Hold on, stay strong, you will make it through!

You are not alone!

I met a lot of people through Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Some of them became some of my closed friends and some of them I've never met in person yet I'm grateful to have them in my life.

I met a girl - let's call her Jane - on Instagram 14 years young and she publicly wrote that she was thinking of committing suicide. I've never met her in person but it hit me really hard. We were about 100 people that never met her but instantly connected - we all knew what we had to do. We tried talking Jane out of saying goodbye for good. We let her know that she is loved and that we are all there for her. I felt helpless sitting behind my screen and all I could do was text her ...

What do you do if you don't even know there real names or have any idea where they live. A stranger and yet it hit us all very hard. We tried to reach that girl all friday night and finally got confirmation the next morning that she was ok. It was a relieve to hear she was ok but I also started asking myself ...

Why is it that so many young people want to commit suicide? Why is it that we are drawn to people that we can't reach? Why is it that we push away the people that want to be in our lifes?

I know how Jane felt. I'm pretty sure there are a lot of people out there that felt like Jane at least once in their life. I also wanted to disappear - not kill myself - just disappear to make a fresh cut and start over ... I wanted to see who wants to stay in my life ... but I couldn't just leave ... I know that there are people out there that love me and some even need me. A while ago I wanted to give up everything I worked so hard for just to start over ... 

• I've seen things that weren't meant for my eyes 
• I've heard things that weren't meant for my ears 
• I've experienced things that I'd rather forget 
• I've been bullied 
• I've done things I'm not proud of

BUT all these things made me to the person I am today. Yes life sucks sometimes. Life is hard and can be very challenging but it has also its good moments. We all should hold on to those moments. You have to take the good with the bad.

I know people that did commit suicide and I know people that tried it more than once. Suicide is not a solution! Suicide doesn't change anything! Yes running away and maybe saying goodbye seems such a great idea sometimes but the problem wouldn't change. If you commite suicide there is no turning back ...

To everyone out there. Please talk to family or friends. We all need to start listening more. We all need to pay attention to the people around us. Everyone has a bad day once in a while. Stay strong. You are not alone.

If you need someone to talk to - I'm here. Email me antjeslife@gmail.com I will listen.

 Take my hand and we will get through this together!

Magical Week In Orlando

Where The Magic Happens 

Let's go on an Adventure

It all started August 29th, 2014 when Alisha booked us our 3-Day Park to Park Ticket for the Universal Orlando Resort. We wanted to see "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter" themed areas that are based on the Harry Potter series. We decided that 3 days wouldn't be enough for a vacation so we made a whole week out of it.

I was counting the days - I knew my vacation would begin from the moment that I would leave Canmore to head to the airport .... I flew to Toronto on Jan 25th after work to meet my friends Alisha and Rhys which I haven't seen since they left the Hotel on October 5th, 2014. I arrived in Toronto at 12:19am ... We had so much to catch up on that we talked till 5am before heading to bed for some sleep. Next morning was breakfast, packing for Alisha and Rhys and getting CAN dollars changed to US dollars. We went for a lovely walk and even had time for some Geocaching. On our way back to the house we stopped at a lovely cafe "Castle Board Game Cafe" to play Harry Potter Trivia Game and to have some tea to warm up.

January 27th was the day we 3 were waiting for. We headed to the airport at 4am and were on our way to Orlando at 6:25am. We arrived in Orlando at 9:28am and headed straight to the hotel to check in and to get rid of our suitcases. Afterwards we went for breakfast at iHop and than took a stroll along International Drive. We found the Volcano Island Miniture Golf (olf) course and enjoyed the Tiki Falls and Volcano Voyage Course.

We went to Walt Disney World on January 28th which was a day filled with fun, giggles and magic ... yes magic! I think every child dreams of going to Disneyland or Disney World ... Well I must say even as an adult I loved every minute of it. The are serval parks in the resort but we chose the Magic Kingdom which included -  Main Street, USA - Adventureland - Frontierland - Liberty Square (incl.The Haunted Mansion (which was one of my fave))  - Fantasyland - Storybook Circus - Enchanted Forest - Tomorrowland. I also loved the "Space Mountain" rollercoaster which was in the dark. Awwwesooome!!

Most Magical Night Ever

Fireworks at the Cinderellas Castle

January 29th was a very hot day and we decided to spend some time at the pool next to our Hotel. The water was still very cold but I loved just sitting in the sun and to read my book. After the sun went down we headed out for dinner and then decided to explore more of International Drive. Florida seems to like Golf ... every few minutes another stunning golf course.




We found a pub called "Howl at the Moon" which was absolutely fantastic with dueling pianos. We even ordered a cocktail in a bucket. Very delicious!! We also stopped at Senor Frog's for some drinks and music.






 
The celebration of Harry Potter event started on Friday but because we had to switch Hotels we decided to go Saturday to Monday to get most out of our time. We spend the rest of Friday strolling along CityWalk and after that Alisha and I went to see "Into The Woods" while Rhys went into a sports bar.

We all have magic inside us! J.K. Rowling

On Saturday morning we headed straight for the "Islands of Adventure" to lay eyes on Hogsmeade. It was nice and "quiet" that morning so Alisha wanted to go on the first Roller coaster that see saw. (The Dragon Challenge). This was a roller coaster I wasn't sure I wanted to do because it was one of those where your legs hang free. We chose the green dragon first and loved it so much that we went straight to the re-ride line so we could try the orange dragon as well. We all expected the second dragon to be almost the same as the green but oh my were we wrong ... The orange dragon was much faster and had a couple more twists but it was also very fun. It was an unbelievable magical day. Hogsmeade also included "Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey", "Flight of the Hippogriff" and as I mentioned before the "Dragon Challenge". You can also eat breakfast at the Three Broomsticks and the Hogs Head pub. It is very authentic and the attention to detail is absolutely amazing.

Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry

On Sunday we decided to go and see the other Harry Potter Park - Diagon Alley. You can walk or take the Hogwarts Express to get to London. The train is full of surprises and a "must do" if you ever go to Orlando. To enter Diagon Alley you walk through the open brickwork. Three up and two across!! The creators have done an amazing job. You can visit Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes where I bought Fizzing whizbees and some chocolate frogs. (So gooood) and you can visit Ollivanders or Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlour and even walk down Knockturn Alley. I loved the Gringotts Bank. Absolutely amazing work with detail and authenticity.

Yes the dragon breathes fire.

I think I can speak for the 3 of us - we enjoyed the "Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts" a lot. On Saturday night we all were rushed out of the park through the train station and then admitted back as special guests (VIPs) of the evening event. This gave us the opportunity to basically have both Harry Potter parks all to ourselves, fully catered with butterbeer and snacks from 7 -11pm. What an awesome evening party we had.

After exploring the Wizarding World of Harry Potter for two nights we used our third and final day for the rest of the Universal Orlando park. I have a few favorites. I loved the Mummy ride with was mostly in the dark with burning rooftops and mummies of course. I also loved the Incredible Hulk rollercoaster and the Rockit rollercoaster. One highlight for me was also seeing and taking photos with the transformers. I was waiting for bumblebee but because of the windy weather he couldn't come out. I did see him on our last day at the park though!

We also watched a "Fear Factor Live" show and enjoyed a "Beetlejuice's Graveyard Revue". I had such an amazing time in Orlando. I would do this all over again in a heartbeat. Anyone wants to go on an Adventure ... I am ready :) I posted some more photos of my incredible week on FB. For more details on our fabulous week and some more photos please check out my friends Alisha's blog - https://stringnkite.wordpress.com/2015/02/08/its-important-to-remember-that-we-all-have-magic-inside-us-j-k-rowling/

Adventures Are Out There!

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!