101 Things in 1001 Days (2012-2014)

101in1001

Welcome to my latest edition of 101 Things in 1001 Days!

This project is designed to enrich my everyday life by simply cramming it full of the stuff I love to do. A few years ago I realised that I wasn’t making any time in my life for the things I intended to do “some day”, and without meaning to I was trapped in the grind of 9-5 habits.

What was it all for, if I was waking up each day just to go to work? That’s when I discovered a whole community of people who were setting goals, and knocking them flat in 1001 days.

I began my first 101 list in 2008, and 1001 days later I had completed 94 of the tasks on my list (and almost completed another 5)! Almost all of these items were things that would otherwise have been put off for eternity. Instead, I have a treasure trove of memories and experiences, and the knowledge that I made them happen.

My new list began on 1 January 2012, and will be completed by 28 September 2014. I’ll be writing about my progress as I go, so please drop in and cheer me along!

about

101 Things in 1001 Days is the brainchild of Michael Green, a blogger and developer from NZ. He created a list of tasks to achieve within a defined period, and the idea quickly spread around the web as a tool for helping people accomplish their goals.

The mission: Complete 101 preset tasks in a period of 1001 days.

The criteria: Tasks must be specific with a result that is either measurable or clearly defined. Tasks must also be realistic and stretching.

Why 1001 days? Many people have created lists in the past – frequently simple challenges such as New Year’s resolutions or a ‘Bucket List’. The key to beating procrastination is to set a deadline that is realistic. 1001 Days (about 2.75 years) is a better period of time than a year, because it allows you several seasons to complete the tasks, which is better for organising and timing some tasks such as overseas trips, study semesters, or outdoor activities.

progress

		44	Not yet started
		20	In progress
		37	Completed

thelist

SELF IMPROVEMENT

	001	Donate to an important cause or charity
		Completed: I made a donation to the Breast Cancer Foundation, in honour of an old friend who is fighting the disease. She’s 32.
		My last list inspired me to sponsor a child in Ecuador, and now I’d like to give a little more.

	002	Donate blood
		Giving blood is so important. If you don’t know why, read Ivy’s story.

	003	Donate 101 things I no longer need (101/101)
		Completed: May 2012
		I always feel as though I have too much “stuff”, so I don’t think it will take me long to donate 101 things. Over the course of this 1001 days I will probably part with many more of my things, but I will cross this task off when I reach 101.

	004	Do something good (and big!) for somebody anonymously
		I’m going to keep my ear to the ground for somebody who could use some help, and then I’m going to quietly go and do it. For obvious reasons, I probably won’t write about it here – I’ll just mark it as being complete when it’s done.

	005	Send somebody a care package for no reason
		There is nothing better than getting real mail, and it’s even better when it’s a surprise!

	006	Learn how to change a tyre
		I’ve been driving for almost 15 years and have never needed to change a tyre. I’m guessing it’s just a matter of time before my luck runs out, so I’d better know what to do!

	007	Complete my Diploma of Management (1/8 units complete)
		I’m doing this in my own time, so it will probably take me 6 months or more to complete.

	008	Complete a short/online course in something new
		I have ideas that range from truffle making, to sewing, to taking up a language. I’m looking forward to figuring out what I’d like to try.

	009	Save a deposit for a house
		Tim and I need to set a goal that’s achievable over this period of time, and then I’ll do my best to make it happen. I’m beginning to sound like a grown-up, gross!

	010	For one month, buy nothing new
		The exceptions: groceries, bills & emergencies. For the purpose of this exercise, shoes are not an emergency (weird, right?)

TRAVEL & ADVENTURE

	011	Visit Tim’s family in the USA
		Completed: September/October 2012
		New England is beautiful, and some of my favourite people live there. This trip is long overdue.

	012	Visit 3 new states in the USA (3/3)
		Completed: Maine, Vermont & New Hampshire - September 2012
		So many options. We’re already planning to visit Maine and Vermont, so my third state will probably be somewhere completely different.

	013	Visit a new Australian state or a new country
		I’ve never been to the Northern Territory, and only visited Western Australia as a two year old. I’d like to visit at least one of these in the next 1001 days. Failing that, Fiji sounds nice!

	014	Visit a famous landmark that I’ve never seen before
		Completed: I crossed off this item twice in one day when I visited the Brooklyn Bridge and the Flatiron Building in October 2012. Magic!
		My first choices would be the Eiffel Tower or the Grand Canyon. However, I may have to settle for something a little less extravagant. The Big Prawn sounds romantic!

	015	Visit 5 new towns in Victoria (3/5)
		In Progress: Sunbury / Macedon / Kyneton / 4 / 5
		There’s a long list of places in my own state that I’ve never visited! Bendigo and Ballarat are on my to-see list.

	016	Show Tim around one of my childhood cities
		Most of my school years were spent in Toowoomba and Cairns. I’m looking forward to showing Tim around one of my old stomping grounds.

	017	Take an unplanned roadtrip
		I think it would be fun to pack a bag for a weekend, and just drive! No talk of destinations until it’s time to turn left or right from the driveway.

	018	Spend a night in a luxurious hotel
		As ridiculous as this sounds, I’d really like to do this in the heart of my own city. But you know, Paris is also fine.

	019	Spend a winter weekend at a cosy bed & breakfast
		Completed: April 2012. We stayed at Apollo Bay Ridge on the Great Ocean Road and it was fantastic!
		I have a place in Apollo Bay in mind as I write this. Must have a wood fire and space for our little dog.

	020	Go camping
		It’s been a long time, and last time I actually took my bedside lamp and hair straightener. You can stop laughing now.

HEALTH & FITNESS

	021	Complete Michelle Bridges’ 12 Week Body Transformation (12WBT)
		Completed: May 2012
		My little cousin and I are all signed up, and ready to kick butt at this.

	022	Complete another round of Couch to 5K (C25K)
		Completed: March 2012
		I am evangelical about Couch to 5K and honestly believe that it can teach anybody to run.

	023	Run a 5km fun run
		I’ve never really considered using “fun” and “run” in the same sentence until tackling Couch to 5K, but this is a challenge that I would really love to sign up for.

	024	Take a yoga class
		10 years ago I was doing heaps of yoga, and loving it. I’m a little apprehensive about trying it again now that I’m less fit, so my challenge is to just go to one class and see if it’s still for me.

	025	Take a group cardio class
		I’ve never really been a group cardio class person, but it’s 10 years since I’ve tried. The least I can do is try it again!

	026	Lose 5kg
		If you find it, you can keep it.

	027	Lose another 5kg
		Something tells me that this won’t be as easy as the first 5…

	028	For one month, get up early and go for a run/walk each morning
		It doesn’t matter if I only walk around the block – this is about proving to myself that it can be done. Not a morning person, and my workday starts early too!

	029	For one month, go to the gym 3 days/week
		I’ve been paying my gym an awful lot of money to not go lately. Again, this task is about setting a good habit.

	030	For one month, stretch every day
		My poor body is feeling like it’s in its thirties lately. Which is fair enough, I suppose. But before booking myself in for that hip replacement I’d like to try some daily stretches to lengthen my muscles.

	031	For one month, give up added sugar (15 Feb – 15 Mar 2012)
		Completed: 15 February – 15 March 2012
		I loooove desserts, but otherwise there isn’t a lot of deliberate sugar in my life. This challenge is about being mindful of the ingredients in the groceries I shop for, and finding ways to cut down in the sugar in my desserts and snacks.

	032	For one month, give up added salt
		Completed: 15 February – 15 March 2012
		Salt is my weakness. It makes everything taste better and although I use it in moderation, I do use it regularly. This challenge will remind me that there are other ways to season food, and that some foods are fine on their own.

	033	For one month, give up coffee
		Completed: January 2013. That first coffee on Feb 1st was the greatest thing I’ve ever tasted, ever.
		I’ve done this before, and it’s okay. Almost nobody got stabbed!

	034	For one month, make lunch for work every day
		Completed: 16 February – 16 March 2012
		Aside from the money I will save, it will be nice to stop funding the terrible cafeteria at my workplace.

	035	For one month, spend each lunch time away from my desk
		I’m embarrassed to say that I’ve become that person who works through lunch, and eats at her desk. You know the one. This will actually be challenging for me.

EXPERIENCES

	036	Hike a trail in a national park
		It’s been a while since I’ve done this, and I’m kind of excited about it.

	037	Swim in the ocean
		This shouldn’t be a big deal, should it? So how come I don’t remember the last time I swam in the ocean?

	038	Go to a new Melbourne market
		Completed: We went to the Rose St Artist’s market, and I bought a pretty ring.
		I love our local markets, but it’s been a while since we’ve sought out any new ones.

	039	Make a daisy chain
		Am I the only person who has never done this? I must be.

	040	Complete a jigsaw puzzle
		Completed: 2000 pieces. 56 hours. There were tantrums.
		I promise to choose something challenging.

	041	Watch the sun rise from the beach
		Completed: From a rocky beach in Maine, September 2012
		This was on my last 101 list, and it was so much fun that I had to do it again. The best part is getting to the sand in the dark!

	042	Try frozen custard
		Completed: September 2012
		I keep waiting for frozen custard to become a “thing” in Australia so that I can try it, but it looks like I’d have to go all the way to Sydney or Canberra to find some here. I’ll make it my mission to find some in the USA when I’m there!

	043	Have a massage & facial
		Aside from the occasional trip to my physiotherapist (did I ever tell you about the time I was hit by a bus on my way to a funeral?) I’ve never had a professional massage. I’m worried that I’ve broken a bunch of girl laws. It’s been many years since I’ve paid somebody to pamper my skin too, so I am really looking forward to this.

	044	See the penguins at Phillip Island
		Have you heard about the little penguins who waddle up the beach at Phillip Island each night? It’s a very touristy thing to do, but I’d love to see them!

	045	Eat a lobster roll in Maine
		Completed: September 2012
		The experts tell me that I haven’t lived until I’ve eaten lobster in Maine. I can’t wait to try this.

	046	See the Red Sox play at Fenway Park
		Completed: September 2012
		I’ve had a peek at Fenway Park through an open gate, but never seen the Red Sox play.

	047	Eat at Nobu
		Completed: March 2013, for my birthday!
		I’ve always wanted to go. Time to get our acts together!

	048	See a movie at the drive-in
		I think I did this once when I was a little kid, but I’m not sure. Fun!

	049	See a movie at the Astor Theatre
		This place does the BEST double features. We keep saying that we’ll go, but we never do. Now it’s on my list!

	050	See a movie by myself
		I’m not sure why this always feels so luxurious, but it does. Looking forward to this.

	051	See 10 movies directed by Martin Scorsese (4/10)
		In Progress: Taxi Driver / Hugo / Raging Bull / Shutter Island / 05 / 06 / 07 / 08 / 09 / 10
		Because Tim said so. And he’s the boss of movies.

	052	See 10 classic old movies I’ve never seen before (8/10)
		In Progress: Psycho / Taxi Driver / North by Northwest / Some Like It Hot / Chinatown / The Great Dictator / Casablanca / Vertigo / 09 / 10
		You know that classic old movie you love that everybody has seen? Yeah, I haven’t seen that one.

	053	See a silent film
		Completed: The Artist. Excellent movie, definitely one to see!
		Send me your recommendations!

	054	Fly a kite
		Completed: 26 February 2012. That was fun!
		I think everybody should own a kite. Why don’t I own a kite? I need a kite.

	055	Build a snowman
		Remember that time I drove up Lake Mountain and built a sassy looking snowman? That was fun. More props next time.

	056	Build a sandcastle
		Why should kids have all the fun?

	057	Build a gingerbread house
		Completed: 23 December 2012. The Derek Zoolander Center for Kids Who Can’t Read Good.
		I’m totally going to overachieve, too. You’ll see.

	058	Learn how to juggle
		Why not?

	059	Get some new glasses with bright frames
		Completed: February 2013
		Each time I buy glasses I get a little braver, but I’ve never really ventured away from sensible colours. It’s a tragedy.

	060	Have my eyebrows shaped professionally
		I’m sort of terrified of doing this, so we’ll go ahead and file it under “character building”.

	061	*Watch every episode of The OC* (92/92)**
		Completed: March 2013
		So okay, confession time. I didn’t really do the angsty teenager thing, so when I was in my early twenties I kind of tried to make up for lost time. The closest I ever came was a tiny obsession with The OC that I don’t usually mention in polite company. I was too sad about the show ending to watch the last episode, so I never did. However, my therapist says I’m making tremendous progress!

	062	Hide a note inside a book in a library or bookshop
		OK, this is mostly because I would love to find a note from an anonymous somebody in a book. This is kind of a “message in a bottle” task.

	063	Read 10 classic novels (2/10)
		In Progress: Of Mice and Men (John Steinbeck) / The Great Gatsby (F. Scott Fitzgerald) / Now reading: The Scarlet Letter / 04 / 05 / 06 / 07 / 08 / 09 / 10
		There are a couple I’m looking forward to re-reading, too!

	064	Read one of Tim’s favourite graphic novels
		Completed: June 2012. Tim was not wrong.
		Tim has nominated Blankets by Craig Thompson for this challenge, because he thinks I’m going to love it. If he’s wrong he forfeits the rights to his half of the bookshelf.

	065	Have a milk bath
		Every now and then I warm up milk and water for a foot bath – it’s a great way to use up milk that is about to expire and the results are always amazing. I can only imagine that a full Cleopatra-style milk bath would be even better!

	066	Build a fort, with fairy lights
		Completed: August 2012. Fort Birthday was the greatest fort ever built!
		The last time we built a fort we stayed in there for 2 days. I have BIG IDEAS for my next one!

	067	Have a technology-free weekend
		No internet, computers, TV or phone. As scary as this will be for me (I’m an iSlave, we all know that) I’m looking forward to unplugging.

	068	See 3 professional theatre productions (3/3)
		Completed: The Importance of Being Earnest (January 2012), A Chorus Line (March 2012), Chess (August 2012)
		I love theatre, but don’t often find the time or money to go.

	069	Bake a rainbow layer cake
		Because they are amazing.

	070	Make macarons
		Completed: November 2012
		Because they are amazing!

	071	Cook something new from 10 different cook books (2/10)
		In Progress: Banana bread from Marie Claire Kitchen by Michele Cranston / Nutella cupcakes from The Hummingbird Bakery Cookbook / 03 / 04 / 05 / 06 / 07 / 08 / 09 / 10
		I have heaps of recipe books to choose from, but when I cook I often just google a recipe for the thing I feel like. Hopefully this will inspire me to use my books more often.

	072	Take a sketchbook to a public place and draw
		I love the idea of setting myself up in a beautiful spot to draw for a few hours. Now that I’m getting a bit better at drawing I would like to give it a try.

	073	Take Harry to the beach
		Completed: February 2013 - we took Harry to the beach for his 11th birthday.
		Our woof machine loves the beach, but I haven’t tried looking for a dog-friendly beach near Melbourne yet.

	074	Go ten pin bowling
		I am the world’s worst ten pin bowler, but I really like the shoes.

	075	Complete an old, unfinished project
		I have plenty to choose from!

CREATIVITY

	076	Make a book on Blurb
		Completed: November 2012, but I can’t share it with you until after Christmas!
		I’d like to make a book from one of my photo challenges below, or perhaps a little recipe book.

	077	Take 101 photos with black & white film (26/101)
		My film body almost never sees the light of day anymore. I’d like to fill it with rolls of black & white film and dust off the cobwebs. Click here to see my progress.

	078	Take 101 photos with my Fuji Instax Mini 25 (101/101)
		Completed: December 2012
		This camera is really neat, but I’ve been neglecting it! Time to take it for another spin. I’ll be posting my photos here.

	079	Complete an alphabet photo series (12/26)
		I’m keeping track of my progress here.
		My goal is to “find” each letter of the alphabet on the street. I’ll be searching for objects that accidentally form a letter.

	080	Photograph a street scene or landscape in all 4 seasons (1/4)
		I’ve always wanted to do a series like this, but I’ve never bothered to get off my butt and do it. I think I’ll need a deciduous tree in my scene somewhere.

	081	Have my Gran’s sewing machine serviced
		Completed: She’s had a tune up, and she’s ready to sew!
		Gran’s sewing machine sat unused for years before she passed away, and now that I’ve given it a home I’d love to get it going again. Of course, this means I will have to learn to sew…

	082	Sew something using the sewing machine
		I’d love to learn to sew a dress or skirt, but I might start with something simple and crafty first.

	083	Sew something by hand
		I have a few projects in mind for this one.

	084	Learn to crochet
		I’d love to make a blanket from granny squares (in not-so-grannyish colours) but I have no idea how long a project like that would take. First things first: learn to crochet!

	085	Make a stuffed toy
		It’s been ages since I’ve tried to make a plushie, and I keep coming across adorable patterns and kits.

	086	Build something from wood
		Completed: March 2013. I made a wooden iPhone dock.
		Full disclosure: I have no idea what I am doing, and any right-angles will be purely accidental.

	087	*Complete Rachel & Elsie’s Art Journal All Year* e-course (12/52)**
		I’m really excited that Elsie & Rachel (of Red Velvet fame) have created another journaling class. This one look like it’s full of good prompts to keep me creating and writing.

	088	Make a book of pressed flowers and leaves
		Just because. I’m all about pretty things. Click here to see my progress.

	089	Draw or paint 25 figures (3/25)
		I’m taking some classes at Melbourne Studio of Art which will help me to complete this one! Click here to see my progress.

	090	Draw or paint 25 faces (6/25)
		Faces are so important to get right, and as a result I’m completely intimidated by them. Click here to see my progress.

	091	Draw or paint 25 hands (3/25)
		Just like faces, hands are incredibly expressive and can make or break a drawing. I have absolutely no idea what I’m doing, so this will encourage me to practice. Click here to see my progress.

	092	Draw or paint 25 still life scenes (4/25)
		My classes at Melbourne Studio of Art will keep challenging me with interesting still life scenes, plus I’ll keep practising at home. Click here to see my progress.

	093	Draw or paint 25 trees (1/25)
		Trees are so individual, and so full of personality. I don’t know how so many artists manage to draw them with such detail. Click here to see my progress.

	094	Draw or paint something from imagination
		Completed: A little face that I painted from my imagination. June 2012.
		My classes at MSA have been teaching me to draw from real life, but I don’t ever just draw from imagination. I’m looking forward to dreaming up a scene and bringing it to life.

	095	Sell a drawing or painting
		I don’t think I’m ready yet, but maybe sometime in the next 1001 days!

	096	Make a large oil painting on canvas
		I’ve had a blank canvas hanging in my bedroom for about a year now. Perhaps it’s time I threw a little paint on it.

	097	Alter a book, and fill it with drawings
		In Progress: Jan 2012
		Blank sketchbooks can be pretty intimidating if you’re not a confident drawer. I recently discovered altered books, and now I’m hooked! Filling a book will be a big challenge, but very rewarding.

	098	Make a time lapse video of a drawing or painting
		I love watching other artists as they work, so I thought it would be fun to track the progress of one of my paintings on camera.

	099	Make a mix CD for somebody
		I get just as excited about making the cover art as I do about the music!

	100	Take a self portrait once per month for 1001 days (9/33)
		In Progress: See my monthly portraits here.
		I love watching how things change over time, even if those things are wrinkles. Perhaps I should buy some eye cream.