Sixteen done ... 36 to go...

What: #65 Make my own shirt or pants using a sewing pattern

Where: Royal Oak, Pink Castle, Sara's living room, and Mom's sewing table
When: March 5th - May 25th 
Why: Growing up, my mom could sew anything. Halloween costumes, bedding and curtains, dresses, quilts, and so much more. This was a skill that, despite her best efforts, did not plant itself in my wheelhouse. My one foray into sewing was during a middle school "Home Economics" class that I was miserable in - she made me take it, trying to instill some domesticity in me - and the poor teddy bear I made that semester has one leg sewed on completely wrong. And yet, I was still somewhat proud that I had created that funny bear, and as the years have gone on, I've been in awe of my mom's ability to see something and go home to make it with her own twist. Recently, she made me a purse, from custom fabric I picked out and it was such quality craftsmanship that it withstood a Michigan winter and still gets compliments. I figured this skill must be dormant in me, but I could maybe tap into it, so I teamed up with my friends who own sewing machines and gave it my best shot. 

My friend Sara had attended a workshop by a local seamstress/designer and thought her Ruby Top project would be a good entry level project. We kicked off this list item with the fun part...picking out fabrics! We visited Haberman Fabrics in Royal Oak and purchased what we needed, then started off with an evening at Pink Castle Fabrics in Ann Arbor where they open up their workroom for the "Sew Ann Arbor" crafty types to come and work on projects together in a lively atmosphere. Our first night there, I felt completely like a fish out of water. I was working on tracing my pattern and barely finished that in three hours!

The pieces I cut out for my practice garment were ready to be stitched together at our next gathering, this time at Sara's place. Let's just say that I'm glad I did a practice garment first, because I got A LOT of kinks worked out in the process. Big kinks, like I sewed an entire panel on inside out. I always assumed sewing was much like cooking (which I also don't do); it has step-by-step directions to follow, and being a literate individual, that seems easy enough to me. It is, however, quite complicated if one doesn't know all the technical jargon used in the directions. After asking Sara for clarification on nearly everything, I ended up with my finished rough draft, and was ready to start on my final version.

The next visit to Pink Castle, my friend Karen joined us. She had helped me out with a small sewing repair earlier in the winter, so she knew her way around a sewing machine and could help me out as I got the hang of it; my biggest mistake was forgetting to put down the presser foot, and once I got the hang of that, I'd forget to back-stitch at the end of a seam. Both caused no end of frustration, but that's how to learn. After this next 3-hour session, I was still not done, so had to borrow Sara's machine to work on it a bit more (entering ten hours of labor). I finally finished up my seams, and then tried it on before finishing up the hems. Imagine my disappointment at how terribly my self-made garment looked and fit. I was so glum that I set it aside and tried not to think about it for awhile. Then, I decided to visit my mom and see if she could talk me through the completion. One thing I decided to do was to wear the shirt backwards. I'm not a scoop neck girl, and the pattern calls for a scoop in the front, and so when I switched it around, it looked much better (I think). Also, I decided to hem the seams in a way that shaped the top a bit more, making it more flattering than I had thought it could be. Part of my fear in the process of making this top was that I was so worried about making mistakes, but really sewing is a very fluid process, and if something goes wrong, you take out a few stitches; if something should look different, well then you make it look different. It wasn't as scary as I thought. And at the end of the day, I'm even thinking about buying a sewing machine for future projects, but I might stick with making basic curtains or pillow covers for awhile.

24 down ... twenty-eight to go...

What: #31 Do a race I haven’t done before

When: June 2nd
Where: Ann Arbor
Why: In order to keep up with any real training, I have to sign up for events to instill in me a certain healthy level of apprehension. For me, the Dexter Ann Arbor runs have always eluded me because of the hills that bound the Huron River, and thus are a part of the course. My own runs are down a very flat road, and I'm still worn out afterwards, so the idea of running hills for 3.1 miles did not appeal to me. Luckily, my friend Karen - with whom I run about once a week before we plop down to watch TV and eat "healthy" snacks - encouraged me to do this race with her this year. Unluckily, I'm still naturally lazy and didn't train too much beyond our weekly evening runs.

The course is really scenic, but definitely hilly, and with so many people it was really congested and a little frustrating the first half-mile or so; you just couldn't get into your own pace because so many people were bunched up and the sharp downhill start was throwing everyone off their game. Eventually, it widened and I settled into a groove. I've heard that it is best to run your slowest mile during mile one, then speed up each subsequent mile, but I always - unintentionally - do it backwards; my first mile was at a 8-minute pace, then each was slower than the previous. Still, my time today was a 2-minute improvement on my last 5K race, so I felt good with my result. Not good enough that I'd do the half-marathon race (man, those people looked exhausted!), but maybe one day, just maybe, I'll try a 10K!

This is one of many pictures with my eyes closed...what the?!

Apparently, I avoid exhaustion by napping WHILE running!

 

5 down ...forty-seven to go...

What: # 42 Take a martial arts class

When: January 17th
Where: Quest Martial Arts
Why: At this point, I'm saying "yes" to pretty much any sort of physical activity that's offered. It's all in an effort to keep myself active and find new ways to engage my body and brain in movement. Some things I've tried in the past year have stuck with me (climbing for sure, loved the trapeze, and I'd definitely get on the pole and/or trampoline again!) and others were not my cup of tea (I'm talking to you, fencing). 

One thing that seems to set me up for success is how closely the thing I'm about to do relates to the idea of it in my head. Fencing was not as cool as Catherine Zeta-Jones made it look in "The Mask of Zorro," thus its downfall. The trapeze was even cooler than it seemed in SATC. So, I went to my first class of martial arts armed with my preconceived notions acquired from a certain movie franchise: "The Karate Kid"; but ready for a shock? I'm talking about the remake. Before I go on, I know I'm supposed to have a spot in my heart for the original, but somehow it was not nearly as influential as this particular version. If I hadn't been watching it with friends, I'm certain I would have been off of the couch trying out some moves. Moves that, I'm quickly learning, are way too advanced for me. 

The gi is an outfit that is 

neither sexy nor flattering

I'm about to earn my white belt, which essentially indicates that I'm a pure beginner with no previous experience whatsoever. Notice that I haven't even earned it yet. My first class was filled with lots of new information that I'm still digesting. Philosophies, movements, combinations. I still need to practice my cross punch, lead punch, and stomp kick, which are actually pretty fluid motions to get in the habit of doing, but the "HEY!" I have to yell while doing each throws me off. Luckily, I'm taking the class with a friend, so I get to partner up with her for most of the practice period and that makes it a bit less awkward. What is really awkward is being paired up with one of the little kids who is also a Level 1 student. But kinda fun and adorable, too. :)

My white belt test is coming up next week, and as I practice for it, I realize the thing I'm most nervous about is actually the warm-up portion of class. There is a call-and-response segment (I have no idea what they're saying or when to say it), and last time it was followed by ten rapid crazy push-up/burpee movements that made my shoulders sore for days. Looks like this will be a great way to build up some muscle tone and have a little fun while doing it!

Forty-three down...9 to go...

What: #49  Make a pie from scratch

Where: Karen's Kitchen
When: December 6th
Why: I love peach pie. I mean it. And I know that a homemade pie tastes infinitely better than a store bought pie, but I had no idea how to make a pie. As my friend explained it, I'd be an awesome host of a cooking show for people (myself included) that have no idea how to cook. For example, the recipe said to mix until it looks like cornmeal. What on earth does that mean? I would revise it to say "until it looks like wet sand." Now THAT makes sense! And then why do you put aluminum foil on the edges? I assumed it had something to do with why there are metallic tiles on the space shuttle, so then I made my peace with it. Another very important thing I learned was that baking is different than cooking, and measurements have to be VERY precise. Also, weird things go into a pie...tapioca?? Who knew. 

Overall, it was a wonderful experience from beginning to end, thanks to her food processor (awesome!), a great space to roll out the dough for both crusts, and the lovely scents coming from the oven. Now, it was a late night of baking, so I didn't get to taste test it before I had to go home and it hadn't quite cooled, but I'm assured it will be enjoyed and maybe even a piece will be saved for me to try later!

Twenty down...32 to go...

What: #79 Do a 5K with a friend

Where: Ann Arbor
When: June 17

Elizabeth's First Race!

Why: Over the past few years, I've put in time training for a triathlon each summer, but this year, I decided to focus more on single races, and so I signed up for my first 5K run. It's the first ever Ann Arbor Marathon event, including the marathon, half-marathon, 5K, and mile fun run. There were so many people out for this inaugural "run the city" event, and the route was a lot of fun. We started at the Big House (Michigan Stadium) and ran downtown to Main Street, then along through campus, and ended up on Elbel Field, the marching band practice field - home of many fond memories!

Running by the stadium

It's always a supportive atmosphere, and great people watching, and today was no different. We finished just about the pace we had hoped, and I already got Elizabeth hooked to do another one later this summer! I can see myself doing quite a few more because it's been much less overwhelming to train only for a run, and thus much more enjoyable. I meet with my friend Karen about once a week and we basically chat and catch up during our runs, and then I can go out any lovely summer evening to run with my music. So, I'll keep running and get ready to beat today's time!

A well-balanced post-race breakfast!

With Karen and Paul!

Nineteen down...33 to go...

What: #36 Schedule an appointment to get something waxed

Where: Aveda Institute
When: June 5
Why: Perhaps it seems like a female rite of passage that I wasn't able to claim I'd endured, so that is why I decided to get something waxed. I tend to think of myself as a pretty low-maintenance type of person, and aside from some extravagances with regards to my hair (hey, I wear it every day, it's worth it!), I tend to be on the lazy end of the beauty regimen spectrum. I do enjoy my regular pedicures - current color of choice is "I Feel The Earth Move" which I got tonight when we went out to Aveda - and so adding another appointment on at the salon seemed really indulgent.

To err on the side of modesty, I'll keep some of the details to a minimum regarding this particular list item, but suffice it to say that it was not as painful as I feared, and it's definitely an option again down the road.

Fifteen down...37 to go...

What: #25 Dine at a restaurant I’ve never been to in A2

Where: Logan
When: May 8th
Why: There are many restaurants in Ann Arbor that I love and tend to frequent over and over. This is partly because I'm not an adventurous eater, and also because I just don't tend to feel like paying a lot for food as opposed to other activities. I do realize as I spend more time in the world that there is something to be said for a well-prepared culinary experience, and so I've tried to broaden my horizons ever so slightly in the realm of food. Thankfully, Ann Arbor has a wonderful array of fantastic restaurants from which to choose (it's true!), so it wasn't difficult to find one to try. We went to Logan and it was crowded on a Tuesday, which has to be a good sign. The appetizer was slightly different than I expected (a tempura with a very different sauce), but it was really good. I had heard high praise for the biscuits, which came out fresh and warm and smelling delicious! Then, my pasta dish was full of flavors not typically blended together, and I really enjoyed the unexpected pop of lemon zest and pistachio crunch in the light sauce. (I feel like I'm writing for some foodie blog...forgive me...this is not my strong suit!).

A perfect ball of mousse...
unexpected, right? 

Finally, I splurged on a chocolate mousse that was, again, unexpected, but rich and everything you want from a fancy dessert. It was great to go out for a nice dinner in the middle of the week, have time to soak up the atmosphere of a new place with a great friend, and I'll be looking for more opportunities to try other hidden gems among the many amazing Ann Arbor restaurants!

Ten down...42 to go...

What: #58 Read Anne Frank’s The Diary Of A Young Girl

Where: A round-trip flight to LA and the couch
When: Completed April 15th
Why: There are many books that I feel like others have read as required reading at some point in their education, and yet I have not been exposed to them. This was one of those books, and so I borrowed my friend Karen's copy to finally read it for myself and know this story. At times, it was difficult to keep going because, similar to the movie Titanic, I know how it ends before I even start, so as I got closer to the end of the book, I really started to drag my feet on getting through it. Last night, I read about 100 pages, and then didn't want to get to the end and have negative images in my mind before going to sleep, so instead I finished it this morning. My overall impression is that it is amazing how, no matter the circumstances, it seems that the female mind is often filled with the same thoughts/worries/concerns. Friends, family, self image, relationships, goals for the future, etc. I was also struck with how soon they all adapted to this way of life, as unbelievable as the circumstances were, and started to operate under this new sense of "normal." On a much more superficial and selfish level, I also started to be freaked out about anyone publishing my journals!!

One of my favorite quotes from her writings: "Riches, prestige, everything can be lost. But the happiness in your own heart can only be dimmed; it will always be there, as long as you live, to make you happy again." - Anne Frank on Wednesday, February 23, 1944