57. Visit a country that I've never been to

Now that the snow in Boston has reached over 60 inches this winter, there is no better time to transport oneself (even if it's just in our minds) to a warmer climate. The first week of (last) October, S and I embarked in our first real vacation together. Yes, Saratoga is an escape from life but I don't count a vacation as a "real vacation" unless there's a plane ride involved. Anyone else?

Regardless, we had been planning this for what seemed like forever and I was dying to introduce him to the "all-inclusive" vacation lifestyle. I have been fortunate to have visited Turks & Caicos, Dominican Republic and Mexico in all-inclusive hotels previously and let me tell you, there's nothing better than arriving and not having to worry about paying for anything you do, eat or drink.

So, without further adieu, here was our home away from home for seven days...

Source

Yes, that's two miles of private beach and mountains in the background. And why yes, every room does have an oceanview and it is as warm as it looks. It was glorious. Sandals Whitehouse did not disappoint and the experience was so incredible. In fact, it was so fantastic that S and I are planning our honeymoon back to Jamaica, just a year after we first traveled there.

I'll leave you with a picture.. from my own point and shoot camera. We were walking back from breakfast and I decided to take a picture just outside my room in our hallway.

Only 248 more days until we're back there.. not that I'm counting or anything.

43. Hug 15 people in one day (15/15)

It's well-documented that I'm not a hugger.. like whatsoever.. or at all. It's never personal to those who want to hug me - I just feel hugs should be reserved for special occassions, not "oh my god, you just got back from the bathroom - hugsies!".

Fresh off my eight days, post engagement trip in Jamaica, it was time to head to my alma mater for the annual Homecoming Alumni weekend. It's a great opportunity to see those fellow alums that I haven't seen in forrr-eee-verrrr (emphasis for those reading my blog out loud) and chat up with those I see on the regular. I decided that it was the perfect day to show off my new bling to my pals AND cross off another number off the 101 list. I knew it would be a challenge but I was ready to do it (maybe it was the diamond high but it was positive anyway).

All my friends were on board as soon as word got around that I wanted to hug 15 people in one day.. and some were a little too anxious to help...

I think my hair (and resistance) is proof that Erin got a wee too excited to hug me. She's a self-aware creeper so this was right up her alley. Big thanks to Amy for documenting for me.

The numbers were adding up quickly so I had to plan my number 15. It only seemed appropriate to hug someone who hated to be hug as much as me. Enter my darling pal, Jill, who loathes hugging and touching in general. And go figure, she was completely honored to be my number 15.

Here we go...

Done and done! Thanks to all who were part of my 15 - I appreciate it!

78. Find 101 quotes that inspire me (2-10/101)

The beginning of the new year is time where it's trendy to make New Year's resolutions. Now, whereas I'm not a new year's resolution person - I thought some quotes about the new year would be appropriate and maybe inspiring for the two people who read this :)

"Cheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it right." - Oprah Winfrey

"One resolution I have made, and try always to keep, is this - To rise above the little things." - John Burroughs

"We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called "Opportunity" and its first chapter is New Year's Day." - Edith L. Pierce

"Write it on your heart that every day is the best day of the year." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

"What the New Year will bring to you will depend a great deal on what you bring to the New Year." - Vern McLellan

"Be at war with your vices; at peace with your neighbors, and let every new year find you a better man." - Benjamin Franklin

"It's difficult to live in the present, ridiculous to live in the future, and impossible to live in the past. Nothing is as far away as one minute ago." - Jim Bishop

and one last one...

"Take hold of the future or the future will take hold of you - be futurewise." - Patrick Dixon

Happy New Year's all! :)

33. Spend an entire day in my pajamas

2011 is here and I wasted no time with crossing another item off my list. Granted, I still left a couple 2010 blogs on my to do list (yes, I need to do those asap) but let's focus on the present rather than the past here, eh?

Number 33 on my list is something I'm sure many people do on a weekly basis (or based on some recent observations in Fitchburg, a daily basis) but I absolutely hate the idea of hanging around in my pajamas all day. Typically, as soon I wake up, I throw a pair of jeans and sneakers on. I have no idea why.. maybe I think on a subscious level, it makes me feel more productive?

Anyway, what better day than New Year's Day to hang around in my pajamas and do absolutely nothing but eat, sleep and watch How I Met Your Mother all day? NYE wasn't a crazy one - we stayed at home but had a great time with food, drinks and friends. I woke up early (8am, yikes!) and decided that it was going to be the day I tackled number 33.

I didn't take any pictures for evidence (frankly, if I'm in my pajamas all day - it's not going to be pretty) but I have witnesses. It was a nice incentive to make myself do absolutely nothing and really enjoy my weekend. And although it was a nice and comfortable day yesterday, I'm back to jeans and sneakers today.