#33: Make a new friend.

Date Completed:  5/15/2010

While this year Hadley has become my BGF (best guy friend), I can't really count him here because we really have known each other since 2008 (#26 on THE LIST). I would be remiss, though, to omit giving credit where credit is due. Hadley introduced me to two great gals this year: Kathryn (the juicy jammer) and Andrea (the casserole cooker) - nicknames I've assigned with love.

I met Kathryn through cardio classes at LTF. I'm pretty sure she was Usher's muse for the song "OMG". Yeah, I'm pretty sure. This girl has enough groove to be youtubed in Dance Jam with Katie Haggerty (#34 on THE LIST). She looks like a million bucks even in a pony tail. And, she actually LIKES "hot yoga" (as opposed to me - I just suffer through). That's Kathryn.

I actually "met" Andrea initially through her blog. You know those people you see and immediately think - oh yeah...we're gonna be friends. Well, that's what I thought of Andrea. I'm not sure if it was her sense of humor, ability to work a kitchen with a hot dish or the fact that she can wear an 80s jumpsuit and look like a supermodel. I was glad Kathryn finally turned 30 this year and we had a big night out to celebrate so I FINALLY got to meet Andrea in person.

These ladies rock. The pic below is Cara, Andrea and Kathryn at Fuji Ya. Note that we always look this fabulous and it only took one pic to capture the moment - haha.

#26: Friend Hadley on Facebook.

Date Completed:  5/10/2010 officially (1/18/2010 unofficially)

First, let me say that I love that the word “friend” is now a verb! This list item seems so simple, right? Well, it would be if Hadley and I were…well…“simple” people. If you’re reading this though, you likely know one or both of us, and you’re probably snickering right about now.

For the rest of you, Hadley and I met at work in 2008 and at the time, had no idea what this would start. We’ve been careful over the years to keep the line between professional and personal relationships separate though. We were both hoping to further develop our careers in 2010 and knew that once we were separate at work, we’d have an opportunity to have a more personal relationship as friends. This list item was actually more of a marker for career development to motivate me to continue that effort even when it was easy to feel comfortable with a fabulous work situation (great team, work-life balance, flexible schedule, etc.). I knew an indirect benefit was to develop my friendship with Hadley and Facebook was just the associated symbol.

As for the list item, Hadley actually got a little assertive (or perhaps impatient) in January and decided to friend me proactively to encourage our goals to happen. I wasn’t quite ready to take this off the list though, so I decided to hold off until one of us made a career transition. Well, on May 10, I started a new role within our broader company. It was with mixed feelings that I made the move, but I knew my team would continue to flourish. Now, Hadley and I walk the halls together at work just for exercise and mentorship, burn calories together in cardio classes when we can, and are able to socialize freely outside of the office which is fabulous. Mission accomplished!

#32: Wear black with blue – jeans don’t count.

Date Completed:  5/16/2010

Most of my friends know I have no fashion sense. Well, that's not true - I suppose I have style when I'm led to style...like a horse to water...I just have no *inherent* sense of fashion. I would be perfectly content wearing my Lululemon Astro Crop pants with a tank top every day between April and October. November through March, my preference would be my White House Black Market Blanc bootcut jeans (they fit amazingly well for women with some curves and they simply change their pocket style each year so you're guaranteed they'll always fit) and anything Under Armour to stay warm. See? Done. I'm easy when it comes to what I'd *like* to wear. Unfortunately, I need an entirely different wardrobe for work - mostly suits - and then there's the night life/social mix that is best described as flirty casual. Thankfully Minnesota and Arizona have a lot in common in that you can go anywhere in the summer in flip flops and a tank top during the day and then just switch to heels in the evening. Piece of cake.

There are just a couple of areas where I'm a stickler for fashion. I totally look past white before Memorial Day. However, I have a tough time with black and blue (as in, together). Baby blue and turquoise don't count, nor do jeans - those colors are easy to pair with black. I'm talking dark/navy blues. I'm not sure what it is about this, but it's like nails to the chalkboard with me. I used to give my trainer so much trouble about this when he wore a navy t-shirt and black exercise pants that it got to be a little game for us where he'd do it just to get a rise out of me. Seriously, I'm cringing even as I type. I knew I needed to get past this or at least embrace it once, so I added it to THE LIST. Well, thankfully the Get Your Rear in Gear run (#50 on THE LIST) offered technical shirts in a dark blue color this year and the race occurred before I bought my grey Astro Crops so my only choice was black leggings. And there you have it. List item complete with a photo as proof. Enjoy it because you'll probably never see it again!

#50: Get your rear in gear.

Date Completed:  5/16/2010

This list item actually turned out to be a 3 for 1 because it covers three items. I’m only counting it for two though. Let me give you a little history first. “Get Your Rear in Gear” events focus on raising awareness about colon cancer in communities across the country. They are events designed to unite people, cities and states throughout the USA, to provide support and hope for those who have had their lives affected by our nation’s second leading cause of cancer deaths, and to encourage individuals of all ages to get screened.

This is my third year to participate with the Colon Cancer Coalition, both as a volunteer and a runner, as this cause is close to my family (#27 on THE LIST). I volunteered on May 15 for pre-registration and packet pickup for the walk/run event that was held on May 16 (volunteering would be 1 of 3, but I already blogged my May volunteering event). Anyway, volunteering the day before the event is always enjoyable and memorable because you meet lots of people who you see the next day at the race…and you get to pick up your packet so you can sleep later on race morning. I met two really special gals the day I volunteered. One girl was a LTF member from Lakeville who had been working on improving her overall health and this was going to be her very first 5K, honoring her fiancé's dad who they lost to colorectal cancer. We connected because this race three years ago was my first 5K as well. I helped her with ideas on how to scrapbook her personal accomplishment and also the tribute she was making for his family and she left so excited. The other gal was picking up packets for her team and we were having fun chatting in general, but when she handed me her fundraising envelope, she began to cry. The "Chuck" in Team Chuck was likely her father. I knew what she must be feeling because I’ve been there too. I couldn’t help but be moved as well as I counted out 35 “in memory of” race pins for their team. We loaded all the stuff into her car and I think she felt better knowing that someone cared.

I generally participate in events that support the memory of my dad who suffered from colorectal, prostate and lung cancer during his life. While he did not live long enough to see me take control of my health and get my life together, I know he’s always there with me. And it never fails – during every event I cry a few tears for him (no one ever notices which is nice) and it helps me push through. On race day, Lisa and I were literally running across the mall parking lot to the starting line because one of us was running late (um…not me - haha) so I’m using that to explain my poor overall time. Well, that and that fact that for some reason each year, we overdo our activities the night before. It was a great race though (the run is 2 of 3) – about 30 degrees warmer than last year – and Lisa and I had a fabulous brunch afterwards on the patio at Edina Grill (I highly recommend their spinach frittata). And as for 3 of 3, you can check out our pic below, taken after our run and brunch – you’ll find more info in a post to come (#32 on THE LIST)...stay tuned.

#31: Fix something yourself - anything.

Date Completed:  4/24/2010

Over the years, I’ve learned a lot about myself through my house projects. I’ve learned I’m good with little repairs like fixing/replacing toilet flappers, door hinges, installing sprinkler drip lines, etc., but anything that could be termed “a project” should be avoided at all cost. If it comes to me in a vision, it should also be avoided. Case in point: backyard interlocking brick flower garden. I started this little effort in 2005 and finished it mid-2006 upon eventually hiring a guy to help. Another example: indoor light dimmers. When you end up with an extra electrical line inside the light box, just close shop and call the handyman. I believe Lowe’s should hang a sign over the entire electrical department saying “Know your limits!”

For some reason, I still have a sense of accomplishment when I fix something. It’s as if I’m channeling my father who was quite possibly the most amazing repairman who ever graced this planet. My mother would say that plumbing was not his thing, but I digress. I have had two mini efforts on my list for the past year that needed attention this spring. The first was the outdoor carriage light set which had several cracks in the glass panels from weathering (my neighbor asked if I wanted to make it into a mosaic) and the second was the faux stone façade that had some loose stones. At first I figured a hot glue gun must work on glass (not so) but eventually found that Loctite Super Glue (gel version) is actually the adhesive of choice. Nail polish remover even gets it off your fingers. You can also buy cement-like caulking to keep the stones in place. While it took way longer than necessary, I did fix both (see handy work below). Aside from the satisfaction of having these items off my list, I’m also happy that my little Total Money Makeover plan (#7 on THE LIST) saved me about $500 and helped me to avoid what I normally would have done – just buy new lights and write the check. Thanks Dave Ramsey!

#43: Entertain friends at home.

Date Completed:  5/3/2010

When I lived in Arizona, I used to entertain often – pool parties, weekend houseguests, dinners, whatever. When I moved back to Minnesota, I thought I’d have people over all the time too, but my schedule has gotten so busy and I just haven’t made time to do this, so I wanted this on my list. I’m all about repeating this list item too, so while I’m officially checking this off as complete, I definitely need to plan more fun times.

As for this particular item, I changed jobs this year within my company so as an opportunity to express my appreciation for my former team, I invited everyone over for an afternoon “lunch and transitioning” meeting. It was going to be a picnic on the deck, but since our spring weather didn’t quite cooperate, we ended up congregating inside. Nevertheless, it was an afternoon of stories, laughs, good food and fun. We even decided to pose for a “family” photo at the end because it was the first time we had everyone in the same state (our team covered three time zones). So, below is the pic that we ended up framing for everyone: Ellen, Cara, Hadley, Tom, Troy, Barb and Paul. Thanks for being THE BEST team I’ve ever had. Ever.

#24 (May): Participate in one volunteer/non-profit activity each month.

Date Completed:  5/1/2010

My May activity supported Children’s Home Society & Family Services (CHSFS) which strives to give every child security, opportunity, permanency and a loving family. Based in St. Paul, MN, CHSFS serves families in Minnesota, throughout the U. S. and in more than a dozen countries worldwide in the core service areas of adoption, early childhood care and education, child and family support, and counseling and therapy. This month, CHSFS partnered with Bachman’s garden centers to celebrate May Day and Bachman’s 125th anniversary. Shoppers were welcomed to visit the CHSFS table to create a special free May Day basket. A featured mini-bouquet of flowers was also available with proceeds generously donated by Bachman's to CHSFS.

I enjoyed the event, but I’ll admit that I’m not a “master gardener” like my mother. Bachman’s Plymouth location where I volunteered actually sold me the one and only plant that I’ve ever kept alive for more than a week though! So everyone, meet Franklin - yes, I named him. I’ve had him since October 2008 and I figured if he had a name, he’d stay alive. He’s amazing. I got him because he’s not an ordinary plant. In fact, he was sold as a cactus. However, since I pretty much qualify as an Arizonan, I can tell you he’s more of a succulent than a cactus, but whatever – who am I to correct Bachman’s! Anyway, I thought I’d share this picture that I took with my new iPhone app called Hipstamatic. This is the John Smith lens and I love it - very artsy. I’m going to download some other lenses, but this little $1.99 base app is well worth it! A huge thank you to my friend Christina Snead who owns Blink in the Minneapolis warehouse district for suggesting it. And while I'm at promoting my friends and their businesses, please give Christina a call - she's great and you'll never feel so relaxed as at Blink. In fact, Christina is extra special because THE LIST concept actually came to me after chatting with her about our "to do's", organization and simplification, life fulfillment, etc. When you visit Christina, ask her about (1) the awesome door she has in her workspace and (2) the little black dress. You'll never want to leave.