Bucket List 2014

I wish I could say that this summer will be more eventful than last. However, now that I have transferred to a much more expensive school, I may have to get a little creative in order to save as much money as possible. Student loans are in my future, yet I don't want that to stop me from making this summer an adventure. I mean, you're only 20 once, right? I better make it worthwhile.

Skydiving last summer

I find that I accomplish more when I have goals written on paper. Thus, I will be making another bucket list this summer! If you would like to view all the bucket list items I completed last year, click HERE, or click the "Bucket List 2013" tab above. This list includes everything from skydiving to bridge jumping, to hiking to Walt Disney World! As a college student, I completely understand how it feels to have to survive on one meal a day in order to make ends meet, and I have learned to cherish leftovers. So follow me on this journey into the unknown, and hopefully on a manageable budget! Where will we end up? Who knows, because all roads lead to nowhere. There is no certainty. There is only adventure.

Thoughtful Thursday | Money

And by "shoes", I mean
scuba diving lessons!

Welcome back to Thoughtful Thursday here on All Roads Lead To Nowhere! Let's talk about money, shall we? For our entire lives, this is the reason we slave away for eight hours a day. But it doesn't start here, it starts way back when we were kids. Time and time again, it was drilled into our heads that we need to get a good education, so that we can get a good job, so that we could make good money, so that we can live a good life. But as we all know, that money goes to pay off college debts, credit card bills, rent, gas, and much more. It isn't until we are old and retired that we have the time and money to do anything. But are you really going to live out your dreams - travel the world, skydive, swim with dolphins - when you're 80 years old? Stay with me, there is a point to all of this.

This post is absolutely contrary to the mantra that has been instilled in my mind since birth - save every penny, save every penny! But you know what I think? You can spend a bit here and there if it makes you happy! No, this doesn't mean go spend all your money on clothes, alcohol, and video games. Spend it on something that will broaden your horizons - see the world, try new things! I had to remember that when I went skydiving, or when I moved across the country to Walt Disney World. It was worth it because of the experience I was gaining! So go out there, spend a little cash (please, don't get yourself into debt) and do something you've never done before!

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#3 - Skydive

My instructor, Corey, pulled the rope and the parachute shot out of his backpack, jerking us upward as it halted the free fall. I scanned the landscape below me. I could see the Seattle Space Needle, granted it looked the size of a bean, as well as all other cities in the surrounding area. Mount Rainer and Mount Baker stood out beautifully against the clear blue sky, and I looked down just in time to see a plane taking off below us.

"Welcome to my office," Corey said. "How does it feel?"

I couldn't stop smiling. "This is unreal!"

 

Ever since we became friends almost seven years ago, it was mutually decided that Shannon and I would go skydiving once we both turn 18. Because of our busy lives, we had to postpone this plan for a year, but it finally happened! I can't decide if my favorite part was floating over western Washington, or the minute-long free fall from 13,000 feet. Either way, this was the best experience of my life!

 

Honestly, the scariest part was when we had to sign all the paperwork. Basically, it read "You might be confined to a wheelchair for the rest of your life, sign here. An extremely painful death may await you, sign here. You could be killed, sign here." But once we finished that, the rest of the afternoon was fear-free!

 

 

We were put in a group of about ten people and watched a short video that walked us through how the dive would go, then practiced our arching and landing positions. Shannon and I were in the first mini group, so went to gear up and meet our instructors. Us four jumpers, as well as our four instructors, then boarded the small plane. There were no seats - you just sat on the crowded floor, strapped to your instructor. Shannon and I were positioned in the back of the plane. We then took a twenty-minute scenic flight until we reached the right altitude. I was carefree and excited this entire time, but the butterflies in my stomach arrived when I saw the first jumper and his instructor fall out the door. I turned my head to Shannon, and we were both wide-eyed, but excited smiles soon followed.

 

Finally, it was our turn. Shannon went first, scooting to the door of the plane. She and her instructor waited for about five seconds before leaning forward and falling out. Then it was my turn. We scooted to the door, and without even a five second notice, we were falling at over 100mph. All I could feel was pure euphoria, laughing uncontrollably as the wind hit my face. Then Corey pulled the chute, and all was calm.

 

This was an experience I will never forget, though it went by quicker than expected. Therefore, Shannon and I have already decided when we are going skydiving again. I can already feel the addiction forming! Here are some more shots from this amazing afternoon:

 

 

 

 

 

 

To view the rest of my summer bucket list, click here.

 

To visit my Disney College Program blog, click here.

 

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Gâteau au Chocolat Délicieux

Warning: May cause extreme sugar high if taken in large dosages.

The past few days I had set aside to do absolutely nothing. It's been awhile since I've had no plans, no commitments. And it was great! I got to sleep in until the afternoon, lounge around the house, and eat whatever we had in the cupboards...which may or may not have included multiple chocolate cupcakes left over from my sister's birthday yesterday... Besides feeling pretty well rested, I just feel kind of crappy. I definitely do not recommend excessive junk food and minimal exercise to any of you. 

But on a brighter note, my camera case and bobber hand grip (doubles as a floatation device) finally came in the mail today! I am ready for the water, and so is my action cam! Now I just have to wait around for the rest of my friends to get home from college. Oh, speaking of which! I had the greatest time on Monday - my best friend came home for mother's day weekend and we were able to get together for breakfast before she headed back to Oregon State. We were also able to look into the whole skydiving thing some more, and I'm getting extremely excited!

Well, I don't have a super action-packed weekend planned, just some hang out time with my older sisters and all their children, whom I haven't seen since winter break! However, I do plan on crossing off another bucket list item next week, so stay tuned!

P.S. No, I am not talented enough to speak French. The title of this post is courtesy of Google. Merci.



Counting Sheep

It has been a great day, if you ignore the fact that it's 3:30 am and I still can't manage to fall asleep. Again. But that's okay, because here are all the things that went right today!

1. A couple of my BEST friends, and the two coolest guys from BYU-I, just happened to be in town for an ultimate frisbee tournament! Spending most of the day with them was crazy fun, as always!

2. 70 degree weather, I am glad you have finally decided to reenter my life. It has been too long.

3. I just booked my flight back to Seattle for when the semester is over - which is just over a month away!!

4. I have officially decided that I am going skydiving this summer.

5. So I entered an essay contest a couple months ago, but never heard anything back from them. I just assumed I lost and moved on with my life (I mean, the essay only took me an hour and a half to write, no big deal). But then I got home today and was excited and confused to see an email in my inbox saying they announced the winners - I was one of them!! The cash prizes range from $50 - $300 for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place. The banquet is on March 28th, so I will find out then how much I won!

Ok, time to go count sheep. Goodnight!