Exploring Southwest Virgina

Today was full of new experiences, some planned and some not desired.

First, we traveled to Virginia to bike the Creeper Trail. We started our ride at the Whitetop Station. From there, we traveled 17 miles to the town of Damascus. Trip highlights: seeing beautiful yellow poplars, playing in the cool stream, and eating ice cream at Creekside Cafe.

Other firsts for today:

1. Walked the Appalachian Trail.
2. Having both children almost ride off cliffs (Emma actually fell off, but luckily her fall was broken by a huge boulder!)
3. Eating at Kobe Japanese Steakhouse in Bristol, TN (yes, I have eaten at a Japanese Steakhouse before, just not this one!)

Day 2 and already challenged

Its only the second day of trying to find new things to do and I am challenged. Its hard to fit new things into the work week. But today I did learn a new thing...I learned how to use the ACS database. I know this may sound boring to most of you, but for a geek girl like me, it was pretty fun! Thanks Tony for taking time to teach me how to use the system!

Happy Birthday!

Since my actual birthday falls on a Thursday this year, there isn't too much time to plan for anything big. We have plans for this weekend (more later), but today is a really busy work day.

So, I did something I have always wanted to do but have never allowed myself. I ate my birthday cake for breakfast.

And I am so sorry I waited to start what will now be a tradition! There is NOTHING better than homemade chocolate cake for breakfast on my birthday.

Emma and Sophie loved it too!

365 New Things for a New Year!

Inspired by a young woman who wanted to try 365 new things during her 29th year (http://jen365.blogspot.com), I decided to do the same thing before I hit middle age!

This year, I want to do 365 things I've never done before, living life to the fullest while having a total blast. I want to try new things, learn new things, understand new things! Little things or big things...nothing illegal though!

Starting on the "10th anniversary of my 29th birthday" (July 10), I will do/learn at least one new thing every day for 365 days. While I won't be traversing the Great China Wall or conquering Everest everyday, the things I try can be as simple as "wearing pink fuzzy slippers to work," "learning and using a great new word," or "doing a cartwheel in the mall." Simple. Fun. Low Cost. Different. Just something to say "I've Done!"

I'm going to keep track of all the new things I do or try here in my blog. I'd love for you to send me any suggestions you have. Believe me, generating a list is a bit challenging, especially leaving in a rural community. Thanks to all of you who have already sent me ideas on Facebook. Keep them coming!

And, if you want to join me on this goal, let me know. That would be fun! The more the merrier, and the more accountability!

Now, I am off to start my year of great adventures....

My fortune for 2008-2009!

Here is to a year of trying 365 new things!