“FUN”Friday

BUCKET LIST – No. 10

I am afraid of fire.

I never ever liked fire trucks as a kid.

The only way I get near an open flame these days is to roast marshmallows for my smores’.

That’s why this next bucket list item kind of scares me. It’s not just the fire but the only thing between you and the ground is a wicker basket!

I imagine it is beautiful up there. If it’s anything like the peace you feel when floating down from an airplane jump after your freefall, it would be worth it.

We discovered last Christmas that my daughter was frightened out of her mind by a hot air balloon in a Christmas parade. A local company had one of their balloon baskets in the back of their pick up and they were doing the fire thing along the way. She did not like it one bit and the rest of the parade was pretty much a write-off. I have never told her about my fear of fire so it was interesting to find out that she has one as well.

All the reason to do it, right? Face the fear. One day… as long as I can where a fire-retardant suit and a parachute?

Photo Credit: Apex Balloons

I have been up in the air before with nothing but a beautiful coloured shute and a life jacket. I went Parasailing in Aruba. It was a 10 minute ride over the Caribbean Sea and beautiful Palm Beach. The scenery and peacefulness was awesome but I have to admit… I’m glad it was only 10 minutes. I was starting to feel a little “seasick” from the wind knocking me back and forth. I am so glad I did it though. I kept thinking to myself that this must be what it’s like to be a bird… it is a very ” free-ing” feeling.

Aruba- Palm Beach
December 2, 2009

 

“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

Throwback Thursday

I’m not going back too far today- only 3 years. However, it feels like a lifetime ago! George and I had just had our first baby 4 months prior to these pics. This was our first roadtrip with her. I am a big Tim Burton fan and I was so happy to be able to go to an exhibition in Toronto. It was amazing! When I look at these pics, I am astounded by how quickly time goes. 3 years is not a long time in my eyes but when I see how small Zoë was, I can’t believe it. She will be 4 this year and starting school and my other baby will be 2. The changes that occur in those few short years really are incredible. It kind of makes me sad in a way because I almost don’t even remember her being that small- how can that be?! When people say to “enjoy the baby years, it doesn’t last long”, they really are telling the truth.

March 8, 2011

 

“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?