End of Blog-Yes, really it is ending this time

Well, friends, last year was a blast! I wasn't going to end this blog, but keep writing about new experiences as they come. As you can see, I have not updated in a while-not because I haven't had any new experiences, but because I was busy and well, honestly, lost interest. I recently decided to officially end this blog because I have two other blogs and keeping three is just ridiculous.

SO, please continue to read about my shennanigans and random thoughts (some serious, some not so serious) in my personal blog:
http://www.reflectionsofasojourner.blogspot.com/

And also, please check out my more subject oriented blog dealing with things I love (music, crafts, shopping, decorating, etc):
http://www.cupofdelight.blogspot.com/

Thank you for reading!!

End of the blog?? I think not!

So, My Year of New Experiences is over, but that doesn't mean this blog has to be! Life is full of new and crazy experiences, and I intend to keep writing about mine, so check back! Also, you can check out my new, more reflective blog:

http://reflectionsofasojourner.blogspot.com/

I will be updating both blogs!

Week 52: We're Going on a Treasure Hunt

From December 2008

For my lst new experience of the year 2008, I chose to do something I've been wanting to do for a long time-go geo-caching.

Some of you may be asking, "What the heck is geo-caching?" It is basically a form of treasure-hunting using GPS coordinates and a sense of adventure. Here's how it works: First, you register on http://www.geochaching.com/ which is the official Global Geo-caching Website. Now, people all over the world have hidden small objects or logs for you to sign and then have placed the GPS coordinates of the are in which they've hidden these objects. They also give clues. So, after you register, you pick a cache you want to find, plug in the GPS coordinates into a hand-held GPS, drive or hike to the spot and look for it.

For my first hunt, I picked an easy, quick-find. The GPS part was easy-the searching was not as easy. Eventually, I found it hidden in a tiny capsule attached to a road sign by a magnet. Oh, the thrill of finding the object! It was so exciting, I was immediately hooked on geo-caching.

For my next find, I had to use stealth because it was hidden in a public place and I could not compromise the hiding place. So, as you see from that last sentence, I've picked up another nerdy past time. Geo-cachers have their own vocabulary and many of them are Harry Potter fans,a s they deem non0geo-cachers as "muggles." I found that extremely amusing.

I am totally hooked and am dying to do a multi-cache where you have to go to several sites and follow the clues. Anyone want to buy my a handheld GPS for my birthday?

Week 51: The REAL Festival of Lights

From December 2008

Those of you who know me know I like to believe that I am ethnically Jewish. I truly believe that it is possible that I have Jewish blood and my family just doesn't know about it. It's not entirely impossible. We don't know the details of ALL our ancestry and my dad has really olive skin.

This longing came about when I was 10 years old. I always loved reading the Old Testament and was fascinated by Israel's festivals and practices. Then, one Easter, a group of Messianic Jews (those are people who are ethnically Jewish, but believe in Yeshua, or Jesus, as Messiah) visited my church and held a Passover meal. I was so fascinated by it (though not understanding all the religious implications and how it actually ties into the Gospel-NOW that I know that, I find it even more fascinating!), I decided I wanted to be Jewish...but still believe in Jesus.

I swept that under the rug for a while, but when Winter rolled around, I was out shopping with my mom when I spotted some dreidels for sale. I was 10, remember, and had no clue that Hanukkah was not actually one of the major Jewish Holy days. So, I convinced my mom to buy me a dreidel, learned how to play and then tried to get my friends to play with me. They thought I was weird.

Years later, this story amused my friend Katie so much that she bought me a t-shirt that says "Born to Dreidel." My obsession with wanting to be Jewish has inspired many a Hanukkah gifts from friends. This year, my dear friend Jame bought me something I've always wanted- a menorah! So, I decided this was the first year I would celebrate Hanukkah for real-even if I was alone (though my family put up with it and I think found it amusing).

Even though the Macabbeen Revolution is not found in canonized scripture, it is a historical event and I do believe God can make one day of oil miraculously last for eight days, so I see no danger in meditating on His goodness, provision and grace by celebrating Hanukkah.

Maybe this year I will research and celebrate all the Jewish holidays. Judaism is a part of Christian heritage and God has a purpose for each of the Jewish holidays-they in some way point to His character, redemption, and ultimately to Christ.

Week 50: A Castle...in Greensboro?

From December 2008

When I first heard there was a random castle in Jamestown, NC, I immediately longed to visit. Growing up in the United Kingdom, I saw my share of magnificent castles, but a castle in North Carolina? This was a first!

Not much goes on at Castle McCulloch besides the annual Christmas trail, weddings, gold panning and princess parties and as much as I would enjoy a princess party, I opted to try out the Christmas trail.

I was not disappointed! The Christmas trail was a trail (duh) that took you on a fabulous holiday journey to the castle and through the castle. The outside trail featured a dramatic reading of "Twas the Night Before Christmas" by a guy in a kilt speaking in a Scottish accident, Old English trios singing Christmas carols, A Gospel Duo, cute children dressed like elves, and a light show.

The castle itself is a tiny fortress in comparison to the great castles of Europe. It was built in 1832 and was originally used as a gold refinery during the North Carolina gold rush. It's builder and original owner, hailing from the UK, brought with him the English castle architecture, thus building a random castle in NC.

Despite it's small stature and miniature "moat," Castle McCulloch is a charming and magical place to visit-and to have a wedding, for that matter, if you can fork out about 10,000 dollars.

Before entering the castle, we were given 3-D glasses which made all the lights look trippy, especially the hallway which was decorated with lights from floor to ceiling. I think it was supposed to give the illusion that you were skipping along in a magical world. I felt more like I was on an acid trip.

Inside the castle, we saw Santa and Mrs. Clause (who surprisingly is a stand-up comic who tells bad Christmas jokes), the Grinch (who was fabulous), amusing elves-and my favorite part which I will now describe to you. They led us into a dark room where nothing could be seen around us. Then suddenly, a mariachi band wound up in Christmas lights began playing "Feliz Navidad," while the lights blinked to the music. I laughed really hard.

I thoroughly enjoyed my time on the Christmas trail. Jeff and I enjoyed it so much that we decided to make it a Christmas tradition. Hopefully, next year they will change it up a bit so it won't be exactly the same!

Week 49: Lighted Path

From December 2008

After living in the Triad for a year and a half, I decided it was time to try the Tanglewood Festival of Lights after hearing so much about it. I remember when I was about 6 or 7 years old, I was visiting Liverpool, England with my family and I so desperately wanted to see this light festival that Liverpool was showing. However, it rained, as it often does in England, and the show was canceled. I was extremely disappointed. I hoped Tanglewood would somewhat make up for this life disappointment.

The first night we attempted to visit Tanglewood, our car broke down and we had to get it towed. I sat in a police car and rode in a tow truck, so it was not an entirely disappointing night! Fortunately, we returned a couple of nights later.

Driving through the spectacle of moving light displays, I became a kid again. My favorite display was a cannon that appeared as if it were shooting off fireworks. It was cool because they actually looked like fireworks, but it was really timed lights.

I enjoyed the little jaunt through Tanglewood park. I was glad to have FINALLY experienced a light festival.

Week 48: Louisville or Bust!

During all my travels around the nation and world, I never before made a stop at the home of horse races and baseball bats. That changed when I attended my dear friend, Becky's, wedding in Louisville, KY.

Louisville is rich in history, so I was destined to thoroughly enjoy it. I arranged to stay at my friend, Lauren's, apartment in order to save money. Best decision ever. Not only does Lauren and her roommates live in the cutest, old downtown apartment (which reminded me of dear New York City), but they live in the center of Old Louisville. Old Louisville is a historic neighborhood which boasts both the largest concentration of Victorian homes in the US and also the largest concentration of residential homes with stained glass windows in the US. When I drove by the row of Victorian houses, my heart skipped a beat and I was filled with giddiness because I love, love, love Victorian homes! Not only were the houses exquisite, but they were accessorized by cute, iron Victorian lamp posts along the street. I felt like I stepped into "A Christmas Carol." I longed to immediately move to Old Louisville. Here is the house I picked out for myself. I am sure I will be able to afford it someday (*note sarcasm).

Another interesting fact about Louisville is that it separates the South from the North. It is nearly in Indiana-only separated by the Ohio River. I discovered exactly how close Louisville is to being in the North when I missed my exit and the next sign read "Welcome to Indiana." oops.

I worked up an appetite driving to Indiana, so the next morning, Jeff and I went with our friend, Chris, to the world-famous Lynn's Paradise Cafe. This restaurant was featured on The Oprah Winfrey Show, The Discover Channel, and The Food Network. Maybe it was psychological, but they served me some of the most delicious pancakes I've ever ate! Jeff ordered their famous Bourbon-ball French Toast, which owner and chef, Lynn, created when she appeared on "Throwdown! With Bobby Flay" on the Food Network. She beat him. This mound of French Toast goodness is insane! It is made with three slices of thick french toast drizzled with warm Bourbon Vanilla Custard, garnished with chocolate syrup and Kentucky Bourbon Whipped Cream, and topped with sliced strawberries and toasted pecan halves. In case that description was not enough to send you into sugar shock, here is the picture:

And here is Jeff with his "breakfast."

Lynn's is splashed with bright colors and tacky, eclectic decor, which made it more fun.

After gobbling up our delicious breakfast, we took a quick, drive-through tour of downtown, where we saw the giant Louisville slugger bat.

Becky's wedding was a blast and provided me not only the opportunity to meet the University of Louisville Cardinal, but also dance the Cupid Shuffle with him. We don't call her Crazy B for nothing.

On the way out of Louisville, Jeff and I visited the famous Churchill Downs, which holds the Kentucky Derby every year and has been since since 1875. This concluded our fabulous adventure in Louisville, KY, which was one of my most favorite trips in my life so far!