Category Archives: 101 in 1001

101 in 1001: La Fin

Posted in 101 in 1001, Life As I Know It by

I can hardly believe that the end of my 101 in 1001 list has arrived. Today is my 26th birthday. 1001 days ago I posted a list of 101 goals. Small, large, and everything in between. I’m even proud to say that a lot of good blogging pals have followed suit and created 101 lists…I love reading the results and updates of their adventures!

When I used to think about writing this post (because trust me, I’ve thought about it), I thought I would provide an explanation to you, my few readers, on why I did not accomplish the handful of unfinished items (of which there are 13). But when it came to really write it, I realized that I actually LEARNED something during this process. Who would have guessed?

Yes, I’m still biting my fingers. I haven’t bought a house, and I haven’t gone to Europe or the beach. I haven’t memorized many songs on the piano, or gotten off my family phone or car insurance plans (almost done with grad school!!). But I have lived an EXTREMELY full life in the last 1001 days. And while I’ve gotten to share many great things with you through my 101 list, like shows and quilts and 4ths of July and a portfolio, there have been many other non-101 milestones that have made these last three years so great.

I mean, I met this guy.

I landed in a dream job (with a view), which I never could have fathomed at the time I wrote the list. I then decked out my new office:

I chaperoned ski trips (two!) and even learned to ski.

I finished a half marathon.

I made these adorable cake pops with Lu (YES it’s a milestone).

I got stuck in Guatemala for two weeks. But we found the Jesus chair during our week of aimless wandering, so it was alright.

And there were so many non-milestone moments. Times with friends. Bottles of wine. Tears. Giggling. Dates. Dancing. Small group. Family adventures. Weddings. Travels to new cities, and loved cities. New friends, rekindled friends, lost friends.

All this to say, the lesson I learned is that life is full if you let yourself live it. While I certainly LOVE lists, it’s going off the lists and outside the boxes that make life so great.

And life is, in fact, GREAT.

#39: Try on beautiful dresses with friends

Posted in 101 in 1001, Daily Notes by

When I wrote this list item, I imagined a few girlfriends and myself venturing into some boutique, where we do not belong (pretty woman style) and trying on all these great gowns. The only difference between us and Julia Roberts is that we wouldn’t actually buy everything on some millionaire’s credit card.

Oh, and we aren’t hookers.

But here’s what really happened. In the not so distant past, my little sister (from Big Brothers Big Sisters) and I went on an adventure to the mall. She is a girly girl, through and through, but does not have a ton of self-confidence (I mean, did you when you were 11?). So we wandered the dress section, and I suggested that we try on some dresses. I told her she could pick one out for me, and I would pick one out for her.

I found a dress for her that on most women, would probably be very short. However on her, it was a perfect, knee-length dress. Pink with roses all over the skirt, and strapless. I think she was actually stunned with herself when she put it on. The color was great on her, and I’m fairly certain she’s never worn anything made out of any sort of decent fabric.

So while it’s not what I originally imagined, I think it was a great way to fulfill #39 on the list.

#4: Make a Dress

Posted in 101 in 1001, Creative Crafting, Daily Notes by

I’ve completed my first dress! I definitely made several mistakes, and learned a lot along the way, but I think this is the best way to get better at it. All in all, even though it’s not perfect, I really love the end result! It’s a light corduroy material, so this will be a great dress for a southern fall. The pattern is Butterick 5639, for those of you who like it. What do you think? Success? I love crossing another item off the list!

Here is the front:

And the back:

#29: Write My Life Story in a Day

Posted in 101 in 1001, Life As I Know It by

It wasn’t easy, but it was good. I would say I have a really great outline of my life story after a nearly full day of writing. I realized at the end I had forgotten a few key pieces, such as the traveling I’ve done and some of the opportunities I had in high school. I don’t expect anyone to ever read it (and I actually hope they don’t) but I think it’s important for everyone to chronicle their life, if for no other reason than to just have it on paper for themselves. I know I have a lot of life to live, but it feels good to have the first 25 years down on paper. Or, well, virtual paper.

Just for kicks, here’s my first little paragraph I wrote. I have not gone back and edited anything, but I think that’s the fun of it – it’s just a flow of thoughts, of what you can remember, in the order you remember it. And sometimes, in the order you’ve been told it…

So many components of my life were set into motion before I was born. I suppose this is true for everyone, but it seems glaringly evident when I look back. I was born on September 7, 1985, to a 17-year-old high school senior. She hadn’t meant to get pregnant, but when she found out she was, she decided to embrace the process of adoption. I cannot know for sure what sort of struggle she might have gone through to come to this decision, but it is the decision itself that counts for me: here I am, alive and happy.

M. E. Photography Portfolio {#7}

Posted in 101 in 1001, Daily Notes, Picture Taking Time by

Ok, so I know I’ve been a little quiet over here, but GUESS WHAT? I am finally putting my photoshoots into one easily accessable location…

A PORTFOLIO. What a concept. Crazy, I know.

I put about 5 seconds of thought into what I should call it. I love my Megster Meter covername, but it just didn’t seem to fit for my portfolio. My first two initials are M.E., so I present to you…

M. E. Photography.

I guess I sort of think of it pronounced like “Emmy” because I think that’s cute, and it rhymes with photography. Heeeey dork. I am very open to logo designs and/or other names that have something to do with my actual name. (but please don’t suggest Meggy…I’ve ruled that out)

Anyway, please check it out. I just have a few galleries up there now if you scroll to the bottom of the page. Definitely send me some feedback, too. While I’m not actively looking for photo work, if you live in the area and would like a little shoot, leave me a comment and I’ll get in touch with you!

Also, this means I can cross #7 of the list: Put together a portfolio.

#28: Be A Bridesmaid For A Friend

Posted in 101 in 1001, Life As I Know It by

While it’s still probably a year away, my childhood friend Mandy recently asked me to be one of her bridesmaids! I am so flattered and excited to help with such an exciting time 🙂 I’m rooting for a 4th of July 2012 wedding, so we’ll see what she ends up picking!

Thanks, Mandy, for your friendship…and for helping me cross another one off the list!

{Me and Mandy, Christmas 2010}