It would probably scare most of you off if you knew how anxious I am…I fear everything from the dark to things that go bump in the night to germs to just about everything. Oh, and heights. Definitely, for sure, HEIGHTS.
Still, when I was writing my Life List, somehow, a hot air balloon ended up on there. As a kid, there were these fields near my house (where my high school would later be built!) that housed a yearly hot air balloon race starting point. I have fond memories of going with my parents and watching the sky be filled with color until all the little specks drifted away and the hot air balloons went off to their next destination. Somehow, I’ve always found them totally fascinating, and lovely, really. I always thought that someday, on a whim, I’d check that little dream off my list…and then…
The RSCVA emailed me and said, “Hey, do you wanna come check out Reno and ride in a hot air balloon for the Great Reno Balloon Race? You know, like, as media?” I said yes without even considering my fear of heights. Hotel + food + Doni + hot air balloon? How can I say no?
So, yes…this is that Super Secret September adventure I mentioned in my last post. I’m excited to see a friend, conquer a fear and see the gorgeous Nevada-California landscape from the vantage point of a hot air balloon. It’s a childhood dream come true, really.
Have you conquered any fears lately?
In case it wasn’t obvious, the RSCVA is covering my food, lodging and of course, the hot air balloon. The massive hug-fest you’ll hear around the world is sponsored by me and Doniree and Becca. They’re of course hoping I’ll write about it, and I most definitely will share the adventure here. Look for it, coming soon!
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How exciting! I can’t wait to hear all about it.
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do they need a photographer to document the experience?
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beccawik Reply:
August 23rd, 2010 at 11:13 am
Leslie, that depends.
Can you give me more information about you?
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SO jealous!
Have a blast, can’t wait to hear about it!
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This will hopefully be the first of many hug-fest reunions between you and I!
<3
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THIS. IS. AWESOME.
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I love that you’ve sucker-punched (figuratively speaking, of course) someone else to pay for you to overcome your fears. So cool – and what a fun experience you have awaiting you!
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I loved the balloon festival… it was sad when they developed that side of town and the festival no longer existed.
I am SO excited that you get to do this! I have a feeling that the sense of peace you will have is going to overwhelm your fear of heights. I cannot wait to hear about it! And of course there better be photos!
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Oh good luck on your hot air balloon adventure! It’s really funny that you posted about this because, for the past 10 years, I though it would be cool to fly in a hot air balloon (and I am not afraid of heights), mostly it’s the cost that restricts me.
This past weekend, I found out that when my boyfriend was little, his dad promised to take him on all the modes of transportation little boys are fascinated with: a car, a truck, a train, a bus, a plane, a helicopter… and a hot air balloon! I think the balloon is the only pending item on the list, and his dad wants to take us on a trip! so, I too may have a hot air balloon adventure this fall.
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Very cool! I was once lucky enough to ride on a hot air balloon in Africa. I was in 7th grade and my grandfather very generously took a bunch of his extended family on a trip there. The hot air balloon was such an amazing experience – you’ll never forget the landing!
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Can’t wait to see you there! Here’s to conquering fear of heights
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Omg! Hot air balloon! That is awesome. I wish I would have thought of it for my list. Maybe I’ll steal it anyway.
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How fun! I had the pleasure of riding in a hot air balloon about ten years ago and it was exhilarating! It was scary for me to not be strapped in to anything, so I hung on to the basket as tight as I could while enjoying a stunning view and an amazing experience. Maybe have a glass of wine before:)
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Ahhh, that’s awesome! I’m so thrilled for you. This totally exists on my “Bucket List” too and I can’t wait for it to happen. Hopefully my first hot air balloon ride will be an all-expenses paid vacay just like yours! Can’t wait to hear all about it
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ah! you’re going too! i am so excited for you ladies, that is so awesome.
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Oh, how darling!
I just went to a hot air balloon festival in Montreal. It was so surreal. I didn’t take a balloon ride because it was so expensive! Maybe next year…
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SO jealous of you and Doni, it sounds like a blast. A scary blast, can’t wait to hear about it!
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That is so awesome! I cannot wait to hear all about it.
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SO awesome! I’ve always wanted to ride in a hot air balloon – I find them fascinating.
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OMG, how exciting!! I can’t wait to hear all about it. There are always hot air balloons here where I live and I’d definitely go up in one if it wasn’t so expensive.
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How fun & exciting!! That will be so awesome for you. I can’t wait to hear about it and see pictures. I’m sure you’ll rock the hot air balloon! xoxo
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Yes!! Goodluck! Can’t wait to hear how it goes… hot air balloon ride is on my list too.
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[...] mentioned awhile back that the lovely Becca invited me to come to Reno and ride in a hot air balloon as part of the Great [...]