My Personal Quest: To Explore 112 Locations w/in "Best of San Diego 2007" List

[Kaprese408]

Tonight I had a random inspiration for a adventurous idea I just had tonight. I am so excited about this new goal of mine I thought i would share, but before that I would like to give everyone here a quick background of the day i had...

It has been more than one year now since i made the decision to leave my family and move to San Diego for school (with the full support of my parents). I always wanted to move out because my family is extremely dysfunctional and has been a obstycle in my life (I do not mean it in a horrible way...my family is doing the best they can with the knowledge and ability they currently have)...Unlike me no one else really truely has decided to pursue personal growth. Well living within my dysfunctional family system for my entire life...i have developed a lot of self sabatoging negative habitual patterns. These are the main things i want to change and would experience trenmendous growth if i was able to just get away from all of the negativtity that was around me. Well that is what i did and i moved to San Diego last Aug.

The first year on my own is another story where i was not completely on my own and depended on someone else...but that is another story not meant to be shared at this time. My point-my first year did not help me grow, in fact it intensified my negative patterns. It was only recently 3 months ago where i finally admitted i had a problem and began my conscious hunt for the knowledge i needed to change my life around. So i started to make different choices and slowly started seeing progress. At least i thought....

Well i came home for Thanksgiving for this whole week and some of last. This is the second time i have been back home "the Bay Area" in CA since I started going through this life changing transition (at least i hope i am). The first time around it was the same ol' same ol'...i just tried to stay out of all the family drama (wasn't too succsssful since i kept getting pulled in through emotion i guess).

But now looking back to my first trip back i was really successful because this time I extremely blew it. One of the craziest verbal fight broke out tonight with my bro and mom. Usually its my brother that is the cause of most of the fights and my mom coming in second. Ragaolic (a word i invented recently...least i dont think it exists) runs in our family and the extended family. I am one of the ragaolics...but am on a path to control, learn, and change from it...no one else cares to change...thats their problem. Well my mom and bro was going at it...i stuck my nose where i shouldn't have trying to "help" and got pulled in it sooooo deep that there wasy no turning back.

Was left in complete mental F*** over and emotionally everywhere. For the first time in more than a year... I WAS BACK TO THE PERSON i remember i was with my family. I had not been that deep with them for more than a year now. At that moment i felt (still do a bit) that i had made no progress and the last three months have not done a thing. I was bummed out, sad, maybe working my way to depression again.

Couldn't stop thinking about all the goals that i had not accomplished yet because most of the time i had been focusing on personal growth, but after this incident i couldn't see any...did i have any personal growth in the last three months? I couldnt see any. As i type this i notice i am using a lot of past tense. Can it be that those feelings and thoughts have started to subside (am still dissappointed though).

The GOOD NEWS... Somewhere through all of this craziness i got enough energy to start working on one of my goals...researching San Diego. A few weeks back i found this great site that i didnt have time to look at so i bookmarked it. Checked it out today and it was from San Diego Magazine. They had done some research and put out a article of "Best of San Diego 2007". As i looked it over and all the 112 places they had listed a crazy idea popped in my head. As i started thinking it over more and more i started realizing i could conquer a lot of my goals with this one project. I can explore the city in a adventerous and exciting fun way. I can meet tons of people. I can get to know "myself" by spending some quality time with "myself". I could work on my critical thinking, analysizing, and problems solving skills all in one.

So I DECIDED my Quest/Mission/Journey/Adventure: to explore, visit, critque, and experience all 112 places listed in that article randomly and document it all in a journal. Going to 2-3 places a week i estimate a 9-14 month quest. Something to help me focus on ME, and a fun goal at that.

One concern i have though: based on my past exprience of myself (including the last 3 months where i have been working hard at making changes)...i have a negative habit of starting projects but procrastinating in finishing them...for one i tend to lose focus and/or motivation after a while. So one solution i came up with was to get started on my PLAN asap, which i did. I got practically most of it done. Second solution which i am thinking about doing is posting a thread on my progress with my quest to share my experiences with everyone here...and possibly to help me stay focused.

If I do decide to continue this thread with progress notes, i will post my detailed plan with objective, why i chose this goal, and the rules of the game (as i decided to call them) in the thread.

I would love any feedback (good and bad), comments, and hope someone can take something out of this.

[Lola]

I think it's a great goal, Kaprese. And if you post about it here, there's the added bonus of letting those of us who don't live in Southern California learn more about San Diego as well!

[DarkSociologist]

This is an awesome goal! I'm in a similar situation, where I'm just trying to explore Vienna. My roommate has a "10 Best of Vienna" book, that has the 10 best things in Vienna according to different subjects.

I'll be going to the Belvedere museum tomorrow and the Albertina after that.

Good luck to you! Maybe you could start a blog and post pictures of all the cool stuff that you've been doing.

[Kaprese408]

I recently came across "Best of San Diego 2007" list and I had a quick surge of inspiration…my quest ~ TO VISIT ALL THE PLACES LISTED and critique my own experience!

***The Catch = I HAVE TO DO IT SOLO…all of those places I "have to" go BY MYSELF***

WHY??? The Benefits:

~ Sounds exciting, spontaneous, and fun

~ Would be a adventurous way to get to know the city and all its areas

~ Would require planning, research, and analytical skills - all of which I want to improve

~ Going by myself will gear me to focus ON ME and my likes, dislikes, strengths, and weakness - It a way I will get to know more about my one and only best friend: ME. Best way to get to know someone is to spend some time with them…I haven't truly spent time with myself, so heck here I go. Anytime is a good time to start something new.

~ That would mean 112 NEW EXPERIENCES to add to my memory books

~ It may lead to a life changing game and this might be a way to discover my own strategy

~ Improve my self discipline and gain me some commitment confidence

~ Help me conquer my shyness by promoting a environment where I put myself out there and try to get to know the people I meet at all of these places

~I will start to gain a greater self confidence in my social/people skills by learning more about myself and others - will lead to strengthening my interpersonal skills

~ I will practice living more in the present and hopefully get a lot better at end


So if this is a game…or working my way toward it, WHAT ARE THE RULES?

1. This is my own personal quest, mission, endeavor, victory - so I MUST go to all places by myself…unless I was ignorant to the fact, I cannot go to any of the places listed with someone prior to going by myself (after the fact it is okay)

2. To make it more spontaneous and less anxiety provoking…I will choose the weekly spots randomly (most likely print out the article, cut up the different "spots", and put them into a "special X", where I will draw from)

3. The drawing will take place at least one day before the day of my scheduled event - this will give me enough time to do some research on the place (history, location, directions, best time of the day to go-or day to go, expectations, reviews, its purpose, etc.)

4. I will choose 2-3 different places to go to per a week (# will vary depending on the time involved for each location, complexity, location, proximity, etc.)

5. Since there are ~112 places to check out the math comes down to:
~ 2 places per a week = 56 weeks = 14 months
~ 3 places per a week = 37 weeks = 9 months
This will be started first week of December and this challenge is projected to be completed some where between Aug of 2008 to Jan of 2009

6. Since this is a LONGTERM commitment, "life" might come up on certain weeks where I am not able to stick to the 2-3 rule or worst case, I am not able to go to any location at all that week(s). In that case it is within the rules to take a break from that week and CONTINUE at the next convenient week that comes up. It is extremely important to use my critical thinking skills prior to and assess the situation appropriately. Also I have to use good judgment and discretion. Situations that another sane (or CoDa Insane ;-D), reasonable, and self guided individual would also determine that week to be void. In this case, the projected completion date will obviously be extended.

* Possible projected conflicts that WILL be grounds for a void include: travel plans, school, previous commitments that relate to my other goals, more TBD
* Possible projected conflicts that are NOT grounds for a week void: moods, laziness, tiredness, fights with anyone (unless it is related to health risks), life's annoyances rearing their ugly head… more TBD

7. I will take my camera with me and take pics of all locations I go to including: people I meet, name of the place, the service provided, myself somewhere in a few of those pics

8. At each location I am REQUIRED to speak to at least ONE individual and get to know them a little bit more than on a ice breaker level - CANNOT leave until this one has been accomplished

9. I will carry a "black book" with me (may end up being a different color), but instead of putting the contact information of all the guys I think are cute, I will ask the people I begin to build rapport with for their contact information - this will begin the path of building my own network. It will not matter what age, sex, race, or any other social label a person is that I begin a relationship with. Anyone is welcome into my game of self discovery and into my world…as long as I like them and want to get to know them better later on in my life. There might be a personal connection, common interest, a genuine interest in one another, curiosity, gratefulness, admiration, respect, or any other characteristic I find that I like in that person.

10. At each and EVERY location I will let someone know my purpose: to visit all 112 places listed in the Best of San Diego 2007 magazine and form my own critique and experience … and hopefully meet some great people along the way.

11. I will also share my motivation with at least ONE person at EACH AND EVERY location: to explore the city in a adventurous and exciting way. To learn more about myself and my likes, dislikes, strengths and weaknesses. To conquer two fears of mine: shyness and living life on my own. To create some lasting memories. To finish something I committed to.

12. Numbers 10 & 11 can be shared with whoever I choose to share #9 with.

13. If the people I ask to get their contact info want mine as well, I will be OKAY with giving out my information

14. I will journal my experiences at all locations taking note about: my thoughts and feelings, my likes and dislikes, the people I meet, the service I experience, the environment, the people or vibe in general, location within San Diego, my thoughts about my progress thus far and ALSO any nussians or obstacles, or problems that came up. Even things that pissed me off or got on my bad side including: rejections, actions and/or reactions of other people, if any of my negative patterns came up, or anything else that was not expected good or bad. I will take my time to do this and possibly take a small note pad to jot down notes as I entertain the locations.

15. I will then look at any problems I need to address and journal about how I can learn from those problems and take steps in changing what I need to change so my next experience I do not encounter the same problems.

16. I need to dress for the occasion…and dress to impress (my best). This is going to go in my memory books, I will be taking pictures, I will post information maybe on a blog, at a forum, in my own journal that I cannot look lazy or undone. Plus who know who I will meet in the process. No excuses for not dressing up or down at my best no matter where I am going that day. This will be a good way for me to practice on getting up and dressing for my day instead of running around in my P.Js

17. My experiences DO NOT HAVE TO BE PERFECT BUT I DO NEED TO MAKE SURE THAT I FULLY EXPERIENCE THEM BY LIVING IN THE PRESENT - "PRESENT" MOMENT is the only way for me to truly enjoy life's experiences

This is going to be loads of fun...who knows where this adventure will take me and how my days will turn out... stay tuned to find out!!! First week will kick off the first week of December...next WEEK YEAHHHHHHHH

[lespauldude]

I highly doubt you're going to do even half of the 112. you shouldn't be so absolute about saying that you will.

I am trying to burst your bubble; I don't see how planning 112 vacations will help you out.

Go to a few of those places you most want to and just have fun.

Even if you're sure that this goal will help you out right now, you'll realize that in a couple weeks you won't have improved your life at all. Doing that takes hard work but actually pays off.

[Kaprese408]

Originally Posted by DarkSociologist

This is an awesome goal! I'm in a similar situation, where I'm just trying to explore Vienna. My roommate has a "10 Best of Vienna" book, that has the 10 best things in Vienna according to different subjects.

Yeah i am really excited about it. It will be my reward after a long hard day of work. It's a great way for me to get familiar with myself. Vienna sounds fun too. Maybe after this project i might have no problem applying the same concept to vacations internationally. :-D Best wishes in Vienna and have loads of fun.

Originally Posted by Lola

I think it's a great goal, Kaprese. And if you post about it here, there's the added bonus of letting those of us who don't live in Southern California learn more about San Diego as well!

Lola that sounds like a great idea. I will be starting a blog, but i didnt think about posting a few things here. I'll get back to you with my first expereince.

Originally Posted by lespauldude

I highly doubt you're going to do even half of the 112. you shouldn't be so absolute about saying that you will.

I am trying to burst your bubble; I don't see how planning 112 vacations will help you out.

Go to a few of those places you most want to and just have fun.

Even if you're sure that this goal will help you out right now, you'll realize that in a couple weeks you won't have improved your life at all. Doing that takes hard work but actually pays off.

Lespauldude...i appreciate your opinion, it hear a lot of pessimisism. Your right about not being absolute...that is a habit i am trying to break (and for watever reason if all 112 places do not end up happening...then i will be even more dissappointed since i put it in a absolute...so i will not be doing that.) I STILL plan to try my best to check out all 112 places (to me its not like taking 112 vacations, just going out 112 times. ) Who doesn't like to go out, well I do at the least. There are some personal goals i have that will challenge some of my negative patterns and I can gain a lot of self reliance from this project ...the KEY Is to do it all by myself. I am not sure if you read the blog above... but it goes in details in how this project relates to my goals. The main concept behind this all is to learn about the things that i like and dont like (if i go to the places i just like then i won't learn about the ones i dont)...i also have a tough time figuring out what i like. Secondly, its not just about the things i like and dont, but also about what character traits i have that i need to work on. For example, i really need to boost my self reliance skills, critical thinking skills, and people skills. Alll of these skills i will have to apply during my random "vacations" because i know there will be times when something unexpected happens...its how i handle those unexpectated situations that will help me build my life skills so i can feel more independent and be able to gain the confidence i need to manage life and my happiness all on my own. I have realized recently that i am responsible for my life (i didn't have that mindset before...i leaned into other people's shadow)...so now i am trying to get my own shadow and stand on my own two feet by handling what life throws my way. I also wanted to explore these skills in a fun way. I have learned recently that I am never alone when i am by myself...i am always WITH myself. I want to spend that quality time with myself so i can learn more about me.

My bubble has not been bursted....my bad b/c i might have bursted yours. Take the time to read my rules of the game post...my goals are mentioned a lot and it will indicate how going to 112 places will help me out. Its more about the personal advantages i can achieve than the places themselves.

[VacMan]

Kaprese408,

Sounds like fun to me!

Shoot for the moon, at least you'll be among the stars

[Kaprese408]

So i just drew my first week places to check out off of "Best of San Diego 2007" and they ended up being some Interesting selections.

1. Place to Play Video Games: Mudd Club
2. A Way to Waste a Saturday Afternoon: Ride your bike around Mission Bay

Well, both unexpected since its been a LONGGGG time since i have played video games (never played games online). So the Mudd Club will be a new experience...will be researching a bit more (get back to you all wit more details when i got them)

Riding my bike around mission bay sounds a lot of fun and active...im on a exercise workout plan so this would be perfect. ONLY ONE PROBLEM...i have no BIKE. It's okay, my first problem to solve. I might end up renting one unless i figure sumthin else. 19 miles around mission bay is what i know so far...and the track is at sea level.

[Determined2Achieve]

Hey Kaprese I think it's a great goal.It's very difficult for us to admit that we are stuck in an odd situation.And even more difficult is to come out of our comfort zone and do something about it.One of your goals is to share your motivation with other people as well.I personally liked this goal a lot. It's great that you have taken this challenge.Wish you all the best!

[chaostheory]

As a San Diego native, i can suggest some wonderful things to see.

1. Green Valley Falls up in Cuyamaca Rancho State Park.

2. Sunset Cliffs. Just remember to use the stairs provided and NOT attempt to climb down the cliffs themselves.

3. La Jolla Shores. Lots to do outdoors, and lots of art galleries if you're into that.

4. Mission Beach Amusement Park. There's a tiny mexican restaurant right off the sand where you can get the best carne asada burrito ever.

5. Julian.

6. Balboa Park's natural history and aerospace museums.

7. Del Mar Fair.