The Raising of Funds

So, a couple things to note:

1) I am taking further initiative to raise money for other organizations while I'm at it.

2) I'm not sure what organizations to work with (also wondering if I need to let these organizations know that I'm promoting their work?).

There is a great organization called Children International that I have previously been a sponsor of. Since I am intending on returning from the Antarctic with an presentation to elementary schools and middle schools, I thought it might be neat to spread the word internationally. It is quite a bit easier for us here in the United States to achieve goals (relatively speaking) but not so much for the little ones who's families have a monthly income of sometimes less than a hundred dollars.

15% of what I raise will go to Children International. (I would post the link but this is a quick post as I am feeling a little lazy after dinner).

Another 15% will go to an antarctic/wildlife preservation sort of thing...but I have yet to find the right one. I'll be doing the research...and I will be sure to let you know asap.

--AS

The "I Should REALLY Be Blogging Every Day" Moment

Seriously. I think about this blog multiple times a day. And! For the last 2 weeks (cause it has been that long since my last post) I have been feeling rather guilty for not putting myself out there. Don't get me wrong or anything - it's still on. Still fully on.

Things have been a little hectic so stay with my for a moment while I go ahead and describe what I'm up against:

-I am working at a fantastic summer camp this year (starting in like 5 days!!!!!) called Galileo Learning. Should be great, but perhaps a little taxing on my outgoing energy.
-I am leaving for a trip to Beijing followed by Goa, India in October to become a certified yoga instructor. I have a lot of reading to do in between now and then.
-I may or may not have to move depending on whether my parents house sells or not (I guess now is a good time to tell you that I'm 24 years old but have in fact lived outside of my parents house between now and 18 years of age...a lot actually, but we can save those stories for later - maybe!

So basically, what I'm getting at is that the following words are meant in all seriousness: I will blog my little heart out every day. Or at least 5-6 times a week. I let you all know so that you can hold me accountable ;)

I have a song. I have a lot more to say. I should go home and video record the song tonight so as to put it up for tomorrow's post. I'm glad you're here. If you're reading this...we're connected. E-mail me!

--AS

P.S. I got a my first comment from someone I potentially don't know. Tools! If you're out there, THANK YOU. You were one of the driving forces to initiate daily blogging.

Still to come - music, photo shoots, Antarctic fashion, important arrangements, and interesting people. What more would you like? I'm open to your suggestions.

What's it Gonna Take?

During a conversation last night with my friend Devon's father I came to the realization that the whole process of getting there is going to be an adventure in itself. Clearly I have my work cut out for me... Some questions that have come to mind are as follows:

--Who will invest in my project?
--What exactly are my 'selling' points?
--Why is my endeavor important to other people?

Of course, I can answer all of these...but ideally I would like to be able to demonstrate these answers so that I don't have to answer them directly with only words. I think I told you I have a musical number for the occasion. This remains to be true, I just need to record the best quality vid I can muster. For now, feast your eyes on some penguins.

The Objectives (cont.)

So, almost an entire year ago I wrote a post about what in fact I was setting out to accomplish. Although the three objectives all still apply, I wish to go further into objective number 3 as I have figured out the purpose of me getting to the South Pole.

! (Hopefully this is somewhat exciting for you...because it is for me)

Clearly getting oneself to Antarctica is no simple task. It becomes further complicated when only one person trying to raise $14,000.

I imagine this endeavor will take me about a year, maybe a little longer, to get all the funding I need. Upon my return, I still intend to do a freelance lecture series to middle schools and elementary schools alike (also, I am seeking out a word that is much more attractive than "lecture"...any bright ideas? E-mail me: asemps@gmail.com).

The concept for the talks I will give to the younger generations is simple: Self believe, positive intentions, and having your heart in the right place is all you need to accomplish the things you desire.

Next, I will be working to create an epic PowerPoint presentation so that I don't look like some random chick asking businesses for money.

Coming up: The Musical Number.

It's true.


--AS

The Triumphant Return

It's true that the hiatus lasted seemingly longer than anticipated but, I am pleased to announce that the Antarctic Swashbuckler is back and ready to take action once again. Stay tuned, this time there's no going back. I just need to make this to-do list real quick...

--AS

The Hiatus

Dearest Beloveds,

Due to some rather unexpected news, the life of antarctic swashbuckling has pushed pause.

I find it confusing to live in a society that deems only those with degrees as acceptable when the education system is royally flawed. It should not put people in debt to get an education.

Regardless of my ideas on things, I have recently not been approved for my student loans needed for the next year. In turn, I have no choice but to sell everything I own (with special exceptions, of course). No apartment in 30 days and no school in the fall.

In the mean time, I will be reevaluating what is actually important in life. Clearly, it is not the false identity we create through our collection of 'stuff' and 'things'...

So, you know...we'll be in touch. This is not the end of the journey - merely the unanticipated beginning!

Stay with it. Who knows what will happen next!? For now, enjoy this. Because pop-stars in other places are even BETTER:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AAWqnA8PdcY

--AS

The Objective(s)

Although the physical journey is not set to commence for 7+ months, I see the endeavor as having already been started. The goal of the entire adventure is three fold:

#1 - Spend the next 7 months or so showing myself and anyone else who is interested that I am capable of earning the funds; a task that could prove highly useful for future projects...because, let's be real, I'm a creative individual and money and creativity don't always go hand in hand; to have the support of others is useful for anyone who wishes to succeed.

#2 - Go to Antarctica for 2.5 weeks. Because that is awesome and glaciers are magical.

#3 - Upon returning to the PDX area I plan to conduct a freelance lecture series to middle schools for the rest of the 2010-11 school year. The idea is still manifesting itself (with my guidance, of course) but, I want to get the message out to the world's youth that anything is possible and you can do whatever you put your mind to.

Of course, I will have to make the first two objectives a reality before I can spread the positive message of self belief.

Next step: implement physical progress...

--AS