Day 126: Consumer Rights  

Posted by Sarah in , , , , ,

Today's Task: 3/31

"Enforce your Consumer Rights today and fight the system."


First, read up: http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/consumer.shtm


Then, if you feel you have been wronged in any way by any business, today is the day to get even and voice your complaint. Whether it's a coupon they didn't take, a defective product, false advertising or just plain old-fashioned swindling, you do not have to stand for it. Know your rights. They should never be an "inconvenience" to you.


If taxpayers are expected to "bail out" companies who cannot run their businesses properly, then we better start standing up for our expectations. If Ford is getting a bailout, then I want environmentally friendly vehicles from them. If the MTA here in NY wants to hike fares then they better provide on-time service and clean the stations.


Too many companies are used to getting something for nothing (and in some cases, becoming monopolies who are allowed to get away with near-criminal price gouging). Get a return on your investment today. Speak up and make a difference.

Day 125: Horoscope  

Posted by Sarah in , , ,

Today's Task: 3/30

"Take your horoscope seriously today."


You can either look one up on your own to follow or use the open-ended horoscopes I have written below:

Aries: March 21-April 19 You already know you CAN, today is the day to DO. Act on something you've been confident enough to do for quite some time.


Taurus: April 20 - May 20 You've been waiting for quite some time. Today is the day to stop waiting, you've earned your reward.

Gemini: May 21 - June 21 You know that big event you were invited to? Go. They need you there to liven things up. Nothing's as fun without you there.

Cancer: June 22 - July 22 Express yourself today. Write the song you've been composing in your head, the poem your heart sings when that special someone walks by. Today is the day to leave your mark on the world.

Leo: July 23 - Aug. 22 You've been trying to teach them how to do this for a while, today you will find your inspiration. Just teach it in a different way, you know how and they'll finally understand.

Virgo: Aug. 23 - Sept. 22 Enjoy solitude today. Get lost in the park or the city and find a new path home. If you feel inclined, bring a sketchbook or camera or maybe just a book to read in your new hideaway.

Libra: Sept. 23 - Oct. 22 Time can heal all wounds or open old ones. Today think upon your past in a non-judgemental view and see if you've misjudged or overlooked anyone's transgressions. Forgive or forget them today and know that you made a wise decision.

Scorpio: Oct. 23 - Nov. 21 Forget the rest of the world today and do something for you. No, I said forget them. Don't worry about what people think of you for one day and just be yourself.

Sagittarius: Nov. 22 - Dec. 21 Tell someone what you really think of them today. You know you've been dying to so just say it already and lift that weight from your shoulders. You'll feel so much better.

Capricorn: Dec. 22 - Jan. 19 Plan for your next vacation today. Decide the place, the month and what you want to do. It's okay to get excited a little early, you always accomplish what you set your heart on.

Aquarius: Jan. 20 - Feb. 18 You're always so focused on your own success and getting things done on time but this week you need to slow down and look at the world around you. Do something nice for someone else today, no matter how small, you will be loved for it.

Pisces: Feb. 19 - March 20 Volunteer yourself for a future charity project today. Whether it's Habitat for Humanity or the local Food Drive, set aside part of your calendar to enlarge your heart and share some of that overflowing love.

Day 124: TV-Free Weekend (Part 2)  

Posted by Sarah in , , , ,

Today's Task: 3/29

"Do not watch TV today; do something else indoors."

What better day to start Spring Cleaning than today? It's time you shut off teh tube and get everyone involved helping out. Sort through those boxes in the back of your closet, organize and clean out the fridge or clean up all the old bills off your desk. We've all got our little messes around the house we never seem to get to. Today, I'm going to clean up my front room and organize my desk. How can I ever hope to be a successful teacher with a desk like that?!

And when you're all done with the housework, take sometime to pamper yousrself without the television. I suggest a warm bubble bath, soft music and a good book. Go ahead, you deserve it.

Day 123: TV-Free Weekend (Part 1)  

Posted by Sarah in , , , ,

Today's Task: 3/28

"Do not watch TV today; do something outdoors instead."

Get out of the house, no matter the weather. It's Saturday. Go to the park, go to the theatre, go read a book by the pool or just go for a drive. Whatever it is you choose to do today, make sure it gets you out of the house and into the fresh air. I'll update later with what I've done because it highly depends on whether we get rain tonight or not. I'll be at school not watching TV until noon at least. :)

Day 122: Parrot Pal  

Posted by Sarah in , , , ,

Today's Task: 3/27


"Go to your local pet store and teach the parrot there to say something you have been dying to say yourself."



This sounds like a fun task to do. Unfortunately, the birds in pet stores, usually ignore me. If I really wanted to train a parrot to say all the subconcious things I never utter aloud, I'd have to buy one. If I feed them and take care of the bird, they'll probably be more willing to take instruction from and want to mimic me. Then I can grow even one step closer to being a full fledged pirate. yarrrrr...


For instruction on training your parrot to talk see this link.

You can also have the same fun with a cockatoo as I have been witness to my dad's birds singing the Barney "I love you, you love me" song back in California. It can be done if you repeat something enough.

Day 121: First Aid  

Posted by Sarah in , , , ,

Today's Task: 3/26

"Learn a First Aid technique (or two) today."

I found a great guide here at the Mayo Clinic site and another one at WebMD. Pick your illness or accident and learn what to do so that you can better react in the situation. I suggest you pick something personal. If you have small children, seek advice for foreign objects in various places as we all know how kids get curious. If you have a loved one with heart problems, look into heart attack reaction steps or even learn CPR today.

Personally, I want to learn more about what to do in case of a seizure because, frankly, I don't know and I worry that I won't react fast enough or that I'll do something wrong.

Prepare yourself to save a life someday; you never know. And if you're a nihlist, remember that you may have to give instructions to someone trying to save YOUR life someday.

Day 120: Penny Pincher  

Posted by Sarah in , , ,

Today's Task: 3/25

"Don't spend any money today."

If you can avoid it, don't spend it. Sure, you have to eat and maybe even take public transport to work, but other than necessity, do NOT spend any cash today. Either have someone cover you and pay them back tomorrow or find a free alternative to what you need.

I can do this. My metrocard was prepaid so I technically spent that money a week ago, not today. And since John is taking us to dinner tonight, I won't have to spend later either. Now to see about lunch... We have free ramen in the breakroom which breaks my diet, but won't kill me. And the watercooler plus my tea packets equals free refreshment. YAY!

Goodluck to the rest of you! Pinch some pennies today and use them to spoil yourself another day.

Day 119: Senseless Day 2  

Posted by Sarah in , , , ,

Today's Task: 3/24

"Go through the day without using your sense of hearing."


Acquire some earplugs. earmuffs or just put some headphones in which muffle outside noises. This day will be hard for me, personally, since I answer phones all day and LOVE music. But I will try my best to block out noises when I can.


This would also be a good day to try learning some sign language. ASL has a huge dictionary full of animated gifs for those of you wanting to learn something new or just to translate a favorite phrase: http://www.handspeak.com/tour/index.php


Once the day is over, try listing some pros and cons for this sense deprivation. Then decide how important hearing is to you and rate it on a scale of 1-10 (10 being VERY important). I will update this post at the end of the end of the day with my analyisis.

***UPDATE***
I tried it for as long as I could stand, but silence bores me. Even when it's seemingly peaceful, my mind and ears tune in to all the small noises. I love my ears. I love the sounds of this city. I couldn't ever imagine giving them up voluntarily for an entire 24 hours. My end-of-the-day rating is 8/10. I can tolerate peace when I have a headache or when my heart is racing and noise exacerbates the situation. Other than that, I really love listening. :)

Day 118: Secret Stalker  

Posted by Sarah in , , , ,

Today's Task: 3/23

"Confront your secret stalker today."

In today's interconnected society of MySpace, FaceBook and the infinite blogosphere, it's common to find old friends, acquaintances and exes secretly stalking you online. Today, confront them. Tell that ex that you are over them and there is no chance you'll get back together. Tell your parents to call you instead of msging you. Tell your best friend you know you weren't invited to her party because she read that post where you made fun of her new haircut.


Dear ____ :

I know you read my blog. No, I do not have proof, I have instinct and that's all that matters here. You probably think I'd be mad if I knew you were checking up on me and essentially cyber spying. I'm not mad. I never was. You just blew everything out of proportion and got so upset that I could no longer deal with you rationally. I understand and I really do mean that, I know where you were coming from. But the way things are now, I think we both know we're so much happier than we were back then. Drop me a note sometime. I don't bite. And I don't hold grudges. You know me, I have a terrible memory. :)

<3,
Sarah

Day 117: MEme  

Posted by Sarah in , , , ,

Today's Task: 3/22

"Today is all about you. Indulge yourself and make like today is your own personal holiday in celebration of you and all you do!"


Ohh... I had fun with this one. Went to the gym after class, then the tanning salon and then had my eyebrows waxed. Almost did the pedicure but passed. Indulged in some game time with John and then lazed about the house the rest of the evening until I made dinner. I'm awesome. And so are my chicken fajitas. YUM.

Day 116: Siesta  

Posted by Sarah in , , ,

Today's Task: 3/21

"Take a siesta."

If you do not know what that is, it means you sleep from 2-4p (or any convenient block of two hours to nap) and do not work on anything. Give yourself some well deserved rest today. The good thing is, it's a Saturday and most of us do not have to work. The bad part is, I have a midterm and have to go to class during that time. TT_TT

I'll make sure to sleep two hours when I get home.

Day 115: Diplomatic Immunity  

Posted by Sarah in , , , ,

Today's Task: 3/20 (OMG it's snowing again up here!)

"Print this pass (below) and use it to your advantage today. Whether you just get free drinks or hold up a bank is up to you, but remember it's a fake ID and I take no responsiblity for how you choose to use it."


I think I'll just use this to secure myself as the victor of every argument and debate today. "I WIN!" I'm not sure diplomatic immunity really works that way, but at least I can pretend it does.

What would you do if you could be above the law for one day? I think if I could really and truly not go to jail for something I did on a particular day, I'd break all the little laws I think are pointless, like jaywalking and recycling fines and protesting a cult without a permit. Oh and libel. Definately libel.

Day 114: Banana Art  

Posted by Sarah in , , , ,

Today's Task: 3/19

"Tattoo a banana today. Just scrape a fresh banana's skin with a sharp tool without cutting through and let it sit for a few minutes. The scraped areas will turn dark brown to black and leave an image behind. The best part is you can still eat this art when you're done!"


If I can get ahold of a banana today, I will definately have to try this! Here are a few examples to inspire and delight you:





Day 113: 'F' is for Film  

Posted by Sarah in , , , ,

Today's Task: 3/18

"See a film beginning with the letter 'F' today."

I have tried to help compose a list of 'F' movies so that anyone can participate no matter your locale. I see a lot of good ones on that list too... Fame. Falling Down. Fantasia. Fargo. *_* Maybe I should do this once a month. :)

F/X2 1991
F/X Murder by Illusion 1986
Face the Music 1993
Face/Off 1997
Facing the Giants 2006
Fade To Black 1993
Fahrenhype 9/11 2005
Fail Safe 2000
Fair Game 1995
Fair Game 1986
Fallen 1998
Falling Down 1993
Falling in Love 1984
False Witness 1989
Fame 1980
Familia Rodante 2004
Family Business 1989
Family Plan 1998
Family Plot 1976
Fanfare 1958
Fantasia 2000
Fantastic Voyage 1966
Fantomas 1964
Fantomas contre Scotland Yard 1967
Fantomas se dechaine 1965
Far and Away 1992
Far From Heaven 2002
Far From the Madding Crowd 1967
Farewell, My Lovely 1975
Fargo 1996
Fast Times at Ridgemont High 1982
Fatal Attraction (1987)
Fatal Bond 1992
Fatal Instinct (1993)
Father Brown, Detective 1979
Father of the Bride (1991)
Father Of The Bride 2 1995
Fathers' Day 1997
Faust 1926
Fear (1996)
Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas 1998
Fear is the Key 1972
Fear Runs Silent (1999)
Feeling Minnesota 1996
Fellini - Satyricon (1969)
Fellini's La Strada (1954)
Femme Fatale 2002
Festen 1998
Fiddler on the Roof 1971
Fierce Creatures 1997
Fifteen Minutes (2001)
Fight Club 1999
Filmpje! (1995)
Final Analysis 1992
Final Appeal 1993
Final Assignment 1980
Final Destination 1 2000
Final Destination 2 2003
Final Destination 3 2006
Final Fantasy: the Spirits Within 2001
Final Heist 1991
Final Judgement 1992
Final Justice 1993
Finding Forrester 2000
Finding Nemo 2003
Finding Neverland 2004
Fire On the Amazon (1993)
Fire! 1977
Fireball Forward 1972
Firefox 1982
Firepower 1979
Firewall 2006
First Blood 1982
First Monday in October 1981
First Wives Club (1996)
Five Corners 1987
Five Days One Summer 1983
Five Days to Midnight 2004
Flags of Our Fathers 2006
Flash and the Firecat 1975
Flashpoint 1984
Flatliners 1990
Flawless (1999)
Fled 1996
Fleisch 1979
Fletch 1985
Flic Story 1975
Flightplan 2005
Floris 1969
Flubber 1997
Fly Away Home 1996
Focus (2001)
Fogbound 2002
Fools Rush In 1997
For A Few Dollars More 1965
For Better and for Worse 1992
For Love of Ivy 1968
For Love Of The Game 1999
For Love Or Money 1984
For Pete's Sake 1974
For Queen and Country 1988
For Richer, For Poorer 1992
Forbidden Warrior (2004)
Force of Evil 1948
Forced Vengeance 1982
Forces Of Nature 1999
Foreign Affairs 1993
Foreign Body 1986
Foreign Correspondent 1940
Forget Paris 1995
Forrest Gump 1994
Fort Apache 1948
Fortune Cookie (1966)
Foul Play 1978
Four Rooms 1995
Four Weddings and a Funeral 1994
Fracture 2007
Frailty 2001
Frances Tuesday 2004
Frank en Eva 1973
Frankenstein 1931
Frankenstein (Mary Shelley's) 1994
Frankie & Johnny (1999)
Frankie and Johnny Frantic 1988
Frauengefängnis (1975)
Freaky Friday (2003)
Freddy vs. Jason 2003
Freeway 1996
Freeze Frame 2004
French Cancan 1954
French Connection II (1975) aka French Connection 2
French Lieutenant's Woman, The 1981
Frenzy 1972
Freshman, The (1990)
Frida (2002)
Friday the 13th 1980
Friday the 13th, part II 1981
Friday the 13th, part III 1982
Friday the 13th, part IV: The Final Chapter 1984
Friday the 13th, Part VI: Jason Lives 1986
Fried Green Tomatoes (at the Whistle Stop Cafe) (1991)
Friendly Fire 1979
Fright Night 1985
From Dusk Till Dawn 1996
From Hell (2001)
From Here to Eternity 1953
Frost/Nixon 2008
Frozen Assets 1992
Frozen River 2008
Fucking Åmål (aka Show Me Love) 1998
Full Body Massage 1995
Full Confession 1939
Full Exposure: The Sex Tape Scandal 1989
Full Frontal 2002
Fun in Acapulco 1963
Fun With Dick and Jane 1977
Funeral in Berlin 1966
Funny About Love 1990
Funny Bones 1995
Funny Face 1957
Funny Farm 1988
Funny Girl 1968
Funny Lady 1975
Futureworld 1976
Fuzz 1972

Day 112: Roots  

Posted by Sarah in , , ,

Today's Task: 3/17 Happy Saint Patrick's Day!

"Find out where you come from. Trace your roots as far back as you can and see if you find out anything new or interesting."


ho boy... So many marriages and divorces in my family, but I can trace most of them back to at least early Texas settlement in the 1800s.


"Samuel Isaacks and his father Elijah Isaacks are both listed in the Texas Handbook Online which is sponsored by the Texas Historical Association and The University of Texas. Elijah was married to Ester Donoho. Samuel married first Nancy Allen and second Martha "Patsy" Richardson. Samuel is considered the first Jewish settler in Texas (even though they had to swear allegiance to the Catholic Church in order to live in Texas and own land.) Samuel was unmarried at the time. However, two unmarried males were allowed to constitute a family for the purpose of fulfilling the Austin 300 family contract. You can read about the Isaacks online in the handbook. Elijah was a delegate to the Convention of 1832. He was the son of Samuel and Mary Wallace Isaacks and was born in South Carolina in Feb. 22, 1775. Elijah was in Texas illegally until 1830 when he became part of the Bevil Settlement. Europeans roots and even surnames have little bearing on their Jewish heritage, since people of the Jewish faith lived in every European Country and often took local surnames. However, Samuel's second wife, was not of the Jewish faith. I do not know about Nancy Allen."



"William Ashworth, free black colonist and landowner, was born in South Carolina about 1793. In 1831 he moved from what is now Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana, to Lorenzo de Zavala'sqv colony in East Texas. His father, Moses Ashworth, a white man, also came to Texas before the Texas Revolutionqv and settled in San Augustine. William and his brother Aaron Ashworthqv obtained an order of survey from George Antonio Nixon,qv but before they could locate their lands the revolution began and the Texas provisional government closed the land offices. During the revolution Ashworth sent a substitute, Gipson Perkins, to the Texas army. Perkins served from July 7 to September 7, 1836, in Capt. B. J. Harper's Company of Beaumont Volunteers.
Opposition to the immigration of free blacks into the area of present Jefferson and Orange counties appeared as early as 1835. The committee of public safety at Beaumont warned the General Councilqv against admitting free blacks into Texas, and the council passed an ordinance forbidding their immigration. The law was not enforced against William Ashworth, however, or any of the many Ashworths who followed him to the area.

In 1838 Ashworth obtained a franchise from the Jefferson County board of roads and revenues to operate a ferry across Lake Sabine and up the Neches River to Beaumont. His ferry and landholdings were threatened, however, by an act of the Texas Congress passed on February 5, 1840, which ordered all free blacks to vacate the republic within two years or be sold into slavery.qv White neighbors came to the aid of Ashworth and his relatives with three petitions to the Texas Congress requesting their exemption from the act. This support brought about the passage of the Ashworth Actqv of December 12, 1840, which exempted the Ashworths and all free blacks residing in Texas on the day of the Texas Declaration of Independence,qv along with their families, from the act of February 5.

In 1842 Ashworth and his relatives again faced a threat to their livelihood when a traveling land board charged with detecting fraudulent claims refused to certify the headrights given them by the Jefferson County board of land commissioners. The land board refused certification on the grounds that their jurisdiction did not cover free blacks. The board members nevertheless joined three members of the Jefferson board, along with some seventy other citizens, in petitioning Congress to make a direct issuance of the certification patents. The suggested bill easily passed the Texas Congress and was signed by President Sam Houston.qv

In 1850, of the sixty-three free blacks in Jefferson County, thirty-eight were named Ashworth. William Ashworth probably had the longest residence of any Ashworth in the area at that time. He and his wife, Leide or Delaide, a native white Louisianan, had seven children listed in their household in the 1850 census, although they probably had older children who had started their own families. While other Ashworths experienced legal difficulties because of interracial marriages, William and Leide appear to have been left alone. The 1850 census describes Ashworth as a farmer with large property, including two slaves. He and many of his relatives apparently were respected in their community as wealthy and relatively autonomous free blacks. "

That's why I tell people I'm "American". No sense associating with some European country or religion I have no real connection to. :)

Day 111: Hard to Get  

Posted by Sarah in , , , ,

Today's Task: 3/16

"Keep them Keen; Play it Mean."

Today's task is to find out how far you can push the idea of playing "hard to get" and still have someone keep interest in you. Test your limits today with your special someone and see if they really do grow closer to you. If not, I suggest an apology and lots of make-up loving.

Personally, I find that honesty and direct conversation is much more effective than teasing and manipulating people. Playing hard to get never works on dense people and tends to frustrate and waste the time of everyone involved. However, a small 24 hour dose could add that little spark to our already stable relationship so I'm willing to give it a try. :)

Day 110: Foot Check (Day 2)  

Posted by Sarah in , , , ,

Today's Task: 3/15

"Check which foot you get out of bed on and how 'lucky' your day is. At the end of the day, see which foot is your lucky foot and get out on that one from now on."

Still my right foot. Same luck. Always my right foot because It's the side of the bed I sleep on. :)

Day 109: Foot Check (Day 1)  

Posted by Sarah in , , , ,

Today's Task: 3/14

"Keep track of which foot you get out of bed on and how 'lucky' your day is."



Right foot. Had school. Nothing exciting.

Day 108: Graffiti Day  

Posted by Sarah in , , , ,

Today's Task: 3/13

"Mark your territory today. Put your name on something prominent and publically displayed. Bonus points if it's public property and your name is illegible."


Well then, seeing as how I am lacking in the permanent markers and spray paint department, I tagged something a little less permanently. My water bottle up there will be in the fridge at work so it will be semi-public. It's also illegible, imo. It's kind of fun writing my name in some goofy way, but I envy the real graffiti artists of the world who can manage to make things so illegible yet so beautiful at the same time.


Some examples of their work can be found on a simple Google search. Maybe some of them can help inspire your own graffiti today. :)

Day 107: Globalization Day  

Posted by Sarah in , , , ,

Today's Task: 3/12

"Surf the web or your favorite chat spots and meet someone new on the other side of the world."


Done and done. I have already met so many amazing people all over the world because of internet forums, gaming and chat rooms. This post is for all of you! To Petros in Greece. To Ken in Ireland. To Mike in England. To Fi and Don in Australlia. To Eddie in Japan. To so many of the nameless and faceless authors whose writing I have devoured over the last decade, thank you. To all the artists on DeviantArt who continue to inspire me, thank you. To all the photographers on Flickr whom I'll never meet, keep loving life. To all the musicians who keep friending me on MySpace, keep chasing your dreams.

And to my best friend and my love whom I would never have met if not for that tiny little anime forum; Otaku Vengeance. I love you.

Day 106: The Best of Intentions...  

Posted by Sarah in , , , ,

Today's Task: 3/11

"Try to end every sentence today with but my intentions are good."

The book provides many examples of sentences and scenarios which are quickly softened up and glossed over by the simple addition of this phrase:
- I parked on your toe...
- I may smell...
- I sung out of tune...
- You won't believe me...
- It's a crazy world out there...
- I'm a sinner...
- I kidnapped your cat...
- I think you are very attractive...
- I'm broke...

Try to think of your own and use this phrase at least once today. And so, to my readers I confess: I get sick a lot and keep failing to update this blog every day, but my intentions are good. And I mean it. :)

As a side note, I'm curious to know your opinions on the oft repeated adage:
"The road to hell is paved with good intentions."

Personally, I disagree. As much as "actions speak louder" they do not define the person nor the state of their soul. I think "good intentions" are more important that vicious ones. The court system seems to agree with me seeing as how premedidated crimes always carry heftier sentences than spontaneous crimes of passion and accidents. I think the road to "hell" is paved with cruel intentions, not innocent ones. Besides, should you really condemn your children for making a mess of the kitchen while trying to "help" mommy cook? I know I couldn't.

Day 105: Alternate Reality  

Posted by Sarah in , , , ,

Today's Task: 3/10

"Lie to someone about your past."




*ahem*


When I was just a wee girl, I grew up in the emerald hills of Dublin, Ireland chasing fairies across the marsh. I played with their flittering forms all morning until my mother would call me in for lunch. We would have a sliver of fresh cheese, warm and soft. It was nothing like that cold, hard cheese the cold, hard people of England enjoy. And I would hear the low whistle of the leprechauns calling in the meadow and I would be off, in a dash. I stayed there playing with them until well after dusk. Many times, I would miss dinner just to frolic an hour or two longer. My mother let me stay with these fae folk because, as she oft said, they were my 'kin'. And so it was, that midway into my formative years, my own wings began to emerge. By the time I was eighteen I had flown so far and so high beyond the Isle that I was lost. I flitted about weakly, desperate to find land, until I found myself falling, tumbling and crashing into Antartica. Weakened and, taking refuge among the people of the winterstalked land of snow and ice, I would soon lose my wings to frost bite and depression. That is why, my child, I do not have the power to fly today.


But I can still see fairies.

Day 104: Happy Whatever  

Posted by Sarah in , , , , ,

Today's Task: 3/9

"Tale care of all your holiday obligations today. Get cards for everyone now and, if you can afford the postage, send them all out."


Hah! I would if I could. Maybe I will start shopping early for birthday and holiday gifts. It can't hurt. I can turn into one of those ladies who has a box of random cards for any situation.
Lucky for me, most of my friends and relatives have birthdays either near holidays or near one another so shopping usually comes in bulk anyway. John just had his this past President's Day/Valentine's Day and my mother's birthday is coming up in June near Father's Day. :)

Day 103: Colon Health  

Posted by Sarah in , , ,

Today's Task: 3/8


"Clean your bowels and feel that deep down clean."


This whole concept kinda icks me out, to be honest. I mean, it sounds great on paper and in theory but actually going through all that? Ew. And for those of use who've had cancer scares and medical poking in those areas, we're not too keen on the whole idea of doing it for fun. Well, maybe not "fun" but voluntarily just to feel better about ourselves.

I don't have much to suggest on this. There are a million new age health sites pushing colon cleaners as the fix-all for everything. I just don't buy it. Anything that amazing and supposedly perfect for every ailment would be more widely used and accepted in real medical use. It wouldn't be some hack doctor who got his degree online. Just sayin.

Day 102: Tax Freedom Day  

Posted by Sarah in , , , ,

Today's Task: 3/7

"Be Free and celebrate Tax Freedom Day!"


Technically, since I started the book in November instead of on January 1st, Tax Freedom Day 2009 isn't until mid-April, but it's a good thing to educate yourself about it today. Basically, it's the day where your average American has worked enough to JUST pay their taxes. So every day you work after that day is all for you! It generally falls around the 102nd day of the year (March-April) and depends, obviously, on your personal income level. The formula is here for all you math whiz kids who want to know when your personal day of freedom is:

Annual Income / 365 = avg $ earned each day

Estimated 2009 taxes (federal/state/etc) / daily avg earned = days until you are tax free

My Tax Freedom Day for 2009 will be March 20th. Granted I don't pay as much because I'm single, childless and get some sort of going-to-school-full-time-and-paying-for-it refund as well. My mom's will probably fall in late April knowing how much she's stuck paying for. :/

Day 101: Chocoholics Anonymous  

Posted by Sarah in , , , ,

Today's Task: 3/6

"Experience Chocoholism firsthand and get yourself addicted to chocolate."


Apparently, there is a real chemical reason that recovering addicts from other substances turn to chocolate. According to the book, you'd have to consume about 25lbs. of chocolate to get addicted enough to crash, burn and then crave the treat. Interesting in theory, but not worth the sugar shock coma I'd find myself in after eating that much chocolate.

Instead, I'm going to recommend a chocolate I have come to love. It's the new Cherry Cordial Hershey Kiss that came out, I believe, around Valentine's Day or New Years. These things are delicious. And, if you are like me and loved the flavor of cherry cordials but not so much the texture of the cherry inside, these are perfect. All the flavor in a smooth little package. :)

So today's task, if you want to keep it sane, is to simply INDULGE your sweet tooth. Treat yourself to something decadent today. You deserve it.

Day 100: Counterfeiting  

Posted by Sarah in , , , ,

Today's Task: 3/5


"Make a counterfeit bill."

The book says to try and spend the bill just to see if anyone will take it, but since this is a crime punishable by 15 years in prison, I'll pass on that half of the task and recommend anyone here in the US do the same.

As far as MAKING one, just for curiousity and art's sake, don't try scanning it. most scanning and image editting programs are already set up to detect scanned money and stop you and, in same cases, report you. If you don't believe me, I tried scanning my $2 bill to photoshop it for a project about "precious items" and Photoshop gave me a huge warning and error.

I'm sure there are other ways to get around it and you could always use or write your own image editting software.

Or you could just get some green markers, blank printing paper and have fun with the kids playing 'Bank'. It's much more relaxing and 100% less illegal. :)

Day 99: Empathy  

Posted by Sarah in , , ,

Today's Task: 3/4

"Teach yourself empathy and learn about the suffering of someone you've never met. Try to put yourself in their shoes for one day."


I like this task. Though I modified it a bit from the book (anyone who has the book will know why), I still think you can learn a valuable lesson in empathy without having to turn it into a religious experiment.


I have been worrying about the homeless a lot this past week. Mainly because it's so cold outside and I know they don't have a heater to go home and complain about being "too high" like I do. It's incredibly humbling when I stop and think about it. Though I have done several things in my past to try and help clothe or feed the homeless in San Antonio, I've never done anything up here in NYC for them.


Today, I will actually reach out and do something... Bring me your 'cold and huddled masses' and I will give them food and a blanket. :)

Day 98: Swear Jar  

Posted by Sarah in , , , ,

Today's Task: 3/3

"Start a Swear Jar."


For any of you who don't know, a "Swear Jar" is a collection of money you've paid for each time you say a word you are trying not to say. For example, if you are trying to stop cussing, you would have a set amout (say a quarter each time) and add that money to the jar each time you cuss. The idea is to break you of a habit and then reward yourself when the jar is full. Another variation is the Forget-it Jar (helpful for getting over an ex), the Sin Tin (keeps you on your religious track) and the English Urn (ridding yourself of horrid grammar once and for all). Okay, maybe I made that last one up.

So, whatever it is you are trying to rid yourself of, try it out. I have a coffee mug on my desk which I add money to when I catch myself biting my nails. Once it's full, I'm getting a manicure. :)

Day 97: Sarah'n Rap  

Posted by Sarah in , , ,

Today's Task: 3/2 (Happy March!)


"Write a rap."




It's easy once you get the word flow going. Just write what you know, what you feel. Keep it natural, keep it raw and, if you think you've written a masterpiece feel free to give yourself a big break. Send the demo to:


Death Row Records
PO Box 3037
Beverly Hills, CA 90212

***as a response to the top image, I do not think all rap songs are riddled with cuss words. I think they are just over editted on TV because the tight-lipped conservatives at the FCC still think words have "evil powers" and should be editted. I also think it's dumb that the N word is bleeped out in music, but "Cracker" and "Whitey" are not. Just stop editting people and let them express themselves already. It's 2009... -_- ***

I don't fancy myself hip or talented enough to drop a new rap album on the market. But, in the style of beatniks and bards before me, I do consider myself a poet.

The city's covered in snow

and I know I won't go

If I don't have to go

where you want.

Chem's a joke anyway

since we can't play

at least not the way

I want.

So please speak English

if you wanna teach this

you'll never reach us

like that.

Day 96: Sugar Lips  

Posted by Sarah in , , , ,

Today's Task: 3/1

"Stockpile as much free sugar as you can carry."


In fact, while you're out there nabbing sweeteners from the coffee shops, why not restock your entire condiment cabinet? I know I can use some more ketchup and soysauce...


For you fellow condiment hunters, stay aware of refrigeration needs and expiration dates! Remember: when war and poverty cause economic downturn, sugar and salt will be two things you cut back on and miss. Save up now! <3