January 21st: Read “The Art Spirit”

Well, my book reading is off to a great start. I finished “I’m Thinking of Ending Things” and have to say, it was a GREAT, easy and thrilling read.

As I browse through my list of other things to do this year I came upon, “Read ‘The Art Spirit’”. It was actually a book introduced to me by my art teacher back in high school… that I have to admit was 20 years ago 😮 oh how time flies!

I remember being assigned to read certain passages or sections of the book and always felt inspired. But it was high school and I had a seven class work load, so I didn’t often read for pleasure.

The book has been sitting on my bookshelf, untouched, since then!

I often see if and try to remind myself to read it. Many times I think, that book could build some inspiration to be more artistic on a regular basis. Maybe it is just what I need to inspire myself, artistically.

January 17th: Read One Book Every Month this Year

I feel like I have already jumped in to quite a few of the longer term goals I have on the list, which I typically try to hold onto a few for later in the year, but because this is a year long one, I suppose it’s time to jump into this one.

I bought this book today- Im Thinking of Ending Things– never heard of it but it said it was an international best seller, Netflix series and Reader’s Guide Book Club Choice – so it sounds promising.

If anyone out there has any suggestions for books later in the year, I would greatly appreciate it!

March 9th: Write Handwritten Messages to my Nieces and Nephews

Today is my last day in Maui. I know, how depressing. 😬

I hope to carry the positivity and excitement that this trip has brought me through to daily life in Denver and that I can continue on with my list. Sometimes vacations can make it even harder to return back to normal life. Only time will tell.

Today I crossed off a great one on my list. A couple years ago when I added this item to my list, as with many items, I didn’t really know what it would actually be.

But today that question was answered. I wrote postcards to each of my nieces and nephews.

I hope they enjoy a little tidbit from my trip and know that I was thinking about them!

March 8th: Have a Really Good Solo Moment

This is one of those things that happens and I check off but I don’t realize it’s happening or going to happen. I had something else to check off today, but I think this one is more appropriate.

Today is my 7th full day on Maui, and sadly my last. After a long day of beaches, food and napping (I know, sounds awful) I kind of wanted a moment to myself just to breath and take in the week.

The sun had already set but I thought it would be nice to go take in a few moments on the beach.

I won’t go into great detail, because I think a great solo moment, should remain just that, but I will say… it is important that we take moments for ourselves. I think this vacation reminded me that I don’t do that enough for myself and I need to remember to do so. ESPECIALLY when I am not on vacation.

January 27th: Have a Conversation with a Stranger

You would think being a bartender I have a knack for small talk and random conversation with strangers. When I am working that is definitely the case. But when I am not working I often have trouble making small talk. Maybe I am so exhausted from the day in/day out of doing for work that I don’t want to force it in other situations.

The dog park, however, often makes it easy. So today at the park I struck up a conversation with a stranger.

It was actually pretty great. He has a puppy the same age as Bella (my new pup) and an older dog around Mia’s age (my older pup).

I have been having some challenges with them getting along 100% of the time and so does he. So we shared experiences, what has been working and was hasn’t. It was nice and random.

If anyone else out there has advice on helping a new puppy and an older dog get along I would love the input! And a new random conversation with a stranger will be welcomed as well.

January 6th: Eat Breakfast Every Morning for a Week

I know it is something most people do on a regular basis but being a bartender often tends to lead to late nights and late mornings.

The new pup in the house is changing up the daily routine. I am waking up earlier so we can go on walks. I thought this was a perfect time to check this one off the list and hopefully start a new trend to last the year.

I made an egg sandwich this morning.

Fast and delicious. I probably need to go out and buy some other breakfast foods though.

I think, however, this will lead to more afternoon naps. But I’m ok with that because Bella is ready for naps too.

Best of luck to all of you out there still working on resolutions.

This is 2020! January 1st: Get Book Recommendations

Here we go! Excited to kick off 2020 and make a solid attempt to complete my list. Since 2017 I’ve made a list and attempted to complete as many of the 365 things. Once completed I cross them off. As the new year approaches I add new things so my list is full. Sometimes I add back in things I completed because of the way it enriched my life. This being one of them. I love asking for book recommendations and try hard to read at least some of them. So here’s ten that I got today!

  • 48 Laws of Power
  • Talking to Strangers
  • The Rituals
  • Love is a Mixtape
  • Black Hearts
  • The Subtle Art of Not Giving a Fck
  • The Girl Who Drank the Moon
  • Flowers in the Attic Series
  • The Hearts Invisible Furies
  • Where the Crawdads Sing

I already ordered “The Girl Who Drank the Moon” and “The Rituals”! Excited to get them and begin this adventure!

January 14th: Train for Sprint Triathlon

Let’s do this!

I did a Sprint Tri a couple years ago during a time I was really into races. I completed a a bunch of 5ks, a half marathon and a sprint triathlon. Since that Sprint I have not completed a single race and have gained quite a bit of weight.

I just agreed with my friend, Beth, who I did the first Sprint with that we are going to do another one this coming September!

So here we go. I am going to start this 8 Week Sprint Triathlon Training Plan today! Best part is… Monday, the 1st Day is Rest Day, so I already did it… 😂 But tomorrow we go full force!

I plan on doing the 8 week training plan three times before race day. First time: easy and just biking endurance. Second time: increase speed. Third time: get ready for race!

Any suggestions, tips or motivations will be greatly appreciated!

January 1st: Purge One Item Everyday for a Month

Here we go again. Last year was not as good as I would hope but I’m going for… I only marked 60 things off my life… but I’m going for it again. This year I am kicking it off with purging items to declutter my life.

On the 1st I threw away some old boots that I have been holding onto for far too long.

Throughout the month I will continue to throw things out in hopes to clean up my house. They say decluttering brings a sense of peace.

February 6th: Wake Up and Get Going at 8am Everyday for Week

Working in a bar can sometimes create a very late schedule. I often wake up early but lay around trying to soak in some extra lazy hours in the morning. Starting today I vow to wake up at 8am and get out the door doing something.

It is a great week to start this since I just adopted AJ, my sister’s dog. So this morning I was up and on my way to the dog park by 8! We ran around, which I’m sure my dog, Mia, appreciated too.

I look forward to the next 6 days and hope I can keep a trend going from there!

As for the rest of my list I have a lot of catching up to do. Stay tuned and follow me for updates on the last few weeks, I’ll be adding in things that I got done or will be getting done retroactively.

January 17th: Watch a Documentary

Some of you might not believe this but I had, until today, not seen the documentary An Inconvenient Truth.

I do not know how I went this long. It was a great watch but now I guess I have to watch the sequel to see how far we have come or what we have further caused or hindered.

I am still sick today so this was a perfect way to check something off without having to leave my house or really get off the couch. Hopefully tomorrow I will feel better and can do something more interesting!

My inspiration on social media today was:

“And still, after all this time,

The sun never says to the earth,

“You owe Me.”

Look what happens with

A love like that,

It lights the Whole Sky.”

Hafez

January 15th: Post positive affirmations or quotes everyday for a month on social media.

Social media has absolutely changed the way the world works. It is where people get information, share their opinions and thoughts and where so much of culture is formed.

I am on social media all day everyday because I am a Marketing Manager. Over the last year I feel there is so much negativity, bickering and arguments. It is so overwhelming some days.

I thought it would be nice to post affirmations or positive quotes everyday for a month and see how it can change me or change someone else’s day.

Since today is MLK JR Day I thought it would be great to start off with a quote from him. I plan on continuing with different quotes every day until February 15th.

You can find me on facebook at Megan Tutin. Hopefully maybe one of those days can help you feel a little better and less overwhelmed by all the negativity.