The Day Zero Project

82. Stick to my written budget perfectly for 2 paydays.

2010-02-21T14:58:00.003-05:00

This woman is genius... I cannot watch this show enough! (It's actually playing in the background right now)! I could honestly watch the same episode over and over again and learn something new every time!

For the paydays of January 6 and January 20 2010, I was able to follow my budget perfectly. Of course, it was after Xmas and my Birthday so I had a little extra cash flow to play with BUT - I still did it and it still counts! I feel good about this habit and overall. It's nice to feel that you have everything under control.

Let's hope I keep it up! ;)

Adios!
Ash
xoxo

70. See a Fortune Teller

2010-02-21T14:47:00.005-05:00

Hello!

To celebrate our very important and special birthdays (BIG 23), my girlfriend and I threw a bash for all of our friends at Fat Tuesday's, one of my favorite restaurants in the Byward Market. Lucky for us... there was a palm reader / fortune teller there! Of course... I went for it!

It was over a month ago, so I don't really remember all of the details. But she did say that I would have two loves, one being a major one, and would have up to 3 children. The big picture said that I was seeking and would find stability in life (love, friendships, career)... which made me giggle because that is my quest! Happiness and stability. Creepy. Haha! Here's a fun snapshot of the birthday girls!

TTFN!
Ash
xoxo

56. Spoil H.W.'s baby once born!

2010-02-21T14:41:00.003-05:00

He is finally here! Little A.W. decided to join us at 6:18am on Wednesday, January 26 2010. Weighing 7 pounds and 14 ounces, I truly believe that he is the cutest little guy I have EVER seen (although I may be a little bias...)!

He's already been very spoiled and it will definitely go on this way! :) In Florida, we bought him a little suit that says "Someone who loves me very much went to Florida and bought me this t-shirt". Can't wait for him to fit in it!

Our first picture together... he is holding on for dear life to my finger! ;)

Ciao!
Ash
xoxo

34. Take E.P. on his first plane trip out of the country.

2010-02-21T14:27:00.006-05:00

Hi everyone!

So we finally did it... we went on our first international trip together (E.P.'s first out of Canada!). This trip was booked on July 31, 2009 so we've been impatient for the last little while. It was a great time overall, minus the cold Florida weather. We stayed in a great hotel (Homewood Suites by Hilton) and visited Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure and Disney's Magic Kingdom.

The best part was being able to be a part of E.P.'s first plane ride! My baby was so cute and excited! ;) Here are some fun pictures... Enjoy!

Thanks guys!
Ash
xoxo

63. Go see a comedy show with E.P.

2009-12-14T13:08:00.003-05:00

Oh. My. Goodness.

I nearly died folks. Nearly. Died.

The two opening comedians (names have slipped my mind) were HI-LARIOUS! They really got the sold-out crowd at ScotiaBank Place in Ottawa riled up for the big guy! I thought that the second one was a little too... agressive for me, I guess is the word, but they were very good. Huge talents!

But December 11, 2009 will always be etched in my brain as the day I pulled a stomach muscle at the Dane Cook show. I had never seen any of his stuff before other than some interviews and that horrible Jessica Simpson movie he was in (I love her, though) so I was not really sure what to expect. He comes off as a real sincere guy, who just loves to study people and them rip them apart for it. I can't even explain the funny-ness of him! I'm sure fans know.

He has definitely gained a fan in me and E.P. (Happy Anniversary baby!), and I will see him over and over if he comes our way again!

Too funny. Just too funny.

Ashley
xoxo

80. Complete Xmas shopping without using my credit cards.

2009-12-14T13:03:00.002-05:00

Ooooh boy.

Let me start off with... I have failed MISERABLY at my first shot at completing this goal. MI-SE-RA-BLY!

Now that that's out of the way, I just want to say that I will try even harder next year! I really had all of the best intentions. I had all the money saved up in a seperate bank account. It was there, it was ready. But then, an emergency purchase came up and I just said screw it! I whipped ou the credit cards, and I did and completed my shopping (wrapped and everything by the end of November, I might add)with the use of my plastic best friends.

Hopefully, it will be a better year next year!

Nice try Ash... Nice try.

Ashley
xoxo

67. Get Harvest Moon for Wii.

2009-12-14T12:56:00.003-05:00

Now... for those who are close to me, you know how exciting this purchase is! For those who are not close to me, I should probably explain.

I've always loved nintendo games. I am the Super Mario Bros Queen (speaking of, I'm dying to get that new Wii game!) and love simple games like Donkey Kong and Harvest Moon.

When I discovered Harvest Moon for the Nintendo 64 (all thanks to E.P.), I became quite obsessed. I played it in the morning, afternoon, and night... for hours on end. I would end date nights and activities with friends early because I JUST WANTED TO PLAY HARVEST MOON! It is still my favorite game!

As for the Nintendo Wii version, I've yet to really have the time to sit down and actually play it but I'm sure that once I do... it will be HM Obsession all over again! It's bad guys, believe me. Maybe it wasn't such a good idea for me to purchase this. ;)

But of course, I'm glad I did it!!

Ashley
xoxo

29. Go see a Ballet at the NAC.

2009-12-14T12:46:00.003-05:00

Hi again!

So this was a very exciting goal on my list that I was dying to complete and luckily, the opportunity came up early in the game! On Friday, November 6 2009, I went to see the Sleeping Beauty Ballet at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa and loved it!

Mind you, I really didn't care to see the men dance (I know, apparently I'm nuts!) and this whole idea of two intermissions is a little much for me. None-the-less, I really enjoyed the show and would definitely go see a ballet again but will always be a broadway musical type of girl. :)

Another great thing about this night was that it helped me with: 52. Re-solidify friendships with B.B., C.S., and M.D.

Although M.D. was not there because she lives in another city, I attended this ballet with B.B. and C.S. (and S.M.) and have really been spending much more time with them in the last couple of months. I've also been speaking more with M.D. these days, which I'm very happy to share!

That's all for the ballet!
Ashley
xoxo

43. Be at work for 7:30am everyday (between 7:15 - 7:45) for two weeks.

2009-12-14T12:42:00.004-05:00

Hi!

So this goal was quite easy to attain because I've made it a habit to work 7:30 - 3:30 everyday.

It takes me just under an hour to get to work and I hate getting home so late that I feel like my day is over. It's important for me to have that "life" time that has nothing to do with my work... I don't want to get sucked into that cycle!

One more goal completed! WOOHOO!

Ciao!
Ashley
xoxo

86. Become a "Big Sister" - Status Update

2009-12-14T12:27:00.004-05:00

Hi everyone!

I am so sorry that I haven't updated in a VERY long time... Blogging really is a commitment and it's sometimes hard to make the decision to write here instead of taking a nap! I'm sure you all know what I mean! :)

This particular goal has not yet been completed but I wanted to make those who follow me aware that I have done my research, filled out the paperwork (in October 2009) and should I choose to, I am ready to fax it over to Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Ottawa right now. The only thing that is holding me back is, I'm not sure I have the time to dedicate to this small child.

Before I send it in (and I really hope that I do choose to send it in), I want to make sure that all the other small things that take up my everyday life is dealt with and a window opens. This is a person that I will be helping and who will be helping me in some way, and we will most likely become attached to one another. The last thing that I want to do is let that little girl down.

So it won't be this year, and it may not be the next... but I hope I can fax this form in eventually to be able to help a cause that I believe in so much. And if this particular one does not unfold, then I will find another way to give back.

Hope everyone is well!

Ashley

xoxo

49. Listen to the Morning Hot Tub on the New Hot 89.9 everday before work for 2 weeks because it makes me laugh!

2009-10-07T19:06:00.004-04:00

Now...

Here is the reason for this whole new challenge in my life! I cannot even stress how much I love the Morning Hot Tub before work! It gets me ready for the day and helps me realize that life can't be taken too seriously! Not too much else to say about them other than they are simply the BEST!!!!!

These last 10 mornings have been great, and I'll definitely be putting my iPod aside in the morning to listen in. Laughter is the best medicine, especially Jenni's! ;)

Check them out: http://www.hot899.com/inside.asp?mn=11

Cheers for now! Listen in when you can!
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

18. Take out carpet and paint basement rec room. (Half done!)

2009-10-07T18:53:00.004-04:00

Hi!

This is actually something that we completed about 2 weeks ago! One fine Sunday afternoon, I decided to finally get all of my things out of the rec room in order to get our stinky carpet out... When everything was put away in the storage room, I thought to myself: "How hard can this be"!? Convincing my mom and brother to get the carpet out that same night was a slight challenge but successful none-the-less! Now, the wall painting won't get done for a while but I will leave you with a picture of our carpetless basement, and 3 paintings that I purchased in hopes of one day putting them on our freshly painted walls!

And for those of you wondering why the carpet was so stinky that it needed to disappear, here is the reason:

She's getting a little wacky in her old age and has decided to boycott her kitty litter... Gotta love my baby!

Ciao!
xoxo

48. Call in sick and not feel guilty.

2009-09-29T17:50:00.004-04:00

Hello!

Well, I called in sick today because I was actually not feeling well but I did NOT feel guilty which was the point!

I ended up sleeping until 11:30 which felt sooooooooo great! And afterwards, watched a bunch of episodes of season 2 from the original Beverly Hills 90210... it never gets old! ;)

Ash
xoxo

21. Visit the St-Albert's Cheese Factory and 40. Go on a roadtrip with J.R.

2009-09-26T19:30:00.012-04:00

Hello!

So today was surprisingly THE perfect autumn day to complete these two tasks on my list - blue skies and 19'C! I'm happy to say that I've hit two birds with one stone, and had a blast doing it! My girlfriend Julianne is big on roadtrips and photoshoots and is probably the ideal person to go on an adventure with, so I couldn't have chosen a better person to go on this mini journey with me!

Having worked in a grocery store for years and being a total cheese lover, I've always wanted to visit the St-Albert's Cheese Factory. We do have a store near my home now but it just isn't the same. Unfortunately, you can't tour this factory so we were content just hanging around in the store. I bought a few bags of cheese curds, parmesan cheese and some white cheddar with jalapeno! Can't wait to dig into that!

We then had a picnic in a nearby field, took some pictures and headed back home. Perfect short trip to keep the excitement going! Here are a few pictures of our roadtrip and St-Albert's store adventures!

So that was it for our day. I'm glad that I was finally able to go, but now that we have a store here... I'm not sure if we'll be making that 45 minutes trip again. Let's wait and see!

Here's the link: http://www.fromage-st-albert.com/

Cheers!
Ash
xoxo

91. Write a letter to myself to be opened on the last day of the challenge.

2009-09-21T16:20:00.006-04:00

Hi again!

It seems that I'm on a three-day roll! Today, I've managed to finish writing that letter to myself. Of course, it didn't take very long but I'm excited to forget about it and open it on June 12, 2012.

Although just a one-pager, I've written what was going on today that seemed big in my life (which may very well seem quite small when I read it once again) and I give myself a new challenge. It will be interesting to see what the Ashley of 2012 will think of the Ashley of 2009. Here's hoping I still like me! ;)

There's some proof that I did it!

Ash
xoxo

02. Complete two 10k runs. (ALMOST!)

2009-09-20T21:19:00.006-04:00

(September 20, 2009)

Hi again!

Now, I didn't exactly complete a 10k run today but I did participate in the 5k for the (what I believe to be) 2nd annual Army Run and it was something I needed to share! This is big for me because in the last year, I've decided that this was something that I would like to start doing, running. Unfortunately, a slight volley-ball incident that had me in crutches for a week at the beginning of July had me put that dream of running on hold.

Today, at 8:35am, I completed the 5k in 33 minutes and 18 seconds - which I think is not bad for a first time runner! I ran roughly 4.2k, and walked a little of it. When I saw the finish line, the sprint began! I can't begin to explain the feeling of accomplishment that swept over me once I crossed that line (and the overwhelming urge to hurl all over the place, might I add!). Good practice for the future 10k's! Here are a few pictures to prove that I did it! Haha!

For those of you interested, their mission is: "to optimize the physical and mental function of CF personnel, CF dependents and retired CF personnel with a physical or mental disability by supporting their active and full participation in physical activity, recreation and sport". It is a great cause and I hope you choose to support it in 364 days! :)

Here's the link: http://http//www.armyrun.ca/en/default.aspx

Ash
xoxo

77. Go Ziplining.

2009-09-20T20:59:00.003-04:00

(September 19, 2009)

Hi Everyone!

Today, I am proud to announce that I have completed one item on my 101 list and it was some of the most fun I've had in a long time! :)

Yesterday, with much thanks to the organizer - April, we enjoyed a beautiful day out in the Quebec scenery at Aventure Lafleche and it was simply amazing! For $33, it was basically a 4 hrs obstacle course with ziplines across the forest and the lake... totally breath-taking and worth every penny! Here are a few pictures for your viewing pleasure!

Visit the following link if you'd like to check it out and make your own reservations! You'll be wishing you could go every day!

Http://www.aventurelafleche.ca/fr/index.php

Ash
xoxo

The Day Zero Project

2009-09-11T09:17:00.035-04:00

Day Zero Project
101 in 1001
September 15, 2009 – June 12, 2012

When I heard this idea on the radio the other morning, I thought - what a great way to actually put things in motion! As oppose to having your "whole entire life" to complete your list or a too short period of time, you have 1001 days (just over 2.5 years) which is very do-able... it not only gives you the time to plan and coordinate in order to complete your list, it gives you that little extra kick in the bum we all need from time to time because really, who wants to disappoint themselves?

This has been a great exercise in creating realistic goals! I really hope you'll bookmark this blog to track my progress and create your own as well! I WILL follow you! :)

Read on to see the link at the bottom of this post. Click for this project's official website and to see examples from others around the world!

Health and Nutrition
01. Once my personal training is done in June, 2010 – continue going to the gym 3x/week.
02. Complete two 10k runs. 1/2
03. Drink 3 bottles of water a day for 2 weeks. /14
04. Floss weekly for two months. /8
05. Eat a completely gluten-free diet for two weeks. /14
06. ~~Sleep 8 hrs a night (minimum) for two weeks.~~ 14/14 (Completed September 26, 2010)
07. ~~Do not indulge in Bulk Barn purchases, unless for baking needs, for one year.~~ 12/12
(Completed on December 1, 2010)

Wisdom and Knowledge
08. Take 3 extra classes. /3
09. Read a novel bi-weekly for one year. /26
10. Read all unread books in my personal library. /?
11. Read my bible in its entirety.
12. Take a course on wine @ LCBO w/ C.O.
13. Play piano for one hour a week for two months. /8

Balance at Home
14. “Zenify” my room.
15. Organize my wardrobe.
o Purchase actual wardrobe at IKEA.
16. ~~Get a new mattress and bedding.~~ (Completed October 3, 2010)
17. Keep my bedroom clean for 3 months. /3
18. ~~Take out the carpet~~ and ~~paint the basement rec room.~~ (Half Completed in Fall 2009. Moved out of the house before painting the basement!)
19. Make a home-made dinner for the family once a month for one year. /12
20. ~~Clean Cookie’s kitty litter every second day for three months.~~ (Can't complete... Cookie passed away on December 16, 2010. :( )

The Ottawa-Resident Experience
21. ~~Visit the St-Albert cheese factory.~~ (Completed September 26, 2009)
22. Visit Papanak Zoo and Omega Park. /2
23. Visit Logos Land.
24. ~~Visit Saunder’s Farm near Halloween.~~
25. Experience the Ottawa Festivals. /5
o Jazz, Blues, Tulip, Montgolfières, SuperEx.
26. Experience the Bayshore Mall.
27. Visit all museums, big and small. /14
28. Visit the Parliament and Peace Tower with E.P.
29. ~~Go see a Ballet at the N.A.C.~~ (Completed November 6, 2009)
30. ~~Eat at ten new restaurants.~~ 10/10 (Completed September 1, 2010)

Travel Aspirations
31. Go on a Vegas Trip with E.P.
32. Go to Niagara Falls with E.P. and enjoy a wine-tasting tour and the Maid of the Mist. /3
33. Go shopping in NYC.
34. ~~Take E.P. on his first plane trip out of the country.~~ (Completed February 13, 2010)
35. Go on a yearly “Girls-Only” trip. 1/3
36. Go see an Oprah taping in Chicago. /2
37. Take a random trip back home, once a year. 2/3
38. Visit 5 new cities in Canada. 1/5
39. Plan a Toronto trip with the Beaton’s.
40. ~~Go on a road trip with J.R~~ (Completed September 26, 2009)
41. Go to Canada’s Wonderland one summer. /1
42. Go to Canada’s Wonderland once for Halloween. /1

Work Initiatives
43. ~~Be at work for 7:30am everyday (between 7:15 – 7:45) for two weeks.~~ 10/10 (Completed in November 2009)
44. Give out personal Valentines to everyone at work. 2/3
45. Always take your personal day on your birthday. 2/3
46. Become an MS Office intermediate. /5
47. ~~Reach the next level at work.~~ 1/1
48. ~~Call in sick one day and not feel guilty.~~ 1/1 (Completed September 29, 2009)
49. ~~Listen to the Morning Hot Tub on the New Hot 89.9 everyday before work for 2 weeks because it makes me laugh~~. 10/10 (Completed October 7, 2009)

My Relationships
50. Get engaged to E.P. :)
51. Call R.R. and B.B. once a month for one year. /12
52. ~~Re-solidify friendships with B.B., C.S. and M.D.~~ (on-going)
53. Do something special for mom’s 50th birthday.
54. ~~Do something special for dad’s 50th birthday.~~ (Completed August 29, 2010)
55. Write mémere an update email every Monday morning for 6 months. /24
56. ~~Spoil H.W.’s baby once born! (A.W.)~~ (Born January 26, 2010)
57. ~~Be more patient with family.~~ (on-going)
58. Visit Grand-maman’s grave alone, once a year. 1/4

Selfish Experiences
59. Go snowblading for the first time with J.C.
60. Go white-water rafting for the first time.
61. Go rock-climbing.
62. Go horse-back riding three times. 2/3
63. ~~Go see a comedy show with E.P.~~ (Completed December 11, 2009)
64. Go see a Cirque Du Soleil show.
65. See Whitney Houston perform live.
66. Fly a kite in Barrington Park.
67. ~~Get Harvest Moon for Wii.~~ (Completed in November, 2009)
68. Get all the stars on Mario Galaxy (1 & 2) for Wii. 65/120 & 80/120
69. ~~Try different wines~~ and keep the wine bottles. (on-going)
70. ~~See a fortune teller.~~ (Completed January 15, 2010)
71. Get new rollerblades.
72. Go rollerblading once a week near the Ottawa River between June and September.
1 /12 (2010) /12 (2011) /2 (2012)
73. Sing at a karaoke bar.
74. Watch 26 movies that I’ve never seen before starting with each letter of the alphabet. 15/26
75. Get a second tattoo.
76. ~~Go sky-diving.~~ (Completed August 29, 2010)
77. ~~Go zip-lining.~~ (Completed September 19, 2009 and September 25, 2010)
78. Go to the golfing range once a week from June to August for one summer. /12
79. Fly in a Hot Air Balloon.

Financial Balance
80. Complete Xmas shopping without using any credit cards. 2/3
81. ~~Pay off current credit cards.~~ 2/2
82. ~~Stick to my written budget perfectly for 2 paydays.~~ 2/2 (Completed January 2010)
83. ~~Save a $20,000 down payment for a home.~~
84. Save some money to take dad on a trip. /1
85. Save some money to take mom for a spa day. /1

The Do-Gooder in Me
86. Become a “Big Sister”. (See update blog) 07/10/10 - Not going to happen.
87. ~~Sort out clothes and give to the Salvation Army.~~ (Completed every few months!)
88. Be a Kris Kringle for a child every Xmas. 2/3
89. Donate blood.
90. Donate $5 to charity for each item that is not completed on the list.
- Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation
- Ottawa Humane Society

For the Soul
91. ~~Write a letter to myself to be opened on the last day of the challenge.~~ (Completed September 21, 2009)
92. A month before the last day, complete a new list.
93. Create a “Bucket” list.
94. Keep a blog and take photos for this list. (on-going)
95. Back up all photos from computer to cd-rom or DVD.
96. ~~Get professional pictures done with E.P.~~
97. Keep one photo album for every year.
98. ~~Get a dog.~~:) (Completed July 16, 2010)
99. Get massage therapy. 1/5
100. Go over French grammar rules.
101. Send a message in a bottle.

To create your own list, visit http://www.dayzeroproject.com/
You won't regret it! :)

And to see what fellow 101'ers are up to, join http://dayzero.ning.com/

Ash
xoxo