#20 Make a 1 sentence per day journal recording the happiest moment of the day
This one in pretty self explanatory...and although it is not done...I figured nobody would want to ready 366 entries in their entirety and thus it would be better to upload this one in instalments.
Observation: Too often I get caught up in my never ending "to do list" of workouts, house keeping, work, family obligations etc., that I forget to take a moment to reflect on all the blessing in my life including all the amazing, inspiring, selfless people I have surrounding me.
Question: Is is possible to find time each day to focus on the blessings in my life amidst all the other distractions that my daily life involve?
Hypothesis: Five minutes of daily reflection will help me keep focus on all the things I have to be thankful for and will help to "Not sweat the small stuff" quite so much.
Materials: Paper and a pen or a computer & 5 minutes
Method: Document one moment each day that made me smile
Results: The First 58 days
2-Nov Text from Dad: Happy Birthday to you. Happy Birthday to you. Happy Birthday dear Sedonia. Happy Birthday to You. All the monkeys in the zoo send the best regards to you. Happy Birthday to you. Love you. Dad
3-Nov FB Message from Tony Collins: "Ok so i thought I completed by birthday wish yesterday but apparently I accidentally closed the window before I was finished... so hear it is again maybe just slightly modified because now I've had some more time to think about it and give it that extra gusto it deserved..... Here Goes
Happy Birthday!!!! (this time i added an extra ! =P )
Just kidding. I hope you had a great day and I look forward to being included in your 30 list and hopefully in that 40 list. Take care!"
4-Nov Friday fun day! Getting off work at 4:45ish, knowing I had 2 whole days off!
5-Nov Surprise! Walking into a room to find 14 friends surprise me and knowing how much planning my parents and friends did to make this happen!
6-Nov Finding new pants…on sale…in dark colors that won't stain with wine!! Winning!!!
7-Nov Left overs make me smile! Remind me of the yummy dinner on Sat & make it so I don't have to cook after a long day at work!
8-Nov Ahh! New contacts=a car wash for your eye balls!
9-Nov Talking to Jess on the phone…hearing about her anxiety…but knowing deep down she is SO ready…mentally and physically!
10-Nov Seeing that I'm not the only nerd that is excited about tomorrow's date…
11-Nov Ummm…try every time I wrote the date: 11-11-11…enough said!
12-Nov When I got to leave work knowing that this was my last weekend work day until next August!!
13-Nov Doing final walk through and finding that the apartment is in good shape with no major damage!
14-Nov Finding out we had 16 days of 1000+ samples…longest 1000+ run to date.
15-Nov Seeing the picture of Miss Sophia in her "Bumbo"-that little munchkin is just too cute for words!!
16-Nov Getting a friend request from Shananana's Mama Jan!
17-Nov Enjoying the yummy goodness that is Rutherford Grill cornbread!
18-Nov Finding out Miss Sophia was on my flight to Arizona!
19-Nov Seeing Paula, Jess, Mary, Susie and Nick getting ready for their practice swim…my Little Guppies are all grown up!
20-Nov Watching Jess finish IMAZ in 16:59:05…I think my HR was 190!!
21-Nov Coming home to see my furry munchkins did not destroy my house while I was away!
22-Nov Seeing the care, concern and support my coworkers offered when I explained that I needed to take care of my mom.
23-Nov When I got to leave work knowing that I would be able to have multiple days at home for the first time since August!
24-Nov When Dad kept saying "this is so delicious!" over and over at my first solo attempt and Thanksgiving dinner.
25-Nov Going to the Firefighter museum in Napa and seeing how proud my mom was to be able to brag that Grampie was a Captain for the LAFD.
26-Nov Going to church with my mom…it's lonely going by myself.
27-Nov Going swimming for the first time since Oct 23rd at Silverado Spa.
28-Nov Getting to see my Baby Reeses at Mom & Dad's
29-Nov When Doctor Graw met me in the waiting room and said mom did wonderfully!
30-Nov After mom had rested for 6+ hours, she got up and said she wanted to get out of bed and try to sit in the family room and watch some TV.
1-Dec When my mom texted me that she got herself up and washed her face and brushed her teeth all by herself.
2-Dec When my mom requested I pick up a latte for her…she is beginning to crave normal food!!
3-Dec When my mom said she felt strong enough to try and go out to lunch.
4-Dec Realizing that although it was difficult to choose to close one chapter of my life, in doing so I allowed myself to open a whole new chapter full of possibilities.
5-Dec The feeling after completing my 60' spin, knowing that I got myself there despite not wanting to come when I left work
6-Dec Running 6 miles in <70 min, when I haven't run over 1 mile in probably 4 weeks!
7-Dec Spinning and T.B.L. with Margaret
8-Dec Peppermint Cocoa, homemade marshmallows and the Christmas episode of Parks and Rec!
9-Dec 3 calls to view the apartment…finally! Hopefully one of these will be the right fit.
10-Dec Joan's Biscotti Open House: Yummy food + Good wine + Great friends = The bestest Holiday Cheer
11-Dec Going to drop off my Giving Tree donation and having to climb over the piles of new gifts to get through the door!
12-Dec Gillian's home! After a long stay in ICU, the terrifying result of an aggravated nut allergy, she is finally back home! Now both Roman and Gilly have taught me-Life is a gift!
13-Dec Realizing that I can run with the treadmill on Level 7 for more than a minute without passing out or falling off the rear end.
14-Dec Finishing the largest production run I've every had with all controls and standards within limits!
15-Dec Getting an email from my good friend Tara…she always makes me laugh and I'm so excited for her and her husband's new restaurant to open!
16-Dec The surprising compliments I got from coworkers regarding my "Crock pot fudge" that isn't REALLY fudge…but still pretty yummy!
17-Dec Finding the 3-wheel Spiderman Scooter for the little boy in my section after looking for over an hour!
18-Dec Getting to see old Iron teammates at birthday and holiday parties.
19-Dec Getting the 2nd two books in the Hunger Games Trilogy in the mail
20-Dec FB post from Princess Jessica Lee: "Miss you Donie, love you bunches!!"
21-Dec Cleaning out my email inbox!
22-Dec Getting to see Rachel who stopped by work just as I was finishing up.
23-Dec Roman came out to say hi since he knew Phil & I were riding the Jelly Belly ride out of Benicia.
24-Dec Getting to see old St. Francis friends Sarah & Mark, Laura, Steph & Tara and Wendi & Matt too!
25-Dec Nick and Jess are engaged!!!
26-Dec Less than 200 samples at work…although I had a large production run, with everyone out & numbers low…it was so peaceful and relaxed!
27-Dec Finished Catching Fire: Book 2 in the Hunger Games trilogy…with The Help, that is the 3rd book since Thanksgiving…maybe I AM a reader afterall…;o)
28-Dec Unexpected email from Alicia Amaro…she is starting her own list!!!
29-Dec Made it to the gas station!! Drove with gauge on red all the way home from St Helena!
Discussion: I think the thing that surprises me the most about this...is that it's not that hard to find something to write about each day. Even on those days when it seems like NOTHING goes the way I want it to...everything still, somehow turns out. I'm beginning to grasp the concept that it isn't about getting everything I want right when I want it...but rather about getting what I need when the time is right.
I still have another 10 months to go but this is turning into an easy, quick way to focus on the fact that life is never too complicated to not only smell the roses, but to take a picture so that you remember what a gift the rose really is.
Conclusion: Life's blessing don't always show up in a grand fashion when expected, but often times they pop up unexpectedly in the most random of places!
What's next: The next 10 months...stay tuned!
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
#17 & #27...check & check!
So I will be completely honest right off the bat...neither of these experiences are even remotely mind blowing or intriguing...but nonetheless, they made my list...and if you have 5 minutes to kill and are at all interested, feel free to read on...if not...I TOTALLY get it!
#17 Become an official Parishioner
Observation: When I go to church in Napa, I often feel like a visitor. I don't know anyone, no one knows me and it is hard to make it a priority to go.
Question: If I become an official parishioner, make a concerted effort to go to church and become an active part of the congregation will I find I feel more at home?
Hypothesis: Becoming a registered parishioner is the first step to becoming an active member in my church community.
Materials: Registration form, envelope, stamp, pen
Method: On 12/28/2011 I filled out the St. Apollinaris Catholic Church registration form and mailed it in
Results: I am now a registered member of St. Apollinaris Catholic Church
Discussion: I was raised Catholic. 13 years of Catholic education. Nine of which involved a red and blue plaid skirt, a Peter Pan collar and knee socks...oh yes...who could forget the knee socks?
I was baptized as an infant. Received reconciliation & communion at 7 and was confirmed at 15.
I sang in the choir, read at every school mass and was an angel (literally...not figuratively) in the Christmas play at least 6 times.
We went to church EVERY Sunday. NO. MATTER. WHAT. If we had a swim meet..we went in sweats and moon boots with wet butts and dripping hair. If I had a piano recital, we would go at 8am before my performance. If there was a major holiday, a natural disaster, a holy day of obligation, a birth, death, or a major change in well being-good or bad-WE. WENT. TO. CHURCH.
It felt like home. My parents seemed to know everyone. A good majority of my classmates went and there was always a familiar face. It was more than just a place of worship...we were a part of that community.
When I moved up to Napa I found a church and I went. But I always felt like an outsider. I didn't know anyone and every week it was as if I was just visiting. The motivation behind this "item" being on My List is to try and begin to establish that feeling I had when I went to church growing up. I want to become more involved. I don't want to continue to sit on the sidelines as a visiting spectator and I hope that this first step begins to form a foundation from which I can continue to further my involvement
Conclusion: The jury is still somewhat out on this one. I know the change that I want from this "item" is not something that happens over night. It is going to be a constant effort over a period of time...but I do feel like I have taken the first step...and as we all know: the journey of 1000 miles begins with a single step.
What's next: Get involved! They now have my name. I am an official member...so now it is up to me to find ways to become active in my Church community!
#27 Get a gmail account
Observation: Some people are WAY TOO "reply all" all happy!
Question: Why doesn't anyone else get annoyed by chains of emails initiated by the "reply all" button?
Hypothesis: If I get a gmail account...it will organize my email and make the inbox cleaning & email review processes much less annoying.
Materials: A computer and an internet connection
Method: Create a gmail account
Results: My new gmail address is (insert drum roll here for dramatic effect): styoshida81@gmail.com
Discussion: I'm still in the process of figuring out the format and logistics of gmail...but all in all...it seems much improved to my hotmail account. I was very pleased to see that I could import all of my hotmail contacts and emails. Thus, avoiding what was my biggest fear...having to manually add all my contacts and the need to manage multiple email accounts.
In addition, I figured out how to add a second email account to my Blackberry. Which I know, for all you tech savvy gurus is child's play, but for me...who, up until today, was still using a hotmail (insert gasp here) account, was a huge accomplishment.
Conclusion: The jury is still out on this one too. Only time will tell if I find this system easier to manage...but so far things are looking up!
What's next: In the world of email...who knows...I've got a gmail account, a blog with multiple entries and a mobile phone that allows me to check email anywhere I go...what else could a girl ask for? An abacus maybe?? ;o)
#17 Become an official Parishioner
Observation: When I go to church in Napa, I often feel like a visitor. I don't know anyone, no one knows me and it is hard to make it a priority to go.
Question: If I become an official parishioner, make a concerted effort to go to church and become an active part of the congregation will I find I feel more at home?
Hypothesis: Becoming a registered parishioner is the first step to becoming an active member in my church community.
Materials: Registration form, envelope, stamp, pen
Method: On 12/28/2011 I filled out the St. Apollinaris Catholic Church registration form and mailed it in
Results: I am now a registered member of St. Apollinaris Catholic Church
Discussion: I was raised Catholic. 13 years of Catholic education. Nine of which involved a red and blue plaid skirt, a Peter Pan collar and knee socks...oh yes...who could forget the knee socks?
I was baptized as an infant. Received reconciliation & communion at 7 and was confirmed at 15.
I sang in the choir, read at every school mass and was an angel (literally...not figuratively) in the Christmas play at least 6 times.
We went to church EVERY Sunday. NO. MATTER. WHAT. If we had a swim meet..we went in sweats and moon boots with wet butts and dripping hair. If I had a piano recital, we would go at 8am before my performance. If there was a major holiday, a natural disaster, a holy day of obligation, a birth, death, or a major change in well being-good or bad-WE. WENT. TO. CHURCH.
It felt like home. My parents seemed to know everyone. A good majority of my classmates went and there was always a familiar face. It was more than just a place of worship...we were a part of that community.
When I moved up to Napa I found a church and I went. But I always felt like an outsider. I didn't know anyone and every week it was as if I was just visiting. The motivation behind this "item" being on My List is to try and begin to establish that feeling I had when I went to church growing up. I want to become more involved. I don't want to continue to sit on the sidelines as a visiting spectator and I hope that this first step begins to form a foundation from which I can continue to further my involvement
Conclusion: The jury is still somewhat out on this one. I know the change that I want from this "item" is not something that happens over night. It is going to be a constant effort over a period of time...but I do feel like I have taken the first step...and as we all know: the journey of 1000 miles begins with a single step.
What's next: Get involved! They now have my name. I am an official member...so now it is up to me to find ways to become active in my Church community!
#27 Get a gmail account
Observation: Some people are WAY TOO "reply all" all happy!
Question: Why doesn't anyone else get annoyed by chains of emails initiated by the "reply all" button?
Hypothesis: If I get a gmail account...it will organize my email and make the inbox cleaning & email review processes much less annoying.
Materials: A computer and an internet connection
Method: Create a gmail account
Results: My new gmail address is (insert drum roll here for dramatic effect): styoshida81@gmail.com
Discussion: I'm still in the process of figuring out the format and logistics of gmail...but all in all...it seems much improved to my hotmail account. I was very pleased to see that I could import all of my hotmail contacts and emails. Thus, avoiding what was my biggest fear...having to manually add all my contacts and the need to manage multiple email accounts.
In addition, I figured out how to add a second email account to my Blackberry. Which I know, for all you tech savvy gurus is child's play, but for me...who, up until today, was still using a hotmail (insert gasp here) account, was a huge accomplishment.
Conclusion: The jury is still out on this one too. Only time will tell if I find this system easier to manage...but so far things are looking up!
What's next: In the world of email...who knows...I've got a gmail account, a blog with multiple entries and a mobile phone that allows me to check email anywhere I go...what else could a girl ask for? An abacus maybe?? ;o)
Monday, December 19, 2011
#2: "A world where every child feels like a valuable part of their community through a national belief in the power of giving"
#2: Do volunteer work...check!!
When I created this list of Thirty while Thirty, I knew some of the items would challenge me beyond my comfort zone, some would be simple and just need to be done because...well...let's face it, I'm thirty and it's just kinda ridiculous that I don't have a valid passport. I did not, however, think that any of these "tasks" would be as emotionally moving as #2: Do volunteer work, would be.
Observation: As of the past few years, the vast majority of my volunteer work has been dedicated to one single organization and it has been a long time since I have volunteered my time to help those within my community that are financially less fortunate.
Question: Can I get the same feeling of "giving to others" from new organizations?
Hypothesis: Getting involved in activities that help bring joy to others, will, in turn, bring joy to me.
Materials:
~An organization
~My time
~A good attitude
Method: Following the suggestion of my good friend Jess, I decided to volunteer at Family Giving Tree http://www.familygivingtree.org/index.html . We (Jess, Nick, Phil, Natalie and myself) arrived at about 2pm, were given a tour and assigned our area. Our area was broken down into 5 or 6 sections each containing ~120 "slots", each "slot" represented one child and one wish. We each took a section and got to work ensuring that each child in our section had their wish fulfilled and for those that did not, we went to the surplus section to "shop" for a gift that satisfied their request.
After close to 3 hours, a lot of laughs and some good teamwork, we finished our area and headed over to what was called the 700 section...the area of all the extra toys that needed to be sorted. Jess took charge and told us what to find and we spent about an hour attempting to bring some order to the piles of toys.
At one point I leaned over to her and said, "I kinda don't want to leave until it is all organized..."
She looked at me, and with a little chuckle, replied, "Then you will never go home..."
Results: Together, along with some help from a few other volunteers, we were able to organize, sort and fulfill the wishes of ~700 underprivileged children.
Discussion: In order to understand the full impact this task had on me you need to know a few things:
You then being your tour of the facility where you hear all about the Vision, Mission and History listed above. Then, as you round the corner to your area you see it...the 700 section...the area where all the surplus toys go...the piles, of piles, of toys and all you can think is that if the North Pole and Santa's Work Shop exploded, this is what it would look like!
Hundreds...of thousands...of toys...Once I silenced the little anal retentive gremlin that lives within me and I got over the udder chaos that was this warehouse...It hit me: Organized or not, each one of these presents represents the wish of a child. Children in the Bay Area, who, without this organization, would get NOTHING on Christmas day. Not children in a foreign country that I will never see...but individuals in MY community.
I'm not usually the type of person that is easily overcome with emotion...In my 30 years of existence I can probably count on my hands the actual number of times I have "had a moment"...but I can honestly say that one of those moments happened on December 17, 2011, standing in old Mervyns store in Milpitas, surrounded by hundreds of thousands of toys.
From then on the day became about doing the very best I could to fulfill the wishes of each child in my section. I had one little boy who requested a 3-wheel Spiderman Scooter as his primary wish and a Buzz Light Year action figure as his secondary.
I looked EVERYWHERE for a 3-Wheel Spiderman Scooter...I found a 2-Wheel Spiderman Scooter...but he was too young for 2-Wheels...I found a Cars 3-Wheeler and Toy Story 3-Wheeler...but no Spiderman 3-Wheeler! Frustrated, I made the executive decision to get him the Toy Story 3-Wheel scooter, rationalizing it saying his second gift choice was Buzz Light Year so he must like Toy Story and a scooter is a scooter...right?
Later on, when we were sorting out the 700 section (surplus)...what did I find??? A 3-WHEEL SPIDERMAN SCOOTER!!! I was so elated you'd think I'd found Willy Wonka's 6th Golden Ticket!! I'm pretty confident my impromptu happy dance freaked out the 7 year old Boys Scouts that were helping me organize...but I didn't care. I was on a mission to get that little boy exactly what he wanted. On further examination I saw that the Spiderman Scooter came with little guns on the handles that shot out spiderwebs and all in all it was a WAY cooler scooter than the Toy Story one. I know I can't see the face of the little boy when he opens his 3-Wheel Spiderman Scooter on Christmas day...but I sure do hope he is as happy with it as I was when I found it for him.
What's next: I want to find an organization that is located in Napa county that let's me volunteer time and continue to give back to my community...and... if Jess will have me back...I want to help out at Family Giving Tree in 2012!
When I created this list of Thirty while Thirty, I knew some of the items would challenge me beyond my comfort zone, some would be simple and just need to be done because...well...let's face it, I'm thirty and it's just kinda ridiculous that I don't have a valid passport. I did not, however, think that any of these "tasks" would be as emotionally moving as #2: Do volunteer work, would be.
Observation: As of the past few years, the vast majority of my volunteer work has been dedicated to one single organization and it has been a long time since I have volunteered my time to help those within my community that are financially less fortunate.
Question: Can I get the same feeling of "giving to others" from new organizations?
Hypothesis: Getting involved in activities that help bring joy to others, will, in turn, bring joy to me.
Materials:
~An organization
~My time
~A good attitude
Method: Following the suggestion of my good friend Jess, I decided to volunteer at Family Giving Tree http://www.familygivingtree.org/index.html . We (Jess, Nick, Phil, Natalie and myself) arrived at about 2pm, were given a tour and assigned our area. Our area was broken down into 5 or 6 sections each containing ~120 "slots", each "slot" represented one child and one wish. We each took a section and got to work ensuring that each child in our section had their wish fulfilled and for those that did not, we went to the surplus section to "shop" for a gift that satisfied their request.
At one point I leaned over to her and said, "I kinda don't want to leave until it is all organized..."
She looked at me, and with a little chuckle, replied, "Then you will never go home..."
Results: Together, along with some help from a few other volunteers, we were able to organize, sort and fulfill the wishes of ~700 underprivileged children.
Discussion: In order to understand the full impact this task had on me you need to know a few things:
- The Vision-"The Family Giving Tree Elves envision a world where every child feels like a valuable part of their community through a national belief in the power of giving"*
- The Mission-"The Family Giving Tree fulfills the exact holiday wish and provides backpacks filled with school supplies to those children in the most need in our communities while inspiring the values of kindness, philanthropy and volunteerism"*
- The History-"The Family Giving Tree began in 1990 as a San Jose State University MBA class project. Jennifer Cullenbine and Todd Yoshida were asked to "create a program that adds value to someone else's life." They created the Family Giving Tree with the hope of providing holiday gifts to 300 children in East Palo Alto. Encouraged by the success of the first year, Jennifer decided to continue and expand the organization. In the 20th year of the program's existence, the total number of gifts and backpacks donated had grown to over 700,000, making the Family Giving Tree the largest gift and backpack donation program in California"*
- No...Todd Yoshida is NOT related to me...I asked. ;oD
You then being your tour of the facility where you hear all about the Vision, Mission and History listed above. Then, as you round the corner to your area you see it...the 700 section...the area where all the surplus toys go...the piles, of piles, of toys and all you can think is that if the North Pole and Santa's Work Shop exploded, this is what it would look like!
Hundreds...of thousands...of toys...Once I silenced the little anal retentive gremlin that lives within me and I got over the udder chaos that was this warehouse...It hit me: Organized or not, each one of these presents represents the wish of a child. Children in the Bay Area, who, without this organization, would get NOTHING on Christmas day. Not children in a foreign country that I will never see...but individuals in MY community.
I'm not usually the type of person that is easily overcome with emotion...In my 30 years of existence I can probably count on my hands the actual number of times I have "had a moment"...but I can honestly say that one of those moments happened on December 17, 2011, standing in old Mervyns store in Milpitas, surrounded by hundreds of thousands of toys.
From then on the day became about doing the very best I could to fulfill the wishes of each child in my section. I had one little boy who requested a 3-wheel Spiderman Scooter as his primary wish and a Buzz Light Year action figure as his secondary.
I looked EVERYWHERE for a 3-Wheel Spiderman Scooter...I found a 2-Wheel Spiderman Scooter...but he was too young for 2-Wheels...I found a Cars 3-Wheeler and Toy Story 3-Wheeler...but no Spiderman 3-Wheeler! Frustrated, I made the executive decision to get him the Toy Story 3-Wheel scooter, rationalizing it saying his second gift choice was Buzz Light Year so he must like Toy Story and a scooter is a scooter...right?
Later on, when we were sorting out the 700 section (surplus)...what did I find??? A 3-WHEEL SPIDERMAN SCOOTER!!! I was so elated you'd think I'd found Willy Wonka's 6th Golden Ticket!! I'm pretty confident my impromptu happy dance freaked out the 7 year old Boys Scouts that were helping me organize...but I didn't care. I was on a mission to get that little boy exactly what he wanted. On further examination I saw that the Spiderman Scooter came with little guns on the handles that shot out spiderwebs and all in all it was a WAY cooler scooter than the Toy Story one. I know I can't see the face of the little boy when he opens his 3-Wheel Spiderman Scooter on Christmas day...but I sure do hope he is as happy with it as I was when I found it for him.
Conclusion: From organized chaos great things can arise...and joy in my own life begins with bringing joy to others.
*http://www.familygivingtree.org/about_us/about_us.html
Friday, December 2, 2011
#16: "Happy Hunger Games! And may the odds be ever in your favor!"
As I sit here writing this blog I can't help feeling like a 7th grader with a book report due; nonetheless, I am proud to say that I can officially cross off the first thing on my 30 While 30 list...#16: Read The Huger Games by Suzanne Collins...CHECK!
I stated previously that this list was designed with the goal of improving myself, trying new things and becoming reacquainted with several fundamental principals that I was raised with. Each task has a reason for being there and although many have asked questions like "Why is that there?", "That's so simple...I can help you with that!" & "You haven't done __X__?", the bottom line is...this is MY list. I know why each item is there and although I know several of the tasks are easily done...it's not necessarily about just getting through the list as quickly as possible, but rather, about ensuring that I MAKE THE TIME to do each item.
My intention in reporting back on each item is multifaceted:
1. To keep myself honest-it would be easy to write a list and keep it hidden in a diary somewhere...although it would then also be much easier to simply "forget" about it. By putting it up here for all the world to see, I keep myself accountable.
2. To hopefully inspire others to set goals for themselves. We all grow by trying new things and putting ourselves out there...if we don't try...we will never know. Realistically I know that not many people will be inspired to open a gmail account...but who knows...apparently it will be the answer to my (and possibly other's) loathing of the "Reply all" button.
3. To help explain the "why", the "how" and the "what's next" of each item.
Staying true to the Science Nerd that I am, I feel that there is no better way for me to report back on my 30 While 30 adventures than the tried and true Scientific Method...so here goes:
Observation: I don't read as much as I would like to. My good friend Jess (and several others confirmed) that The Hunger Games is an excellent book.
Question: Will I like The Hunger Games?
Hypothesis: If I find books I like to read...then I will read more.
Materials: The Huger Games by Suzanne Collins
Method: Read the book (duh!!)
Results: I started the book on Tuesday November 29th at 1:30pm and read it in the waiting room of Sequoia Hospital while my mom had shoulder surgery. I finished the book on Wednesday November 30th at 12:30pm at home.
Discussion: Prior to this past Tuesday I could not say that I had ever read a novel, cover to cover in a 24 hour period...Now I can say that I have!
I will not bore you with the 7th grade book report synopsis but I will say that part of the intrigue of this story is living vicariously through the characters. I know I would not be the optimal Hunger Game competitor...I don't even like camping...so being trapped in an outdoor arena subjected to the government imposed elements of nature while participating in a fight to the death with 23 other competitors is not exactly my idea of the best way to gain fame and fortune. However, while reading, I found myself rooting for the characters. Riding their highs and enduring their lows. I felt like I was there...in District 12....hoping that the odds will be ever in the favor of Katniss and Peeta.
Conclusion: By talking with my friends about what books they have enjoyed, I increase my chances of finding books that are appealing to me and I read more.
What's next: Since my reading bug has been sparked...I have started The Help and I can't wait for The Hunger Games movie to come out in March so that I can tackle #13: Go to a movie in a theater!
I stated previously that this list was designed with the goal of improving myself, trying new things and becoming reacquainted with several fundamental principals that I was raised with. Each task has a reason for being there and although many have asked questions like "Why is that there?", "That's so simple...I can help you with that!" & "You haven't done __X__?", the bottom line is...this is MY list. I know why each item is there and although I know several of the tasks are easily done...it's not necessarily about just getting through the list as quickly as possible, but rather, about ensuring that I MAKE THE TIME to do each item.
My intention in reporting back on each item is multifaceted:
1. To keep myself honest-it would be easy to write a list and keep it hidden in a diary somewhere...although it would then also be much easier to simply "forget" about it. By putting it up here for all the world to see, I keep myself accountable.
2. To hopefully inspire others to set goals for themselves. We all grow by trying new things and putting ourselves out there...if we don't try...we will never know. Realistically I know that not many people will be inspired to open a gmail account...but who knows...apparently it will be the answer to my (and possibly other's) loathing of the "Reply all" button.
3. To help explain the "why", the "how" and the "what's next" of each item.
Staying true to the Science Nerd that I am, I feel that there is no better way for me to report back on my 30 While 30 adventures than the tried and true Scientific Method...so here goes:
Observation: I don't read as much as I would like to. My good friend Jess (and several others confirmed) that The Hunger Games is an excellent book.
Question: Will I like The Hunger Games?
Hypothesis: If I find books I like to read...then I will read more.
Materials: The Huger Games by Suzanne Collins
Method: Read the book (duh!!)
Results: I started the book on Tuesday November 29th at 1:30pm and read it in the waiting room of Sequoia Hospital while my mom had shoulder surgery. I finished the book on Wednesday November 30th at 12:30pm at home.
Discussion: Prior to this past Tuesday I could not say that I had ever read a novel, cover to cover in a 24 hour period...Now I can say that I have!
I will not bore you with the 7th grade book report synopsis but I will say that part of the intrigue of this story is living vicariously through the characters. I know I would not be the optimal Hunger Game competitor...I don't even like camping...so being trapped in an outdoor arena subjected to the government imposed elements of nature while participating in a fight to the death with 23 other competitors is not exactly my idea of the best way to gain fame and fortune. However, while reading, I found myself rooting for the characters. Riding their highs and enduring their lows. I felt like I was there...in District 12....hoping that the odds will be ever in the favor of Katniss and Peeta.
Conclusion: By talking with my friends about what books they have enjoyed, I increase my chances of finding books that are appealing to me and I read more.
What's next: Since my reading bug has been sparked...I have started The Help and I can't wait for The Hunger Games movie to come out in March so that I can tackle #13: Go to a movie in a theater!
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