A Few Favorites

So far, I have completed 38 goals on my list, and 775 days to complete the other 64.  I figure it is time to talk about a few of my favorites.

1.  Go to Europe.
I have a fear of heights.  It's pretty bad.  Hyperventilation is a common occurrence when flying, driving in the mountains, etc.  I was pretty certain I would never travel outside of the US unless by boat.  15 hours on an airplane - especially over water - is not something I ever thought I could take.  On 7.1.12 - I began my trip to Northern Ireland, Scotland, and England.  Total flight time, with one layover, was 15.5 hours.  The turbulence on the way to South Carolina (our layover) was absolutely terrifying.  I was pretty certain, at many points, that we were going down.  Yet, I was somehow able to lean back, relax, and find peace.  How did I cope with my fear?  God.  I prayed for comfort, and it came in quickly!   2 Timothy 1:7 says that God did not give us the Spirit of Fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind.  In times of fear, this verse always sticks with me.

In Northern Ireland, we experienced nearly everything.  It is the most beautiful place I have ever been.  We experienced food, castles (Belfast, Dunluce, and Carrickfergus), Carrick a Rede rope bridge, Giants Causeway, waterfalls, the Knockagh Monument, ocean, pubs, friends, games, shopping, driving, bonfires...I would go back in a heartbeat.  Moving there would absolutely make my life.  The weather is cool.  It rains a lot, but it is beautiful.  The kind of weather where you could wear a jacket, but you are not freezing if you don't wear one.  The Views from places, such as the Knockagh Monument, are beautiful.  You can see everything!  Our last night was spent celebrating the Eleventh.  There were massive bonfires everywhere!  This celebration has a to do with the Glorious Revolution.  The bonfires commemorate the lighting of bonfires in order to help ships navigate through Belfast Lough at night.  King William III landed at Carrickfergus to fight King James II, who had been trying to regain his British kingdoms through support from Catholics of Ireland and France.  It was insane, but beautiful.

We went on a day trip to Glasgow, Scotland.  The city was huge, wealthy, and busy!  We went on a hop on-hop off tour because that was the best way to see the city in the short period of time that we had.

London was huge as well.  Very busy, and we got lost every day.  It was hard to figure out how traveling around the city worked, but by the time that we got it, we felt very accomplished - even though it was not until our last day.

Good times, and awesome friends.  This trip is definitely one for the books.

15.  Go tide pooling.

My tide pooling adventure happened in Northern Ireland.  I have always loved the ocean, but my Marine Environment class taught me to see it in a way I had never even realized was possible.  Everything is alive.  It is pretty awesome.

39.  Change the oil in my car.
I know nothing about cars, so changing my own oil made me feel pretty awesome.

44.  Give my oldest sister the worst wedgie of her life.
This one explains itself.

64.  High five a cop.
This night was pretty awesome.  I was hanging out with my friend, Christina, who always encourages me, no matter what crazy goal I have planned.  A cop walked into DiveBar, she said go for it, and I did.  He was very nice, and the high five rocked.

66.  Get a penpal.
I have two PenPals.  One from England, and the other from Kentucky.  They are both awesome, and I love revisiting the lost art of writing letters.

70.  Get another piercing.
Tragus.  I am hardcore.


83.  Ride a motorcycle.
I rode on my coworkers motorcycle.  Hello feeling of freedom!

85.  Hold a tarantula.
Another night of encouragement from Christina.  Spiders terrify me.  I nearly killed the little guy when I dropped him after her first crawled onto my hand.  After I calmed down, I managed to hold my breath, and go for it!  He just sat perfectly still on my hand...

88.  Get fake arrested.
Memorable night!  This night was full of dance dares, taking photographs with strangers, and, of course, getting fake arrested.  It was not how I had imagined - no handcuffs were involved - but I got to sit in the back of a cop car!  This challenge is one I had been trying to complete for months.  When it finally happened, it was magic.  Thanks to Yessica, for helping me make my dreams come true.  When I was nervous, she was the one to say "Just do it!"  And do it I did...and do it. I. Did.

89.  Ellen's dance dare challenge.
If you have seen Ellen, you know what the dance dare challenge is.  The goal is to go up behind unsuspecting people, and dance your heart out until they turn around.  At which point, you must walk away, or pretend as if you are completely innocent.  I was able to do this at the Nationl Theater in London.  Worth.It.  This was an amazing moment!

You can watch a video of my antics here:  Dance Dare Gone Horribly Right!

Thanks for reading this post! I hope to have many more stories to tell in the near future!

-jennilea