Yesterday, I was able to cross something off of my bucket list. I WENT SKYDIVING! My friend, Jimi, and I skydived with Skydive Louisiana, and holy crap. What an amazing experience. I didn't get nervous until I was about to jump out of the plane!
It was all fun and games until we started to spin! Like an idiot, I didn't eat anything besides part of an apple before I took the jump. I was too nervous to have a real meal, and all of that adrenaline mixed in with a stomach full of nothing just didn't work out for me.
Luckily, I had a blast during the free fall. That was definitely my favorite part. I felt like I was flying, which was just an absolutely incredible feeling. When the parachute opened, I screamed "OH MY GOSH!" and then the camera man just fell away. And I know it may seem impossible to look cute while you're falling at 120 mph, but I somehow managed to put my best face forward and look adorable in all of my pictures.
I was fine during the first few spins. We pulled on the strings together and we spun around three times. When we spun the other way four times, my head just wasn't having it. I got the worst headache of my life, it seemed. Thankfully, I was till able to enjoy the rest of the skydive because the instructor loosened the straps a little and he let me put my arms to the side so I could rest a bit.
At the end, I started coughing, and I thought I was going to throw up. Not kidding. I held it all in though, and I had an awesome landing!
Afterward, Jon was so sweet to me and made me a chicken salad sandwich before I passed out for several hours because my head was just aching so bad.
You can watch my skydive adventure below. Just prepare yourself for a lot of super cute facial expressions and bright pink shoes. And the answer is no, I don't know what I'm doing with my hands the whole time.
Have you ever been skydiving? Is it on your bucket list?
Be sure to check out day 1 and day 2 of my first Supernatural Con!
I knew the last day of Supernatural Con was going to be amazing, because, duh, Jared Padalecki and Jensen Ackles were going to be there. Sunday was the day that sold out the fastest because everyone wanted to see the stars of the show, but if I ever go to another one, I will definitely be going all three days, because, like I said, Friday, aka day 1, was my favorite.
Unlike Friday and Saturday, Sunday was filled with a lot of gaps for us because we didn't have any photo ops to look forward to, and the autographs for Jared and Jensen weren't until later in the day, so in between panels, there was a lot of time wasting and eating/drinking.
The first Q&A of the day was with Colin Ford, who played the young Sam Winchester. He was freaking adorable. He said he just turned 18, and he has this precious baby face. Also, his laugh is just too cute. He answered a ton of questions, which was really great. I enjoyed getting to know him because he was a few years younger when he was actually on the show, so it was interesting hearing his stories about being underage on set and new projects he's had since working on Supernatural.
Louden Swain took the stage to play a few songs, and as per usual, they did not disappoint.
After enjoying some Starbucks, we headed back to the main room for the Q&A with Tahmoh Penikett, who played Gadreel and Ezekial. I was extra excited for his panel because I first new Tahmoh from Dollhouse, which is one of my favorite shows. I was devastated when it got cancelled. It was SO GOOD! But I really enjoyed Tahmoh's panel. There were a lot of sci-fi fans in the audience (obviously), and people asked him some really in depth questions about character parallels and such. Of course, I caught none of that on film, but take my word for it. He had a great answers to all of the questions he was asked.
The last Q&A panel of the show was with Jared and Jensen. Hearing them speak and answer questions about their lives and their characters made me love them so much more. You can tell that they're really good friends and they've known each other for years because they just vibe off of one another. They're hilarious together, and they constantly crack jokes. Jared is a little more outgoing, and Jensen is a bit more reserved, but he is definitely a one-liner. I loved seeing them interact with each other onstage. Plus, they're not bad to look at at all. I thought they were attractive on TV...pshhhh. That's nothing compared to real life. Gah!
After their amazing panel, we had several hours to kill, so Jon and I went to lunch at Cajun Town Cafe in Houston. Jon got a burger, and I decided on frog legs. I love frog legs, but these weren't my favorite. I feel like they could have used a lot more flavor. Oddly enough, there was too much breading. Jon enjoyed his burger, but he said it wasn't anything special. The fries were delicious though. They were skinny and crispy, just like I like them.
After a jam session to "Carry On My Wayward Son" in the car, we headed back to the hotel to wait to get autographs from Jared and Jensen. Jensen signed autographs for us first, and holy cow, he's freaking gorgeous up close. Wow! Just...yea. Unfortunately, no conversation was really had with Jensen besides a hi and bye. I was pretty disappointed about that, but oh well.
Next, we went to Jared for autographs, and, again, freaking attractive! I was surprised I could even speak to him. He's come a long way since Gilmore Girls. I was glad that we went to Jared last because he actually had a conversation with us. Jon asked if he was tired or something, and Jared said he was fine because he was still on Vancouver time. He asked if we were tired, and we both said we were exhausted. I said we still had a four-hour drive ahead of us, and he asked where we had driven from. I told him Shreveport and said it was our first Supernatural Con. He thanked us profusely and asked if we had a good time, and duh we told him it had been awesome. Then we were shooed away. I think that was the perfect end to an amazing weekend.
We were so sad to see the weekend come to an end, but we were also grateful to be home. I was extra excited to see Molly because I missed my puppy so much. If Jon and I ever get the opportunity to go to another Supernatural Con, I think we would jump at the chance. Maybe we should start saving now... Hmm...
Check out the highlight video for day 3 of Supernatural Con in Houston on my YouTube channel:
Ever since I traveled to Europe last summer, I've been focusing an embarrassing amount of time planning trips that I may or may not go on. I've even been toying with getting a second job so I could pay for future trips and fuel my wanderlust. There are just so many beautiful places to go in the world that it would be a tragedy for me to not travel to as many of them as possible.
These are a few things that are on my travel bucket list:
// Visit the Sydney Opera House
Australia is the #1 travel destination on my bucket list, and no trip to Australia is complete without visiting this gorgeous marvel of a building. Gosh, I would love to see it in real life!
// Volunteer abroad
I love volunteering, and I feel like doing it abroad would just make my heart burst (in a good way). I would love to volunteer in Bali, Fiji, Thailand, China, Morocco, and so many other places!
// Go backpacking in Europe
It doesn't even matter where I backpack to; I just want to go. I want to fly to Europe with just one bag (or two if one of them is smaller) and take busses and trains and planes to different areas of Europe. I want to stay in hostels and visit with locals and live a nomadic lifestyle, even if it's just for a month or two weeks.
// Experience Oktoberfest in Germany
Even though I was born in Germany, it's hard for me to count the country as one that I've legitimately visited since I can't remember a thing. I would love to visit my homeland and experience one of the world's most epic festivals, Oktoberfest. I want dress up and drink beer that I'll most likely hate and have no worries.
// Let the wand choose me at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Florida
Even though I've visited the set of Harry Potter, I still need to go to Orlando and experience Harry Potter in a completely different way, including buying a wand at Ollivander's.
// Ring in the new year in Times Square in New York
I know I wasn't exactly build for the cold, but I would still bundle up to have this experience. I know natives may say the experience is overrated, but I don't care. I just want to do it to say that I've done it. And while I've already been to the big apple twice, I've never gone during the holiday season.
// Leave a letter on Casa di Giuletta in Verona
You can thank Letters to Juliet for this one.
// Stick a piece of gum on the Market Theater Wall in Seattle
Equal parts gross and awesome.
// Ride a camel in Egypt
There are two main things I want to do when I visit Egypt: 1) Visit the Pyramids, because if you didn't see the pyramids, did you even go to Egypt? and 2) ride a camel. I feel like riding a camel would be the ultimate way to explore the country.
// Throw a coin in the Trevi Fountain
I guess I just have rotten luck because when I went to Rome this summer, they were doing construction on the fountain, and I didn't get the chance to throw a coin in. I'm sure I'll make it back to my favorite city in the world to throw a coin in and make a wish.
// Visit all seven continents
And yes, I'm including Antarctica in this one. How incredible would it be to say that I've been to Antarctica? I've seen tons of Antarctic cruises that seem both crazy and awesome. I would love to take one one day, but first, I'd need to get a proper coat (or five).
// Walk on the Great Wall of China
So much history and so much beauty. I would love to experience this.
// Take a road trip across the United States
I feel like that would be the most epic road trip ever. I love road trips, and it would be so great to stop and see the highlights and important stops in each state.
// Visit the Berlin Wall
I feel like I spent so much time learning about Berlin and this infamous wall that it would be a shame to live my life without seeing it in person.
// Ride a gondola in Venice
Even if it's not a romantic ride, I would love to ride a gondola in the canals of Venice.
// Go snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef in Australia
I would say scuba diving, but I am clearly not good at trying to breathe through my mouth. I loved snorkeling in Cayman Islands, so I could only imagine the beauty waiting for me in the Great Barrier Reef.
// Ride an elephant in Thailand
After reading Leaving Time by Jodi Picoult, my love for elephants has turned into an obsession. I would love to see these beautiful creatures up close (and we're not talking behind the cages in a zoo) and ride on their backs.
// Go sailing in the Galapagos Islands
I've read that sailing through the water around the Galapagos Islands is a surefire way to appreciate the islands' beauty.
// Swim with manatees in Florida
I've always loved manatees, because I really feel like we could be friends. It would be so fun to swim with these friendly and fun creatures.
// Stand on the equator
Because, why not?
// Stand in the sky deck in Chicago
Literally the only thing on this list that I'm 100% sure I'm going to be able to do. When I visit my friend and former roommate, Anamaria, with my friend and also former roommate, Mandy, we'll be going to the Taylor Swift concert and exploring Chicago. It'll be my first time, and I can't wait!
This isn't even close to everything on my travel bucket list, but these are a few of the main things I would love to do. Really, I just want to travel and go everywhere I can.
This past weekend, Jon and I went to the state fair here in Louisiana. It was Jon's first time going to the state fair, so I was excited that we would get to experience it together. While I don't like to ride too many rides because I get awful headaches when I'm hung upside down and spun around too fast, I still enjoy going to the fair.
The first thing we did was eat because neither of us had eaten breakfast, and we were starved. He enjoyed a chili cheese dog, and I munched down on some ribbon chips. I love me some ribbon chips. I put a bunch of seasoning salt on it to make it more yummy.
Next, we enjoyed a few fair rides and other fun things. We did the bumper cars, rode the ferris wheel, rode in a not scary haunted tunnel ride thing, and visited the petting zoo.
This smiling goat is my new best friend. I literally couldn't stop laughing.
I also got to check something off of my bucket list. We rode in a helicopter! I know it's weird that I don't want to ride rides, but I'm willing to ride in a helicopter, but this was a prime opportunity to check something off my bucket list, and I had to jump at the chance. It was only a 2-minute fly, but it was so neat to see Shreveport and the fair from that point of view. It was Jon's first time flying ever, so it's awesome that his first time flying was in a helicopter.
Before we left the fair, we had to get a funnel cake! We decided on a red velvet one with powdered sugar and cream cheese. It was so delish.
Have you ever been to the fair? What's your favorite thing to do at the fair?
P.S. What to participate in my birthday giveaway?! Click here!
Hey ladies! I'm Erica. I'm a Pennsylvania born-and-raised lover of style and smiles, little moments and big memories. I talk with my hands and squeak when I laugh. Oh, and I also blog at Coming Up Roses, an aspirational and inspirational blog about life, love, and pretty things. There's a little bit of everything over there, so I hope you'll come and bring your own sass and sense to the table!
Orrrrr if you want the full low-down on Erica's awesome, check out this post.
What's something you want to accomplish before 2015?
Get invited to a fancy party with long dresses and champagne. And bring a few new series (they're in the works, and going to be awesome I swear!) to ze blog.
What song are you currently obsessed with?
I've got two! You Go Down Smooth, by Lake Street Dive, and Shake It Off. If you say you're not playing 1989 on repeat you're lying.
If you could live a day in the life of anyone, who would you choose and why?
My cat. Not even joking. She lives the life.
Name 5 things that make you happy.
- Rainy days in with a cup of something delicious and a book.
- Dishing out genuine compliments to random people.
- Making lists in pretty colored pens and then being productive and crossing everything off amiright?
- My boyf. As cheesy or cliche as it is, he's my absolute best friend and the love of my life.
I recently traveled to New Orleans, and I was so pumped because anytime I tell someone I'm from Louisiana, they immediately go "New Orleans!" and I'm like "no" because I had never really been before. Not overnight anyway. But now I have!
Even though I was in New Orleans for about three days, a lot of my time was spent dutifully working, so I didn't get to do much sight seeing or anything like that, but one thing I did a lot of was eat!
PREJEANS
Okay, this actually isn't in New Orleans. It's in Lafayette, but it was too delicious not to mention. We stopped for lunch at Prejeans on our way to New Orleans. I had seen the Prejeans cookbook many times before, but I didn't realize it was a restaurant.
I loved the fun environment. It was like an indoor swamp. There were even gators everywhere. The food was so delicious too! I got the stuffed tilapia, which was stuffed with crabmeat and shrimp and came with rice and corn macque choux. My mouth is salivating just thinking about it. Yum!
MULATES
I was so excited to eat here because it was recommended by a local, which means that it has to be good. We ordered tons of appetizers - crab claws, stuffed mushrooms, fried gator, barbecue shrimp, and a few others that I don't remember. I got the fried oyster platter for my dinner, and I also ate a good bit of someone else's dinner. She got the jumbo lump crabmeat au gratin. So good!
PAT O'BRIEN'S
I know Pat O's is notorious for their hurricanes, but I went there for lunch. I had the shrimp creole, and I ate every single bite of it, plus half of another's plate. She got the special, which was some sort of pasta. It was good, but I think my meal was better. Mmm mmm.
Tourist
SOUTHERN CANDYMAKERS
We just stopped in here to get some pralines, but I couldn't resist getting some ice-cream. It was so hot outside! I got creole cream cheese, which is one of my favorite ice-cream flavors, and of course, this cone didn't disappoint. Their pralines are also delicious. Obvs.
BOURBON
Obviously, I didn't eat anything while on Bourbon, but it was my first Bourbon Street experience, so I felt like it was worth mentioning. Thankfully, we went on a Thursday, because I don't know if I could have handled all of the chaos of a weekend on Bourbon Street. There were already so many people, and I hear on the weekends you can barely walk. Okay, now that I'm done being an old lady...
We visited lots of bars on Bourbon. I loved that you could walk in and out of bars with your drinks and everywhere we went didn't have a cover charge, which was convenient. There was only one place that we went to that wouldn't allow us to bring our drink in. So if you're planning on going to the Cat's Meow, count on throwing your drink out. Other places we visited:
Saints & Sinners
This is Channing Tatum's bar. We actually went here after we ate at Pat O'Brien's, not during our Bourbon adventure. I had a Saint, and it was really sweet and really good.
The Famous Door
This bar played a lot of 80's music, so the crowd was a little older, but I still had a blast! We met some people from New Jersey who were really friendly. I also had a hurricane. Not a Pat O's hurricane, but a hurricane nonetheless.
Cat's Meow
Like I said, you can't bring your drink in this bar. I found this rather annoying because, 1) my drink was in a huge cup and I did not want to pour that sucker out and 2) it was Thursday, so it's not like it was crazy busy. There were a lot of people in there, but that's not the point. We only ended up staying there for a few minutes.
Bourbon Pub & Parade
There weren't too many people here, but again, it was Thursday. I did see the cutest old gay couple though. They both had gray hair, and they were just dancing and smiling at each other. Seriously. Adorable. I stayed long enough to enjoy a Pubalicious, and stand on the balcony observing the streets of Bourbon.
Oz
We didn't stay at Oz too long. There wasn't much happening when we got there, unfortunately.
Bourbon Bandstand
The band at Bourbon Bandstand was playing a lot of fun songs, so we got a lot of dancing in. I got pulled onto the stage to dance, and I went with two other girls. It was fun, but my stage fright was telling me to get down even though I'd never see these people again.
The Beach
We were told that there was a giant whale that you could ride, as opposed to a bull, but that was a lie. We left after about five minutes and stopped at the gift shop next door to buy cheesy souvenirs.
