Volunteer at a Race

On Sunday, Rich and I volunteered at the Cinco de Miler put on by RAM Racing. They tout it as Chicago's only 5 mile race. This year the course was at Montrose Harbor.

Somehow we were designated the captains of the first aid station. I don't know why. We had zero experience volunteering at a race. But there we were at 7 AM with the guys delivering the truck of supplies figuring out how much of everything we needed and where to put it.

I asked Rich to take charge of the Gatorade stations, and I prepped the water tables. We each had a total of 6 volunteers -- teenagers sent with their teachers from a couple of local schools to get their service hours. The kids did a pretty good job staying on task, and despite running out of Gatorade half way through the runners, I think we did a great job. I don't think we will do it again, though. I just like running races better than helping to organize them.

Goals Accomplished: 22
Days Remaining: 794
Money Saved: $427

Visit My Parents in Arizona

I hate Arizona. I don't understand why someone stopped in the desert and said, "Hot as hell here. No water. I know! I'll build a house and live here." But they did, and now there are a lot more houses here, including my parents' house in Fountain Hills. And since every time my mom comes to Chicago she ends up in the suburbs and I hardly get to see her, it just made sense for me to go to her for a real visit.

I got in Sunday night and we went to a sports bar for dinner before heading home. As Chicago is two hours ahead now, Monday morning I was up before the sun, but we didn't get going until a little while later. My mom is a docent at the Musical Instrument Museum (MIM), and she really wanted to take me there. I went, not realizing just how large the place is and how many installations they have. I was very impressed, and I highly recommend a visit if ever you make it out there.

On Tuesday morning we hit the gym so I could get in my 3.5 mile training run, came home for lunch, and then did some shopping. Surprisingly, I really didn't buy that much. There were two items from MAC I was planning on getting just because the tax is cheaper here and I didn't have time at home before I left, but otherwise I just got a lip gloss and a hair product at Sephora. Totally thought I was going to find some clothes or a scarf or something, but we actually didn't even go into any clothing stores. Anyway, after that we grabbed dinner at Blue 32 where we met Rich's parents. It was a nice night, so we sat on the patio outside and my two dads smoked cigars.

Wednesday was spa day. We went to Willow Stream Spa at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess. We each had a massage and pedicure, a Cobb Salad (which was delicious!) for lunch, and then hung out by the pool for a bit and took advantage of the sauna, whirlpool, eucalyptus inhalation room, and waterfall treatment pool. We were there for about 6 hours, and it was truly a needed and appreciated break! Once we got home, we took my mom's dog, Zory, for a walk and a short hike up the mountain before hitting the showers and going out for drinks and dinner with my mom's friend, Kylie (who is actually my age).

Today is going to be another trip to the gym and lunch, and then it's back to the airport and homeward bound. Overall, I've had a really great trip, and I'm glad that I came. I needed some Mommy and me time!

Goals Accomplished: 21
Days Remaining: 841
Money Saved: $370

Take a Chicago Architectural Tour

Today I took a 2 hour tour with the Chicago Architecture Foundation. I didn't realize it, but they actually have quite a large selection of different tours you can go on. I selected the Chicago Old and New: Intersections walking tour.

The docent for my group was Max, who was extremely knowledgeable and friendly. I really enjoyed her presentation style, and I learned so much about a few different types of architecture and some great Chicago history. It was an entertaining and educational way to spend a beautiful day, and I'd really like to do it again.

Goals Accomplished: 20
Days Remaining: 849
Money Saved: $352

Make a Craft from a Pattern on Ravelry

This is a really horrible picture of the awesome hat I made from a pattern I found on Ravelry. It was really fun to make, and I learned a bunch of new knitting techniques all during one project! I'm giving this one away, but I'm excited to make one for myself too. I think I might add a pocket to it...

Goals Accomplished: 19 
Days Remaining: 852
Money Saved: $339

Write 101 Yelp Reviews

Today I wrote my 101st Yelp review. This was a pretty fun and interesting goal to achieve. I've actually become pretty active in the Yelp community as a result, and I even acquired Yelp Elite status. I'm excited to keep writing more reviews and hopefully go to an Elite event soon. It would be nice to meet the people in person who I've been interacting with in the Talk threads! If you are on Yelp too, friend me.

Goals Accomplished: 18
Days Remaining: 856 
Money Saved: $325

Watch the Sex and the City Box Set

My in-laws gave me this set as a holiday gift about four years ago, and I never opened it. I really wanted the set, and had asked for it, so it was just silly and a waste that I hadn't watched any of it in four years.

I didn't have HBO while the show was airing, so I had seen some of the episodes, but always edited and not in any particular order. Well, now I have seen every single episode, unedited, in order from beginning to end of all 6 seasons. I even went through all the bonus material, including playing those ridiculous games. And while I may watch some of the episodes again, I will definitely never do that again.

Goals Accomplished: 16
Days Remaining: 899
Money Saved: $262

Design and Purchase a Pair of Jeans on Indi

I have been drooling over jeans from Indi for a few years now. I've gone on the site and designed several different pairs of jeans just for fun, dreaming of the day I would finally purchase a pair. Alas, I never felt like I was thin enough to justify the expense, and I never could decide what I wanted to order.

Then I saw a Groupon that offered $100 off. That pretty much took care of using the price as an excuse. And then I realized what was missing in my denim wardrobe: a pair of skinny jeans I could wear inside boots. I just needed to decide if the size I am now is the size I'm going to be. The answer to that is pretty simple: I haven't changed sizes in about a year, so I'm probably not going to in the next year.

I finally placed my order today after much designing and redesigning. I really wanted to make sure that I chose all the best features for me. I ended up with the Duboce Skinny style. They should be at my door in about a month. I hope they fit!


Goals Accomplished: 15
Days Remaining: 907
Money Saved: $244