“FUN” Friday

BUCKET LIST – No. 11

I have always wanted to go Whale Watching!

I am not too good on boats but it won’t stop me. There are some pretty amazing things to see on in the open ocean. Being in Canada, we have some amazing choices for Whale Watching. Check these articles out here and here. I don’t live somewhere where I can just go see them. I would have to leave the province but I am okay with that. I will do this… I know it!

Source: Shutterstock.com

I am not a very good swimmer. I can get by. I took lessons and learned how to swim but I don’t go too far from shore. I did almost drown in Mexico. I got caught in an undertoe and I will never forget the feeling of helplessness. I could feel the sand give way underneath my feet and I remember opening my eyes and all I could see was swirling sand. Fortunately, I got a break and could feel the sand underneath for a brief second and I got up. My friend’s boyfriend was already out to get me as he was a lifeguard and seen what happened. I got lucky that day.

So, when it comes to water activities I feel a bit skeptical and afraid but I have also had some amazing experiences just from going out of my comfort zone. This next story is one of them. I will never forget it. It was AMAZING! When George and I were on our honeymoon in New Zealand in 2006, we had a chance to take a boat tour (not one of my favourite things) and swim with the dolphins in Kaikoura. I could not pass this up! I love dolphins. George opted out (he’s not a strong swimmer either). I was so excited to do this until the day came and then the scary thoughts started happening. I won’t swim somewhere where I can’t see or touch the bottom but I am going to be in the middle of the ocean, who knows how deep? See where my train of thought was going? I was beginning to doubt myself and if I could actually do it. I had to wear a snorkel which I was not very good at and I didn’t know if I would be able to swim that much. It was a scary thing for me.

I did it though! We found a huge pod of dolphins and we pretty much jumped in the middle of them. They were swimming all around us. I remember the guide telling us to hum while in the water because they like that. I liked that! It kept my mind off of what I was so afraid of and enjoyed the whole thing. I even had a dolphin swim right in front of my face. I could have easily touched it but they told us to respect them as that was their environment and we shouldn’t do it. They are very fast! I had a fantastic time. I couldn’t keep up so good but I was proud that I didn’t drown and now I get to say I swam with the dolphins in the wide open ocean!

 

Trying to appear calm before jumping into the great big ocean

Can’t back out now!

Trying to keep up!

We have dolphins!

Look at the beautiful scenery…

And then a different look for the scenery…amazing!

This was my favourite shot. I took it once i got back on the boat to watch them swim away from us. Beautiful!

“FUN” Friday

BUCKET LIST – No. 9

I have always wanted to Bungee Jump. Yes, I would be scared sh****** but it’s the thrill. I am not an adrenaline junkie, I don’t go looking for crazy things to do everyday. Sometimes, I just need/want to do something different. I almost did it in New Zealand but our tour truck was acting up and I was the only one who wanted to do it, so we skipped by the site. I wish I had of did it. I still want to do it but now I have 2 little babies and priorities change so I’m not sure I could do it.  It’s still staying on my list… for further assessment.

All was not lost in the “crazy out of my mind” category while in New Zealand. I did do something just as crazy and it was awesome! I jumped out of a plane! I did it in one of the most amazing places on Earth.

I will never forget the feelings of sheer nervous-ness as the plane climbed to 12,000 ft above earth’s surface. It seemed to take so long. The scenery was incredible. I was flying over top Fox Glacier and the images will forever be engraved in my mind.

As I was hanging out of the side of the plane, I couldn’t help but think “am I really doing this”? I really didn’t have time to back out (I wouldn’t have anyway) but that free fall at 200 kmph really puts things in perspective. The only thing I remember thinking while falling was that my fingers were freezing. At least it wasn’t fear that the instructors chute wouldn’t open or he would have a heart attack while on my back!

Here are some pics from my experience….

 

 

Throwback Thursday

I’ve been dreaming of the beach. You know- the hot sun, the sand beneath your toes, a humid breeze, the smell of suntan lotion, the swaying palm trees…. and the DELICIOUS drinks that are served whenever you want. I’m going back to November 2009. I went on a girl’s trip to Aruba and enjoyed many many many of these delicious drinks! If anyone can please please please tell me what kind they are and how to make one-I would be forever grateful. I would like to be sipping on one or two of these whenever our summer arrives.

“FUN” Friday

 

BUCKET LIST – No. 8

I have always wanted to go on an African Safari. I made it a goal for my 30th birthday to get there and it didn’t happen. Boo! Although, it seems a bit harder to go at this point in my life I have hopes that someday I will make it there. I want to see all those amazing animals roaming freely in their habitat.

Photo Source: Unknown

Speaking of amazing animals… and in honour of World Penguin Day (which is today)…

I had the opportunity to see some when I visited New Zealand in 2006. We took a tour to the Otago Peninsula and got to see yellow eyed penguins, sea lions, seals, sheep and albatross all in the same day. You could get so close to the sea lions. They are beautiful, massive creatures and a bit scary at times when they open their mouth!

I could have watched the penguins all day. They were roaming around the field with the sheep and down to the beach. There was a particular couple I had my eyes on though. They were expecting and the male was constantly carrying things up to the nest to make it more comfortable for his little lady. He would not leave her side. It was amazing to watch. Here are some of my pictures. If you get the chance to go, we went with Elm Wildlife Tours.

 

 

 

“FUN” Friday

BUCKET LIST – No. 7

One of my dream jobs would be to be an Archaeologist. There’s just something about the mystery of what you may find. The history involved is incredible and the stories connected with the “finds” must be so fascinating. I am sure it is “back breaking” work. When I traveled to England, I had heard there may have been a way to join a dig for a day but unfortunately, it never worked out. If I ever hear of anything around here- I am definitely going to try it out.

The closet thing I have ever done to digging something up (beside matchbox cars in the sandbox) was  digging for gold in New Zealand. It wasn’t an “authentic” gold dig but it was fun and I got my little vial of gold flakes to prove it. I did it in the  little town of Ross. It is located in the Westland District on the West Coast of New Zealand’s South Island.

 

 

“FUN” Friday

BUCKET LIST – No. 5

I am a colour girl. I LOVE anything bright. It just makes me happy. I feel so inspired when surrounded by all things bright. That is why I want to go to the

Holi Festival– India

Holi is a spring festival full of singing and dancing. It is also known as the festival of colours and the festival of love. What more needs to be said? This sounds like my kind of festival. Maybe someday, I will get to experience it but for now it’s on my bucket list! I think it looks amazing…

Photo Credit: http://www.poraschaudhary.com/

Although, I may not get to India anytime soon I did participate in a smaller size “colour celebration” last year. As a family we did The Color Run. I know it’s not near the same as a festival but it was a good morning out with my little family. We had fun together and my toddler almost walked the whole 5K herself. She was a bit scared of the colour throwing at first but got in the game about 1/2 way through. Fun fun!!

August 2013

 

BUCKET LIST – No. 4

I adore donkeys! I don’t know what it is about them but I “LOVE” them. I think they are adorable, fun and they have been a part of some memorable times in my life. I don’t own any, although at one point in my life I thought it would be pretty cool to have a donkey farm. Maybe it’s the fact that they are a bit like me… STUBBORN. We have something in common.

My bucket list item for today is… to volunteer at a donkey sanctuary. It just so happens I have been to two of them. In 2009, I ended up going on a girl’s trip (kind of last minute) to Aruba. We all did some research and tried to fit in something that someone wanted to see or do while we were there. I discovered that they had a donkey sanctuary in Aruba and that is where I wanted to go. So, one day we rented jeeps and drove everywhere. We finally found the sanctuary but unfortunately it was closed for the day 😦  The donkeys, however were out so we got to have a little interaction with them on the other side of the fence. Yes, I was disappointed as I  would have liked to go in and talk to someone but it just didn’t happen. I was happy to give a little love from the other side…

http://main.arubandonkey.org/portal/    and   https://www.facebook.com/donkey.sanctuary.aruba

Donkey Sanctuary Aruba– March 12, 2009

Last year, while trying to find something to do with the kiddies, I discovered that we had a Donkey Sanctuary of Canada. How did I not know about this?! To make it even crazier, it is only about a 1 hour drive from me! I can’t believe I didn’t see/hear about this place. As soon as I saw it, I knew that’s where we would go…and we did! I loved it. We had a great afternoon learning about all the donkeys and their stories. It is a beautiful working farm. We discovered they also have volunteer days where you can go and help out with the donkeys.

As soon as my girls get a little bit bigger, I plan on crossing this off my bucket list (maybe a few times). I think it would be good to volunteer every year so I can get a few cuddles in as well.

Donkey Sanctuary of Canada

May 19, 2013

 

“FUN” Friday- Donkeys Donkeys

Clara Hughes… Thank You

Last Wednesday, I pulled my 3 year old out of pre-school a little early. I wanted to take her and her sister on a little road trip to a nearby city. I know they are a little young to understand some things right now but I thought this was a great way to celebrate, support and have fun at the same time. I don’t think it’s ever too early to teach them the importance of support and caring and what a great role model is. I told my 3 year old we were going to “cheer on a girl who was doing a big bike ride across our country to help people that need it”.

The event was being held at a local Canadian Tire store so it was easy for us to get there. The event was Clara’s Big Ride. Six time Canadian Olympic Medalist, Clara Hughes is riding across Canada in 110 days (12,000 km) to promote mental health and break down the stigma it has attached to it.

http://www.cbc.ca/sports/clara-hughes-begins-big-ride-to-promote-mental-health-1.2572781

The girls were all excited when we entered because they got some pretty cool blow-ups that they could wave around when she arrived and they had snacks and juice boxes which a 3 year old can’t pass up. As long as there is snacks-everyone is happy. Anyways, when she arrived- there was alot of excitement and I felt so much “awe” to be in the presence of someone so incredible. The dedication, the passion, the strength, the drive of one person is helping to make this world a better place. To me, that is simply “incredible”. Not only is she an Olympic athlete (which is amazing on it’s own), she is someone with so much spirit and that seems to radiate through her personality and her smile.

As a fellow Canadian, I want to congratulate Clara on her efforts and achievements and wish her the best for the rest of her journey. Stay safe my friend- you are an inspiration to all of us. Thank You for taking the time to meet us and for doing what you do. Your efforts are much appreciated. Please support Clara in any way you can… it’s important.

My little babe’s first time meeting a “Hero”

Clara and my most favourite girls in the world xo

“FUN” Friday- Castle Love

BUCKET LIST – No.3

I want to stay the night in a castle! I could have easily crossed this off my bucket list if I had thought about it when I was travelling. I lived in England for a year so I had every opportunity! I am kicking myself now. There are an abundance of amazing castles in England, Ireland and Scotland and I probably could have stayed in one in each country. I don’t think I will be getting “over the pond” anytime soon so I may have to wait a bit on this one. The one thing about a bucket list is it actually gives you hope and excitement of the “someday”. I found a great site about castle stays  so I will be keeping it on file (it is “family-friendly” as I am not single anymore).

In doing a little research, I came across Leeds Castle in Kent. I visited that castle when travelling. It was beautiful and I loved it!  The grounds were amazing. I don’t think you could stay there back then but you sure can now! Maybe just maybe….

 

Photo Credit: http://www.greatbritishgardens.co.uk/leeds_castle.htm

So, I have not stayed in a castle but I have STORMED a castle. On my tour through Northern Ireland, we stopped at Dunluce Castle. Unfortunately, we were a bit behind schedule so the sun was going down. We didn’t have a lot of time to explore but because there was no one around we “stormed” over the wall. We did get to see the sun set from a castle which was pretty awesome and I was secretly happy that none of us fell off the edge. It was really dark!

Dunluce Castle
I know the picture isn’t great but it’s the only one I have at the castle as it was so dark. This is the wall we “stormed” over.

Tuesday Travel Tidbit- Irish Style

In 1999, I was 25 and decided to quit my job, give up my apartment and sell some belongings to go backpacking in Europe. I didn’t know for how long but I was planning for a year (as that’s what my visa was for). My dad was so angry with me that he wouldn’t talk to me. Before I left, I actually moved in with my grandparents for a few months. I know now, that it was because he was worried sick about his little girl travelling alone for the first time. My older brother said I was “stupid” for giving up my job and apartment. My younger brother was supportive but passed on doing the trip with me. My mom was the only “real” supportive one. She was worried sick as well but I think she understood what I needed to do.

Everyone thought I wouldn’t “last”. I think that gave me the fuel to prove them wrong and the fuel for me to prove to myself that I could act outside the box. For a small town, shy girl… this was a HUGE step! I was scared stiff but ready for some change.  In that year, I seen so much, did so much, met so many people and experienced things I  never imagined possible. I’m so glad I did it and sometimes regret that I didn’t try for a second year.

Near the end of my travel year I visited Ireland. I wanted to be there for St. Patrick’s festivities so I did a backpacker tour to Southern and Northern Ireland. What a beautiful country! I wished I had spent a bit more time there.  Today’s travel tidbit is about “The Burren” in northwest County Clare, Ireland. It is an amazing place. It seems to go on forever and the vastness of the space just seems to give you that “peace” a soul craves. If you have the opportunity to go… GO! You won’t be disappointed. If you want more info, click away!http://www.theburrencentre.ie/ & http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Burren

The Burren- March 14, 2000

Hint…. Tomorrow’s post is probably my biggest Wicked Wednesday… Special Edition. They said “The Burren” was their favourite place. Any guesses who said this?