We're Making a List and Checking it Twice!

Yesterday, my two friends and I (Caitlin & Amanda) all sat down over a bottle of wine and some baked brie to discuss our crazy lives and our Top 11 for 2011 Lists! It was a great time, filled with a lot of laughs, reflecting thoughts, and a few of what I call "ah-ha" moments.  I learned a lot about my friends just by what they want to do, accomplish, and learn in 2011.

I think it's suffice to say that we all have tremendous lists, with tangible goals that will make 2011 an amazing year.  And, when I reflect back on what I've done and accomplished in the last 3 years, I realize that I've done more than most - I've been to Maui, traveled a ton for work, went to a Bellagio wedding in Vegas with a random stranger, worked at the White House, danced my heart out till the sun came up, won three awards at work, been to so many country concerts (VIP style), gone ziplining, saw Boys II Men in concert, etc.  Beyond that, I have tremendous friends and love in my life.  I'm surrounded by great people who love me for me and encourage me to be the best Marissa I can be!  I have the best mom in the world...her love for me breaks boundaries and I'm blessed to have her.

Before I reveal the 11 items on my list, I have to lay the foundation for the rules of engagement.  We all agreed upon guidelines that we must follow as we try and complete our lists.

Rules of Engagement:

1. We must support and encourage each other through various activities on our list.
2. We only have until January 1, 2011 to change an item on our list.  Once the first of the new year rolls around, they are set in stone!
3. If one of us does not accomplish an item on our list, we must buy the other two a drink (phew, that can get pricey $$) 
4. The items on our list have to be things that completely depend on our doing - not an external source.
5. We must check in with one another every couple of months to see how our goals are progressing!
6. Have fun and blog about it when we accomplish a goal!

Keeping in mind that I'm able to change an item until January 1st, I will most likely reflect on these items over the next week and a half.  I'm proud of my list - some are crazy, some are very personal, and some are small things I want to accomplish - all of which will make me a better person and enjoy my 2011 year! Feel free to make comments and post ideas or feedback!  FYI - These are in no particular order....

My 2011 List:

1. Try one new restaurant each month and document my review on Urbanspoon.com
2. Volunteer at least 40 hours to a Children's Organization
3. Go Skydiving
4. See my father (For those of you who know me well, you know my father and I aren't that close. I've met him once in my adult life and that was 6 years ago. I don't know why but I feel as if I should see him again this year. Sometimes I wonder why I try so hard, but I know it would be good to see each other again.)
5. Meet one celebrity OR attend a celebrity-like event (i.e. music awards).  (I'm going to need a plan of attack for this. I don't have any connections into the celebrity-esque world, but I'm going to have to really work at this one!  I'd really love to meet Ellen and play her word game...I'm sure I would give her a good competition).
6. Eat an atomic wing at Quaker, Steak, and Lube. (For those of you who don't know, this place is found in Pittsburgh and you have to sign a waiver to eat the wings - they are THAT hot!  Road trip to Pittsburgh!)
7. Learn how to shoot a gun at a shooting range
8. Travel to an exotic location
9. Ask one guy out that I would totally be scared to approach.  (Obviously, this is dependent upon my relationship status, but we've all been there with that one person that completely makes us nervous! I'm going to work through the nervous feelings and just do it!)
10. Write one Children's story (I have ideas, I just need to put them to work....finally!)
11. Participate in the Warrior Dash (http://www.warriordash.com/register2011_maryland.php) - I know, you may think I'm crazy for wanting to do this!!

There you have it, folks.  There's my list.  I would LOVE your feedback or ideas. Cheers to a new year ahead of us.  2011 is going to be great!

It All Started at a Happy Hour!

How many of us out there hate New Year's Resolutions? If you're like me, you're probably nodding your head in agreement.  I often wonder what it is about the first day of the new year that makes everyone think they are going to take profound leaps in their life and change something...only to find out that two months into it, the monotonous routine of life kicks in and they're back to where they started.  No one likes to feel as if they've failed; I'm a firm believer in setting realistic goals and doing your best to accomplish them, but the feeling of knowing you once put your heart into a "resolution" that didn't last is daunting. That's why I'm not even dealing with a resolution. I'm not going to make a promise to myself that I know I can't keep. I mean, seriously, who wants to eat less chocolate or drink less on weekends?? Not me!

Well, this is where my wonderful friends come into play. Instead of making an unrealistic resolution, we decided to come up with a list of 11 things we want to do/accomplish in the year of 2011.  These could be small things like wanting to host a dinner party or volunteering with a specific charity, but they are going to be concrete, measurable "things" we can and will accomplish.  Each of us are going to put together a list of Top 11 Goals we have for 2011...so, 33 things amongst the three of us!  This genius idea started over a happy hour at Dogfish Head!

So, I have a few things in mind as to what I want to achieve next year...some of my ideas are crazy, some may give my mom some shock value, and some will better the world in which we live. :)  It will give me a chance to hold myself accountable to my goals, while having fun, building confidence, and bonding with two great friends.

If anyone has any cool ideas, feel free to send them my way.  Next step is creating the list and discussing over wine with two fabulous ladies!