Lessons learned...

So although we're still early on in completing the great 101, when you throw yourself a challenge that you never thought you'd do... you learn a hell of a lot about yourself. 

What my 101 has taught me in the last two months...

1. I am not a natural snowboarder.

2. Given sufficient egging-on, I will choose a challenge over good judgement. 

3. As my intake of alcohol decreases, my intake of chocolate quadruples, and mental clarity is sometimes cataclysmic. 

So to give my life lessons some context...

Challenge #12 - Learn how to snowboard... (June '13)

So no more than a week had I been back home from my whirlwind trip in the States and Emma - my 101 Inspiration - organises Girls Night - at Snowplanet! 

Sure I say... it's on the list, why not!

Turns out, of the skills I possess, balancing on an oversized popsicle stick on a slippery surface that is nowhere near as soft & fluffy as one is led to believe, is not one of them! Though far from being a natural at it my stubbornness to succeed at this goal overshadowed my good judgement, and after just an hour on the newbie slope and a rather damaged tailbone, the allure of the Big Kids slope was too much and up I went! The result: Collisions, face-plants and a resolve to pay more attention in the lesson next time - and there will be a next time!! 

So on to July's challenges:
#6: Go alcohol free for a month
Lesson learnt from this one - Jo makes big bold decisions with a clear head. Best I don't do this one too often! I had high hopes of losing a bazillion kilos as rumour suggests this happens when you lay off the booze, however add stress, chocolate and BIG BOLD DECISIONS into the mix and I quickly resigned myself to find weight loss some other way.  

#13: Get a hot stone massage
One word: Heavenly. Highly recommend it and I'll definitely be revisiting this one.

#49: Make my own homemade bread & pasta
So.Much.Fun. Super easy and delicious - makes me wonder why I've been buying dried pasta for all these years when making your own is so simple, and much tastier!! 

#53: Inspire someone to do their own 101 list
The trick with this one was that you can't nag/threaten/bribe/beg someone to do it, they have to want to do it, and committing to 101 challenges isn't easy, in fact it took me over 6 months to embark on it! So I was thrilled to hear when a long time friend has been reading my blog & Facebook statuses and had decided to set themselves the same challenge! Good on you Cameron for doing it - I know you'll get heaps out of it and I wish you every success in completing it!!

I've also made a dent in #72 - Visit 10 markets (Now down to 7) and #45 - Have a day out with mum (the siblings will be next)
#72.1 was the Hobsonville markets in June en route to a day on the boat, plenty of homegrown deliciousness for the eyes and tummy to enjoy, live music and a great vibe about it, it was buzzing! 
#72.2 was the Pakuranga Night Markets. Wow, what an experience. Wandered along to these with Jo2 and ate until the food coma's hit (for under $5 each). It's amazingly cheap to eat there and so much variety, culture and colour! Crazy busy so not one to attend if you hate crowds, but for me that just made it even more entertaining!
#72.3 was the French Markets in Parnell last week where I feasted up a storm with the wonderful Kirsten - if I hadn't already overstuffed the pantry from #45's Food Show goodies the French Markets definitely would've filled them, the food there was exquisite!
One thing I absolutely love about going to the assortment of farmers and artisan markets on offer is the differing atmosphere and culture you get from them. These all offered great food and culture, yet had totally contrasting vibes about them, I'm looking forward to the next 7!

So although it seems like I've been attacking the list with great gusto, that's only 8 complete in the first four & a half months - think I better step it up a notch!!

Better late than never!

Well it's been a good few months since committing to the 101 Challenge, and fortunately my efforts to complete the tasks have been somewhat better than my efforts to update this blog! Despite my best intentions, writing this thing has been harder to achieve than the actual goals, though you would think it would come easily since there's been plenty to tell. 

Rewind to May, where the 101 ball started rolling...

I was able to cross a few of the biggies off the list in May... 

# 43.     Visit the Grand Canyon 

Wow, what an experience this was! All the stops were pulled out for this one, we had an early morning limo drive us to the heliport, then I had my first experience in a helicopter (should have put that on the list), love the birds eye view you get in them! Flying into the Grand Canyon was so surreal, it stretched for as far as the eye could see, I was in awe. The trip we'd booked on included a champagne breakfast - and there was a moment I had to take stock and think: You are standing in the Grand Canyon - this massive expanse of land you never dreamed of going to, and you are drinking champagne, look at you go Tovee! 

The shot above actually almost killed me, I lost my balance getting up and almost ended further in the canyon than what my insurance would have covered! 

Would I recommend it? Definitely. Would I go there again? In a heartbeat. 

# 42.     Do the Hollywood Walk of Fame

Though I'm not one to while away the day watching the E Channel, the Walk of Fame always intrigued me - if for no other reason but the decades of entertainment history it spans, and the great names that you get to see. From Big Bird to Chuck Norris, and every possible name in between, this was definitely a must-see for anyone that finds themselves in LA. 

# 27.     Start a conversation with a stranger

So this one was a bit tricky for me, as I'm not the most outgoing and the idea of trying to initiate and maintain a conversation with someone I've never met frankly makes me want to find the nearest rock to hide under, and without photographic evidence I'm afraid you're just going to have to take my word for it... but I managed to strike up a conversation was a girl on the plane that had found herself with the same shocking flight itinerary as myself (Akl>Syd, clear customs, collect bags, recheck bags, then board Syd>LAX in under an hour.. yeah right!) so we joined forces and it made the ordeal significantly more bearable. Turned out she was on the same flight back as me as well, and lived in Te At's too, there's that 'small world' thing happening again!




I also made a dent in a couple of others..

# 91.     Attend 5 Comedy Festival shows 

x 1: Went with Emma to see Dan Nightingale during the Auckland Comedy Festival. Had me in stitches, very talented British comedian and a great night out!

# 4.      Visit three new places in the world: x2

1. Las Vegas - I was so excited about this trip for so many reasons, it was my first holiday overseas with friends, it was Andee's 30th, and it was Las Vegas!! Never thought I'd go there, and it was touch & go for a while as to whether I'd get in the country, but so glad I went - everything was BIG BIG BIG! The food, the attractions, the personalities - it was all larger than life and so much fun! The highlights: Grand Canyon, limo drives, the glorious sunshine, the day parties, seeing dolphins for the first time, and the endless laughter at my many failings in behaving like an intelligent human - and total acceptance of such failings from the amazing group of friends I was surrounded by. 

2. Los Angeles - LA is one great big amusement park! Between the drunk squirrels and Bruno Mars singalongs along Pacific Coast Highway, the death defying and fear conquering rides at Six Flags, the repeated drenching's we received at Universal Studios, and the gravitational pull of Santa Monica wharf (every time we wanted to go somewhere that wasn't Santa Monica wharf, we would end up there) this place was fantastic. Fun Factor: 9/10. Would I go back? For sure... there's so much more I want to see there! 

# 60.     Visit 5 beaches I've never been to before (x3)

LA certainly has some beautiful beaches, we spent an awesome day cruising along the Pacific Coast Highway and went to El Matador, a beach that came highly recommended and totally delivered on all expectations! It was beautiful! 

1. El Matador

Our trip to Venice Beach included Muscle Beach, and a very feeble attempt at a pull-up by yours truly.. 

2. Venice & Muscle Beach

The one time we actually ended up at Santa Monica wharf intentionally was a beautiful evening, and the sun setting over the beach was enough to make me fall in love with the place... such a shame we couldn't stay longer!

3. Santa Monica

So that was May in a nutshell... Stand by for June!

And the challenge begins...

One Hundred and One tasks in One Thousand and One Days

The Challenge:
To complete 101 goals in 1001 days (just over 2.5 years)


The Criteria:
Tasks must be specific (ie. no ambiguity in the wording) with a result that is either measurable or clearly defined. Tasks must also be realistic and stretching (ie. represent some amount of work on my part).


Why 1001 Days?
For the last few years I've been setting annual goals and working towards my "Live Game of Every Sport" goal,  and while these have been a good test I decided it was time to really push myself, so 1001 days goes one step further. I can't take credit for the idea.... the 101 in 1001 thing has been going around for years, and I was inspired to take up the challenge thanks to an incredibly motivated friend who has been working through their own 101. 

So the challenge has been set, and accepted! Starting 1st April, 2013, I have 1001 days to achieve 101 things off a specific list (which was harder to come up with than it looks!)... giving me until 28th December 2015 to accomplish some rather testing - and in some cases audacious - activities. I've tried to make them a mixture of challenges, new experiences and tests I would usually shy away from. 

To keep me on track and honest I'll be updating the blog as often as I can, and crossing off the challenges as I go... Here goes nothing!

My 101

1.      Go coffee free for 101 days - starting April 2014 

2.      Read 5 classic novels (The Great Gatsby, To Kill a Mockingbird)

3.      Swim with dolphins

4.      Visit three new places in the world (May'13 x 2 - Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Dec'13 South Australia)

5.      Go bungy jumping - Queenstown, March 2014

6.      Go alcohol free for one month (Dry July 2013)

7.      Drink 2 litres of water every day for two months (Feb-Mar 15)

8.      Try a new recipe every week for one month (September 15)

9.      Go cellphone free for 24 hours (May 15)

10.     Do five major NZ hikes (Hunua Falls, Gibbons Track, Cascade Falls Track, Hillary Trail, Pinnacles)

11.     Go to three South Island towns (Queenstown, Arrowtown, Glenorchy)

12.     Learn how to snowboard/ski (June 2013)

13.     Get a hot stone massage (July 2013)

14.     Volunteer my time to a charity 

15.     Bake something new every week for one month (September 15)

16.     Take a cooking class

17.     Try a new sport (Football!)

18.     Learn a new language

19.     Participate and survive a 10km run

20.     Take my nieces & nephew on a day trip with Auntie Jo

21.     Have two vegetarian main meals every week for two months - Dec 14 &Jan 15

22.     Run Round the Bays in one hour or under

23.     Run 30km in 30 days

24.     Watch a play at a local theatre Shakespeare in the park, Feb '14)

25.     Create photo albums for my overseas trips (October '14)

26.     Read one section of the works of Shakespeare

27.     Start a conversation with a stranger (May 2013)

28.     Write a letter to three people that have made a difference in my life

29.     Save 10k to go towards a mortgage

30.     Go on an overnight hiking trip - Booked for October 15 (Pinnacles)

31.     Tie a secret to a balloon and let it go - Feb '15

32.     Compliment someone different every day for ten days

33.     Go indoor rock climbing (August 15)

34.     Watch 8 live sports games for the first time (1.Bumper Ball - Apr14, 2.Rugby -    May14, 3.Dragonboat racing Jan15)

35.     No fast food for 3 months

36.     Find out my blood type  (November '14... O Positive!)

37.     Take singing lessons

38.     Write a short story

39.     Read all the books I own but haven't read yet (there’s at least 50 of them)

40.     Learn how to make 5 cocktails 

41.     Watch the entire James Bond series (#1 - April'13, #2 - July'13...)

42.     Do the Hollywood Walk of Fame  (May 2013)

43.     Visit the Grand Canyon  (May 2013)

44.     Go to High Tea

45.     Have a day out with mum and the siblings (Food Show with Mum - August '13)

46.     Write a letter to my dad

47.     Swim with sharks (Port Lincoln, Dec '13)

48.     Go whale watching 

49.     Make homemade bread and pasta (July 2013)

50.     Get a reflexology treatment

51.     See Sub Focus live

52.     Ride a jet ski

53.     Inspire someone else to do 101 things (August 2013)

54.     Go to the Dawn Parade on Anzac Day (never been)

55.     Give blood (November '14)

56.     Watch 10 film festival movies (1. Sapphires, 2. Boyhood, 3. Prix de Beaute, 4. Charlie Chaplin - the Kid, 5. Banksy, 6.Amy, 7.People Places Things)

57.     Keep my car clean (inside and out) for a month (Oct/Nov '14)

58.     Go to Te Papa museum

59.     Go to the Stardome

60.     Visit 5 beaches I've never been to before 
          (May'13 - El Matador, Venice Beach, Santa Monica, Port Lincoln Beach & 'Shit beach' in South Australia)

61.     Get a massage every month for four months

62.     Go mountain biking

63.     Go to Great Barrier Island

64.     Visit the Auckland Art gallery (October '14.. Light Show)

65.     Buy a piece of NZ art (Feb '15)

66.     Get a tattoo

67.     Do a liver cleanse diet for two weeks

68.     Go barefoot for a weekend

69.     Go skinny dipping - Feb '15

70.     Buy a new car (October '14)

71.     Go to Kawau Island (November '14)

72.     Visit 10 new markets (Hobsonville Markets June '13, Pakuranga Night Markets Aug '13, Parnell French Markets Aug '13, Te Atatu Night Markets - Mar'14, Oratia Markets Mar'14, Avondale Markets May'14, Browns Bay Markets Sep'14, Henderson Night Markets Nov '14, Awanui Markets Dec'14, Rarotonga Saturday Markets May'15)

73.     Waiheke wine tour (November '14)

74.     Overhaul the underwear drawer!

75.     Go paragliding or get my British passport

76.     Go to the opera - Opera in the Park Jan '15

77.     Get acupuncture treatment

78.     Drive from Auckland to Wellington

79.     Go Skydiving - Booked for June > August

80.     Buy an SLR camera - decided to buy a new camera instead (May 2013)

81.     Take a course for said camera

82.     Floss every day for a month - Feb '15

83.     Host 10 dinner parties

84.     Have a candlelit dinner

85.     Go gluten free for a month

86.     Take a salsa class

87.     Go away on holiday with my best friend (Lu & Jo's Epic Roadtrip, Dec'13)

88.     Spend a weekend (or more) at the snow - Booked for September

89.     Buy a designer dress or outfit

90.     Buy a decent bookcase & bedroom furniture

91.     Attend 5 Comedy Festival shows (1. May'13, 2. Guy Montgomery Apr'15, 3. Ed Byrne May'15, 4. The Naked Magicians May'15)

92.     Get my tarot cards read

93.     Get a salon hair treatment

94.     Complete the 50 Questions that will free your mind.

95.     Go TV free for a week

96.     Cook 101 new recipes, one of which must be pavlova!

97.     Go canyoning/abseiling

98.     Kayak Puhoi to Wenderholm

99.     Sleep under the stars for a night

100.  Learn to meditate - Jan '15
101.  Write a letter to myself to open in ten years

And there we have it! 

As I write this I have already started one on the list (watching James Bond #1: Dr No). If you'd like to be part of my 101 or even start your own let me know as I'd love to see what other challenges my friends set themselves.