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!