Not Your Average Gal

Copywriter. Content Creator. Constant Sassypants.

Archives for December 2015

2015 Changed Me

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It was an incredibly lonely and sad Christmas. This holiday season seemed to perfectly characterize what’s been ultimately one of the toughest years I’ve ever had; consider it the final “screw you” cherry on top of my 2015.

I know I’m not alone in feeling like that. (This is a great read for the lonely holiday season blues.)

As I always strive to keep things real ’round these parts, I don’t share just the pretty-pretty-Princess perfect parts. You can lead an awesome life and, at the same time, still grapple with some very real, very difficult and life-changing events.

My most recent trip changed me for the better, it was exactly what I needed and I truly cannot wait to share what a fantastic experience it was. I’m so grateful that I was able to do just what my soul needed. More grateful than ever, really.

Victoria Peak Hong Kong
Happy in Hong Kong

 

Like life, though, my year wasn’t filled with just smiling pictures on top of the world at Victoria Peak in Hong Kong. It was an eclectic mix of good and, sadly, a lot of bad.

2015 changed me. 

It taught me a lot. I’m going to choose to focus on that in this 2015 roundup.

-2015 Lessons-

I buckled down and busted ass. When the going got tough, I focused on rebranding this site and the necessary changes to make that happen.  And baby Jesus, it worked out. 2015 was the best year so far for this site! I’m incredibly thankful for your likes, shares and readership.

I discovered the release of not giving a damn. As things slowly but surely happened to me (not because of me) and were beyond my control, I had to let go. I decided to step off that rollercoaster and wave, with fingers crossed, that things would work out on the way down.

I made my hobbies a bigger priority. Photography classes, running books, copywriting seminars – you name it, I probably dove head first into learning more. It’s something I’ll continue to do because I absolutely improved in all areas.

I’m a bit more jaded than I’d like. I’ve noticed myself shut down and pull away more when I’m scared to share just how bad things were. That’s usually not me. I tend to find that friends can relate to me because I share the good with the bad. Maybe that’s just how bad it got; I was done sharing? It’s something I need to work through currently.

I pushed past comfort zones. Landing in Sydney, Australia and Hong Kong on my own, knowing no one would be there, was both exhilarating and terrifying. A perfect mix of pushing through comfort (and time) zones.

I checked my emotions at the door. My work as a senior copywriter became somewhat of an outlet this year, albeit really stressful at times, but it was a blessing in disguise to take a breather from…emotions.

I’m more humble and grateful. Having a rough go of it makes you realize how judgmental you may have been of others. I’m more grateful than ever for my ability to travel and quite simply, run. Physically run. I’m so thankful for my health. Feeling alone, especially around the holidays, also made me appreciate the support of those who truly get it, who reached out, who asked, “But what about you? How are you doing with all this?”

I need to make myself more vulnerable. When I give the low down, I often finish it with, “But it will be okay.” Truth: It will. Feelings: Sure doesn’t feel like it…and that’s okay. I need to tell loved ones more openly that I need their support. It’s okay to want to be fussed over every once and awhile. And in my often shuffled-to-the-back world, it’s okay to want to be cared about.

I’m a tough cookie. If I can get through this year smiling, which I surely have, then I know I’m tough as nails. See above to see how that can work against you though.

I’m more passionate than ever about exploring the world. After canceling our Southeast Asia trip and then going to Hong Kong alone, I know just what feeds my soul. Cultures. Humanity. Art. Locals. Music. …Travel.

I won’t apologize for being myself. Mind-numbingly replaying what I could have said or did, plays less of a role in my life now. As hard as it may be, I won’t beg for someone to like me and treat me with the care that I treat them. If you don’t like me or consistently treat me like a second choice? Cool. I wish you well, dear soul.

 ——–

The pressure-filled weight of the world is tough and your struggles are just as important as the next person’s. You never truly know what someone else is going through. While I firmly believe I’m a mother fucking rockstar…this year proved my strengths and asked me to work on my weaknesses.

So I may be screaming to the moon on New Years Eve, “PEACE OUT, 2015!”

But what I really mean is, thank you.

I humbly say, “Thank you, 2015. You are a year I will never forget.”

Now, BRING IT ON 2016!

 

A note to you: Thank you to making this year in blogging so fulfilling. I hope you’ve enjoyed the ride and have taken something from it or at the very least had a good laugh. I wish you nothing but health and happiness (that you may have to work for…) in 2016. I look forward to sharing more adventure with you! There are tons!

Hong Kong Check-in

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Travel is not for the faint of heart, at least not this much travel. I'm currently at 38,000 feet flying to Hong Kong after spending a week in Australia and New Zealand. I get why people pay the big bucks for business class tickets (not that I did) because you arrive, typically, more refreshed. I just accidentally slept for 4-5 hours, nearly half the flight, and hopefully won't be fighting jet lag tonight because of it. Orrrrrrrr I'll be wide awake tonight and a zombie during my food tour tomorrow morning.

Side note: people are more demanding in business class. I just watched some guy yell, “Socks, socks!” at a flight attendant as if it would make or break his ability to enjoy himself before the flight took off.

Australia and New Zealand were wonderful. I can't wait to share my experiences I had there with my friends. Girl time is necessary and currently, it's just what the doctor ordered. Having us meet half-way around the world jet setting was the cherry on top. These gals are expert travelers too, so it makes it a cake walk most of the time.

waiheke island
Waiheke Island, New Zealand

So, my thoughts as I'm about to land in an unknown city, that doesn't speak my language?

Besides being excited, I'll be honest that I'm freaking out a bit. I worry about stupid things like not being able to make a call (What's the Hong Kong country code? Should have looked that up.) or getting so lost that it's obvious and someone takes advantage of how lost I look by suckering me into a scheme. Or today, in New Zealand, I had to have my picture taken twice through security because the computer didn't recognize me (based on my passport photo from 6 years ago) so I'm assuming having my hair up was a bad choice. What if the same happens when I land in Hong Kong and they think I'm crazy for wanting my hair in a bun???

When you travel alone, there isn't someone there to wake you up out of a champagne-induced haze when the flight lands. There isn't someone waiting with you through immigration to make sure you get through. There isn't someone there to consult (fight) with over directions to getting to where you want to go. Everything is up to you, you know?

On the other hand, everything is up to you…

I can wake up when I want. I can decide to putz around a pool all day or go shopping for Christmas gifts. I can meditate in the park or grab a drink at a bar. I have to focus on those aspect right now in my current freak-out mode. As my dear friend whom I just traveled with said, “Sometimes you just have to force yourself out of the hotel and make yourself find a new comfort zone. You'll be okay. And if you aren't, you can drink a bottle of wine in your hotel room.” Can you see why we're friends?

I may be confident enough in myself to travel alone, but it certainly doesn't mean there aren't fears that pop in. I think that's a normal part of the process. Just got to keep it real for you guys. It's not all perfectly wonderful feelings.

I'm going to take a picture of me with the view from the hotel and place it here once I arrive. Then you won't feel so sorry for me.

hong kong waterfront
Hong Kong habour

Until next time, friends.

Thoughts Before I Embark on my First Solo Travel Trip

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I woke up the other night in a panic. I was in my own bed, but the thoughts raced, “What am I going to do in this new city tomorrow?”

The hubster has been has been away on a rural clinical rotation in the middle of Florida for 2 months. During the week, I’m sleeping alone. Don’t feel sorry for me, it’s a new king-sized bed and I sprawl out in the middle with my ginger kitty smack-dab next to me, while I’m wearing my Spice Girls tshirt and no pants.

Ah, the life.

But as I was going to bed that night, the thought struck me that I would be doing the same in less than a few weeks, alone, in a new city, on the other side of the earth, in a foreign place that didn’t speak my language. I brushed it off and went to sleep.

Clearly, the thoughts stayed around for my dreams.

I know myself. I’m a bit more anxiety-driven than most. It’s certainly improved over the years, but there are moments that I do tomorrow’s dishes and cause unnecessary worry. I think part of the reason I haven’t thought of traveling solo to Hong Kong much was because I knew if I did, I’d start worrying.

What if my debit card doesn’t work and gets eaten by the ATM and then I’m left with no access to Hong Kong Dollars while I’m there, so I have to resort to selling my body to earn dolla dolla bills to pay for some dim sum from a street food vendor?

See? I’m crazy.

Lisbon, touring alone after the gals left.
Lisbon, touring alone after the gals left.

I put together an excel spreadsheet of possible things to do while I’m in Australia, New Zealand and Hong Kong. I sent it off the floozies I’m traveling with in Australia and New Zealand. I haven’t gotten a response yet (when this was written). Most likely because they’re thinking:

THIS CHICK IS NUTS.

In most instances, when traveling, I’m over-prepared. I like to know options of things to do, I want to know the layout of the city, I scout out reviews on TripAdvisor of the best room with a view. But, I learned pretty quickly after having to cancel out trip to Southeast Asia this past summer, that looking too much into things can set up high expectations.

Canceling our trip was a gut check.

I haven’t done a ton of investigating for this upcoming trip besides putting together the options of things to do.

Nothing is planned in regards to what is going on for certain days, really at all.

I’m on a flight to Detroit, heading back for the holidays, and I’m getting a quick glimpse into what I’ll be doing for hours on end while alone on a plane. (Get prepared for a backlog of posts, peeps!)

Hollywood Beach
Hollywood Beach

 

Yes, I’m actually currently flying with the hubster, but he’s back in coach.

Yes, I’m for real.

Yes, it’s hysterical to say that.

But, real talk. This is what it will be like for me while I fly alone to Australia (15 hours), then to Hong Kong (10 hours) and back to the US from South Korea (14 hours).

Let’s not kid ourselves, (okay, the 2nd 3rd glass of wine is kicking in…) having my laptop open, listening to my tunes (Phil Collins – In The Air Tonight) while writing at 30,000 feet without any interruption besides the beautifully dotted night landscape of the land below is the bomb.

Shouldn’t say bomb on a plane.

Lock it up, C9.

I know I can do this solo travel thing. I’m a pretty friggin’ adaptable gal. I mean, I learned pretty quickly that even in South Florida I needed to bring a jacket into a restaurant to acclimate myself the the nauseatingly cold A/C that blasts from the ceiling.

Once I push through feeling uncomfortable, I will have some monumental learning experiences. That’s the logic speaking. Now if I could just tell my anxious head to buck up, I’d be set!

Any tips for me? What would you do along in a major metropolis (besides buy cute scarves and jewelry — that’s a given)?