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!!
Monday, March 29, 2010
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!!!!!!
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