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!

Things I Will Never Have to Buy Because My Family Owns Enough to Single-Handedly Supply Luxemburg

1. Yarn. Not in EVERY color, but certainly enough to make as many Halloween or harvest afghans as could be desired.
2. Tablecloths/doilys/linen napkins etc. Seriously, were they planning to give me away with a dowry? Cause I think there’s enough for me and Beth.
3. Paper. But, I’m going to continue to buy this because old paper sucks. Still, if I ever decide to purchase a typewriter…
4. Coin roll holders (paper). And a broken coin rolling machine.
5. Aprons. And yet, I’ve never seen anyone wear one post 1989 in my household. (Don’t worry Beth, the AWESOME ones you got them for their anniversary are still at the front, cause they’re the best. They really turned out nicely! And Mama is hilariously embarrassed).
6. Pots, pans, woks, toaster ovens, toasters, breadmakers. Everything seems to come in pairs.
7. Ice cream maker. Kind of in line with the above, but it’s such a random bizarre thing to have two of that I thought it merited its own entry.
8. Silverware/cookware/dishes. My mom has filled up two boxes of stuff to give me.
9. TUPPERWARE. HOLY MOTHER OF GOD THE TUPPERWARE!
10. Men’s gloves. I literally found…EIGHT brand new pairs of plether men’s gloves. In a box. With brand-new, unwrapped pajamas. And 2 pairs of unopened ear muffs. And my dad’s old swim trunks.
11. Sheets/blankets. I think you could cover all of the floors wall-to-wall in the house with blankets and still have enough left over for the beds.
12. Food – specifically canned. As Kevin says, when the Apocalypse comes, you want to be in my house.
13. Toys. Man, we were spoiled little kids.
14. Dolls (a subgroup of toys, but since they received their own multiple boxes…)
15. Furniture. This, I’m actually pretty happy about. Yay antiques.

Back in Winston!  Call me

After tossing & turning for 2-3 hrs, I have come to the shocking conclusion that I can’t fall asleep.  Thus, I have sunk to the internet for amusement.  While reading Amanda E.’s livejournal, I came across this survey that I’m going to do…You put “your name looks like” into Google and see what happens…here are some classic faves…

“Brittany looks like she can withstand a good beating”
“OH PLEASE, most of the time Brittany looks like a low class hooker”

Also, like Amanda, time to type in “tastes like” and “feels like”…

“Brittany tastes like a cloud in my mouth”

“Brittany feels like Jody fucking Sawyer because Henry likes to tell her her abdominals are NEVER engaged when they are so then I want to say im sorry henry under the bulge they are engaged leave the fat alone, because you leave class wanting to change your whole life plan”  (I think there were some anger issues behind this one…)

Maybe if I post this finally, Lindsey will update about her life again

Hardback or trade paperback or mass market paperback? Trade paperback. Hardbacks are too big and mass markets are too small (I have to agree with Lindsey.  Plus, hardbacks are too expensive)

Amazon or brick and mortar? AMAZON!!! I’ve never heard of the other, but I am quasi-addicted to Amazon – as much as I am to any online shopping, anyway.

Barnes & Noble or Borders? Barnes and Noble – love the atmosphere, and the selection is better.  PLUS it’s soooooooooo much better organized.  I feel all lost and just cast asunder in Borders.  It stresses me out.

Bookmark or dogear? Bookmark bookmark bookmark!!! Why ruin your pages?  Plus, bookmarks are beautiful and occasionally even inspirational.

Alphabetize by author or alphabetize by title or random? Ok…you just don’t know what you’re getting yourself into when you ask me ANYTHING about my organizational skills.  Ahem: first by genre, then by author, & if more than one of the author, by date/order, and then size also plays a role in the order

Keep, throw away, or sell? I have a slight problem with throwing anything away, but especially with books.  I will spend a full day going through all of my books once a year, and feel completely satisfied if I decide to get rid of only one.  But of the ones I don’t keep, I either send through Bookcrossing.com , like Lindsey, or, if I have a good amount (aka 4 lol) I take them to half-price books and sell – and try not to walk out with anything new!

Keep dustjacket or toss it? I def. keep it for presentation/while it’s on the shelf

Read with dustjacket or remove it? Not a chance in hell.  I break them, they fall off, it’s just annoying

Short story or novel? Definitely a novel, although I do love Flannery O’Connor, and I’m coming to appreciate other short story authors as well.

Collection (short stories by same author) or anthology (short stories by different authors)? As I said, I don’t really read short stories that often, but I think I prefer collections.  I haven’t read hardly any short story anthologies tho.  Poetry anthologies I LOVE.

Harry Potter or Lemony Snicket? This is a horrible question they’re far too different!  Harry Potter is a sheer masterpiece that I’m obsessively in love with, but Lemony Snicket is really enjoyable as well, and the way the author plays with words is great.  But it’s a much lighter, quicker, and less intense read.  Too different to compare.  But I guess HP

Stop reading when tired or at chapter breaks? It kind of depends on my mood, but I usually wait until I get tired, see how far I am from the next chapter, and THEN break.

“It was a dark and stormy night” or “Once upon a time”? Eh, I prefer the less cliche openers.  Classic openers too, like “…any single man of a large fortune must be in want of a wife” (I can’t remember the beginning!) and “Call me Ishmael”.  I like originality.

Buy or Borrow? Like Linds, I’m terrible about this; I have to buy.  I have no earthly idea why, but I do.  I’m terrible at borrowing.

New or used? Mostly new, but occasionally used if I find something good at half-price – these are the types of books I should probably just borrow, but instead I just pay half-price for them.

Buying choice: book reviews, recommendation or browse? Browse.  I don’t really keep up with book reviews.  But I *do* take recommendations to heart, and usually will buy those – and then browse on my own

Tidy ending or cliffhanger? Eh as long as it’s a solid, good ending it doesn’t bother me either way.  Depends on the story too, and if it’s part of a series, etc.

Morning reading, afternoon reading or nighttime reading? Hmm this is a good question.  No idea tho.  I guess usually at night, altho more often than not it’s just kind of whenever I can: the gym, the bathtub, work, haha.

Stand-alone or series? There’s elements that I like about both.  I guess stand alone tho?  And as long as the series isn’t never-ending, they’re usually great.

Favorite series? It’s definitely Harry Potter right now.  Although I did love all of the Fear Street books, and this series by this other teen-horror author whose name I can never remember – oh and who could forget Babysitter’s Club or Sweet Valley & Sweet Valley High???

Favorite children’s book? This IS  a difficult question.  I can’t even remember all the titles of the ones I read exactly…I do know we had some awesome collections of children’s stories.  Maybe Brer Rabbit & the Tar Baby?  That whole collection?  No idea.

Favorite book of which nobody else has heard? Hmmm…probably Cold Sassy Tree, altho I have no idea WHY no one has heard of this one.  It was famous.  But ah well.  Oh for sure my favorite that no ones heard of:  All We Know of Love.

Favorite books read last year? Oh heavens…this is hard.  To the Lighthouse, All About Love (diff from the one mentioned above), Everything Is Illuminated, The Sheltered Life…I have no idea cause I don’t have all of my books with me right now, lol.

Favorite books of all time? Ok, this is an insane question.  But here’s what I will try to answer with:  Pride and Prejudice, To the Lighthouse, Cold Sassy Tree, Beloved, and a good anthology of poetry.  I’m just limiting myself tho.

Least favorite book you finished last year? I just finished this book by Kaye Gibbons, who I normally really like (A Virtuous Woman, Ellen Foster), but I found this last one just lacking.  It’s Divining Women…it was alright, just the characters didn’t feel very real, and I found it to be a disappointment.  It’s prob not the WORST one I’ve read, but it’s all that comes to mind.  It was mostly just not as good as I was hoping.

What are you reading right now? Well, since the assigned reading for my Spanish Lit class is 270 pages, it’s about all I’ve been dedicating my time to: Lo que esta en me corazon, por Marcela Serrano, which I’m actually really enjoying.  The last book I finished for myself was Divining Women by Kaye Gibbons

What are you reading next? Next on *my* reading list is The Unbearable Lightness of Being by Milan Kundera (depending on how hard Una tarde con campanas by Juan Carlos  is, which is the next class book)

Well, Christmas was absolutely excellent I love my family. There are pictures here.

SIX days to VEGAS!!!! I can’t wait to go–and especially because I really miss Lindsey & can’t wait to see her!!!

And…SIXTEEN days to SPAIN! Omg. I can’t wait.

All About Love: New Visions by bell hooks is one of the best books I’ve ever read. I’m going to have to reread it like 80 times.

Talladega Nights is so much funnier than I thought it would be.

And because it’s almost the end of the year…here are some end o’ year surveys. Have a good night!

1) DRINKING BUDDY OF THE YEAR
Hmmm…gotta go with my lovable JL

2) LIFETIME SERVICE AWARD – LONGEST FRIEND(s)?
Jessica Yasmine

3) NEWCOMER AWARD – NEWEST FRIEND?
Hmm I gotta go with Rachel Adams.

3) HIGH POINT OF THE YEAR?
Oh wow; way too many…how abou…wow…¦ummmm…well. A lot of good stuff happened, but prob my haircut.

4) LOW POINT OF THE YEAR?
Frustration w/ the other half.  I agree with Candace

5) BEST HOLIDAY?
Christmas and Thanksgiving were both excellent

6) ANTHEM FOR 2006?
Hmmm.  Promiscuous by Nelly Furtado, or I Believe in Love by Indigo Girls

7) ANY REGRETS?
Nothing really. Well, maybe not checking the consulate website before going to Chicago lol. A lot of uneccesary stress right there.

BEST NIGHT OUT?
Well, there were actually quite a few of them. Definitely the night Candace came to visit Wake; oooh no the Salamanca Fiesta J

9) WORST NIGHT OUT?
Oy the weekend before Valentine’s Day; 1^st and last instances of drunk dialing.

10) WHO DID YOU SPEND VALENTINES WITH?
See above

11) BEST RELATIONSHIP?
Friendship: Kristen, & Christine Holcombe Romance: ha Family: Got really close with Bob & Beth sometimes

12) WORST RELATIONSHIP?
You don’t even want to know.

13) FIRST GIG OF THE YEAR?
Gig? I don’t think I had any.

14) Last gig of the year?
Again, no gigs.

15) BEST DECISION MADE THIS YEAR?
To go abroad officially; To cut my hair. To get a tattoo. To walk away.

16.) WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR NEXT YEAR?
Getting back in shape, seeing the WORLD, having some fun J, making some money, spending time with the family, applying for TFA, and making smart choices.

18) TWAT OF THE YEAR?
.. Where is number 17?!??! Oh. And… I dunno. I agree Candace! lol

19) MOST LOYAL FRIEND?
Beth, Kristen, Jessica Yasmine, Jamie Lee, Rachel Adams, Lauren Gaston, Lindsey, and Christine Holcombe.

20) BIGGEST CHANGE OF THE YEAR?
Oh wow um. There were a ton. Growing up a little more each day. Maybe learning how to say what I need.

In 2006 I…
[x] broke a promise
[ ] made a new best friend
[x] 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
[ ] kissed in the rain
[ ] kissed on a first date
[ ] 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
[ ] left the country
[ ] 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
[ ] 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
[x] had a high cell phone bill
[ ] had a fist fight
[x] went to the beach
[ ] saw a celebrity
[x] gotten sick
[x] liked more than 5 people at the same time
[x] became closer to a lot of people
[ ] kissed someone as the sun set