My final video!

Enjoy my round up my 30 things!

The end of my 30 things!

Wow! What a year! I can truly say turning 30 has been utterly amazing. I would never have predicted that my 30th year would be full of such fun and adventure. Every challenge has brought smiles and laughter, even the tough ones. They have shown how determined and mad I am, and actually rather organised- trying to fit in these challenges whilst being a teacher who has faced Ofsted and a school move this year is a challenge enough on its own! But I did it, one because I'm a Capricorn and we like a challenge, and two I wanted to raise as much money as possible for a charity close to my heart. It was the inspiration and determination I needed sometimes to get through the challenges. Every time I was struggling, be it cycling along that hideous military road on the Isle of Wight or running against 40mph winds, my thoughts always went to my cousin, Annette and the daily battle with pain she faces and I told my self to man up! Knowing that I was raising money for a charity that could create medicines that could reduce her pain spurred me on many a times. Thank you to everyone that has donated and if you haven't nows your time too :-).

I could never have managed to complete my 30 things without the overwhelming support and encouragement from my amazing family and friends. Thank you to my family for understanding that I have had to plan my year around these challenges and that every spare minute of my time would be taken up by planning, organising, doing and blogging about them. They have been patient and so supportive often joining in with as many as they possible can from meeting Olly Murs to climbing Snowdon . And if they couldn't join in they were there supporting and cheering or taking photos or dodgy films (thanks mum and dad)! One of my favourite memories of this year is climbing Snowdon with my mum and sister, Hayley, it was an epic day for all of us battling against strong gusts at the summit. Often we had to stand still and dig deep to let the gusts pass. It's was scary yet exciting and it was a proud moment when we reached the top. I was particularly proud of my mum who really pushed her own physical boundaries to get to the top- a great achievement. Another favourite family moment was standing in the cold at night with Nicky waiting to meet Olly Murs. Nicky was the brains behind the operation and without her I would never have been at the right place at the right time to meet him ( see what I did there!) It was a Wednesday night and we both had work but still she stayed with me until we met him. It was such a moment- one I'll never forget! She also joined me on a weekend trip to Newcastle where I fulfilled a long ambition to stand on the pitch at St James park- another day I won't forget.

Nicky has also been the guinea pig for many if my foreign recipes this year and she is still alive so they couldn't have been that bad! 

The challenges have shown the strength of friendship and I have been overwhelmed by the support of many friends. Every message of support has kept me motivated and I've loved having so many of you on the journey! Whether you've sampled my cooking or let me hold your snake (thanks Tom and Emily) - your contribution had been amazing. I have fond memories of the day spent in London going to all the places on a monopoly board with Nicky, Hayley, Shane, Tom, Jo and Matt. It was wonderful spending the day with friends seeing parts of London I have never seen before. Our nations capital is truly beautiful. It was such a fun way to see it. 

Another favourite was the day I went hunting pigs to lick and ended up licking an alpaca with Jo, Sophie and Corinne (the challenge setter!) What I loved so much about that day was not just the great fun we had where I laughed so much it hurt but the discovery of a hidden gem on our door step in the form of Aldingbourne Country Park. It's a delightful place that I would recommend to all to visit. Well done to Corinne too for joining me with the licking!! 

A lot of my year has been spent running. I have discovered that despite the blisters  I love running. I love getting out there, rain or shine, and being free to run! What's been even better is I have had some wonderful running partners who have often given me the kick up the bum I needed to push myself and keep going. Thank you to Shane for being my weekly running partner, for finding the time in our busy school weeks to get out there and run. Your support and encouragement has been amazing and I look forward to our next run! Thank you also to Laura who has joined me in running 2 10ks this year and the Great South Run. To say they weren't  easy would be an understatement as we had to battle against fierce winds for two if those runs. Laura, without you there keeping me going and pushing me onwards I would never have been able to get round. You stayed with me when you could have easily sprinted on ahead aNd I can't thank you enough. You are a star and I have loved running with you this year and look forward to what running events 2014 hold for us! 

Another of my highlights of the year was the roller skating onesie wearing mile flashmob along Bognor prom. This could never of happened or been a success without the lovely, slightly bonkers, friends and family who turned out to do it with me. So thank you mum, dad, Nicky, Donna, Shane, Jo, Jo's sister-in-law, Tina, Emma, Helen, Kirsty, Emily, baby Ethan, Laura and Ellie, Claire and Zoe, Erika and Corinne- you are all superstars! Best, most random day of my life- literally laughed so much! I don't think Bognor knew what hit them. 

Some of the challenges were easier and less painful than others and some required me to learn new things. This year has been packed full of excitement and new experiences. I may have slightly cheated on some of them and taken a more literal approach to how I completed them but nonetheless they have been achieved. I will one day make it to Munich to have a proper beer at Oktoberfest and I will go up on a hot air balloon- I know these will happen. 

30 things is a reminder to all that life is for living and for experiencing the wonders this world has to offer. You don't need a list to follow your dreams- just do them, nothing is out of your reach. I will continue to treasure the small and the big experiences that come my way, to push myself to achieve my dreams, to make a difference, to believe in myself and value the love and friendship of those around me. I hope in some way I may have inspired you to take a leap out of your comfort zone and push yourself to achieve a dream or wish- it can happen. So today I turn 31, and I'm excited by what the rest of my 30s have in store. I may not have met the real man of my dreams this year but you never know what 2014 will bring. The world is still out there to be explored and new experiences to be had and I can't wait. I hope to still raise money for charities and continue with acts of kindness because I want to. However first a much needed rest is requied and then maybe it's time for 40 things before I'm 40? 

#No27 Winter Dip in the Sea

This was to be my final big challenge - the challenge to end a year of 30 challenges, a winter dip in the sea. Now the original plan was to join other mad fools on New Years Day and take part in the Bognor Lions New Years Day dip at Bognor, however the weather had other plans. Strong winds and gusts of over 50mph meant that all dips were cancelled that day due to the dangers of being swept out to sea. So waiting a day for the sun to come out made all the difference! Dressed in my lycra running outfit and canoe shoes, my mad sister and I heading down the cobbles at high tide, Clymping Beach. The photos and video really do not do the size of the waves any justice - they were huge and at some points were reaching the back of the beach! It may have been a silly thing to have done and we probably could have been swept out to sea, however we spent some time choosing the safest spot. We sat  and watched the patterns of the waves and how they were breaking on the beach to choose the best place to go in. We grounded our feet in the shingle, bent our legs and held each other tightly. We slowly made our way further and further into the waves and spent some time with waves breaking around our knees and waists. Oh but then, a huge wave appeared from no where and went right over our heads sending us flying up the beach! The only sad thing is, my phone had just died and my mum was in the process of changing over when it happened so we have no footage of this event. We just have photos of us rather wet and chilly. Surprisingly the water wasn't that cold and it was loads of fun. The adrenaline pumping through your veins as you watch the waves crash towards you was epic. Nothing like it.

So that's it, my final one!Ok so I may have 3 foreign men to kiss and a few more miles to run however I am sure after all that I have achieved this year, those can be wavered slightly?! Tomorrow is the last day before my 31st birthday - a day for reflecting and maybe a spot of running!

#No23 Sleep on the beach

Now I am pretty sure I have actually completed this challenge several times before in the past. I remember being a 16 year old girl on holiday with my friends in Newquay where we all had a chilly afternoon nap on the beach. I also am sure every sunny holiday I have been on has resulted in some moments of shut eye whilst sunbathing beach side.

The original plan for this challenge was to camp on the beach on the Isle of Wight during the round island cycle ride however our bodies had over ideas, so this was not to be. So today, a sunny but blowy January day I nestled down into my sleeping bag on Clymping Beach for a little snooze!

Sleep on the beach - complete!!

A round up of #30things

Well, the year is almost over and here is a little round up of some of the challenges I have not had a chance to blog about (it's been a busy year!) Enjoy and please don't forget to donate on my Just Giving Page!

#No1 - Drink a beer at Oktoberfest 

Sadly, due to starting a new job I was unable to fly out to Germany for this festival (I will get there one day!) so instead last year on my actual birthday (30th), my family took me to the Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park. Here they have an Oktoberfest  bar where I proceeded to drink a pint! Challenge achieved! :-)

#No2 - Kiss 5 men from 5 different countries

So far I have kissed one Italian and one Englishman! Just 3 to go!!

#No3 - Learn something new

I have learnt to play the Ukulele! A little boy at school has been teaching me and so far I can play two chords 'C and 'F. Sadly, my ukulele is not the best quality and it is hard to tune it properly. However, my little teacher persevered and he taught me this song. Sorry it is not the best singing, I have a cold, and the ukulele is untuned!! My teacher friends will know the significance of the song :-).

#No5 - A random act of kindness

I am a firm believer that we should live our lives completing random acts of kindness all the time. Acts of kindness should come from the heart and be completed by the do-er to bring joy to others. I would like to hope that throughout my life I naturally complete acts of kindness.  Wikipedia states A random act of kindness is a selfless act performed by a person or people wishing to either assist or cheer up an individual person or people. Either spontaneous or planned, random acts of kindness are encouraged by various communities.
So I decided to complete as many acts as kindness in December as possible, so here are the acts I have completed so far, some small but all I hope acts of kindness - some more random than others:
1) I held a festive Christmas lunch for my lovely old work colleagues and friends.
2) I baked cupcakes randomly and brought them into work for my team.
3) Whilst driving along, I stopped the traffic to let a cyclist cross the road.
4) I volunteered for the night at the Chestnut Tree House Snowman Ball working on the silent auction as well as other jobs.
5) I volunteered at Crawley FC to sell Santa Suits and hats for Chestnut Tree House Children's hospice.
6) And finally, my favourite - after hearing on the radio that a local animal hospital was running low on dog and cat food to feed the growing numbers of injured hedgehogs, I headed out to the shop and made them a delivery! Merry Christmas hedgehogs!

#No10 - Learn a new language

As part of my new job, I now teach Spanish each week! I can now introduce myself, say the days of the week and the weather in Spanish. Most importantly I can say 'Feliz Navidad!'

#No13 - Run 250 miles in a year

I will do a quick tot up but not sure I will make this one - but definitely over 200!!

#No19 - Try a new sport

This one should have happened in many different forms. First, my lovely work bought me wind surfing vouchers however the weather and time has meant this will now have to take place next year. My sister also got Paddle boarding vouchers however the weather prevented this from taking place. I began to panic, worried that I would not be able to fit this one in on time then sitting on my bed I noticed my Ultimate Frisbee, a present from my lovely old colleague Mr G. He had introduced me to this game whilst on residential with the Year 6's where we played on mass. It was such great fun, he bought me my own. I quickly googled to see whether it was a sport, and indeed it was. So there you have it - a new sport achieved! :-)

#No25 - Go to the Bingo

Last Sunday, I attended my first ever bingo at one of the local bars. Not only was it free, I only went and won a bottle of prosecco! Not bad for my first bingo outing!

#No29 - Appear on TV or in a film

Over the year, I have appeared in many videos put on youtube however my favourite has to be our end of year staff panto where I played 'Dorethy'. The video is too big to upload however my teaching colleagues can vouch for me being in it! :-)

#No30 - Go to a festival

This year I have been to several festivals - Amberely and Worthing Beer festivals and the Capital One Summertime Ball. However, this year I went to the Cowes Sailing Festival for the first time ever. I watched boats sail and I attended the evening entertainment! Lot's of fun to be had!

#No18 German Christmas Cooking

To end my calendar year of cooking I made my nan and mums German Potato salad. Traditionally made on Christmas Eve! It's a family favourite! Enjoy!

1) Boil potatoes in their skins.

2) Boil the eggs until hard and place in cold water.

3) Chop an onion and place in the bowl.

4) Fry diced bacon until crispy.

5) Peel the potatoes and chop.

6) Remove the shell and dice the egg. Add to potato and onion in the bowl.

7) Now add mayo and salad cream.

8) Season and enjoy!!! 

#No21 Fly in a hot air balloon

Well does this count??

I might not have flown in one but I definitely sat and had a drink in one!!

#No6: Climb a Mountain

Currently, I am just too tired to write a full length post however I promise one is on it's way. All I can say is - we did it! Climbed Snowdon in gale force winds and survived!! Enjoy my pictures!!

#No7 Run the Great South Run

Well today I did it! A day I had secretly been dreading, the Great South Run.This was going to test my stamina, physical strength, my determination and my feet. Up to now, my feet, running and I had not been good friends and blisters came a plenty. I was worried. Worried that I wouldn't be fit enough for the 10 miles having only ran 8 miles previously. Then I was doubly worried by the weather forecast. Gusts expected of 30- 40 mph. It was going to be tough!Here is my account of the race - hope you enjoy it!

So I set off at 8am, having tried to eat some porridge which I nearly threw up from nerves! I did get a banana down me! Trained it down from Chi to Pompey picking up my running partner, Laura on route. The train became busier and busier the closer we got to Portsmouth and it began to dawn on me how massive this race was going to be. Venturing out on the streets of Portsmouth we joined the masses heading down to Southsea for the start. Already the wind was strong and gusts whipped through the streets. One fellow runner commented on the barriers that had already fallen over in the winds and everyone nervously laughed knowing that it was only going to get worse.

Southsea was amass with runners and supporters out in their numbers despite the increasingly worsening conditions. However the sun was out and spirits high as we joined our fellow runners in the white enclosure, the second wave to go. It did seem forever before we heard the klaxon for the start of the elite women and the beginning of our warm up. I welcomed this as despite wearing an old hoodie, the wind was bitter.Then the elite men and orange wave were away, we began to move forward towards the start. In the excitement, Laura and I threw off our hoodies. Major mistake. We still had 10 minutes before we started and it started to rain = two very cold ladies. Thankfully another warm up started! However it was short lived as the time had come to start. With a deep breath, the klaxon sounded and we were off!

It was a slow start due to the numbers of runners and the wind! Oh my days, it seemed to have got stronger. The spectator lined road helped shield us to a degree and their cheers were a welcome starting boost but jeez this was going to be tough. Southsea pier and amusements were a welcome shield as well however even we ventured inland slightly it did not help, the wind still found us. However we travelled at a good pace and before long we were approaching the dockyards, where my sister Hayley was to give us a much needed cheer. It was a fantastic sight running past the Victory and HMS Nelson before heading on the Naval base and running past the naval fleet. I was even joined by a two smurfs! The costumes people were running in were great, I will never know how they do it! Amazing!
I seemed to hit a wall between mile 2 and 3, whether the wind had already knocked a lot of energy out of me or I was feeling the effects of the sun and over heating, either way I pushed through it and once back on the Pompey streets it seemed to pass. It was great to see all the bands along the route, the music and happy faces were a great boost. As were the numbers of people supporting. It was such a lovely atmosphere. The support of the crowd was so important especially on a day when the weather was so harsh. Their support was needed and much valued.

Soon we headed up the avenue and back again with a much needed water point. One of my highlights of this section was under the bridge when a cheer of 'Oggy oggy oggy' 'Oi Oi OI' erupted! Again highlighting the spirit of the runners.

Seeing the mile 5 marker was a welcomed sight and I felt good. The sun had gone in and rain clouds were forming, oh how I would enjoy a spot of rain to cool me. I had already soaked myself in water from the water spot. As we approached mile 6, we could see runners on the return seafront leg, it looked like a long way off still. And then the wind hit again. Strong gusts that I am sure could knock you over! At one point I looked to the sky and saw a silver blanket thing floating past and wondered whether if I grabbed hold of it, it would fly me along. Clearly this was more than a thought. As we neared mile 7 I spotted a familiar face in the crowd, Charlie, which was great and it wasn't long before we came upon my sisters and mum cheering by the sides. I am so lucky to have such supportive, if not bonkers, family!

Despite the boost of seeing my family and the lovely shower you run through, I found mile 7-8 tough going. It should have been a nice mile down the streets with families outside their houses cheering us on and for a time, being sheltered from the wind. This was not the case. I felt tired and my feet were hot, even though I had soaked them in water from the last water stop. Maybe it was the impending fear of what mile 8 onwards was going to bring, the return leg, against the wind along the coast. Mile 8 came and went and then it hit us. I knew it was going to be strong, but nothing prepared me for the force of the wind. You had to push hard. It drove right in to you, wearing you down and zapping all strength from you. People had begun walking, yet despite the pain and strength seeping from my body, I gritted my teeth, put my head down and pushed on. Laura was amazing here. She kept on pushing me on and stopped me from walking when it would have been so easy to. And somehow I did keep going and made it to mile 9, with no tears but with grit and determination. It was here that familar faces gave me a boost. Nicky with her megaphone, mum and Hayley shouting away. Hayley even began to run along side and I thought for one minute she was going to run all the way with us until she disappeared. Only to reappear again on her bicycle shouting support and encouragement. However this was short lived when she declared that cycling along was hard work! My fellow runners around me were in stitches - hard work, you should try running 9 miles in this!! However it helped and somehow I kept on going. I spotted the pier in the distance. In my head this was the marker which told me that I did not have far to go to the finish and it was welcome sight. As was the 15k marker closely followed after by the 800 metre marker. I was almost there! Then I spotted the pyramid roof of the 'Pyramids' and I knew I was nearly there. As we rounded a few corners we became sheltered by the buildings and a new lease of life took over me. Laura grabbed my hands and somehow I managed a faster pace as we ran down the final stretch to the finish line. We had done it!

Crossing the line was a mix of exhilaration and relief. My body felt like jelly and I was exhausted. We hugged, high tenned and stumbled away from the finish line. A few tears welled in my eyes but they were soon wiped away. I just couldn't believe what I had achieved. It was epic. Surprisingly I recovered quite quickly physically, it was the ache and burning sensation that appeared in my calves that I first noticed. Although after some stretched and wrapping up warm soon did the trick.My feet seemed fine, no painful blisters and I was feeling good. However we still had the long walk back to the station against the wind which had increased in strength to contend with. This was irrelevant because now I could do anything! I just ran in this crazy wind for 10 miles. A test of my own stamina, perseverance and determination.

Once we had stopped for a much needed glass of wine, Laura checked out times. We were hopeful of a time around the 1 hr 45 mins mark as we had been keeping close to the 1 hr 40 minute marker. In my head I wanted to do under 2hrs at first, then I wanted to to under 1:50 so anythign under in the wind was going to be amazing. When she showed me our time, I screamed: I had just ran 10 miles in 40 mph winds in a time of 1 hr 43 minutes 15 seconds! I was over the moon. The icing on the cake. Next year I am aiming for below 1:40 because there will be a next time!


Thank you to Laura Cook, my amazing running buddy, for being a constant support and inspiration - you got me round! Thank you to my amazing supporting family for your endless cheers - you helped when it got tough!

So if you have been inspired get running yourself or just sponsor me on my Just Giving Page! Thank you! Right on to the next challenge, climbing Mount Snowdon in 4 days time!!

The route:

#No9 Eat a Chilli

So as part of Arthritis Week, I am going to try and complete as many challenges as I can and tonight saw #No9 (challenged by my sister Hayley) to eat a chilli. Now for those of you who know me will know that I suffer with the WEAKEST palate ever! I kid you not, the only curry I can eat is a Korma and I struggle eating Sweet chilli crisps and potato wedges! I inherit this in-tolerance of spicy food from my father so I blame him. I only need to taste something slightly spicy and my mouth goes crazy - it's not pleasant and I don't enjoy it. Therefore eating a chilli was always going to be tough.

So armed with milk and wine (!) I tucked into a green medium chilli from Tesco's and well the video really reveals all! However painful, I did it. My mouth felt like it was on fire, which lasted at least half an hour after the eating. My face went red. I was hot and sweaty and my eyes were watering. It was probably the worst thing I have EVER eaten - given me a witchettygrub any day!!

Anyway enjoy the film - I apologise for some of the choice words used however I had no control over my mouth at all. If you are at all inspired then please follow the tab above to my Just Giving Page and donate for Arthritis Research UK. If you already have - thank you so much - enjoy the pain and the faces I pull!!

Onsie Roller Skating Flashmob - The Photo Gallery