Complete an AMA on Reddit

Zak and Rich look at reddit all the time. I didn't even really know what it was, but one night, Rich was looking at one of their "Ask Me Anything" threads, and I was intrigued. I thought, "I could do that." So I did. It was pretty fun too.

Goals Accomplished: 15

Days Remaining: 872

Get a Reflexology Treatment

I wasn't sure if I was going to count this or not, but in the end, I decided to. Technically what I received was not a reflexology treatment, but since all of the "reflexology" places in town are the same concept, I feel like it qualifies to fulfill this goal. And I did get my feet rubbed. And it felt damn good.

Goals Accomplished: 14

Days Remaining: 892

Prep 20 Instructor Files

I really wasn't expecting to already be done with this goal. It seem like I'm averaging almost three files per month now, and that average is definitely going to increase after November. Especially since I have 10 files to prep over the course of the next two months. Maybe I'll get a break in January...

Goals Accomplished: 13

Days Remaining: 894

Earn Sephora VIB Rouge Status

I love makeup, and I love Sephora. I'm pretty much obsessed with the place. I know it's silly, but I guess it's my one true vice. And there are much worse.

I've been a member of their VIB loyalty program for a few years now, and one day I saw they have a higher tier than where I was. Naturally, I wanted to be on that level. It's completely irrational. I recognize this. But I wanted it anyway. So I spent a bazillion dollars at Sephora this year, and now I have VIB Rouge status through December 2015. If it never happens again, that's ok, but at least I have it for this one year.

Goals Accomplished: 12

Days Remaining: 894

Watch Each Film Nominated for Best Picture from My Birth Year

This goal was both interesting and boring. It's truly amazing how many advancements we've made in the film industry over the last 30+ years. Of the films on the list, there was only one I didn't like, which is "Midnight Express." I think it was nominated due to the subject matter and perhaps some of the cinematography, but certainly not because of the acting, editing, or writing. The other films nominated that year were all much, much better in all aspects. You can see the complete list here.


Goals Accomplished: 11

Days Remaining: 929

Finish Reading the Tales of the City Series

I can't remember why I started reading these books, but once I started, I decided I may as well go to the end. The books aren't great works of literature -- they're really just a soap opera about a bunch of nontraditional people living in San Francisco -- but at about 250-375 pages each, they're quick and fun reads. I'm glad to be done.

Goals Accomplished: 10

Days Remaining: 944

Dine at Ten New Restaurants

This, of course, was a really fun one. We always love to try new restaurants. I didn't even have to think about this goal to meet it. I actually didn't even realize I had accomplished it until a few days later when I was checking in. If you want to see the list of restaurants, go here. 

Goals Accomplished: 9

Days Remaining: 950

Earn 500k Nike+ Fuel

I didn't realize I was so close to finishing this goal. I hadn't been wearing my FuelBand for a couple of months, and I just put it back on again yesterday. I guess these two days is all it took for me to complete the 500k! Now on to 1M. I better be consistent and wear it every day now to keep the momentum going. Wish me luck!

Goals Accomplished: 8

Days Remaining: 962

Use My Clarisonic Pedi Every Day for 1 Month

Even though I didn't use the system as a whole exactly the correct way, I have to say my feet are much smoother. And I have a routine, which is what the point of this goal really was. So now I just have to continue what I've been doing, and add the rest in. Because I know my feet will be even smoother and prettier once I start using the balm every day too.

Goals Accomplished: 7

Days Remaining: 970

Have a Drink at the John Hancock Center

Tonight Rich and I went to the Signature Lounge for a drink and to look at the view to celebrate our 8th year together. It was fun being together (as usual), but the experience wasn't grand. We weren't thinking and were not prepared for the shit show of a Saturday night. I definitely feel as though I'll need to come back to really enjoy it. Perhaps during the day or directly after work on a weekday. Maybe then I'll be able to take some pictures too.

Goals Accomplished: 6

Days Remaining: 972

Make Homemade Nutella

I don't know exactly what happened. Maybe I accidentally burned the hazelnuts. Maybe I added too much salt. Maybe I should have used better quality chocolate. Maybe it just isn't a very good recipe. Whatever it is, the Nutella turned out good, but not great. It has a bit of a saltiness or a bitterness that I just don't love. If I do it again, I think I'll try a different recipe and not baking the hazelnuts for quite as long. 

Goals Accomplished: 5

Days Remaining: 979

Yarn Bomb

My favorite yarn shop had an event last night to kick off the annual Chicago yarn crawl for those of us who attended to work together to yarn bomb the tree and fence outside the front of the store. I was really excited because I had wanted to yarn bomb for a long time (it was actually a goal on my last list that I just didn't get done). This made it really easy and attainable for me to accomplish because I didn't have to do it alone. I had a great time knitting my square and chatting with the other women, and the margarita and the goody bag didn't hurt either.

Goals Accomplished: 4

Days Remaining: 979

Wear a Different Makeup Look Daily for 2 Weeks

• I meant to track each day's products in order to label the pictures below, but that just didn't happen. There was one day that I almost completely forgot to take the picture at all (and the one I did take is awful). But I will say that it's been really fun to plan out my makeup each day and try some new looks. I also made a point to use different products every day to really embrace the challenge, and even though it's over, I'm going to try to continue. I've always said makeup should match your mood and help you create who you want to be that day; I think I'm someone new each day, and my makeup should reflect that. 

Goals Accomplished: 3

Days Remaining: 981

Prep 10 Instructor Files

Tonight I polished off my 10th teacher's file for work. I have to say that not only do I feel pretty damn accomplished, but I've also nailed down quite the system. My files are the prettiest in all the skin therapist continuing education land!

Goals Accomplished: 2

Days Remaining: 982

Complete a 750 Piece Puzzle

It took me about a week, but I did it! I feel really proud of myself. It's funny, but you don't realize just how a puzzle can challenge your critical and creative thinking skills until you're in the middle of one. 

Goals Accomplished: 1

Days Remaining: 985