Day Zero Project Update

Every quarter I update the progress of my current Day Zero project list (101 things in a 1001 days).

For the original post, click here. For the last update, click here.

Current List:

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 (got engaged! This will be completed in October 2011 - hopefully)
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 (Did the Conway Scenic Railway Trip, but I'd like to do another)
32) Make homemade bread
33) Go to a casino (will be going to a casino this weekend in Atlantic City)
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 (1/100)
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 (6/30)
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 (4/4)
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 license
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.” (9/100)
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) (0/5) - New Jersey this weekend!!
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 arraignments 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 (Kenny / Bill)
85) Host a girls night at my house
86) Host a couple's night
87) Prepare my will
88) Take a pole dancing class
89) Travel to Nantucket / Martha's Vineyard
90) Visit my grandmother at least once a month for a year (6/12)
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 (2/12) - Kaylynn / K-Dizzle
95) See Rocky Horror at midnight showing
96) Go and shoot a gun at a firing range
97) To get a physical each year (Scheduled for mid October this 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

So, 15 tasks "completed" with another 13 in "progress", all in all I am still thrilled that I am working on this and in turn working on myself. I think it is a wonderful idea, and since I am a list girl, this works so much better for me than a New Year's Resolution.

And another $5 in the Day Zero savings account...

Reviewing the September Goals

Well here are the September goals:

• Host a giveaway on my blog
• Get my Gruve Green at least 4 days a week
• Attend Weight Watcher meetings every week
• Continue tracking food intake (strive for 2 weeks straight)
• Finish uploading photos and moving photos around on firefighter's website
• Achieve 10% goal by month's end

Massive failure on my part...I am in the process of hosting a giveaway on my blog, which by the way ends on October 3rd, so you still have some time to enter! All you have to do, is tell me how you stay organized!

I did get my Gruve green at least for 2 weeks, next month, I am going to resolve to be more focused on getting my Gruve green. There have been nights in the last couple of weeks were I am almost there, and I find myself pacing in the bedroom while watching tv, just to get my Gruve green. It's been funny and H2B just laughs at me when he sees me doing it.

I have attended my Weight Watcher meetings and it's been great, even on the week's I've been up, I still go, I love my meeting peeps and really happy that I found a good place that fits for me. So that's been a win!

I didn't track my food... fail, simply just failed.

Pictures on the website, it's done! So that's a win, it's great to have that wrapped up, 3 years worth of pictures, and I was able to reorganize them so they flow better.

And lastly, my 10%, I didn't achieve it. Still about 9 pounds shy. This will stay on next month. I did use a Weight Watcher's idea and did some storybooking on my goal, I've posted it on my fridge to remind me of my goal.

So it's a been an up down month, Still looking at venues and doing other smaller wedding things, I still can't believe that I am an engaged woman and planning a wedding.

Buff Bride To Be

So if you don't already know, DBF is no longer DBF, but H2B (Hubby To Be)! Obviously, I am very excited about this new chapter in my life (and his).

We are planning an October wedding next year (2011), we both love fall and being outdoors. Ideally we are trying to plan to have the ceremony outside and the reception indoors. Hopefully at the same location. Right now (and one of my to be named October goals) is to secure a venue and a date.

After that, I plan on taking the holiday season off from wedding planning, as I coordinate the Hampton Firefighter's Toy Bank program, where we provide families with toys/gifts that may have gone without at Christmas time. Last year we had about 320 kids in our program, it's a lot of work, but very rewarding.

After the first of the year, it'll be back into wedding planning mode.

From now until the wedding day will be Buff Bride mode, I want the outside to reflect the inside. I am so happy and thrilled to be taking this next step, and obviously I want to look haut for pictures, so I am re-dedicating my weight loss efforts. I am going to continue on with Weight Watchers, even though I don't follow the plan exactly (I don't track consistently) I enjoy the meetings and find them helpful. I plan on getting back to the gym, I haven't been to the gym in over a month, it's pretty sad that I am wasting money, I need to re-commit to the gym.

One of my new tools, I ordered from Amazon.com. I can't wait to try this workout DVD at home:

I am excited to try a new DVD out and get back into a routine for me. I still am using my Gruve to help as a gauge of my activity level. I love that it "buzzes" you when you've been sitting too long. 

Prior to the engagement, H2B and I had another weight loss challenge between the 2 of us. Starting Labor day and going through to New Year's Day, highest % lost. Loser treats the winner for a weekend in Boston. Now, I lost the last contest he and I had, I don't plan on loosing this one. (Note: I didn't blog about the last contest between us! Seesh, bad blogger that I am!)

It's great that H2B is committed to changing his ways and living a healthy lifestyle. He wants to lose his excess weight as much as I want to lose mine. We both want to have a family someday and be able to keep up with our children, and be good role models for them. Obviously, the best way is to lead by example.

On a side note, I know that typically Tuesdays are my weigh in day, however it's that time of my work rotation that I work Tuesday days, and I am unable to attend my usual weigh in meetings. However, I do plan on going on Thursday to weigh in (same meeting leader, love her!). Next week will be the same, and then hopefully, I can get back on track (at least for another 6 weeks).

Weigh In

Well I didn't get a chance to post this on Tuesday, so I thought I'd get to it now.

Last week's weight: 290.8
This week's weight: 293.2
Gain: +2.4
Total Loss: -20.6

Well, a weekend at the track is most likely to blame, I didn't track my food and drank a lot of alcohol. However, it was so worth it, as I had a blast. I always look forward to spending time with my dad. In a previous post I talked about my NSV and climbing all the stairs. I was really proud of that. Also, getting my Gruve green 3 out of the 4 days we were up there. I knew the food would be bad, but I can control the activity, so that is what I chose to focus on.

This week, I am looking to losing the weight that I gained, and possibly losing more.

I've already had some struggles, I've attended 2 classes/trainings that are work related, I haven't been tracking my food like I should, and I really need to get back on the wagon. I will not achieve all of my September goals, but I am going to recommit to those that I do not achieve in October's monthly goals.

I really enjoy the meeting, and the support that it offers. This week's topic was about asking for help, and why we don't do it. Pride is usually the answer. We don't want to admit that we are weak. I can totally see that point, but I've already got Ben's support, every time I've asked if he's wanted to go for a walk with me, he does, and he's so good when I ask for his input. I need to ask the boys at work to help me out. One of my guys LOVES to cook, and I just have to be better about asking him what's in the food, so I can count my points.

On a side note, since this blog is about my life in general, I am trying to plan a wedding. Ultimately I'd like to find a venue and secure a venue and a date before the end of October. Then I would like to take a break from wedding planning until after the new year. I coordinate an annual toy bank program for children in the community that I work for, and it's a lot of work/stress.

Venue hunting has been very stressful, but Ben (H2B) and I are looking at a place on Saturday, and I am looking forward to our first adventure in wedding planning.

My First Giveaway! **CLOSED**

Well one of my September goals was to host a giveaway on my blog! Although it's not really fitness related, it is a great collection.

Included in this giveaway is a pink tote as well as a collection of Carolina Pad products, I received from Carolina Pad, but I don't really have a need for them, so I thought I would pass them along to someone else.  There is a 3 ring binder, a 3 ring notepad, a journal, a small spiral notepad and a small package of pencils.

I love using the small spiral notepad as my idea book, to-do lists, life catch all. I always keep one in my purse in case I need to write anything down.

So what do you need to do to win this awesome giveaway? Leave a comment here telling me what you do to keep track of everything? What tidbit can you share with me and other readers?

Extra Entries (make sure you leave a separate comment for each entry):

• Follow me on twitter, if you aren't already, leave a comment with your twitter handle
• Tweet this giveaway. Can be done once daily, make sure you leave a comment every time.
• Follow my blog on Networked Blogs (on Facebook) and leave a comment that you did so (Facebook name)
• Follow my blog via Google Friend Connect

Since I am hosting this giveaway, this giveaway is open to anyone in the US or Canada. This giveaway will end on Sunday October 3rd, 2010 at 10 pm EST. Winner will be chosen using Random.org. Make sure you have a valid method of contact so I may contact you if you are the winner! Winner will have 48 hours to respond afterwards, I will choose another winner.

Disclosure: I am hosting this giveaway, there is no one sponsoring this giveaway. So there FTC!

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Giveaway is now CLOSED. Winner will be picked shortly! Thank you to all of you who entered my first giveaway!

FitBloggin Giveaway? Yes Please!

I am planning on attending FitBloggin' 11. It would be great if I could get some help getting there. The newly created Fit Bloggers Guide is offering a grand opening giveaway is paying one lucky blogger's way to to FitBloggin'11!

The Fit Blogger's Guide is the brainchild of Ryan from No More Bacon and Josie from Yum Yucky and it looks like it will be a great resource for those of us who are interested in being a fit blogger.




Every little bit helps, so I will promote Fit Blogger's Guide in hopes that I can win their FitBloggin' 11 giveaway! I am happy to have this resource, I can't wait to see what they come up with.

I am in the midst of some wonderful fit bloggers who are all trying to win this awesome giveaway, I know there can only be one winner, but I can only hope that we all find a way to get to FitBloggin' so we can all meet IRL!

Catching up and a NSV

Wow, it's been over a week since I last blogged. I am so sorry lovies! I've been busy enjoying life. September is always a busy month for me. Labor day weekend I am typically on vacation in Maine with H2B and his family. The second weekend is the Hampton Beach Seafood Festival, typically for me, means that I am working all weekend (this year also 9/11 falls on that weekend) and then this past weekend, I head up to Loudon, NH for the NASCAR race, for some father daughter time. We spend the whole weekend camping up there, its a blast.

So I am sorry, if you lovies feel neglected, it's not by choice! I've just been enjoying my life a little bit more.

While at NASCAR weekend, I wanted to make sure I brought my Gruve and get green all weekend! Aside from Sunday, I was green the rest of the weekend! 3 straight days of Gruve Green! (Thursday - Saturday). After the race on Sunday, H2B and I went for a walk, I was able to get to blue, but not green, at least it was effort! I was thrilled that although I didn't track my food all weekend, I made an effort to get some exercise in.

A NSV for me, was in NASCAR the best seats are way up in the grandstands, and our seats are about 2/3 of the way up. We are in row 36. There are 5 flights of stairs we climb to get to our seats, in years past, dad and I have had to stop several times, because we were out of breath, well I am happy to report that this year, we only stopped once, after 4 flights straight. I was not only proud of myself, but also my dad, who's been doing so good and losing weight.

Later on, while sitting around the campfire, dad also said that he wanted to start going back to the gym in the next 2 weeks or so. So happy to hear that, I'll have someone to help trash talk me into going to the gym more often. I feel like I've taken the summer off from the gym. I like to be outside if I can, but the New England winter will take over soon enough and I will be back inside kicking butt in the gym.

Although after it all, I stepped on the scale when we got home this morning, and I am up about 2 pounds from last week, I expected worse, so I'll take it. Weigh-in day is tomorrow!

And of course, I didn't post last week's weigh-in results, but I lost all the weight I gained while on vacation. It took me 2 weeks to recover from my gain and get back on track.

Previous Week: 297.6
"This" Week: 290.8
Loss: -6.8
Total Loss: -23

I felt great about getting back on track from vacation mode. And I am glad that it only took me two weeks to do so. In the past I would have given up or been in a slump for a long time. I am happy that I can still be focused even despite gaining or being in vacation mode.

Now that things will be quieting down for me IRL, I am hoping things will ramp up for my blog life! I have some exciting things going on behind the scenes, that I am excited to be sharing with you, hopefully soon!

Never Forget

I am a firefighter's daughter and now I work side by side with them, doesn't matter, day or night, night or day, they are and will always be firefighters. They are the one's running into the burning building when everyone else is running out. They put their lives on the line to save a life.

Firefighter's Prayer

When I'm called to duty God

wherever flames may rage

give me strength to save a life

whatever be its age

Help me to embrace a little child

before it is too late

or save an older person from

the horror of that fate

Enable me to be alert

to hear the weakest shout

and quickly and efficiently

to put the fire out

I want to fill my calling and

to give the best in me

to guard my neighbor and

protect his property

And if according to your will

I have to lose my life

bless with your protecting hand

my children and my wife.

I remember 9/11/01, I was just waking up and getting ready for my day. I was in my sophomore year at UNH, living in Stoke Hall. My friend IM'ed me and said, turn on the news, so I did, and I saw the horror that was the morning's events. I thought it was a hoax at first, that no way could this be happening. And then on live tv, I watched the second plane crash into the tower. I sat down on my bed, and started to cry, I knew it wasn't going to be a good day.

Another friend came to my room to walk to class, we had a 9:40 economics class, I said, I can't go, I want to stay and watch for news. She said, there's nothing you can do here, you might as well go to class. So we went, and class was promptly cancelled due to the events.

I came back to my dorm room and was glued to the set, I watched the events unfold on tv. I couldn't imagine the horror that was unfolding right before my eyes. The most horrific part for me was to see people jumping, with nothing below, I couldn't imagine what goes through your mind that says, I have no way out.

There were rumors going around that Stoke Hall was to be evacuated since at the time, it was one of the largest/tallest dorms on campus and there was a concern with a number of flights still in the air.

That night there was an impromptu vigil for the victims and the first responders, I was awestruck at the outpouring of support in America's time of need.

President Bush addressed the nation, among his words: "Today, our fellow citizens, our way of life, our very freedom came under attack in a series of deliberate and deadly terrorist acts," "Terrorist attacks can shake the foundations of our biggest buildings, but they cannot touch the foundation of America. These acts shatter steel, but they cannot dent the steel of American resolve," and "The search is underway for those who are behind these evil acts...we will make no distinction between the terrorists who committed these acts and those who harbor them."

After 9/11 my father went to New York for as many services as he could. He quickly became friendly with some of the guys on Staten Island, and still to this day is friends with them.


So today, as we remember the "Pearl Harbor of the 21st century" let us not forget. As well as keep in our hearts the service men and women who continue to this day to fight for our freedom and for justice.

CSN Stores Review Opportunity

Hello everyone! I am so excited to share with you about an opportunity from CSN Stores. CSN Stores has a wide variety of online stores to choose from, over 200 stores! They have everything from cheap bedroom furniture to kitchen and fitness equipment. And SO much more!

I am really excited about reviewing the whole experience for you lovely readers. Does anyone have any suggestions about what I product I should review? CSN Stores has so many offerings, the possibilities are endless!

I am interested in finding out about CSN Stores and hopefully will have a positive experience with them, I have some Christmas shopping to do! Since I get so busy with Toy Bank around the Christmas season, I tend to do a lot of shopping online.

I can't believe that I am already thinking about Christmas! It's not even technically fall yet!

FTC Disclaimer: I received compensation for this sponsored post, however the opinions are 100% my own.

I'm Back!

Did you miss me? I am back from my just over a week vacation to Bar Harbor, Maine. I was able to rest and relax and most of all catch up on some sleep.

One day Ben asked if I wanted to go up Cadillac Mountain to watch the sunrise. It's said to be the first place the sun is visible on the eastern seaboard in the Continental US. I was thrilled at the chance to go up the mountain and see this moment with my own eyes.

It had been a heat wave in the days prior. Never have I ever remembered a time when it was 90+ for 3 days straight in late August/early September in Maine. On top of the mountain though, there was a stiff breeze out of the north west. I had Ben grab a blanket from the car, he had his nice camera out to grab a couple of pictures of the sunrise. We found a great spot where we could sit and enjoy the moment together. Now mind you there were about 50 other people on top of the mountain with us. Including a pair of women who sat down next to us (turned out they were a couple) but through the course of the early morning we were just chatting back and forth and making jokes. It was nice.

Ben and I were talking about the day and how beautiful it was to see the sun rise up through the clouds. Due to some cloud cover at the horizon line, we didn't actually get to see the sun rise up over the horizon, but it did come through the clouds and was a spectacular view. Ben said at one point, "I have to ask you a question." And I said "ok" and out of nowhere, he pulls this box out and opens it up and he asked me to marry him. I had NO clue! I looked at him and said "really?" (true story!) And he said, yes, I want you to marry me. I was speechless. He handed me the ring box, and I was just staring at it. He had to take the ring out of the box and placed in on my finger, of course then I finally said yes.

Picture is from my iPhone camera; but isn't it perfect!

He was being so sneaky and had been planning this for awhile I guess, I was surprised to say the least. Of course then we had to call everyone. Mind you we had just watched a beautiful sunrise, it was only about 6:20 - 6:30 am, so we called family/friends about 7am. Woke up my dad... but since Ben had asked his permission awhile ago, dad's been expecting the call... Of course he kept it secret from me!

It's been a whirlwind since. Since we were still on vacation, we enjoyed the rest of our time there, celebrating with Ben's extended family. (which means food... I am not looking forward to my weigh in tomorrow)

Ben and I start our new weight loss challenge tomorrow and running through New Year's Eve. The loser has to treat to a weekend out in Boston. Since I lost the last challenge, I am NOT planning on loosing this one. And now since I have a new goal of being fit for my wedding, I have even more motivation!

And Ben and I talked about referencing him here on the blog, since in the past I've called him DBF (Dear Boyfriend) the natural choice should be DF (Dear Fiancee) but we both agreed that we didn't really care for that acronym. However we both like H2B (Hubby to Be), so I think that going forward he will be referred to as H2B. It's been interesting getting used to calling him my fiancee, as I've messed up and still referred to him as my boyfriend.

Immediately we've been getting questions about any plans we've made, especially about setting a date. We've talked before about what we've both wanted and we love the fall season and we would both like an outdoor ceremony and possibly near the water. That's about all we've really thought of! I guess I am going to start planning a wedding!

I am not going to let planning a wedding derail my weight loss goals, I still (if not more determined now) to achieve my weight loss and fitness goals.

So big news in my life, big exciting news in my life! Vacation was wonderful, even without the engagement vacation was so much fun.

A good deal!

Hello from Bah Habah or Bar Harbor as everyone else would call it. I wanted to fill everyone in on a deal. I received in my inbox from Amazon.com that today's "deal of the day" is the Gruve that I've been raving about. It's 50% off! That's a huge discount. However it's only good for today, and while supplies last, so you had better act fast if you want to try it out.

I know I haven't done a formal review post here about my experiences with my Gruve, but I do like it a lot. Very simple to understand and easy to work with.

I know I haven't blogged much this week while on vacation, but I promise I have lots to tell you when I get back home.

A quick weight update, I went to go to weigh in, and I was up about 2 pounds, well I am on vacation, so it can happen, but I believe the true judge will be on Tuesday when I can weigh in back at home. For now, I am just happy I went to weight watchers while on vacation. That shows some commitment!

September Goals

I am writing some content in advance of my vacation, as I wanted to give my readers some updates while I am away. This is a scheduled post.

Given the massive failure of last month's goals, although it was a failure, I do believe that some successes were made, I will be re-committing to several goals from August.

• Host a giveaway on my blog
• Get my Gruve Green at least 4 days a week
• Attend Weight Watcher meetings every week
• Continue tracking food intake (strive for 2 weeks straight)
• Finish uploading photos and moving photos around on firefighter's website
• Achieve 10% goal by month's end

I am really nervous about placing a weight related goal on my monthly goals. However, it's not to loose 5 pounds by such date, it's my 10%. I've been doing Weight Watchers for 10 months and have not achieved my 10%, this upsets me, I need to be more focused. I think that by putting it out here and making it one of my goals, will keep me focused on my long term health goals. Obviously, I want to continue to loose weight after my 10% but I wanted to start there as it is the next mini goal that I set during my first month of Weight Watchers.

I am looking forward to this month there is a lot going on in my life. Between the Seafood Festival, Labor Day, NASCAR weekend in New Hampshire and the last weekend/first weekend in October, I have two weddings! Friday night in New Jersey and Sunday in Maine! There will be challenges this month, but I am hopeful that I will remain focused.