OK Thirty

30 weeks, 30 adventures

[okthirty]

30 After 30

It’s a new year which means it is time for a new list. I completed a third of my 30 before 30 tasks, some of the items will roll over to this year but some I’m scraping. I know, I know, a slip and slide sounds like fun, but who has a big enough garden for sliding, anyway?

So here’s to a year of (mostly) new challenges…

Oldies but goodies

1. Visit Catalina - the campsite has been booked. Roll on June! 2. Go Camping - I got Alex this super cool sleeping bag for his birthday and an IOU to take a few trips this year. Catalina camping is a definite but I’d like to squeeze in a few other weekends away. 3. Host a dinner party - this goes hand in hand with number #22 4. Drive on the freeway - someone is going to have to MAKE me do this or I will avoid forever. 5. Take a swing dance class - I just need to know enough steps to stop me from making a fool of myself at the Cicada Club. 6. Pass Code Academy - I’m so close to being done with the basics of HTML & CSS. 7. Volunteer - anyone have any recommendations? 8. Quit smoking - no ifs, ands, or butts 9. Chart my family tree 10. Hike 10 miles in one day

The newbies 11. Get my ears pierced (again) - I may have wimped out of getting a tattoo but I think I can manage getting second holes in my ears (how cool does this look?). Plus it gives me a great excuse to buy more pretty earrings. 12. Spend a weekend in the mountains - we haven’t spent any extended time in any of California’s mountain ranges. Last year I had a trip to Big bear on my list. After doing some more research, I’ve had my head turned by slightly sleepier Idyllwild. 13. Give gifts, just because - I’m always finding fun, useful or peculiar things that I think my friends would like. With the best of intentions, I make a mental note to get “it” as a gift for Christmas or a birthday but promptly forget. Why wait for a reason? 14. Take a class - Code Academy has been such a great experienced that I’m inspired to take more classes. Whether that be online or in-person. Things I’d like learn include sewing, knitting, embroidery, drawing, baking, design, photography, foreign affairs, English history. Where to begin! 15. Become a citizen - a beautiful thing happened at Christmas, a group of my incredible friends got together to help me get the funds (and a lawyer) so I could start the process of becoming an American citizen. The big reveal was one of the most memorable things that ever happened to me. And their timing couldn’t be better… 16. Vote - with my newly gained citizenship I will finally be able to vote. 2016 is a Presidential election year (feel the Bern!) but there are also Senatorial and Representative elections. With this new power comes great responsibility and I’m committed to learning about what my vote really means. 17. Learn how to gamble - sticking with the theme of learning I want to brush up on my poker skills and hopefully win a couple of friendly games. Better brush up on my poker-face. 18. Slay a karaoke song - this will require learning all the words and singing solo (gulp). The chosen song is… “We Didn’t Start The Fire”. 19. Go sugar-free for a week - after watching Fed Up I’ve become convinced sugar is the root of all evil. I’ve weened myself off my morning soda but I still have a terrible sweet tooth. This will be really hard. 20. Take a fighting class - boxing, martial arts, self-defense. I’m ready to kick some arse. 21. See a new country - last year’s trip to Myanmar was beyond amazing. Now the bar has been set for new adventures. 22. See a new city in the US - never been to the Pacific North West, the Deep South, the Rockies, the South West the list goes on and on… 23. Cook 10 dishes (really well) - goodbye Italian nachos, it’s time to take my cooking to the next level. 24. Bowl an 180 game - when I started bowling a year ago I rolled a 60 average. Since getting my own ball, and joining the EOW teams rigorous training schedule, this is up to 109. By the end of the year, I WILL set a new all-time high for myself. 25. Go a month without complaining - change starts with awareness and recently I’ve realized that I can be kind of negative. Since I’m also a believer that the energy that you put out into the world comes back to you 10 fold, it’s time to break this habit. 26. Invest in something - this is a little vague but this year I want to set aside time, money or creative energy to achieve, buy or create something that will last a lifetime. 27. Go somewhere for something BIG - again I’m leaving myself with some wiggle room. This could be any kind of event. I’ll see what catches my eye. 28. Throw a 70′s themed party - picture flares, food on cocktail sticks and disco dancing. My birthday can’t come soon enough. 29. Create something - a combination of two list items from last year (DIY + make art). 30. Complete a fitness challenge - TBD

That's the lot. Stand by to see how I get on.

[okthirty]

Dirty 30

I guess it was inevitable but it finally happened! I am now 30! Although I'm far from being done with the list I have made some progress...

Attend a murder mystery dinner: A huge thanks to all my wonderful friends who joined me (and my birthday twin Carson) in the mountains to tick this off my list. Let me set the scene: the weekend of our birthday we rented a HUGE, if a little creepy, house in Frazier Park. (Alex and I are fairly convinced that the house is used to shoot porn during the week). The setting couldn't have been more perfect for the drama that was to unfold.  

LIGHTS! CAMERA! MURDER! It was awards night, with everyone dressed in their finest dresses, suits and wigs. A young starlet is gunned down. The list of suspects driven by ambition and jealousy is endless. So endless in fact, only the sober neuro-surgeon, who took copious notes (no kidding) was able to figure out who the perpetrator was. To this day I still don't know. 

The crime (orchestrated by Ami) was followed by a magic show (thanks Daniel + Krystle), drinking (Kaitlin + Stephen), dancing (Ashley, Chelsea + Adi - girls got moves), flipcup (congrats Kyle), barbecuing (mmmm Michael), swimming (Eric mastered the backflip), slap the bag (strong effort by Tim + Cutler), a piñata (supplied by Zach + Gillian, I can't believe nobody died)  midnight hiking (great idea Brian + Mike), chili (mmm Regan), drinking (Kaitlin + Stephen), a trip to a lake, drinking (Kaitlin + Stephen), football (ouch Robin) many rounds of dessert (Cass + Meg have great taste) and breakfast at Denny's. I couldn't imagine a better way to celebrate.

Take a surf lesson: In more birthday related news, I was spoilt by my bestie with a gift certificate for a joint surfing lesson. So last month Kaitlin and I headed to Venice, with ambitions of catching some waves. Although we had an incredible instructor, Kaitlin didn't need much coaching and was riding waves onto the sand (show-off). I impressed myself by kneeling, crouching and eventually standing on my board. I loved every second off it! Now where can I pick up a secondhand fun-board? 

Go to the theatre: I'm giving myself a pass on this one after two trips to the amazing Rockwell. First up, a group outing to celebrate my good friend's birthday with Clueless the musical. This was followed by a double-date night to see Jeff Goldblum and the Mildred Snitzer Orchestra. Two very different experiences but each awesome in the their own way. 

Clueless is my favorite movie of all time - combine this with a 90s cabaret and I could barley contain myself. Three days later I was back at the theatre, this time for some banter and jazz with the one and only Jeff Goldblum. Jeff is a true entertainer - charismatic and funny; chatting to and singing along with diners, and even doing dramatic reenactments of audience members text exchanges. And turns out he's an excellent jazz musician. If you're (ever) in LA this is a MUST. Summer may officially be over but my adventures continue. Next up: dancing, dining and hopefully some DIY!

[okthirty]

Desert Journey

How is it July already!? The good news, I have completed another two items.

#7 Attend a show at the Hollywood Bowl

Let me start with a special thanks to our neighbors Bryan + Nate for getting us tickets to see Journey at the Bowl. These two cuties heard about my list and took it upon themselves to get involved! 

Two weeks ago we packed a picnic, did some shots and set off in our Lyft to the Bowl. The experience did not disappoint. There’s nothing like seeing a concert under the stars. Especially when it’s Journey, accompanied by an orchestra, with fireworks exploding overhead; and you’re in a box, with as much booze as you could carry in a hamper, and all your favorite snacks.

The band was incredible, I might even go as far to say Arnel Pineda does a better Steve Perry, than Steve Perry. I’m not sure how I’m going to go back to standing on tip-toes, being crushed into some dude’s sweaty armpit, paying $12 for a beer, all in the name of live music.

#11 Spend a weekend in the desert

Luckily last month I had two good reasons to take a long overdue trip to Joshua Tree: a visit from my brother and Bennet’s birthday. Although we planned to head east late Friday afternoon, in typical fashion, a last minute surgery meant we didn’t reach our desert abode until 1AM. Despite spending less than 24 hours out there, we packed in a weekend’s worth of adventuring. 

I’m including a rough itinerary for anyone who is planning a trip.

STAY: Thunderbird Lodge

Our house was in the Yucca Valley, pretty far into the desert and only accessible by a dirt road. It had an entrance into the park right in the backyard and everything we needed for a night of debauchery.

HIKE: Wonderland of Rock

By the time we set out to explore the park it was mid-day, with temps over 100 degrees. We elected to take an exploratory walk instead of a real hike. Simply wandering through the Joshua trees and scaling the rocks was absolutely wild.

EAT: Pioneer Town

Of course rewarded our “outward-bouning” with fried food and a few beers from the legendary Pappy + Harriet’s. We were too early to catch any of the  bands but I’m determined to come back for a show. The bar is packed full of locals, who looked like they were an extra from Sons Of Anarchy or Deadwood. After sating our appetite we took a walk around town; unfortunately the bowling alley was closed.

J-Tree has jumped to the top of my weekend get-away spots. There is still so much left I want to do/see/visit/eat/hear. If anyone wants to replicate “Bestie Row” in the High Desert CALL ME. Needless to say I will be back.

For now I’m on to the next adventure. I’d really like to be at least half way done with the list before turning 30. Better get to it!

[okthirty]

Making Moves

With just under 8 weeks until the big 30 it's time to concede I might not be able to finish my list before my birthday. Nevertheless I will continue to work on my bucket list throughout my 30th year. That still counts, right? So what progress have I made? 

# 8 Run a 10K - in May I completed my first 10K, to raise money and awareness for HOPE4Kids. This turned out to be way more fun than I anticipated. I put in a solid time of 1:04 mins, finishing 58/94. Thanks to my awesome Vicious & Delicious team mates who kept me going and provided the celebratory beers. I'd definitely do another fun run; who knows with a bit more training maybe I could even manage a half marathon!

# 29 Become an expert on something - my first attempt to learn something new involved a group sailing lesson. While we had an interesting day out on the water, (and I now know port from starboard) I'm not sure it would be fair to say I'm truly an expert. Unfortunately nor was our teacher who barley managed to keep the boat afloat. Can you see the fear in our eyes? 

Anyhow, onwards and upwards. Hoping to take a dance or surf lesson, host a dinner party, and complete a DIY project this month!

[okthirty]

Mingalaba Myanmar

It’s been a while since I’ve been able to tick anything off, these last few months have been crazy. While many of my recent actives haven’t been “list items” there is one big adventure that does require an update.

Last month Alex and I took an overdue vacation… to Myanmar!! While the destination often elicits the response “Where’s that?”, Myanmar (nestled between Thailand, China and Bangladesh) has been on our radar for a while. The combination of a military government, civil unrest and only a rudimentary tourist infrastructure has meant Myanmar is not top of the list for most casual travelers. But it is precisely because of the lack of tourists that we decided we had to visit before the country really opens up.

We did a fair bit of research ahead of time and packed our trusty Lonely Planet guide, however nothing could really prepare us for everything we were about to experience. So what makes Myanmar so wild?

The Weather - we went in April, which is the hottest time of the year. Temperatures soared to 110 and usually hovered around 95. Even as someone who loves the sun it was a little too warm.

The Transportation - we experienced it all! Using trains, planes, cars, tuk-tuks, motor cycles, ebikes, bicycles, boats and even elephants to criss-cross the country. In Myanmar they drive on the right-hand side of the road, in right-hand drive cars (think about it—bonkers!?). No one gives-way to pedestrians. Lights, stop signs and speed limits don’t seems to exist. Oh and sitting on the roof of a bus or lorry is how many people commute to work.

The People - Myanmar is the poorest country in SE Asia. We saw people living in pretty rustic set-ups; despite this they couldn’t be more friendly and welcoming. Simply saying “mingalaba” in greeting, (and of course giving a tip) goes a loooong way in a country where most people live on less than $200 a year.

The Scenery - over the course of 12 days we traveled from the colonial time-warp of Yangon, to the desert plains of Bagan, to the chaotic city streets of Mandalay, to the tranquility of Ine Lake and the forested mountains of Kalaw. Every stop on our journey took our breath away.

The Food - people who know me, and my unadventurous appetite, wondered how I would cope for two weeks on a non-western diet. I’m pleased to report Burmese food is delicious. With influences of Thai, Indian, Chinese and Nepalese flavors, we wolfed down salads, curries and noodle dishes for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Our favorite: tea-leaf salad (thanks for the tip Anthony Bourdain).

The Drinks -  tea is a big deal in Myanmar and we were more than happy to adopt the local order: Tea-Milk (made with condensed milk and lots of sugar). We spent hours sat in tea houses, people watching and trying to figure out exactly where we were. The only thing that could trump a nice cuppa was Myanmar Beer. By the end of our trip we had nailed the kiss-kiss sound the locals use to catch the waiters attention.

While I could talk about our trip all day I’m going to share a few highlights from each stop.

YANGON

Shwedagon Pagoda - yes it looks incredible in pictures but in person it was mind blowing. We entered via the People’s Park which was beautiful and empty, affording spectacular views. Timing our arrival just before sunset, we spent a couple of hours walking around the pagoda-to-end-all-pagodas before we finally got a tour from a local. Our guide was very knowledgable and an enthusiastic photographer; forcing us to pose washing statues, ringing bells and hugging mini monks. This was slightly embarrassing as everyone around us was also trying to take our picture because, well, we’re westerners.

BAGAN

Pagodas-galore - scattered across Old Bagan there are over 2000 temples dating back to 11th Century. Each one contains a golden Buddha and (if you’re lucky) a secret passageway, which you can scramble up to access the top of the temple. We spent two days cruising around the desert on an electric bike, feeling like Indian Jones and Willie Scott (or let's be honest, more like Short Round). There were virtually no other western tourists. Coaches with Thai tour groups only stopped at the biggest pagodas so we had the south plain to ourselves.

MANDALAY

U Bein Bridge - on the outskirts of Mandalay, Amarapura is a popular sightseeing spot because of the teak bridge which connects the villages either side of the Taung Tha Man lake. We arrived at sunrise to watch the monks make their daily walk from the monastery across the bridge (supposedly the oldest and longest of its kind). Although we planned to eat a breakfast picnic while watching the sun come up, a pack of hungry dogs put a stop to that. Instead we explored the villages either side of the lake and yelling “mingalaba” to every monk we came across.

INLE LAKE

Train-spotting - Inle Lake was gorgeous and a welcome change from the crowded streets of Mandalay, but the highlight from those 2 days was the train ride from Nyaungshwe to Kalaw. For a dollar each we were transported back-in time, as well as 40 miles up the mountain. The trains had to be more than 50 years old, and I refuse to believe they have been updated at any point during that time. Over the course of 5 hours we sloooowly made our way over bridges, through fields of water buffalos and into small townships for unscheduled stops to buy snacks form the trackside sellers. We had heard rail "slips" (derailments) were common on this route, and there definitely were a few hairy moments. The carriage rolled back and forth like a boat, but the incredible scenery kept us pretty distracted.

KALAW

Green Hill Valley - the small mountain town of Kalaw provided us with lots of excitement. We hiked the hillsides and explored caves. On our second day we ventured to the bottom of the mountain for our only organized activity: a visit to an elephant retirement community! We were careful to research a facility that does not exploit these awe-inspiring creatures. The first few hours were spent feeding the elephants (whole banana trees) and taking selfies. After a short walk to the river it was bath time, where we gave the elephants a good scrub before riding them back into camp. The rest of the day we hung out with elephants and their mahouts, who kept us entertained with a game of cane ball.  Before we left the camp we were asked to water the new seedlings, part of the reforestation efforts. The elephants were majestic and hilarious and the guides extremely knowledgeable; I can't say enough good things about this experience.

YANGON (Again)

The Savoy - on our last night in Yangon (and Myanmar) we treated ourselves to a stay in this gorgeous hotel. Despite being on the corner of a busy intersection we felt as though we were transported back in time. I half expected to bump into George Orwell while we were sipping gin and tonics by the pool. After 9 days and 8 nights of hard mattresses, no AC and terrible water pressure this really felt like heaven. Needless to say we didn’t want to leave.

Myanmar turned out to be the perfect adventure. We’re incredibly lucky to have experienced this unique country as it begins to embrace democracy. I hope that as it opens up it maintains some of its quirks; time will tell.

[okthirty]

Not So Easy Rider

I'm now 6 weeks into my 30 week challenge - eeeek - and I have so many things to tick off the list. Here's a quick update on my progress…

# 19 Ride a bike from Manhattan Beach to Santa Monica: A few Saturday's ago I attempted to complete the bike ride with my brother and (the one and only) Priscilla in tow. After a leisurely peddle from SM to Venice we stopped off for a 48oz margarita and some nachos. After this interlude we somehow left the bike path and found ourselves lost on the PCH. Eventually we made it back to the beach in Playa Del Ray and decided to call it quits. At least now I can say I've ridden on a freeway (that puts me half way to number #12 on my list) and I'll know what I'm in for next time.

#13 Get a tattoo: For the last few weeks I have been patiently biding my time until I could call and make an appointment with Dr Woo (yes he only takes appointments on one day every 2 months). On Tuesday of this week I called over 200 times only to come up short. At this point I have accepted that the good doctor will no be doing my tattoo. I'm not too disappointed as I've discovered East The Asian Typhoon (also at Shamrock) whose fine line work I adore. I'm currently coordinating with a friend (and maybe Alex?!) to schedule a joint appointment.

#1 Quit Smoking: And last but by no means least... I 'm smoke free (aside from one Super Bowl celebratory puff) for 35 days!

Feeling good that in February I'll be able to cross some items off the list. Stay tuned!

[okthirty]

#14: Short Hair Don't Care

This weekend I completed the first item from my list: Cut my hair short. Let me give some context; my hair has been long, borderline cultish long, since college. The idea of exposing my shoulders is a big deal (in my mind at least).

Given the gravity of the task I decided to try BENJAMIN. Not only do I walk past this place every day but I've read great things. Ok and a bunch of celebrities go there. My appointment was with Dylan who immediately put me at ease and distracted me for "the big chop" by keeping me chatting. I'll definitely be going back to see her.

It's going to take me a hot second to recreate the bed head style I left the salon with but two days in I have discovered short hair is a huge time saver and makes for a great change.

Now to pick a hair color!

[okthirty]

THE LIST

In anticipation of turning 30 this summer I have challenged myself to complete 30 tasks, over the next 30 weeks. Or at least as many as is humanly possible. These activities are in no particular order but are all things I've wanted to do for a while. I decided to share this list as a way of holding myself accountable and to ensure I see it through. Here goes…

Quit smoking - no brainer

Visit Catalina - this island is always peeking out from the distant mist, beckoning me to come and explore

Take a surf lesson - how can I call myself an Angeleno if I’ve never paddled out (let alone stood up on) a surf board. Which brings me on to…

Go Paddle boarding - this is probably more my speed than riding actual waves

Chart my family tree - the further I travel from home the more curious I am about the history of the Llewellyn/Barrett clans. Who knows maybe I really am related to the Queen

Go camping - this one is for Al, who believes true happiness can only be experienced around a campfire after a day spent trekking through the wilderness 

Attend a show at the Hollywood Bowl - I’ve been lucky to see some amazing bands since moving to LA but never at this iconic locale

Run a 10K - in the creation of this list I considered many physical feats: back flip, headstand, one armed push up to name a few. After much deliberation running seemed the most enjoyable to practice for. In full disclosure the furthest I've run in one go is 4 miles 

Vacation outside of the US/UK - I’ve wanted to go to Asia for the longest time and recently have become obsessed with the idea of visiting Myanmar. This item is going to be the most challenging (if only due to scheduling) AND the one I’m most looking forward to

Host a dinner party and cook a 3 course meal - for all you Marthas this might not seem like a big deal. For someone who failed their “Home Economics” class in high school this is a daunting task

Spend a weekend in the desert - preferably this would involve a trip to Joshua Tree, hiking, hot-tubbing and a pit stop at Pappy and Harriet’s on the way home

Drive on the freeway - I know, I know, I know

Get a tattoo - keeping my fingers crossed this can be done by the ridiculously talented Dr Woo

Cut my hair - I’ve had the same (non)hairstyle since I was able to protest the pageboy hair cut my mum picked for me. While I don’t plan on revisiting that style, it's time for a change

Try a new hair color - as a mousy brown I've always been jealous of the sexiness of blondes, the boldness of redheads, and sophistication on dark brunets. Don’t even get me started on pastels. Decisions, decisions

Take a trip to Big Bear -  another location that's so close but we haven’t made the time to visit. Winter sports might be out of the question this year but I'd make a damn good lodge bunny

Do a slip and slide - this is so American. I. JUST. MUST

Go to the theatre - not fussed if this involves a play, musical, symphony or opera. I’m looking for a good excuse to get dressed up and broaden my cultural horizons

Ride a bike from Manhattan Beach to Santa Monica - just looks like fun and I can't remember the last time I rode a bike

Complete a DIY project - my non-martha-ness extends from the kitchen to all things crafty. I’m not sure what this will be but ideally it would be something to display or wear (ooh er)

Send 30 love letters - Al and I are lucky enough to have so many wonderful family and friends across, well… the world. I’d like to remind 30 of these folks (get the theme yet?) how awesome they are, with a card, note or drawing (who doesn’t love getting real mail)

Develop a skincare routine - a little vain but I need to preserve this baby face for as long as possible

Take a swing-dance class - not sure if “you-know-who” will agree to be my partner but I have long dreamed of being twirled around to the sound of Big Band tunes

Volunteer - wish I could say I do this every year, but it's been a while. Time to give back

Create a piece of art - it's been an age since I’ve done something visually creative. So whether it’s painting, drawing or collage I’m ready to dust of my sketch book

Do the French Wardrobe Challenge - loved this concept since I read about it. The idea is to only buy 5 items of clothing per season (in fashion there are only 2 seasons). This doesn’t include undies or basics, even so this is going to be tough

Hike 10 miles in a day - this is a bit of an arbitrary number, really I just want to take the Bridge to Nowhere trail

Attend a murder mystery dinner - in another lifetime I would be a detective. In this life time I will solve the ultimate faux crime - preferably in fancy dress and wearing a wig

Pass Code Academy - I’m fortunate to work with some insanely talented people. While I can’t complete on their creative level, I would like to hold my own with HTML. Plus everyone should know the basics of coding

Become an expert on something - there are so many things I would like to learn just for fun that I’m having trouble narrowing it down. Stay tuned for my eventual "Masters" selection

So that’s it. I’ll be updating this page with news of my progress. In the meantime, if anyone has any advice, words of inspiration or are interested in joining me in any of these endeavors hit me up.