I have not been following through with this Magic Birthday Blog exactly as I intended, but then, things never go quite as we intend. Since I am the writer of this blog, and since it is MY magic birthday year, and MY magic birthday list, then I have finally figured out this is the one thing that I am the complete boss of! So, I am making an exectuive decision . . . the Magic Birthday List will officially end when all the items on the list are finished, and that may take more than a year! Due to my incredibly busy, yet boring, life, there are not enough vacant hours available to accomplish everything in such a time frame as a year, especially as some items on the list only occur with infrequent frequency- for instance, my schedule has not allowed us to be able to go to Tri-State Speedway this season (we went to our neighbor's annual Labor Day Cook-Out on the evening we could have gone to Tri-State) and we also missed the Mesker Summer Movie Nights, due to vacation or work or something or other. So those are things we will have to pick up next summer, being as summer is over now. Gee. Summer is over.
At this point I have to complain. It really wasn't that great of a summer - it started off fine, my Magic Birthday Garden thriving, the grass growing, and then . . . . . . then, the heat. Now I know that is normal with summer but it was relentless this year , and the WORST part was, NO RAIN! We seriously have had barely an inch of rain since July. My grass is gone, some flowers made it through ok, but not looking the greatest, and my poor tomatoes are cherry tomatoes even though they're not. And I have watered as best I can, but it's not good enough. Sigh. Now it is one of my favorite times of year, and still, no rain. It is so DRY! Not that I want a deluge, or anything, but still . . .
End of complaints. I will get back to this soon, with all the things I WAS able to do on the list and the continuing thrills thereof. . .
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Bowling scores to date
Ten games to date, August 10, 2010.
1. 77 6. 96
2. 88 7. 112
3. 131 8. 94
4. 97 9. 74
5. 83 10. 108
1. 77 6. 96
2. 88 7. 112
3. 131 8. 94
4. 97 9. 74
5. 83 10. 108
oh dear, it's August!!!!!
OK, July just flew by. Sort of. I have to admit I napped during part of it - a really bizarre work schedule, vacation, and intense heat waves kind of messed with my equilibrium, and I found it quite refreshing to snuggle in with the little fur babies and take naps until time for the next job. Lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer indeed.
My magic birthday list is progressing nicely. I have been bowling ten times ( I will post the scores thus far, even though they are really pathetic), I have seen a couple of more birds, my Magic Birthday Garden is growing, despite only a little rain this summer. In this post I will try to put some photos of things.
I have actually accomplished some things on the list in the past month. With a bunch of Stein Mart days off in a row, I even cooked John supper one night (item # 18 - only 4 to go now). I cooked some chicken with wild and brown rice and broccoli and then made a pretty good pie for dessert - a "lemonade pie". It was pretty delicious on a hot summer evening.
Last weekend John and I went to a botanical garden (item #48) - this being the Western Kentucky Botanical Garden in Owensboro. It was a short drive, being on this side of Owensboro, and we had the entire place to ourselves on a hot Saturday afternoon, except for the wedding being prepared for in the visitors' center. We found it to be quite interesting, and surprisingly nice in its size and design, being as Owensboro is a smaller town than Evansville. We saw all manner of roses in a very nice rose garden, herbs, grasses, fruits, a little Japanese garden, a really neat Children's Magic Garden with little sub-gardens - and the beginnings of new gardens being currently developed.
The next day we went to Mesker Park Zoo and Botanical Garden - Evansville's own. I wanted to see the new exhibits, particularly the Amazonian ( item # 36) exhibit. I have only to been to our zoo once, and that was at least ten years ago. I have been by the zoo countless times, as there have been many activities in the Mesker Park area that I have been a part of, in particular, the Evansville Symphonic Band Concerts we used to do at Mesker ( we perform at the Coliseum now) and when I worked for the Philharmonic, working at the Labor Day concerts and running the instrument 'petting zoo' there. Although not in the zoo proper, the Amphitheatre is right next door and often we would hear a lion roar and always we would hear the peacocks, especially as our music floated into the air. Anyway, this was my first time to the zoo in a while, and John and I spent most of the afternoon there. It was hot, yes, and it is a BIG place, lots of walking, but we are well up to that, and really had a good time. The Amazonian exhibit was fantastic. It so reminded me of the zoo in Belize that my sister Suzi and I went to - that zoo was in the middle of a rain forest, and the exhibit at the zoo is also a rain forest, although man-made. In Belize, the humans were the ones in the 'cages' and there were howler monkeys overhead, jaguars with only chicken wire between us, otters that would come right to you - it was quite an experience in the middle of the country. Mesker's compilation of that had so many of the same animals and birds we saw there, with so much more, and in a much more controlled environment. It seemed so natural a place for the animals, so they actually live there instead of just being on display.
Another thing on the list was to go to the annual Parade of Homes and to take five ideas and incorporate them into my own home (item #20). I go to the Parade every year - it is when area builders put their new houses on display. Some are really incredible, million dollar homes that have been decorated by all the best firms in the Tri-State. John and I went this year, and saw maybe 25% of the homes - the list was small again this year, I guess because of the economy. And, sadly, I really didn't see anything that floated my boat, so to speak. We saw house is at least three different price categories but they were all the same - they looked the sameoutside, nothing too exciting, and inside was the same. Everybody had earth tone painted walls (greens, browns, taupes, golds, some red here and there and prerequisite pink and blues for children's rooms) and everyone had woodwork painted white. Every house we saw! Also, stainless steel appliances and granite counters. Or concrete. Concrete is cool, I like that. But granite or concrete is not too practical for our counter tops - our house is not very expensive, nor is it in an expensive neighborhood, so it would be silly to go with astronomical upgrades (we can't afford it anyway). And John thinks that as soon as we would paint all of our woodwork white, it would be out of fashion and wood stain would be back, so we may as well leave it stained and be ahead of the pack!!!! haha. SO, I didn't take any ideas other than a more solid decision on what colors we will be painting when the rooms are re-painted later this year. I guess that's something.
So that is an update - now I will proceed to try to post pictures and to list some things, like bowling scores. Promise you won't laugh at me, whoever it is out there who is reading this!
My magic birthday list is progressing nicely. I have been bowling ten times ( I will post the scores thus far, even though they are really pathetic), I have seen a couple of more birds, my Magic Birthday Garden is growing, despite only a little rain this summer. In this post I will try to put some photos of things.
I have actually accomplished some things on the list in the past month. With a bunch of Stein Mart days off in a row, I even cooked John supper one night (item # 18 - only 4 to go now). I cooked some chicken with wild and brown rice and broccoli and then made a pretty good pie for dessert - a "lemonade pie". It was pretty delicious on a hot summer evening.
Last weekend John and I went to a botanical garden (item #48) - this being the Western Kentucky Botanical Garden in Owensboro. It was a short drive, being on this side of Owensboro, and we had the entire place to ourselves on a hot Saturday afternoon, except for the wedding being prepared for in the visitors' center. We found it to be quite interesting, and surprisingly nice in its size and design, being as Owensboro is a smaller town than Evansville. We saw all manner of roses in a very nice rose garden, herbs, grasses, fruits, a little Japanese garden, a really neat Children's Magic Garden with little sub-gardens - and the beginnings of new gardens being currently developed.
The next day we went to Mesker Park Zoo and Botanical Garden - Evansville's own. I wanted to see the new exhibits, particularly the Amazonian ( item # 36) exhibit. I have only to been to our zoo once, and that was at least ten years ago. I have been by the zoo countless times, as there have been many activities in the Mesker Park area that I have been a part of, in particular, the Evansville Symphonic Band Concerts we used to do at Mesker ( we perform at the Coliseum now) and when I worked for the Philharmonic, working at the Labor Day concerts and running the instrument 'petting zoo' there. Although not in the zoo proper, the Amphitheatre is right next door and often we would hear a lion roar and always we would hear the peacocks, especially as our music floated into the air. Anyway, this was my first time to the zoo in a while, and John and I spent most of the afternoon there. It was hot, yes, and it is a BIG place, lots of walking, but we are well up to that, and really had a good time. The Amazonian exhibit was fantastic. It so reminded me of the zoo in Belize that my sister Suzi and I went to - that zoo was in the middle of a rain forest, and the exhibit at the zoo is also a rain forest, although man-made. In Belize, the humans were the ones in the 'cages' and there were howler monkeys overhead, jaguars with only chicken wire between us, otters that would come right to you - it was quite an experience in the middle of the country. Mesker's compilation of that had so many of the same animals and birds we saw there, with so much more, and in a much more controlled environment. It seemed so natural a place for the animals, so they actually live there instead of just being on display.
Another thing on the list was to go to the annual Parade of Homes and to take five ideas and incorporate them into my own home (item #20). I go to the Parade every year - it is when area builders put their new houses on display. Some are really incredible, million dollar homes that have been decorated by all the best firms in the Tri-State. John and I went this year, and saw maybe 25% of the homes - the list was small again this year, I guess because of the economy. And, sadly, I really didn't see anything that floated my boat, so to speak. We saw house is at least three different price categories but they were all the same - they looked the sameoutside, nothing too exciting, and inside was the same. Everybody had earth tone painted walls (greens, browns, taupes, golds, some red here and there and prerequisite pink and blues for children's rooms) and everyone had woodwork painted white. Every house we saw! Also, stainless steel appliances and granite counters. Or concrete. Concrete is cool, I like that. But granite or concrete is not too practical for our counter tops - our house is not very expensive, nor is it in an expensive neighborhood, so it would be silly to go with astronomical upgrades (we can't afford it anyway). And John thinks that as soon as we would paint all of our woodwork white, it would be out of fashion and wood stain would be back, so we may as well leave it stained and be ahead of the pack!!!! haha. SO, I didn't take any ideas other than a more solid decision on what colors we will be painting when the rooms are re-painted later this year. I guess that's something.
So that is an update - now I will proceed to try to post pictures and to list some things, like bowling scores. Promise you won't laugh at me, whoever it is out there who is reading this!
Sunday, July 4, 2010
It is now my actual magic birthday!
Ha! I have been so busy doing things on my Magic Birthday List, that I have absolutely lost track of my blog entries. For anyone out there who may be reading this, sorry! \
And so now, today, I am officially 55 years old, the whole entire reason for the Magic Birthday Blog, and the list, and all that stuff. I have been asked why I am doing this, and basically it was just to do something different for a year, and I think it for a great reason!
N0w, there are some things on my list that I haven't been doing too well with. The German phrases - I keep thinking I can memorize like I did when I was younger, but quite frankly, I can barely remember what I am supposed to do in a day, let alone another German phrase! The only time I can reinforce the phrases is when I am at Germania. Unfortunately, that isn't every day, so the repetition I may have been able to accomplish to help me memorize them is unavailable. I have tried to use the phrases at work, but I think they already think me strange enough . . . I have not given up, though, and will commence along that path again soon.
It is past midnight and I meant to do more tonight, but after a CRAZY month of Symphonic Band concerts, capped tonight with the most tremendous fireworks display I have ever been lucky enough to be sitting beneath, (literally) I am tired. So me and my pink hair are calling it a night so that I am well rested for the rest of my MAGIC BIRTHDAY DAY!
And so now, today, I am officially 55 years old, the whole entire reason for the Magic Birthday Blog, and the list, and all that stuff. I have been asked why I am doing this, and basically it was just to do something different for a year, and I think it for a great reason!
N0w, there are some things on my list that I haven't been doing too well with. The German phrases - I keep thinking I can memorize like I did when I was younger, but quite frankly, I can barely remember what I am supposed to do in a day, let alone another German phrase! The only time I can reinforce the phrases is when I am at Germania. Unfortunately, that isn't every day, so the repetition I may have been able to accomplish to help me memorize them is unavailable. I have tried to use the phrases at work, but I think they already think me strange enough . . . I have not given up, though, and will commence along that path again soon.
It is past midnight and I meant to do more tonight, but after a CRAZY month of Symphonic Band concerts, capped tonight with the most tremendous fireworks display I have ever been lucky enough to be sitting beneath, (literally) I am tired. So me and my pink hair are calling it a night so that I am well rested for the rest of my MAGIC BIRTHDAY DAY!
Friday, June 4, 2010
Bird List
Here is a list of my sightings to date, I will add to this list as I see them!
1. American Robin
2. House sparrow
3. Blue Jay
4. Mockingbird
5. Mourning Dove
6. Starling
7. Mallard
8. Cardinal
9. American Crow
10. Goldfinch
11. Common Grackle
12. Canadian Goose
13. Cowbird
14. White-breasted nuthatch
15. Downy woodpecker
16. Yellow-rumped warbler
17. Rose-breasted grosbeak
18. Tennessee warbler
19. Carolina wren
20. Red-eyed vireo
21. Kingbird
22. Carolina chickadee
23. House wren
24. Bluebird
25. Field sparrow
26. Common yellowthroat
27. Red-bellied woodpecker
28. Eastern phoebe
29. Song sparrow
30. Kildeer
31. Red-winged blackbird
32. Turkey Vulture
33. Rock Dove
34. House Finch
1. American Robin
2. House sparrow
3. Blue Jay
4. Mockingbird
5. Mourning Dove
6. Starling
7. Mallard
8. Cardinal
9. American Crow
10. Goldfinch
11. Common Grackle
12. Canadian Goose
13. Cowbird
14. White-breasted nuthatch
15. Downy woodpecker
16. Yellow-rumped warbler
17. Rose-breasted grosbeak
18. Tennessee warbler
19. Carolina wren
20. Red-eyed vireo
21. Kingbird
22. Carolina chickadee
23. House wren
24. Bluebird
25. Field sparrow
26. Common yellowthroat
27. Red-bellied woodpecker
28. Eastern phoebe
29. Song sparrow
30. Kildeer
31. Red-winged blackbird
32. Turkey Vulture
33. Rock Dove
34. House Finch
My Magic Birthday Garden
The garden is planted, and pictures will post soon. This is item # 22 and here is a list of the flowers, mostly annuals, though there may be some perennials:
Crossandra - Orange marmalade
Zinnias - Magellan cherry
Salvia - Vista Red
Sunbini creeping zinnia
Yellow lantana
Marigolds - of course! my favorites
Honeydew Melon Sage
Osteospurmum - Tradewinds deep purple
Heliotrope - Marino blue
Coleus - pink chaos
Platycodon - Fuji pink (balloon flower)
State Fair zinnias
Helichrysum
Celosia
Crossandra - Orange marmalade
Zinnias - Magellan cherry
Salvia - Vista Red
Sunbini creeping zinnia
Yellow lantana
Marigolds - of course! my favorites
Honeydew Melon Sage
Osteospurmum - Tradewinds deep purple
Heliotrope - Marino blue
Coleus - pink chaos
Platycodon - Fuji pink (balloon flower)
State Fair zinnias
Helichrysum
Celosia
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
May 25 Day 68
Goodness. I really intended to be a bit more active with the posting, but, time has a way of getting away from you. This past weekend was spent hecticly celebrating my nephew's high school graduation in Hendersonville, TN. Any other extra time this month has been spent working on the yard, which has been difficult to do as my WORK schedule has been completely nuts. I wouldn't mind the hours so much, if I was making any kind of money. Ha.
There are a couple of things that can be crossed off the list now --- item #2 - 55 new FB friends - has been surpassed. I figured that would be a fairly easy one. It is so much fun to see what people from the distant past are up to these days. And when you get my age, it IS a distant past!
And item # 22, the Magic Birthday Garden, has been planted. We shall see how many of the plants survive - Neecie has already compromised one plant by relieving herself on it! I have all kinds of things growing in it - lots of annuals, as the bulk of the area has traditionally been my Annual Garden, so there are plenty of marigolds (my personal favorite) some lantana, salvia, vinca, and the State Fair zinnias that work so well for cutting. I have added some new interesting plants as well, some are perennials, including some new Asiatic lilies. I will get pictures posted as soon as the garden really gets going.
Other items are being worked on, including #15. Check the list. This one actually started May 12, 55 days before my 55 birthday, and ironically the 55th day of this Magic Birthday Year - that part was an accident, just the way the numbers worked! How about that!
More later, including some updated movie nights and bird sightings - incidentally, the bird sightings are for 55 different birds this Magic Birthday year only- so far, none of the sightings are first time life sightings for me, which is probably why I recognize them!
Now to play some bubbles in the backyard with the doggies before I go to work, Job #1 of the day.
More German phrases later, also!
There are a couple of things that can be crossed off the list now --- item #2 - 55 new FB friends - has been surpassed. I figured that would be a fairly easy one. It is so much fun to see what people from the distant past are up to these days. And when you get my age, it IS a distant past!
And item # 22, the Magic Birthday Garden, has been planted. We shall see how many of the plants survive - Neecie has already compromised one plant by relieving herself on it! I have all kinds of things growing in it - lots of annuals, as the bulk of the area has traditionally been my Annual Garden, so there are plenty of marigolds (my personal favorite) some lantana, salvia, vinca, and the State Fair zinnias that work so well for cutting. I have added some new interesting plants as well, some are perennials, including some new Asiatic lilies. I will get pictures posted as soon as the garden really gets going.
Other items are being worked on, including #15. Check the list. This one actually started May 12, 55 days before my 55 birthday, and ironically the 55th day of this Magic Birthday Year - that part was an accident, just the way the numbers worked! How about that!
More later, including some updated movie nights and bird sightings - incidentally, the bird sightings are for 55 different birds this Magic Birthday year only- so far, none of the sightings are first time life sightings for me, which is probably why I recognize them!
Now to play some bubbles in the backyard with the doggies before I go to work, Job #1 of the day.
More German phrases later, also!
Thursday, May 6, 2010
FOR MAY 5!!!!
OK, now this one's for my friend Gale, who suggested this for the Magic Birthday List. Item #19 (gee, it sounds like an auction list or something) was to play page 55 in the Klose clarinet book on May 5. And that's exactly what I did! But there was a bit of a complication - page 55 in the Klose Celebrated Method for the Clarinet is mostly duets - in the key of G. I therefore solicited some help from my graduating senior student Kate (who will be off to Purdue in the fall, soon to be my veterinarian, maybe?) and then later, much later in the evening, from my clarinet sister, Dana, who ventured in after a long day of teaching and band banquet to finish the last two duets with me. I am going to try to post the videos - hope it works. And those of you who are musicians as well, don't be too critical!
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
BIRDING 101
Well, true to the schedule, John and I awoke early, very early by my standards, Friday morning, April 30, to tag along on the Wesselman Nature Center bird 'hike'. This was instead of our original plan to go to Audubon Park on Saturday, which ended up being a very good decision - the weekend was a total washout, and I know you know what I'm talking about!!!!
Wesselman Park was beautiful, and I don't know why, but in all the years I have been here, I haven't ventured much on the trails. I intend to do so more often now, and not just to see the birds. It is a very tranquil, idyllic place.
A little history lesson though before we continue. Perhaps you are wondering why I picked bird sightings as one of my 55 activities - I will try to explain. When I was quite small, my father got me involved in bird-watching, as it was called then. He is an avid birder, having actually studied Ornithology at Cornell. It was a fascinating subject to me, and I loved bird-watching. I had bird books, birdsong records, I belonged to the Junior Audubon Society and the Griggsville Wild Bird Society ("It's Purple Martin Time!"). Because of my father, it became an early passion. I even talked about becoming an ornithologist, proud most of all that I could pronounce and spell it.
Then I met the clarinet. And I began to realize, too, how much math would be required to study a science such as Ornithology in college. So, over the years, my early birding skills kind of fell behind. Now my dad - that's a whole 'nother story! He is still the champion birder of all time, and his skill and knowledge are legendary. It would take a lot more than my meager 55 sightings this year to compete with him! But the 55 is a start, and it gets me into wonderful places like Wesselman Woods on a beautiful spring morning, so I think this was a very good decision for the list!
I added 15 more birds to the list, making a total of 28. These were the birds we saw and/or heard on our short trek:
White-breasted nuthatch
Downy woodpecker
Yellow-rumped warbler
Rose-breasted grosbeak
Tennessee warbler
Carolina wren
Red-eyed vireo
Kingbird
Carolina chickadee
House wren
Bluebird
Field sparrow
Common yellowthroat
Red bellied woodpecker
Eastern phoebe
And, a DEER! She came bounding out of one of the clearings toward our small group of binocular-clad birders, stopping dead upon seeing us. Then for a full minute, we stared at her through our binoculars (though she was barely 20 feet away) and she stared back, before she twitched her tail and bounded into the brush. Aaah. I really do like to be outside, I've decided.
More tomorrow! MAY 5!
Wesselman Park was beautiful, and I don't know why, but in all the years I have been here, I haven't ventured much on the trails. I intend to do so more often now, and not just to see the birds. It is a very tranquil, idyllic place.
A little history lesson though before we continue. Perhaps you are wondering why I picked bird sightings as one of my 55 activities - I will try to explain. When I was quite small, my father got me involved in bird-watching, as it was called then. He is an avid birder, having actually studied Ornithology at Cornell. It was a fascinating subject to me, and I loved bird-watching. I had bird books, birdsong records, I belonged to the Junior Audubon Society and the Griggsville Wild Bird Society ("It's Purple Martin Time!"). Because of my father, it became an early passion. I even talked about becoming an ornithologist, proud most of all that I could pronounce and spell it.
Then I met the clarinet. And I began to realize, too, how much math would be required to study a science such as Ornithology in college. So, over the years, my early birding skills kind of fell behind. Now my dad - that's a whole 'nother story! He is still the champion birder of all time, and his skill and knowledge are legendary. It would take a lot more than my meager 55 sightings this year to compete with him! But the 55 is a start, and it gets me into wonderful places like Wesselman Woods on a beautiful spring morning, so I think this was a very good decision for the list!
I added 15 more birds to the list, making a total of 28. These were the birds we saw and/or heard on our short trek:
White-breasted nuthatch
Downy woodpecker
Yellow-rumped warbler
Rose-breasted grosbeak
Tennessee warbler
Carolina wren
Red-eyed vireo
Kingbird
Carolina chickadee
House wren
Bluebird
Field sparrow
Common yellowthroat
Red bellied woodpecker
Eastern phoebe
And, a DEER! She came bounding out of one of the clearings toward our small group of binocular-clad birders, stopping dead upon seeing us. Then for a full minute, we stared at her through our binoculars (though she was barely 20 feet away) and she stared back, before she twitched her tail and bounded into the brush. Aaah. I really do like to be outside, I've decided.
More tomorrow! MAY 5!
Thursday, April 29, 2010
More added to the list!!!!!
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First off, I have to say that my German phrase for the week was mis-spelled, and also almost identical to a phrase I had earlier. I am not doing a very good job of memorizing these, if I can't even remember which one is which! How in the world have I made it in the German polka band all these years? So, the phrase should read, at least I think it should read, wie geht es inhen heute and it's supposed to mean, "How are you today?" Gee. I wish they had an edit button on this blog - or maybe they do, and I just don't know where or how!
John and I did have a movie night last week, too, which I forgot to mention. We saw "The Men Who Stare at Goats", which was a wonderful vehicle for George Clooney and a bit of an unusual movie, kind of reminded me of a Coen brothers movie, it was funny-quirky like that. It was an unusual story, so no wonder the movie was such. Anyway, a good movie if anyone wants to know.
This weekend is the Ohio Valley Birding Festival, as I may have mentioned, and John and I are scheduled to participate in a 'migration' walk at Audubon Park Saturday morning, and the binoculars from my dad have indeed arrived. However, it seems Mother Nature has a different plan, and we are under a flood watch beginning Friday evening, with torrents of rain, and I mean lots, expected. It looks like the migration walk will be rained out. Therefore, I am taking a different path - literally - and will go to Wesselman Woods tomorrow morning at 7 AM for their bird hike, as part of the Festival. I can hardly believe I am going to get up early AGAIN, third day in a row, and second day in a row that I really don't have to!
You see, I awoke early this morning (a long-awaited day off from the Stein) so that I could load my truck with mulch and get some more yard work done. And I managed to get another major part of the Magic Birthday garden planted as a result. All this was so I could meet some friends at the bowling alley to begin my quest toward 55 games of bowling for this magic year, hopefully to improve my game a bit. It needs it, that's for sure.
There was some success - I got there before the others arrived, and I had the entire bowling center to myself. I took advantage of the situation and bowled a game on my own, all by myself, with only the guy behind the counter as a witness. I am sure he was laughing. I bowled 81 on that game. Then, I bowled two more games when my friends arrived and managed a 94 on the second game and 130 on the third game! Wouldn't it be something that on the next 52 games, each was a higher score than the last?
Finally, on this long blog today, I want to post a picture - this would be Item # 9 on the list - it is a view of myself standing on a spot of Highway 41 exactly 55 miles from my house!!! My friend Cindy shot the picture as we were headed to Indianapolis for ISSMA State Solo/Ensemble Festival. Now, it was taken a couple of weeks before I officially began the magic birthday year, but, hey, you do what you do when you can do it, so I took some liberty here. Now, to get the other three directional 55 mile photos!
Bis spater (think umlaut)
P.S. I just saw the Edit Post thingy. Gee whiz. It was right there all along.
John and I did have a movie night last week, too, which I forgot to mention. We saw "The Men Who Stare at Goats", which was a wonderful vehicle for George Clooney and a bit of an unusual movie, kind of reminded me of a Coen brothers movie, it was funny-quirky like that. It was an unusual story, so no wonder the movie was such. Anyway, a good movie if anyone wants to know.
This weekend is the Ohio Valley Birding Festival, as I may have mentioned, and John and I are scheduled to participate in a 'migration' walk at Audubon Park Saturday morning, and the binoculars from my dad have indeed arrived. However, it seems Mother Nature has a different plan, and we are under a flood watch beginning Friday evening, with torrents of rain, and I mean lots, expected. It looks like the migration walk will be rained out. Therefore, I am taking a different path - literally - and will go to Wesselman Woods tomorrow morning at 7 AM for their bird hike, as part of the Festival. I can hardly believe I am going to get up early AGAIN, third day in a row, and second day in a row that I really don't have to!
You see, I awoke early this morning (a long-awaited day off from the Stein) so that I could load my truck with mulch and get some more yard work done. And I managed to get another major part of the Magic Birthday garden planted as a result. All this was so I could meet some friends at the bowling alley to begin my quest toward 55 games of bowling for this magic year, hopefully to improve my game a bit. It needs it, that's for sure.
There was some success - I got there before the others arrived, and I had the entire bowling center to myself. I took advantage of the situation and bowled a game on my own, all by myself, with only the guy behind the counter as a witness. I am sure he was laughing. I bowled 81 on that game. Then, I bowled two more games when my friends arrived and managed a 94 on the second game and 130 on the third game! Wouldn't it be something that on the next 52 games, each was a higher score than the last?
Finally, on this long blog today, I want to post a picture - this would be Item # 9 on the list - it is a view of myself standing on a spot of Highway 41 exactly 55 miles from my house!!! My friend Cindy shot the picture as we were headed to Indianapolis for ISSMA State Solo/Ensemble Festival. Now, it was taken a couple of weeks before I officially began the magic birthday year, but, hey, you do what you do when you can do it, so I took some liberty here. Now, to get the other three directional 55 mile photos!
Bis spater (think umlaut)
P.S. I just saw the Edit Post thingy. Gee whiz. It was right there all along.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Day 40 of the Magic Birthday year
Well, here we are to the fortieth day of my blog-venture. I had to post another picture - this one is of my Nina, quasi-napping in the sunlight streaming through the door. There are times I wish I could just curl up with her instead of head out the door to one of these stupid (oops, did I say stupid) jobs or such. But, whatever.
We are up to 50 in new FB friends and I know I will hit the 55 mark soon - of course, it will probably expand from there. That is one of the easier of the list to achieve, I think.
The bird sightings are slight - I think I can add a pair of cowbirds and some Canadian geese to the list, making my total to date, 13. However, I am hoping the weather will cooperate this weekend, as the Ohio Valley Birding Festival is to be in full swing, and I am going to try the Migration Hike at Audubon Park on Saturday morning. Since I have to be at work at 10 am, John and I are going to venture across the bridge for the 7:30 - 9:00 am hike. My dad has assured me that I may well add 40 or more birds to my list - to which I reply, he would add 40 or more, I will be lucky to add 10! (I am not the birder my father is). However, to aid me in my quest, he is lending me a pair of binoculars, since mine are terribly old, and they should be arriving in the mail any minute now. The only factor that may hinder me in this weekend adventure would be the weather - an e-mail I received today from one of the directors of the Birding Fest said she would call me if they cancel due to the weather. Shucks. Everybody, keep your fingers crossed that it DOES NOT RAIN ON SATURDAY MORNING!
Now, to another German phrase for me to try to unsuccessfully memorize: Wie geht es zhnen heute? And, till next time, bis spater! ( I remember that one!)
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Happy Earth Day - and Day 35 of the Birthday Year
It has been an absolutely beautiful spring so far, and I have been working hard on the yard and garden, despite the time demands of work and the incidental incidents that somehow try to disrupt my otherwise precise schedule. Yeah.
So today is #35 in the Magic Birthday Year saga, and it is also Earth Day (and my father's birthday, as well!) To honor Earth and my dad's Birth Day, I accomplished Item #45 on the Magic Birthday List and planted a tree, or at least a sort-of tree. I planted a Cardinal Red Twig Dogwood and hopefully it will do well in the sunny spot I found for it.
As we progress along the list, we can add another movie to the Movie Night With John part of the list, as we saw "Everybody's Fine" over the weekend. A good movie, really, but quite a tear-jerker for me, at least.
And there are now 40 new friends on FB - only fifteen to go to achieve the goal!
We can also add another bird to the list - Canadian Goose. I hope to get a few more on the list by participating in the Ohio Valley Birding Festival with a birding hike in Audubon Park on May 1.
Check out the picture of the Cardinal Red Twig Dogwood and etc.
til next time
So today is #35 in the Magic Birthday Year saga, and it is also Earth Day (and my father's birthday, as well!) To honor Earth and my dad's Birth Day, I accomplished Item #45 on the Magic Birthday List and planted a tree, or at least a sort-of tree. I planted a Cardinal Red Twig Dogwood and hopefully it will do well in the sunny spot I found for it.
As we progress along the list, we can add another movie to the Movie Night With John part of the list, as we saw "Everybody's Fine" over the weekend. A good movie, really, but quite a tear-jerker for me, at least.
And there are now 40 new friends on FB - only fifteen to go to achieve the goal!
We can also add another bird to the list - Canadian Goose. I hope to get a few more on the list by participating in the Ohio Valley Birding Festival with a birding hike in Audubon Park on May 1.
Check out the picture of the Cardinal Red Twig Dogwood and etc.
til next time
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
OMG, it's the 27th day already!
and I have been quite remiss in my blogging. Well, just got busy. We had a yard sale last week as part of our large spring purge and that sort of thing takes a lot of work. Then, after the yard sale, I bought a new lawn mower. I love my new lawn mower, and have used it twice in just five days!!!!
But enough of the mundane and on to the status of the LIST.
We need our third German phrase: Haben Sie eine Bratpfanne? hahaha I like this one.
Now, some other bits:
We have done well with our weekly movie nights, and this week we saw "The Christmas Card". It was a very saccharine movie from Hallmark, that, despite it's predictability, was enjoyable enough. I don't know yet what's on tap for this week's movie.
I now have 34 new FB friends, getting closer faster to that 55 goal. It is fun connecting with even more studio alumni! Everybody's all grown up - when did that happen?
I was almost ready to add two more birds to the list - a Great Blue Heron and a sharp-shinned hawk, except I am not 100% sure that's what they were, I am only assuming. So we will wait on that, because whoever they are, they live around here. To the birds, though, we can for sure add Goldfinch and Common Grackle, making a total of 11 now.
I have had THREE bouquets of fresh flowers, it looks like I may be able to have at least one bouquet a week. I have started working on the Magic Birthday Garden, too, having planted
three plants, of two varieties. Now, here is another conundrum - do I plant 55 different plants, or just 55 plants total? Geez, I think I made this too hard! :)
The exercising is going well, I am doing pretty close to 5.5 hours, but this week the practicing has slacked. I will get back on board with that, though, I promise! The weather has just been way too nice . . . I find myself wanting to pull weeds instead. I must be crazy. And, incidentally, if any of my students happen to be reading this, that doesn't mean I haven't practiced at all, just not 55 minutes every day, 5 days a week. Maybe half that, this week. Which is still more than you all do!
Tomorrow I will be posting a couple of more photos, if I can figure out how to retrieve them. Be looking!
Bis spater.
But enough of the mundane and on to the status of the LIST.
We need our third German phrase: Haben Sie eine Bratpfanne? hahaha I like this one.
Now, some other bits:
We have done well with our weekly movie nights, and this week we saw "The Christmas Card". It was a very saccharine movie from Hallmark, that, despite it's predictability, was enjoyable enough. I don't know yet what's on tap for this week's movie.
I now have 34 new FB friends, getting closer faster to that 55 goal. It is fun connecting with even more studio alumni! Everybody's all grown up - when did that happen?
I was almost ready to add two more birds to the list - a Great Blue Heron and a sharp-shinned hawk, except I am not 100% sure that's what they were, I am only assuming. So we will wait on that, because whoever they are, they live around here. To the birds, though, we can for sure add Goldfinch and Common Grackle, making a total of 11 now.
I have had THREE bouquets of fresh flowers, it looks like I may be able to have at least one bouquet a week. I have started working on the Magic Birthday Garden, too, having planted
three plants, of two varieties. Now, here is another conundrum - do I plant 55 different plants, or just 55 plants total? Geez, I think I made this too hard! :)
The exercising is going well, I am doing pretty close to 5.5 hours, but this week the practicing has slacked. I will get back on board with that, though, I promise! The weather has just been way too nice . . . I find myself wanting to pull weeds instead. I must be crazy. And, incidentally, if any of my students happen to be reading this, that doesn't mean I haven't practiced at all, just not 55 minutes every day, 5 days a week. Maybe half that, this week. Which is still more than you all do!
Tomorrow I will be posting a couple of more photos, if I can figure out how to retrieve them. Be looking!
Bis spater.
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Guten Morgen Wie geht es Ihnen?
Happy Easter! and what a beautiful day it is here in southern Indiana. And the new German phrase for the week - "good morning how are you?"
Well, it is day 17 of the Magic Birthday Year challenge, and I don't know how much practicing or exercising I will do today, but that's OK. I have a couple of new birds to add to the list, having seen a goldfinch and the common grackle. These are still neighborhood birds so sooner or later I will have to go out and about and try to see something different. That makes the bird count 11 now (List # 23).
Now to something new - # 14 on the list - wines. Now, and some of you may not believe this, I am not much of a wine drinker or beer drinker or much of a drinker at all, not these days at least. Even playing with the polka band, I rarely drink a beer (I'm driving, so no drinking). But this year is all about expanding horizons, making things a little more interesting, so last night at my late left-over-accidentally-baked-deviled-egg-and-radish supper, eaten in haste and without much concentration since it was the last five minutes of the Butler/Michigan State game, final four (hooray, Butler!), I had a delightful first glass of wine for my list. Here is my commentary:
Wine #1 was a delightful Chardonnay from the California Barefoot Winery. It was clean with 'tempting flavors of green apples and peaches, with hints of honey and vanilla,' culminating in 'a buttery finish' (I read that on the bottle, and I do concur). So Wine #1 has been tasted, and I recommend it highly, giving it my Magic Birthday Balloon rank of Four Balloons (out of five).
Bis spater!
Well, it is day 17 of the Magic Birthday Year challenge, and I don't know how much practicing or exercising I will do today, but that's OK. I have a couple of new birds to add to the list, having seen a goldfinch and the common grackle. These are still neighborhood birds so sooner or later I will have to go out and about and try to see something different. That makes the bird count 11 now (List # 23).
Now to something new - # 14 on the list - wines. Now, and some of you may not believe this, I am not much of a wine drinker or beer drinker or much of a drinker at all, not these days at least. Even playing with the polka band, I rarely drink a beer (I'm driving, so no drinking). But this year is all about expanding horizons, making things a little more interesting, so last night at my late left-over-accidentally-baked-deviled-egg-and-radish supper, eaten in haste and without much concentration since it was the last five minutes of the Butler/Michigan State game, final four (hooray, Butler!), I had a delightful first glass of wine for my list. Here is my commentary:
Wine #1 was a delightful Chardonnay from the California Barefoot Winery. It was clean with 'tempting flavors of green apples and peaches, with hints of honey and vanilla,' culminating in 'a buttery finish' (I read that on the bottle, and I do concur). So Wine #1 has been tasted, and I recommend it highly, giving it my Magic Birthday Balloon rank of Four Balloons (out of five).
Bis spater!
Thursday, April 1, 2010
14 days in - April 1
Mein Name Is Janet
Such a beautiful first day of April, and that is absolutely no joke! This is the kind of weather I love, and could stand to have all year round. I wonder, though, if I would get tired of it, should it be all the time. NOT.
25 FB friends now, and counting (those are NEW friends, by the way. Already have a bunch). The bird sightings have remained at 9, perhaps I can go trekking a little this weekend and try to discover something different. We shall see.
I have done two Zumba classes this week, so that's two hours of hard exercise, particularly last night, when the instructor required us to hold weights while we Zumba'd. I have practiced quite a bit, and will have to check those numbers. Now, I did some pretty heavy lifting and throwing at work yesterday, so I think that counts for an upper body work-out (my arms are indeed sore) so maybe I will count that as, let's say, 30 minutes of working out. Works for me! After all, I made the rules and it is my list.
Happy April Fools Day, look here for another update!
Bis spater.
Such a beautiful first day of April, and that is absolutely no joke! This is the kind of weather I love, and could stand to have all year round. I wonder, though, if I would get tired of it, should it be all the time. NOT.
25 FB friends now, and counting (those are NEW friends, by the way. Already have a bunch). The bird sightings have remained at 9, perhaps I can go trekking a little this weekend and try to discover something different. We shall see.
I have done two Zumba classes this week, so that's two hours of hard exercise, particularly last night, when the instructor required us to hold weights while we Zumba'd. I have practiced quite a bit, and will have to check those numbers. Now, I did some pretty heavy lifting and throwing at work yesterday, so I think that counts for an upper body work-out (my arms are indeed sore) so maybe I will count that as, let's say, 30 minutes of working out. Works for me! After all, I made the rules and it is my list.
Happy April Fools Day, look here for another update!
Bis spater.
Monday, March 29, 2010
March 29th Eleven days in
Well, the first week or so of Project Magic Birthday Year was mildly successful. I have 22 new FB friends, have had 9 different bird sightings, exercised 4 hours (oops, not 5.5, but hey, it was raining and cold!) practiced about the same (can I use the rainy and cold excuse again?) and took a picture, as well as had a fresh bouquet of spring flowers in the house.
On the bird sighting, I so apologize for the low number. The varieties are not that great either, I just can't seem to attract them like my dad can. My nine bird sightings are: American Robin, House Sparrow, Blue Jay, Mockingbird, Mourning Dove, Starling, Mallard, Cardinal and Crow.
The mallard is more than the one seen at work - I believe we have a pair nesting somewhere in the shrubbery here in my own yard. Pappa Mallard has been laying watch in the afternoon, and Mamma Mallard has been seen in the vicinity as well. Hmm. I hope the neighborhood cat, Izzie, and the noisy (but fenced) dogs don't deter the Mallards from their goal.
New to the list, # 54, movie night with John - we saw "Up" on Saturday night - good movie, though John said it started out too sad. Yeah, a bit, perhaps.
And now for this week's German phrase for me to memorize:
Mein Name ist Janet!
3 guesses what that means . . . bis spater!!
On the bird sighting, I so apologize for the low number. The varieties are not that great either, I just can't seem to attract them like my dad can. My nine bird sightings are: American Robin, House Sparrow, Blue Jay, Mockingbird, Mourning Dove, Starling, Mallard, Cardinal and Crow.
The mallard is more than the one seen at work - I believe we have a pair nesting somewhere in the shrubbery here in my own yard. Pappa Mallard has been laying watch in the afternoon, and Mamma Mallard has been seen in the vicinity as well. Hmm. I hope the neighborhood cat, Izzie, and the noisy (but fenced) dogs don't deter the Mallards from their goal.
New to the list, # 54, movie night with John - we saw "Up" on Saturday night - good movie, though John said it started out too sad. Yeah, a bit, perhaps.
And now for this week's German phrase for me to memorize:
Mein Name ist Janet!
3 guesses what that means . . . bis spater!!
Sunday, March 28, 2010
List # 3 - photos of 55 different things
Here is Photo #1 from List#3 - 55 different things. I have lots of favorite THINGS and here is one - Spring! Nothing epitomizes spring more to me than the daffodils blooming. I took this in the backyard, underneath the hackberry tree.
Friday, March 26, 2010
March 26 - Day #7
Oops, I missed a day! I only missed blogging, though, I did not miss doing something on The List. Sometimes it gets a little hectic around here.
I have fresh flowers in the studio right now - brought in some lovely daffodils from the yard, and adding some purple-I-can't-remember-the-name-of flower from the grocery. Now, my thought is, since they will surely last more than a day, to I count each day they are here as one of the days of fresh flowers, or each different bouquet as one of the 55 days? Hmmmmm...... I kinda like 55 different bouquets, but only if my garden produces this year as it has in the past. With the new Birthday Garden in the plan, that just might be possible.
New Facebook friends is up to 15- pretty good for the first week, so I think it might not be hard at all to achieve that. And, three more birds to the list - a beautiful red cardinal, a mallard duck (in the parking lot at the store of all places! I am sure there is a nest somewhere around the bushes at KFC and there will be little ducklings parading around soon) and a couple of crows. So my bird list is to 9, and those are all very very localized sightings.
Let's see, what else - two more hours of working out puts it at 3 for the week - I might not make it, but we will see how tomorrow goes. And two more days of 55 minute practicing, only 1 more day to go on that. Tomorrow is going to be busy, I think!
They are calling for more rain tomorrow night, which might make for a soggy Palm Sunday morning. When I was little, and first became aware of Palm Sunday, I thought it was suppposed to be Psalm Sunday, and that someone had just misspelled it. Ha.
Well, that's all the boring stuff for now. I am determined to make this year as interesting as possible, so I guess I need to work on making this blog more interesting and take on more of the list!
Bis spater. Shoot. Now I have an underlined a. I want an umlaut!!!!!!
I have fresh flowers in the studio right now - brought in some lovely daffodils from the yard, and adding some purple-I-can't-remember-the-name-of flower from the grocery. Now, my thought is, since they will surely last more than a day, to I count each day they are here as one of the days of fresh flowers, or each different bouquet as one of the 55 days? Hmmmmm...... I kinda like 55 different bouquets, but only if my garden produces this year as it has in the past. With the new Birthday Garden in the plan, that just might be possible.
New Facebook friends is up to 15- pretty good for the first week, so I think it might not be hard at all to achieve that. And, three more birds to the list - a beautiful red cardinal, a mallard duck (in the parking lot at the store of all places! I am sure there is a nest somewhere around the bushes at KFC and there will be little ducklings parading around soon) and a couple of crows. So my bird list is to 9, and those are all very very localized sightings.
Let's see, what else - two more hours of working out puts it at 3 for the week - I might not make it, but we will see how tomorrow goes. And two more days of 55 minute practicing, only 1 more day to go on that. Tomorrow is going to be busy, I think!
They are calling for more rain tomorrow night, which might make for a soggy Palm Sunday morning. When I was little, and first became aware of Palm Sunday, I thought it was suppposed to be Psalm Sunday, and that someone had just misspelled it. Ha.
Well, that's all the boring stuff for now. I am determined to make this year as interesting as possible, so I guess I need to work on making this blog more interesting and take on more of the list!
Bis spater. Shoot. Now I have an underlined a. I want an umlaut!!!!!!
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Day 5 of the magic year
Well, accomplished some more of the list. I know this is the boring same old same old, but I did work out an hour today (that, after having to go in to work at 7AM - and those of you who know me, know I am NOT a morning person!) and got about 30 minutes of practicing in, with a 30 minute or so performance (church service). Does that count towards the 55? Maybe I'll just see how the rest of the week goes.
I now only need 42 FB friends - every day there are a couple of more, so that is cool. Other than that, being the middle of the week, things are progressing but nothing extra exciting from the list today. Tomorrow, who knows?
I now only need 42 FB friends - every day there are a couple of more, so that is cool. Other than that, being the middle of the week, things are progressing but nothing extra exciting from the list today. Tomorrow, who knows?
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Day #4 - only 361 to go!!!!
A beeeutiful spring day, and I was able to enjoy some of it. Added to the FB friends (#2) and also to the Bird List (#23). I took a walk/run this evening, # 40, (not much of a runner, in fact, I just don't see how people do that). But it was on the walk that I saw three more birds, still the common-see-every-where kind, but the list has six on it now. Seems to be running a race with my FB friends list!
So, I am able to fit in list things everyday, even with working and teaching and trying to get ready for a yard sale in a couple of weeks. The house is the PITS, totally, trying to get ready for it . . . I will be so glad when it is done, and I can tackle some other things on my birthday list.
Bis spater!
So, I am able to fit in list things everyday, even with working and teaching and trying to get ready for a yard sale in a couple of weeks. The house is the PITS, totally, trying to get ready for it . . . I will be so glad when it is done, and I can tackle some other things on my birthday list.
Bis spater!
Monday, March 22, 2010
Day 3 - whittling away at the List.
it is Monday March 22 --a quiet day, the weather was very cool and very rainy, so not a lot of opportunity to do much outdoors. I do have a total of SIX new FB friends (#2) with only 49 more to go. I am sure that will be achieved.
I have been doing a little research for #7 - the spice one - there are a LOT of spices and there is some confusion to me as to what is a spice or a flavor or an herb. For instance, I don't consider onion powder a spice, as an onion is not a spice. And is vanilla a spice or a flavor? And what about mint? Is that a spice, or an herb? Good grief, so much to learn, and all I want to do is try 55 DIFFERENT ones. Also, some are fairly elite and expensive little spices. More to this as time goes on.
I did practice for 55 minutes today - mostly on piano. (#52). Now, practicing is not that hard to do for me for the most part, because what I have designated in my list is really not that much. But please to consider that is in with all the other things I do, mostly work, for heaven's sake. So I was glad to get that in.
I wanted to work out today (#40) but it didn't work out. Ha ha. Tomorrow, for sure.
And I have added 2 more birds to the list (#23). Boring everyday birds, but birds nonetheless. I will have to trek out of the neighborhood to see some more interesting species.
Well, time for dinner ( "regular" food, I'm not on #28 yet) and some Dancing With The Stars . . . good times.
I have been doing a little research for #7 - the spice one - there are a LOT of spices and there is some confusion to me as to what is a spice or a flavor or an herb. For instance, I don't consider onion powder a spice, as an onion is not a spice. And is vanilla a spice or a flavor? And what about mint? Is that a spice, or an herb? Good grief, so much to learn, and all I want to do is try 55 DIFFERENT ones. Also, some are fairly elite and expensive little spices. More to this as time goes on.
I did practice for 55 minutes today - mostly on piano. (#52). Now, practicing is not that hard to do for me for the most part, because what I have designated in my list is really not that much. But please to consider that is in with all the other things I do, mostly work, for heaven's sake. So I was glad to get that in.
I wanted to work out today (#40) but it didn't work out. Ha ha. Tomorrow, for sure.
And I have added 2 more birds to the list (#23). Boring everyday birds, but birds nonetheless. I will have to trek out of the neighborhood to see some more interesting species.
Well, time for dinner ( "regular" food, I'm not on #28 yet) and some Dancing With The Stars . . . good times.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Sunday morning - Day 2 (3/21/2010)
Well, another one of those busy days planned - it may seem ironic that I have filled my schedule even more with this Magic Birthday list. I don't know what to say for myself except that I know of no other life than a BUSY one . . . at least with the list, this year will be a little bit more than the regular routine!
As of yesterday, I have 2 new FB friends (#2 on the list). Today, I have church in just a little while, and then straight to work at Stein Mart until 6:00. I must try to get something to eat in between all that! It is cloudy and cool - not at all like yesterday, when it climbed into the 70's. My neighbor cut her grass, so of course I had to follow suit. Since I was working, I persuaded John to do the task and it looks great! Perhaps I can spend some of this week weeding and trimming in addition to all the exercise, practicing, and letter writing I am aspiring to.
Incidentally, my German phrase for the week was mis-spelled. It should be bis spater, with an umlaut over the a. Did I spell umlaut right? Still can't figure out how to put it on there with the computer.
Anyway, bis spater! (it means see you later)
Janet
As of yesterday, I have 2 new FB friends (#2 on the list). Today, I have church in just a little while, and then straight to work at Stein Mart until 6:00. I must try to get something to eat in between all that! It is cloudy and cool - not at all like yesterday, when it climbed into the 70's. My neighbor cut her grass, so of course I had to follow suit. Since I was working, I persuaded John to do the task and it looks great! Perhaps I can spend some of this week weeding and trimming in addition to all the exercise, practicing, and letter writing I am aspiring to.
Incidentally, my German phrase for the week was mis-spelled. It should be bis spater, with an umlaut over the a. Did I spell umlaut right? Still can't figure out how to put it on there with the computer.
Anyway, bis spater! (it means see you later)
Janet
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Day One - First day of spring aha!
What a nice day to kick off my Magic Birthday year. I have a few things on the docket today, but first off #40 (exercise) and did a brisk 30-minute mostly walk/some run. Found a penny! And saw a robin - (other birds too, but this one I put on the list - #23). I have to work today so not much time for many other things, although here is my first phrase for #12:
Bis sphater (how do I get the dots over the a?)
Bis sphater (how do I get the dots over the a?)
Friday, March 19, 2010
The List
Here is the list of 55 infamous things to do throughout this Magic Birthday year, which officially kicks off on March 20, 2010. So, from 03/20/2010 until 03/20/2011, we will see if I can do all these things and end up having a really MAGICAL year!
1. Eat at five Evansville area restaurants not previously visited.
2. Get 55 new friends on Facebook.
3. Take photographs of 55 favorite things throughout the year.
4. Walk or run a 5K.
5. Learn settings to 55 hymns on the organ (with pedal). !
6. Write handwritten letters to 55 different friends and family members.
7. Try 55 different spices (not all at once!)
8. Visit a state park I have never been to.
9. Travel 55 miles North of my house - take a picture of the spot.
10. Pay a certain amount towards bills.
11. Give $55 anonymously to a charity.
12. Memorize 55 German phrases.
13. Make something at Fired Up!
14. Try 55 different wines (again, not all at once)
15. Starting May 12, (55 days from my birthday) do something special for John every day.
16. Build a bird house.
17. Have 55 days of fresh flowers in the house.
18. Actually cook 5 meals. From scratch, more or less.
19. Play page 55 in the Klose clarinet book on May 5 (Thanks, Gale!)
20. Visit this year's Parade of Homes but this time take 5 ideas and incorporate them into my
own house.
21. Thank my parents. For 55 things.
22. Make a Magic Birthday garden with 55 plants.
23. Do a Magic Birthday bird list with 55 different sightings this year.
24. Start learing a new instrument.
25. Do 55 random acts of kindess in one week.
26. Get a pedicure.
27. Read a book. (I know this sounds ridiculous, but I literally have had no time to read even a
single book in recent years).
28. Eat five fruits, five vegetables every day for five weeks, not necessarily in a row.
29. Go 55 miles South of my house and take a picture of the location.
30. Take 55 of my favorite cruise pictures and make a book.
31. Volunteer 5 hours at the Vanderburgh County Humane Society.
32. Go 55 miles West of my house and take a picture!
33. Go to Brown County in the fall.
34. Go to Tri-State Speedway in Haubstadt.
35. Go to the Lynnville Observatory - public star watch.
36. Go see the new exhibits at Mesker Park Zoo.
37. go 55 Miles East of my house and take a picture!
38. Go to a free movie night at Mesker Amphitheatre.
39. Bowl 55 games this year and hopefully improve my score.
40. Exercise 5.5 hours a week consistently.
41. Pick 5 of my cookbooks, turn to page 55 and do the recipe.
42. Do a neighborhood clean-up.
43. Have a film festival!
44. Bake a loaf of homemade bread.
45. Plant a tree on Earth Day.
46. John
47. Learn something about 5 entirely different subjects that I now know nothing about.
48. Visit the nearest Botanical garden.
49. Put energy-saving bulbs in 5 lights throughout the house.
50. Play duets on the riverfront with Dana.
51. Take 5 days off of EVErYTHING - just for me.
52. Practice 55 minutes a day 5 days a week - all year - ! Yes, it can be done.
53. Spend only 5.5 hours a week playing computer games.
54. One movie night a week with John.
55. Go on a retreat. Some kind of retreat.
1. Eat at five Evansville area restaurants not previously visited.
2. Get 55 new friends on Facebook.
3. Take photographs of 55 favorite things throughout the year.
4. Walk or run a 5K.
5. Learn settings to 55 hymns on the organ (with pedal). !
6. Write handwritten letters to 55 different friends and family members.
7. Try 55 different spices (not all at once!)
8. Visit a state park I have never been to.
9. Travel 55 miles North of my house - take a picture of the spot.
10. Pay a certain amount towards bills.
11. Give $55 anonymously to a charity.
12. Memorize 55 German phrases.
13. Make something at Fired Up!
14. Try 55 different wines (again, not all at once)
15. Starting May 12, (55 days from my birthday) do something special for John every day.
16. Build a bird house.
17. Have 55 days of fresh flowers in the house.
18. Actually cook 5 meals. From scratch, more or less.
19. Play page 55 in the Klose clarinet book on May 5 (Thanks, Gale!)
20. Visit this year's Parade of Homes but this time take 5 ideas and incorporate them into my
own house.
21. Thank my parents. For 55 things.
22. Make a Magic Birthday garden with 55 plants.
23. Do a Magic Birthday bird list with 55 different sightings this year.
24. Start learing a new instrument.
25. Do 55 random acts of kindess in one week.
26. Get a pedicure.
27. Read a book. (I know this sounds ridiculous, but I literally have had no time to read even a
single book in recent years).
28. Eat five fruits, five vegetables every day for five weeks, not necessarily in a row.
29. Go 55 miles South of my house and take a picture of the location.
30. Take 55 of my favorite cruise pictures and make a book.
31. Volunteer 5 hours at the Vanderburgh County Humane Society.
32. Go 55 miles West of my house and take a picture!
33. Go to Brown County in the fall.
34. Go to Tri-State Speedway in Haubstadt.
35. Go to the Lynnville Observatory - public star watch.
36. Go see the new exhibits at Mesker Park Zoo.
37. go 55 Miles East of my house and take a picture!
38. Go to a free movie night at Mesker Amphitheatre.
39. Bowl 55 games this year and hopefully improve my score.
40. Exercise 5.5 hours a week consistently.
41. Pick 5 of my cookbooks, turn to page 55 and do the recipe.
42. Do a neighborhood clean-up.
43. Have a film festival!
44. Bake a loaf of homemade bread.
45. Plant a tree on Earth Day.
46. John
47. Learn something about 5 entirely different subjects that I now know nothing about.
48. Visit the nearest Botanical garden.
49. Put energy-saving bulbs in 5 lights throughout the house.
50. Play duets on the riverfront with Dana.
51. Take 5 days off of EVErYTHING - just for me.
52. Practice 55 minutes a day 5 days a week - all year - ! Yes, it can be done.
53. Spend only 5.5 hours a week playing computer games.
54. One movie night a week with John.
55. Go on a retreat. Some kind of retreat.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Let the Countdown Begin!
The list is done, and the date is set. If I had come up with this idea earlier, I would have kicked everything off on New Year's Day, but such was not the case. Therefore, the kickoff for my Magic Birthday Year Activities is MARCH 20, 2010, the first day of spring!!!!! This has been such a winter, that starting things off on the first day of spring seemed inspirational.
Look for the list to be posted in the next day or two!!!!!!
Look for the list to be posted in the next day or two!!!!!!
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
My Magic Birthday Year
This year is my "Magic Birthday" year - or so I call it. I was born in 1955, and in July I will be 55. July 5, as a matter of fact. The magic of those numbers seemed to pull at me, and I thought I should do something to commemorate this monumental event. I put out a call to many friends and family members - give me ideas of 55 cool and/or unusual things to do throughout the year. Not a 'bucket list', but little, memorable things that fall within my budget restraints (cheap) phobias (heights, flying, etc.) and that are practical ( I am a busy girl, after all). As the suggestions come in, I will compile a list, and tackle it with earnest, keeping up with the adventure on this blog. As soon as the list is ready, so am I! Feel free to add any suggestions before the list is set.
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