Erik's 101 in 1001

Day 10 - Blog is Up / Progress to Be Made

2011-11-20T13:21:00.000-08:00

So as many of you said... My first 101 in 1001 List was a little (read: alot) to Ambitious. (Thank You Bea) So I am doing it again! I am adding some more achievable goals, but also goals that will better my life, my mental, financial and physical health, as well as, Jens life and our new lives as a married couple.

My last time around I only accomplished 32 goals. This time I have every intention of finishing the list and really getting myself to a better place in life and hopefully towards a more happy and complete person.

A friend on mine recently told me of a research study in which the participants of a list such as this, or anyone setting goals can become complacent in accomplishing tasks when they are vocalized. The vocalization or sharing of the task eases your mind into thinking that you are already there or on your way to the task when you really have not setup the steps to achieve the goal...

My plea to you is to make sure that you nudge me, encourage me, and even coerce me into completing tasks if you can. If you would like to do any of them with me you are more than welcome and if you have something to share you can post a message on the blog...
I will be updating it regularly and sharing updates on Facebook and Twitter. I hope that they will not be a nuance.

Thank you for taking a look!!!

"YOU CAN HAVE ANYTHING THAT YOU WANT IF YOU WANT IT BADLY ENOUGH"

Day 647 - Block Island

2010-08-12T19:22:00.000-07:00

About 4 weeks ago Jordan, Tegan, Jen and I went to Block Island. I think it was July 20th. It started out pretty awesomely as I forgot my phone in the car, but it was actually kinda liberating not being connected to anyone and just being able to chill out. We rented scooters, obviously, and basically saw all the island has to offer. The bluffs in the North are unbelievable and the lighthouses are really amazing. We tried the beer at the only brewery on the island and I must confess that they are not very good.
We hide a cache on the island, even though we have yet to list it. Ill work on that this weekend and get my cache updates, well updated.
I took down the number of a building that was for rent (actually Jordan remembered it, psycho) where we could sell Turbo Burgers, but I'm assuming its astronomical. I guess I will call if I can find the number, just to see the price...

Some Pictures:

Jen and I
T and Jordan on the Scooter>
Jordan, Jen and I at the Bluffs

1 Destination Traveled to.... 12 to Go!!!

"YOU CAN HAVE ANYTHING THAT YOU WANT IF YOU WANT IT BADLY ENOUGH"

Day 646 - I Suck

2010-08-11T17:35:00.000-07:00

So it has been 176 days since my last point. That is just awful. Time is really creeping up on me. I have accomplished a couple of things in that time period, however, and even though money and time are going to hinder my total completion of the list (at least within the given parameters of 1001 days) I would like to finish all that I can and work on the rest at a later date.

#27 - Take a Vodka Taste Test
Over the last couple of months I have had the opportunity to learn a great deal about the restaurant business that I so dearly wanted to be involved in for as long as I can remember. And while I do not have the time or the knowledge yet to open and serve the fabled Turbo Burgers that I have so meticulously "perfected" I am working on it....

Anyway, I digress... One of the bartenders at Chips, Phyllis (sorry about spelling) agreed to test my knowledge about Vodkas and give me a "Taste Test" of several different varieties of vodka over a month or so period. After work I would get a drink and she would randomly use a vodka and then she would ask my opinion about it and I would try to differentiate and answer these three questions : 1.) Where is was made? 2. What is it distilled from? (#1 and #2 are almost always the same pairing) and 3.) Did I like it....

I was very happy that I knew a good deal about what I was consuming and for the most part my taste buds agreed with what I thought that I might prefer. I tend to like vodkas from Poland and Sweden over Russian and European varieties. I also like potato distilled vodkas over the wheat ones.

Exceptions and findings:

Ketel One I thought that was both the best tasting of all of them and a very low hangover.
Grey Goose when taken as a shot was impure, and the most rubbing-alcohol like of the bunch.
Sky Vodka, which I didn't think I would care for, placed high.
I did not like Belvedere, Zyr, Trump, Kroc and other "Premium" vodkas as much as I thought that I would. As I always favored a "thicker" or potato distilled vodka.

If anyone would like to try this again with me I would love to give it another shot but it will have to be in at least a month as I am starting P90x on Monday and pairing it with a 30 day Alcohol-Free purge..

More updates to follow... I will probably do a post for the next couple of days as I have more updates to share... Thanks for looking and I hope to get in a good rhythm here and start crossing off some items...

As Always....

"YOU CAN HAVE ANYTHING THAT YOU WANT IF YOU WANT IT BADLY ENOUGH"

Day 470 - Steamed Wontons

2010-02-15T16:59:00.000-08:00

Jen and I went over to see Motts and Rachel at Rachels New Apartment in Clinton. We brought some wine and some absolutely delicious Wontons. We decided to make two types: I made Buffalo Chicken ones and Jen made Tofu and Vegetable. All you do is make the mixtures and then get them in the wonton shells. Seal the corners with water and then we steamed them. Add Soy Sauce and Blue Cheese Dipping Sauces with some ChopSticks and you`re good to go!!

They were great! And I am willing to admit that Jens were better than mine. The Tofu and Veggies ones with some soy sauce were really amazing.

#24 - Learn 50 New Recipes: (15/50) now (16/50) - 32% Complete
Oreo Truffles
Buffalo Chicken and Cheese Dip
Cheesy Potato Casserole
Grilled Vegetables in Caramelized Italian Dressing
Cheeseburger Chowder
Eclair Cake
Minestrone Soup
New and Improved - Turbo Inside Out Burgers
Italian Marinated Pork Chops with Perogies and Onions
IceBox Cake
Teriyaki Steak and Potato Croquettes
Mango Peach Salsa
Golden Grahams S'mores Treats
Key Lime Pie
Chicken Parmigiana
... Steamed Wontons

"YOU CAN HAVE ANYTHING THAT YOU WANT IF YOU WANT IT BADLY ENOUGH"
Posted by Erik

Day 469 - Chicken Parmigiana

2010-02-14T10:16:00.000-08:00

Ok here we go... I have been really stresses about my list lately and finally realizing how truely "Ambitious" that it is (Thanks Bea). Unfortunetly another item has gone by that is not going to happen. 33.) Go to The Olympics. Unless I win the lottery next week and the CT Lottery people pay me in cash on the spot, this one is going to go by without a check mark... I still have alot of places to travel and alot of things to experience. Ill do my best but this list is looking more and more demanding by the day...

On a litter note, I was in the kitchen again this morning as I am dieting along with the P90x workouts but have found that I am very bored with the food. There is only so much roughage I can eat. So I decided before I fell off the wagon I would "reward" myself with some cheesy baked Chicken Parmigiana. Its Low Sodium, Low Fat and hopefully delicious! As always Recipies Available Upon Request!!! Its Super Easy..

#24 - Learn 50 New Recipes: (14/50) now (15/50) - 30% Complete
Oreo Truffles
Buffalo Chicken and Cheese Dip
Cheesy Potato Casserole
Grilled Vegetables in Caramelized Italian Dressing
Cheeseburger Chowder
Eclair Cake
Minestrone Soup
New and Improved - Turbo Inside Out Burgers
Italian Marinated Pork Chops with Perogies and Onions
IceBox Cake
Teriyaki Steak and Potato Croquettes
Mango Peach Salsa
Golden Grahams S'mores Treats
Key Lime Pie
... Chicken Parmigiana

"YOU CAN HAVE ANYTHING THAT YOU WANT IF YOU WANT IT BADLY ENOUGH"

Day 465 - ShovelingX & P90x Week 2

2010-02-10T15:44:00.001-08:00

Started the workout day with some shoveling. Then after warming back up I did Chest and Back for the second time. I did notice that I did some extra reps on a couple of the exercises but nothing to get too excited about.
I also added AbRipperX for the first time too. You know those 8 minute ab videos? Well this is 16mins and you never stop. There are over 350 moves in the video, I did about 200 and will pick it up on Friday when I do it again.

Thanks for checking it out!!!

"You can have anything you want if you want it badly enough"

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Day 459 - Better Late Than Never

2010-02-04T11:39:00.001-08:00

Day 3 of P90x - Shoulders & Arms. I would do that workout twice if I never have to do Plyometrics again. It's 5 sets of 3 excercises. Shoulders, Biceps, Triceps and repeat.
I also got some advice on soreness and recovery. Thanks guys! I plan on mixing on some running and cycling when the soreness calms down a bit. I would like to get in a 5k around March or April but Ive never done it and it seems a bit daunting.
Also, I'm doing "The Ride" with Johnny and Company this summer. Check it out at www.ridingtherivalry@blogspot.com Basically they ride from Yankee Stadium to Fenway Park. Mostly they cover NY and MA. It's going to be great. Let me know if you have any media connections that want to cover it or can or want to help in any way.

"You can have anything you want if you want it badly enough"

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Day WayToMany

2010-02-03T11:28:00.000-08:00

Today is Day 2 of P90x. Plyometrics. "Its the X in P90x."

Starting to feel sore, but I really do feel better and motivated. I made so e promises and don't want to let anyone down so that helps. Also it helps that I'm working on 10-12 or so goals on my list at the same time.
I'm going to post my updates daily (hopefully).
My buddy Alex says: "Pain is weakness leaving the body." Will Power and I are tag-teaming the shit out of Pain right now.

"You can have anything you want if you want it badly enough"

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Location:Sunset Dr,Old Lyme,United States

Day 428 - Very Happy

2010-01-11T18:52:00.000-08:00

Wow. What an Idiot I am. With (almost) total disregard for my list for 164 days, I have really put myself in a bind.

OK. Its 2010 and I have to get going on this. Fortunetly for me(and my New Fiance) I have completed one of the most important/special goals on the list. So without further ado(yes, that's right)...

#12 - Ask Jen to Marry Me - About 2 weeks before I talked to her Parents and got her fathers blessing and with some help from a family friend at Christo Jewelers in Clinton, I got the ring made and picked it up on the 23rd. Christmas Eve came and after a short walk and a game that Jen and I played when talking about our futures, there was a one-knee proposal and a very happy former girlfriend and new fiance. For all you jerks, She said Yes!

Number crunching is in process to see how far I set myself back...

"YOU CAN HAVE ANYTHING THAT YOU WANT IF YOU WANT IT BADLY ENOUGH"

Day 264 - Golfing and Caching

2009-07-31T12:48:00.000-07:00

30.) Hit a 90 in 18 Holes of Golf

Golfing at Traditions w/ Motts.
2:15 PM Jul 27th from Twitterrific

Back Nine 55.... Got some work to do.
4:54 PM Jul 27th from Twitterrific

Notice how that is where the tweets stop... In my quest to shoot a 90 in Golf I was already 10 over the pace coming off the back 9 at Traditions. In my defense the back 9 is harder then the front, but there is just no way I`m going to go 10 under on the front 9 and as it turned out I did far worse. I carded a 114 on the day. NOT what I needed for the ego or a confidence boost, but I am trying and somebody a million years old said that counts for something. Anyway, I`m not doing the list to try so I`ll work on it and get it done.

#77 - Do 250 Geocaches: (61/250) now (66/250) - 26.4% Complete
Got to Jens` late last night and had nothing to do until she got out of school today so I looked up some caches and there happen to be 7 FTF`s in Brooklyn. A FTF is a first to find. That means it has never been founf by anybody else yet. I set out and actually got 2 of them. My first two FTF`s. I also got 3 others, but the cords were wrong on one of them and I couldnt locate another one... Good Times! We will probably do some more this weekend, so I`ll keep you up to date!

Traditions Golf Course has won the battle but I will win the war...

"YOU CAN HAVE ANYTHING THAT YOU WANT IF YOU WANT IT BADLY ENOUGH"

Day 259 - Key Lime Pie

2009-07-26T10:01:00.000-07:00

Well I was getting bored last night and to be quite honest, worried that I wasn`t making any progress on my list, so Jen and I decided to make a pie. We choose Key Lime Pie, probably due to the fact that we were wishing we were on vacation in Ohio with everyone else and Key West was the last place we went. It was very quick and easy... could not make the meringue because we didn't have any Cream of Tartar, but next time I will be sure to whip that up...

#24 - Learn 50 New Recipes: (13/50) now (14/50) - 28% Complete
Oreo Truffles
Buffalo Chicken and Cheese Dip
Cheesy Potato Casserole
Grilled Vegetables in Caramelized Italian Dressing
Cheeseburger Chowder
Eclair Cake
Minestrone Soup
New and Improved - Turbo Inside Out Burgers
Italian Marinated Pork Chops with Perogies and Onions
IceBox Cake
Teriyaki Steak and Potato Croquettes
Mango Peach Salsa
Golden Grahams S'mores Treats
... Key Lime Pie

Recipes available upon request...

"YOU CAN HAVE ANYTHING THAT YOU WANT IF YOU WANT IT BADLY ENOUGH"

Day 242 - 101 in 1001 Progress Report

2009-07-09T21:03:00.000-07:00

My buddy Brian did one of these posts and I liked it so I thought I would do my own, mostly for me but I think someone somewhere might like to see this too...

I am actually, for the first time, getting a little worried about the ambitiousness of my list, and yes that is a word. No seriously its actually in the dictionary.

Main Entry:am·bi·tious
Pronunciation:\am-ˈbi-shəs\
Function:adjective
Date:14th century
1 a: having or controlled by ambition b: having a desire to achieve a particular goal : aspiring
2: resulting from, characterized by, or showing ambition
— am·bi·tious·ly adverb
— am·bi·tious·ness noun

Legal: ambitious. (2009). In Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary.
Retrieved June 10, 2009, from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ambitious

OK, OK, Sorry!!!

By the Numbers:

% Complete of 1001 Days - 23.76% (242 days)
% Days Remaining - 76.24% (759 days)

% of Goals Completed - 17.82% (18 Goals)
% of Goals and Goals that are OnTime - 24.75% (25 Goals)

WOW... That is crazy!!! At least to me it is... 26.76% of the Days Complete and I am actually more than 1% ahead of the game... To get to 25 I, obviously, added 7 goals that I mathmatically was OnTime for ...

These include:
72.) Read 50 Books (10/50)... Im almost done with 2 more!
71.) Vote in Every Election (1/1)
77.) Do 250 Geocaches (59/250)... I have to update on 4 more.
90.) Send 35 Letters to Friends (14/35)
100.) Make at least 5 Trips a Year to Visit Friends (4/5 Year 1)
24.) Learn 50 New Recipes (13/50)
36.) Go to 2 of 5 Best Parties in the World (1/2)

The problem with these numbers is that I picked off some of the easier ones in the beginning. I still need to Visit 6 Different Countries, Fend off Malaria, Increase the Oxygen Level for All of Mankind, Save Way To Much Money, Become The Hulk and Learn Mandarin Chinese... Should be a cake walk!!!!

But..
"YOU CAN HAVE ANYTHING THAT YOU WANT IF YOU WANT IT BADLY ENOUGH"

Day 229 - Beer Coaster Collection

2009-06-27T20:32:00.000-07:00

#95 - Do Something with Coaster Collection - So I have collected a beer coaster for I would say about 80-90% of the bars that I have ever been to. I have coasters from Germany, France, Amsterdam, Key West, New Orleans, Hawaii and everywhere in between. I don't know how it started but everytime I walk into a bar I pick a couple up. Here are a couple of my favoites:

Kailua Kona, Hawaii

Key West, Florida

Portsmouth, New Hampshire

Germany

Amsterdam

So getting to what I did: I was talking to my friend Pat and he was telling me how he was going through his old records and he sais he had them all on one wall. And the records just consumed the whole wall and he said it looked amazing. I told him that was an amazing idea and that I would be stealing it! I was cleaning and organizing the new diggs on Friday and I started the project. It took about 2hrs but it was def worth it. Some of them have fallen down already but I just replace the tape and stick them back up. Its pretty sweet I think. Come over and check it out for yourself.

I'll change the counter, cross it off the list and update the progress bar!

"YOU CAN HAVE ANYTHING THAT YOU WANT IF YOU WANT IT BADLY ENOUGH"

Day 224 - Night Caching / Ramen Noodles

2009-06-23T19:38:00.000-07:00

#77 - Do 250 Geocaches: (59/250) now (61/250) - 24.4% Complete
Jordan, Teagan and I decided to do some night caching on Monday night. We left around 8:30 and after some research in the car for the right coordinates we made our way down the trail. Now I know what you are thinking... Not too smart! It actually wasn't that bad at this time and we found it after some searching. The not smart part came when we got greedy and went for another one that was further down the trail. Well it all worked out in the end. With the use of the flashlights on the iPhone and retracing our steps we found two caches in about 45 mins and we left the trail and got in the car a little after 9:15. It was pretty dark then, dark enough to use my high beams driving back... 2 caches closer!

So random thoughts:
Living on my own has really opened my eyes to how much things cost. I have also learned some things you might not think about regularly, or even at all. For instance...

#1 - In general, the more salt the product has in it, the cheaper it is... Example: Deli Cheese: $5.99/lb. Each-Slice-Individually-Wrapped-Cheese (yes that is the official name): 50% Higher Sodium 1.69/lb... same goes for cold cuts, chicken, and microwavable-meals.

#2 - I have also learned that the reason the cabinets and refrigerator are always stocked is because my mother went to the store often. Hint: Looking inside the refrigerator numerous times isn't going to make food appear.

#3 - How the hell is Ramen so cheap? I went to the A&P that's near me and I got a 6pack of Ramen for $1.69. That is 28cents a meal! Ill repeat that because it bears repeating... two dimes, a nickel and three pennies... 28cents a meal. This is crazy right? Well I got ripped off. You can get a 12pack of Ramen for $1.89 at Walmart. $1.89 or 15.7cents a meal. The packaging must cost more than that. The ink to write "Ramen" on the package must cost more than that! Its insane!

#4 - They don't make Value Brand Deodorant. Does not exist. I don't know why, seems to me with all this technology we could reverse engineer some of it and get it on the shelves. Shampoo, yep. Mouthwash, sure. They even make Value Brand Viagra, I have seen the commercials! Deodorant, no way!

#5 - With alot more extra time on my hands I have come to realize a couple of things. TV took up a large part of my life and I didn't even watch alot of TV(or so I thought). I can only read so much in a day. I only go to 5 websites. Well maybe its 10, but there is no reason to check my bank account daily. Why am I checking to make sure they took out the debit for the gas I bought? And finally, it has rained ALOT lately. Being outside has just not been an option!

Well that's it for now. Randomness has come to a conclusion...

"YOU CAN HAVE ANYTHING THAT YOU WANT IF YOU WANT IT BADLY ENOUGH

Day 221 - Donate Blood

2009-06-20T14:22:00.000-07:00

#40 - Donate 1 Gallon of Blood (8 Pints): (1/8) - For all you math majors out there there are 8 Pints in a gallon and so I will do the countdown and tallying with pints. Each donation has to be at least 56 days apart.=, so I figured I had to start on it so I didn`t run out fo time. The technician told me that each donation can help to save up to 3 lives, so that is awesome! I am glad I went.

Also working on:

#77 - Do 250 Geocaches: (47/250) now (59/250) - 23.2% Complete
Jen and I did another 6 caches including one of our biggest nemeses. It was dreary out but we still had a good time, like always. I did 6 by myself when Jen was at Merries` Bridal Shower. I have to catch up with the logging on geocachers but I will do that as soon as finish off this post.

In Other News:
I moved and got my own apartment in Old Lyme. I am excited about it and will be starting a new diet, and excerise program on Monday as a part of the New Place - New Erik thing I am working on... I need to cross off soem of the things on the top of the list so push ups, crunches/sit ups and running are all a part of the plan. I will keep you updated. Monday includes the first run of the 8weeks to a 5k as well. So it`s going to be a busy week but it has to happen. Enough is enough!

I will leave you as I always do:

"YOU CAN HAVE ANYTHING THAT YOU WANT IF YOU WANT IT BADLY ENOUGH"

Day 219 - Brew My Own Beer

2009-06-18T09:06:00.000-07:00

#81 - Brew My Own Beer - Im not sure exactly why this was on here, to be honest with you, as I dont even like beer. I am a Vodka Guy. I should have put Distill My Own Vodka on the list. Thats why it ends in 1001 days, I can do it all over again...
To the point... Thanks to Jen, (who got me the kit after reading my list back in November or December for Christmas) Motts and I dove in on making this beer alittle after he got back from his travels. Look at everyone chipping in to make this list happen!!

The first thing you do is sterilize everything, anything the beer is going to be touched has to be coated in this special syrum.

Then you have to create the Wort. Which is basically the Malt and Hops. I think. It needs to be brought to boil and then added to the water that is in the keg.

Then it need to be fermented for 2 weeks minimum. We did ours for 3 weeks and it spent that time in my closet to keep it around 76 degrees Farenheit.

So it comes out of Fermentation and needs to be bottled (of course in newely sterilized bottles) and the sugar needs to be added so it carbonizes. This takes another two weeks.

So after the 2 weeks is up the bottles are rock solid and then its off to the refrigerator for a week to Condition and then you are done! Dig In!!!

So last Saturday we drank the beer at Jordans and we need to do some tweaking. I thought it was overall really refreshing and good, but then again if it tasted like 6week old Milk I would have said the same thing due to the pride factor. To be honest and critical, it was a little cidery and it had too much carbination. The carbination part is an easy fix, jsut cut back on the sugar. The cidery part I will have to look into. I remebering reading about it in the brewers guide. We plan on doing it again soon, so I`ll let you know how the second batch works out. Or better yet, drop me a line and you can help drink it!!

So thats 17 down and 84 left! Yeah, I think that math is right! I plan on widdling a hole in a piece of wood to get the Start a Fire done with. If that doesn`t work it was suggested I use a flint, but that is only a last means!

Drive Slow, Drink Milk:

"YOU CAN HAVE ANYTHING THAT YOU WANT IF YOU WANT IT BADLY ENOUGH"

Day 214 - Yankees Winning Streak Intact

2009-06-13T21:04:00.001-07:00

So its Friday afternoon and I`m making runs back and forth from my house to my new place in Old Lyme and I get a call from my buddy Brian from Marist. We are pretty much the same person and so when my phone rang I naturally picked up right away. We then had the following conversation:

Brian: Whats up buddy? What are you doing?
Me: I'm moving today and just running back and forth
Brian: Oh yeah? How long you doing that for?
Me: Well probably all day and into the night and I might go see The Hangover tonight.

- SideBar - I have heard from several people that this is the funniest movie that they have ever seen Funnier than Old School, Anchorman, The Wedding Crashers and even Dumb and Dumber. I think I am going to go see it tomorrow. I cant wait!
Anyway, as usual I am off topic...

Continued...

Brian: Ok. What what are your new plans for tonight?
Me: Having a beer at Chips with you?
Brian: No.
Me: Having Icehouse at the Beach with Girls?
Brian: Better than that still... How about having a beer with me at Yankee Stadium
Me: (some kind of gargled "Hell Yes" "Anytime" "Ill get on a Train" "Absolutely" long winded and only at points actual English Answer)

So its decided. I am meeting Me (Brian) at Yankees Stadium for the the first game of The Subway Series!!! I'm waiting in the station for the train to arrive and I see some friends of mine and I go over and say Hi and end up riding into the game with them. I came in from New Haven and Brian took the Hudson Line from our Old Stomping Grounds - Poughkeepsie. Well we finally meet up at the new platform the MTA made for Yankees Stadium.

Well we went in and checked out the Yankee Museum (2nd time for me) and it is just simply amazing, so much crazy history in that one room. I took some more pictures and we hung out and took it all in...

We made our way to our seats in the bleachers and watched the game unfold. We saw 6 Lead Changes and 5 Home Runs - 4 of them from Yankees (Cano, Matsui, Jeet and Tex) and 1 Very Peculiar PopUp Where The Mets Dropped The Ball! Literally!

Well the place went Nuts!!! One of the loudest that I have been there for! We were pumped. I was particularly excited because my streak of consecutive games attended with a win increased to 4... Also, each won of these games was won with some miracle heroics, improbable possession of a game ball or historical significance. It has been a sweet run... Here it is again...

#73 - See 25 Yankees Games: (3/25) now (4/25) - 16% Complete - Yankees Record: 4-0

Game 1 - 04/21/2009 07:05 PM - Oakland Athletics at New York Yankees
Section 130, Row 9 - Seat 7 or 8 - WIN (5-3),
Collins and I got a ball!

Game 2 - 05/15/2009 07:05 PM - Minnesota Twins at New York Yankees
Section 212, Row 13 - Seat 23 - WIN (5-4),
Gardner - In-The-Park HomeRun
Melky - Walk-Off Double

Game 3 - 06/07/2009 01:30 PM - Tampa Bay Rays at New York Yankees
Section 431a, Row 3 - Seat 8 - WIN (4-3),
Nick Swishers` 100th Home Run - Joe Gerardis` 200th Win
New York's Major League-Leading 20th Comeback Victory This Season.

Game 4 - 06/12/07 07:05 PM - New York Mets at New York Yankees
Section 238, Row 11 - Seat 13 - Win (9-8)
Alex Rodriguez - "Walk Off" PopUp to Shallow Left - Jeet and Tex Scored!

Hope there are many more to come!!!

We left and I got on the wrong train at the new platform and then had to wait 45mins for a train at Stamford to get home to New Haven, but it was well worth it! Thank you Brian for the invite! GTHBA! As Always!!! So HUGE!!!

I am also going to cross 1 off for #100 - Make at least 5 Trips a Year to Visit Friends. This trip to the Bronx, plus seeing Corey and Kenny in Poughkeepsie, Johhny, Liz, Donny and Co. in Boston, and Collins, Ann and the Aussies at the game last week makes 4 trips this year!!!

I have some more to share but I am beat right now! First night at my new digs. Going to try to get some good sleep in! Another Update tomorrow probably...

Remember:

"YOU CAN HAVE ANYTHING THAT YOU WANT IF YOU WANT IT BADLY ENOUGH"

Day 210 - Donate Old Clothes

2009-06-10T21:42:00.000-07:00

Well its been a very long time since I actually crossed something off the list, I am working on about 10 things, but I needed to accomplish one so I got up early and hardcore cleaned my room...

38.) Donate Old Clothes - Finally went through all my clothes and got the ones that I was not going to wear to Goodwill. I did some research on who I was going to give the clothes to and Goodwill checked out really well and they are local, so its a Win/Win. I also put some shirts and sweaters aside that I may be able to sell on ebay. I love doing that stuff and if I can make some cash then thats good too...
The other thing that this allowed me to do was to work on getting the shirts ready for the T-Shirt Quilt (#86). So I have a bunch of shirts that mean something to me and will shortly be doing some research on exactly how I go about making one of those things.

Well that is it for now, but I will be crossing off another one on Friday, but dont know if I will have the chance to share right away, you will understand when you see the post Sunday or Monday sometime...

I`ll change the progress bar and cross off #86.

Stay Tuned...

"YOU CAN HAVE ANYTHING THAT YOU WANT IF YOU WANT IT BADLY ENOUGH"

Day 208 - Yankees Stadium + Museum

2009-06-08T11:54:00.001-07:00

Well I have gone to 3 Yankees Games this year and in each one of them I have seen something new and exciting. This time I went with Jen, Collins, Ann, and our Australian friends, Ryan and Fiona. GTHBA - Good Times Had By All!

I have now sit 5 rows from the field (in the comfy seats), about half way up, and about 5 rows from the top. Let me tell you something! Its more fun way up top. THAT is where ALL the cheers start, no one feels entitled up there, just a bunch of diehard fans and hard working dads with their kids. I liked it up in 431a and on the way up there Jen and I got to stop at the Yankees Museum.

DO YOURSELF A FAVOR... Get a Ticket and travel up to The Yankees Museum!

#73 - See 25 Yankees Games: (2/25) now (3/25) - 12% Complete - Yankees Record: 3-0

Game 1 - 04/21/2009 07:05 PM - Oakland Athletics at New York Yankees
Section 130, Row 9 - Seat 7 or 8 - WIN (5-3),
Collins and I got a ball!

Game 2 - 05/15/2009 07:05 PM - Minnesota Twins at New York Yankees
Section 212, Row 13 - Seat 23 - WIN (5-4),
Gardner - In-The-Park HomeRun
Melky - Walk-Off Double

Game 3 - 06/07/2009 01:30 PM - Tampa Bay Rays at New York Yankees
Section 431a, Row 3 - Seat 8 - WIN (4-3),
Nick Swishers` 100th Home Run - Joe Gerardis` 200th Win
New York's Major League-Leading 20th Comeback Victory This Season.

#77 - Do 250 Geocaches: (47/250) now (48/250) - 18.8% Complete
Jen and I did another cache yesterday that had been evading us. We don`t like using the hint unless we absolutely have to. We finally did after three trips there and it was a real easy find!

Think about it..

"YOU CAN HAVE ANYTHING THAT YOU WANT IF YOU WANT IT BADLY ENOUGH"

Day 206 - 8 weeks to a 5K

2009-06-06T11:52:00.000-07:00

So I have been reading some more blogs lately and I came across one that my good friend Alex follows and its really good. It has been, in the recent future, mostly about an 8-week running program that works you up to 30 mins of running. Here name is Lis and you can read here blog here: Inchoate Debate. Reading her blog coupled with the fact that my buddy J just ran a 5k today I got inspired to do some damage!

The original version of my 101 list was actaully a 138 in 1001 list and I had to make some cuts, and the 5k got the cut along with some other things. Well I am not doing this list to be a corner-cutter so I have decided to add it, along with this obviously helping in the quest to lose 40lbs. Im sure this will help to get me into shape along with P90X which I have to fit in as well.

Anyway, Lis' blog is really entertaining! Check it out! Also, if you wish, the article can be viewed here: 8-Week Running Program

In Other News:

#77 - Do 250 Geocaches: (43/250) now (47/250) - 18.8% Complete
Jen and I did 4 caches before the Yankee Game started including crossing off one that has deceived us two times before, so that was rewarding. I am looking for the perfect location to put a cache and get the hiding going!

#24 - Learn 50 New Recipes: (12/50) now (13/50) - 26% Complete
Oreo Truffles
Buffalo Chicken and Cheese Dip
Cheesy Potato Casserole
Grilled Vegetables in Caramelized Italian Dressing
Cheeseburger Chowder
Eclair Cake
Minestrone Soup
New and Improved - Turbo Inside Out Burgers
Italian Marinated Pork Chops with Perogies and Onions
IceBox Cake
Teriyaki Steak and Potato Croquettes
Mango Peach Salsa
... Golden Grahams S'mores Treats

#90 - Send 35 Letters to Friends: (10/35) now (14/35) - 26% Complete

Sent out a couple more letters this week. And so far one has arrived, which is good, but an awful percentage. I hope to send out some more this week or next! So keep your eyes open and if you want one and you think you are on the fence, maybe you should say hi more ofter. Everyone loves getting mail!!!

And as always...

"YOU CAN HAVE ANYTHING THAT YOU WANT IF YOU WANT IT BADLY ENOUGH"

Day 196 - 101 in 1001 Update

2009-05-27T18:00:00.000-07:00

#77 - Do 250 Geocaches (40/250) now (43/250) - 17.2% Complete
Motts, Jen and I did three Geocaches in and around Madison last Friday to pass some time and hang out. We were down by the water for a little while and it is gorgeous down there.

#1 1/2 - Lose 40lbs - I downloaded the Lose It Application on my iPhone and am currently tracking what I eat in a day. I am also using it for motivation as I can see exactly what I eat and it helps to not eat those things. I would like to use the application to track everything I eat like a personal daily food journal (sound familiar?) and then cross off #9 one-year from yesterday. Also, Motts, Ross and I are talking about getting P90X going again really soon! I really want to get that done!

In Other News - I added a BlogRoll to the side of mine and called it Blog Roll Call, I`m not really sure why I just kinda liked it. It has all the blogs that I am following.

Jen and I are currently planning a trip to California, we are thinking that we are going to go for about 10 days. We want to start in San Francisco (#48), scoot up to Napa Valley (#49) and then down through LA on our way to San Diego. Those are the tentative plans. We love to travel and while we don't have the money to do all this traveling we certainly have enough spontaneity and stupidity so we are going to roll with it...

Until next time...

"YOU CAN HAVE ANYTHING THAT YOU WANT IF YOU WANT IT BADLY ENOUGH"

Day 186 - Disappointment

2009-05-17T15:02:00.000-07:00

Well Day 180 has come and gone and I am very sad to say that #1 has not been complete. I kinda ruined it myself by being ambititous with some other goals, drinking and partying In both Key West and at Mardi Gras, going to Yankee Stadium and all that cooking. But enough with the excuses... I am really frustrated with myself and writing this blog is Not helping. I have vowed to myself to have this be the only goal that is missed, that still doesnt really help my pychie seeing how this is the 101 in 1001, and not a 100 in 1001. I still plan on completing the goal and crossing out the first part and leaving the by Day 180 part. Its important to me and I need to accomplish it. And I am going to start right now!

In other (more upbeat) news...

#73 - See 25 Yankees Games: (1/25) now (2/25) - 8% Complete

Game 1 - 04/21/2009 07:05 PM - Oakland Athletics at New York Yankees
Section 130, Row 9 - Seat 7 or 8 - WIN (5-3),
Collins and I got a ball!

Game 2 - 05/15/2009 07:05 PM - Minnesota Twins at New York Yankees
Section 212, Row 13 - Seat 23 - WIN (5-4),
Gardner - In-The-Park HomeRun
Melky - Walk-Off Double

#24 - Learn 50 New Recipes: (11/50) now (12/50) - 24% Complete
Oreo Truffles
Buffalo Chicken and Cheese Dip
Cheesy Potato Casserole
Grilled Vegetables in Caramelized Italian Dressing
Cheeseburger Chowder
Eclair Cake
Minestrone Soup
New and Improved - Turbo Inside Out Burgers
Italian Marinated Pork Chops with Perogies and Onions
IceBox Cake
Teriyaki Steak and Potato Croquettes
... Mango Peach Salsa

I got sushi the other day and got a fortune cookie with it, actually 3 of us got sushi and there was one fortune cookie left when I got mine at the bottom of the bag. Let me tell you that I got chills and renewed passion in the list when it said: "YOU CAN HAVE ANYTHING THAT YOU WANT IF YOU WANT IT [DESPERETLY] ENOUGH"

Thats it for now. More updates to follow...

"YOU CAN HAVE ANYTHING THAT YOU WANT IF YOU WANT IT BADLY ENOUGH"

Day 172 - Letters to Friends

2009-05-03T11:28:00.000-07:00

#90 - Send 35 Letters to Friends. Well I sent out the first 10 Letters and I will be sending out some more this week. It includes a letter from me and something else, so if you got yours then I hope you liked it, and if you have not got yours its coming. If you don`t get one (and thought that you should get one) then maybe you need to call me or say Hi more!
When you do get it don`t be afraid to send something back and we can keep in touch. I look forward to getting the rest out... check your mail box towards the end of the week!!!

"YOU CAN HAVE ANYTHING THAT YOU WANT IF YOU WANT IT BADLY ENOUGH"

Day 171 - Yankees Stadium

2009-05-02T10:07:00.000-07:00

#73 - See 25 Yankees Games. I went out to the new stadium for the first time and let me tell you.... it`s HUGE. I was at Jens after we got back from Key West and Collins called me up to see if I wanted to go. Of Course I want to go!! We got $150.00tickets from StubHub for $23.00 each. Good Stuff.

We took the train into Penn and then the subway out to 161st and River, got off the train and went to Billy`s for a drink. Obviously. Went over to the stadium and walked in the main gate and there is was in all its glory, the huge concourse. Walked in a little further and went out to the field and then to Left Field to our seats. The seats were sick, 5 rows from the field!!! The scoreboard is gigantic and and the field is in amazing condition.

I think that stadium has very much the same feeling. It felt awesome to be there in the opening week and everyone was pumped up and friendly. I cant wait to go again, in fact Johnny got me tickets for my birthday. Thanks John! I`ll leave you with some pictures to take a look at!

Day 170 - Geocaching in Key West

2009-05-01T10:26:00.000-07:00

#77 - Do 250 Geocaches (31/250) now (40/250)
Jen and I did some caching while we were in Key West. Note: It is much easier to do caching in Key West when you have a scooter than walking. The island is about 4 miles long and 2 miles wide and trust me they used the whole island to hide them.

Caches Worth Mentioning:

Southernmost US Cache - This cache is right near the Southern Most Point in the United States. It is ALWAYS busy, no matter the time and it took two or three passes to get the cache without being seen.

USA, all the way South - This is at the actual buoy that marks the southern most cache and is about 7 foot high and 7 feet wide.

Magic of the Music - Quite Possible the Best Cache I Have Ever Done!!! Simply Amazing!

First and Last Cache on US 1 - This cache is at Mile Marker 0. This is first and last measured mile in the United States on US 1. Pretty Cool Place.

Here Are Some More Pictures From Our Trip:

Welcome to Key West!!

Love These Mileage Poles

Sunset Me!

Enough Said - Perfect

Pirate Ship - Jen Loves Pirates

Day 169 - Cooking

2009-04-30T07:33:00.000-07:00

#24 - Learn 50 New Recipes: (8/50) now (11/50) - 22% Complete
Oreo Truffles
Buffalo Chicken and Cheese Dip
Cheesy Potato Casserole
Grilled Vegetables in Caramelized Italian Dressing
Cheeseburger Chowder
Eclair Cake
Minestrone Soup
New and Improved - Turbo Inside Out Burgers
... Italian Marinated Pork Chops with Perogies and Onions
... IceBox Cake
... Teriyaki Steak and Potato Croquettes

Day 149 - Birthday Surprise

2009-04-10T14:00:00.001-07:00

#62 - Obtain: Apple Iphone - So I sent a text to Nance yesterday and told her that I was thinking about getting an iPhone. I really needed a new phone and have always wanted one. It is on the list so that is a plus too. Anyway, Nance said that if I wanted one to get it and she would help me with the cost for my birthday. . . So another one bites the dust. I also figured that since I had an iPhone I should use it to update the blog about getting it and making this possible. I'll update the list and cross it off later. Have a great weekend. I'm flying to Key West with Jen tomorrow for my birthday.

"YOU CAN HAVE ANYTHING THAT YOU WANT IF YOU WANT IT BADLY ENOUGH"

-- Post From My iPhone

Day 147 - 100 Visitors and Counting!!!

2009-04-08T09:29:00.000-07:00

#80 - Get 100 people to View This Blog - I installed a counter on my blog about 30 days after I started the blog and thought that it would keep track of visitors. As of the time I am writing this I have had 654 "Visitors" to this page, but after talking to my buddy Bea and some research later I have found that a counter like this only keeps track of page views. So I needed something more accurate... Enter Google Analytics. On March 22nd I installed the Analytics tracking on my site and it as been recording data ever since. This program is amazing and keeps track of "Absolute Unique Visitors" through the use of cookies.
Over the past 18 days I have driven 128 Absolute Unique Visitors which satisfies #80 by far. It also tracks the number of Page Views, Bounce Rate, Average Page Views per Visit and Percentages to go with all of those calculations. I will post updates to #80 because I think its fascinating and its my blog!! I have also used Google WebMaster Tools, SiteMaps and Meta Tags to try to increase my google page ranking. These things should also help when I do #56, #57, and #58. Here are some screenshots from the Google Analytics Site.

Visitor Overview
Page Views of Visitors
Absolute Unique Visitors

#72 - Read 50 Books: (10/50) now (11/50)
John Grishams` - The Broker
Doyle Brunsons` - Super System
Tom Clancys` - Patriot Games
Michael L. Kurtz` - The JFK Assassination Debates: Lone Gunman Versus Conspiracy
David Dunbars` - Debunking 9/11 Myths
David Griffens` - Debunking 9/11 Debunking
Randy Pauschs` - The Last Lecture
Bonnie Szumskis` - Are Conspiracy Theories Valid?
Lifes` - The American Journey of Barack Obama
Harvey Frommers` - Remembering Yankee Stadium
... Timothy Ferris` - The Four Hour Work Week

#24 - Learn 50 New Recipes: (7/50) now (8/50)
Oreo Truffles
Buffalo Chicken and Cheese Dip
Cheesy Potato Casserole
Grilled Vegetables in Caramelized Italian Dressing
Cheeseburger Chowder
Eclair Cake
Minestrone Soup
... New and Improved - Turbo Inside Out Burgers

#77 - Do 250 Geocaches (19/250) now (31/250) Motts and I went caching in and around Westbrook today and did about a 2.5mile hike. I think we might go again tomorrow too. Exchanged the travel bug I got in Ohio with the NY Bravest travel bug, I plan on bringing all travel bugs and geocoins to the Florida Keys for placement down there.

Coming Soon - Motts is back from his world tour and wants to brew his own beers to so I think next week when I get back from The Florida Keys we will start the brewing process. I will be doing some caches in Florida. Also, it is starting to warm up so throwdowns will be coming into full swing. I will write down some rules and guidelines so if you want to challenge someone you can! That's all for now!

"YOU CAN HAVE ANYTHING THAT YOU WANT IF YOU WANT IT BADLY ENOUGH"

Day 142 - A Trip to Marist

2009-04-03T21:45:00.000-07:00

#94 - Go to Trivia Night at Hyde Park Brewery - Im not going to lie it was different, and the crew wasnt there. Timy couldn`t make it and he normally runs the show at Trivia, writing down the answers, getting the answer from the right person and such. He was missed and the original crew was too. Also absent was the win! Its okay though, Collins and I represented (actually we didnt, we had been drinking for about 5 hrs at that point, the Marist green and the atmosphere will do that to you, plus Noahs and their free wings and Honey Brown, that stuffs like moonshine in Poughtown)
Anyway, We met Double Time, Apfelicus, and Kenny there and did what we could. We had the same food that we always had too... Collins got the Mozzarella Sticks and I got my Teriyaki Wings. Collins didnt even ask if I wanted them he just ordered them and when they showed up I was pumped. Collins also remembered our team name that treated us to many-a-win there, Hippity Hoopla. (It sounds better when you can yell it.) Good Times nonetheless. Thanks to Corey and Kenny for putting us up and allowing us to shower and sleep!!! Ill cross it off the list!

#100 - Make at least 5 Trips a Year to Visit Friends - This trip, coupled with my trips to Boston to see Merissa and go to Brookies` Christening, and another trip or two to see Johhny, Liz, Donny and crew puts me at 3 trips this year. Currently taking itineraries and applications for the 4th and 5th visits of this year!!

#77 - Do 250 Geocaches (19/250)... now (28/250) Collins and I got up to Fishkill around 1pm and did caches as we went up Route 9. We dropped off a TravelBug I had for a while and picked up a Supercacher GeoCoin which Ill have to cache here somewhere.

Definitions - (provided by Wiki)

Travel Bug - A Travel Bug is a registered trademark of Groundspeak, Inc. used to describe a dogtag used in Geocaching. It is moved from cache to cache, and its travels can be logged on the geocaching website (www.geocaching.com).Each travel bug tag is printed with a unique PIN, which is needed to post a log online. Some tags are fastened to an object, such as a plastic figurine, before they are let loose. Some travel bugs have missions to travel to a specific cache, location or a certain type of location. Other travel bugs simply have the goal of traveling as far and widely as possible. Similar to a travel bug, a geocoin is a coin printed with a tracking number, to allow its movement to be logged online

Geocoin - Some travel bugs have missions to travel to a specific cache, location or a certain type of location. Other travel bugs simply have the goal of traveling as far and widely as possible. Similar to a travel bug, a geocoin is a coin printed with a tracking number, to allow its movement to be logged online. They may be placed in geocaches to be found by others and kept as trophies, moved from cache to cache like a Travel Bug, traded, given to other cachers like a calling card, or merely sold and collected.

In other News - I am going to start cooking a little more and also have a couple books that I have to read that I got from the library. I am also probably going to go Vegetarian for the last 30 days before Day 180. Check out Collins` blog too. Read it here!

"YOU CAN HAVE ANYTHING THAT YOU WANT IF YOU WANT IT BADLY ENOUGH"

Day 133 - Roller Coaster Research

2009-03-26T10:28:00.000-07:00

So I was bored last night and I decided that I would do some research for #35 - Go on 10 of the top 25 Roller Coasters in the World. I visted about 10 websites and took notes on them. I then put most of the results in this spreadsheet and then copied it to a photo so I could share it with you. There are 25 coasters on the list, all of them, and most of them have received various 1-10 rankings, as you can see. They are all across the World and I am happy to say that most are in areas of the world that I plan to visit, ie; california, Japan, England, and Cedar Point in Ohio. There are 15 Roller Coasters at Cedar Point in Ohio including Millenium Force, Top Thrill Dragster, The Raptor, and Magnum XL-200 that are on the Top 25 List. If you have any suggestions or something that should be on the list that I missed feel free to let me know.

If you click on the photo it will enlarge

#1 - I have had a headache all week and consulted with my dietician extrodanaire James Harrington and I think I am on the right track to this goal. I am taking vitamins and eating hard boiled eggs for protein. So far I have just been watching what I eat and eating low-carb. If I have to kick it into another gear I will have to go veggy for the last 30 days. I do have to remember to drink more water! Its funny how quickly your body adapts though... I am excited about this one.

I am also working on another goal that some of you got an email about. More emails to follow so dont flip out if you didnt get one! No word from the Yankees yet, I was really hoping to get a call from them and cross off #32. Thats it for now...

"YOU CAN HAVE ANYTHING THAT YOU WANT IF YOU WANT IT BADLY ENOUGH"

Day 129 - #1 Update

2009-03-22T18:08:00.000-07:00

Well my most important goal is fast approaching and it is time to get serious about it. Tomorrow will be Day 130 - so that only leaves 50 days to get to my weight loss goal and to cross #1 of my list. If I don`t get this one the rest of the list would be incomplete with out it and I didnt drive 3000 miles to and from New Orleans to not make this list happen... Probably going to go Alcohol Free and might cross off #84 while I`m at it - Go Vegatarian for 30 days... I would assume nothing drops weight like eating only lettuce for 30 days. Well wish me luck! I think Im going to need it.

Mardi Gras Update - Day 126

2009-03-19T12:06:00.000-07:00

#36 - So It was Monday Night, February 23rd... Caturano asked me if I wanted to meet him and Amy down at Chips for a drink, so I did. When I get there I get a drink and I asked him why he didnt respond to my text. (I had texted him Sunday asking him if he wanted to drive down to New Orleans) He said he thought I was kidding, and then said Lets Go Right Now! So we did... We left Clinton around 11:00pm and got down to New Orleans about 22hrs later... Got there at 9pm or so and took down a couple beers in the shower and then hit bourbon street. Its basically exaclty the way you would imagine it. I convinced this girl to fill up 50oz. Miller Lite Bottles with hurricanes for Amy and I and Mike had one with Miller Lite. GOOD TIME HAD BY ALL!!!
So that takes care of half of #36! I`m pumped about that. Maybe Carnival next year!
((MORE PICTURES TO FOLLOW))

#1 - Lose 40lbs by Day 180 - The Problem with all this partying is that #1 has become a problem... It is going to be very close. I have 54 days to lose the remander of the 40lbs, which is just about 40lbs. LOL. But anyway, I will be hitting the pavement and getting it done!

#30 - Hit a 90 In Golf - Made my first golf apperance of the year yesterday and played 9 holes at Traditions in Wallingford. I hit a honest 53, so I was excited about that. That was 17 over of the par of 36 which sounds ugly, but it was the first time out and my driver was going straight... If I can get the two 10s off the scorecard my chances of hitting a 90 are not that bad... We will see. I think this is one of the hardest ones on my list as I dont really see myself as a good golfer. But I will keep working on it.

#74 - Don`t drink for a month - Wouldnt you know that my one month of not drinking came to an end at Mardi Gras, the 24th to the 24th. That is probably why I ended up so trashed and playing poker at Harrahs in New Orleans (which I walked to) at 2am in the morning. At least playing poker then helps me get to #98 as well... Anyway, Ill cross #74 off the list.

#77 - Do 250 Geocaches - Now 19/250. I did 2 in Boston with Collins when we went there to go to Brooke`s christening, and I did 3 along Bourbon Street in Lousiana. I logged them and will change the list!

#96 - Get a Cactus and Keep it Alive - Christmas cactus is still kicking, I am excited about this eventhough you are probably making fun of me for not being able to keep a cactus alive. Its my goal! So get off my back!

Sorry for the delays between blogs, Im sure no one died holding their breath!!!

"YOU CAN HAVE ANYTHING THAT YOU WANT IF YOU WANT IT BADLY ENOUGH"

Day 98 - Pengun Plunge Goes Down

2009-02-19T07:55:00.000-08:00

Sorry for the long time between blogs, I`m sure no one died form holding their breath...

#26 - So one of the ones that I was regretting the most has been crossed of the list. Myself, Jordan and Mo all did the Penguin Plunge in Winsted Lake 2 weeks back. it is the only penguin plunge in the state (that I know of) that you literally jump into the water, most of the other ones you kind of run in from the shore... Well anyway, It was 13 degrees that day and the water temperature was 2 degrees. Here is the proof:

I want to thank my buddy Timy for helping us get warm after at his house. That shower was the best shower of my life and the nap on the couch was awesome too... Thanks Timmer!

I have also been busy reading:

#72 - Read 50 Books: (10/50)
John Grishams` - The Broker
Doyle Brunsons` - Super System
Tom Clancys` - Patriot Games
Michael L. Kurtz` - The JFK Assassination Debates: Lone Gunman Versus Conspiracy
David Dunbars` - Debunking 9/11 Myths
David Griffens` - Debunking 9/11 Debunking
Randy Pauschs` - The Last Lecture
... Bonnie Szumskis` - Are Conspiracy Theories Valid?
... Lifes` - The American Journey of Barack Obama
... Harvey Frommers` - Remembering Yankee Stadium

#56, #57, #58 - I have taken the steps to make these three things become a reality. Next Sunday I will be able to cross of two of these hopefully and then #58 should follow about a year or so after. If all goes to plan.

#74 - I have not had a drink since Johnny came down from Boston with Donny and Vinny and that was Saturday, January 24th. So only 6 days left and I`ll cross that one off the list. I don`t think I am de-toxing but my head has been very dizzy lately, hopefully the lack of alcohol for a month will in some way make me a better person, not to mention my tolerance going down significantly. Guess I just ruined the previous statement.. Anyway.

#96 - The Cactus I got for Christmas is sill alive and well!

Ok that's All I got for right now! Might do some caching today so I will keep the updates rolling. Thank for looking!

"YOU CAN HAVE ANYTHING THAT YOU WANT IF YOU WANT IT BADLY ENOUGH"

Day 72 Update - A Reading and a Cooking Fool

2009-01-24T13:27:00.000-08:00

So 2 more books down and 2 more recipes:

#72 - Read 50 Books: (7/50)
John Grishams` - The Broker
Doyle Brunsons` - Super System
Tom Clancys` - Patriot Games
Michael L. Kurtz` - The JFK Assassination Debates: Lone Gunman Versus Conspiracy
David Dunbars` - Debunking 9/11 Myths
... David Griffens` - Debunking 9/11 Debunking
... Randy Pauschs` - The Last Lecture

#24 - Learn 50 New Recipes: (6/50)
Oreo Truffles
Buffalo Chicken and Cheese Dip
Cheesy Potato Casserole
Grilled Vegetables in Caramelized Italian Dressing
Cheeseburger Chowder
... Eclair Cake
... Minestrone Soup

Upcoming Goals:

#27 - I am thinking about doing the Vodka Taste Test for the Super Bowl next Sunday. We will see if anyone is interested. Let me know if you are, or if you want to do it at your own place with me and then compare results.

#26 - I am doing the Penguin Plunge in Winsted, Connecticut on February 7th.

*** If you care to donate let me know and I can get a check or cash from you, or you can donate on the Internet: DONATE HERE!***

That's all for now. Thank for looking as always. I hate asking for money but even 5 bucks would be awesome. Let me know!

"YOU CAN HAVE ANYTHING THAT YOU WANT IF YOU WANT IT BADLY ENOUGH"

Day 58 Update

2009-01-10T17:23:00.000-08:00

I am still plugging away on about 10 things right now. I am going to start my Food Journal on Monday (#9) in helps with my most important goal (#1) still moves in the right direction. I am still reading and have about 3 books in the works right now and I am also getting more recipes under my belt...

#24 - Learn 50 New Recipes: (4/50)...now (5/50)
Oreo Truffles
Buffalo Chicken and Cheese Dip
Cheesy Potato Casserole
Grilled Vegetables in Caramelized Italian Dressing
.... Cheeseburger Chowder

Also to come: Poached Chicken Salad with Brie and Apples on Texas Toast
Raspberry Lemon Cheesecake Squares

#77 - Caches
I also told you I would update on the actual number of caches that I did in Ohio... it was 14. So that`s (14/250). I was hoping to go this weekend but the snow kind of put a damper on that.

#96 - Get a cactus and keep it alive.
I got a Christmas cactus form Jen`s father and I have succesfully kept it alive for 3weeks now. Apparently these things stay alive all year round. So I will continue to water it and keep an eye on it in hopes of keeping the easy plant to keep alive... alive...

I`ll keep my ear to the grindstone (whatever that means)

"YOU CAN HAVE ANYTHING THAT YOU WANT IF YOU WANT IT BADLY ENOUGH"

Day 52 Update - #66 and #101

2009-01-04T10:00:00.000-08:00

#66 - New Jeans
Got them from my mother before I left for Ohio with Jen for Christmas and I forgot to write it down in the Big Update. Anyway I like them and they are better than the ripped pairs I have eventhough I still plan on fixing them!

#101 - Encourage 5 People to make a list
Little Erin has made her list official: Little Erin`s 101
She found my list somehow and liked the idea and made a list. Bea and I have been talking with her and her list is complete.

That makes 10 things on my list complete just shy of 10% (9.90% actually)
And with 52 days gone I am only about 5% through the 1001 (5.19% actually)

P90X starts Tomorrow!!!!!

"YOU CAN HAVE ANYTHING THAT YOU WANT IF YOU WANT IT BADLY ENOUGH"

Day 50 Update - A BIG Update

2009-01-02T08:11:00.000-08:00

I have about 10 things moving in the right direction right now. I`ll touch on a couple right now.

#72 - Read 50 Books: (5/50)
John Grishams` - The Broker
Doyle Brunsons` - Super System
Tom Clancys` - Patriot Games
Michael L. Kurtz` - The JFK Assassination Debates: Lone Gunman Versus Conspiracy
David Dunbars` - Debunking 9/11 Myths

#24 - Learn 50 New Recipes: (4/50)
Oreo Truffles
Buffalo Chicken and Cheese Dip
Cheesy Potato Casserole
Grilled Vegetables in Caramelized Italian Dressing

To Do:
Tamales, Ravioli, Stuffed Pork Chops, Lights-Out Apple Pie, Americanized Chicken Cordon Blue, Homemade Teriyaki Sauce

#77 - Do 250 Geocaches:
While in Ohio we got some caches done. Jen and I took out Jen`s Uncle, her brother and her father. We found about 12 or so... I`ll get the official number and I will update the blog! Good Times, we are going today too in a little bit in the snow!

#80 - Get 100 people to View This Blog
I put a counter on the bottom of the blog about a month ago and I put in the settings to only count unique IP address`. According to the counter 138 different IP address` have seen my blog. I am not entirely convinced on this. I would like to think that this it that interesting to other people but I`m sure that it is not, anyway... I will leave that one unchecked and continue to tell people about my blog in hopes of crossing it off in the future.

#81 - Brew My Own Beer
Jen got me a beer making kit for Christmas and I have decided to make the Whispering Wheat and I`m going to go to the grocery store and get some raspberries and put them in there with it! It should be good! Pictures to follow. Let me know if you want to come over and try the first batch. Should be ready by spring.

#101 - Encourage 5 people to Start a List Like this!
Still waiting on #5...

That's all for now!

Happy New Year!!!!

"YOU CAN HAVE ANYTHING THAT YOU WANT IF YOU WANT IT BADLY ENOUGH"

Day 43 Update - #11 - One for Jen!

2008-12-26T14:11:00.000-08:00

Well it official... One of my hidden goals for Jen is done. I spent Christmas with her yesterday and it was a great day. It is by far her favorite holiday and so to wake up and spend the day with her was really great. We are in Avon Lake, OH which is just west of Cleveland with her family. It has been cold her to say the least but fun nonetheless. We will probably be heading back Sunday or Monday... I hope every one had as good a Christmas as I did.

Thanks for Reading!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS (even though its a day late)

Day 34 Update - A Survey

2008-12-17T18:50:00.000-08:00

I have been reading alot this past month and have been excited that I have got back to reading more...
So far I have read:
John Grishams` - The Broker
Doyle Brunsons` - Super System
and I am 90% with Tom Clancys` - Patriot Games

However, I used to read the newspaper when I worked at the Car Wash in a former life and I would like to get back to doing that. I would read about 90% of the Paper each morning..

So my question is this avid readers(if there are any)...

DOES READING THE PAPER COUNT AS A BOOK?
DOES READING THE PAPER FOR A WEEK EQUAL A BOOK?

Please click on the "Comment" Tab at the end of today's blog and tell me what you think. I will post the results to the Survey with some kind of graph or something... I have mad blog skills!!!

Thanks for the help!

"YOU CAN HAVE ANYTHING THAT YOU WANT IF YOU WANT IT BADLY ENOUGH"

Day 32 Update - #69 Return Johnnys Stuff

2008-12-15T18:28:00.000-08:00

Went up to Boston this past weekend for my 3rd Annual Mullady Family Christmas Party. While I was going up I realized that I could cross off another one on my list #69... even though very reluctantly...

Items I returned:

(3) T-Shirts
(2) Backpacks (even though one is evidently Collins`)
(2) Stuffed Animals
- A Red Bear from "The Ride" and...
- John`s Patrick - from Spongebob
(1) Camelbak Hydro Pack
(1) Shawshank DVD
(1) Pair of Shorts - I ripped them... Sorry Johnny!
(1) Bottle of Shampoo (not sure why)
...and some bungee chords that were in the bag

I guess I also saw a visited a friend so 1/5 for Year 1 on #100!

That sums up this edition...

"YOU CAN HAVE ANYTHING THAT YOU WANT IF YOU WANT IT BADLY ENOUGH"

Day 28 Update - Malaria Nets

2008-12-11T16:38:00.000-08:00

I started an account with Malaria No More as part of #42 on my list! I plan on donating 50 Nets on my own and I figured that I would create a way for others to donate with me if they wanted to.... SO HERE IT IS..

Erik`s Malaria NO More Donation Center
This is a secure site that you can make a donation through... Also If you want to send me a check made out to Malaria No More I will be happy to get it to the right people!!!

Day 27

2008-12-10T11:10:00.001-08:00

And then there was one...

One more list and #101 is done! The lastest addiction comes from Brandon, another Marist Alum and a huge Yankee Fan.. which obviously gives him a high ranking in my book... In fact his first blog is about Bernie Williams... If you dont know who that is do me a favor and never talk to me agian...

Here is #4 of 5...Brandon`s 101

"YOU CAN HAVE ANYTHING THAT YOU WANT IF YOU WANT IT BADLY ENOUGH"

Day 26 Update

2008-12-09T12:13:00.000-08:00

As you know I have already completed #89 - Get all Old Files off My Marist Computer.. Well I figured what a better way to prove this to you then to get rid of #19 as well and post some pictures... SO here they are in no apparent order...

Everyone Wearing My Clothes and Me Wearing Something From Everyone Else

The Grasshopper - Bar / Club / Cafe in Amsterdam

Me - Wearing Gigantic Clogs at a Flower Garden in Holland

DMac - As Winnie the Pooh w/ Honey Brown

Best Picture I Have Ever Seen - Ever!)

52 Cup Pong - Enough Said

Me - As Clifford at the Habitat for Humanity BookFair

John and Collins - Timmy Got A Bunch of Tickets and a Boot!

More Pictures to Follow!!!
#19 You just lost!
6 Down - 95 to Go!
Still on schedule...

Another Update Tomorrow I hope!

"YOU CAN HAVE ANYTHING THAT YOU WANT IF YOU WANT IT BADLY ENOUGH"

Day 24 Update

2008-12-07T16:45:00.000-08:00

Well the lists are pouring in now: Don`t miss out on the fun! 2 Spots left!
Most of you know who the next list is from. He will respond to many-a-name but to most he is Collins.. Check out his list: Collins 101 List

Personally I have 2 more people to motivate and this one is done... I`m 60% there. Hopefully by the end of the week someone else will show up with a post here or on facebook and publish their list!

Tomorrow Collins is starting his list and he is starting by fasting for 24hrs... I have decided to show alittle support and commrodory and do it with him! So #87.. how do you explain yourself? You are weak... Will Power 1, son to be 2...

Over and out!

"YOU CAN HAVE ANYTHING THAT YOU WANT IF YOU WANT IT BADLY ENOUGH"

Day 21 Update

2008-12-04T07:33:00.000-08:00

A very good friend of mine, Jaime just put up his 101 in 1001.
You can see it here: JHarrington
The first thing that you are going to see is a absolutely hideous picture of the green monster in Fenway Park. Please try not to vomit and don't immediately hate him because he is a Red Sox fan. He is not overly smart and he did go to school in Boston! Well then again I guess he is smart as he IS going to law school. Anyway, I digress... Check out his list!

As for me 2 down and 3 to go, #101 you are 40% done!

Nice job Jaime! By the way I am down for 12,19,36,37,40,67(Eagles),85,88 and 94. And I can def help you with 53. Let me know and tell me how I can get to see Obama`s inauguration. I really want to go!

Day 20 Update

2008-12-03T16:09:00.000-08:00

I just read a message from a friend of mine from freshman year and he informed me that I inspired him to do a list. You can check it out here: Kenny`s 101
SO as for #101 I can chalk up a 1, 20% done! Im really pumped that this is kinda spreading a little bit. Again, let me know if you are going to put up an offical list.

Ps. Did you see how I put that Hyperlink in this post? You know what I am going to qaulify myself for knowing how to use this blog now. I have posted, made a banner, done a hyperlink, I know how to do pictures and I have a fancy progress bar... yep. That qualifies. #18! See you later!

Until Next Time!

"YOU CAN HAVE ANYTHING THAT YOU WANT IF YOU WANT IT BADLY ENOUGH"

Day 18 Update

2008-12-01T16:46:00.000-08:00

My buddy Bea hooked me up with the sick Progess Bar that you can see on the side now! THANK YOU BEA... I`m really close to checking off two more. I am really close to knowing how this page works and as soon as I upload a picture I am going to cross those two off.
Again... Thank you Bea!

Day 16 Update

2008-11-29T12:24:00.000-08:00

So I tried to run Google Analytics on my blog so I can see how many hits it was getting but I couldnt figure out the html code. And everytime I put it in the background color would change and I like the black... Anyway... I digress.

My buddy Bea told me he would show me how to put a progress bar on my site this week and I figured out how to use the picture feature too.. (it`s pretty easy) So #18 and #19 should be done by the end of the week. So thats good and it will keep me right on schedule. As always I am still working on #1... Thanksgiving got in the way of that one, but I am going to start my food journal on Monday (#9) and that should keep me from "cheating." Also, I forgot to update #71... Vote in every election... I voted for the first time on November 4th and I`m not going to get inot poitics but lets just say that I think the right man won!

I keep running into people in and around town that are telling me that they are working on lists or that I have inspired them to make a list... Let me know if you do and I will post a link to your site on mine... I need 5 of you to do it, but do not do it for me... do it for yourself.. and only do it if you are going to go all out!

Update over!

"YOU CAN HAVE ANYTHING THAT YOU WANT IF YOU WANT IT BADLY ENOUGH"

Day 8 Update

2008-11-21T13:12:00.000-08:00

Well as promised I took down two more yesterday... well yesterday and today. I finished the 24hrs of fasting today at noon and I will tell you that it wasnt that bad. I guess the human body is pretty adaptive and that Survivor Guy goes like 4-5 days without food. How is that for a run-on sentence? Anyway 2 more down!

#87 - Fasting - You are my bitch!

I also took care of #88 - I got all the old files and pictures off my Old computer and you would be surprised to see how far computer have come in 8 years because my old desktop weights 14 lbs.. and is slow as shit! I remember it beiing slow but its like grandma-driving-on-the-highway-slow.

Anyway 8 days in and 4 down... Thats one every two days! Do NOT expect that pace to keep up but I am going to cross out everyone of these damn things!

More to follow...

"YOU CAN HAVE ANYTHING THAT YOU WANT IF YOU WANT IT BADLY ENOUGH"

Day 6 Update

2008-11-19T17:02:00.000-08:00

I am working on about 10 things right now... Most importantly #1 is going well..down about 12 lbs. So I am really excited about that! I am def going to have to step up the excercise next week as my diet gets a little less strict. I will tell you something though I have definitely noticed that my stomach has gotten smaller, I can def not eat as much anymore...
- Took the first step to doing #17 - Put Madarin Chinese on my Christmas List for Santa, I hope he knows the ins and outs of the internet
- I talked to my buddy Bea and he told me that he would help me with #18 and #19 since I all I know how to do is this right here!
- I have also recuited 2 people to start there lists as well(#101). I will let you know if and when they become official...
- I think tomorrow I am going to tackle #87!!!!!!!!!!! and If I`m feeling up to it #89 as well

Thats it for now!

"YOU CAN HAVE ANYTHING THAT YOU WANT IF YOU WANT IT BADLY ENOUGH"

Day 2 Update

2008-11-14T10:42:00.000-08:00

Well It`s Day 2 and I have 2 down already. Yes they are the easiest two on the list but I am still kinda proud of myself.

70.) Buy a Moleskine - I went over to Borders and picked myself up a Moleskine and I also bought a Piccadilly food journal and I`m pretty sure they are the same company because they have the same exact layouts, the same stamp on the back and the same packaging.. Anyway its done... Time to write down some ideas and inventions so I can cross a couple more off the list

93.) Find My Passport - I let my Mom read my list and she informed me that she put my Passport in a safety deposit box for safe keeping! Good Stuff! Hopefully the travel comes soon, but I need to build up a bank roll first.

Details to Follow.

"YOU CAN HAVE ANYTHING THAT YOU WANT IF YOU WANT IT BADLY ENOUGH"

Erik`s 101 in 1001

2008-11-13T11:18:00.000-08:00

The Mission: Complete 101 preset tasks in a period of 1001 days.

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

...And away we go

For the Body
1.) Lose 40 Lbs. by Day 180
2.) Keep it off the Entire 1001
3.) Be able to do 10 Pull-Ups (Leave me alone)
4.) Be able to do 30 Push-Ups (again)
5.) Be able to do 40 Sit-Ups (again)
6.) Get an Eye Exam done and get new glasses
7.) Go to the Dentist at least 3 times
8.) Whiten Teeth
9.) Keep a Daily Food Journal for a Year
10.) Complete P90X 2x

For Jen
# 11 through #16
- I will let you know when they are completed -

Education
17.) Learn Conversational Mandarin Chinese
~~18.) Learn How to Use This Blog~~
~~19.) Learn to put Pictures on this Blog~~
20.) Take a CPR Class
21.) Take a First Aid Class
22.) Learn 3 Songs on the Piano
23.) Take 3 Cooking Courses
24.) Learn 50 New Recipes

Experiences
25.) Bungee Jumping
26.) The Penguin Plunge
27.) Take a Vodka Taste Test
28.) Drive a Race Car
29.) Start a Fire without a Match
30.) Hit a 90 in 18 Holes of Golf
31.) Sleep Under the Stars
32.) LOVE MY WORK
33.) Go to The Olympics
34.) Go on all the RollerCoasters at Cedar Point
35.) Go on 10 of the Best 25 Roller Coasters in the World
36.) Go to 2 of 5 Best Parties in the World
37.) Go to 3 of the 5 Best Fireworks Displays in the US

For the Soul
38.) Donate Old Clothes
39.) Fulfill My Dads Dream
40.) Donate 1 Gallon of Blood
41.) Plant 25 Trees
42.) Donate 50 Malaria Nets

Travel Plans (Visit the Following)
43.) Block Island
44.) Nantucket
45.) Martha`s Vineyard
46.) Cape Cod
47) The OuterBanks
48.) San Francisco
49.) Napa Valley
50.) England
51.) Ireland
52.) Italy
53.) Canada (Yeah Big Deal I have Never Been to My HomeLand)
54.) China
55.) Japan

Making Money / Business Ideas
55.) Print Some T-Shirt Ideas
56.) Finish CW Logo
57.) Finish CW Site
58.) Have CW produce $10,00 in Revenue
59.) Patent Something
60.) Publish Something
61.) Create CookBook

Gadget and Widgets
62.) Apple Iphone
63.) Apple or Linux-Based Laptop
64.) A New Car
65.) Suzuki GSXR 750 (Guess That Could Go Under Experiences)
66.) A New Pair of Jeans
67.) A Mickey Mantle Mitchell and Ness Jersey
68.) A Mickey Mantle Rookie Card

To Do
~~69.) Send Johnny all his Stuff (maybe not ALL)~~
~~70.) Buy a Moleskine~~
71.) Vote in Every Election
72.) Read 50 Books
73.) See 25 Yankee Games
74.) Don`t Drink for a Month
75.) Pay off Credit Cards
76.) Save $5,000 for a House
77.) Do 250 Geocaches
78.) Hide 15 Geocaches
79.) Turn the Garage into a Gingerbread House for Christmas
80.) Get 100 people to View This Blog
81.) Brew My Own Beer
82.) Make R to Abercrombie
83.) Make R to the Nautilus
84.) Go 30 Days as a Vegetarian
85.) Do 8 Throwdowns
86.) Make a Quilt from my Old T-Shirts (is that too gay?)
~~87.) Fast for 24 Hours (easy with the fat-kid jokes)~~ Completed Nov. 21, 2008
88.) Open a Beer Bottle with a Lighter
~~89.) Get all Old Documents and Pictures off My Marist Computer~~
90.) Send 35 Letters to Friends
91.) Take a Legit IQ test
92.) Go Mt. Biking 15 Times
~~93.) Find My Passport~~
94.) Go to Trivia Night at Hyde Park Brewery
95.) Do Something with Coaster Collection
96.) Get a Cactus and Keep it Alive
97.) Winterize and Keep Up with the Mustang
98.) Play More Poker
99.) Make a License Plate Map
100.) Make at least 5 Trips a Year to Visit Friends
101.) Encourage 5 people to Start a List Like this!