Day 24: Meet Adriano Zumbo

The Cancer's Council's huge fundraising event, "Australia Largest Morning Tea" was launched today at Martin Place in the city. Special guests were famous patissier Adriano Zumbo and last year's Masterchef runner up, Callum.

Before Masterchef appeared on our TV screens, I had never heard of Adriano Zumbo. But since watching him create his unique, difficult and delicious looking desserts, I was an instant fan.

When creating and gathering ideas for  my 30 day challenge list, experiencing one of Adriano Zumbo's creations was a must. I particulary wanted to eat one of his macaroons. He has a HUGE selection to choose ranging from kalamata olive to pig's blood macaroons. I have followed a little bit of Adriano's show and was fascinated.

Last year's Masterchef was on my television screen each night. I watched every single episode and ensured to tape the show if I was out that night. I loved it. I even had withdrawal symptoms when the show ended. Australia's Largest Morning Tea launch was also blessed with the appearance of young and talented Masterchef runner up Callum.

 I came across this event at the last minute, while browsing on Masterchef's Facebook page and I thought what a great opportunity it would be to go see these two stars.

I got into Martin Place at about 9.10am and was surprised to see only a small crowd. Adriano was decorating some sweets and Callum was mingling with some of the fans.

Eventually Adriano came done with the fans and was kind enough to take photos and to do some meeting and greeting. I loved the cream mark on his face, a true mark of a good cook.

Adriano was very patient and kind with everyone. I finally got a turn to take a photo with him and in true Antonella style I nearly stacked it down the stairs while next to him. I didn't realise that there was a step behind me, so I grabbed on to Adriano. He helped me get my balance and said "Shit are you okay" So embarrassing!  He was very sweet about it all and we tried again to get our photo taken. .

I was lucky enough to even try one of his sweet creations. It wasn't a macaroon but a small piece of cake decorated with fresh cream and fruit. It was delicious.

I am hoping to visit Adriano one day at his Balmain shop to savour his macaroons. I am positive that he will remember me.

Day 23: Buy a pet guinea pig

I was out shopping with my friend Rebecca today and we walked past this cute little guinea pig. I thought how adorable and instantly I wanted it.

I have never bought my own pet before. Growing up we didn't have any pets. We once had a little peachface bird that flew into our backyard and didn't leave. So we made a little cage for it and adopted it as our pet. A few days later it passed away. Well that is what my mum and dad said. I think they just left the cage door open on purpose.

Most recently, we had a little black rabbit come to our front garden. Mr Blacky as we named him. My father asked around if the baby rabbit belonged to anyone, but none of the neighbours owned it. We now have Mr Blacky living in our backyard in a pen like cage. He gets to eat all of my father's homegrown vegetables and even some of my mother's cooking.

But I have never bought my own pet, and I suppose I am not really a pet person. I love wild animals and like to learn about them, like giraffes, elephants and penguins, but I am not a fan of domestic animals. I am not the type of person who walks pass a pet shop and wants to go in and have a look. I usually hold my breath to avoid that pet shop smell.

But today, this little guinea pig stole my heart. I decided to call her Miss Mulberry. Mulberry also being a colour and matching the name for our pet rabbit, Mr Blacky.

I was really excited to come home and show my parents the new addition to the family. I thought it would be no problem for Miss Mulberry to share her home with Mr Blacky. However, my father was not impressed and he said there was no way Miss Mulberry could live safely together with Mr Blacky in the same cage. So I decided to keep Miss Mulberry in my bedroom, safe and sound.

My mother wasn't impressed with that idea. I couldn't understand why. I said Miss Mulberry is very clean, she doesn't make much noise and she won't require too much attention. She doesn't eat either.

Anyway I am happy to have finally purchased my own sweet, adorable guinea pig pet.

The best pet anyone could ever own.

Day 22: Donate blood

I saved three people's lives today by donating blood. Rather than feel proud and excited about it. I actually feel ashamed. Why have I waited so long to donate blood to help save the lives of others?

There wan an extensive questionnaire that needed to be completed. While filling in my responses, I thought, I am a healthy person, why haven't I come here before to give my blood to people who need it?

The process was very smooth. Complete a questionnaire, have an interview with a nurse, have your finger pricked and then the needle was in. It was fascinating for me to see my blood flow out of me, into a tube and  then into a bag. I gave 500ml, half a litre of blood and felt absolutely fine. Apparently I have fantastic veins, as the blood flowed out in 5 minutes. The nurse said it usually takes up to 10 minutes. She was probably just making me feel better.

They put a big bandage over the needle prick and escorted me to the cafeteria for a refreshment.

I learnt today that you can also give just a plasma donation or a platelet donation, but the nurse recommended that I give whole blood donations the first few times.

I will be going again to donate blood as soon as I can. They estimate in about 12 weeks time. I have even encouraged my mum to donate blood and she will be coming with me next time.

Many of my own family members and friends have relied on the generosity of previous blood donors in the past. I am thankful to each of them. I now hope that my donation can help the family members or friends of somebody else out there.

Day 21: Do the Sydney Tower Skywalk

Many people from around the world flock to Sydney and are delighted to see the Harbour Bridge, the iconic Opera House and the marvellous Sydney Tower. Being a Sydney resident my entire life, I am always eager to travel and experience new places, climb the Eiffel Tower in Paris, walk around the Colosseum, ride the Gondola in Venice. But doing things in my own backyard? Like many, I always think I will have time to do it one day.

The "one day" was today. I have been up to the observatory deck of Sydney Tower, previously known and still commonly referred to as Centrepoint Tower, several times before. But walking around the outside edge of the Sydney Tower was something new.

The tower is the tallest in Sydney and overlooks our beautiful city, standing at 268 metres.  I had heard several stories about how frightening the Skywalk would be, walking across clear panels of glass and seeing the city down below us. Hanging off an observation deck, where it would shake and shiver. I felt a little nervous about it, but I have always loved heights and knew that I would enjoy it.

Toni and I got geared up, in a nice bright blue Skywalk jumpsuit. Everyone also had to do an alcohol breath test, another new thing for me. There were four other people in our group and we were all locals. All of us from Sydney. We were given a harness and hooked on and stepped out onto the platform.

No matter how many times you get up to the top of Sydney Tower, the view of our city is just breathtaking. The view from the outside was stunning. It was great to be able to see the views of our city without the obstructing glass .

I was a little anxious putting my foot out on to the glass panels, but felt fine after taking that first step. I wasn't afraid at all, but rather captivated by our picturesque city. We took several photos out there, including ones where we had to jump up and down. Of course the glass platforms shook a little

The tour lasted for about one hour. It was really great. I recommend it to everyone. Tourists, locals, people of all ages and fitness levels.

Now if I can do this, surely I am able to do the Sydney Harbour Climb. That will have to be next time I be a tourist in Sydney.

Day 20: Drive a yellow Monaro

The first time I went to the Motor Show, I had one picture taken.

Me standing next to a yellow car.

The next time I went to the Motor Show, I listened to my friends speaking of the new Ferrari or Porsche they wanted and wished to own.

I simply wanted the yellow car.

Some people see a yellow car and call out 'Spotto". I see a yellow car and think how nice. I want one. I even got in trouble a couple of times from my driving instructor when I was learning to drive because I would purposely follow the yellow car to have a better look at it. 

I have loved yellow cars for as long as I can remember. I just love the way these bright yellow canary cars stand out amongst the mundane traffic of greys, whites and blacks. I cannot understand why someone would want to purchase a grey car, when they can choose yellow! Yellow cars are stunning, definitely safer and simply beautiful.

One big motivator for me to get my licence was the possibility of owning a yellow car. I got my licence in my mid twenties and never had a real desire to drive. But the thought of owning and driving a yellow car pushed me a little more.

While speaking with a few friends, Yasmin came up with the idea to go to a car yard to pretend to purchase a car, We all shouted yellow Monaro! My obsession of yellow Monaros has been around for quite a few years now. They are probably the only type of car I recognise. Yasmin and I did a bit of research on where we could go "buy" a yellow Monaro.

Yasmin, who has a fantastic knowledge of cars, called around and made an appointment to see the yellow Monaro  at a dealership. She told me several times that she asked the salesman to ensure he had a yellow Monaro. So on Saturday morning at around 11am Yasmin picked Jaime, Rebecca and I up and we were off to Castle Hill to check out the car.

I was pretty nervous to ensure that we would get our story straight with the salesman, was hoping that he would let us take it for a spin and then scared about me actually driving it!

We got there, had a bit of a look, the car dealer photocopied our licenses, he gave us the keys and we were off. As easy as that. I was screaming "We are in a yellow Monaro". Yasmin firstly took the car around the block and then it was my turn.

I got into the driver's seat and it was as if I had never driven a car before. I was so nervous!  I was shouting again "I'm driving a yellow Monaro", while the girls were reminding me to calm down and concentrate. I must have driven it for about 50 metres but that was enough. I pulled over and we took several photos.

Now for all you who are reading this thinking, get over it is just a car. I totally agree with you, it is just a car, But being able to do something that you have always really wanted to do is just awesome. I  simply cannot get the smile off my face. And being able to experience it with some of my closest friends was even better.

We took the car back, told him we would think about it and our adventure was over.

Actually buying a yellow Monaro? Well I don't think I'd actually ever buy a yellow Monaro. But the desire to want a yellow car? It was made stronger today.

Day 19: Watch the Sound of Music

Many people are shocked when they hear that I have not watched the Sound of Music before. Often when people talk about Sound of Music or begin to sing the songs from its movie, I usually just nod and smile. Telling people that I have not seen it comes as a huge surprise to many. Just to let these die heart fans know, there are many, many people out there that have not seen it.

Watching the movie really surprised me. There were so many songs in the movie, that I was already familiar with and had heard previously. I am also fortunate enough to say that I have been to Salzburg before. Seeing places from the movie I had seen in real life was a highlight. And being reminded of the beauty of Austria was also fabulous.

I understand why this movie is such a favourite with so many people. Catchy tunes, romance and adventure are all rolled into one.

I am proud to say that I have now seen the Sound of Music and now I just have to learn the words to all those songs.

Day 18: Singing Justin Beiber karaoke vs watching The Human Experience

Looking at the title of my Day 18, I really do not know where to begin.

A group of people from work were off to the cinemas tonight to watch the movie,"The Human Experience". I had heard reviews about this film, people claiming that watching the film would change your life, that the viewing would inspire you in your own life, that it would help you understand the true meaning of life.
I was attending the movie, having great expectations and very high hopes.

There was some talk earlier today on what I was going to do today as my new thing. Many suggestions were supplied, some including:
- ask a random stranger personal questions
- ask a question after the movie screening in front of a huge audience
- eat something exotic and weird
- flirt with a priest (totally inappropriate I know, not saying who came up with this idea)

but nothing above seemed to interest me. (Sorry Christine)

After a normal day at work, I went shopping for a little while with my friend Christine and we had some dinner. Didn't talk to any strangers and ask them personal questions, didn't eat anything weird and there was no way I was going to flirt with a priest.

As we were walking into the cinemas, there was a karaoke machine with Justine Beiber's infamous song "Baby, Baby, Baby". Now I have done karaoke several times before, but only in private functions with people I know and only to songs that I actually like. Singing Justin Beiber and pretending to enjoy myself was a challenge itself. And it was in front of a huge crowd.

I was actually quite eager to sing the song. It didn't really faze me. I was most glad that I had actually done my thing for the day. And that I could now just enjoy the film.

What I didn't know at that stage was that the movie "The Human Experience" would have more in store for me.

The movie is about a group of young men who go on a journey to discover the meaning of life. They undertake various experiences in difficult situations and realise the beauty in every person. They learn of the hope and faith found in humans and the power of making a difference.

Simply put the movie was inspirational.

It was a self discovery journey for these young men and they painted a picture of being able to have hope even in the most difficult of situations. They learnt about their own lives, all having difficult upbringings, and they showed the power of human kindness and the importance of love and community,

Two of the actors from the movie. Michael Campo and Jeffrey Azize, appeared after the film screening answering questions from the audience. This really allowed this marvellous film seem so real. They were both so open and honest with their own personal experiences.It was a privilege to hear these talented and inspirational actors/producers speak.

We were also fortunate enough to get a photo with each of them and congratulate them on such a moving film.

I walked out the cinema thinking Justin Beiber? Why would I think that singing karaoke to a Justin Beiber song would need to be something on my list of 30 things to do? Why aren't I doing something more inspiring? Something that can make a difference to the lives of others. Why am I wasting opportunities in my life to do something simple and easy, rather than taking risks and getting out of my comfort zone?

And I realised,  today's purpose was to watch the film and to make the commitment of making a change. Even just a small one.

I have already looked into volunteering in a soup kitchen, I am donating blood soon and am interested in doing some volunteering with disabled or underprivileged children.

I would recommend that everyone watch the Human Experience. It makes you value all the wonderful things in our lives. It made me see how precious and special my life is. How lucky I am to have all the special people in my life. That I have a roof over my head, that I have a great job, that I have the opportunity to help others.

So my Day 18 experience? It was definitely learning about my possible future Human Experiences. .


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