Made Earrings

Making my own jewellery has been on my list of things to do, so when I stumbled upon a store that would let me do it; I could not resist. Thus I stopped in and started picking out my beads and gem stones, with a wonderful necklace in mind that I lost the earrings to a while back. Picking the beads was the hardest part! Yet before I knew it I had my choices and were laying them out in a simple but pretty pattern. Then it was easy, just string them up and load them to an eye hook. Boom I had earrings for my necklace and completed another goal on my list. So loving this trip in New Zealand! Pictures of the earrings will come probably in 2013, sorry.

Zorbing!

Zorbing was not on my list of things to do but should have been. I saw a video of it years ago and thought wow that looks fun. Naturally when I stumbled upon it, I had to try it and lucky for me I got the original company!

  

Naturally you have options on the course, I choose to go straight down and windy. They stamp you so the rest of the crew can easily tell what you want to do. Then you change into your suit and get ready.

The "Zorb" is a giant bubble within a bubble, honestly looks a bit like a hampster ball except for humans. You are of course sealed in but there hole is for easy entry and exit by diving in and sliding out. 

Naturally you have to drive the giant bubble up the hill so you can roll down it. They encourage you to try to run with the ball as long as you can; really you cannot, so don't bother to try. Once the ball is going, you are flying.

 Then I was driven up for the next ride, which is suppose to be more crazy. The first one was a blast, so I am excited for the second.

 Paused for a picture with the amazing view before I dived into the bubble for my second ride.

 Unlike the first course which was straight down, this one is windy with curves and really throws you around. Luckily you are in a big cushy bubble that is filled with a bit of water and it simulates a water slide.

Check out the video below. It was serious fun, hard to keep a hold of the camera or even the direction you are flying in.

If you are ever in New Zealand, Rotorua specifically this is makes for a great event, and fun day trip. It is the only place in the world that has the Zorb.

SCUBA certified completed!

 

So I decided to give SCUBA diving another try... I had tried once before when I just started college at U.Oregon. At 18 years old, in the middle between midterms, papers and finals coming up... I just had to much stress and did not complete my open water test. Plus my school instructor did not have us wear a hood, boots or gloves during the winter when we did the open water in Washington. Crazy no? It was freezing and the visibility was horrible.

 

Ten years later, I regret this and decide to go for it again, especially since I have planned an incredible trip to New Zealand and Australia. Thus I signed up for a weekend class with pool sessions and planned the open water test around my friends wedding. Getting to Monterey was no easy feat, nor was getting to the wet suit! Once there I had a great teacher from Bamboo Reef. 

 

For the record, I think these suits are like penguin suits and you can barely move. It is rather awkward. 

 

Or so I thought before I tried to put on all the gear! OMG this is so heavy and I still have to walk?! 

 

Walk or more waddle like a penguin we did down the stairs and to the beach. We then had to time our beach entry because the ocean was so rough and rocky.

 

Getting into the water is hard, and its a weird feeling of starting to have the weight relieved and then feeling it all. Plus the waves crashing into you, almost knocking you over. It was this part that would the first time make me feel a bit panicky as I can barely move.

Once you are well in the water, you can put your fins on which helps you stay afloat easier. The BC when inflated is like your best friend since it keeps you out of the water. I found I was OK when I was out of the water or fully emerged, it was the in between moments that wigged me.

We went to Breakwater and the site was built for diving, which Monterey has a lot if you are looking for a fun day trip.

CPR can save a life

CPR is something everyone should know, the chances are if you need to do it you will know the person. That means it is your friend or family member, someone you probably will want to keep with you.
The class was long and very repetitive to ensure they drill the skills into you. The first part is check out the scene and ensure its safe.. then you check to make sure they're okay, call out and shake them. basically you want to make sure you're not about to perform CPR on a sleeping person.

Once your sure that this person is unconscious and not breathing, then you're able to assume that consent is given. Proceed to instruct one specific person to call 911 and report back to you. While they do that begin to perform CPR which is basically 30 hard chest compresses to the beat of "Staying Alive" or "Another One Bites the Dust" no joke.

That is the sum of things; now for some interesting pictures of the dummies, see below.

You make your own lungs with bags then put their face on! Seriously freaky and funny at the same time. Don't worry everything is sanitized, it is Red Cross after all. 

Yes, we did infant training too! 

NYE 2012/13 in Sydney

 

I have been planning my trip to New Zealand and Australia, decided that NYE should be in Sydney. That was the easy part! Afterwards I have tried to figure out what to do and looks like it I am flying solo. Which put another twist, how do I want to spend NYE alone? I will be hanging with my good friend Ms.V the days before and most likely not making great friends in the Hostel. Leaving to wonder, what to do?

Not wanting to be alone at least with out good tunes I started to look for a party and feel like I am doing it in the blind. I keep researching and checking out places to go, parties to see... Sydney has so much going on! Their are like 6 firework shows the most prominent being over Darling Harbor and a ton of boats all light up; reminding me of Burning Man's Playa! I did not want to be stuck on a boat, in case I did not like or find anyone to be friends with. Knowing I would be on my own, I have been researching and cannot seem to make up my mind. Thus blogging to help work through the processes.

1. Jackson on the George: Aimed to be an imitation Full Moon Party from Thailand, the VIP ticket includes pass-out to the Circular Quay Fireworks - which seems like one of the best viewing spots. The VIP also included open bar with beer, wine or soda... but I am good with the wine and some light snacks from 6-8pm! The music is pretty mix and the venue is well known holds 1000 people with 4 floors.

2. Harbour Party: On The harbor and will have great views of the main firework show, plus unlimited carnival rides. There is a bar but the VIP only gets you a comp drink or two not open bar and VIP tickets are pretty pricey $250 + but come with exclusive waterfront viewing. I am hesitant about this, not sure if carnival rides and drinking is a great idea or if I want that.

3. Shore Thing: On Bondi Beach, a huge party.. probably one of the most famous for Sydney. They have great major name artists every year and this year is no different. With The Chemical Brothers, Knife Party and Fredde Le Grande as the main draw. It seems massive. They have of course their own firework show and it is a party on a beach, which really is a Full Moon Party. This would be higher on the list if it were not so expensive and seeming so crowded.

4.  Retro Party: A "Fire and Ice" themed, boast of a good firework viewing of Darling Harbour and the city - note it is similar to #5. The VIP has access to the roof top, snacks, open bar with beer, vodka and soda till midnight. This could be a free party but when is free there is no roof top access or firework view. Note the free aspect could make it kind of crappy and extremely crowded.

5. Hedkandi Party: Has a few levels of tickets, boast of over 14 artist on two levels and harbourside to see the fireworks. It is "White Party" theme which could be fun. Tries to be an oasis and has an outside area. The VIP packages vary with a side area, snacks and access to the bar.

I am starting to lean towards #1 but it is very hard for me to choose... so many good options! Any opinions? I would love to hear them and yes I do now have to worry about a budget (GRR!).