Twelve And One to Grow On: 2012 Wrap Up (Because consistency wasn't on my list of things to do)

1. Write 1 chapter per month

COMPLETE. While job hunting after law school I started a novel. You know, because I graduated from law school so there wasn't any guarantee I would get a job. Especially at a university like I wanted. Seems some folks working in higher ed couldn't figure out why I wouldn't rather be ambulance chasing. Ivory tower isn't what it use to be I guess. Anyway, during the entirety of my job search I only managed a prologue and a first chapter. Something about writing cover letters and proofing resumes really sucks the joy out of writing.

I've now written 13 chapters, which means this resolution is, well, in the books. The book is about kids fighting pirates. I'm hoping it will appeal to the Harry Potter crowd so I can buy a beach house. I may have to wait for the movie rights, though. Do authors make any money off books anymore? If so, J.R.R. Tolkien must be making it rain somewhere. Do people make it rain anymore? I'd share it with you, but there's the beach house to think of. Guess you'll have to wait to buy the hard copy.

2. Play all the casino table games at a casino
COMPLETE. See earlier post.

3. Track 1 month of entertainment spending and contribute an equal amount the next month to charity.

COMPLETE. In case you missed it, visit my Light the Night page. I spearheaded fundraising efforts and together we raised over $1300 (plus $100 I handed over to Kelly so she could participate... yeah participation!). The appeal letters I wrote are potentially worth a read. There are monkeys and Catholics and rappers spouting philosophy and sentimentality. Basically everything a good fundraising effort needs. You can find the page here.

4. Attend a non-traditional Vanderbilt sport (other than football, basketball, baseball)
FAIL. I was supposed to help Dwayne Elliott with a Vandy golf tournament, but it was the one weekend that my schedule and Bryen Sackenheim's lined up to work on the house. I didn't help with golf, but I did help put a big hole in the kitchen wall.

5. Go to a new MLB stadium
COMPLETE. St. Louis Cardinals - In pictures. Perhaps with funny or informative captions.

Proof we were actually there. Versus the Pirates. Yeah, not a tough ticket

You want to know how to throw a filthy 55 mph split-finger fastball? Well it starts with warming up the elbow so you don't damage your arm. Here's look at you Chris Carpenter and Adam Wainwright

Here's the wind-up.

And the pitch. Be gone.

Faces so blacked out it's like we're whistleblowers on 20/20.

If St. Louis every runs out of money they could always add a second arch and paint them yellow: "St. Louis, Gateway to the West, brought to you by McDonalds. Duhn-duh-duhn-duh-duh."

6. Find a favorite Nashville brunch for Saturday mornings
COMPLETE. The Southern - In pictures. And informative captions.

Welcome to the Southern in downtown Nashville. There are no cover-bands like the Stage, it's not trailer-park themed like Paradise Park, and you can't sing karaoke underage like on Printer's Alley. Which begs the question?

"Is it really worth that big smile?"

"Indeed it is."

7. Get a wax seal for sending letters
COMPLETE. I will send you a letter sealed in wax by request. I'll just need a name, an address, and the first three words I should use to start the letter.

8. Make home decor from an item purchased at an Army/Navy surplus store
COMPLETE. See prior post.

9. Plan a surprise day trip for Kelly
COMPLETE. Chattanooga, TN - In picture.

Boom.

10. Fly through the air (on something other than an airplane)
FAIL.

11. Start a koozie collection of 24 or more
COMPLETE. Thanks to Darrell Phelps (CeLee's dad), Sara Stacy at Belmont, the ladies who work with Kelly, David Sims, and everyone who forgot their koozie at a tailgate who helped me build the collection. See all 24 below and vote for your favorite using the poll at the very bottom of the web page.

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12. Buy meat from an actual butcher shop
COMPLETE. See prior post.

13. Attend a Renaissance fair
COMPLETE. Somewhere between here and Alabama - In pictures and video.