If you write it down it will come true

I believe this is true, when you write down a goal it will come true.

So I am here to write a promise to myself and family the following:

   When potty training is all over with my Lil' Miss, we will begin planning a family trip somewhere that involves getting a stamp in our passport.

There I said therefore it will come true.

Potty time

On this evening the day Lil' Miss turned 18 months, she used the potty. Oh wait, she used the potty! She has watched her big sister and picked up all her tricks, put potty seat on, take off pants, sit, wipe, flush. Lil' Miss knows the whole routine but never did any business just wasted a lot of toilet paper until now.

After the kids' bath, she is running around her room diaper-less until she stops stands still and looks at me. Oh crap, seriously, please don't poo on the carpet. I ask if she needs to go potty and she laughs at me. I whisk her away to the toliet without any trails behind us. We sit in the bathroom for a couple minutes, big sister in there too. Her bottom is "talking" and we cheer for that. Then I hear the plop plop, yeah! My baby did it. Lots of high fives and cheering is taking place. This plop plop, cheers pattern continues for a couple more minutes. We wipe and Lil' Miss flushed her own mess away!

Yeah!

Oh eff the potty training begins. Honestly, I did state, to myself for no one else to hear, that I would begin potty training when Lil' Miss turned 18 months. I did not realize that was today.

Oatmeal Bread - Recipe

Oatmeal Bread has been used for French Toast, sandwiches, toast


Taken from Cuisinart Recipe Booklet


3/4 cup buttermilk
1 tbl unsalted butter, room temp
3/4 tsp salt
1 tbl maple syrup
2 cups bread flour
1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
1 1/4 tsp yeast


Combine all ingredients in order listed into bread machine.  Use cooking setting for 1lb white bread.  Cool on wire rack when cycle complete.

This recipe will be archived on Recipe page.

Eek! Last Minute Holiday Card Orders!

     The holidays are here! The holidays are here! Every year the season sneaks up on me and each year I have the brilliant idea to order those gorgeous holiday photo cards.  You know, those adorable ones with the photo collage and just enough room to put all your favorite pictures from throughout the year.  I get giddy with excitement when I open holiday cards from family and friends.  Displaying the cards we receive is like my own popularity contest, and I feel extra special when the number of cards we receive each year increases.  There is something about sharing with others how our family grows but even more rewarding knowing that my friends want to share with us the same.

     The first Christmas of my oldest I was organized enough to get a family portrait taken at a professional studio.  After the dramatics of the family photo process,  I was disappointed that I was unable to find photo cards within budget. But this year, I am determined to succeed.  

     I have spent countless hours searching for the perfect store.  Shutterfly has it all! Great selection and fantastic deals, so my challenge is deciding which of the fabulous cards to go with. First I can take the easy route using a snapshot of the girls with a short message.  Maybe I could insert a newsletter of 2010 with the stationary card.  My vote is usually the simple one that requires the least amount of work.

      The next selection would be the best of everything I had in mind when sending out holiday cards.  It has room for three pictures and just enough text to share the best family adventure tales.  Eek, already the decision is getting stressful.

     My last selection is a holiday card that doubles as a keepsake calendar.  How can it get any better, pictures of the family and a nifty calendar.  Ahhh, I'm in love with Shutterfly.  Of course, I could just get the year's worth of cards for every occasion in one order. Yes, it would be nice to be ahead of the game.

      This post was part of a series sponsored by Shutterfly.  Do you want 50 free holiday cards from Shutterfly? Click here to go to Shutterfly for information on how you can get 50 free cards this holiday season, and make sure to select Clever 1000 as the referral source.

Wordless Wednesday

Braving the Hermit Crab at Monterey Bay Aquarium

Wordless Wednesday

Puppy has surgery hat on and kept an eye on her the entire time. They are both home and doing great with recovery.

Wordless Wednesday

Its that time of year again for costumes.

Baby Weight is Down

My weight that is! And I feel fantastic. I do not feel I have been able to truly share in the loss of weight and gain of happy endorphins. All I read is about how women (and a few men) are struggling to lose weight gained during the pregnancy. So in the mess of unhappy bodies can I share in the glory of getting my body back after pregnancy?

Does anyone really want to hear how I struggled with excepting the extra pounds as apart of motherhood? I sacrifice plenty for my kids; I didn't want to live in a body that was not mine. First step I published my goals for everyone to see,

Project 622

5. Lose that 30 lbs of “baby” weight

6. Be happy if I don’t

I made exercise a priority everyday even if it meant doing Wii-Fit for an hour after the kids went to bed and the kitchen is a mess. I focused on eating healthier and drinking water, lots of it. I hate to drink water because it leads to going to the bathroom then washing hands and dry hands. Every 15 minutes. Seriously I believe I have the smallest bladder ever.

Months, which felt like eons, pass and I manage to lose a couple pounds. I begged the scale to move a little further in the other direction but inanimate objects listen like toddlers do. Scale doesn't budge but I felt good. Yes! That's #6 crossed off.

Call me what you want but the weight fell off after that to the point I am happy to maintain my weight as this is my pre-baby weight. I slipped on a pair of pre-baby jeans effortlessly that I was hanging on to "just in case" not ever expecting to see them again.

I just wanted to be me. And I really hate to hear "You look great for having two kids". I want to look great because I take care of myself and respect my body.

SuperMom status was never sacrificed during the course of this loss. Maybe its unrealistic to do it all but I can try.

Wordless Wednesday

Pumpkin Painting

Wordless Wednesday

Daddy's Got the Shotgun Out

"Oh he better get the shotgun ready! Anytime your girls bring home a guy start cleaning the shotgun."

Last Friday night, while I am standing in a small circle of adults I mention that I have two little girls and the first reaction is that their father better start contemplating his scare tactics for future boyfriends when they come to the house to meet us. The things that are said would suggest my daughters could bring home young men that would disrespect them, lack the confidence to demand a good man, or even worse case scenario not know how to stand up for themselves.

I understand the light-hearted comments are well-meaning but since we found out we were having a girl the same comments have been repeated over and over. Instead of hearing that each time I say that I have two girls, I'd like to hear "you should start working on their uppercut". I don't want to raise my girls to become women that need a man to protect them. I hope for my girls to be able to recognize a respectful man, a man that values them for who they are, and treasures them as I do. Strong women only in this household and men that can match that.

Can I get a witness?!

#19 Get another tattoo

In Las Vegas and with the support of my close girlfriends, I did it. For me to get another tattoo was really no big accomplishment since I have known for 2 years what I wanted to get and where it was going to be. I just lacked the follow through so we all thought why not now, here in Vegas.

Tattoo Heaven helped me cross off #19 from my list when they put Julianna's birthdate written in Hebrew on my back. Just perfect.

My first tattoo was a butterfly as a symbol of happiness in the Chinese culture, in honor of my brothers' heritage; the butterfly was designed from a toe ring that my mom and I picked out in Santa Cruz in my favorite colors. The next tattoo Julianna's birthdate was drawn just below the butterfly which now appears to be landing on the text. The symbolism is that my happiest moment was the day that I became a mother.

I do plan to have one done to represent Amaya but I have yet to figure it out. Her addition will be just as meaningful as the first two. But no rush for now.

Our trip to Calaveras Big Trees

We packed up the car with my mom, sister, and girls; lunch cooler and extra clothes included. The drive that felt like it lasted forever was only 2 hours but the weather was gorgeous and the air spectacular. Take a peek at some of the photos. This is a must daytrip, heck maybe a camping trip if I can muster the courage to sleep out there with the well known bears.

Vegas Baby! #8 Go on Girls' Vacation

Vegas Baby!

That's how I refer to my upcoming vacation each and every time I can mention it to anyone that listens. I am for the first time ever going on a trip with a few of the best girlfriends a woman can share my life with. This vacation also the first time I have ever left the kids for an extended time, overnight for Amaya. The fantasy of traveling to Las Vegas for a weekend trip sounded so enticing but as the date drew nearer I realized I wasn't ready to be without the smiles and hugs of Julianna and Amaya. A weekend vacation just wasn't going to happen for me until they leave for college.

Late one night curiosity, and a little bit of midnight restlessness, set in and I looked around for flights to Las Vagas. My option was to leave Friday evening and return Monday morning, oh dear tears started rolling down my face its far too long I think to myself. I find an early flight Saturday morning and earliest return flight on Sunday morning. I send out the message that I will be joining the clan for just one night. I am immediately instructed that Las Vegas cannot be accomplished in just one night. Now what, how in the world can I abandon my children for two whole nights and days. The guilt has taken over and I call my mom for moral support. Well, that didn't help since I get from her that she never left me overnight until I was at least a teenager. But she does encourage me that the girls will be okay and I'll have fun.

Long story short, I find the perfect flight I am most comfortable with that leaves late Friday evening and returns early Sunday morning. My pep talk goes a little like this: I'll only be gone for technically one day and be back just after breakfast on Sunday. Now I might sleep the entire day that I return but at least I'll be able to snuggle with my girls the entire day.

Can't live without them. Kids.

But I'm doing this for me and get to cross off #8 on my Project 622. Accomplished.

Giveaway from Flowerz in Her Hair

Enter this great giveaway from Flowerz in Her Hair at A Little of This and a Little of That

Giveaway ends on July 25, 2010 at 11:59pm EST

I have never been much of a bow person despite I have two girls. But I saw my friend wearing one of Amy's bows from the Heart Collection and fell in love. I told Amy to send me some and she created the most beautiful bows for my girls.

Beautiful bows made from the heart.

Get your own for yourself or little girls.

#16 Got credit score

I requested the dreaded credit report. The one that you are supposed to check every year. Well I've never check my credit report as recommended, because much like the medical business philosophy, "no news is good news". If I ignored it then I wouldn't have to be honest with myself, personally I like to avoid problems that I can't solve.

Quite the accomplishment for me, face my problems and be patient. I am all about solving problems and getting it done immediately. Improving credit score (#17) will have to take time but at least I know now where my starting line is. That starting line is fair and certainly not as bad as I thought.

So now I have to take the steps to get to the perfect 800. I will make a promise for my children to have better credit rating than they do so I can be a co-signer if necessary for those, ugh, college loans.

Hello 30's

My birthday has come, and now I have to admit I am 30 years old. What in the world happen to my youth? Why did time move so fast? I still remember the conversation I had with my mom when I was 8 years old that she was going to be "old" soon as her 30thbirthday was fast approaching.

Now my time has come and I am "old" just as my 8-year old self believed.

Despite all my fears and apprehension regarding my new decade, I have promised myself that 30's would be just as fabulous and adventurous as my 20's. In my 20's I attended school in North Carolina, traveled the western hemishpere, graduated from college, given two of the best daughters, and lived every moment celebrating the good times and great health. Now 30's you have a lot to live up to.

Happy Birthday to me!

Airplane Travel

Some of you might know that I was anxious beyond normal for the upcoming flight across the country to Atlanta. I was flying by myself with a 3 year old, 11 month old walker, double stroller, carry-on suitcase, diaper bag, and purse. Well, I survived a plane trip across the country with me and the kids. Here is how I made it and didn't lose my mind (or a kid) along the way.

• Prepare carry-on luggage for security checkpoint - I put all the snacks and baby food in a ziploc bag to put on belt alone to disclose
  
• Bring DVD movie player, crayons, paper, and toddler friendly books
• Pick a layover length that allows for time to eat and find a kid friendly play area
• Stroller and ErgoBaby carrier --- I was able to get baby to sleep in ErgoBaby to leave me handsfree and relaxed while on the plane and use the stroller as an extra set of hands for me
  
• Most important --- small lollipops for airplane descent when cabin pressure changes the most

Now wish me patience for the trip back home next week. Or leave me your tips and lessons learned.

Little Miss is turning 1, soon

Ahh!! What happened to the super organized and prepared mother of one? That's right there is two and lately just flying by on the seat of my pants.

First time mom is prepared 3 months in advance for the first birthday. I constructed handmade invitations, had a party itinerary, theme, decorations, invite list, activities for guests of all ages well in advance. But that mom of two is thinking "oh crap its around the corner" and I don't even know what day to have the party.

I am so lucky that Little Miss will only remember she is loved no matter what the party theme is. In reality, I have no clue what my 1st birthday was like or if I even had a party but I was first born therefore it must have been fabulous.

Who is for putting a party hat on Little Miss placing a cupcake in front of her and taking a picture? I promise to at least sing Happy Birthday.

Fingers can't get sick

My 3 year old gets a cut on her finger and I put a bandage on it. Later on that day as we are in the car riding to the store she tells me that her finger feels better and wants to take the bandage off. I explain to her that she has an open cut on her finger so to keep her bandage on. She says huh. I attempt to explain in preschool terms and it goes:

Me: I want you to keep your bandage on so your finger doesn't get sick.

J: What?!? My finger can't get sick, it doesn't have a mouth.

Me: But germs can enter through your cut and make your finger sick.

J: Huh?!? That doesn't make any sense.

I still haven't figured out how to explain to a 3 year old how a bandage protects cuts from getting infected.

Luckily this one didn't get "sick" :)

She said that!

The other day, sun shining and warm, Julianna and I decide to have lunch on the back patio. I bring our plates out along with the Crystal Light Fruit Punch drink I made for myself. Julianna asked to have a drink.

Julianna tastes it.

Her: hmm, this tastes funny.

Me: It tastes funny??

Her: Oh! I know! You must have put Funny Juice in it!

Her: straight face

Me: laughing hysterically

I ran that mile -- #42

I ran a mile today! I ran the entire mile!

I know this must sound silly to most but my entire life I've hated to run. I played sports of all kinds and I could swim around the world as long as you didn't ask me to run at any portion of the trip. In grade school I would never get an A in P.E. solely because I refused to run the stupid mile test. So today I made every P.E. teacher of mine proud, well maybe just myself.

Today after 15 minutes on the stair machine I thought to myself how tiring this is, so I'll go walk briskly on the treadmill. I wanted to start preparing to train to run this mile (Project 622 task #42) so I started slow with a run of 1 minute. After successfully running for the minute, let's go a little further and run 1 1/2 minutes. I got to that mini goal and just kept running one minute at a time until I ran 15 minutes. It really is like Forrest Gump; I just kept running. Technically I ran a little longer than a mile but the Kid's Playarea was closing and my kids would be really mad at me I'm sure if I chose the treadmill over them.

Now that my task is completed, I realized it was all in my head that I couldn't run a mile, my entire life. I want to do it again.

Finished a book -- #11

Without regret or hesitation, I would like to announce that I have actually 100% completed the book, The Measure of a Man. From the beginning to end, Sidney Poitier is an exceptional writer and man. I truly enjoyed the selection from Oprah's Book Club list.

I was only able to find time to read when I was working out on either the stationary bike or stair machine. Otherwise, despite my efforts, the book did not get opened. It all worked out just fine but it meant my reading time was limited.

As from my previous post regarding Sidney's Legacy, the book is phenomenal. I recommend the book to everyone to read. But you've heard that from me before. So what's next? I can't go back to reading mom magazines now while working out.

Any good recommendations? I'd like to hear it.

San Francisco Zoo

Project #56 Day trip to San Francisco Zoo

The weather is getting nice and I was itching to get out of town. The brilliant idea came to me to get my two best friends from high school together and let's get outta here. The three of us used to travel and have the best adventures. I bet you didn't know there are hip-hop skaters that dance in the middle of Golden Gate Park, neither did we until one of our adventures lead us there. Well now that two of us are mothers we sure were in for an adventure when I suggested a day trip to San Francisco Zoo.

The six of us piled into the Highlander with toddlers in the 3rd row seats coloring and eating snacks, which worked well until Angelo bonked Julianna in the forehead with a cup. Its okay we solved that problem with some "quiet time" as I like to call it; Angelo took a nap and Julianna never made a peep.

We made it with only one potty break and no Bay Bridge traffic! Unheard of, right? We stumbled upon rockstar parking, ie. free and close to entrance. Tip #1 Search for street parking before pay $8 for parking lot.

As we continue our journey pushing two strollers, three lunch coolers, two diaper bags, backpack, and the three little ones, we arrive to see the gracious giraffes. I think on my next list I will be to see giraffes in the wild, as in go on African Safari Tour. The giraffe exhibit has hills and tall trees as well as other giraffes to interact with, gorgeous but must move on. Tip #2 Try to resist spending 2 hours in the African exhibit.

The zoo starts with the Africa exhibit there are gorillas, lemurs, zebras, and others. We looped around and stopped for an unexpected delicious lunch at the Lemur Cafe. Even though we had enough food to feed a small classroom we forgot the staple items as in sandwiches. I would suggest the cheese pizza as a yummy giant slice to share. Tip #3 Lemur Cafe--pricey but money well spent.

Now after potty break, we stopped at the Children's Zoo. There is a petting zoo inside with goats, sheep, and chickens. The goats did bully their way to some snack pellets, but that was nothing compared to the squirrels we found rummaging through the strollers when we returned to stroller parking. Tip #4 When leaving your stroller unattended at petting zoo, the squirrels WILL chew through lunchpack zipper to get your cocoa-covered almonds.

Tip #5 The zoo closes at 5 pm. Your day will fly by, please keep an eye on the time.

Leaving the Children's Zoo we realize we have about 45 minutes left so we buckle the kids into the strollers and run to the other side of the park. We are proud to say it was worth it. In the very back of the park is the Australian Outback and bears, polar, grizzly, and black, and brown.

Tip #6 Don't forget to take pictures. My camera never left my diaper bag. I had a great time enjoying the zoo with a few of the greatest people in my life but a couple pictures are needed to document. I do believe we did capture the work of the squirrels; I'll have to check on that.

The ride home wasn't bad considering tired, grumpy toddlers in the back and exhausted baby in the middle of it. We pulled out the DVD player and "Bolt" saved the day! Tip #7 Bring a movie player.

The day was marvelous and I hope we can do it again. 13 years later, marriages, kids and we are still three women that are loving, warm, kindred spirits, brave, and silly. That trip was perfect for Project 622.

Next stop--San Diego Zoo.

Sidney's Legacy

In reading Sidney Poitier "The Measure of a Man", the chapter titled Legacy, I expected to read about the actors, screen writers, directors, producers all the people that Mr. Poitier has had the honor of meeting and befriending. But it was the very last paragraph of the chapter that touched me the most. It reads:

I must ask myself what I've done to support that vision of the future. I know that one can never do enough. "To whom much is given, much is required" the Bible says, and I give money to this and to that and lend my name to certain causes. But where I've invested most in the future of this planet-- unreservedly, and from the deep heart's core-- is through the lives of six talented and intelligent young women, truly beautiful human beings, whom I burst with pride to call my daughters.

Every parent should have that perspective that their children are their legacies. I want to provide for my children so they have a better world to live in and are capable of improving the lives of the next generation. I hope to have the strength and support that Mr. Poitier carries with every word in the book.

Even though the world views Mr. Poitier as a legacy through the work he has done in and out of the entertainment industry, he views his legacy through his children. And for that I believe I love Sidney Poitier.

I could be done reading the book at this point and think it was one of the greatest books I've read, but I have three more chapters to complete.

Here's to happy reading!

"It's My Heart", so we ran

Early Saturday morning Feb. 27th, my girls and I woke up to support a friend of ours, Melissa and her family. We woke up ready to walk in the rain for "Its my Heart" in Fresno but Mother Nature came through for us because despite my pancho covered double jogging stroller, the rain stopped just in time. The five of us, Melissa, Courtney, Julianna, Amaya, and I (Amy called to check in on us several times and totally there in spirit) walked that Saturday morning to support children born with Congenital Heart Defects, including Alyssa.

This Saturday morning was such an adventure, nevermind the 3 hour drive with the 2 kids, but supporting someone for something completely unselffishly. Congenital Heart Defects effect 1 out of 100 children, we weren't 1 but still effected in another way. I want to help make Melissa's voice louder, so I tweet about it, run for it, research it, and talk about it.

Melissa is a kindred spirit and each time I see her it feels like I am seeing my best friend. Melissa's daughter was born premature and with CHD, I urge you to read her stories at http://happymom4life.wordpress.com

Update on Project 622

Working on Project 622 has been so much fun. I have had several people close to me that want to help in some way to accomplish completing my list. Kellie wants to train with me so we can run that mile (#42 Run a mile), Cynthia offered to give me a bike (#33 Buy a bike), Tony and Monique promised to buy my shoes and babysit for that date (#24 Buy new pair of black stilettos, #25 Dinner date to wear new shoes); I absolutely love the support I've received.

So far, I have put working out into my daily schedule so for 3 weeks I've been in yoga and cardio(#4 workout 4 times in a week). I started that book, The Measure of a Man, (#11), that is an incredible man Sidney Poitier. A great read, thanks Oprah Book Club! I haven't lost all the weight but I'm happy about the way I feel (#6 be happy if I don't).

This is an amazing adventure and its not over. I am looking forward to crossing more off the list but until then I feel fabulous.

Have you started your list? Figure out what you want and write it down.

No YELLING; I accept the challenge

I yell. Not often but I do yell at the kids on the rare occasion. I do not think of myself as a bad mom because I have resorted to raising my voice when my kids are out of hand. In fact, a couple of moms have shared yelling is a great pastime of motherhood and the children would be robbed of proper upbringing if it were removed. I assume screaming and cursing would be considered taboo however yelling as a means of coercing desired behaviors is acceptable.

In my week of "no yelling" I realized I raise my voice when I've lost patience. My patience threshold is something to be noted as I've been told; so those rare times patience is not my friend are the times that I did not spent enough quality time with my pillow, also known as exhaustion. So comes the challenge to get enough rest so that I don't introduce myself in the morning as "Grumpy Mommie".

Right, sleep. Okay so how do I get enough sleep. That is another story but it just so happened my nursing baby started sleeping through the night when I accepted this challenge. Three cheers for Amaya!

I decided that the technique of coercion is not my greatest joy in life and especially when it hurts those I'm supposed to protect. From what I can recall, I made it the one week challenge to not yell at my kids as suggested by Veronica Webb on her blogsite.

At the end of the week as I reflected on this challenge I realized that yelling is easy because we use it as a source of power. Yet, this power that we derive seems to be primarily used on children, our own children. Not the grocery store clerk that charged our ATM twice, the telemarketer that calls at the perfect time, driver that cuts you off at the stop sign, bank teller that won't reverse that fee.

Why is it acceptable to yell at our own children?

I want to find another form of communication with I speak with my children. Most importantly, I want children that respect me and love me as I do love them.

Give it a try, you might surprise yourself.

Love and Respect.

Toddler-hood to Preschooler

As of Saturday, my baby girl is now a preschooler. We celebrated Julianna's 3rd birthday at Art Beast Studio with family and close friends. The kids were painting, molding moon sand, making ornaments, and running. We ate delicious custom cupcakes from Courtney. Overall, the day was a beautiful success.

Now I've realized, although its just another year, she is growing up and not slowing down. My mind races as I imagine the upcoming milestones ie. kindergarden, high school, prom, graduation, college, grandkids; does life ever pause, wait I wasn't ready for it to happen so fast. I just want to hold her tight and protect her forever.

So I have heard it a million times to cherish the days of when they are young "cause they grow up so fast." Every day is special but so are the milestones. I have never wanted to hold my children back selfishly; independence, strength, and adventure I foster in my kids in hopes they become admirable, happy, productive members of society. Julianna first crawled at 6 months. There was no magic to it I got down on the floor with her to cheer her on, her courage was astonishing to me. I wasn't disappointed I couldn't carry her around everywhere or that I would have to chase her. In fact I was elated, Julianna trusted me to always be by her side, herself and her strength, and her world around her.

So this new desire to hold her close is silly of me since I've always been the woman by her side to support her and encourage her curiosity of it all. I know I'll always be her best friend, I just happen to remember her first smile.

Project 622

I would have a much easier time writing a to-do list of 1001 things to do in 10 days. But the goal isn't to do things I do everyday. I must remain focused as we know this list is for me not the mom in me. In creating a list of things to do for me, I have discovered how important it is to never lose focus of that person that makes me the loving, fun, nurturing mom that I am and consistently try to remain.

So I have come up with 60 things to do before 6-22-2011; hence Project 622. These things are the things I have done in the past and have a strong passion for (#1) or things I've never been able to accomplish (#40), even those things that I can never seem to find the time for (#11).

I hope that you will enjoy reading the stories as I mark things off the list. I know I will thoroughly enjoy sharing the many adventures ahead of me.

Project 622

1. Take horseback riding classes
2. Compete in a horse show
3. Renew my passport
4. Work out 4 days in 1 week
5. Lose that 30 lbs of “baby” weight
6. Be happy if I don’t
7. Get 8 hours of sleep for 1 week
8. Go on girls’ vacation
9. Join the community garden
10. Join a book club
11. Start by reading “The Measure of a Man” Sidney Poitier
12. Finish the baby albums
13. Have 3 month of living exp in savings
14. Unpack all boxes in garage
15. Take a ballet class
16. Get credit score
17. Improve credit score
18. Create album of Great-Grandma’s favorite recipes
19. Get another tattoo
20. Knit Amaya a baby blanket
21. Take photography class
22. Take a family portrait
23. Take a Polynesian dance class
24. Buy new pair of black stilettos
25. Dinner date to wear new shoes
26. Buy shelf for office library
27. Complete a puzzle
28. Host an elegant dinner party
29. Take a peaceful bath once a week
30. “Beautification day” once a week
31. Grow backyard strawberry patch
32. Celebrate Mardi Gras 2011
33. Buy a bike
34. Take my bike to Angels’ Island
35. Go hiking
36. Bake and frost a birthday cake from scratch
37. Renew CPR for infant/child
38. Spend more time at the beach
39. Volunteer
40. Buy a set of Egyptian cotton sheets
41. Spend a morning in bed
42. Run a mile
43. Book a vacation from TravelZoo’s weekly deals
44. Learn how to play Poker
45. Get a massage
46. Organize game night
47. Brush up on French language
48. Write a letter in French
49. Finish a cross-stitch project
50. Tour State Capitol
51. Play a game of 9-hole golf
52. Ride San Francisco’s cable car
53. See a 3-D movie at IMAX
54. Eat at a new restaurant
55. Trip to Vegas
56. Day trip to San Francisco Zoo
57. Ride in a yacht
58. Host a bake sale
59. Celebrate when list is complete to this point
60. Start a new list that includes trip to see Great Wall of China

Courtney's List

Oh my gosh, I never imagined I could meet such an amazing person via this nifty internet thang. I absolutely LOVE her, 101 Things to do in 1001 Days, list; so much so that I wanted to start crossing off the things I've done. But that's called plagiarism and lame.

No but starting my own list would feel great and all credit due to this mysterious twitter friend, Courtknee.

For me to create my own list would be a way to remind me that I'm not just a mom, housekeeper, cook, tutor, personal assistant; I am Dominique.

Thank you friend of a friend's friend, Courtkneerawks.