Not quite so uber list

I planned to do this sooner, but obviously my blog writing has been sucky.... I'm going to post just this and then post a progress report later. I know the numbering is off, but I am too lazy to fix it right now. 

HEALTH/FITNESS

1) Participate in intentional physical activity at least three times each week. - Log this more carefully in calendar the way I used to (set a monthly movement goal)

2) Drink at least three glasses of water daily.

3) Eat at least three servings of vegetables daily

4) Use lotion more regularly.

5) Stretch at my desk at least twice daily.

6) Test my fasting sugar at least three times per week and LOG IT

7) Read one motivational health-related book.

8) Get a mammogram

9) Get the colonoscopy

10) Continue to log my foods on My Fitness Pal.

11) Get 2 more massages this year.

12) Participate in the wellness programs through work insurance.

13) Get a flu shot

14) Get a pneumonia shot

15) Take supplements regularly

16) Lose 30 pounds 189.2 was January 2 starting weight

HOME IMPROVEMENT/ ORGANIZATION

17) Clean out the car extremely well at least once.

18) Get the oil changed in the car

19) Organize craft supplies - get rid of excess.

20) Install seat cover in car.

CRAFTS/ INTELLECTUAL PURSUITS/ ARTISTIC

20) Read at least twenty books and log in Goodreads.

21) Three of those should be books from Emily’s list of “Must reads” or Stephen King’s list

22) Three of those should be non-fiction or “educational”

23) Three of those should be memoirs

24) Knit at least ten hats (or other items) to give away.

25) Watch two movies off the “must see” list.

26) Go to a concert, even if I have to pay for tickets

27) Make a bag or purse.

28) Visit at least one Frank Lloyd Wright building and tour

29) Attend at least one play at BPP or IU Theatre or Cardinal

30) Crochet at least one more washcloth

31) Attend one IU Auditorium Show or opera

32) Take a class or workshop in something

33) Write in B-Town Bites monthly

34) Write two more columns and submit for paper

SOCIAL/ RECREATION/ SERVICE

33) Write five letters or cards

34) Go on a trip all by myself for at least two days.

35) Attend Buffalo Sisters at least three times.

36) Continue work at Interfaith Winter Shelter and Backpack Buddies

37) See one online friend in real life.

38) Take a girl trip with somebody somewhere

39) Take a trip to Jungle Jim's

40) Take a special trip for spring break or fall.

41) Go swimming at least three times (recreational)

42) Go camping (FL events count if I sleep outside)

43) Fly a kite

44) Go to the zoo

45) See as many fireworks as possible.

46) Try a new venue for karaoke!

47) Volunteer at one "one-time" event such as a run, etc...

48) Host at least two parties or gatherings

PARENTING

49) Write Emily a letter at least once

50) Write Britt a letter at least once

51) Babysit for Anna at least twice

FINANCIAL/ PROFESSIONAL

52) Complete my taxes by February 15th.

53) Keep checkbook balanced.

54) Present three new revenue producing or creative ideas at work.

55) Update resume

56) Apply for three local jobs

57) Look into Indy and Lafayette employment

FOOD/COOKING

58) Make fondue again

59) Work on whole grain biscotti recipe

MISC/ PERSONAL

60) Attend UU or Unity at least four times - one should be a Sunday!

61) Join a paid dating service and find one good date!

Writing workshop

I went to a spring writing circle at Women Writing for Change last night. In our first 10 minute write I followed the prompt "What did winter do to you?"

Winter fell so dark, so early this year. I struggled in a new physical space to feel grounded, located; home. I struggled to find comfort in my former escapes. Reading felt difficult and even easy books failed to capture my attention. Cooking seemed awkward. Ingredients purchased with the intention of filling, warming soups rotted to waste. Holidays felt cluttered and flat instead of sparkling and celebratory. What was once peaceful solitude froze into loneliness. 

Darkness and cold, long my enemies, became conquerors and my bed the only warm and soft place to land. 

Ha! depressed much? 

It was actually a great experience last night. Before I wrote that I wrote at the top of my page:

Be a good listener tonight! I really wanted to not be too wrapped up in self, but to pay attention to the other women. In our small circle where I read that writing out loud I really worked hard to pay attention to what the other women wrote and read and it felt almost like revelation to immediately hear the power in what they read and to notice some of the devices that they both, almost unconsciously it seemed, used on their writing. 

We had a second write and I tried to get out of winter and think more about spring. It is a more stream of consciousness writing, and piecey. 

Spring signals

Forsythia

Open car windows, loud radio

Open window sleeping

Sandals, no socks!

I need to learn to love myself no matter where I am physically as in location, physically in my appearance, physically as in my health. I am a better person and actually love myself more the more I step outside; step outside my bed, step outside my thoughts, step outside of buildings into nature! Get outside, look outside, be outside. All those spring signals are moot if I am not looking OUT to enjoy them. I can talk myself out of it far too easily. By LISTENING I am trying to direct my attention out, but it is okay to direct positive feelings IN as well. Sadness vs. anger - it's easier to direct out... 

Daffodil in the snow this week. Oh, Indiana.