Writing a blog entry every day for a month

It’s easier said than done…I had to search a bit for topics, and sometimes all I ‘wrote’ were links with a few comments. But all I wanted to do was have a blog entry. I didn’t have a word limit, so as long as something was written (other than the text for the link), it counted.

See more progress on: blog every day for one month.

How to learn how to play piano

"One of my proudest accomplishments"

How I did it: I essentially taught myself, with help from my grandmother and friends who played the piano.

I started on my grandmother's organ when I was in about second grade. My family is very musical so I already knew how to read a score. In fourth grade, I began playing the clarinet, so I took my knowledge of music from that and transposed it to the piano. I always wanted lessons, but my family didn't get a piano until I was in college, so I remained self-taught, using the keyboard my grandparents bought me.

Lessons & tips: This is NOT how I'd recommend learning--I would've loved to take actual lessons--but it's how I did it. I can play most things I want to play, and, since I'm also a vocalist, it's essential that I know how to play at least basic accompaniment for when I'm practicing or learning a new piece.

Resources: My family; knowing how to play another instrument already; a desire to learn.

It took me 4 years.

It made me

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How to read the Iliad

(Note: this is another in a series of posts from 43 Things) 


"Worth reading but time consuming"

How I did it: I was an English major in college, so reading the Iliad should've been something I did back then, but it wasn't. We read excerpts. So I decided to read the whole thing. It took me six months because I kept dipping in and out of it. But once I decided to really FINISH it, it took me about three days.


Lessons & tips: If you don't have any background in Greek mythology, it might be helpful to do some preliminary research, or get a copy with good notes, so you know who's who. I took a class on mythology and still found myself making family trees, etc. and notating in the margins.

Resources: I used the Robert Fagles Iliad, from Penguin classics. If you read this one, it really helps to be familiar with the Greek pantheon before you begin.

Also, a desire to FINISH is very helpful. It can be one of those big books that just sits around half-read if you don't really plow through it.

It took me 5 months.

It made me

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I want to get a double lung transplant asap *--43 things note

Note: This is an entry I wrote for the "43 Things" site, where people list goals they have for life, the upcoming year, etc. This is someone's goal for this year, and I wrote about my experience. 


"The best experience of my life. "

How I did it: I was listed for a double lung transplant in May of 2005 after an evaluation at Nationwide Children's Hospital the previous March. I was twenty-three years old. I received my transplant on July 11, 2005.

How I did it isn't really relevant for transplant--you get listed, and you wait!

Lessons & tips: Be patient. It's so hard...I am the most impatient person in history. But you'll drive yourself crazy waiting for the phone to ring. Try to live as best you can without over thinking things. The call will come when it comes, and you can't hurry that.

A good support system is crucial--friends, family, etc. You need to be able to discuss important things and you need people that will help you pre and post surgery with the medical and PT regiments.

Resources: I had a great transplant coordinator, and good friends and family support, so I was able to talk to a lot of people.

It took me 40 days.

It made me SOOO happy!

See more progress on: I want to get a double lung transplant asap