An almost Australian goodbye

Well its 3:00am on Saturday morning and I have just finished packing for the third time...this time I have made an itemized list for each box/bag that I have.  Probably my favorite things to detail on my list:

1 - cane
1 - wonder woman costume
1- pair of suspenders
1 - cape
1 - wet suite
1 - tutu

It just reminds me of all the great times that I have had.

This past week has been the absolute most stressful week of my life.  It finally dawned on me that I am leaving in 8 weeks, I'm traveling for two months (of which I had nothing confirmed and no flights booked) and at some point I would have to start working agin (of which I had no idea what I would be doing and where).

Well I can't say that much has changed.   I do have my travels from 24 September to 1 November booked and confirmed which is a huge relief.  But I still have no idea and no confirmation of what I'll be doing and where I'll be working when I get back - of course I have my "what Hillary wants to do" idea but since I'm not in control of everything I can't make the final determination (which sucks).  I must leave that up to the Gods with the influence of my recommendations, my history and me in general.  Hopefully it all goes the way I think it should.

So at this point I must look around and start to say goodbye.  As I'm one who hates to say goodbye this is extremely hard for me, so I try to not do it - I try to make everything a bit closer to me so I don't forget - so they won't forget.  I just want to remember everything and I want to be remembered by others.  Who knows if I have made an impression on anyone - who will ever tell you.  But I know that everyone has made an impression on me.  I came here as Hillary and I will leave as Hillary, but I will never be the same.  There hasn't been one person that I have met, danced with, worked with, talked with, drank with, or sat by who hasn't changed me.

I understand that when I go home I will be a different person and that everyone back "home" will be different than when I left in 2009 - and I wouldn't want it any other way.    Life is boring if you stay the same and the best part of it is when you realize how everything around you is changing and making you a different person.

At this point all I can do is thank you.  Thank you for letting me be Hillary - how ever crazy you think I am and for letting me into your life.  I have had an amazing time.

KPMG Audit Breakers Update

8 - 2, Another success for the Kpmg audit breakers, making three in a row.

Despite busy season we fielded a full squad of seven snowdon shen tremaine fender Meates twartz Halifax

We got off to a good start as tremaine  was on time

Our opposition were a bunch of amateurs with a long haired scruffy guy in goal who was a magnet for our efforts

Fender was solid as usual giving as good as she got and dribbling past a few of the guys with American finesse

Twartz was like a rock in defence partly due to his size 24 moon boots which scared off the opposition and when tackled proved decisive

We had the luxury of a choice of two keepers snowdon or tremaine, snowdon pushed his weight around and tremaine was set free in attack

Not sure who scored our goals but tremaine had more shots in one two minute spell than everybody else in the whole game unfortunately no goals resulted

Halifax scored at least ten goals and unusually did not get into any agro

The agro was left up to Meates who when the defender got a bit frisky off the ball Meates explained to him in his best queens English what he could do with himself

The best was saved for last with a pinpoint pass from the wing to the smallest imaginable target for shen to backflick into the goal

Kpmg on three

30 Day Challenge: Day 27 - 30

Day 27:  A quote you try and live by - 12 July 2011

"Life is not measured by how many breaths you take, but by the moments that take your breath away."

Its been my favourite quote since uni.  I think it's pretty self explanatory and goes well with my "no regrets" frame of life.

Day 28:  Some where you want to go/visit - 13 July 2011

Well this is my year of traveling, so if there is somewhere I want to go/visit I've probably already planned it.  But if I had a transporter I'd go to CO tomorrow and escape the Adelaide winter.

Otherwise, I'm traveling around Australia in September, China and Thailand in October and LA in November.  So pretty much have everywhere I want to go covered (at least for this year).  I still want to make it to South America at some point.

Day 29:  5 Weird things you like - 14 July

1.  Dressing up in costumes - especially for Thanksgiving
2.  Eating peanut butter with chocolate sauce
3.  People think my diet is weird...but that is just because I don't eat meat (but I don't think its weird)
4.  Accessorizing (although I'm not great at it).
5.  Braiding other people's hair

I'm sure my friends and family could come up with more and better weird things, so I should probably ask them...

Day 30:  Something your excited about - 15 July 2011

I am sooooo excited for my parents to come out to Australia.  I can't wait for them to see where I've been living for the past 2 years.

Not only that, but I can't wait to travel with them.  We haven't been on a vacation together in ages!  Time to be together, catch up on everything and just hang out.  It's really hard to express how excited I am, like my body is so full of emotion its going to explode! Can't wait!  Its going to be awesome!!!!!

30 Day Challenge: Day 23 - 26

Day 23:  Something that you miss - 8 July 2011

The easy one for me would be home, and when I say home I mean where ever my mom and day are (currently CO).  I think now that my time in Australia is almost over, and I'm so close to moving back it makes me miss it even more.

The other which might be a bit strange are my dogs that have passed away.  I continually have dreams where Wally, Bob or Butch (sometimes all) come back and are hanging with me.  They were the best dogs ever (including Jack who I also dream about but he is still with mom and dad so I count him in part of #1 home that I miss).  They all had such unique personalities.  Maybe its just b/c I really want a dog, but I also think there is something a bit more.

Day 24:  5 phrases or words that make you laugh - 9 July 2011

This one is difficult for me because there really aren't too many words or phrases that make me laugh.  The ones that I could come up with include:

 - Fart - Poo - when people have funny names and they are called out over the intercom (like my friend Emma Cocks).

Otherwise it's typically funny because of the situation its said in.

Day 25:  Something you are worrying about - 10 July 2011

I really try to not worry, especially when its about things you can't control (which I find to be quite a bit).

I guess right now I'm worried about leaving Australia.  Mainly because I have no reason to leave and I like/love it here.  Nothing bad has happened to make me leave and I worry about how I will feel once I'm gone.  I know I'm going to miss everyone here and i hat saying goodbye.  The worst part is I have to give a "Goodbye" speech at work.  Like I said I hate saying goodbye so I have no idea what I'm going to do there.

Day 26: Things you like and dislike about yourself - 11 July 2011
Likes

• I'm smart (in accounting)
• I like and get along with most people - I'm very open to meeting new people
• I'm good at keeping secrets (learned lesson from my mom)
• I am emotional - although I'm also really good at keeping these to myself (something that I don't like)
• I enjoy going out, seeing friends and I'm pretty much up for most adventures
• I like to travel and am pretty good at it

Dislikes

• That I do keep a lot of my emotions to myself
• I am shy when I first encounter a situation
• I'm a bit selfish sometimes
• I expect a lot from people, which sometimes might be a bit too high.

30 Day Challenge: Day 20 - 22

Day 20:  Your fears – 5 July 2011

My biggest fear is that something bad happens to my family or friends and they don’t know how much I love them.  I try and tell everyone every time I see them ut living so far away its more difficult.  

My psychology teacher always said that it s not your heart that feels – its your brain – but I disagree.  I know that my heard does feel and sometimes its so full of emotion it is difficult to get out, and I do love so many people with all my heart and soul and I don’t want any of them to not know.

Day 21:  How you hope your future will be like – 6 July 2011

Happy.

Isn’t that all I can really ask for?  who knows what my life in the future will look like – but I’m just want to be happy.  If I were to predict what my life would look like now when I was 18 – it would not bee where I am now.  I doubt I would have thought I would be living in Australia – or that I would be single and not own a dog.  But this is where I’m at and I love it.  

Maybe I’ll get married in the future and start my own family, or maybe I’ll be a sing mom and adopt a little one – who knows.  A this pint I’m not counting anything out.  I will try and keep making good decisions that make me happy and if I succeed my future is bound to be great.  

Day 22:  Your academics – 7 July 2011

Lets see I started pre-school at 4 years old and went onto Kindergarten.  I graduated grade 6 in 1995 from Normandy Elementary School – home of the dolphins.  I then went on to become a Knight at Ken Caryl Middle School for Grade 7 and 8.  Went through and ended up at Columbine High School and graduated as a Rebel in 2001.

I was accepted to Colorado State University and danced as a Golden Pom for 3 years (Go Rams!!). I graduated in 2005 but decided I wasn’t done with school – so I kept going for my masters.  Got a Master of Science in Accounting (dork!) and graduated in 2006 after writing my pro-paper titled, “A Study of the Correlation Between Market Specialists and Industry Concentration and Their Effect on Audit Fees.” (super dork!).

30 Day Challenge: Day 17 - 19

Day 17:  Something you are proud of – 2 July 2011

The past month I have been very proud of the fact that I was recently promoted to manager at Work  Not an easy thing to do at a Big 4 accounting firm (at least not a lot stay around long enough) and definitely not something I had ever planned on sticking around for.  But I did…luckily I’ve had more days where I really enjoy my job than days that I loath my job.  So its good.  I always said that I would just make it through one year before leaving…now 5 years on and I’m still here, and although no one knows that the future holds, I still enjoy working for KPMG and I’m proud of what I have been able to accomplish.

Day 18:  A problem you’ve had – 3 July 2011

A recent problem I have has is the ability to say no – especially when something is not a good idea.  I’m usually up for anything which makes it difficult to say no.  And now , knowing that I have less than 3 months in Australia, makes saying no to anything even more difficult.  

But there has been times that I almost get into trouble (luckily nothing serious yet) and it worries me.  So this week I have started something new to try and remind me to say no.  I’ve started to stop biting my nails.  Sure it doesn’t sound big, but his is something I’ve done since I can remember.  I’m not sure if it will work, but maybe if I can say no to biting my nails, it will remind me to say no to some of the other things in life.

Day 19:  5 things you lust after – 4 July 2011

When I looked up the definition of lust it said, something you strongly desire, typically in a sexual connotation.  Well, that is just weird to post, so I’ve made up my own definition and have put lust in between need and want.  Say there is a 10 point scale, 10 are the items you need to survive and 1 are the items you want but don’t need to survive.  My “lust” falls in between 5-7.  So here are my 5 items I lust for:

1.  Music – I listen to it everyday and when I don’t or haven’t in awhile I get a bit crazy.

2.  Food – not just the basics but a really nice cooked meal.  Made by either myself or by someone else, doesn’t matter as long as it is good.

3.  Dancing/Singing – love it – and again I go a bit crazy if I haven’t don it in awhile.  I love taking long drives and singing my heart out in the car.

4.  The sun – It recharges me.  my best friend and I would do “light therapy” in the winter when the sun wasn’t you (yea that is also known as going to the tanning bed – but I swear it helps).

5.  Human touch – one of my colleges told me that you are supposed to have 7 touches from other people a day, and although I was fiercely a non-hugger earlier in my life – I am no a big hugger.  But I also like a good hand shack or a solid high-five.

Sydney to Brisbane Part 2

Byron to Gold Coast

Today we woke up early (7:30) and headed north.  We didn’t have any set plans, but wanted to see some stuff along the way.  We were crossing over from NSW to Queensland…it was going to be epic.  We turned off the highway to Tweeds Head and was driving through town to see where the boarder was and then all of a sudden ended up in Coolangatta.  

Turns out the boarder isn’t all that exciting and there was no epic moment.

We then decided to go for a hike.  There is Tambourine National Park close by which we headed to.  About 40 kms later we rant into this sign…

Whelp, that sucks.  I guess maybe we will keep going – there has to be another entrance for us…and 20 kms further – we saw the exact same sign.  Bummer – but luckily there is another national park close by – Springbrooke.  So we headed there.  A few kilometers in and we see a sign that says – steep grades caravans not recommended…well they didn’t say no – so we went.  17% grade hills and our Valda the Van was crackin.  Mat it up no problem.  We saw a lookout and had a quick stop.  You could see all the way out to the Gold Coast.  Then back in the van, a bit of road works and a lot more lookouts.  We finally found an information centre with no one around, but a few maps – and it turns out there weren’t any walking tracks around.

Bummer – but we did get to go to the “Best of All” lookout.  Which was probably the best one we saw.  You could see all the way back to Byron Bay.  We had a quick lunch of chips, salsa and fruit and were on our way.  

There was a road we saw which looked promising to get us out of this park with no walks without having to backtrack.  So we jumped on it…only to find out 10 kms later it dead ended into a picnic site.  Seriously, there were way too many lookouts and picnic sites in this park.  So we turned around and came out the same way we went in.

What was supposed to be a quick 30 min drive to hike, turned into a 3 hour drive with no hike.  Not the best afternoon – but on the bright side we did get to listen to lots of good music, and as Helen soon found out I have a lot of “favorite” songs.  

Since the day was looking shattered we decided to go shopping – yes shopping.  Plus we had to pick some things up for our big year end KPMG bash.  

Then back to Burleigh Heads, to the caravan park.  Had a quick nap, shower and off to dinner.  What Helen refers to as a pensioners dinner because it is so early only old people are eating.  Now some more sleep and ready for Wet’N’Wild tomorrow – should be good.

Wet’N’Wild

Today was a great day.  Helen let me sleep in and we had a late breakfast.  Drove up the Coast to Wet’N’Wild for a day of excitement.  It was a bit cold when we first got there so we sat by the wave pool to warm up.  We then took a walk around the park to see where the best rides were.

Once our plan was set we were off.  There was the family tube ride (which is made even better because you don’t have to carry your own tube up to the start), then onto the double tube ride, the straight down fast slide, the in the dark tube ride and the funnel.  At fist when I saw the funnel it looked a bit disappointing there was no spiraling down the funnel you just kind of dropped into it and went up one side, back down and then up the other…BUT when we actually were on the ride, we screamed like little girls.  Kind of embarrassing.

After that we needed a break and sat in the whirl pools for the rest of the afternoon.  Very enjoyable.  Now back at the caravan park, shower and packed up as we head home tomorrow.

Gold Coast

Today we woke up early – but I had a really good night sleep so didn’t feel too bad.  ate some brekki, backed up the rest of our stuff and headed out – destination endota spa!  yep spa day – just what the doctor ordered.  We go there a bit early so took a quick walk along the beach.

The spa was amazing.  Started with a foot bath and scrub, then a body exfoliating scrub, clay mask, and cocoon.  Next a quick dip in the jet spa to clean off followed by an hour massage and facial.  Man relaxation is great.

Had a quick lunch trying to finish up the rest of our food and double checked when we had to have the caravan back.  Turns out it was at 3:30..which means we were going to be late.  Jumped in the van and drove as quickly as possible up the coast to Brisbane.  

Dropped off the van and with nothing else to do - went to the airport.  As there were no earlier flights to Adelaide we were stuck hanging out at the airport for a few hours.  We first had what I cal la pre-dinner dinner consisting of pizza and garlic bread.  Then it was a bit of wondering and a good hour of reading.  Then came dinner – Pad Thai – and off to the gate.  Lots of reading on the 3 hour flight home.

Sad that the holiday is over – but it was a fantastic road trip with excellent company.  Very relaxing but still full of excitement.  Can’t wait to do it again…

Sydney to Brisbane Part 1

Adelaide to Kauhan

We started our road trip at 6:30 am – driving to the airport.  Took the early flight to Sydney and headed to the luggage carousel.  Typically this is the easy part of the trip, but for some reason there was only 1 carousel running and four flights allocated to that carousel.  On top of that included on one of the flights was a school group – so you had all of them plus everyone else piling around the carousel.  The best part was when one of the students would try and pick up their luggage, but it was too heavy and he started getting pulled down the carousel with the luggage – and no one was helping him.  I felt bad for the kid, but there was no way I was going to get involved in that.  Helen and I waited patiently until the crowds went down, but by the tenth time our bags came around we figured we would just have to go for it.  

We got our bags and were off to pick up the caravan.  They gave us an introductory video which was very informational to watch.  One hiccup was that the van turned out to be a manual…and Helen can’t drive a manual…woops.  Looks like I’ll be driving the whole way.  I thought it was a perfect time to teach her, but she didn’t seem too keen (we even had full insurance so it wouldn’t have mattered what happened). 

It took us a good hour to get out of Sydney – I swear I don’t know who anyone gets around that place.  I did not enjoy driving in such traffic – but only curbed the van once, which I thought was pretty good.  

Our first stop on the road trip was a little down called Gosford, and it seemed like a ghost town.  Although it was a Saturday afternoon, there seemed to be nothing open.  We found a food court which has some Asian and a Maccers, but didn’t say long due to the number of sketchy people in attendance.  Instead we ended up at Subway (which I have never been to in Australia and it turns out they don’t sell single bags of chips…it was weird).  We found a nice park by the river to eat at – we could just tell this was going to be a great trip.

Then of to Port Macquarie (or so we thought).  Took a detour to checkout New Castle as it is the oldest town in Australia.  Got to the shore front and took a nice walk.  Really pretty out there with beaches and the waves.  Looks like it would be so fun to swim in during the summer.  Well the sun started to set so we thought it best to get somewhere to stay for the night.

Since we weren’t going to make it up to Port Macquarie (another 200kms) we found a caravan park in our book and headed there.  When we go there it looked like the beginning of a horror film.  It was just off the highway, there were very few lights, there was an old broken down fish and chip shop that hadn’t seen a customer in years, and it there didn’t seem to be many people around.  So we kept driving. 

Made it to Kauhan and called a park.  The lady there was lovely.  She cam and met us and got us situation and even gave us some tourist tips for the morning.  We quickly used the restrooms and were out for dinner.  Went to the local pub – which was a RSL (returned from service league).  I ordered the special of steamed barramundi – and when it came out it was an entire fish (eyes, head and everything).  I was a little freaked out, but he tasted sooooo good.  I ate pretty much everything (left the head and tail) and thanked him for the good meal hoping that he had a good life up until the point of my dinner…yeah I’m one of those people.  Helen had a steak sandwich which she said was just like the one that she would make at home.  Then back to the caravan ready for another day.

Kauhan to Port Macquarie

Today we work up and I was freezing!!!!!  Turns out one of the comforters fell on the floor during the night and considering there was frost on the ground out side it did not make sleeping this morning very comfortable.  I slept in and after I made it up, Helen and I walked down to the jetty to try and see some turtles and dolphins (Helen is an early riser so had already taken the tour this morning).  Unfortunately there was nothing there for us to see…

We got backed up and headed out.  Made it to Taree a few hours later and got some food.  Went to Wooly’s but had a bit of trouble parking as our van would not fit in the underground garage, so we were forced to reverse up the ramp, while making everyone else stop and a cabbie just sat there shaking his head like we were the biggest idiots he’d ever seen.  Didn’t really faze us though – just get out of my way or I’ll hit you…

Grab the necessities in the super market, chips and salsa – the usual.  Then we headed to Port Macquarie.  I started for what was called Lighthouse beach (as Helen has a thing for lighthouses) but turns out that one was really far away.  So we just walked along the beach and took some photos on the rocks.

Then we headed to the city centre.  Found another beach to walk along which then took us to a path.  The path was lined with rocks that were painted.  Our deductive reasoning told s that pretty much anyone could pain on the rocks, but I was amazed there wasn’t any graphite painted over other people’s paintings.  Some rocks were dedicated to loved ones who had passed away.  Others to remember best friends and family and some that just represented the people painting.  There was some I really enjoyed.

From there we walked into town and around.  For only 26,000 population there was heaps of stuff around.  We figured that it was to accommodate all the tourists who come during the summer.  We then got back into the van (Valda the Van) and headed out.  Stopped by the petrol station to fill up – definitely takes diesel and not unleaded like our introduction film indicated.  Then of to Coffs Harbour for the night.

When we got to Coffs Harbour I was asked to pull over and give a breathalyzer test – one of those we’re testing everyone who drives on this street set ups.  Instead of blowing into a plastic tube she made me count to ten.  It was really awkward so I said my numbers with lots of exhaling (e.g. whoone – twwwoh -  therrreee – fwwoouur).  I got to six and it beeped and the police woman told me to stop – I passed. 

Currently we are staying at an extremely nice caravan park, but there are heaps of kids running around – and we were lucky enough to get the site right next to the bubble trampoline which is the place to be if you are a kid in the Coffs Harbour caravan park.  

We started cooking dinner and realized that the van people forgot to give us pans to cook in…hmmm we have a stove but no pans.  I was trying to figure out if there was a way to cook our meal in the microwave, but Helen decided we should check the camp kitchen first.  It was a good decision and we found a pan to cook some Mexican chili.  Then a quick look a the maps to plan our day for tomorrow and ready for bed…yep only 8:00.

Coffs Harbour to Byron Bay

Today we woke up and took a walk around the caravan park – huge and very well maintained.  There was a fence down to the beach so we headed out – down the grassy knoll and straight into a swamp…muddy water everywhere!!!!  Our feet took the brunt of it.

But we ultimately prevailed and made it to the beach walked a long the rocks and found an even better beach.  Nice was to start the day.  

Then we were off to the clog house.  Yep the Clog House.  We weren’t really sure what to expect but since it was on three of our maps we figured it had to be checked out.  Turns out that it was a shop that made clogs…Yeah that’s exciting!

Next stop the Big Banana.  It was great – there was a whole theme park based around it.  We opted for the toboggan ride (king of like an alpine slide but not as steep).  The kid selling tickets said that we could get up to 60 kms an hour…AWESOME, but totally not true.  I’m pretty sure my top speed was like 5 kms an hour, but it was still really fun.

Then off to Ballina to see the Big Prawn – but turns out that the Big Prawn is not so much a major attraction like the Big Banana.  So much so that there was a big fence around it and no where great to park – we were just pulled off on the side of the road.  But we still go the picture (which proves that we were there and we saw it).  Had a quick lunch by the beach and took off for Byron Bay.

Byron Bay our final destination (at least for the next day or two).  Made it to the caravan park – right on the beach.  Got all sorted and took a walk along the beach into town.  Pretty much walked the entire town and made our plans for the next day.

Then it was to the pub for happy hour, a great Thai restaurant for dinner and back to the van for a good night sleep.

Byron Bay

This morning we had to get up early.  Got some breakfast and over to The Black Dog Surfing School.  Yep – surfing.  They claim that if they can teach a dog to surf they can teach anyone.  So we thought we should give it a go. 

Got our wet suits on and to the beach.  Had a quick lesson of the parts of the board and how to actually stand up.  This, to my surprise, does not consist of jumping.  We practiced a few dozen times and once we were good and tired we headed for the water.

We weren’t too far out – a bout waste high where all the waves break into the white water.  We lay on the boards and our instructors pushed us out and then yelled “UP.” which is when we are supposed to stand up.  Typically we all fell for the first few dozen times but just kept trying.  By the end of the day I was up more often then not and the instructor made me start paddling myself.  All in all really great fun and if you go to Byron I highly recommend their company.

We got back to the shop and the owners mom had cooked us soup and her dad had made us home baked bread.  It was awesome.  Pumpkin and potato soup – just what we needed.

Next was a quick stop a Wooly’s for some food for dinner and then to the Lighthouse.

The lighthouse is the most easterly point in Australia – a very nice place to visit.  We took a walk down the path and spotted some “dolphins” and a whale.  There were a few mums looking for their lost kids, but as there is only one trail I’m sure they’ll be found.

Then into town to the News Agency for some postcards and magazines.  Now were are back on the beach relaxing and watching the sun go down.  So far another great trip and we still have four days to go.  I love it when I’m already satisfied but yet there this is more to come…

30 Day Challenge: Day 14 - 16

Day 14:  What you wore today – 29 June 2011

Well I started out in my pajamas – some old cut off short, a tank top and old sweater (I don’t normally sleep in a sweater but it has been cold lately).  I changed into my work clothes for the day – Black boots, black pants, olive top, purple cardigan and white and cream scarf.  After work it was into my soccer gear:  shorts, shin guards, socks, and jersey.  Then home a shower and back into my pajamas.  Pretty typical day of clothes.

Day 15:  Horoscope sign and if it fits you – 30 June 2011

I’m a Pisces – the fish symbol.  They say I’m imaginative, sensitive, compassionate and kind.  Selfless, worldly intuitive and sympathetic.  I’m also an escapist, idealistic, secretive, vague weak-willed and easily led.

Yeah I would say that some of those adjectives describe me very well and some of them are me at all...but I could say that for a lot of my friends who are not Pisces as well.   I think that all of them are so general that anyone could really fit in to the category if they tried hard enough.  I do read my horoscope and sometimes it will give me the courage to try something new, but I definitely won’t live by them.  Let’s just say I like being a Pisces but I’m not going to go out and get a tattoo of the symbol anytime soon.

Day 16:  Something you always think “what if” about – 1 July 2011

The other day I was thinking bout what if there was not time – then on one would be late, no one would be early and there would never be ‘bad timing” for a relationship (particularly for one to start)  Then I kept thinking about it and really couldn’t figure it out.

So I googled it – and turns out that if there was not time everything would happen at once – or also nothing would happen at all.  Time (the name that we know it) is the ability to measure change.  Which makes sense – we get older and frequently change from year to year.  We measure hours by the change in the placement of the sun – and change is something that I think is good.  Everyone and everything should change…if it stays the same I think that is when you have a problem.

So now I’m okay with time – I love it but sometimes wish it was more in my favour.  

30 Day Challenge: Day 11 - 13

Day 11:  My Family 26 June 2011
My family is awesome - and its not because they're my family.  I'm mean who could love a family that has themed Thanksgivings every year AND everyone gets supper into it.
My mom - The absolute best mom every.  I remember in high school I was upset because I got a B in geometry and my goal of getting straight As was ruined.  She just sat there and told me I'd have to change my goals.  It was very realistic advice and good to know that I have that option in life.  She's great like that.
My dad – As I get older, I can tell that personality wise I’m very similar to him.  Loves making friends, music, having a good laugh, and being a bit goofy.  I will never forget the time he tried to ride a unicycle at a garage sale in the neighborhood.  As soon as he was up he was back down again falling into a pile of clothes.  Haahaha still gets me every time.
My brother – The logical one and my protector.  I couldn’t get a date in high school except with his best friend…but he was always there for me.  Once him and his friend stole my mom’s care and drove 26 hours straight from CO to FL because he didn’t wan tot miss one of my dance competitions.  It was awesome.

My Grandma (Mormor) – I’m a lot like her as well  Loved he to death and miss her every day.  She always had the best stories, even if they were served with some of the worst food.  When I was little she would tell me a story when I was going to sleep and draw the characters and the story line on my back, which always put me to be instantly.

My Grandpa (Bop) – the healthiest person in our family.  I have him to thank for teaching me to golf and giving me my first set of golf clubs.  He is also the reason why I’m such a good driver.  At the age of 6 or 7, I was driving his golf cart around and was pulling into the driveway when I knocked down his fence.  He was sitting in the dinning room watching the whole thing, and my dad was sitting next to me.  I think that both of them thought the other would say something to me – but neither did…luckily I haven’t knocked down any more fences.

Kendra, my cousin – My closest cousin.  We would go running to together at Washpark and the Wells Fargo stair run in Denver when we both lived in CO.  She is great.  I can’t wait to get back and visit her in LA.  

Andrea – my sister in-law – I am amazed with how patient she is day in and day out with my brother.  he was so lucky to get her.  She is a wonderful wife and mother.

Big T – My first nephew.  I cannot wait to see this kid in a school play.  He is such a great, extravagant story telling.

Harper – the newest addition.  Unfortunately, I’ve only seen him for a week.  I get some pictures and he keeps doubling in size every time we are on Skype.  I really can’t wait to get to know him better.

Dave and Alyce – Dave scared the $hit out of me growing up.  He was so tall and talked really loud.  So I always wondered how Alyce could be with him.  But now he isn’t as scary and they make Thanksgiving great (especially with the cheese and artichoke dip)!

Matt – My outdoor enthusiastic cousin.  Always driving a Subaru out for some crazy mountain adventure.  The is the epic CO guy.

Lucy – My long lost cousin.  just got an email back from her tonight and I cannot believe that she is going to school dances and has a boyfriend!!!  She is incredible and I can’t wait to see her again..

The rest of my family who I love but aren’t that close to include:  Dick, Don and Donna, Aaron, Sara, Kristen, Luke, Gina, Sam, Gretchen, Great Uncle Ross and Aunt Penny, Mike and Shelly.

Day 12:  5 Guys I find Attractive  27 June 2011

Well, I’m not going to write down 5 guys I actually know…so we’ll go with those that are famous

1.  Johnny Depp as Captain Jack Sparrow

2.  Ryan Gosling in the Notebook and Lars and the Real Girl

3.  Mick on Offspring

4.  Mathew McConaughey whenever

5.  Matt Bome in White Collar

Day 13:  What you think about your body – 28 June 2011

Well today was a good day for this one, Tuesdays are my yoga days – so for an hour and a half I stare at my body and to be honest I don’t mind doing it. 

I’ve worked very hard to stay in shape and to be comfortable in my own skin.  It’s a benefit that the activities that I enjoy keep me in shape (dance, yoga, soccer, b-ball) but I do have to watch what I eat and always have since I was 16.  But the past two years is the first time I haven’t been a member of a gym and I’m in better shape now than I ever have been.  Most likely because I’m having so much fun.  I love it.  I hope that I can keep this up forever…

But if there was one thing I could change it would have to be the size of my ankles.  I think that they are too big – but my personal trainer in Uni said I would have to have surgery to do anything...so I think I’ll just be okay with them

30 Day Challenge - Day 9 and 10

Day 9:  How important you think education is (24 June 2011)

My thoughts are simple; education is important.  I don’t believe you have to go to school to get an education.  I have known many intelligent people who didn’t finish high school – such as my grandpa.  But he has had so many life experiences that he understands everything and worked hard to get there.

Unfortunately, in today’s society it is expected to graduate high school and go to college.  There was no question that I would apply and go to a state school after I graduated high school.  I had no idea what I wanted to do, what I should study or why I should go to one school over another.  I ended up going to the college where I made the dance team.  Looking back I know that I made a great decision, but I was very fortunate throughout college to meet great friends and study a field that I enjoy. 

I’m not sure some of the other people I met were as fortunate.  They didn’t like class, didn’t like studying and ended up failing and dropping out within the first few semesters.  I know that it is not because they weren’t smart and couldn’t do it – but going to college wasn’t right for them.  Now 7 years later, one of my friends who I saw drop out, is doing great and owns his own business.  He is educated in his line of work which is all he needed from uni.

Lately, I believe that there are now more options for people after high school.  I don’t think that it is as necessary to go straight into a university and there are more and more trade schools that are a great option for some.  I hope this continues so that people don’t have to waste so much money going to university only to find out that it isn’t the place for them and don’t know where else to go. 

I think education is extremely important – but you have to be smart enough to know what works for you.  

Day 10:  Put your music player on shuffle and write the first 10 songs that play (25 June 2011)

1.  Finding Me – Vertical Horizon

Reminds me of senior year of high school.  I don’t remember this song in particular, but we used on of their other songs from this album for our dance team audition dance.

2.  What I Got - Sublime

Reminds me of middle school.  This song was everywhere.  Sublime was everywhere.  I still love the song, the album and the artist.

3.  Goodbye my Lover – James Blunt

Reminds me of my 5^th year at Uni.  Oprah made this guy extremely popular.  I enjoyed his first album, but have not been impressed since.  My favorite one is when he talks about Dorian Gray.

4.  Itchy A*&hole – Dane Cook

This one isn’t actually a song, but a portion of his stand-up routine.  It reminds me of Christa Neneber.

5.  Beth – Glee Cast

Reminds me of the TV show.  I can picture this scene in my head when I hear the song.  I think it is a great song and makes me feel hopeful.

6.  We Can Work it Out - Beatles

I love this song!!!  Could be a top choice for my theme song.

“Life is very short and there’s no time for fussing and fighting my friend.”

7.  Track 08 – Country 2004 (really I think its Come Back Down – Nickelcreek)

Reminds me of sophomore year of college.  Not a horrible song, but not a favourite either.

8.  Waterfalls - TLC

Who doesn’t love this song.  Reminds me of my best friend from way back in the day – Kim Fox.

9.  Wiseman – James Blunt

Weird – I thought it was supposed to be on shuffle.  Out of all my songs they pick two James Blunt.  I start thinking about how shuffle works, if it’s a random number generator or if there is a logarithm that calculates what is going to come next.  Hmmm I’m a dork.

10.  Hero Chad Kroeger

I’m pretty sure this was a theme song to one of the Spiderman movies and the only reason I have it is because my best friend Antny had me download it – probably when we lived together sophomore year of college.  Not a horrible one I guess.