I'm still a little shocked that I started this... my thoughts are out there for anyone to read. First I need to explain my title, Julie World. It was always a joke that I lived in Julie World. I'd have these wonderful daydreams (generally I won the lottery, but anything fabulous was possible!) and my friends would hear all about it. Eventually it was just easier to say, "I went to Julie World today and you were there" and I would share the fun trip or whatever had just happened! (yeah, I'm a little crazy, but to know me is to love me!) :)I think I need to tell some friends that I am doing this.... writing here. I'm not sure what they would say. That's OK I guess, it doesn't really matter, but I think it is easier thinking some random person could read my thoughts and not a specific friend.I started looking back through yesterdays list, my 101 things. Funny, because I realized I have already made progress!!

11. Do 2 things per month outside of my comfort zone

I did 2 things this month already! First, just starting a blog and writing my thoughts (see above!) is scary for me. SO outside of my comfort zone, even though it is something I wanted to do.
Second, I went to a meet up group (Check out http://www.meetup.com/ Great way to meet to people!). Sunday I met a group of women I didn't know for Brunch. Well, I had met one before at my very first meet up meal. Now THAT was scary. But I know Sunday that I had only met one of these 5 women before. And you know what? I had a BLAST. They were so nice, it was great conversation and I have an amazing spinach omelet (with a Mimosa, but we'll let that one go!)
So I can update that for 2 complete for March '09!

12. Write in this blog at least twice a month

OK, here's my 2nd entry! March '09, CHECK!

This is almost too easy. OK, well lose 25 pounds is in there... hopefully that is an obtainable goal, some days are easier than others!!

27. Walk in 3 charity walks
A friend of mine has MS. I work with her. She is a team captain for a group walking the MS Walk. This will be the 2nd year I walked this event. With the economy as tough as it is right now, I'm surprised that TODAY I made my goal! I still have another month to raise more money. I'm hoping to get another $200-300 more towards my total.

32. Learn to knit a hat
Over the summer my friend Valarie taught me out to knit (not purl, just knit) and I made these great scarves to add to my Christmas gifts. Right now I'm making this funky hot pink one for mom! This Saturday I'm going to be hanging out at Valarie's house and she said she'd teach me how to make a hat!! I can't wait. And yes, I feel like a loser that I am excited about knitting, but whatever!

43. Pass my AIC 36 exam to get my AIC designation
This is an insurance thing. A couple of jobs ago, they paid for me to take some tests for training. I took the AIC 30, 33, 34 &35. They bought me the book for 36, but I never took the test. Now, this company said they would pay for it (the test is 25 credits towards my license and I need 60 within the next 2 1/2 years). I have it scheduled for 6 weeks from now. The book is in my desk drawer at work. I haven't gotten past the first chapter. I really need to start studying. It would NOT be good if I didn't pass this $175 test! But once I pass this test, I finished the series, then I have my AIC designation. (Associates in Insurance Claims, not a big deal to the real world, but I'll get to put a fancy AIC after my name on letters now.)

47. Clean out spare room
48. Donate 3 bags of stuff
Ok, my spare room. Ever have one of those junk draws? You know the one. When you don't know where to put something so you shove it in the junk draw? Well, that's become the spare room in my apartment. A whole ROOM! I have old furniture, luggage, ski pants, flip flops (can't wear those with snow on the ground!) old books, jewelry, boxes and boxes, old bedding, wrapping paper, holiday decorations... you get the point. Its A MESS! I really need to clean out that room. So I figure (here's moving to #48) I can take out the old bedding sitting in there and donate that. I don't use it. I really think I have a twin set in there. I haven't had a need for twin bedding in over 10 year! But I still have it! So that could be at least a bag. I got one of those postcards from Vietnam Veterans that they will be in my area for a pick up on March 25th. That's a nice goal to have.... clear out 1-2 BIG trash bags to donate!

51. See something at the theater 3 times
I probably should have made this number higher. Thursday night I have tickets to see the Peking Acrobats, I can't wait!! And then a week from Saturday I'm seeing Celtic Women. I NEVER see anything at the theater and kind of forgot I have these 2 coming up. But I'd really like to do more than just these 2 things. I have tickets to see the Dalai Lama in May. Hearing him speak would be amazing. Not sure if I should count seeing Loretta LaRoche too.... a taping for her PBS special is in April. I have 2 tickets for that. Hmm... I actually sound a little cultured!

Well, I only reviewed the first 1/2 of my list I know there are so many things to tackle in there, but having the list and goals to shoot for is such a positive way to be. Something to strive for!
Either that or just be stubborn.

That's how I quit smoking. Really! Just me being stubborn. Not really a New Years Resolution, more of a promise. I said I was not going to have one cigarette for the entire 2008, not one drag! I couldn't say I quit and then be like some friends who are drunk smokers (you know the ones... sitting outside the bar with a butt in their hand, saying "On no, I don't smoke, only when I drink") I wasn't going to do even that! December 15, 2007 was my last butt. I was drunk smoking at my company Christmas party. Butt in one hand, glass of wine in the other, sitting outside. That was it. And I'm really happy with that. Hopefully I can put that same effort into completely this list.

Now I need to figure out how to update my list in yesterday's post! :)
Ciao