Wednesday Was...

• Awesome...because I got the BEST belated birthday present ever from my best red headed Michigander friend.

FYI: I have ZERO recollection of trying to climb that pole. I couldn't even tell you what country it was in.

There could not be a more perfect quote for me. This speaks to my souuuuul.

• Stuffy...because I have a cold and can barely breathe. But I did decide it was better to suffer through  the day with a cold then take nighttime cold medicine at work.
• Busy...because I covered for lots of different teachers during my down time and finished two kid books during the day.
• Snowy...because it snowed.

Guess who lives in that purple circle? #Please don't stalk me.

• Cozy...because I was wrapped up in a scarf all day.
• Festive...because I made heart shamrocks.
• Relieving...because I am no longer a slave to the unemployment Gods. (It went in my favor BTW.)

Leap Day (Leap Year Day?) is like a free space on the 2012 calendar; an extra day to do whatever your heart desires. So on that note, I will be using this extra day to snuggle on the couch, write to some friends, cook a delicious dinner and make the following wish:

I hope tomorrow is a snow day. 

I hope tomorrow is a snow day. 

I hope tomorrow is a snow day.

I hope tomorrow is a snow day.

*New list coming later tonight!

    

Number Twenty-Four & Number Twenty-Nine

Number 24: Make 1,000 paper cranes...a fraction of a check.

I added this to The List without much thought other than: "I've made a few paper cranes, making 1,000 would be crazy."

Well...it turns out that 1,000 is a lot. I ended up with 200ish and called it quits. Folding a thousand cranes is supposed to make a wish come true, but so does blowing out a birthday candle...and cake is way less work.

I decided that finishing this goal wasn't a priority of mine but some day I will string up all the cranes I did fold and cover some of the white wall space in my apartment.

_____________________________________

Number 29: Document The List in a minibook...started.

And will be finished.

Someday...I promise.

All The Rest...

Number 1: Find a job I love.

Well...I found a job I like. I am still a paraprofessional and still NOT a real teacher but I genuinely enjoy (most) of my days at school/work. After the drama that ensued post W-Ford, I really thought that I never wanted to work in a school ever again. But after some soul searching and complete lack of alternative career paths, I still want to be a teacher.

Number 4: (Private goal).

Accomplished...somewhat.

Number  9: Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge.

Didn't happen. Still want it to. Maybe in April?

Number 10: Get all of my financial stuff in order.

Started to consolidate and file statements, bills, and old tax stuff. Will continue to pursue this as I work to declutter my apartment (and life).

Number 16: Shoot a gun.

The opportunity was there but I failed to carpe the diem.

Number 17: Go cliff diving.

Seasonal. Didn't complete in time. Thought about trying to locate a high dive at an indoor pool as a safer option. I still want to do this at some point in my life...maybe on a tropical vacation with high cliffs and crystal clear water that I can see through.

Number 21: Screen print a t-shirt.

Couldn't settle on a design. Thought about making a "race" shirt for my unofficial 5k but just didn't make it happen.

Number 22: Private goal.

Didn't happen.

Number 26: Spend 24 hours in bed.

I imagined a day of naps, reading, and movies under a canopy of sheer fabric and twinkle lights...kind of like this: 

but the closest I came was sleeping for 13 hours straight when I was feeling under the weather and spending the remaining 11 hours on the couch napping. Someday I'll have a twinkle light, canopy, bed fort.

____________________________________

I know the idea was to complete everything on The List before I turned 30 but as the year passed a few things happened. I procrastinated, I allowed myself to miss out on opportunities, and I changed my mind about some of my goals...and I'm okay with that. I enjoyed completing the things on this list and at the end of the day, that is what matters most.

Despite the apprehension I had about turning 30, it will be fun to look back on my 29th year and remember it fondly. Thanks to everyone who supported my endeavors, participated in the adventures, and followed along vicariously. Here's to another year and another list.

Number Thirteen

Bake/Cook 13 new things...check!

I had so much fun and made so many messes during my Cooking with Amy adventures. Anticipate many more in the future!

Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls - Grade: B+

Delicious but too much work!

Lemon Pie Goodness - Grade: A

Easy to make, healthy, and delicious.

Naan - Grade: D

Old yeast didn't rise...kind of pancakey.

The Best Chocolate Cake Ever - Grade: A-

Sunken cake = ALL THE FROSTING!

French Bread - A

Crunchy outside, soft inside.

PB Frosted Chocolate Cupcakes - A

YUM YUM YUM!

Smoothies - Grade: A

Delicious...and so many smoothies since!

Pretzels - Grade: A

Chubby pretzels. Best right out of the oven.

Shrimp Pasta - Grade: B-

Looked pretty...didn't taste like much.

Egg Roll Wrapper Tortellini and Ravioli - Grade: B+

Cute! Had to Google how to wrap them.

Huge ravioli. Lots of work.

Trifle - Grade: B

This was an engineering feat. Good but not great.

Banana Bread Muffins - Grade: B+

Would have been perfect with a little more banana.

Grilled Pizza - Grade: A+

This has become a staple on the Everyday Parent grill.

  

Number Six

Take a road trip...check?!?

Again, when I added road trip to The List, I anticipated a long term solo drive with multiple stops...and someday I will take that trip. I will explore and visit new places. But this past year time and money limited me to smaller road trips. But let me be clear, smaller does not mean less awesome.

First, there was Maine.

I took a day trip and went to the wrong state to see some rusted trucks.

There were many road trips to WEMA only one of which resulted in windshield damage.

And we can't forget Michigan and Chicago!

  

Number Twelve

Read all of Roald Dahl's books...check!

I love Roald Dahl. His books never cease to entertain me and I love reading them aloud to kids. While researching Roald Dahl's catalog of work, I quickly decided to exclude his numerous (50+) short stories. Therefore, this goal includes only Roald Dahl children's books and biographies. FYI: I completed some of these books before the official start of The List so below are my notes, thoughts, or recollections of the stories.

The books:

The Mildenhall Treasure - A true story about a poor farmer who dug up a Roman treasure. His boss took it and tried to hide it but it was found out. Roald Dahl read about it and offered the man half of his book money if he would let him tell the story.

My Year - An observation of nature throughout the months of the year.

Rhyme Stew - Funny poems!

The Missing Golden Ticket - Secrets behind Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. There were originally more golden tickets!

Going Solo - Follow up to Boy. Crazy stories like watching a lady being carried off by a lion.

Boy - Autobiography. Interesting to read about the experiences that inspired several of his novels.

The Giraffe and The Pelly and Me - A giraffe, a pelican and a monkey paint houses.

James and the Giant Peach - Better than I thought it would be. Hadn't read it since 3rd-ish grade.

Vile Verses - Funny poems.

The Minpins - Tiny people who live in trees get saved by a boy riding a swan.

Danny the Champion of the World - This book really surprised me. It's a story about a boy and his dad who figure out an ingenious way to poach pheasants. I loved this book.

The BFG - It took me a long time to get past the dialect that the giants used but I ended up enjoying this book quite a bit.

Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator - Had high hopes after Charlie and the Chocolate Factory but I thought this book was so random and disjointed that I couldn't wait to get through it.

Revolting Rhymes - Hilarious retelling of classic fairy tales. Red Riding Hood shoots and skins the wolf and makes him into a coat. Later, Red shows up to help the 3rd Little Pig. She takes care of that wolf, makes another fur coat and turns the pig into a leather bag! Watch it here.

George's Marvelous Medicine - George makes medicine and grows GIANT animals.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory - I enjoyed this more than I thought I would. A bit different from the movie.

The Twits - Mean, grumpy people. That's all I remember.

The Vicar of Nibbleswicke - A hilarious short novel about a Vicar who mixes up all of his words and drama ensues.

Esio Trot - Tortoise spelled backwards. A sweet love story about an old man who seeks the attention of a tortoise loving lady.

The Magic Finger - Um...his finger zaps people?

The Enormous Crocodile - A big croc gobbles up little children.

Matilda - A magic little girl takes on the Trunchbull and prevails!

The Witches - My favorite Roald Dahl book! Full of suspense, great description and a wonderful villain. Read it!

Fantastic Mr. Fox - Eh. Foxes underground being clever/conniving.

Someday, I hope to plow through Roald Dahl's short stories because his writing never ceases to amaze me. Now go pick up a book!


    

It's Official!

While birthday weekend actually started yesterday, the real festivities begin tonight. Some things you should know:

• Nails will be painted.
• Hair will be did.
• Goodie bags will be given.
• Fun will be had.
• So much fun.
• Drinks will be drank.
• Food will be eaten.
• Money will be gambled away.
• I will win big!
• Memories will be made.
• 30 will be awesome.

And the theme song of all this awesomeness (minus the outfits) is: 

Also, along with an epic birthday recap, updates on The List are forthcoming. AND, you guessed it...a NEW list is on its way!

    

I Am in the Twilight of My Youth*

It's Birthday Eve! My last night as a twenty-something. <---That is kind of a BIG DEAL! Although what is even more of a bigger deal is that by turning 29+1, I am actually beginning my 4th decade on this planet!

In case you were not aware, I've been anticipating freaking out about this birthday for the past year 10 years of my life. I always assumed that by 29+1 I would be settled in a career, married, a property owner and possibly thinking about having kids. Instead, I find myself still figuring things out...on all fronts. And...this may surprise you...but I think I'm okay with that.

I've always done things at my own pace, in my own convoluted way so why would I think major life decisions/milestones would be any different? I'm slowly coming to accept the fact that I should not compare my life circumstances to others and certainly not against a number. <---Evidence of me growing up!

Tomorrow, I officially become a grownup. Remember that Britney Spears song, "I'm not a girl, not yet a woman"? Well tomorrow, I move from the girl side to the lady side of that equation.

As Dirty Thirty weekend is about to commence I would like to summarize the last 10 years...bullet style.

• Transferred from UVM to UMASS.
• Studied abroad in England.
• Traveled to Spain, Italy, Scotland and Ireland.
• Spent a final summer at camp.
• Earned a Bachelor's Degree.
• Moved home.
• Worked retail for the first time.
• Realized I wanted to be a teacher.
• Earned a Master's Degree.
• Got my first "real" job.
• Got my second "real" job.
• Moved out of my parent's house.
• Lived alone for the first time.
• Spent 6 short months as a 4th grade teacher.
• Started a blog.
• Spent 12 long months unemployed.
• Made The List.
• Returned to my second "real" job.
• Made some new amazing friends.

Here's to the next 10 years being even more awesome!

Read last year's birthday post here.

* Ryan Adams sang this.

Number Fifteen

Make a serious effort at writing outlining a book...check!

I've spent the last 10 years hemming and hawing about writing a book. But what kind? A novel? A children's book?

In the fall, I was finally inspired to write...and then my computer crashed. Luckily D&O lent me a laptop and I got to work on...a memoir. I know, I know. How exciting can my life be? But I think that a good story teller (and yes I'm insinuating that I am one so don't tell me otherwise) can capture an audience with any story.

So while I did not pen a memoir in the past 12 months, I made a serious effort at outlining a memoir.

11 Chapters.
4,000 Word Outline.

Stay tuned.

   

Number Five

Try 5 new foods....check!

This is the goal that people were most excited about "helping" with...and by helping I mean shoving weird food in my mouth and laughing as I made faces like this:

I managed to try more than 5 things thanks to all my friends who like to see me squirm. Here is what I tried:

1. An olive. By far, the worst and most traumatic taste test. (Everyday Brother promised it would taste like olive oil.) It was actually the first new food that I tried so it's basically a miracle that I continued to try new things.

2. Refried beans. Tried these on National Margarita Day in front of people who I had never met before. Gross.

3. A jalapeno slice. Surprisingly, not as horrible as I thought it would be. Still probably won't be eating them in the future.

4. Guacamole. No photo. Didn't like it.

5 & 6. Sun Drop and Sweet Red. Liked the wine...have had it since. Feared for my life drinking the Sun Drop.  Nothing in nature is that color. It was the color of liquid highlighters.

7. Greek yogurt. In big, red letters it said, "DO NOT STIR"...but I did...obviously. Plain Greek yogurt is bitter and gross. Of course you are supposed to mix in the sweet strawberry syrup-goodness.

8 & 9. Quinoa veggie curls and Tofu noodles. Did not compare to real pasta. At all.

10. Homemade hummus. Didn't like it...didn't hate it. It just didn't do anything for me. I prefer my chips white and my dip made of cheese.

11. Some type of sauce at a Mexican restaurant that I was told was BBQ sauce but was most definitely not. Perhaps the spiciest thing I've ever tasted. I made both of my dinner guests try it just so I could feel less awful about having to try it alone.

12. Vegan Rosh Hashanah. Tried LOTS of new foods in one night...and lived to tell about it.

When I added this goal to The List, I hoped to find new foods that I enjoyed, but mostly I wanted to be more open to trying new things. I am a picky eater and often assume that I won't like something without trying it. Accomplishing this goal has really pushed me into taking chances on new things. I didn't like a lot of the things that I tried, but at least now I can say I tried it and I don't like it.

A few weeks ago, I was at a friend's house and she had made dip for veggies using Greek yogurt. Even though I don't really care for Greek yogurt AND the dip was GREEN, I dunked a carrot into it without thinking twice. Said friend noticed my brave behavior and commented that I was trying new things without  being coerced!

Moving forward, I hope to keep trying new foods sans the pressure of people watching for my reaction!

     

Numero Dos*

Read 56 books...check!

As part of my Read 1,000 Books initiative, I set a goal to read one book per week.

Shortest book read: 32 pages...Revolting Rhymes by Roald Dahl.

Longest book read: 912 pages...The Girl Who Kicked the Hornets Nest (Large Print) by Steig Larsson.

Oldest book read: 1911 The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett.

Newest book read: 2011 Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? by Mindy Kaling.

Biggest waste of time: Behind the Bell by Dustin Diamond.

Favorites: On Writing by Stephen King

                  The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

                  The Year of Living Biblically by A. J. Jacobs

                

I achieved this goal ahead of time due in part to some high volume reading months:

This year I read mostly fiction books, but also enjoyed many memoirs and non-fiction books:

It's no surprise that because of #12 on The List, I read a lot of Roald Dahl books. But I also read a lot of books from:

And one last chart because obviously I had fun learning to make charts in Pages:

I'm glad that I read so much this year and I fully intend to continue reading as much as possible because it drives me crazy that no matter how hard I try, I'll never be able to read all the books. <--- Yes, I realize I'm a nerd. I've embraced it.

I've decided to add all of the picture books that I've read in second grade this year to my 1,000 books list for two reasons. 1) I did, in fact, read them.  2) It will bump up my total!

* In Spanish because I didn't want to call such an epic post Number Two.

 

One Final Letter

Dear 2011,

I was going to take the time to honor you in a month by month recap of all that was awesome this year (much like the BFF). But as you quickly come to a close, I just can't be bothered because that is a lot of links.

So 2011, you weren't terrible...you weren't amazing.  But I'm choosing to be positive. I was unemployed and then employed. I did some crafty things. I made new friends.  I watched a lot of How I Met Your Mother. I mourned the loss of my computer.  I lost some weight.  I had crazy adventures in second grade. I made new goals...and achieved some of them. I cooked a lot. I (mostly) stopped drinking coffee, soda and juice. I read a lot of books. I worked on The List.  

Now, I bid you adieu with a half-hearted good bye. I'm so excited for 2012. Resolutions, new goals, and a new list to come!

XOXO,
Amy

  

Number 11

Way back in August I visited with some besties in the wonderful land of Michigan.  In three short days we toured Kalamazoo, ate breakfast in Holland, swam in the ocean Lake Michigan, went on a crazy dune ride, watched the sunset and a lightning storm from the end of a pier, rode in a golf cart, had a picnic, drove across the state, ate lasagna, went to a farmer's market, and climbed a mountain.

It was a small mountain. New Englanders would probably classify it as a hill.  But Michiganders call it Mount Baldhead...so it counts.

Here's the thing about Mount Baldhead...one side looks like a mountain with forest and trees and the other side is a GIANT sand dune.  Strange but awesome.  To protect against erosion, someone erected an enormous staircase up the side of the mountain.  Yes...stairs.

We climbed stairs up the entire side of a mountain which was probably harder than just hiking up the mountain would have been.  Luckily, there were resting spots every few flights.

We made it to the top!

There was a lot of graffiti on the observation deck but this was my favorite:

After exploring the backside of the dune for a bit we headed back down which was actually worse than going up.  Staring down all the stairs was such an optical illusion and I was convinced I was going to trip and somersault down 300 stairs.  My quads were quivering by the time we got to the bottom.

Apparently there is a yearly 15K (9 mile) race that ENDS by running up all 300ish stairs. That sounds heinous.