I just wanted to say a few words to express my gratitude and thanks to many people over the last 30 days.
Firstly thank you to everyone who gave me a range of ideas. Some great and well some. not so great.
Thank you to each and every one of you who took the time to read my blog. Thank you for your words of encouragement and support throughout my 30 days.
A big thank you to all people who helped me along the way. Those people who joined in on the fun and were willing to try something new with me. Means a lot
A special thanks to Francesca, who helped spark off this idea. I would never have done my 30 day challenge if it wasn't for our conversation.
I have enjoyed every moment of it, I hope you have too.
Thursday, 21 April 2011
Tuesday, 19 April 2011
Day 30: Do as many new things as possible
When my challenge first began I thought of and was given many ideas on what I could achieve in the 30 days. Upon reaching Day 30, I was determined to end my challenge on a high. But nopt wanting to do skydiving or bungee jumping, I thought I would try and cram in as many new things as possible in my last day. Of course taking on and doing as many suggestions as follows. It was s hectic day. But it really goes to show what one person can achieve if they put their mind to it. Being too busy to do something is a poor excuse!
1) Eat ice cream for breakfast
Ice cream is one of my favourites, especially cookies and cream. But eating it for breakfast is not something people commonly do. It was great, I had chocolate and strawberry ice cream. I suppose I can eat ice cream at any time of the day.
2)Send a message in a bottle.
I wrote a letter about my 30 day challenge, including my email address and asked the finder to contact me. I tied a small gold ribbon around the top of the bottle and lay the bottle in the bay. Who knows who may find my message? I'm hoping for a handsome sailor.
3) Do the bay run and say hello to each person that walks past
Now I usually don't give eye contact while walking around, let alone greet each person. I am usually the one who gets bombarded with strangers wanting to chat with me, kiss me, touch my feet or walk with me when I am out and about. By saying hello to each person, I was given quite a few stares, mumbles of hello, and people ignoring me.I had some people look at me in such a strange way, it was as if I had shouted out an offensive word rather than a polite greeting. I giggled to myself each time. It felt good being on this side for once.
4) Eat a kiwi whole, skin and all
This was for Jaime and Rebecca who like to eat kiwi fruits like they are apples. Well I did it, I bit into the kiwi and ate the kiwi with the skin on. Now the actual taste was fine, the skin gives it a zesty flavour. But each time I would bite into it, I was disgusted by the thought of the hairy skin. I think it would be better if the kiwi was sliced in smaller pieces, so the surface area of the skin would not be so large.
5) Read Top 50 poems
The only poetry I remember reading was the ones we were forced learn and study for our HSC. I came across this website http://www.famouspoetsandpoems.%20com%20and/ and thought it would be great to wider my horizons in terms of poetry. Still one of my favourites is Robert Frost's The Road Not Taken. A fantastic and inspiring poem. I also liked the poetry of Maya Angelou.
6) Purchase Pete Sampras from eBay
Who would have thought that a Pete Sampras fan as big as me has never bought any Pete Sampras merchandise from eBay? Well it's true. I had a bit of a search on eBay and bought a disc that has 20 videos of Pete Sampras and a range of photos. Can't wait for it to arrive.
7) Register as a volunteer for Starlight Day in May
I will be working on a Saturday afternoon selling merchandise to help fundraise for the Starlight Foundation. This charity aims at helping terminally ill and seriously injured children. I am so looking forward to helping out and making a difference.
8) Go into a Vinnies store and make a purchase
I had never been into a Vinnes store before, and I was quite surprised to see the huge range of things they had. At first I saw a Tweety bird stuffed toy. It was gorgeous, a nice size, good condition and only $3. I was tempted, But then I was strong, no you can't start buying stuffed toys again. While I was in there, I was actually looking to see if any of my stuffed toys that I donated were in the store. I ended up purchasing three novels.
9) Speak to a telemarketer for longer than 2 minutes
I was so hoping that one these people would call today. And luck was on my side. Like so many people I often tell them I am not interested and hang up before the poor person even has time to say what they are calling for. His name was Gregory and he told me I had been selected and won a holiday vouchers and supermarket vouchers valuing to $2000. I was like great, fantastic, He told me in order to redeem my vouchers I would have to go to a meeting at Surry Hills. What a shame I won't be in Sydney the days the meetings are on.
10) Eat lunch at a restaurant on my own.
Okay I have eaten at a food court on my own, but never a restaurant. I went to a Japanese restaurant in Burwood. I ordered their lunch special. Stir fried Wagyu Beef with all these others things on my plate. The experience was fine. Thank goodness I had my iPhone with me. And in hindsight,lunch time is fine, I think eating alone at a restaurant at dinner time would be much difficult.
11) Drink Aloe Vera juice
Aloe Vera juice was offered on the menu at the Japanese restaurant. I was about to order a Diet Coke when I noticed it. I thought why not, try something new. I can't really explain how it tastes. It has a sweet flavour but then kind of a bitter after taste. And each time I took a sip I couldn't help but see that green prickly plant in my mind.
12) Buy myself a bunch of flowers
Never done it. I love flowers but I have never gone and bought some flowers for the house just because. I picked out some pretty pink carnations. They had no yellow or purple flowers that I liked.
13) Eat a quince
Disgusting, I took a bite and threw it out. Perhaps it wasn't ripe enough yet. I'm not sure, but I wasn't a fan
14) Go to Adriano Zumbo's patisserie and got macarons!
I finally tasted Adriano Zumbo's macarons. They are devine. The best one I have tasted so far is mint with chestnut. I found out that they have opened a small cafe in Rozelle. I think this may be where the kitchen is, but they have now put a little cafe at the front. So good, I think I will be a regular customer. Shame Adriano wasn't anywhere to be seen.
15) Play OzLotto online
I have never played the Lotto online before, let alone OzLotto. There was 20 million up on offer. Guess how much I won? Zilch. Back to work it is.
16) Write my teaching philosophy
Well I had to do this task for an upcoming work conference, So I thought I might as well include it as something new, since I have never sat down and put on a piece of paper what I truly believe about teaching. It was actually a great way to reflect on my teaching journey so far and what I want to further achieve as an educator.
17) and 18) Write a letter to the Today Show and to Sunrise
Both these morning programs are always asking for new stories. I thought they may be interested in hearing about my 30 Day Challenge. So I wrote to them, introducing myself and explaining what I had been up to the last 30 days. I also gave them the address of my blog. I may make it on television again.
19) Learn to play Ludo
I love boardgames and I am not sure why I have never learnt to play this one before. I thought it was quite complex but it's not. Really fun and of course I'm addicted. I've already downloaded the app on my iPhone.
20) Write a letter to Oprah
When I first started my challenge I wanted to write a fan letter to someone famous. And then I thought Oprah. I was sure Oprah would love to hear about my 30 day challenge and how it has inspired me and others to go out there, change your life, make things better, make a difference and enjoy everything you do. I sent an email outlining what I had done, gave my blog address and now my fingers are crossed. How cool would it be, if I was flown to America? Wishful thinking, but it could happen!
21) Apply for a writing job online
I can upon a writing job online where you can review different places, events, movies, cafes etc in Sydney. Depending on how many people read your review you get paid.. But firstly you have to apply to the company by writing a review, which I did. Of course I chose to write about Adriano Zumbo's cafe. I thought it was a perfect job for me. Write and be paid for hings I enjoy doing in my spare time.
I was aiming to achieve completing 30 new things in one day, but by the time I did all this, I was simply exhausted.
I had reached Number 21 and thought I have done.
21 things in one day is perfect.
And the perfect number to end on.
I will turn 30 on April 21st.
1) Eat ice cream for breakfast
Ice cream is one of my favourites, especially cookies and cream. But eating it for breakfast is not something people commonly do. It was great, I had chocolate and strawberry ice cream. I suppose I can eat ice cream at any time of the day.
2)Send a message in a bottle.
I wrote a letter about my 30 day challenge, including my email address and asked the finder to contact me. I tied a small gold ribbon around the top of the bottle and lay the bottle in the bay. Who knows who may find my message? I'm hoping for a handsome sailor.
3) Do the bay run and say hello to each person that walks past
Now I usually don't give eye contact while walking around, let alone greet each person. I am usually the one who gets bombarded with strangers wanting to chat with me, kiss me, touch my feet or walk with me when I am out and about. By saying hello to each person, I was given quite a few stares, mumbles of hello, and people ignoring me.I had some people look at me in such a strange way, it was as if I had shouted out an offensive word rather than a polite greeting. I giggled to myself each time. It felt good being on this side for once.
4) Eat a kiwi whole, skin and all
This was for Jaime and Rebecca who like to eat kiwi fruits like they are apples. Well I did it, I bit into the kiwi and ate the kiwi with the skin on. Now the actual taste was fine, the skin gives it a zesty flavour. But each time I would bite into it, I was disgusted by the thought of the hairy skin. I think it would be better if the kiwi was sliced in smaller pieces, so the surface area of the skin would not be so large.
5) Read Top 50 poems
The only poetry I remember reading was the ones we were forced learn and study for our HSC. I came across this website http://www.famouspoetsandpoems.%20com%20and/ and thought it would be great to wider my horizons in terms of poetry. Still one of my favourites is Robert Frost's The Road Not Taken. A fantastic and inspiring poem. I also liked the poetry of Maya Angelou.
6) Purchase Pete Sampras from eBay
Who would have thought that a Pete Sampras fan as big as me has never bought any Pete Sampras merchandise from eBay? Well it's true. I had a bit of a search on eBay and bought a disc that has 20 videos of Pete Sampras and a range of photos. Can't wait for it to arrive.
7) Register as a volunteer for Starlight Day in May
I will be working on a Saturday afternoon selling merchandise to help fundraise for the Starlight Foundation. This charity aims at helping terminally ill and seriously injured children. I am so looking forward to helping out and making a difference.
8) Go into a Vinnies store and make a purchase
I had never been into a Vinnes store before, and I was quite surprised to see the huge range of things they had. At first I saw a Tweety bird stuffed toy. It was gorgeous, a nice size, good condition and only $3. I was tempted, But then I was strong, no you can't start buying stuffed toys again. While I was in there, I was actually looking to see if any of my stuffed toys that I donated were in the store. I ended up purchasing three novels.
9) Speak to a telemarketer for longer than 2 minutes
I was so hoping that one these people would call today. And luck was on my side. Like so many people I often tell them I am not interested and hang up before the poor person even has time to say what they are calling for. His name was Gregory and he told me I had been selected and won a holiday vouchers and supermarket vouchers valuing to $2000. I was like great, fantastic, He told me in order to redeem my vouchers I would have to go to a meeting at Surry Hills. What a shame I won't be in Sydney the days the meetings are on.
10) Eat lunch at a restaurant on my own.
Okay I have eaten at a food court on my own, but never a restaurant. I went to a Japanese restaurant in Burwood. I ordered their lunch special. Stir fried Wagyu Beef with all these others things on my plate. The experience was fine. Thank goodness I had my iPhone with me. And in hindsight,lunch time is fine, I think eating alone at a restaurant at dinner time would be much difficult.
11) Drink Aloe Vera juice
Aloe Vera juice was offered on the menu at the Japanese restaurant. I was about to order a Diet Coke when I noticed it. I thought why not, try something new. I can't really explain how it tastes. It has a sweet flavour but then kind of a bitter after taste. And each time I took a sip I couldn't help but see that green prickly plant in my mind.
12) Buy myself a bunch of flowers
Never done it. I love flowers but I have never gone and bought some flowers for the house just because. I picked out some pretty pink carnations. They had no yellow or purple flowers that I liked.
13) Eat a quince
Disgusting, I took a bite and threw it out. Perhaps it wasn't ripe enough yet. I'm not sure, but I wasn't a fan
14) Go to Adriano Zumbo's patisserie and got macarons!
I finally tasted Adriano Zumbo's macarons. They are devine. The best one I have tasted so far is mint with chestnut. I found out that they have opened a small cafe in Rozelle. I think this may be where the kitchen is, but they have now put a little cafe at the front. So good, I think I will be a regular customer. Shame Adriano wasn't anywhere to be seen.
15) Play OzLotto online
I have never played the Lotto online before, let alone OzLotto. There was 20 million up on offer. Guess how much I won? Zilch. Back to work it is.
16) Write my teaching philosophy
Well I had to do this task for an upcoming work conference, So I thought I might as well include it as something new, since I have never sat down and put on a piece of paper what I truly believe about teaching. It was actually a great way to reflect on my teaching journey so far and what I want to further achieve as an educator.
17) and 18) Write a letter to the Today Show and to Sunrise
Both these morning programs are always asking for new stories. I thought they may be interested in hearing about my 30 Day Challenge. So I wrote to them, introducing myself and explaining what I had been up to the last 30 days. I also gave them the address of my blog. I may make it on television again.
19) Learn to play Ludo
I love boardgames and I am not sure why I have never learnt to play this one before. I thought it was quite complex but it's not. Really fun and of course I'm addicted. I've already downloaded the app on my iPhone.
20) Write a letter to Oprah
When I first started my challenge I wanted to write a fan letter to someone famous. And then I thought Oprah. I was sure Oprah would love to hear about my 30 day challenge and how it has inspired me and others to go out there, change your life, make things better, make a difference and enjoy everything you do. I sent an email outlining what I had done, gave my blog address and now my fingers are crossed. How cool would it be, if I was flown to America? Wishful thinking, but it could happen!
21) Apply for a writing job online
I can upon a writing job online where you can review different places, events, movies, cafes etc in Sydney. Depending on how many people read your review you get paid.. But firstly you have to apply to the company by writing a review, which I did. Of course I chose to write about Adriano Zumbo's cafe. I thought it was a perfect job for me. Write and be paid for hings I enjoy doing in my spare time.
I was aiming to achieve completing 30 new things in one day, but by the time I did all this, I was simply exhausted.
I had reached Number 21 and thought I have done.
21 things in one day is perfect.
And the perfect number to end on.
I will turn 30 on April 21st.
Monday, 18 April 2011
Day 29: High Tea at QVB
I lived the life of the rich today. Going to Queen Victoria Building and having high tea with the ladies is a wonderful experience. Everything so fancy, delicate and posh.
I went with some work friends for a social gathering during our school holidays. Many of the ladies had been before, while some of us were new to the experience.
I was quite surprised with the array of tea selection. So many to choose from. I knew there was earl gray and English breakfast. And that's about all. I ended up choosing a vanilla tea which was quite nice.
We decided on having the sparkling afternoon tea. This includes a selection of cakes, biscuits, pastries, scones, sandwiches, tea and most importantly a glass of champagne.
The cakes came out on a tier and looked very cute and delicate. The sandwiches had the crust cut off. Not fair I like the crust. I wasn't a fan of the sandwiches. Too many things mixed with mayonnaise. or cheese and stuff like that. I did have the tuna sandwich which was alright.
My favourite would have definitely been the scones. They were huge! Moist and delicious.
It was a great experience, lovely to sit, chat and indulge in sweet delights.
I went with some work friends for a social gathering during our school holidays. Many of the ladies had been before, while some of us were new to the experience.
I was quite surprised with the array of tea selection. So many to choose from. I knew there was earl gray and English breakfast. And that's about all. I ended up choosing a vanilla tea which was quite nice.
We decided on having the sparkling afternoon tea. This includes a selection of cakes, biscuits, pastries, scones, sandwiches, tea and most importantly a glass of champagne.
The cakes came out on a tier and looked very cute and delicate. The sandwiches had the crust cut off. Not fair I like the crust. I wasn't a fan of the sandwiches. Too many things mixed with mayonnaise. or cheese and stuff like that. I did have the tuna sandwich which was alright.
My favourite would have definitely been the scones. They were huge! Moist and delicious.
It was a great experience, lovely to sit, chat and indulge in sweet delights.
Sunday, 17 April 2011
Day 28: Get a tattoo and a caricature.
Get a tattoo? Now that is drastic! Such a massive thing to do as part of this 30 day challenge. And it will now be there for the rest of my life. Each time I look down and see my purple butterfly fluttering on my upper arm, I will think it was the Day 28 challenge. A permanent mark of my adventures in the last few days of being in the 20's decade. But would I really do such a thing? Would I get a permanent stamp on my body?
Of course not!
Only a fake one. But I have never even had a fake one before, so it still qualifies.
I went to the Royal Easter Show at Olympic Park with my sister, niece and nephew and my godmother and her children. I had not been to this annual event for over 10 years. And in fact I had never been with my niece and nephew before either.
Upon walking through the gates, I saw a sign for air spray tattoos. I thought perfect. No pain and no stain. I paid a minimal fee for a tattoo that looks like one of those tattoos you wet, stick to your skin and then peel off. Very fake looking, but at least it will only be around for a week.
The second part to today was getting a caricature done of myself. I had always wanted to do one. I think it is so fascinating that these artists are able to capture the qualities that identify you, but at the same time portray these qualities and characteristics in a comical, funny way.
I asked my artist to be nice while he was drawing me, and in about 5 minutes he was done! My portrait is definitely cheeky and a bit raunchy but very amusing and clever too!
Of course not!
Only a fake one. But I have never even had a fake one before, so it still qualifies.
I went to the Royal Easter Show at Olympic Park with my sister, niece and nephew and my godmother and her children. I had not been to this annual event for over 10 years. And in fact I had never been with my niece and nephew before either.
Upon walking through the gates, I saw a sign for air spray tattoos. I thought perfect. No pain and no stain. I paid a minimal fee for a tattoo that looks like one of those tattoos you wet, stick to your skin and then peel off. Very fake looking, but at least it will only be around for a week.
The second part to today was getting a caricature done of myself. I had always wanted to do one. I think it is so fascinating that these artists are able to capture the qualities that identify you, but at the same time portray these qualities and characteristics in a comical, funny way.
I asked my artist to be nice while he was drawing me, and in about 5 minutes he was done! My portrait is definitely cheeky and a bit raunchy but very amusing and clever too!
I can't wait to frame my caricature and keep this as a memory of my 30 day challenge.
Saturday, 16 April 2011
Day 27: Bake scones
My first true experience of scones was while I was travelling in England. Delicious scones with cream and jam. Baking scones seemed so difficult.
I thought you had to use a scone cutter. And me making dough, not likely.
I found a simple choc chip scone recipe and the mixing was underway. I made the dough in no time at all. Of course I added more choc chips then what the recipe suggested. I put the scones in the oven and they were done in about 12 minutes. As easy as that.
They turned out well. Looked great and tasted delicious. I was impressed.
I am already thinking about all the variations I could possibly make.
White chocolate, blueberries, strawberries, macadamia nuts, sultana, coconut.......
I thought you had to use a scone cutter. And me making dough, not likely.
I found a simple choc chip scone recipe and the mixing was underway. I made the dough in no time at all. Of course I added more choc chips then what the recipe suggested. I put the scones in the oven and they were done in about 12 minutes. As easy as that.
They turned out well. Looked great and tasted delicious. I was impressed.
I am already thinking about all the variations I could possibly make.
White chocolate, blueberries, strawberries, macadamia nuts, sultana, coconut.......
Friday, 15 April 2011
Day 26: Mechanics 101
Cars and me don't really get on. (A yellow Monaro being the only exception). When someone tells me they bought a new car. I ask what colour? That's all I'm really interested in. I don't really know much else. Nothing about engines, or transmissions or that stuff.
I will be honest and say that I had to get a lesson from some friends on how to put petrol in the car. And the first time I did it by myself I was so nervous and then excited that I had actually achieved this monumental task.
My father this morning, asked me to lift the hood up.
Ummm how do I do that?
So I thought this was my opportunity to learn a little bit about what is really under the bonnet.
Firstly, my dad showed me the little button under my steering wheel that I press and then the lever to help lift the hood up. And of course where the stand is hold the hood up.
He showed me some of the basic parts. To give myself some credit I knew where the engine was and also the car battery, but that is about it.
I learnt about the stick thing you pull out that indicates your oil level.
I know now where to put water for the windscreen wipers.
I can now recognise the part which is for coolant.
I can tell you where to put power steering fluid.
I even know that under each screw of the car battery, you need to make sure there is enough water.
All that in about 10 minutes.
I am eager to learn a little more. I think it would be awesome if I knew how to change a tyre and some other general car maintenance. I saw a workshop online aimed at women to help them learn more about car and parts. I would definitely be interested in participating in that in the future.
I am now ready to enrol in Mechanics 102.
I will be honest and say that I had to get a lesson from some friends on how to put petrol in the car. And the first time I did it by myself I was so nervous and then excited that I had actually achieved this monumental task.
My father this morning, asked me to lift the hood up.
Ummm how do I do that?
So I thought this was my opportunity to learn a little bit about what is really under the bonnet.
Firstly, my dad showed me the little button under my steering wheel that I press and then the lever to help lift the hood up. And of course where the stand is hold the hood up.
He showed me some of the basic parts. To give myself some credit I knew where the engine was and also the car battery, but that is about it.
I learnt about the stick thing you pull out that indicates your oil level.
I know now where to put water for the windscreen wipers.
I can now recognise the part which is for coolant.
I can tell you where to put power steering fluid.
I even know that under each screw of the car battery, you need to make sure there is enough water.
All that in about 10 minutes.
I am eager to learn a little more. I think it would be awesome if I knew how to change a tyre and some other general car maintenance. I saw a workshop online aimed at women to help them learn more about car and parts. I would definitely be interested in participating in that in the future.
I am now ready to enrol in Mechanics 102.
Thursday, 14 April 2011
Day 25: Get a pedicure.
Once upon a time, about 12 years ago, I was waiting at the bus stop in the city. It was around Christmas time and I had done some Christmas shopping. Along came Rudy. Rudy was a so called 'friend' of my long time friend Stacey. They knew each other from a church youth group. Rudy came over to me and said hello. I was polite and said hello back, but avoided eye contact. I didn't really want to get into conversation with him. Rudy commented me on my shoes and said how he liked them. Before I knew it, Rudy reached down and squeezed my foot! That's right I had a stranger bend down and squeeze my foot at a bus stop. Now Rudy obviously had some kind of foot fetish.
Me on the other hand, I don't like feet. And people touching my feet, I dislike it even more. This explains why I have never had a pedicure before.
In Thailand I paid 100 baht, the equivalent of about 4 Australian dollars to have a sweet lady paint my toenails on the beachside of Patong. I even had the courage to put my feet in the water with all those skin eating fish. But no pedicure.
I went to a local nail shop to get the job done. I thought I deserved to sit down, relax and spoil myself after all this excitement the past 3 weeks. I loved the relaxing, massaging chair. It felt great. While the lady was scraping away at my dead skin, she kept talking in her own language to the other people who worked there. I am sure she was saying how ugly my feet were, or how much dead skin I had on them. At certain times through the scrubbing, I tried hard not to laugh, some parts of the process were quite ticklish.
She painted my nails in a strong red colour and my feet looked pretty decent for once. The classic moment, I was aiming for two embarrassing moments in two days, were the shoes. Now because I am a pedicure virgin, it did not cross my mind about wearing appropriate shoes. Of course wearing closed shoes would probably smudge the mail polish. But of course I did not think of that.
The people at the nail shop gave me these bright green disposable thongs to wear. Such a great look! I walked home wearing my new classic lime green shoes holding my other shoes in my hands. Luckily I did not bump into anyone I knew and that I live just around the corner.
On the positive side , my feet look glam. My only dilemma now is do I wear my new canary yellow shoes or my bright green lime shoes for my birthday? The choices I have to make....
Me on the other hand, I don't like feet. And people touching my feet, I dislike it even more. This explains why I have never had a pedicure before.
In Thailand I paid 100 baht, the equivalent of about 4 Australian dollars to have a sweet lady paint my toenails on the beachside of Patong. I even had the courage to put my feet in the water with all those skin eating fish. But no pedicure.
I went to a local nail shop to get the job done. I thought I deserved to sit down, relax and spoil myself after all this excitement the past 3 weeks. I loved the relaxing, massaging chair. It felt great. While the lady was scraping away at my dead skin, she kept talking in her own language to the other people who worked there. I am sure she was saying how ugly my feet were, or how much dead skin I had on them. At certain times through the scrubbing, I tried hard not to laugh, some parts of the process were quite ticklish.
She painted my nails in a strong red colour and my feet looked pretty decent for once. The classic moment, I was aiming for two embarrassing moments in two days, were the shoes. Now because I am a pedicure virgin, it did not cross my mind about wearing appropriate shoes. Of course wearing closed shoes would probably smudge the mail polish. But of course I did not think of that.
The people at the nail shop gave me these bright green disposable thongs to wear. Such a great look! I walked home wearing my new classic lime green shoes holding my other shoes in my hands. Luckily I did not bump into anyone I knew and that I live just around the corner.
On the positive side , my feet look glam. My only dilemma now is do I wear my new canary yellow shoes or my bright green lime shoes for my birthday? The choices I have to make....
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