Day 11: Write a letter to the Queen

 Love royalty or not, we should all have respect for Queen Elizabeth II who has been in reign for over 5 decades (I had to research that). She has been such an influential figure during huge social and technological change and development. So why did I choose to write a letter to Her Majesty?

We share the same birthday!

Many people believe that the Queen's birthday is in June. That is because we have our public holiday at this time. However, the Queen's actual birthday is on the 21st April. Just like me. I've been told that the reason we have the public holiday in June and not April is because we already have quite a few public holidays in April. The Easter weekend and Anzac Day. Looking at the Royal Family's website, they state the reason that her birthday is celebrated in June is because there is a greater likelihood of better weather. Poms and their weather.

A few years ago, when the Queen turned 80, I wanted to send her a letter, to wish her happy birthday and of course to let her know how proud I was to share a birthday with such an influential figure. It never happened though.

I researched a little about how to address her and where to send the letter. Many different web sites recorded different titles on how to address her and people to address the letter to.Some websites even explaining which font to use and its size, and the type of pen to use. I thought the official website for the royal family would be the safest. I typed up a simple letter, introducing myself and explaining our common birthdays. I sucked up a little too.

I know it is highly unlikely that the Queen herself will read my letter, but will I be lucky enough to get a Happy Birthday wish from her before I turn 100?

Day 10: Register to be a contestant on "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire"

For as long as I can remember, I have loved watching tv game shows. Some of my favourites growing up were Press Your Luck, The Price is Right, Wheel of Fortune and Supermarket Chase. As a family, we would even have Sale of the Century on during dinner time every night. I would love guessing out answers and sometimes I would compete with my brother and sister.

My most recent favourite game shows have been Deal or no Deal, Are You Smarter Than  a Fifth Grader and of course Who Wants to Be a  Millionaire. My love of trivia is apparant. I actually enjoy going to Trivia Nights and love the board game Trivial Pursuit.

So applying to be on a tv game show? It was only natural that I finally did it.

I went onto the Channel Nine website, filled in my details and then had to do an online quiz. I only got one question wrong from about 10 questions. Hopefully that's a good thing. I had to write in 25 words or less why I wanted to be on the show. I told them about my love for trivia and tv game shows and also about my 30 day challenge. If I am successful in this part of the application I will be contacted.

Being a millionaire would be the ultimate dream, being on the show would be great, but not making a fool of myself is what I'm most hoping for.

Day 9: Usher Concert

Off to the Acer Arena on Tuesday 29th March to see Usher.

I had wanted to go to Usher when I first heard he was coming out. Tickets sold out so quickly and I missed out. I was pleased to hear Usher announce another concert, so my friend Toni (my regular concert buddy)and I got tickets to attend.

The last few concerts I have been to (Chris Isaak, Bon Jovi,Whitney Houston, George Michael) had quite a different crowd to what I experienced at Usher. I didn't think or realise at the time of buying tickets, that there would be hundreds of screaming teeny boppers. I actually felt outdone with all the screaming. Usually I am the one who is shouting and yelling, the one who is getting death stares from other concert goers. But not tonight.

The girls around me were hysterical, like Usher is really going to come off stage and whisk you off your feet. I am not sure why the two guys next to me were even there. They didn't move to the music once, they didn't sing a line at all. Although he did keep looking at me for some reason and even told the girls behind us to be quiet and told one to stop tapping her feet. He should be thankful that I wasn't my usual self at a concert, and that I didn't know every single word of Usher's songs.

The actual concert was good. It seem to start off quite slow. Usher carrying on about how attractive he is and encouraging the screaming girls. Once he really got into his songs, he really rocked! My favourite song being of course "Burn". He was entertaining with the crowd and asked for an encore twice (once would have been enough) and he kept taking his shirt off (perhaps a sign of a previous career). All in all we had a great time.

I was also fortunate enough to see an old student, Madison. As Toni and I were looking for David to pick us up, I hear a girl shout "Miss Catalano". I turned around and saw a tall, slender girl. She said, "Do you remember me? It's Maddy."

Of course I remembered her. I gave Madison a huge hug and we giggled. Madison was in Year 3 in my first year of teaching at St Fiacre's. I later taught Madison in Year 6. She was a beautiful young girl.  I was touched as she said to her friend, this is my favourite teacher.

We got picked up and arrived home. Midnight on the dot.

I realised then, that was the last concert I would attend being in my twenties. Seeing a student I once taught, who was then a child and now an adult, being outdone with all the screaming, and feeling exhausted walking in at 12am, I thought..... I am getting OLD!

Day 8:Giving away most but not all of my stuffed toys

I have always loved my stuffed toys! From teddy bears, to Tweety birds to anything cute and cuddly. I have collected quite a few over the years. Most have been gifts, a few purchased on my travels. Working in the Toy Department at Target was no help either. Buying some and telling my mother that I had won them in a competition. And one big, huge one that I actually did "win" in a work competition.

Well with age 30 in reach, I needed to grow up! I couldn't be 30 and still be surrounded with stuffed toys. So the clean up began. I kept a few sentimental ones, but the rest in a bag and put in the boot of my car.

This morning before I work. I parked my car and put the stuffed toys in the charity bin. I wasn't actually sure if you were allowed to put them in there, but hopefully they can bring joy to someone. It didn't feel too bad to get rid of them, I survived the ordeal.

My 8th day goal was done, but was the excitement over? Not quite.

I went up to the supermarket to buy milk, as I am on staffroom duty at work. I got to the supermarket and the exact milk I wanted wasn't there, so I chose something else. The line at the registers was long. Only one person serving in the morning and a few customers getting essential morning items. So I waiting, thinking it shouldn't take this long to buy some milk.

Eventually I was served, purchased the milk and began my walk back to my car. I walked pass a cafe and started to hear "Girls Just Want to Have Fun". I turned around and on a television screen in the cafe, my face was on the screen singing. The clip was from Friday, from the Today Live Show.

I couldn't believe all these little factors from my morning added up to me walking pass this screen at the exact moment I was on. The part I was on was for only a few seconds and I was there at that moment.

My sister called to say she had seen me on television and when I got to work, parents and students said the same. I was told that we were number 4 on the most clicked clips. Number 4! That's pretty exciting!

Today felt like a day when little bits of a jigsaw puzzle were falling into place. That I seemed to be at the right place at the right time, and that things were happening for a reason. I even got told that Haberfield has opened up a new teddy bear shop, where you can create  and make your own.

I have never done that before....... It could be the start of a new teddy bear collection.

By the way here is the link to my my fame
http://video.au.msn.com/watch/video/most-clicked/xycd2t9

Day 7: Go to a wedding on my own, and only know one person there, the groom.

I accepted the RSVP before I thought of this 30 day challenge. And when I was thinking of my 30 things to do, I thought this is going to be something new. Going to a wedding totally on my own and only knowing one person there, the groom.

It was Damon's wedding. I have known Damon for about 13 years now, such a long time. We worked together back in our Target days and we have shared many happy and funny memories together. I was so pleased to hear that Damon was getting married, that he had found the love of his life. And I was touched that he had invited me to part of his special day.

The more I thought about the day, the more I began to get nervous, going to a wedding on my own. Will there be anyone nice to talk to? Who would they sit me with?

Off to the church I went. A 11.15am ceremony. I sat in the church on my own. It was alright I survived. The ceremony was lovely. The bride and groom looked so happy. The reception started at 1pm. I purposely arrived to the reception a little late, as I didn't want to be standing around on my own. I walked in, got myself something to drink and then walked up to a group of girls. I introduced myself and asked if I could join them, as I was there on my own. They welcomed me and introduced themselves. I felt so proud that I had actually done that. We actually ended up being on the same table, and our conversations continued.

The afternoon went by and it was a great day. Lovely food and lots of fun dancing and talking. I spoke to a few people, sharing our stories of the bride and groom. Everyone mixed and I felt at ease. I stayed until the end and really enjoyed myself. To my surprise I even caught the bouquet (third time lucky I hope).

Today I was lucky to experience and be part of two people's special day. Their love was obvious. The joy and happiness they bring to each other was present.

 I'm pleased I went, but hopefully next time I go to a wedding, I won't be on my own. Who knows, the wedding may be mine.

Day 6: Buy yellow shoes.

For those of you, who know me well, you would all know my favourite colour, Yellow. I even have the nickname at work Dressed in Yella. Although I have minimal yellow objects to wear, I love yellow things. My dream of course to own a yellow car. Often I have wanted to buy yellow shoes, but always hesitated knowing that they are not very practical. They will get dirty so easily, what will I wear them with?

But yes now I do own yellow shoes. It was as if these lonely pair were sitting there waiting just for me.

I went to Macquarie Shopping Centre with my sister, neice and nephew and the hunt for yellow shoes was on. A difficult task, made only more difficult with all shoe shops stocking winter shoes, yellow not a common winter colour. Shoe shops filled with black shoes, with a few splashes of red, brown and tan, but no yellow. We browsed through several shoe stores,walking quickly in and out, hoping that a shine of yellow would stand out. But no luck. Alfio racing through the aisles, screaming no yellow shoes in here Zia! We saw hot pink shoes, bright orange shoes several times, lime green shoes, fluro purple shoes. But yellow shoes? Nope.

As fate would happen, we walked in the last shoe shop we could find, probably up to the 8th  or 9th shop by now, and there amongst a messy pile of clearance shoes was a patch of yellow. Alfio reached in, grabbed the shoe and shouted, I found a yellow shoe. We all cheered and laughed. It was like findingWilly Wonka's  golden ticket or a needle in the haystack.

I turned the shoe upside down. God was definetley on my side. It was a size 42 (yes I have a big foot). Can you believe it? I tried it on and like Cinderella my yellow slipper was just right. To make it even more exciting, the price was even better Only $10!!! Bargain of a lifetime.

I have faced my challenge of buying yellow shoes, now I only have to build up my courage to wear them.

Day 5: Cyndi Lauper Live on the Today Show

My ringtone for quite a few years was Girls Just Want To Have Fun, a song that would always get me up and dancing at any party or occasion.

When I first saw the pamphlet that Cindy Lauper was going to be on the Today Show, singing live at Goddard Park in Concord, I thought what a beauty! So close to work I can pop in before work in the morning. I woke up at 5.30am and turned on the television, contemplating whether to go or not. It was dark. There seemed to be so many people there,

And I thought, no you must go. Go for it. So I arrived at the park at about 7.00am and the park was busy but not too crowded. I was soon greeting by a fellow colleague and a few students. It was all very exciting. I got my free muffin and breakfast and went to see what else was around.

Soon after, Cyndi Lauper came out to warm up and rehearse. The crowd was excited, as was I. She briefly sang through her four songs, that she would later sing that morning, Time After Time, Don;t Cry, True Colours and Girls Just Want to Have Fun. Meanwhile, more students that I knew were arriving.

I saw Richard Wilkins and he kindly came over to me after I requested a photo with him. Of course some of my students also joined in.

One of the Channel Nine presenters, Ben was signing autographed cards. A few kids asked him if he could sign one for their teacher. He looked up at me confused and I said, yeh I'm their teacher. I'm not really sure he believed me. But Ben just giggled a little  and said would you like your first name or your surname, I said make it my surname,. I spelt out my name and he wrote, Miss Catalano, behave yourself and at the bottom, Happy 30th. My colleague's mum briefly told him about my challenge.Ben asked me when my birthday actually was and I said not until next month. Shame he didnt write his number on the back of the card as a birthday present.

I finally received my muffin man (a stuffed toy representing a muffin) after being told they have all finished, although they were still giving them to the kids and the big muffin man gave me a hug, So cute.

Finally Cyndi Lauper was on stage, at about 8.10am. She came out singing Time After Time, which was absolutely beautiful. She then went on to sing Don't Cry. At this time, we had to leave to get to work on time.

It was such an enjoyable morning. Defintely unexpected new things to add to my list, but isnt this 30 day challenge all about experiencing new things? I have recently heard at a work conference that the secret to happiness in life is to: BE PRESENT. Enjoy every moment and explore every opportunity that comes your way. Exactly what I did today.

Day4: Giving Money to the Homeless

Well I cant possibily say that I have never ever given money to the homeless, because I probably in my time I have walked passed and dropped a few coins here and there. But I am quite cynical over some homeless people who are being fake. Those who pretend to be poor and hopeless, to take the pity from those around then, but then walk away with more money that we make in a week. I was watching this particular homeless person sitting on the street corner, observing several people walking pass giving him money. I knew that every person that did give him money were doing so with very good intentions, in somehow providing a small pot of gold, for this unfortunate soul. I approached him and quickly glanced at his sign, he was wanting some money to purchase a guitar. Scattered on his cardboard box were a few silver coins. I tapped him on the arm as he did not see me and I handed him a ten dollar note with the kind message "God Bless" His eyes lit up and he muttered something, I could tell he was thanking me. I do hope something that small could make a difference in this poor man's life. Who knows he may be able to purchase that guitar and make his way to stardom. I only hope...

Day 3: Chris Isaak in Concert

Wednesday 23rd March

Well this may be kind of cheating a little, but I was invited to go to the Chris Isaak concert at the State Theatre and I thought well I have never seen him before, it could cover today's item on the list. I suppose Chris Isaak would not have been my usual choice of concert to attend. And in fact, I really enjoyed it. He was quite entertaining and surprised the audience by coming all the way in the back rows to engage us all. A great concert and a great night. Today I also went to Waga Mama's restaurant for the first time. Really lovely food and I sure I will go back again.

The story of my 30 day challenge has gone around at work, and everyone is excited with the prospect, giving me more suggestions. I think I have even inspired others to do the same. I am thinking that perhaps I will think of some "big" challenges to achieve over the next 10 years before I turn 40. Now that is exciting!

The 30 Day Challenge

While talking to a friend about my upcoming 30th birthday, I was questioned, so what are you going to do in the last month of being in the twenties? I wondered mmm, what have I always wanted to do? things that I always seem to put off and things that I have never done before. And thus the 30 day challenge was born. 30 things I have never done before in 30 days before reaching my 30th birthday. Coming up with 30 items was a challenge enough (and the list in still being made). I posted up a suggestion list on Facebook and thank you to everyone who has provided me with great suggestions. It is going to be fun having you all on my journey, 
SO here goes, I wonder what adventures, opportunities, embarrassments and experiences I will have?

Day 1: At least 30 minutes of exercise for the next 30 days

Commit to at least 30 minutes of exercise for the next 30 days. Exercise can vary from exercise bike to walking, swimming, training sessions. etc
 Now it may not seem a new thing, but commiting to it each day is the challenge. Fingers crossed I can do it!

Day 2: Create my very own online blog

Monday 22nd March
In order to keep track of this 30 day challenge I started a blog. In this way I can write about my experience each day and share it with everyone. I am really excited to have started this blog, and actually think "how cute" it looks when it comes up (Sad I know). I think this may be the beginning of many blogs to come.