Time to buckle down. Let's get serious.

So, I'm one for taking surveys to earn money or points to purchase things I like. I've earned over $50 in Ticketmaster gift cards this year for taking surveys while watching a Cubs game or two. I also like to sign up for contests. Can't hurt to win a couple concert tickets or some cash, but what about a healthy living contest?

Yes, that's right, entering myself to win 15 free weeks of Seattle Sutton's Healthy Living, so I can challenge myself and 9 others and move towards becoming a better me. As I filled out my entry and relived my struggles over the many, many years, I've come to realize few things. I'm not getting any younger and if I want to be active as I get older, I need to change my ways. The only thing that's been a true answer to this problem was watching what I eat and exercising regularly.

It's really not rocket science and people all around me are able to do it, so why not me? It pretty much boils down to will power and the need for me to have a goal. If I commit myself to something, then I have to work towards that goal. (Suggestions for a sporting event/race in 2013 are welcome.)

Why do I feel the need to write about this? Well, if it's "down on paper" then I'm more likely to do it, and if anyone reads my blog, then they can help keep me to this. Yes, as I mentioned it all boils down to my will power, but support along the way can't hurt.

Hmmm, what are my first steps going to be. I'm going to start counting calories again. I found that it makes me more aware of what I'm putting in my body and forces me to think twice. Do I really want to see that I wasted blank number of calories on another stupid Starbucks drink and completely wiped out the effort I put into riding the recumbent bike? Nope, so it's time to dust of my knowledge and start making healthier eating choices.

I also need to get moving more, no excuses. If my knee hurts, then use the punching bag or weights for my upper body. If I've screwed up my hand, then ride the bike or take Sparky for a stroll. Time to get Sparky and myself out seeing the world again. Plus, who doesn't like to wear neon reflective clothing?

I think that sums up my thoughts for now. Below is a photo from a couple months ago. Yes, I know it's the teeny-tiny Shawn Johnson, but I don't want to feel like a monster standing next to her. Taller, fine and dandy... monster, no thank you.

Day 6 Homeward Bound

When I originally booked my flight, it was to leave mid morning, at at roughly 2pm. So, the flight schedule gave me ample time to sleep in and make my way to Budget rental car.

It was quite a rainy morning and people were driving stupidly. Thank goodness I made the whole trip without any incidents, well... we'll wait and see what happened at the toll booth... oops.

The sky was absolutely gorgeous above the clouds and rain, amazing how that works. That's probably the only thing I wish was different. Better weather. I didn't play frisbee golf at all. A bit on the chilly side and any course would have been muddy.

Now I sit and wait for my plane to arrive at O'Hare's gat K1, so I can make the last leg home and relieve my parents of their Sparky duties and head home to squeeze the kitty... watch out Jinkies!

This trip wouldn't have been the same if I didn't have the help of Kristin (Jinkies' & house watcher), and the Sparky clan of the Angell's, Tom, and my parents. I'm thankful to have friends and family that help put my mind at ease when it comes to my little buddies. Thank you, I owe you all!

Day 5 Hartford and Surrounding Towns

I had a few must-dos on my list today. The top two were Avery Soda and the Fish Family Farm. I had their locations, but not a clue how long each would take.

I hit Avery Soda first in New Britain. It was a simple operation that still uses equipment from the 1950's and had countless varieties if soda, which I bought and later taste tested 6 kinds. My favorite was the Birch Beer. Reminded me of Beeman's gum or Pepsodent toothpaste flavor.

After about 15 minutes, I was on my merry way to the Fish Family Farm in Bolton where they make cheese, ice cream and yogurt. I could see the cheese making process take place before my eyes, and I got to say Hi to the cows. The only single serving item was the ice cream. I opted for sweet cream, the base for vanilla, without the vanilla. So good!

I stopped at Lena's First and Last Pizzeria for lunch, also good! Then I traveled into Hartford to their Science Museum where I saw the IMAX 3D shows, Meerkat, and Tornado Alley. Fun times. I did got through the exhibits, starting in the top floor and working my way down. Unfortunately, I ran into school groups on the last two levels, so didn't get the chance to experience all of the hands-on exhibits.

I was starting to get tuckered out, so I programmed my hotel into Suzy. I got sidetracked at the USS Chowder Pot IV, and had one last super delicious seafood extravaganza of a meal. Yum.

Now I'm chilling in my room with some playoff baseball. Happy that I decided to only taste test my Avery Sodas. I think all that cane sugary goodness would have given me a belly ache. Now to pre-pack for my departure tomorrow and relax.

Photos in no particular order include Avery's, Avery's sodas, me sporting some 3D glasses, and the room of "magic" at Fish Family Farm.

Day 4 - Sturbridge & back to CT

It's 3:18pm and I'm at the Savin Rock Roasting Company, waiting for my late lunch, trying to stay awake. So, why not start the blog writing early?

This morning started out a bit slow. Last night I had a post wedding buzz equivalent to a Sugarland concert. And then once I fell asleep, the drunk people returned to their room. Go figure.

I got ready and packed in time to meet half of the wedding party for breakfast, thanks to Marina, Matt's mom, for inviting me. The meal put my free Days Inn breakfasts to shame. And it was nice to be in the company if Matt & Brian's family.

I hit the road shortly after my meal, so I could make it to the Mystic CT Aquarium around noon. With kids off school, most were eating lunch when I arrived, so it wasn't too chaotic... well, until feeding time, when everyone hit the exhibits. I saw the penguins, baluga whales and sea lions get fed. Awesome timing!

And now I sit, waiting for my delicious seafood to arrive in West Haven, CT. Or as Suzy likes to say, West Haven Court.

Turn the clock ahead nearly 5 hours and I am snuggled under my covers ready to vedge out in front of the TV. After an extremely wonderful and clammy meal, which I had enough leftover for dinner, I drug myself over to the Pez museum in Orange CT.

I believe it was I-95 that I drove a total of 1.5 hours across the southern Ct, just miles from the Long Island Sound. I thought travel would be light for a Monday, but a suppose many people had Columbus Day off and were heading back to NY and NJ. I spied quite a few of those license plates. I'm glad I made it through safely with this speedy and wreckless bunch. Or maybe it should be "wreck full".

So, the Pez museum... It is what you would imagine, hundreds of Pez dispensers throughout history in display cases. I didn't buy anything because I'm really not a fan of The candy itself.

Beyond tired, I made my way to the next hotel. No dogs around tonight, but I'm once again right next to the elevator. Hoping to sleep well tonight, so I can make the best of my last vacation day tomorrow.

Today's photos in no particular order include. Penguins at the aquarium, my appetizer of stuffed baked clams, and the sports Pez collection.

Day 3 Auburn MA and Wedding

I woke up this morning a bit in the tired side, thanks to the drunk people down the hall. Yep, dogs on the floor slept fine, it was the stupid people that continually woke me up.

Anyway, I didn't want to hang around Sturbridge until the wedding and was in need of a warm drink. I plugged Starbucks into Suzy (my GPS) and was on my way to Auburn, MA. Plus, if the town was big enough for a Starbucks, then they would have shopping. Why did I need to shop?

I tried on my outfit for the wedding and realized I hadn't brought any accessories to go with it. Thus the need for shopping. So I found a new bag at TJMAX and a set of necklace and earrings that seemed to match perfectly with my outfit (you never know what you'll find at the Walamonster.)

Moving along, I made it to the wedding in time for my ushering duties which changed a bit because of the inclement weather forcing the ceremony to move inside. It was still a beautiful afternoon/evening, but that was expected considering the event involved Matt, Brian, and their family and friends.

I smiled, I laughed, I chitchatted, I ate, I drank, I danced, I collected hugs, and I had fun. That's the quick summary of the wonderful night.

Here's me and the newlyweds.

Day 2 Windsor Locks CT, Springfield MA to Sturbridge MA

Today's goal was to see the Titanic Museum and make it to Sturbridge for the rehearsal dinner, with enough time to iron the super wrinkled usher shirts.

I planned to get to the Titanic museum in Springfield around 10am when it opened. Little did I know (thank you google!) that there is a 208 Main St in Springfield and the outlying town of Indian Orchard. Definitely not the last time I'll be taking an overly circuitous route to get somewhere.

I found 208 Main, but it was a jewelry store, what gives? Well, small sign about 1x3 foot in the upper right of the front window mentioned the museum. Uh-oh, now what am I in for? Note: I drove by and walked past this building about 6 times before I concluded that I was indeed in the correct location.

The Titanic Historical Society had two rooms at the back of the store crammed full of Titanic and White Star Line pieces. The even had consoles from the ship/vessel that found the wreck, along with items from the movie.

It was amazing how knowledgeable they were. I guess it helps when you've been able to communicate with at least 45 survivors over the years. Not exactly the museum I expected, but for a measly $4, it was time and money well spent.

I slowly made my way east to Sturbridge where I was welcomed by half a dozen dogs in the Days Inn lobby. Mostly pugs and Boston terriers, and a handful of other breeds. Some sort of pug rescue group convention in a town over. No joke, I think the dogs outnumber the people in this hotel.

After a quick pitstop, I headed over to the rehearsal and then BBQ that followed. I made a couple stops in between the events and sadly got no random comments on my usher shirt.

Thankfully all at the rehearsal enjoyed them! It was a nice touch to help lighten the mood and was a nice ice breaker for meeting people. Too bad I can't wear it tomorrow. It was a nice evening and good to see Matt, Brian and their families. Tomorrow will be a lovely day, no matter what Mother Nature has in store.

No clue how the photos will be posted, I typed this all on my phone. Pictures include the Titanic Museum store front, my hotel neighbor's door, and Brian, myself, and Matt.

Day 1 IL to CT

Today was a day of travel. I got to sleep in and thanks to Theresa picking up Sparky the night before, I could leisurely finish packing and head straight to the airport. I've had my bags searched by TSA, but I don't recall ever having a pat-down because they thought I had explosives in my bra. Anyway, shortly after, I was in Chi-town. The closest I got to Wrigley Field this year.

Before I knew it, my plane was landing in Hartford CT. I browsed the visitor brochures and found the missing piece to my vacation puzzle, Mystic CT. I grabbed my luggage and headed over to Budget to get my rental car. For an extra $3 a day, I'm now driving a Toyota 2013 Venza. Starting mileage 1,030! AND, I can play my iPhone music through the car speakers! I'm liking the start of this vacation.