Alright,

Although I must admit that I am not thrilled to be entering a new decade, I will say that I have had an amazing first 3 so far. So, I thought I would take stock of my life so that I can be proud of everything that I am (so that I can see myself how others see me). The way I have decided to do this, is to think of 30 things/accomplishments that I am proud of/love. Here goes!

1. I have been to almost every single continent. I am giving myself until 50 to get to Antarctica, as you need a lot of money for that!

2. On those 6 continents, I have visited 37 countries.

3. I have friends all over the globe. (A huge shout out to those who have let me stay with them on travels too, or have toured me around their cities! You know who you are)

4. I have lived/studied/worked 5 countries. Canada, France, Spain, UK and Colombia. I have also volunteered (6 weeks) at the Lumo Sanctuary and in a community school teaching adults in Southern Kenya, which is by far one of the best experiences I have had. It is what told me that I had chosen the right career, and that teaching is what I love (helping others).

5. My family, both immediate and extended are AWESOME!! 

6. I am proud to be a mutt, and first generation Canadian on my dad’s side. 🙂 It makes for a very interesting story, when people try to figure out where I am from. “But you don’t look Canadian” (although Canada is so multicultural, how can you really decide what looks Canadian). For those that aren’t sure what mix, you can ask, I will happily tell you!

7. I am working on being multilingual like my grandpa. I am bilingual in French and English (thanks mom and dad for putting us in French immersion) and I am working on being fluent in Spanish as well. As a side note, I have taken 2 semesters of Italian, and have picked up words in Swahili.

I also have many academic achievements:

8. I was on the Honour roll for every term from grade 7 on.

9. I won the Calculus award in High School. (and finished my grade 12 Physics class (before the exam) with 100%)

10. I graduated from university with distinction and was invited to the Golden Key Society.

And although I am not the most athletic (and definitely not very competive), I have sports related achievements too.

11. I have competed as a Highland Dancer (and completed my Bronze medals for the Fling and Sword) alongside my siblings.

12. I completed all of my swimming levels, Bronze Medallion, Bronze Cross, lifeguarding (NLS) and swim instructor levels. (and then worked for 5 years as both a lifeguard/swim instructor)

13. In high school, I represented Alberta Div 3 in Field Hockey at the Nationals in Winnepeg. My good friend Natalie was on Div 1. I also represented Peace Country at the Alberta Summer Games.

14. I have completed several short distance (Sprint and Supersprint) triathlons.

15. I have also successfully run a half-marathon. (and many many 5k and 10k races)

16. I am a PADI certified open water diver. I’ve dove in Hawaii, Colombia and New Zealand.

17. I had my first (and only so far) Belly dance show in London with Bellydance Body Mind.

18.I have been whitewater rafting.

19. I have gone skydiving!

And onto other things!
20. I got the opportunity to represent Canada as one of the volunteers for the 90th Commemoration of Vimy Ridge.

21. I own property 🙂

22. I have raised over 5000$ for the Cancer foundations by shaving off my hair (twice).

23. I sew.

24. I have made many quilts (around 10 I think). Some of them have won 2nd place at the Calgary Stampede.

25. I have sung in many different choirs. Altos all the way!!

26. I have my Canada cord from Pathfinders (after Girl Guides).

27. I have hiked the Inca Trail and been to Machu Picchu.

28. I play piano.

29. I have successfully organized many events, including our summer olympics and theatre productions at the lake!

And last but not least, one of my proudest accomplishments, even though I am far away from them.
30. I am a Godmother to Cara 🙂

Overall, these first 30 years have been amazing! And I have managed to do it all without a single gray hair on my head! Here’s to the next 30! Let’s hope they are just as awesome. (And, if I’ve got the Soares genes, hopefully 30 more after that!)

Thank you all for being a part of my life, and for taking the time to read this. You are just as amazing, and I challenge you to take a look at your lives and see how many things you can find that you are proud of/have accomplished!