#95 - Watch the sunrise and sunset in the same day. (10/101)

This past Sunday I got the opportunity to see both the sunrise and sunset in the same day. If you know me, you'll probably know that this doesn't happen a lot. I enjoy sleeping in so barely make it awake before sunrise. A group of friends invited me to go to the Tallulah Gorge State Park and promised it would be a good time. I said sure and then got the details, we had to leave by 5:30am. Apparently the park only gives out 100 permits per day to descend to the gorge and in busy season, they run out. We drove the hour and a half to the state park, watched the sunrise on our way and got to the park around 7:00AM. We had to wait until 7:30AM for the gates to open so while we waited we danced in the parking lot with some kids that were waiting in the car in front of us. When we finally got inside the park, we got in line to actually get our permit. I was happy we had arrived so early because the permits ran out very quickly (thank goodness our friends made us go so early!). 

We spent the day hiking through the waterfalls, hanging out at the gorge (and watching our friends and others slide down the waterfalls into the gorge) and hiking back. We were all exhausted by the time we got back to our cars for the drive home but it was a really fun day. I watched the sunset later that day around 8PM and fell asleep almost immediately after, I almost didn't make the sunrise and sunset in the same day! 

#85 - Go rock climbing. (9/101)

I am an adventure seeker and love trying new things. I have been wanting to go rock climbing for awhile so my boyfriend, friend and I decided to go last weekend.

We went to Stone Summit, a massive rock climbing gym outside Atlanta. My friend came totally prepared, a few weeks before he had bought a harness and climbing shoes so he looked like a pro, us not so much. After going through our safety training (we had to do this because it was our first time at this location), the two others got belay certification. While they did that, I tried out the bouldering room. It was awesome! It's their free climbing room and there are huge fluffy mats underneath so if you fall (which I did) you just fall nicely on to the mats. I got really excited and started climbing up the wall, after a few times my arms already started to feel tired.

After they finished their certification, we hit the roped courses. I felt like I was at a bit of a disadvantage so I tended to pick the easier courses than the guys but we had a really fun time trying out the different areas of the gym. It was cool to see all the different climbers around us. There was an amazing young girl who was practicing for her upcoming competition, free climbers that weren't in the bouldering room, some birthday parties and lots of first timers. After a few hours we were exhausted so we headed out. The next day my forearms were SO sore. I will definitely go back but next time will stretch before I leave. Rock climbing was so fun and the perfect activity when it is too hot to be outside.

#11 - Learn to Grill. (8/101)

I grew up watching my dad grill and love going to cookouts, especially in the summertime. I love the taste of grilled food so wanted to learn so I don't always have to rely on others to grill for me. I also love cooking and have been wanting to learn some new tricks. So this weekend, I learned how to grill! First step was buying a grill. I decided to go with a gas/propane grill instead of a charcoal because it's a bit easier for a newbie. Since my boyfriend was in town, I decided it would be the perfect opportunity to learn from a master griller. We broke in the grill by making some beef sausage, something that I couldn't mess up so easily. The next night we made grilled lamb chops with a mint pesto sauce (yum!) and grilled veggies. Tonight my friend and I are making grilled fish. I'm so excited about my new toy. I look forward to perfecting my grilling skills and trying out some new recipes. Know a delicious grilling recipe? Send it my way!

#55 - Surprise my parents and go home one weekend. (7/101)

I surprised my mom and went home this weekend for July 4 and my birthday (July 5). My mom actually screamed when she saw me, it was such a treat to see the joy on her face and on my dad's. I didn't realize how much I had missed being in Richmond so it was wonderful being home and getting to spend time with family and friends. Highlights include:

• Met friends from UVa for dinner at the Continental Westhampton -  had delicious fish tacos.
• Day trip to Charlottesville with friends, we went to Bodo's Bagels, Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards and Albemarle Ciderworks.
• Celebrated July 4th at a cookout with family and friends.
• Took advantage of sales to do some birthday shopping with my mom.
• Went to my favorite sushi place - Samurai Sushi.
• Grilled out at my parents new house.
• Celebrated my birthday with my parents and friends.