July Review (Month 7 of Quests)

July 2016 Questing Report

Quests Completed

Eek!  None this month :-o

Quests-in-Progress

Quest # 1: Biographies

I didn't complete a biography this month (that was disappointing... I got halfway through though and plan to finish it in August). I did, however, read an idea-inspiring book on how to start your own business, "The $100 Startup" by Chris Guillebeau (click the link to check out this, as well as his other books).  I plan to pay off car and school loans before I start on my big, dream jobs/businesses. But, this book inspired me to think more about potential "side hustle" ideas.
On a side note: Chris Guillebeau's website/blog is great for those who like to travel and live full on less.

Quest # 3: Tithing

Although I have been wanting to put money toward a cause to help with civil rights in the country,  it wasn't until I saw that the KKK was doing some of their own marketing in my State that I decided for sure I would donate to Black Lives Matter.  Because,  frankly, they do matter,  and the way many of us behave now - automatically and often unintentionally -  indicates that deep down in our culture,  we somehow feel like they matter less. Here in the South (because I can't speak for elsewhere) I feel like racial inequality is a problem often overlooked by white people until someone of color points out the injustice,  and then they are labeled as whiny and ungrateful (at best). I've heard more than once here that "they should stop complaining so much! Life here is way better for then then in many parts of the world."  I'm not going to say there isn't some truth to that. But,  as a woman - who also happens to hear that line a lot in reference to women - I get sick of that comeback.  I *am* grateful that I live in a country that allows for more equality than many others. But,  no,  that does not mean we sit back and rest on our laurels now,  y'all.  There is always room for improvement,  and we can be so much better than we are now.  So,  I do support the Black Lives Matter movement,  because they do.

Quest #5: Performance

Grandfather Mountain Highland Games (GMHG)  is the largest Highland Games/Scottish Festival in North Carolina (my blog post about it here).  It's held on Grandfather Mountain,  in the beautiful western North Carolina. Although it was roasting down in the Piedmont,  the weather on the mountain was a heavenly low-80's with a cool breeze.  If you've never been to a Highland game festival,  I recommend checking one out. The bagpipes and men in kilts alone are worth the ticket money.

Quest #27: Family

My younger brother and I did a road trip up to the mountains again,  to pick up some furniture and to help him and some other friends move. He's a good road tripping buddy! 

Coming up next:

Quest # 1: Biographies

Finish my July Biography, Michelle Obama: A Life by Peter Slevin.

and... continue with ongoing Quests!

KJets

#13 Garden

August Update: Although waaaaaaaay smaller than I was originally intending, I have created a little herb and veggie garden for myself on the back deck. I have successfully *not killed* at least half of the plants. So, I consider this a win for this year -_^

The herb garden started off as mint, basil, and sage, but when the sage died I tried lavender (which then, also perished). I now have mint (top) and thyme (bottom). I'm learning that, for now, I need to keep trying until I find a plant I can really jive with. Like, some plants take way too much care that I can't give them, and others are resilient enough to survive my negligence (I'm getting better! I've started getting into more of a routine for watering and checking on them. Everything takes practice, right? -_^). The basil has been revived more than a few times. I keep forgetting to water it on these sunny, summer days. I am pretty impressed with the plants that have survived.

My veggies have been peas and tomatoes. My pea plant got root rot, but did not officially bite the dust until after it produced its first pea pod. So, I count that as a partial success with a learnable moment: make sure that you put rocks at the bottom of the pot before putting in potting soil; the drainage is apparently absolutely necessary for plant health. My tomato plants were grown from organic seeds, and have been really flourishing, with very little assistance from me. Somehow it keeps getting caterpillars though... not sure how that happens on a screened-in porch. I have had several cherry tomatoes at this point, and have a couple more maturing now. Not necessarily a bountiful harvest, but it's been more than I've ever been able to cultivate in the past. Huzzah for progress!

KJets

#5 : Performance - Samantha Fish, blues singer

On July 29th, I met up with friends to eat food truck foods and enjoy the music of a local blues performer, Samantha Fish, at the Durham Central Park.

Our evening ended with drinks at the rooftop bar of the the historic hotel The Durham. It was pretty swanky! 

KJets

#5 and #6: Performance and Exhibit "Destination Dix" festival

On July 23rd, Raleigh put on the Destination Dix festival at the newly acquired Dorothea Dix Hospital grounds - now the "Dorothea Dix Park." 

'twas a hot and sunny day...

The hospital used to be owned by the state and was a hospital for patients with mental illnesses. It is now (well, as of July 2015) owned by the City of Raleigh. The buildings are used now as the headquarters for the Department of Health and Human Services, and the rest of those 308 acres are being transitioned into being a "destination park." 

It was so hot, the hot air balloon had trouble lifting off. The temperature of the air inside the balloon was too similar to the temperature outside (lack of differential? Wasn't sure if that was the right word choice, but if it is... yay!) . :-o No rides for us! T-T

The balloon was pretty on the inside!

I'm assuming that means they want to put on more festivals and events here in the future, which I'm cool with (although, from what I understand, the patients who used to be here are now located outside of Raleigh, sort of out in the countryside. I'm not sure if that's so great, but I'm sure it's cheaper for the taxpayers? Must be hard to visit family now though...). 

The bubble pool! This is near the end of the day, but it was overflowing the bubbles earlier.

Gypsy Jule is a local vendor with awesome stuff! If you get a chance, check out their wares!

Potato Bombs from Stuft, a food truck specializing in baked potatoes. These were sinfully delicious! While my taste buds were being serenaded by a beautiful orchestra of flavors, my ears were buzzing with joyful tunes from a fun, folky, local band, Bombadil. 

Despite some recent laws by the current Governor, Pat McCrory, there are many in NC who are supportive of equal rights here. I love seeing positive art like this in my city!

KJets

#5 Performances : Grandfather Mountain Highland Games (GMHG)

The Grandfather Mountain Highland Games is one of the largest Scottish highland game festivals on the east coast and the largest in North Carolina. Nestled in the Appalachian mountains of North Carolina, the historical home for so many Scottish immigrants in early US history (anyone read Outlander...??? Great way to learn history haha.  Gabaldan puts a ton of research into her books to make them historically accurate).

My games band, and my shuttle band - I felt like a legit festival goer!

Even while the Piedmont to the Outer Banks of North Carolina is experiencing sweltering July ("JOO-lye") weather, up in Linville it was cool breezes and shady trees - never got above mid-eighties (Fahrenheit). It was absolutely dreamy! Walking through the crowded booths hosting each Scottish clan (they are still around folks!), the air was thick with a delicious combination of fire wood smoke and meat-and-veggie style foods - pasties, meat pies, turkey legs, and Carolina BBQ platters to name a few.

Walking to the games after disembarking from the shuttle; making our way through the campground.

About midway through the day, we needed a rest, so we climbed a grassy hill, laid out our picnic blankets under a tree, and dozed to the sound of bagpipes and snare drums playing on the fields below. The "cherry on top" for these heavenly experiences is the plethora of men in kilts - burly, skinny, button-downs, bare-chested, long hair, short hair, no hair - all absolutely swoon-worthy.

The last time I had been to this event was ten years ago, and it was exciting to see how much it had grown (although the line for the shuttle back down the mountain to our car was not appreciated). Now, the forest surrounding the field is packed with RVs and tents, as participants and fans choose to forgo the hassle of parking and reparking during the event. Instead, they are able to meet like-minded folks, and have story telling, singing, and jam-sessions around the campfires at night (so jealous!).

K Jets

My ancestors were part of the MacLeod clan??! Who wants to live forever?? -_^ (Highlander,  anyone?) 

June Review (Month 6 of Quests)

June 2016 Questing Report

*I have decided to stop writing about quests that have no real updates to give. Those bits are kinda boring, and they are frustrating to write... so I'm going to try changing things up a little, and hopefully this will get a little more concise for the rest of the year. Halfway there!!!!

Quests Completed

Quest # 15: House Work

Boss Battle #2 has been completed! Work complete on the replacement of the deck boards. They will need to be stained or painted by the end of August, but the hardest work is finished. I have now finished this quest!

Quests-in-Progress

Quest # 1: Biographies

The Girl With Seven Names by Hyeonseo Lee, a biography by a North Korean defector. I chose this one in honor of World Refugee Day in June. Her story was a page-turner that I am recommending to all of my friends (who are remotely interested in world issues, or adventure/personal growth stories). Her life has had many terrifying moments in it. She is an inspirational, resourceful individual with a well-written story of her life so far.

Quest # 2: Finances

Cranked out a bunch of reports this month, and have made good money again. Big purchase: plane tickets for a trip in October! 

Quest # 3: Tithing
In honor of World Refugee Day, I chose to put my tithing money into micro-loans through Kiva. I contributed to two loans: one is a man living and working in Lebanon to support his wife and children in Syria; and the other is a young mother of three and her husband who live in Palestine along the Gaza Strip who are attempting to rebuild their home, which was destroyed during the war.


Quest #6: Exhibits
We went to the International Civil Rights Center and Museum, in Greensboro, North Carolina! I needed a destination for my maiden voyage (er... road trip) with my new car, and I had always wanted to see where the Woolworth sit-in happened in the 1950's. It's one of those major American historical events I had read in the history books, and marveled at the fact that it was so close to where I lived (History?! In my backyard?!).

Finally having a car that can take me there was exciting. The museum was both depressing and inspiring. It was horrific to hear and see what humans have done (and do) to each other, out of fear and hatred. It was also awe-inspiring to hear about the people who were brave enough to stand up to the violence, and the prejudice. Not only stand up to it, but remain peaceful. Holy moley, think about that. Dwell on it. They were scared, oppressed, abused, discriminated against, and they chose NOT to react with violence?? Ho.ly.mo.ly. I don't think I would be brave enough. But, it does make me take a closer look at what is going on in America today, and realizing that there is an opportunity now to be an ally, again.

There is always going to be oppression in the world; always one group of people asserting dominance, often violently, over one or more other groups. Being born into the privileged life of a white, English-speaking American, it's helpful to go to museums like this; to bear witness and be educated by information like this; to know that I'm in a position to help make a change, and that I have a responsibility to do so. Yes, responsibility, ye White Person reading this. If you are part of a society, you have a part in, and a responsibility to, that society. Even inaction has effects, you just have less control over what you effect. "No man is an island," and all that jazz... which is trite but true.

Quest #12: Utilize Pinterest
I'm using Pinterest to plan my trip to England and Korea in October. So far, I've created  a London board, which is mostly filled with Harry Potter sights and activities.

Quest # 13: Garden

I bought a lavender plant to make up for my dead sage plant.... but not sure that it's going to make it either..... I shall persevere....

Quest # 16: Job Work

This month had a rough week, where I got very little sleep every night and ended up pulling an all-nighter to meet a deadline. I slept a lot that following weekend. I keep chanting "I need this money, I need this money, I need this money." Sometimes people need to go through crucibles before they get to the point in life they want to be. It appears this year (and perhaps next) will be my work-life crucible.

Quest # 18: Exercise

I ended up signing up for Camp Gladiator, which is kind of like Crossfit, but outdoors. The trainers are good, positive people and the activities are fun. I still have my gym membership too though....I'm trying to decide which one I want to do more....I don't really want to keep paying for both.

Quest #27: Family

Road trip with my younger brother, to Greensboro and Elon, North Carolina.

A beautiful, beautiful mermaid.

Welcome to Greensboro!

Went on a trip to the beach with mom and the siblings! I realized it had been about five years since I had been to a Carolina beach. I love how peaceful the beaches down here are (and generally clean). I do love the beaches in the Pacific Northwest as well... but you can actually get in the water here and swim around if you wanted - without fear of riptides, rocks, and freezing waters. Yes, there may be sharks... but it's fairly rare to run into one.

North Topsail Beach - starting to sink away into the ocean, and needs walls of sandbags to preserve the homes.

In sad news, my furbaby was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism. She's getting so old, I worry that she won't be my companion for much longer....I hate forcing her to take her medicine, but it seems to be working. She has a follow up scheduled in July to make sure the medicine is helping. Good thing she loves seeing the vet!

Coming up next:

Quest # 1: Biographies

Couldn't find my top pick for the biography this month (a specific Eleanor Roosevelt biography), so I am going with another top First Lady biography: Michelle Obama: A Life by Peter Slevin.

Quest # 5: Performance
The Grandfather Mountain Highland Games is the largest Scottish games festival in North Carolina. These highland games are one of the things I really missed when I was living in Korea, and now that I have the money for the ticket and the car to make it out there, I am making the journey up the mountain to watch men in kilts toss cabers and play the bagpipes!

Quest # 26: Friends
A friend I met in Korea will be in town for a wedding, so I get to grab a drink with him and catch up on how life has went for him the past few years!



and... continue with ongoing Quests!

KJets

#27: Family

This was a pretty family-filled month!

1) Greensboro Road Trip
After acquiring a car that can actually handle highways and long distance driving, I was itching to go adventuring! My younger brother was game for some travel-fun, and he went with me to check out the International Civil Rights Center and Museum in Greensboro, and then his old stomping grounds of Elon University in Elon, North Carolina.

If he kisses her, will she becoming a human?

Vics Vapor Rub was created here in Greensboro.

Gotta catch all of the cool statues and sculptures!

The Woolworth four who started the sit-in.

Yay! We don't know what's up with the sculpture, but it's cool!

Yay! Lost people! One of North Carolina's mystery-history stories.

Obligatory pose with the sign.

Where freshman orientation apparently happened.

2) Beach Trip 

Mom and my siblings and I went to stay on North Topsail Island. I realized along the way that it had been a full five years since the last time I had been to a Carolina beach. It was good to get back to those sunny, warm, lazy beaches! This island though.... the only thing preventing the houses from sinking into the ocean were the walls of sandbags around this northern side. It was fascinating to see. It was nice and quiet where we were, hardly any other people along the beach. So we were always able to find a nice place to set ourselves down. 

North Topsail Beach - note the walls of sandbags. Absolutely necessary to keep the houses from washing away into the ocean.

Chillin' in the sun tent.

3) My Furbaby

My little girl was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism - aka she had the symptoms of constantly running a marathon. She was starving all of the time, her hair was shedding like rats on a sinking ship, her little heart was beating in overdrive, and she was tired all of the time. She's on meds now, but she is getting pretty old for a kitty. I think this may be a sign of a winding down over the next few years. I don't think I'm ready for this...

Looking classy in her little pink bandages after the vet took blood samples! :-3 Those are the curled fists of happy kneading. What you can't tell from the picture is all of her loud purring.

K Jets