#21

Pay for a stranger's dinner...

I almost crossed this off my list a few weeks ago because, instead of dinner, I paid for gas for someone's car... A man approached me at the gas station and told me he had forgotten his wallet- I told him I would go in and pre-pay for it and he just looked so relieved that I was helping him. He offered to wash my windows, and I told him, no it was ok, I was happy to help him for nothing in return. I started thinking about how much I would tell them, maybe $5 or $10, but on my way in I turned around and saw his mom in the car (an older woman), and all of a sudden I didn't know how much to say anymore. I stood there at the counter, and the cashier was looking at me like I was nuts. I finally said, "$20 on pump 6." When it flew out, I kinda couldn't believe it. I had just spent $30 to fill mine! But it was a total God thing, and I really didn't feel in control of the answer I had given. Soooo, as I said, I thought I would cross #21 off for this, since it was still an act of kindness for a stranger, but then I realized that I had put "dinner" on the list for a reason and I had better do what it said.

Which leads me to tonight. My small group had discussed going out to dinner one night and picking someone in the restaurant to pay for. We went to Chili's tonight and did just that! We started looking at the people around us, but decided we definitely wanted to help a family. A mom and her son ended up sitting down right in front of us, but the mom didn't eat anything, only the boy, who looked maybe 8. I decided to go ahead pay for the boy's dinner by myself, as I felt very drawn to them... but we also found an older couple with an even older lady with them, and knew that was who we wanted to pay for. All of us chipped in on the bill, and we all felt so good afterwards! We asked the manager after (who had helped us in the process) and she said they were really surprised and said what a nice thing had been done! The manager even had a big grin on her face- I hope because she felt good to be a part of it.

#21- done! (twice!)

#88 and #14

Cook a turkey:

Pre-cooked herb-roasted citrus glazed turkey!


Basting!


Finally done!


My turkey has an outie! :-P
#88- done!

Drive down to Mema’s for a surprise visit:

Because of Mema's back surgery, she couldn't go anywhere for Thanksgiving. I had visited her twice, for a few days each time, to help take care of her. But I wanted to visit her this time just to be with her and make her happy... so Friday after Thanksgiving, I loaded some leftovers into the car and started off for Columbus. I called her after I had gotten on the road...

Mema: "What are you doing?"

Me: "Oh, just driving to bring leftover Thanksgiving to my Mema."

Mema: "......what?!"

Me: "Yup! On my way to see you now!"

She then proceeded to tell me four or five times "what a nice surprise" it was that I was coming to see her. She was so excited! We had such a nice visit, eating and just enjoying each other's company. The 2 hour drive there and back in one day was totally worth it just to know how happy she was that I surprised her. :)

#14-completed!

#16 done. kinda...

Writing to my biological father proved to be very difficult, but maybe not for the reasons you would assume. As I tried to write my thoughts and feelings, all I could think was, "why am I trying to write a letter to someone I don't know? What good will it do to get questions down on paper like, 'how could you not want to be a part of your own daughter's life?' when I won't get answers?" I had pretty much decided I wouldn't mail it (that is, if I could even find out where he lives) because after all this time, I really don't desire a relationship with him.

During all this time, there was a bit of drama with my "dad." (He's my step-dad, but I've known him as my dad since I was 3 years old.) My parents have been divorced for 10 years, and our relationship just hasn't been what I hoped it would be. I feel like he has his own family now, and since I wasn't ever his "blood," that maybe I didn't really mean all that much to him. He actually called me Saturday and asked if we could go to lunch on Sunday to "talk." I knew there was no way I could ever get out everything I wanted to say without being an emotional disaster, so I wrote him a letter. A 4 page letter. I said everything I ever wanted to say to him. Whether things change or not, I feel better about it because I was able to make sure he knows how I feel about our relationship.

And then, as I deal with all this, I get constant reminders from God that I have a Father who will never abandon me... He will never stop loving me. First, I came across this letter:

My Child,

You may not know me, but I know everything about you. Psalm 139:1
I know when you sit down and when you rise up. Psalm 139:2
I am familiar with all your ways. Psalm 139:3
Even the very hairs on your head are numbered. Matthew 10:29-31
For you were made in my image. Genesis 1:27
In me you live and move and have your being. Acts 17:28
For you are my offspring. Acts 17:28
I knew you even before you were conceived. Jeremiah 1:4-5
I chose you when I planned creation. Ephesians 1:11-12
You were not a mistake, for all your days are written in my book. Psalm 139:15-16
I determined the exact time of your birth and where you would live. Acts 17:26
You are fearfully and wonderfully made. Psalm 139:14
I knit you together in your mother's womb. Psalm 139:13
And brought you forth on the day you were born. Psalm 71:6
I have been misrepresented by those who don't know me. John 8:41-44
I am not distant and angry, but am the complete expression of love. 1 John 4:16
And it is my desire to lavish my love on you. 1 John 3:1
Simply because you are my child and I am your Father. 1 John 3:1
I offer you more than your earthly father ever could. Matthew 7:11
For I am the perfect father. Matthew 5:48
Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand. James 1:17
For I am your provider and I meet all your needs. Matthew 6:31-33
My plan for your future has always been filled with hope. Jeremiah 29:11
Because I love you with an everlasting love. Jeremiah 31:3
My thoughts toward you are countless as the sand on the seashore. Psalms 139:17-18
And I rejoice over you with singing. Zephaniah 3:17
I will never stop doing good to you. Jeremiah 32:40
For you are my treasured possession. Exodus 19:5
I desire to establish youwith all my heart and all my soul. Jeremiah 32:41
And I want to show you great and marvelous things. Jeremiah 33:3
If you seek me with all your heart, you will find me. Deuteronomy 4:29
Delight in me and I will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4
For it is I who gave you those desires. Philippians 2:13
I am able to do more for you than you could possibly imagine. Ephesians 3:20
For I am your greatest encourager. 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17
I am also the Father who comforts you in all your troubles. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
When you are brokenhearted, I am close to you. Psalm 34:18
As a shepherd carries a lamb, I have carried you close to my heart. Isaiah 40:11
One day I will wipe away every tear from your eyes. Revelation 21:3-4
And I'll take away all the pain you have suffered on this earth. Revelation 21:3-4
I am your Father, and I love you even as I love my son, Jesus. John 17:23
For in Jesus, my love for you is revealed. John 17:26
He is the exact representation of my being. Hebrews 1:3
He came to demonstrate that I am for you, not against you. Romans 8:31
And to tell you that I am not counting your sins. 2 Corinthians 5:18-19
Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled. 2 Corinthians 5:18-19
His death was the ultimate expression of my love for you. 1 John 4:10
I gave up everything I lovedthat I might gain your love. Romans 8:31-32
If you receive the gift of my son Jesus, you receive me. 1 John 2:23
And nothing will ever separate you from my love again. Romans 8:38-39
Come home and I'll throw the biggest party heaven has ever seen. Luke 15:7
I have always been Father, and will always be Father. Ephesians 3:14-15
My question is…Will you be my child? John 1:12-13
I am waiting for you. Luke 15:11-32

Love, Your Dad -Almighty God

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Then, a friend of mine, Emily, wrote this blog:

http://daddylessdaughters.wordpress.com/ It makes me want to read the book, A Dad-Shaped Hole in My Heart.

.

And last, today I saw the video for Nickelback's "Never Gonna Be Alone." The video shows a girl that grows up without her father, but he is still with her always. It made me cry- partly because of the storyline, but partly because once again, I was reminded that I am never alone... God is my Father and He is always there.

#16, done...

#16 continued...

Well, my mind has not really been in the right place to finish the letter to my biological father this week. My Mema ended up in the hospital because of her back, and actually had surgery on Monday morning. I went to be with her and take care of her house/dogs this past weekend, and I've also been trying to prepare for conferences this week- it's that time of year. I'm actually going back this weekend and staying through Tuesday to be with her and help take care of her. So on top of all that I have going on this week, I'm also trying to get sub plans ready for Monday and Tuesday. Whew.

I'm hoping while I'm at Mema's those few days, I might have a little time to myself to "reflect" and write. I will say that what keeps returning to my mind is a day very shortly after when I was truly saved- the day I realized that although I felt like my dad had left me, and so many times when I felt alone and that I "missed" that in my life, that all along I've had a Father that created me, loves me, and will never let me down.

Joshua 1:9 ...Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.

#16

#16- Write my biological father a letter...

This is one on the list I keep putting off until the "right time." But I was thinking about it earlier today, and I think this is going to be my project this week. It's not really something I want to sit down and just "do" start to finish... I want to give myself time to start, walk away, come back... and decide if I am going to try to mail it to him. This would require me to actually try to find out where he is (I have no clue). I purposely left #16 open (just "write" him a letter), because I don't know if I want to really open that can of worms... sometimes just getting my feelings out on paper is enough. So I think I will wait until I'm done with the letter to decide if I feel "freed up" of the feelings I have kept bottled up, or if I "need" to mail it.

I will update again later this week when it's done. :)

#89

I am not artistic. I'll admit creative, but artistic? ...I'm lucky to stay in the lines when I color. :-P But Saturday, most of Jessica's bachelorette party took place at Sips and Strokes (it's not what it sounds like... haha! click on the link and check it out!)- you bring your own drinks, pay $35, and they guide you through painting a piece of art. I really thought mine might end up looking like one of my third graders painted it, but it turned out SO GOOD. I was really proud of myself. I couldn't BELIEVE I had done it, actually!! As I said, I am NOT artistic. I decided this counted for this task on my list because I technically bought the piece, even though it was my own "artwork." :)

Maybe the wine helped? :)

My (almost) finished piece... I thought I was done at this point, but then I kept going back ...and back ...and back touching up her hair and wings... I really enjoyed it though!

#89- Buy a piece of artwork, completed! "Guardian Angel" -an original by Jivey! :) ...and of course, now hanging on the wall because that's what you DO with artwork!! :-P

#25

I usually try to keep this blog strictly about my list, and started this entry thinking this would be the exception... but then I came to realize that, in all of my frustration with one friend, I was forgetting about all the GREAT friends I do have. I think I'm finally ready to cross #25 off of my list.

#25- Build a new friendship. This seems like a silly one, I know, but in college, I let my world revolve around my boyfriend instead of meeting new people, and I suffer for it now. Luckily, I came to the realization that only God can fill a hole, or an empty place in my heart, and that I was a moron to pour my energy into someone who could NEVER give me what I need... much less return those efforts. So, #25 was especially important to me because 1) I have a lot of catching up to do, and 2) the friends I have made since I moved back to the Lawrenceville/Snellville area have been such a blessing, that I could only hope to have at least one more person like them in my life.

There has been some on-going drama, not to mention non-reciprocated efforts, with a good friend of mine... well one who I considered a good friend. But in a lot of prayer, tears, and conversations with non-biased parties (:-P), I have come to the realization that maybe it is time to stop trying. That maybe what I hoped for just wasn't going to be the same again...

I found this quote tonight... "Life's not about the people who act true to your face. It's about the people who remain true behind your back." I can appreciate this comment so much because, although I am certainly guilty of gossip (and it's something that I work on), I would never say anything about a friend that I couldn't, or haven't, said to their face. And, unfortunately, I don't feel that this is true with some people who I call my friend. And as I said in the beginning of this blog, in all my depression about this, it didn't dawn on me until I was typing that I have so many NEW friendships to be thankful for, that don't leave me feeling sad or disappointed or not appreciated, and THOSE are the people I want to lift up right now.

Amanda L- although you are not a "new" friend this year, we reached a "new" level this year. I will FOREVER be thankful for the amazing times we had this summer. Summertime Amanda and Summertime Jivey must return in 2010.

Amanda B- I knew from the minute we started Math Institute this summer that you were someone I WANTED to know. I am so thankful to have the "tiny" room across the hall from you because I don't know what I'd do without you sometimes! You are awesome. Can't wait for another WDW and a night of "planning" at your house soon. :)

Sabrina- We've lost touch since the summer a little bit, but I want you to know what an inspiration you are to me, what a Godly woman you are, and how much I just love your heart for those around you. We need some more one-on-one time...

Ana- I am SO proud to call you a friend. You encourage me, you lift me up, and you don't leave me hanging! (haha!) I hope to be that much of an encouragement to you...

Christina- I love that we have so many similarities in our past, which also makes us have so many similarities now, and in our future. I look forward to more hookah nights and girl talks. :)

Melanie, Rachel, Angie, Danyell, Emily, Brittany, and Allison- my small group girls... you give me a reason to look forward to Mondays, and that's a miracle in itself! haha, just kidding. :) But REALLY, you girls are wonderful, and I couldn't ask for a better group of women who want people to see that we are desperate for God. I love you girls, and I'm so glad to get to know each of you.


Hmmm. What is REALLY funny to me is, the list of people who have come into my life since this summer, the ENTIRE list...are women. I used to think I was a guys' girl because I have always hated drama, and girls always seemed to bring it. But that would be the key word... GIRLS. I now know the importance of having good women in your life. My resolution is... I'm not going to dwell anymore on a relationship that does not encourage me, make me feel blessed, or appreciate the efforts I put into it. I will instead pour my energy into and sustain the beautiful NEW friendships I have made this year, and look forward to the ones to come. :)

#25, completed. :)

#3

Well...... it doesn't look like I'll be completing #3- go to an away UGA game... I was supposed to go this weekend to the GA/TN game, but I have been sick for almost a week and can't kick the crud... so unfortunately, I am going to stay home this weekend, and there won't be another away game that I'll be able to go to this season. I'm so sad about it, but I also know that I need to take care of myself and not push myself and end up sicker... it's better to be sad, but eventually feeling better (and only finish 99 of the 100 things on my list), than push it and end up getting sicker and be the party pooper of the weekend. Who knows, maybe somehow I will get a chance to go to an away game after all! I almost feel like this sickness could even be God making me stay on my budget, because if I go to the game, I'll definitely be spending more than my "allowance." I've been doing better with my money lately... so maybe #69 (pay off one credit card) will happen sooner than later! :)

#11 and #32

#11- Learn the names of the flowers in my yard; #32- Plant and grow a flower from a seed. planted 7/5/09, first flower 9/12/09!! :)

When making this list, I had to do a little bit of reflection to figure out what I really wanted to do, not just put on the list to fill it. Those of you that know me, know that I am NOT a green thumb. The opposite actually... I was someone that couldn't identify a pansy, much less keep one alive. So why would this be important to me...? Two words- My Mama.

Growing flowers from a pack of seeds was so awesome. It really made me take interest in the yard and made me take care of things... I'm sure I sound completely ridiculous, but it was like watching a baby grow- these seeds were my babies. I made sure they had enough sun and water, I checked on them everyday...and the first little sprout was a huge victory for me- "I DID it!! I actually grew something instead of killing it!!" :) Then, all of a sudden there were lots of sprouts... and then finally flowers! I called my mom when my first flower bloomed- I was so excited- I felt like a little kid- "Mommy, look what I did!!"



My mom LOVES the yard. Of course, it's hard work, but it was always worth it to her to take care of her yard and keep it pretty with different flowers and bushes. When my mom moved in with her hubby, leaving me here to keep up with everything, I thought I owed it to her to at least TRY. And for me, if I am interested in something, of course I will pay more attention to it... so going out trying to remember the names of the flowers my mom had told me while I watered them helped. :) In some silly way, I think I wanted to make my mom proud that all of her hard work wasn't going to go to waste- that I could do it all just like her.

I've been cutting the blooming Gerber daisies from the yard and putting them in a vase in the kitchen... just trying to remember to enjoy all the hard work and love that went into every plant out there. :)

#31

#31- Tell my parents the truth about something I lied about when I was younger.

This was actually really hard for me to accomplish... not because there are so many to choose from, or because I did bad things when I was younger. It's actually the exact opposite, which is what made it so hard! I was a pretty good kid. Sure, I made poor choices, as any kid does, but for the most part, I was pretty good. And when I wasn't, it seems I always got caught, which is what was making it so hard to think of something I could tell my parents the truth about... they already know everything!!!

Well, this morning, I woke up thinking about my friend Hana. We were best friends in middle school, and part of high school. I have talked to her a couple of times through facebook in the last year, and for some reason, this morning, I woke up remembering one of our... well, not one of our smartest moments, let's say. I was 15, and she was 14. Her parents had gone out of town and I was over at her house, just hanging out, like always. We were trying to think of something to do, and we had the bright idea to take her dad's car for a joyride. We didn't want to do anything seriously stupid, like get on a main road, for fear that we would get caught and it would ruin our chances of getting our license. So, we stayed in the neighborhoods around us. We were having so much fun, blaring music, feeling so "cool" in a car. Of course, I was driving because I was closest to being "old enough." haha! Well we got to the end of one of the neighborhoods, and I didn't want to get on the main road... I threw it in reverse to turn around, but being inexperienced, I cut the wheel right instead of left, and we HIT A MAILBOX! I think it bent up the mailbox, I don't really remember, but I do remember the horrifying sound of the BUMP as I hit it. We didn't get out to look, we just drove straight back to Hana's house. We were so afraid of getting caught! When we got back to her house to survey they damage, there was a nick in the back of the car. Luckily, her neighbor, Justin, came over and helped us wax out the scratch. You could still feel where it was, but couldn't see it- it was MAYBE an inch, but felt like the whole back of the car to us. I'm not sure if she ever told her parents what really happened, but I know her dad ended up seeing it days later and thought maybe a rock hit his car or something. And I never told my parents...

I called my mom, and she was "busy" and actually didn't want to stop and listen to my whole lie!! I couldn't believe it. Haha!

So, I called my dad to tell him about it to get this crossed off the list. Of course, I had to preface it by explaining that it was on the list, and it was actually hard to think of something that he didn't know already, to which he made a joke about what a bad liar I was, but that it was a good thing. :) ...and he laughed and kept saying, "wow!" once I told him the story. I think secretly he might have been a little proud that I wasn't as much of a chicken as he always thought I was. hee hee

When my mom finally called me back, she couldn't believe that I had done that. She told me that it was pretty terrible, and it was a good thing we didn't get caught! :-o We really did get pretty lucky...

I actually can not think of ONE other thing that I have not told my parents. Of course, I usually got caught if I did anything stupid, but the couple times I didn't, I think I've actually already told them once I got older and knew they couldn't ground me for it. :-P

#31, completed 9/26/09

#83 and #92!

Sean is the provider of all sorts of redneck entertainment!!

#92- Shoot a gun.

Before going muddin', we decided to go shootin'. Please note the lack of "g's" in these words. They aren't allowed. :-P

I used to go shootin' with my ex-boyfriend, Donny in Carrollton, and I loved it. It's a little scary to be holding such a lethal weapon, but such a thrill. Sean reminded me of some important tips before I started shootin'...

Then I shot a couple rounds! I didn't do so bad, I hit a couple of the targets!

Oh but then, he pulls out the shotgun. I had NEVER shot a shotgun because honestly, the kickback scares me.

But I did it!!! And there was definitely a kickback, but it wasn't as bad as I expected. :) I was proud of myself for facing my fear.

After that, it was off to...

#83- Play in the mud.

It had been decided a while back that Brandi and Sean HAD to be a part of this one. Sean bought "Big Ugly," and immediately, muddin' was in Big Ugly's future. Check me out in front of Big Ugly with my wife beater and my Bud Light, of course. ;-)

It had been a couple of days since it had rained (this was pre-flood), so we weren't sure about there being a lot of mud... and there wasn't a whole lot, so Sean got the bright idea to have me jump into the mud, make a big splash, get muddy, play in it...

Well... there isn't a whole lot to do in a mud puddle as far as playing goes. I knew this wasn't going to count for playing in the mud. We continued driving, hoping for some more mud... and we found some!! We had a mud fight! (think snowball fight with nasty, gross, MUD.)

I am SUCH a girly girl when it comes to stuff like that. I do not like getting dirty... but I still had a blast getting pelted with mud by Sean, and of course, Brandi and I ganged up on him and tried to get him filthy. :)

#83 and #92, completed 8/23/09!

Aw dang...

I failed... Gotta get back on the band wagon. This school year is kicking my butt! I have not been updating my blog weekly like I wanted to, so I'm going to try to be more intentional about it. In the midst of the craziness at work, I have thought about my list a few times and what I could complete soon. I'm thinking of driving to my Mema's with my sister Labor Day weekend for the "surprise visit" (#14). We'll see how the weekend goes though. :)

#69 is looking so far from reach right now (pay off a credit card). I have got to get myself on a budget and actually follow it. I say it all the time, and I've had discussions with the "professionals" about what I'm supposed to do, it's just time to actually do it. Sigh.

So those are the two that are weighing heavy on me right now. On a lighter note, I really want to go "play in the mud" (#83) with Sean and Brandi. She is in town this weekend and he has this crazy ridiculous truck that he bought that would be perfect to go muddin' in... so hoping to get that planned soon.

Oh my gosh. I'm not even kidding. The ice cream truck just passed my house and I have no cash. DANG! So much for #56. ...aaaaaand there it goes again, the other way down my street. Oh well, there will be more opportunities. :)

Hopefully next time I update this, it will be with some muddy pics!! :)

#19

Eat ethnic food that I’ve never tried...

I am SUCH a picky eater. I am a creature of habit when it comes to a lot of things, but especially food. It's not that I don't like to try new things... it's just that I know what I like, so I stick with it. :)

A lot of you that know me, know that my ethnic food could have NEVER been Mexican... haha I joke that I was Hispanic in a past life because I literally could eat (and sometimes do) Mexican food everyday.

When Christina told me that she was going with her friend Caitlin to Zaya, I immediately knew I had to be "in." I had never even heard of the restaurant, and the menu looked REALLY ...interesting... in a good way of course. It was awesome! So good, I kept eating even after I felt like I was gonna pop. I ordered Chicken Shawarma with Baba Ghanuj and Yogurt Salad. We also ordered Falafel for an appetizer, which I had eaten in Europe last year and I didn't know there was even a place in Atlanta that served it! So yummy!! Our waiter, Gene, was hilarious... he was quite fond of our table (duh. three hot girls!!) and we enjoyed talking to him.

We finished the experience off with a hookah, then headed over to Dad's Garage for improv. We had a BLAST! Thanks Christina for making me try new things, and introducing me to Caitlin! :)

#41, 42, and #1! (and I think I feel #25 getting close!)

I am getting behind on updating this weekly! I have to do better... it's just that I've been so busy crossing things off my list! :)

This past week confirmed that this has been THE BEST summer (aside from last year in Europe, because that's a whole 'nother beast!)- my mom and my best childhood friend got married, I've gotten to go to the beach a few times, I started this list which has been such an amazing motivation to do things I feel are important (and some that are just silly fun!), and most importantly, I have grown so much in my relationships with my friends (old and new!) and with Christ. It has been the summer I wish could last forever.

#25- Build a new friendship... I'm not crossing this off yet, because it's very new, but over the last few weeks, I have gotten to know two girls. Sabrina and Ana are amazing Godly women that I am so thankful for! I really feel a connection with Sabrina and think we have a lot to give each other and learn from each other. Ana is a WONDERFUL woman raising two fabulous kids, and her heart just shines through her smile every time I'm with her. I'm so excited to say that I could potentially be crossing #25 off TWICE! It's not everyday you make two amazing friends.

I just want to also take time to say, my Amanda has been such a blessing in my life. Her heart, wisdom, and personality are absolutely beautiful, and I am so glad that we have grown closer this summer. Her friendship has always been important to me, dating all the way back to my very first small group semester, but there is a new dynamic to it now. We have shared so much of our hearts with each other, over the last couple of weeks especially, and she just rejuvenates me! I feel so refreshed when I leave her, and wind up missing her when she isn't around! :)

Which brings me to #41, #42, and #1! I spent a solid 48 hours with Amanda this week, and not much of that time was sleep time!

Ana had on her list to watch the sunrise over the ocean... my #41 was also to watch the sunrise. We decided to drive to Tybee Island and get there in time for the sunrise! So, this past Thursday night, Amanda, Ana, and I hung out at Waffle House until midnight to load up on caffeine for a ROADTRIP! We laughed and sang and danced all the way there...and laughed some more... laughed until we cried... laughed the silent laugh even. Those girls are amazing (I think I might have mentioned that already... haha)! #42 on my list was to stay up all night, which I did! I actually topped it and only slept maybe an hour in a total of about 32 hours! Craziness... anyway, back to my #41. Watching the sunrise over the ocean was such an amazing experience. I really don't think I've ever watched the sunrise, honestly. Me being the crazy picture-taker, got like 60 shots of the sunrise, and even then I would just stop and sit in awe of what my amazing God paints for us every morning. Psalm 19:1, The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Amanda found this verse as we sat marvelling at the beauty. Amazing.

So, #41 and #42 were complete, it was time to head over (yes, on one hour of sleep) to the lake for Sabrina's birthday and get #1 -Go camping. For real.- crossed off the list. We had a cookout, sat around a fire talking and laughing... I did get attacked by fire ants which was unfortunate. Luckily, Sabrina's dad had some Benadryl for me... and about 1 am, Amanda and I headed into our tent. We had some amazing girl talk (even being doped up on Benadryl and both of us running on an hour of sleep!), and then both of us crashed... woke up to beautiful scenery... and I survived my first camping trip!!

We lounged on rafts in the lake all day- just what I needed. Next time I go camping, I will be wearing tennis shoes, of course. Freakin' ants... they sent me to an urgent care center on Sunday to get a cortizone shot because I am so allergic to them, my foot swelled up and made me look like the elephant man!! I just really didn't think of ants being an issue at the lake! Oh well, it was still a BLAST. :)

Whew! #'s 6, 7, 10, 34, 35, 45, 54, 57, 58, 77, 85, 90, and 94!

Well, I had gotten it in my mind that I was going to take a roadtrip to see Brandi- #6, #7, and #34 (spend the night at someone else's house). She lives in Indiana, so it's about an 11 hour drive.

I ended up hitting 100 on my speedometer (#94) before I even got out of Georgia just because I was so anxious to do it. :-P I'd only ever done that one other time... I know dangerous, blah blah, but it was such a rush! haha

When I got to Kentucky, I got out at the state line and put one foot on either side of the sign- #54, be in two places at once! I was in Tennessee and Kentucky!

Brandi and I had an absolute BLAST. Of course, we could have fun with a cardboard box. :-P

We went to a winery (#77), enjoyed a drink (or two...) on the porch (#85),

we went on a picnic to Yogi Bear Jellystone Park (#10),

we went to "Amish country" and did photo shoots of each other- so fun!! hee hee (#45), and in the midst of all that, I walked barefoot in the grass and laid in the grass with no blanket, which is something that has always looked fun, but I've never wanted to do because of ants... and it really wasn't that enjoyable. haha (#57 and #58).

We cooked a huge breakfast for us and the family she is living with Sunday morning (#35),

and then we ended my trip with a bubble blowing contest with bubble gum (#90)! We had so much FREE fun, it was insane!! I love that girl, and it was so good to get to spend time with her. :)

#59

#59- Sing a song at karaoke that someone picks for me...

I know this is a silly one, but truly, it takes a lot of courage to get up and sing when YOU pick your song. Getting up there and having no idea what is about to come up on the screen is downright terrifying. I had to quickly drink a couple rum and cokes to get loosened up first... my heart was seriously pounding out of my chest. So silly because I've done karaoke a couple dozen times! But anyway, Luke picked Celine Dion, It's All Coming Back to Me Now. If you aren't familiar with this song, it is a song you can definitely have fun with, and I did! But man, there are some high notes. I just couldn't attempt a few of them for the sake of the listeners... haha! So here is the video... watch at your own risk. Feel free to laugh, of course. :)

Thank you Luke... and thank you Amanda for singing backup for me :) and filming it of course, and thank you Jonathan for yelling inappropriately to make me laugh. "Yeah, touch me JIVEY!" haha :-P #59...completed!

#46 and the finish of #22

Aaaaaah....... Looking at this picture reminds of the peaceful hours I spent today. I grabbed Gatsby, my 12Stone blanket, and a Vitamin Water, and drove to Briscoe Park. It's been ages since I've been there... it's right around the corner from my house. I spotted THE perfect tree when I pulled in to the park and made a beeline for it. The weather was absolutely perfect today- especially in the shade. There was a constant cool breeze, and no humidity. Even though it was mid-day, I never broke a sweat.

#46-Spend an afternoon reading on a blanket in the park, completed.

And now for #22- I chose The Great Gatsby because it was one of the only books I remember I was SUPPOSED to read in high school, and because I've always heard good things about it. I finished it this evening, and what a TRAGIC book! From the unhappy marriages and well-known affairs, to a man who appeared to be loved by so many but in fact, had no one to even attend his funeral, not even the woman who professed her love to him. That used to be a fear of mine- dying alone. I know better now of course, but reading this book brought back the memory of those feelings of uncertainty and loneliness... It was a good book, but certainly was not a "feel-good" story. Hah! Glad I read it though... so much symbolism, etc in this book it makes me feel like I should write an essay. But of course, I won't. :-P

#22- Read a classic novel that I was supposed to read in high school (and never did), completed!

#36 and #37 (and the start of #22)

Cook a full dinner by myself- so I really don't cook... and it's not because I'm not good at it. I actually am. :-P It's just that usually, I would only be cooking for myself, and it doesn't always feel worth it for just me. Or, I might cook something small- not what I would consider a "full dinner"- 'appetizer,' sides, entree, and dessert. My appetizer in this meal- homemade guacamole- was definitely an appetizer... so good I finished it before I started cooking dinner! :) I had to make some more. I cooked a mexican dinner- fajita style chicken, mexican rice, black beans- made soft tacos with ALL the fixin's... SO delish. Then dessert- chocolate brownies with hershey minis broken up and dropped in pre-bake. I added a scoop of black rasberry chocolate chunk ice cream and it was THE perfect compliment. :) It was a YUMMY dinner! I'm thinking I should have made this task "cook a full dinner by myself at least once a month..." I'm crossing it off the list, but I think I'm going to try to do a full meal at least once a month.

When I created my list of 100, relaxing in the bath was the first thing I thought of doing after adding cooking an entire meal to the list, so why not go ahead and follow through in real life since they went together so perfectly in my mind? :) I haven't had a bubble bath in a long time, partly because I feel like I never have time for a bath, and partly because I ran out of bubble bath (haha). When I was little, I hated showers and would beg my mom to take a bath instead. Funny how quickly we change our priorities as we get older. I also checked out The Great Gatsby from the library so I could start on #22. :)

Tasks #36 (Cook a full dinner by myself) and #37 (Relax in a bubble bath)- Completed!

#55

I used to LOVE that moment at dusk when the yard would start to sparkle with fireflies as they hovered over bushes and the grass. I would run inside to grab a container, then go chase them. The key to catching them is patience, which I learned all over again tonight. I would see one, and by the time I got over to that area of the yard, I couldn't see any... I finally just sat on the swing and waited for them to pop up around me. It was a beautiful night anyway, so it was relaxing to just sit out there...



I caught a few, got my picture proof, and then let them go. Didn't wanna kill any on my quest to 100! :-)

#55, Chase/catch lightning bugs...Completed!

#64

I went to Six Flags today!! Ana and her two kids (Katy and Tyler), Jason, Michelle, Shafer, and I all carpooled down, and I can honestly say that was the most fun I've had at Six Flags! We rode the Cyclone, Acrophobia, Mine Train, Splashwater Falls, Goliath, Log Jamboree, Scorcher, Mind Bender (twice for Katy!), Batman, Monster Mansion (hee hee), and Thunder River. It was definitely a HOT day, but the lines weren't long at ALL, and we had a blast!

Ana's daughter, Katy, and I were big time buddies! Katy latched onto me walking from the car to the gate, holding my hand and wanting to ride all the rides with me, and I loved every minute of it. She is a sweet girl- both of Ana's kids are so well-behaved! It was a GREAT day, truly.

This was the second time ever I had gone on Acrophobia- it is a HUGE thrill, but totally takes your breath away on the drop. As you can tell by the pic, I was still recovering. haha! Man, it was fun though. :)

Oh man, I just love these last 2 pics. Ana's list included riding Goliath, which was why it was so important for her to come to Six Flags today! I decided I wanted to sneak my camera onto the ride to get pics of her ON Goliath. Mission Accomplished! Wahoooooo!

#64- Go to an amusement park, completed!!

#63

Last night, I got to watch my French film- Le Pacte Des Loups. It was actually pretty entertaining, and even though there were English subtitles, I could understand a lot of what they were saying! I was proud of myself for being able to put my five years of French to use.

#63, completed!

#43

There is something about napping outdoors that is so peaceful to me. One of my absolute favorite things is to fall asleep on the beach (waves crashing, breeze blowing *sigh*)... second would be taking a nap on my screened-in backporch.

This, of course, was easily crossed off the list today because I got up early this morning to wait for the cable guy. I tutored for an hour this afternoon, and the whole drive home, I was yawning and in turn, thinking of the fabulous futon on the back porch that was just calling my name! So, I grabbed my camera to document my task, and quickly fell asleep with my dog Zoey to the sound of the birds chirping and the squirrels chattering! :-P

(ok so we know this was staged... but it really was the start of a great nap!!)

Task #43, completed!