52 things in 52 weeks

So, a couple of weeks ago, I completed and posted my list of 52 things in 52 weeks. Number 51 was to post a weekly update on my progress, which I’ve only begun now. January 2014 was a brutal month (more to follow) and I’ve been very distracted by Real Life. Here is my first update.

Colour Code:
In process
Complete

1. Take the next step in my career path.

Update 1 (February 1, 2014): I have meetings set up in the next couple of weeks, after which I’ll have a better sense of where things are heading.

2. Communicate with three people from my network a week (2/52).

Update 1 (February 1, 2014): I have not been very good at this – mental note to be better.

3. Complete the 52 Week Money Challenge (4/52).

Update 1 (February 1, 2014): I have been very good at this. In fact, Husband and Liger are also participating (well, I’m contributing to Liger’s portion).

4. Make a donation to three charities (0/3).

5. Complete the 52 Weeks to an Organized Home Challenge (1/52).

Update 1 (February 1, 2014): I have not been good at this and it may be this might be one left on the back burner. Stay tuned.

6. Prepare one new recipe a month (1/12).

Update 1 (February 1, 2014): As I have said before, I cannot cook. So, anything I make that is edible is a feat unto itself and, an even bigger feat if Liger (who is a super picky eater) eats it. This month, I made not just one, but TWO, dishes: (i) spaghetti and meatballs layered with fresh mozzarella; and (ii) egg fried rice. I’m going to try something a bit more challenging for February.

7. Make, bring and eat a lunch from home at least once a week (4/52).

8. Eat one vegetarian only/fish meal a week (4/52).

9. Eat one piece of fruit a day (5/365).

Update 1 (February 1, 2014): So.not.good.with.this.one. I realize that 31 days have already passed. Will.need.to.do.better.

10. Drink a glass of water with each meal.

Update 1 (February 1, 2014): Am.so-so.with.this.one – I’ve lost count. Will need to do better.

11. Take the stairs where available/possible.

Update 1 (February 1, 2014): Am.also.so-so.with.this.one – certainly better than the fruit challenge. Will need to do better.

12. Start a “learn-to-run” program by April 15.

13. Thoroughly clean the house for Chinese New Year.

Update 1 (February 1, 2014): COMPLETED!! Chinese New Year was on January 31 this year – strict timeline and really, I didn’t want to f*ck around with my luck this year.

14. Participate in a fast or giving-up of a luxury for Lent.

15. Take a family photo shoot.

16. Write a love letter to Husband.

17. Write a love letter to Liger.

18. Have a date night at least once a month with Husband (0/12).

Update 1 (February 1, 2014): Fail for January – life got away from us. No excuse!

19. Go on a movie-night-out with Husband.

20. Go see a baseball game with Husband and Liger.

21. Visit Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada with Husband and Liger.

22. Visit Centreville and/or Canada’s Wonderland with Husband and Liger.

23. Take Liger swimming.

24. Take Liger sledding.

25. Take Liger skating.

26. Build a snowman with Liger.

27. Make snowangels with Liger.

28. Do a new arts and craft activity with Liger at least once a month (1/12).

29. Host a playdate for Liger.

30. Pack away Liger’s baby toys.

31. Visit family in Montreal.

32. Visit family in Ottawa.

33. Visit family in New Jersey.

34. Get-together with girlfriends once a month.

35. Read one new book a month (1/12).

Update 1 (February 1, 2014): I’ve actually finished two books this month. The Second Empress by Michelle Moran and Princess Diaries by Meg Cabot. Yes, they are pretty fluffy. I am now reading Catherine the Great by Robert Massie – he is my favourite historical writer. Massie writes about history in the form of a story which makes it easy to read and become engrossed. I have a wish list and a hold list for a multitude of books from the library.

36. Complete a jigsaw puzzle.

37. Watch the Planet Earth series.

38. Catch up on The Good Wife series.

39. Visit The Forbidden City Exhibit at the ROM.

40. Purge home files.

Update 1 (February 2014): COMPLETE!!! I did this in conjunction with my cleaning for Chinese New Year.

41. Digitalize all of Liger’s artwork.

42. Organize music on iTunes.

43. Organize photos on iPhoto.

44. Learn how to use Photoshop.

45. Frame and hang artwork from the Art Institute.

46. Host one holiday event.

47. Send out Christmas cards.

48. Watch a Christmas movie picked out by Husband.

49. Write “12 Days of Gratitude – 2014 Edition”.

50. Update my blog format.

51. Post a weekly update of my progress on my blog (1/52).

52. Make a list of 52 things in 52 weeks for 2015.

Summary

3 out of 52 complete and 14 out of 52 in progress!! Some of my challenges have been better met than others. So far, this has been a very useful exercise. With a combination of my challenges in writing and trying to make myself accountable with ~~weekly~~ regular updates, it makes it easier not to stay focused and accountable.