101 Improvements in 1001 Days

The First 365 of 1001

January 1, 2011

Happy 1st Anniversary to me!  It’s been one year since I began the Day Zero Project. Since my progress has been a bit stagnant recently, I thought that perhaps I hadn’t made much progress overall in my 101s.  Then I began counting.

Out of my 101s, 22 are multi-part goals.  Damn the over-achiever in me!

In the first 365 days, I’ve completed 37 goals, 19  are in progress, and 45 I have yet to tackle.  Not too shabby.

Some of my proudest accomplishments:

  • Surprising Alex with a 30th birthday trip to Chicago. Not only did we awaken a love for a new city, but we ate at the most innovative restaurant in the United States.  We spent 2 1/2 whirlwind days together, truly loving every minute.  I was reminded that I married the perfect person for me.
  • Losing15 pounds on Weight Watchers.  Due to being married to someone who loves me unconditionally (translation:  he loves me despite some love handles and cellulite) and who is a terrific cook, I gained weight since meeting Alex.  Being in a Master’s program didn’t help either.  Either way, I stuck to my Weight Watchers program and dropped a full size in all of my clothes.   Despite putting a few pounds back on, I’ve basically maintained my healthy eating habits and exercise regimen.
  • Selling our townhouse was a success, but was also very frustrating for me.  As a control freak, it drove me crazy that I couldn’t do anything to get someone to buy our home.  Nevertheless, everything eventually fell into place and our sale finalized.  Even better, we are buying a brand new single-family home.  The pride and joy that comes from being able to afford and pay for a new home is incredible.  I’m looking forward to every part of the house-building process:  kitchen selections, flooring choices, furniture shopping.  I am beyond thankful that Alex and I can do this.

As the new year begins, I am hopeful to keep up this rate of progress.  The goals I am most eager to cross off my list:

  • Buy a house.  (I know it’s in progress, but I cannot wait to move in!)
  • Do not re-injure either of my ankles.
  • Attend a performance of a Shakespeare play.  (The Royal Shakespeare Company is coming to Lincoln Center this year!)
  • Donate 1 pint of blood.  (My fear of needles and difficult veins make this a difficult one.)

To those of you who are working through your 101s, keep it up!  To those of you who are thinking of starting a 101 List, do it.  It gives a great sense of purpose and accomplishment.  Not only am I eager to finish my 101s, but I can’t wait to start a new one immediately after.  Happy New Year!

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Sold!

November 27, 2010

17.  Sell our townhouse.


It’s a long, boring story, so here’s the quick version:

  • House put on market in mid-June.
  • Barely any traffic throughout the summer.  Losing hope.
  • Late-September offer (our first!) for $55k under our asking price.
  • Lots of laughter; played hard ball.
  • Agreed to $6,500 under our asking price.  Win!
  • Packed and packed and packed and packed and packed and packed.  Damn, we have too much stuff.
  • Moved out of our house on October 29.  Supposed to also be the closing.
  • Wait and wait and wait and wait and wait.  Our buyers turn out to be jerks.
  • Finally closed on November 24.  HALLELUJAH!

Thanksgiving morning, Alex and I woke up and immediately checked our bank accounts online.  For the first time in 6 years, there was no mortgage to pay off!

Now, we get to start making our selections for our new house in Monroe Manor in Monroe Township.  This week, we pick out siding, roofing, shutters, stones.  Many pictures will be posted.

And for anyone else trying to sell their home, you have my deepest sympathies.  Good luck!

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Chicago, My Kind of Town

November 3, 2010

7.  Do something extra special for Alex’s 30th birthday.
15. Go to 5 new restaurants.
16.  Try 5 new cocktails.
51.  Visit a foreign or domestic city I’ve never been to before.

As previously chronicled, I “surprised” Alex with a trip to Chicago for his 30th birthday (#7, #51) which conveniently fell on Labor Day Weekend.  We departed New Jersey on Friday evening and the whirlwind tour did not end until late on Sunday.  I could bore you with all of the details or just highlight some of the magnificent moments we had in my new favorite city.

Whether you’ve visited Chicago before or not, the Chicago Architecture Boat Tour is a marvelous to meet or become reacquainted with the city.  For 90 minutes, you cruise around the city with a docent educating you on Chicago’s history, architecture, economy, politics, and people.  Fun and fascinating!

Up next, Millennium Park:  elegant fountains, peaceful gardens, interactive art, and a kick-ass amphitheater.

Even better. . .playing with the Bean.  Well, it’s really called the “Cloud Gate,” but you can see how it earned its nickname.  Alex tried to turn our playtime into a physics lessons on mirrors and reflection or refraction or something.  I obviously did not pay too much attention.

Although the weather was perfect, we sojourned inside to take a whirlwind tour through the Art Institute of Chicago.  And yes, we recreated the Ferris Buller scene in front of the Seurat.

Needless to say, we were exhausted from all our sightseeing.  In order to prepare for our culinary exploits later that evening, a nap was needed.  Then off to Alinea (#15)!  Although it was not my favorite meal ever (Restaurant Nicholas still holds that title), it was definitely the most unique and artistic presentation of food.  There were cocktails in solid form (#16), frozen soup,  a hot/cold potato, mango leather, and a chocolate dessert that defies description.

 

Looking fabulous for dinner at Alinea.

When you think of iconic Chicago landmarks, what do you think of?  The Sears (now Willis) Tower.

 

Obviously, I did not take this photo. Thank you, Wikipedia.

These photos, we did take. While climbing in the elevator, the TV tells you what buildings you have surpassed in height.

Of course we had gorgeous views of Chicago, but also Indiana, Wisconsin, and Michigan.  The best views were the ones downward:

Finally, off to Navy Pier.  Like everyone had told us, it was very touristy and a bit of a disappointment.  Still, we did have more beautiful views of the city.

Then finally, we couldn’t leave the city without seeing Buckingham Fountain (the one featured in the opening credits of Married. . .with Children).

Fortunately, we were able to meet up with our friend, Gen Con Tony and his lovely wife Heather, who introduced us to the culinary miracle of Chicago deep-dish pizza.  It takes 45 minutes to cook!  Thankfully, there are no photos of us at this point.  We were exhausted and not looking too fab.

Final verdict on Chicago:  my new favorite city.  There is so much we didn’t get to see:  the Museum of Science and Industry, the Field Museum, the planetarium, the aquarium, Soldier Field, Wrigley Field, the film tour. . . the list is huge.  Another trip is definitely necessary.

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An Afternoon with Gang Green

October 31, 2010

58.  See a Jets game in the new stadium.

Let’s see:  $120 a seat per game, 16 games a season, plus $1000+ for a PSL . . .didn’t think this goal was going to happen.  Thankfully, the football gods were smiling on Alex and me.  A friend’s father got four tickets to the Jets-Packers game and didn’t want them. His loss, our gain!

So this Sunday, Alex, myself, Joe, and Caitlyn bundled up and headed off to the new Meadowlands stadium to tailgate and watch the Jets pummel the Packers watch the Jets embarrass themselves after a 5-game winning streak.  Although the Jets played miserably, we had a terrific time grilling, eating, and enjoying each other’s company.  Some highlights of the day:

 

Walking up to the stadium, I felt at home as a Jets fan.  No longer did I feel like a visitor in my own stadium.  No longer do we play in “Giants Stadium,” but rather the Meadowlands Stadium.  And I didn’t get any pictures of inside, but everything was GREEN.  The Flagship Store was a bit too green; a bit scary.  It was like the Emerald City on steroids.

Also seen in the parking lot:  a fan with a personalized Farve jersey.  It now read “Perve.”  I heart Jets fans.

Next, we arrive to our seats:  Section 131, Seats 11-14.  Corner of the endzone, just a few sections away from Fireman Eddie.  I didn’t even need to watch the Jumbotron to see him.  I got a bit teary.

(Not my photo. Got this from online.)

 

Then my final comment of the day, which may bring me some ire.  If you are going to wear a football jersey, wear a football jersey.  Something like this:

(All fine options.)

Please, please, please do NOT wear this.  Professional athletes do not dress this way.  And it only reinforces the stereotype that anything for women has to be pink:

In closing, a fantastic day, despite the fact that the Jets’ offense broke my heart.  Gentlemen, get it together and make me proud when you face the Lions next week.  For god’s sake, it’s the Lions.  Don’t embarrass me again.

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Not-So-Lazy-Days of Summer

September 12, 2010

In the last month, I’ve been crossing off 101s left and right.  A brief overview:

4.  Take my dad out to 5 different events

Instead of buying my father unneeded polo shirts or yet another WWII book, I like giving him “event” gifts where we can spend time together.  For Father’s Day, I purchased tickets to see the Irish Tenors at the Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank.  My father is in love with these men.  He thinks everyone should love their music.  Don’t get me wrong; Finbar Wright, Anthony Kearns, and Ronan Tynan are immensely talented performers.  It just doesn’t ring my bell.  But on the night of the show, my father was enchanted.  He was truly transported to another world and forgot all about his torn rotator cuff pain for one night.  Although when they performed “Danny Boy,” I could only think of this:

All in all, we had a great night:  my dad reveled in a live performance of his favorite musicians, and I got to spend quality time with my Daddy-O.

10.  Try 5 foods I have never tried before

For some reason, I was always afraid of trying figs.  Maybe because they resemble prunes and I thought they would be puckery and sour.  Wrong!  Tried them at Rosh Hashanah dinner and I’m in love.  Sweet and pleasantly gritty (like sugar granules on your tongue).

29.  Lower my cholesterol and keep it that way.

Last summer (2009), my internist informed me that I had high cholesterol!  Damn Alex and all his delicious cooking.  By December, Alex and I started Weight Watchers, which seriously ups your fiber intake.  That plus my exercise regiment brought my cholesterol down to 202.  Next year, I’ll update and hopefully it will still be within healthy levels.

70.  Classic white shirt.
77.  Indulge in a trendy item.

Alex, Joe, and I enjoyed some Back-to-School shopping at Kohls where I was actually asked, “How does my butt look in these pants?”  <Facepalm.>  In addition to finding some cute, classic button-downs and knits for the fall, I finally found a classic white shirt that had some visual interest:  double breast pockets and roll-up, button-up sleeves.  Then I indulged in a current trend with a sequined, leopard print tank top.  So not me, but still fun.

100.  Inspire someone else to challenge themselves to the Day Zero Project.

Four!  Four of my friends have now begun their own 101s.  The most recent is my friend Meghan, fabulous fashion teacher, proud Pats fan, and all around wicked awesome person.  Check out her 101.

♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

Many of you know that over Labor Day weekend, I planned a pretty kick-ass 30th birthday for Alex. On Friday night, we flew to Chicago, toured the city in a whirlwind, and ate at Alinea.  This two and a quarter day trip covered a few of my 101s and deserves its own post.  Trust me, it’s coming soon.

Yes, we bought Chicago sweatshirts and wore them in Chicago. Touristy? Yes. Kept out the biting wind? YES.

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Revising the 101

August 22, 2010

Since January 1st,  I’ve made some progress on my 101: 27 completed, 20 in progress.  Not bad!  But in looking over my list, there are some items that just don’t interest me anymore.  Tastes and goals change.  It’s natural.

Therefore, I’ve decided to replace these goals:

60.  See a professional hockey game for the first time.
61.  See a NASCAR race for the first time.
66. Paint 3 figs.

With these new goals:

    • Try curling (the shuffleboard-like game on ice).
    • Attend a performance of a Shakespeare play.
    • Visit a winery.

And I extend the invitation:  anyone who wants to help me achieve any of these goals is welcome!

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Gen Con 2010: New Games Gallore

August 11, 2010

62.  Try 10 new board/card games.
64.  Beat Alex 10 times (gaming).

For the third year in a row, Alex and I made the pilgrimage to Indianapolis for Gen Con, the largest gaming convention in America.  This time, we brought along a Gen Con noob, our friend Jon, to join in the fun.  For four days we demoed, played, and purchased various RPGs (role-playing game), LCGs (living card game), and regular old board games.

These are the games we either played a full game or purchased.  Demos aren’t complete games, so I haven’t included them there.  Alex wrote a witty, clever review of ALL the games we sampled on BoardGameGeek.com. It is a worthy read.

The Adventurers.  Imagine playing a board-game version of Indiana Jones:  attacking boulders, lava traps, moving walls, rushing rapids, and treasure gallore.

Dixit.  Very similar to Apples to Apples, but with gorgeous art.

Priests of Ra.  Board game where you try to build temples, buildings, and pyramids while trying to avoid the plague.

Crokinole.  A very old game, like a mini-tabletop-shuffle board.

Dominion: Prosperity.  The newest expansion for the Dominion LCG series.   Like the name implies, it relies heavily on economic-themed cards and adds interesting new features (a 10-point victory card and 5-point platinum card) to keep it fresh.  I also kicked ass when we played it, earning 93 points and beat Alex!

Zombie Dice.  A quick, fun dice game for in-between games.  Simple really:  eat enough brains without getting your head shot off.

The Stars Are Right.  A Cthulhu-themed logic puzzle game.  Tried it last year, but it wasn’t taught well to me.  Thankfully this year, I had a much better teacher and love this game now.  Still can’t beat Alex though.

Dungeon Lords.  Exactly as it sounds:  you build the best dungeon with traps and monsters in order to keep out the clerics, rogues, fighters, and paladins.

Catan Histories:  Settlers of America.  A refreshing new spin on a reliable favorite.  New resources (cattle, coal), new builds (settlers, rails, trains) make this Catan a great variation on the original.

Egizia.  Another ancient-Egypt game.  You must build the Sphinx, obelisk, temple, and pyramid.  Best part?  I beat Alex the first time we played.

We Didn’t Playtest This At All.  A silly, quick card game with one rule:  there are no rules.  Love it!

Nuns on the Run.  You are either a novice trying to sneak around the convent at midnight while trying to evade the old prioress and abbess.  Depends on logic and planning, but also lots of laughing.

Before signing off, I want to add that it’s not only the games that makes Gen Con wonderful, but moreso the friends we meet up with once a year.  Our Chicago friends Tony, Jeff, and Collin are great gamers and guys we’d like to also sit and have a beer with.  We look forward to them as much as the games.

Until next year!

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Happy fish? Win fin? Success pesce?

84.  Reach 1000 tweets on my Twitter.

What’s the opposite of a fail whale?  Win fin?  Success pesce?

Thanks to my new adventures in Twitter-based PLNs (professional learning network), I’ve surpassed 1000 tweets on my EngTeachGeek Twitter account. Let’s see if I can get to 5,000 by the end of by 1001 days.

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Behind the Curtain

July 25, 2010

14.  Eat at the Chef’s Table at Nicholas.

So often, we take food for granted.  We eat for necessity, we eat out of boredom, we eat for comfort.  However, sometimes we slow down and experience food as something a bit more transcendent.

For our anniversary, Alex and I dined at our favorite place, Restaurant Nicholas.  We’ve eaten there for birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, and random days.    But for this anniversary, we did something different:  ate at the chef’s table in the middle of the kitchen.

The curtain was pulled back.  We got to see the magic behind the finished product.  Our food surmounted functionality.  It was art.  Multi-sensory art. Each course was beautifully plated, and delighted all of our senses.  My culinary diction is not as thorough or vivid as Alex’s, so I’ll let him take over with his review at I Cook, She Eats.

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Phood & Fone

July 17, 2010

3.  Complete 5 projects/tasks for my mom.

On an overcast, gloomy, non-beachy day, Alex and I decided to do something nice for my mom:  cook dinner.  Well, not just one dinner.  18 of them.  So now, on a night when she doesn’t feel like cooking (she has been cooking family dinners since 1955 and deserves a break every now and then) she can just pop one of these in the oven for herself and my dad.  What you’re seeing is the finished product:  lasagnas, pot pies, and stuffed peppers.  That’s right – I actually helped out in the kitchen.

87.  Buy an awesome smart phone (Android/Nexus/iPhone).

Got an early jump on this one.  As per my contract with Verizon, I’m not due for a new phone until March 2011.  Sigh.  But my friend Tom just bought himself the new Droid X and sold me his Motorola Droid.  Rooted and everything.  And I mean everything:  the original box, car mount, charger, screen protectors.  So yeah.  I have an awesome Droid.  And it’s very purpley.

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