Long Overdue

This post is long overdue!  By now, you might know that I've finished my Day Zero Project.  In my final days on the project, I went through a whirlwind of experiences to finish my list.  This included the following:

Reading the Bible
Finish books suggested by friends
Visit Manda in Oaklahoma
Complete a 3D Puzzle

Oklahoma was OK!  I went with Brian to see his brother graduate from basic training - Good job, Steven!  After, we went to visit Manda!  All flights and drive time were full of reading or listening to the Bible on CD.  I underestimated how long that task really would take.  It was actually one I was working on right up to the final minutes of the project!  Completing it felt amazing.

We were also able to complete a 3D puzzle of a bird.  I've come to really love puzzles...since I've completed one of the three thousand piece puzzles I worked on.

I learned so much over the last few years, but the most valuable lesson I learned was that things sometimes need to change - and you have to be okay with that.  There were so many other things on my list I would have loved to complete, but was unable to for lack of accounting for proper time to get them done.  I was disappointed the first time I had to change something on the list - but then I realized that this is exactly how life is.  We often make plans for our lives - our future - we have this idea of how we will live, what traditions we will follow, what we will be when we grow up, etc...The reality is that these things sometimes change, and we have to be able to change right along with them.
When I had to make my first change to the list, I felt like everything was pointless then, but it wasn't.  I simply needed to add something else that would bring me to completing another goal!  While I still tried to limit the amount of things I made changes too, when the time came that I had to trade in a goal, I was able to do it - not feeling defeated, but knowing I did my best and other opportunity will arise in the future.

Another thing I've taken from this is that if I want to do something - I should go do it!  This is within reason of course.  Ha!

For example, I really wanted to go on a hot air balloon ride.  I didn't need a list to get it done - I had the ability to just go out and do it, and luckily enough, I had a wonderful friend who treated me for my birthday. :]

We had an all day adventure of hot air balloon riding, travel, and the ocean.  It was a complete blast and I would most definitely do it again.

Also, during the lift, I realized I am definitely not afraid of heights anymore.  I rocked it, completely fearless.  I definitely have my list to thank for that as well. My fear of heights was one thing that held me back from doing a lot - and I am so happy to be done with that.

So, now that my list is over, I plan to make new goals - and conquer them!

Another recent goal I've hit is graduating from Sac State!  I completed my schooling in 3 semesters, as planned, and will be graduating on Friday!  I also plan to update this blog more frequently. :]

In other news, my puppy is adorable:

This gorgeous pup is 20 pounds of awesome.  Cobie is probably one of the best decisions I could have made.  He's just amazing.

Finally, with Christmas coming up soon - I wish you all a Merry Christmas - I sure am excited to be giving a ton of gifts this year - especially knowing that these are gifts my friends and family will definitely enjoy.

I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas and a safe and super fun New Year.

-jennilea

I wrote myself a letter nearly 3 years ago...

In my Day Zero Project, I had challenged myself to write a letter and open it after my project.  I am so happy I did this:

Dear future Jenni,

You are probably just as awesome now as you were in 2012.  I hope you don't have kids yet, because there are still things to do and future me will slap you.  I hope you completed the list - it is a lot to do, but completely worth it!  Congrats on you AA!  Keep working hard at Sac State and graduate soon!  None of this 5 years at Sac State crap.  Graduate and move on!  Now that your 1001 days is over, complete any goals you may not have finished - hopefully there will be none left.  Keep traveling.  Next big trip...Italy only.  Keep exploring.  Do as much as you can before officially settling down.  Is How I Met Your Mother still on?  That show will remain awesome forever.  The most important thing over the next 2.75 years is that your relationship with God grows.  Never stop growing in Him - because He is pretty awesome.  Depend on Him - ALWAYS!  I hope nothing difficult is bringing you down, and if it is, you will get through it.  Hang onto the lifeline of Jesus Christ.  Keep on keepin' on and stay awesome.  Say "hi" to Steven and Jadelynn for you.  Wow - Jadelynn is like 9 by now - weird.  And you are 24 - and Steven is 28.  Crazy!!!  Have fun times, future Jenni.

<3 Past Jenni

Well, some things never change.   For example, I'm still awesome.  Ha!  

There are many things in this letter to comment on.  First, I had a detail wrong.  Steven is 29, not 28.  

Next, past me was right on the money about not having kids yet.  Later in the letter when past me says "before officially settling down," I was also referring to having children.  My mind is still on that same thought.  There are so many things to do - and I definitely have wanderlust still...and, of course, I am slightly less married than I was when I wrote this letter.  

Past me congratulated future me on my AA - even writing this before I was done at ARC, so that was neat.  I also like that I told myself to push through Sac State - which I've been doing.  I graduate in December, after attending Sac state for only 3 semesters, so I didn't let myself down there.

Next, past me told future me to go to Italy next - and used the word "only" because I tend to overbook my life (as many already know), and I really want to enjoy this trip.  Interestingly enough, a few months ago, I made the decision to go to Italy this coming summer!  It's my graduation gift to myself. :]

Of course past me would mention How I Met Your Mother - It's still my favorite show, even though it's over now.

Finally - past me told future me to always rely on God.  That never changed.  Even in going through the hardest points in my life, I never stopped relying on Him to carry me though.  

The interesting thing here is that, though none of you may pick up on it, even in this letter - in this time, I was very uncertain on my relationship.  When past me said "I hope nothing difficult is bringing you down,"  This was code for saying I hoped my husband had really quit drinking, wasn't being abusive, and that everything would finally be how a marriage was supposed to be.  We never got there - but that's okay.  I've turned into a stronger person.  Over the last 2.75 years, I grew fearless in an entirely different way:  I became fearless enough to leave my unhealthy marriage and seek more for myself. 

Going through this letter was definitely a neat experience.  

In other news, there is a city in Turkey called "Batman."

Find more So True Facts online here.

-jennilea

Welcome to the new normal!

Six months ago, I wrote a blog called Transparency: This will explain a lot.  This was a huge deal for me, because it was the first time I opened up about the experiences I've had with domestic violence and infidelity.  Being a pretty private person (when it comes to my personal life/relationships), it was incredibly hard to let all of this out.  That being said, I can honestly say that I've never regretted the decision I made to tell all of you lovely people what happened.  It helped me feel heard.  It helped me feel like I wasn't going crazy.  As I wrote down and relived some of the worst moments of my life - it helped me come to terms with what happened.  It helped me heal.

Recently, domestic violence has been a hot topic in NFL news; While it is unfortunate it's had to come up in such a way, I sure am happy that it's opened up some sort of conversation.  What really stood out to me in all of this though, it the amount of backlash people who stay in abusive relationships received.  Yes - it's not the best idea, and most people don't want to or enjoy being slapped around - but I guarantee it is hardly ever as simple as just leaving.  Every person has a story - a situation you may not know anything about.  

With the backlash came a campaign that I was able to really get behind.  #WhyIStayed and #WhyILeft began trending on Twitter, where several women shared their stories in 140 characters or less.  This built an incredible community of support and encouragement.  I wasn't alone.  None of us were.  Furthermore, we weren't victims, we were overcomers.  

My contribution to the campaign:

I separated who he was when he drank & who he was when sober.I didn't want to be a failure if there was a chance this wasn't him #whyistayed  

I realized I am valuable. #whyileft

The freedom I felt in writing this is indescribable. The community and support received was amazing.

Six months ago, I started my blog off by saying: "One day, I know I will wake up and feel normal, but until then, I will keep pressing on, living life, feeling, trusting God, and having as much adventure as possible."

When I wrote these words, I had no idea what "normal" meant.  I didn't realize it, but in that moment, I connected that feeling with how I felt with the ex. If that is feeling "normal," then praise God I will never feel "normal" again!  Welcome to the "new normal," Jennilea!  It is far better than I could have ever imagined.  I feel like "me" again.  Excited, happy, driven, determined, adventurous, peace, joy, laughter, and completely - 100% healed!  My heart has been stitched back together and is held so intensely by the love of Jesus.  I also refuse to accept the "victim" title.  Nope.  I am an overcomer, and I am awesome.   

Finally:  I have completed my Day Zero Project!  101 things completed in 1001 days and I could not be more proud!  I had the wonderful opportunity to experience and learn so much.  I also had the opportunity to open up a letter I had written for myself when I first began this challenge.  I will be sharing that letter, the last few experiences, and what I've learned in the next few blogs I post - so keep checking back!

In other news: Deviating from my normal "fun" fact, I feel it is only fitting to mention that if you or someone you know is in an (emotionally, verbally, psychologically, or physically) abusive relationship, I encourage you to check out The National Domestic Violence Hotline.  They are available 24/7 and can get you help.  Staying is never your only option.

-jennilea

Experiencing Happiness!

90 things done - 73 days remaining:  http://dayzeroproject.com/user/jennileam/list/43740.

Recently, I've lit fireworks (thanks to Bri and Jimmy for that), rode the Indiana Jones ride at Disneyland, and got my pup!  

This is Cobie - and he is absolutely perfect.  People told me that having a puppy would be a hard thing, but it really is not as bad as they made it sound - which is wonderful.  

I've learned pretty quickly that a puppy is as good as you train it to be.  He needs to be set up for success.  It's like having a child.  You don't leave your kids around things they can destroy or hurt themselves with, and when you do see them get into the wrong things, you correct it.  I take Cobie with me everywhere!  He loves people, and does really well around the animals he has met, so far.

We play a lot!  He is extremely active, and that keeps me active.  He loves cuddles, and since my life is now lacking that, I do not mind cuddling him.  HA!  We have training sessions each day and he is excelling in "stay" and "sit."  As he begins puppy classes, I hope he learns more just as quickly as he has picked up the first two commands.  We have a mini grooming session each day too, which consists of cleaning his ears, brushing his teeth, brushing his fur, and touching his eyes, paws, and gums so he gets used to that sort of thing for his vet and future groomer.  Yep...definitely like having a kid.  He is perfect.

I've got 11 more things to complete - including the need to add 1 more item to my list - so bring on the ideas!

Next topic:  Happiness.

I was hanging out with a friend, when a guy came up smelling completely of alcohol.  I am positive the man is an alcoholic (confirmed by the same friend).  The smell is sickening and all too familiar.  That smell, the craziness of that lifestyle - it's no longer part of my life.  I'm free.  I found that I don't need to place my worth in people, and instead find it in God.  The fact that, to Him, I am worth dying for.

I no longer have to search hard to find something to make me smile.  Happy things are all around.  I can breathe without fear.  I no longer feel sadness over my situation, but instead hope for what is coming.  My heart is healing and God is helping me rebuild and giving me perfect peace.  I am rediscovering things I am passionate about and working hard to achieve my goals.  I have the love and support of tons of amazing friends and family members.

In short, I am experiencing happiness.  Not fake, smile just to get through the day, happiness - but real honest excitement for life and for my future.

Life is beautiful.

In other news:  "You breathe on average about 5 million times a year."

(Read more cool facts here.)

-jennilea

1920s Night Leads to Wearing Green Tights

One evening - we decided it was 1920s night.  Christina, David, Yessica, Sean, and I all headed out for an adventure.  [Sidebar:  Christina always comes up with the coolest themed nights.  We're been doing this since high school - and we're awesome.]

During this night, we got on the subject of tights.  Sean believed tights were not that big of a deal, so I added a goal to my list: Get Sean to wear green tights.

Many months down the road - I was losing hope that this would happen.

Christina and David decided to have a Christmas party.  [Sidebar:  I love Christmas time.]  At this party, people dressed up...Specifically, David and Sean:

They made it happen...and it was awesome.

 I am incredibly grateful for the awesome friends that I have - who go WAY out of their way to help all of my goals happen.  So - thank you, David and Sean, for wearing tights...and totally rocking them.



Lastly, I am leaving to get my wee pup in exactly 1 week!  YAY!

In other news:  When you yawn and stretch at the same time, you are "pandiculating."

(Find other useless facts on Buzzfeed here.)

-jennilea

We don't stop living.

I would like to start off by saying "Thank you!"  Thank you to everyone who has reached out to me in the last month and been encouraging and loving.  Thank you to everyone who has shared their stories with me - even though many of you don't actually know me.  It takes a lot to be that transparent and vulnerable in such a sensitive situation and you have all overwhelmed me with your love, support, and prayers. I am so grateful for each and every one of you.  You have all helped me grow a bit stronger.

So given all of the life changes, I fell into a brief slump where I just didn't want to do literally anything.  One day I woke up and decided that, even though we all face trials, we don't stop living.  It's not an option.  In fact, during the tough times we need to get out there and live more than we did before.  I needed to do things for myself, have adventures, go to class, complete goals on my list...live.

I've done a lot of list things since I made the decision to keep moving forward:

Completed "The Time Traveler's Wife"
Started "Mortal Instruments"
Pointed to a spot on the map and went there (Half Moon Bay)
Drove through the guard shack at Yessica's house without stopping (my rebel phase)
Walked across the Golden Gate Bridge (loved doing this!)
Completed a 1000 piece puzzle:

After attempting to complete a 1000 piece puzzle at least 2 other times, I am proud to have finally finished this one.  It was definitely a lot more challenging than the others, but doing this puzzle was some great alone time.  Actually, working on this puzzle was the first time I really felt okay being alone...so that was kind of a big deal.

Music and puzzles...my escape.  :]

I have now completed 87 of 101 items with 142 days left!  EEK!  I better get to work!

Next, I'd like to address dating.  I've been having sort of a tough time with this subject lately.  One thing I promised myself was no rebounds.  Just me, Jesus, family, and friends.  I don't want to rush into anything.  So, making this clear to the world:  My life just changed in a major way.  I am not dating right now.  Stop asking. Stop assuming.

Along the subject of dating, I've began watching "Boy Meets Girl" from Louie Giglio.  The message in even the first talk was absolutely amazing!  One hour in, and I've come to an even greater sense of my worth and value.  I've learned to grow, mature, and stay in my fortress of intrinsic value before seeking out any relationship.  It is so incredibly important to know your value in God because that value is so much greater than what you will find in any other relationship.

Louie says "Brokenness gives way to restoration.  Wear newness in the midst of our brokenness and healing can come."  Run tell dat, Louie!  Lol.  I am taking those moments of brokenness and letting God change me, heal me, make me whole, and make me new.  I have to say, I am loving all of the amazing things he is doing in my life.  I really do feel value, healing, and change.  I feel happy.

Finally - school is out.  One more semester and then I am done.  Forever.  :]

In other news:  Butterflies range in size from a tiny 1/8 inch to a huge almost 12 inches.

Find more useless facts here.

We danced all night...with the best band ever!

One goal on my list that I was really unsure I could make happen - Meeting the Backstreet Boys (a backstreet boy?) - it finally happened! They came to town in December, so family and friends joined in to get after party and meet and greet passes  as a birthday present.

The entire night was absolutely amazing!  They performed so incredibly well - as expected.  Then, we went to a club for the after party, where Nick was the DJ.  He did a pretty good job.  The meet and greet was very brief, but we were able to be around them more during the party itself.  AJ walked up - while on stage, and asked me how I was doing.  I told him we were celebrating my birthday, so he wished me a happy birthday and took a photo with me.  It was so neat!  Then, after nearly being trampled by a crazy drunk girl, Howie pulled Jess and I up on the stage to dance with them - along with several others.  He also offered me a shot, but I respectfully declined, as I don't drink.  Crazy drunk girl was aaallllll for it  thought!  HA!  We ended up staying on stage the entire night and danced with all of the boys - except Nick, because he was the DJ, and Brian because he was not at the party.  What a sweet family man. :]  

Of all the boys, I felt AJ and Howie were the most approachable, although they were all incredibly nice guys.

The after party was better than I could have ever expected.  I had a blast!  I wish the night could have lasted a bit longer.

Such a great time!  I feel blessed to have been able to attend.  Thank you to Uncle B, Mom, and Jessica for pitching in for this awesome gift!

Next blog - we will discuss a certain goal in tights.  

In other news:  I'm going to New York for the New Year!  Only a few more sleeps until takeoff!

81 goals complete.  20 more to go.

-jennilea

"The #1 reason why people give up..."

"Why am I even doing this?  I've seen no progress recently - though I haven't exactly been on diet 100% or making even close to all of my workouts.  Maybe I should just take a break after this week and come back in a few months...I just want to be there already!  I have so much further to go..."

These are my thoughts as I lay down - trying to force myself to be motivated through my ab circuit in gym.  Normally, I am pumped, happy to be there, and excited for all challenges - tonight was different though. Tonight, I was ready to really give up.

Just then, I was moved into ball slams.  On my way over, I noticed the message for the week on the white board:

"The #1 reason why people give up so fast is because they tend to look at how far they still have to go.  Instead of how far they have gotten!" - Wise words from Josh, one of the trainers here. 

I've never needed to read this more.  I have been focusing on the fact that my body isn't where I want it to be yet - but that's just it - maybe it is not there yet, but it will be.  I have made so much progress from when I started in March, I just have to keep pushing - knowing that it won't happen over night - and also that it won't happen if I don't stick to what I am supposed to be doing to get there.  This message gave me that extra push of motivation to knock out my 100 ball slams much faster than usual, and to push through the rest of my workout.

I know I'll get there - I just have to keep pushing.

In other news:  I finally went swing dancing.  Yay for checking that off the list. I went with my friends Nic and Justin.  It definitely was a good time!  I learned some sweet moves and danced all night!

Total number of things completed:  81.  

20 more with 285 days to go!

-jennilea

Catching up: Swimming With Sharks

Hey folks!  Another blogging hiatus, as life gets busy.  You would be happy to know that I have been busy working away on my day zero project!  I now have 80 goals completed of my 101!  

In November, Jessica, Katie, Nic, and I began on a journey to Washington to visit Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium, where we swam with 17 sharks!  This includes many big guys, and a few little ones:

• Lemon shark

• Nurse shark

• Sand tiger shark

• Blacktip reef shark

• Wobbegong shark

• Sandbar shark

We were dressed in dry suits, which kept our clothing dry underneath. It was pretty cool.  We were trained on how to breathe with neat little masks, learned a few signs, and began our journey.

When I initially stepped into the cage, I was a bit overwhelmed, trying to remember to breathe, and seeing all of these sharks.  I was also the first one in the cage, so it felt weird.  Eventually, everyone made it down, and they opened up the cage doors.  It was such an amazing experience, and made me love sharks even more.

The only part I really became nervous, was when one of the blacktip reef sharks was swimming directly towards me, while the cage doors were open.  EEK!  He just kept on swimming by though.  The sharks did not even seem to care that we were there.  

I really felt like I accomplished something great, and it was awesome to do it with my closest friends. :]

Watch for my next post, featuring Midtown Stomp!

-jennilea

The Breaking Point: Part 2

The Breaking Point is all too familiar to me, when working out at The Dungeon.  Thursday really took it to a new level.  I entered the gym to see Josh, Jamie's husband, would be my trainer for the evening.  He said, "You have one hour, don't stop working."  I started off with stairs and burpees.  I was set to workout with Heather as my partner for the night.  She pushes so hard.  I would never have been able to work as hard if I did not have such a great inspiration by my side.  She never stops.  It was so insane to watch how hard she pushed herself.  It showed me that I could do better.  After working hard with only a few seconds of breaks in between, I got to the breaking point.  I started crying, and couldn't breathe.  I have a history of asthma, but usually can control it, as long as my mind doesn't get the best of me.  Well, my mind got me in that moment.  I had to calm myself down.  Luckily, Farrah was there, inhaler and all, and she helped to calm me.  The amount of encouragement I received from Farrah, Shirley, and Heather was just amazing.  With their support and kind words, I got back at it, and kept pushing.  

Josh and Jamie tend to say "Hate me now, love me later."  Those words were true on Thursday.  I felt mad that I was so weak and needed breaks, but wasn't able to take any.  Then I realized another saying, "If it were easy, everyone would do it."  I am doing something incredibly difficult.  I am changing every part of my body and pushing to become a better, stronger me.  There is no way that is going to be an easy thing! Even though I felt angry in that moment, Josh was pushing me because he knew I could do it, and it would benefit me in the long run.  In completing the workout, I felt amazing, better than when I started, and I realized I need to push myself this hard in every workout.

Today, I messaged Jamie about my weaknesses and where I feel I am falling short. I felt like I wasn't doing a good job, but she was quick to say how strong I am and how hard she sees me push.  She was encouraging, uplifting, and reminded me that she is my friend as well as my trainer, and she is here to support me through this journey.  She is such an inspiration in my life, and I am so happy to have entered this place, where my life is completely changing.  I feel renewed and am ready to push.  I would never be able to do this without all of the love, encouragement, and support I get from my amazing Team Dungeon. 

If you are wanting to drastically change your body, please contact Jamie at The Dungeon!  You will never regret a decision to be healthy.

On another note:

I completed another item from my goal list:  Attend a murder mystery!  I went to Suspects Murder Mystery Dinner Theater.

The show was entertaining, the actors were fabulous, and the food was great!  The host was absolutely hilarious and really added to the show.  I am definitely happy I added this to my list.  

This was a great way to end a long week.

The week has really been tough for me.  Between work, school, and the Dungeon, I have had little time for much else.  When I do go out, I end up being out too late and being too tired to function.  I really felt the stress of it all on Friday, when all I wanted to do was be home. I came home early and basically slept through the rest of the day.  I had almost 12 hours of sleep, which was incredibly refreshing and much needed.  My headaches went away, and I am coming into this week feeling refreshed. 

77 goals complete.  Less than one year until this project is done!

-jennilea

23 Year Old Flower Girl

Where has the time gone!  Nearly 2 months since I have blogged.  I am definitely slacking.
Let's start off with checking off one of my goals:

I have always wanted to be a flower girl, but no one ever picked me.  Sad.  At 23 years old, you realize that it will never happen...unless, you have an awesome aunt!  My aunt Sherry had a nice little ceremony to get hitched, and decided to use me as her flower girl!  This definitely made my life!  Let's look at the photo below:

I was able to pick out the dress I wanted to wear, so I chose this one, because it is pretty, and has flowers on it.

My aunt said I rocked it, because it helped to guide her down the aisle.

As you can see, the wedding is a bit unconventional.  The groom was wearing a snoopy shirt and a top hat, and the happy couple decided to step into their marriage rocking some combat boots!

It was a fun time, getting together with family.

I took Jessica with me, and we decided we would crash another wedding that was in the same park.

We tried to be sly as we crept over to the other wedding.  We were very casual and acted like we owned the place.  We decided we should sit at a table until the dancing really picked up.  As we made our way to our desired table, a group of people started staring at us.  *gasp* "They know!" was all I could think of.  We decided to walk around another direction.  Dancing picked up a bit, so we decided to sit at a table near the dance floor.  While we waited, mosquitoes were having their way with our skin.  A guy walked up to me and asked, "want some bug spray!?  They are everywhere!"  I gladly took the can of spray and said, "Thanks!  This wedding is beautiful.  Man, aren't they such a cute couple?"  He agreed. Just then, I felt a bit more comfortable being at the wedding. We made our way to the dance floor, and danced for a few songs.

On our way back to my aunts wedding, we made sure to say goodbye to a few people, "Bye, have a great night!"

It was a great success.

I now have 75 goals completed. 376 days left!  I can't believe I am nearly in my final year.
Knowing I am going into the last year of my project, I realized this is my last opportunity to spend the new year in New York.  I had to buy tickets ASAP, so I went to Priceline, where they actually allow you to bid on your flight prices.  I got tickets from Sacramento to New York for $378 per person!  Amazing prices!  Jessica will be joining me on this lovely trip, and I cannot wait!

Another upcoming goal is swimming with sharks, which I will be doing on November 1st!

I had to remove toilet training my cats from the list, because Belle just would not take to it.  She started peeing everywhere, and I most definitely do not want my apartment to smell like pee so...that's done.  I also removed another thing from my list that was random and a waste of my precious list.  I need to add 2 more items.  Let me know if you have any ideas!

Other things:
My degrees finally came in the mail:

I have finally started and Sac State and love it!  My teachers are amazing and the campus is beautiful!  I am hoping to graduate after the Fall 2014 semester.  :]

 I got to pet more animals - including a baby tiger:

And I bought size 5/6 pants!  Though I know I am not fully fitting into size 5/6, but in this style of pants, I have moved down a size, which is awesome:


The end of this year has definitely been much better than how the year started.  I am ready to move on and up to bigger and better things.

In other news:  Otters hold hands while they sleep so they don't drift away from each other.  How sweet!  Read more here...

-jennilea

Shoot the Rope.

So, the title is pretty self explanatory.  I climbed the rope in the Dungeon!  My decision to try it out was completely random.  I had just finished my workout and was like, eh, why not give it a shot!  When I realized I was actually climbing it, I was in shock! I was hoping my trainer was looking, but was too worried that if I called her, I wouldn't make it to the top.  Just then, I heard her yell out in excitement for me!  It took less than two months to get to this point.  I am so excited to be here!

You can see a video of my climb here.  I also have a few other fun videos up from The Dungeon!  We are always doing something fun and exciting in the Dungeon.  If you are looking for a trainer, please contact Jamie on Facebook.  You will not regret it!

Let's talk a bit about progress.  First, I decided this year that I would start wearing shorts this summer,  I do not at all regret that decision.  Working out at the gym has definitely boosted my confidence, and I needed it with our weather frequently being well into the 100s in the recent days. In addition to boosting my confidence with shorts, I decided to but a two piece this year!  I found the BEST top at Target.  Seriously, it is better than my best bra.  HA!  I love it.  It takes a crazy amount of courage to post photos like this, but I am pretty darn proud of my progress, so, here we have it - complete with a photo bomb:

I can't believe how far I have come, and really cannot wait until I reach my final goal in fitness and can just work on maintaining.  :]

Next, I was going to a Giants game, and needed to buy a shirt for it.  I went to Target, and found a super cute shirt, but they only had it available in a size small.  I was sure I wouldn't be able to fit it, but decided to take a chance anyway.  It fit perfectly!  More changes in my body. :]

Finally, I was moving stuff and...things around, and found my Prom dress.  I tried it on before starting at the Dungeon, and it most definitely did not fit.  One of my friends suggested I try it on again, and I really did not want to because I was sure it would just make me sad.  I tried it on anyway, and it fit PERFECTLY!  I am now the exact same size that I was senior year - which was my smallest - but I weigh more.  This only confirms what Jamie has been telling us over and over.  Throw away the scale, the muscle is doing so much more for me than those little numbers.  I am losing a crazy amount of inches and gaining so much confidence in myself!





A prom dress party is a must!
I am so excited to be wearing this dress again!





Getting off of the topic of fitness, I also knocked shooting a gun off of my list!  Janelle has a shotgun, and Nic took us out to shoot it!  The thing is huge, and I was super scared when they handed it to me, at first.  When I shot it for the first time, it was awesome!  The kickback was not as terrible as I was expecting.  I am absolutely horrible with aim, but I did hit a few bottles.  I had so much fun and actually decided that it would be neat to own a gun! I will definitely be researching guns!  Next, I would like to shot a hand gun.  It just seems like it would be easier.  :]

73 goals completed.  28 to complete. 452 days left.
Check out my Day Zero Project.

I think I can do this.

-jennilea

Forks, Washington

11:00pm, we finally drive into Forks, Washington.  The town was very small, as expected.  We arrive at a hotel, which we are hoping is cheap enough for us to stay in.  Katie ran in to check on pricing, and runs out, exclaiming "Guys!  We are staying here!"  Nic and I assumed that would mean that the hotel was cheap enough, but Katie continued to say, "The only rooms they have left, are TWILIGHT THEMED!"  

Yep, we were definitely staying there. 

At this point, Nic turns to me and says, "Are you kidding me?  Is this a Twilight trip?!"  I laughed pretty hard.

We go to check in, and the say to us, "Team Jacob or Team Edward."  Typically, I am not on any team, I know what happens in the books; I enjoy looking at Jacob more than I do Edward, so we picked the Jacob room. 

We walked into our room, only to find completely red walls, paired with black and red bedding.  We were greeted by a large photo of Jacob and a "New Moon" movie poster.  The towels all said "Twilight" and the pillows had pictures of the characters.  This room was just silly - but awesome.  We turned in, and were up for the next morning!

First on our list, was to check into the only place we actually planned to stay:  The Cullen House!

We arrived at the Cullen House, and it was gorgeous!  The guy who greeted us was really nice.  He quoted us $125 and said we could pick out whatever room we wanted.  We got a little tour of the place, including a wall of graduation caps, and Carlisle's office.  We ended up picking a room with a huge bed, living room with a pullout couch, kitchen, dining room table, it's own entrance, and a Jacuzzi spa bathtub!  This room was all my dreams!  The rooms had all of the Twilight Movies and books, as well as a few spoofs on the film.  We explored a little, and ended up receiving a letter from the Cullen's explaining that they were sorry they could not be there while we were visiting.  The innkeeper told us two versions of how the Bed and Breakfast began:  one twilight version, and then the actual story.

The Bed and Breakfast was actually running much earlier than when the book came out, but this house was the closest thing in the town, as described in the book. The innkeepers were lovely, and I would most definitely stay here again.  They were very helpful and gave us a lot of information about the town.  They also provided us with directions to La Push, which was our next stop.

We went to the Quileute reservation so we could visit La Push beach.  Right as you enter the reservation, there is a sign saying "Treaty Line:  No Vampires Allowed."  We continued on, and saw Jacob's house - which was very close to the one in the movie.

Finally, we arrived at the beach.  It was gorgeous. The water was freezing, and it was cloudy, but I loved being there.  There was a little island further out, that was supposed to be where the cliff diving happens in the movie.  Come to find out, the water is actually much to shallow to do so.

There was a long pile of logs and rocks which let to a makeshift light house.  We decided to tackle it, and make it to the end.

The beach was nice and peaceful, but it was time to move on to Port Angeles.

We drove to Port Angeles and had dinner at Bella Italia, as seen in Twilight.  We sat in the booth that Bella and Edward would have sat in, had the film actually been made there. Katie and I ordered the mushroom ravioli, just as Bella did, and it was delicious!

Finally, the day was to be ended with knocking another item off my list:  Sending a message in a bottle.

I purchased a Starbucks drink, cleaned out the glass bottle, and stuck my letter in it.  In my letter, I discussed knowing your worth, and encouraged whomever the letter might find (if it ever does).  I was not sure if I should write my name on the letter because I am pretty sure this is considered littering, but Katie reminding me that it was probably not going to make it to anyone, so I decided to write my name.  As soon as I threw the bottle, it began floating towards the shore...oops!

It was a fun moment.

When we woke the next morning, the innkeepers had made us a delicious breakfast of Eggs Benedict, along with fruit, pastries, juice, and tea.  It was amazing.

The last thing we did on this trip, that I was able to scratch off my list, was burning memories.  I wrote all of my bad memories on a piece of paper, and then burned the paper.  It was a pretty freeing moment; there were a lot of bad memories.

I have now completed 72 of 101 goals.  In my next blog, I will discuss my most recent accomplishment.  I am very excited, and hope you are too. :]

-jennilea

One week from today...

One week from today, I will be able to cross another thing off my list:  Get my AA.  I will be graduating from American River College with 2 AAs, and rightfully so.  I have been there far too long!

Commercial Music Business and Liberal Arts.  Music Business was what I was going for, but I ended up picking up Liberal Arts on accident.

On May 22nd, at 7:00pm, I will be walking across that stage, at American River College, to receive my degrees.  You are all invited.  I would like to hear my fan club cheer for me as I walk.  :]

I will be starting at Sac State in the fall, and am definitely nervous, but can't wait to begin this new and exciting chapter of my life.

Another goal I have been working on is with my guitar!  I am still working on that thing!  I recently purchased  Left-handed chord book from Lefty's in San Francisco, and that thing is amazing!  It is so much easier to read the chord charts.  Also, with classes wrapping up, I have found some time to spend with my mommy, who is teaching me Mirrors, by Justin Timberlake.

It amazes me how much talent my mom has.  She is brilliant!  I have really enjoyed spending the time with her.

Also, with the tough time I mentioned a few blogs back, playing the guitar has been one of the things that has helped me clam down and clear my head.  I feel so awesome.

I hope to be a better guitar player by the end of summer.

Speaking of summer, I have a trip coming up!  I am taking the week after graduation off of work and hope to knock a few things off of my list.  I am so excited to explore around Washington and possibly visit Canada!  By June, I should have 4 or 5 things to cross off of my Day Zero Project!

Finally, of course I have to talk about the Dungeon!  Alicia is my other half in the Dungeon!  I workout with so many amazing people in there, but she and I tend to workout together the best.  We both challenge each other, which is pretty neat.  We decided to take photos of our "guns" with our trainer, Jamie.  I am really proud of us and our progress!

I also have to mention Vanessa - she is so full of life and energy.  Her smile could light up a room.  She is always full of encouraging words and is another girl I truly enjoy working out with.

I also wanted to discuss my experience with the rope!  I added a goal to my list to be able to climb the rope, and I am getting closer each and every week!  This time I felt much stronger and was able to pull myself even higher than normal.  I actually attempted to climb the rope without any assistance, and failed, but hey, I am still working on it!  What really impressed me was the fact that I was able to hold my whole body up, even though I cannot quite climb it yet.  The photo on the bottom right in the collage is me working on the rope.  I cannot wait to get to goal on this one!

Through all of the tough things, life is turning out to be pretty awesome right now.

-jennilea

We made it to the top!

May 4th was the hike to Horsetail Falls.  We headed out on that early Saturday morning with a goal to make it to the top of the falls.  Right now is a gorgeous time to go because there are so many waterfalls, but we were not sure if we would be able to make it to the top due to the water and how slippery the rocks can be.

There were several points within the hike where our entire group was nearly certain we couldn't make it up.  First, the point we were supposed to cross at had water running over it, so we were going to have to find a new way to make it up.  Then, we encountered a section of rock that was completely slippery.  It would have been just about impossible to make it all the way if the rocks were going to be that slipper.  We sat and watched how other people were able to get around the slippery rocks, and decided to follow the same path.  

Our next challenges would be found in how steep the climb was.  Our simple hike definitely turned into rock climbing.  I was really appreciative of all of my Dungeon training that day, because there is no way I could have pulled myself up without these new muscles!

Finally...we made it...  This is what the very top the of the falls looks like.  

It took us about 2.5 hours to get to the top.  Through all of it, I am so happy that we did not give up!  

After climbing here, we noticed that there are more falls further up!  We are planning another hike sometime soon, and maybe we will find ourselves up higher.

I am happy to be able to cross this off of my Day Zero Project list!  My next hiking goal is to hike Half Dome in Yosemite.  I know nothing about it, but my old supervisor told me to add it to my list, and add it I did!

Other exciting things happened this week as well!  This photo is me, wearing size 7 jeans!  It has been quite a while since I have been able to make size 7 jeans happen.  I am one size away from my goal!  I am pretty sure I will be in these for a while though, because they are still a little tight, but not too tight for me to wear in public.  HA!  Definitely feeling more confident these days, and it is no wonder! 

The Dungeon always keeps me hard at work!  

Speaking of hard work, this is the latest challenge:  The Ultimate Plank!  I feel awkward being on top, but being on the bottom was pretty awesome!  I felt a lot stronger than I thought I was.  Also, I ended up coming home and doing more of these with friend.  You know you enjoy fitness when...

Jamie at The Dungeon has really inspired me to be a better version of me.  I feel healthy, fit, and so much more energy!  Not to mention, I am really loving feeling my new muscles pretty much every chance I get!  HA!  

I am learning so much, and my life is seriously changing every single week!

Not only is she there for fitness, but she is there as a friend.  Jamie literally cares and wants what is best for each and every one of us at the Dungeon.  

We have become family.  We are all in this struggle together and are coming out of it even more hardcore than we were before.

In other news:  There is a zoo in Washington where you can dive with sharks.  I am pretty sure I will be doing that in the near future. 

Stay tuned for more blogging later this week. 

-jennilea

Recap and Progress

First, because the blog has began to get so many hits, I figured now would be a good time to reintroduce what I am doing here.  In January 2012, I began the Day Zero Project.  This project is a list (that I have created) of 101 things to do in 1001 days.  I did not want this to just be a list of random things; I wanted this list to mean something.  To me, this list is about being fearless. 

Taylor Swift says it best: “To me, Fearless is not the absence of fear. It's not being completely unafraid. To me, Fearless is having fears. Fearless is having doubts, lots of them. To me, Fearless is living in spite of those things that scare you to death.” There are far too many things that I am afraid of:  Flying, heights, guns, snowboarding, surfing, etc.  There are so many things that can get you hurt if you are not careful.  My fears are keeping me away from living.  There are more car accidents than skydiving accidents or shark attacks.  The odds seem to be in my favor. 

In January 2012, I began on a journey to challenge myself in my fears, and to stretch myself as a person. I have decided to not allow myself to dream of things that will never happen.  To date, I have completed 63 of my goals, with 6 in progress, and 32 more to complete.  I've traveled to Europe, went skydiving, snowboarding, got fake arrested, held a tarantula, danced with strangers, rode a motorcycle, tried Ethiopian food, based all of my decisions off of a Magic 8 Ball for a day, started this blog…the list goes on.  This has, by far, been my best 475 days of my life!  It has led me to new experiences and some pretty exciting and awesome memories. 

Moving on, I have began reading "The Time Traveler's Wife," and I love it!  There are definitely some odd moments that make you think, "what in the world!?" For the most part, I really enjoy it.  Hopefully it will be finished by next week.

Next, we all know I have been working my butt off in The Dungeon with Jamie and Josh, so this week I decided to take a few progress photos.

I did not expect to see this kind of progress!  
The top two photos are from March.  My friend, Jessica had sent these photos to me, but I hated them, so I never saved them to my phone.  I am happy I kept the messages though because they are a great measurement of where I started.  
My hips and my back are what really amazed me!  I did not realize how horrible I looked while I was in that body, but seeing the progress - wow!
We work hard in The Dungeon, pushing ourselves through the breaking point and into a whole new level of fitness.  Everything is about tightening and toning!

I am finally starting to feel confident in myself, and for the first time, I feel as if my goals are actually reachable.  I am going to love this summer. :]
If you are really wanting to make a change in your body, please contact Jamie on the link above.  You will never regret a decision to make yourself more fit and healthy!

I've also decided to add another fitness goal to my Day Zero Project list: Climb the rope at The Dungeon!  Jamie, let's do this!

In other news:  "The world's most expensive swimsuit is a bikini that costs $30 million. It's made with more than 150 carats of diamonds all set in platinum."
(Follow UberFacts on Twitter)

-jennilea

     

The Breaking Point

Today, I'm going to start with Lifetime Movie Monday!
Title: 12 Hours to Live

My guess: A woman is told (by a psychic) that she is going to die in 12 hours, so she decides to do all the things she has ever wanted to do. She gets crazy, has fun, finds love, and then dies...all in 12 hours...

Actual plot: "Eighteen-year-old Amy is having a bad day. Not only has she been kidnapped by a deranged gunman, but as a diabetic without her insulin, her chances of survival are diminishing with each tick of the clock. FBI agent Megan Saunders isn't walking on sunshine either, since this madman killed her partner when Megan hesitated to pull the trigger. Now Megan won't stop till she nails this guy, but can she save Amy before her time is up?"

Once again, Lifetime has created a ridiculous plot. Ha!

I finished reading "The Lucky One," last week. It was nice to envision Zac Efron as the main character throughout the book. Ha! It was difficult to get into the book, at first, but as I started reading and getting to know the back story of each character, it got much better.  My favorite parts were the flashbacks that Thibault frequently had. I also liked how the author, Nicholas Sparks, wrote the each chapter from the perspective of a specific character. It allows the reader to see the feeling behind the actions.  The book was okay, but not the greatest thing I've read.

This coming weekend, I will go to the library for my next book!

Now, let's get to some Dungeon talk! As many of you know, I've been working out in The Dungeon with Jamie and Josh. Each workout seems to test me like crazy. Last weekend, I hit the breaking point. I was challenged with staying in the squat position while doing 50 reps with arm weights.  The difficult part, if I stood up or sat down at all, I'd have to start all over.  I've done this workout with 30 reps before, and I felt like I hardly made it through those. I definitely failed before hitting 30, so 50 was unimaginable. After failing several times, I got to 43. My Dungeon family was cheering me on, saying I can do it, and offering encouraging words, yet at 43, my legs just dropped. I finally cried. This was the worst feeling of failure. I was so close to the end and tried so hard to push to 50 but I just couldn't.

As I sat on the ground, crying, Josh said "that is the breaking point, and it's a beautiful place to be." At the time, I couldn't understand why it was a beautiful place to be, but shortly after, those words began to have meaning. When I first began, I began feeling tired after the first ten reps and at one point, I was tired after five. In that moment, I had an option to stop and start over while I was still in the beginning of the set, but I pushed on.  I tried, I pushed myself further than I felt I was capable of, I was tired, but determined to make it. When I couldn't make it, I realized I had pushed passed what I thought was my limit and I am much stronger than I had ever believed. With a little more pushing, I will get to that 50.

Jamie walked over to me and said it was okay to cry and to let it out. So, I did, I just cried. She had me do some sprinting and try to control my breathing, then I had to come back, and start all over again. This time, I only made it to 38 before I fell again. I cried so hard. Jamie told me to get up and rep out the last 12, so I did. When I finished, Jamie tooled right in my eyes and said, "I am proud of you. That was tough, but you still went for it. I am proud of you." Those words were golden.

Since then, I've encountered this same challenge. 30 doesn't feel so bad, but 50 is still a challenge - but I have gotten there (tear free).

I love everything I've taken in from this experience. Also, a result update: I've lost 24.5 inches in 5 weeks. :]]

Upcoming, I've decided to add 365 days of Thank You to my list. The goal is to write one letter every day, saying thank you for anything as simple as delivering mail, to more complex and life changing thank yous. This challenge is to encourage growth, development, and to just help me become more grateful for what I have.

Finally, instead of a fun fact, I am leaving you with a verse. I am going through something right now, for which I would love some prayer. This verse just spoke to be and really encourages me when I am in this place of defeat. With God, I am more than a conqueror:

"...in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us." (Romans 8:37 NIV)

In the difficult times, I pray we can all find our hope and safety in God. 

-jennilea

It's been a while...

HIYA!

Life gets busy, but I am back!
A lot has changed in the 2 months I have been MIA.  First of which, I had to stop toilet training the cats.  Now, that does not mean I am giving up on it.  When I punched out the fist hole, Belle did not take to it well and began peeing everywhere.  I realized that I did kind of jump into it quickly, so I decided to go back to the start.  We went back to the litter box, and I hate every second of it.  I have just recently moved the litter box into the bathroom, so they can get used to actually going in a different room.  The next step - in a few weeks+ is to take the lid off of the box, so they can get used to going out in the open.  Following that - in a month+, we will move back to the CitiKitty, which will begin on the floor.  We will move on from there at whatever pace they need.  Hopefully it is within 550 days.

550 days is not that much to complete the rest of my goals.

I am finally Graduating!  On May 22nd, I will walk across that stage and receive my diploma from American River College.  I will have two AA Degrees:  Music Business and Liberal Arts.

I was accepted into Sacramento State last month, so I will be continuing my education there, where I will be working on my BA in Communications with an emphasis on Public Relations.
I am very excited to get started on this next chapter of my life, but I am also extremely scared.  Up to this point, I have not needed to apply for loans or had to pay any ridiculous amounts.  Sac State will definitely be more expensive, but I am prepared to get all of the loans and grants necessary to get to my goal.
After paying all of this money, I will definitely be motivated to move past where I am working now and onto my goal career.

I can't wait to get there. :]]

One goal that has been completed is the goal of playing disc golf.  I definitely thought this was going to be boring.  While I am not at all good at it, I did have a lot of fun playing with a few friends at a birthday party.  It is a neat game, and I guess I can see why some people enjoy playing it often.

Book updates:
I finished the Hunger Games series!  The first book was the only one on my list, but I couldn't move on without completing the entire series.  The next book I will be reading is "The Lucky One." Review to be posted next week.

Upcoming events:
Babies!  Not my own, of course, but a few of my friends are having little ones and I am just so excited!

Weddings!  I have been asked be part of two weddings!
Ariel is getting married in July, and I have been asked to be a bridesmaid.  Our blue dresses are gorgeous!  Definitely a dress that I will be wearing again and again!  I am very excited to see these two tie the knot!  What a better way to continue your first relationship. :]
Nikki is getting married to her absolute best friend, Jesse.  Seeing where Nikki has come from, I am excited she has found someone who can make her smile the way that Jesse can.  The minute he entered her life, everything changed.  I am honored to be a part of this bridal party and cannot wait to see it all develop and come to fruition this November.

With all of these wedding, it is about time I get in shape!  I also have a weight goal in my Day Zero Project, and what better time to start?
I would like to introduce to you, Jamie and Mike who are the trainers of the Dungeon!  I started working with Jamie last month, and things have really began to change.  I have not done any official weigh-ins or measurements since starting, but I know I have lost some inches.  Pants and shirts fit more comfortably, and I feel a lot more healthy.  I am pushing myself as they are pushing me to complete these fitness challenges each and every week. I have also been given a meal plan, which I have been following, but could probably follow a bit closer.  It is tough to eat as many times a day as I am being challenged to do, but it is absolutely worth it.  I feel great after my workouts, even though I sometimes cannot move.  HAHA!  Along with all of this fitness madness, I am making friends who are encouraging and changing as well.  I love to see all of their progress, and the motivation in the Dungeon is like nothing I have ever experienced.
I can't wait to go back each week!
If you are looking into changing your physique, I urge you to check out Jamie and Mike at In An Athletes Soul on Facebook.  It will change your life.

Next blog will be up on Monday and will include a Lifetime Movie Challenge - because I know you all miss it. :]

In other news:  "Topanga was named after a canyon in California that hippies would frequent."
(Follow Girl Meets World on Twitter)

-jennilea