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!!