Good lord, I can't believe September is almost over. I'd ask where the year went, but I already know. I thought I would put a toe in the "blogging" water again by checking in on my New Year's resolutions and just see how badly I had fared after getting derailed, albeit justifiably, early in the year.
1. Explore the Smithsonian
I'm doing pretty well. We hit the zoo and the portrait gallery in January. Tom and I attended the Smithson Society weekend in May, where we were able to walk through the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden. This summer, I not only attended the Food for Thought series, but I was lucky enough to hear Madeleine Albright speak about her "Read My Pins" exhibit at the Castle. Tom and I were treated to a private behind the scenes tour of the National Museum of American History in August and see the new Abraham Lincoln exhibit, the Star Spangled Banner exhibit, the Stories on Money exhibit and the wonderful Cosmos in Miniature exhibit. I'm looking forward to returning next month to find out more about an upcoming exhibit that's in the development stages. Last weekend I took a class at the Ripley Center and walked through the Enid A. Haupt garden.
2. See Tai Shan Before He Returns to China
Check! During my dad's last trip we did visit the zoo and see Tai Shan before he left for China. It was a great visit. What I sadly couldn't know at the time, was that this would be the last time my dad and I would go to the zoo together. It's a lovely memory. While the weather was a bit cold, it was one of those rare weekends that month that we didn't actually have snow.
3. Attend the Famous Old Ebbitt Oyster Riot
Ok, I concede defeat. This is the only resolution that I can't actually accomplish. After checking ticket prices and dates, I completely forgot to get up and buy tickets the day after Labor Day. There's always next year.
4. Read War & Peace
Well, it hasn't happened yet. I did finish Wuthering Heights for the first time, if that counts for anything! There's still time to get this one done by the end of the year. I think I can do it. I can be the Little Engine That Could...I think I can, I think I can...
5. Join WIPP
Apparently as a member of WBENC and WPO, I am a member of WIPP. So check! It's not often I can accomplish something without actually doing anything.
6. American Legion's Post 24 Patch Quilt
Short story...the patch quilt is done--thanks to my stepmom, Diane and her friend DG taking it over...however, it was donated to the Wounded EOD Warrior Foundation in Fredericksburg for their September Golf Tournament and Silent Auction. It raised $50...It's a worthy organization--please consider them in your own charitable contributions.
7. Make the Hostess Cupcake recipe in Cook's Country Magazine
Done! And were they yummy. Did you see the pictures and my post?
8. See the National Christmas Tree LIT UP
To be fair, it hasn't happened yet!
9. Write in my blog more than once every six months
With this post, I barely made it, but check. After my dad passed away in February, its been very difficult to write new posts, mainly because it's been tough to be alone with my thoughts. So I am cutting myself some slack and just starting fresh. I have learned a lot this year I wasn't ready to learn, and faced things I wasn't ready to face. But life happens and things are what they are. Difficult times always pass, they never come to stay.
10. Lose 10 pounds again...
See #9, I'm cutting myself some slack...at least I haven't gained any weight and Tom and I have started hitting the gym again. So it's still an attainable goal for the year.
So what do you think, is 6 out of 10 a fair accomplishment for September?
