Delusions of Grandeur

Keep Fighting!

Keep Dreaming!

Conquer All!

If you saw last weeks posting and are thinking to yourself, "Isn’t ThirteenSquared supposed to be over by now?" Well I’m here to tell you are right... And you're wrong. 

Let's review first: ThirteenSquared is a resolution based blog that I began on January 1st, 2013 in order to an enact small positive changes in my life. I utilized the power of accountability in order to overcome the many of the things that keep us from achieving the goals that we set for ourselves. 

ThirteenSquared = Thirteen resolution lists comprised of thirteen items? --> That’s 169 total resolutions in the year 2013.

Specific

Measurable

Accountable

Reasonable

Timed

The S.M.A.R.T. principles allowed me to have fixed and achievable goals.  The accountability part of it was displayed in the form of the articles and entries submitted for every resolution completed. Unbeknownst to me this written component became the hardest part of successfully completing ThirteenSquare. 

So did I achieve my goals? Well that depends... How do you measure success? If you have kept up with all the stories you know for a fact that 169 entries were not entered in the year 2013. The more accurate truth is that I in fact suffered from delusions of grandeur when I created ThirteenSquared! Despite every attempt to stay as organized and accountable to you as possible, I cannot say for sure that all hundred and 69 corresponding resolutions were completed. I say ‘corresponding’ because while a few of the lists might be one or two resolutions short, there are many other lists that I completed far beyond 13 requisite accomplishments. One list in particular - Volunteer - lead to the creation and development of an enormous project, a fundraiser and mission to help the orphanage of Casa Guatemala. 

The whole point of this massive undertaking was to begin taking the small steps from which positive, healthy and powerful life changes come from.  So yes! I believe that ThirteenSquared has indeed been successful in that initiation. 

I fully intend on completing the submissions called for by all 169 individual resolutions as a way of staying in touch with positive momentum in my life. Besides, I still have so many stories I WANT to tell! And last but not least, the knowledge that my project has been an encouraging influence for others continues to fuel my drive to inspire and uplift. 

With the kids and volunteers at Casa Guatemala

There are so many people who have supported me from the beginning and countless others who joined forces with me to make each story possible. I am so thankful to each and all of you. I hope I continue to make you proud :) 

Spotlight: QUEZTAL

I nearly didn't go at all. I had already delayed the whole thing by several days. 

Being that I was traveling at the time, I didn't even have makeup or hair product available. I also could have used a few months to get in shape. The only comforting thought rested on the fact that I would have complete autonomy over the results of the photo shoot. Even more so, it might be nice to look back on these pictures as I sag and stretch with age -- let's face it, we all get old.

The photographer had an entire vision for the shoot, before he even saw the complete image of what he intended to photograph: 

                                
The Quetzal tattooed on my back. 

Nine hours of pain permanently inked unto my body. A solid representation of my roots and my values. 

HOMAGE AND VALUE

The Quetzal is Guatemala's national bird and is considered one of the most beautiful birds in the world. Its' image is a source of national pride and can be observed on Guatemala's flag, etched into all our souvenirs and even in the currency - the equivalent of 'Dollars' would be 'Quetzales'.  

FREEDOM AND EXTINCTION

Few more will ever be blessed enough to see this bird of paradise fly in all its splendour. With their habitat dissappearing in the very few high altitude environments where they can live, the Quetzal is headed for the endangered species list. Unlikely most every species on that list, human intervention and specialized breeding centres cannot increase the quickly falling numbers. Only protection of their current homes can offer a salvation. 

Why? This bird doesn't just stand for liberty, it requires it! Save for a single exception in recent years, all attempts to raise or breed Quetzales in captivity have ended with the death of the bird pairs. 

Freedom from life behind bars is something we should relate all to. 

MYTHOLOGY AND HONOR

More than just the symbol of a country, the Quetzal was revered as a God to our ancestor. The Mayan peoples considered it sacred and only the most Holy or royal leaders could wear their feathers on their headdress. Myth has it that when the Mayan warrior Tecum Uman, was defeated in battle by the Spaniard Conquistadores, the Quetzal landed on his bloody chest - staining the bird with its' bright belly. 

"One Mayan legend claims that the quetzal used to sing beautifully before the Spanish conquest, but has been silent ever since; it will sing once again only when the land is truly free." -- Unknown

• All the photographs presented here were taken by April Beresford, before and during the actual studio session. 
• Typical garments worn represent different departments of Guatemala. 

Contact me at: karinasextraordinarylife@gmail.com

Don't forget to like, share and subscribe to get all the latest stories straight to your inbox. 

Kindly Me

CHALLENGE  ACCOMPLISHMENT SUMMARY

THE RESOLUTION: Random Kindness

Opportunities are everywhere!

Without a doubt, it has been faster, easier, more fun and definitely more rewarding to complete ThirteenSquared’s Random Kindnesses resolution than the ever more effortful volunteering campaign. I even find myself continuing to look for these altruistic chances beyond my ThirteenSquared goals. The true goal of every resolution is to ignite great future life changes. 

My summary list:

1. One of my most honest and vulnerable entries. http://thirteensquared13.blogspot.com.es/2013/03/the-weight-of-issue.html#more

2. Simple beginnings start with tea time.  http://thirteensquared13.blogspot.com.es/2013/02/january-in-review-part-i.html

3. What’s more Canadian than stopping to help others push their car out of the snow? 

4. Meter maid                              http://thirteensquared13.blogspot.com.es/2013/05/meter-maid.html

5. You don’t need a degree in geriatric care to improve the health of neglected elderly people. An hour of simple conversation and a lot of laughter flushed the colour back into Fernando and Horace. 

 -> This one made a surprising and lasting impact for me. Taking the time to visit with them took no particular effort and no expense. In fact, I enjoyed the time with them, Fernando was a particularly “filthy old fart” who soon had my belly aching with laughter. He had been saving a lifetime of jokes for anyone who would just listen to him. But before I could leave, both Fernando and Horace turned serious and emotional. They thanked so profusely for having taken the time to share and laugh with them that I often think back to them, hopeful,that there will always be someone else willing to listen to their jokes. 

6. This cupcake story even got its’ own 2 part double feature.

• Story:                                 http://thirteensquared13.blogspot.com.es/2013/05/st-patricks-day.html
• YouTube:                              https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aI5MbW1l77I&feature=player_embedded

7. There aren’t too many people who would place doing laundry very high on their list of favourite activities. But this month, a few lucky people will find themselves the lucky recipients of my latest random kindness: prepaid washing machines! Good luck :)

8. Some kindnesses present as learning opportunities. For me, it involved one badass motorcycle and its gentle rider get out of a jam. Thankfully, my trustee truck came equipped with jumper cables. Not so helpful, my lack of instruction on how to operate said cables. No worries, as long as I could provide the materials, the Harley man was more than willing to show me how to properly bring the roaring engine back to life. 

9. An oldie but goodie. Stopped by my local Tim Hortons for a coffee... and treated the following customer, a disheveled looking lady clearly in need of a pick me up. Enjoy stranger :)

10. More a of a volunteer situation than a random kindness due to its more organized nature (if I am to follow my own criteria), but couch hosting Nishant on a last minute request makes #10.                                     http://thirteensquared13.blogspot.com.es/2013/05/hosting-nishant.html 

11. It was a particularly festive day, nevertheless, fireworks rang out from the parking lot beneath us. Minutes later a scary old doggy pawed its way past the back trailing what was left of stinky, rotted leash behind. Spooked by the loud noises, he made a break for it snapping the leash tying to a pole outside the shop while his owner was inside buying coffee. With major trafficked on all four sides, waiting around for his master to notice was much to risky. I sprang into action catching up with the pup half a block away. This is when the realization this anxious mutt may not be feeling to keen to make a new friend. No fret though, I let him sniff me a bit before taking hold of him and guiding him back to the man who was now calling for his dog from the parking lot. 

12. Writing a simple message can be a great way to turn someones day/week around. People who feel good spread that energy with others. It’s a bit harder to know what to say when you are writing to strangers and leaving the notes on their windshield. It is even harder to say something great to a person who is notoriously rude, mean and without compassion. I hope my note makes her a little nicer. 

13. Finally, the story of Justin, the not so wandering hungry person I shared a pizza with.  http://thirteensquared13.blogspot.ca/2013/10/hungry-hungry-hippo.html

The first fully fulfilled and documented list for ThirteenSquared is now complete. Only one month to go and 12 more lists to present! Yikes!

One woman. One year. 169 Resolutions. 

We are LIVE!!!!

I know you have all been waiting with much anticipation for your chance to make a difference in this world. Your chance is now here. My campaign to help the children of Casa Guatemala is now LIVE @ igg.me/at/heroesforguatemala and your contributions WILL bring better health, nutrition, education and joy for them. Please check out the campaign link. Anything helps. Wether you skip your morning latte this week or you buy yourself one less present this Christmas, the impact your donation can make is sure to be amplified. 

If you can't contribute to the funds, (and I completely understand that many of us are struggling to keep afloat in our own lives) remember that there is ALWAYS a way that you can help. Start today by sharing the link (igg.me/at/heroesforguatemala)  with your friends and family. Giving children an opportunity to thrive and live in a safe environment is always a great cause. 

YouTube film: http://youtu.be/MissionGuatemala

The campaign will be live from November 25th to Christmas Day (December 25th) 2013. Don't miss your chance. 

For any other questions/comments or if you have thoughts and ideas regarding this or anything else at all, please feel free to contact me at karinasextraordinarylife@gmail.com. 

Kindest regards and thank you all for your support. 

Karina


*Remember, April and I will be documenting this expedition right here on ThirteenSquared so you too can experience the adventure and witness the effects of these kind givings. 

Heroes for Guatemala

UPDATE: The campaign is now LIVE !!!! (November 25th - December 25th, 2013)

Please visit igg.me/at/heroesforguatemala.
Don't forget to share, like and donate :)
Thank you all so much for always supporting me.

The following campaign was supposed to go live tonight on the eve of my birthday. Because it's a big one this year, I was going to ask every one of you to save that spare change you were going to use to buy me a birthday beer to help me 'be the change you hope to see'. So I'm still going to ask you to be a hero and help fund this mission -- the launch has just been temporarily delayed as I struggle (as usual) with the technological aspects (aka I still have a long long way to go as I learn to navigate all things computer/internet related).

In the meantime, here is a sneak peek at the mission and how you can make a change. Remember to check back (or subscribe) for updates and links. 

Me and my mission: 

My name is Karina. I am a Guatenadian (Guatemalan-Canadian) raising funds for a remote orphanage in Guatemala (I first visited and spent some time volunteering at Casa Guatemala in 2010.) I plan to use the funds to make necessary purchases for food, medical/school/hygiene supplies in local markets and personally transport and deliver them into the bedrooms, kitchens and classrooms of Casa Guatemala. This of course eliminates a single penny lost from the middle men/organizations and ensures needs of the children are met directly. 

My longer story:

When I first started traveling as ragtag solo backpacker on a shoestring, I had a dream of making a positive impact everywhere I could. All around me there were worthy causes pleading for donations and volunteers to build homes/schools, save the rainforest, protect endangered species, or work with impoverished populations. 

I was quickly disappointed at the excessive funds being asked of me in order to ‘volunteer’ at most of the international organizations. Money was more highly valued than the time and personal effort which was all I was able to give. 

In 2010 I returned to my birth country of Guatemala and found Casa Guatemala. This jungle island orphanage is fully funded by donations and international volunteers educating and caring for dozens of children who were orphaned, abandoned or rescued from poverty, abuse and violence. Through my short term volunteer project, I learned more from this kids than I thought possible. Their passionate happiness stems from what little they share. Their smiles and gratitude for my simple presence moved and inspired me into further action. I shared my story with friends and family in order to collect donations and money to help them further. Within a few weeks, I was able to make the long trek back with a boat full of supplies: sacks of rice and beans, diapers, baby formula, basic medications and first aid, hygiene supplies, mosquito nets, food supplements, clothing, shoes, sports equipment and toys. My presence ensured that every item reached its place without a doubt that those who needed them would find it. 

This Christmas I will be making a similar trip to visit Casa Guatemala and I need your help to make it a success. I will once again take responsibility to ensure that nutrition, education and good health reaches this corner of the world. It’s a small step, but we all have to start somewhere. 

Please donate to my cause and be a hero to these kids. My humble goal is to reach $500 for supplies like the ones listed above. Money raised by December 25th, 2013 will also be used to help pay for the transportation of these items from Guatemala city to Casa Guatemala. Remember that any small amount can go a long way in a third world country. 

I will be publishing a photo-journal article on my blog at the completion of the project so you may see how your funds helped to change and improve the lives of the children of the Casa Guatemala orphanage. 

Thank you, 

Karina

www.thirteensquared13.blogspot.com

If you want to learn more about this or any of my other endeavors please feel free to contact me at karinasextraordinarylife@gmail.com

Watch a short film from a previous visit to the orphanage on my YouTube channel KNExtraordinaryLife: http://youtu.be/cj2VD-ApF1k

Cataratas de Iguazú - A Photo Journal

CHALLENGE  ACCOMPLISHMENT # 8

THE RESOLUTION: Travel Stories

WELCOME TO IGUAZÚ

I could start off with words like magnificent, striking, awesome, thunderous, phenomenal, spectacular, or breathtaking. These would all be accurate if understated descriptions of this wonder of the world.

Without speaking to the constantly admired qualities of the waterfalls themselves, I want to praise another impressive aspect of Argentina's Iguazú National Park: the protective ingenuity and creativity that went into the creation of numerous circuits, footpaths, platforms, and extraordinary viewpoints of the nearly 300 individual falls.

The Upper Circuit is a kilometre long footbridge to the mouth of 'Devil's Throat' 

The platform here gives panoramic views of the roaring falls battering all your senses at once. Though be prepared to fight the crowds for a good photograph. 

       The liquid deluge is collected 80 metres below and carried away by the Rio Paraná.  

All along the Argentinian crest there are proper paths with well designed platforms posed at different levels; each giving innovative new perspectives of the cascades. 

Multiple cliffs and islets divide the water streams into separate waterfalls ranging between 60-80 metre drops. 

Views from down river show the vast area consumed by these falls. The right side, including Isla (Island)San Martín pictured in the centre is Argentinian land. The landmass on the left is Brazilian territory.

  A mid-level display of raw power and the most brilliant, colour saturated rainbows I've ever encountered. 

Apart from the labyrinth of paths, there multiple ways get up close and personal both above and below the falls. Mellow rides through the jungle above and more adrenaline activating power rides are available departing from both countries. 

Just in case you were thinking "it doesn't look THAT big!" 

        My face to face with Iguazú on the lower level. Just you try and keep you camera dry for this shot!

If rushing white water inches from your body doesn't sound like your thing (or all the above simply is not enough for you), head over to the Brazilian side and take to the skies for jaw dropping sights you won't soon forget. 

Argentina (to the left) tends to be much more highly regarded than its neighbours' views and activities. 

 In a closer shot you can easily observe the Argentinian platform at the Devil's Throat (top centre).

 In the co-pilot seat overseeing the grand
Waterfalls of Iguazú.

Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Center in 1984, the Iguazú National Park is also home to an extreme diversity of plant and wildlife in an increasingly threatened environment. 

 Aerial wildlife includes birds of unusual evolutionary colours such as this plush-crested jay. 

On land there is a plethora of easily spotted small mammals, though the elusive big cats of South America such as pumas and jaguars also lurk the jungles. Beware of these cute, confident and overly comfortable Coatis. Close relatives to the raccoons, they've been known to attack, though it was a guilty pleasure of mine to watch tourists squirm and run when they got too close. 

As I followed the footpaths over the plentiful wide streams leading to the mouth of Iguazú, I spotted dozens of turtles sunbathing on rocks, logs and the stone ruins of the previous footbridge; long ago razed by the river currents. Other surprising sights were massive and clearly powerful catfish that seemed to somehow be swimming in place against the strong waters washing them towards the falls. 

One woman. One year. 169 Resolutions. 

Hungry Hungry Hippo

CHALLENGE  ACCOMPLISHMENT # 6

THE RESOLUTION: Random Kindness

Sometimes random kindnesses require more action. It is more than just giving, it is involvement. Take today for example. April and I pulled into a plaza to buy, something. I don’t even recall what the item was, obviously it never ended getting purchased, but as April pulled her shiny Honda shadow off the main road I spotted a familiar sight: a filthy rag-tag green 65L backpack. Attached to it was a similarly unkempt and sad looking man. In his hands, a large cardboard sign reading “HUNGRY, HUNGRY, HIPPO”! 

I’m not sure I actually like the board game (yes, there is a game called ‘Hungry, hungry hippos’) but I sure have fond memories of the commercial. It is not usual for me to burst out with that line with the same over-acted joy the children in it had. I considered this a good omen and asked my fearless driver to pull a u-turn so we could invite this undoubtedly interesting man to join us for pizza. 

Justin was actually born right here in the Hammer (aka Hamilton, Ontario) but for the past 12 years he has been traveling all across  North America by any means. Hitchhiking is no stranger to me now so the exciting part for me was his stories about train hopping. There was a spark of life in his eyes, aged way beyond his 30 years, when he spoke about the excitement of eluding authorities across international boundaries. His experience revealed a similar culture to that of other travelers. Justin often joins other vagabonds for short term periods. They help and caution each other on specific routes - and most importantly, they all love to drink together. 

When J.R.R. Tolkien said, ‘Not all those who wander are lost’, he was NOT talking about this man. Justin is lost. He is a serious alcoholic, hardly able to control the shakes running through his entire body even while he pounds back his vodka mix drink. He admits it is a serious interference in his ability to hold down a job and has tried several times to stop drinking. His lifestyle has also taken a toll on his body and he admits he just can’t do it anymore. Not surprising considering his staggering $50 a day alcohol addiction. 

It is sometimes difficult to keep his attention while we chat over pepperoni pizza. Sometimes it seems he can barely hold on to his slice let alone stomach it. But he is open and honest as April and I  put forth some difficult questions. I don’t judge Justin nor how he chooses to live his life. It is clear he wants more. He wants better. I truly believe that just hearing yourself say that out loud can be a start - but you need someone to ask you first, someone that’s listening. 

Justin has now returned ‘home’ to try and settle down. The Canadian government has even provided him a home for now, but his income still comes from begging. I hope very much for him to find his way again, to make the choices to get back to a healthy life.

One woman. One year. 169 Resolutions.