Week 7 ---> Do the Bungee Jump at Wonderland

Try the Bungee Jump at Wonderland

So- I decided my posts were looking a little lonely/old lady style (bake a pie/knit/movie alone). I needed some action week. So I recruited some friends to head to Wonderland with me. Fact-lots of people like going to Wonderland. But not so many want to bungee.

Now I am aware 'THE EXTREME SKY FLIER' is not actually bungee jumping but for the sake of this blog I am going to call it bungee jumping. 

I was so excited to do this one but it almost didn't happen for a few reasons.  My friends were not all willing to do this with me but I did have a great friend who braved it- for the sake of my blog. The problem was- we came to Wonderland separately and were on very different timelines. My friends and I arrived later in the day (to watch the firework show) and she arrived(with her friends) at the parks opening. 

When I arrived at Wonderland she was stopping for lunch, then we tried to meet at rides but kept missing each other.  It's  very hard to check your cell phone in the sun- so I didn't think it was going to happen. In the back of my mind I wad slightly relieved. Maybe I wouldn't be able to jump today afterall. But finally, we connected. We both tried to chicken out but eventually we put down our visas and committed.  We tried to convince another friend to join us... And I yelled, 'who wants to be our third'. I guess I yelled too loud because when we were paying a lady joined us to make it three. We happily welcomed her...it also made it cheaper.  Our friends patiently waited and acted as our paparazzi.

Once committed, we set out to plummet to the ground.  We got fitted in our harness and I drew the short straw.  I had to pull the release cord.  I could not have been more upset.  It's one thing to plummet towards the ground- but being the one who starts the fall is another.  I started to get worked up about it and then I saw the group ahead of us.  A Father with a daughter and son.  The son was pulling the release cord.  He was about 7.  I felt pathetic.  If this kid could be man enough so could I. 

We only had time to watch one group go before it was our turn.  As we walked up to the loading box- I felt nothing but excitement. .  It turns out I am the tallest so I had to go in the middle- meaning I could not pull the cord.  My poor friend, now terrified had the responsibility.  As they hooked us in I was shocked at how few nerves I had.  Everyone was very reassuring and it didn't seem like a big deal.  The scariest moment was in the little box we stood in.  We were hooked in, in the standing position, and suddenly the floor gave way and we were horizontal!  It is a shocking feeling to have your face race toward the floor with no ability to use your body to stop yourself.  Now that we were dangling- I felt even safer.  This harness had more protection than most of the coasters at wonderland.

We were finally being pulled up.  Though I wasn't scared- I did keep thinking, "this has gotta be as high as it goes".  It seemed to never stop.  When we got to the top we looked at the view of the park.  It was gorgeous, and shockingly peaceful up there.  I wanted to stay up there for longer but the annoucer said, "3....2....1....FLY" and without a second hesitation we were flying.  I expected to jolt as we hit the ground- but it literally felt as though we were flying.  I didn't make a sound but kept a smile painted on my face for the entire way down.  We swung back and forth.   My friend and I made superman arms and started to sing the superman song, which I later realized was the Indiana Jones theme song.  Is it me or are the two similar? 

Before we knew it, our turn was up.  We were back in the little box getting unhooked.  I wanted to go right back on it.  I'm not sure I will ever go to wonderland again WITHOUT doing this.  It was such a rush of excitement.  I'm now worried where my excitement will take me.  I just may turn into a adrenaline junkie. This made me want to go sky diving.    So, this first was a great one!  One I will definitely do again:)

Week 6---> "Bake A Pie"

"Bake" A Pie
Anyone who knows me, knows my strength is not in the kitchen.  Though I do enjoy to make a nice meal for others, when I cook alone... I definitely do not do anything fancy.  I decided I would try to add some new cooking/baking challenges to my list- and baking a pie seems like a task everyone should try, at least once.

I decided to tie my pie with mothers day. 

Though I'm not sure, I thought my mother's favourite pie was coconut cream so that's what I set off to make.  I looked up the easiest recipes I could find and went to the grocery store to find my ingredients  I bought lots of coconut, butter, milk, pudding mix, cool whip... and that was it.  Is that all it takes to make a pie?

 It turns out I selected the easiest recipe of all time to bake for my mom.  I didn't even need to bake the pie.  I did bake the crust and toasted the coconuts.  But that was it.

Step 1: was to make the crust.  It was easy; a mix of butter and coconut- 10 minutes at 340 degress.  

Step 2: Mix milk, vanilla pudding, coconut and cool whip.

Step 3: Fill pie.

Step 4: Put cool whip on top and sprinkle with toasted coconuts.

Who could mess this up? 

I feel like a cop out... I didn't have to "bake" anything.  My mother told me later that there are coconut cream recipes that do require more work....I wish I had of found one of those.  I would have felt more accomplished.

When I brought the pie to my Mother's Day Dinner- my family looked at it with uncertainty.  They have tried my cooking before... though it often tastes ok- it rarely looks good.  At first they were concerned when I mentioned I hadn't cooked any of it. When I started to cut the pie... it wasn't pretty.  It flopped onto the plate like a pile of pudding.  Though the rest of the pieces were better.... there was a lack of shape to each piece.  The family tried it with skepticism.  My brother, especially, was eager to make fun of me (he was a cook for a while so anything I can do he can do better :( ).  The taste wasn't terrible- but how could it be with those ingredients.  The best part was the crust.  My dad discovered if you mash up the crust and mix it in... the whole thing tasted better.  Overall this was a fail.  I should try a harder pie in the future.

My Brother, of course, had to fake that the pie was disgusting. Funny guy. 

Week 5 ---> Learn to Knit

Learn to Knit

I am constantly inspired by those around me.  There are so many unique skills that people have, and I am always eager to learn new hobbies.  Knitting generally does not interest me- and to be honest- I associate knitting with grandmothers, but I still think it is an impressive skill to have.   I have watched my grandmother knit for years.  She makes blankets, sweaters, scarves, hats- you name it -she can do it.  I’m not sure that I can actually prove it- but I do believe my Grandmother may be the best knitter in the world.   I wish I had photos of some of the crazy sweaters I had from her as a child.

Before I even begin to explain this process I must admit- my Grandmother would be ashamed at my first attempt.  Knitting takes some serious patience and attention to detail.  These are not my strongest attributes.  I once took sewing lessons….I spent more time picking out stitches than sewing- and most of my projects ended up being sewn by my teacher in frustration.  I would have been in grade 5 then, but sadly, not much has changed

One of my good friends knit me an amazing headband this year.  I loved it! It was such a kind gesture- and I thought it would be great if I was capable of making something for someone else.  I decided to recruit my friend to be my teacher, and a good teacher she was.   We set out to the West End to spend the afternoon at The Knit Café (Queen and Ossington).  The first part of our day- may have been my favourite part- picking out the Yarn.  There are so many options.  Being a first timer it was suggested that I use thick wool- and a cheap wool- as I would probably not perfect knitting on my first project. Since I decided to start easy(making a cloth) I had minimal selection- because it had to be a cotton wool.  I choose a pretty blue colour, bought myself a drink and sat down to get to work.

My friend was such an incredible and patient teacher.  She helped me start to knit- and I probably couldn’t have been worse.  The needles felt awkward in my hand- and I couldn’t seem to get the flow.  She showed me the simple first step- wrap the yarn around my needles and pull the yarn through.  It could not have been easier.  I messed it up almost every time.   My friend, sat beside me knitting a sweater.   She looked calm and serene.  There were a few others in the café- also enjoying the music and calmly knitting away.  I felt the need to scream- perhaps this was not ever going to be something I could do.

Eventually- I got into an awkward rhythm and started to make some progress.  I wanted to go quickly to impress my friend, but every time I did I would make a mistake and she would have to stop her own knitting to fix mine.  Nevertheless after a short time we had both made some progress and decided to head out to reward ourselves  fried chicken and doughnuts (Side note- I highly recommend trying Paulette’s Chicken and Doughnuts in Leslieville- mmmm). 

When I got home- things got tough.  It’s one thing to knit beside someone who can correct you.  It’s another to knit alone.  Though the steps follow the same pattern, whenever I made a mistake I had to improvise how to fix it.  Sometimes I was right and sometimes I was wrong.  I sent many a photo text to my friend to try and get her to fix my holes, loose stitches etc but sadly there was little she could do through text.  Each night before bed I continued to knit a little more.  I would send my updates to my friend in hopes to receive some positive reinforcement- which she providedJ.  I started to notice my “rag” was changing shape (due to one of the many mistakes I was making).  Instead of a square- my cloth was getting wider- making it more and more triangular.  Despite my mistakes- the actual knitting starting to become relaxing.  I could watch tv while knitting- and sometimes I would actually look forward to it.  I finished the rag in a few days and though it looks like complete crap- at least I finished my first project.  Since my friend has such a passion for knitting I hope to continue to try new projects with her and maybe even get better.  My goal is to make something that I could give to someone.
I will have to report back if that day ever comes.

Knitting will never be my favourite hobby.  I will never be like my Grandmother- or even like my friend- but at least I now know how to knit and can strive to make people some hats and mittens for next winter.

 

Week 4---> Climb the CN Tower

Climb The CN Tower Climb
A friend of mine mentioned I should try the CN Tower Climb for WWF and I decided- this was something I simply had to do!  I have always wanted to try climbing the CN tower and I have a passion for endangered animals.  I easily convinced a few girls, from work, to join me.  In order to register for the event we were forced you to fundraise.  I love giving money to a worthy cause but I HATE asking people for money.  I figured I would donate all the money myself, but luckily I had some fans to help me out (Thanks, Mom and Dad!).  I was really excited to climb and as the date approached I kept thinking to myself, “I probably should have trained or prepared for this climb,” but time ran out- so I headed out to the CN tower at 6 am on a Saturday morning and hoped for the best.

I arrived at the skydome at about 7:00 am. It was freezing and there was a huge line- running from gate 5 to gate 8.  It was going to be a long wait. I took a look at the groups around me.  There were some kids, some seniors, lots of adults and quite a number of athletes.  I group athletes separately only because they looked so intimidating.  They were in their running gear and were stretching while most other people were guzzling down their coffees or McDonalds breakfast meals.  Many of them had clearly done this event before.  I started to worry that maybe this was more intense than I had anticipated.  When my two friends arrived we started to get excited about the climb.  I let my nerves disappear and decided, “I can do this”.  After getting through all of the registration process and metal detectors- we were able to start.  Because of the recent tragedy in Boston, we were not allowed to bring cameras or cell phones in.  This, though necessary, is really disheartening.  I really wanted to get some pictures of the experience, and especially, at the top of the CN tower.  Alas, my only photos are from before and after the event.  I’ll have to let my descriptive language allow you to visualize the process.

When our heat was “released” everyone started to run from the skydome to the CN tower.  There were lots of people cheering and ringing bells. I may just be lazy- but I couldn’t help but wonder- why are we running?? We are going to be dead tired before we even get started.  Nevertheless, like a lemming, I started to run with the group.  I suppose it pumps you up before the climb starts.  After even more metal detectors etc. (inside the tower), we received our “time cards” and started up the stairs.  The stairs were not very glamorous. There was a metal gridded fence up one side, and a grey brick wall surrounding the other three.  Considering there were over 4,000 climbers the stairwell was shockingly narrow.  Each floor was labeled- which was inspiring at first, but started to get depressing.  We knew the climb was 142 floors and 1,776 steps- but when you are panting by floor 23, your optimism starts to diminish! 

When we started the race, I was shocked at how quickly I became short of breath.  For me, the first 20 floors seemed the hardest.  My calves started to pinch, I started to feel exhaustion and I had sweat starting to drip… everywhere!  Once we hit floor 40- things picked up.  I had gotten my rhythm; I felt motivated and had my breathing under control.  I only wish they could have played some music.  The sound of other peoples gasping breaths above and below is not the most encouraging sound.  Every couple of floors there would be a first aider.  And every couple of floors there would be a person (or a few) who needed to take a break.  This made for some very squishy corners.  Again, by the 40^th floor I started to think, “I could probably go quite a bit faster than what I am going”- but with the crowds, passing wasn’t always easy and I decided to remain at my steady, but slow pace.   The girls and I had a few sing alongs on the way up, and chatted briefly- but for the most part talking didn’t really make things easier.  When I do this again I think I will bring an ipod.

When we reached the top- we handed in our time cards and headed outside for some fresh air and a great view of the city.  It took us 22:42 to climb almost 2,000 steps.  I was a little bummed about our time- I think we could have gone a lot faster.   To be honest when we finished I wanted to keep going- I felt like heading out for a run or continuing to climb.  We took the elevator down- got our free tshirts, snapped a few photos and were done by just after 8:00. 

 

Week 3----> Try Ethiopian Food

Try Ethiopian Food

On Sunday, my friend and I set out to try Ethiopian Food. Having never tried it before, I wanted to taste the best of the best.  I read a few blogs saying Nazareth was the “best Ethiopian in Toronto” and a bunch of my friends recommended it as well, so we set out to Bloor Street West to try it out.  I was really excited to try Ethiopian, but all I really knew about it was you eat with your hands (That’s my kind of restaurant!!).

The vibe at Nazareth was really cool.  There were fake vines hanging everywhere, and very dim lighting- overall it felt very serene… but there were hardly any seats.  I was surprised to see how tiny this place was, especially since it seems to be so well known.  I suppose this help makes the place feel cozy and down to earth, but there was a line waiting out the door the entire time we were there.  We were lucky to walk in while there was an empty table.  The menu was also small; I believe only 8 or 10 choices.  They food options appeared to be similar- but with different meat options.

My friend and I really didn’t know what to try.  We decided to order the vegetarian dish (which they are most well-known for) and a beef dish, kitfo. (Sounds safe enough right?).  Since we were starving we eagerly awaited to try this new meal.  We waited… And waited… And waited.  I was loving the vibe of this place- but the wait time was unreal.  People who sat down way after us… and ordered the same dish as us, received food before us….

When our plate finally arrived it looked like thisJ .  I am still not entirely sure what we consumed, but it was delicious.  We each got a pita- like- substance (called injera) which we dipped into the heaping piles of veggies and beef.  The injera is GLUTEN FREE!!  It sort of reminded me of a pancake- it had lots of little holes and spongy texture.  It tasted nothing like a pita- and unlike a pita- you rip off pieces and pinch the veggies or meat between your fingers. It was fun to eat with my hands, but super messy.  My first few bites were incredible!  I loved the kitfo, and I liked most parts of the veggie platter.  We both got full really quickly-this place has HUGE portion sizes.  We probably should have only ordered one option.  Eating Ethiopian is super  cheap.  The entire meal cost $12.00.  What a deal!! So- the final question- WOULD I EAT IT AGAIN? 

Prior to going, I read all sorts of reviews about the amazing price and the amazing food.  I will agree with both.  I also read that the service was bad and the place was a little dirty.  Again, I will have to agree. No one wiped our table before we were seated.  We were never checked on by the waiter.  Food and drinks were both served with dripping wet hands, which dripped onto my arm and lap.  I’m not a neat freak- by any means- and I generally don’t judge a place on its cleanliness but- since it had already been pointed out, I noticed.

Nevertheless, I enjoyed my food and the atmosphere.  It was a lovely evening- and I would potentially go back, or try another Ethiopian restaurant in the future.

 

Week 2---> Go See A Movie, In Theatres, Alone

Go To A Movie Alone
Ok so again, this doesn’t seem like a huge deal- but going to a movie alone is something I always wanted to do, but somehow never got the “guts” to try it. I decided that if I was going to do this, it had to be all out- not a Sunday Matinee or a movie that had been out for 8 weeks.  No, I wanted to a Friday night- top blockbuster.  So I got myself ready and headed out to see “42” on a Friday night.

 I also decided treat myself to dinner while at the movie.  I ordered my classic… the chicken finger meal and got ready to enjoy.  Movies have always been expensive but- I am a little upset how far my 15 dollars went for dinner.  15 bucks for four strips of chicken and a baby sized fries.  Seriously- the skydome is cheaper than that and at least you get a good sized portion. My drink, however, was massive.

 
I was feeling pretty good about my night out alone. The only slight embarrassment was when I asked the ticket taker to snap a photo of me going in alone (for the sake of the blog).  I told her it was for a blog- and then I had a few guys standing nearby ask me about it.  They are potentially new followers now! Hey guys!

 I sat in the front of the main section- So I could put my feet up on the metal bar- and I was as happy as a clam. I gorged down my food and loved every second of it.  As I watched, what is currently my favourite movie of the year, I realized I would love to go to more movies by myself.  I laughed hysterically at the funny moments, gasped when things shocked me and smiled when the leads kissed.  Come on girls.  You do it too.  You see the happy couple kiss and you realize your face is hurting because you are smiling so hard.  You turn and look at the people beside you and they are a little freaked out that you are still smiling. I dig that feeling.  (This is how my face looked)

I know many of my friends who have yet to try the movie alone thing.  Again, I have no idea why- somehow, we are made to think going to a movie is a group thing.  It was no where near as bad as I expected, and was quite an enjoyable night. So- Would I do it again?  My response is YES- but no!  Here’s what I mean…I would go every day if I could. I enjoyed the “me time” and getting out of the house but between my 12 dollar ticket and my 16 dollar treat- I feel a little ripped off.  Especially since the rest of my weekend- is booked up with dinner and drinks with friends where I will keep having to dish out my cash.  When it comes to “me time” I still think I will spend most nights at home with Netflix and a pot of KD.  It’s just cheaper- and then I can spend my money when I’m doing social outings- or when I want new clothes… But if there is a movie that I’m dying to see that no one will see with me… I’ll definitely be there with my chicken fingers and all.

Week 1--> Join a fantasy sports league

JOINING A FANTASY LEAGUE

So this will definitely not be my most exciting blog- but it’s something that I have always wanted to do- and an easy one to start with.

As an “avid” sports fan- I was ecstatic to hear that some friends of mine, at work, started a fantasy baseball league- and they invited me to join.  I have always been a HUGE Raptors fan, and I actively follow the Jays. I love going to games, and watching them at bars and at the gym.  Does this make me ready to participate in a league of betting?  I think so.  After all, I know all the stats of the Jays starting players….that’s enough to call me a “pro”…. RIGHT? 

What I didn’t realize is- in a fantasy league you need to know a whole lot more than the stats of your favourite team.  It takes more than a little research to understand what’s going on.

Signing up was easy- we used Yahoo and it was free.  Picking a team name was slightly harder.  I struggled to think of a witty, yet fierce, team name.  Sadly, I left my computer open and one of my coworkers named my team, “StjohnsSassySailors”. How embarrassing.

 Once I was registered I waited eagerly to see who would be drafted to my “team”.  Yahoo listed the players in, what is apparently, the overall ranking of each player. I browsed the list to find my favourite guys… and in the top 40 I only knew two players.  Bautista- who was ranked 14 and Reyes who was ranked close to 20.  As I quickly tried to research some of the top names on the list I realized… I know very little about baseball.  I really am just a sappy fan who researches the Jays from time to time.  So I didn’t alter anything and waited to see my fate.

The next morning- my team was created.  I didn’t know a single player on my team.  I didn’t get a single Blue Jay- and I couldn’t tell what was good, who I should be trading- if I needed to substitute players…. and things only went downhill from there. There are all sorts of ratings, abbreviations, stats and recommendations.  The guys at work had conversations way above my head: “he went 2-for-3 with a solo homer”,  “He’s slugging 1.083 in 12 Abs”,“he gave up 4  runs over 5 1/3 frames but escaped with no decision”.  Though I do know what each abbreviation means- it was as though the boys at work started to speak a new language.  They ran through stats so fast- I just could not keep up.  They looked at each other’s teams and laughed about line-ups and weak players. I couldn’t even pronounce half the players names on my team.  I cannot wrap my head around how they know everyone’s name, especially since half the guys in baseball have the same last name as other guys.

This is my team.  I’m sure they are all great baseball players but I can’t even tell you who is who at this point.  I know my second baseman “Cano” is ranked 4^th overall.  But from looking at these guys the only thing I can conclude with certainty- Baseball men are sexy.



Determined to keep up with in the league, I spent my breaks at work researching my team. I’m telling you, to fully understand and know the teams and players in MLB, you would need to study more than I did for my entire University career.  I have guys on the disabled list, guys getting benched because the pitcher is left handed, and guys who are just not living up to their stats.  I can’t keep up with all the changes.   Each day I watch the match-ups, projected stats, weather reports, opponents, trade possibilities and try to put forth my best line up.  So far, I am in last place but I am hopeful to see a turn around.  It is a long season.



Last Place :(



Though I have not made this experience seem overly appealing- I am really enjoying it! I was extremely excited to watch the stats change on my app each day.  I also am much more interested in games other than the Blue Jays games.  Though my knowledge is still minimal- this league has helped me get into the game.  I now look forward to when “my guys” come to the skydome. Did you see that fight with the Dodgers pitcher, Zack Greinke, ya he’s my guy! (Now out with a broken collarbone).  Slowly but surely- I'm learning to keep up!

I’m excited to see how this all turns out.  Though our stakes aren’t very high-I hate to lose.