I decided to hit the ground running on my 26 before 26 list. I’m crossing off #7: Get a record player.

I used to own a record player, but gave it to my former roommate when I moved out. I didn’t know where I’d be living permanently and just didn’t have the space. (It was a console with built in speakers, about the size of a low dresser.) I’d been planning on getting another one, but didn’t know what kind. I wanted something small and portable and didn’t want to hook it up to a sound system. I searched online and decided on the Crosley AV Portable USB Turntable from Urban Outfitters.

After bringing it home, I pulled out my collection of pop-punk records and finally sorted through the box of LPs I’d been storing in my hall closet. About a year ago, my best friend’s dad was planning on dumping all of his vinyl so I took it off his hands. There are a few gems in there, so I’m glad I did. After a few plays, I’m definitely happy with my purchase. It’s not the best sound quality and any audiophile would probably sneer at it. But listening to Simon and Garfunkel has never been quite so fun. I do wish there was a speaker in the front, but it fills my small living room well.

A group of us from meltmedia are dressing up as the Fellowship of the Ring for Halloween this year. I’ve been researching my costume, as I’m dressing up as Pippin. It’s brought me back to the time I used to watch the films every evening after school. I was way into the production of the trilogy and followed the actors, too. This classic video is of Dominic Monaghan (Merry) holding a prank interview with Elijah Wood (Frodo) and it is hilaaaarious. “When will you wear wigs?”

Recently I’ve been trying to follow through more reliably on things I commit to. It’s easy to be excited about a project and give up before or shortly after I’ve started. I saw a list like this on a blog somewhere and I liked the idea: a finite list of things to complete in a finite amount of time. These are a handful of things (in no particular order) I’ve been wanting to do, but have trouble finding the motivation, time, or opportunity. Having a list will make it easier and more fun to cross each item off as I complete them. It is 232 days until I turn 26, so I’d better get started.

1. Replace guest bathtub.
2. Take a weekend trip to Sedona. -- Done!
3. Paint the kitchen cabinets.
4. Read and return all borrowed books. -- Done!
5. Have a smores party.
6. Paint a picture for myself.
7. Get a record player. -- Done!
8. Build a piece of furniture.
9. See Fountains of Wayne in concert. -- Done!
10. Learn how to change a tire.
11. Host a poker night.
12. Reconnect with an old friend. -- Done!
13. Replace master bathroom shower. -- Done!
14. Try snowboarding again.
15. Watch The Godfather. -- Done!
16. Take a city tour of Phoenix.
17. Organize the garage. -- Done!
18. Take a pottery class.
19. Reduce my private debt by one fourth.
20. Digitally organize and archive all photos. -- Done!
21. Lose 15 pounds. -- Done!
22. Stay up all night and watch the sun rise.
23. Refresh and customize an old piece of furniture.
24. Buy a nice set of dishes and flatware.
25. Learn to properly cook a steak. -- Done!
26. Create wedding books for my parents and in-laws. -- Done!

I wasn’t going to post this, as I’m sure most of you have seen it. But I just had to in the hope that maybe you haven’t. I simply can’t get over how cute and hilarious this is. Jenny Slate and Dean Fleischer-Camp are geniuses.