The Year of 52 Adventures

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  Kimberly Hula 3:28 am on February 8, 2011 Permalink | Reply  

  What will YOU do this week? 

  I’ve been on hiatus.  Not from adventure, or yearly ambition, but from website maintenance.  I’ve really dropped the ball.

  But I’m here to pick it up again and throw some new ideas your way.  Are you new to the site and looking to start a year of adventure?  Well, you’ve come to the right place!  Completed your own year (look at you, you wild adventurer) and hungry for something new?  Well, I’ve something to offer you, too.

  Just know that you are capable of anything and everything you set your mind to.  So post it here.  Be loud.  Be proud.  This is YOUR year.

  For those old hatt-ed adventurers who are angling for a new campaign I invite you to join me in my Year of 52 Random Acts of Kindness.  I’m taking the enthusiasm and energy I sustained from last years adventuring binge and giving back to my community.  Won’t you join me?  I’ve enjoyed your company throughout the past 52 weeks of 2010.

  Come on by and visit us at http://bekind52times.wordpress.com and tell me about how you help.

  Remember keep doing what you’re doing.  You do it so very well.  And I couldn’t be more proud.

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  Kimberly Hula 10:02 pm on January 2, 2011 Permalink | Reply  

  Have you hugged an adventurer today? 

  A very Happy New Year to you and yours.  It’s 2011!  2.0.1.1.!  Some 367 days ago mark the inception of this blog.  368 days ago I lived the life of a completely different woman.  And, if you’ll indulge me for a few more moments for what’s left of my contribution to this blog, I’m here to tell tale.

  I’ve received many beautiful responses to the work done with this blog.  People have thanked me.  Strangers befriended me.  People have spoken of great changes in their lives on account of the campaign and I humbly, honorably and happily thank you for your kind words.  But, in fairness, I will not accept them.  That is, without a caveat.  You see, I didn’t do this alone.  I couldn’t have, and, in all truth, I wouldn’t have.  I used to say, again and again, that adventurers are better shared and I truly hang on my finest of hats on that assertion.  I had support.  I had scores of support because I had YOU.  Yes, YOU: dutiful blog reader who made it to this second paragraph.  You, you, you stayed with me, with us, through a year of not only adventures but shortcomings, fears, mistakes, exhilaration, sheer madness, pure bliss, fanfare, heartbreak, pain, acceptance, good-nature AND MORE.  Do you see what you’ve done?  The movement that you helped make?  My main intent in starting this year was to instill hope in others and from the lovely posts you’ve posted and the incredible pictures I’ve seen, I couldn’t be prouder of your hard work and determination.  And it’s because of you, and the great momentum we have all built that I have been able to move forward on my own goals.  On account of all this I type before you today a much happier, healthier, braver woman than I was.  And that, in and of itself, is the greatest gift of any holiday season.

  I’ll be honest: before I started the campaign some nights found me sad.  So sad that day became night became weeks of abandon.  Sure I was scared of heights and roller coasters and fish.  But I was also scared of trying.  I was tired of making efforts to redeem what felt like a lost life and I didn’t know what more to do.

  I truly believe in community and I will say, with full confidence, that is was community that reinvigorated a temporarily lost hope in me.  Skydiving doesn’t define a person, sure, but the will to get up and skydive does.  And I’ll admit it: the first time I went out (say, adventure 14 or so) I didn’t do it.  I did not initially skydive.  I got scared and I backed out.  But, but, but with constant support and the determined, fanatic, and spell-binding belief of my friends and family I was able to get out there on that plane and do it.

  I never knew what I was capable of until I pushed myself to limits otherwise unknown.

  When once I’d look in the mirror and hate my body, just two days ago I jumped into the icy waters of the Atlantic Ocean on the early morning of New Years day in a bikini.

  When once I’d pursue disastrous relationship after disastrous relationship, just this year I fell madly in love.

  I learned to take care of others in addition to taking care of myself.

  I learned how to repair relations with my family.

  I started to see everything as a potential source of beauty.

  I started to see myself as beautiful.

  It’s wild, really.  Thinking of where I once was in comparison to where I am now and I am not certain I really even believe it.  All I can hope for is that you’ve reaped some of the absolutely inspiring benefits I have from this year and will pay it forward to those in your life.

  Because, at the end of the day, the meaning of life is having meaning in other people’s lives.  And you sure have made an incredible impression on me.

  So from my home, adventure-full and ready for more, to yours: I wish you the best of the coming year and hope to see you again, on the adventure trail.

  Much love,

  Kimberly Hula

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    blueskiesinva 8:35 pm on January 10, 2011 Permalink

    But I do have to thank you Kimberly. I joined late…and still fell far short of my “planned” adventures, but it’s been a fun ride…and it isn’t over! “The meaning of life is having meaning in other people’s lives.” Perfect.

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  Kimberly Hula 11:20 am on October 12, 2010 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: 14/52, Cambridge ( 5 ), pillow fight   

  ADV. #14: How Soft the Blow 

  I’m jealous of jackasses.

  Those who choose to seize the day via public spectacle and go against the grain of acceptable adult behavior.  Because now that I’ve grown I am expected to act a certain way.  I should be polite and respectful; give up my seat on the bus for seniors and less able-bodied.  I should iron my clothes and be able to discern between multiple forks on a table.  I should drink good wine and talk politics.  This is what might be expected of a professional woman.

  Of course this is not a hard and fast rule.  Nor, is it a bad standard.

  When I was young all I wanted was to be older and now that I am, I’d give anything to be eight again.  If only for a day.

  I read that very sentiment in an old journal of mine the other day and I found myself repeating it to Jane.

  “I just want to be eight again.” (More …)

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  Kimberly Hula 1:04 pm on September 28, 2010 Permalink | Reply  

  A breakfast of clouds 

  More text to come, but in the interim, look at what 6 adventurers did Saturday morning at 7 in the a.m. in Pepperell, MA:

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    blueskiesinva 8:10 pm on September 28, 2010 Permalink

    Kimberly, that was awesome!! I sooo want to do this! (PS – Happy Birthday!)

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  Kimberly Hula 12:04 pm on September 16, 2010 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: 13/52 ( 5 ), Boston Trapeze School, trapeze swinging   

  ADV. #13: Up In the Air With the Greatest of Ease? 

  “How did you get into this line of work?”

  “Heroine.”

  Annnnd a long pause.  This had to be done for effect, right?  No matter, because at the end of the day the trapeze artist who somehow found a way to coax me off the ledge got his start swinging the bars via heroin.  Which makes this all the more spicy an adventure.

  But, to set the scene, it started a little something like this:

  I wanted attention.  From the onset my family has quietly humored this campaign.  Few members asked after what I was up to and when they did they seemed disappointed.

  “Poetry reading?  Wild…”

  And while I should make the most of my experiences and fashion some semblance of self acceptance I still really wanted my family to intone.  To emote.  I really wanted to wow them.  To be fair, I wanted to upstage my sister’s recent engagement that had everyone in a hurricane windfall of excitement.

  So what, what, what garners all kinds of attention?  Nudity (forthcoming) seemed too stark.  Windsurfing too quiet.  Then, probably in considering to the dynamic of my family, I couldn’t shake the notion of a circus.  And with that, and a Google search, I found the Boston Trapeze School.

  The “school” did not take on the fascade I thought it would.  Close your eyes.  Picture a trapeze artist instructing another.  Visualize the high bars.  The costuming.  Have you secured a good, sound vision in your mind?

  Now lose all of your opinions.

  (More …)

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    eatveggiesdrinkwine 9:46 am on September 18, 2010 Permalink

    Thanks for your honesty — that, to me, makes you even more brave and adventurous than being willing to fly on a trapeze.

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  Kimberly Hula 11:00 am on September 16, 2010 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: 12/52 ( 6 )   

  ADV. #12: What the Blind Saw 

  I’m at this sweet spot in the adventure continuum where everything is really beautiful and nothing hurts.  That’s to say, I’m optimistic and adventure-hungry and ready to say yes to anything.  This is good at week 13.  While still antsy, I’ve built up enough adventure momentum to keep me going.  Enough to say yes to Rebecca when she told tale of her last date with a man she met online.

  It went a little something like this: Ms. Rebecca meets up with said man, at 8 a.m., for coffee.  It’s a bit unorthodox, but I appreciate a punctual, no-nonsense meet and greet so I applaud their setup.  The date goes seemingly well until the topic of religion is broached.  Rebecca practices Religion A.  Mr. Date practices no religion.  Mr. Date goes one step further in declaring that he couldn’t wisely date someone of faith because… well, the reasons why are still foggy to me, but it’s known by both parties that this date is going no where.

  Rebecca isn’t certain if she should feel snubbed by his dismissal of her as a viable date because of her faith, or if she should be relieved that someone was so raw and honest.  Rebecca also referred to this date as handsome and successful.  He, she mused, would be perfect for me.

  That got her and our friend Jane thinking that maybe I should be set up with the dismissed date. (More …)

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    blueskiesinva 8:37 pm on September 23, 2010 Permalink

    Dating IS an adventure. Period. I admire you for sticking this one out!

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  Kimberly Hula 1:23 pm on September 13, 2010 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: 11/52 ( 7 )   

  ADV. #11/52: The Power in Protest 

  When I had a car, it was obnoxious.  It was a little, un-souped Saturn SL1 with manual locks and windows and no stereo.  It’s lack for frills did not lend it it’s obnoxious air, instead, the bumper, the standard champagne colored dent-resistant bumper was covered, bumper-wall to bumper-wall in stickers.

  Go ahead and roll your eyes.  I am certainly one of those people.

  But I’m going to try and redeem myself.  I didn’t sponsor any lame slogans.  There was no prostelyzing about bikes or a God or even public works.  There was, however, a very real agenda to my cars backside.  There would be no mistaking my political affiliation if you were to see my wheels on the road.  You would know I’m a Democrat.  A Democrat who supports Democratic candidates.  A Democrat who supports gay rights.  A Democrat who supports ending the war.  A Democrat, a Democrat, A Democrat.

  And maybe I talk a big talk.  And showcase an impressive bumper.  But when push comes to shove I’ve been a lax Democrat.  I’ve missed voting in less sexy elections.  I argue about causes and beliefs without really researching my side and the oppositions side.  I’d like to believe I’m well meaning, and I really want to be well meaning.  It’s just… if I’m to tote around town all self-righteous like as a raging liberal (It would really have been better had I a hybrid), I should probably do more for the team, right?

  So when presented with the opportunity to stand up for something I believe in, I thought to do so.  To get in and get my hands dirty and invest myself totally to something.  And that’s usually the issue – I think I can do it all, and a lot is half accomplished.  I didn’t want that.   (More …)

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    eatveggiesdrinkwine 9:52 pm on September 15, 2010 Permalink

    So very brave of you. Good work!

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  Kimberly Hula 12:25 pm on September 12, 2010 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: 10/52 ( 8 )   

  ADV #10: How High the Hill 

  I’m still wasn’t certain* how I felt about Boston.  That’s to say, before I left for Japan I prepared myself to miss Boston.  I thought up all the selling points to this city so that my return trip home would be anticipated.  I was certain a 15 hour flight would leave me wanting and needing this newfound city I hadn’t quite broken in.  I guess I just really needed to want to want Boston.

  Japan didn’t quite do that for me.

  The trip itself left me dumbfounded.  I didn’t want to stay but I wasn’t certain where I’d sooner leave.  I thought a lot about my home city of Chicago.  I fantasized about taking an outgoing plane anywhere.  I cooked up a cute story of using an emergency only credit-card to fly anywhere I’ve never been all in the name of this year of adventure.  But, pragmatism came into play.  I had things at home.  I was enrolled in classes and had jobs.  Probably, more practically, my credit card had a limit that I near exhausted on my trip.  I was Boston-bound.

  And really, that’s no reason to complain.  It’s just… I hadn’t acclimated to Boston yet.  I’d been adventuring and trying on for size different neighborhoods and trying to be really and truly optimistic, yet, the city fell short.  Something was missing. (More …)

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  Kimberly Hula 1:06 am on June 22, 2010 Permalink | Reply  

  Summer Swords and other like surprises 

  In effort to summon even more surprise, the lovely ladies of Surprise Industries cooked up yet another adventure for 52’s Boston base.

  And it involved swords.  And dedicated sword play.

  The wonderful crew of Gymnasium filmed AND cut footage for our blog community. 

  Anyone up for avenging honor, et al?

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    Kim 1:55 pm on June 24, 2010 Permalink

    This looks like so much fun! I would have LOVED to do that! Any chance that this is ongoing?

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    eatveggiesdrinkwine 8:16 pm on June 24, 2010 Permalink

    A seriously awesome adventure — bravo! May I suggest a follow up adventure of performing these newfound sword play skills at a Renaissance Festival near you?

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    yearof52adventures 2:29 pm on June 30, 2010 Permalink

    Sure is Kim! It’s at Gymasium in West Newton. Send me an email and I’ll get you their contact info!

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    yearof52adventures 2:30 pm on June 30, 2010 Permalink

    As for the Ren Fair, get out of my brain! I was thinking the exact same thing!

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  Kimberly Hula 11:37 pm on June 1, 2010 Permalink | Reply  

  I can spaz my way through anything 

  Some adventures make me uncomfortable.  I know in some time I’ll have to handle a spider (what the what?!).  I intend to get pierced (eek!).  There’s just now a noisy bug in my window.  These things I’d sooner not tackle.

  But, but, but they are all things that better inform who we are and what we are capable.  Even if only a bug.

  So remember that what you do today, what you did yesterday, and what you are capable of performing tomorrow inspire me, him, her, Canada and the world to be all they can be.

  You are just that amazing.

  Sure are.

  So I just thought to send some lovely accolades your way, and remind you to remind us of all you do.

  So come on by the blog or the FB site and let us know.
  http://www.yearof52adventures.com

  We have some lovely things on the docket.  Namely, an upcoming interview with Senator Bill Bradley and some airtime on Montreal radio.  Whee!

  As always, thanks for doing what you do.  You are truly an inspiration.

  Let’s race to the next leg of the adventure trail, ne?

  xoxo
  Hula (Kimberly) – yearof52adventures

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    Holly 11:28 am on June 4, 2010 Permalink

    So many things make me uncomfortable, meeting new people, talking to strangers basically just putting myself out there. Thanks for the encouragement.

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    yearof52adventures 11:32 am on June 4, 2010 Permalink

    So happy to have you here Holly! Keep us posted on your adventures and kudos to you on adventuring through discomfort!