Day 106/1001: iPhone

This may sound pompous, and so technologically obsessed but: The iPhone is amazing. I will never go back.

Day 105/1001: The Time Traveler's Wife

Day 104/1001: Recycle!

Day 91/1001: Breaking Dawn

Day 84/1001: Eclipse

The third book of the Twilight saga was a hard one to get through. I didn't have the motivation of seeing the movie (New Moon is due November 20, 2009) and the indecision of the character, Bella, made me dislike her even more. A friend let me know that the forth one was her favorite, so I started that today. I have a long book list ahead of me, might as well get this series over with (ah.)...

Day 71/1001: The Perks of Being a Wallflower

This instantly became my favorite book. I let my friend, Emma, borrow it. But as soon as I get it back, I'm reading it again.

Day 69/1001: New Moon

Day 62/1001: Random Free Concert, Check

This was really random. I went to a "last supper" summer dinner with my best friends. Sakura, of course. In Olney, we heard loud music, and followed our ears. Over the hill, found this welcoming site: a few people singing acapella for a few more people. The air was perfect.

Day 62/1001: This Caught My Eye, On a Drive

Day 59/1001: Puppy Chow

In my first bite, I wondered: how come no one has told me about this one? My friend, Katie has made this for me before, and in my cravings, I bought the ingredients. Forget about the lack of nutrients and don't pass this up!

You'll need:

• 6 cups of Chex cereal
• 1/2 cup peanut butter
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1 cup chocolate chips
• 2 cups powdered sugar

1. Melt peanut butter, butter and chocolate chips together in the microwave or on the stove.
2. Stir into cereal.
3. Pour powdered sugar in a gallon zip-lock bag and combine cereal mixture. Shake until well coated.
4. Store leftovers in fridge.

Day 60/1001: From My Bedroom Window, Often

Day 60/1001: Twilight

Upon many insists of starting the Twilight saga, I bought the first book. I had already seen the movie twice, it looked interesting. The book is always better than the movie.

Day 55/1001: Application for a Passport

Step 1: How hard could it be?

Day 54/1001: Lost

The Villages of Urbana can be a hit or a miss. Running through the Villages is usually a hit because of the various paths you can take so you're not just side-by-side with a few too many cars, or striking boredom with the same routine run-after-run.

Today, I decided to venture off the sidewalk, to a trail that I thought was a short cut to the library, but ended up taking me all the way around the entire neighborhood. This wouldn't have been so bad if it wasn't 90 degrees outside.

The trip also wouldn't be so bad if I hadn't had a backpack full of books, traveling up too many hills!

Day 53/1001: Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

Year 4 took me a little bit longer due to a tint of disinterest. Sure, this book could be the best (thus far) in many minds, and mine, but back-to-back readings of Harry Potter can be draining. I finished the book, and ventured to the library for a variety of books to jump start and stimulate my brain.

However, last week I made the guilty purchase of Twilight and New Moon. Too many lovely people in my life are reading the Twilight Saga, so why not jump on the bandwagon? Twilight has tickled my throat today with Stephanie Meyer's charm. Although I've seen the movie, the romance is always fresh on paper.

Day 53/1001: House Plant

Day 52/1001: Lights and Music

This trip to NYC is not worthy to say I explored the city. It was raining, and full of traffic into the late hours of the night. I do need to go back. I really do. I can say that I have eaten pizza in NYC though!

Day 38/1001: Convince One Person

I don't expect to receive many comments on this blog. I consider it more of a personal recording of my goals. Making and accomplishing goals is important to me.

Until I found this comment on my blog, I didn't fully understand the value in recording. Yes, this is for myself, but inspiration is key in progressing: criticism, support, appreciation. Next list, I hope to greater my number in convince. I hope to inspire more than one. But if one is all, then all is enough.

Day 37/1001: 540 Grains of Rice

Many friends of mine have shown me this "gaming" site called Free Rice.

I'm actually surprised it isn't advertised as much as it probably should be. When I first told my mom about my 101 in 1,001, she walked into my room with a pleased expression, "I made 400 grains of rice!" Every little bit counts.

In the past, I've collected hundreds of grains of "rice" towards this amazing project. But not in count to my own - I hope by the end of my 1,001 days, I will have collected 20,000 grains AT LEAST.

I had a few minutes and improved my 'English Vocabulary.' However, Free Rice has many more subjects to offer - I've also tested out locating countries on a map. Thanks to my Freshman year Geography course, it comes easy. The motivation? Knowledge, maintenance and progress towards curing world hunger!!!!

As for my math skills? 20, 000 - 540 = 19, 460 more grains to go!

Day 34/1001: 85 Things That Make Me Happy

I couldn't have picked a better thing to do, or a better time to do it - depending on how you look at it. The blues can be washed away with the sun. It's true. For no reason at all, I was feeling: sad, bored, and all of the sorts.

I cut this list short, for now. Because it may change. But I, also, already feel better. I hope this comes as inspiration:

1. the color green
2. sunflowers, purposefully planted
3. reflecting, with a notebook
4. "just saying hi" phone calls
5. personalities caught
6. no chore list, but tasks
7. a clean room, organization
8. perfectly self-made smoothies
9. forehead kisses
10. a good hair day
11. "personal," "thoughtful" acts, gifts
12. handwritten letters, mailed or recited
13. cats, Miss Kitty
14. relaxation
15. yoga, stretching
16. pencils with erasers
17. breakfast
18. his touch, hands, voice, movement (towards me)
19. writing
20. finding that book
21. Panera Bread's coziness
22. originality
23. freshly vacuumed carpet
24. my mother's laugh
25. singing
26. creating!
27. appreciation
28. decoding dreams
29. dresses
30. words, finding that word
31. origins
32. "yes"
33. surprises
34. conversation flowing, cleverness
35. dream catchers
36. solitude, in the right moments, social, in the right moments
37. being prepared
38. a full glass of water, another full glass of water, etc.
39. music music music !!!
40. goals, dreams
41. quietness
42. rings that fit
43. my growing book collection
44. eyeliner
45. camping
46. accomplishments
47. kept promises
48. comfort, comfortable, comfortableness
49. sunsets... sunrises
50. freckles
51. possibilities
52. picture text messages
53. knowledge, learning
54. company
55. helping
56. blankets
57. acoustic guitar sounds
58. knowing I'm not alone: Jenna
59. holding hands
60. post-its
61. simplicity, clutter
62. post-brushing teeth
63. advice
64. interior design shows
65. maps
66. revisiting old homework, to see my growth
67. "I understand"
68. my dad's efficiency
69. Laytonsville
70. the beach
71. movies
72. diners
73. the letter "k"
74. drinking wine
75. washing my face
76. sunlight
77. everything my grandmother says
78. help
79. showers... their ability to erase tension
80. people watching
81. clean laundry
82. this list
83. bananas
84. listening to music through headphones
85. handmade cards

...

Day 33/1001: Urbana Library and Downtown Frederick

I've been spending my time at the library. Although I don't love the suburban population I've come to, I don't mind to join them in this new and comfortable oasis.

I took note of these benches that no one seems to enjoy. Maybe once the trees grow in, they will share some shade. Otherwise - it's been too hot. Today, there was a light breeze and the clouds provided shade to the sun. I sat and waited. Jeff met me to hold my hand. Holding hands while sitting on a bench in front of the library.. ahh.

We embarked on a drive to downtown Frederick. I have an interest in places that appear to change every time I revisit. I will go back, to find more likings. The perfect find of the day? Jeff walked into Beans & Bagels. I didn't order, but the stay was nice. I didn't hold the fact that they were indeed Steelers fans against them (for I didn't notice until Jeff pointed it out). He loves the Steelers. Unfortunately.

I'm learning.

Day 30/1001: Harry Potter & the Prisoner of Azkaban

It took me longer to finish this one, but I will be heading to the library for the forth (and according to many, the best) year, tomorrow!

Day 29/1001: Fat-Free Fries

I have found, that the earlier I wake - the more I get accomplished. I'm not sure if that's because I'm awake for a longer period of time, or if I just feel less lazy. This morning I woke up at 7am - I had to drive with my dad to drop off my mom's truck for some servicing. While we were out, we stopped at a new outdoor mall in Frederick (also tackling my "Learn Frederick" goal), and stopped at a place called MOM's Organic Market. I thought my dad would be hesitant to go in but he followed. This market was AWESOME, and right up my alley. My dad and I were drooling over their locally produced bananas (wow), and as I struggled to take in every bit of the place, my dad found a sampling table. FRESH ORGANIC SALSA. I must go back, and get more. My dad isn't one for spontaneous spending - but we stood in a long line with a handful of orgasmic organics. I never thought my dad would step into a organic grocery store, but then again - up until this past spring I never had seen my dad grocery shop. His response to our stop: "This place has some weird things." Ahh!

Anyway, lately I've been looking for healthier choices in my diet. My Fitness magazine came the other day, and I skimmed through and found this recipe for "Fat-Free Fries." Great idea. Although I did not take any pictures of the beautiful pieces of potato, I will include the recipe:

1. Cut 2 scrubbed medium sweet potatoes into quarters; cut each quarter lengthwise into 4 wedges. Arrange on a baking pan misted with nonstick cooking spray.

2. Combine 1/2 teaspoon each salt, ground cumin, chile powder, and parika and 1/4 teaspoon pepper; sprinkle over potatoes.

3. Bake for 20 minutes at 425 degrees F, or until potatoes are brown and tender, turning once. Makes 4 servings.

And according to Fitness magazine, this snack is "packed with antioxidants and containing only 76 calories - and no fat-per serving." A few tips - I didn't have sweet potatoes, so I just used regular potatoes; although I believe my friend's mom used sweet potatoes and wow, they were amazing. Also - the skinnier the slice - the better! Both Fitness and MOM's have healthy and delicious recipes on their websites that I'm so excited to try!

Day 28/1001: $20 Saved

I babysat last night and made $100 for the 8 hours I worked (not bad). However, I only ended up putting $20 towards my savings.

Day 20/1001: Tour Washington DC (sort of)

As many times as I've been to the city, I've never driven there. The metro is convenient like that. Well, Emma called me this morning "Hey! wanna go to DC? I'll drive." A few hours later, we embarked on our trip (without knowing Emma had no real idea the direct route).

Thanks to the GPS not working, some childhood detours, and too many "No Left Turn" signs, it took us too long to meet up with a few of her friends.

The reason why I mention we "sort of" toured the city - it was all done in the car. By the time we met up with our friends, we didn't see the sites, on foot. I'll definitely need to go back.

Although! I did find the Blackboard headquarters which was very cool.

To note for future travels: the back roads of the city might not be the most pleasant, but there most definitely is beauty in the breakdown.

Day 14/1001: Learn 10 New Recipes

The bananas were browning. The 4 overly-ripened bananas reminded me of this past spring break when I visited South Carolina. I went to the grocery store chain Piggly Wiggly, just to say I had bought something from there: two vitamin waters. In line, I watched as an older male customer flirted with a toothless female cashier. He offered to trade one of his newly purchased yet very green bananas for a cigarette. Her response? "Oh now tha's not 'er fair trade. See I love 'em when they freckle." I giggled to myself and made banana bread.

I've made banana bread before. I can't seem to find the right recipe. But this one I tried off of Allrecipes.com. It came out a little dry but definitely something I'll be working on. Banana bread is my favorite. And I'll definitely needing to be working on my baking cleanliness...

Day 12/1001: Harry Potter & the Chamber of Secrets

I grabbed my sneakers and a book bag stuffed with: water, my library card and Year 2 of the Harry Potter series and I jogged the 4 miles to the local library. Not the greatest idea on the most humid of days but I feel good. I checked out Year 3! I'm obsessed.

Oh, and the jog back home was all up hill.

Day 10/1001: Start a Garden

"Hey... wanna plant some marigolds?" My dad has such a way with words. Of course I did! I mean - he definitely did most of the dirty work (removing 2 centipedes from the dirt) but I most definitely planted them. The flare in my allergies are proof!

I got excited to see the one batch are the colors of the Washington Redskins!

They're not exactly the trickiest of flowers... supposedly they're "easy" but for now - it's a start. And that is just what my goal entails - a "start." With my blooming interest in cooking, I may even start an indoor herb garden. I bet Miss Kitty would love that!

Day 9/1001: Watch a Sunset

I stepped onto my back porch without saying a word. 8:15pm and I caught the word "Love" written in the clouds above the sun setting. It seems like a stretch but in my first said sunset of these 1001 days, I was shown a sign.

Otherwise, the sky was beautiful, the colors were not of reds or pinks, but those of a normal sky - blues and golden yellows. I loved it, in the moment, and for the first time since I moved here 2 and half years ago - I felt home.

Day 5/1001: Harry Potter & the Sorcerers Stone

I have jumped on the bandwagon. I am completely in love with J.K. Rowling's writing.

Book #1 of the Harry Potter series completed.

Day 1/1001: Strawberry Picking

Earlier in the week Jeff had mentioned his interest in picking strawberries at the infamous Butler's Orchard. I hadn't been to Butler's to pick anything since I was a kid, so his mentioning sparked a smile, naturally.

It was a cute attempt. I soon realized my distaste for the doings of strawberry picking, and Jeff soon realized this also. My allergies had been at its peak, and being outside for over an hour probably wasn't the best idea. Jeff established one rule: find the biggest. Some random expert strawberry-er soon established another: "watch out for the beetles!"

I think my sluggishness began fifteen minutes in- when realizing the sun was kissing my face! I love to catch myself living in the moment (and these are often the moments that I don't have photographs of, I'm sorry). I day dreamt about The Beatles, and running down the lined fields to the tune, "Strawberry Fields Forever." This seems so entirely corny, but was so entirely perfect at the time. My day dreaming soon stopped when I realized how alone I was not. The enthusiasm beaming from the children running around me redirected my thoughts. There are many times I think how immature I am, immature as in desiring things typically of a child. As much as I can remember of my childhood pickings, I thought strawberry picking was a blast, much like those around me! But maybe due to my height difference, that has changed. (Ha!)

Anyway, Jeff and I walked away with 5 or so pounds of strawberries today. Thanks to him, I have more than I must have picked. The blender has already been used for a smoothie!

101 Things

Starting: May 30, 2009

HEALTH

001. take a multivitamin daily

002. limit caffeine intake

003. eliminate fast food for 60 days

004. keep a food log for a month

005. treat myself to a spa day

006. find the perfect gym

007. attend at least five yoga classes

008. complete the Couch-to-5k Running plan

009. buy a jump rope and medicine ball

010. go to bed by 10 everyday for a week

011. drink only water for one week

012. drink only water for three weeks

LESSON

013. learn piano

014. get CPR certified

015. learn how to tune guitar by ear

016. learn American Sign Language

017. make dean's list again

018. graduate college

019. learn 10 new recipes

020. learn how to play chess

021. get my motorcycle license

022. re-learn how to drive stick shift

NATURE

023. strawberry picking completed 5/30/09

024. pumpkin carving

025. grow something out of an egg shell

026. buy and take care of a houseplant

027. plant a tree

028. start a garden

029. climb a mountain

030. camping

031. horse back

032. watch 3 sunrises

033. watch 5 sunsets

COMMUNITY

034. volunteer for the National MS Society

035. volunteer for Habitat for Humanity

036. conduct readings at the library

037. set up a recycling system in the home

038. donate 20,000 grains of rice

039. visit Laytonsville Elementary

TRAVEL

040. explore NYC

041. learn Urbana, learn Frederick

042. tour Washington, DC

043. visit Michigan at least once a year

044. set foot in at least 2 of the 5 great lakes

045. fly in my aunt's hot air balloon

046. visit at least 10 states

047. get a passport

048. travel outside of the states

049. visit the elephant house at the zoo

MONEY

050. obtain a satisfying job

051. routinely add to my savings account

052. buy, or make a "coupon book" and use it

053. create a budget

054. upgrade my phone to a Blackberry

055. find the perfect rain jacket

056. buy a Nikon

057. buy a scratch off ticket

058. buy nothing for one week

059. buy nothing for three weeks

060. sell something self-made

061. apply to 10 scholarships

062. apply to 10 internships

WRITING/CRAFT

063. write a love letter to a lover

064. write a love letter to each family member

065. write a song, with chords, with meaning

066. write 101 things that make me happy

067. keep a detailed dream diary

068. start to compile a book to publish

069. submit a piece of work to publish

070. participate in and finish NaBloPoMo

071. develop my pictures, frame, scrapbook

072. paint pottery with a friend

073. make a blanket with my mom's sewing machine

074. take 3 art classes

ENTERTAINMENT

075. watch a movie trilogy back to back with friends

076. read a book in one day

077. read the harry potter series

078. read at least a book a month

079. go to 3 festivals

080. go to 5 concerts

081. play poker with real money

082. bowling

083. fishing

084. bingo

RANDOM

085. mail a secret to PostSecret

086. paint my room

087. decorate my room

088. organize my itunes library and keep organized

089. avoid Facebook for one week

090. avoid Facebook for three weeks

091. jump on a trampoline

092. grow hair down to mid-back

093. make reservations to get dessert with a friend

094. adopt a dog

095. make a list with my mom

AND...

096. blog about everything on this list

097. make a new list

098. put things unaccomplished on next list in high priority

099. at the end of 1001 days, donate $1 to Development & Peace for every goal not met

100. save a dollar for every goal completed

101. convince one person to do this

Finishing: February 25, 2012

Objective

Seemingly tedious yet necessary, the Day Zero Project has provided me with one of the most amazing things life can bring: hope. As people, we are doers. As doers, we need tasks.

This project has allowed me to sit myself down for a few moments at a time, and calculate my life's priorities. This project has allowed me to make time for myself and look forward to an accomplishment. Who says accomplishments are only labels and titles seen on resumes? To do, to task, to live is an accomplishment gone unrecognized. I hope to use this blog as recognition for my accomplishments. I hope to share and inspire those who are interested!