101 Things in 365 Days
The time has again come.
Two years ago, I did a "101 Things" challenge. Now, originally, the 101 Things were meant to be completed in 1001 days (check out the dayzeroproject). But in 2013, I decided to make a list I would complete in just one year. 365 days. That's it. I did pretty well, actually. I completed almost the entire list.
In 2014 I had so much going on I decided against doing a list. I felt pretty lost most of the year, like I was fighting just to catch up.
So for 2015, I'm opting to do it again. And so, without going on too much longer, I give you the List: 101 Things to complete in 2015.
The Rules:
1) Complete a List of 101 Things to do in 2015, and start a blog to keep track of progress. (This item can only be completed by updating progress throughout all 2015, and cannot be checked off until Dec. 31, 2015)
Health and Wellness:
2) Exercise 30 minutes daily (except rest days) for 1 month
3) Complete a Mile Swim
4) Lose 40 pounds
5) Complete a 90 Day workout plan, such as P90X
6) Run a 5K
7) Try PiYo
8) Complete a pull-up challenge (1 pull-up each week until doing 52 consecutive pull-ups)
9) No junk food for 1 week
10) No junk food for 1 month
11) No junk food for 3 months
12) Measurement Mondays - take body measurements every Monday to track fitness goals
13) Learn more about nutrition
14) Keep a food journal for 1 week
15) Keep a food journal for 1 month
16) Bench press 150 (3 sets, 10 reps)
17) Reach hydration goals for 90 consecutive days (128 oz. daily)
18) Give up potato chips for the ENTIRE YEAR
19) Begin martial arts training again
20) No eating after 10pm for 1 week
21) No eating after 10pm for 1 month
22) No eating after 10pm for 3 months
23) Feed my Face, Nature's Classroom style
Reading/Writing:
24) Finish Whispering Pines, volume 2 and publish
25) Publish second children's book, "Alligators Under the Bed"
26) Read one book for every letter of the alphabet (Alphabet Challenge, 27-32 don't count)
27) Read "Watership Down" - challenge by Spencer Sweeting
28) Read "Malazan Book of the Fallen" - challenge by Jeremy Button
29) Read "Last Chance to See" - challenge by Bethany Morrow
30) Read "Brave New World" - challenge by JD Chandler
31) Read "Divergent" - challenge by Katie Del Rosso
32) Read (title TDB) - as chosen by Sarah Fedchak
33) Write one "out of genre" story
34) Complete one "Dr. Jekyllstein" book
35) Read the Gospels
36) Read at least 10 pages every day
37) Submit an article to Aquatics International
38) Read a book based on its cover
39) Read one non-fiction book
40) Spend an afternoon reading/writing at a coffee shop
41) Learn how to promote my writing, then do it!
42) Enter a writing contest
Outdoors/Adventure:
43) Go camping in the 1000 Islands
44) Go rock climbing (free climbing and bouldering count)
45) Go kayaking
46) Plant a tree
47) Sleep at least one night in the hammock
48) Go on at least one 5 mile (or longer!) hike
49) Using only a knife, make a bow drill and start a fire with it
50) Hike at Letchworth State Park
51) Hike in the Alabama Swamps
52) Hike the Falls Loop at Rickett's Glen with Tessa on my back
53) Be able to identify 10 constellations and know the mythology/lore behind them.
54) Make a new Dutch Oven recipe
And the rest:
55) Complete the Halloween Cookbook
56) Go to bed by midnight every night for 3 months
57) Sell something at First Friday
58) Complete every unfinished project in the Projects box
59) Design/build a workshop
60) Call an old friend/ write letters each month
61) Establish the Lycoming Outdoor Learning Initiative
62) Complete the 365 Day Penny Saving challenge
63) Spend $0 on the credit card (except gas)
64) Donate to Toys for Tots
65) Give blood
66) Actually get organized
67) On a randomly selected day, say "yes" to everything (cannot be Dec. 31)
68) Go 1 week without TV (camping does not count)
69) Go 1 month without Facebook
70) Throw a killer Halloween Party (see what I did there?)
71) Take the girls to an aquarium
72) Re-connect with Jay Button
73) Send a friend a care package (for no reason whatsoever)
74) Start learning (or re-learning) a new language
75) Learn to cook one European recipe
76) Learn to cook one Asian recipe
77) Learn to cook one Oceanic recipe
78) Learn to cook one African recipe
79) Visit Camp Dittmer
80) Keep a "Things to be Joyful About" Journal
81) Build a cool bookshelf
82) Screen Guardians of the Galaxy, either in the pool or in the backyard
83) Learn to make the cream leaf in coffee
84) Successfully complete a crossword without giving up
85) Get my passport
86) Brew my own beer
87) Memorize an epic speech (video or it doesn't count)
88) Pull off an epic office prank
89) Make something at the Corning Museum of Glass
90) Buy a new pair of sunglasses and somehow manage not to lose them
91) Complete a 31 Days of Halloween list and actually do all the things on it
92) Go to a Haunted House/Hayride
93) Have a movie marathon (minimum 3 movies)
94) Buy a leather journal
95) Memorize a new story
96) Host a storytelling night
97) Learn to make a Long Island Iced Tea
98) Post at least 10 "Dad Vs." articles
99) Start a Pay It Forward Journal - send it out, see where it goes
100) Save $1 for every completed task
101) Donate $5 for every task not completed by Dec. 31, 2015
Friday, January 2, 2015
Sunday, February 23, 2014
"Music is Life."
"One good thing about music, when it hits you, you feel no pain." ~ Bob Marley
When was the last time you listened to music? And I don't mean in the car. I don't mean as you do homework or the dishes. I don't mean in the background. When was the last time you sat down and truly just listened to music? It's not easy, I guess. We lead very busy lives, who has time to sit and listen to music without multi-tasking?
We all do. We just need to take the time.
I'm writing this post because today I realized I'm guilty of keeping music in the background. You know who's not guilty of it? My daughter.
S is 20 months old, and a very curious, active toddler. She loves to explore the world around her, loves to climb on everything, and loves to read. She was doing exactly that today as I was working on my latest children's story. I had The Piano Guys on in the background. Their rendition of "Let It Go" from Disney's Frozen came on, and when I looked up, there sat S in the middle of the living room floor, swaying to the music.
To my knowledge, she has never before heard this song. But when it came on, she put her book down and concentrated on the music. There were no words, from the song nor from her. I sat mesmerized as she first started rocking left and right in time with the beat, then stood and twirled as the music picked up. When the song really hit its climax, she raised her arms and danced along, completely enveloped in a world where only she and the music existed. And when the song ended, she clapped and giggled, then went right back to reading her book.
I stared at her for a long time after that. I wondered, "What does she know that I don't?" It's not an easy answer, but perhaps it isn't about what she knows, but rather what she doesn't know.
S has the benefit of limited experience in this world. At 20 months old, she is still full of wonder and excitement. There are still so many things she is experiencing for the very first time, and new types of music is a wonder that will keep on being new for her for years to come. She knows nothing of homework, or the pressures of a commute, or the idea that pure, uninterrupted silence can be scary. She has not yet been jaded by the idea that music is background for life. For her, music fills her world and makes her feel, the way it should make us all feel. It's not just tones and sounds to her, it's more than that.
Ask anyone who has a passion for an instrument or for singing, and they will probably tell you that music - and the way it makes them feel - cannot fully be explained, it must be experienced. I think, as a society, we've lost our wonder for music (and other things, but that's for another post).
Try this little exercise, and maybe we can rediscover a passion for music together.
Step 1: Pick your playlist.
I'll make some suggestions, but by no means do you have to follow them. Pick music that is interesting, that is more than just noise. Pick music that reminds you of the past, gives you hope for the future, that pumps you up or mellows you out. Pick music that means something. If you're at a loss, here are some of the songs I listen to, and why I listen to them.
And I mean everything. For the next few minutes, the goal is to just sit and listen. So forget the dishes and the bills, put away the homework, stop writing that report that's due at the end of the week. Take 10 minutes of your day and let yourself experience music.
Step 3: Press play.
Step 4: Let your mind wander.
Allow yourself to reminisce about the first time you heard this song, or whichever memories may come up. Try to be conscious of the emotions the music brings up. Let yourself feel them.
Step 4.5: Express yourself.
Some people like to sing along with their favorite songs. Do it! Singing releases endorphins, which will help you generally feel better about the day and help you deal with stress. If singing isn't your thing, try this: grab some paper and something to draw with (I suggest crayons). As you listen, draw whatever comes to mind. It doesn't matter if you're not a Rembrandt, you don't have to show anyone the drawing. The object is to explore where the music takes you.
Step 5: Deep breath, and continue.
Take as long as you're able for this little exercise. If you're like me, you maybe only get 5-10 minutes in the day to try something like this. If you find you have more time and want to continue, then by all means go for it!
Step 6: Understand the difference between "music" and a "music lifestyle."
Simply put: BB King is about the music, Miley Cyrus is about the lifestyle. Ask yourself which you're really trying to experience.
Step 7: Repeat as needed.
Feel free to listen to any genre you like. Different types of music appeal to different people. I may not particularly like pop music, but it's got a good beat and you can dance to it.
Let me know how it goes. Leave a comment with playlists you're using, I'm always up for exploring new music!
When was the last time you listened to music? And I don't mean in the car. I don't mean as you do homework or the dishes. I don't mean in the background. When was the last time you sat down and truly just listened to music? It's not easy, I guess. We lead very busy lives, who has time to sit and listen to music without multi-tasking?
We all do. We just need to take the time.
I'm writing this post because today I realized I'm guilty of keeping music in the background. You know who's not guilty of it? My daughter.
S is 20 months old, and a very curious, active toddler. She loves to explore the world around her, loves to climb on everything, and loves to read. She was doing exactly that today as I was working on my latest children's story. I had The Piano Guys on in the background. Their rendition of "Let It Go" from Disney's Frozen came on, and when I looked up, there sat S in the middle of the living room floor, swaying to the music.
To my knowledge, she has never before heard this song. But when it came on, she put her book down and concentrated on the music. There were no words, from the song nor from her. I sat mesmerized as she first started rocking left and right in time with the beat, then stood and twirled as the music picked up. When the song really hit its climax, she raised her arms and danced along, completely enveloped in a world where only she and the music existed. And when the song ended, she clapped and giggled, then went right back to reading her book.
I stared at her for a long time after that. I wondered, "What does she know that I don't?" It's not an easy answer, but perhaps it isn't about what she knows, but rather what she doesn't know.
S has the benefit of limited experience in this world. At 20 months old, she is still full of wonder and excitement. There are still so many things she is experiencing for the very first time, and new types of music is a wonder that will keep on being new for her for years to come. She knows nothing of homework, or the pressures of a commute, or the idea that pure, uninterrupted silence can be scary. She has not yet been jaded by the idea that music is background for life. For her, music fills her world and makes her feel, the way it should make us all feel. It's not just tones and sounds to her, it's more than that.
Ask anyone who has a passion for an instrument or for singing, and they will probably tell you that music - and the way it makes them feel - cannot fully be explained, it must be experienced. I think, as a society, we've lost our wonder for music (and other things, but that's for another post).
Try this little exercise, and maybe we can rediscover a passion for music together.
Step 1: Pick your playlist.
I'll make some suggestions, but by no means do you have to follow them. Pick music that is interesting, that is more than just noise. Pick music that reminds you of the past, gives you hope for the future, that pumps you up or mellows you out. Pick music that means something. If you're at a loss, here are some of the songs I listen to, and why I listen to them.
- Michael Kamen: "An American Symphony" (awesome blend of American-style rock and European-style classical music. If this doesn't give you goosebumps from its awesomeness, nothing will)
- BB King: "The Thrill is Gone" (oh, Blues. Is there anything with more soul?)
- The Piano Guys: "Let It Go" (It's about wonder. I've yet to see Frozen, but this makes me feel like I'm a kid again, playing in a winter wonderland among the pine trees)
- Shinedown: "Unity" (makes me think we could all do better. For some reason I attribute this song to the Avengers soundtrack, even though it wasn't included on that album)
- Neil Diamond: "Coming to America" (embodies the spirit of the nation. Patriotic and powerful)
- Foo Fighters: "Walk" (this is my 'bad day' song. I first experienced this song via music video, which is fun and helps me realize that my day probably isn't all that bad.)
- Ennio Morricone: "The Ecstacy of Gold" (I'm all over the place with this one. It can pump me up, calm me down, make me feel adventurous, or even conjure up ideas for stories. It doesn't disappoint)
And I mean everything. For the next few minutes, the goal is to just sit and listen. So forget the dishes and the bills, put away the homework, stop writing that report that's due at the end of the week. Take 10 minutes of your day and let yourself experience music.
Step 3: Press play.
Step 4: Let your mind wander.
Allow yourself to reminisce about the first time you heard this song, or whichever memories may come up. Try to be conscious of the emotions the music brings up. Let yourself feel them.
Step 4.5: Express yourself.
Some people like to sing along with their favorite songs. Do it! Singing releases endorphins, which will help you generally feel better about the day and help you deal with stress. If singing isn't your thing, try this: grab some paper and something to draw with (I suggest crayons). As you listen, draw whatever comes to mind. It doesn't matter if you're not a Rembrandt, you don't have to show anyone the drawing. The object is to explore where the music takes you.
Step 5: Deep breath, and continue.
Take as long as you're able for this little exercise. If you're like me, you maybe only get 5-10 minutes in the day to try something like this. If you find you have more time and want to continue, then by all means go for it!
Step 6: Understand the difference between "music" and a "music lifestyle."
Simply put: BB King is about the music, Miley Cyrus is about the lifestyle. Ask yourself which you're really trying to experience.
Step 7: Repeat as needed.
Feel free to listen to any genre you like. Different types of music appeal to different people. I may not particularly like pop music, but it's got a good beat and you can dance to it.
Let me know how it goes. Leave a comment with playlists you're using, I'm always up for exploring new music!
“Music? Music is life! It’s physical emotion - you
can touch it! It’s neon ecto-energy sucked out of spirits and switched
into sound waves for your ears to swallow. Are you telling me, what,
that it’s boring? You don’t have time for it?” ~Isaac Marion
Thursday, February 13, 2014
How to Survive: Valentine's Day
Listen up, guys. From what I'm hearing, most of you are sucking it up BIG TIME on the whole Valentine's Day thing. The women in our collective lives deserve a lot better than the same roses as last year and a booth at the same old restaurant.
Let's break this down, shall we?
Step 1: Understand that 90% of women have seen and heard the same old thing on Valentine's Day, year in and year out.
They want something new, something original. Do yourself a favor and put a little effort into the evening. You'll need to know a few basic details about your date. Is she the 'snuggle up on the couch for a movie' kind of girl or is she game for a little bit more adventure? Let's explore both options, starting with a romantic, at home date.
Step 2: Show her it's about her.
Turn off your phone. Put away the Playstation and get out the best dishes you own. Buy yourself a nice tablecloth and a good bottle of wine. And I mean it; turn off your phone.
Step 3: Forget the flowers and the chocolate.
You can plan and execute a Valentine's Day date that will blow her mind without breaking the bank. Every girl gets a dozen roses, so try one of these instead:
An origami rose shows thought and effort. Origami is tricky, so follow the instructions closely. Trust me, she'll appreciate the trouble you went to. Need more help? Try this.
Silk flowers are a time saver and decently cost effective. Add to that the fact that they'll never shrivel and die on her, and she'll always have a reminder of the magical night you gave her.
Step 4: Try cooking instead of going out.
Any schmuck can book a table, but takes a man of talent and persistence to have a romantic meal ready for his date. No good at cooking? Try one of these easy - moderate meals:
Step 5: Set the mood.
Turn off the lights. Unplug the TV. Set a little music on low and light some candles. Even if you're only using tea lights (or battery operated LED candles), the atmosphere will be perfect. Down to the last minute and you still need to get some candles? Dollar stores have a decent selection at budget-friendly prices. Trust me, she'll be too busy enjoying herself to care where they came from.
Step 6: Enjoy dinner, and don't forget dessert
Step 7: Don't stop at dessert!
If she's of a mind for a low-key, stay at home date, try these movies:
No matter what date you choose, remember that you're trying to show her how much you care. Pull her chair out for her. Stand if she gets up to use the restroom. Offer her your arm as you stroll along the walk. Do everything you can to make her feel special, because she's worth every ounce of effort you have.
Good luck, have fun, and have a Happy Valentine's Day!
Let's break this down, shall we?
Step 1: Understand that 90% of women have seen and heard the same old thing on Valentine's Day, year in and year out.
They want something new, something original. Do yourself a favor and put a little effort into the evening. You'll need to know a few basic details about your date. Is she the 'snuggle up on the couch for a movie' kind of girl or is she game for a little bit more adventure? Let's explore both options, starting with a romantic, at home date.
Step 2: Show her it's about her.
Turn off your phone. Put away the Playstation and get out the best dishes you own. Buy yourself a nice tablecloth and a good bottle of wine. And I mean it; turn off your phone.
Step 3: Forget the flowers and the chocolate.
You can plan and execute a Valentine's Day date that will blow her mind without breaking the bank. Every girl gets a dozen roses, so try one of these instead:
- a single red rose
- an origami rose
- silk flowers
An origami rose shows thought and effort. Origami is tricky, so follow the instructions closely. Trust me, she'll appreciate the trouble you went to. Need more help? Try this.
Silk flowers are a time saver and decently cost effective. Add to that the fact that they'll never shrivel and die on her, and she'll always have a reminder of the magical night you gave her.
Step 4: Try cooking instead of going out.
Any schmuck can book a table, but takes a man of talent and persistence to have a romantic meal ready for his date. No good at cooking? Try one of these easy - moderate meals:
- Spaghetti Carbonara. Savory. Sweet. Sexy. She'll love the Italian feel, you'll love that there's bacon.
- Bruschetta. Anyone can make bruschetta. Serve it on the side or on its own, either way she'll be impressed.
- French Toast. Breakfast for dinner? Edgy and fun. This promises to be a great alternative she'll never expect. Try one of these recipes, just look for your favorite ingredients!
- If all else fails, order in from her favorite restaurant and plate it like this:
Step 5: Set the mood.
Turn off the lights. Unplug the TV. Set a little music on low and light some candles. Even if you're only using tea lights (or battery operated LED candles), the atmosphere will be perfect. Down to the last minute and you still need to get some candles? Dollar stores have a decent selection at budget-friendly prices. Trust me, she'll be too busy enjoying herself to care where they came from.
Step 6: Enjoy dinner, and don't forget dessert
Step 7: Don't stop at dessert!
If she's of a mind for a low-key, stay at home date, try these movies:
- The Princess Bride (1987). Smart, witty, romantic, and downright hilarious at times. You'll both enjoy this one.
- 50 First Dates (2004). One of the better Adam Sandler rom-coms. Drew Barrymore nails it, as usual.
- Casablanca (1942). Every woman loves this movie for the romance. Every guy should love this movie because Rick is a certified badass. The perfect blend for Valentine's Day.
- Tangled (2010). Disney has been cranking out some great animated movies lately. If you haven't seen Tangled yet, settle in for some fun
- Date Night (2010). If you and your date have been together awhile, this is the perfect movie to help spice up the night. Steve Carell and Tina Fey are fantastic.
- Firing Range. I've yet to meet the girl that was not at least curious about how she'd do at a firing range. Whether it's handguns or compound bows, this is a thrill she's sure to remember. Check out local options for this, range fees are usually pretty reasonable and instructors are always on hand to help out.
- Rock Climbing. Indoor gyms are everywhere these days. You can rent equipment and get started in a matter of minutes. Make a few innocent challenges, such as whoever gets to the top first doesn't pay for drinks afterward.
- Dress Rehearsal. If there is a college or a community arts center near you, check the listings to see if there are any dress rehearsals coming up. Normally, theaters and performing arts centers will sell you tickets to the rehearsal at a huge discount. Just inquire at the ticket office to find the availability. Have some fun with it, get dressed up and pretend the theater was reserved just for you.
No matter what date you choose, remember that you're trying to show her how much you care. Pull her chair out for her. Stand if she gets up to use the restroom. Offer her your arm as you stroll along the walk. Do everything you can to make her feel special, because she's worth every ounce of effort you have.
Good luck, have fun, and have a Happy Valentine's Day!
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