Graduation Surprise Part II

THE RESOLUTION: Meaningful Get-Togethers

CHALLENGE  ACCOMPLISHMENT # 5

See Part I @ 

thirteensquared13.blogspot.ca/2013/06/surprise.

Part II 

I guess it’s only fitting that I write the rest of the story while soaring at 39,653ft  on my afternoon trip back home. Hours prior to lift, my stomach curdled violently as if to match to raw power of the thunder and lightning dominating the sky over Calgary. My grandparents already faced long delays at the airport this morning. Despite how long, far and often I travel, my fear of flying has only intensified. I begged the travel gods to spare me from the storm. 

They must be fond of me because the empyrean blues peaked and swiftly spread as I stared out the window of gate 43. The clouds departed so quickly in fact, that we nearly left the tarmac on time. Quite shocking given the recent description provided by the airport attendants regarding the current state of the Calgary airport as “a Walmart parking lot... for planes!”

Settled into my window seat I finally have an opportunity to sit and reflect on the last week. My mom and I devised a makeshift plan to try and capture my surprise arrival on film. I’m not the stealthy ninja I used to be so she blocked my sisters view as I ran around the dinner table that Maite, as well as Manina and Spencer all sat at. It’s fair to say that despite any slips or suspicions, and beyond the extra work and stress incurred to keep the secret, my surprise arrival was worth it. The moment it took for Maite to register that I was, in fact, standing right in front her, lead to a brilliant transformation in her face that was memorable indeed. Of course there were many hugs and kisses as I made my way around greeting the rest of my family, meanwhile my sister just kept repeating incredulously, “did you know?”

The next day I helped Maite find her way through a sea of grinning young people all in their caps and gowns. We located her robes and the well earned piece of paper finally announcing her as University graduate. Of course the ceremony hadn’t even transpired yet but we took every chance to snap some shots anyways. It was fantastic to be able to celebrate this achievement with her.

The Eternal flame from Calgary's
1986 Olympics

Apparently putting this thing on properly
requires a PhD

My family and I sat together paging through the University of Calgary’s 2013 graduating class booklet searching for our kin’s name to be proudly displayed under the degree title B.Sc. Environmental Science. We watched eagerly, perched high above the stage until it was her turn to be called. She certainly seemed more at ease than I felt at my convocation but I’m sure she appreciated spotting me as I slithered as near as I could to film her crossing the stage. :) 

The ceremony brought together a family typically separate by thousands of miles and up to 8 time zones. Still within the first 24 hours of us gathering we have already celebrated a great achievement, eaten the finest meals, and most importantly, got the chance to be together with the people we love.

I’m still smiling just recalling the event while I approach Hamilton. My attention has been severely distracted though. It’s nearly midnight now and we have not yet started descending but the earth below is putting on her best show. The sky is the purest of blacks, no a single hint of cloud as far as I can see. I have never seen a clearer picture in my life. It is a clustered beauty of sprawling lights sparkling like fire opals and sapphires, with the occasional ruby and quartz in addition to the dazzling moonstones and diamonds. Everything feels within reach. 

<3 <3 <3

One woman. One year. 80 down. 89 to go.

Addendum
As many of you may know, many Southern Alberta communities including the city of Calgary where devastated by floods no more than 48 hours after I left my former home province. The images and videos have had a particularly strong impact on me because so many people who are part of my life have been impacted. 100,000 people were displayed and recovery may take years. Please show your support and donate through the organization of your choice to help the people, nature and wildlife affected. 

From http://www.cbc.ca/news/:

The Canadian Red Cross Alberta Floods Response is accepting financial donations. Call 1-800-418-1111.

Canadians can also donate to the Salvation Army Alberta Flood Relief Effort at the website or call 1-800-725-2769.

Samaritan's Purse Canada says it will need volunteers to help in the cleanup and recovery of flooded homes. As well, people can donate money. Call 1-800-663-6500.

The Calgary Drop-In & Rehab Centre is also seeking various goods and supplies including socks, underwear, hygiene supplies, bug spray, blankets and pillows, towels and plungers. The centre is also looking for volunteers and donations. Call 403-699-8260.

Other organizations seeking assistance include the YWCA of Calgary, Calgary Clean Up Facebook page, Volunteer Calgary and YYC Helps.

Welcome Newbies :)

There must be a lot of newcomers to ThirteenSquared this month because you guys are blowing up the inspiration counter. Absolutely mind-boggling and humbling that so many of you have read even just one of my stories. Every single hit on this blog is helping to propel the accountability and support I need to complete this massive project. To date there have been more than 3,000 individual hits coming from 44 different countries in 5 continents. It is beyond thrilling for me. I’m truly so thankful to each and everyone of you. I am now 6 months into the project and have successfully conquered more than 80 of the challenges set forth. I’m continuing to push ahead working harder than ever to catch up on all stories, adventures and trouble ThirteenSquared can dream up. 

I would really love to hear from you; your opinions, remarks, questions are always welcome either in any of the comment sections at the bottom of each page or at my personal email contact: karinasextraordinarylife@gmail.com. Remember you can still submit your own challenges to me in order to round up the remainder of the ’13 Challenges by You’. I’ve already received some great ones including:

• One week without Internet       <- mean, mean, mean!
• Design a Tattoo              <- for a brave individual indeed
• Take an introductory car course <- most helpful for sure
• Karaoke                         <- my personal nightmare
• Write a children book about traveling

The latest super challenge to come in just hours ago, well, I’ll just let the challenger explain it best:

“So I have finally crafted MY challenge to you!! Ready for this? First...the background information....

I am reading this great book called, 'The Brain That Changes Itself' by Norman Doidge. A very inspiring book which demonstrates how our thoughts can actually change the structure and function of our brain EVEN into old age...Very very fascinating stuff...

In this fabulous book I came across this interesting experiment that I am challenging YOU to take on.

and I quote...

There is this school in Spain... "where teachers who instructed the blind went to study darkness. They were blindfolded for a WEEK to experience blindness first hand.  A blindfold is a roadblock for the sense of sight and within the week their tactile senses and their ability to judge space had become extremely sensitive.  They were able to differentiate makes of motorcycles by the sounds of their engines and to distinguish objects in their paths by their echoes. When the teachers first removed their blindfolds, they were profoundly disoriented and couldn't judge space or see." p210 (This book kicks ass, for all those who are interested in this sort of thing).

So back to my challenge. I am thinking that I want YOU to carry out this 'living life as a blind person' challenge, then your readers can learn all about the experience from your point of view. A full week might be pushing it though. You might want to kill me by day 7.

Lets say, 3 full days WITH the blindfold ON. NOOOO cheating now.  Tell us all about the prep work that goes into this task. How deep into the rabbit hole are you willing to go?  Will you ask your April to cook for you or shall we make you find your own way through the kitchen. haha. The only requirement I ask for is the 3 days blindfold and the blog 'report' to follow.

Tell us how this experience has changed your perception of the world.

Do you accept this challenge?”

Yes April, I accept this monumental responsibility. I already have so much I want to say about putting ourselves in another’s shoes but I guess I will have to save it for the story. Now if I only could find a way to slow down time in order make everything happen by December 31st, 2013 I think I would be a lot more confident. 

________________________________________________

*****

If you are new and you want to wrap your mind around the ThirteenSquared concept in under two minutes, check this out:

ThirteenSquared is a resolution based blog meant to help me achieve all the goals I’ve set for myself through a public accountability system. 

There are 169 resolutions to be completed and documented by New Years 2014. 

• Each resolution list must be completed 13 times as a means having measurable, defined and achievable goals.
• See all lists here: http://thirteensquared13.blogspot.ca/2012/12/13-resolutions.html
• Please note that resolution #1 was amended for greatness. Here’s the story -> http://thirteensquared13.blogspot.ca/2013/05/growing-up.html

That’s 169 small-steps to motivating real and lasting change. 169 ways to improve my life and contribute to the wellness of others. 

Surprise!

Part I

I’m sitting 40,000ft high in the sky watching the endless sea of cloud cover pass me by. My body is still angry at me from all those nights camping at the festival and just one full day after the 6 hour drive home from Manifesting Magic, I climbed aboard West Jet flight 539 from Hamilton, Ontario to Calgary, Alberta. 

Not only was the festival a unique experience for me, it has provided the perfect cover for my surprise arrival at my little sister Maite’s graduation from the University of Calgary. My workshop seemed the only acceptable excuse worthy enough for my big-little-lie that I would not be able to attend. In fact, this event is unmissable for more than just the proud celebration of Maite’s achievement, because my mother and grandmother are also due to land in the Calgary airport a few hours before me. 

The opportunity for family gatherings like these are seldom, generally occurring only at Christmas every other year. My mom moved us kids to Canada in 1996 when I was just 12 years old. The rest of my extended but close family stayed in Guatemala were I was born. By 1999 I was on my own getting shipped around between boarding schools and programs until I was 19... and completely alone in yet another country. (If I’m being vague it’s because opening this pandora’s box spans over a decade of struggle for me and cannot be simply summed up in any reasonably brief way.) What you need to know for this “Meaningful Get-Togethers Resolution” entry is that I’ve spent the last 7 years rebuilding the relationships I lost. Much of it involved simply getting to know who those people are now. The time that passed in my absence and now with my return allowed for so much growth individually and as a family unit. But the physical space between us has only gotten wider forcing all of us to travel farther to be together. Still, I have never had a stronger, more positive and supportive relationship with the 3 main females in my family: grandma (aka Manina), mom, and of course Maite. It is very important to me to continue devote the time and effort necessary to build, develop and strengthen the relationship with the people I love. I hope sooner than later, that will also be true with my brother Dani; until then, I love you bro, and I’ll be here when you’re ready. 

I will be touching down in a few hours where I hope to get secretly whisked away by my mom in preparation for the big surprise! That is all going to be happening very soon and I’m so excited to meet with everyone in my former hometown: Cowtown. I’ll be sharing more on this experience with all of you in Part II coming up soon :)

*** Part II is now online at http://thirteensquared13.blogspot.ca/2013/06/graduation-surprise-part-ii.html

* Manifesting Magic Forest Festival Workshop *

 ~ Karina Noriega ~ Representing Hamilton ~ 

The Unknown

A few months ago I was challenged to create a workshop centered around Keeping Promises to Yourself based on my own initiative here at ThirteenSquared. I was to present the one hour workshop at the inaugural Manifesting Magic Forest Festival.

Being that it was to be my first festival of this type I had absolutely no idea what to expect. The pressure of creating something that was not only interesting to an unknown population but that had actual value and impact was immense. I worked exceptionally hard to break down my own lessons to first understand what it is that has helped me be successful in this undertaking. Next, I designed the framework for the creation of a S.M.A.R.T. resolution. Finally, I empowered participants to set their own goals in motion with a new system of support and accountability.

A brief synopsis of the workshop can be found here: http://thirteensquared13.blogspot.ca/2013/05/thirteensquared-joins-manifesting-magic.html

The Magic

The Manifesting Magic Forest Festival is described as a three day “music, arts and healing” festival. But it wasn’t until I was inside of this living and breathing  alternative space that I even realized how other-worldly this experience would be. There is an entire culture that propagates itself inside of this safe space. I even learned a whole new concept: Transformational Festivals. Beyond promoting art for all the senses and a strong sense of community, love, acceptance and self-expression, transformational festivals encourage mental and physical healing. Sacred spaces have become a staple for inspiration and personal growth. 

Wind Stage

At Manifesting Magic, the “Wind Area” became the stage for many workshops such as meditation, yoga and my own workshop as well. 

The "Earth Stage", also known as the chill lounge was the only covered area on the grounds housing art, a hooka lounge and 24 hours of music from artists such as Adham Shaik.

The “Fire Stage” with its electro-glow backdrop was lit up with non-stop house, techno, and psytrance as well as performers and talented participants spinning fire and hula hoops like you’ve never experienced before.

FM HI LO

The “Live Stage” brought out major international talent including a couple new favorites for me: FM Hi Lo and Inword, both from Montreal.

The stage elevated performers beyond their music with an exceptionally interesting array of costumes and performances including aerial silks and the screening of Bloom.

(Check out the documentary Web-series http://youtu.be/iF7bH1wQ_d4 to learn more about transformational festivals.) 

The Workshop

The screen created by this online blog has always kept writer and reader separate, but here I would be lowering all the walls of self-preservation to be vulnerable in the face-to-face scenario of my workshop. I cannot emphasize how much this venue and this culture played a part in the exceptional success I experienced. The healing festival attracted the spirit of growth and openness in everyone. 

I spent the first day of the festival getting to know my fellow presenters, performers and revelers alike. It was hard not to given the welcoming and trusting nature of everyone I crossed paths with. April and I did some verbal promoting and she even made a little log sign which I loved. 

When the time came, I took my place in the sacred space of the Wind Area located right on the beach. I slowly became overwhelmed and overjoyed to see people start forming the circle I had envisioned for my ‘conversation’. The treats where an excellent icebreaker (special thanks to Bree for those unbelievable coconut-doo-dads, they were a huge hit)! It was only a few minutes into one of my most feared challenges that I realized that I was really doing this. My fear dissipated and I didn’t even need the notes I so stressed over. Not only was I sharing my life struggles and personal experiences with this fantastic group of people but they were actively participating and contributing to the workshop. More than a dozen people attended (as some came and went) and at the close of the hour I held 10 promises created by them; inspired by me. For the next 6 months I will helping to motivate and assist everyone who attended to make this single promise a real change in their lives.

Gathered in the Sacred Space for workshop: Keeping Promises

Even got a few overflow folks :)

Everyone participating!!!

and conversating!

This workshop was an unequivocal opportunity to elevate myself, ThirteenSquared and my desire to continue to push the boundaries of my comfort zone. Most importantly, it was a chance to give back the support I’ve so kindly received and to inspire and motivate others. I could not be more grateful to everyone who attended and supported me. 

*To the gentlemen of FM Hi Lo and Borza, I am so happy to have met you immensely talented bunch. Thank you for not getting tired of pushing me forward and actually coming out to support me. 

Bryan, Alain and Frase of FM Hi Lo
Check out their talent @ http://fmhilow.com

Borza and April chilling on the comfy couches @ gazebo space

*I really want to thank Dean Shivji and for dreaming up this festival and believing in my capability to make a positive impact here. To the rest of the organizers, artists and volunteers: thank for making Manifesting Magic happen and producing such a transcending experience.

Dean Shivji

{Not my Pic!} Photograph by: Jean Levac, Ottawa Citizen/Postmedia News

Mineta

W/ Kola Pappas and the Happy Funky Family

*If you could see me wildly cheering right now, it’s for you April. You’ve been an absolute hero in my life and an unwavering support to ThirteenSquared and this workshop. I can’t wait to see your own creative magic on this very screen soon as you produce your Manifesting Magic film clips. 

In conclusion...

This challenge has stood head and heels above the rest in terms of the effort, risk beyond comfort zone, time commitment, and most definitely the reward and lessons gained. And speaking of time and energy commitments, just as soon as I’ve concluded this entry I shall begin creating the forum and support system I have offered all of my participants for the next 6 months. 

Special note

*Ashton, if you read this, please remember that there is always someone will listen. It’s not about finding the place or group that you belong to. It’s about carving your own spot in the world. People are drawn to those who have the courage to be true to themselves. Growth comes along slowly. It’s a process. You don’t have know everything already. Just keeps moving forward. Every stage of our lives, especially that hard ones when we are most alone and confused, shape us to be stronger . . . 

Artists mentioned:

*** Adham Shaikh (Nelson, B.C.) ***
https://soundcloud.com/ adhamshaikh
http:// www.sonicturtle.com/

*** Desert Dwellers (Southern California) ***
https://soundcloud.com/ desertdwellers
http://www.myspace.com/ desertdwellers

*** FM Hi LOW (Montreal) ***
https://soundcloud.com/ fm-hi-low

*** Inword (Montreal) ***
http://www.myspace.com/ inword/music



~* Don't forget to like, share and subscribe to ThirteenSquared for all future adventures and creations. Also check out KN Extraordinary Life Channel one YouTube for all films! *~ 


One woman. One year. 79 down. 90 to go. 

A QuickNote

Dearest ThirteenSquared followers, 

Just a little note today. It has been a whirlwind couple of weeks preparing for this workshop. Now the time has finally come. 

I am truly so honored to have been invited to the Manifesting Magic Forest Festival to share my ideas. Dean, you are a brave man to put me on this stage. Thank you for recognizing the potential for positive change and inspiration my project can bring. And thank you for seeing in me a vessel worthy to spread this message. 

I have managed to put together an excellent concept for the workshop. I am genuinely proud of myself and unbelievably happy to spread my wings. I hope others can benefit from my work and support the way that ThirteenSquared has helped me. 

Let the magic begin, 

Karina 

Construction Challenge Film

A few weeks ago I promised to have the actual video for the "Sleepless in the Blogosphere" on the blog. Well I finally figured it out and here it is!

See the story at: http://thirteensquared13.blogspot.ca/2013/04/sleepless-in-blogosphere.html