101 in 1001

A few years ago, I decided to start a top 10 before 30 list. I very diligently made my list, created a few rules around what I was doing, and tacked the list up on my refrigerator so it would stare me in the face every single day. There were things I wanted to do and I wanted to do them before I hit the big 3-0. Well, let's just say that day has come and gone and I'm not sure where the list is today. It's certainly not on my fridge (but in my defense, I've moved!). I remember some of the items on the list and I also remember that I haven't done them. Some of the items were:

- Go on a wildlife safari in Africa.
- Visit the Galapagos Islands.
- Take two more cooking classes.
- Go bungee jumping.

I can't remember what else was on the list but they were equally lofty to-dos. Too many lofty items on a list makes Lesley a lazy girl.

Today, I'm taking a different approach. I have a ton of things I want to do and, while I don't really have a problem motivating myself to do them, I like making lists, keeping track of things, and checking stuff off. I've noticed that a couple of my favourite bloggers have started lists of 101 in 1001. Essentially, these are lists of 101 "things to do" to be accomplished in 1001 days. Brilliant! I've spent a few days creating my own list and my journey starts today.

My list contains things that are fun that I can't wait to do mixed with things I'd like to do that I've been putting off for a little while. I've combined my big lofty dreams with some simple everyday events. Now doesn't this sound like fun? Won't you play along?

[When this blog post was initially created, the list contained 20 empty spaces so I could add more as my journey progressed. I was - and still am - open to changing the items on my list as 2.74 years is a long time and, let's face it, I have a slight tendency to change my mind. Crossed out items will be replaced with a new goal.]




Start Date: 23-Jun-2010
End Date: 20-Mar-2013
Last Modified: 18-Mar-2013 ("checked off" items are shown in bold with a date of completion)

1. Start and complete a themed 365 project without any cheat photos | 31-Dec-2012.
2. Blog every day for 1 entire month | October 2011.
3. Sponsor a child through World Vision | 12-Dec-2010.
4. Travel to Africa to participate in the Habitat for Humanity Global Village program | 14-Jan-2011 to 29-Jan-2011.
5. Participate in the Habitat for Humanity Global Village program in 2013.
6. Answer the 50 Questions That Will Free Your Mind | 18-Mar-2013.
7. Hike the Grand Canyon or the entire MacLehose trail or the Samaria Gorge in Crete.
8. Find the perfect pocket day planner | 02-Jan-2012.
9. Develop a comprehensive business plan.
10. Paint or wallpaper a feature wall in the condo.
11. Find a source for custom draperies.
12. Mount a photography exhibition | 15-Oct-2010 to 04-Nov-2010.
13. Photograph at least 30 strangers as a personal project.
14. Pay off the mortgage | 02-Dec-2011.
15. Reach 100 members for our Facebook fan page | 08-Jan-2011.
16. Sit for a nice set of portraits of myself for the website | 28-Aug-2010.
17. Create a time capsule | 01-Jan-2012.
18. Go on a real picnic with Vince, complete with basket and plastic wine glasses.
19. Go cross country skiing.
20. Go camping | 24-Jun-2010 to 28-Jun-2010.
21. Visit the Bruce Peninsula | 26-Jun-2010.
22. Paint the kitchen ceiling.
23. Make a list of 101 things that make me happy | 18-Mar-2013.
24. Add a chihuahua to the family | 08-May-2011.
25. Send out Christmas cards.
26. Eat no meat for 1 month.
27. Develop new portrait package pricing.
28. Get my G license.
29. Puppy proof the condo | 07-May-2011.
30. Purchase puppy supplies | 07-May-2011.
31. Purchase a HEPA air purifier | 06-Dec-2010.
32. Decorate, de-clutter, and/or re-organize at least one area in the condo each month in 2012. 12/12.
33. Complete a minimum of 4 photo series.
34. Celebrate first wedding anniversary with a paper gift for Vince | 08-Aug-2010.
35. Celebrate second wedding anniversary with a cotton gift for Vince | 08-Aug-2011.
36. Celebrate third wedding anniversary with a leather gift for Vince | 08-Aug-2012.
37. Go for afternoon tea at the Windsor Arms hotel | 25-Jun-2011.
38. Look into applying for the PhD program in management / administration | 07-Sep-2010.
39. Update my resume | 27-Feb-2013.
40. Order new business cards.
41. Order thank you cards.
42. Get anniversary portraits taken of me and Vince.
43. Clean the balcony | 08-May-2011.
44. Donate 3 large garbage bags of clothing and shoes to Goodwill | 25-Dec-2010.
45. Take a photography road trip for a minimum of 3 days.
46. Take a sewing class | 22-Jul-2010 to 09-Sep-2010.
47. Have date night with Vince at least once a month. 26-Jun-2010. 23-Jul-2010. 06-Aug-2010. 21-Sep-2010. 18-Oct-2010. 12-Nov-2010. 31-Dec-2010. 01-Jan-2011. 10-Feb-2011. 16-Mar-2011. 14-Apr-2011. 08-May-2011. 04-Jun-2011. 09-Jul-2011. 06-Aug-2011. 04-Sep-2011. 08-Oct-2011. 26-Nov-2011. 03-Dec-2011. 01-Jan-2012. 09-Feb-2012. 13-Mar-2012. 10-Apr-2012. 19-May-2012. 30-Jun-2012. 21-Jul-2012. 11-Aug-2012. 15-Sep-2012. 07-Oct-2012. 30-Nov-2012. 28-Dec-2012. 13-Jan-2013. 14-Feb-2013. 16-Mar-2013.
48. Learn the rules for football aka soccer | 26-Jun-2010.
49. Order a gallery wrap of me and Vince as wall art.
50. Put up a mosiac of frames in the bedroom with family photos.
51. Make a video of Toronto inspired by Move.
52. Read at least 70 new books. 30/70. How to Raise the Perfect Dog by Cesar Millan. Committed by Elizabeth Gilbert. Rabbits for Dummies by Connie Isbell. The Rabbit Handbook by Karen Parker. Why Does My Rabbit...? by Anne McBride. The War of Art by Steven Pressfield. The E-Myth Revisited: Why Most Small Businesses Don't Work and What to Do About It by Michael E. Gerber. Glimmer by Warren Berger. The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins. Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins. The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton. The Girl Who Played With Fire by Stieg Larsson. The History of Love by Nicole Krauss. The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest by Stieg Larsson.  The Selected Works of T.S. Spivet by Reif Larsen. Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson. The Maze Runner by James Dashner. The Scorch Trials by James Dashner. The Death Cure by James Dashner. The Gift by Lois Lowry. Watership Down by Richard Adams. Uglies by Scott Westerfeld. Pretties by Scott Westerfeld. Specials by Scott Westerfeld. Extras by Scott Westerfeld. Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand. Divergent by Veronica Roth. Insurgent by Veronica Roth.
53. Try at least 30 new recipes. 30/30. Da's Potato Salad | 24-Jun-2010. Chicken Drumsticks with Lavender Gourmet Seasoning | 21-Oct-2010. Thai Green Curry Chicken with PC Thai Green Curry Cooking Sauce | 31-Dec-2010. Small Pasta with Salami adapted from Kitchen by Nigella Lawson | 02-Jan-2011. Thai Red Curry Chicken with PC Thai Red Curry Cooking Sauce | 05-Jan-2011. 3 Onion Dip with Epicure Selections Dip Mix | 17-Apr-2011. Cheesy Chili adapted from Kitchen by Nigella Lawson | 17-Apr-2011. Beef Jerky adapted from Alton Brown's Good Eats | 07-Aug-2011. Stokely Pumpkin Pie | 28-Aug-2011. Kathmandu Wrap adapted from Juice for Life | 02-Sep-2011. Honey Garlic Chicken Wings loosely adapted from Tyler Florence's Sticky Honey-Soy Chicken Wings | 03-Sep-2011. Spaghetti & Meatballs adapted from Michael Smith of Chef at Home | 04-Sep-2011. Red Velvet Cupcakes | 11-Sep-2011. Salmon with Citrus Soy Glaze adapted from Epicurious | 12-Sep-2011. Spaghetti alla Carbonara | 18-Sep-2011. Turkey Burgers | 03-Jan-2012. Miso Salmon with Fire Roasted Sweet Potato & Steamed Rice | 08-Jan-2012. Southwestern Chicken & Rice | 09-Jan-2012. Cajun Shrimp | 10-Jan-2012. Asian Pork Tenderloin with Oven Roasted Broccoli & Steamed Rice. Italian Artichoke Chicken with Sauteed Dandelion & Egg Noodles | 13-Jan-2012. Beef & Barley Stew | 14-Jan-2012. Sesame Crusted Salmon with Miso Orange Sauce | 12-Feb-2012. Sticky Sesame Chicken | 12-Feb-2012. Beef and Carrot Stew with Dark Beer | 15-Feb-2012. Pork Florentine with Mashed Potatoes | 17-Feb-2012. Basa Provencale | 20-Feb-2012. Chicken Tikka Masala | 22-Feb-2012. Beef with Tarragon Marsala Sauce | 24-Feb-2012. Pumpkin Shrimp Curry | 26-Feb-2012.
54. Try at least 100 new restaurants. 118/100. BackAlley Woodfire BBQ & Grill | 02-Jul-2010. Trevor Kitchen and Bar | 09-Jul-2010. Frank @ AGO | 16-Jul-2010. The Marquis Bistro at Hilton Garden Inn | 19-Jul-2010. The Counter at Thompson Hotel | 23-Jul-2010. South of Temperance | 30-Jul-2010. Phil's Original BBQ | 14-Aug-2010. Canteen | 21-Aug-2010. Mother's Dumplings | 23-Aug-2010. Mug & Anchor | 30-Sep-2010. White Point Beach Resort Restaurant | 01-Oct-2010. Lane's Privateer Inn | 01-Oct-2010. Ravi Soups | 08-Oct-2010. Wokstar International Noodle Cafe | 10-Oct-2010. Capische? | 11-Oct-2010. Kula Lodge & Restaurant | 12-Oct-2010. Sansei Seafood Restaurant and Sushi Bar | 12-Oct-2010. Cheeseburger in Paradise | 13-Oct-2010. Maui Tacos | 14-Oct-2010. Da Kitchen | 15-Oct-2010. Soho Bistro | 30-Oct-2010. Steak Frites | 30-Oct-2010. Goed Eten | 18-Dec-2010. Woodlot | 18-Dec-2010. The Fifth Grill | 10-Feb-2011. All Star Wings & Ribs | 13-Feb-2011. Lotus of Siam | 20-Feb-2011. Raku | 21-Feb-2011 Tableau | 26-Feb-2011. Khao San Road | 16-Mar-2011. Potbelly Sandwich Shop | 01-Jul-2011. Sable | 01-Jul-2011. Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab Restaurant | 02-Jul-2011. Annona | 09-Jul-2011. BLD | 14-Jul-2011. Kabab Grill | 16-Jul-2011. Bannock | 02-Sep-2011. Luma | 04-Sep-2011. The Stockyards | 17-Sep-2011. Bistro 990 | 08-Oct-2011. Avant Gout | 13-Oct-2011. Elle M'a Dit | 28-Oct-2011. Seor Ak San | 03-Dec-2011. Sassafraz | 08-Dec-2011. Table 17 | 08-Dec-2011. Ocho | 20-Jan-2012. HiPot Hot Pot Restaurant | 22-Jan-2012. Theatrum Quito Restaurant & Wine Bar | 28-Jan-2012. Ristorante Carmine | 28-Jan-2012. Come and Get It | 11-Feb-2012. Wah Sing Seafood Restaurant | 21-Feb-2012. L'Ouvrier | 25-Feb-2012. Fabarnak | 02-Mar-2012. The Pilot | 14-Mar-2012. Lafayette Bistro | 15-Mar-2012. Black Hoof | 18-Mar-2012. Marben | 07-Apr-2012. Fishbar | 28-Apr-2012. Le Kensington Bistro | 12-May-2012. Kaze Shabu Shabu | 18-May-2012. Island Creek Oyster Bar | 19-May-2012. Aquitaine | 19-May-2012. Craigie on Main | 20-May-2012. Douzo | 20-May-2012. Al's State Street Cafe | 21-May-2012. Il Mulino | 22-May-2012. Union | 26-May-2012. The Harbord Room | 27-May-2012. Keriwa Cafe | 30-May-2012. Holy Chuck | 31-May-2012. Kinton Ramen | 02-Jun-2012. Buca | 23-Jun-2012. Konnichiwa | 27-Jun-2012. Mambo Lounge | 07-Jul-2012. The Senator | 08-Jul-2012. Kim Tao Hot Pot | 14-Jul-2012. Ruby Watchco | 21-Jul-2012. Giorgio D. Ristorante | 26-Jul-2012. Le Cartet | 04-Aug-2012. Au Cinquième Péché | 04-Aug-2012. Tourtière Australienne | 05-Aug-2012. Europea | 05-Aug-2012. Poutineville | 06-Aug-2012. The Lakeview | 18-Aug-2012. Kenzo Ramen | 19-Aug-2012. Gusto 101 | 21-Aug-2012. Vertical | 23-Aug-2012. Shangrila | 26-Aug-2012. Rosedale Diner | 28-Aug-2012. Weslodge | 31-Aug-2012. Zee's Grill | 06-Sep-2012. Trius Winery Restaurant | 07-Sep-2012. Tati Bistro | 13-Sep-2012. Artisano | 22-Sep-2012. Lee | 23-Sep-2012. Fanny Chadwick's | 28-Sep-2012. Coquine | 10-Oct-2012. Fynn's of Temple Bar | 15-Oct-2012. Patria | 17-Oct-2012. Barefoot Restaurant Aruba | 24-Nov-2012. Amadeus Restaurant Aruba | 25-Nov-2012. Sawasdee Thai Restaurant | 26-Nov-2012. Bingo Cafe & Restaurant | 28-Nov-2012. G&G Pizza Co. | 29-Nov-2012. Cafe Boulud | 11-Dec-2012. Strada 241 | 17-Dec-2012. The Ballroom | 18-Dec-2012. The Burger's Priest | 27-Dec-2012. Volos | 12-Jan-2013. Roy's Waikoloa Bar & Grill | 21-Jan-2013. Quinn's Almost By The Sea | 22-Jan-2013. Thai Thai Restaurant | 26-Jan-2013. Hilo Bay Cafe | 29-Jan-2013. Blane's Drive Inn | 31-Jan-2013. La Maquette | 07-Feb-2013. W Burger | 15-Feb-2013. La Societe | 24-Feb-2013. Fresca | 25-Feb-2013. Starving Artist | 10-Mar-2013. Jacobs & Co. | 16-Mar-2013.
55. Rent a BIXI bike.
56. Find a good vet | 11-Mar-2011.
57. Maintain my target weight range | 20-Mar-2013.
58. Throw a party.
59. Enter at least 3 photo competitions. 2/3. Pikto's Top Pick 2010. Aetna International 2013 Calendar Photo Contest.
60. Ride a bike or 2-man bike on Centre Island.
61. Read all the books that Sawyer is seen reading on Lost.
62. Complete a New York Times Friday crossword puzzle with 5 or fewer incorrect letters.
63. Watch a movie at a drive-in theatre.
64. Watch War Photographer | 27-Jun-2010.
65. Contact at least 5 Toronto based photographers for informational interviews.
66. Go bungee jumping or skydiving.
67. Spend a weekend completely offline | 07-Aug-2010 to 08-Aug-2010.
68. Learn how to read a sundial.
69. Shoot a roll of 120 or 220 film.
70. Learn how to make doggy clothes.
71. Find my preferred yoga studio | 22-May-2012.
72. Visit Alaska or Northern Canada to see glaciers and the northern lights.
73. Go snowshoeing.
74. Create a set of 2012 goals and re-visit the list each month. 12/12.
75. Visit the Galapagos Islands | 27-Jan-2012 to 06-Feb-2012.
76. Watch the entire BBC Natural History Collection.
77. Enter as many contests to win as humanly possible (or rather as often as I see them) | 20-Mar-2013.
78. Send a secret to PostSecret.
79. Create 30 new paintings.
80. Do the entire P90X program at least once.
81. Follow through with a Secret Item, which will be revealed when complete. If you have an inkling on what this is, please remain silent. :)
82. Build a pinhole camera.
83. Purchase a sewing machine | 23-Aug-2010.
84. Develop a new series of fine art photographs.
85. Create a set of 52 self portraits.
86. Take golf lessons.
87. Back up all personal photos and create photo books where applicable.
88. Participate in Help-Portrait.
89. Take another sewing class - possibly an alterations class | 31-Mar-2012 to 19-May-2012.
90. Sew a new pattern all on my own.
91. Re-stock my Etsy shop.
92. Purchase a pair of Louboutins | 19-Dec-2010.
93. Ride a hot air balloon.
94. Update the website to include more recent imagery | 11-Dec-2010.
95. Try my hand at screen printing | 11-Mar-2012.
96. Order our marriage certificate | 17-Dec-2010.
97. Knit a chunky scarf or a small blanket.
98. Learn how to whistle - the loud and obnoxious way.
99. Take a wine class - a self directed class is also acceptable.
100. Learn how a team gets to the Superbowl | 18-Mar-2013.
101. Get my picture taken with Carlton the Bear | 19-Sep-2011.