Write 31 Days - Thanks

Yesterday was Thanksgiving, and no, not "Canadian" Thanksgiving...just plain old Thanksgiving.
I live in Canada, it goes without saying.

I had a great weekend visiting with family, enjoying my Mom's homemade turkey dinner with all of the fixings, and especially her scrumptious pumpkin pie!

We talked a bit about being thankful, and I am, very thankful.
I've even made a huge list of things I am thankful for over the past few years.
(You can find the posts that cover that list here.)

Today I have a few more items to add to that list.

• I am thankful for a friend who went to the trouble of putting a card and gift on my door on a day when I really needed some encouragement.
• I am thankful for a doctor who actually listened and asked thoughtful questions to get to the bottom of some issues I've been having.
• I am thankful for parents who support me when I succeed but also when I'm feeling like I am stumbling along.
• I am thankful for co-workers and bosses at my new job who are super encouraging and even nominate me to be "Star of the Month!" I've only been there for four months and already I am feeling accepted and appreciated!
• I am thankful for the gifts and talents that have been given to me that I can use to make the world a better place, even on such a small scale as this blog. If I can turn around and encourage one person, it's worth it.
• I am also thankful for all those who have spoken into my life over the years and for those amazing people who I know have prayed for me. You know who you are. I am eternally grateful and thank you from the bottom of my heart.
• My last thanks goes out to anyone who is reading my blog posts. Welcome! Look around and comment to let me know if anything speaks to you. 

For Thanksgiving I just want to say to all of you, "Thanks!"

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This has been a writing prompt post from #Write31Days, join in the fun. 

Catch up on all my 31Days + 5MinFriday posts by clicking here. 

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.

 

Thankful for...100 List: #76-100

As an exercise in positivity, I am continuing to make a list of the:

100 Things for Which I am Thankful.

(Here is #1-25)  (Here is #26-50)  (Here is #51-75)

Note: They are listed in no particular order, other than my rambling thoughts at the moment.

76. the ability to create with my hands - crafts, jewelry, gifts, graphics

77. the simple act of colouring in a colouring book

78. Timmy's French Vanilla caffeinated drink

79. clothes that are not only comfy but make me feel good

80. finding inspiring stories about other women who have faced similar circumstances to my own

81. my amazing dream trip to Ireland, Scotland & England last year! (read posts here)

82. God who provides even when it seems everything is stressful and difficult

83. my Mom, who loves me for me and treats me like a close friend

84. my Dad, who also loves me for me and is always there for me 

85. my sister, who I can always talk to about movies, or books or shows, or anything

86. my brother, who is a social male butterfly and strives to always keep in touch

87. my sister-in-law, who is patient and fun and fits right into our family

88. my nephews, who are all such fun and make me laugh so much

89. my niece, who is such a little cutie and so smart and independent even at 2.5 years

90. last-minute road trips to explore our amazing island (Tofino, Mt. Washington etc)

91. people I work with, who are fun and encouraging

92. learning new skills, like programming fancy lightning

93. grabbing sweet opportunities, like a trip to Costa Rica in less than 2 weeks!!

94. the multitude of cute little hummingbirds who I feed all year outside my patio

95. the experience I've had for the last three years selling my creations at an outdoor sumer market

96. making new friends from all over the world on my travels

97. two words: pretzel bagels

98. the amazing, funny and 80's-filled novel I just finished listening to, "Ready Player One" by Ernest Cline, read by the hilarious Will Wheaton

99. people who "get" me - my humour, my geekiness, my likes

100. animals - I love them all! big, small, cute, furry, feathered, scaled...I love touching, holding, playing with and learning about them all.

What are you thankful for?  

 Start making your own list.  

(PS - It does wonders for your current state of happiness.) 

My "List" for 2016

As an excellent list-maker, though usually my skills are used for grocery lists or Christmas gift check lists, I am not one to normally make huge New Year's Resolutions.

However, I have, in the past, jotted down a few items I wish to see or do or create for the year ahead.

January of a new year always seems to be a great time to make a fresh start and plan ahead.

I love planning!
Whether it be a vacation or trip, a party or just a day adventure, I love researching and planning my brains out! I still am open to some spontaneity, but I like to be well prepared.

Back in 2012 I made a "My List" for that year.
I'm recreating that idea here with new plans for this coming year.

My 2016 List: (in random order)

1. Go to Costa Rica! (This is happening in less than 2 weeks!!)
2. See a sloth...a baby sloth, even better!
3. Jump from a waterfall
4. Finishing writing about my UK trip last year! (check out past posts here)
5. Start walking more
6. Write more regularly on this blog (I'm trying!)
7. Train more volunteers to cover my media job - a must!
8. Join a co-ed small group at church
9. Clean my spare room
10. Organize all my craft supplies
11. Sell my jewelry via a local store or two
12. Set up my Etsy Shop to sell my jewelry online
13. Put up photos and art on my walls (3 years and I still have empty frames!)
14. Go horseback riding
15. Go somewhere snowy next winter

16. Get a Tattoo (just a tiny one)

17. Keep up a more positive attitude every day
18. Do my best to help others around me

19. Go skiing/tubing/sledding more next winter!

20. Make healthier eating a priority

21. Read more (less TV!)

Meet the sloths from Lucy Cooke on Vimeo.

Okay, I'll admit that a few of these list items are a direct response to my upcoming trip to Costa Rica!! Gaaaaahhhh! So excited!!! I'll tell you all about it soon and I'm sure I'll be posting loads of photos of this new crazy adventure.

What's on YOUR list for 2016??

Thankful for...100 List: #51-75

As an exercise in positivity, I am continuing to make a list of the:

100 Things for Which I am Thankful.

(Here is #1-25)     (Here is #26-50)

 

(Note: They are listed in no particular order, other than my rambling thoughts at the moment.)

51. the feel and smell of soil while gardening
52. lots of ice for my glass of water
53. the ability to sing, to share my voice in worship music, even if my ears are the only ones that hear
54. quality time with my family during our annual summer vacation
55. finding an item that I can actual eat on this crazy healthy plan!
56. fresh, ripe summer cherries
57. good friends I can hang out with and be silly
58. good friends I can talk to about anything
59. though I may have said it before, my loving parents!
60. waking up and remembering a dream in vivid detail, even if it's a weird one
61. how cool (in temperature) my home is on a hot summer's day
62. mini golf! I need to play more!
63. finding a dairy-free, gluten-free, naturally sweetened sorbetto gelato
64. also finding some awesome cool treats I can have called Tea Pops!!
65. a crisp tart apple (McIntosh or Spartan are my favourites, Granny Smith in a pinch)
66. HUGE raspberries from local Gobind Farms, they always remind me of my grandparent's house
67. the feeling of my dog all warm and cozy, sleeping on my foot right now!
68. precious hugs and kisses from my nephews and niece
69. getting an awesome DVD in the mail that I ordered online: "Descending"
70. Pinterest - a place to find ideas, recipes, inspiration and to link back to the original source
71. inspiring stories of missions projects that one day I hope to join. (Check out this blog.)
72. no bad sunburns for me this summer. I'm a lot smarter about using sunscreen than years past!
73. I never thought I'd say this...but Dark Chocolate!
74. finally getting in with a new, nice Doctor and a new, great Naturopath!
75. Mostly right now I am thankful for the continued JOY I strive towards every day. I know I have my moments and I know obstacles will get in the way sometimes, but I am trying to see the good, the positive and the joyful in everyday. I'm still choosing joy!


Definitely a random order!
Watch for more updates to this list in the coming days.

What are you thankful for?  

 Start making your own list.  

(PS - It does wonders for your current state of happiness.) 

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!

Thankful for...100 List: #26-50 (a year later!)

As an exercise in positivity, I am continuing to make a list of the:


 

100 Things 

for Which I am Thankful.

A year after I began this list, here are my next 25. 

Here are the other segments of my Thankful Lists: #1-25, and #51-75

(Note: They are listed in no particular order, other than my rambling thoughts at the moment.)

26. watermelon without seeds
27. digital books (so many at my fingertips!)
28. classical music (Karl Jenkins & Tchaikovsky)
29. easily accessible photos and videos of puppies

30. my new niece...and how she has my nose

31. my mom's homemade scones
32. gifts or cards for me left on my desk at work, just because
33. watermelon with seeds...if anyone around is in the mood for a seed fight!
34. bosses that pull the best out of me
35. Irish movies (Secret of Roan Innish, PS I Love You, Leap Year, War of the Buttons etc)
36. documentaries about...anything
37. Etsy!!
38. snow, whenever it falls
39. getting to know extended family much better
40. the noisy but pretty birds that make quite the racket every morning
41. real paper books...the smell, the feel, the pages...
42. access to excellent medical care, supplies & medication
43. encouragement from unexpected sources
44. evening park walks with my dog
45. meeting so many amazing people during last year's market season
46. friends of all different types who all understand a different part of who I am
47. clodhoppers
48. all the amazing stories I've learned about my ancestors
49. my natural hair colour
50. that I am a NERD GIRL!

Definitely a random order!

Watch for more updates to this list in the coming days.


What are you thankful for?

Start making your own list.

(PS - It does wonders for your current state of happiness.)

Thankful for...100 List: First 25

As an exercise in positivity, 

I am making a list of the...

100 Things For Which I Am Thankful.

Today here are the first 25.



(Note: They are listed in no particular order, other than my rambling thoughts at the moment.)

1. My amazing parents.
2. My Christian heritage and upbringing.
3. A sister who is a close friend.
4. A brother who always keeps in touch.
5. The unconditional affection and joy from my dog.
6. My best friends, with whom I can laugh, cry, listen and belong.
7. Living on the west coast and a block from the ocean.
8. Being able to teach and learn from my co-workers.
9. My own place to live and wonderful landlords.
10. A job that is not boring but full of creativity and always changing.
11. That all four of my nephews love their "Auntie".
12. A good book to adventure in for a while.
13. The freedom to go to church and believe openly in my loving God.
14. My extended family, many of which feel as close as immediate family.
15. Board & Card Games!
16. Milk Chocolate!
17. A hot cup of tea in my favourite mug.
18. The feeling of excitement when I'm working on a new creative project.
19. My decent, comfortable and problem-free vehicle.
20. Autumn storms, wind, rain and waves.
21. Music that can calm, bring tears and fill me with joy.
22. The ease and speed I can access information, Google is great!
23. Finding the perfect pair of jeans.
24. Chocolate Peanut Butter Ice Cream
25. Knowing how to properly use bobby pins.

Definitely a random order!

Watch for more updates to this list in the coming days.

What are you thankful for?

Start making your own list.
(PS - It does wonders for your current state of happiness.)


Here are the next segments of my Thankful Lists: #26-50, and #51-75

My "List" for the year 2012

January 2012...most of us make lists of resolutions, or "To Do" lists, lists of things we regret we did not do last year or lists of things we want to do this year. Have you made such a list?

I just cracked open a brand new journal that I got for Christmas (an annual self-bought-gift...more on that another time) and started making a list for myself for 2012. Not so much a list of resolutions, but more of a list of reminders.

I don't regret my time in 2011, but when I look back, I can't help but wonder if I acutally used my precious, God-given time to its' full advantage. Did I take every opportunity and make the most of it? Could I have done more? Been more? Loved more? Helped more? Did I let fear guide me instead of trust? What would 2011 have looked like if I had changed one moment?


Yet 2011 is now over and done and all I have are the days before me to make a difference, to explore and enjoy.  I yearn for an adventure! I want to go places and have things happen to me! However, I know if I want some things to happen, I might need to go out and make them happen for myself.

That being said in very random order,

Here is my 2012 LIST:
1. Travel more
2. Enjoy more theatre and concerts
3. Hike!
4. Recycle more
5. Go through and donate stuff

6. Write real letters
7. Figure out more about ME
8. Longer walks with Willow (my dog)
9. Learn my guitar
10. Trust God everyday
11. Thanks people more
12. SMILE More!
13. Train more people to cover my job (so I can do #1-2!)
14. Learn new skills
15. Finish a project
16. CRAFT FAIRS!
17. Make lots of jewelry (see #16)
18. Read more (less TV!)
19. Cut out Diet Coke!
20. LOVE MORE!
21. write write write!!!!!

I'm sure I will want to alter and edit this list, but here it is, my wishes, hopes, wants, thoughts for 2012 as of January 5th.

What is YOUR list for 2012??

Things I've Never Done

I've been seeing "Life Lists" on many blogs lately (Angry Julie, Mama Kat) so I felt compelled to try out my own version.


I am 32 years, 11 months and 2 days old.

And I have never:

1. Drank a cup of coffee

2. Been outside North America

3. Seen the Niagara Falls

4. Watched "The Notebook"

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

11. Tried surfing

12. Written a novel

13. Broken a bone

14. Help sail a boat

15. Sat on a Mexican beach

16. Sold anything over the Internet

17. Gotten a tattoo

18. Bungee jumped

19. Been to New York

20. Been engaged (to be married)

21. Tasted a beer!


What's your "Never Done" list?


((See my updated LIST and a list of things I HAVE done. >> ))