What to Do? What to Do?

I just finished the book Julie & Julia which the movie that's coming out soon is based on. I love the idea. Julie decides to cook her way through Julia Child's cookbook in 1 year. It sounds like such a fun thing to do although I'm not sure that I would want to do the French cooking thing because she has to cook some really strange things.
Basically I was inspired by the book and would like to do something similar. I want to immerse myself in something and hopefully find out some cool stuff about myself and what I really enjoy. So, I'm looking for ideas.
I've thought of just using a cookbook that I have and cooking everything in it. That way I have quite the repertoire of foods. Do you have any other suggestions? I want something fun that will result in actual skills in the end. Baking might be fun too.
Let me hear your ideas.

Ohio

Well, we are back from Ohio. Overall the trip was great! Jared was great on the car ride there. We only had to stop 3 times.Jared has decided that he likes to suck these two fingers instead of his thumb. It was really cute. He played really well and only cried a little when he needed to go to sleep.

While in Ohio we stayed at Aunt Susie and Uncle Mark's house. Friday was a nice relaxing day. Saturday we recreated our Day After Thanksgiving Tradition Day. We met Aunt Cindy and Uncle Bob in Sharon, Pennsylvania so we could eat Wings and visit the mausoleum where my grandparents are. Jared seemed to enjoy the trip. This boy is 3 months old and has already been to 5 states. What a little world traveler.
Sunday we went to the Italian fest. Jared spent most of the time in his stroller and even fell asleep amid the music and noise of the crowd. We had some great food and I was able to have my first Elephant Ear of the summer, but apparently it's called a Pizza Fritta by the Italians.
My mom and her sisters really enjoyed spending time with Jared.
Jared did have a bit of a rough time in the car on the way home, but he did so well the rest of the trip that it was easily overlooked, at least by me.
Other info about 3 month old Jared. He loves to sit and stand (with support of course), he has said the word "hi" very clearly several times (I'm trying to catch it on video), he is less crabby (whoo hoo), and he's moved into size 3-6 month clothing because he's so long. Jared is also sleeping much better at night, which has been absolutely wonderful! Some nights I'm able to get 5 straight hours of sleep depending on when I go to sleep. He also seems to be transitioning to longer naps. He's been a short napper since we went to New Mexico, but lately he's been waking up after his normal nap time (45 minutes), but then acting tired or falling asleep while eating. This afternoon he's even taken an hour and a half nap already. Whoo hoo! Things are looking up.

Stranger Danger

Jared is almost 3 months now, which is crazy to me. I'm really hoping that the fussiness will start subsiding soon, but we'll see.
Lately I've noticed that Jared has started screaming when he's in the arms of other people. Rachel and my mom came to visit one day last week and he screamed when Mom took him. He warms up after awhile, but it definitely takes some time. I think he needs to go out more and meet some people.
Rachel stayed here for a few days and really helped out. I was able to get Jared on more of a schedule and I decided to start letting him cry himself to sleep sometimes. I bounce him like usual until he's drowsy, but he often starts crying when I lay him down. It was really nice to have Rachel here to distract me while he cried so I didn't worry about him too much. The crying has definitely lessened and he's learned that he needs to nap. Unfortunately, he is still only napping for about 45 minutes. He does seem to be better rested though. My sleep book that I've been reading says that sometimes babies who are extremely fussy don't show signs of tiredness until they are over tired. I've noticed that Jared has very subtle signs sometimes. He often transitions from smiling to screaming though with no real warning except maybe a pouty lip. Oh well. I'm still trying to figure the kid out as I'm sure I will be for the rest of my life. =)
Overall, things are getting better slowly, but surely. Our next trip is next week and we're going to Ohio to visit with family. Here's hoping that he adapts better this time around.

Videos and An Update

Here's the video of Jared's first swim in New Mexico.

Here's the video of Jared watching fireworks on the 3rd.

Well, I'm hoping that Jared is back to normal. He's been sleeping much better and even falling asleep on his own which has been unheard of as of late. I've figured out that he was not only having trouble readjusting from our trip, but he was also probably going through a growth spurt. Poor kiddo. Things have been getting better though. I'm feeling pretty well rested from the last few days and Jared seems much happier.
He has also started tolerating his baths. He doesn't actually smile or laugh during the bath yet, but he did cry when we took him out, so he's making progress. =)
I am really amazed at how frustrated I can be at him or with the situation and then how quickly all those feelings disappear when he smiles or starts "talking" to me. This whole parenting thing is pretty rough, but most days I really enjoy it (even when he's a complete fuss butt). It's a crazy journey that I'm on. =)