Go Parasailing
Not exactly the joy ride I was expecting, I went parasailing the summer after my 8th grade year while in Hawaii. My cousin and I nervously signed the liability wavers and began our adventure. Though the takeoff from the boat brings on extreme anxiety, after the adrenaline rush rubs off, you can finally look around at the beautiful surroundings. It is really breathtaking to be able to see so much beauty. Every where you turn your head, there is something new and interesting to look at. Right when you get comfortable and feel calm, it's time to land. While my cousin gracefully landed on the back of the boat, my uncoordinated self had a bit more trouble. All in all, it was an interesting experience but unlike what I had expected.
Ride a Mechanical Bull
When I came across this suggestion while researching my ultimate bucket list, I had to laugh- so I thought I'd include it. As a proud Texan, riding a mechanical bull does not seem that rare. Yes, it's true that I hate when people stereotype Texans asking if we ride our horses and/or tractors to school (in fact, I'm actually extremely allergic to horses.) However, with this being said, I have attended several parties that have a mechanical bull available for anyone who wants to ride. At a recent graduation party, I seized the opportunity to ride... several times. People encouraged me to... I guess it's an amusing thought: someone with poor coordination trying to balance on a contraption that flings you around. (Un)fortunately, I lived up to expectations and flew off every time.
Go to Paris
Throughout my life, I've been incredibly blessed with opportunities to travel the world. After my 6th grade year my family went on a Mediterranean cruise. We went to Croatia, France, Italy, Spain, Greece, and Monaco (each place was amazing, but being on a cruise limited our time- so I'd really like to go back to several of these locations.) I also participated in Summer study abroad programs in Costa Rica, Italy, and Barcelona/Paris (If you're every in Barcelona, go see Park Güell- easily makes my list of Top 5 Coolest Things I've Ever Seen). I've loved traveling and am looking forward to having the chance to do this more in the future. Though I've seen some beautiful places, I've always said that Paris is my favorite place in the world. Always. Even though I had never been there before last June. My parents would always try to correct me when I said that it was my favorite place, but I was stubborn in my decision. The idea of Paris, everything I had seen and heard about Pairs, made me certain that I would love it. I was also determined to charm the Parisians. Last summer I had the opportunity to go with a group of students from high school to Paris on an Arts Abroad trip. And as luck would have it, my birthday took place during the trip. so I got to walk the steps of the Eiffel Tower on my birthday- a day I will not soon forget. Though I hope to see many more sites in my future, Paris will always hold a special place in my heart.
Lose Weight/Get Healthy
Though talking about this embarrasses me, my mom encouraged me to include this in my post. Last summer, I decided it was time to make a lifestyle change and began working out and eating healthier (though I do have my weaknesses.) I have lost over fifty pounds, which I guess is noticeable when looking at photos. Like I said, talking about this sometimes makes me uncomfortable, so I'm keeping this part short. If you'd like more information, contact me.
High Tea at Harrod's
When I went to London with one of my best friends this past summer, we decided to partake in the obligatory high tea experience. Honestly, there's not much to say. The finger sandwiches were delicious. The scones were fantastic (especially with clotted cream!) It was a very enjoyable time (minus a few employees that were not too interested in helping us out.)
