101 in 1001

So while surfing the net and blog jumping around I came across Lex and her last post was titled 101 in 1001, it peaked my interest so I read on...and I am intrguied, so here is mine...

The Mission: Complete 101 preset tasks in 1001 days

The Criteria: Tasks must be specific (ie. no abiguity in the wording) with a result that is either measurable or clearly defined. Tasks must also be realistic and stretching (ie. represent some amount of work on my part).

Why 1001 Days? Many people have created lists in the past – frequently simple goals such as New Year’s resolutions. The key to beating procrastination is to set a deadline that is realistic. 1001 Days (about 2.75 years) is a better period of time than a year, because it allows you several seasons to complete the tasks, which is better for organizing and timing some tasks such as overseas trips or outdoor activities.

So here is my list, I'll try to update from time to time about what I've completed

Starting Date: Friday January 1st, 2010 Ending Date: Friday September 28th, 2012

1 Spend a rainy day watching films in my PJ's
2 Try two new cookie recipes this Christmas
3 Attend the midnight premiere of a movie
4 Get married
5 Go skydiving.
6 Learn to knit
7 Organize my closet
8 lose 15 pounds
9 Go on a cruise
10 Go whitewater rafting
11 buy a house
12 See a Broadway show.
13 spend a day at the spa
14 Lose 5 pounds
15 Own an iPhone
16 Try a new (and possibly frightening) food
17 Watch two movies at a cinema in the same day.
18 Influence a person to make a day zero list
19 go fly a kite
20 Pay off my credit cards
21 Have a housewarming party
22 Floss every night for a month
23 Tie a note to a balloon and let it go
24 Go sledding
25 Lose 10 Pounds
26 start a family
27 help a stranger
28 Have a sleepover party
29 Have a friend choose a complete outfit for me
30 Play a new board game
31 Travel by train
32 Make homemade bread
33 Go to a casino
34 Take at least 5 photos a day for a month
35 Eliminate non-fitting clothing from my wardrobe
36 Save $5000
37 Read 100 books (0/100)
38 Compose a new list of 101 things to do in 1001 days
39 For every task I do not complete, donate $1 to charity
40 Put aside $5 for every completed task
41 Go to a Patriots game
42 Drink nothing but water for 2 weeks
43 Watch the sunrise at the beach
44 Host a giveaway on my blog
45 Organize photos and get and stay caught up with my scrapbooking
46 Climb Mount Washington
47 Attend a hot yoga class
48 Do 100 situps for a month (0/30)
49 Ask for someone else's advice and take it
50 Give a stranger a compliment
51 Write down something positive about myself for 30 days straight
52 Have “date night” one night of the week for 1 month (0/4)
53 Work out faithfully 3x a week for 2 months
54 Take a trip to Las Vegas
55 No swearing for a day x12 (0/12)
56 Play a game of 18-hole golf
57 Put change in someone’s expired parking meter
58 Take the Cat ferry to Canada
59 Have a weekend getaway for SO and I
60 Start our own Christmas tradition
61 Get my HAM radio licenese
62 Participate in a 5K (run/walk)
63 Make my own candles
64 Climb Cadillac Mountain
65 Learn at least 50 ASL signs .
66 Go one weekend "Unplugged" no phone/internet
67 Send/Give 100 cards “just because.” (0/100)
68 Leave SO a love note/note of encouragement/surprise email 1x a week for 2 months
69 Complete 3 – 1500 piece or more jigsaw puzzles (0/3)
70 Visit 5 new states not previously in (driving through doesn't count)
71 Participate in a 10K (run/walk)
72 help a friend in need
73 take a class (work related)
74 Have one day off per week for 1 month
75 Make SO breakfast in bed
76 Bring coffee in for the boys at work
77 hang pictures/art on walls
78 Buy flowers/edible arraingments for someone.
79 Be able to buy clothing in the regular women's section
80 Invest my money better
81 borrow books from the library; instead of buying them
82 get a makeover to include makeup!
83 Try a new recipe once a week for 1 month
84 Call one cousin per week until all Bridle Cousins have been spoken to
85 Host a girls night at my house
86 Host a couple's night
87 Prepare my will
88 Take a poledancing class
89 Travel to Nantucket / Martha's Vineyard
90 Visit my grandmother at least once a month for a year (0/12)
91 plan a couples camping trip
92 Play Bingo with friends
93 Host a transit party.
94 See an old friend once per month for one year (0/12)
95 See Rocky Horror at midnight showing
96 Go and shoot a gun at a firing range
97 To get a physical each year
98 To see a UNH/UMaine Hockey Game
99 To kiss the Cat at UNH
100 To go to a Red Sox / Yankees game
101 To complete this list in less than 1001 days

Giveaways!

Parent Trend partnered up with UL for a giveaway - ends 1/3/10

Mom Start partnered up with Lionsgate Shop for NYR – Lose Weight this New Year with The Biggest Loser DVD’s - Ends 1/15/10

Mom Start also paired up with Misikko for a Misikko Ceramic Flat Iron Review and giveaway - Ends 1/11/10

The Not-So-Blog blogged about Walmart's savings and giveaway - ends 1/9/10

Just Stop Screaming is giving away a Misikko Hairdryer! Ends 1/11/10

Prissy Green partnered up with Halls Refresh for a comfortable giveaway! - Ends 1/4/10

Island Life paired up with UL with ways to help Keep Your Home Office Safe ($200 Best Buy Giveaway) - ends 1/6/10

Feisty, Frugal and Fabulous is giving away a awesome Keurig Platinum Brewing System! - Ends 1/11/10

Mom Start partnered up with American Express for a giveaway! - Ends 12/31/09

Keurig Platinum

This is something that Ben and I are looking forward to... we would love to have one of these. Its so easy to use (thankfully for me) and Ben loves being able to have a variety of coffees to chose from. Right now my parents have a Keurig and Ben's work has one as well. We would love the opportunity to win one from MommyPR!!! I am going to keep my fingers crossed!

It's Complicated

Really it is... I want to go see this movie. I loved Something's Gotta Give, so I can only imagine this would be quite similar and amazing! I might even be able to convince Ben to go with me! MAYBE... though its a big maybe.

In the meantime, The Divine Miss Mommy is partnering up with It's Complicated to do a giveaway!

Merry Christmas Eve Eve

Ah, here it is December 23rd and finally my Christmas shopping is done! Now I just have to WRAP everything! Yikes!

I brought Ben's stuff with me to work tonight, in hopes that I can get it wrapped. Which would save me some time tomorrow - oh I hope!

Toy Bank is winding down we are up to 92 families this year. Thanks goes out to the generosity of the community for which I am proud to say that I work for (and my hometown!). That is a lot of children that will wake up with a Christmas who might have gone without. There were many stories on the news about agencies being short with donations, but I was very blessed not to have that concern. In fact we were able to share our toys with Haverhill's agency as well. Which really warms my heart when the help stays local.

I swear though it has been a stressful month for me. More stressful this week. I will be thankful when Christmas day is here and I can sit back and relax with my family. And I will be looking forward to scheduling a much deserved/needed appointment for a massage sometime in the near future. :-D

I feel this holiday came up real quick. Like just yesterday it was Thanksgiving, now Christmas. But I am looking forward to celebrating. With the snow we got the other day, its making it feel a bit more like Christmas.

Merry Christmas to those out there who read this!!

Sealy Posturepedic Innerspring Signature 11 Series

oooo with me working the shift work that I do. I know all too well what a good night (or days) sleep can do for your body. Sealy is a trusted brand name in the market so when Mommy Mandy had been given the opportunity to give one away - I knew I needed to enter.

Whenever anyone thinks of matteresses Sealy is the first name that comes to mind. And they have done some research into what makes for a great nights' sleep. Check it out.

Soft Lips..Yum!

Last year at the end of the holiday season I found the limited edition flavors of soft lips and I bought enough to last me almost throughout the full year... so I was pleased as punch when Soft Lips was bringing back their limited flavors. Even more pleased when I found that Here and There is offering a giveaway! Check it out.

Something to think about

Kailani from Island Life is doing a giveaway with Underwriters Laboratories, they are offering a gift card to help promote safe a safe holiday experience. Visit her post about this topic.

Working in the fire service, I've seen many times where something dangerous could be prevented. What's the old saying, an ounce of prevention...

Happy Holidays!

In the homestretch!

It's December 16th... almost 17th... 9 days till Christmas... Toy Bank will soon be over! We are down on donations this year. It has me slightly worried. But I think the larger problem is that with how Christmas falls this year in the calender (on a Friday) its really screwing up with my dates and how toy donations usually come in. So I am trying NOT to think about it and just go with the flow... I'll let you know how that works out.

As a way to unwind and de-stress and NOT think about Toy Bank I've taken a liking to reading blogs and signing up for giveaways and using Twitter as one of those means of signing up for giveaways. I know this has annoyed some of my followers, but really, I need the break from Toy Bank and doing something else is the only way I can turn my brain off Toy Bank and put it on something else. So I apologize, but its keeping me sane...

I will be due for a massage a good long one after Toy Bank this year.

I was able to get away for 5 days and go to North Carolina to see my Brother and his wife. They won't be coming home for Christmas, and flights were cheap, so I thought I would go out there. Its nice out there. Not much to do, but its nice. The weather is great this time of year. Not too hot, not too cold. But I don't think I will take another vacation during Toy Bank, I got too many phone calls and stuff didn't get done :-(. Oh well. I need to be here so I can stay on top of things. It is tougher being in Kingston to run toy bank, but at the end of the season its all worth it. I've encountered several feel-good stories, which outweigh the bad seeds.

I still have some Christmas shopping to finish up (personal shopping!) but thankfully its not big stuff, just little things to wrap up. I am hoping to finish before Christmas... that would be nice.

Louise has been telling me how much Dad isn't in the Christmas mood. It doesn't help that Nick isn't going to be home and that I am only going to be there for the morning before Ben and I take off for his mom's. But Louise and I worked it out that we would do a big dinner (late lunch) on Saturday so that Dad could have his few hours with us and we could celebrate some more. I hope that helps, he's def been in a funk lately. Perhaps a mid-life crisis? Not sure. But I have been trying to make sure I stop by the house and check in with the family.

WW has been going steady. I was up .2 this week, but I am still under 300. Just barely, but still under. And honestly its about the little victories at this point. One day at a time. I think being at WW during the holidays is the best thing for me. The meetings really help keep me motivated. I am just really trying to tread water until I can get through the holidays and Toy Bank.

Ben and I celebrated our 2 year anniversary. Well technically, I was in NC on the day of our actual anniversary, so we celebrated when I got back. He surprised me with dinner at the Wentworth by the Sea. I had made some comment that I would love to stay and eat there. Well since we went on a Saturday night and I had to work the next morning, we didn't stay, but boy did we eat. Its really a fantastic restaurant. I didn't want to do gifts since it was so close to Christmas. I just asked for a really nice card (which he did deliver on!

Last night I had to take a vacation shift off (night) so that Ben and I could cut down our Christmas tree and we could *finally* decorate our apartment for Christmas! It looks so pretty! I took some pics, I am hoping to post them at some point...

So that is the wrap up of the last week or two.... things are crazy and hectic, but I am trying to enjoy all what I can.

Two Last Chances...

OMG I so want to win this so bad, or else I wouldn't be trying to win. HP has really out done themselves with all the giveaways of their new HP TouchSmart 600 PC. This PC could really change my life. With all the work that I do. Working 2 jobs and volunteering with 2 non-profits, this computer would really maximize the potential for me to make a difference. And to help manage my life better.

TechSavvyMama is giving away a HP TouchSmart 600 touchscreen computer!

As well as Pink and Posh is giving away a HP TouchSmart 600 PC as well!

This HP Computer has Windows 7 as well, so I am very interested in seeing what Windows 7 is all about and being on the edge of the latest technology!

What a difference this computer could make in my life.... I hope that I win!

Stress relieving tips to make it through the holidays

We all could use some tips on how to relieve some stress, espeically around the holidays. Most of these are just reminders, but if you are like me, sometimes I have to see it to believe it.

Click here for the article.

And just think, only 12 days till Christmas...

GIVEAWAY! Sears Blue Tool Crew – Great Gift Ideas For Any Man

Our Ordinary Life is having a giveaway as part of their 2009 Christmas Affair. And they've paired up with Sears to do so!

Right now Sears is doing the “25 Days of Deals” and they have up to 70 percent off some of their hottest tools for the holidays. From December 1st through December 25th, 2009, you can log onto Sears.com/Toolsbusters for daily specials on holiday gift items for that DIYer and home improvement buff, including hand tools, power tools, accessories, and more. With Sears.com/Toolsbusters you are able to find amazing deals on gifts men really want.

Just a few of the amazing deals!

December 12: Racor Pro Ceiling Mount Bike Rack (59535) for $7.99 (regular $29.99), a terrific way to store bikes in unused space, while supplies last

December 17: Craftsman ½ in. Impact Wrench for $19.99 (regular $39.99), a must have for any DIY auto enthusiast to remove nuts and bolts with ease, 100 limited quantity

December 18: GM Performance Parts 2 Ton Hydraulic Trolley Jack (50113) for $19.99 (regular $29.99), a portable automotive lifting device manufactured to strict industry specifications, 200 limited quantity

December 21: Craftsman Cordless Rechargeable LED Work Light (73904) for $16.99 (regular $33.99), for lighting a dim workspace, while supplies last

Happy Holidays!

Stacy's Birthday Giveaway!

How many times do you see someone on their birthday offering to give to others! That is so amazing. Stacy from Stacy's Random Thoughts put together a cute offering for her blog readers. Two gift baskets! One is a Wino Gift Basket and the other is a "Non-Wine" gift basket with jellies! She is so wonderful to her readers! Check it out!

Lizzy's giving away a Glade Winter Gift Basket!

I just went to Target a few weeks ago and picked up a few of the Glade candles and checked out their new holiday scents! In fact I have their Baked Pear and Cinnamon Treat 2-in-1 candle burning right now! It smells so good!

So when I saw that Lizzy was doing a giveaway! I had to enter! I hope I win!

Audiovox Portable DVD Player

I just got off a plane (flying death tube) yesterday! And one of these sure would have helped pass the time!

The portable DVD Player by Audiovox sounds quite lovely. Lizzy is doing a giveaway and she got to review it. It comes with a carrying case, and two sets of headphones, pretty impressive! Sounds like the package deal. This would be amazing to win for the next time that I go flying!

Hallmark Giveaway

If you know me at all, you know that I am a Hallmark girl! I even have their "platinum" status with their rewards program. I love going to the local store and seeing what's new! Especially during the Christmas season! The girls at Terri's Hallmark store, know me by name so even if I forget my card, they know to look me and hook me up!

So when I saw that Go Graham Go (GGG) and Our Ordinary Life was doing a giveaway of a Hallmark gift card, I knew I had to enter! So heres hoping that I win!

Project Wrap Up Happy: Help the Boys & Girls Club JUST by Watching a Video!

This holiday season, AJWright {part of the TJX Stores} is sponsoring an amazing initiative--Project Wrap Up Happy. Part of the project includes: “The Gift of Happy”— an original never before seen holiday film.




This video is so touching. It's the story of a little bear {named Happy} who wanted to be every toy, but himself. Until a little girl loved him just the way he was. The moral of the story: We are all happy. When we are who we are. What's incredible is that this film was performed by children from the Boys & Girls Clubs of America with the guidance of world-renowned shadow puppet expert Bob Stromberg. It is wonderful! You have to see it and you will know what I mean!





Here is the cool part--Project Wrap Up Happy needs your help. AJWright will dontate $1 for each unique view of The Gift of Happy video, up to $50,000, to the Boys & Girls Club of America!

Help Spread the word! This is a really great cause! I found this on the Jolly Mom blog!

American Express Giveaway

Don't know what to give at Christmas... Cash works wonders, and when you don't feel like giving cash well than an American Express Gift Card is a close second. Ben's mother loves getting these gift cards for the holidays, she uses them when she buys stuff online so she doesn't have to give up her personal information and in today's society where hacking isn't just for coughing, I don't say that I blame her!

Jolly Mom got the hook-up from American Express and is giving away some gift cards! That would really help me out with some post holiday relief!

American Express is also jumping on the twitter bandwagon and running a giveaway as well! Be sure to enter there as well!

Whether you’ve been naughty or nice this year, tell American Express what’s at the top of your holiday wish list for a chance to win a $100 American Express Gift Card!

Each business day from now through December 15th, American Express will randomly select three winners. All you have to do is tweet @americanexpress any holiday gift you want, up to a $100 value, using the following format:

Hey @americanexpress. I have _________ on my holiday list. Pick me! #amexgiftcard.

You can enter once each business day between 12/2/09 and 12/15/09 for multiple chances to win! If you’re one of the lucky winners, @americanexpress will tweet your name at 9:00am Eastern Standard Time each day, Monday – Friday, and direct message you with details on how to claim your prize. (Participants should be sure to follow @americanexpress in order to receive direct messages.)

For more information including promotion terms & conditions, please visit http://bit.ly/6LijA9

I'm really trying...

BooMama and Totally Together Reviews are giving away a HP TouchScreen as well! I didn't win the JollyMom one, so I am trying other places. @HP_PC on twitter brought me over to BooMama's page! And after reading some of her other posts, I think I'll continue to follow her.

I like the Totally Together Reviews as she writes from a woman's persepective! BlogHer does a great job finding such wonderful blogs!

But I'd really like to win this TouchScreen, it would really make a huge difference in my life and make things less complicating for me. If you know me at all, you know I juggle 2 jobs, 2 non-profits plus something that nearly resembles a social life... it can be really crazy in my life.

HP is really out doing themselves this holiday season and trying to spread some Christmas cheer! Thank you to BooMama & Totally Together Reviews for hosting these incredible giveaways!

All for a good night's sleep...

Our Ordinary Life and Lizzy's Dear Life are giving away a Select Sleep Number bed... OMG, I was just talking to Ben about this. How if I could win the lottery or if I had some extra money lying around, I would buy this bed. You spend so much time of your life sleeping, you need to be comfortable.

My job is all hours, days, nights, weekends, holidays. So I sleep when I can. You never know when the "Big One" will be coming in. But sleep is so important to get proper rest. If I had the opportunity to win one, I would be so grateful.

In this economy, its wonderful that companies are pairing up with bloggers to do these giveaways. Its great given the sprint of the holidays.

Free iTunes Holiday Music!

You can down load 20 free Christmas songs on iTunes from artists like Weezer, David Archuleta, Amy Grant, Rascal Flatts and much more. Click here for details.

More giveaways!

From Dates To Diapers is giving TEN readers a chance to win a $50 Amex gift card! Make sure you drop by the blog and follow the instructions to enter and you’ll be in the running to win too! Don’t forget to check out the From Dates to Diapers Holiday Gift Guide as well!

YUM!

So the girls at Go Graham Go and Jolly Mom have been putting on their "Here Comes Santa Claus" giveaway all month long. And really they are doing it up big! Their latest giveaway is only making me CRAVE everything bad for me and NOT WW friendly! LOL.

If you know me at all, you know that I LOVE Duncan Hines yellow cake with chocolate frosting, its like it was made for me only! It calls to me in the store, begging for me to make it. To the point that I can't even go down the baking aisle during weak moments.

My favorite holiday treat are the cinnamon muffins for Christmas morning, its a tradition in my family that for Christmas morning we have either cinnamon muffins or cinnamon rolls. Every time I smell cinnamon, I think of Christmas morning.

All this talk about food is making me VERY hungry!

SlimFast Drinkers Beware!

So a great friend sent me this link, and I thought I'd share it with you all.

Unilever (the makers of SlimFast) are recalling their canned product. Something about possible bacteria in the product.

Now I use this product as a meal replacement sometimes, typically when I am on the go and need something quick and it works for me, keeps me full and its better than stopping at a fast food chain or for chips and soda. So now I'm left with what do I use in the meantime until the SlimFast is able to return to store shelves!

Happy Holidays Everyone!

Time to get some Motivation

So I went to WW this week, and of course I was up. I was talking to one of the staff members who has worked with Firefighters/EMT's in the past. She kept saying that its harder for people in that profession to loose weight, since basically its a lot of sitting around and waiting for the call... but she has known people to reach their goal weight, just most times takes longer than the average person.... great. One more thing against me.

My schedule was totally screwed up with Toy Bank, house/pet sitting and such - I am looking forward to getting back into something that resembles a routine.

However, I had a moment today. After my dismal weigh-in, all I wanted to do was binge eat, emotional eat, whatever you call it. It's what I've always done in the past when I feel bad for myself. What self-destructive behavior, well I had the food, I started eating and my body must have sensed something, it rejected the food I was eating. I think mentally I am making a switch in my head - change comes oh so slowly. But one needs to acknowledge it when it does happen.

I was up 2 pounds last week and 1.6 pounds this week... still I am down a total of 10.8 pounds in 7 weeks, I have to see the bigger picture. Rome wasn't built in a day...

Stuff the bus is over!

Well I survived another year of Stuff the Bus. As predicited Toy donations were down, but cash donations were on par compared to last year. The money that was donated will be used to purchase toys for the children, which can work out since then a) the children can get exactly what they ask for and b) I get to go shopping - which is always a bonus.

So Toy Bank has officially kicked off, The chili cook-off is on Wednesday night. Gotta keep promoting that! Its such a fun night out. I don't even like chili! LOL.

My parents are home, which means I finally got to go back to my own home and spend the night in my own bed! Oh man, that felt so good! I spent the better part of the night cleaning up and squaring things away.

My parents, also brought Nick home with them for a surprise visit. okay, okay, so I knew about it, but still a surprise. Its always good to see him. I miss him so. He's here to visit and spend some time with his best friend. He's also excited for Chili Cook-Off too. Its funny since Nick flies back to NC on Dec 6th and I fly south to NC to see him on Dec 8th. Originally, he wasn't coming up, so I wasn't going to see him at all, so that is why I was going down. But now, it will be good just to take a vacation.

When I come back, Ben and I will be celebrating our 2 year anniversary, holy moly! Who knew! I love my life with him, *its cheezy* but he completes me. I can be myself and not be fearful about it... I am excited to see what the future holds for us.

Personally, on the weight loss front, I feel like a big **fat** lump this weekend. Not only was it Thanksgiving, but also I was SOOO stressed about Stuff the Bus, I wasn't paying great attention to my food intake and what I was eating. On top of that, due to the rotation of my work schedule, I won't be able to go to my usual Monday night meetings at WW. So it will be a few weeks of being out of sorts, but I am hoping to get back on track.

I've been finding some more Weight Loss blogs and reading their posts. Trying to find some inspiration and help in trying to keep it all in perspective.

Stuffing the bus

Unlike stuffing my face at Thanksgiving! I tried to be really concious about what I was eating and putting on my plate. The other thing I really wanted to be concious about was moving! And to make sure I was moving more. I challenged myself to do 10,000 steps, but ended up at 8,500... all the more reason to make sure I make it there next year.

I hope the scale is kind to me after all of this, but only time will tell. And since I don't really care for leftovers, I don't have to worry about overeating. But there is still many sweets of the holiday season around... so in order to combat this, I must keep moving... House and pet sitting for a week hasn't helped. I've been out of my element. But my folks are home now, so I get to go back to my apartment for the week. Which makes me happy, I've missed my apartment. Which leads me to believe that my parents house isn't my house anymore, and my apartment with Benny is my home. Its a good feeling :-D

Black Friday was hilarious and also productive. I found some really great deals, and managed to get the majority of my shopping done. Save for a few smaller items here and there. Overall, the deals weren't stellar by any stretch, we didn't even bother going into Best Buy this year, but stuck with Kohl's, Target and **gasp** Walmart. Not that I am above Walmart, but typically we avoid it on Black Friday since its a nut house, but we went to the one in Portsmouth, not Newington (right next to the malls) and it wasn't crazy there. All in all managed a few good deals, but nothing that stood out at me.

Stuff the bus is this weekend. Early reports are indicating not many donations of toys, rather more money, but still overall donations are down. Honestly, it doesn't surprise me, but at the same time, makes me VERY nervous. I hope we have enough to go around.

Ben and I tagged our Christmas Tree, we found a nice one at the small farm we went to last year. We'll wait a few more weeks before we go back to cut it down. I can't believe its the end of November and the weather has been really nice. Soon Ben and I will be decorating for Christmas, which is a season that makes me happy. :-D Until Toy Bank just wears me down... but I am going to try to avoid that...

Oh well, I can only do so much :-D Story of my life... I need a personal chef and assistant... :-D

Holy Moly!

What I could do with a machine like this. Jolly Mom is at it again with her giveaway of a HP TouchSmart 600 Desktop. The people of HP are being very generous with this giveaway as the computer has a retail value of $1479! And its the latest and greatest in technology. I love the slim feature of the desktop, and obviously the touch screen aspect. How user friendly, especially for someone like me! LOL.

I hope I win!

How cute!

Well I must say Jolly Mom is pulling out all the stops for her Here Comes Santa Clause Giveaway! One that caught my eye is the Chelsea & Main diaper bags. How cute. After visiting the site, I really like both the Jet Setter and the Uptown looks. And the bags are so versatile and multi-use.

What are you thankful for?

With the Thanksgiving season upon us. About this time every year and up to Thanksgiving itself, I try to take a few moments and reflect on what I am thankful for.

My list (in no particular order):

1) my health
2) my sense of humor
3) gainfully employed - normally I wouldn't have given this much thought, but the economy being the way it is, its hard not to think about this. Also many of my friends are unemployed.
4) my friends and family, for their love and support
5) my partner in life, my best friend, Ben. - I love my life with him, he's my best friend and so much more. He supports me and tries to understand me... hehehe
6) for the country that we live in - so that I have the freedom to write about being thankful. But I know it comes at a cost, and I pray that our men and women who fight for our freedoms.

Those are the real main subjects of what I am thankful for, there are some offshoots. What are YOU thankful for?

Here Comes Santa Claus

Anyone who knows me, knows that Christmas time is my favorite time of the season. Not only for the presents but its a time to help your fellow man. Even though we should do so throughout the year, most don't. However the urge to help one another is greatest throughout the season.

There is something about the first snow, or Christmas Eve, the holiday celebrations with friends and family, where you can stop take the time to enjoy one another. And always, the first taste of hot chocolate on a winter day.

Bloggers Jolly Mom and Go Graham Go are hosting a holiday blog party!

HERE COMES SANTA CLAUS Event Starting Nov. 23rd. Don't Miss It!!

OOO... what I could do with this!

Jolly Mom is giving away a HP TouchSmart600 Computer!

What an awesome prize and big props to Jolly Mom for hosting such a fantastic giveaway.

There is so much I could do with a machine like this. There are so many great features to this computer. From the online reviews it sounds like its great in the kitchen as well, the recipe box program is toted as one of the best as far as organization. And the TouchSmart feature, makes for easy scrolling/reading. The TouchSmart has voice recognition that will read a recipe too you, step-by-step. So if you have your hands full or dirty, the machine will read the next step to you!

How crazy to think that a computer could be in your kitchen and actually be of great assistance. It actually could pull recipes from the web and format them into the Recipe Box program seamlessly.

The monitor can be wall mounted to save on counter top space. I would use this to help out in the kitchen and to hopefully make my life a little easier. How cool to pull recipes from the internet and have them read back to you. What amazing technology.



I just found this blog today, and will instantly become a follower.

Here's the link directly to the giveaway

Dreary Friday!

Well its raining in NH this morning. One of those days where I am glad that I am at work. It stinks those days that its absolutely beautiful out and you are stuck at work. So when its rainy and miserable out, I don't mind being at work!

I get so nervous about Toy Bank this year, I am anticipating a huge increase in the number of families needing assistance this year and also worry about donations being down this year, all due to the economy. But all I can do is my best.

I am taking a vacation December 8th through the 12th to go to North Carolina to see my brother and his wife. I am looking forward to seeing him. Its not going to be the same this year with him being down there and the family being up here. This is my first year taking a vacation while it's Toy Bank season, and I get nervous, I have to trust the other people on my committee to pick up my slack. I hope that someone steps up. I've pretty much done all the work, they just need to get people to show up.

Last night Ben and I went to bed at 830pm! He's been up late with work a lot lately, so last night he didn't have to work, and was really tired. I had to make a deal to watch SOA tonight rather than last night. Poor guy. Though I think I got too much sleep! 9.5 hours - my body isn't used to that much sleep! and I am yawning like crazy today. Even typing the word yawning makes me yawn....

My parents leave Sunday to spend the week with Nick and Lindsay and to celebrate Thanksgiving down there. So I am spending the week in Hampton house/pet sitting for the rents. It will cut down my drive time to work, that's for sure! There is much to do for toy bank next week as we have to get all the boxes out to the local businesses.

Ben and I celebrate 2 years in early December (actually while I am down in NC on vacation) - not really sure if we are doing gifts or not, its really close to Christmas... so I'd rather just have a nice dinner out or date night. Maybe a card, I guess I should talk to him about it.

Weight watchers is going well. I am 6 weeks in and down 14.4 pounds. that's an average of 2.4 pounds per week, which is a little higher than average, I'd rather see 1-2 pounds per week, but then again, I am sure it will all even out. And I am sure its mostly water weight.

I heard a quote and I kinda like it - but it's who said it who is causing the controversy. Model Kate Moss was quoted as saying "nothing tastes as good as skinny feels" - and I kinda like it. It's kind of motivating, to keep my hand out of that cookie jar. But since Kate Moss had an eating disorder, I think she takes flack anytime she would make a statement like this. But I've heard this in another form, so its not like its anything new!

I am looking forward to Black Friday, I am trying to get my shopping lists together, I am going to try and actually buy gifts for other people, instead of buying lots of things for me! LOL. I am so bad. And I get to spend time with Tabs! Which is always fun!

Sunday!

Well, I was supposed to be on my first full day off. And well, yeah, that didn't happen. Ended up getting an overtime shift for tonight, so here I am. But I did manage to get 98% of my housework done. Really only have one or two things left to do. I felt very accomplished after today.

Ben must have been tired, he's been working crazy hours the past few weeks. He slept until 11:30 on Saturday and noon today. He deserved it for sure.

Tomorrow is WW weigh-in day, I am hoping for a loss, after being up last week a loss of greater than 4 pounds would be fantastic.

I haven't been able to get my walks in like I should. I need to get in a mind set that any movement is better than no movement. Though today I was sweating and moving so today's movement is checked off! I need to take each day as a success and start anew the next day. And not let the little things get me down. I had a really great conversation with one of the guys at work about it. Very uplifting. I can and will be better! I want my iPhone! LOL.

This week I am working at HCA 2 days, last time at PIM on Wednesday, nice office - I wouldn't mind going back, but living in Kingston now makes it tougher to get to Portsmouth. And I really like my setup at Clipper. But then again its not really up to me.

Tomorrow morning I am going to an AM radio station locally here (WXEX in Exeter) to do a recording about the chili cook-off. I am still trying to coordinate one with the Wave in Portsmouth as well, but that one is for the Seacoast Wide Toy Bank. Its frustrating when the person in charge of the seacoast wide one hasn't really been seen or heard from lately. Which reminds me that I need to call him again.

I cannot believe that next week is Thanksgiving! My how time flies. Here it is the 15th of November and today it was near 60 degrees! We are going to have a big shock when the snow comes, and who knows, there may be snow on the ground for Memorial Day at this rate!

Well that's all the ranting I can stand right now.. lol.

Prioritize!

I need to prioritize my life and set some goals. This time of year my life gets crazy busy! Although I don't like it, there really isn't much I can do about it. I need to learn how to say no from time to time. Its hard for me to do, that's for sure. I am a people pleaser, one of my faults... I've done it for years! Even when my parents were divorced. It's just part of my nature. I know one of these days its going to cause me to have a breakdown! So I am trying to space out Toy Bank so that its not all at once, but rather spaced out over time. I guess we'll see how it goes. I am really hoping for a good year.

I'm still trying to squeeze in the last few of my vacation days in as well. And trying oh so hard not to use vacation time for Toy Bank things, though its tempting!

I am flying out on Dec 8th through Dec 12th to go see my brother in NC. This is the first year that we won't be together as a family for the holiday and its just crazy to think about it. So I will go and spend some time with him. I'm excited to go, but I'll be missing my actual anniversary date with Ben (2 years! - seesh!) however Ben and I plan on celebrating when I get back into town. Not sure what we will be doing, but as long as I am with him, I'll be happy!

HOBY is coming back to life. I am hopefully that after this weekend things will get back on track. I have said to Ben that I am only doing what I am doing now, I do not plan on taking any more roles within HOBY. I don't want to go to seminar weekend, I'd just like to help with the grants and seeking donations for the organization.

There are so many non-profits out there that I would enjoy working with and the causes are very worthy. I just don't have enough time and resources. So I have to be choosy with where I give my time.

Then of course there is time with my family and friends. And then lastly work. I love my job and the people I work with (my guys are the s*!) and I am terribly fortunate that I still have a job. As anyone knows the economy isn't what it used to be. Its rebounding, but I think it will take awhile before we are comfortable. Everyone is trying to make their dollars stretch more. I know for me I've been using more coupons and not being such a brand whore when it comes to certain types of food.

Speaking of saving money, one of my favorite holidays is coming up shortly.... Black Friday! I cherish my day with Tabitha and being one of those crazy people standing outside a store at 2 am!

I know that for me personally, I realized how bad I was off with my credit cards and I am trying to pay off them one at a time now so that I am not in this position again. I know there are worse people off than I, but I am not comfortable in this position. I'd like to own a house someday, and I know I need a down payment, so I am trying to save up for that as well.

One way I try to save money is searching blogs and online sites for deals. One that I came across was http://www.sahmsue.com/2009/11/50-custom-thank-you-cards-giveaway.html and www.uprinting.com for doing a giveaway of thank you cards. These cards would come in real handy for my Toy Bank thank yous that I do after the holiday season!

I have to keep my notebook with me at all times. I am very forgetful and I am a list person. I love my lists, there is order and structure in my lists. And I do get some satisfaction in crossing my tasks off my list as I complete them. I guess I am just sick in the head.

Sorry this is a random post... sometimes I just type what I am thinking and feeling in the moment. Apparently today, I am quite scattered ;-)

Veteran's Day & Tis the season?

Is it too early to talk about Christmas? Never! I say. I love this time of year. It's also Toy Bank season (www.toy-bank.com). The union that I belong to, Professional Firefighters of Hampton, Local 2664, donate countless man hours to the toy bank. Every year we help families and children have a Christmas that may have gone without. This project has always been a passion of mine, and it's in my blood, my dad started it almost 30 years ago! Before I was born! I have many countless memories of going places with my dad in town, and doing Toy Bank things. So naturally when I became a Fire Alarm Operator and joined the local, it was a given on who was going to take over Toy Bank and fill my dad's large shoes. Dad is still there helping me and guiding me, making sure I don't miss a single thing, and I am so appreciative of his help. There couldn't have been a more seamless transition.

I am fearful of a troublesome year. As everyone knows, the economy isn't the greatest and many people are without a job. Times are tight and everyone is reining in their spending. My fear is a decrease in donations with an increase in need. Every little bit is going to help this year.

So with that, my mind is focused and I am diligently working on Toy Bank things, to make this year a great year. I have to stay positive.

In more personal news. I have been attending weight watchers for 5 weeks now. Overall I am down about 10 pounds, but this past week I was up 4 pounds! I attribute it to my mini vacation this past weekend. (I took Ben to Providence, RI for an overnight trip) and we ate like Kings! LOL. So its ok to relax - so long as I don't give up. And I am back at it again. I am determined that I will not be this heavy for my life. I have too much to live for.

We have a new dispatcher, he's working out well. I am finally getting my routine back a little bit. I hope that stays, I like my routine...

Tomorrow I am heading west, to the Big E with the girls from PatchWood farms for the Equine Affair. I am looking forward to the drive! And to be surrounded for at least a day, of all things, horsey!

In closing, I'd like to say "Thank you" to the Veterans out there, past or present. Thank you for the service to your country, which enables me to live my life the way I want to.

Another week goes by

Well work has been super busy, I unfortunately missed BOTH the Deerfield and Fryeburg Fairs this year :-( Bummer. I guess that means that I will have to go next year ;-) I seem to be missing many of my fall routines this year. It's almost peak fall foliage season, and no trips in site to head north to see some of the beauty.

According to the google calendar, Ben and I have the first weekend in November off, so NO PLANS! Ben and I are going to enjoy a nice quiet weekend together. I have to say I am looking forward to it. I've been so busy between work and EMT refresher training and he's been way busy with work (product is getting ready to ship), I think it will be nice for the two of us just to have a quiet weekend together.

So its official, my cousin Cathy, Kelli and myself are joining weight watchers, well Cathy has already joined but this will be my first week (as well as Kelli's). Kelli and I have been going back and forth with the idea, and then Cathy sent me a message asking if I would like to join her (first stating that she hoped that she didn't offend me) which - I'm fat, I know I am. So no, it doesn't offend me, if anything should motivate me. I think it will help to have some friends there who can keep you motivated to stick it out - since they are going through the same struggles that you are. Nick and Lindsay are doing it down in North Carolina, seems like they are quite successful at it. And my insurance will reimburse me each year up to $300 for healthy stuff like WW, so I really do not have an excuse. And I still have the books from the last time I did it, so really it should be short money up front. I find it difficult to put the time/effort into eating better when I work so much, but I need to put down the take-out menu and pick up a previous prepared healthy meal.

Speaking of Nick, he called me on Friday (I was at the farm and literally had just gotten back from my walk with Kathleen and the dogs) and he said that he just got the package I sent him in early September! Somewhere in Post Office hell, they didn't deliver the package right away.... which is funny, since when I went to mail it, the Postwoman asked me if I trusted the Post Office to get it there quickly, to which I said, of course! Big mistake I guess! Oh well, brother appreciated the thought. I was just trying to send him a taste of New England!

The rents are camping this weekend, so I had to stop by the house and check on the cats this morning on my way into work, good thing I did! Food dish was empty! Poor Melly was wasting away.... any of you who know my cat Melly, she won't die of hunger ANYTIME soon... she's a fat ass and fits right in with the family. But Aunt Pam and Uncle Ralph have gone home and Aunti Barbara wasn't there, there is still some stuff in her apartment, but she wasn't there (either at church or at her new house in Rochester) so big doings at the family farm in Hampton.

I was watching Grey's Anatomy this week and one of the supporting characters needed a liver transplant due to his alcoholism, and he was talking about how he got that way. In that he would drink, and then say that he would never drink again, and he'd be good for a day, but then he'd reward himself with a drink, and start the vicious cycle over. I feel the exact same way with food. I do really well for a day or two and then I "reward" myself with a treat. My thought process is, oh I went for a walk today, I can have this candy bar, or whatever.... its really a bad way of thinking. And really, makes me think that I am a food addict.

Coming up this week is our kick off Toy Bank meeting! Holy Moly, its Toy Bank Time again! Seesh! Working at HCAPS (doctor's office) this week and hopefully a lunch date with Liane, a friend from freshman year in college, we've rescheduled this lunch about 4 times now over the past few months, so I am hopeful that I'll get to see her! And BINGO on Friday... so even though I work a lot, I do get some time to play, and when I do, I like to play hard!

It's October... Fall weather in New England!

Ok, so it's been since March that I last updated this blog. What can I say, life gets away from me, I am sure anyone can say that. Things have really been moving along quickly here. I'm still working two jobs, still living with my fabulous boyfriend, Ben, in Kingston. In fact we just celebrated 1 year of living in Kingston, crazy to think how time flies. We both really love Kingston. Hopefully we can find a nice house somewhere.

So what's happened since March.... well on April 6th, the season opener for the Red Sox.... my brother and his fiancee got married! It was a small ceremony, its just crazy to think that my baby brother is now married. Well later on in April my brother and his wife (!) moved to North Carolina. Lindsay had finished her nursing degree and was offered a job at Duke Hospital. It's a 2 year commitment, so my brother moved down there and it sucks. I miss him so much, I knew I was going to miss him...my father and stepmother are planning on spending Thanksgiving down there with him which is awesome, but I wish I could be there. Unfortunately, between work and Toy Bank, November isn't a good month for me to be traveling. I talk to my brother on the phone or facebook about every few days, but at least once a week. I am so happy and proud of him, but miss him so. He is talking about going to school down there, but it would require them to be down there for another year....

March 24th, one of my best friends, Nichole gave birth to her beautiful twin girls! Allison and Jillian. By now (October) they are getting huge! And still just as beautiful. Made all those drives to Portland with her so worth it! I was so happy that I was able to do that for her.

I stimulated the economy a bit, I bought a new vehicle. I traded in my 2001 Honda Accord and bought a 2009 Jeep Patriot. The place I bought my Honda from (Pre-Owned Automobile Superstore, in Stratham, NH) - which is now out of business - offered me free oil changes as long as I owned the car, when I bought it back in 2003. Well I had never had a problem with them until.... I brought it in for service, and apparently, they put the wrong oil filter on my car!!! Oil had leaked out and I was running my engine without oil! I don't know for how long, but it was awhile. Finally I brought it in to my usual mechanic and he said that he couldn't tell without tearing things apart if my engine had gone bad. But that if I had the money, now was the time to by something new. The car had just cracked 100,000 miles! My original plan was to keep the car for another year and I had saved up some money to do the 100,000 mile service.

So I went car shopping instead. After looking at Honda's and Toyota's - BTW, I had a BAD experience with Hulbert Toyota in Epping... and after talking to my dad, I decided to go take a look at the Jeep line at Gil's in Stratham. There I fell in love with the Patriot. I test drove the Patriot first, and then the Liberty, the dealer offered me to look at the Compass, but I wanted nothing to do with it. Apparently its the girlier version of the Patriot... The Liberty was nice, but very boxy and basic, I didn't care for it. I got a fully tricked out Patriot. Black exterior with a tan/black interior, Premium sound package, I got to keep my moon roof!!! And Sirius was build into the dash, I didn't have to keep my Sportster unit. I love my SUV. It has all wheel drive, which will be helpful in those Kingston winter storms when my landlord is sleeping on the plowing. I miss the great gas mileage my Honda got, but I love my Jeep!

This summer flew by, June was pretty much a washout. It rained practically every day. It was terrible. My birthday came and went. I didn't really do any sort of celebration, in fact I worked the night of my birthday. July was better weather wise, I wasn't able to go down to Rhode Island with Ben to see his best friend Mike and his wife Crystal, which was unfortunate. But I was able to see some of my extended family on their yearly trip to NH and to Bow Lake! Last year I didn't use Bow Lake as much, so I vowed this year that I would. Well since June was a washout, I made up for it in July and August. I must have been to the lakehouse about a handful of times. It was wonderful. Ben and I both got our NH Boating License so I was able to take the boat out on the lake. So wonderful!

This summer, I met a wonderful friend named Kathleen, she owes Patch Wood Farms, in Sandown, NH - about a 15 minute drive from my house. Well she was looking for someone who was willing to do farm work in exchange for ride time with her horses. I thought it would be fun, I really didn't expect a friendship out of it, but I guess everything happens for a reason. She is a great friend and I am so glad that I had the opportunity to meet her and be part of her world!

August, Ben and I took our yearly vacation to Surry, Maine, right outside Bar Harbor. His family has a small camp there that every year he goes to. This is obviously my second year going. This year, I went for the full week. It was so nice. The first few days we were on our own, and then mid-week, his mother joined us. It was such a lovely time, and the weather was perfect. The only day it rained was the day we were driving up. Ben really can vacation like the best of them. He is slowly teaching me that I am given vacation time for a reason, and when I am on vacation, I need to take a vacation... its a valuable lesson, just takes me some time for it to sink in.

September came, we had a nice stretch of weather, almost like a late or Indian summer feel. But towards the end, it was more fall like. In Hampton, we had the 20th annual Seafood Festival, which it rained one day and was beautiful the next. I can't believe its been 20 years for the fest. Seems like forever! September is also about the time that HCA (my second job) wanted me more. They had acquired a new office (Portsmouth Internal Medicine) and one of their staff was out extended and needs some help keeping up with the work. So I am splitting my free time between Clipper and PIM. Its crazy and hectic.

September was also the month of my beautiful friend, Christin getting married. She had a perfect day for a wedding, I was so happy for her. It was also the day of the NH NASCAR race, which sadly I had to miss because I didn't want to miss this important event for my friend. But it was also a perfect day for a race too!

One of my best friends, Tricia announced also, that she is pregnant and due the first part of January! As of right now, she is having a girl and Kaylee is the current name they have picked out. I am so happy for Tricia and Jayson!

One of our dispatchers went to the floor, and became a firefighter! I am so impressed with Kate, she really has the guts and determination. She really is an inspiration. And right now, we are in the midst of hiring a new dispatcher. So I am working extra at the fire station and extra at HCA (doctor's offices). There's been no time for me! I am hoping that this changes soon...I do it to myself though, I really have a hard time saying no.

A few of my girlfriends got together awhile back and we did a weight loss challenge, each week we would weigh in and at the end of the month, the person with the highest percentage of weight loss won. Every other player would pay the winner $10. We would get together once a month and go to dinner, well when Tricia announced that she was pregnant we suspended the contest, but we still have the occasional girls night out. Its nice that I have some wonderful friends that I can vent to and enjoy life with.

And now it's October, I love fair season. Unfortunately due to work, I will probably miss both the Deerfield and the Fryeburg fairs this year. Just the way my schedule fell this year, my shifts fall on the fair dates. Oh well, can't go every year. But I still love fall and can enjoy the season. I love watching the leaves change - the colors are so brilliant. I really still want to take a day and drive up north, maybe I'll have to convince Ben to take me out ;-)

Kelli and I are in talks to join WW again. She had really great success on the plan the last time we did it. And I think if I put my heart into it (more so than last time) that I too will find it successful. I've really got to put a stop to working so much and making a little more time for me.

Work is difficult, we have been working without a contract for 4 years. Which means that I am still working for the same money as when I got hired. It's hard when the town doesn't support you and give you a raise for years, and now the economy has bottomed out, and you don't want to be viewed as greedy and looking for a handout, when other people have been laid off for months on end. Several of my friends have been laid off, and its scary to think that the worst is yet to come. I don't like thinking like this, but its hard not to when its all over the news and in your life. My second job which before was just extra income has become more and more of a necessity.

Things are crazy, I've resorted to using Google's calendar feature to keep track of things, its crazy how life gets, but I need to do it. Its wonderful, and really keeps things in order. I love my life, I really feel like I am living my life to the fullest.

Phew... ok that's a lot! But I have to remember its been 7 months since I last updated, and I am sure I missed many things! I hope to post here a bit more frequently!

Happy Birthday God...aka Chuck Norris

Today is Chuck Norris' birthday. He turned infinity. He was actually born 3 months premature because he had asses to kick.

PS - he's 69 in human years....

So Much Going On Right Now!

I'm back from Vacation! For those of you out there who don't know me, I went to Georgia this past week to see my cousin, Amy. I miss her so. I am so glad that her and I are so close. I love my relationship with her and wouldn't dream of giving it up...to the point that I am trying like h-e-l-l to convince her to move up to NH :-D I highly doubt it will ever happen, she hates the cold...but it still makes for a fun time.

Georgia was fun, but more importantly relaxing. I haven't really had a vacation since August and Bar Harbor, so I was overdue for some time off. Between all the overtime and Toy Bank, I was stretched very thin, and it showed. Things have calmed down a bit more and Thankfully I am trying to get back into the swing of things. In Georgia we went to Atlanta for one day, to the Aquarium and the World of Coca-Cola, both were really cool. The Georgia Aquarium is by far the best one that I have been to and beats the New England Aquarium hands down! We also got to see and spend some time with Kenny and Wendy and their children. It was nice to spend a day with them and get to know Wendy a bit better, since they are now married :-D They have quite a lovely house and life for them in Georgia. I also spent some time with Amy's mom, Barbara and she is a wonderful woman. I can see where Amy gets a lot of her good traits from ;-)

I'm glad to be back home. I missed it here, I missed Ben...the flights home were interesting. Time spent in Airport Terminals...wow...all I have to say is I don't think that I could have a job where I would have to travel a lot. I love to fly, but I just don't think I could do that grind all the time.

Last night Ben and I headed North to his friend Amy's place. Really middle of nowhere...but we had a good time. Game night, and although we did play some games, it was also more of a get to know each other better time as well. I had such a great time. Ben has some amazing friends who care very deeply for him, I just hope that I am meeting their high standards ;-)

While in Georgia, I didn't really focus on eating well and exercising, I just had fun, and I paid for it, I gained a little over 2 pounds. But I am back at it, and plan on hitting Curves 3 times a week and watching what I eat! I've seen pictures of me from my trip and I don't like what I see. I know I can be better and will be better. I even went for a walk today before the rain came.

Things with Ben are going very well. We are actually getting to see more of each other, scary I know! It took the use of Google Calender in order for me to get my life straight and for Ben to be able to know what I am doing. I haven't been able to spend much time on the apartment, we still have a few boxes left over, that need unpacking, but obviously nothing desperately needed. I would like to get my scrapbooking stuff organized and out so I can do that some more. I miss doing that, and I am way behind in my albums.

Anywho, I hope things continue to go well and I can keep up being more organized. I am trying to keep my New Year's Resolutions of some form of exercise at least 3 times a week and also to be more organized. I think that I also mentioned not swearing as much and hanging out with friends more...

To which I can say, that I have hung out with some friends, and we've done the game nights and dinner nights which have been fun and amazing, its nice just to have some chill nights with some good friends and whatnot. The swearing bit...well I think that will always be a work in progress, but I am more mindful of what I am saying...and Ben still catches me every now and again :-D

Baby it's Cold Outside...

So I got in my car this morning and was driving to work. In the Winter my hands get very dry and cracked. So to help cut down on the dryness, I keep hand lotion in my car. Well I went to grab some lotion today, and its frozen...I can't even get a little bit out! Seesh! I had to keep the bottle under my thigh for about 10 minutes before I could use it! Man was it cold out...it's still cold out! Thankfully I replaced my car battery this past summer, so my car really shouldn't have any trouble starting.

I was driving down 101, east of the landing road lights, I was out over the marsh, and I looked out on the ocean and there was this huge snow storm cloud over the water! Ocean Effect Snow! Thankfully it never came ashore. It was so beautiful to look at though!

So in other news, last night I had dinner with a dear friend of mine from grade/high school. It was so good to see Rebecca while she was in town. Some things have changed, but some have stayed the same, and its so nice to see that not everything has changed. I hope its not another 8-9 years before I see her again!

I got on the scale and I am not liking what I see, I had a great low number on Tuesday morning but yesterday and today have not been kind. I chaulk it up to it being a certain time of the month, and I am very uncomfortable, and I'm eating to try and feel comfortable, which isn't working, duh! I have to get out of that mindset! I slipped and fell on some stairs a few days ago so I didn't workout yesterday, but I woke up early this morning and did some Wii Fit, and I intend on going to Curves after work tonight as well.

I have been trying to keep better track of how much I exercise and trying to keep a food journal. It seems to be working more. Just being more aware of what you are doing and what you are eating can help!

Other than that things are going well. :-D

I can be better....

I entered into a weight loss challenge with some friends, 10 dollars a month and the person with the highest percentage of body loss wins. Continue to do each month until we decide to stop.

Well last week I was down a pound, and this week I didn't loose anything. I've been keeping track of my activity and one of my resolutions was to do cardio 3 times a week. I think what I need to be doing is cardio every day plus Curves (strength training) 3 times a week. I think that will kick up my routine the notch that I need.

So yesterday I went to Curves, but I did not get any extra cardio in...so tonight, I'm hitting the Wii for an hour. Tomorrow will be Curves after work and either cardio in the am or at night...I think I am going to do the Wii on my off nights from Curves and for my cardio either go for a walk, or do one of my Walking away the pounds (WATP) DVD's. I am going to track my progress on my calender and hold myself accountable for my goals.

It will be interesting to see what I will have to do while I am in Georgia for 5 days, but I am sure that Amy will be happy to help me.

I can be better...

Happy New Year!

Well my New Year's party went well...not really a party, more like a gathering, no club music, just getting together with friends and playing games and watching Dick Clark and the ball drop. Mind you, Dick Clark, man, the poor guy needs to retire, I just felt bad for him. He is looking older more haggard, and his voice...oh I just felt bad.

So as far as any New Year's Resolutions. Which I never know why I keep making them, they are bound to fail. I don't think I know anyone who has successfully kept a resolution...

Anyways, my resolutions (Self torture) are, to be more mindful of my language. I swear entirely too much. It's very common to use foul language at the fire station and I just do not think that its very becoming of a lady to use such language. So I will soon have a swear jar...and every time I swear, I have to pay 25 cents. I've been keeping track so far, and its already above $7 in slip-ups. Even more of a reason to think before I speak...That was part of the fun on New Year's Eve was to come up with a list of no-no words that I cannot say.

My second resolution is to get some form of cardio in 3-4 times a week. Whether it be a walk, Curves, Wii Fit, just something. And at least for 20 minutes. Since the first of January I've been to Curves 4 times. It would have been 5, but they closed early due to weather so I went home and did the Wii Fit. Actually, I've done cardio mostly everyday. I think I have only missed 3 days.

Curves has a weight management class that I am going to partake in. And also I will be making an appointment with a nutritionist to see if they can help me. I am such a picky eater and it tends to be the wrong foods. So I am hoping that they can introduce some new foods for me that are better choices to be making.

I hope to carry this enthusiasm throughout the year. I really want to be better and look and feel better. I still have my goal if I hit 250 pounds I can do horseback riding lessons at UNH this summer. Now its a lofty goal, but if I can do it, it would feel so rewarding.

I bought new glasses this week. I had the old ones for almost 5 years, it was time for a new pair. It's hard to imagine that this May will be my 5 year anniversary of me graduating college. Really scary how time flies. Thinking back. I do not think that I would be where I am at now. I enjoy my job and love my job. But never in a million years did I think that I would be working here. Kinda funny how life throws things at you.

Ben and I are doing great. Yesterday we went to Rhode Island to see his best friend Mike and his wife Crystal. We spent the day together just hanging out and catching up. We also went to Dave and Busters for dinner and games. Very cool atmosphere and while Ben and Mike were playing the shooting games, Crystal and I were playing the ticket games. What a fun night! We originally planned on leaving Providence around 8 we didn't leave until 10:30, we were having way too much fun. I fell asleep in the car on the way home, since I had to work today...ugh. And on top of it all more snow. I was late to work this morning, because my stupid landlord does not plow regularly, he waits for the storm to be over...well that didn't help me in my little Honda who wanted to get out this morning....so I got stuck and poor Ben and some random guy had to help get me unstuck. Which reminds me I need to call my landlord later on.

Anywho, things are going well, the new dispatcher officially starts this week. I hope she stays, so that I can get some much deserved time off to rest and get a few things done that have been left undone for far too long.

Take Care!

In other news...

Gross Warning!!! Do not read any further if you don't want to be grossed out! LOL.

So any of you know know me...even just a little bit, know that I talk very openly about many things. One thing I do not like to talk too much about (especially in front of members of the opposite sex) is my period.

I thought that it only happened to me, but while I was reading the December issue of Cosmo, I noticed in the Cosmo Gyno section that it talked about 'my' issue...I call it my PPP (Pre-Period Poo). A day or two before my period would start (BTW - thank God for BCP and regulating my cycle...) I would have a huge bowel movement and I never knew why...

From Cosmo Gyno...Period Mystery Solved; Why Do I Get Diarrhea? Answer - The same body chemicals that trigger uterine contractions to help expel blood inadvertently cause your lower intestine to contract as well. The result: Loose stools. Taking an anti-inflammatory painkiller at the first twinge of cramping stops the contractions.

It kinda makes sense! So at least I know now that it's a) not just me and b) that I can do something about it.

Anywho, I don't know why I felt the need to share that, but oh well.. :-D