#90 - Keep a list of special occasions and gifts given for future reference

I started this spreadsheet for this Christmas and also filled in what I could remember for 2010.  Now that it is started, it will be easy for me to keep it updated and stay organized with my gift shopping in 2011 and beyond!

#46 - Research and acquire a quality kitchen scale

I had heard a lot of good things about the Escali P115C Primo Digital Multifunctional Food Scale from several bloggers that I read.  The reviews were good, and it does all the basic functions while still looking sleek and not taking up much space (ideal in my small kitchen!).  I wasn't quiet ready to buy it yet, so I added it to my amazon wishlist - and I got it for Christmas!  YAY!  Thanks, Mom! :-)

Pictured with my new chopping knife and board from IKEA. 

#33- Invest $5k into my Roth IRA ever year until I turn 30. (1/4)

Moved $5k over last week for my 2010 contribution.  3 more years and 3 more transfers to go!

#55 - Go to 5 new-to-me non-chain restaurants (2/5)

This weekend, Mike and I went to the new Chinese buffet restaurant that is in the Colonial Commons shopping plaza.  It combines Chinese buffet with hibachi with sushi and comes out a winner (okay, so I didn't have any sushi).  I didn't catch the actual name of the place (it is something convoluted), but the food was delicious. 

We had some of everything but went back for seconds on the cheese wontons (as usual), egg rolls, and lo mein. They have hand-dipped ice cream for dessert which was very good as well (we stayed away from the other strange desserts that were next to the oysters).  Lots of options for kids or those who want a more diverse dinning experience: pizza, fries (including sweet potato), a carving station, and more.

The dining area was nice and drink service was prompt and accurate (Mike's Coke-with-no-ice often trips people up, but his order was correct and refilled correctly as well).  The seating areas are divided up to create less of a cafeteria atmosphere and it is executed well while still making it easy to get to the main buffet area.  They have a koi pond/fountain in the lobby that is very beautiful. 

The prices were normal for dinner ($10/person-ish) and lunch is about $6/person I believe.  They also have take-out which is priced out by the pound. 

This might be my new favorite buffet in the area (my old favorite is actually across the street, equally great food, but much more cramped and slightly run down).

#52 - Menu plan every week for an entire month (0/4)

I've been menu planning regularly over at my cooking blog with a record streak of 6 weeks in a row.  I hope to break that streak!  This is completed, though.

#60 - Update & keep updated our DVD tracker spreadsheet up-to-date

Mike actually suggested that we work on this one.  He typed and I read off the names of the DVDs on our shelf and then he went back through and added info from IMDB.  We now have separate sheets for DVDs and BluRays as well.  So, the first part of this is completed.  The keeping it updated part will probably take some getting used to, but we both have access to the google spreadsheet, so hopefully it won't be that difficult to remember.

#63 - Read 5,000 pages in one year

As of completing reading the Harry Potter series, I've read 8,457 pages this year.  WOW.  Actually, the HP series alone is almost 5,000 pages (4,136 for the hard cover, American first editions).

I'm marking this one complete!

The Harry Potter Series

Well, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 1 came out in the theaters a few weeks ago and we went to see it opening weekend.  As is my tradition, I re-read all the books before seeing the movie.  And I did it in less than 2 weeks.  And then I got a migraine.  Oops. 

Every time I re-read this series, I discover new foreshadowing (intentional or not) and a new love for the characters.  I love seeing how the characters grow into their rolls.  I love the way the stories are told.  I still have to make a conscious effort to read every single word instead of skimming through the parts I know like the back of my hand.

I haven't decided if I'm going to re-read the entire series again in 6 months when Part 2 arrives in theaters or if I'll just re-read the 7th book.  Seems like I should give myself more than 2 weeks to read them all if I decide to do that.

#72 - Take a trip to NYC

This is in the works!  We are going to go to the City with my family the week after Christmas.  The plan is to see Times Square, Rockerfeller Center (the tree should still be up!) and more as well as see the Radio City Spectacular Christmas show.  I am so excited!

#79 - Start and maintain a flossing routine (daily)

I have been flossing daily for over 2 months now!  I missed only 1 day because I was feeling very sick (I had a migraine for 2 weeks) and just could not stay awake for another 2 minutes to floss.  I am only finding a speck of blood on occasion (mostly because of digging out popcorn hulls, lovely, right?) and it doesn't hurt at all anymore.  I will check this off entirely after another few months of solid flossing.

#82 - Get a work-appropriate cardigan/sweater

I got a new red cardigan at Ross in November.  It was a struggle.  The store was super crowded and the line was halfway to the back of the store.  After waiting in line for 15 minutes, I realized the sweater I picked had a hole in it.  Got out of line, back to the sweaters.  Found one that was the next size up (probably a good thing, it's a little more cozy) with no holes.  Went back to the line and waited for THIRTY MINUTES to check out.  Yikes.  No more shopping on Saturdays for me. 

I mostly like the cardigan.  For some reason, it has a hood (which is dumb), but it is a pretty red/rust color and even has a pocket. Yay.  Now I have 3 cardigans to wear to work so I don't feel like I am wearing the same thing every day.

#90 - Keep a list of special occasions and gifts given for future reference

I started a spreadsheet for gifts given.  I've also got a column called "Given?" so that I can keep track of gifts purchased (or planned for) in advance.  I'll count this item as completed after I've kept up the spreadsheet for a while.

The Bridges of Madison County

The Bridges of Madison County is not really about bridges or Madison County.  It is the story of two people who have a chance encounter that changes their lives.  It is a moving, emotional, romantic story that is told in a kind of matter-of-fact sort of way that made me think it must have been true.  The story is presented as a true one, and that only helps to lend to the validity of the story.  Whether the exact events transpired, the truth of a true love that is passionate, strong, enduring and serious is there.

Definitely a 5 tissue box book.  Highly recommend it.

Till We Have Faces

I really should have written this right after I finished the book when it was fresh in my mind!  I was excited to read something by C.S. Lewis other than the Chronicles of Narnia.  I knew that it wasn't going to be Narnia, however, I didn't realize how different it would be.  Lewis' writing takes on the voice of the main character who is writing down the story of her life.  The ancient and somewhat primitive culture that is created reminded me of bits and pieces of Narnia, but without the magic. 

The magic doesn't exist because the story is being written from the point of view of someone who has always lived in this world and knows nothing else.  The interesting thing is that the "magic" in Till We Have Faces is that of Gods.  The main character struggles with believing in the Gods of her culture, and in the end is forced to come to a resolute decision about their existence. 

About 3/4 of the way through this book I started to lose interest in the story, but I powered through and really enjoyed the ending.  I think the story does start to lag a bit, but the full impact of the final chapters makes up for it.

#48 - Try 24 new recipes and blog about them (7/24)

I've done 2 new recipes that are posted now.

Kraft Mac and Cheese Pie

Kraft's Taco Bake

Both were very yummy and Mike has requested that they be made again!  I guess I'll be keeping an eye out for sales on mac and cheese.