Living Life Loudly

Bikram Yoga

2011-10-18T08:56:00.000-07:00

I did Bikram yoga yesterday for the first time and I'm so proud of myself. It was so hard mentally, but I stuck with it and came out so happy I did. The teacher said the only thing for the first time is that I had to stay in the room the whole time, and when I wasn't feeling it, to just do the sit or standing rest position. I spent a lot of time in my sitting position during the standing poses. It was definitely a challenge. I was super thankful I was by the door and that she opened it to the outside a few times, or I don't think I would have ever made it back to doing the postures. By the time we got to the floor postures, I was already an hour in and couldn't believe it. At the end I was definitely whipped by the heat and sweat that waterfalled out of my body. I just let the voice in my head be my teacher, as was suggested by my friend, and ultimately just realized my limits and tried to not push past them. I wish my schedule wasn't so hectic this week so I really could go back and use more of my 10 days, but I am really hoping to make it back again this week at least a few times and definitely see how it could be a good thing for my life. I'm goin'g to need a lot more towels and clothes though because otherwise I'm going to be doing a lot of laundry every week to go regularly. That's some serious sweating. Wow.

I like tall places.

2011-09-28T08:15:00.000-07:00

I recently heard on the news about the Washington Monument being closed indefinitely due to earthquake damage and was so saddened by that. I traveled to Washington DC as part of the original Project 30 and fell in love with the Free Museums, monuments and this one particular Mexican restaurant that had the best tortilla soup. I was also lucky enough to get up early enough one day to get in line to score a free ticket to the inside and up to the top of the Washington Monument. After having a special moment at the Statue of Liberty and including many of the tall buildings in New York on my trip storming the east, I found myself setting aside my fear of heights and drawn to high places with great views. I felt like this monument was something I couldn't miss. After hearing the news of the closure, it made me even more thankful that I had made that effort to get up that day, even with a persistent cold!

Did you know that inside is a brick made of a piece of native stone or granite from each state? As you rise in the elevator, you see out the window shows you the names of the states and the changing textures. It was beautiful. The entire experience was beautiful. It is an iconic monument for this country, and I'm glad I got to visit it.

You can read more about the Washington Monument on Wikipedia.

Sunset.com: 10 places for your life list

2011-09-27T21:56:00.000-07:00

Yay! A new list. Sunset Magazine just published 10 western national monuments to visit before you die.

I've been to ONE already and wrote about my visit to Pinnacles National Monument. I look forward to possibly visiting more of these outdoorsy locations in my backyard! Thanks Sunset!

Living Life Lots. 2011 so far - The DONE list.

2011-08-31T22:43:00.000-07:00

I know it's traditional to wait until the end of the year to do a wrap up of activities and achievements, but I thought I'd do a check-in now anyway. I've been feeling very busy and perhaps a little too focused on the list of things not getting done and not focusing on the done. I spent some time flipping through the months on my calendar tonight and thought maybe it was time to utilize this space a bit better in tracking how absolutely awesome my life has been. I read an article recently called "Failing Miserably" that talked about a similar anxiety and focus on the undone. I realized I need to step back more often and list out the things I'm actually doing, and so here I am taking a look at the last 8 months...

I can't believe I started the year on the other coast and saw the ball drop in the same actual time zone. That was special. I also tried Borscht for the first time at Russian Christmas with Mike's family before we flew home, and actually liked it!

Speaking of liking new things, who knew this year would have me buying asparagus and bell peppers without a gun to my head? This is big people. My willingness to try new food and expand my edible horizons this year has been huge with great results. Who would have thunk it?

I also managed to get Bella to the vet and she didn't claw anyone's eyes out and no one was otherwise permanently scarred (emotionally or physically) in the process. She's healthy, just scaredy.

Silly but small, but the fact my gorgeous car is alive and well and ahead in payments and up on maintenance is something I'm proud of. I get so much enjoyment out of driving it, it makes me very happy and I'm grateful for it.

I've seen 18 live music performances this year all over the Bay Area from bands big and small. A special bonus was taking Mike to a Rugburns show at the Belly-up and having him meet so many of my music friends. I've also seen 1 Cirque show, gone to a Sharks hockey game and attended my first music festival, camping out at High Sierra. I still find myself closing my eyes and remembering how it felt dancing to the funk in the sun without a care in the world. I hope I get to go back every year forever. Even though some of the days were hot and long, it was a great vacation together this year and I'm so glad we have those memories.

I've run in 6 races this year (up from 4 last year) and improved performance overall - 3 half marathons, a 5k, a 12k and a 6 miler. I got 2nd place in the 5k for my age division for the 2nd year and actually stayed to get my medal this time.

I've had some great times with friends so far. As much as I complain about how busy I am and don't see people enough, I've actually had some very meaningful times this year. I found myself finally hugging a decade old friend from another continent, resuming a playoff football watching tradition with a girlfriend, and camping with two of my closest friends to celebrate Beltane. There was also lots of introducing my man to some of my favorite people for the first time. We found ourselves starting a tradition and celebrated 2 passport wine tasting weekends with friends. It was also the year for meeting quite a few new little ones and celebrating the birthdays of growing munchkins.

There was a change in plans on the February trip to San Diego where we saw the Rugburns when the snow blocked our chance to see my parents in the mountains. Mike and I embraced the free time to explore San Diego and had an amazing vegan friendly breakfast by the ocean and spent some time exploring childhood memories in corners of Balboa Park.

I went back to San Diego in May to visit my parents by myself and enjoyed the road trip across California, but had to quickly come back and prepare for my solo adventure to Puerto Vallerta, Mexico. I spent 5 amazing days lounging on the beach, only venturing out of my all-inclusive haven to bravely take on a zip lining adventure. The trip was perfect.

I came straight back from my vacation into full on birthday mode. It started with an amazing dinner with some close friends. Discovering this tiny, but pricey Italian restaurant last December, I have come to want to call it a favorite but can't justify the splurge often enough to go back, but each meal has been a fantastic memory. Dinner tumbled into a fantastical surprise. When preparing for a wonderful picnic BBQ in the forest with a large group of my favorites people, I was blindsided by the granting of a birthday wish - my friend Shannon from far away was here and going to my picnic too! Tricked by Mike, his trip to drop someone off at the airport was actually an arrival and it made the day that much better. Flustered and excited, I managed to compose myself and get everything set up for our day. It couldn't have been a more beautiful spot and perfect weather for people to drop in and out helping me celebrate. So many friends from far and wide able to connect and meet. Strange how so many people interact so frequently over time because of Facebook, but so neat to see how many people connect and continue to communicate later too.

June was already in full swing and I found myself driving south yet again to participate in celebrating my awesome cousin's graduation from high school, with the side benefit that the celebrating included a chance to spend some really valuable time with my grandma and my aunt. A trip to a brewery, a museum and an awesome candy store kept us busy.

I have kicked ass at work this year. At times I've thought I was sacrificing my personal life for work, but I think I've started to find a balance for both. Though I feel like I have been advancing steadily for a decade and earned my place at the table last year, I feel like this is the year I've started to own my skill set and am proving what I can offer with it. I've never worked this hard but it is paying off. This has been the year that everything I've been able to learn has finally been able to come together and I have been able to lead and contribute at a significant level, not just a significant volume. I've had some really successful ideas this year, and put together some great marketing programs that I'm proud of and even snuck in a trip to Comic-Con. I feel like Q3 hasn't even wrapped up and I have a strong year of output shown. Even with everything we accomplished during business hours, we still found time to build bikes for kids and make care packages for soldiers. I'm pretty lucky to have the job I do, but I'm pretty proud of how well I do it too.

In trying to own my marketing skillz, I took on some new outside projects and helped launch a couple new Wordpress websites. I was also able to get rolling on a couple of my of my own. I had great hopes for the Live Loud Challenge, and really wanted to be leader in encouraging people to make small bolder choices in their lives. While it doesn't get the attention it deserves, the fact I bought my own domain, hosting and set up the whole site by myself was something I was (AM!) really proud of. I now have a second domain that will hopefully be my hub, and was bold and recently swiped up a third URL to park due to a random brainstorm for a new company I may want to start someday.

I took on the garden for a second year. While I've had some awesome help from Mike a few times, I'm pretty proud that this year I've spent so many hours by myself doing some serious labor. We built one garden box together, but I got all the supplies and then decided it wasn't hard so built a second all on my own. I've weeded and shoveled. While some things have been more successful than others and the experience doesn't come without frustration, the garden is a great accomplishment. I found myself unable to hide my pride when it got compliments for being ready ahead of the group.

I also just got back from a solo camping adventure in the Sierras. It was a challenge, but a memory I'm happy to have.

It's been a busy, full year. I've had to say no, I've not seen many of my friends, there were missed chances to travel, go or play. I've spent far too much time concentrating on the list of things that hasn't been accomplished, the people I haven't seen, the projects I wish I had more time for and what I feel like I'm failing at. I'm so glad I spent the last hour dedicated to showing myself that the last 8 months have been this full and wonderful and given myself a reminder to fall back on. It is easy to forget, and important to remember. I really need to stop expecting each post here to be some full report and just write more often to remind myself that this is the life I want. I'm so lucky.

Running

2011-02-08T23:11:00.000-08:00

Last Updated - August 4, 2011

Currently Personal Milestones:
10 races: 4 halfs, 3 5k's, 1 12k, 1 5mi, 1 6mi

PR for Half: 2:25:21 Pace: 11:06 - SF 2nd Half, July 2011
PR for 5k: 29:40 Pace: 9:33 - Watsonville Mother's Day Race, May 2011

Best Pace Over 5K distance: 11:02 - SC Wharf to Wharf, July 2011

San Francisco - 2nd Half Marathon July 2011
Bib: 36157
Overall: 2938 out of 4243
Women: 1399 out of 2365
F 30-39: 493 out of 795
Age/Grade: 45.49% Place: 2883
Finish: 2:25:21 Pace: 11:06
Tag Time: 2:25:21 Gun Time: 2:31:02
1.6 Mi: 16:15 Pace: 10:09
6.9 Mi: 1:14:41 Pace: 10:50

Wharf to Wharf 6 miles, Santa Cruz, July 24, 2011
Bib: 8025
Overall: 4999 out of 11003
Women: 2441 out of 6720
F 30-34: 379 out of 950
Finish: 1:06:12 Pace: 11:02

Bay to Breakers 12k, San Francisco, May 15, 2011
Bib: 6605
Overall: 17,571 out of 43,954
Women: 7538 out of 24,140
F 30-39: 2537 out of 6776
Finish: 1:32:50

Mother's Day 5k Race, Watsonville, May 8, 2011
Bib:
Overall: 60 out of 373
F 30-34: 2 out of 21
Finish: 29:40 Pace: 9:33

Santa Cruz Half Marathon, Santa Cruz, April 10, 2011
Bib: 2142
Overall: 1871 out of 2912
Women: 1096
F 30-39: 365
Finish: 2:29:19 Pace: 11:23

Surf City Half Marathon, Huntington Beach, February 6, 2011
Bib: 14509
Overall: 8227 out of 13256
Women: 4506 out of 8357
F 30-34: 812 out of 1341
Age/Grade: 44.99% Place: 8588
Finish: 2:26:43 Pace: 11:12
Tag Time: 2:26:43
Gun Time: 2:53:16
Split Times
3 Mi: 30:30 Pace: 10:10
8.2 Mi: 1:27:12 Pace: 10:38

Jingle Bell Rock 5k, Santa Cruz - December 2010
67th female overall, 19th females 30-39
Bib: 244 Time: 34:29.1

San Francisco - 1st Half Marathon July 2010
Bib: 62310
Overall: 5115 out of 8430
Women: 2588 out of 5007
F 30-39: 946 out of 1735
Age/Grade: 44.85% Place: 5135
Finish: 2:27:11 Pace: 11:14
Tag Time: 2:27:11
Gun Time: 3:27:04
Split Times
7.6 M: 1:22:07 Pace: 10:49

Aptos Women's 5 Miler - June 13, 2010
Time: 55:52 Pace: 11:11
Women: 59 Division: 5/7 30-34

Pajaro Valley Shelter Mother's Day Run 5k - May 9, 2010
Time: 30:06 Pace: 9:42
Overall: 64 Division: 2/19 Women 30-34

Sorely Neglected

2011-02-08T21:32:00.000-08:00

Hi Life List! I want you to know, I've been out living and doing things, I've just been very bad about documenting them! But that's all about to change, and I've got some catching up to do! I'm going to fill these pages with lots of updates soon about all the things I've done since the beginning of 2010, but first I have to go off and upload all the pictures I've been stacking up so I can share them with you! I love having this place to remind myself that my life has been full of wonderful things and memories.

Independence Hall

2010-04-07T13:36:00.000-07:00

Sandwiched between 2 Project 30 adventures (NYC & DC), I visited Philadelphia by train in April 2008 to see the birthplace of democracy. Originally thinking I would be a politician, I spent a lot of my years in college thinking about political theory, and found myself giddy to be in the city of brotherly love. Unfortunately, while I spent a large part of my few days in Philly in bed at the hotel knocked out on Nyquil, the small size of the town and the relative close locations of things left me able to see plenty of the sites I came to see.

One of those sites high on the list was Independence Hall. (Independence Hall is not only on the World Heritage Location List, but also one of the "1,000 Places to See" both in the US and Internationally, knocking off a slot on 3 lists once again. Also as a member of the National Park Service, adds to my collection there.) I was so excited about my chance to see this place, that I had booked my tour ticket months in advance to secure my ability to tour inside the rooms where the founding fathers of our nation debated the future. Having found myself immersed in the John Adams series playing at that time on HBO, the past seemed even closer to be walking through the hall.

Being in Philadelphia really effected me. From seeing the Liberty Bell, to seeing an amazing video at the Constitution center that reminded me what an amazing time we are living in. After coming from New York, and having such a dramatic reaction to the Statue of Liberty, this town really cemented for me that I was proud to be alive in these true times of change. I spent a lot of my time on the train from Philly to DC writing about my experience, but a sad computer ate the whole thing. I still think sometimes about the thoughts that poured out of my head and fingers in those hours after I left that town. Independence Hall was truly an inspiring place.

I also was able to visit the Liberty Bell, the famous LOVE sign (which I also saw a replica of in Tokyo), Betsy Ross' house, and many more historic places. The only place I missed seeing was the Philadelphia Art museum and the famous Rocky steps, but you always have to leave some reason to go back right?

Pinnacles National Monument & Campground - Solo Camping Adventure

2010-03-25T15:30:00.000-07:00

I have had mixed feelings about camping over the last 10 years. As a girl who grew up spending a large part of her childhood on the road, or living in campgrounds and sleeping in a tent as part of a lifestyle, I never really saw the draw to do it if you had money and a place to sleep in a bed at night. When I was kidnapped to Burning Man the first time, I had to borrow almost everything, and swore that they would “vote me off the playa” before the sun even set on the first night. (Joking aside, this was actually a real fear of not being able to “hang” with the survival camping.) But I made it, in a very limited camp, and even after a little distance from the experience, had a desire to go back.

In the past few years, I’ve not only returned and flourished on the playa two more times, but I’ve also found myself camping in neat places like Big Basin, Kirkcreek and Fernwood in Big Sur and Sequoia National Park. I was more and more prepared, borrowed less things and generally improved my attitude and experience all around with each visit. While I am nowhere near being nature girl, I’m definitely not someone who is shy of the outdoors anymore, and I’m really beginning to enjoy it. In January, I purchased a new tent to replace the playa-fried one that I had been using the last few years, and I was anxious to try it out, and to have a reason to finally splurge on a new warmer sleeping bag, simpler pad and a camp stove of my very own. Unfortunately, trying to coordinate schedules with various people and myself left it weeks before there was an open night for me to sleep in the stars and I was really bummed. On top of it all, this April was starting to look a little down for me, since the previous two years, I had done outstanding adventures by myself. I spent days powering through the east coast cities of NYC, Philly and DC and then one upped myself last year and traveled across the Atlantic to Amsterdam and Paris. Each time, being forced into situations and challenges during those adventures that forced me to test my independence and self-reliance, I was able to grow and learn more about myself. Without Burning Man in my future, and without the cash laying around this year to plot out something bigger than Paris, I was really struggling to find something introspective to push myself forward.

I started thinking that I really didn’t need anyone to go with me to satisfy my need for wildflowers and outdoor slumber, and I could really use a few days away from it all. A self-admitted technology addict, you literally have to take me out of range of wifi and cell signals to get me to disconnect, and disconnecting is something I desperately need to force myself to do more often. On top of that, I also think sometimes when you do things with other people, there becomes an average of your limits. It’s hard to truly test your own personal limits when you have to compromise and either push yourself further than you want, or are not sure you’re pushing far enough. It was time to see what some of my own limits were. So it was decided, solo camping it was, as soon as possible. I got the last of my gear, and started researching places to go. I had some requirements. I wanted to leave on a Friday from work, and be able to drive home Sunday, and not spend most of the weekend in the car. I needed to feel safe enough hiking and camping by myself, so there needed to be people fairly close by, no real hike-in spots for me this time. I also wanted to save some places to explore with my boyfriend, or places that were close enough for us to spontaneously camp on a Saturday night this summer. I was looking for some place fairly lush, I wanted wildflowers and flowing water. If I couldn’t have the ocean, I wanted a big stream or a waterfall or something wet. I didn’t want dry and crunchy. I had it down to Pinnacles and Big Sur, but a reminder that the first would be too hot in the coming months, and it seemed to fit most of the other requirements, I was in. (Plus, it’s one of the cards in my Bay Area Back Roads Deck!)

Pinnacles National Monument is an Ancient Volcano. NPS says "Rising out of the chaparral-covered Gabilan Mountains, east of central California's Salinas Valley, are the spectacular remains of an ancient volcano. Massive monoliths, spires, sheer-walled canyons and talus passages define millions of years of erosion, faulting and tectonic plate movement."

I took a ½ day on Friday, drove down the gorgeous highway 25 past fields of flowers, and found myself setting up camp with no one else around. It was sort of nice to be the first in my group of 3 sites to be there, allowing me to set up in quiet and arrange myself how I wanted without being watched. I was also a little self conscious about being out there alone and didn’t really want to talk to anyone or answer any questions about it.

I set up camp in under an hour, thanks to the tent practice the night before, and had plenty of daylight left for an adventure. I talked to the Ranger, and plotted myself out a little 6.5 mile hike for the evening, which I did in just under 2 hours.

It was fantastic to be out there almost completely by myself, and walking through such diverse areas of the park. I was glad I knocked this off on Friday, because on Saturday it was loaded with people, and it was easy to cut off this part of the trail group with a shuttle. I think I saw a dozen different wildflower types within the first hour, and was amazed by how many lizards and birds I saw as well. I remember saying out loud over and over that it was just so freaking beautiful. It was neat to take note of the flowers that grew in the lush shade by the river stream, or the flowers that thrived in the sun. I found myself thinking about the traveling of the patches year over year as the seeds blew in the wind, propagating for future generations.

Some things I learned:

I spent a lot of time contemplating my own personal definition of “beautiful” in Nature. As I said above, when I started planning for this trip, I realized that I was looking for some place lush and green. After 2 days a bit inland, I realize that I need to alter my definition of beauty a bit. Especially because so much of this world isn’t coastal, realizing that there can be beautiful things in the high hills or the desert is probably something good to my future travel pleasures. I was so pleased with the variety of landscape in the park, and was really quite shocked how much I found appreciation for the crunchy shrubs.

Reading and relaxing is an important thing. I need to do this more.

I am not patient. Wait, didn’t I already know this? Yes, but I generally give myself grief for not being patient with other people. This trip confirmed that I’m not even patient with myself. There was a handful of times when I was so frustrated and I knew that I just needed to take a deep breath and shift focus, but I just got angry instead. A good example of this was setting up the tent the night before the trip to realize I didn’t have the instructions, couldn’t find them online, was quickly running out of both daylight and time to do the rest of my chores, and ended up wanting to throw a fit. I didn’t, but it was definitely a test.

I do not like people around me in nature. I did a lot of contemplating about this during the weekend, because it’s such a balance for me. After the last few years of traveling around the world to popular monuments and museums and realizing how much I have space issues, I have this selfish part of me that wants these places all for myself. Then I realize that if they were more exclusive, that I’d likely never be able to see any of them, because wait lists and requirements would just be outlandish. So while I was overwhelmed by the shuttle line, and at times felt like I was in Disneyland with the numerous children buzzing around, I really can’t complain about all the people. I think it’s great that parents are taking their kids to outside places at all instead of keeping them in front of the TV. I felt the same way about the campground. While I really wish my tent was further away from my neighbors, or there was some blockage in between us to create privacy, there really isn’t a lot of options if we all want to be there and enjoy the monument. Either it’s more private and less people come, or we can all deal with a little bit of crowding. I guess I’ll deal.

It doesn’t matter if I’m by myself or with someone else – I’m going to go hard, and then bitch about it. I powered up the heated side of the hill, forcing myself through “just one more switchback” before stopping. I remember the uphill hike at Sequoia and how I never thought I’d ever want to hike again, that Mike was going to dump me from my whining, and that this was all seriously lame. I also remember at the end saying that it was worth it to see the butterflies, the bear and the lady bugs, and that I actually felt pretty accomplished and awesome physically for doing it. The hike up on Saturday was very similar. When I walked up to a world of children, I asked the ranger where they were going, and where they would not be, so I could pick that option. They chuckled, but I was serious that I needed some thinking time in quiet areas, and after being in boy scout land back at camp, I knew their echoing screams were going to ruin my day the way they had my night. The first 2 miles seemed like a serious mistake most of the time. I have serious “running out of water” paranoia, especially after Sequoia, and was afraid to drink too much, was scared I was going to trip and break something and die, and I still had more than ½ of the hike left once I actually got to the top of the hill. But a few hours later, as I was hobbling my blistered feet to the shuttle to take me back to camp, I was certain that I had made all the right decisions that day, and the extra effort was worth it.

While Oak is fantastic wood to burn for hours, for the second camping trip in a row, I’ve forgotten both newspaper and cheaper fire starting wood. There was absolutely no wood gathering here, plus the ground was a little wet anyway. I struggled a bit Friday night to get my fire going, and Saturday gave in and bought pine from the ranger’s station like we did in Sequoia. While I was greatly disappointed in my fires both nights, I decided the important part was that I got them going and didn’t freeze. It doesn’t really matter how it happened or what I did it with, just that I had a challenge, and I found a solution.

So in summary, it was a really freaking beautiful place that I had never been too before, and it was really neat camping by myself, and seeing how I worked things out. For a test of self-reliance and self-sufficiency, it probably could/should have been at least a day or two longer, but it still served a great purpose and got me outside and away from it all for a while. AND, it’s actually a few less things that I’ve never done!

See all the pictures from my adventure here.

What's your favorite place to camp? Have you ever camped alone? Have you been to Pinnacles - tell me about your experience?

I had never seen anything like this.

2010-03-22T11:17:00.000-07:00

Driving down Highway 25 to Pinnacles National Monument, I was blown away by the hills covered in yellow. It was exactly the sight I wished for.

I've also now been camping by myself. That's pretty damn kick ass. I'll write more about it as part of a post on the Pinnacles, but for now it's enough to say CHECK, one more life experience on the list.

Statue of Liberty

2010-01-11T21:57:00.001-08:00

One of the most moving experiences of the last 5 years was visiting the Statue of Liberty. As part of my original Project 30 adventure to New York City, I was not really expecting this large monument to move me so much, but it left a sincere lasting impression and incredibly fond memories. It also happens to appear on MANY of the "Must-See" lists that I'm tracking on, including the one that excites me the most, the World Heritage location list from UNESCO.

It's not just one of the 1,000 place to see in the US & Canada, but makes the bigger cut of the 1,000 places to see internationally! Only 999 more to go on each of those lists!

Here is what the National Park Service says about the Statue of Liberty National Monument -

Liberty Enlightening the World

Located on a 12 acre island, the Statue of Liberty Enlightening the World was a gift of friendship from the people of France to the people of the United States and is a universal symbol of freedom and democracy. The Statue of Liberty was dedicated on October 28, 1886, designated as a National Monument in 1924 and restored for her centennial on July 4, 1986.

Here is what I wrote in my blog entry about my visit:

First piece of advice - If you ever plan on coming to New York and seeing the Statue of Liberty, get your ferry and monument tickets ahead of time, get there at 8 o'clock and in line to pick them up and go on the very first ferry out. If you miss Ellis Island, you're still pushing noon. Between 2 security checkpoints, lines, etc, it's a big ordeal, and when I turned around to see the line behind me, I was shocked. Anyway, even though the ferry was insanely crowded, and the line to the monument still seemed long in front of me, I managed to work my way through security faster than everyone but one couple. What that meant is that for a brief moment, I was in the statue of liberty alone. When I walked in the door at the base, I wept. I walked all 156 steps to the pedestal, and came out in full tears. I called my grandmother and told her where I was, I needed to share it with someone at least a little closer to my time zone. I am very thankful I had her to call, I needed to share that desperately. It was seriously life changing.

She is beautiful. As you take the ferry there, you start to think she is so much smaller than you thought, but when you are standing under her, looking at every fold so carefully carved, you realize the undertaking. She is majestic, and amazing. I was so glad that I was there as the sun broke through the sky, gleaming her torch in the sun. As far as moments in my life go, I am certain that this was one of the most amazing. I walked to the lowest level of the pedestal, still free from any other people who seemed to be crawling like ants below. I laid on the ground and stared up at her. I am sure that anyone up at the top at this time may have thought I was nuts. I walked up and I touched the rock that held her up and thanked her for guiding us.

It was really something that still moves me to think about. I'm really very glad I got to experience this monument. Last year I called my grandmother from the top of the Eiffel Tower just to keep the tradition.

See the entire set of pictures here.

I found a new thing to life list

2009-12-21T09:54:00.000-08:00

World Heritage locations.

I've been to 3 that I could tell from scanning.

---January 2010 - I realize, wow, I've been to 6! I'm going to knock out these posts this week.

I'm just not indie enough.

2009-08-05T15:49:00.000-07:00

Exile in Guyville
Phair, Liz
The Indie Rock Exile

Here is another album I borrowed along the way. Another artist that I had an album from (Liz Phair), and another with more albums on my Ipod that I've never heard all the way through. One or two songs may have appeared on shuffle, but she certainly wasn't an artist that I searched out for, or found myself longing for.

After listening and reading the article about why it's supposedly so phenomenal, I realized I should probably listen to it a few more times for it's powerful lyrics. Having it on as background music while I was working didn't leave me feeling warm musically at the end of the album. She is amazing and powerful, and I can see the "Rolling Stone rockers" and how her self named album was a bit of a sell out in comparison...but it's just not me. Anyway, this one is on the Ipod, and in shuffle, and I'm not opposed to listening to it again. Glad I spent some time to hear it.

5/1000 down!

The Big Eat SF: 100 Things to Eat in SF Before You Die

2009-08-05T14:24:00.000-07:00

Earlier this year, I embarked on attempting to count down as many on 7x7.com's The Big Eat SF! (Which even has an awesome Facebook ap to help you track and post your progress!)

I particularly love this Google Map that someone laid out, so you can just grab something when you're in a particular neighborhood.

Thankfully, I've had a buddy in Pixy for all 4 of my conquests so far! (Okay, she did her Irish Coffee at the airport, but we're even!)

#35 Salted-caramel ice cream at Bi-Rite Creamery tasted JUST LIKE A STICK OF BUTTER. It was seriously delicious. I bought a shirt that says something about licking and tasting good. I figured it couldn't be too bad if they had it right there on the wall at the store in front of kids, but I've not been brave enough to wear it in public yet!

#68 Irish coffee at the Buena Vista Cafe was part of the really awesome San Francisco adventure of a lifetime that I had with KC. I'm so thankful that he took me here on our photo date adventure before we drove all over the city in the little yellow buggy!

#86 A cheese slice at Arinell Pizza was actually a damn yummy piece of pizza. I was doubtful when I took the ladies here on Valentines Day. How could a simple slice of cheese pizza be all that? But it was.

#88 Buckwheat crepe and a French cider at Ti Couz was to die for. I inhaled the mushroom crepe, and the dessert one was heavenly. This yummy alcoholic French Cider wasn't bad either!

Personally - my #1 thing to have in SF before you die is a Bloody Mary at Zeitgeist, the most awesome bar in all of the city. I try and take every person I know here at least once...which means I get to go back over and over and over and check out street art in the area! You should check it out! I don't even like bloody mary's but this one is YUM and the characters that are there from the staff to the random cross section of SF hanging out, is a people watching heaven!

Watch my progress on the "BigEatSF" tag!

Surfing Single Sensations!

2009-08-05T13:25:00.000-07:00

In addition to full albums on the list, there are also singles...so I decided to knock a couple of those out as fast as possible...

"California Dreamin'"
The Mamas and the Papas
I love this song. It's always been great to LIVE in California.

"Good Vibrations"
The Beach Boys
*Sigh* Again, I just LOVE this song, and LOVE that I get to be a "part" of the California surfing culture. This song reminds me of road trips with my brother when we were kids. Most Beach Boys songs do.

Woohoo, we're up to 4/1000!

Fiona is Fabulous!

2009-08-05T13:15:00.000-07:00

When the Pawn. . .
Apple, Fiona
A Ninety-Word Title, and It Doesn't Begin to Sum This Up. . .

I have this on my Ipod because I borrowed it from somewhere, but I'm not sure I've ever listened to it straight through, until now. I like Fiona, but I bought Tidal, not this one.

Listening begins...
...and ends.

Wow! What a great album of MUSIC. So many places where I just got lost in the tunes. I think this is definitely a thumbs up album I need to listen to. Lots of great lyrics too. I'm very pleased!

2 down, 998 to go!

My musical boyfriend always comes first.

2009-08-05T12:43:00.000-07:00

Heartbreaker
Ryan Adams
"Young, Sad, High = Songwriting Genius"

This album to this day is still one of my most favorites ever, and contains some of my most favorite songs.

"To Be Young" is by far one of my favorite tunes, and I feel like it connects with me. Having spent so much time young and sad. I listen to a lot of live Ryan, but the studio version of this song never disappoints.

Come Pick Me Up...Ugh. Beautiful.

I can remember when I first got this album, before I ever even saw Ryan in concert. I had only heard "Gold" with it's pop-ness, and liked it enough...but Pixy told me I should "Start" with Heartbreaker, so I bought it and listened to it quickly through before I picked her up and went off to see his toes a few inches from my face at the Catalyst. I can remember thinking that "Lucy" was fairly "noisy" and not caring for it - which is so weird, since now, I can listen to 100 different live versions of it in a row, and will rock out like crazy to it in the car without a care in the world. I think I just didn't have a big appreciation for it until I learned to love him.

Don't ask for the water is such a come down after Lucy, but so perfectly brilliant, I am moved every time. The album finishes off peaceful, and wonderful.

*sigh* I really love this album. I cannot wait for the day I get to hear it on Vinyl with pops and cracks. I definitely need an Austin trip.

1 recording down, 999 to go!

1000 Recordings To Hear Before You Die

2009-08-05T12:01:00.000-07:00

I have had this book for a while, and as musically obsessed as I am, it seemed like a good suggested life list goal to start with. You can follow and play along if you like, this list is conveniently online for you here.

Work is a great place to listen to music and I've not listened to many albums straight through since I got my Ipod over 18 months ago. So that also is a neat part of this project too. I'm not going to go in order, and I don't own a lot of those albums, but I do own some, so I'm going to start there.

Watch for my progress by following the tag 1000recordings, and tell me what you think of the albums on the list and your experiences with them as we go along!

I'm going to do this a bit differently.

2009-08-05T10:14:00.000-07:00

So right now I have a few drafts running:

I need to sum up Project 30 and what it meant to me. I've just been unable to spend the time to say everything about how that project changed my life in the way that I should.

Then, I've decided to use a bunch of different books and lists to drive different goals and my owns lists here. So I'm going to reorganize my living list, and the places I have been and want to go into new different lists.

I've decided that I'm going to start at work with the 1,000 recordings I want to hear before I die. Expect that post next.

Places I Have Been - International

2009-06-30T19:41:00.000-07:00

Cancun, Mexico - November 2006
Chichen Itza, Mexico - November 2006

Tokyo, Japan – April 2006, Primarily Shinjuku District

Fontainbleau, France (Including Royal Chateau)

Paris, France – April 2009
Top of the Eiffel Tower
Les Invalides & Musee de l’Armee
Sacre Couer
Jardin du Luxembourg
Erotic Museum
Musee du Louvre
Sainte Chapelle
Top of the Arc de Triomphe
Musee d’Orsay
Pantheon
Notre Dame
Musee Rodin & Rodin Gardens

Amsterdam, Holland – April 2009
Flower Market
Coffeeshops
Van Gogh Museum
Anne Frank Haus
Riks Museum

Places I Have Been - United States

2009-06-30T19:39:00.000-07:00

Las Vegas, NV – December 2007, April 2009
Denver, CO – January 2008
New Orleans, LA – May 2001

Boston, MA
Cow Parade Art
Oldest Restaurant in the United States – Union Oyster House

Austin, TX – May 2007, Feb 2008, March 2009
Guitartown Art Guitars

Gruene, TX – Feb 2008
San Antonio, TX – March 2009
The Alamo

Farmington, MO – March 2008
Meramec Caverns – West Stanton, MO X 2
St. Louis, MO – Arch on Nov. 3, 2000 & November 19, 2002

New York – April 2008
Statue of Liberty
Museum of Modern Art
Central Park
(Old) Yankee Stadium
(Old) Shea Stadium
Museum of Sex
Madame Tussand’s Wax Museum
Empire State Building
Rockefeller Center & Top of The Rock
Times Square
Bryant Park & outside New York Public Library
Guggenheim Museum
Whitney Museum of American Art
Outside Madison Square Garden
Washington Arch at Night
Greenwich Village

Washington, DC – April 2008
Arlington National Cemetery
Outside Capitol Building & White House
Inside Washington Monument
National Mall & Lincoln Memorial
Vietnam & Korean War Memorials
National Air & Space Museum
Treasures of American History
Hope Diamond & Smithsonian Natural History Museum
Smithsonian Castle
Smithsonian Sculpture Garden
National Portrait Gallery & American Museum of Contemporary Art
Newseum – Grand Opening Day
US Constitution, Declaration of Independence & Magna Carta at National Archives

Philadelphia, PA – April 2008
The Liberty Bell
Independence Hall
Betsy Ross’ House
Original LOVE artwork
National Constitution Center, Samples from Cooperstown

Last Updated: June 30, 2009

Places I Have Been - California

2009-06-30T19:26:00.000-07:00

San Diego County
Mt. Soledad
Crystal Pier
Zoo
Mission Beach
Gaslamp District
Encinitas, CA
Lake Henshaw, CA
Julian, CA

Santa Cruz County
Big Basin State Park – May 2009
Mystery Spot
Roaring Camp Railroad
Covered Bridge Park, Felton
Henry Cowell State Park
Boardwalk & Wharf
Capitola Wharf
Natural Bridges State Park & Monarch Butterflies

SF Bay Area
Alcatraz Island
The Haight
The Mission
Baker Beach
Golden Gate Park
Yerba Buena Gardens
Lombard Street
Clarion Street Art Alley
Museum of Modern Art
Musee Mecanique
Berkeley, CA

Ventura, CA – December 2008
Santa Monica Pier – December 2008, Los Angeles, CA
Hollywood Blvd & Walk of Fame – February 2008, Los Angeles, CA
Beverly Hills & Rodeo Drive - February 2008, Los Angeles, CA

Hwy 1 – Seacliff, CA
Hwy 1 – Missile Park
Hwy 1 - San Simeon & Hearst Castle – December 2001
Hwy 1 - Elephant Seals – June 2008, Piedras Blancas, CA
Hwy 1 – Pigeon Pt. Lighthouse
Hwy 1 - Elephant Seals – Ano Nuevo State Park, CA
Hwy 1 – Stinson Beach, CA
Hwy 1 – Golden Gate National Recreation Area & Marin Headlands

Monterey Bay Aquarium
Monterey Fisherman’s Wharf

Winchester Mystery House – February 2008, San Jose, CA
Rosicrucian Museum – February 2008, San Jose, CA

Sequoia National Forest & General Sherman Tree – June 2009

Last Updated: June 30, 2009

Events, Activities, Festivals & Shows

2009-06-30T13:54:00.001-07:00

12th Annual Hot Rods on the Beach – October 10, 2009, Santa Cruz, CA
Samurai Exhibit - Asian Art Museum, San Francisco - September 13, 2009
Tutankhamun Exhibit - De Young Museum, San Francisco - August 10, 2009
Concourse Lemons - August 2009, Marina, CA
Maker Faire – June 2009, San Mateo, CA
Vday Pillow Fight – February 2009, San Francisco, CA

Dance Odyssey Student Recital – June 14, 2008, Santa Cruz, CA
Car Show – June 7, 2008, Capitola, CA
National Cherry Blossom Parade – April 2008, Washington, DC
Friday Night Waltz – March 2008, Palo Alto, CA
Multi Course Dinner at Asia SF – February 2008, San Francisco, CA
New Years Eve at the Clocktower – January 2008, Santa Cruz, CA

Fillmore & Western Railroad – December 29, 2007
10th Annual Hot Rods on the Beach – October 6, 2007, Santa Cruz, CA
NorCal Renaissance Fair – September 29, 2007, Bay Area, CA
HowWeird Street Fair – May 6, 2007, San Francisco, CA

Desert Dance Festival – Sept 16, 2006, San Jose, CA
Art Car Festival – Sept 16, 2006, San Jose, CA

Bill Clinton @ North Island Naval Station – May 17th, 1993

Burning Man
Burning Man Decompression – 2005, 2007, 2008, San Francisco, CA
Burning Man Festival – 2005, 2007, 2008, Black Rock Desert, NV

Trade Shows
Siggraph – 2006 Boston, 2007 San Diego, 2008 Los Angeles
San Diego Comic Con - 2006, 2007, 2008
New York Comic Con – April 2008
WonderCon – February 2008, San Francisco, CA
Macworld – January 2008, San Francisco, CA

Sporting Events
San Diego Padres vs San Francisco Giants - August 13, 2010, San Francisco, CA
San Jose Giants Minor League Baseball Game – July 5, 2009, San Jose, CA
San Jose Giants vs. RC Quakes Minor League Baseball Game – July 5, 2008, San Jose, CA
Oakland A’s vs. Cleveland Indians @ Oakland – August 23, 2001
San Diego Padres vs. St. Louis Cardinals @ Jack Murphy Stadium – May 27, 1994
Sharks vs. Blues Hockey Game – March 2008, San Jose, CA
Yankees vs. Devil Rays - April 7, 2008, New York City
Mets vs. Nationals – April 17, 2008, New York City

Camping, Hiking and Outdoor Adventures
Pinnacles National Monument - March 2010
Hiking at Butano State Park - May 2010
Huntington Lake, Sierra National Forest - July 2010
Grover Hot Springs, Sierra National Forest - August 2010

Dances
Mission Bay High School Senior Year Homecoming -
Mission Bay High School Junior Year Homecoming – October 7, 1995
Mission Bay High School Sophomore Year Homecoming – October 29, 1994
Mission Bay High School Freshman Year Homecoming – October 23, 1993
Mission Bay High School Senior Prom – June 1, 1996
USDHS Homecoming @ Hotel Del Coronado - 1994

Last Updated: January 2010

Live Music & Performance Adventures

2009-06-30T13:52:00.005-07:00

Festivals/Tours
Anger Management w/ Eminem, Lil' John, etc. – July 19, 2005
Smokin' Grooves w/ Outkast, Lauren Hill, etc.
Ozzfest w/ Black Sabbath, Marilyn Manson, etc.
Area One w/ Moby, Outkast, etc. @ Shoreline Amphitheater, San Jose - July 31, 2001

Individual Artists/Groups
Robert Earl Keen & Band @ Rio Theater, Santa Cruz - January 20, 2011
Shawn Colvin & Mary Chapin Carpenter @ Mountain Winery, Saratoga - August 5, 2010
Mike Doughty @ The Crepe Place, Santa Cruz - February 2010
Dark Star Orchestra @ Fillmore, San Francisco - October 3, 2009
Tim Easton @ The Crepe Place, Santa Cruz - September 2009
Gregory Page @ Paul's House Concert, San Francisco - August 22, 2009
The Sunday Gospel Brunch @ House of Blues, Las Vegas – April 26, 2009
Thunder from Down Under @ Excalibur, Las Vegas – April 25, 2009
Paula Poundstone @ the Rio - February 7, 2009
Chuck Prophet @ the Crepe Place – January 29, 2009

The Wrong Trousers @ Lestats, San Diego – December 28, 2008
Hayes Carll @ Don Quixote’s, Felton – June 18, 2008
Juvenators @ the Wharf House, Capitola - June 7, 2008
Colin Gilmore @ Flipnotics, Austin – February 16, 2008
Devil Doll @ Continental Club, Austin - February 15, 2008

The Courtney Janes @ Marin Coffee Roasters, San Anselmo – December 22, 2007
Roger Clyne & The Peacemakers w/ Eliot Randall @ Slim’s, SF – November 16, 2007
The Resentments @ the Saxon Pub – May 27, 2007

Tori Amos @ San Jose Center for Performing Arts – April 12, 2003
Three Doors Down w/ Nickelback @ Fillmore, San Francisco
Jimmy Buffett @ Shoreline Amphitheater, San Jose – Sept 26, 2002
Ronnie Dawson & The Blasters @ The Mayan Theater, Los Angeles – August 13, 2001

Garth Brooks @ San Diego Sports Arena – June 14, 1996
Alanis Morrisette
Tom Petty @ San Diego Sports Arena

Steve Poltz
Steve Poltz @ Belly Up Tavern, San Diego - October 23, 2010
Steve Poltz @ KC Turner House Concert Music Series - August 7, 2010
Steve Poltz @ the Crepe Place, Santa Cruz – August 6, 2010
Steve Poltz @ Belly Up Tavern, San Diego - February 19, 2010
Steve Poltz @ Cheers, Ramona - September 19, 2009
Steve Poltz @ Meg's House, Orange County - September 18, 2009
Steve Poltz @ the Crepe Place, Santa Cruz – April 28, 2009
Steve Poltz & the Rugburns @ the Casbah, San Diego - December 31, 2008
Steve Poltz & Friends Benefit Show @ 4th & B, San Diego – December 27, 2008
Steve Poltz and the Cynics @ the Crepe Place, Santa Cruz - April 13, 2008
Tim Bluhm w/ Steve Poltz & the Cynics @ the Crepe Place, Santa Cruz - Jan. 26, 2008
Steve Poltz & Friends @ Belly-Up Tavern, San Diego – August 8, 2007
Steve Poltz @ Bamboo Yoga Studio, Austin, TX – May 25, 2007
Steve Poltz @ 12 Galaxies, San Francisco - April 12, 2007
Steve Poltz @ Paul’s LRC, Sunnyvale, CA – December 4, 2005
Steve Poltz & the Rugburns @ The Casbah, San Diego – May 27, 2005
Steve Poltz @ The Starry Plough, Berkeley – October 8, 2004
Steve Poltz w/ Jeff Berkeley @ Santa Cruz – February 21, 2004
Steve Poltz w/ Jeff Berkeley @ Sacramento Coffee Shop – February 20, 2004
Steve Poltz Bday Show w/ Jeff Berkeley @ The Starry Plough, Berkeley – Feb. 19, 2004
Steve Poltz w/ Jeff Berkley @ 12 Galaxies – February 18, 2004
Steve Poltz w/ Jeff Berkley @ Altadena Coffee Shop, Los Angeles – February 16, 2004
Steve Poltz @ M-Theory In Store, San Diego – February 15, 2004
Steve Poltz w/ Doug Pettibone & Anya Marina @ The Casbah – February 14, 2004
Steve Poltz & The Rugburns @ Belly Up Tavern – Dec 31, 2003
Steve Poltz – Old Ironsides, Sacramento, CA
Steve Poltz w/ Hannan Brothers @ The Starry Plough, Berkeley – June 19, 2003
Steve Poltz @ Dana & Bill’s LRC, Suffolk, VA

Matt the Electrician
Matt the Electrician w/ Scrappy @ House Concert, Santa Cruz - November 2010
Matt the Electrician w/ Scrappy @ the Crepe Place, Santa Cruz - August 17, 2009
Tom Freund w/ Matt the Electrician @ the Crepe Place, Santa Cruz - November 14, 2008
Matt the Electrician (solo) @ the Crepe Place, Santa Cruz - July 19, 2008
Matt the Electrician w/ The Courtney Janes @ The Crepe Place – October 16, 2007
Matt the Electrician w/ Bob Schneider @ the Saxon Pub – May 28, 2007
Matt the Electrician w/ Michael Fracasso (PopStars) @ Opal Divine’s – May 27, 2007
Matt the Electrician @ the Attic, Santa Cruz – April 11, 2007

Todd Snider
Todd Snider @ the Rio, Santa Cruz - December 11, 2009
Todd Snider @ The American Music Hall, San Francisco – February 10, 2009

Indigo Girls
Indigo Girls @ the Catalyst, Santa Cruz - June 25, 2008
Indigo Girls @ the Fillmore, San Francisco – July 24, 2001

Ryan Adams
Ryan Adams & The Cardinals @ The Majestic, San Antonio - March 3, 2009
Oasis with Ryan Adams & the Cardinals @ Oracle Arena, Oakland - December 3, 2008
Ryan Adams & the Cardinals @ the Catalyst, Santa Cruz – January 29, 2008
Ryan Adams & The Cardinal @ The Catalyst, Santa Cruz – June 21, 2007

Willie Nelson
Willie Nelson @ Palomar Starlight Theater – July 15, 2007
Willie Nelson @ the Catalyst, Santa Cruz – May 7, 2007

Steve Miller
Steve Miller Band w/ George Thoroughgood, Greg Kihn Band, etc. @ Shoreline – Sept 17, 2005
Steve Miller Band w/ The Doobie Brothers @ San Diego Sports Arena – 1996?

Britney Spears
Britney Spears @ MGM Grand Garden Arena, Las Vegas – April 25, 2009
Britney Spears @ Compaq Center, San Jose – June 2, 2002

Luce
Luce @ Fox Theater – October 20, 2007
Luce @ Palo Alto Summer Nights – July 10, 2007
Luce @ the Boardwalk

Authors
Mary Roach
Christopher Moore x2
Susie Bright

Last updated - January, 2010

Play & Musical Adventures

2009-06-30T13:52:00.003-07:00

Point Break Live @ Metreon, San Francisco - June 2010
Wicked @ Orpheum Theater, San Francisco - April 14, 2010
Ovo @ Cirque du Soleil @ Grand Chapiteau, San Jose, CA – March 2, 2010

Spring Awakening @ San Jose Center for the Performing Arts - October 28, 2009
Wicked @ Orpheum Theater, San Francisco - September 26, 2009
Julius Caesar @ Shakespeare Santa Cruz - August 1, 2009

Spring Awakening @ Curran Theater, San Francisco - October 4, 2008
A Chorus Line @ Currant Theater, San Francisco - July 13, 2008
Beauty & the Beast @ American Musical Theater, San Jose - May 18, 2008
Mamma Mia @ American Musical Theater, San Jose - April 26, 2008
Mary Poppins @ New Amsterdam Theater, New York City – April 6, 2008
Gypsy @ St. James Theater, New York City – April 5, 2008
Kooza Cirque du Soleil @ Grand Chapiteau, San Jose, CA – February 28, 2008
Wicked @ Pantages Theater, Los Angeles – February 2, 2008

Avenue Q @ Orpheum Theater, San Francisco – August 10, 2007
Movin’ Out @ Golden Gate Theater, San Francisco – August 20, 2004

Rent @ Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium – December 9, 2002
The Blue Room @ Theater on San Pedro Square - March 2, 2002
Rent @ Orpheum Theater, San Francisco – July 14, 2001
I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change @ Theater on San Pedro Square – Dec 28, 2000

Rocky Horror Picture Show @ Kresge Town Hall – October 31, 1997

Hair @ Starlight Theater, San Diego, December 3, 1994

Rent in San Diego
West Side Story
Phantom of the Opera
Grease
How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying
Faust @ La Jolla Playhouse – Thur Oct 12, XXXX

Last Updated: January, 2010

Life List 2.0 - (Things from Dream It. List It. Do It.)

2009-06-30T13:49:00.000-07:00

Almost all of these things came from the "Dream It. List It. Do It." book from 43things.com.

DO:
Do the 365 days of Self Portraits project on Flickr.
Eat a tequila worm.
Bungee Jump.
Walk across a tightrope.
Take a 50-mile bike ride.
Walk across Hot coals.
March for a cause.
Give a lottery ticket to a stranger.
Serve Xmas or Thanksgiving dinner at a homeless shelter.
Volunteer at a zoo.
Volunteer for the SPCA.
Volunteer for the Library.
Volunteer for a local park or beach.
Give a microloan through Kiva.org
Be an anonymous donor.
Participate in a beach cleanup day.
Sleep on the beach.
Say "Shut up and kiss me."
Spontaneously kiss a stranger.
Say to a taxi driver "Follow that car..." or "...And step on it!"
Dance in the street.
Write on a bathroom wall.
See a concert on a whim.
Throw a public water balloon fight.
Own a house.
Pay off all my student loans.
Pay off all my debts.
Start my own business.
Own a vintage guitar.
Perform in a local musical.
Be a street performer.
Play the steel drums on my 50th birthday.
Give 10% of my income to charity.
Have a spa day.
Go to a health spa for a week.
Get a facial.
Walk a marathon.
~~Run a mile without stopping.~~
Do a colon cleanse.
Bicycle 200 miles in a month.
Run a 10k.
Plant a fruit tree.
Eat a fresh fig.
Jump into a huge pile of leaves.
Skip stones across a lake.
Plant a rose garden.
~~Grow sunflowers.~~
Eat a piece of fruit right from the tree.
Plant a tree on Arbor Day.
Play chess with the guys at the park.
Feed the ducks.
Have a sunrise picnic.
Make a sock monkey.
Write a children's book.
Have my writing published.
Publish a coffee table book of my photography.
~~Stencil public property.~~
Make a papier-mache mask.
Collaborate on an art installation.
Paint with oils.
Choreograph a dance.
Cast a sculpture in bronze.
Carve an ice sculpture.
Tie-dye a T-shirt.
Bury a box of treasures.
Play spin the bottle.
Run through the sprinklers at night.
Slide down a banister.
Twirl a baton.
Make balloon animals.
Roll down a sand dune.
Throw a paper airplane off the Empire State Building.
Blow bubbles in a mall.
Start a food fight.
Play hopscotch with kids I don't know.
Bury a friend in the sand.
Send a singing telegram.
Win a trophy.
Lead a conga line.
Take a famous photo.
Bury a time capsule.
Publish my autobiography.
Scan all my family photos.
~~Build a snowman.~~
Build a kite.
Build a clock.
Play paintball.
Bet $100 on black in roulette in Vegas.
Steal a lawn gnome.
Pose nude.
Spray champagne on someone.
Run through sprinklers when I'm 80.
Write my name in wet cement.
Ride a motorcycle.
Visit as many ballparks and stadiums as possible.
Have a tea leaf reading.
Have a phrenology reading.
Have my Tarot cards read.
Get kissed under the mistletoe.
Get checked for skin cancer.
~~Get an eye exam.~~

GO:
Walk through an orchard.
Go underwater spelunking.
White Water Raft.
Leave town and don't tell anyone.
Go on a yoga retreat.
~~Visit hot springs.~~
Snorkel in a coral reef.
Swim in a bioluminescent bay.
See a buffalo.
Run through a field of wildflowers.
Walk on a glacier.
Go to a big gala or charity event dressed to the nines.
Attend a film festival.
Drink tea in a Japanese tea garden.
Attend a poetry reading.
Visit a candy factory.
Go to the opera.
Go to a wine tasting event.
Attend a fashion show.
Go to an afternoon tea.
Attend the symphony.
~~Go to a pub crawl.~~
Go for a sleigh ride.
Go on a hay ride.
Go for a horse drawn carriage ride.
Visit a planetarium.
Play bingo.
Show up at the airport with my Passport and a bag and take the next flight.
Go to the Olympic Games.
Throw a dart in the map and go wherever it lands.
Take a hot air balloon ride.

International Destinations:
Ride an elephant in India.
Ride a camel in Egypt.
Walk the Great Wall of China.
Kayak in the Galapagos.
Go on safari in Africa.
Ride the Orient Express.
Go on a walkabout in Australia.
Visit Victoria, British Columbia.
Visit the Western Wall in Jerusalem.
Go to Stonehenge.
Kiss the Blarney Stone.
Have dinner at the Moulin Rouge.
Bicycle in Holland.
Ride a gondola in Venice.
Zipline over the Amazon.
Visit the Forbidden City in Beijing.
See a rugby match in London.
Ride the Chunnel from England to France.
Visit Dracula's Castle.
Samba at Carnival in Brazil.

US Destinations:
Drive the entire Route 66.
Do an Outward Bound wilderness trip.
Go to a juke joint in Mississippi.
Camp in Death Valley.
Dive in the kelp forest of Monterey Bay.
Camp in Yellowstone National Park.
Have a picnic in Joshua Tree.
Camp at Yosemite.
Visit the SF Zoo.
See the Marfa Mystery Lights in Texas.
See Mt. Rushmore.
See the Grand Canyon.
Go to the Rose Bowl.
Take a steamboat down the Mississippi.
See the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Live.
Do a girls only trip to Vegas.
Visit a winery in Napa.
Attend Sundance.
See a NASA shuttle launch.

Learn:
Whistle with a blade of grass.
Learn to whistle with my fingers.

Learn to drive a stick shift confidently.

Learn to identify at least 5 constellations other than the Dippers & Orion.
Learn more about Mythology.
Learn to hacky sack.
Learn to play bridge.
Learn to pick a lock.

Get another degree.
Take a public speaking class.
Know conversational Spanish.
Sing an entire song in Spanish.
Learn the phonetic alphabet.
Learn shorthand.
Learn to read Hieroglyphics.
Learn Sign Language.
Learn to read Braille.
Learn Calligraphy.

Take a massage class.
Learn Tai Chi.
Learn to do a pushup.
Be able to do pull ups.
Learn to do a handstand.
Learn to swim confidently.

Learn to play the spoons.
Learn to read music (again.)
Learn to play "Heart and Soul" on the piano.
Learn to play Fur Elise.
Learn to quilt.
Learn to make Mosaics.
Learn the art of Bonsai.
Learn pinhole photography.
Take a stained glass making class.
Take a woodworking class.
Take a jewelry making class.
Take a flower arranging class.
Take an acrylic painting class.
Take a pottery class.
Learn to sew with a sewing machine.
Learn to blow glass beads.
Learn to silk screen.

Learn to knit.
Learn to crochet.
Learn ceramics.

Food:
Learn to make a great cup of coffee.
Roast a duck.
Make baked Alaska.
Make yogurt.
Take a knife skills class.
Grill pineapple.
Make jam.
Prepare a flambe.
Deep fry a pickle.
Make gnocchi.
Make egg rolls.
Learn to make Soul food.
Make my own spaghetti sauce.
Make risotto.
Learn to cook chinese food.
Crystallize Creme Brulee with a blowtorch
Bake my own bread.
Make a cookbook of family recipes
Make Samosas
Make biscuits
Make a gingerbread house from scratch
Make Pad Thai
Make a souffle
Learn to cook osso buco
Crystallize flowers
Learn to make curry
Learn more about spices
~~Make hummus from scratch~~
Take a cake decorating class.

I've now...

2009-04-24T11:29:00.000-07:00

I've visited the top of the Eiffel Tower.
Dinner at the Moulin Rouge was expensive and will have to wait for next time.
I've seen the Red Light District in Amsterdam.
I was too afraid to bicycle in Holland.

I also had my palm read on Valentines Day.

Life List 1.0

2008-12-24T19:43:00.000-08:00

My very first pass at listing out things that I'd love to do in this lifetime. What's on YOUR life list?

Do the 365 days of Self Portraits project on Flickr.

Have a tea leaf reading
Have a phrenology reading
Have my palm read
Have my Tarot cards read

Learn to drive a stick shift confidently.
Learn the art of Bonsai.
Learn the phonetic alphabet.
Learn to identify at least 5 constellations other than the Dippers & Orion.
Learn to do a handstand.
Learn to swim confidently.
Learn to whistle with my fingers.
Learn Tai Chi.
Learn to make a great cup of coffee.
Learn Calligraphy.
Learn Sign Language.
Learn to sew with a sewing machine.
Learn to read Braille.
Learn more about Mythology.
Learn to quilt.
Learn to make Mosaics.
Learn to hacky sack.
Learn to play bridge.
Learn pinhole photography.
Learn shorthand.
Learn to read Hieroglyphics.
Learn to do a pushup.
Get another degree.
Take a public speaking class.
Take a stained glass making class.
Know conversational Spanish.

Drive the entire Route 66.
Go underwater spelunking.
Do an Outward Bound wilderness trip.
Walk across Hot coals.
White Water Raft.
Take a 50-mile bike ride.
Camp in Death Valley.
Walk the Great Wall of China.
Eat a tequila worm.
Bungee Jump.
Walk across a tightrope.

March for a cause.
Give a lottery ticket to a stranger.
Serve Xmas or Thanksgiving dinner at a homeless shelter.
Volunteer at a zoo.
Volunteer for the SPCA.
Volunteer for the Library.
Volunteer for a local park or beach.
Give a microloan through Kiva.org
Be an anonymous donor.
Participate in a beach cleanup day.

Sleep on the beach.
Say "Shut up and kiss me."
Spontaneously kiss a stranger.
Say to a taxi driver "Follow that car..." or "...And step on it!"
Have a public pillow fight.
Get kissed under the mistletoe.
Dance in the street.
Write on a bathroom wall.
Whistle with a blade of grass.
See a concert on a whim.
Throw a public water balloon fight.

Roast a duck.
Make baked Alaska.
Make yogurt.
Take a knife skills class.
Grill pineapple.
Make jam.
Prepare a flambe.
Deep fry a pickle.
Make gnocchi.
Make egg rolls.
Learn to make Soul food.
Make my own spaghetti sauce.
Make risotto.
Learn to cook chinese food.
Crystallize Creme Brulee with a blowtorch
Bake my own bread.
Make a cookbook of family recipes
Make Samosas
Make biscuits
Make a gingerbread house from scratch
Make Pad Thai
Make a souffle
Learn to cook osso buco
Crystallize flowers
Learn to make curry
Learn more about spices
Make hummus from scratch

Own a house.
Pay off all my student loans.
Pay off all my debts.
Leave town and don't tell anyone.
Take a solo trip to Europe.
Start my own business.

Learn to read music (again.)
Learn to play "Heart and Soul" on the piano.
Learn to play Fur Elise.
Go to a juke joint in Mississippi.
Perform in a local musical.
Play the steel drums on my 50th birthday.
Sing an entire song in Spanish.
Be a street performer.
Learn to play the spoons.
Own a vintage guitar.

Give 10% of my income to charity.

Have a spa day.
Go to a health spa for a week.
Get a facial.
Walk a marathon.
Be able to do pull ups.
Run a mile without stopping.
Do a colon cleanse.
Get checked for skin cancer.
Get an eye exam.
Bicycle 200 miles in a month.
Run a 10k.

Go on a yoga retreat.
Visit hot springs.

Plant a fruit tree.
Ride an elephant in India.
Ride a camel in Egypt.
Eat a fresh fig.
Jump into a huge pile of leaves.
Walk through an orchard.
Skip stones across a lake.
Plant a rose garden.
Grow sunflowers.
Eat a piece of fruit right from the tree.
Plant a tree on Arbor Day.
Dive in the kelp forest of Monterey Bay.
Snorkel in a coral reef.
Swim in a bioluminescent bay.
Camp in Yellowstone National Park.
See a buffalo.
Kayak in the Galapagos.
Have a picnic in Joshua Tree.
Camp at Yosemite.
Go on safari in Africa.
Run through a field of wildflowers.
Walk on a glacier.

Go to a big gala or charity event dressed to the nines.
Attend a film festival.
Drink tea in a Japanese tea garden.
Take a cake decorating class.
Visit a candy factory.
Take a massage class.
Take a woodworking class.
Attend a poetry reading.
Have a sunrise picnic.
Go to the opera.
Visit a planetarium.
Take a jewelry making class.
Play bingo.
Take a flower arranging class.
Go to a wine tasting event.
Visit the SF Zoo.
Feed the ducks.
Attend a fashion show.
Go to an afternoon tea.
Play chess with the guys at the park.
Attend the symphony.
Go to a pub crawl.
Go for a sleigh ride.
Go on a hay ride.
Go for a horse drawn carriage ride.

Make a sock monkey.
Learn to blow glass beads.
Write a children's book.
Have my writing published.
Publish a coffee table book of my photography.
Learn to silk screen.
Take an acrylic painting class.
Learn to knit.
Learn to crochet.
Stencil public property.
Make a papier-mache mask.
Collaborate on an art installation.
Create a logo for Snapped In Sin.
Paint with oils.
Choreograph a dance.
Make a ceramic vase.
Learn to throw pottery on a wheel.
Cast a sculpture in bronze.
Carve an ice sculpture.
Tie-dye a T-shirt.

Bury a box of treasures.
Play spin the bottle.
Run through the sprinklers at night.
Slide down a banister.
Twirl a baton.
Make balloon animals.
Roll down a sand dune.
Throw a paper airplane off the Empire State Building.
Blow bubbles in a mall.
Start a food fight.
Play hopscotch with kids I don't know.
Bury a friend in the sand.
Send a singing telegram.

Win a trophy.

Show up at the airport with my Passport and a bag and take the next flight.
Ride the Orient Express.
Go on a walkabout in Australia.
See the Marfa Mystery Lights in Texas.
See Mt. Rushmore.
See the Grand Canyon.
Visit Victoria, British Columbia.
Go to the Rose Bowl.
Visit the Top of the Eiffel Tower.
Visit the Western Wall in Jerusalem.
Go to Stonehenge
Kiss the Blarney Stone.
Visit the Red Light District in Amsterdam.
Have dinner at the Moulin Rouge.
Ride a gondola in Venice.
Throw a dart in the map and go wherever it lands.
Take a steamboat down the Mississippi.
Zipline over the Amazon.
Visit the Forbidden City in Beijing.
Take a hot air balloon ride.
See the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Live.
Go to the Olympic Games.
See a rugby match in London.
Ride the Chunnel from England to France.
Visit Dracula's Castle.
Attend Sundance.
Bicycle in Holland.
See a NASA shuttle launch.
Do a girls only trip to Vegas.
Visit a winery in Napa.
Samba at Carnival in Brazil.
Lead a conga line.

Take a famous photo.

Bury a time capsule.
Publish my autobiography.
Scan all my family photos.

Have sex on a rooftop.
Have sex in the rain.
Have sex in a movie theater.
Have sex in a field of wildflowers.

Build a snowman.
Build a kite.
Build a clock.

Play paintball.
Bet $100 on black in roulette in Vegas.
Steal a lawn gnome.
Pose nude.
Spray champagne on someone.
Run through sprinklers when I'm 80.
Pick a lock.
Write my name in wet cement.

Ride a motorcycle.
Visit as many ballparks and stadiums as possible.

Building a Life List.

2008-12-24T19:32:00.001-08:00

I have so much to say about this year and this project, but am not ready to put all the pieces together in words. What I am ready to do is declare this blog space my life list tracker going forward. I have my journal and photoblog and social networks, but this is a place to really focus on living life fully. I am going to start building my life list. Places I want to go, things I want to learn and whatever else fits. Some things may be small and some big, some may take my whole life, some may take next week. But I want to see growth and progress and learning, and to do that, you have to start somewhere, and for me that is going to be building this list. So many things made an appearance on the P30 list and then dropped. Well, that doesn't mean I don't still want to do them, so now is the time they come back and be part of the bigger overall life list.

I've read a few books recently that helped me kick off this list. Big props to "Dream It. List It. Do It" which was recently published by the 43things.com website, which is for life listing in sets of 43 things, as the name implies. I had forgotten I played on that site years ago, but never really liked it. Even the book has some annoying points for me, but it's a brilliant jumping off point. I've now read the whole list of 4000 something things they list and circled a ton, now I will go back and start to compile some semblance of a list from it. Watch for this list, and for it to grow, and shape over time. I encourage you to build your own life lists, share your desires and see what we can do together.

Here's to living!

Final Project 30 Official List

2008-12-16T00:39:00.000-08:00

Final Project 30 Official List -

December:
#1 - Purchase an Ipod - Complete
#2 - Visit Vegas & See a show (Spice Girls) - Complete
#3 - Whale Watching on Monterey Bay - Complete

January:
#4 - Tour St. George's Spirits, Makers of Hangar One Vodka - Complete

February:
#5 - See 'Wicked', the Broadway Musical - Complete
#6 - Ride a Mechanical Bull for Valentines Day - Complete
#7 - Multi-Course Dinner - AsiaSF - Complete
#8 - Winchester Mystery House - Wild Card - Complete
#9 - Kooza, Cirque Du Soleil Show - Wild Card - Complete

March:
#10 - San Jose Sharks vs. St. Louis Blues Hockey Game - Complete
#11 - Elephant Seals during Mating Season at Ano Nuevo - Complete
#12 - Dance Lessons - Friday Night Waltz - Complete

April:
#13 - Broadway Show in NYC - Complete
#14 - Baseball Game #1 - See Yankees (Last Year in Stadium) - Complete
#15 - Tour Museums in DC - Complete
#16 - Baseball Game #2 - See Mets (Last Year in Stadium) - Complete

May:
I turned 30!

July:
#17 - Minor League Baseball Game - Complete
#18 - Berry Picking - Complete

August:
#19 - Secret Stencil Mission - Complete

October:
#20 - Gun Shooting - Complete
#21 - Santa Cruz Mystery Spot - Complete
#22 - Roaring Camp Railroad - Complete
#23 - Horseback Riding in Half Moon Bay - Complete
#24 - Wine tasting - Complete

November:
#25 - Monterey Bay Aquarium - Complete
#26 - Alcatraz - Complete
#27 - Open Studio at my house - Complete

December:
#28 - Acupuncture - Complete
#29 - Make a Paper Crane - Complete
#30 - Live Life Loud! Doing more than 30 things OTHER than the project! - Complete

Project 30: LIVE LIFE LOUD

2008-12-16T00:17:00.000-08:00

Task 30/30: When in doubt...say yes.
Complete: NEVER!
Written: December 15, 2008

There are MANY things that I did this year I had never done that just didn’t seem worthy enough for their own post at the time. In reflecting on the other 29 tasks I have completed, I think it is completely remiss to not state how many other things got done this year, both that I had never done, and even that I had done that I managed to do in the midst of this madness. It is very neat to me that I not only did 29 pretty significant things during my 13 month project, but I did all this other stuff as well that I am going to sum up into this one neat little themed project called “LIVING MY LIFE LOUD.” I did a lot of things this year and it felt like I was always on the go or always going through security somewhere for something, but wow, I don’t regret a moment of going!

Places
(New!) New Years Eve @ the Santa Cruz Clock Tower

(New!) Denver – January 10-14 - I had never been to Colorado and it had been years since I had seen snow and way too long since I had seen my good friend, so off I was. It was an awesome, but cold trip of catching up and exploring one of the oldest gold mining towns in the west.

(New!) Rosicrucian Museum, San Jose - February 9 (Mentioned in Winchester Mystery House post.)

(New!) Gruene, Texas - February 17 - Side trip from Austin visit where we made the side trip to San Antonio for Bull riding.

Farmington, Missouri - March 3-9 - Visiting Family

(New!) Philadelphia – April 7-8 – Most of the attention about my big east coast trips went to Broadway, baseball and museums, but in between all that there was a stopover in Philly. Since I was taking the train and the train was going through Philly, it seemed silly to not get off for a night or two. Since I had wanted to do some train tripping in California, this week was a nice substitute for the experience. I really thought that if I lived out there, it would be hard to keep me from bouncing around the eastern seaboard with the help of Amtrak. Granted I was sick while I was in Philly, so there was less excitement than I had wished, but it was a good pace for the middle of my adventure. I saw the Liberty Bell, Betsy Ross’s house and Independence Hall where the Declaration of Independence was signed, along with dozens of other important old buildings. I also had deep fried macaroni with tomato soup that I still dream about at night.

Birthday Dinner @ the Red - May 27 - While we always end up there for Pt II of Bday activities, this time, I just decided to make it the main event.

Birthday Party @ The Saddlerack, Fremont - the Cowboy Bar - May 30 - Gave people a chance to reenact the bull and me a chance to really check out the local cowboy bar.

(New!) Camping in Big Sur and Viewing Elephant Seals at Piedras Blancas – June 26-28 – One of my bestest girlfriends was turning 40 and decided that she wanted to spend her time celebrating among the beautiful natural elements of the central coast. This would be fabulous if I was into sleeping in beautiful, natural elements instead of just photographing them and going home. But it was her 40th and only a short time before she was going to move away, so I was determined to be a trooper and head out anyway. Unfortunately, we experienced some awful fires this season and the main highway down the coast to Big Sur was closed, leaving only the very hairy drive over the mountains through the military base. There was a second where I thought of canceling, but with no way to notify my friend who was already off on her cell-phone free zone adventure, and everyone else pulling out at the last minute, I knew I had to go.
While the drive there was pretty scary, and absolutely overheated my brakes to the point of failure, thankfully at the bottom of the hill, it was an absolutely amazing trip. I am so thankful for those few days to make memories on the coast, camping on grass overlooking the ocean. It was perfect and I am so very glad I did it, I think we had a fantastic celebration. On the drive home, I decided to take the “long” way home, which meant down south past Piedras Blancas and the elephant seals living there. I had stopped here before and seen some pretty inactive elephant seals once or twice before on drives up and down the coast, but saw nothing like this time. The males were so active and vocal and nothing like the emaciated ones I saw at Ano Nuevo as part of the project earlier in the year. It was such a wonderful site, but I hadn’t showered for 3 days and smelled of campfire with a long drive ahead, so I took off, but smiling.

Burning Man 2008 @ Black Rock City, Nevada - August 23-September 1 - Third Time is a Charm.

(New!) Discovered Manresa Beach in Santa Cruz, Visited the Golden Gate Nation Recreation Area on Hwy 1 North, and discovered Stinson Beach. I also saw dozens of unique sunsets and started the 60 second sunset project.

Trade Shows
(New!) MacWorld, San Francisco – January 15-17
(New!) WonderCon, San Francisco - February 21-24
(New!) New York Comic Con, New York City - April 16-20
San Diego Comic Con, San Diego – July 22-27
Siggraph, Los Angeles – August 11-13

Musicians & Performances
(New!) Tim Bluhm with Steve Poltz and the Cynics @ the Crepe Place, Santa Cruz - January 26
Ryan Adams & the Cardinals @ the Catalyst, Santa Cruz – January 29
(New!) Devil Doll @ Continental Club, Austin - February 15
(New!) Colin Gilmore @ Flipnotics, Austin – February 16
Steve Poltz and the Cynics @ the Crepe Place, Santa Cruz - April 13
Juvenators @ the Wharf House, Capitola - June 7
(New!) Dance Odyssey Student Dance Night @ Louden Nelson, Santa Cruz - June 14
(New!) Hayes Carll @ Don Quixote’s, Felton – June 18
Indigo Girls @ the Catalyst, Santa Cruz - June 25
Matt the Electrician (solo) @ the Crepe Place, Santa Cruz - July 19
(New!) Tom Freund with Matt the Electrician @ The Crepe Place, Santa Cruz - November 14
(New!) Oasis with Ryan Adams & the Cardinals @ Oracle Arena, Oakland - December 3

Musicals
(New!) Mamma Mia @ American Musical Theater, San Jose - April 26
(New!) Beauty & the Beast @ American Musical Theater, San Jose - May 18
(New!) A Chorus Line @ Currant Theater, San Francisco - July 13
(New!) Spring Awakening @ Curran Theater, San Francisco - October 4

Other Fantastic Things Of Noteworthy Presence in 2008
Birthdays & Bonfires, Beltane, 4th of July, Halloween, Thanksgiving & cocktail gatherings!
(New!) Jury Duty in September - Dismissed.
(New!) Got my eyebrows waxed for the first time.
(New!) Celebrated weddings, pregnancies and sending one of my friends to live abroad!
(New!) Voted for the first African American to be the next President of the United States - Barack Obama!

And with all those little things wrapped up into one big thing summarizing what an amazing year I've had, I am going to call this PROJECT COMPLETE! Watch for additional reflections coming soon on what all of this meant to me and all that fun stuff about carrying it into the future and what I'm going to do for 31! For now, just enjoy the links, and help me toast and cheer and celebrate that this has been a very worthwhile project.

I'm so very proud.

Review the Final Complete Project List Here.

Project 30: Fly.

2008-12-15T23:00:00.000-08:00

Task 29/30: Learn to make an origami paper crane
Complete: December 14, 2008

It seems like such a small thing to be in the project, but here I am ranking learning how to twist and fold paper up with seeing Broadway and riding horses on the beach. One of the main themes of this project was to do things I've always wanted to do, not just that I hadn't done. With all my crafty ways, one of the things I've never really explored much is Origami. Like many skills in life, I have always marveled and sat in awe of the people that seemed to concoct the most lovely creations from simple paper, but never had the focus to acquire it myself. A few years ago, a friend even got me an Origami set for Christmas, and yet it wasn't enough of a kickstart to really take me away from other things that held my interest more. At Burning Man, I've frequently seen people give out cranes as gifts, and I thought they were so touching and sweet and seemingly perfect for the setting. Then, this year there was the Temple of Community, a larger than life crane that served as a Memorial. Again, I marveled at the shape and meaning and mentally noted that I would like to learn to fold paper so beautifully.

This entire project is a lot about flight. Not just the dozens of times I have done take offs and landings this year, but about flying free and independent in my spirit and willing to just jump and raise my wings. As I struggled to really find one solid last task that didn't seem repetitive, I was suddenly in the art store standing in front of this box that said "Learn to make 1,000 paper cranes." Before I knew it, it was in my basket and I was checking out, still unsure that this was something I could really do. But the more I thought about it, the more I thought that holding this as one of the last large tasks, with a goal of going forward making 1,000 cranes, I could happily carry this project forward into the future in a really neat way.

I came home and busted open the box to see it filled with 1000 3x3 squares of rainbow colors of paper and a sheet of instructions that seemed vague if anything. I struggled getting started, but thanks to some clever web resources and a quick Youtube video, the very basic skill that had always been out of my reach was mine. I folded 3 my first night and then 8 the next, upgrading for my last one to the larger sheets of paper that came with my older Origami set and making it MUCH easier to complete the cranes without them looking a bit mangled. Tonight I made one completely from memory and am sort of eager to get a more advanced book and try different things. It's exciting finding a new art. I have .01% of the cranes needed to get a possibility of luck, but this project is most certainly 100% MISSION COMPLETE!

Project 30: Human Pin Cushion

2008-12-15T20:36:00.000-08:00

Task 28/30: Have acupuncture.
Complete: December 1, 2008 & December 10, 2008

I am not sure if it is because I live in Santa Cruz and alternative medicine is so readily available, but it seems like acupuncture is just one of those things that everyone does. It's even covered by my medical insurance through work. I hate needles. To the point where I generally have to leave the room if they are there and had the last woman who successfully drew blood without me screaming note her name in the file for future reference. There is absolutely nothing potentially relaxing for me about shoving a bunch of needles in yourself, nor do I carry enough of an open mind about alternative medicine to even try to attempt this hair brained idea. Or so I thought. With my career being one of the constantly typing type and my hobbies fairly computer driven, I have had some occasionally problems with my back, neck and shoulders. Improper posture for the duration of my life, laziness and a general lack of exercise as of late haven't really help alleviate the situation either. When injuries arise, assuredly someone always suggests one of two unexplored options in acupuncture and a chiropractor and I generally shrug it (painfully) off.

Recently a friend at work started seeing an acupuncture person with whom she shared my fear of needles, but also my persistent pain and he thought he could maybe use some other methods under the umbrella of his care to help me heal. Since I knew budgetary limitations were going to keep me from knocking off any really spoiling spa day, I figured that this was something that I had always been curious about, but afraid of, and was something still caring for myself in the spirit of the project. After a brief email introduction was made, and a casual phone conversation, all of a sudden, I was booked into my very first appointment to be a human pin cushion. Even though there would be a majority of other care, in order for it to credit with the insurance and walk out of there short only a copay, I had to have "a needle or two." He explained this before hand, and I figured it was something I could come to terms with as the other option on the plate was an $85 an hour massage. I feared an empty bank account a bit more than I did needles suddenly, and since he hadn't exactly killed my coworker yet, I figured it couldn't be that horrific. For as much of a wuss as I am, I am actually more of a whiner than anything, I can generally threshold a fair amount and I was certain I would survive whatever was ahead.

I left work early, but in my usual rushing down the declining slope of the freeway, I looked in my mirror to see Mr. motorcycle cop pulling me over for speeding. While he was nice and I decided to postpone the freak out and major stress until the cost of the ticket and due date were revealed, it was not a very relaxing way to transition from a stressful day at work to a care appointment. I tried to push it out of my head, drive the correct speed and not worry that I was going to cut it just under the wire for being on time. I hate being late places and it is not a good impression on someone that is going to be a partner in improving my health.

I arrived in the beautiful Santa Cruz office, complete with all the relaxing elements you'd think to find in there, including a fish tank with gorgeous gold fish. I was handed a clip board with some paper work that seemed fairly similar to any first health care appointment I had been to and I was suddenly thankful for the formality. I guess it's just reassuring that you see that people sticking you in vulnerable spots have some sort of order and care about themselves and their presentation. In no time I was being led back to an office to sit in a chair to sit and begin our intake conversation. I guess I expected all of the health type questions, but I have to admit that there was some serious eye rolling on my part in the lifestyle changes section. I tried to be respectful and understanding that some people truly understand and grasp things out of my nature and that while I may not want to embrace the life they are suggesting, it doesn't mean I should deny it as possibly true. There was a lot of these unwelcome suggestions that went on. I believe in birth control pills with everything my lovely little education instilled in me, there is a reason to be on it. There is no way I am giving up cold drinks. My body could be whatever ecosystem you say and you could say that I would be guaranteed 10 more years of life if I gave up iced tea and crisp lemonade, I would die early and cool. There isn't going to be kale for breakfast, there is barely breakfast. But I saw the benefits of the tone of his overall suggestions, even if I didn't like the specifics. Okay, yes, there needs to be more for breakfast than triple mochas and I should be more active and start to consider supplements. I am 30 years old and I use my body pretty foolishly sometimes, it might not be a horrible idea to start making smaller changes in my life now to end up with big differences later. While I am not sure I can complete all the homework or make the full changes, I think there is something to be said for having someone to check in with that is willing to embrace working with me on more than my muscle tension.

When it came time for the first treatment, he ended up sticking only a single needle, which I never saw or felt, directly into the top of my head. He proceeded to work on the adjustment of my neck, trying to stretch and retrain the muscles. Overall, there was much more talk the first time than treating, and I definitely think there was some serious skepticism on my part, but he was so nice and well intentioned, that I saw no harm in giving it another go and made another appointment. He suggested a book that I started using on neck exercises, and tried to set out from his office with a geniune reevaluation of my diet and lifestyle. He even called the next day to check on me, and I was really impressed.

I came back the second time the next week before work. I knew I hadn't done all the homework, partially because I was sick, and partially as I said, there will never be kale for breakfast in any universe I live in. But I had gone to the Farmer's Market and I had started cutting down on sweet drinks and caffeine. I even tried to acknowledge when I was having cold things, but realizing that I just wasn't ready to give that up as part of my treatment. I figured I had done enough of the right things to not feel guilty about taking up this guys time who was putting forth a great effort to try and treat my pain. This time there was a bit more lecturing about the cold drinks, apparently, this isn't so much a negotiable part of the treatment and he shared lots of disappointment about my progress in that line item. (I think we will just avoid discussing it in the future so I don't have to lie.) I shared that I was eating more and the big win was the less caffeine, partially kicked off to wanting to save money and being sick.

For the second treatment, we ventured into more needles. This time as I laid face down into the bed, he rolled up the cuffs of my pants and stuck me in the inside of my knees, in addition to my shoulder where I was having some tenderness from the exercises. He then proceeded to do some "cupping" on my neck and shoulders, which he prefaced with warning me about the bruises they would leave. He said the marks were the badge of honor in Hollywood since Gwenyth Paltrow had been spotted with them but this only induced more eye rolling on my part. Neither hippie nor diva am I. The cupping involved him taking 4 jars and suctioning them to my skin and then leaving the room while I laid there like I was being sucked by leeches and poked by a porcupine. I tried to relax and really appreciate that this was an entire hour in my week where I wasn't rushing and was completely for me. The cups actually felt really neat, it was just a weird position to be in, feeling my back pulled on like it was. When I started growing impatient and sort of willing him back into the room, I ended up taking a big deep breath that popped one of the jars off and onto the floor, with my hopes it hadn't shattered. I was still stiff with 3 more and needles and face down. He returned pretty shortly after and removed all the gadgets from my form and I was again getting ready to leave. We made another appointment since I feel like I can commit to enough of the lifestyle suggestions to make it worthwhile for both of us, and it's only $15 each time and an hour for me to breathe. I'm pretty pleased that I faced my fear here to find a possible new avenue for exploring healing my body, and this is most certainly MISSION COMPLETE.

Project 30: I'm a Photographer.

2008-12-11T16:25:00.000-08:00

Task 27/30: Have an "Open Studio"
Complete: November 30, 2008

I am sort of a homebody. A messy homebody at that. Also, my house is a bit of my sanctuary. It does not look like an IKEA catalog. I collect things and I like my sentimental nature of displaying them. I have lived in my beautiful apartment for 5 years now, and over the course of that time, I have shuffled, rearranged, bought, thrown away and cleaned so many times I lost count. Always with this goal of having an adult house that people could come visit, but never actually reaching that goal. Until recently. Billed as potentially the final task in this project, I invited everyone I knew, including bravely my entire building, to an Art and Photography Vodka Spectacular and opened up my home to any that wanted to drop by.

It was a fairly stressful mission for me to even commit to the idea without a clean house and prints that impressed me, feeling a bit shy about my paintings being enough to hold the show. But an invitation had to be sent far enough in advance that people could plan, so I went ahead and sent it. By making the event more about the socializing and the open house and house warming instead of the art and photography, I took a bit of the pressure off of myself to really wow people with my work. It still had me up until 3am the night before moving around things and tidying up and still leaving things undusted and not perfect, but better than ever before. In order to motivate myself to finish the cleaning, I first hung the prints that I had ordered and slipped into the mattes, which ended up looking amazing pinned to the walls. Armed with every vodka mixer imaginable, some suggested cocktails and an apartment that was set to display my creative nature, I opened my door.

I am a very lucky girl that I have so many supportive and amazing friends that came out to spend the afternoon with me and gander at my things. It was a lovely turnout with quite a successful set of sales, including the 2 paintings above. It was 4 hours of conversation and good times over yummy drinks. (Absolut Peach Lemonade and Pear Vodka with Sprite were the clear favorites but found a new fan for the Mango Black Pepper vodka that doesn't really appeal to me personally.) It was nice to have people in my space and not feel amazingly anxious about it the entire time, and it really seemed to be as the day really was what the project was supposed to be all about. I pushed myself to do something that I normally wouldn't do, and learned a lot about myself in the process. It was nice having some of the neighbors over and bonding with them more, and being able to share with everyone a bit more who I really am. My house is a large representation of who I am, and it was neat to see people embrace it. Unfortunately, this was not the last task of the project, but a successful celebration of the project anyway! I'm very proud that this task can now be called MISSION COMPLETE.

Below are just a few of the selection of images that I chose to have printed in various sizes for my show, mostly old hits:

Project 30: The Rock

2008-12-09T20:05:00.001-08:00

Task 26/30: Visit Alcatraz Island
Complete: November 22, 2008

Who would have thought that an afternoon visit to a prison would be so lovely? I couldn't have chosen a better day to sail upon the San Francisco Bay out to the famous Alcatraz island. Thanks to the internet, I was able to wait until the last minute to decide how much I wanted to sleep in, booking my ticket early in the morning with enough time to park and walk to the loading dock. The tour seemed to be sold out, and full, but not crowded. I was happy to go to the island about mid day and missing the morning fog. As usual, traveling alone allows me to get to the front and premium seating or able to break away from the big packs with my quick walking, so I felt happy with my whole trip in a way that I don't normally feel happy around tourists. The ride on the bay was absolutely beautiful, but still brisk. When we docked on Alcatraz, I purchased the self tour map and quickly walked away from the masses and up the hill into the cellhouse. It was nice because while I never take the audio tour, this time I knew I wanted to and I did not want to be on the same pace as the rest of the entire boat that I just landed with. I knew that I could linger my way back down the hill and around the island after, but was there to see the jail. The audio tour was great, and I actually really enjoyed my walk through history. It was most crazy to me to think that the prisoners would get these glimpses of the beauty just out of their reach. It reminded me of the jail in Boston that sits with the best views of the river. As a sociologist, I found myself imagining the thoughts of the people that walked the halls, what it must have felt like to live in that tiny space. I tried to imagine the stories of then happening in the times of now and realize how very far we have come in terms of the prison system that we often bash for being out of date. I found myself deciding to take the long seasonal route around the back of the island and through some amazingly large agave plants. It was neat to be walking just steps from the short of the bay as it splashed on the rocks. It was such a lovely afternoon and I found myself so excited to take in more of the city that I decided that 2.5 hours on the island was enough and got in line for the ferry back. I found that I enjoyed the whole experience on Alcatraz way more than I possibly expected, but was much more captivated by a chance to see the beauty of the bay from a different viewpoint. I definitely think that I will be scheduling a visit to Angel Island next, but for now, calling this MISSION COMPLETE (and a much better way to spend $25 than the Winchester Mystery House!)

Some pictures...

The whole set of pictures here.

Project 30: Sealife & Stuff

2008-12-08T13:16:00.000-08:00

Task 25/30: Visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium
Complete: November 15, 2008

I fear tourists. But I cannot believe my fear of crowds and such available "I'll just go another time" reasoning has kept me away from the aquarium for this long. A few weeks ago, my favorite munchkins gave me my initial tour of a place that one of them was sharing he has been to "799 times." I was quite amazed how full of an afternoon that we had, starting out midday. Monterey is really such a short drive, and in no time, we were parked and inside the building at the end of Cannery Row. The enthusiasm held by the boys was inspirational and I have noted since then that I'd love to be that excited about something again. Even in my adult sensibilities, I was definitely in a world of wonder where I found myself able to just gaze off and get lost. I miss my own personal aquarium, but I have always enjoyed the relaxing properties of circling fish and waving water. I found such a great appreciation for all of the wonderful wildlife that I got to partake in over the afternoon, as the boys dragged me from one room to the other. I bet I could spend an entire afternoon just sitting and watching the fish swim in those giant tanks. The otters were cool as always, but I found that there were other species that entertained me more. The octopus was active, and the birds were just beautiful. They are adding a seahorse exhibit and I can tell you that I will not live in Santa Cruz another 12 years before I go back to see that wonderful wonder. We ended our afternoon with a delicious meal where I was happy to splurge myself over good company and silly laughs to call this MISSION COMPLETE.

Now on to the pictures...

Jellyfish:

Kelp Forest:

Other Neat Creatures:

The Whole Set

Updated Project 30 List - 10/26/08

2008-10-27T16:32:00.000-07:00

Project 30 Official List -
Updated October 26, 2008, 6 weeks to go.

December:
#1 - Purchase an Ipod - Complete
#2 - Visit Vegas & See a show (Spice Girls) - Complete
#3 - Whale Watching on Monterey Bay - Complete

January:
#4 - Tour St. George's Spirits, Makers of Hangar One Vodka - Complete

February:
#5 - See 'Wicked', the Broadway Musical - Complete
#6 - Ride a Mechanical Bull for Valentines Day - Complete
#7 - Multi-Course Dinner - AsiaSF - Complete
#8 - Winchester Mystery House - Wild Card - Complete
#9 - Kooza, Cirque Du Soleil Show - Wild Card - Complete

March:
#10 - San Jose Sharks vs. St. Louis Blues Hockey Game - Complete
#11 - Elephant Seals during Mating Season at Ano Nuevo - Complete
#12 - Dance Lessons - Friday Night Waltz - Complete

April:
#13 - Broadway Show in NYC - Complete
#14 - Baseball Game #1 - See Yankees (Last Year in Stadium) - Complete
#15 - Tour Museums in DC - Complete
#16 - Baseball Game #2 - See Mets (Last Year in Stadium) - Complete

May:
I turned 30!

July:
#17 - Minor League Baseball Game - Complete
#18 - Berry Picking - Complete

August:
#19 - Secret Stencil Mission - Complete

October:
#20 - Gun Shooting - Complete
#21 - Santa Cruz Mystery Spot - Complete
#22 - Roaring Camp Railroad - Complete
#23 - Horseback Riding in Half Moon Bay - Complete
#24 - Wine tasting - Complete

November:
Spa Time
Monterey Bay Aquarium
Art Show at my House

Unscheduled:
Cable Car Riding
Alcatraz
Cal Arts & Sciences

Edits to list since last update:
I have removed tasks that didn't seem like they were possible before the end of the project such as Disneyland, the Football game, Train ride to San Diego and the naked picture taking. They are all things I am still going to work towards, but would inhibit the completion of the project in 1 year. I feel comfortable with what I replaced them with, and as I stated at the start of the project, it's my year long party and I can change it as I want!

Project 30: Cheers!

2008-10-27T16:29:00.000-07:00

Task 24/30: Go Winetasting.
Complete: October 26, 2008

I'm not a big wine drinker, I am actually a big wine idiot. As a professional adult, this is sort of an undesired thing for me, I don't want to appear clueless and therefore appear classless. I want to at least know more about wine than pairing red with beef and white with chicken and fish. I've drank a fair share of wine, but I seem to miss the complexities and subtlety that a lot of people revel in. I prefer vodka obviously, but just because it is not my drink of choice doesn't mean that there isn't virtue in having some wine education.

While when I put wine tasting on the list, it was planned as a big afternoon of shuttled drunken fun around the Napa area. But again, like so many things in this project, the idea was really about education and not about excess, so I feel comfortable with a little substituting here. I am lucky enough to have friends that have some serious expertise in the area and yesterday a buddy and I trekked into the Santa Cruz mountains after our horse riding to sample some of the wines at Soquel Vineyards.

It is a beautiful property that reminded me that I don't have to go all the way to Scotts Valley or Ben Lomand for country times. It was one of those things that made me seriously consider moving to a new part of town. It seemed like another event took place on a perfect fall day, so the vineyards and the sunlight just seem to combine in the most picture perfect scene. We tasted 5 wines and I learned about the differences and some nifty wine terms to help me figure out what I'm drinking. I learned a little about the business of wine, and how grapes travel and are sold. It was neat and I think it was a good relaxing Sunday activity that was enjoyable and satisfying enough to call this very easily MISSION COMPLETE!

Project 30: Whooooooooooaaaaaaaaa!

2008-10-27T15:53:00.000-07:00

Task 23/30: Go Horseback Riding on the Beach
Complete: October 26, 2008

This is probably in my top favorite tasks that I have done this year. Thanks to Monterey Bay Equestrian, my lifelong dream of riding horses galloping down the beach came true and exceeded all my expectations. (Including the expectation that my ass would be sore today, but maybe not THIS sore.) Yesterday, a beautiful brisk day in the Monterey Bay area, me and a girlfriend set out for Moss Landing to meet our guide and our horses for an hour long trek on the beach and the dunes.

Unlike many of my tasks in the project there wasn't anything tentative about this one. The horses were beautiful and not scary at all, the injury factor was still high, but less likely and there was no great fear being tackled, only fun. From the moment I made the reservation, I was stoked about it, and the staff that took my call was friendly and encouraging. They met us on the beach and saddled up the horses for our tour and a shorter one leaving at the same time as us. While me and my friend sat on our saddles, we waited for the late comers to join our tour and got acquainted with our new furry friends. My ride for the afternoon was Geronimo, and he was such a sweet and mild mannered horse, I felt completely safe and comfortable.

We started off down the beach, trotting side by side behind the guide. Geronimo wasn't a big fan of hanging in the back and anytime he felt we were lagging, he would sprint ahead into the pack. It was cute that he couldn't keep up in a normal pace, but it made my butt a bit bruised from the excessive galloping in the catching up. There was a time when we posed in the surf on our horses, and then we did some serious galloping, during which my camera took a leap out of my pocket and into the sand. Thankfully the kind guide retrieved it for me and we returned to our sprint down the sand. It was a sweet little ride down the beach before making a turn onto the path through the dunes which were equally stunning. It is so amazing to gaze out over the river bed and agricultural rich ground and think how beautiful it all is, and then realize that this is my home. It was nice and relaxing in the single file strut and noticing the hawks and other majestic birds loop in the wind was breathtaking.

For some of it, it seemed too short, but parts of my body today disagree. It is definitely something that I would do again without thinking, and most certainly plan to do in the future. I'm very happy to call this MISSION COMPLETE. I wish I could do that every weekend...

Project 30: Chugga Chugga Choo Choo...

2008-10-27T14:30:00.000-07:00

Task 22/30: Ride the Roaring Camp Railroad
Complete: October 25, 2008

The Santa Cruz Mountains are home to the glorious Roaring Camp Railroad and for all the time I have lived in Santa Cruz and heard the horn blowing down by the boardwalk, I have never ridden the train. Unfortunately, at this point in the season, there is no longer a route the includes the beach, but there are still three treks into the forest daily. Saturday seemed like a beautiful autumn day to kick back and breathe some fresh air and take in the giants that line the north of me.

After I finished The Mystery Spot, I darted up to Felton and found myself transported to years ago. The property that houses the depot is just precious and I couldn't be more thankful to come upon it at this time of year. The colors of the trees danced in the wind and everything just seemed so beautiful and golden. I grabbed my ticket and a hamburger and sat myself down on the bench seat of the open car one back from the steam engine that would be pulling our way. It was a full train of families and tourists, but already the tone was much more pleasant and relaxed than The Mystery Spot.

Off through the trees we went for an hour of up and down hill chugging. There were broken bridges and burnt out trees. I felt like they provided enough information about the train for the junkies, but enough balance of the area and the nature to keep the rest of us entertained. It seemed like we did more stopping than riding though, as there were times that you'd go up one hill just to get enough momentum to go back down and switch back to the track going the other direction. A crafty way to turn a train at a sharp angle, but a pretty boring pause for the rest of us. There was a brief stop on the top of the mountain for a bathroom break and some pictures of the engine or trees, whatever your preference. I was happy for a moment to remove the seemingly large branch that found itself embedded into my eye socket and blinding me for a good while. It was not pleasant, and the bright sun shining through the tree branches just seemed to complicate things, so I was happy for a chance to chill in the shade and calm my crying eyes. Once the obstacle was finally removed from my blinking, I was able to climb back aboard the train in time for the departure back down the mountain. The beauty was breathtaking.

It was a wonderful hour of fresh air and nature, and I would certainly do it again with visitors from out of town, or maybe just a picnic lunch on the grounds before a big hike into the State Park. Either way, this was a pleasant project that is now MISSION COMPLETE.

See all my pictures from Roaring Camp here.

Project 30: "If we knew what was happening here, we'd be the solved spot."

2008-10-26T22:40:00.000-07:00

Task 21/30: Visit the Santa Cruz Mystery Spot
Complete: October 25, 2008

Deep in the forest, less than 10 miles from here, is a tourist trap. I have lived in this town for 12 years and I have never visited the "World Famous" Santa Cruz Mystery Spot. Once, I tried to go, but they were sold out and we didn't want to wait. On Saturday, I decided that would change, and I took myself up to the mountain for a sunny day to witness this "miracle" in the forest that had been good enough for Ripley's Believe it or Not and Life Magazine.

The Mystery Spot is a gravitational anomaly located in the redwood forests just outside of Santa Cruz, California. It is a circular area of effect around 150 feet or 46 meters in diameter. Within the Mystery Spot you will be stunned as your perceptions of the laws of physics and gravity are questioned. But don't take our word for it, come and decide for yourself!

The Mystery Spot was discovered in 1939 by a group of surveyors and opened to the public in 1940. The Mystery Spot has amazed and perplexed hundreds of thousands of visitors from all over the world, and many return time and time again to experience these puzzling variations of gravity, perspective, and height.

Some speculate that cones of metal were secretly brought here and buried in our earth as guidance systems for their spacecraft. Some think that it is in fact the spacecraft itself burried deep within the ground. Other theories include carbon dioxide permeating from the earth, a hole in the ozone layer, a magma vortex, the highest dielectric biocosmic radiation known anywhere in the world, and radiesthesia. Whatever the cause is, it remains a mystery.

When I told some friends on Friday night that I was getting up on Saturday to brave new worlds, they laughed and said enjoy. But I was still determined to see what the great mystery was. At the very minimum, it was an afternoon in the sun and trees and I needed fresh air.

Tickets are $5 and parking is $5 for overall it was a $10 venture that had me feeling that I sort of swindled in the same way that you were at an old school carnival. I mean, maybe I just smart or skeptical, but nothing they did was really all that "unexplainable" or more than a serious optical illusion.

I mean really, I'm not sure this place is constantly packed, but damn, people are fools. I was on a tour with people who thought this was really quite possibly the coolest thing they had ever seen. Ever. The little kids made sense, but there were adults who were just totally convinced by the slight of the slats. I giggled, I was happy it was short. We were graced with a pretty energetic tour guide and I do think she probably made that painful hour of my life much more entertaining. I did appreciate her extra effort, and I thanked her kindly as she handed me my signature yellow Mystery Spot sticker that would not be making a home on my car. I sort of chuckled as I climbed back into my car and was happy that I went and was happy to call this MISSION COMPLETE.

Project 30: Guns kill people.

2008-10-26T22:13:00.000-07:00

Task 20/30: Shoot a gun.
Complete: October 16, 2008

I am from a family where there were shotguns in the hallway at my grandparents house, in the closet at my uncles. I don't know if the gun cabinet was locked, I knew better. There were bows under the bed. Hunting and fishing was a thing. I also have lived in cities. I have had friends who have suffered from violence, who have died. I have always known that guns were powerful and to be respected. To me, they were scary. Last year when I started this project planning, I was up late watching the CBS tv show "The Unit" online. It was an episode that went something where the guy was too afraid to pull the trigger and he died or someone he loved died. I can't remember, but what I do remember is being really surprised that was the plot twist that was made in the suspenseful moment. I was shocked, because I identified with that. I think that there is so much for me to think about and review, that it would be possible that I would be too afraid and there would be bad harm. So I thought since it is something I have talked about doing for a while, and have pretty ready access to lots of gun proficient people, I put it on the list as something to do.

Two of my favorite men stepped up to make it their assignment for the project and for almost the entire year hounded me non-stop about going, but I was either too busy or too afraid to deal with it all. Like many of the projects that have come about however, an unplanned opportunity to satisfy my objective fell into my lap. Another one of my favorite men was having his birthday party after work at the local range, and a bunch of us from work descended there for a couple of hours one evening.

I have to say that overall, the experience was pretty powerful for me, and I am certainly glad that I have done it, but from the start, it was weird. Walking into the gun store that houses the range, it is filled with numerous stuffed victims that pad the walls. There is very little administration and confirmation of identity, to a questionable point. I mean, I blinked and signed my name and there was bullets and a .22 and protective gear in front of me. With no instruction, we walked into the range after covering our eyes and ears and walked to our lanes to settle in. I pretty much jumped every time someone fired for a very long time while we were in there, if not the whole time. You can cover your ears, but it still vibrates and its loud.

I was too nervous to start without the more experienced of our group, but I watched as a couple of the boys loaded up and shot at targets that looked like zombies. When the gun was empty they showed me the parts and let me touch it and put it together and take it apart again. I just still wasn't comfortable with the bullets part. I mean, hello, anyone who knows me knows that I am clumsy even in the best of all intended circumstances. I am easily distracted, and totally fumbly. To make matters worse, I was fairly intimidated with how small my hands felt on the gun and how much effort I had to exert to shift and move things. I didn't like how big it all felt in my hand and I was dealing with a small gun. I didn't like it and we hadn't even started yet.

Then the rest of the group showed. The part of the group that owns guns and shoots guns often and were there to lead the way. We went outside for a short safety talk, and for me, some fresh air. I was having a hard time. I wasn't liking how loud it was, I certainly didn't like how dangerous it was. I was pretty sure it was all a bad idea, and was trying to figure out how I could get out of firing one of those things. There was more safety talk, with lots of emphasis on the danger. There was a point when there was a pause and a note that this "wasn't helping Tori" and then confirmation that didn't help that "yes, you should be scared." My friends were right, it wasn't helping and there was no way to hide the fact I was going to have a girl second and a tear rolled down my cheek. Damn. It's okay, I recovered.

We went back inside and there was lots of lessons now with the gun and lots of watching and picture taking for me. But then it was done with everyone else and it was my time. So I took a few minutes with the gun and just me and did the practicing of the pieces again a few times until I felt comfortable. I was so scared. And not in a way like I am scared with a lot of things, but in a bad way that isn't pushing boundaries but that I just was terrified. I didn't like it one bit. I wasn't sure I could do bullets. I wasn't sure I was unfumbly enough to load it. I knew I wasn't leaving there without pulling the trigger once, but could I really load the clip and stick it in the gun? This is an entire action that is not with a safety on, I could drop it or someone could yell my name and I could forget and turn around or I would point it down and shoot my foot. I mean, hello, let's pause for a minute people who know me and realize that they let me, the girl who broke her arm walking, hold a thing that is meant to kill people. Yes, cars and planes kill people, but their main purpose in mechanical operation is not to provide mortal wounds. So I figured if I could load it, that I would be pushing my boundaries enough. It may seem silly but I have gotten to this point in my life where I am perfectly comfortable with my path even if it isn't as extreme as other peoples. This was one of those things. To the boys it was nothing to load clip after clip in bigger and bigger guns and fire into target after target. But for me, just being there was a big deal, so getting through the next steps was huge, even if small in comparison.

I got to put the bullets in the clip and the clip into the gun and stand and fire. It wasn't as scary firing the first one, but once I had done it, I just wanted all the bullets to be gone and it to be over. I could hear my friend saying that I should stay steady and I knew I was supposed to be aiming but all I could think was trying to keep it pointed forward and begging for it all to be over quickly. It seemed like it took so long and then it was done and I just wanted the weapon out of my hand. It felt good to have done it and I was happy that I went and I shot. But it didn't seem to have the effect of lessening fear that I wanted and maybe instead makes guns more real so maybe I fear and respect them more now.

It is just so weird how easy it was that a gun was in my hands and how easy it could have all gone wrong. It just seems so weird to me that people think that they are fun and exciting. I mean, I realized recently that many things I dislike are really things I misunderstand and are in awe over, and I think that this is one of those things. It is weird, because while this is something that was much less fun than say a Broadway show, it is something that was a big impact and a growing experience for me. I will probably think about it and process it for years and I think that I accomplished what I had wanted to do for me. I needed to know that I could pull the trigger of a gun, and now that I know that I have, I know that I can. I know myself like that, and that means I don't really need guns in my life. But this, thankfully, is finally MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!

Project 30: "The Not So Secret Stencil Mission"

2008-10-18T15:45:00.001-07:00

Task 19/30: Stencil Something
Complete: August 29, 2008

I am not sure how long ago it was that I saw my first stencil in the Mission, but public art has become one of those things that I am not sure I will ever stop obsessing over. Art in the public domain is symbolic and representative and speaks volumes about the culture in which is resides. I love statues, I love sculpture, but it is no secret that I love paint, and have an appreciation for the clever. The worldwide stencil invasion reached the cement of San Francisco and next to the beautiful murals of Clarion street came the spray painted sentiments of so-called rebels looking to bask in the glory of Banksy. The invasion reached me, and my lens, and I began driving miles just to walk solo steps through alleys and up sidewalks trying to find a stray scattering of paint left by some bold worldly mentor. I was in awe. I was envious. I wanted to be as clever and stunning, secretly admired. I wanted to stencil.

My idea when I added this to the project that I would find something stellar and witty that I thought was so brilliant that it should be shared illegally with everyone. I thought for months, brainstormed with friends, it was consuming at times. There was the idea that I could design a stencil that friends everywhere could use, and it would be symbolic. Then there was funny phrases and sweet designs that we came up with, quotes from songs, personal jokes, but none so wonderful that they were what I wanted to scar the world with.

The night before I left for Burning Man, I thought about the people who had designed stencils and set out in front of their camps for people to create t-shirts or remember their moments. I remember being sad in the past that I would hear about them or would find them but not be wearing anything but a bikini top. I thought I could design something similar, maybe our camp name, maybe the year. I tried and it was harder than I thought to carve the letters into the cardboard, and I found myself failing at my task. I wished I had a template to trace, something wonderful that said me. I had a mask from ComicCon, an Emily the Strange mask, that is one of my favorites and certainly a black cat says me. So I played and traced and in the end, found myself with a structure for a double layered symbol of my affection that I packed into my bins with some silver and blue thinking maybe I would be bold and spray the man, maybe the temple in honor of my beloved Bella.

What a blessing occurred when we got to the playa and less than a block away became the Morphing Mural of 4:30 and E. I was shy, I wanted to paint, but some of the things seemed beautiful and brilliant and so I stayed away. Then later in the week came and I got bold and so we went and I sprayed my space kitty on the wall. I was proud, I had contributed to something that had become a very large part of my days in my week. I was brave, I created, and I accomplished. I was a bit sad, I created a tiny mess but I dilligently cleaned up what I could. It was a good thing with our timing, because had I waited until that evening, to do it under the dead of darkness, the mural would have been taken down and been done, and I would likely be regreting that I was afraid to push myself off the edge. Instead, I sprayed, and I am proud.

While again, it wasn't exactly what I had intended when I started this project and made my list, I think since so many of the things are turning out that way, and the spirit remains the same, so I am calling this "Mission Complete". Maybe I will find some secret place back here in the default world to spray my stencil. Maybe I will do it somewhere I walk often, maybe that way when I see it, I will remember that I am brave, that I am powerful, that I am that girl from the playa that can do anything.

Project 30: Mmmm Berries

2008-10-18T15:31:00.001-07:00

Task 18/30: Pick Berries at a Local Farm
Complete: July 18, 2008

For my next trick, I mean task, me and a fabulous group of ladies went Berry picking in lovely Santa Cruz county. I've wanted to do it for years, I'm such a sucker for berries of all kinds and can quickly consume plentiful quantities in a single sitting. I am so blessed to live in such an agricultural rich area full of all the fresh produce that I could want, and farmer's markets almost every day of the week to get the freshest of pickings. But there is also something appealing about the stained fingers and scratched arms that come with doing it yourself.

The spring was waning and our chances of finding a farm with anything exciting to pick were starting to get slim, but we pushed ahead. Ahead to the coastal farm of Swanton to pick Olallieberries on their last weekend open. The pickings were slim, literally. The berries were fairly shriveled and it took some hunting to find the ones that months of children and pie making old women had missed. There was still a scattering of people throughout the patch while we picked, anxious to get the last morsels for jams and jellies. Mine were of course mainly for eating, and I ate quite a few straight from the vine.

We picked for quite a while, and all of us seemed satisfied with our score, so we headed out. We wrapped up a fabulous local morning with lunch at the yummiest deli in Davenport and dessert at Kelly's on the west side. It was great to be out with the girls, in the sun with the ocean in sight. It is always a good day when I can be outside in my beautiful state, and I am so glad that I finally got to do this. I am even considering apple picking, because I certainly do love a good apple pie. This is definitely MISSION COMPLETE and something I will most certainly be doing again in years to come.

Project 30: Take me out to the ballgame...

2008-10-18T15:22:00.000-07:00

Task 17/30: Attend a Minor League Ball Game
Complete: July 5, 2008

There is something very appealing to me about minor leagues for any sport. I think the kids in the NCAA try harder and certainly, you want to get called up to the "bigs" as your dream. I have been doing such a good job of making baseball a part of my year, which is, definitely something I haven't done in the past, that it seemed that going to a minor league game would fit very nicely in the project. It turned out to be even more convenient that one of my favorite little munchkins was having his birthday party at the San Jose Giants game this year, presenting the perfect opportunity to party it down ol' fashioned ballpark style.

I absolutely had the best time ever. Man, just exciting. I could get season tickets and I don't even really like baseball that much. But I could be a San Jose Giants girl. From the stands to the feel of the spectators, I felt like I had gone back in time 50 years. It was so beautiful and nostalgic, I couldn't get enough of it. There was even the adorable girl groupies huddled behind the dugout screaming for the fabulous big stars of the home team. It was all just so sweet and nice.

The evening started off with a helicopter landing for the ceremonial first pitch.

And the evening, because of the timing of 4th of July weekend, was capped off with a quite spectacular fireworks show to celebrate the storming win.

With my belly full of beer and garlic fries, I felt satisfied that this was again MISSION COMPLETE and something that I would be doing again next season.

Project 30: "What CAN you do Delgado?!"

2008-04-29T21:15:00.000-07:00

Task 16/30: See a game at the soon to be destroyed Shea Stadium in Queens, New York
Complete: April 17, 2008

Going to Shea was another thing I knew I had to do because I would never be able to do it again if I didn't go. Just like being a trooper to the Yankees game because I will always regret missing a game at Fenway when I was in Boston, I was going to see the Mets no matter what. Strange that both New York teams are getting new stadiums, but definitely a statement, and I can now say I've seen both of the old ones. After the Yankees game, it was pretty nice to have a buddy to go with me this time, and much better seats for seeing the Mets take on the Nationals than I had for my last game in the Bronx. Even if the matchup sucked equally, this time I enjoyed myself much more being able to cheer for at least one of the teams. Even the fans in that section were much more entertaining than the upper deck for the Yankees, and it was a packed in crowd as we cheered and groaned at the plays of the game. I really liked the stadium, and it was neat to see a bit different part of New York on the way there. It was again cold and we had a full trade show to work, but I felt lucky to get to go to this game on my second trip to New York in a month, so after 8 innings and a predicted DC victory, we caught the train back. When I got back, I kept refreshing mlb.com, and 2 hours later the game ended in the 14th with a Mets victory by Delgado, the same guy our whole section clowned earlier in the game. While I was sad to have missed the exciting ending, I was also happy to have been warm in my hotel bed, and calling it MISSION COMPLETE.

See all my Shea Stadium pictures here.

Project 30: FREE Museums

2008-04-29T20:48:00.001-07:00

Task 15/30: Get Cultured and Stuff in the District of Columbia...
Complete: April 11, 2008

After 3 days pounding the pavement in New York and Philly, I had seen quite a few museums before I even got to DC. The Guggenheim, the Museum of Modern Art, the Museum of Sex and Madame Tussand's Wax Museum were all quite spectacular to take in. I saw so many famous things, and felt so excited when I would see something in person I had seen on a test or in a book. Even once in the MOMA, I saw a big mixed media piece I had seen at the University of Texas museum in Austin last May, so I was feeling pretty well traveled and learned. In Philly, I missed the art museum with the fabulous Frida Kahlo exhibit and Rocky steps, but I did make it to the National Constitution Center and saw samples from the baseball museum in Cooperstown, and was feeling anxious to get to the "big time" in DC to see what treasures awaited me.

My first day in DC I took the tourmobile around Arlington and then sat for the whole mall tour to get my bearings. I ended up asking the tour guide how much the museums in DC cost, and was shocked to learn that they were free, after having plucked down $20 average for each hour I spent speed walking past exhibits in NYC. I'm quite the impatient museum goer, and I hate when people pack in, ignore personal space and other's around them, and generally don't spend much time contemplating things, I'm more about seeing volumes of things, so admission prices can quickly add up when hitting many in one day. The whole taxpayer dollars thing was handy in a city that had dozens of museums now at my easy access, and a whole day to see as many of them as I could on Friday. The museums close at 5:30, so by the end of Thursday with the tour and my hotel issues, I was only able to swing into the sculpture gardens, which were pretty interesting and surprisingly entertaining after viewing hundreds of paintings in days. I was becoming able to start to name the sculptors before even looking at the name plate, so was feeling pretty proud about my art education and went to bed in DC excited with how much learning I was doing. I knew Friday would be great.

I got up early Friday to get my ticket to go inside the Washington Monument for the afternoon, having been told if you get up early to get a ticket to anything, that was it. I got mine for the end of the day and then booked it over to start off in the National Archives line. After waiting an hour and a half for it to open and once again making friends with everyone around me, again, as usual on my trip, I was the fast one through the queue and security, and made my way to the front of the pack to see the documents I had been marveling over my entire trip. I saw the pages of the Magna Carta, the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution & Bill of Rights as well as many other "Charters of Freedom". It was pretty moving after all my contemplating of the writing of these pieces and how we got to where we were, but it was a quick trip, having only the small rotunda to view in the midst of so many children I wanted to scream, so I quickly made my way out.

Next was on to the National Portrait Gallery & American Museum of Contemporary Art. In general, the portraits were less photographs and more oil paintings of generals, which was fairly boring, but I was surprised by how much I enjoyed the contemporary art. Usually I just laugh, but I saw some geniunely inventive things, and was fairly inspired to create Burning Man art after the exhbit. One of the neater things shown was a giant neon map with TV's behind it showing representative movies from each state. Kansas had Wizard of Oz playing, Alaska had a reel of whales, and Oklahoma had what else but Oklahoma the musical. Just very clever and well executed.

In retrospect, I think the Newseum was one of my favorite experiences of the trip. If we are checking off "I've never's" this was one to celebrate, joining the first people to ever view the exhibits in the Grand Opening of the museum dedicated to the history of journalism. This being a private museum, the normal $20 admission was waved for the first day to entice people to enter, and the front of the museum had a line down the block. Me, being aware of short cuts anywhere I could save steps, heard the guy send people to the door in the back without a line and made my way easily and carefree inside, joining the hoards packing in like sardines. It was definitely full inside, but also full of some of the most amazing things I've ever seen and I was so glad I gave up my crowd issues to join in the viewing. A self-declared "News Junkie", and now with a magnet that says the same, I marveled at the collections of the world's press. A wall showing every world newspaper the day after 9/11, another showing every news paper front page from the current day blew me away. It was so spectacular to see how the world shared their news, to celebrate how free we are here. I saw a giant piece of the Berlin Wall, pages of the newspaper that spoke of Prohibition, a car riddled with bullets showing the dangers of the job. It was beautiful, and I don't think I enjoyed it as fully as I should have with all the people and a full list of things to do, but looking back, I feel so lucky to have been there and seen so many of the things there. I will definitely make it a stop on my next visit.

While I have become much more of an outdoorsy girl over the years, the earth and it's happenings really aren't my thing. This is the girl that failed astronomy twice and oceanography once. How things work isn't really my care, I just want them to, and appreciate the people who study it so I don't have to. I likely would have completely skipped a place filled with dead butterflies and stuffed cheetahs had the tourmobile guy not noted that this delicate beauty was housed at the Natural History Museum. The Hope Diamond is so precious, that once, the Louvre traded the Mona Lisa to us for a short amount of time so that they could exhibit it. It is just as gorgeous in person as you would think, and it glistened and gleamed perfectly. But I spent less than 15 minutes of other time looking at Petrified Wood and the giant dead elephant, happy that the hundreds of people buzzing around me gave a reason for the place, and booked my way back into the heat.

The Smithsonian Castle is the original Smithsonian museum, and home to the Smithson crypt. I enjoyed it, being able to see samples from every Smithsonian Museum in one swoop, but marveling in the pretty cartoonness of the castle itself most. The gardens in the back were divine, and I could have sat all day in the shadows appreciating all the flowers popping up in brilliant colors. You just don't see gardens like that on the west coast and I soaked in the rainbow shades like a sponge, but wasn't about standing in the heat very long and had to move on.

What do Seinfeld's Puffy Shirt and Lincoln's Hat have in common? They are both treasuires of American History, joining Archie Bunker's chair, a cheesehead, R2D2 and carrie bradshaw's computer in the part time exhibit in the Air & Space Museum while it's own home gets remodelled. I'm not really sure how these things are chosen, but I did appreciate seeing the things they had chosen and thinking they were important to someone. The ruby red slippers and kermit have their place, but I have to admit Jackie O's ball gown looked a little more fitted to Liberace. I also got to catch some of the Air and Space museum, but didn't spend much time since I had to get on to my tour of the Washington Monument and didn't want to be late. I'm not so much of a plane and space person, but I did enjoy seeing the missles we kill people with and the hatches that spacemen live in. I'm not sure how much more time I would have spent in there given the chance, but it was neat enough and I was glad to have gone in.

I didn't visit the National Art Gallery, I just didn't have time. I missed the American Indian Museum and next time I'll probably go to the Bureau of Engraving to see where money is made. I want to try and visit a Mint as well, since I had my camera in Philly and no where to stash it, so couldn't get in, but now really want to go. There is also the Spy Museum, which got mixed reviews and had a fee, so since I was rushed, figured I would fit it in another time. Since I saw so many other things in DC that I'll have to write about as well, seeing as much as I saw for museums was really pretty fulfilling, and I'm not disappointed with how much I fit in one short day.

I had thought I would maybe fit in more the next day, but after it rained on the National Cherry Blossom Parade, and coming down with a cold, I spent the rest of my DC time in bed. The parade was pretty neat though, and thanks to the kindness of strangers got to share in an umbrella as we giggled about how great our seats were. Miss America's mom was only a row down, and every performance was pointed straight at us, even the other side would have sucked. While we were at the end of the parade route, I managed to get the best bleacher seats possible in the grandstand, it was cool luck. I was so happy I spent the $15 to do that, and it made getting rained on at the beginning and end worth it. So even though it rained on my parade, it closed out a fun trip to DC, and so I didn't feel the need to pack in more and called it MISSION COMPLETE.

See all my DC Museum Pictures here.

Project 30: The House That Ruth Built

2008-04-29T14:20:00.000-07:00

Task 14/30: Visit the soon to be destroyed Yankee Stadium, the Bronx, NY
Complete: April 7, 2008

I've been very exhausted travel girl, but it's time to catch up with updates on the Project and traveling. Now where were we...

Oh yes, Baseball...

I got myself a solo ticket to the upper deck at Yankee Stadium, for their "oh so challenging" bout against the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. It wasn't the smoothest arrival. I had the subways pretty well down, but some rushing had me not paying so much attention to the fork in my line, and I was initially headed to Queens instead of the Bronx. After about 45 minutes of trying to get back the right direction, I was on the right train and getting off in the Bronx for a little bit of a late start to the game. I was in the boonies, and it was damn cold, but I was trying to force myself to enjoy it. Baseball isn't the highest on my favorite sports list, but I can appreciate history and this was a place that wasn't going to be there much longer.

I was not thrilled with being there alone either, it didn't make it much better to feel like a loser in the cheap seats. I had been having a pretty solo-rific time of playing in NYC, but I just don't think I'll do sports alone again. I was so cold, and I wasn't really into it, so I didn't stay in my seat long, but I did stay to see A-Rod bat.

On my way out, I squatted a seat under the home plate overhang until the people came back with their ice cream. It was nice to see a different view of the field, but I wasn't about to go freeze again back in the upper decks. I was pleased with having visited this place, but was ready to be warm and prepare for the next leg of my trip to Philly, so we called this MISSION COMPLETE.

See All My Pictures Here.

Project 30: I'm a pretty girl Momma...

2008-04-14T20:45:00.000-07:00

Task 13/30: See a show on Broadway in New York City.
Complete: April 5, 2008

Gypsy. I can name this musical in 2 notes. If I could be reborn a Broadway star, my dream role would be this and it's title is a word I use to describe myself and my upbringing. Every strong female in the history of Broadway has played her, and I have just seen the best. Patti Lapone, Broadway's angel, has been cast in the role that was made for her. (I did not know who she was previous, but I assure you, I know her now.) Starring as Mama Rose in Broadway's millionth revival of my personal all time favorite musical, she brought down the house, and that is no exaggeration. This project is about "I've never's" and in all of my theater attendance, a show has not been delayed simply by the applause from the star's entrance on stage, or for a standing ovation after the highlight number. She was the first catalyst for these moments in my life, and didn't miss a beat or break character for a second to acknowledge our praise. She was the star of the show, and of a project night so worthy, I can't be thankful enough.

Highlighting the end of a very full first day touristing in New York City, I took my seat in the Mezzanine at the modest St. James Theater next to an amazing theater couple who had driven in from Pennsylvania and seen every musical since 1966. I was assured before the show, I was in for a treat. Only one week after opening, this was the hot ticket to score, with rave reviews saying that this woman has outdone even her own best performances and the legacies of those previous to her in this role. (I actually lucked out, because I got my discount tickets before opening, before reviews, so already a score ahead.) She was amazing. Just amazing. The whole show was amazing. In fact, I don't think it could have been better. I was wow'd beyond what I could have even expected. I knew every note of that damn show, I've danced it a trillion times in front my mirror listening to the soundtrack growing up, training myself to chew out all the words of the most passionate anthems all in one breath, so I knew how she had to strain, how perfect she hit those notes. I've seen a dozen recordings of every actress from Tyne Daly to Bette Midler on screen, so I knew how the characters could be played, how it could vary the story. She nailed it. They nailed it. I loved it and stood and clapped and bravo'd and called for more. I wanted to see it again and again.

The next night I had a ticket to Mary Poppins. Unfortunately, I was less excited about it, since I hadn't read the reviews prior to buying my tickets, and it wasn't shining off the pages, but I at least had orchestra seats for this show. Even the theater guy from the night before said that "he" was good, and that the staging was cool, but it wasn't a blockbuster. I was really going since I wanted to see a Disney show and a) couldn't get discount tickets to Lion King or Beauty and the Beast and b) wasn't going to see the Little Mermaid. Also, as a bonus, the night before I had asked the gentleman what his favorite THEATER on Broadway was, and he said the New Amsterdam, where Mary Poppins was being held. The old Ford Theater, it was richly decorated and much more intense than the tiny St. James so it was a bonus. I'm a sucker for venues.

I definitely see why people wouldn't have liked this show, it doesn't follow the same exact plot as the Disney version, and is more based of the stories that the Disney version was based on. Mary Poppins in this show is much more of a conceited little bitch. She actually humorously mocks the "Practically Perfect" nature of herself amazingly. I personally enjoyed this version of the story and the characters maybe a bit more. And if I was going for staging, I still saw something pretty spectacular. The way they set up the house, lifting and raising the attic, having him dancing upside down and flying her completely over the audience up to the catwalk. Even the costumes and the songs that weren't anything like what you would expect kept you entertained. I mean, theater has to be really bad for me to not like it, and while it wasn't my most favorite show, they did a really good job of keeping me entertained, as well as the massive audience of children with me, which is no easy adventure for 2 hours.

With not just one, but two Broadway shows in one weekend under my belt, I'd say this is very much MISSION COMPLETE!

I am now an addict, and I can't wait to go back. Plane ticket, plus theater ticket, plus hostel for 2 nights is easily a $500 turnaround weekend I see myself doing as a spoiling thing at some point and would definitely stay in a hostel again to get another chance to see Broadway on Broadway...CryBaby is there now after all...

DC

2008-04-11T21:12:00.000-07:00

I haven't written since I've been here because I have been mourning the post I lost that I spent 2 hours on the train typing on the way here about Philly, freedom and my own personal revolution. Then I had a horrible hotel disaster that would have been less tragic had I slept, eaten and not been sick as hell and overheated from walking around in the heat with a jacket on for 5 hours before finding out I didn't have a room. But those factors all were present and I had a panic attack in the middle of a lobby and all I could think is that they must think this poor little white girl is nuts. The one thing I can say for that place was the staff and the beautiful women with their amazing Carribean accents did a great job in trying to calm me down. I ended up finding another room and spending twice as much money, but in a much better situation and just saying I will have to deal with it when I get home. I'm here now, and I'm not having this week ruined for anything. Priceline, I bow to you like the god you are.

I'm so sick of being sick, and heat and jeans and yeah...It's just not been the most comfortable leg of the trip. I'm congested and snotty now, which is at least dealable. I've managed to go just as hard in DC as I did in NYC, and now tomorrow have a "cleanup" day after the parade, which means there is a much shorter list of things to fit within 8 hours. (I have a ticket for the Stephen Schwartz Project in Alexandria tomorrow night, but getting there is a huge PIA and not exactly a safe area, so even though he is a musical genius, and I hate to waste money, I may have to shine it.) I've just spent the past hour sorting out my souvenirs and my folding all my dirty clothes and bagging away my smelly socks. I've done a really good job of having a moderate trip where I've gotten to do most of the things I've wanted to do, and haven't felt too restricted on most things. I've bought what I've wanted, and not really said no to myself too many times. It is a once in a lifetime opportunity, and so I'm going to live it. I've had one spoiling meal in each city, where I sat and relaxed and enjoyed myself with a indulging meal, in NYC and here with a yummy speciality cocktail. (I was too sick in Philly and Nyquil was my relaxation inducer of choice.) I'm very pleased with myself and how I've pushed forward, alone, on this trip. I feel accomplished and independent, save for my little breakdown where I really should have been stronger and pulled it together. I ended up doing it all by myself anyway, I didn't need to make that scene and it serves as the only weak point on this trip. I feel like a postman. The show must go on. Despite fever and blisters and rain, I've powered forward to see a list of places that seems unimaginable in just a short time. I've been having serious knee issues, have a side ache that won't quit, and I've lost weight that I couldn't afford from lack of making food a true priority this week, but I'm certain a bit more of a regular schedule coming after my work trip to NY next week, I will be okay. (This trip has made me feel old in so many ways, I'm really not liking certain thoughts in my head, but I am trying to push them out.) Wait, oh my god, I have to come back to this coast in 5 days and I haven't even left yet. It seemed novel at the time, but knowing I now have 2 days to get all my work done from the week I was gone and the week I am leaving, laundry, pack, and do my taxes, and not upset my cat, I'm starting to think it was a bad idea.

I've been laying down since 5pm almost straight and my feet STILL throb and my knee is aching. The saving grace moment of the day came when I got to the fountain that I could shed my shoes and stick my feet in the freezing water. I would have never made it down the Mall to the Washington Monument. Today, I went to the grand opening of the Newseum (very cool to be a part of history), went to the top of the Washington Monument (cause I got up and stood in line at 7am this morning to get my ticket), stood in line for another hour and saw the Constitution and other documents of freedom, saw the Hope Diamond at the Natural History Museum, Mister Roger's sweater, Dorothy's Ruby Red Slippers, and other "American Treasures", went to the National Portrait Gallery and American Art Museum, the Air and Space Museum for a few minutes, the Smithson Crypt and Smithsonian Castle, and had the best tortilla soup I have ever had in my life. (In fact, I may go back to that same place tomorrow and see if I can sneak in again, it was serious yum. They had things like duck tacos and some of the craziest Mexican food I have ever seen.)

I deserved this week, and I will never forget it. I'm so glad I have one more day, I think it will be the perfect wrap up to a set of lifetime memories. No matter what happens when I get home, I had these 9 days, learning, living and breathing free. Good job girl.

For those Project 30 curious, I've just not had the energy to give them the proper attention, but yes, we now have Mission Accomplished on Broadway, Yankees and DC Museums. Woohoo! Official posts to come, but I am now HALF WAY DONE!!!!! And for that alone, I will find a nice place to have a drink tomorrow night at the end of my day to toast this trip and my accomplishment. I'm proud of me.

Storming the East - Part 2

2008-04-08T21:13:00.000-07:00

Alas, New York my dear friend, we will meet again next week, even if it is for work, I know it is easing the pain of leaving you today. I could have gotten lost in your neighborhoods forever. Our time together was amazing and forever unforgettable.

Philadelphia, you welcome me with open arms. The vibe of your town already showing me the way to your heart. This town is beautiful and I've only just arrived. My room...nothing short of beautiful and classic and perfect for this leg of the trip. Now to shower and explore...

Leg One Almost Done

2008-04-07T21:14:00.000-07:00

I feel very pleased with my New York trip. I could do so much more, but I feel that I've hit about 90% of my high priority targets, and saw many things I hadn't expected to. I think the only things I really wanted to see that I didn't are Lincoln Center and Tavern on the Green. On the second level list are Chinatown, Little Italy and the American History Museum. I mean, you have to leave a reason to come back right? (Lion King, Beauty and the Beast and Crybaby are another few...I want more, more, more theater.) I desperately want to go to the Met Museum, but knew that there was no way it could fit on this trip, even for a girl who can do any museum in under an hour, that's at least a whole afternoon.

There will be lots of postings and lots of pictures and details, but I am so very sore, and have a very long trip ahead still. I sleepy.

Tomorrow...Philly!

Oh My

2008-04-07T09:14:00.000-07:00

Just for the record, I prefer the hostel and the location over the hotel room and this location, but alas, I can sprawl and set pictures uploading and go...8 million blocks back to the subway. Dammit.

I can barely walk I am so sore and my feet are just one big blister.

I've had a taking it easy morning...now I'm off to get bandaids, the Museum of Sex, the MOMA, NBC and the Yankees

Just a few of the things I saw today...

2008-04-06T21:15:00.000-07:00

Mary Poppins on Broadway
Madaam Tussand's Wax Museum
Central Park
The Guggenheim Museum
The Whitney Museum of American Art
Madison Square Garden
Times Square during the day
Radio City Music Hall (outside)
Rockefeller Center and Top of the Rock for New York during the Day
Empire State Building and New York at Night
Bryant Park at Night
Washington Arch at Night
Greenwich Village and an amazing spoiling steak dinner and cocktail

And also walked from 59th St and Lexington to 4th Street. That's a minimum of 55 blocks, almost 3 miles if I hadn't of gotten lost like a million times and wandered back and forth and stuff. Yay me!

Broadway

2008-04-05T21:16:00.000-07:00

While I will write my official Mission Accomplished post tomorrow I have a few short points to make...

1 - Patti Lapone is a Broaway Goddess with the voice of an angel, and those in the know from my eavesdropping say that she has outdone herself with this, the show that was seemingly made for her, the best Mama Rose ever.

2- I have never seen a standing ovation in the middle of the show, and she got one, me with my hands over my head, the man next to me yelling Brava! I can't tell you how many times I sang "Rose's Turn" in the mirror as a teenager, practicing until I could get the whole song out without falling breathless...she stunned me with her power.

3- I call it now, she WILL win the Tony. I am a lucky girl I got this ticket before it opened and at a discount, she's catching on fire.

4- Be prepared for me to gush about all of that again tomorrow.

I am not sure how my feet will survive 8 more days of touristing.

2008-04-05T13:16:00.000-07:00

So I am here. I got here. It was an okay set of travel, just a really long day. The shuttle driver from the airport to LIRR was HILARIOUS and I met this nice guy Chad that was on his way to Brooklyn from Atlanta. It was really cool for me to have these very first experiences of friendliness. Can I just tell you how friendly everyone in New York is? I mean, yeah, there are some scary crazy people in this city...everywhere. But none more than SF, LA, etc. Just different. I think this city is the most diverse city I have ever been in, and I am eating it up. Unfortunately, I am not so digging the hostel thing, but keep reminding myself of how much money I saved. Last night, everyone in my room was asleep when I got in, and it was very awkward even trying to find my bed and clean out my locker from someone else's crap. I was no quiet, let's just say that. I ended up being thankful I brought ear plugs and sleeping pills, it's just a noisy building and my room is right next to the front desk. Unfortunately, those two plus hostel plus alarm clock I think means I am the most hated girl in the room right now. I tried to stay away as much as possible today until my feet swelled and I am about to collapse from lack of energy, and STILL someone is asleep in the room, so it's all dark still and I can't even get into my stuff. I grabbed my laptop since I had to clear pictures from my card (439 since I left SC) and headed up the lounge where I am trying not to collapse and sleep on the couch. I also am still sure I am sick and just pushing through, but I have to. I can't believe how much left there is to see.

Today, I fit in all of Lower Manhattan, which I am sure I will write about at length later, but since this trip is about me and my growing as a person, I think I want to jump straight to the biggest awakening of this trip. I'm a morning person. No really...I am. I like sleep too, it's amazing hobby, I think it's awesome. But, I love watching a city come alive. From home to the playa to SF to wherever, there is something about being out before anyone and seeing it come to life. Today, I left Union Square to a little north of the Bowling Green and wandered around in the damp air, meandering down to the Castle Clinton Monument and the Statue of Liberty. First piece of advice - If you ever plan on coming to New York and seeing the Statue of Liberty, get your ferry and monument tickets ahead of time, get there at 8 o'clock and in line to pick them up and go on the very first ferry out. If you miss Ellis Island, you're still pushing noon. Between 2 security checkpoints, lines, etc, it's a big ordeal, and when I turned around to see the line behind me, I was shocked. Anyway, even though the ferry was insanely crowded, and the line to the monument still seemed long in front of me, I managed to work my way through security faster than everyone but one couple. What that meant is that for a brief moment, I was in the statue of liberty alone. When I walked in the door at the base, I wept. I walked all 156 steps to the pedestal, and came out in full tears. I called my grandmother and told her where I was, I needed to share it with someone at least a little closer to my time zone. I am very thankful I had her to call, I needed to share that desperately. It was seriously life changing.

She is beautiful. As you take the ferry there, you start to think she is so much smaller than you thought, but when you are standing under her, looking at every fold so carefully carved, you realize the undertaking. She is majestic, and amazing. I was so glad that I was there as the sun broke through the sky, gleaming her torch in the sun. As far as moments in my life go, I am certain that this was one of the most amazing. I walked to the lowest level of the pedestal, still free from any other people who seemed to be crawling like ants below. I laid on the ground and stared up at her. I am sure that anyone up at the top at this time may have thought I was nuts. I walked up and I touched the rock that held her up and thanked her for guiding us. I have hundreds of pictures, but this I just had to share for now.

More to come...

The Day Of

2008-04-04T13:17:00.000-07:00

I don't think I have taken off for a trip in the past 3 years that I haven't had a panic attack the morning of. While better than Japan, this morning was bad, bitter and angry I was doing this alone, certain I had overpacked and would look silly pulling my new suitcase through the East Village. It felt like a dream, like all my planning hadn't happened, that I could just go back to sleep. I'm still feeling in a daze, running on no sleep and massive adrenaline, unsure how I drove the hill in my groggy state. I am sitting the Chicago Midway airport, which is actually a kind of neat airport. I went looking to find out who was the first to have rocking chairs, they seem to be multiplying across the country and are here as well. (Charlotte was the first in case you were curious.) This airport is getting ready to install fancy leather chairs with power supplies in them to replace the random stools and benches that exist everywhere. I go in waves with the panic, starting to wonder if I can do this, why I am alone. I feel like crap, I should have slept more last night, I'm having my usual stressed out bladder situation where I think I have to pee but I don't, and my throat is getting more sore not less. That's really not helping my mood and confidence.

I'm watching a movie on Netflix Watch Now about the scrabble tournaments called Word Wars to distract me, and it is a good follow up to the movie I watched last week called Word Play about the New York Times Crossword Puzzle. In studying people, it's incredible informative to study the pop culture phenomenons that they are drawn to. While I would not expect these movies to be beyond enlightening, I feel a greater understanding of a breed of people I may have overlooked in the past. I love people. I think that is what has me most excited about this trip. It is a unique opportunity to not just observe, but do so at my own pace and leisure. I think it will amuse some to find one of the things I am most excited to see are the chess players in Battery Park. While I have let my game lapse, for more than 2 decades now, I have sat in awe at their speed and skill, and just like Broadway, it is an attraction for me to not be missed. Apparently, they are sided by Scrabble players with the same intensity. I need to keep reminding myself this is an adventure, and to not be scared. Dammit, I have to pee again. I think it's an aisle seat for me the next leg. Dammit.

The Night Before

2008-04-04T00:18:00.000-07:00

This has been a crazy day, but it's here, it's like Christmas eve.

First, uhm, I'm sick have allergies and it's not cool. I'm pumping vitamins, and hoping to pretend my way through, but frankly, have the energy of a slug and want to sleep the next 5 days. That not happening, we're going to fake it until we make it.

Second, I've come to the miraculous breakthrough conclusion that the reason I procrastinate on things the night before a trip is that it helps me push off the panic attacks. When things get done, there is only time to worry. I have mostly just work to do before I can call myself free to go on vacation and I'm saving that for last after my shower as I enjoy my cleaned up house and packed self and anxious kitty.

We had a 3 hour diversion earlier when, me in all my procrastinating glory, discovered my camera charger missing and my batteries uncharged since Missouri 3 weeks ago. Not cool. So we searched, cleaed, searched some more...I even found my umbrella and found the floor in parts of my car. Finally, trying to convince myself that there are solutions, I was about to give up, trying to get focused enough to do chores, when I found it. It was amazing how much relief I felt, my heart raced. Able to focus again, I've got most things packed and cleaned and am feeling less stress than normal before a trip. I think I should be fine, I just am going to miss my cat.

I really don't think I can be any more prepared...let's just break down some of the modes of transportation I will be taking over the next week...

A car to a shuttle to a plane to a shuttle to a train to a subway to a hostel.
A ferry, maybe another boat, another train, probably a taxi or two, and yet another train.
Another type of subway, a bus or maybe another train back to a plane back to a shuttle to my car.
And probably some more things I'm forgetting.

That's cool.

Oh, and Jesus is here, with me...Mike was kind enough to allow Jesus to miss HIS 30th birthday so that he could escort me! I'm actually not going to New York alone. Yay. We'll have to do something very special for him when we get back!

Wish me luck folks, I have to get to stuff...but watch for pictures and updates and fun! Can you believe the project is almost 1/2 done?! Broadway, Yankees and DC here I come. I challenge myself to do 30 "little" other things that I have never done before, since technically I keep saying this is the big birthday present to myself in the project and I want to push myself to not be afraid. (Staying in a hostel, Ride the subway or walk the brooklyn bridge counts, seeing stuff doesn't.) Let's see how many things I can see and how many new experiences I can have in the next 9 days. I'm off!

East.

2008-03-31T20:47:00.000-07:00

Oh my freaking word, it's this week. In 4 short days, I will be on a plane and on my trek across this country. I'm giddy, I'm scared, I'm...being me. I get up in the morning and I watch the New York morning shows and I watch raw footage of the cherry blossoms and the expected million people walking below them. DC will be beyond crowded, and unlikely not the best time to visit for a girl who hates crowds, but you know, I don't care, the blossoms are in peak bloom and I can't believe how lucky I am. My dad says he is jealous and my grandmother too. This morning someone called me inspiring and I think I needed it a lot because I'm starting to get nervous. Me...in New York? In Philly? In DC? I am not sure how I am going to see everything I want to see in the short time, but I have a feeling I will be back very soon. I know I am going to fall in love with these cities, the girl who used to think that she would work on that hill one day. I can't believe it's almost here, I can't believe I have to wait 4 more days.

Broadway

2008-03-27T20:48:00.000-07:00

Nice! While Mary Poppins has mediocre reviews and me wishing I did my homework a bit more before buying my ticket, Gypsy opened this week to rave reviews and I have second weekend tickets. My first broadway show and I am seeing it 1 week after opening and it's a hit! YAY!

Project 30: Changes and Updates to East Coast

2008-03-27T19:49:00.000-07:00

I canceled my stay at the Hotel Chelsea for Monday night since it's edgier than I want in that your stuff is likely to get jacked when you aren't there, which is bad. I am now at the Best Western in a different part of town, which will be nice since I will have my own bathroom and it's in a different part of town closer to Times Square and more happening things. I also called the hostel and she seemed nice and I'm less nervous about my stuff or getting there late and getting up early.

I have printed maps out the wazoo to draw on tonight and start to spec firmer tentative plans, especially for Philly and DC which I have barely thought about.

Storming the east in 8 days...

Project 30: East Coast Update

2008-03-26T20:50:00.000-07:00

I now have:
A luggage and laptop lock
A ticket to tour the inside of the Statue of Liberty at 9am on Saturday, April 5th
A ticket to tour the inside of Independence Hall at 10 or 11 am on Wednesday, April 9th.
My actual physical tickets to Gypsy and Mary Poppins from the mail.
All the spending cash I could stash away these last few months so that I should be ok.

I need:
A lower cost parking / shuttle solution than $85.
(It's looking like my insane travel times and lack of friends has left me driving myself and using a coupon, but grr that I am flushing that money down the toilet.)
Airport transport from Long Island to Manhattan (LIRR here I come!)
Airport transport from DC to Baltimore (Oh DC Metro...)

All I have left is cleaning, laundry and packing. Really, can it be that simple? Can I really be ready 1 week before? I have everything bought, and all my things ready, so now all there is to do is wait and worry. Damn you anxiety! But I'm also thrilled and excited and can't quit looking at maps of New York.

Updated List - March Down, April Plans

2008-03-24T11:28:00.000-07:00

Project 30 Official List -
Updated March 24, 2008, 3.5 Months After Kickoff

December:
Purchase an Ipod - Complete
Visit Vegas & See a show (Spice Girls) - Complete
Whale Watching on Monterey Bay - Complete

January:
Tour St. George's Spirits, Makers of Hangar One Vodka - Complete

February:
See 'Wicked', the Broadway Musical - Complete
Ride a Mechanical Bull for Valentines Day - Complete
Multi-Course Dinner - AsiaSF - Complete
Winchester Mystery House - Wild Card - Complete
Kooza, Cirque Du Soleil Show - Wild Card - Complete

March:
San Jose Sharks vs. St. Louis Blues Hockey Game - Complete
Elephant Seals during Mating Season at Ano Nuevo - Complete
Dance Lessons - Friday Night Waltz - Complete

April:
Broadway Show in NYC - April 5 & 6th
Baseball Game #1 - See Yankees (Last Year in Stadium) - April 7th
Tour Museums in DC - April 11 & 12
Baseball Game #2 - See Mets (Last Year in Stadium) - April 17th

May:
Berry Picking
Birthday Party Bar Crawl
Secret Stencil Mission

June:
Train Ride Weekend to San Diego
Horseback Riding in Half Moon Bay

July:
Limo in Napa/Sonoma for Winetasting

August:
Monterey Bay Aquarium

September:
Disneyland
Football Game

October & November:
Spa Day
Art Show at my House
& Any unfinished Business

Unscheduled:
Gun Shooting
B&W Nude Pictures

Other:
1 WILDCARD
For use at my choosing at anytime I remember "Oh yeah, I wanted to do that" and want to count it towards the project. (I have removed the vodka cabinet & frames, since those are larger than the scope of the project and not as fitting, but have replaced them with wildcard and bday party.)

Project 30: Nature is so bitchin'!

2008-03-24T11:22:00.001-07:00

Task 12/30: Tour Ano Nuevo During Elephant Seal Mating Season
Complete: March 16, 2008

Ano Nuevo Island sits off Ano Nuevo State Reserve and is home to over 5 types of Pinnipeds, but I was only interested in one this time - The Elephant Seals.

Planning too late, tours booked for months in advance, I managed to get a single ticket to a tour very late in the season to travel up to the coast to the Ano Nuevo State Reserve to view supposedly thousands of elephant seals in their natural cycles. To my unfortunate disappointment, my tour came a little too late to see any real action, but that doesn't mean I didn't enjoy and respect how very awesome it was to be near these creatures. The tour guide noted several times that at this point in the season, they haven't eaten or drank any water in months, are emaciated and movement for us burns more calories than they have available. There would be no tussling males over females, no scampering little ones, only lazy, tired, underfed "weaners" and "flat" males. But those were enough to make it worth it.

Down paths and over sand dunes, we hiked behind the guide in a pack of about 15, careful to where she was routing and rerouting us, expertly spotting a calf in the grass where we would have all missed it laying in the "heat". The wind blew quickly and it amazed me that the guide kept commenting on how torrid it was for the seals. They must really like it cold.

They were everywhere, and even inactive, they were impressive to just stare at, and imagine the life they lead.

The tour was a hefty few mile walk over a couple hours, exacerbated by fighting the wind, and turned in to a good sunny Sunday workout. I will definitely plan ahead in the future to go back in early January when the males are more active, and may even try and go back this summer when the little ones are there running around more and you don't have to be on a tour. I was happy that I finally made the 45 minute drive up the coast to this awesome nature that was so available to me, all these years ignored.

Mission Complete!

See all my Ano Nuevo Pictures Here.

Project 30: The Friday Night Waltz

2008-03-24T10:24:00.000-07:00

Task 11/30: Take a Ballroom dance Lesson
Complete: March 21, 2008

I waltzed. No, really, the girl that can't put one foot in front of the other and walk without running into something, tripping or bruising herself went to a social dancing event, and danced. It was freaking awesome.

I was terribly tentative, and even grumbly about how much I didn't want to do this, how stupid I thought it all was, how did I get tricked into this, why was I doing this, it was dumb. (I've had a long week at work, I was tired and wanted to spend my Friday night in front of the tv, so I was unnecessarily negative.) I was asked by a friend of mine who goes a lot, and who is wonderfully graceful, taking multiple other dance classes every week. I told her I was afraid I would embarass her, but slapped on my skirt and my jazz shoes that hadn't been on my feet in 10 years and sucked it up and went, as four of us ladies packed into a car and headed to Palo Alto for the Friday Night Waltz.

Last night was in a different location than normal, so there was only a 1 hour beginning class followed by a 1 hour intermediate class. I guess normally, they separate the beginners and intermediate people and they each get a 2 hour lesson and then they dance. Later we discussed that method probably works better, since you go straight to practicing what you learned rather than moving on to learning something else like we did. It's the fairly normal approach to social dancing, where you pair up leads and follows in a big giant circle, learn and practice a few steps and then rotate around the circle. I've always really appreciated this aspect of social dance training, because not only is there the obvious benefits of being able to go without a partner, but you don't get stuck with a bad partner and get lots of lessons from different good partners. I was very thankful for all of my partners last night, there wasn't one person I danced with that I didn't walk away a better dancer.

Everyone was really, really nice and smiley and fun. For all the reasons I fell in love with the cowboy bar, I fell in love with the Friday Night Waltz. Every type of person you can imagine is in that room. It's the most amazing cross-section of society that you could imagine and probably couldn't come up with if you hand picked them. It's beautiful in a way that words can't even describe and as the night went on, I started thriving on it. I ended up thinking later about how I am socially and how this really works for me. I get to force myself to interact with lots of strangers, but it's on a very temporary basis. Someone asks you to dance, or simply walks up to you with their hand extended, you take it, you dance, and if they are a gentleman, they escort you back off the floor and then you part ways. The flow of it all becomes a dance in itself.

The beginning lesson flew by, and I felt like I managed to learn the steps and not step on anyone's feet too majorly and quickly realized that, out of the 40 people in the room, I wasn't the worst dancer. I do have some solo dance training and performance experience, so I know form and function in dance fairly well, it's making my feet go where my brain wants them to that is hard on a normal day. I was feeling like I had been too hard on myself but when the intermediate lesson came, I started to falter and panicking that the growing class was being offset by me being 4 steps behind. In fact, I even thought a few times about how I could dash off the floor and stop embarassing myself, but started faking it until I made it. Turns, promenading, picking up where my feet were supposed to land each time...damn, that was definitely harder, but seemingly, I hung in there and the lessons came to an end.

By the time the dance started, there was easily 100 people in there, and apparently, that was 1/2 the size of a normal night. They run the evening in sets of 12 dances, combining different waltzes with mixes of latin and other genres to mix it up and then starting again with a new set of 12. I danced a few songs in the first set, warning each partner that asked that I was bad, new, tentative and going to likely crush their feet. They all laughed, said it was nothing, and had their own encouragement usually ending in a statement about just following them. I was asked for a cross-step waltz for my second dance, one I had not learned in the lessons before. I did my hesistation, but he insisted, and learned very quickly a good partner can make you feel like Ginger Rogers. He flew me around for those few minutes and I felt as graceful as I have ever been in my whole life. I don't think I will ever forget that moment, as he turned, and led me around that floor with strength like I was a pro. His leading was phenomenal and gave me increased confidence to dance more that evening, paying attention to the lessons each partner was trying to teach me, everyone super patient and helpful. Just as I found myself learning from people who were a bit behind me, I guess they probably learn from teaching me as well, and they get to dance at the same time.

I danced a swing and got it down pretty well, even though it was a really simple one, but again, I had a good lead who insisted I just keep my feet below my shoulders and put my shoulders where my frame sent them, and he would guide my frame. It worked and when the music started again he kept me on the floor and I was happy. My favorite dance my next. It was one like you see in old movies with royalty where they are all dancing in a circle and changing partners, almost like a greeting dance. You did you 8 measures with one partner then nodded as you then turned to your new partner, making your way slowly through every partner and back to your own. It was a great dance to practice a simple turn, promenade, waltz step transition over, and over and over, until it was hard to not have it down perfectly by the end. I loved it. It was the thing I think that clinched my future attendance at the dances. I had already fantasized about learning to be as graceful as the woman following the teacher in the class, but now I knew I wanted to learn more. It was so polite and proper and sweet. I could not wipe the smile off my face, as I quickly found myself dancing with another partner, unable to shake the momentum from the last dance and finally starting to get the beat. But alas, that clinched it for my feet and I was starting to feel much more exhausted than I expected. It's a definite workout for sure, especially some of the dances where you are spinning nonstop. I struggled with that one, never sure when to put my feet down, feeling like I was going to hurl and unsure where I was supposed to spot or was going next, from left to right, I got lost and by the end was sweaty and dizzy.

I'm really pleased with last night, and for all the lessons I learned about not just dancing but myself. We all piled back in the car at the end of the second set and headed home all talking about next time and other lessons we can go to. It was an event definitely project worthy and something we call...

MISSION COMPLETE!

Project 30: East Coast Update

2008-03-17T10:28:00.000-07:00

I now have:

A train ticket from NYC to Philly
A train ticket from Philly to DC
A ticket to see Gypsy at the St. James Theater in NY on Saturday, April 5th at 8pm
A ticket to see Mary Poppins at the New Amsterdam Theater in NY on Sunday, April 6th at 6:30pm.
A ticket to see the Tampa Bay Devil Rays vs. the Yankees on Monday, April 7th at 7pm.

Project 30: San Jose Sharks Vs. St. Louis Blues

2008-03-15T15:51:00.001-07:00

Task 10/30: My First NHL Hockey Game
Complete: March 14, 2008

Goal!!

Fight!!

Action!!

Goalies are funny.

This was on the side of a Zamboni, it was cute.

Sharks Win! They extended their winning streak to 11 games!

I had a really great time! I'm very glad I got to go, and we had amazing seats. I'm really thankful for the whole experience and I had great company. I could definitely get into hockey and get season tickets. It's a fun sport and the fans in San Jose were great. It was fun, even if my team didn't win. How rare is it that you see 5 goals in a game and a record breaking game to boot? Just awesome.

MISSION COMPLETE!
See all my pictures from the game here.

PS- Project is 1/3 complete! Woohoo!

Project 30: Cirque du Soleil

2008-03-04T22:45:00.000-08:00

Task 9/30: Wildcard #2 - Kooza
Complete: February 28, 2008

I know it sounds weird that someone who is such a theater and dance and performance buff hasn't seen one of these shows. To be honest, I'm not really a circus fan, and have my own personal boycott of gymnasts (and ice skaters) and so they really never appealed to me much. But alas, I've never been and got a chance to get a decent priced ticket, had some cash and splurged on a night out by myself.

It was okay I guess. A lot of clowns. I'm not big on clowns. I'm pretty impatient with theater, I'm picky. There were some wow moments, and some not so wow ones. 2 big stunts that made me cheer loud. I mean, I guess short, limber strong guys need purpose in life, but really, the juggling guy was so not impressive, the guy in the park does better and he's free. The staging blew me away, coming from theater, and being a bit bored with the actual show, I spent a lot of time looking behind the scenes, watching the transitions, the light guys and even still being surprised when something appeared massively before me without noticing. They have distraction down to an art in itself, and you never question the pacing of the show, except possibly an intermission a twinge too long. While I had a decent seat and I'm not complaining about the half price for where I sat, I still was happier when I moved closer into the back of the front section after intermission, but was bummed when some other lady moved in front of me, so it was a compromise. All in all, I guess I'm glad I went, it was neat. The general comment is "Now go see O" so that's probably what I'll do next time I can drag someone to Vegas to splurge on shows. (Maria?) Anyway, the show was good, I was entertained and it was an easy evening of entertainment, with little parking hassle and a quick trip over the hill.

Mission Complete!

Project 30: Asia SF

2008-03-04T22:12:00.000-08:00

Task 8/30: Multi-course dinner
Complete: February 23, 2008

Home to "World Famous Gender Illusionists" and yummy food, AsiaSF sits in San Francisco night after night packed and pounding with performances for birthdays, bachelorettes and more. Getting a prime reservation after calling on a whim, our group descended into the best seats in the house due to a late party. As the host put it "You snooze, you lose" and well, we won, unfolding our menus to gaze at the menage a trois menu - 3 courses of rich selections paired with fun flare on the runway in front of us.

This isn't exactly what I had planned for the project, but I've never had a meal like this before and I've wanted to go to this particular restaurant since it opened 10 years ago and the opportunity fell into my lap. Especially since some things aren't shaping out exactly how they were originally imagined, and since I declared my rules flexible, I've decided that this qualifies and that later, if I want to do this or something else bigger or again, well then I can. But it took me this long to do even a meal with courses, and this had them, and it was cool, and my project, so it counts.

The food was yummilicious and our waiters were the bartenders, as the tables all around us were filled with large parties celebrating their Saturday nights. It was neat being on the inside of the circle, often staring up, center stage at the girls. I did my research before, so I knew what to stear us towards and away from and I'd say we were spot on. The chicken satay was the serious mmm-y. For my main course I had the filet, which was delicious, though came right as the first show was on, so I was a bit distracted taking pictures and whispering with the guys I was with. We had some delicious sake and for dessert, I split a yummy banana split that had deep fried bananas on top. It was delish. I gorged, we had a late reservation and the food paced out a bit slow for our appetites and obviously designed to encourage more drinking, but I was happy anyway.

The show was awesome, and the ladies were drop dead gorgeous, all of us definitely surprised. There were some girls who did the show part better, some people who just seemed to not be so into the dancing and performing, but all still did an amazing job. There was the country, pop, hip hop and burlesque, something for everyone as 2 rounds of performances showcased multiple ladies of all different types. It was actually nice to see that they had really done such a great job of focusing on diversity in promoting their diversity. At the end, the emcee made sure to say that she was proud to share the stage with ladies who were standing up as themselves and living their lives, I think really to send home that this wasn't a freak show, this was living...and did it in a really empowering way.

To a great night full of fun, food and lots of laughter, I have to call this Mission COMPLETE.

Project 30: The Winchester Mystery House

2008-03-04T07:26:00.000-08:00

Task 7/30: Wildcard #1 - Tour Winchester Mystery House
Complete: February 10, 2008

A local attraction I've been curious about for a while, after I toured the Egyptian Museum a few weeks ago on a whim, I found myself in the parking lot down the way and ready to go inside the famed Winchester Mystery House, a significant thing I find myself saying "I should do that" about a couple times a year.

The tour is costly ($25), and my first reaction was to leave, but I knew I wouldn't ever come back again, so I pulled out a "wild card" and made it part of the project to justify a random house tour. I could instantly tell from the lobby/gift shop that I wasn't going to get the intricate obsessive building I had imagined. In fact, anyone who hasn't gone who imagines something cool...just stick with your imagination.

This was likely one of the cooler things, and it's outside, so you don't even have to pay for the idiotic tour.

Don't get me wrong, our tour guide was great, feigning all the enthusiasm one can for a cuckoo rich chick. But it's not the massive construction black hole you'd think. There are some random staircases, and baby steps and pretty stained glass. It's definitely a giant, gorgeous house. But it's just an old victorian house. I took a lot of pictures, though they are really boring pictures of a house, so I'm going to spare you and just link to them.

$25...really? Okay, fine, whatever...Project Complete!

Updated Project 30 List - 3 Month Check-in

2008-03-03T15:03:00.000-08:00

Project 30 Official List -
Updated March 1, 2008, 3 Months After Kickoff

December:
Purchase an Ipod - Complete
Visit Vegas & See a show (Spice Girls) - Complete
Whale Watching on Monterey Bay - Complete

January:
Tour St. George's Spirits, Makers of Hangar One Vodka - Complete

February:
See 'Wicked', the Broadway Musical - Complete
Ride a Mechanical Bull for Valentines Day - Complete
Multi-Course Dinner - AsiaSF - Complete
Winchester Mystery House - Wild Card - Complete
Kooza, Cirque Du Soleil Show - Wild Card - Complete

March:
San Jose Sharks vs. St. Louis Blues Hockey Game - March 14
Elephant Seals during Mating Season at Ano Nuevo - March 16
Dance Lessons - Friday Night Waltz - March 21st

April:
Broadway Show in NYC - April 5, 6 & 7
Tour Museums in DC - April 11 & 12

May:
Berry Picking
Birthday Party Bar Crawl
Secret Stencil Mission

June:
Train Ride Weekend to San Diego
Horseback Riding in Half Moon Bay

July:
Baseball Game #1
Limo in Napa/Sonoma for Winetasting

August:
Baseball Game #2
Monterey Bay Aquarium

September:
Disneyland
Football Game

October & November:
Spa Day
Art Show at my House
& Any unfinished Business

Unscheduled:
Gun Shooting
B&W Nude Pictures

Other:
1 WILDCARD
For use at my choosing at anytime I remember "Oh yeah, I wanted to do that" and want to count it towards the project. (I have removed the vodka cabinet & frames, since those are larger than the scope of the project and not as fitting, but have replaced them with wildcard and bday party.)

P30 Holy Shit

2008-02-23T18:34:00.000-08:00

For $200...he will do my nudes.
Scott Church is my favorite photographer in the entire whole wide world, and the reason why I fell in love with erotic photography.
You may remember my frantic celebration of scoring 4 of his prints for only $100 in his insane New Years sale. (Normally $50 each.)
They are still unframed, but what if I could put me right up there too!
He is daring, and funny, and his web show has become a guilty pleasure while I get ready in the mornings.
*falls out of chair*
I could truly and possibly have him do this for me.
HIM?...shoot ME?
I'm just...stunned.
Must think how to make this happen.
(He is in rural PA, so I would have to be in a city he is teaching in, or travel to him.)
It must be done. Oh yes, it will be done.

Project 30: Nine Days East & Back

2008-02-21T18:35:00.000-08:00

Tentative Itinerary with lots of travel methods and big sites.

Friday - Travel Day
Fly into Long Island Airport, Take shuttle to train station in Ronkonkama, Take train to Penn Station, Walk to East Village hostel, Estimate Arrival 11pm.

Saturday - NY Tour Day
Wake up and be out by 7am
Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island (Ferry), TKTS South Seaport Booth, Brooklyn Bridge, NYSE, Wall Street, Battery Park, Trinity Church, Grand Central, Empire State Building, Chrysler Building, Carnegie Hall, St Patrick's Cathedral, Trump Tower, Bloomingdales, Saks, Tiffany's, NASDAQ, Radio City, Rockafeller, Times Square, MOMA, Museum of Television & Radio, NBC, Lincoln Center, Broadway Daytime, Broadway Show @ Night

Sunday - Museum Day
TKTS Booth Times Square, Gugenheim, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Jewish Museum, Whitney Museum, UN, Museum of Sex, Gramercy Park, Flatiron Building, Museum of Natural History, Broadway Show @ Night

Monday - NY Leftover Day / Broadway Dark / Museums Closed
Leave hostel for Chelsea Hotel
Empire State Building @ Night
Central Park

Tuesday - Travel Day
Travel to Philadelphia via train

Wednesday - Philly Tour Day
Independence Hall, Liberty Bell, Carpenters Hall, Christ Church

Thursday - Travel Day
Travel to DC via train
Lincoln Memorial @ Night

Friday - DC Tour Day
Capitol Building, Lincoln Memorial, White House, Washington Monument, Jefferson Memorial, Vietnam Memorial, Korean War Memorial, National Gallery of Art, Holocaust Museum, Dupont Circle, Georgetown, Library of Congress, Supreme Court, Union Station, National Archives, Smithsonian Museums, Arlington

Saturday - Festival Day
Cherry Blossom Parade - 10am, Grandstand Ticket to Purchase
Cherry Blossom Street Festival
Any leftover attractions

Sunday -
Metro and then transfer to Bus to Baltimore, Fly home to San Jose, Drive home to Santa Cruz

East Coast Update

2008-02-19T18:36:00.000-08:00

I wish I had more money, this would be easier, but it's really forcing me to do my homework and figure it all out. I now have a reservation for a place to stay in all 3 of my cities in 4 different establishments. Though I still owe about $450 on the various places over the 9 nights still, I still think I'm getting off light with less than $1000 for lodging on a trip to a place where the average hotel was $200-$500/night, with most over $300, and I can deal with my moderate establishments. AND maybe the hostel for the first 3 nights in the beginning will help me be more social for the entire trip.

The next line items are to get Train tickets between cities, Broadway tickets online, Tickets to the monuments that I can online that I don't have and figure out a packing plan.

Project 30: Planning New York in April

2008-02-15T18:37:00.000-08:00

I now have a reservation at a cool hostel in the East Village, that came by recommendation, for my first 3 nights and then I'm splurging on a random 1 night at the Hotel Chelsea, because the artist in me creams her pants just thinking about it. I have reservations to both. YAY. My hotel costs for NYC will be less than $250 for 4 nights. AWESOME. AND, I only had to pay a deposit. Woohoo.

That freed up some money for my next purchase. I now have a 3 day New York Pass with access to over 40 attractions. I saved myself $25 by buying it today on their Vday special. Their average 3 day savings at full price for an adult doing 3 attractions a day is $75. I'm guessing I save a bit more since I pack stuff in, so I bet overall, buying that pass just saved me at least $150, but probably closer to $200. Since this is a super budgeted trip, that just got very, very awesome.

I'm starting to feel much less scared and much more inspired. YAY for knowledgeable ladies and knocking things down. Logistics for New York are shored up, now on to Philly and DC!

Project 30 Us & The Bull

2008-02-15T09:00:00.000-08:00

Task 6/30: Mechanical Bull Riding in Texas at Cowboys in San Antonio
Complete: February 14, 2008

See all the pictures here!

MISSION COMPLETE!

P30: Austin here we come.

2008-02-13T18:38:00.000-08:00

Ok, Bull, let's do this. I'm scared. I hurt my knee on a chair in the office, who can only imagine what this mechanical bull is going to do to me. I assume there is a bull. I didn't really think to ask. I just think the ladies have it handled. We even have chocolate strawberries on order from Amy's. I can't wait. Why does everyone keep demanding pictures like they won't exist? This is ME we are talking about. This is for the PROJECT and there is no way in hell I am going to miss this very unsexy moment in my life, as I fly through the air, since it will only happen ONCE. Yes, pictures. This is a BIRTHDAY PRESENT to myself after all. I must revel and laugh and enjoy. This is a gift. ENJOY it, stop stressing you silly girl.

The amusing thing is that I am wearing my zendik.org "Stop Bitching and Start a Revolution" t-shirt which is getting various reactions from everyone at the airport. I didn't think I would have to come through security again when I got here to SD, but I did. I've gotten strange looks and thumbs up. It's all just funny. Much like voting day and wearing my "Bad Samaritan" shirt, I didn't mean to stir up trouble. But hey...it happens. I meant to wear a sweatshirt.

See you in a Austin!

Project 30: Inspriring Others!

2008-02-13T09:00:00.000-08:00

Bluej is starting Project 25A on Monday.

Check it out! and wish him a Happy Birthday!

Spiderman, Hannah Montana & Elmo! Oh My!

2008-02-10T18:40:00.000-08:00

Task 5/30: See Wicked in Hollywood with .
Complete: February 2, 2008

I've lusted to see this show longer than I can remember. I do know that ever since the show came to SF over 5 years ago and a friend fell through on tickets that I assuredly would have had secured myself, I have been trying to figure out a way to see it. Well, magic happens when you have adult friends with incomes and theater habits who also have no issues splurging on nice tickets, hotel rooms and trips to strange cities. (We've been upping our momentum on trips this past year, you have to love southwest in California.) So the trip to LA was booked, a room pricelined and beautiful seats at the Pantages Theater were secured. They were off.

I flew into Ontario, the airport you think San Jose dreams about, with ample space and no security lines. I laughed, reflecting on my 7am Saturday morning wrapped into the parking lot praying I would make my flight. Having only packed for 1 night, I quickly scurried to the curb and met my partner in crime for the weekend and off we were to the beautiful Hotel Renaissance in Hollywood. Well, kinda, we thought we'd check out where we were going to maybe stay, at the Ramada, a few miles away, but that was okay, because we got a tour of the 'hood we were to "cruise" the next 36 hours. Once we were redirected, yay for the Treo, we checked into our room.

Our hotel was in the Hollywood & Highland Center, part movie set, part mall, set in front of the Kodak Theater, Grauman's Chinese Theatre and the freak show that is the Walk of Fame and Hollywood Blvd. It was a strange combination, but our hotel was actually trendy and nice and a good deal at the Priceline rate. No complaints here. We quickly dumped our stuff and went in search of food and to tour the freak show.

We landed at Johnny Rocket's, and just in time to slide up to the counter and watch some burgers "lovingly" made, but at least they give you a ketchup happy face to start. The food was yummy, and the people watching only just beginning. We were saddled up next to a Mom and a Hannah Montana fan so exhuberant that later, when we found out that it was only the movie across the street, it was even weirder. But we were ready and full of energy to start our adventure.

We went to the front of the theater and did the whole feet in the feet thing and walked amongst the tourists snapping away. This poor guy who has to stand there like a British guard while people take his picture. I felt so bad, that I took my own picture. I'm so nice. It was weird to see how old some of the prints were, and what strange things people said, and even who was there. I remember being there once as a kid, this was more fun.

It is at this point we are declared "Non-Tourists" since we "grew up there" and are just "revisiting" and get to be annoyed with all the tourists. Our evidence to this fact is our lack of amusement with the costumed freaks that the people are letting their children climb on and photograph with. Who knows how old the man in the Elmo suit is, but he wanted a hug and to take a picture with us big girls anyway. Ew. I just can't ever look at Elmo the same way. We had to get away, but before we even got to the corner, we saw this:

I wished I had hand sanitizer in my purse that I could give this girl to bathe in. We guessed maybe Suicide Girls shoot? I don't know, the guy looking back at me was a little too amused with himself and his job of towing the rolling suitcase around. It was really gross all around, but really freaking funny. We had a few more scary creepy guy incidents in the next few blocks, as this guy was parked in front of a random theater and said we could take a picture inside his car for free, and then the other guy who would "give us a star tour" in his big, scary van. Dude. Where's my pepper spray?

We walked on, into a few weird shops and where the stars were dirtier and less famous before we turned around. Hollywood Blvd with msred was some of the best laughs I have had in...ever. Seriously, that place is a trip, and on our way home we saw both Batman and Flash Gordon walking home with their McDonalds, probably earning enough tips for lunch and a break. So sad. But then, we saw this little Hannah Montana wanna be and her Hanson-like brother, who later we also saw in front of the theater at Wicked. This girl gets around!

Check out all my Hollywood Blvd. pictures here.

During our eating of yummy, but messy cream puffs in the court of the mall, we discovered that we could take a shuttle to the show for a cheap $3, rather than having to deal with directions and parking. So we ate some quick CPK while laughing at the old lady telling the bus boy he wasn't trying hard enough to seat her, and then caught our shuttle off to the show.

It was nothing short of absolutely, freaking, incredible. The story isn't anything deep, but it fills in to the Wizard of Oz nicely with a hands down blowout of a stage show. The vocals, the costumes, the scenes...just blew me away. I want to see it again and again, and again. Our seats also were really nice and I was really happy. Especially since this weekend was a birthday present to myself, I reveled in my show, hotel room and company at every chance. I love theater and I felt full of life again, ready to Defy Gravity. We went back to the hotel and watched the best part of a big rig chase through LA before they cut away and it ended lame anyway.

Sunday, we decided to kill the day driving around LA, so we went to Rodeo Drive first, the only place where you can see both these cars in 1 block. We spent some time walking around and laughing at people and shops, and made our way into a tiny little gallery. Poor lady who tried to sell us some Picassos and seemed genuinely disappointed when we didn't. Do we look like art buyers? I guess so, or she should work on her profiling, we just wanted to peek. Check out more Rodeo Drive pics here.

We roamed down Sunset through BH and Pacific Palisades, down to Santa Monica and Venice, deciding on lunch at this interesting little tourist cafe at the end of Washington. It was a good afternoon of driving aimlessly and checking our the burbs of the Inland Empre laughing at people. Ha people. It was shortly time for me to fly home, so airport bound I was and this mission was declared COMPLETE!

Project 30 Update

2008-02-02T17:59:00.000-08:00

I've been a project slacker, but my life has just been more full than planned with work and other stuff. So yeah, anyway, January left me a little behind, (2 tasks) but that's why we have make up months! Today, I am off to Hollywood to stay in a fabulous hotel and see a fabulous show with a more than fabulous friend. I can't wait. " See Wicked in Hollywood with Maria, Task 5/30" here I come!

Project 30: Touring St. George's Spirits in Alameda, CA

2008-01-03T18:02:00.000-08:00

Task 4/30: Tour where Hangar One Vodka is made & Taste Vodka
Pt. 1 Complete: December 23, 2007

It is no secret that one of the unique things about me is that I collect vodka, and yes, I drink it, with 95% of the bottles open and a lot of them starting to wane in volume. I've tried at least 75 vodkas and while I can't tell you if I like potato or rye better, I can tell you what I prefer in brands. Most people go wine tasting, which is also scheduled for this year, but I wanted to check out St. George's Spirits, the place where they made what I consider one of the best vodkas in the world - Hangar One. Technically scheduled for January, a stressful December and convenient timing had me figuring I might as well at least drop by while I was in the area to check it out. When I have the choice and the money to call it, I have always gone for it over my general choice of Stoli, and now, after the tour, it will be my first choice for life, and I will be their biggest cheerleader.

Getting to this damn building is *not* easy and the directions lifted from their site sucked. Seriously, driving 2 different cars around Alameda with an ancient map...not a good idea, but an interesting adventure anyway. We got there, and in perfect time for the tour around the warehouse and the breakdown of how they distill their spirits.

The guy that gave our tour was funny, and was one of only 8 employees that works there on staff. I was pretty impressed, but working for a small business, understood the power of a determined team. There was a good sized group with a varied age range listening to the process and asking questions about the products. We saw the stills and the infusion tanks, the barrels and the bottling setups and walked around the warehouse smaller than a football field, but filling glasses worldwide. It was amazing. The day before they had released the United States first legally bottled absinthe in decades and they sold out in 6 hours. They are doubling the batch for next time and rereleasing again in January. I swiped up a Hand Labeled Fraser River Red Raspberry and 3 mid sized bottles of Mandarin, Kaffir Lime and Plain as well as a "staff" tank top that says "Special Forces" on the front and "Semper Imbibo" on the back. I was super pleased with my new knowledge and purchases and decided that I wouldn't fight the holiday crowds at the bar or force my tentative stomach and would postpone the tasting portion of this task for another day. There are multiple wineries in the area and some other neat places in Alameda to visit, so I am going to arrange a second visit for later in February for tasting.

Mission 1/2 Accomplished.

See all my pictures here.

Project 30: Spice Girls in Las Vegas

2007-12-16T18:03:00.000-08:00

Task 3/30: See a show in Las Vegas.
Complete: December 8, 2007

Yay! Vegas! It was off to Vegas for 36 hours of fun highlighted by the Spice Girls reunion concert. It was truly one of the most amusing and terrifying flights ever as we thought the plane was going to fall apart and the couple in front of us got into it with the flight attendant and almost had the air marshall called. I was so happy to just be off the plane and in Vegas, but was full of amusing stories much funnier in hind sight. When we got there, it turns out it was fight weekend, rodeo weekend and then for some undiagnosed reason, full of singing rugby players. It was such a strange mix as the casinos played 50% country music and cowboy hats and wranglers were easily spotted within arms distance everywhere you went. Cute boys with accents sung out from every corner of every casino and everyone was shoving boxing shirts down your throat.

We grabbed some food and freshened up in our room to get a true Vegas post-midnight start. The highlight of the evening was my only true Vegas must, cocktails at the Red Square in Mandalay Bay, the fault of my vodka obsession and a beautiful room to relax in elegance. I got to taste the Pomegranate Van Gogh I had been lusting after, and tried a delicious Raspberry lemon drop martini, and we stylishly took in the people around us. We roamed around some more, but bad shoe choices and long work days had us off to our rooms at 3am to recharge for the next night and our true mission.

After we slept and prepped, we headed out of our temporary home at the New York, New York to get some food and go shopping before the big show. I got to eat at my very first luxury buffett at the Mandalay Bay and then we strolled past the Bellagio water show where I got to see a whole one, rather than the tail end seconds in all my previous trips. The water gets so high and it's just amazing to gather around with tons of other people and enjoy it. We pondered what qualifications it takes to be the designer of such shows and what a sweet job it would be. I just want to push the on button once.

We went to M&M World! Now really, there should be more rides in there it is so big. At 4 floors, it blew us all away and we tromped through gazing at the collections of things that it was a marvel that people found need for. There was even a neat dizzy tunnel, and a 3d movie. It was all a bit much for me, and children everywhere, but neat none the less. We did some shopping at Caesar's and the mall at Planet Hollywood and got dressed up in all our new goodies and headed out to the show. The crowd control aspect was unspeakable and I tried to breathe and not punch someone that was invading my space. I had left my camera behind because I was told too on the tickets and ended up being crushed that I had no pictures of my own to show. The girls in front of us passed the time prior to the start of the show by taking camera phone pictures of their bloody new nape piercings and sending them to their friends. I was really grossed out. People watching was it's own adventure as little tiny spice girl clones ran about everywhere screeching and bouncing to the music, including an adorable set of of drag queens.

When the 5 ladies took the stage, the house came down and it was a great show complete with handfuls of set and costume changes, ten male dancers and glitter exploding from the ceiling at the end. I had so much fun after 90 minutes of pop fabulousness, I felt satisfied with my adventure. They rocked their solos and the old hits and flew around the stage with flair. I did not leave disappointed. (...and heir final screen left me amused!) See all my Vegas pictures here. Yay Vegas!

3 down...27 to go!

Project 30: Whale Watching on Monterey Bay

2007-12-15T18:06:00.000-08:00

Task 2/30: Whale Watching from Moss Landing
Complete: December 1, 2007

I've wanted to go Whale Watching on the Monterey Bay for a while. I have grown up around boats my whole life, though admittedly not a huge fan, but have serious family roots in the whole nautical culture and think whales are cool. I can't remember the last time I was on a boat, when my parents went fishing, I road my bike but I had been whale watching once before on a ship in the 6th grade and we saw whales breach and it was amazing. I was eagerly wanting to take advantage of the access I had so easily living on this coast and there was no point in putting it off any longer. A ton of people also thought this was a great idea and we ended up with a pretty nice sized group to venture out on to the open ocean. But well, it was a boat. A small boat. Probably big to most people, but yeah, way smaller than I was expecting. Our group of 5 was half of the tourists on the boat, and then there was the captain and his deck hand. The boat supposedly could have held way more, but I was pretty pleased that we didn't feel like we had to step over people most of the time. (Since I stayed on the back of the boat the whole time, I rarely saw anyone else but my friends, since the other people stayed up front.)

The harbor part was actually really neat. We could have maybe just tooled around the harbor and looked at otters and birds and I would have been happy. I loved all the old fishing boats and trawlers. They have so much charm to me, even if it is all smelly. There were hundreds of birds of dozens of kinds. It was beautiful to see even though I usually strongly dislike birds. It sort of felt like an eerie horror movie as well, feeling that at any point, the birds could swarm and attack. There were otters playing and it was cute to see them just floating around on their backs. What a nice life that must be.

Once we got out onto the open sea, I started realizing I hadn't really thought through all that this was going to take out of me. I hate the ocean, I can't swim well, and I hate boats and now it was RAINING ON US. WHY the hell am I doing this again? Yeah, DUMB. I wasn't the only one who thought this was sort of a dumb idea after a while, and I started to beg everyone to still be my friend after. I hadn't done it from the start, but I wish I had, and quickly tracked down the crew lady to buy myself a relief band to shock the sickness out of me. It was beautiful. I cranked that sucker to 5 and my stomach eased itself away in time to enjoy the bulk of the sights, including a really awesome full double rainbow. It was really amazing and I was happy. I sat back and did some quiet thinking about mother nature and the world and respecting this great body that was carrying me safely. I thought about sailors who worship the waves, and who live for the floating feeling beneath them. It felt nice and I once again was happy that I was there.

We continued on and my focus point on the shore was merely a tiny speck. We got radio calls that there were some orcas and you could see the many boats circling about. All of us expressed some concern about harassing the whales but the other boats quickly gave up while it was only us that continued on. We truly benefitted too because we ended up finding the tricky little things and following along with the same pod for quite a while. I love orcas, they are so beautiful and such an amazing unexpected treat. We thought we were heading towards the orcas but ended up finding a group of Risso's dolphins, a rare type of dolphin you can only see in the ocean, as they do not survive in captivity. They look like they are glowing under the water because they are a shiny silver and reflect the green of the water.

We headed back in, and the ride in was much smoother as we went with the waves but it still seemed to take forever. On the docks, I walked quickly over the planks to the parking lot, just so grateful for ground under me that wasn't moving. Between the freezing cold and wind to the rocking of the waves, your body is wiped after and I still had a bit of a drive to crawl back into bed. I was pleased with the trip, but I bet you it will be quite a while before I get myself on a boat again! This gal is a land lover for sure, but Mission Accomplished!

2 down...28 to go!

Project 30: Lola the Ipod

2007-12-12T18:08:00.000-08:00

Task 1/30 Purchasing an Ipod
Complete: December 1, 2007

LalalalaLOLA, LalalaLOLA... Damn I love that song. I've always thought I would name my daughter Lola, but just like Bella, we've had to just go ahead and stop reserving the names and use them for things I care about. Like my beautiful baby girl Lola, the new black 80GB Ipod Classic. (Lola the song is also frequently covered by Steve Poltz and the name of his cherry red Taylor guitar. Since almost 1/2 of my baby will end up being Poltz filled, I thought it very fitting.) Right now, we are up to about 13GB with a huge stack of CD's to still go through before we even get to most of the live stuff I have laying around, anticipating falling in around 30-40GB when I am done ripping. I love her so much. We now find car trips and our longer commute so much more entertaining when switching from Annie to Outkast with the push of a button. I love my music so much. I know that it's been so much lower priority than my camera in the past, but I am just not sure how I ever lived without this wonderful storage device for all my beloved tunes. I am ecstatic that the piles of cases that have been hidden away for years have now resurfaced and exposed me again to their wonderful amazing sounds. It works out well that majority of my CD collection is greatest hits albums and soundtracks, so it's like having a an endless supply of singles. I definitely have a variety of tastes in music. I wonder what the first person who looks through my Ipod will say when they see multiple albums by Garth Brooks, Jimmy Buffett and then random rap and hip hop mixed in. I love it. Love it. I love my Miss Lola and she and my camera are now fast buddies in my purse going everywhere with me. It's awesome. I'm so very glad that I now have this.

One thing down...29 more to go!

Project 30: Kicking off a year long birthday celebration!

2007-12-12T13:00:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday to me, Happy Birthday to me, Happy Birthday dear meeeeeeeeeeeee, Happy Birthday to me. Okay, not for another 6 months, but hey, it's the year of me and we're starting early!

December 1st saw the kickoff of my much anticipated adventure, Project 30, 13 months to complete 30 adventures that are on my life list. I will track my progress on lj, myspace and on Snapped in Sin and you can live vicariously through me. Hopefully you'll actually be joining me on some of my adventures as well...

We kicked the project off with project preparation! I've not been given flowers in so long, (and only 2 boys have ever bought the right kind), that I thought I should start a year of treating myself by treating myself to my favorite flower in the world - Stargazer Lilies!

And while a big spa and spoiling day is on the agenda, I felt it not fair to rush into that activity just because I was desperate for a haircut, so I took my snazzy little coupon to Tonic Spa and Salon and sexy girl Erin rocked my hair. Granted it isn't all blown straight anymore because I don't have that much time in my life to waste every day, but I still think it's cute and I'm happy. Yay for sassy new hair!

So with flowers making my house smell pretty and me feeling a bit better about myself we begin...

Here's to a year of wonderful adventures!

Project 30: Cirque du Soleil

2007-12-01T18:12:00.000-08:00

I now have *1* ticket to Kooza in San Jose on Feb 28. This may just be a Project 30 wild card. Or just a nice thing I did for myself. I'll decide later. I was on the fence for a month now watching the tickets for the earlier dates sell quick, but at $55 through Goldstar in the last 2 weeks of the run before they are sold out vs. $80 or higher later to last minute it, I think I have to just say go. I've never really been drawn to it, don't really like acrobats or circus stuff. But, yeah, I guess I have to see it. If people who I think wouldn't like it said I should see it, I should see it. And well, since this is coming, I guess I'm going. (I'd prefer to see Zumanity in Vegas, but this will have to do.) It's a random Thursday night in February, and I'm going to go by myself. It should be neat. Yay!

Next up...Booking Wicked tickets w. , the NYC/DC plans, and then in 6 days I will be in VEGAS BABY!

And so it begins...

2007-12-01T17:13:00.000-08:00

Happy December 1st and welcome to Project 30!

We already have one project completed. The Ipod will charge today while I am completing task #2.
(I bought it yesterday but waited to open it until this morning so it met the rules of the project.)

In just shy of 2 hours, I will be whale watching on the open ocean.
I'm terrifed and excited all at the same time!

Here's to a year of awesome and exciting adventures, friends and fabulous memories.

P30 and Travel

2007-10-31T18:15:00.000-07:00

In a folder in front of me is a paid reservation for whale watching, booked itineraries to Vegas in December, Denver in January and Austin in February and tickets to a St. Louis Blues vs Sharks hockey game in March. Oh yes..it is happening.

Project 30 Official List

2007-10-30T17:49:00.000-07:00

Project 30 Official List:

December:
Vegas & Spice Girls
Whale Watching

January:
Hangar One Tour
Seals at Ano Nuevo
Monterey Bay Aquarium

February:
Wicked w/ Maria
Austin & Bullriding

March:
Hockey
Secret Stencil Mission

April:
Broadway Show in NYC
Museums in DC
Horseback Riding in Half Moon Bay

May:
Train to San Diego
Spa Day
Art Show at my House

June:
Berry Picking
Dance Classes
Limo in Napa

July:
Baseball Game #1
Multi-Course Dinner

August:
Baseball Game #2

September:
Disneyland
Football Game

October & November:
Clean up Months.
Complete anything that hasn't been completed.

Unscheduled:
Gun Shooting
B&W Pictures
Ipod
Vodka Display
Frames for Pictures

Other:
2 WILDCARDS
For use at my choosing at anytime I remember "Oh yeah, I wanted to do that" and want to count it towards the project

Rules, Regulations, Stipulations, Explanations, Fine Print, Exceptions, Excuses, etc.
Goal is to launch the project on December 1, 2007 and complete the project by December 1, 2008, with the "13th month" allowed if absolutely needed. Right now the goal is to be done in 10 months, allowing for 2 months for rescheduling by very booked Spring activities due to unseen events. Notice Skydiving and Scubadiving dropped, as they were unrealistic project goals and bigger than the scope of the idea, being larger fears that need to be dealt with individually. Added since last discussion are Hangar One, Guns, the Aquarium, Ano Nuevo, and Disneyland, as well as the wild card concept. I reserve the right to change, modify, edit, bitch, complain, rearrange, etc. this list because it's mine and just mine and if you don't like it, I don't care so there. But yeah, come play with me, it should be fun. ;)

Project 30: Progress Update

2007-10-19T17:58:00.000-07:00

I have flight numbers and times and plans in the works for almost confirming Austin in February. A Bull has been found in San Antonio.

I now have amazing seats for the Sharks vs Blues hockey game on March 14. Expensive Seats. 2 of them. Maybe i will have a sports loving boyfriend by then. No future football or baseball tickets available since the seasons are still going on.

I have begin planning NYC and DC. It seems smarter to do 1 long east coast trip and hit both on the same plane ticket. I'd like to be in DC sometime during the end of March, beginning of April for the Cherry Blossom festival, but I also wanted to be in New Jersey for the likely Poltz family show in May. Decisions, Decisions. But either way, it seems like it will be about a 10 day trip, 4 nights in NYC, 2 in PA and then 3 in DC, flying home the last day. No solid plans or decisions except actually, really investigating what I want to do and when I want to go.

Hangar One has tours of its distillery in Alameda on Saturdays and Sundays at 1pm. I'm looking at January for this. Any weekends definitely out for anyone who wants to go?

Horseback riding on the cliffs in Half Moon Bay will probably be in the spring as well. It's $60 each for a 2 hour ride, and $20 for the group for a guide. (Or only $35 each if you go at 8am!) Is there anyone who wants to do this with me?

Whale Watching has humpbacks right now, and tons of dolphins. I want to go SOON. Maybe December 1 or earlier depending on who I can get to go when. A 4 hour cruise in Monterey Bay is $42 and parking is $3. Who's in and what are your date preferences for a Saturday or Sunday at 10:30am?

People have jumped on the berry-picking but we'll schedule that in Spring.

The gun-toting looks to be picked up by antiproton and cuz, so I'll coordinate that further there.

I wrote down all the sizes for frames I need.

I tried to figure out what Ipod I want based on my music collection and think I know now. That will definitely be magically in December, or much closer to my birthday.

I can get 3 private dance lessons, 1 series class or four drop-in classes, 1 free dance party for Only $159!

For the train ride, I'd like to go from Paso Robles (only about a 2 hr drive) to San Diego on the Pacific Surfliner with a group of friends, spend the night in SD and take the train back the next day. The train alone is about $170.

Multi-course meal will definitely be in SF. I'd expect to spend about $250 for myself for this.

Spa Day should be about $350. I need to pick a spa, I started looking. It will likely be a 2 part experience, with the spa stuff and then the hair stuff.

Limos in Napa are about $80 an hour for 6 hours and can take 6-8 people. I'm thinking probably spring again.

Additional Things to Consider for Project 30

2007-10-18T17:57:00.000-07:00

Tour Hangar One facility in Alameda.
Go to a gun range.

Unofficial Draft of 30 things list

2007-10-15T17:51:00.000-07:00

Currently 25 potential things on the list
Some of these may drop, and I obviously need a few more, but this is a good first pass and I have to get this stuff off my mirror so I can actually use it.

Sports
SJ vs STL Hockey (Jan or March 2008)
SF vs STL Baseball
SF vs SD Baseball
SF vs STL Football (Fall 2008)

Trips
Spice Girls in Vegas w/ Maria and Brian
Wicked in Hollywood w/ Maria
Mechanical Bull riding w/ Shannon & Carence on Vday in Austin
Winetasting in a limo in Napa
Berry picking in Davenport
NYC to see a Broadway Show
Washington DC for pictures and Museums
Horseback riding on the beach
Full Spa Day w/ Massage, Body Scrub, Facial, Manicure & Pedicure, Haircut
Train ride on the coast
Whale Watching
Scuba Diving

Purchases
Frames for all my nice & signed prints
Vodka cabinet
Ipod

Other random
Very classy, printable, hanging in my house for eternity, showable to my Dad B&W nude pictures
Art show, even cocktail party in my house
Stealth Stencil Mission
Ballroom Dance Class
Skydiving
Multicourse Meal w/ Wine Pairing at a swanky restaurant

Celebrating 30 years of ME

2007-10-11T17:53:00.001-07:00

So there I was, sitting on this bar, directing fur clad ex-citizens of BRC to shuffle into some organization while buying their tickets into Decompression when this guy walks up and sticks out this bumper sticker and asks if it applies to me. I say yup, in fact, it really does, and I take it and continue on. I didn't even wait until I got home to stick it on, I put it right on top of a summer's worth of dirt on the opposite side of my bumper from my "Keep Santa Cruz Weird" sticker. I fucking love my new sticker. Why? Because well, I'm realizing I really do love me. I'm much different than anyone in my life. Most of my friends float between different groups, and I, myself, am fringe on many circles, and generally float solo and free. It actually rocks more and more as I realize the power in realizing it. If that makes sense. I'm really starting to embrace how much I rock.

Anyway, what's this mean to you? Why am I babbling on full of myself? Well, I turn 30 next year. After talking to a friend or two about the expectations to have some big landmark event, and pressuring myself for years to go to South America or some launching world travel trip '"by the time I am thirty", I have settled on something far better. 30 events, purchases, trips, or etc that I have always wanted to do, attend, or own. This gives you 30 chances to participate in my celebration, me a chance to complete a lifetime of "I wants" and a full year of memories to look back on instead of one event.

I started brainstorming about a week ago, and now on my mirror I have a list of 16 things that I want to do. All are very me and things that I have talked about wanting more than once and I am certain I can complete this next year with some minor planning. So I thought to kick off this event, and while I brainstorm to complete the list, I thought I'd see if you could guess any of the things on my all time want list. If you guess something that is on my list already OR happen to name something that really should be on my list and even I forgot I wanted it that bad, then YOU win a prize. If you happen to have talked with me about this in the past week, I have asked you already to one of the events, or you have seen my bathroom mirror list, you are not eligible to participate. What's the prize? Well, I guess it depends on what you guess. I'd like to keep it related to the event(s) you know me for. So if you happen to figure something out, maybe it's a free ticket to go with me, or a postcard back from that place. You just have to play to see now won't you?

The kickoff to this adventure will be December 8th, when , and I will all journey to Las Vegas and start the year of our 30th birthday celebrations dancing to the Spice Girls. Now really, you can't go wrong with Brian, Maria and Vegas. Add the Spice Girls reunion tour, and man, Yay, I'm in. (Brian and I did Britney a few years ago, and it will go down as awesome forever, no matter what a crack head she turns into.) What else will this next year bring? I'm not completely sure...but what do you think?

No matter how long you have been reading me, or how well you know me...i'd love to have you complete this sentence as me.

"I've always wanted...."