February ... a 31 Things update

This year, I've decided to challenge myself to complete a list of 31 things that will challenge, inspire, and renew me. You can find the complete list here. 

I hope you'll let me know that you're following my adventures by clicking on the link to the left that says "Join this site" or by entering your email. I appreciate having you here and always read every comment!


February... the month of love, Mardi Gras, and paczki. Not, however, a month of great "list-crossing-offing-ness". But nevertheless, here is an update of my not so stellar February:

#4. Perform at a poetry open mic
I did this! Yay! :-) And it was an amazing night. I've written more about my experience and also shared my final poem in "Thirsting".

As the year goes on, I may try to come at this one again. If there were a rule-keeper of my list (which there is NOT), it could be said that helping to organize the poetry night where I spoke might not make this as much of a challenge as say, going to a regular open mic event in front of other poets and strangers. But still, I'm counting this one as done.


#25. Watch a film at the Detroit Film Theatre
A couple weeks ago, I went with a friend to see the Oscar-nominated short films (animated & live action) and it was SO worth it! I meant to write a longer entry about this, and might still come back to it, but this was one of the highlights so far of living in metro Detroit.

One reason for my list of 31 things was to find some interesting, challenging things that I could write about here. And of course, it's just nice to fill my life with interesting, challenging things. But I also wanted to use the list as a way of exploring and enjoying my new city. After watching this collection of incredible short-films, I drove back to my apartment feeling lucky to live in a place that celebrates art and beauty and diversity in the midst of difficulty.


#26. Grow my savings account
This is ongoing, but I'm still (attempting) to follow the 52-weeks Money Challenge AS WELL as a $100/month plan. I've had to dig into it once already, but my savings is still more than it has been before, so I'm counting it a win! (...for now...)


And that's pretty much my update... as I said, February didn't quite pack the punch I'd hoped it would in terms of my list, but there's still a lot of year left!

I have plans to make TWO new recipes (#3) this month (to catch up...) and to get started on some reading (#7). The books are on my iPad, I just have to sit my butt down and do it! I'm also toying with an online Photoshop class or possibly a one-day art class (#12). (Unfortunately, it's been difficult to find a class that doesn't conflict with other work responsibilities.)

Thanks to everyone who has been encouraging me in my adventures, either by sharing them with me or throwing new ideas my way. I love (and need!) the encouragement, because as you know, it is so easy to let the mundane parts of life swallow us up.

Check in next month to see how March goes... and in the meantime: 

What new adventures or challenges are you facing this year? Leave a comment below!