.  But this by no means implies I have truly become a shoe connoisseur, largely because I have a troubled past in the fashion world as a whole, and specifically in the shoe world.  I truthfully was not aware of my accurate shoe size until literally three years ago.  So, I have come a long way   Also, again, this goal is hindered by not only my precarious financial situation, but also by the requirements my job places on my wardrobe.  Le sigh.  One day I’ll get to look nice at work…one day…

#81 Start and MAINTAIN washing dishes by hand more often than using the dishwasher to preserve the quality of the dishes – Kind of an anti-climactic note to end on, but yes!  I have done a much better job of this!  Usually only with pots & pans, but those were the ones I was most concerned about to begin with.  Pretty straightforward.  The end.

And there you have it…I’ve noticed that I seem to be having a somewhat difficult time crossing off those items in the “Just for Fun” category…hopefully in the near future I can work on those…

PS Book review post coming SOON!

This project has provided much entertainment and therapeutic relief to myself and my co-workers all weekend.  Hopefully it can give you an insider’s view of what our lives are like…credit should be given to Natalie, Keegan, Megan, Lauren, & Ashley for their contributions

YOU MIGHT BE AN RC IF…

…getting ready for work means not wearing anything dangly, tight, or even washed.
…you have to set your alarm for any wake up time prior to noon.
…you know how to grease a scalp and take out weave.
…you only know how to cook for a minimum of 8 people at a time.
…you go into NCI pose whenever someone yells your name – even in the grocery store.
…in your job description you’re required to be a nurse, a maid, and a cook, while keeping the kids from killing each other.
…you pull out keys to open every door – including the door to your own bathroom.
…you have an opinion about the best way to restrain people.
…you practice restraints on your friends at parties.
…you never socialize before midnight.
…you have the cell phone numbers of everyone you’ve ever worked with just in case of an emergency.
…your company has an inclement weather policy – and that policy basically says “Snow or sleet, get your ass to work.”
…you scream out “BOUNDARIES!” when people get uncomfortably close to you.
…you don’t mind oversharing.
…you are constantly looking for new coping skills.
…you rate your day on a 1-10 scale.
…you thank people for sharing.
…you know how to phrase any insult or frustration in therapeutic language.
…you count down the hours till midnight even when it’s not New Year’s Eve.
…you tend to over-use acronyms.
…you ask people before you hug them.
…you have ever been told to “suck out my a**hole with a straw.”
…you have a slight drinking problem.
…you laugh when people cuss you out.
…you usually make other people uncomfortable when you talk about your job.
…every time you talk to your family they tell you that you need a new job.
…you need some kind of medication to help you sleep.
…you have ever laid on the floor of your office and just said “therapeutic fail”; or said “this is mah job”.
…you cry at least once at month at your workplace.
…you know all the local police officers.
…you go to the hospital more than two times a week.
...after you tell people what you do for a living they say “It takes a special person to do what you do.  That must be so rewarding.”
…you have children from 5 different ethnic backgrounds.
…you strongly support birth control.
…you automatically insert “Miss” or “Mr” in front of your first name when introducing yourself.
…you have ever had anyone ask you if you can catch AIDS from sharing chapstick.
…you see kids misbehaving in public and wonder where their supervision is.
…you consistently delete your cookies from the work computer.
…you know what the phrase “mobile supervision” means.
…you live paycheck to paycheck.
…you need to work a minimum of 25 hours of overtime to make ends meet.
…holidays and weekends mean nothing to you.
…you think kids should be in bed by 9pm.
…it doesn’t faze you when objects are thrown at you.
…you have ever seen someone kick out the window of a police car.
…you have ever had to explicitly explain to someone else how to take a shower.
…anyone has ever invented a curse word or insulting name just for you.
…the majority of your clothes have bleach on them.
…you consider anything other than jeans your “nice” pants.
…you know the real meaning of “processing”.
…you get off work…and continue to talk about work.
…work has ever interfered with your ability to maintain personal relationships.
…no one understands exactly what it is you do.
…friends and family can never remember your work schedule.
…you don’t move when things are thrown at you so it can be considered assault.
…your first instinct is always survival.
…you have conversations about Satan daily.
…you can tell when someone’s really hallucinating or just faking.
…you can tell when someone’s really having a seizure or just faking.
…you can tell the difference between a Lithium pill and an Abilify pill.
…you have a favorite psychotropic medication.
…you argue about food daily.
…you can’t hold normal, rational conversation after 8pm.
…you compare bruises after a restraint.
…you always pick up stray paperclips, safety pins, and staples because you’re afraid someone will use them to hurt themselves.
…you think about how every object can be turned into a weapon.
…you ask your kids to at least go out the front door instead of the window if they’re going to run away…and to take a jacket.
…you get excited about which level drop to give out.
…you ask everyone to meet you in the Pit.
…you repeat yourself approximately 90 times a day.
…you develop passive aggressive tendencies.
…you have nightmares about possessed children.
…you also have to be Captain Planet.
…you have developed ADHD.
…you envy 9-5 jobs.
…a 14hr shift isn’t considered overtime.
…you keep asking “Where’s the rest of my paycheck?”
…you and your co-workers have two separate conversations while talking to each other.
…you have ever referred to your workplace as the People Pound.
…you have to attend the same training every 2-3 months.
…you can’t wait for the honeymoon to end.
…you can answer 5 questions at the same time.
…you have a verbally violent inner monologue.
…you start wondering what’s wrong with you.

Unfortunately for y’all, I have had a lot of issues with 2009.  And thus I need to work through some things in the form of generic and annoying surveys.  Enjoy.

In 2009 I…
[x] broke a promise
[x ] made a new best friend
[ ] fallen in love
[x] fallen out of love
[ ] been in over 2 relationships
[x] lied
[ ] went behind your parents back
[x] cried over a broken heart
[x] disappointed someone close
[x] hid a secret
[x] pretended to be happy
[X] kissed in the rain
[X] kissed on a first date
[X] slept under the stars
[x] kept your new years resolution
[x] forgot your new years resolution
[x] met someone who changed my life
[ ] met one of your idols
[x] changed your outlook on life
[x] sat home all day doing nothing
[ ] pretended to be ill
[x] left the country
[x] almost died
[x] given up something important to you
[x] broke something expensive
[x] learned something new about yourself
[x] tried something you normally wouldnt try and liked it
[x] made a change in your life
[x] found out who your true friends were
[x] met great people
[ ] snuck out of the house
[x] stayed up til sunrise
[ ] pigged out over the summer
[ ] met someone from myspace in person
[x] cried over the silliest thing
[x] got into a car accident
[x] found a person I never thought I’d become good friends with
[x] had friends who were drifting away from me
[ ] had someone close to me die
[ ] had a high cell phone bill
[ ] had a fist fight
[x] went to the beach
[ ] saw a celebrity
[x] gotten sick
[ ] liked more than 5 people at the same time
[x] became closer to a lot of people
[x] kissed someone as the sun set

1) Was 2009 a good year for you?
It was pretty rocky, actually.  I’m excited for it to end.

2) What was your favorite moment of the year?
Hmmmm…probably reaching the top of the volcano in Guatemala.

3) What was your least favorite moment of the year?
April

4) Where were you when 2009 began?
In Whiteville, NC

5) Who were you with?
The family & MW

6) Where will you be when 2009 ends?
Washington, D.C.!!!!!!!!!

7) Who will you be with when 2009 ends?
CRISTINA & Keegan

Did you keep your new years resolution of 2009?
I think I did a pretty good job on my goals.

9) Do you have a new years resolution for 2010?
I have lots of goals.

10) Did you fall in love in 2009?
I began 2009 in love.  (stealing Amanda’s answers on these things…)

11) If yes, with who?
We all know who.

12) If yes, do they know?
He knew

14) You regret it?
Absolutely not

15) Did you breakup with anyone in 2009?
The reverse, sadly.

16) Did you make any new friends in 2009?
Yes!  And I am so thankful for them.

17) Who are your favorite new friends?
Keegan & Lauren.

18) What was your favorite month of 2009?
August & October.

19) Did you travel outside of the US in 2009?
Yep!  Guatemala!

20) How many different states did you travel to in 2009?
Virginia, Pittsburgh, D.C. Maryland, Ohio, Texas (stuck after missing a flight…), Georgia

21) Did you lose anybody close to you in 2009?
Not by death, but I certainly lost the friendship of someone close to me. (stealing Amanda’s answer again)

22) Did you miss anybody in the past year?
Oh of course.  I wish I had a bubble to live in that included all of my favorite people.

23) What was your favorite movie that you saw in 2009?
Oh hmm…maybe just because it’s the most recent that I saw, but I definitely enjoyed “Everything’s Fine”

24) What was your favorite song from 2009?
Ahhhh this is hard.  In terms of popular music newly released…Bad Romance by Lady Gaga.  In terms of personal discovery, Ghosts by Laura Marling.

25) What was your favorite record from 2009?
Ingrid Michaelson’s “Everybody”

26) How many concerts did you see in 2009?
Umm none.  I’m not a concert person actually.

27) Did you have a favorite concert in 2009?
Why no, I did not.

28) did you drink a lot of alcohol in 2009?
I plead the fifth.

29) did you do a lot of drugs in 2009?
Negative

30) How many people did you hurt this year?
Hm.  No idea.  Definitely a few at least.

31) Did you do anything you are ashamed of this year?
Nope.

33) What was the worst lie someone told you in 2009?
Well I hear crazy lies on a daily basis from my kids, so I have no idea how to answer this question lol.

34) Did you treat somebody badly in 2009?
I think probably a few, even tho it was unintentional.

35) Did somebody treat you badly in 2009?
I think probably a few, altho I’d like to think most of it was unintentional.  Aside from my cls…that was probably intentional lol.

36) How much money did you spend in 2009?
Far far too much.  More than I have…oops.

37) What was your proudest moment of 2009?
Navigating the Guatemalan healthcare system and speaking Spanish fluently.

38) What was your most embarrassing moment of 2009?
One word (name):  Dylan.

39) If you could go back in time to any moment of 2009 and change something, what would it be?
More recently I would say I would have been bolder and more sure of my decisions.

40) What are your plans for 2010?
Hmmm embracing change.  Hopefully grad school.  Most likely moving.  But I’m also trying this whole “take it one day at a time” thing and not over-plan my life.  We’ll see!

41)  What did you do in 2009 that you’d never done before?
Climbed a volcano.

42) Did anyone close to you give birth or get pregnant?
Rosie did!  And we have the first Wyche baby girl!  MacKenzie!

43) Did anyone close to you get married?
Laura T. from high school   Also Pete from LP!

44) Where did most of your money go?
Traveling,  food, books, drinks

45) What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Hm.  Pretty much anytime I got to see Cat or Cristina or my family.

46) What song will always remind you of 2009?
Breakin’ Up – Rilo Kiley.  And I’m On a Boat.

47) Compared to this time last year, are you:
i. happier or sadder? happier
ii. thinner or fatter? thinner
iii. richer or poorer? same.

48) What do you wish you’d done more of?
Writing

49) What do you wish you’d done less of?
Gossiping

50) What was an unexpected surprise?
My cottage closing.

51) What was your favorite TV program?
Sex and the City

52) Do you dislike anyone now that you didn’t dislike this time last year?
Nope

53) What was the best book you read?
Oh heavens this one’s hard…Take This Bread by Sara Miles.

54) What was your greatest musical discovery?
State Radio or Laura Marling

55)  What did you want and get?
A coffee table.

56) What did you want and not get?
New car.

57) What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I worked 14hrs…and a client’s mom insulted my college education, and the client flooded the bathroom.  Then I got into a huge fight with MW.  I freaked out a lot.  It was a bad birthday.

58) What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Honesty

59) How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2007?
Retail therapy

60) What kept you sane?
My friends & family. I don’t know what I would have done without them this year….also yoga & counseling

Surprisingly, I have actually completed some of the items on my 101 in 1001 List!  Most of the things I marked off as completed were tasks that were “in progress” but that I maintained for 2 months or more, and so now can check off.  Here’s the update:

#7 – I’ve been attending a weekly Discipleship Bible study at Green Street, which I’m really enjoying.  Unfortunately, with my schedule change, it has been harder to make it to the meetings…but it has been a very good experience.
#12 – I think I am improving at contacting my family members on a regular basis and staying up-to-speed on their lives.
#14 – The same…altho I guess with the caveat  that I have become a bit more selective and am attempting only to stay in touch with those people who reciprocate the effort.  And I gotta tell ya, it feels very nice.  Once again, can I just say how blessed I am with the people in my life?
#15 – Somewhere along the way I made some excellent Winston-Salem friends.  Some are co-workers, some are friends I’ve met through co-workers, some are friends from college, some from church…all and in all, I feel very at home here and love the people around me.
#18 – I pretty much stick to chicken and turkey nowadays.
#79 – I have been limiting the eating out and cooking more at home, which is very exciting.  That’s also helped wiht #18.  Now if only I had the resources to really practice becoming a good cook…

So, that’s that.  I feel pretty productive!  As for a more detailed post on how life is going, look for that sometime in the next few days.  Also look for some page edits on Books to Read & Movies to Watch; I need to update those lists as well…have a great week!