It's Time For An Epic Quest

If you read my last post, you'll know that I recently overcame the thorny Stay-At-Home obstacle that is known as scheduling. It's been a week, and I'm happy to report that things are still rolling very smoothly.

So, in honor of my recent dive into the (mostly) relaxed, I've decided to compile a list of things that I'd like to start doing or learn how to do. If you have any experience in any of the following, please let me know how to conquer this shiz!

It's on like Donkey Kong.

#1) Learn how to cook seafood. Fish, in particular. While I definitely cook my share of heart-attack-on-a-plate style dishes, I also like to do healthy stuff too, and would love to be able to whip out a delicious fish dish. The grocery store down the street just opened this huge new seafood section connected to the meat counter, and it is always loaded with things that catch my eye: potato crusted cod, crab legs, scallops, shrimp....I WANT IN ON THAT.

#2) Fix my library card situation. See, I'm embarrassed to admit that even though there was a drop off box within walking distance of my apartment at the time, I one time kept like ten books a few weeks past their due dates at the library. When I went in to assess the damage, the lady at the counter told me that my late fees were sixty bucks. SIXTY BUCKS. And at a time when sixty bucks is really more like a thousand bucks, I knew I had no chance. I've been without a library card ever since and it's beginning to be a problem. I need to fix that, ASAP. I wonder if overdue fees expire? I wish.

#3) Read a wide range of genres. This situation is pretty much tied to the one above. While I love YA, I'm also a huge fan of adult horror and chick lit. (If you haven't read Jemima J....PLEASE GO DO SO IMMEDIATELY KTHXBAI.) Sadly, my exposure to said genres has been squelched lately. GAAAH I NEED A LIBRARY CARD AGAIN.

#4) Cook Julia Child's beef bourgogne. I heard so much smack talk about the movie Julie and Julia, but I have to go ahead and say that I freakin' loved it. While I didn't love the sound of many of the recipes, the beef bourgogne had my mouth watering every time. It's official...that shiz needs to be filling my house with its warm aroma-y goodness. Like, NOW.

#5) Subscribe to, and read religiously, a really cool magazine. Or two, or three, or four. We used to get Game Informer, and I miss it ever so. But it's so easy to forget just HOW many kick ass magazines there are out there, on any topic that you could ever want. I even hear there are short story magazines. UM, WHAT? I know, I'm a writer, I should know this stuff, but I've never read such a magazine and I'd love to. I'd also like to get into a cooking magazine, a family magazine (extra cheesy, please), a home design magazine, a science magazine, a music and entertainment magazine, or anything else that is exciting. Tell me about your faves!

#6) Start collecting ALL the Disney classics. I mean, how could I deprive my little Squidling the joy of The Little Mermaid? Or Beauty and the Beast? Or Lady and the Tramp? Or Sword in the Stone? Okay, I should probably stop listing them or I will go on forever. OR SLEEPING BEAUTY!!?!?!?!?!?!?!? Okay last one I swear. But you get the picture. I'm totally going to go embarrassingly all out the first time Lily watches these. I'm going to make themed snacks and it's gonna be sleepover in the living room style. I. CAN'T. WAIT.

#7) Explore the world with Squidling. Have you guys ever heard of Jerome? It's here in Arizona, only about an hour away from where I live. It's this amazing, cute little town tucked into a mountain. There's a few restaurants, but my fave is the Haunted Hamburger, where you can get a burger with bacon, fried onions and mushrooms, green chili, etc. There are tons of AMAZING shops, but I can't wait to show Lily the kaleidoscope shop. It's just what it sounds like, and you can test them all out, and there are some really fucking hardcore kaleidoscopes out there. There's also this playground in the middle of town with a really tall slide, some swings, etc. It's probably the best place ever to take day trips, and I can't wait for her to experience it.


8) Dye my hair jet black. (And eventually add some neon purple or blue to the bangs.) Don't laugh at me! I've been growing my hair out for over two years now, and it's finally long so now it's time to act on color. Plus, I have a major grey hair problem. It started when I was seventeen (SEVENTEEN. Seriously. WTF) but at the time it was just a few here and there. It's now to the point where action needs to be taken lest I be mistaken for a grandma. AND I AM NOT EXAGGERATING. DON'T EVEN ACCUSE. My natural color used to be red brown, but it's growing in black now so I just gotta give in and do it already.

Okay, I'll stop at eight at the risk of rambling on forever. But these are the ones that stick out most in my mind. Looking back, they are almost all about food or reading. LOL! Go figure.

Are there any things you want to do in a somewhat short period of time? Got any tips for the goals above?