The End and the Beginning

A year ago I  began the 100 Thing Challenge that ends today, my birthday. I am not a big celebrator of my birthday and wished that I had not picked it as the time to denote the beginning and the end of my project, especially since the 100 Thing Challenge has turned into much more than my contribution to it. But I am happy to be aging. And I am glad for the 100 Thing Challenge.

The last year has gone in directions I never would have dreamed or chosen. And now, I don’t much want to go any other way. There seems to be more to do on this journey. Among all the lessons learned, that one has sunk in deepest. There is more to be done.

Thanks for everyone who has participated in the 100 Thing Challenge, or for all of you who have just followed along. I appreciate the support.

In the most hackneyed way possible, I’d like to suggest that the end of the 100 Thing Challenge is just the beginning.

It’s our lives that are original.

Comments

[Simpler Living]

Congratulations, Dave, and happy birthday! I hope the next year is as fruitful for you as the last one.

Naomi

[guynameddave]

Thanks Naomi!

[Somebody]

A job well done, Dave. Congratulations.

Now tell me (I'm being flippant here, on this occasion, please forgive me), still not OC enough about "The Challenge" to have counted your socks (the last remaining "?" on your list) at least once or thrice? Or you have, but want to keep that (last?) bit of your life free from our voyeuristic souls? ;-)

(Aside from all the flippancy, there's a more serious thought hidden here though. Namely, keeping track of stuff may give a person some perspective on how they live their life, and what's important, but I can imagine it may also potentially distract and detract from it.

Probably most important of all is to find a suitable balance, which it seems you've managed to achieve - or at least go a long way towards it. And that I admire.)

All the best to you, on this day and others, as well as to the family. :-)

[Sam Van Eman]

Congratulations, Dave. I just recently learned about your project and highlighted it in an article at HighCallingBlogs.com.

http://highcallingblogs.com/blog/4781/culture-100-thing-challenge-and-other-stps/

Press on!

[Sam Van Eman]

P.S. I also like the writers you like. Chesterton, Buechner, Keillor...

My wife and I went to see Garrison Keillor on stage a few years ago. Remarkable!

[guynameddave]

Somebody - hmm. I'm not sure about the socks. The lazy truth of the matter is that my wife and I share a "sock basket" and I've just never been motivated empty it, sort, and count. I'd estimate I have about 5 pairs I wear regularly with another 4 or so that are used every now again.

Thanks Sam!

[EDW]

Happy Birthday and congratulations!