101 Things in 1001 Days: January 1st, 2023 to September 27th, 2026

In the past, the 101 Things in 1001 Days challenge was pretty prominent on blogs. I remember when many of my friends online were creating their own lists to share. I've completed the challenge myself multiple times, although never completely.

I last completed one in 2015, and wow. Life feels really different now compared to then. I wanted to try the challenge again, but this time more realistically and as a motivator to do things I enjoy in life.

If you also completed the challenge in the past, or are thinking about doing it now, I would love to hear how it goes!

THE LIST

Start Date: January 1st, 2023

End Date: September 27th, 2026

Progress Tracker: 50/99 Completed

Random

1. ☑ Create this list!
2. ☑ Watch 10 documentaries (10/10)

3. ☑ Finish my first BG3 run

4. ☐ Read 5 books for fun (0/5)

5. ☐ Put 1000 yen (or around 10 USD) in savings each time I complete an item on this list (0/101) ABANDONED, due to moving

6. ☑ Catch up on Doctor Who

7. ☐ Have an unplugged day with no tech

8. ☑ Update Unroll.me

9. ☐ Play a game of DnD/Other TTRPG 

10. ☑ Use the points function at Karaoke!

11. ☑ Knit or draw in a cafe

12. ☑ Join Postcrossing

13. ☑ Finish archival admin work on the discord

14. ☑ Cash out my change jar (tried my best but it's not actually possible here in Japan :/ )

15. ☑ Have some self-photos taken that I actually like

16. ☐ Lose 10-20 pounds for health, not for looks

17. ☑ Finish my box of incense and buy a new scent

18. ☐ Buy or rent a real kimono, not yukata ABANDONED, due to moving

19. ☑ Wear my haori in public

20. ☑ Wear every item in my closet at least once or get rid of it

21. ☑ Play the taiko drum game

22. ☑ Clean out who I follow on Instagram and YouTube (left instagram instead, but still counts haha)

23. ☐ Try all of the tea I currently have at least once

24. ☑ Keep my succulents alive for at least a few months (slow progress is better than none!)

25. ☑ Re-pot my succulents

26. ☐ Complete all these 101 goals & FEEL PROUD!

Art/Music/Writing

27. ☐ Complete 5 pages in a coloring book (2/5)

28. ☑ Finish the final draft for my novel

29. ☐ Finish the Cringe Prompts challenge

30. ☑ Sketch in a public place

31. ☐ Write a letter to myself to open at the end of this challenge

32. ☐ Write a letter to myself to open in 5 years

33. ☐ Write a letter to myself to open in 10 years

34. ☑ Create a 20 Songs Spotify Playlist (Link)

35. ☐ Finish a doodle a month (0/12)

36. ☐ Clean up my Spotify playlists 

37. ☐ Complete a list of drawing prompts and/or a prompts book

38. ☑ Write a song about Tsuyama

39. ☐ Memorize one piano piece 

40. ☐ Finish character designs for all of my novel's characters

41. ☑ Complete an art commission

42. ☐ Complete 3 art studies (1/3)

43. ☐ Sew a plushie

44. ☐ Write down 10 questions I have about faith (0/10)

45. ☐ Research those 10 questions and examine all sides (0/10)

46. ☑ Learn one new song on the banjo

Blog/Social Media

47. ☐ Create videos/blogs documenting my travels in Japan

48. ☐ Create 3 videos (not music) for my YouTube channel (0/3)

49. ☐ Write once a month on my main blog for a year (4/12 months)

50. ☐ Complete a thorough blog audit and update/delete posts as needed

51. ☐ Update my blog theme

52. ☐  Create a new blog banner and assets for across social media

53. ☑ Create a linktree

54. ☐ Organize posts for easier navigation on my blog 

Daily Life

55. ☐ Start doing dance exercises at least once a week for 2 months (0/60 days)

56. ☑ Create my own cookbook or recipe hub of recipes I actually cook

57. ☐ Write out a realistic after work routine

58. ☐ Stick to that routine for 1 month (0/30 days)

59. ☐ Complete an entire 30-day challenge of cooking at home (0/30 days)

60. ☑ Drink the proper amount of water everyday for a week 

61. ☐ Meditate daily for a month (0/30 days)

Language Learning

62. ☐ Finish reading 1 manga in Japanese

63. ☐ Reach 100 posts on my Japanese Learning blog (51/100)

64. ☑ Either take JLPT N4 and pass, or pass a practice test online

65. ☐ Take and pass a practice PRAXIS exam for teaching Japanese

66. ☑ Celebrate my 1,000-day streak on Duolingo Counting this as finished. I had a streak of around 850 days, but deleted the app after their recent devaluing of workers and excessive pushes for AI instead of actual learning. I recommend everyone else do the same. Try out Anki flashcards instead!

67. ☐ Start learning ASL 

Purchases

68. ☐ Buy a physical copy of "Artificial Heart" by JoCO

69. ☑ Buy a physical copy of "Solid State" by JoCo

70. ☑ Buy a physical copy of "Air for Free" by Relient K

71. ☑ Buy a pet (snake/cat/horse/etc.) Bought my precious baby boy Newspaper, who is snoozing on my couch as I write <3

72. ☐ Get a tattoo

73. ☑ Get new glasses

74. ☐ Attend an in-person therapy session

75. ☐ Attend an in-person Japanese class

76. ☑ Treat Mamaw to a day out My lovely Mamaw passed away in April of 2025. I was thankfully able to spend a day with her, although not going out, before she passed. Rest in peace, and I love you a bushel and a peck.

77. ☐ Treat Mom to a day out

78. ☐ Treat Dad to a day out

79. ☑ Treat littlest bro to a day out Treated him to an entire Japan trip lol

80. ☐ Buy a nice re-usable tea strainer

Experiences

81. ☑ Visit 5 new Japanese restaurants (5/5)

82. ☐ Try 10 new foods (9/10)

83. ☑ Visit 3 new cities (3/3)

84. ☐ Travel to a new country

85. ☑ See a live music performance

86. ☑ See Tricolor live before I leave Japan

87. ☐ See the Northern Lights

88. ☑ Visit a new prefecture

89. ☐ Visit a new state 

90. ☑ Visit a local museum

91. ☑ Visit an escape room

92. ☑ Go on a hike (an American hike, not a Japanese "hike")

93. ☑ Visit a new matsuri not in my city

94. ☐ Go to an ethical animal cafe

95. ☐ Visit a historical re-enactment

96. ☑ Visit a renfair 

97. ☑ Visit a protest for a cause I am passionate about (education, social justice, etc.)

98. ☑ Visit my cousins

99. ☑ Visit my grandparents that live far away

100. ☑ Bake something new 

101. ☑ Visit Tokyo Disney 

101 Things I'm Truly Thankful For

Completed for the 101 things in 1001 days challenge.

1.  Close relationships with my immediate and extended family.
2.  Loving parents.
3.  My beautiful state.
4.  The promises of the Lord.
5.  The ability and financial means to live an eco-friendly lifestyle.
6.  Having grown up in a godly household.
7.  A house with A/C.
8.  Clean, delicious water and ice available anytime.
9.  Showers.
10.  The ability to own a physical and digital copy of the bible, legally.
11.  And the ability to worship freely whenever and wherever I want.
12.  Free speech.
13.  My ability to find the positive in everything.
14.  Siblings who I actually get along with and love to hang out with.
15.  The fact that I was actually able to afford a good college education without going into ridiculous amounts of debt.
16.  Being in relatively good health.
17.  Being able to control my hypoglycemia without medicine.
18.  My amazing church family.
19.  My amazing worship team family.
20.  Access to the internet.
21.  Two of the best, godliest, friends on planet earth.
22.  A car that runs and has A/C for the hot summer days.
23.  Having just enough financial aid money left over to cover my summer class.
24.  Finding a career path that actually interests and excites me.
25.  Living near enough to visit so many beautiful state parks.
26.  My mom's laughter.
27.  My dad's hugs.
28.  When strangers smile or compliment me.
29.  Making new friends.
30.  The first day of Spring after a long winter.
31.  When people go out of their way to make vegetarian meals for me.
32.  People who pay attention to what makes you happy, and listen when you talk about those things.
33.  A kitty who always knows when I need a snuggle.
34.  The amazing feeling that hearing "America the Beautiful" gives me.
35.  Pulling an earbud out while playing on worship team, and hearing all of the individual voices praising the Lord.
36.  Being able to teach piano to such amazingly sweet students, and calling it my job.
37.  Sitting in rays of sunshine.
38.  Yoga. Because it makes exercising tolerable.
39.  Local festivals in my state.
40.  People who respect my choice to stay single.
41.  That I was able to be homeschooled all through high school.
42.  Small, local restaurants.
43.  Pen-pals in other countries.
44.  People who listen to God's movings, and tell you just the right word from him at the right time.
45.  When lots of little experiences, good and bad, all fall into place and you can see the bigger picture.
46.  That I live in a time where I can accomplish anything as a women, and that I am respected and have equal rights and opportunities.
47.  Inserts that help my feet not be so incredibly flat.
48.  All of the experiences I've had that have helped me learn who I am.
49.  The fact that the Lord loves joy and laughter as much as I do.
50.  Silent summer mornings on the lake.
51.  Clean, country air.
52. The thick fog I drove through on the way to my old job in the mornings.
53.  The smoky mountains.
54.  Essential Oils.
55.  Zero-waste, and green options for everyday things.
56.  Looking up at starry skies while camping.
57.  My amazing clogging group that has become like a second family.
58.  A beautiful guitar that sounds amazing and fits my awkward torso.
59.  Our local farmers market.
60.  My amazing clogging instructors.
61. The fact that said amazing instructors let me borrow their banjo so I can learn to play.
62.  Music streaming services (spotify) for allowing me to enjoy all of my favorite music without breaking my bank.
63.  Low gas and food prices in my area.
64.  Rainy days.
65.  Prayer warriors.
66.  Libraries.
67.  Health food stores.
68.  Being able to take a trip to Disney World with my whole family.
69.  Having resources to learn Japanese readily available.
70.  The fact that my dad made me take piano lessons since I was young, and wouldn't let me quit, even when I was bored with it.
71.  Christmas traditions with my family.
72.  Finding minimalism.
73.  Finding Mori Kei.
74.  Having been able to know both my Great Grandmother, and my Great Grandfather.
75.  Having both sets of Grandparents in my life.
76.  The fact that horses exist.
77.  The fact that I don't have allergies.
78.  Singing in harmony with my brothers.
79.  Listening to my brothers record music for their youtube channel, Revolution Harmonics, or practicing music in general. They're all very talented.
80.  Watching my parents make goo-goo eyes at each other. They're precious.
81.  Getting conformation from God about things I've prayed for.
82.  The fact that I've almost completely grown out of my asthma.
83.  For growing up as a child not attached to technology 24/7, but also being allowed to play video games. That balance is important folks.
84.  Being able to think things through logically, and not just believing what the popular idea of the moment is.
85.  My adorable little cousins.
86.  The fact that said cousins live close enough to visit more than once a year.
87.  My gift of discernment.
88.  That I was able to overcome my fear of needles.
89.  Local parks, museums, and old houses full of history.
90.  Really any bit of old history that has survived to today.
91.  The fact that my parents taught me the importance of being smart with your money.
92.  Asian Markets.
93.  When friends trust me enough to tell me what's really going on in their lives.
94.  People who respect the fact that I am not tethered to my phone, and don't bug me about answering texts.
95.  Toddlers, and their precious honesty.
96.  The sound of a babbling creek.
97.  Being able to help strangers.
98.  Having strangers help me in return.
99.  The fact that my mom taught me how to make a prayer journal.
100.  Growing up always having enough to live comfortably. No matter how much we had to pinch pennies.
101.  Being able to come up with this many things to be thankful for. I'm beyond blessed.

50 Things I Like About Myself

For the 101 things in 1001 days challenge. Keep in mind that all of these things came from God, and I am beyond grateful for them. They are gifts I have been given, and I will appreciate them as such.

1.  My multicolored eyes
2.  My eyelashes
3.  My sense of humor
4.  My lack of overwhelming emotions
5.  My ability to think clearly in crisis
6.  My wisdom
7.  My musical ability
8.  My knowledge
9.  My ability to learn
10.  My discernment in spiritual situations
11.  My ability to hear god's voice
12.  My natural hair color
13.  My ability to pick up new concepts quickly
14.  My ability to say no if needed
15.  My willingness to push through in school
16.  My ability to (finally) conquer my irrational fear of needles
17.  My smile
18.  My cheekbones (my best friend says they're good enough to join the BBC cheekbone club, but I'm not so sure about that lol)
19.  My piano fingers
20.  My eyebrows (they look good without plucking. Boom.)
21.  My artistic talent
22.  My empathy
23.  My sympathy
24.  My strong convictions
25.  The fact that I really care about the environment
26.  The fact that I truly know myself
27.  My joy
28.  My love of learning the truth
29.  My love of research
30.  My waist
31.  My personality type (INFJ)
32.  The fact that I don't let my flaws get me down
33.  My love of public speaking
34.  The fact that I can embrace my uniqueness
35.  The fact that I am a good listener
36.  My ability to be quiet with myself
37.  The fact that I'm content with being single
38.  My passion for helping other people learn the truth
39.  The fact that I can be feminine but still do "tomboy" things at the same time (like climbing trees in a skirt)
40.  My positivity
41.  My mercy
42.  My lips
43.  My peekaboo shaved haircut
44.  The fact that I'm not afraid to take reasonable risks (but stupid things are out, like taking selfies  while hanging off a bridge, because that's just ridiculous)
45.  My ability to say no to things I don't want to do
46.  My ability to tell when something is wrong with someone
47.  My passion for fostering unity
48. My ability to find the good in any situation
49.  The fact that peer pressure doesn't interest or effect me
50.  My ability to love myself enough to come up with 50 positive things about myself

101 Things That Make Me Happy

For the 101 things in 1001 days challenge. I have a lot more things I can think of, but here is a good chunk of things I enjoy.

1.  Vintage books
2.  Rain
3.  Tea
4.  Playing the banjo
5.  Copic Markers
6.  Sumi-e paintings
7.  Anything lilac colored
8.  Playing piano
9.  Brooks and streams
10.  Lace
11.  Head-banging to heavy metal in the car (like Babymetal, Thousand Foot Krutch, and classic Flyleaf)
12.  Clogging
13.  Forests
14.  Embroidery
15.  Daisies
16.  Mori fashion
17.  My best friends
18.  Learning random and new facts just for fun
19.  Having a deep knowledge on something
20.  Worship nights at our church
21.  Studying God's word
22.  Watercolors
23.  Speaking a Japanese sentence fluently on the first try
24.  Hiking on rough paths
25.  Harp music (such as Christy-Lyn)
26.  My merlin
27.  Baby's breath flowers
28.  Popoyans!
29.  Playing on worship team
30.  Writing just for fun
31.  Visiting new places
32.  Plum Blossoms
33.  Advice from friends
34.  Sunshine
35.  Doodle Date
36.  Cuddles with my kitty
37.  Receiving letters from penpals
38.  Being trusted
39.  Random acts of God
40.  Sharing smiles with strangers
41.  Sweaters that I can hide my hands in
42.  Little gifts from friends
43.  Fast dance routines
44.  A clean, minimalist space
45.  Hard ice cream
46.  Compliments from strangers
47.  Days spent all by myself doing nothing
48.  Feeling Jesus's presence
49.  Celtic Woman
50.  Campfires
51.  Fluffy clouds reflecting the colors of the sunset
52.  Chill electronic music (like the album "I Am Mountain" by Gungor)
53.  Checking items off of a list
54.  Having long hair
55.  The colors of fall
56.  Small hole-in-the-wall restaurants
57.  Fairy gardens
58.  Mermaids
59.  Museums of any kind or size
60.  Going barefoot
61.  Opening the windows to air out a room
62.  My little dog buddy, Sammy
63.  Our natural beehive that's in an old tree near our house
64.  The Smoky Mountains
65.  Bad puns
66.  Camping with the family
67.  White sundresses
68.  Classic literature (like Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier)
69.  Bad Kid Jokes
70.  When my students get a new concept, and we get to celebrate their success together
71.  Thin Mint Girl Scout cookies
72.  Homemade pumpkin bread
73.  Fields of wild mustard
74.  Seeing full rainbows stretch across the entire sky
75.  Good sushi 
76.  Worn out Classic Toms
77.  Flea markets and thrift stores
78.  When a bible is filled with highlights and notes, and is falling apart 
79.  Listening to the crazy things little kids come up with
80.  Swingsets
81.  Baking Christmas cookies with my mom
82.  Jean Ritchie
83.  Playing music for, and singing along with, people at the nursing homes
84.  Aquash brushes
85.  The fact that my Grandpa who had a stroke struggles with any type of conversation, but can still say a prayer perfectly every time
86.  Libraries
87.  Sun tea with lots of ice on a hot summer day
88.  Finished sketchbooks
89.  Arglefumph book reviews
90.  Sunrises over a lake
91.  Sketching with people I love
92.  Feedback from my followers on social media (you guys always make my day)
93.  Cursive writing
94.  Seasonal fruits, especially strawberries and watermelon
95.  Candles
96.  Reading the ridiculous things that certain churches in my area come up with for their billboards 
97.  Bubbles
98.  Lemon flavored anything
99.  Looking up at tall things (skyscrapers, tress, etc.) and feeling really small 
100.  Curry (both Indian and Japanese)
101.  When a new friend hugs you for the first time in your friendship

50 Questions To Free Your Mind

(For the 101 things Challenge.)

1.How old would you be if you didn’t know how old you are?

Probably around Eighty. Most of my interests and personality are that of a much older woman, and I've been told I possess wisdom far beyond my years.

2.Which is worse, failing or never trying?

Never trying. When you don't try something, you will always regret that. And regretting something you now can never do is much worse than regretting something that's done and in the past.

3.If life is so short, why do we do so many things we don’t like and like so many things we don’t do?

We do so many things we don't like, because society pushes it upon us. We are considered "weird" if we don't. And we like so many things we don't do, often because we have never actually tried them. There is a preconceived "I like this" when we don't really know if we do or do not.

4.When it’s all said and done, will you have said more than you’ve done?

There really is no way to tell, but I hope not. I suppose to some extent I will have.

5.What is the one thing you’d most like to change about the world?

People often speak, but rarely do they listen. It's hard to intelligently discuss issues with people, because they are too full of their own opinions to listen to anything you have to say, and your reasoning behind it. Sometimes I am guilty of this as well, but I try my hardest not to be.

6.If happiness was the national currency, what kind of work would make you rich?

A museum curator, or a worship leader, or a Japanese teacher, or anything where I get to share my passions with people, help people cultivate their own passions, or lead others to knowing God.

7.Are you doing what you believe in, or are you settling for what you are doing?

I'm settling right now I suppose. All of my goals are things that I'll be doing after college, so right now I'm setting the stage for doing what I believe in.

8.If the average human life span was 40 years, how would you live your life differently?

I would be skipping college, and finding another way to pursue my plans.

9.To what degree have you actually controlled the course your life has taken?

Very little. And I think that anyone who thinks they actually have any control on where their life is heading are living in a fantasy world. But, what you do have control of are your actions, and how you perceive what is thrown at you in life.

10.Are you more worried about doing things right, or doing the right things?

Doing the right thing.

11.You’re having lunch with three people you respect and admire. They all start criticizing a close friend of yours, not knowing she is your friend. The criticism is distasteful and unjustified. What do you do?

I would probably first try to steer them away from the conversation first, and tell them not to gossip. If they continued, I'd tell them I was friends with the person, and ask them to stop. And if that didn't work, then I'd find some new friends.

12.If you could offer a newborn child only one piece of advice, what would it be?

Be confident in yourself. The world will try to tell you all the things that are wrong with you, and try to mold you into something that is pleasing to them, but that's not who God made you to be. You are you for a reason. Embrace that, and love yourself.

13.Would you break the law to save a loved one?

This is entirely dependent on what kind of law. Like, if the loved one did something stupid, and is now in trouble with the law, no way. They need to face the consequences. But if the law is something small, like say trespassing or something, I would probably consider it.

14.Have you ever seen insanity where you later saw creativity?

When I was younger I thought that all kinds of depressing things were strange. Now I find them strangely beautiful and inspiring for the most part.

15.What’s something you know you do differently than most people?

I think differently than other people. I always look at things logically and weigh the options, but I also rely on faith. It's kind of a 50-50, whereas most people I know rely on one or the other, and usually can't even comprehend what it means to think from the other side.

16. How come the things that make you happy don’t make everyone happy?

Because we are all unique and distinct people who don't have to think the same. (That sounds kind of condescending or something, but it's the truth ^^;)

17.What one thing have you not done that you really want to do? What’s holding you back?

I want to go to Japan. Finances and circumstances are holding me back, but I'm trying to push through them.

18.Are you holding onto something you need to let go of?

Embarrassment, and shame. I'm not sure how to let them go.

19.If you had to move to a state or country besides the one you currently live in, where would you move and why?

For a state, I'd probably move to Tennessee. It's so beautiful there, and the people seemed very friendly. For a country, I'd move to Japan. I've loved Japan since I was very young. Their food, culture, people, all of it is just so wonderful. Granted, they're not perfect, but in this crazy world, I feel like Japan would be a pretty peaceful and great place to live.

20.Do you push the elevator button more than once? Do you really believe it makes the elevator faster?

I have never pushed the button more than once. I didn't even know people did that. Why would you?

21.Would you rather be a worried genius or a joyful simpleton?

Joyful simpleton. I'm a worried genius half of the time, but when I am joyful I am so much happier. I'd take joy over knowledge any day.

22.Why are you, you?

Because that's how God made me to be. I feel like if you're not a Christian this would lead to a weird headspace where you question all of life and the universe and all that stuff. But for me, it's really a simple question.

23.Have you been the kind of friend you want as a friend?

Most of the time, yes. Which can be a bit frustrating when that type of friendship isn't returned.

24.Which is worse, when a good friend moves away, or losing touch with a good friend who lives right near you?

Losing touch. You can always find ways to keep contact when someone moves away, but it's often impossible to repair a friendship that's dissolved.

25.What are you most grateful for?

Being born into a loving family. I feel like because my family was so stable, that's why I myself have been very stable. I'm very grateful for that.

26.Would you rather lose all of your old memories, or never be able to make new ones?

I would rather lose all of my old memories. I've had a pretty good past, but I think that there are some memories I'd rather forget, and I feel like the people around me are good enough to help catch me up on who I was and would help me move on to making better memories than I had before.

27.Is is possible to know the truth without challenging it first?

I think that it is, but I think that true blind faith is a lot harder to come by. For most people, me included, questioning things is a natural part of life. And I don't think there is anything wrong with that. Christians freak out when people talk about questioning their faith, but all the times I've questioned my faith have led me closer to God, and helped me realize that God really is truth. I think it's good to challenge and question everything you believe in, because then when you come to your final conclusion you will hopefully have strong reasons and facts to back it up, which can help you stay strong when other people begin to question you on why you believe what you believe.

28.Has your greatest fear ever come true?

No. And I hope that it never does...

29.Do you remember that time 5 years ago when you were extremely upset? Does it really matter now?

I've never really been that upset in my life, so no. 

30.What is your happiest childhood memory? What makes it so special?

I think my happiest childhood memory is playing with my parents when I was 6 or so. I'm not quite sure why that memory is so special, we were just playing with my toys like usual, but I remember it fondly.

31.At what time in your recent past have you felt most passionate and alive?

Probably church camp 2015. I really had a chance to connect to God, and to pursue my passions. It was a great week, and I'm really grateful for being able to be a part of it.

32.If not now, then when?

No idea really. I'm still trying to figure that one out...

33.If you haven’t achieved it yet, what do you have to lose?

Nothing I suppose. But that doesn't stop me from fretting over the outcome anyways.

34.Have you ever been with someone, said nothing, and walked away feeling like you just had the best conversation ever?

Sometimes I feel that way when I'm with my best friends. We can just sit and silence, and it still feels like we're hanging out.

35.Why do religions that support love cause so many wars?

Because we live in a fallen world with people who are broken. And those broken people can make good decisions, or bad decisions. And many of them happen to be a part of religion. But really, there are many people not in religions who are the same.

36.Is it possible to know, without a doubt, what is good and what is evil?

I think with some things it's very clear, because God wrote it down in the bible for us. But for a lot of things, I think God leaves it up to us. I do think that he'll let us know if something is good or evil if we ask, but I also think that sometimes he let's us figure it out for ourselves, so that we can see how great our faith really is.

37.If you just won a million dollars, would you quit your job?

I'm not sure yet, as I'm still in university, but hopefully the job I have will be something I enjoy, so that I will want to come back each day not for the money, but for myself.

38.Would you rather have less work to do, or more work you actually enjoy doing?

Less work. Too much work, even if I like it, sends my anxiety through the roof. Mainly because I'm a perfectionist, and I feel like I have to give everything 100%. 

39.Do you feel like you’ve lived this day a hundred times before?

No. Even when my days are average and nothing exciting happens, I still feel like each day is different from the last. I've never felt like any day was a repeat of another.

40.When was the last time you marched into the dark with only the soft glow of an idea you strongly believed in?

I feel like I do that everyday. I have no idea what I really and truly want to do with my life, other than that I want to go to Japan. So I take every day as it comes, and I try my best to make my way in the world.

41.If you knew that everyone you know was going to die tomorrow, who would you visit today?

My grandparents, my two best friends, and my pastors. I'd also probably go out and witness on the streets, and try to serve everyone I can.

42.Would you be willing to reduce your life expectancy by 10 years to become extremely attractive or famous?

No. Being famous is a hassle in my opinion. Someone is always judging and watching everything you do when you're famous, you can't go out on your own, and you can't live a normal life. And being extremely attractive would bring catcalling, and people hitting on me, which as an asexual, sounds like a nightmare. So no. I'll keep my 10 years, and live a happy long life as an average human being.

43.What is the difference between being alive and truly living?

I feel like this is a cliche answer, but basically being alive is just going through the day to day movements, and truly living is doing what you really want to do and what makes you happy.

44.When is it time to stop calculating risk and rewards, and just go ahead and do what you know is right?

I'm really not sure. I'm still trying to figure that out. But I feel like if it isn't going to cause you or others harm of any kind, and if you've really thought about it, most of the time you should go ahead and do it.

45.If we learn from our mistakes, why are we always so afraid to make a mistake?

Oh dear, don't ask me this one. I'm gonna go all teacher on you.... Basically, we are taught that failure means the end. That if you fail, then you're not good at something, and you move on to something else. And even if people tell you later in life that you learn from failures, that original idea is ingrained in your head. Instead, you should look at failure as a spring board. Think of it as the first trial in an experiment.

46.What would you do differently if you knew nobody would judge you?

I wouldn't sugar coat my words, or worry about offending anyone. I'd go everywhere in full on mori girl coordinates; the mall, church, hiking, everywhere. I'd share what I was feeling all the time, instead of catering to others.

47.When was the last time you noticed the sound of your own breathing?

I usually notice at least once a month. Is that weird? It usually is fueled by existential crises where I suddenly realize how weird it is to be alive...

48.What do you love? Have any of your recent actions openly expressed this love?

I don't know really. I love my family and friends, and I tell them so and show it by doing things for them and with them. I love Jesus, but I feel like I don't show this enough. I love lots of other little things, but I keep those to myself unless asked usually.

49.In 5 years from now, will you remember what you did yesterday? What about the day before that? Or the day before that?

Probably not. I only remember the feelings of things I did. Kind of like each season of my life had a feeling. But I hardly remember the mundane.

50.Decisions are being made right now. The question is: Are you making them for yourself, or are you letting others make them for you?

A little of both. I think it's just because of the stage of life I'm in. An adult, but not yet on my own.

101 Things in 1001 Days (New List)

I've just recently finished my first 101 things and 1001 days list. I liked it so much I decided to do a new one! I've added some of the points I didn't finish last time, and created many new ones. Hopefully I can finish this one completely!

Dates: September 12, 2015 to June 9, 2018
82 completed, 6 to go.

Finished
In Process

1. Learn to play the banjo at a fast pace
2. Be a vegan for a week Abandoned. I'm already vegetarian full time, and I really have no drive or motivation to go vegan, so I'm not going to push myself to do so at this time. Maybe when I move out on my own, I might try it for a bit, but right now it just isn't feasible.
3. Record some of my original music It's not polished recordings, but I've documented them nonetheless so that I can remember them, which is good enough for me.
4. Go backpacking Abandoned. Just isn't feasible at this point in my life. Maybe later.
5. Read the entire Bible
6. Complete 5 pages in a coloring book
7. Purchase a Instax mini
8. Read a book in another language
9. Knit a scarf
10. Write a poem
11. Donate 50 things I don't use or need to charities
12. Pay for the meal of someone behind me at a drive through
13. Leave ten sticky notes with bible verses in public bathrooms I ended up doing encouraging quotes instead at my school. I still want to do the bible verses later on though.
14. Purchase a good camera Abandoned. I wouldn't really use one, and my family has good cameras I can borrow if need be.
15. Donate to a charity
16. Go Geochaching
17. Lose my disney weight Done! I've lost over 12 pounds so far, and still counting! I'm finally feeling healthy again :)
18. Take a technology break
19. Try to take a hike/walk once a week for 2 months Abandoned. I've started just working out every day, and doing what I feel like that day.
20. Go horseback riding
21. Play hooky from life and spend a day alone to do some soul-searching
22. Learn to flatfoot
23. Exercise for 15 days straight
24. Create a new clogging routine.
25. Complete "50 Questions That Will Free Your Mind"
26. Vote
27. Complete a puzzle
28. Write an "If anything happens to me" letter
29. See Into The Woods, and/or Ragtime live (or any musical really)
30. Write a list of 50 things I like about myself
31. Write my bad memories on paper and burn them
32. Make a daisy chain
33. Miminalize my closet again
34. Go to a museum 7 times
35. Make a comic strip
36. Go on a bike ride during the spring
37. Learn to crochet Abandoned. Giving this one up, it's just not the craft for me. I'm sticking to knitting.
38. Go on a picnic
39. Send an anonymous letter of encouragement to someone I don't know very well
40. Create my own cookbook Abandoned. I just use Pinterest...
41. Write a short story at least 10,000 words Note: Participated in NaNoWriMo 2015, and far surpassed this goal!
42. Fly a kite
43. Visit the old cemetery with the Civil War graves and pay respects
44. Learn to work with dip pen and ink
45. Take a career assessment test Abandoned. No need. I'm in university and excited about what I'm doing.
46. Identify 5 constellations
47. Finish my Toastmaster's manual
48. Finish my Toastmaster's leadership manual Abandoned. With school and such I don't really have time to work on this.
49. Journal with my bible study every day for a month
50. Start a journal dedicated to prayer
51. Grow plants in my room
52. Send someone a care package
53. For one month, buy nothing new
54. Take a road trip
55. Fly on a plane
56. Decorate with fairy lights
57. Visit somewhere scenic and paint what I see
58. Design and sew a plush toy or doll
59. Visit a ghost town
60. Ride my bike on a trip
61. Keep my nails painted for 1 week
62. Visit 5 new states or towns 
63. Buy a laptop sticker
64. Write a list of 101 things I am truly thankful for
65. Write a list of 101 things that make me happy
66. Visit 10 new cities
67. Relearn the Japanese I've forgotten
68. Go on a day trip alone or with only one person
69. Learn some of the traditional advanced clogging fundamentals
70. Finish filling my jar with paper stars
71. Catch up on the books I never finished
72. Read at least 5 more Shakespeare plays Abandoned. I actually thought I'd have time for this during college. How cute.
73. See a live play
74. Learn enough Elvish to make simple sentences
75. Memorize at least 10 scriptures
76. Make a new friend
77. Buy a good jump rope and skip once a week for a month Abandoned. For the same reasons as the walking point.
78. Write a new song
79. Start volunteering regularly again Abandoned. I'm way overwhelmed with school and work and other commitments, so I don't have the time right now to volunteer regularly. I volunteer here and there when I can, and I help out with church stuff instead.
80. Wear a full on Mori Girl coord in public for no specific reason
81. Finish the Mori Challenge
82. Celebrate a Japanese holiday with traditional food, and traditional activities
83. Do a split
84. Sell all of my old Mori items on the Mori Flea Market page Abandoned. Donated them instead.
85. Take someone out for lunch or dinner, and pay for their meal
86. Create a fairy garden
87. Find a creative way to display some of my favorite scriptures
88. Finish watching all the episodes of Merlin I skipped
89. Post 5 times a month for two months on my Mori Blog
90. Listen to a podcast a day for a month  Abandoned. I didn't end up liking podcasts as much as I thought I would. They take up too much memory on my iPod...
91. Host a giveaway
92. Go horseback riding again
93. Buy some fandom merch (Gravity Falls, LOTR, K-on, etc)
94. Wear full on Mori coords every day for a week. (No pants, or one layered outfits!)
95. Make a zero waste kit for my car
96. Be intentional about taking a sabbath every week for a month
97. Start making my wardrobe into only what I love and need
98. Find my dream rucksack
99. Teach my friends Squirt
100. Play a full game of Catan with my family
101. Finish a Zelda game Counting this as done. I was able to do everything except the final boss, before I had to return the game to my friend.

101 Things In 1001 Days

(This post was originally posted on I don't know much but I'm learning, but I'm posting it here as well.)

I have recently decided to create a list of things I need to do, kind of like a bucket list. But I couldn't think of a good way to start one. But I've finally discovered one; 101 things in 1001 days! I doubt that every single one of these will get done, but I am going to try my hardest! よし！がんばります！

Start Date: December 31st, 2012

End Date:  August 26th, 2015

9 left to go.
1.Get an Ipod touch.
2.Don't leave the house without a hat or headpiece for two weeks.
3.Get a firm Tummy (aka Get rid of my flab).
4.Draw 10 portraits of real persons. 10/10
5.Make a daisy chain.
6.Manage at least one pull-up.
7.Buy 10 nice teas for tea parties. 
8.Host a Tea Party.
9.Go outside for one hour a day for at least a month.
10. Gift something handmade.
11.Go to a museum at least 12 times. 5/12
12.Create a herbarium. Abandoned. Created a fairy garden instead
13.Learn a new instrument.
14.Grow a little herb garden on the window sill or a decent one in the garden.
15.Get a job.
16.Write a children’s storybook and illustrate it. Write/Draw
17.Wear a planned outfit at least once a week for a month and draw it.  Abandoned. Not Practical.
18.Buy three pairs of nice tights.
19.Take a sketchbook to a public place and draw.
20.Cook or bake something unknown once a month for 3 months.
21.Visit an antiques & oddities market. 
22.Make candles.
23.Get the tips of my hair cut.
24.Make a to-read classics list and read at least half of it. 15/29
25.Make soap. Abandoned. Buying natural soup
26.Learn 15 cool quotes by heart.
27.Buy a hat.
28.Learn to swing dance.
29.Buy a Lolita dress or skirt.
30.Get a proper robe. Abandoned. 
31.Go ice skating.
32.Go to the theatre.
33.Learn to paint with watercolor.
34.Find a pen pal (snail-mail). I have seven Mori Girl pen-pals now!
35.Find 10 nice everyday hair-dos.
36.Go to a festival.
37.Organize my clothes.
38.Search though all my clothing and just keep what I truly love.
39.Have a princess day once a month
40.Eat only self-made sweets for a month. I stretched this out, and ate mostly homemade sweets over a few months instead.
41.Use my typewriter at all possible times for a month. Abandoned. My typewriter is vintage, and the ink replacement would be rather expensive.
42.Learn to flatfoot.
42.Learn to knit.
43.Sew at least two small projects.
44.Climb a tree and take a picture of the view.
45.Watch the sunrise and sunset in the same day.
46.Don’t complain about anything for a week.
47.Buy something from a Mori brand (Preferably Wonder Rocket). (Reviewed it here.)
48.Buy something from Etsy/Store envy.
49.Learn to decorate a cake.
50.Go on a picnic.
51.Send anonymous flowers to someone I don't know very well.
52.Write a letter to myself to be opened when the 1001 days are over.
53.Inspire someone else to write a 101 in 1001 list of their own.
54.Go to a drive-in movie theater. Abandoned. I've been to a regular movie theater several times instead, which I don't normally do.
55.Wear Lolita (or something equally as out there) in a busy public place.
56. Lean some kind of calligraphy.
57.Make my own bento.
58.Send 10 handwritten letters to friends and family.
59.Drink eight glasses of water every day for at least one week.
60.Make an address book with contact information for family and friends.
61.Spend a day with each of siblings doing what they want, paid for by me. Abandoned. Took my brother out to an expensive lunch instead. Also, I have no money... So that's a thing...
62.Perfect my Japanese enough to listen to a song/show and sort of understand what they're saying.
63.Throw a surprise party for a friend.
64.Perfect and memorize at least one hard piano piece.
65.Watch all of the New Doctor Who episodes.
66.Succeed in giving up something for lent.
67.Bike or walk somewhere in town.
68.Learn the names of every country, and identify them on a map. Abandoned.
69.Learn how to take decent pictures with my camera.
70.Start using Instagram.
71.Make a list of the 50 songs I could listen to forever.
72.Take a photo of the same place every month for year and then turn it into a calendar for the next year. Abandoned
73.Try Yoga.
74.Attend and/or throw a costume party.
75.Ask friends to name one favourite music album they think I should listen to, and then listen to all the recommendations I get.
76.Ask friends to name one movie they think I need to watch, and then watch all the recommendations I get. Abandoned. I really don't like movies...
77.Eat some real Sushi with crab in it, or just try crab in general. 
78.Try 5 new foods in a month.
79.Say ‘no’ to 5 things I don’t want to do, but would normally agree to in order to keep the peace.
80.Create my own comic (either a few pages, or a series).
81.Read a biography all the way through.
82.Write a short story at least 10,000 words.
83.See Celtic Woman in concert. 
84.Fly a kite.
85.Listen to all country for one day.
86.Attend a church service of a different denomination.
87.Celebrate a foreign holiday of some sort.
88.Leave a note inside of a library book for someone to find.
89.Get a Polaroid camera.
90.Have a list of all of my friends birthdays, and send them happy birthday letters. Abandoned. Instead I write them letters at birthday parties.
91.Take pictures with friends in a photo booth. Abandoned. There are no photo booths in my area.
92.Set my answering machine to something in Japanese. Abandoned. I'm not sure what I was thinking, because no-one would be able to understand it.
93.Sleep out under the stars. (My parents are super against this, but I did go tent camping recently and spent a lot of time out doors in the night so I'm counting that.)
94.Finish my collection of Trixie Belden Books. (I have as many as I have been able to find, excluding a few rare ones that are almost non-existent)
95.Learn, and use, a new word a month for 3 months.
96.Sit and watch 10 movies without doing anything else. 10/10
97.Watch the Lord of the Rings trilogy all the way through.
98.Re-read the Chronicles of Narnia.
99.Go berry picking Abandoned. My grandparents berry bushes had to be removed.
100.Consciously Stop saying ‘yeah’ and ‘like’ for 1 week
101.Write a new list!

I will update every time I finish one. Here's hoping for the best in the coming year and beyond!