Here’s what I planned to have completed by Tuesday, April 19th:

34. Put up window treatments in the house
39. Start an herb garden
63. Ride my bike to work

And here’s what I actually completed:

________________

Yep, none of ‘em!

Note to self: do not plan to complete long or short term goals in the same week as taking the kids to Disneyland. Just sayin’…

OK, here’s my goals for completion by April 26, 2011:

34. Put up window treatments in the house
39. Start an herb garden

The biking to work one is on hold right now until I get a new bike. Cause my old one was left out in the rain. And I’ll never have that recipe again… raise your hand if you get the reference. Can’t cause your arthritis is acting up? I completely sympathize.

Also my helmet has gone missing. I’m pretty sure it took off in the middle of the night with someone it met on Facebook. Helmets these days!

The real challenge with the whole herb garden thing is I still need seed starter planting soil. So it depends on me remembering to buy something I’ve never bought before, at a store I don’t shop at very often (like Target). Excellent. This is what makes it a bucket list goal instead of just spring planting. Because the chances of me doing it before I die: pretty damn slim! Also, requiring much effort. Skydiving was easier!

Ok, so valances and herbs. I can do this.

I think I can.
I think I can.
I think I can.
I think I can.
I think I can.
I think I can.
I think I can.
I think I can.

what was I supposed to do…?

This is what I finished by Tuesday, April 12th.

9. Organize the linen closet – DONE 4/9/11

17. Learn how to use Crystal Reports – still working on it

The before and after pictures of #9

Before:

After:

That fairly empty middle shelf is supposed to have towels on it (laundry) and no Coke Zero! Oops. But basically, it is done! YAY!! That has been buggin’ me since we moved in over 4 years ago! That is why it was on the list, if it wasn’t it would never have gotten done! YAY ME!

Here’s what I plan to have completed by Tuesday, April 19th:

34. Put up window treatments in the house
39. Start an herb garden
63. Ride my bike to work

I already have the window treatments, herb garden kit, bicycle and helmet. Just need to find my hammer and level, buy some seed starter soil, and inflate my tires. Even though I won’t be home until Thursday night, I’m feeling really positive about these.

I’m extending #17 Learn to use Crystal Reports til the end of the month. It’s a computer program and will take me more than a few days to really learn how to use it.

I’m still working on the 30 days of gratitude. I was going to enter the Script Frenzy writing contest, but it’s nearly halfway over and I haven’t written a word. I’m thinking this one has gotten too far away from me, especially since I didn’t even hear about it til day 3. I’m going to search for another one. And I’ve got the longer term goals: 10K, half-mary, full marathon and triathlon scheduled in the sidebar.

I’m already off to a very busy week!

Here’s what I expect to have finished by Tuesday, April 12th.

9. Organize the linen closet

17. Learn how to use Crystal Reports

I’ve put my 101/1001 list in the side bar. I’m working on linking to posts of the ones I’ve already completed. I didn’t blog about all of them (damn!) but I did about some. If I can, I’ll try to post about the experience of ones I finished that have no original post. Like the girls only vacation cruise last April (for my 40th birthday!)

Note: Hearst Castle is also on my 101 things in 1001 days list!! Double Score!!

Since it’s a nearly 5 hour drive we left super early (we had to take the long way. Part of Highway 1 had washed away. Again.) The drive was quiet, peaceful and without incident.  We talked the whole time, catching up on each others lives. Laughing, joking around, getting to know each other again. We got there wicked early and decided to have a leisurely lunch at a seaside Bar & Grill. More talking, laughing, a little gossiping. Those important moments that weave our lives together in unending tapestries.

After lunch, we strolled along the bluffs overlooking the beach. The weather couldn’t have been more perfect. A light ocean breeze, scent of salt and sand in the air. Gulls flying overheard.

We couldn’t believe the number of elephant seals floating in the surf! There must have been a hundred at least. (You can’t really see them in the picture.) None of them came on shore, darn it. But it was to fun point out “there are more… and more… and MORE!” Soon, it was time to make like Cinderella and head to the castle.

Hearst Castle

This is our first view of it up close. Everyone rides by bus from the visitor center up to the actual castle, called Casa Grande. There are also three guest houses. The big house has 38 bedrooms and 41 bathrooms! Finally, no lines!

Casa Grande is over 60 thousand square feet! And my kids complain about vacuuming.

The Neptune pool is even larger and bluer than my sad little camera could capture. I would love to play mermaid in that thing!

There are a lot of Egyptian artifacts and inspired statuary. You know Cali was in heaVEN! Or Mt. Olympus. Or whatever the Egyptian equivalent is… man, I need to go back to school.

There are 6 huge original tapestries in this grand room. Copies of them hang in the Louvre. That fireplace is ginormous! You know I’m thinking  s’mores! This is the room where guests hung out and had cocktail hour before dinner. Cary Grant, Charlie Chaplin, and other major movie stars from that era were frequent guests here. Bob Hope and his wife spent their honeymoon in one of the guest houses! How cool is that?!

That is a real Venus de something or other. A REAL ONE! There is so much art in this place, it rivals the world’s museums. In fact, I think it’s like the biggest collection of art in the US. I’m pretty sure of that. It is totally impressive!

OMG – does this look like the dining hall from Hogwarts or what?! You can’t tell from the pictures, but in between each set of gargantuan candlesticks are bottles of French’s mustard and Heinz ketchup. For some reason this totally cracked me up!

Of course, what castle would be complete without it’s own full size movie theater. These statue things that have a real name span down both walls. They provide most of the lighting for the room, to give it that real movie theater feel. They just had these small lights throughout most of the room, so the other pictures I took look like fireflies at midnight.

The indoor pool. All the gold patterned tiles are 23K gold leaf? They are all over the place, up the walls, the ceiling, the bottom of the pool. I don’t know if you can tell, but the pool goes into the next room. It is freakin’ HUGE!! That would be one hell of a game of Marco Polo!!

Afterwards, we took the tour bus back to the visitors center. Then we got to watch a movie called “Building the Dream” by National Geographic about the life of William Randolph Hearst and the building of the castle and grounds. It is seriously awesome. Cali and I had the best time! We love this stuff. When we were in New York a couple of years ago, we spent a whole day at the Met and then another at the Guggenheim.  We are total art and history buffs!

After the movie, we headed home. It was a long way back. Cali slept most of the way, and I got to zone out listening to music, which is my favorite thing ever when I’m driving long distances. We finally arrived home about 10:30. Cali spent the night again and I drove her to her place the next morning on my way to work. I got to have her home two nights in a row!! That hasn’t happened since she moved out.

It was the best. day. ever!! Happy Birthday, Cali-wali!!

I set a bunch of goals, both big and small. Some I thought would be easier to do, like organizing the linen closet. While others would take dedication, planning and preparation, like running a marathon. I really thought I’d be further through my list by now, with just a few remaining items to cross off. I sure as hell, thought I’d have the linen closet done!

I haven’t been updating much either. In fact, it’s been sitting on a mental back shelf collecting dust for well over a year now. I’ve discovered that I actually have done some of the things on the list without realizing it. So I’ve caught it all up. I’ve highlighted in red the things left to do.

Tuesdays I’ll be doing a weekly Update on 101 Things. I’ll try to plow through what’s left of the list as reasonably as possible over the remaining 185 days. I don’t see Europe in my immediate future, but I AM going to stick a toe in the Atlantic, darn it!! Also, I may have to travel to Yellowstone. By horseback. Alone. Gotta kill as many birds with one stone (that’s a metaphor, not an item on the list!)

And on September 30, 2011, I will be starting the next 101 Things in 1001 Days. I’ll be rolling over things I couldn’t finish this time around. They will absolutely be at the top of the next list! I am already planning to run in the Paris, France Marathon in April 2012. That’ll take care of a couple right there! And there will be lots of new items. It’s like a Bucket List broken down into 1001 day increments. I like me some increments!

Here’s the updated list:

1. Make room in garage to park one car

2. Do Jillian Michaels’ 30 Day Shred

3. Wear a bikini in public

4. Create an on-line photo album DONE 1/16/09

5. Go line dancing

6. Have a taffy pull

7. Take a CPR class

8. Take a self-defense class

9. Organize the linen closet

10. Do a paint by numbers

11. Do a latch-hook rug

12. Go on a mini-vacation by myself

13. Go to Yellowstone

14. Go horseback riding

15. Create a GFCF lasange crockpot recipe DONE 10/05/09

16. Recover the seats of the kitchen chairs & bar stools

17. Learn how to use Crystal Reports

18. Go to Universal Studios DONE 4/13/09

19. Get a library card DONE 2/5/09

20. Go Bungee Jumping

21. Go to Hearst Castle

22. Go on a flashlight tour of the Winchester Mystery House DONE 10/17/09

23. Go see a play at our local Playhouse

24. Take a dance class

25. Make hand molds of Sean and Skye

26. See a Broadway show DONE 2/17/09

27. Go to a wine tasting DONE 1/31/09

28. Ride the subway in New York DONE 2/20/09

29. See the Statue of Liberty DONE 2/19/09

30. Visit Mount Rushmore

31. Hike the Grand Canyon

32. Take a pottery class

33. Write down one thing I am thankful for daily for a month

34. Put up window treatments in the house

35. Replace the vertical blinds in the family room

36. Go on a sailboat

37. Go kayaking DONE 4/15/09

38. Go white water rafting DONE 4/15/09

39. Start an herb garden

40. Buy a piece of art

41. Make a snow angel

42. Build a sandcastle

43. Build a snowman DONE 3/7/10

44. Take my kids sledding DONE 3/7/10

45. Go snowboarding

46. Go wakeboarding

47. Ride on a jet ski

48. Go waterskiing

49. Read Charlie and the Chocolate Factory to Sean and Skye DONE 3/4/09

50. Learn to make sushi

51. Take an art class

52. Read the entire published works of Jane Austin

53. Get Sean and Skye to sleep in their own room DONE 6/1/09

54. Visit Alaska

55. Take a cruise DONE 4/14/10

56. Learn a martial art DONE 5/1/09

57. Take a kickboxing class

58. Take a spinning class

59. Organize the box of photos in my closet DONE 6/2/09

60. Get my motorcycle driver’s license

61. Buy a car DONE 3/4/09

62. Go scuba-diving

63. Ride my bike to work

64. Take a photography class

65. Finish crocheting Kenny’s blanket by his 1st birthday DONE 1/16/09

66. Cross-stitch three items

67. Knit an afghan

68. Make Skye a smocked dress DONE 11/18/10

69. Get a Brazillian Wax

70. Take the kids hiking in Muir Woods DONE 10/11/10

71. Eat no processed food for 30 days DONE 6/11/10

72. Print, frame and hang my own photography DONE 4/2/09

73. Enter a creative writing contest

74. Repaint the living & family rooms DONE 3/15/09

75. Take a class at the community college

76. Buy a piano DONE 09/09

77. Learn conversational American Sign Language

78. Take a trip to Europe

79. Vacation in Bermuda

80. Visit my friend in Minnesota

81. Take a Girls Only Vacation DONE 4/11/10

82. Read at least one book a month

83. Take a flying lesson

84. Hike to the top of Half-Dome, Yosemite

85. Give up Diet Coke/Coke Zero for 30 days DONE 09/09

86. Sing karaoke

87. Set foot in the Atlantic Ocean

88. Make a scrapbook for each child

89. Take a picture a day for 365 days

90. Post a blog for 30 consecutive days

91. Run a 10K DONE 09/19/09

92. Run a 12K

93. Run a half-marathon

94. Run a marathon

95. Compete in a triathlon

96. Go skydiving DONE 3/28/09

97. Get a tattoo DONE 1/4/09

98. Go on a date

99. Keep with appointment with dermatologist DONE 3/18/11

100. Reach goal weight

101. Be an extra in a movie

1. What did you do in 2009 that you’ve never done before?

Skydiving! There were probably other things too, but that’s the first one that comes to mind.

2. Did you keep your New Year’s Resolutions, and will you make more for next year?

I didn’t set specific Resolutions for 2009, instead I wrote my 101 Things to do in 1001 Days over there in the side bar and I’m slowly working my way through them. I did cross quite a few things off over the course of 2009. However, I also am about 10 lbs heavier than I was at the end of last year, so that’s something I focusing more on this year.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?

My bff Elizabeth had her THIRD baby boy in September!!

A co-worker became a grandfather for the first time 11 days ago.

And one of my former stepdaughters (the younger one) gave birth to her first baby on Christmas day. Though she doesn’t count as close anymore. But I numbered her as one of my children for over 6 years, so she still counts. She’ll always count.

4. Did anyone close to you die?

No; but people close to those close to me did. And it was hard enough watching them have to deal with the loss.

5. What countries did you visit?

Technically none. Though I did visit NYC in February and for a California girl, that place is totally like a foreign country! There was a trip to Vegas too, and that’s a whole ‘nother planet!

6. What would you like to have in 2010 that you lacked in 2009?

Drive and commitment! Oh, and focus. I’m so easily distracted from my tasks and goals… Squirrel!!

7. What dates in 2009 will remain etched in your memory and why?

March 28th – skydiving. That was a big one, I’d been talking about doing it for decades! And I loved it even more than I thought I would, if that’s possible.

May 13th – Skye’s 5th birthday. Princess makeover at Disneyland, my mom and sister were there too. She’s my last and turning 5 was a big milestone for both of us.

June 12th – Cali’s High School Graduation. I’m the mother of a high school graduate and adult.

September 16th – I officially registered for the Paris Marathon. It’s on April 11, 2010 – my 40th birthday. In Paris, France! That’ll be another major life goal.

8. What was your biggest achievement this year?

I feel like I finally got myself back. And I’m living life again instead of just going through the motions, just surviving day to day. I made real life goals (and some silly ones) and I’ve got the makings of a life plan in the works.

9. What was your biggest failure?

The weight. Always the weight. After a year of hard work, I’m up 10 lbs from one year ago. Awesome.

10. Did you suffer an illness or injury?

Actually, quite the opposite! I found out that what I thought was torn cartilidge in my knees was actually the result of double-jointedness and loose tendons! I had to learn how to stand correctly and I have to pay more attention to how I run. But no surgery necessary!! And my doctor said running was GREAT exercise for strengthening the muscles I need to keep my knees in line.

11. What was the best thing you bought?

My Saturn, complete with sun-roof and “secret” third door that the little kids just love!

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?

Sunny, who I stole this from, has made some really inspirational progress this year.

Elizabeth, who handles motherhood, autism and all the other curveballs that life throws at her with equal parts faith, courage and grace.

NieNie, who I don’t know personally but have been following for a while. Her ability to face each day with such hope and positivity is truly inspiring! I only wish I could remember to be half as grateful for each day of life that she is. When my obstacles seem overwhelming, it just takes one of her posts to remind me that my problems are small and insignificant compared to what she faces each and every day. And she does it with a smile on her face and a song in her heart. We could all learn so much from her!!

Those are just the first three that came immediately to mind. So slights intended to anyone!

13. Whose behavior made you apalled and depressed?

I could point the finger at so many others, but the truth is, it’s myself that I’m most disappointed in. I wish I had done more. I wish that depression hadn’t stole so much of my year. Unwarranted depression. But now I know what’s causing it, and 2010 should be MUCH better!

14. Where did most of your money go?

Bills, food, the usual

15. What did you get really excited about?

Silly things. Trips to Disneyland and the Winchester Mystery House. White water rafting and Universal Studios. The newest installments of Harry Potter and Twilight.

And major life events. My oldest graduating. My youngest starting Kindergarten. Jason getting his learner’s permit.

16. What song will always remind you of 2009?

Bon Jovi dropped a whole CD this year! I’ve been listening to The Circle non-stop since November 10th.

17. Compared to this time last year, are you (a)happier or sadder (b) fatter or thinner (c) richer or poorer?

Happier, Fatter, break-even. I’m equally poor this year as last!

18. What do you wish you’d done more of?

Spend time with my kids. If I have ONE resolution this year, it’s to spend more TIME with the kids.

19. What do you wish you’d done less of?

Procrastinate. There are so many more things I could have accomplished last year if I wasn’t such a horrible procrastinator… scratch that, I’m obviously a GREAT procrastinator!! One of the best! I will do my best to become a terrible procrastinor!

20. How did you spend Christmas 2009?

With the whole family. It was awesome!

21. Did you fall in love in 2009?

I fell in love a little more deeply with Junior Mints when I discovered they were gluten-free!

22. What was your favorite TV program?

I used to be such a tv junkie, with a solid line up from 8-11 every night of the week. It was paralyzing, I couldn’t do anything for fear of missing one of my shows. I just don’t have that level of commitment in me anymore!! So I’ve limited it to Desperate Housewives & The Biggest Loser. If I can catch The Office, 30 Rock, Cougartown, The Middle, and a handful of others, great. If not, oh well.

23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?

Hating someone really takes a lot of energy. I’m much too lazy!

24. What was the best book you read?

Wow. Uhm… I can’t always remember when I read certain books. And I read a LOT. I just started Stephen King’s Under The Dome. It’s over a thousand pages and may take me most of 2010 to finish.

The last book I finished “Confessions of a Carb Queen” by Susan Blech was excellent!

25. What was your greatest musical discovery?

I didn’t branch out much musically.

26. What did you get and want?

I got love and respect from my kids, what more could I ask for.

27. What did you want and not get?

More time.

28. What was your favorite film of this year?

That is a hard one for this movie buff!! Avatar was incredible, like nothing I’ve ever seen before. The Blind Side was so inspiring! The Hangover reached new heights of inappropriate hilarity. And I got to see my hunny in Inkheart AND for a few minutes in GI Joe!

29. What did you do on your birthday and how old were you?

I turned that non-existent/perpetual age of 39. I think I worked on my birthday. Nothing big. Oh, we all went out to Chevy’s for a birthday dinner cause they give you a big sombrero and sing at you! So that was awesome!! The next day the older boys and I left for a week of camping, white water rafting and Universal Studios.

30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?

Hitting my goal weight. I just want that monkey off my back, once and for all!!

31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2009?

Comfort with a hint of mom-jeans!

32. What kept you sane?

I don’t think anyone would define me as sane.

33. Which celebrity / public figure did you fancy most?

My heart will always belong to Brendan Fraser!

34. What political issue stirred you the most?

Prop 8. It’s an embarrassment to California. And it has truly angered me. We need to end discrimination once and for all. NOW! Equal rights for all.

35. Who did you miss?

My BFF who moved even FURTHER AWAY! To Canada… ok, almost Canada!

36. Who was the best new person you met?

I’ve made some great new on-line friends that have taught me so much!

37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2009.

Don’t wait til you’re 80 and dying of cancer to tackle that bucket list! There’s no time like the present! Don’t put off til tomorrow what you can ROCK today!

38. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.

In the immortal words of Jon Bon Jovi (“Everyday” Bounce CD)

I used to be the kind of guy
Who’d never let you look inside
I’d smile when I was crying
I had nothing but a life to loose
Thought I had a lot to prove
In my life, there’s no denying

Goodbye to all my yesterdays
Goodbye, so long, I’m on my way

I’ve had enough of cryin’
Bleedin’, sweatin’, dyin’
Hear me when I say
Gonna live my life everyday
I’m gonna touch the sky
And I spread these wings and fly
I ain’t here to play
I’m gonna live my life everyday

Change, everybody’s feeling strange
Never gonna be the same
Makes you wonder how the world keeps turning
Life, learning how to live my life
Learning how to pick my fights
Take my shots while I’m still burning

Goodbye to all those rainy nights
Goodbye, so long, I’m moving on

I’ve had enough of cryin’
Bleedin’, sweatin’, dyin’
Hear me when I say
Gonna live my life everyday
I’m gonna touch the sky
And I spread these wings and fly
I ain’t here to play
I’m gonna live my life everyday
Hit the gas, take the wheel
I’ve just made myself a deal

There ain’t nothing gonna get in my way
Everyday

Goodbye, so long, I’m moving on

I’ve had enough of cryin’
Bleedin’, sweatin’, dyin’
Hear me when I say
Gonna live my life everyday
I’m gonna touch the sky
And I spread these wings and fly
I ain’t here to play
I’m gonna live my life everyday

I, oh I, oh I, I’m gonna live my life everyday
I (gonna touch the sky), oh I (spread these wings and fly), oh I
I’m gonna live my life everyday

Here’s wishing everyone a fantastic 2010!

But back to what I’ve accomplished on Ye Olde List:

#76 – Buy A Piano. Now, I’ve given myself a bit of leeway with this one. See, I didn’t exactly buy one. My grandparents had to move into an assisted living facility over the summer. And they could only take a bit of their furniture with them. Since I was the only grandchild to endure a decade’s worth of piano lessons, I was finally rewarded for it… by inheriting their baby grand!!

#91 – Run a 10K. On September 19, my sister and I participated in the Tough As Granite 10K trail run. A trail run is way different than running a few miles around my neighborhood, just FYI!!! But I did it, and it felt awesome to finish!! You can read more about that on my Marathon-Mommy blog.

#85 – Give Up Diet Coke/Coke Zero for 30 Days. I did some math and realized that in 9 months time, I would spend almost $2,000 on Diet Coke! And that was estimating conservatively! Not only is it bad for my health, it’s horrible for my wallet. So for my financial as well as physical well-being, it had to go. My apologies to all the Coca-Cola shareholders. I’m sure you’ve noticed a big drop in sales. Sorry, times are tough for all of us!! And I don’t have a picture of me not drinking Diet Coke for a month.

#15 – Create a GFCF Lasagna recipe. This was tonite’s dinner. And it turned out better than I could have hoped. The kids all agree – it’s actually better than the original, gluten and casein full recipe!! It’s a winner and a new family favorite! YAY!!! I posted the recipe on my Living GFCF blog.

I’m already working on my next few list items!! I plan to do at least 3 a month from here on out! I’ll be through that list in no time and ready to write a new one!!

1.25 lb ground turkey
1.5 jars GF spaghetti sauce of your choice
1 package silken tofu
1 egg
1 tsp basil
1 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp black pepper, ground
1 package GF lasagna noodles*
1/2 package Vegan Gourmet Mozzarella, shredded**

Brown ground turkey in skillet, drain. In a 9×13 casserole dish, ladle a thin layer of spaghetti sauce. Reserve 3/4 cup of spaghetti sauce and set aside. Pour remaining spaghetti sauce in skillet with ground turkey.

In small bowl, whisk together tofu, egg, basil, garlic and black pepper until smooth and well blended. Place lasagna noodles in spaghetti sauce on bottom of casserole in one layer.

Spoon half of tofu mixture over noodles and spread evenly to cover all of the noodles. Sprinkle 1/3 of the shredded mozzarella on tofu. Spoon half the ground turkey spaghetti sauce over entire layer, being sure to cover all parts, especially any exposed noodles.

Repeat tofu, mozzarella, ground turkey layer. End with noodles. Take reserved spaghetti sauce and carefully pour over top noodle layer, making sure to cover all noodles completely. Sprinkle remaining third of mozzarella over top.

Bake at 375 degrees for 35 minutes. After removing from over, let set for at least 15 minutes. If you don’t, you’ll end up with lasagna soup!!! Trust me here!

*Note: It is not necessary to boil the lasagna noodles. However, it is crucial that all noodles are completely covered with sauce or else you are going to have one crunchy lasagna! Garfield would not approve!!

**Note: You’ll notice in my picture what looks suspiciously like shredded cheddar cheese on top. That would be because I ran out of mozzarella and had to pull a last minute substitute! Flexibility in the kitchen is your biggest asset!!

I would like to note here that the kids LOVED this!! I mean, fought over who got the last piece even though they each had three to four helpings, LOVED IT!! And yes, I had a piece. And it was divine! In fact, I think it even tastes better than my original. And I did not think that was possible. Best of all, the kids are thrilled that lasagna is back in the weekly repertoire!