Happy New Year

2014

 What a year it has been! First of all I'd like to Thank each and everyone of you that made this past year a fantastic and exciting journey. I am so very grateful for so many things. This past year was full of fun, joy, laughter, surprise but also sadness and fear. I cherish all these moments because they made/make me to the person I am today. I'm very grateful for friendship and for everyone that crossed my path. I've learnt a lot about myself. No matter how big or small your idea is - go out and do whatever makes you happy. I know it is not always easy to go out on your own but it is so worth it. Not every day in 2014 was easy but I conquered every obstacle that was put in my way. Believe in yourself, take on new challenges and grow with every experience. You have to take the good with the bad.

I also learnt to be my own friend and I am ready to let go of everything and everyone that doesn't make me happy.

Here are a few highlights of 2014

• I started blogging! It helped me and still helps me to connect with everyone around me. Blogging helps me to share my opinions, experience, questions and answers.

• Becoming a Half Marathoner June 1st in Calgary - HUGE highlight - I still remember each step that I took that day. What an amazing experience it has been. It was an incredible feeling to be amoung so many other runner.
  

• Running my second half marathon in Canmore with my friends was another highlight. It was special in it's own way. I must say though - The first 5K - 10K - 21.1K will always be extra special.

• I also enjoyed going on Adventures every Wednesday with my friends over the summer. I went on Adventures in Calgary - Canmore - Banff - Edmonton! We went biking, hiking, white water rafting, horseback riding and so much more. I blogged about all my Adventures. Here is the link if you like to have a look. http://anventureblogger.blogspot.ca/

Adventure Wednesday

2015 is going to be a great year! One of the bigger highlights coming up - Vacation in Orlando end of January. Also looking forward to start training for my first MARATHON which will be End of May! Woohoo!!

I hope everyone enjoyed their last day of 2014 & has an absolutely amazing start into 2015. 

A Toast! To Family. To the ones you're born with and to the ones you choose. To the people you love and to the people who have loved you. May you always feel their arms in warm embrace. May you always know that you are loved no matter what life gives you!

 

BE KIND AND LOVE ONE ANOTHER

2015

What - When - Why

My Answers to 14 of your Questions

1. What is something you are very proud of? Why?

My Independency. Yes it is hard to be strong and indepented sometimes but it has helped me to get me where I am right now.

2. When and why did you start running?

I started running in 2011 when I joined my friends team "Get Your Butt Seen" to help spread awarness for colorectal cancer and to help fight with and for everyone who is diagnosed with cancer. Running also helps me to clear my head and be at peace with myself. Running as biking lets me see the world the way it is. ...

Running makes me happy. No matter how upset I am  - as soon as I step outside for a run - all my thoughts disappear. I feel free. When I run it is just me and the road. The road doesn's question why I haven't come the day before, the road doesn't judge what I wear - the road is just waiting for me to come run. Running helps me to clear my head and sometimes it helps me to find anwers to questions that I've put far away in my head. Running has taught me that I am so much stronger than I thought I was.

3. Why do you paint?

Well running lets me see the world the way it is BUT painting lets me show others how I see the world :) Painting makes me happy - it keeps me calm while being creative. When I paint - I am in my own little world. I forget my surroundings completely. Some people meditate and I ... I paint. The moment I take a canvas, some paint and a brush in my hand - everything around me goes silent. I actually stop thinking completely. No questions that go around in my head. No worries. Just me and my painting stuff.


4. When and why did you start blogging?

I started blogging when I started training for my first half marathon. Why? To connect with other runners. To get feedback and to get help while training. Blogging let's me share my experience with other runners.

5. If you could tell your 16 year old self something, what would it be?

Stay strong. Everything will be alright. Yes life is hard but you managed so many difficult situations - trust me it will get better. Just be your own friends and follow your dreams no matter how small or big.

6. What is something you are afraid of? Why?

I'm afraid of losing everything - of not being enough. Because it happened before. Nothing is garantied in life.


7. What is your greatest joy in life?

Making everyone around me happy. Helping people with what I have. You don't always have to give a lot ... sometimes a hello, a smile, a hug can make someone happy. Little things can brighten someones day. I love doing that. If I see someone happy, smiling, enjoying their lifes - I feel happy, smile and enjoy life. We are all connected and should love one another!

8. What is your greatest challenge in life?

Trusting people. It is hard for me to let people in.

9. If you were stranded on a island with someone, who would it be? how would you occupy your time?

If I could choose that someone then it would be Michelle. Because she is the only one I'd like being around. I am sure we would get along very well. We would be running together and make our own races. We would find some new activities every day that we could try. Swimming, climbing trees, building something :) I think we would have lots of fun.

10. Where is your favortie place on Earth? Why?

Vancouver, Canada. Everything changed when I first moved to Canada BUT when I met Robin in Vancouver - she changed my life completely without even knowing it. She did something that no one has ever done. She said two things that made all the difference. I am happy in Canada and learnt a lot about myself. Canada taught me how strong I really am. Why? Because the people I met along my way make me feel like I am home. I am welcome!

11. What is something you would like the rest of the world to know?

I would tell everyone to stop hinding behind the computer screens and to get out and have a real social life. I would tell everyone to spend as much time with their family and friends as they can. Be kind and love one another. Stop chasing people you can't reach - instead look around you and spend time with the people that are right there waiting for you to just open your eyes and see them. I took a big step back from my computer, phone and tv and I must say I have so much time for other things. Life is so much more than Internet, TV, VideoGames ... Go out, have fun and meet new people!!

12. What is something you have never done but would like to try?

I like to join AIDS/LifeCycle in 2016! It is a 7-day bike ride from San Francisco to Los Angeles to raise money and awareness in the fight against HIV/AIDS... I also like to go Skydiving someday  :-)

13. What would you do if you only had 1month left to live?

I probably wouldn't do much different than what I am doing right now. I would write a few personal letters for family and friends. I would donate all the money I have left. I would go somewhere alone - maybe the beach. I wouldn't tell anyone that I die. I wouldn't want to make anyone sad. I'd prefer to make people happy till my last breathe if possible.

14. Where do I see myself in 5 years.

Frankly I have no idea. I didn't even know 5 years ago that I would be living in a complete new country! All I can say is - I am ready for new Adventures :)

Being there for people because you know what it's like to have no one there for you

Half Marathon Number 2

Half Marathon With My Girls

Sometimes I ask myself if I am crazy :) ... April 15th, 2014 was the day I decided & actually did sign up for my second half marathon. One and a half month before I even ran my first. At that moment I didn't even know if I like to run 21.1K but still signed up. I am sure most people read my blog about me becoming a half marathoner. If you like to have another look - here is the link to my blog about my first half marathon. http://anventureblogger.blogspot.ca/2014/06/im-half-marathoner-now.html

Half Marathon number 1 was incredible and I still remember every single step I took. Now it's time to tell you all about Half Marathon number 2.

 

It's been a week already since Michelle, Jenn and I ran our half marathon in Canmore. I had a fantastic weekend. I really loved running a race in Canmore for a change. As soon as Michelle arrived in Canmore on Saturday Sept. 6th we went on a little ride to check out the start area at the Lawrence Grassi Middle School.. When we got back to my place Jenn and her family had just arrived. When everyone settled into their rooms we headed our for dinner to BP. Thanks for coming out to Canmore one day before our half marathon. I really loved the "family-time" & "girls-time" before and after the race. 

Having a blast on the Rocky Mountain Ski Lodge play park before dinner!

After dinner and  a short visit in the hotel's jacuzzi - Michelle and I went for a nice walk along the river after dark. When we got back to my place it was almost time for bed.

Sunday Sept. 7th - The day we all were waiting for!

Michelle and I set our alarm for 6am which was early but not too early. I remember I had to get up at 4:30am for my first half marathon. We got dressed, had breakfast and met up with Jenn. All 3 of us wore the "Check Yoself" shirts in honour of Jenn's friend who is newly diagnosed with breast cancer. I also wore a pink sparkle skirt. The walk from the hotel to the start was a nice 1.4Km warm-up walk. Quick some pre-race photos before heading out for some fun.

We all ran the first few kilometres together. I did 10:1's which means I run 10min and walk 1min. Michelle kept on running and I lost her at that moment. I still had Jenn beside me but also lost her after a few more Km which was fine. We all decided to meet up at the finish line and just concentrate on our own pace and time. The course involved some running through the town of Canmore and on some lovely trails through the woods and along the river.  All with the beautiful Rocky Mountains in the background. 

My first half marathon was absolutely amazing and I was hoping my second half marathon would be just as great BUT I had a hard time. I had a very stressful summer in many ways and couldn't/didn't train as much as I should have. Even though I was slower in my second half marathon I did well for not training.

 

It was a lovely course. I had my music! I loved being among all the other runners! BUT I just couldn't stop thinking about my running. How fast was I? ... How much time will it take me? Where is the turn around? How far did I get? How far do I still have to go? Could I catch up to my friends? Why didn't I train enough? ... I was so relaxed when I ran my first half marathon and realized that training changes everything. Yes you still could have a bad day on race day but you know for sure you did everything you could to be ready. ...
I was in a lot of pain in my last 2Km. I didn't want to quit so close to the finish so I texted my friend Michelle when I was 1.5Km away from the finish. I got a text back saying - "coming to meet you". I kept pushing myself and knew the finish line must be around the next corner or the next corner ... When I saw Michelle in her rainbow tutu I was so happy and just wanted to cry. After reaching her I looked to the left and there it was ... the finish! I took another walk break to take a deep breath and then took the last strength I had and sprinted to & over the finishing line. 

I was shaking and in pain and all I really wanted was to lie down. My friends told me it would be a mistake to sit or lie down so we kept moving. I was sore for 3 days and could barely walk - don't wanna know how painful it would have been if I just lied down right after the race. Being sore for 3 days makes it hard to work. I walked backwards downstairs and actually said at one point - No more running! Hahaha no more running lasted for this 3 days and then I signed up for the 5K run for the cure on Oct. 5th. Being in pain and sore for "so long" just showed me ... Training is very important! No matter what ... keep on training!!

There were only medals for the top three in each age group. ... So no medal for me BUT Michelle made something really special for the 3 of us. Thank you girl. 

Thanks Michelle for the lovely bracelet & necklace! Love it!!

Congrats to Michelle who flew through this race and to Jenn who PB's again :) So very happy we could spent this day together.

Check Yoself - Breast Cancer Awareness

Second Half Marathon Is Done!

I ran my first 10K & my first 21.1K at the Scotiabank Calgary Marathon. Do I hear the marathon calling??

Ideas Can Be Life-Changing

New Life In Canada

Woohoo - I can't believe it's been 5 years already. Sometimes it feels like I came half a year ago. Moving to Canada was the best decision I've ever made and all because of an idea.

Cheers To 5 Years Canada!!

My Plan was:

1. Go to Canada to learn English
2. Stay for 1 year & go back to Germany

Well I guess number 1 went pretty well. I barely was able to say one complete sentence in English. And now 5 years later - I can't imagine my life without it. Number 2 didn't go as planned. I knew after being in Canada for 6month that I didn't want to leave. I am very happy I took this big step. I can say for myself - Canada is where I belong. It wasn't/ isn't always easy but with friends on your side anything is possible. One step at a time, right? Yes I did have moments where I wasn't sure what I am acutally doing here but when I look back - it was all worth it. After a couple of hard weeks - everything is going in the right direction now. Very HAPPY!

At last nights celebration with 2 of my closest friends - I realized how far I have come. I've been living on my own for almost 10 years now - 5 years of that in a complete new country with a new language I didn't really like. Not everyone believed I could do it but I did it.

I've changed a lot in this past 5 years!

I've learnt a lot about myself. No matter how big or small your idea is - Go out and do whatever makes you happy. I know it is not always easy to go out on your own but it is soooo worth it. Every experience in life teaches you something.

To everyone that I've met along my way ...

Thank You!

Special Thank You to Michelle who is always there for me - to support me, help me, make me laugh when I don't even want to smile. You are fantastic - Everyone should have a friend like you. ... Also Huge Thanks to Robin who changed my life without even knowing it. When we first met you said two things that changed everything. Very grateful to have met you and to have you in my life.

"When you make room in your life to let strangers in, you make room in your life for the great adventure of people and of friendship ..."

 

Trip to Edmonton - Adventure Wednesday Aug. 6th, 2014

 Trip To Edmonton For Some Fun Fun

We did this past weeks Adventure Wednesday a bit different. Alisha and I had a little Girls Night with manicure, pedicure & a movie. Girly pink finger nails and black toes with Fun Fun written on them :) I had a great evening. Love girls nights.

 

We moved the Adventure to Friday & Saturday this week. Alisha, Rhys and I decided to take a little trip to Edmonton for 2nights. Woohoo what amazing 2days we had. I had a blast!! We left around 5pm after work on Thursday. Long drive but it was sooo worth it. We had sunshine, thunder, lightning and saw a rainbow on our way to Edmonton. Big Thanks to Kate for letting us stay at her place.

FRIDAY DAY 1 OF FUN FUN

The plan for Friday was to go to the World Waterpark at the West Edmonton Mall. We wanted to know if it is really as great as everyone said. I think I can speak for all 3 of us - We loved it. Rhys and I went on every single slide and Alisha did also almost all of them. Wow unbelievable. Have you ever been to the Waterpark? Did you ever hear of the Cyclone? Have you ever tried it? I did! It was very scary but I was brave enough to even do it before Rhys. The Cyclone (pink slide) is the first of its kind in Canada. You are standing in a glass capsule and after a count the floor suddenly drops out and you plummet straight down for 17 metres at up to 60 km/h before doing a near-vertical loopty-loop and blazing out the other end into a splashdown lane! Absolutely crazy but I would do it again. Fun Fun!!

All the slides were fun but I thought the cyclone was worth to explain a bit further. If you wanna know anything about any other slide - just ask ... or visit the Waterpark :) After all the fun we went out for dinner with Kate & Brad to the Cactus Club Cafe. Alisha and I just loooooove the Bellini's there!!

So happy with our Bellini's :)

SATURDAY DAY 2 OF FUN FUN

Yes, we went back to the Mall on day 2. Soooo much to explore. We started the day with a little breakfast at Second Cup. Then we did some window shopping and explored here and there a store. Adventure Time with Fionna's Hat ... Don't I look great in blond :)

At 12pm we watched the Sea Lions show which is right in the centre of the Mall. Really really cute!! A 20min entertaining show - The Sea Lions dance, play, dive and swim their way into your heart.

After the Sea Lions show we went to the Dragon's Tale Blacklight Mini-Golf. Absolutely amazing. A must do! A 18-hole blacklight minitaure golf course with incredible artwork on the walls. Really really awesome.

 I'm glowing too. Mini-Golf was super fun.

BUT wait our day was still not over yet. After Mini-Golf we headed to the Scotiabank Theatre to watch "Guardians of the Galaxy". Great and fun movie. I loved it. All the characters are awesome but my absolute favorite is Groot. 

One more mission before leaving the Mall. We headed to the Galaxyland for one purpose and one purpose only. Rhys and I wanted to go on the Mindbender. The Mindbender is the world's largest indoor triple loop roller coaster. What a great way to end the day. I never knew you could have sooooo much fun and spend so much time at a Mall.

Thanks guys for soooo much FunFun in these past two days. I'm very happy the 3 of us went on this trip together. Can't wait to go on more Adventure with you two.

Mini-Vacation "FunFun"

Awesome trip with some awesome people!

There will be NO Adventure Wednesday blog on August 13th, because I will be on my way to Calgary on Wednesday evening. I will be blogging about an even bigger Adventure on August 16th. Till then have a wonderful week!

Johnston Lake - Adventure Wednesday July 30th, 2014

Relaxing Day At Johnston Lake

This weeks Adventure Wednesday didn't go as planned. A few days ago we decided to hike up Ha Ling Peak (Chinaman's Peak). I was really excited the last couple of days and especially this morning. I was looking forward to finish work and get out for my weekly Adventure. Unfortunately the weather changed completely - even though we still had 32degrees, it was very foggy and got a bit dark out. Not a good sign to climb a mountain. We also had a long day at work and decided to go hiking on another day. ... I still wanted to do something on Adventure Wednesday and was happy when Dan had the idea to go to the Johnston Lake. Well relaxing on a hot day sounded good to me :)

Here are some photos of this weeks Adventure Wednesday!

Nope we won't move! LOL

Look who we ran into on our way to Johnston Lake. They really didn't move at all! Sweet photo though. Protective family.

Dan having fun in the water!

It was still very hot when we got to Johnston Lake even though it doesn't look like it in this picture. I had a great time. Do you know how hard it is to do NOTHING at all? I usually keep myself busy at home with painting, reading or outside with running, hiking, biking etc. ... BUT I must say I really enjoyed sitting at the Lake and just listen to my surroundings. I loved watching the waves in the water. I really needed this break - to just be!

Selfie on our way around Johnston Lake

Yes yes, I really did go! :) I've never really been to Johnston Lake. It's really lovely there. Hope I am able to go again very soon.

Johnston Lake

We got back to the car right before the Thunder and Lightning started. Wow last week Wednesday a big Thunderstorm and this week another one. Must be Adventure Wednesday :D

After Thunder and Lightning - Beautiful sunset back at the Hotel

A lovely and very hot day comes to an end. One last thing - Adventure Wednesday without you isn't the same. Miss you girl (You know who you are) Hope to see you soon. We need to go biking and rollerblading along Legacy Trail soon :)

Wishing everyone a fantastic week! Will be back here next week Wednesday :)

Johnston Canyon & Ink Pots - Adventure Wednesday July 23rd 2014

Hiking to Johnston Canyon & Ink Pots

I spent yesterdays Adventure Wednesday with my friends Alisha and Rhys. As always work comes first! Fortunately we all work together which makes it easier to go on Adventures - we left around 5pm. I've been to Johnston Canyon twice already but only in the Winter. Johnston Canyon is absolutely stunning in the Winter but it is also absolutely beautiful and breathtaking in the Summer! Just wow!

We parked the car and started hiking along the trail which begins immediately behind the Johnston Canyon Lodge. The first few meters are through the forest and lead you over the iron catwalks that are attached beneath overhanging canyon walls, where the waters of the creek flow beneath your feet.

Hike to Lower Falls

We reached the Lower Falls at Km 1.1. A bridge across the creek serves as a viewpoint and a short tunnel through the canyon allows passage to an even more intimate vantage point. It's absolutely amazing! After taking a few photos we went back to the main trail and continued up the canyon via more catwalks and well graded trail. There are many viewpoints overlooking the canyon and a small waterfall.

Hike to Upper Falls

There are two viewpoints at the 30m Upper Falls. First we followed the side-trail and walked along the catwalk which lead us to the viewing platform at the bottom of the falls! As you can see in the photo above - I am having a great time :) A short steep climb on the main trail took us to the top of the falls and another viewing platform, which hangs out over the gorge above the waterfall. I really love it there. I love to just close my eyes and listen for a bit. It's like a little vacation from all the stress around you.

Taking a break at the Upper Falls - Alisha, Rhys and I

After a break at the Upper Falls, we decided to continue our hike up to the Ink Pots. It was a bit of an effort, but well worth it. The Ink Pots themselves are interesting, but I was more taken by the gorgeous views. Thanks Alisha and Rhys for an amazing afernoon hike. I can't wait to go on more Adventures with you two.

Part of the Ink Pots

Johnston Canyon = Little Paradise

Johnston Canyon Resort to Upper Falls—2.7 km - Johnston Canyon Resort to Ink Pots—5.8 km

Biking 15K-50K - Adventure Wednesday July 16th, 2014

"Last" Adventure Wednesday in Calgary ~> Biking 15K - 50K

Oh my, oh my it is already Monday and I haven't had any time to blog about my last Adventure Wednesday. Well actually my week was so busy that we did the Adventure Wednesday on a Saturday. I had some really taff weeks and yet found time to do something fun and active with my friends. I can't even put in words how much these past 3 weeks meant to me. How very grateful I am! I enjoyed every minute of it and can't wait to have more Adventures!

Now let's talk about the lovely bike ride! My friend Michelle and I met up at 8:30 on Saturday morning and decided to just go out and explore! We knew we wanted to try something new & would bike for 15K - 50K. Having no plan keeps it interesting and that's why it is called Adventure.

We biked from Oakridge to Lynwood Ridge then to Quarry Park through Fish Creek Park to Woodlands and back home. In the morning when we left it looked like it would start to rain any minute but instead the weather changed completely and it got hot. We did have rain for like the last 2K I think. I had a fantastic morning! Here are a few photos!

Beaverdam Flats and Michelle organizing lunch - lol - Saskatoon berries

First break after about 13K - Lovely view over Calgary

Having another great day - Adventure!!

What a lovely bike ride I had. Michelle said we would be doing between 15K and 50K and we biked 42.46K in 3:04:34 - Every Adventures with my friend is always full of fun and giggles and great conversations. You are absolutely fantatsic. I am a little sad that I can't go running or biking with you "anymore". Hope to be back in Calgary soon! We need more Adventures together :)

 Last night in Calgary (for now)

Can't wait to go on my next Adventure