47. See 1 movie in the theater a year

I waited last minute to do this one for this year. I loved the movie. It's gotten some mixed reviews, but I thought it was very good...especially if you don't compare it to the book (which you really should never do since it's just so rare to have a movie rival the book).

If you've seen the first 2 Narnia movies and liked them, go see this in the theater. So worth the money (especially when it's not your own)!

100. Use Plaster of Paris

Although this picture is not of my experience with Plaster of Paris, I did hear myself saying: You will not defeat me. You will NOT defeat me. Some did end up in the trash. I can't show the creation I did since it may end up as a Christmas present to someone.

So, here's what I've learned from this:

1. I don't enjoy Plaster of Paris. Especially with a toddler around.
2. I'm not a patient person. Alright, I already knew that one.
3. It's not something I'd spend money on. Glad I got this for free.

41. Locate all 50 States on a Map

Using this great program, I can now locate all the states in the US...something I never learned in school. Yes, it's the beginner level...but I can get them. I can tell you where Colorado is. I can tell you which one is Vermont and which one is New Hampshire. I know where Nebraska, Idaho, and Missouri are.

And like school - I can now forget.

29. Update Baby Books

Morgan Alysabeth, 11-5-04

Ava Grace, 2-19-07

Kennedy Noelle, 4-22-09

Finally got to updating the girls baby books. I figure it needed to be done before the new baby comes in April. Looking at their pictures makes me remember how different Ava is from the others. It's a good thing she looks just like Matt...otherwise I may have had some questions to answer.

While this will be an ongoing thing, I'm up to date as of now. And I'll just say sorry now to Kennedy and this new baby. I don't have that many pictures of you. I'll try to do better :)

96. Watch a Slap Stick Comedy without Complaining

Mall Cop. Netflix called this Slap Stick, so I watched it tonight. Wow. That's all I can say until after I blog so that I will actually be able to check this one off.

30. Eat no sugar for a week - Day 1 + 1 +1 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 1

Day 7: It's Over!!!!! I did it! Here's what I learned from this experience:

• I have more self control than I think I did
• I have a new appreciation for women who have had gestational diabetes
• Sugar is in so many things. I already was a label reader, but will now read HOW much sugar is in a product.
• I will never do this again.

 

Day 6: In honor of the 6th day, here's a list of 6 things I'm proud of today at Festival in the Park.

1. I did not get the sample of the maple cotton candy they were giving out...even when my children did.

2. I did not drink any lemonade...even when I held it for my 17 month old to drink some.

3. I did not buy any funnel cake. 

4. I did not taste any Dippin' Dots...even though I fed a whole thing to my daughter.

5. I did not accept the sample of fudge being shoved in my face.

6. I did not even look at the Kettle Corn being served...even though Matt knows the owner and stopped to chat a while. 

The hardest thing was the lemonade. Perhaps because it was 1000 degrees outside today. But, I'm over the worst. Tomorrow's my last day and then I will celebrate. With sugar.

Day 5: Let me just say: I'm so proud. No sweet tea at Salsaritas. I didn't even steal a sip of my moms. I didn't even bite off a piece of my daughter's chocolate chip cookie. Day 5 was a success. Stay tuned to see how miserable I'll be tomorrow...my dad's coming to town and we're taking him to Festival in the Park. Which means funnel cake and lemonade. I may be willing to ruin 5 days for funnel cake.

Day 4: So, today was a good day. Not hard at all! However, I'm anticipating tomorrow being hard. My mom is in town and she always take us to Salsaritas. Their sweet tea is so good. But, water it will be. I'm not ruining 4 days of no sugar over a cup of tea.

 

Day 3: Stupid. Stupid. Stupid. That's what I am for putting this on my list. And I'm also realizing how difficult #37 will be (drink nothing but water for 5 days in a row). I'm doing just fine without dessert. I don't even miss it. I will, however, be going on a coffee and tea binge this coming Monday.

Day 2: Tonight I had planned pancakes, eggs, and fruit for dinner. Not happening. The definition of torture: watching your children eat pancakes smothered in real maple syrup when you can not.

So, it's sherry chicken, boiled mini potatoes, and a salad. That sounds yummy enough to get my mind off of maple syrup.

Other than the disappointment of no pancakes, I've done well today with no sugar. Eaten a lot of raw green beans. And good thing mac and cheese has no sugar.

Day 1: So, here's what I've learned so far: I love sugar. Oh no wait. I knew that already. What I've really learned is that most of my sugar in a day comes from drinks and sauces. Desserts were easy to not eat today. My iced coffee was not. I got sick of water, milk, and juice. I wanted sweet tea and couldn't have one. But, it did force me to drink more water. And I wanted BBQ sauce on my Mahi Mahi tonight, but couldn't. Stinks.

Also, I cheated a little. But not knowingly. I ate a pb and j for lunch and realized afterward that I should have looked at the bread ingredients. Yes, brown sugar. So, if I want bread this week, I guess I'll make my own.

49. Watch someone else's kids for the evening once a quarter

2012: Welcome 2012! I'm ringing in the new year by watching someone's kids for them! My dear friends are celebrating their 10th anniversary, so we have 2 of their sweet little girls for the night. We've eaten pizza. Had root beer floats while watching a movie. And had lots of laughs and fun times. Glad to be staying on track with this one!

Rest of 2012: My sweet friend and I are swapping child care every month. So, I'm checking this one off for the year. Thanks KD - love you!

2010: Yes, this is someone else's kid. And a cute one at that. But no, I didn't watch her for the evening. I've decided that my life is too crazy right now to restrict this to just the evenings. I'm altering it to anytime. So, with that adjustment in mind, I've actually done this so far. But, I will need to watch someone's kids in Sept. to keep it up. And really, the only available time I have is this Friday (Sept 24) night. Any Charlotte takers? Comment on the blog if you want to be in the running for me to watch your kids this week!

2011: I watched the sweet kids (well, I organized the game closet while the sweet kids slept) of my best friend a few nights ago. Quarter one of 2011 has already been done. Although I didn't intend to use that to fill this quota. Just to love on my friend. So, I may ask another person is I can watch their kids this quarter. But, just in case I don't get to it, I'm counting this one. And I may give myself the next quarter off...I will have just had a baby. So, we'll see!

I'm still on track! Sort of. I did skip a quarter (the 2nd one of 2011) because I had a baby. I was a bit busy watching my own kids and making sure the 4th one lived through all her sister's smothers. Thankfully, she did and now I'm back on track. Although, I did volunteer to watch babies for my church's VBS, so I think I'll say that counts.

Anyway,I watched the 3 kids of a dear friend, VS, this month (July 2011). Which fills quarter 3 of 2011.

It's December 2011. And I watched Olivia and Carina. Sweet, sweet little girls. So, I'm done with this for this year.

30. Eat no sugar for a week

 
This one will be a challenge. I love vanilla yogurt. I love iced coffee (with sugar). I love anything chocolate. But for the next 7 days (starting tomorrow, Monday September 20, 2010) I will not partake in any. No desserts. No sugar in coffee. No vanilla yogurt. Nothing with sugar in the ingredients. That includes honey, molasses, and maple syrup. I will check in occasionally to let you know how it's going.

For now, I'm going to go eat my last bowl of vanilla yogurt with chopped banana and graham cracker crumbs on top. OK, my last for a week. But it feels like my last ever. I'm in mourning.

15. Do a consistent month of home school

Week 4: Done. I did it! Yes, I know it's Wed. and the week is technically not over. But, I only homeschool Mondays and Wednesdays. So, I'm done. Gotta say this one was pretty easy to check off. School is pretty fun when you get to watch Stomp! as a part of it (study of percussion instruments for those who think that's not school!).
Week 3: So far so good. Success. 
Week 2: Success.
Week 1: Started the month Sept. 6, 2010. Here's to hoping the next 4 weeks are consistent.

89. Volunteer somewhere

 So, I was going to volunteer somewhere else for this one. But, with me being pregnant, I think I will just check this one off now since I can...

My kids love VBS at our church. I volunteered with Chris V. to teach the 3s. This video is of Chris doing her Chadder voice. We had a great time teaching the kids...good to serve with you, Chris!

52. Watch a foreign film

I've never gotten through a foreign film before. I could never get past reading the subtitles while still watching what's going on in the movie. I'm now a convert. And I HIGHLY recommend this film.

This 2008 Norwegian film ("DeUsynlige" is the original title) is about a man's release from prison after his involvement with the disappearance of a little boy. For those of you who liked the movie Dead Man Walking, you'll like this movie, too. There are 1-2 scenes I skipped. Apparently, films from Norway are completely fine with showing graphic sex. I, however, am not fine with viewing it. That's private people....keep it to yourself. 


Anyway, one of the main characters is a priestess. Although her character turns out to not be as pure as I'd expect a priest to be (great conversations to be had about that in and of itself), she brings up some very interesting topics to discuss after the film with whomever happens to be sitting beside you. Things like forgiveness versus atonement. Heavy stuff.

Besides the great plot, the acting was phenomenal. And the cinematography was brilliant. Flash backs, flash sidewards, present day, etc. But, it's all very easy to follow and intertwines the lives of the two main people involved in the boy's disappearance - the man who took him and the mother of the boy.

Here's what I learned from having this on my list: I like foreign films. At least this one. What I'm beginning to see is that Hollywood really has lost a lot of the art behind films. I'll give them great special effects, some good story lines, some good actors. But, overall - I'm disappointed in Hollywood. I like the independent films better. I mean - just look at the cover of this film. Amazingly complex. Just the cover itself is cooler than Hollywood movie covers.

6. Weekend away by mself, 72. Eat at Chiptole, 14. List of books in the bible I haven't read, then read, 99. Perfect pair of pjs

This is where I spend my weekend away...which actually was a Sunday - Tuesday. Same difference. Wow...haven't used that phrase since I was in middle school.

Anyway, my dad and step-mom live in Jamestown and this beautiful view is their backyard. I had a great time resting, reading, getting Guava Gulp from The Juice Shop, and watching junk on cable since I don't have it at home. And really, how can someone go 9 months without knowing they are pregnant?!?! And how in the world can people be so creative making cakes?!?!

I also spent the opportunity to go to Chipotle (my #72). Now, I think I may upset some people here. I didn't like it. I asked the mild everything...and it was spicy. I had a hard time telling if the spice was in the tomatoes, chicken, or beans. Yes, it tasted fresh and yada yada about the way the meat's raised. I get all that. But, it's all for naught for me since I can't do spice. So, I don't think I'll be back. Sorry if I offended anyone.

I also bought the bottoms to the perfect pair of pjs. Now if I could just find a great top. I'm checking this one off anyway. Just because I can.

Lastly, I've made a list of all the books of the bible I haven't read yet and have started reading them. I never knew, for example, that Nahum is prophesying against Ninevah, just like Jonah did. And that he had some really good questions about God's sovereignty. It's a great book. I have 4 more minor prophets to read, then on to tackle the major prophets. So, I can partially check this one off since I made the list.

Overall, this has been a very productive week for me!

86. Eat at authentic Mexican restaurant

Linares on Central Ave. in Charlotte. For those who don't know anything about Charlotte, the Hispanic population is growing. Central Ave. is one of the pockets in Charlotte that is becoming increasingly Latino. Ever since I've lived here (since 2001) I have seen many Mexican restaurants up and down Central. I've always wanted to go, but also always got the feeling that I'd be the only Gringo (and non-Spanish speaker) there. As much as I like Mexican food, there's no way it will ever entice me to make a fool of myself.

 
Enter Trish Jackson, a sweet friend of mine. She speaks Spanish fluently. She teaches a bunch of high schoolers Spanish (crazy!). We walked in and were greeted in Spanish. The server didn't even attempt to talk English to us...she just assumed that one of us knew what she was saying. Thank heaven for Trish. She ordered my drink for me (still can't remember the annunciation of the name. But, I do know you spell it with an H even though you pronounce it with a O). I thought she'd need to order food for me, but thankfully, they had English subtitles.

So Trish - this post is dedicated to you. Thanks for making it happen and I had a great time!

92. Go to a museum by myself

Tonight I went to the Charlotte Mint Museum of Art. By myself. Everyone should do this. There's just something about being alone in a museum. It really is lovely. I was disappointed in the fine art though. They had a few small rooms of paintings. Not that this is saying much, but I didn't recognize any of the artists. I think it was mostly Neoclassicism...not my thing. I didn't expect to see a Monet or Mary Cassatt. But I did expect to see a more widely array of "ism"s...Cubism, Romanticism, Impressionism. I guess I'll have to go to the Art Museum in Raleigh. I didn't even take any pictures of the paintings.

But, here are some pictures I did take:

And what's more classy:

Dresses from 2006

                

1960s dress

It's sad to me that we've gone away from the magical conservatism of the 1960s. Clothes and shoes from that era are really so cute.



There was a ton of pottery...which is one of my favorite forms of art. It was amazing how many different pieces there were. Everything from the strange:

Pair of Poodles, 1849-1858

And this:

English tobacco jar, 1740

To the down right scary:

Don Craig of Rutherford County, 1996

Also by Don Craig:

This is just creepy. Would anyone really want this in their house?!

To the delicate:

Doccia, Italian, 18th century

And my personal favorite:

Wedgwood Jasper, c. 1775-1880

Also another favorite:

Kyle Carpenter, Asheville, 2008

It's interesting to me that you can find beautiful and intricately detailed pieces like this:

Japanese, 1920

Up close - which doesn't do the detail justice at all

And then find pieces that look like they came from Ikea:

Northern Song Dynasty, Chinese, 960-1127

And this:

Jacon Cole, North Carolina, c. 1938-1943

Here are some other pieces that caught my eye:

Daniel O'Connell pitcher, late 1800s

                              Really? Someone would really want to pour their drink from this? Ew.

Wheildon, 18th century

    I wish this came out better...it really was stunning. I think I stood there for about 5 minutes looking at it.

Tang Dynasty, Chinese, 618-907

       This was really amazing. And it was very small. It looked like wood and is one of my favorites.

Goodbye Mint Museum. I will see you again in September when I take my daughter.

10. Write at least 2 letters to each child, per year - UPDATE

New: Well, I'm still in the running to being able to check this one off. I just finished my 2nd letter to all my girls tonight. It brings tears to my eyes to be able to tell them what they are like at this age, what kind of a mom I am, but wish I was. To let them know how I pray for them. It's a sweet time and I encourage all my mom (and dad) friends to write at least one letter to your kids!

Old:
Okay, so I didn't use pen and paper. I typed out a letter to each of my girls. It's only the 1st one this year, so I can't check it off. But, I can tell you that this one was good for my soul.

I live such an every day life (all you stay at home moms out there know what I mean). Just about the only thing I do for myself on a daily basis is check Facebook. It's easy for me to complain about the difficult task of  raising children. These letters that I just finished have brought me back. Once again, I realize how blessed I am.

51. Watch a Sundance Film Fesival Film once a year

2012 Film: Slavery By Another Name. Slavery wasn't abolished in the US until the 1940s and 1950s. Did you know that? I didn't...because that's not what we're taught in the history books. The US education system and what it chooses to teach is a joke. It's just not real education. Our history books today contain the nice stuff. Or the sad and shameful stuff that's too known to leave out. But, if there's something that the masses don't know about...well, leave that out of the textbook for heaven's sake. I was not aware that slavery didn't really end in the south until the 40s and 50s. What a tragic, shameful piece of history. And it's no wonder why there is still such a racial divide...there are people living today that were enslaved or had family members enslaved and remember first hand what that was injustice was like. What a shameful and tragic thing that happened after slavery was "abolished". 

I highly recommend Slavery By Another Name to everyone - it was educational and well done.

2011 Film - The Cove. What a well done documentary. The cameras used in it were AMAZING. And I don't mean the cameras used to film the actual movie. I mean the ones they used to expose Japan's dolphin industry. It reminded me of something right out of a really cool military movie. Although it wasn't my favorite movie, I'd recommend it. And like almost any film, it's really good to debrief with someone after the film. Documentaries in general strive to hit emotions, so I think it's good to talk through it to see what other view points (typically that are more logical rather than emotional) there are. But, I can see why it won the award. Extremely well made.

My Sundance Film for 2010 - Dark Days. I also counted this towards my number 33. So you can read what I have to say about it there. As it relates to Sundance: I don't know much about the prestigious award. So, watching this film was good insight to what they look for. Dark Days was the Sundance Film Festival award winner in 2000. I like the authenticity of independent films versus the big production ones. And I look forward to my next Sundance movie: The Cove. Now if only I can wait until 2011 to watch it so it can count.

58. Organize a quarterly game night

This is Virginia. She and her husband are our bridge partners. Although I have also organized game nights with other friends, I'm using bridge to check this one off my list since we play every week. I know, I'm an overachiever. I couldn't stop at once a quarter...had to do a once a week.

97. Write a business plan for my own organizing business

I love throwing things away. I love figuring out where my pasta machine should go (which by the way is in the garage). I love sorting and organizing; my favorite tool is my label maker.

And why not get paid for what I love to do? And while my first and most important (and fun) job is being a mom and wife, I don't get a pay check. Hence, starting my own business in organizing.

I don't have a name. I don't know what website platform to use. I don't know my price points. I don't have a Facebook or Twitter account set up yet for it. But, it's all in my business plan. Phase One includes creating a blog, so keep an eye out for it...coming soon to a computer near you (insert the manly voice over typical of movie previews).

16. See Wicked

OK, so the picture is really bad. But, the show was really good. Amazingly good. I had wanted to see Wicked for years. I've heard nothing but raving reviews of it. So, last night Matt and I saw it. And I have nothing bad to say about it. It's right up there with Les Miserable and Phantom. And I'm already hoping it's not long before it comes back through Charlotte.

50. Make homemade chicken stock

Before:

After:

I have always been intimated by home made chicken stock. STUPID. It is ridiculously easy. It made my house smell delicious (I'm considering inventing a food scented line of candles: chicken stock will be the 1st one I create).

And for those of you who really follow my list: this one wasn't actually on it. My 50. was making a gluten free pie crust. Since I no longer have a child who is GF, I'm changing it (SH- I still want to get together to bake one with you though!).

66. Consider and/or organize a dinner co-op

I've always been a fan of bulk cooking. Spend 1 day cooking up a storm, saving money and time in the long run. But, I've also kind of dreaded it. All that preparation. All the dirty dishes it makes. Standing on my feet all day. So, I've decided that this is the way to do bulk cooking. With a friend. You spend a morning instead of all day. You split the buying, the preparation, the washing dishes, etc. And you get to hang out with a friend (and if you're really lucky, your friend has a great dog to come behind you and take care of anything that happened to fall on the floor - big shout out to Mia).

I have my sweet friend, Chris to thank for checking this one off. She and I will be getting together once a month to bulk cook together. Today we made meatballs, meatloaf, mango chicken, and rice pilaf. I have 10 main dishes and 3 sides all ready to go in my freezer. Next month: twice baked potatoes, shredded bbq chicken with corn cakes, and spinach feta lasagna rolls. Yes, I'm drooling, too.

54. Take as many pictures of things on my list as possible

I wanted to take a picture of me taking a picture...but alas, I only have 1 camera. So, what's a close 2nd to that? Got you it: Brittney Spears and the paparazzi.

Note to whoever took this picture: please do not sue me. I am a nobody with a nobody blog with no money.

Anyway. I know I'm checking this one off a little premature. I figure if I've kept up with the blog this long, I'll see it to completion. I am one of those people who finds it hard to quit something once I start it. And this makes 25 things that I've checked off my list. Not bad for it being the 145th day of the 1001.

59. Buy and wear a new dress

Here's the new dress and me wearing it. I have not been much of a dress wearer in years past, but I think I may change that. There's just something fun about wearing a new dress (brownie points for those of you who also knew that the boots are 64. on my list).

But even better than the dress is the occasion I had to wear it. Mother's Day and my sister's Carolina Law Graduation. Congratulations to Becky. I hope she'll always be just my sister...never my lawyer.

70. Try a new cocktail

Matt took me to see Bill Cosby last Sunday. We went to Ri Ra's afterward and got some drinks; this is one of them. My 1st was a White Russian. I've always wanted to try one, so I did. It was good, but I like plain Bailey's on the rocks better. I then wanted to try a colorful drink. I told the bartender what I like and he made this one. Since I'm not sure who reads this blog, I can't tell you the name...way too embarrassing. And this drink doesn't really count anyway, since the bartender made it up and it's not something I can ask for at any other bar. But, the White Russian counts, so I'm checking this one off.

I probably shouldn't check this one off just to give me an excuse to try more drinks since I tend to get in drink ruts (margarita on the rocks, sugar rimmed, please). So, please forget that I wrote this. You will probably continue to see 70. throughout the 1001 days.

88. seal the tree chairs

When I first posted my list of 101 things, many people asked "What are tree chairs?". Well, here they are. We recently had some trees removed from our backyard and these are some of them. I spray painted them and sealed them and now my vision is complete. Perhaps I should have put "get grass to grow in the backyard" on my list, too.

78. Research why i don't eat certain foods

Artificial dye, wild caught vs. farm raised fish, organic dairy vs. conventional, organic produce vs. conventional. agave nectar vs. HFCS. I have an opinion on all of these things and have for a long time. But, when questioned why I don't eat certain foods/additives, I had a vaguely educated response if one at all. So, on my list it went. And I can now check it off.

I can tell you why I actually DON'T eat Agave Nectar, despite it's health food/whole food claim. I can tell you why I choose to buy organic apples over conventional apples, but buy conventional blueberries. I can tell you why I only buy wild caught fish, as opposed to farm raised. How I won't buy milk, yogurt, butter, eggs, ice cream, and cheese without it saying on the label that it was made with milk from cows not treating with rBGH. I can explain why I think GMO's should not be allowed yet. How I don't buy food containing artificial dye. I can tell you why I don't eat preservatives in my food and why I buy organic, cage free chicken.

Some may say I'm a little on the extreme side. They may be right. But, I've been charged with taking the best care of children as I can. For me (every family has different priorities and is different!), that includes being a little extreme at home. I don't buy it so I can send a message to those that make it that it's not what I want to see in the grocery store. We don't eat it at home so that I don't have to feel bad or concerned when we eat it out.

What I've found: we eat less meat because let's be honest: organic, free range chicken is expensive (good think I don't eat pork or beef). But, eating less meat is a good thing. We eat less processed food in general, which is great on our budget and I'm spending more quality (and teaching) time in the kitchen with my family cooking healthy meals together. Another thing I've found: the food actually tastes better. The eggs are fresher, thus taste better. The Newman's Own chocolate cookies are better than Oreos. Evaporated cane juice does make my root beer taste better and more authentic than HFCS.

I love coupons. I love free (or nearly free) things from the grocery store. But, what I've learned through this is that much of the cheap food on the shelves really is junk and actually ends up costing our country huge amounts of money in the long run in medical expenses. So I'm learning to be okay with my food budget rising a little so that we are healthier and happier as a family.

42. Make something for a friend.

Tonight I stayed up way too late making a mix CD for a friend. As I added songs from my new found love (AKA iTunes), I thought of lots of people I wanted to send this to. In fact, dear reader (are there any?!?!?), you may get one in the mail.

21. Write my will

Thanks to my sister, who is finishing up her last year of Law School and who gave me some Will writing advice, my Last Will and Testament is complete. And I hope it won't be read for many, many, many years.

95. Go to Ikea by myself and not feel rushed

 

 Thanks to my wonderful husband, Matt Tringali, I was able to drink my coffee and eat a cinnamon bun in peace, reading my book club book as I ate, and then peruse Ikea. No clingy baby to hold. No preschooler to watch. No 5-year-old asking to buy anything. I had as long as I wanted to look at the plethora of things at Ikea. I have been there 2-3 times before, but always with children and the need to get in and out. This morning I saw many harried mom's disciplining their children. I heard many more babies crying in their strollers. I saw more than one toddler run off with an angry and embarrassed mother chasing behind. And I was thankful that it wasn't me. But I did have sympathy for these moms...because next time, it could be me.

22. Walk to the library

Well, I did have a picture of me and my girls taking a walk to our beautiful brand new neighborhood library. But, the camera dropped and it no longer works; thus, I can't get the cute picture. So, a standard internet pic it is.

I decided to take a walk to the library today. Good thing too - Hickory Grove is one of the branches the county is closing due to cut backs. You may begin to notice some sarcasm now. I love the way the government manages our money. Spent a ton of it building a brand new beautiful facility at Hickory Grove. And now they are closing it. Brilliant. I really enjoy seeing my money being thrown in the trash. And my community. I had such high hopes of this helping out the East side. Dashed. And to add insult to injury, the county isn't leaving any branches open on the eastside of the city. I understand that something had to give. I get that if you don't have money, you can't do things. I DON'T get why they are spending $400K on a side walk on Park road, give Henry Jones a bonus, etc. and close so many libraries. Half of them to be exact.

Excuse me now as I go write/call/email/stalk my county commissioners to tell them that their decision is deplorable.

UPDATE

So, I fixed my camera. Here are the pictures I took on the way to the library: