101 Things: February, March, April 2010 Review

I haven't forgotten about my list of 101 things to do in 1001 days. I've been working on it...little by little. It is always somewhere in my mind when I am making plans for the weekend, home projects, etc., etc. It's just that this whole getting pregnant thing kind of threw a curve ball at me right as I was getting the list started.

I've realized that I am going to have to be somewhat fluid and flexible with this list. I've already had to make a few changes to the list based on things that have already occurred (for example, I did not anticipate the untimely death of my Merle nor did I anticipate getting pregnant so early on in this adventure). I am also realizing that I cannot be be rigid with "date" of activities (for example, getting something done each month or every other month); instead, I am going to look at the number of times I want to get an activity done, so if that means doing an activity twice in one month and skipping the next month...so be it. This is LIFE, and life presents changes, challenges, and the unexpected. But I guess that is what makes this list so fun and so challenging at the same time.


So, here is the little bit I have gotten accomplished (or started on) over the past three months. The Working List has been updated to reflect completions and changes to the list.


9. Subscribe to a health (or parenting) magazine for inspiration (subscribed to Parenting: Early Years - Apr. 10) 
I took the plunge and ordered a parenting magazine. I figured Naeners and I could use all the help and advice we can get. Plus, you can't beat $12.00 for a 3-year subscription. I figured it would have some "health" and "getting fit" advice as well. If not, I can always subscribe to a health magazine later on, too.


15. Make a new recipe each month (4/32)
This To-Do made me realize I had to be more fluid with my list. I actually did 3 new recipes in the month of April. February and March were skipped due to my nausea and food aversions. 


Peanut Butter and Banana Wraps

 ½ cup creamy peanut butter spread

4 whole wheat or regular flour tortillas (8 to 10 inch)

¼ cup honey

2 small bananas

¼ cup miniature semisweet chocolate chips

Spread 2 Tb. of the peanut butter evenly over the 4 tortillas. Drizzle 1 Tb. of the honey over each tortilla. Top with banana slices and chocolate chips. Roll up tortillas.

*NOTE: I made one tortilla with just the peanut butter and banana. It was a good snack and energy boost.

Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry

 8 oz. uncooked whole wheat spaghetti

1 tsp. canola or vegetable oil

¾ lb. boneless beef top sirloin steak, trimmed of fat, cut into 1/8 in. slices

1 large red, yellow, or orange bell pepper, cut into 1 in. pieces

1 small onion, cut into ¼ in. wedges

1 bag frozen broccoli florets

1/3 cup water

¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes

1/3 cup reduced-sodium teriyaki sauce

2 tsp. cornstarch

2 Tb. chopped green onions (2 medium)

Cook and drain spaghetti as directed on package; cover to keep warm. Meanwhile, in a 10-in. skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add beef; cook and stir 1 to 2 minutes until beef is no longer pink; remove from pan. Add bell pepper and onion to skillet; cook and stir 1 minute. Add broccoli; cook and stir 1 minute longer. Stir in water and crushed red pepper. Reduce heat to low; cover and cook 3 to 4 minutes or until broccoli is crisp-tender. In a small cup, mix teriyaki sauce and cornstarch. Stir teriyaki sauce and beef into broccoli mixture in skillet. Cook and stir over high heat until sauce is thickened and heated through. Toss broccoli mixture with spaghetti. Garnish with green onions.

*NOTE: I used crushed red pepper powder instead of flakes. It had a nice little kick.

Fusilli with Alfredo Sauce, Peas & Bacon

 12 oz. fusilli

8 slices bacon

1 cup shredded carrots

2 cups frozen peas

1 cup Alfredo sauce

1 ½ tsp. each chopped garlic and Dijon mustard

Freshly ground pepper, to taste

Boil fusilli as package directs, reserving 1 cup cooking water before draining. Meanwhile, panfry bacon in a large non-stick skillet until crisp. Drain bacon on paper towels; coarsely crumble. Pour off all but 1 tsp. fat from skillet. Heat skillet; add shredded carrots and sauté 1 minute until almost tender. Add frozen peas, Alfredo sauce, garlic and mustard, and pepper to taste. Bring to a simmer. Toss with drained pasta, bacon crumbles and reserved cooking water as needed.

16. Try a new local restaurant every other month (2/16)

I got to try two new local restaurants per the recommendation of my SisLaw and BroLaw. In February, we hit up The Flying Biscuit; and in March, we ate at The Oxford. Both were delicious and both had great atmosphere. I definitely plan to go back to each. I think I will hold out on The Oxford until I can have a drink again. 

31. Complete 1000 piece puzzle

I purchased the puzzle and started on it this month. I am no where near being completed. I've barely gotten the edges completed (maybe 40 pieces or so). 


43. Interview and video Merle (this was actually completed in Dec. 09) Video pregnancy updates and new baby upon arrival

I did get the opportunity to video Merle at Christmas dinner. My hope was to get more information on her life throughout the year, but unfortunately she passed in February. So, I have changed this to focus on life as it is and what will be. 


45. Eat dinner with Merle at least 1 time per month (2/32) (completed Feb. 10 before Merle's passing) Help Dad organize an annual "Outer Banks" Family Reunion

This To-Do is another one that had to change. I am going to see if I can get something going this year with Dad and the get-together because he keeps mentioning it.


49. Procreate (confirmed 1/8/10; EDD 9/20/10)

Need I say more...the evidence is all over the blog.


64. Go watch more local bands-at least 2xs per year (1/6)

We we went to the American Tobacco Campus in Durham and got to see a free show...Chatham County Line. The weather was perfect; the show even more perfect. 


85. Redesign/decorate a room completely

We have started on the nursery...it's being changed from ceiling to floor.


87. Put $XX amount into savings each month (more if able to do so)

Money is now being set aside for the little one each pay day.

19. Learn how to decorate a cake and decorate 1 for a special occasion (completed Mar. 10)

I made a football cake for a dear couple's baby shower...it was a sport's themed shower. 

**I HAVE EDITED THIS PAGE 5000 TIMES TO GET THE FONT AND SPACING CONSISTENT AND IT WON'T CORRECT ITSELF. I AM SURE IT IS THE USER AND NOT BLOGSPOT, BUT IT IS REALLY STARTING TO PISS ME OFF! SORRY FOR THE SLOPPY POST!