JR's Item #56: (done) Upgrade to a smart phone.

So here was my dilemma. I needed a new phone.  I knew it was just a matter of time before my old one would quit for good.  I had been having trouble with it not ringing and not showing messages or missed calls.  I wanted to get a smart phone; specifically an iPhone.  But iPhones are AT&T and I have used Sprint for more years than I can remember.  I didn't want to change services... but I wanted an iPhone.  I kept going back and forth about what to do; change services or try to find a phone I could live with from Sprint.  Then I received an email from Samsung about their new 4G phones, the Epic being the Sprint version.  I liked the phone, because it had a qwerty keyboard and a touch screen.  That made up my mind.  I would stay with Sprint and buy an iPad. 

I got my new phone and then spent two days getting it organized.  I uploaded some walking music, input my contacts, and added some free apps.  It felt kind of like a bird building its nest.  Now I'm good to go at least for the next two years.

JR's Item #30: Upgrade the BCLT internet storefront by changing general information, recategorizing products, and checking SKU numbering.

I did the long overdue updating and editing of my product list, changed the specials, and made sure that the SKU numbers are correct.  Everything is now in sink.

JR's Item #26: (done) Lose 15 pounds.

I guess it's the walking, because suddenly my old jeans that I wear around the house are quite baggy.  I have not been weighing myself, so out of curiosity I stepped on the scales.  Sure enough, I was down fifteen pounds.

I had given up on the idea that I would even be able to lose the desired weight.  Regular exercise did it.  I am going to try for five more pounds and then keep walking to maintain the weight.  I am feeling really good about this, but I know I will have to work at keeping it going.

JR's Item #4: (done) Completely clean out the refrigerator and restock it from scratch.

It always surprises me when I start looking at the expiration dates on some of the jars in the refrigerator and discover how long some of the things have been there.  This time wasn't so bad; only one item was older than 2008 with some from 2008 and most from 2009.  I know I should do the complete purge on a regular basis, but didn't realize that it had been as long as it has been since the last time I had cleared out the old products.

I now have a clean refrigerator with everything inside fresh and current.  Also, I have decided not to replace anything I threw out.  Instead I will purchase them as I find a need to do so.  I am pledging to not purchase food items because I might like to try them, but only buy those food items for which I have an immediate need and  will definitely use.

JR's Item #1: (done) Walk 2-3 miles daily at least five days a week.

For the last two weeks I have been walking daily with a neighbor.  Although we have missed a couple of days here and there, we are walking about two miles when we do walk.  Added to the three or four times I walk the dogs daily, I have increase my walking distance to between 2.5 and 3 miles most days.  My neighbor will only be here through the first week of November, but I am hoping that this will be enough time to establish the habit.  My next goal is to increase the daily exercise to three miles plus the daily walks with the dogs.

CEA's update #26

Item #57 :  Go visit friend Joan.
Did it!  I'm wrapping up a three-day visit with Joan.  We've had a wonderful time visiting antique shops, eating at ladies' tearooms, seeing "Secretariat," and touring one of the few remaining small-town downtown movie theaters.

JR's Item #71: (done) Repair porch steps.

I have a wooden porch with five wooden steps leading up to the porch.  Three of the steps were rotting and becoming a hazard.  I replaced those steps and still have enough materials to replace the other two steps in the near future.  It's nice to complete a job and be able to see the results of your efforts.  Life is great!

JR's Item #1: (done) Reread Sink Reflections.

A number of years ago, I read Sink Reflections by Marla Cilley (The FlyLady) after CEA had read and recommended it. 

Getting organized, being organized, staying organized...  for me this is a struggle.  For all the years that I worked, I was a workaholic.  I worked all the time.  When I wasn't working, I was always busy doing something.  Then I retired and I was home in my small house with thirty-five plus years of material and resources.  Last fall I acquired several additional piece of furniture.  My house has become a storage space and not a home.  Worse, the job of reclaiming my house has become more and more overwhelming.  So I decided to reread Sink Reflections.

The only thing that I remembered about the book is that I liked it.  I had tried some things, but never kept up with them.  What I didn't remember, didn't get, or wasn't ready to hear at the time was Marla's explanation for why we live in clutter and chaos and why we can't fight our way out.  I don't know if it applies to everyone else, but it applies to me.  I confess I am a perfectionist and being a perfectionist is keeping me from making progress in decluttering and organizing my life... but Sink Reflections has the answers to my problems.

I love this book!  I love the process the FlyLady suggests.  I can do this process.  I am doing this process, so  I'm off to shine my sink.

CEA's Update #26

Item #51. Clear/reorganize my tiny closet [and purchase a "working" wardrobe].

Done!  My closet rod is 36 inches long, with  not all of those inches accessible, so using the space is a bit of a challenge. I took out all of my hanging clothes, moved the out-of-season ones to upstairs storage, and donated those I haven't been wearing.  I folded as much as I could and put all of the pieces for outfits together on a hanger.  I bought two more pairs of capri blue jeans, so now I have four sets of jeans, camisole tops, and big (mostly denim) shirts as my working wardrobe.  I also identified three go-to-town outfits.  I added a black display shelf over the rod (the closet is only twelve inches deep) and rehung two black and white drawings on either side.  Although I'd prefer to keep the little bit of floor space empty, I'll need to put two baskets there for items-to-be-ironed and hangers. Since I also have an Elfa basket system on the back of the door and two storage carts tucked in either side, I think I can say that I've utilized every inch.   

JR's Item #41: (done) Replace the toaster.

I had a toaster that was at least fifteen years old and still going strong, but the only thing that I could fit in it was bread slices.  For everything else, I would have to fire up the oven; not very efficient.  I now have a new toaster which will hold a thick slice of bread and even a bagel half and it has a setting for frozen items.  Amazing!  "We certainly have come a long way, baby!"

JR's Item #61: (done) Organize poster files.

I now have all the original poster files organized by my SKU # categories on my eMac.  I have all the jpgs organized by the same categories on my external hard drive.  I have copies of all the product jpgs embedded in my inventory database.  Last but not least, I have deleted excess files pertaining to the internet store.  Life is GREAT!.

JR's Item #40: (done) Check the Spanish version posters for accuracy and add several new posters.

When I first started my poster business, TDR suggested that I include Spanish versions of the motivation posters.  A GREAT idea, s oI contracted with a person to translate the original posters I created into Spanish.

Well, I have finished reviewing those posters.  To my dismay, I found all kinds the mistakes I made in creating them.  I had a copy of the translations right in front of me and I couldn't even copy correctly.  To make things worse, these poster have been incorrect for two years, which is how long it has been since I have added any Spanish version posters.

I can now say everything is good including the new posters I have recently added.

CEA's update #25

Item #54. Review my toiletries and cosmetics, toss as necessary, and replenish as necessary. Dispose of 60 items by throwing away, recycling, or donating.
Done!  I'm cleaning out my closet today, and I've met my goal of disposing of 60 items.  I'll go beyond 60 by the time I'm finished with the closet.

JR's Item #35: Update BCLT text only printable catalog for posting at storeblog site.

I have just completed and posted a new text only catalog of the current products offered at my internet store, BRAIN CUES Learning Tools.  This is something I have not done in at least a year, which is definitely not the most effective way to run a business.  The catalog is a downloadable document that I make available at my storeblog, Positive (Thoughts + Words + Actions) = POSITIVE LIFE.  I also updated the blank order form available at my storeblog.  Now the challenge is doing a better job of updating the catalog as I add new posters to the website.

JR's Item #5: Reorganize my 60 by 60 list to determine what has been completed, to determine what is left to be completed, and make it easier to monitor progress.

The 60 by 60 project that CEA and I started six or so months ago is fast approaching the deadline we set.  I have enjoyed this experience, but I am glad that CEA suggested it and I agreed to it.  I have to admit that in starting this project and blog I was organized and comfortable.  As we progress, I made adjustments and pushed on.  What I now wish I had done in the beginning was to create a concrete process for keeping up with where I was in completing my tasks.  So what I have not done is exactly that.  

I have added two pages, one listing the things I have completed and another listing tasks I feel I can complete within the remaining time.  The items to be completed are not in stone and I have more listed than I need to reach the goal.  Most of all, what I do now have is a handle on this project albeit later than sooner.   Best of all, I feel like I am back in control and  am positive about being able to complete my 60 by CEA's 60th birthday.

JR’s List Item #27 – (August report) Read at least one book a month until my 60th birthday.

August selection

For my August selection, I decided to read eat, pray, love by Elizabeth Gilbert .  I wanted to read the book before seeing the movie by the same name starring Julia Roberts.  I enjoyed reading about the experiences and adventures of the author (even at times envied her), but the author herself... not so much.  There was a little too much "poor me."  Maybe that's the point.  Maybe being tense and frustrated with the author as I read the first section of the book was intended.  I wanted to quit the book and almost did several times, but in the end I stuck with it.  I was more relaxed and open as I read through the second and third sections.  Honestly, I wanted to like the author, but I never found the necessary connection to create that bond. 

Footnote:  I have yet to see the movie.  I guess sometimes it's just not good to read the book first or even at all.  Just go straight to the movie.  "Do not pass go.  Do not collect $200.00."  Just don't forget the popcorn and Junior Mints.

JR’s List Item #38 – Create Filemaker Pro databases for BCLT inventory and purchase records with a relationship between the two databases.

First of all, I have to say, "I love Filemaker Pro."  I always have.  I don't know everything about FP by a long shot, but I have always been able to make it work for me.  It is simple and elegant.

With that said, I now have a database for my product inventory and a database for my invoices.  Best of all the two databases talk to each other.  As I create an invoice, product information is autmatically entered into the invoice from the inventory database.  Also, each entry in the inventory has a picture of the product.  You gotta love technology!

CEA's update #24

55. Purchase the gift-wrap cabinet I crave, decrease my gift wrapping paper to four rolls, and stock the cabinet with my other wrapping supplies. Improve my magazine storage.
I had to eliminate buying the gift wrap cabinet, because it's no longer available.  I haven't found another one I like as much, so I'm taking this one off of my list.  Anyone who knows me knows how much I love magazines and how many I have sitting around at any one time.  I've figured out the long-term storage of those I just can't stand to give away or recycle:  allot a certain amount of space for each magazine in a closed cabinet, stack them up until there's no more room, remove the oldest 12, review and clip, then recycle.  Storage of the current magazines has been a problem until I purchased an antique Chinese bedside chest with two shelves:

I ordered the cabinet from Horchow for a reasonable $139.

CEA's update #23

Item #47. Order book boxes from Amazon (through the Golden Girls website) every other month with a mixture of topics (fiction, organizing, decorating, poetry, memoir): April-June-August-October.
I couldn't find a decorating book for my August book box, but I preordered three which will be published in the autumn.  I'm currently perusing a book on storybook cottages, avoiding Health magazine's new carb diet book, and devouring Dick Francis's last horse racing mystery.  I found Dick Francis in a Reader's Digest condensed book when I was a teenager, and I've read every one of his books.  His books are usually published in October, just in time for my birthday.  I'll miss my tradition!

CEA's update #22

Item #22. Repaint black breakfast tray.

Did it!  I bought this breakfast tray about 30 years ago at an estate sale.  Originally white, it looks much better black and has needed to be refreshed for awhile.  As long as I was using black paint, I also painted the fold-up tray table, a small black iron table, and an old iron sewing machine base.

I wish I had done like you, Janet, and NOT used update numbers, but it is kinda cool that update #22 is about item #22!

JR’s List Item #28 – (August report) Listen to at least three audio books a month until my 60th birthday.

August listening selections:

Lian Hearn's the Otori Trilogy was my choice for this month.  These books have been in my audio library for several years, so I decided to make them this month's book selections.  The Otori trilogy is a saga set in a mythical, medieval Japan centering around the hero and heroine, Takeo and Kaede.  I liked the way the books are written through the perspectives and voices of these two characters.  The audios used two narrators, Kevin Gray and Aiko Nakasone, which enhances the author's storytelling approach.  Imaginative and engrossing.  Great!

• Across the Nightingale Floor:  Tales of the Otori, Book 1
• Grass for His Pillow:  Tales of the Otori, Book 2
• Brilliance of the Moon:  Tales of the Otori, Book 3

I am now listening to the Girl Who Played With Fire by Stieg Larsson, his second book in his three book series.  I am really enjoying this one as much as the first one.  While each book seems to have its own murder mystery, there is also the personal story of Lizbeth Salander that weaves its way through all the mysteries and the books.  I understand why these books have been so popular.

NOTE:  Officially, my 60th birthday has come and gone, but I have decided to continue sharing my audio selections through CEA's birth month.

JR’s List Item #20 – (done) Create a workshop on early childhood games and present it on August 18th.

While working at the regional service center as an education specialist, I met and worked with many, many teachers and administrators.  Some have become dear friends, who I may not see very often but who I am always willing to help if I can.

One of those dear friends called me about a month ago and asked me to do a training for her paraprofessional staff on August 18th.  The training would be part of the inservice programs held prior the the start of school on August 23rd.  This friend asked me to do a training on games to use with early childhood students (prekinder, kinder, and first graders); specifically, games that would develop reading and math skills.  I said yes, hung up the phone, and immediately asked myself, "What was I thinking?"

So what was I thinking?  Well, it would be a chance to create and present a training; something I had not done in at least two years, but loved to do.  I would be helping my friend out.  I would be working with educators.  And, yes, I would be making a little money.  "But hold on a minute," I thought, "this is 4, 5, and 6 year-old babies.  This was physical fitness with reading and math thrown into the mix."

With the exception of math, none of this was anywhere near "my wheelhouse," much less "in my wheelhouse" (to borrow a well-used phrase from "Glee").  Granted, I had taught PE in the early 80s to third, fourth, and fifth graders; but this was not the same thing.  At times like this I did what I always do.  I went to Amazon.com, ordered some books, and put together a workshop for para-professionals using games to teach reading and math skills to early childhood students.

The ladies and one gentleman that I worked with were true professionals.  Each one of these educators was knowledgeable about their students, their needs, and meeting the students' educational goals.  They brought up some very important issues and posed relevant questions.  They were willing participants, who also had fun with the games and with each other.  It was a true honor working with them.  I really had a great time.  Above all, I am so glad I had said yes. 

Thank you to the participants for their dedication to their students and for a truly wonderful day.  All my best to each of them for a wonderful and active school year.  A special thank you to my dear friend for asking me to come and spend a day with her staff. 

Finally note:  The books I purchased were Jump into Literacy:  Active Learning for PreSchool Children,  Jump into Math:  Active Learning for PreSchool Children, Wiggle, Giggle, and Shake:  Over 200 Ways to Move and Learn, and Great Games for Young Children: Over 100 Games to Develop Self-Confidence, Problem-Solving Skills, and Cooperation, all by Rae Pica.  They were great resources for developing the training and I think must-haves for any school wanting to use active learning with their early childhood students.

CEA's update #21

Item #31. Cook from a "found" recipe once a week.
I've been better about cooking new dishes than I have been about posting a report on them!  During this past week I baked two recipes from Rebecca Rather's Pastry Queen cookbook:  Texas Pecan Pie Bars and Emergency Fruit Crostata.  The pecan pie bars were rich and gooey.  It's a recipe I'll make again for party occasions.  The crostata lives up to its promise:  a quick, easy-to-make free-form tart.  I've been trying to find the perfect rustic tart, and this may be it.  You can make the tart with just about any fruit except for bananas and strawberries.  I used blackberries and blueberries, but since these are not always available in our local grocery store, I'm planning on keeping frozen fruits on hand.  The tart warm from the oven with vanilla ice cream and whipped cream was delicious and perfect for a dinner party finish.  The tart cold from the refrigerator the next morning with a pot of hot tea was sublime. 

JR’s List Item #21 – (done) Neuter/spay 14 abandoned kittens and find homes for all of them.

For as long as I have lived in this neighborhood there have been feral cats. I started putting food out for them to keep the dogs from going wild every time they saw one them.  It just made our walks more enjoyable.

Most of the cats are around for one or two years before they disappear. There have always been kittens to replace the ones lost.  Even a  couple of these cats have adopted me, inviting themselves into the house.  One of these cats was a Siamese-looking cat, Alley.  This past winter she delivered five kittens in my cup towel draw (long story); not the prepared space I had provided her.  When the kittens were about five or six weeks old, Alley came up missing.  She was found on a neighbor's porch dead with a sever head wound.  Because a large number of cats had started disappearing from the neighborhood, I assume that Alley became a victim of whoever was eliminating them.

Alley's Kittens

 

Luckily, the kittens were old enough to start eating solid food.  They did fine, but I was now feeding kittens several times a day.  About two weeks later, I came home from a errand to find a box on my porch with two kittens inside.  Later that evening, two more kittens were in the road.  I figured out that their mother was a calico that visited regularly especially around feeding time.  She had been pregnant, but I knew she had delivered her litter.  I hadn't seen her for a couple of days, so I assumed she was also a victim of the cat elimination the was going on in the neighborhood.

The Calico Cat's Kittens

Again, I lucked out.  I was able to start feeding them with the others and they thrived.  So now there were nine kittens.  On May first, I came home from a meeting only to be greeted by a neighbor who had five kittens in a box.  He insisted I had to take them so his two dachshunds wouldn't kill them.  He couldn't find the mother, so I was their only hope.  They had some kind of bacterial infection which they passed to the other kittens.  The vet treated the sickest kitten from the litter, and sent antibiotics with me for the other thirteen.  The kitten at the vet's died, but the others survived and thrived.

I did discover the mother for these last kittens, so I reconnected them.  She was a cat I called Silver, who had been around for several years.  She took care of them until she was ready to wean them.  By then they were eating with the other orphans.  Sadly, she came up missing shortly after her kittens were completely weaned.

 Silver's Kittens

Number fourteen joined the group when the boy next door brought her to me one evening.  He was sure his dog would kill the kitten, if I didn't take her.  I took her.


So now there were officially fourteen kittens alive, well, and growing fast.  I was able to have them spayed/neutered and vaccinated for rabies free through the SA Animal Control Services Capture and Release Program.

I know my item task also says find them homes, but I am having a hard time letting them go.  I just can't give them to anybody.  Timmy and Tiny have been the first to leave having found a new home with friends from the trail ride.  Terry wants a couple, but beyond that they may just end up joining the feral population who hang out at my house.  That's not a bad thing.  It means no mice, no snakes, no bugs, and I can keep watching them grow and evolve.  And if a friend needs a cat, well we'll see.  What a sucker!

(I consider this item done because even if they stay with me, they have a home.)

JR’s List Item #28 – (June/July report) Listen to at least three audio books a month until my 60th birthday.

The selections for June and July were both new audio books that I had recently purchased and audio books that I had purchased several years ago, but had never had the opportunity to hear.  All in all the selections were entertaining, enjoyable, and even enlightening in some cases.  I would not suggest reading/listening to all these selections without adding some qualifiers to my recommendations, but  I have enjoyed each one including some new authors I have never read/listened to before now.

June listening selections:

• The Defector, Daniel Silva
• The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo, Stieg Larsson
• Hour Game, David Baldacci
• The Scarecrow, Michael Connelly
• Thirteen Moons, Charles Frazier
• Sweetwater Creek, Anne Rivers Siddons

July reading selection:

• The Unlikely Spy, Daniel Silva
• Cold Hit, Stephen J. Cannell 
• Up Country, Nelson DeMille
• The Twelfth Card, Jeffrey Deaver
• Deliver Us From Evil, David Baldacci
• Clara Callen, Richard B. Wright

JR’s List Item #27 – (June/July report) Read at least one book a month until my 60th birthday.

June reading selection:

For my June selection I read Carol Burnett's new book, This Time Together:  Laughter and Reflection.  I loved it.  The book is written as if Carol Burnett is sitting in the room having a conversation with the reader; answering questions and sharing memories.  She talks about the events and the people who have impacted her career and her life. I loved the nostalgia.

Burnett, Carol,  This Time Together:  Laughter and Reflection.  New York:  Harmony Books, 2010.  ISBN 978-0-307-46118-6 

July reading selection:

My July reading selection is actually a reread, a book I read when it was first published in 1998.  I read this book again because I wanted to use Marilyn Burn's message as the foundation for my store blog post, "It's Time for Math Phobia to Leave the Building."  This book was published twelve years ago, yet the message is as relevant today as it was then.  For me, this is both sad and disturbing; twelve years later and opinions about mathematics has not changed.

Burns, Marilyn, Math: Facing an American Phobia. Sausalito, California: Math Solutions Publications, 1998. ISBN 0-941355-19-5

JR’s List Item #50 – (done) Write at least four new postings for BCLT Blog.

I just completed my fourth blog for my storeblog, Positive (Thoughts + Words + Actions) = Positive Life: 

• Children (Do Indeed) Learn What They Live
• What Messages Are We Sending Our Students?
• It's Time for Math Phobia to Leave the Building
• Excuse Me, But Do You Speak Mathematics?

When I started this blog, I wanted to promote my posters at BRAIN CUES Learning Tools, but I also wanted to share what I thought was useful information especially for educators.  In my mind, I am not a particularly good writer, but I do think the messages have been good ones.  The blog has been a nice way of providing a back story for the messages of the posters and research as to why they are beneficial.  I have also had to continue my professional reading which is certainly an added benefit for me.

CEA's update #20

Item #2. Learn how to send photos via e-mail, maybe as Joan does with Smilebox.
Done!  I've created two albums using http://www.smilebox.com/, and doing so was super easy and super fun!  I used the free program, but I'm considering becoming a paying member so that I can print my creations.

CEA's update #19

Item #53. Observe Sunday as a day of rest. Update my planner.
I do try to observe Sunday as a day of rest, but I've decided to remove it from my 60 by 60 list as it doesn't fit my newly imposed criteria of concrete actions.  I've been avoiding updating my planner because my last purchase of filler pages didn't work well for me.  I bought a financial planning-themed set of filler pages and found myself avoiding using my planner!  Next time I decide to focus on finances, I'll keep that separate from my planner.  My planner is very important to me in my role as steward for my mother.  I use it to keep track of our appointments, of course, as well as a repository for my checklists, housekeeping and gardening plans, shopping lists, things-to-buy-in-the-city, etc.  I ordered a colorful set of filler pages from Franklin Covey, which I will supplement with some of my own fold-out forms. 

JR’s List Item #8 – (done) Expand the BCLT collection by 50 posters.

I completed the fiftieth poster last night.  I have to admit that towards the end it became more about getting the fifty done than the creativity of the posters themselves.  That is not to say that I did not care about the the quality, but the last few were done basically in the same style. 

I also added a total of 65 poster listings to sell on ebay.  Most are new additions to my poster collection.  Now I just wait and see.  Potential customers at ebay are looking and watching.  I just hope they are buying.

 I am going to print up a couple of each for the ready.

CEA's update #18

Item #41. Make yogurt at least once a month. Replace the wood border around the swing set and rose bed with concrete "stones."
See my previous post for the reasons I'm changing those "once a month" items.  I've wanted to replace the wooden boards that surround the backyard swing set for a couple of years.  The swing set is a heavy duty frame my father made of pipe and cemented into the ground almost 60 years ago.  Before my recent makeover, the area under the swingset served as a bed for potted plants.  Two summers ago my youngest nephew helped me clear out the old mulch and replace it with gravel.  A year ago my youngest brother helped me move the second front porch swing to the backyard.  This week my youngest niece helped me replace the border boards with 34 edging stones I bought at Walmart.  The new grey stones blend well with the gravel  and the steel frame and highlight the Knock Out roses I planted in the triangular bed on one end.  Note:  if I can grow roses, anyone can grow roses!  Go for Knock Outs! 

CEA's update #17

Item #13. Listen to classical music once a week. Renew my passport.
I've learned that saying I'm going to do things "once a week" or "once a month" just doesn't work for me.  I find I get more accomplished if I either try to do something every day or if I choose something that has a definite--and finite--close.  So, I'm substituting renewing my passort for listening to classical music.  I've been meaning to renew my passport for a year.  By luck, I happened to renew it the week before the fees were increased!   

JR’s List Item #8 – (making progress) Expand the BCLT collection by 50 posters.

I have added about twenty or so new posters so far.  Back in February I had created a new category called -TUDE posters.  The idea is to aid teachers in building a positive attitudes in the students about the subject they are teaching.  The posters were actually created originally with math teachers in mind, but I expanded the -TUDE posters that worked into versions for reading, science, and history.  I have also decided that there needs to be a set for writing, so I will work on those today.

I have listed about 50+ posters on ebay in hopes that teachers will purchase some for their classrooms for this coming school year.  The most viewed poster so far has been a new design, "No Negativity", which I find quite fascinating.

It has taken me awhile to get motivated to actually sit down to create any new designs.  I think having an order from the emails I sent out and selling a few posters through ebay has been encouraging, so I'm more motivated to increase the offerings.  Of course, it is on my 60 by 60 list to complete.  I guess I better get busy!

CEA's update #16

Item #47. Order book boxes from Amazon (through the Golden Girls website) every other month with a mixture of topics (fiction, organizing, decorating, poetry, memoir): April-June-August-October.

My June book box contained the latest novels from Lee Child and Nelson DeMille.  Child's Jack Reacher is one of my favorite characters, and 61 Hours does not disappoint.  I'm looking forward to reading DeMille's The Lion.  I also ordered Good Mail Day, which is "A Primer for Making Eye-Popping Postal Art."

JR's List Item #15: (making progress) Learn to cook with fresh herbs and various kinds of mushrooms.

In her post of May 8th, Candace talked about making a pesto with fresh herbs from her garden.  Since cooking with fresh herbs is also an item on my list, I decided to give the pesto a try.  I made it with fresh basil from my hanging garden.  It is as delicious as CEA described and very, very versatile.  Thank you, Candace!

I have also made chicken breasts marinated in my fresh rosemary.  I need to start working with the mushrooms.

CEA's update #15

Item #39. Get back on a good vitamin regimen.
Older sister touted vitamins recommended to her by a natural health practitioner during her recovery from recent surgery, so I purchased the same brand from Whole Foods:  Garden of Life's "Vitamin Code for 50 & Wiser Women." 

CEA's update #14

Item #54. Review my toiletries and cosmetics, toss as necessary, and replenish as necessary. Dispose of 60 items by throwing away, recycling, or donating.

I was inspired to revise item #54 after reading of other people's efforts to dispose of clutter--by getting rid of one item a day for 365 days--on the Unclutterer blog.  In my first effort, I did indeed "review my toiletries and cosmetics" and toss 15 items.  Actually, I tossed more than 15 items:  I decided that multiples of the same toiletry could only count once.  For example, I disposed of six partially used hotel bottles of lotion and counted them as one item on the list of 60.  Actually, being a child of a child of the Depression, I didn't dispose of the six partially used bottles, I decanted the contents into a big bottle and tossed the empties.  I also donated 15 items of clothing when I cleaned out my armoire, so my current total is 30 of 60.

JR's list: Item #5 - Attend the 6th Annual Lavender Fest in Blanco, Texas on June 11, 2010.

Candace, Cindy, and I attend the 6th Annual Blanco Lavender Fest in Blanco, Texas yesterday, which is usually the second weekend in June each year.  We began the day with a stop at Target and then a drive north from San Antonio.

Once in Blanco we had breakfast at the famous Blanco Bowling Club Diner.  Candace may consider it more "infamous" when her scrambled egg arrived looking like a beat up fried egg.

We then headed across the road to the festival which is held on the Blanco County Courthouse grounds.  This is the third year we have attended the Lavender Fest.  Everything lavender and much more is on display or available for purchase.

 

Like many of the courthouses in Texas, the Blanco County Courthouse is elegant in its simple design.

We wandered and looked.  We sampled toasted, flavored pecans and ate Dark Chocolate Lavender Ice Cream.  We bought.spices and lavender products for both ourselves and our pets.  We each enjoyed a lavender lemonade.  I even bought a potato bag for cooking potatoes in a microwave.

Kennie Smith and friend at the Blanco River Lavender Company graciously took pictures of us while we were at their booth.  They even provided a bouquet of lavender to dress up the shots.

We left the festival and headed out for the Hill Country Lavender Store north of Blanco.

Here we purchased a few more things. 

One of the great treats for us after visiting HCL has been a stop at the McCall Creek Farm Store that sits on Texas Highway 281 North right in front of the Hill Country Lavender Store and lavender field.  The first two years we attended the festival they have a really great homemade cherry gelato for sale.  We were already for more, but this year to our great disappointment they only had vanilla ice cream for sale.  Needless to say, my taste buds were devastated.

Our next stop was the Blanco River Lavender Company farm.  When we were at their booth, they had plants for sale, but Kennie Smith said there were also plants for sale out at their farm.  Candace wanted to pick up a few, so we made that our last stop.  

On our way we followed the signs that said "1st Lavender Farm in Texas."  We discovered the converted-barn home of Jeanne Ralston and Robb Kendrick, who did indeed establish the first lavender farm in Texas, Hill Country Lavender.  

They have since sold their home and their farm.  In The Unlikely Lavender Queen, Jeanne tells their story and chronicles the beginnings of the lavender industry in Texas.

We finally made it to the Blanco River Lavender Company farm.  

 

Co-owner Stephen Smith showed us around their 100+ ranch.  Candace bought three beautiful Provence lavender plants and Stephen gave us a beautiful bunch of cut lavender.  Stephen and Kennie have recently hosted a wedding in their beautiful facility.  The Smith Ranch is a great event spot.

While on the drive to the Smith Ranch we noticed a wildflower I had never seen before.  Stephen called it "horse mint."  Beautiful!

It was a wonderful day and another wonderful Lavender Fest made even better because the experience was shared with friends.  I'm ready for next year.

JR's List: Item #33 - (done) Register and participate in the 2010 Komen Race for the Cure with Cindy (first weekend in May).

May 1st, our dear friend Cindy and I participated in our fifth Komen Race for the cure. We meet at the Denny's close to the Alamodome in downtown San Antonio for breakfast before the race.  Having followed this same routine for the previous three years, we were surprised this year that Denny's was charging $25.00 dollars to park in their lot, even if you were eating there.  Thankfully, we were able to park in a lot a couple of blocks from Denny's for $5.00 each.  We ate and then joined the 30,000 (more or less) participants for the race.

The weather was perfect for walking; cloudy but not to hot or too cool.

This view from the railroad overpass south of the Alamodome looking up Durango as it goes under I37 is always an impressive sight.  It's inspiring to see this sea of white and pink.

This is our friend, Cindy.  Not a great picture, but it"s the only one taken of either one of us this year.

We are about two-thirds of the way through the race at this point.

I must confess.  After getting up at 4:00 a.m., I went home and took a very wonderful, very long nap.

JR's List Item #49: (done) Send promotional emails to school districts for posters.

It took me several days, but it is now done.  Several thousand emails later and a number of blocks, remove my name, and failed deliveries, I have blanketed Texas with information about BRAIN CUES Learning Tools and the BCLT Blog (Positive (Thoughts+Words+Actions) = Positive Life).  I hope I can generate a little business this way.  I will do this again in August.

JR;s List Item #46: (done) Give unwanted professional books to a friend's school.

I took four large bins of books and some additional teaching materials to Pecan Valley Elementary where my friend, Katie teaches.  I know the staff will make good use of the materials and I now have additional space on my shelves.

CEA's update #13

Item #5. Clean out my e-mail inbox and keep the number of e-mails below 20.
Progress: During the first week of this effort I reduced my e-mails from 357 to 98.  Today I'm down to 9.  All of them are read but need action.  I also emptied several of the folders I was keeping and deleted the folders.  I had Pending, Holding, Backlog, and Archive folders among others!  How exactly those four really differed, I'm not sure.  I learned a new term when I was reading a blog I learned about from http://www.happiness-project.com/ :  e-mail bankruptcy.  In e-mail bankruptcy, you eliminate ALL of your e-mails without reading them and start over.  The blog discussion is interesting:  one person admitted to having over 16,000 e-mails.   Here's the post: http://www.mom-101.com/2010/05/drastic-inboxes-call-for-drastic.html

CEA's progress report #12

Item #31:  Cook from a "found" recipe once a week.
Last week I baked Giada De Laurentiis's raspberry brownies (http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/chocolate-raspberry-bars-with-white-chocolate-and-almonds-recipe/index.html).  I liked the concept, but next time I'll try a different brownie mix.  She recommends using a Duncan Hines mix; I'll use my favorite packaged brownie mix next time (Betty Crocker).  Since I already had a package of sliced almonds, I used those instead of the salted almonds.

JR’s List Item #28 – (May report) Listen to at least three audio books a month until my 60th birthday.

May listening selections:

• Paths of Glory by Jeffrey Archer:  Great job, Mr. Archer!  Because this was a Jeffrey Archer novel, I purchased the audio.  Before the story even starts, Archer breaks your heart.  He then goes on to tell an compeling story of the short life and unexplained death of George Mallory, a mountaineer whose ultimate quest was to reach the summit of Mt. Everest.  This was a wonderful read made all the more enjoyable upon discovering (via the internet) the real George Herbert Leigh-Mallory.  I also want to give kudos to narrator, Roger Allam, who also narrated Prisoner of Birth.  Read it or listen to it, but don't pass it up.  Fantastic!
• The Collectors by David Baldacci:  I admire authors who can create characters that you come to love, wish you knew, and anguish every minute of a suspenseful story that something is going to happen to one of them.  David Baldacci is one of those authors and the Camel Club members are just such characters.  I loved his first book, The Camel Club.  As a second in the series, The Collectors did not disappoint.
• Divine Justice by David Baldacci:  I was a little worried at the end of Stone Cold about the fate of the Camel Club, so I immediately went in search of a fourth book.   Like the previous books in the Camel Club series, Divine Justice was a great story.  I am ready for the next one.

CEA's progress report #11

Item #35. Finish filling the "Secret Garden" bed with gravel.
Did it!  Youngest brother was here today with a tractor, and he scooped up several loads of gravel and dropped them in the bed.  The "Secret Garden" is a shaded triangular area, approximately 9 x 17 feet, on the northeast corner of the house where only a few scraggly weeds grow.  I cleaned out the area, bordered it with large rocks, lined it with a grey weed cloth, and started filling it in with gravel, but shoveling the gravel, carting it, and unloading the cart was quite labor intensive for me.  Thanks to brother, the job was finished in less than 10 minutes! The Secret Garden will be a good place to move my pots of ferns when the temperatures rise. 

CEA's progress report #10

Item #47. Order book boxes from Amazon (through the Golden Girls website) every other month with a mixture of topics (fiction, organizing, decorating, poetry, memoir): April-June-August-October.
I was a bit busy in April and forgot to order my book box, so my April box didn't arrive until mid-May.  I ordered Carolyne Roehm's book on gift wrapping, the new Ladies Number One Detective series entry, a book on caring for elderly parents, Organizing Your Home by Emily Wilska, and the Duchess of Devonshire's "walk" through the gardens of Chatsworth.

CEA's progress report #9

Item #16:  Get my windshield repaired.
Did it!  After I-don't-know-how-many months of watching the crack spread across my windshield, I was finally able to get to the city to have the windshield repaired just before the crack reached the right edge.   My mother stayed with one of my sisters for the day, and I met Janet at the repair shop.  While the work was being done, we went out to lunch and to a matinee of "Ironman 2."  An excellent outing!

JR’s List Item #27 – (May report) Read at least one book a month until my 60th birthday.

May reading selection:

Wow!  Wow!  Wow!  Nooooooooooo!  Oh, no!  This can't be the end of the Camel Club books.  I have just finished reading Stone Cold by David Baldacci.  It's another fantastic book.  Read it! 

P.S. - After finishing Stone Cold, I immediately went to Audible.com.  I had to find out for sure that there was another Camel Club book.  Thank goodness, there was  It's Divine Justice, which will be included in my May audio selections.

JR’s List Item #28 – (April report) Listen to at least three audio books a month until my 60th birthday.

April audio selections

• The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown:  This has been my favorite of Dan Brown's Robert Langdon books.  My father was a Mason which may be why I really enjoyed the book.  Maybe it is the setting of Washington, D.C. that made the story more enjoyable.  Not matter the reason it was a very good listen.
• The Kill Artist by Daniel Silva:  Being a fan of Daniel Silva's series featuring the character, Gabriel Alon, I searched Audible.com (been a member for years) for any in the series I had missed.  I discovered this one, his first in the series.  It is a shorter book than his others, but it did a good job is setting up the characters and the back story for the rest of the books.  The narrator for these books has not always been the same person.  This particular narrator was not my favorite.
• Nora, Nora by Anne Rivers Siddon:  I have long been a Siddon fan.  Nora, Nora is a coming of age story et sin the Lytton, Georgia during the Civil Rights movement.  It is the story of a girl who finds the truth about her family and then finds her true self.  This was charming book.

JR’s List Item #27 – (April report) Read at least one book a month until my 60th birthday.

After seeing a commercial featuring the Harlem Children's Zone, I happened to see a copy of Whatever It Takes by Paul Tough in the classroom of a teacher with whom I was working.   The book turned out to be  about Geoffrey Canada and his work with the HCZ.  I took it as a sign.  During the teacher's conference period, I asked him about the book.  He seemed excited about the information in the book; sufficiently so, that I bought a copy making it my book choice for April.  The book chronicles the five-year journey of Geoffrey Canada and his efforts to create a "cradle to high school graduation" program for the children of Harlem. 

What excited me about the book was that the major research that Tough cited was the same major research that Robert Marzano cited in Building Background Knowledge.  The basic findings were that vocabulary development, parent-child interactions, positive parental support, reading, and life experiences were all shown to make the difference in the levels of school readiness and performance of children of middle-class families versus children of low income families.  This and other related research named in the book seemed to be the foundation of the principles of the Harlem Children's Zone with the ultimate goal being to change the culture of Harlem itself.

Whatever It Takes is an informative, engaging read.  The positive results of Canada's programs provided in the book are encouraging.  There very well may be lessons that the HCZ has learned from which all schools and school districts could benefit.  It's worth the read.

CEA's progress report #8

Item #17. Make pesto from my backyard herbs
Did it!  I used the pesto recipe from the Martha Stewart Kitchen's Everyday Food:  Great Food Fast.  The recipe was so fast and easy that I made it right before a dinner party, including going out to the herb garden and harvesting the basil.  I halved the recipe, since it calls for four cups of basil, and I didn't want to use up all of my current crop.  I doubled the number of basil plants in my herb garden this year, and I plan to double that number next year.   I used the Texas Olive Ranch olive oil.  The pesto tasted fresh and delicious, and I plan to make it a staple of my cooking from now on.  I served it with crostini made from the Central Market rosemary baquettes which can be found in the freezer case at major HEB stores.

JR's list #27: (done) Bind the edges of the woven afghan hanging in bedroom for cleaning.

Too many years ago for me to remember, I purchased a complete a bedding set and accessories from a J C Penney's catalog.  The picture in the catalog showed the set with a woven afghan hanging on the wall behind the bed.  I liked the bedroom set, but truth be known, I bought the set because of the afghan which I also purchased.  For years, I would take it down off the wall, take it outside, and shake the heck out of it to eliminate any dust.  I was afraid to wash it for fear it would unravel.  I was afraid to have it dry cleaned for fear something would happen to it.  I finally found a fabric glue that was invisible,  flexible, and washable.  I applied the glue on the back of the afghan close the the fringed edges.  The glue dried, I waited the recommended week for the glue to cure, and washed the afghan with the gentle cycle.

The afghan is now clean, fresh, and back on the wall over the my bed, and all is right with the world.

CEA's progress report #7

#44.  Get Janet to teach me how to handle our blog.
Janet is usually my teacher on all-things-computer-related, but since we're separated by time and space, I've learned how to operate the blog by trying. So far, so good, so I'm giving myself credit for #44.

#59. Paint candlesticks black and glue gorgeous shells to the tops
I've admired the shells on stands I've seen in catalogs but have been shocked at the prices.  One day I noticed that the stands looked a lot like candlesticks.  I bought wooden candlesticks at Michael's and painted them black, then used a hot-glue gun to glue shells to the tops.  The challenge came in finding just the right spot on the shell that would allow a good bond and present the shell at its best angle.  We placed the shells on the mantel in the library as part of our shell decorations for the luncheon on Saturday. 

PS:  I learned how to insert a photo!

JR's list: Updates to previous posts

Update to #2:   The latest vet's report was very good.  My horse has not infection, no limp, and no splint.  He should be back in his own stall by next Wednesday.  He will need to be rested for several more weeks, but then he should be good to go.

Update to #12:  I have added mint and dill to my hanging basket garden.

JR's list #6: (done) Raise the bed by 7" to utilize area for storage.

I was able to take the furniture lifters that I had originally purchased for the daybeds in my office and use them in the bedroom instead.  It took some doing to get them under the bed and then get the bed set where I wanted it, but I did it.  I only had to use one 3.5" lifter under each leg to achieve enough additional space to accommodate the soft-sided storage containers I found at Target.  The bed is very stable and it is now so much easier to get in and out; not to mention the additional storage space. Yea!

JR's list #7: (done) Raise the daybeds and corner table in the office by at least 7".

It's true.  You can find just about everything you need or want on the web.  I was given a great daybed corner set (two daybeds and a bamboo corner table).  I set them up in the room I use for an office.  They really make great couches.  For me, the large pillows that came with them were cumbersome and stiff, so I gave them away and purchased a set of bolsters and daybed covers.

I got the daybeds set up with the new bedding, but the side of the covers were too long.  Also, because the beds were set so low to the floor, I was having trouble getting up and down when I sat on them.  I found some stacking furniture lifters and tried them, but I didn't think they were stable enough and the beds could not be moved without falling off the lifters.  I went back to the internet to look for furniture parts.  I discovered a whole industry designed to make adjustments to the home which assist the elderly with everyday living.

I found the website Homeplace Parts (www.homeplaceparts.com).  They had a great selection of furniture legs among many, many other things for repairing and rebuilding practically anything in the home.  I was able to get 7" legs to attach to the beds.

Now, the bed covers no longer touch the floor and I now have additional storage space as a bonus.  Best of all, I have no problems sitting down on or getting up from the daybeds.

JR's list #2 - (making progress) Work with Terry to have the two younger horses rode for six weeks.

When in the car with my young nieces and nephews we would play “Slug Bug, (color)!  It was fun, everyone earned points, and no one was slugged in the process.   In  the new Volkswagen commercials, the game has been rejuvenated with “Blue One” as the spotter who sees a VW punches the unsuspecting person standing close by.   Last week, that commercial became my new analogy for life.

Terry (ex-husband, significant other, and best friend) and I have horses.  All three of our horses are palomino in color, two of which we have raised from babies.  The two younger horses are four and five years old.  Both horses have been broke, but have had very little riding over the last year and a half.  They are our babies.  We want to keep them, but we want to be able to ride them.  The problem is we are 60ish with “green” horses.  Solution:  Find someone younger to ride them for us, which is just what Terry did.

The horses were going to get ridden daily for the next six weeks, so maybe the old folks could start riding again.  That’s when life said, “Blue one,” and punched us in the arm.  While being ridden during one of his first few time, Binky stepped on something that punctured one of his hocks.  Long story short, he has a hole in one tendon and a nick in another, but no surgery was necessary.  Binky will be fine with some time and TLC. 

In the meantime, Bella is still being ridden daily, so progress is being made.  As soon as he is recovered and the vet gives us the go ahead, it will again be Mr. Binky's turn.  Bottom line, we consider ourselves beyond lucky and very blessed..   

CEA's progress report #6

Item #31:  Cook from a "found" recipe once a week
Progress:  I've cooked two more recipes.  One was a couscous salad with tomatoes, roasted red peppers, olive oil, and feta.  I don't know where I put the recipe, and I don't remember its source.  Last night I baked an apple skillet cake from the October 2009 issue of Sunset.  It was simple and good, requiring few ingredients, and more of a puffed pancake than a cake. 
Item #46. Drink green tea daily
Progress:  When I make my pot of tea for iced tea at lunch and during the afternoon (decaf), I add a green teabag.  Maybe I'll eventually enjoy drinking straight green tea, but until then, I'll mask it.

CEA's progress report #5

Item #20. Paint black iron chairs and Item #21. Paint green bistro chairs
I love having parties!  They get me focused on getting things done.  I've wanted to get these two sets of my uncle's chairs refurbished ever since I took them out of the barn a year ago.  The approaching May 1st luncheon gave me the impetus to get the painting done.  I hosed down both sets of chairs, then sanded the green bistro chairs before spray painting them hunter green.  I had to hand paint the black iron chairs because of the woven straw seats and backs.  The bistro chairs needed a second coat of paint, but the iron chairs only needed a bit of touching up.  Eight chairs painted!
During these past two days of painting, I also spray painted the propane tank in the back yard, giving it two coats of white paint on the body and a single coat of blue on the cap.  It looks so much better painted than rusty!  I also painted two black wrought iron plant holders.
I'm trying to fight the urge to paint my bathroom floor.

CEA's progress report #4

Item #36:  Get the bats under control: short and long-term solutions
Ah, the bat stories I could tell:  the Mexican freetails living between the boards above the kitchen, the occasional intrusion into the sun parlor, the strategies for evicting said intruders (trust me, wearing a hat is a good idea), stepping on a bat in my bedroom (trust me, going barefoot is NOT a good idea), driving twelve miles before realizing that the skittering sound was a bat in my car.  I have no long-term solution yet, but today I did buy two butterfly nets.  I've also had the chimneys blocked.  Did you know that you are not allowed to exterminate bats?  Nor can you kill the vulture that is roosting in one of the chimneys!  Ah, country life.

JR’s List Item #28 – (March Report) Listen to at least three audio books a month until my 60th birthday.

March audio selections

I love audio books.  I don’t know why.  Maybe it’s because of my elementary teacher who read to my class every day after lunch.  She was an excellent reader and story teller. No matter the reason, when an audio book is an excellent story with perfectly matched narrators, the whole experience for me is magical.

During March, I listened to Prisoner of Birth by Jeffrey Archer, Prince of Fire by Daniel Silva, and The Help by Kathryn Stockett.  I love Jeffrey Archer as an author.  He is masterful at the art of employing “red herrings” in his writing.  Daniel Silva’s Gabriel Alon series has been one of my favorites.  Silva has an interesting way of writing in which he describes the setting, the action, and the character(s) involved only as man or woman; before actually naming the character(s) and continuing the story.  Prince of Fire was not exception. I always find myself guessing who the characters are to whom he is referring.  Sometimes I’m right and sometimes I’m wrong.  My favorite audio book for March, was The Help.  Not only is the story incredible, but the narration features three individual voices for the three main characters in the story.  It truly was a magical experience.

JR’s List Item #27 – (March report) Read at least one book a month until my 60th birthday.

March reading selection   

I read the Jane Austen Book Club by Karen Joy Fowler.  I enjoyed the book.  It was a nice mixture of humorous and serious moments woven together to tell the story (not to mention that one of the main characters raised Rhodesian Ridgebacks-I happen to have one).  I decided to rent the movie of the book as one of my movies for Item # 29 on my list.  I should have know better, since the movie of a book is seldom a good interpretation of the book.  If I had never read the book, I probably would have found the movie more enjoyable.  But I had and it wasn't.

JR's List - Progress Report

Item #34 - (done) Work with Candace to create our blog 60 to 60.  The blog is up and running,
Item #35 - (progress) Make notes daily about 60 to 60 blog.  I am making progress,  I haven't gotten into a daily routine, but I am getting there.
Item #36 - (progress) Blog at least twice a week on 60 by 60 Blog.  So far, I'm keeping up.

JR's list #12 - (done) Create a hanging basket herb garden.

I love cooking shows. I don't have cable, so Rachel Ray and the chefs of PBS/PBS Create are the shows I watch. I must confess, I am sort of addicted to the Rachel Ray Show.

I have never done much cooking with fresh herbs, but I decided I needed to learn to grow them first. I created two baskets each of Italian Flat Leaf Parsley and Cilantro. Then I planted one basket each of Sage, Rosemary, and Sweet Basil. Finally, I planted Tarragon, Oregano, and Thyme in one basket.

Because I have no roof overhangs and only one tree, I thought I could just hang a chain from the branches of the tree and then hang the baskets on the chain. Armed with a folding chair, plastic cable ties, Duck tape, and a 20' chain, I went to work. An hour or so later, I was done.

I now have my hanging herb garden. It may not be pretty, but it is functional. To quote the George Peppard character in TV's A-Team fame, "I love it when a plan comes together."

CEA's progress report #3

Item #49. "Craft" something once a week, minimum
Progress:  The best time for me to craft is early afternoon when mother is napping or on Sundays when I avoid as many chores as possible.  This past week I started making the menu card for the luncheon we're hosting in May.  I enjoyed getting into that "flow" that Mihalyi Csikszentmihalyi wrote about, and time flew!  I made two different collages for the backs of the menu cards, using family photographs and postcards with illustrations of shells, butterflies, birds, and bees, with a few stampings of letters, numbers, and clocks.  The front of the menu card features shells only, because that is my "theme" for the luncheon.

Item #50. Buy flowers every chance I get
Progress:  Since our nearest grocery store doesn't stock flowers, I've vowed to buy bouqets when I'm in the city.  Instead of buying bouqets this week, I bought flowering plants for the garden.

JR's list #39 - (done) Give myself a French manicure.

I have always had flimsy fingernails which would tear, split, flake and chip easily.  I have never been able to keep long nails for any real length of time.  In the early 90s I tried acrylic nails.  After about two years something happened and the acrylic quit adhering to my nails, so I had to give them up.  From that point to now I have just been keeping my nails trimmed close to the quick.  

Lately, I had started contemplating trying to grow my nails out again and went shopping for supplies. First stop on my shopping foray I spotted a kit for do-it-yourself  French tips.  I bought the kit and started growing out my nails.  I now have a French manicure that I did myself and #39 checked off my list.  … and my French manicured nails?  They're still fairly soft, they don't look perfect, but they're good enough to go public.  I've kept them going for a month now  …and best of all, I did it myself!

JR's List #1 - (making progress) Do serious walking.

In creating our lists, we tried to be as specific as possible.  I realize in rereading my #1:  Do serious walking, it really isn't very specific.  I'll have to think about this one some more and update the task.

With that said, I have made progress.  I purchased a pair of Skecher's Shape Ups.  I have been wearing them for about a month now.  For me walking in them is like walking on pillows.  I love 'em, so much so that I am now wearing them to work.  Last week, when I mowed the grass, I wore my old tennis shoes.  They felt like I was wearing boards on my feet.  They do take some getting used to, but I think they are worth it.

Whether it's the Shape Ups, better weather lately, or both, I have increased the amount I am walking each day.

JR's List #17 - (done) Renew Majestic tickets.

I just renewed the Majestic theater tickets for next year's season.  Candace, our friend, Cindy, and I have attended for several years now.  I think this year's selections are some of the most exciting shows that have been offered in recent years.  Candace lives out of town, so the three of us don't get together very often,  Going to a play or musical at least six times a year gives us an opportunity to enjoy a meal (with dessert, of course), catch-up, and enjoy the show together.  It's going to be a great year at the Majestic.

CEA's progress report #2:

Item #24. Buy cowboy work boots
Did it!  I'm not certain that "cowboy work boots" is a valid term.  My hankering for boots--other than my snake boots--has been growing since I moved back to the country.  True cowboy boots seemed to be too much boot for my purpose, which is to have a pair of boots to throw on to wear to town.  When I asked my visiting brother where I should buy boots, he said there's only one place to go, and took me to Ben's in Cotulla.  A resolute sales woman worked and worked to find me a pair of work boots.  I ended up with a pair of girls' boots.  Janet tells me I shouldn't be wearing capri jeans with boots, but I'm sure having fun doing so!

Item #31. Cook from a "found" recipe once a week
Progress:  I prepared two chicken recipes today from the April 2007 issue of Everyday Food:  Chicken Club Salad and Chicken Tetrazzini.  Both dishes taste so good that I'm not feeling guilty about saving the magazine for three years! 
 
Item #45. Post on the blog at least twice a week
 Progress:  This is my second post in five days.

Item #48. Set up the paperwork notebook I read about on http://smallnotebook.org/
Did it!  I've set up the notebook, using supplies I had on hand.  Having everything in one easily transportable zip-up notebook has been helpful.

CEA's progress report #1:
 
Item #1:  Challenge Janet to join me in creating 60 by 60 lists.
We did it!  JR set everything up for us, and I actually entered my list and this first blog entry (I hope) all by myself!  I tend to overuse exclamation points and doubt my abilities with technology.

Item #5:  Clean out my e-mail inbox and keep the number of e-mails below 20.

Number of e-mails in my in-box = 357.  I eliminated over 100 today.

Item #14:  Bake a cake from scratch.

Did it!  I baked the chocolate cake in the latest issue of Martha Stewart Living for my nephew's 17th birthday celebration, and it was scrumptious!

Item #18:  Cancel memberships in diet site and book club.
Did it!  

Item #19:  Complete laying the stones in the back yard terrace (phase 2).
Did it!  I spent all of one weekend and another morning to excavate and place the stones--120 in all.