Bloganuary Catch Up

I honestly intended to blog daily this month, or at least almost daily, but I have fallen behind on the Bloganuary daily writing prompts. This is partly because, well, life happened and partly some of the prompts, such as ‘What emoji(s) do you like to use?’, I have no interest in answering.

I have found two good things in doing the Bloganuary challenge: getting somewhat back into a writing habit (at least I’m thinking about it every day), and connecting with other bloggers. Today I’m taking the lead from one of those bloggers, Lani at Life, the Universe, and Lani, by answering several Bloganuary prompts in one post.

What does your ideal day look like?

My ideal day starts with waking up in a chalet or beautiful lodge at the base of a snow-covered ski resort on a fresh powder day with clear blue skies. After rolling out of bed and getting dressed for the day, Hubby and I walk to the breakfast room for a hearty breakfast with eggs and good (by Aussie standards) coffee. Then we finish getting our gear on and walk to the base of the chairlift which is not very busy.

We spend the morning skiing fresh tracks on the slopes before stopping to warm up with a nice lunch. Perhaps we have found a new and interesting spot, like the time we happened on a log cabin on the side of a Swiss mountain where we had cheese fondue next to a roaring fire.

In the afternoon, when our legs are starting to get tired, we ski the freshly groomed runs that have been recently opened. Around 3:00, we head back to the base of the mountain for après, including a huge order of nachos and a local beer.

A few hours later and with full stomachs, we head back to the chalet and go to the spa (hot tub). We sit in the outside spa as it starts snow again for the next day. We don’t bother with dinner (having eaten so many nachos) but head back to our super comfy bed to call it an early night, ready for the next day.

Write about a challenge you faced and overcame.

Moving to a new country is really difficult. It’s not the same as travelling, when everything is temporary and everyone else you meet is also transient. Even though I was thought I was prepared for the challenge, there were very subtle cultural differences that I hadn’t expected. These meant that in the first few years I often felt out of the loop or accidentally offended someone.

Fifteen years later and Australia is as much home as anywhere I have lived. I have friends, a career, a wonderful home and recently gained Australian citizenship. I am proud to call Australia home.

What is a life lesson you feel everyone can benefit from learning?

Solo travel in a foreign country: get lost where you don’t speak the language, make new friends every three days, learn to trust strangers and which strangers not to trust, learn to trust and rely on yourself, learn that you can figure it out.

I spent one year backpacking in New Zealand on a Working Holiday and three months backpacking around Europe. These are still some of the best learning experiences I’ve ever had.

What is a cause you’re passionate about and why?

I think that everyone should travel to another country and interact with the locals there. The more we learn about others than the less scary they are and the more we understand that they are not that difference from us. With these two lessons, along with names and faces of actual people you know, it would be more difficult to start a war.

What is a superpower you’d love to have?

Flight. I’ve always thought it would be cool to fly.

What book is next on your reading list?

My list is currently at least 50 books long and I’m always taking suggestions. There’s usually two books on the go at once.

What is your favourite photo you’ve ever taken?

What is your favourite quote and why?

“You can be the ripest, juiciest peach in the world, and there’s still going to be somebody who hates peaches.”

Dita Von Teese

It’s a good reminder that you’ll never be everything to everyone, so just be what makes you happy. This is also closely tied with:

You can’t buy happiness, but you can buy a lift pass.

Unknown

Reasons should be obvious, but if not please see the question about my ideal day.

Write about what makes you feel strong.

One of the things I love about skiing is flying down the slopes at a high speed while staying in control and carving turns in the snow. The power, skill and experience required to do this well makes me feel both strong and grateful that I have such a capable body.

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What are your answers to some of these questions?