The Official 101 List: Reflecting on goals 1-20

I mentioned the other day that I was going to spend some time reviewing my Official 101 list, and since then I have been doing just that.

I officially launched the list last May and it's so interesting to see how much things can change in 6 months. Some things have changed in terms of being accomplished, while other things have changed in terms of priority. Already some items on the list that were "vital" to me at the time don't seem so life changing now. However, I decided early on that there can be no deletions. I think small "tweaks" are acceptable but if something is on the list, then it stays on the list.

To help me stay cognizant of the ambitions I mapped out and further internalize this mission, I am truly reflecting on the list goal by goal. To make it less overwhelming, I'm chunking the information down into smaller groups of 20.

1. Start a savings account

This is one of those goals that I talked about at the beginning that is embarrassing to expose to the world. Let's just say it's in progress. I could elaborate on some of the unique situations the past year has brought, but that's not productive. I could also point to item 17 on my list. I could also mention that "The Rent is Too Damn High" but that is the tradeoff for living this urban lifestyle. However, I know that I need to be more responsible in this area. It's not as if I'm an 11-year old girl anymore! It's time to get serious about this goal.

2. Start a retirement plan

Ditto to everything I wrote on #1.

3. Visit Heidi at least once

I'm coming Heidi! I have a few ideas of a timeframe :)

4. Eat Vegan for one month

I seriously thought about aiming for this goal during the month of November, but there's that big holiday at the end of the month that would kill me if I had to skimp on any of the food. I do have an acquaintance who has an awesome blog about being Vegan and whenever I dive into this, that will be a huge help for me!

5. Eat Vegetarian for one month

Ditto to #4! I actually don't consume that much dairy to begin with. I call myself "lactose annoyed" which basically means I don't want to admit I'm fully intolerant. The main difference between goal 4 and goal 5 would be cheese! Oh how I love cheese. I'm still really excited about these two goals!

6. See a chiropractor

I just haven't put in the work that is needed to accomplish this goal. I need to see where my insurance would be accepted and then just make an appointment. Is it weird that I get a peaceful feeling when I envision the pops and cracks? Ahhh...I dream of walking out feeling like a new woman!

7. Make my car a no phone zone

Blah! This goal should not be hard at all but I fail every day. On the drive in to work I don't touch my phone at all. I'm blissfully tuned into my NPR and don't even think twice about it. However, the drive home is different. Traffic is a little heavier so I'm often at a full stop, my mind is looking for any non-school distractions, and long stoplights make it oh so tempting to check my texts, e-mails, or facebook. HORRIBLE, I know. Sorry Oprah!

8. Visit California with Pultz

Hmmmmm. I'm not so sure when this is going to feasible for us. For me, you can look at number 1 and 2 to better understand why not. For Mark, he just started a new job so we're definitely not jetting off for a week long vacay any time soon.

9. Go for a month without coffee or soda (no caffeine!)

I think I was crazy to make this a goal. I DEFINITELY want to cut out soda consumption. I really don't drink that much soda but none is always better. But coffee? Iced or hot, flavored or regular, black or lightened....I just love it. Seriously. I love it. Sometimes when I know I have to wake up early I actually think to myself, "It's ok because I get to have coffee!" I am unsure if I should stick to my guns with this one or allow it to be tweaked...

10. Go for 2 weeks without eating out

I think I have probably accomplished this goal already, but I'll have to pay better attention. Since we've been pinching pennies this is a really easy way to spend a little less.

11. Donate to NPR

Done!

12. Donate to K-State Education

See 1 and 2.

13. Donate to K-State Leadership

See 1 and 2.

14. Donate to K-State Chi Omega ($500)

See 1 and 2.

15. Take a trip to KC for the sole purpose of visiting friends (no event/holiday

attached)

I have a few other trips I need to squeeze in first because I naturally will make my way back to Kansas at some point sooner than I'll make it to the other locations. However, I already am excited for this trip because I love spending time with my KC girls!

16. Participate in a run/walk 5k

Coming later this month!

17. Visit Antartica

Coming later next month!

18. Go to Yankee Stadium

Done and superseded! I got a few games in this summer. I'm in love with the "Wholly Guacamole" stand which makes some of the best nachos I have ever had. Why do jalapenos always taste better at football/basketball/baseball games?

19. Make a T-Shirt Quilt

I found an amazing web site that pieces them together in a more non-traditional way. This style actually appeals to me more but it's pretty pricey. I'll make it to this goal when I can afford it! I also don't want to put if off for too long because the longer I wait, the more I don't care too much about having those shirts saved.

20. Read "Catcher in the Rye"

Done! I love how I can catch all of the references now. Just the other day I was watching Law and Order: SVU and they started talking about Holden Caulfield and I knew what they were talking about!