Adventure 5: Brooke's Secret

There's a time in almost every girl's life, where she tries on her first Victoria's Secret bra. And her world is forever changed.

Well, it was that time for my sister. My sister has needed a new bra for like... ever. Puberty and a few extra pounds has blessed my little sister, but she never really got a bra that kept up with all that growth. So I took her to VS to get the bra that would change her life.

And it was the semi-annual sale. Even better!

So we found her the most comfortable bra they have there. And it rocked her world.

Hats off to VS!!

Adventure 4: Arizona Science Center

Sometimes I wish that I loved science. Since I lived with two science-oriented people my sophomore year of college, I listened to a lot of science talk. And it was cute listening to Jiff go on and on about the bones in the body or how antibodies work. She was just so excited. And I felt a little guilty that I just couldn't relate to what she was saying, since avoiding my science GEs is one of my greatest talents.

So I decided to devote one adventure to the pursuit of science enlightenment. And luckily for me, the Arizona Science Center has an Adults' Night Out event on first Fridays so admission was free! It was a must-do adventure.

Thanks to the marvelous Taylor Hatch, a crew of knowledge seeking YSAs were gathered. Half the crew drove, but five of us took a more adventurous form of travel-- the lightrail.

After 30+ minutes on the light rail getting to know my fellow compadres, we arrived in Downtown Phoenix. We made our way down Washington where we encountered this um interesting sculpture.

I saw the stinger from 100 yards away and thought, "Oh gracious, a scorpion sculpture!" I despise scorpions with a passion. To this day, the sight of one of those creepy buggers triggers girlish screams and a leap to the nearest chair, table, or countertop. But this was just a sculpture of a scorpion. And I'm on an adventure. This could be a step to overcoming my unending hate of scorpions. So I charged Taylor to take a picture of me with this sculpture. But as we got closer to the thing, the more disturbing the sculpture got. First off, this crazy scorpion had a top hat. And if that wasn't weird enough, the scorpion was covered with little people, including one that the scorpion was about to devour. You see, scorpions are not good news.

But I digress. We made it to the Science Center and explored the wonderful world of science. The first stop was the brain room where I encountered this.

The object of the game: Using your Alpha and Theta brain waves, roll the ball to your opponent's side of the table.

That's right. Brain waves. 

That's why your have to wear those funny hats. The more relaxed you are, the quicker the ball will roll.

I played the game and lost in about 45 seconds. But then again, Taylor has some crazy mind. Her Alpha and Theta waves were almost flatlined. Which is fascinating, but I guess you'd have to play the game or be a neuroscience major to appreciate it. 

One of the greatest things about this trip to the Science Center is reliving all the exhibits and things I loved as a little kid. Like the giant nose that sneezes out balls and scares the crap out of any unsuspecting child (or adult). Or the spinning thing that makes you really dizzy while teaching you about physics. SOOOO MUCH FUN!!!!

But I was MOST excited about this:

The dancing dust bunnies. I could watch that thing all day. And the songs? Pump It Up and The Flight of the Bumblebees are forever written into my hearts thanks to those groovy dust bunnies.

It's like the coolest thing ever, right?

Okay, I might just be a nerd. 

Besides some nostalgia, I took time to experience some new features to the Arizona Science Center, specifically the Forces of Nature. In 5 minutes, I experienced a fire, an earthquake, a hurricane, and a haboob. And got a good deal wet. 

Overall, my adventure to the Science Center was a blast and (I hope!) a little educational. And if you're over 18, you should definitely go to the next Adults' Night Out in February!! Check it out here.

Adventure 3: Ramen and Quirky Japanese Toys

So the original plan for the day was to have a photoshoot with Taylor. But our friend Maggie is home from Canada and is heading back on Friday so we decided to go to lunch.

Destination: Ramen Republic

It was a Japanese twist on an old tradition. Junior year of high school, I introduced my friends to pho, a Vietnamese soup that is downright delicious. So for the next few years, we would have our catch-ups while chowing down on some pho.

And we were still eating soup, just with a different kind of noodle. And like 8 different choices of broth. I chose the Tonkontsu broth, which is pork-flavored. It was alright, I would choose something different next time. But the toppings (spinach, green onions, carrots, and more) were awesome. Also, Ramen Republic has a wide variety of drinks with boba. And I have been craving boba. And although the passionfruit slush wasn't the best, the boba were very good, lightyears better than the boba at the tiny Vietnamese place in San Diego.

And it was good to catch up with Anna and Maggie. She's currently going to school at McGill University in Montreal. Yeah, she's so cool, the States can't handle her so she's chillin' with the cool kids in Canada. It was fun listening to her stories of frigid winters and awesome concerts.

After we were comfortably stuffed, we headed to Downtown Mesa to check out a toy store Maggie was interested in. It's called Lulubell's Toy Bodega. And I have no idea what bodega even means but from my experience at Lulubell's I would imagine it to mean a gateway to a quirky, original world. Because that's what Lulubell's was. To understand the craziness, check out their website. And although it wouldn't be a place where I'd spend my lunch money, it was a pretty cool experience.

Adventure 2: A Long Walk

Sometimes things just don't go according to plan. Today, I planned to visit the Musical Instrument Museum with my sister. I've heard lots of good things about this museum and well, it's a musical instrument museum! How quirky is that!

But it was New Year's so I didn't wake up until 10. And Brooke didn't wake up until noon. And Brooke takes about 5 million years to get ready (more like 2 hours) so by the time we were ready to go, we would have had like 45 minutes until the museum closes. And 45 minutes looking at musical instruments is NOT a good use of 18 dollars.

So my plans were kind of botched for the day.

But my mother and I did go outside to enjoy the precious Arizona winter sun while taking a walk. We even deviated from our usual neighborhood route and instead walked along the canal.

Sidenote: For those Non-Mesaites, Mesa has a series of canals throughout the city for irrigation purposes. Supposedly, these canals were originally dug up by the Hohokam Indians and then dug up again by the Mormon pioneers. To read more about this, click here.

And we walked all the way to McKellips, a distance I had never reached before (which is kind of sad because McKellips is not very far away from my house). And we checked out our neighbors' backyards and saw strange little birds and discussed my dislike of high school reunion moments (still a irked about the night before).

And it was nice, if not a little boring.

But I'm sure there will be adventures that will make up for that.

Adventure 1: Castles and Coasters

Happy 2013 everyone!!

So yesterday I had my first adventure. There was a three-stake Young Single Adults party at Castles and Coasters last night to ring in the new year. And my pal Taylor invited me. I was super excited. The last time I went to Castles and Coasters, I was with my high school band and I laughed my head off and messed around with my band pals Whitney, Maddie, Kevin, and Tyler. It was one of the highlights of 2010.

And I'm a little bit of an amusement park junkie, even when that amusement park is old and ghetto.

And there were fun moments. I rode a pig on the merry-go-round. Took a picture with a rugged pirate. Got squished on the musical circle ride (that went BACKWARDS!!).

But I was also pretty bored. Supposedly over 3000 YSA guys and gals attended the event meaning that lines were ridiculously long. So no Desert Storm for me (That's the biggest roller coaster they have at Castles and Coasters, it's got a loop). And the whole event was just a little too reminiscent of a high school reunion. Too many people that I haven't talked to in three years and feel awkward talking to because of previous clause.

So when we counted down to midnight, I was darn ready to say goodbye to 2012. And then 2013 started and I was going to enjoy it by going on the pirate ship ride. And it was while I was waiting in line that my luck began to change. Because I happened to run into Cumorah, my fellow BYU guard sister. IN ARIZONA!!!! At a random amusement park. Basically, I was psyched. So Cumorah, her sister, and I chatted and rode the awesome pirate ship ride (complete with hilarious black ride commentator).

Just seeing Cumorah brightened up my day. Cause I was missing Provo pretty badly and here was someone from that part of my life. Who knows me as I am now, not from when I was seventeen.

After Cumorah and I went our separate ways, I headed to the dance floor with Taylor and Barclay. Then I probably embarrassed them with my semi-obnoxious dancing. But I was dancing which made me super duper happy.

So that was my first adventure. Next, a very long walk on paths I've never traveled before.

25 More Days

So you know how people have like special traditions for the 25 days of Christmas?

Okay, maybe the only tradition is the 25 days of kids movies on ABC Family but just keep with me.

So, in 25 days I am making a pretty big move in my life. I mean, a BIG move. I'm moving to Hong Kong. Which happens to be 7573.4 miles away.

Only 25 more days in the United States and more specifically my home Mesa, AZ.

So I made a challenge to myself. I am going to have an adventure every day until I step onto that plane to Hong Kong and start that BIG adventure.

Adventures on the list?

• Hike Camelback Mountain
• Ride the light rail the whole way
• Cook a complicated, impressive meal for a group of people
• Lady Gaga photoshoot

Don't worry, there's more to come.

Stay tuned.

PS. If you have any suggestions or want to join me on my adventures, just comment. Thanks!!