Adventure roundup
Thought I’d pause all the adventuring for a moment to write about adventuring instead! And since it’s been awhile and so many grand adventures have been had, I’m gathering all the bits into one neat little summary. So, to be clear, it’s that kind of round up – not the rodeo, bucking bronco, hog-tying sort. Though, who knows? Perhaps the future holds that kind of adventure as well?
Here we go…
Celebrated Valentine’s Day with my man and some sweet friends at an intimate dinner / concert. We got dressed up, enjoyed some wine, a delicious meal, each other and some great music — including a slow dance or two! It felt so festive for me after making it special at home for all my boys for years. I’ve loved doing that – making a special dinner, cake, valentines, buying chocolates, decorating – but, this was a wonderful adventure that I got to anticipate well in advance and then just enjoy with no work whatsoever! Granted, I made the dinner and the cake the next day per my youngest son’s request, but that was after my Valentine’s Day treat!
Me, MC? Yes, I agreed to act as the Master of Ceremonies for Morning Star Development’s annual fundraising dinner not solely because I’d lost my mind, but also because I have a duty to adventure this year. And that: facing my worse-than-death-fear of public speaking, seems like the biggest adventure so far. That one decision is already spawning micro adventures like:
Hiring a public speaking coach – okay, I can only afford one session, but still!
Practicing in front of her – aiyiyi! What is it about being on a stage that feels so radically different from speaking up at a table of peers or even standing and leading from the ground floor with an audience around me?
Attending Toastmaster’s meetings to get regular, guided practice, worthwhile feedback and constructive criticism
Stepped up to the mic to read my story, Love on the Run, at February’s DimeStories event before committing to the MC gig. Sensing a theme? Yep, looking fear in the face (strangers, microphones and stages -- oh my!) and proceeding anyway
Joined a gym for the first time in a decade. This has entailed:
managing a limited supply of workout wear acceptable in public (vs. pjs lifting weights in my basement or old tights out on the trails at dawn when no one’s really awake or focused)
navigating locker rooms: what’s with the old ladies just hanging around naked?! jimmying combo locks and schlepping stuff from home (often forgetting crucial items like underwear or deodorant)
getting used to the whole gym scene again: apparently it’s still a big pick-up spot for singles: surprising and unwelcome discovery made on my very first day
meeting with a personal trainer (2 free sessions!) who evaluated my strength, balance and flexibility and prescribed some great new moves -- having fun lifting weights for the first time in recent memory
Classes:
Heated Yoga – not as bad nor as good as it sounded. Pretty packed, though, at 5:30 a.m.
Regular and Sprint Cycling Class. Regular – meh. Sprint cycling – yes! Kicked my butt, my quads, my lungs… keep going back for more
Master’s Fit Swim Class – barely alive to tell the tale! As if the swimming itself is not challenging enough, there’s also the swimsuit (is everything tucked in and shaved smooth), goggles (fogging and leakage), swim caps (wrestling match to look like a cone-head), pull buoys, fins, paddles, kick boards… There’s also the business of monthly girl issues, water up the nose, in the ears (tried earplugs but couldn’t hear the coach) and gee, just breathing. My inhaler’s getting a good workout, too! Thankfully, I’m learning and feel less like I’m drowning each time
Began the always-a-joy process of looking for a full-time job yet again. Among other things, this means:
updating the dreaded LinkedIn profile. It’s tough enough to find the words and the photo that give a good summation of who I am to complete strangers / potential employers that I avoid doing it for 3 or 4 years and by then, most of the rules have changed so it’s an even bigger ordeal
applying for 2 great jobs, doing all the requisite updating of resumes, writing of cover letters and contacting everyone I know who may have some connections and then: no dice. The search continues…
Barn danced – again! Just as fun swinging my partner round and round as the first time. As an added bonus, we were asked to help some first-timers get the hang of it, bringing a whole new level of confidence to our do-si-do and promenade.
Spent a blissful 12 hours in San Diego. Neil went for work and was able to take a buddy for free, so he chose me! Literally wept at the site, smell and sound of the ocean and hiked on the cliffs above with one of my very best friends
Got a mini-makeover by a guy named Gunner. Yes, true. Signed up online for a free skin-matching foundation makeover at one of the big, scary make-up chains in town. Sweet boy proceeded to expertly apply their lightest weight foundation (still heavy enough to cover every age spot I ever considered having) and tell me how, when he wears it, it’s very long-lasting. Oh, and $50! Of course I would need primer, too, and matching concealer and setting spray. Hmmm…Think I’ll stick to my drugstore brand I mix with my drugstore moisturizer, thanks!
3-day juice fast. Talk about adventure! It’s a wild ride not chewing anything for three days, taking in minimal calories and trying to maintain normal levels of concentration, regular sleep and other body habits. Preparing food for your teen who is not fasting is also a fun time. As always, I was surprised by how much time was freed up by not shopping for, preparing, eating or cleaning up food. As a family, we completed a challenging 1,000-piece puzzle and personally, I enjoyed more-than-usual amount of praying, reading and writing. I generally experienced “brain fog” throughout, yet somehow also gained clarity and direction around the places in my heart and mind that need healing, growth and change. I highly recommend it – especially now that it’s over! ;)
Celebrated my dad’s 80th birthday in Arizona with a hike to see wild horses in the desert (he’s still adventuring, too!), followed by several rounds of croquet, dinner, cake and card games. A 36-hour trip with one of my sons to honor one of the most important people in my life was a “no question” quest for sure.
I do have to say: adventuring is hard sometimes. Spending more of my minutes, hours and days being uncomfortable is, well, uncomfortable. So when it’s a little too much, I take a brief break and revel in the known, the mundane, the default-easy. Then, pretty soon I’m back up for the challenge, ready to stretch myself some more. Feel like I’m learning a lot about myself even in these rhythms.
And once again, more learning and leaping and leaving behind of old ways and stuck places is just ahead! I’m calendaring fun – are you? Snowshoeing is just around the corner, a poetry slam, coffee cupping… check them out on the calendar page and join me where you can.
