Things I've Done - Updated!

Like most people do one or twice in their life, or maybe every January, a few years ago I made a list of things I hadn't ever done or tried. It wasn't really a resolution list or even a challenge, just a light-hearted list to maybe revisit once in a while and see what has changed in the normal course of my life.

The original list was written in November of 2011... 21 Things I've Never Done. >>

Then in March of 2014 I updated that same list but called it "Things I Have(n't) Done", crossing off a few items and adding some of the amazing and interesting things I HAVE done throughout my life. Read that interesting list here. >>

Costa Rica trip, January 2016

Fast forward over 2 years later...
Here is my latest update where I've crossed out a few more items:

I am now 37 years, 10 months and 14 days old.

And I have never:

Mexico, April 2016

1. Drank a cup of coffee - DONE! Read about it here >>
2. Been outside North America - NEWLY DONE! UK, Costa Rica, Mexico - Read here >>
3. Seen the Niagara Falls
4. Watched "The Notebook" - DONE. Waste of 2 hours.
5. Hunted an animal
6. Pet a dolphin - NEWLY DONE! Swam with dolphins in April. Read here >>
7. Gone on a cruise
8. Driven a bus
9. Run any kind of marathon
10. Knit anything - DONE! Need Practice at it >>
11. Tried surfing
12. Written a novel (Hmmm, STILL working on it...)
13. Broken a bone
14. Help sail a boat - DONE.
15. Sat on a Mexican beach - NEWLY DONE! Read here >>
16. Sold anything over the Internet - DONE! via my side-business West Coast Creations
17. Gotten a tattoo
18. Bungee jumped
19. Been to New York
20. Been engaged (to be married)
21. Tasted a beer! - DONE. Not really a fan. 

Here are some NEW items to add to my DONE list...

Interesting Things I HAVE done in the past 2 years: (hover for links)

Bumper Soccer, 2016

• Touched down on FOUR Continents in ONE day! (on the way home from Mexico)
• Grew my own tomatoes all this summer to keep my salads supplied.
• Shaved off all my hair.
• Played inflatable bumper soccer!
• Stood on the battlefield at Culloden.
• Met my distant relatives from Ashford, Kent, UK.
• Went on an international vacation with complete strangers!
• Drove an ATV/quad through the jungle. 
• Stood 10 feet away from a wild sloth mother & baby. 
• Managed and run seven stage screens at once...many times. 
• Tasted raw coconut right from the tree. 
• Watched baby birds grow up in my own flower basket.
• Gave away treats and Valentines to complete strangers. 
• Eaten a (very tart) star fruit right off the tree. 
• Swam in TWO freshwater caves called cenotes. 
• Zip-lined through the Costa Rican jungle canopy.
• Snorkeled with wild sea turtles.
• Rode a double-decker bus and the Eye in London.  
• Sold my West Coast Creations jewelry & gifts for THREE summers in a row!
• Walked among the ancient Mayan ruins of Tulum. 



London, 2015

• Pet and fed a Highland cow in Scotland.
• Kissed our Costa Rican guide Josue on the cheek. :)
• Flew from Ireland to Scotland for $10.
• Changed jobs after almost 12 years!
• Stood atop the "Cliffs of Insanity", on the Giant's Causeway, rode the Hogwart's Express!
• Created a Facebook Page for this blog! Yay!
• Toured Windsor Castle, Bath and Stonehenge...in one day! (still need to write about that!)

Phewph! That feels like a lot in the past 2 years!
I still have a few adventures to write about here (the end of my UK trip!) and a LOT more adventures to come.

UK Adventure, June 2015 - Alnwick Castle (from Harry Potter & Downton Abbey)

What are some amazing things YOU have done?
Share in a comment.

 

Happy 200th-Postiversary!

image source

Happy 200th!

Yes, it's true, this is my 200th blog post! Amazing!

I started this blog eight years ago, thinking it would just be a place to air my thoughts, share my ideas and maybe work out the messy innards of my complicated mind and heart.

I started using a blog before photos could even be added to a post!
Now that makes me feel old!

My very first post on September 21, 2006 was called "Growing Up & Sow's Ears", how's that for a catchy title?
It was about moving past my childish ways and thoughts, about growing up but also growing into who I was meant to be,

I look back on that post and I admire that young woman. (Yes, I know, I'm talking about myself.)
I admire her for sharing herself on this public platform, where sharing has hopefully encouraged others and inspired hope.
I admire her for her zeal and her vivacity. She has faced trials and sorrow but hasn't given up on herself, her God or her future.
I admire that even back then, she was starting to cast off her sackcloth of apathy and dissatisfaction and look around to embrace her talents and her abilities though her future was uncertain and foggy.
I admire that she continued to bear her soul, that she didn't settle for less, and that today she shines in small, subtle ways to those who know her best.

To answer the question....
Do I finally feel grown up?

Hmmm, let's see.
I feel like I am on my way to becoming a grown-up, an adult, a mature and valued member of society.

But the not-so-secret is...
I still like movies and popcorn and playing with Lego and watching cartoons!

As one 10-year old said to me after he and his brother wanted to head inside after an afternoon of playing with me in the snow, "Hey, you're just like a big kid, aren't you?"

Yes, yes I am.
I am a grown-up, but a grown-up who loves life, love and all the little things and no one can ever take that away from me!

I will always have a funny accent at the ready.
I will always be the best at making a new train track for my nephews.
I will always like bright colours...on my walls or on my clothes.
I will always choose rain and wind over heat and sun, just because I like how the wind whips my hair around and the rain makes the ground smell so fresh.
I will always be able to do all the voices from a storybook.
I will always be able to make up a song to make the time pass by more quickly.
I will always have clutter in my house that includes pretty shells and rocks I've found.
I will always be a little disorganized simply because I have so many things I still want to try.
I will always love dogs and animals and creatures big and small.
I will always love to colour, create, draw, craft, make something with my hands.
I will always make a fool of myself when I'm excited about something.
I will always wear my heart on my sleeve and in the blush of my cheeks.
I will always find the game in everything.
I will always prefer to be silly rather than serious.
I will always know those lyrics to some random song.
I will always come up with some interesting fact about where we are or what we are watching.
I will always be a nerd/geek/weirdo at heart. (yes that 200 image at the top is made up of Star Wars Lego  figurines...but not my own, just for the record.)
I will always care...about my family, my friends, my co-workers.
I will always eagerly give my heart away, even if that means it comes back needing much repair.
I will always be the loudest laugh in the room.
I will always, always be able to find the fun!

And if all that makes me childish or immature...then I am glad.
Because all that...is me!



To All of You:
Thank you for continuing to read my blog. 
I would love to hear from you and know how you like my posts, how you found my blog or just a little about you! Please comment below or send me an email sometime. :)

Powerful Words

What will you tell your daughter about her body?

First of all let me clarify that I do not yet have children.

I would like a few and I would of course love to have a daughter.

However, when I think about my own daughter growing up, going to school, my eyes well up and I get a dreadful churning in my stomach.

Why?

Because although I was confident and spunky as a young child I was ruthlessly teased all throughout school.

The first few years of school were great, I had good friends, great teachers, loved learning.
But when about grade 4 and 5 came along I was made very aware that I didn't look like most of the other girls at school.
I had a rounder face, and though I was a bit of a tom-boy, I wasn't interested in sports at all so I began to get just a little bit soft and chubby.
I wasn't overweight or abnormal by any standards, but for some reason a handful of kids, mostly boys, at school made it their mission to constantly put me down, call me names and tease me.

Their words began to cut deeper and deeper.

I remember feeling so helpless and hurt that I soon began lashing out, getting angry, using my fists to solve these problems.
I was scrappy and ended up in more than a few fights at school or on the bus home.

The teasing and name-calling continued into Jr. High.
This time, mean-spirited girls would make fun of something I wore, or my hair, or some not-so-perfect part of my body.
I was dreadfully hurt and angry but I no longer fought back physically.
I shoved my pain deep, deep down, burying it beneath layers of walls so I wouldn't have to feel that way all the time.

I did have great friends all throughout school.
Friends that I could count on to laugh with and have fun.
But most of them never knew how much other people were hurting me.

I also had an amazing family.
My Mom and I have always been close and she has always been an encourager and lifted me up when she knew I was down. Many times she breathed life back into my sails when someone else had knocked the wind out of me with their words.

It still hurt.

It still hurts.

It's taken me many years and many dark moments to get over some of the damage that was done to my innocent, young-girl confidence.

For years I constantly judged others because I felt constantly judged.
For years I compared myself to everyone because I thought that was what everyone was doing to me.
For years I became angry and bitter in response to many of the situations life threw my way...or the situations I thought I should have had that life didn't throw my way,

It's taken years to move past it, to dig it all up and let it all go.
I did it with God's strength and love, as well as the love of my family and friends.

It hasn't been easy and yes, sometimes, it still hurts.


If, one day, I am blessed with a daughter, these are the things I will tell her about her own body:

• That it is her body but God made it, He knows every hair on her head and knit her together piece by piece, and so she should treat her body well.
• That even when someone makes fun of how some part of her looks, she is still beautiful.
• That it's okay to have soft bits and hard bits. 
• It's beautiful to be both strong and smooth around the edges.
• That as she grows up, she should do her best to know what is going on with her own body. Check what needs to be checked, keep healthy, don't ignore what her body is telling her.
• That she is unique. There is no one in the world that looks just like her and that is awesome!
• That flaws are not flaws, they are just the little ways that make us different and our own selves.
• That if she wants to, she can play sports, or dance, or swim, or sing, or try anything as long as she is happy doing it.
• That pushing her body and muscles until they ache is sometimes a good thing. Don't give up on something before that good ache.
• That she can use her body to express herself. And I would hope she would use it to express joy, life and happiness.
• That if she is my biological daughter, we are always going to be just a little bit shorter than everybody else. But I didn't mind always being the short one!
• That she should never compare herself to others. She will, but she shouldn't dwell on it. We are all beautiful in our own skins and it just wastes time enjoying life when we compare.
• That she shouldn't listen when she gets teased. She shouldn't let it ruin her day. She should try to bite her own tongue and be kind or walk away. Words can hurt but they don't define us. We don't know what struggles go on underneath someone's dark words.
• That I love her. I love her if she is short, or chubby, or slim, or tall, or with long hair or short hair. I love her because of who she is, inside and out.
• That she truly is beautiful!

 __   __   __   __

 
 This month, a blogger I enjoy reading (brittanyherself.com) has set out some writing prompts for us fellow bloggers or writers to share our real-life stories. The theme for August is: Body Image, with 31 different topics to write about.

Charge Me Up

This month, a blogger I enjoy reading (brittanyherself.com) has set out some writing prompts for us fellow bloggers or writers to share our real-life stories. The theme for August is: Body Image, with 31 different topics to write about.

Where do you go when you need to recharge?

When I'm stressed, or tired or just need some time to myself there are a few places I like to go.

I love the ocean!

 
I love walking near the shore or scrambling over rocks or just sitting on some driftwood and watching the waves.

I'll find a beach close to town or even drive to some secluded wild west coast beach.

Rocks or sandy, it doesn't matter.

I love the ocean.


But today I want to share one of my new favourite summer retreats.

It may be for a few hours or it may just be for a few minutes, but my patio garden is where I can always go to recharge.

I sit on my lounge chair facing my back yard, shoes off, toes wriggling freely in the fresh air and relax.

My plants and flowers in my patio garden oasis glow with bright shades of red, pink, purple and orange in the light.

I can hear the birds singing and chirping and twittering.

I can feel the breeze against my skin, hear it among the tree branches and see it rippling the shades of green around my yard.

 I may have a book in hand or not, depends on how tired my eyes are.

I may have a cool drink siting beside me.

My little white dog is usually scampering around in the grass, sniffing where the wild bunnies have traveled or chasing the mostly elusive little lizards into their hidey-holes.

The best moments that leave me sitting frozen still and prickly with excitement are when I hear that familiar thrum and a tiny humming bird comes zooming in from the bushes to check out the glass feeder I've placed near my hanging flower baskets just for them.

They hover and twist their heads towards me, down below them, wings all blurry in a flurry of movement.

If they decide I am not a threat, I am still enough and quiet enough, they turn their tiny jewel eyes to the feeder and zip in and out, assessing if it's something good to sip.

They take a drink, quick as you can blink.

And again, and again. Then finally feel comfortable enough to cease their exhausting wing beating and sit on the feeder perch to indulge in a deeper drink.

I smile and know that I probably have the best and sweetest offering on the block for these dainty creatures. I make a super-sweet and sugary boiled syrup for them, filling and refilling it almost every other day.

The little sharp-beaked bird, once drunk its' fill, then zips off lickedy-split!

Those moments recharge me.

The quiet. The trees. The fresh air.

The feeling of being close to something so small yet so very alive.

I feel the burning knowledge that God, Creator of everything, cares about that little bird.
And if He cares about just one tiny, delicate bird, how much more infinitely does He care about me and my life?

I need to feel that once in a while.

I need those moments.

 

__________________________________


What about you? 
What are some of your favourite places to recharge?

__________________________________

Here are the other Body Image posts I've written about so far:  

Dear 25-Year Old Me, My Confidence Bucket List, Single Rider

 

Single Rider

This month, a blogger I enjoy reading (brittanyherself.com) has set out some writing prompts for us fellow bloggers or writers to share our real-life stories. The theme for August is: Body Image, with 31 different topics to write about.

Have you ever dined out, gone to a movie, or traveled alone?

Why yes, yes I have.

I never thought I would feel comfortable doing any of these things alone.

As time goes by and I find myself single as friends around me settle down into family lives, I find the prospect of getting out and doing things on my own less daunting and more exciting.

I've taken two larger trips to conferences alone. Traversing large airports by myself and managing to catch my flights. I have even rented vehicles on my own and made my way all over city of Dallas and enjoyed an afternoon at a Six Flags park on my own. (So Fun!)

A huge benefit at any amusement park is using the "Single Rider" line. At Six Flags I cut out hours of line waiting time by darting ahead in that special line and getting to the front of almost every ride!

Riding the "La Vipera" roller coaster at Six Flags, Dallas - no track, just wheels and a tube!)

Sure, I would love to always have someone with me, to share in my experiences, to talk to, to laugh with.

However, if no one is available, I am quite happy to travel or seek out fun on my own. 

I always manage to meet or chat with interesting people along the way.

I find solace in the crisp quiet of a hotel room all to myself.

This is me, in Dallas at the super cool Aloft Hotel.

I always get to do the things I want to do, shop where I want to shop et cetera.

Dining alone? Movies?
I don't know if, aside from while traveling, I would venture out and dine in a nice restaurant on my own but I certainly have seen movies solo.

In fact, 15 minutes before a film started tonight I felt like going to a movie, so I did!
The parking lot was packed and line ups streamed out the doors but while walking from my car to the theatre, I quickly purchased a single ticket online and snagged one of the very last seats for that showing.
This time, if I had been with someone, we would not have sat together and probably wouldn't have been able to even get in.

Sometimes going single has its' perks!

I don't mind being single at the moment.
I do enjoy the company of others, but I always enjoy my own company.

I'll never let being single hold me back from anything I want to do. 
The world is waiting to be explored, experienced and enjoyed and I just may have to venture out all on my own. And that's just fine with me.

What about you? 
Have you ever been brave enough to do something on your own??

I'd love to hear about it in the Comments!


Here are the other Body Image posts I've written about so far:  
Dear 25-Year Old Me, My Confidence Bucket List

My Confidence Bucket List

This month, a blogger I enjoy reading (brittanyherself.com) has set out some writing prompts for us fellow bloggers or writers to share our real-life stories. The theme for August is: Body Image, with 31 different topics to write about.


Here's My Body Image Topic for today:

#12 - The Confidence Bucket List: 10 things you one day hope to have the confidence to do.

1. Sky Diving! I am sort of afraid of heights (and death!), but I have always wanted to try sky diving...the adrenaline, the conquering of fear, the rush!!!

2. Travel to Europe, especially Ireland & Scotland - This may not seem like a big deal to many, but I have never travelled overseas and whether on my own or with someone, it would be a big deal to me!

3. Be able to easily talk to men about relationship issues...I've always been such a chicken, not liking confrontation at all! I'm working on it and hopefully in the future will do better. (examples here)

4. Get a tattoo! Yes, I said it, don't bash or hate me if you're ultra conservative. I'm not waiting something huge just a little something for myself. I've wanted to get one for years, but never built up the courage to just do it! (And I may never decide to go through with it, so stop fretting...Mom!)

5. Ask a guy out on a date. An official, absolute, honest-to-goodness date. Not a "hang out" or coffee, but a date. I'm gaining confidence but I'm not THAT confident...yet.

6. Run in some sort of 5 or 10 K. I am working on leading a healthier lifestyle (read about it here) and that has resulted in losing some weight, toning up and feeling better about myself. Better about being healthy. I need to start being more disciplined about running and build up to a longer event soon!

7. Share my own story about being teased all throughout school...I may share it here soon. But not yet. Sometimes it still feels like yesterday.

8. Somehow be "ON Camera". I've always lived and worked behind the scenes or behind the camera...maybe one day soon I'll feel confident enough to let someone else take photos or video of me without me editing or deleting it right away.

9. Finish the book I started over 5 years ago! It's still there...mulling around and living in my brain. Someday it'll all come tumbling out.

10. Dress up for a ComicCon - yep, I'm a geek/nerd girl and proud of it! I've dressed up for many parties, a medieval wedding, a local outdoor festival, but one day I'd LOVE to have an awesome costume for a big Convention like ComicCon or DragonCon or Fan Expo in Vancouver. Someday!

Me...in a costume...for the Luminara Festival that is no more. 

What are some of your Confidence Bucket List Items? 

Leave a comment and I'll comment back or comment on your blog in return. :) 

Dear 25 Year Old Me...

I am an avid blog reader.
I read blogs for new ideas, to be inspired, to check out work by other writers and designers.
I also love reading blogs for the real-life stories behind the screen.
I love it when writing and sharing can bring people closer together or just make one person feel less like they are alone in how they are feeling or in the situations they face.

One such blogger is Brittany. She is an advocate and an unabashed speaker for the plus-sized woman in our beauty and skinny-crazy culture. She's funny, well-written, speaks frankly from her mind but one thing I love about Brittany...she makes us feel like we are already best friends! She shares her (sometimes very personal and "PG-rated") stories about life, relationships, clothing, parenting and much more and her blog has become an inspiration to share our own stories.

This month, Brittany has set out some writing prompts for us fellow bloggers or writers to share our real-life stories. The theme for August is: Body Image. She has given us 31 different topics to write about. You can write every day or choose one or two to write about anytime. Then we post a link to our blogs in the comments of her post and marvel at the wonderful stories we all share with one another. I don't know a single woman out there who doesn't struggle somewhat with her own body image and I am eager to read other stories and excited (and a little terrified) to share my own.

Writing about personal feelings or struggles puts us in such a vulnerable position, but I have learned that if only one person feels less alone in their own struggles because of what I have written, then it's been worth it to share a part of my inner self.

Here's my Body Image topic for today:

1. Write a letter to yourself 10 years ago. What do you know now, that you wish you'd known then?

Yes, this is me circa 2004-2005. Taking a selfie before selfies were invented!

Dear 25 Year Old Me,

First of all, good for you for going back to University and finishing off your Bachelor's Degree!
I know it's not easy and I know it seems like a never-ending journey towards that piece of paper, but it's worth it. That feeling of accomplishment in our world where we start many things and rarely finish them, it worth it. Work hard, do your best and try not to procrastinate too much!

About how you feel about yourself right now...I know you always put on a brave, happy face and hide how you feel deep down inside. This is something you need to work on. Yes, it's great to look happy and sometimes it's not the right moment to show how you feel, but don't let negativity fester. You will have some low moments, even months, in the years coming up and you need to learn how to let go, forgive and move on from hurts. There will be struggles and there will be times you'll feel lonely and lost, but you are not ever alone. Hold tight to your Faith and let others speak into your life with encouragement and love.

I also know that you do not like your body and shape at all. I know because I was you. I know how you secretly judge others but only because you fear everyone is always judging you and how you look. Don't dwell on that! Be confident! It wastes so much time feeling insecure. You are a beautiful person! You have a smile that lights up your whole face. You have a laugh that is infectious. You have a wonderful sense of humour that I never want to see squashed by self-doubt. Be you! Yes, I know we would love to look differently and be more in shape. It's going to take a lot of discipline and a confidence boost to get us there. Keep working at being active and...maybe eat a little healthier.

I know it may seem like your life is not too exciting and you constantly compare yourself with your friends and peers. Your life is your own right now and you get to have as much fun as you wish. You can enjoy this time of learning new skills, meeting new people, forging new amazing friendships and, sadly, letting go of the ones that are no longer meant to be in your life.

You are soon to be embarking on a new job and guess what? That job will take you places and hone skills you never dreamed of! Be inspired! And inspire those around you! Look forward to working with people in the long term. Don't be afraid to dream big and ask for ways to increase your knowledge and skills that will benefit everyone at the office.

A few tips:

Practice Patience - learn to wait, learn to take time to get the details right and learn to deal nicely with those around who tend to frustrate you. No one likes an impatient person!

Hang on to Joy - it will be difficult at times, but keep holding onto the joy of the little things. You are naturally a fun person, so keep finding the fun in everyday.

Stop Comparing! Comparison is the thief of joy! You are unique, fun, amazing, creative, skilled, smart and talented in may areas, STOP comparing your beginnings to other people's middle or ends! You are YOU! Be the best version of You in what ever stage you are at!

Most of all, start enjoying who you are. You will be amazed at the confidence that will rise up out of you once you start believing that you are a beautiful person! You are worth being loved. You are worth being someone's friend. You are worth more than just settling for what's leftover. Your life has a purpose and your journey will be full of meaningful moments.

Be yourself and you will find happiness and joy!


Much love,

The Future You

Did you know. . . About me?

Did you know....

Here are a few little facts about me and my life.

1. I now own and use "theretherekitten.com" as my main domain/web address/website?? I finally decided my blog name was never going to change after having it as There There Kitten for so many years already. So my domain is locked in and hopefully unique enough to remember.
2. My first post was in September of 2006, "Growing Up & Sow's Ears", that's 8 years of blogging! Wow! I started on Blogger before they even had the ability to upload photos! What? Crazy!
3. This coming September is my 10 year Anniversary at my current job! That's the longest I've ever been committed to something...other than school, because I had no other choice. :) I love my job, my co-workers, my bosses and what I get to do every week! God has carved out this unique little niche for me in the world and I am beginning to really appreciate it every day.
4. I love board games & card games! (See #15 here) I grew up playing Uno, Skip-Bo, Snakes & Ladders, Go-Fish, War, Trouble, Sorry, Monopoly, Don't Break the Ice, Clue, Mastermind, Connect Four, Phase 10, Pictionary, Dutch Blitz, Racko, Tile Rummy, Scrabble, & Battleship. I've recently added to my game repertoire with awesome games like Ticket to Ride, Anomia, Settlers of Catan, Wits & Wagers, HEADS UP, Up a Bit Down a Bit, Upwords, Dixit, and more. If you ever want to see my face light up like Butchart Gardens at Christmas, just invite me over for a games night!!
5. I once caught a garter snake and held my Mom ransom until she agreed to get me a dog. The standoff didn't last long and we compromised and I got a brand new budgie bird instead. Yes, I was a mischievous child, a trait that creeps up now and again as a adult. 

And there you have it, 5 new-ish facts about me that you may have already known or now you know. And yes, my friends, "knowing is half the battle"!  <--Points if you can tell me the origin of that quote.

Things I HAVE(n't) Done

Back in November of 2011 I made a list of...

21 Things I've Never Done. (Go read it!) >>

I recently read over that list and it looks like I need to do a bit of updating and maybe add a few new items to that list to replace the ones I can now cross out. 
 
Update: I am now 35 years, 3 months and 15 days old.

And I have never:

1. Drank a cup of coffee - DONE! Read about it here >>
2. Been outside North America (I long to get to the UK sometime soon!)
3. Seen the Niagara Falls
4. Watched "The Notebook" - Done. But did not like it! Waste of 2 hours!!!
5. Hunted an animal

6. Pet a dolphin
7. Gone on a cruise
8. Driven a bus
9. Run any kind of marathon
10. Knit anything - Done! Need Practice at it >>
11. Tried surfing
12. Written a novel (Hmmm, started one...)
13. Broken a bone
14. Help sail a boat - Done. I think I'd forgotten that I've DONE this the summer after grade 12 on Sylvan Lake with family friends in their little 2-man sailboat. 
15. Sat on a Mexican beach
16. Sold anything over the Internet - DONE! I made my 1st online sale for West Coast Creations last summer via my Etsy store (which will be refilled soon!)
17. Gotten a tattoo
18. Bungee jumped
19. Been to New York
20. Been engaged (to be married)
21. Tasted a beer! - Done. Tried one only once...not really a fan.

Forks - Fans of Twilight will get it.

So, instead of just crossing things off a list and looking at the daunting amount I still have yet to do or go through (not that all are desirable), I decided to make a list of . . .

Interesting Things I HAVE Done: 

1. Been to Forks, Wa
2. Been Para-sailing over the Pacific Ocean off Victoria
3. Fixed a Vacuum
4. Kept my outdoor Christmas lights up until March
5. Held a living (& huge) Tarantula
6. Driven over North America's longest truss bridge (at night, in a storm!)
7. Had a couple adult teeth removed (small jaw)
8. Not decorated at all for one Christmas
9. Lived with both my siblings at different times as adults
10. Held a living Emperor Scorpion
11. Scorched my hair with a candle flame
12. Had abdominal surgery
13. Travelled to another country for the day by accident!
14. Caught numerous wild garter snakes and salamanders 
15. Graduated from University
16. Driven all around Dallas, Tx on my own.
17. Flown in a Helicopter
18. Researched all the way back to my 8th Great-Grandparents
19. Dyed my hair blue
20. Been whale watching over 15 times
21. Owned 3 Chevy Sprints & 3 Nissan Versas

Astoria Megler Bridge 2013	Tiny backyard salamander	Para-sailing in 1999
My Versa Note	Blue hair Summer 2013	Best whale watching ever in Tofino Summer 2008

So. 

What are some interesting or unique things that YOU have done? 

Make a list. Don't forget about all the odd and funny things along with the amazing things!

5 Random Facts About Me

It's time for some confessions....

I got this idea from a blog I read called "Love Stitched" by Brittany.

Here are 5 Random Facts About Me:

1. I love my Dad's grilled cheese sandwiches! He makes THE BEST grilled cheese! Perhaps it has something to do with the amount of butter he slaps on both sides and the inside, too!! Yummers!