I have now been three times. This time, I'm really done. Haven't seen everything, but enough to have a pretty extensive library full of photos. Plus, now all four of our children have been. I'm not going to post a long travelogue of our ten-day stay, just a link to the YouTube slide show. Enjoy.
Showing posts with label travel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label travel. Show all posts
Wednesday, May 25, 2016
One last trip to Korea
After my first trip to S. Korea I told my husband, "Never again." It's not that I didn't like it. I loved being there, hiking the mountains, exploring the city, traversing the subway. The problem is - getting there!! And back. From Detroit its a 12.5-hour flight! Ugh.
I have now been three times. This time, I'm really done. Haven't seen everything, but enough to have a pretty extensive library full of photos. Plus, now all four of our children have been. I'm not going to post a long travelogue of our ten-day stay, just a link to the YouTube slide show. Enjoy.
I have now been three times. This time, I'm really done. Haven't seen everything, but enough to have a pretty extensive library full of photos. Plus, now all four of our children have been. I'm not going to post a long travelogue of our ten-day stay, just a link to the YouTube slide show. Enjoy.
Saturday, April 30, 2016
Peru, Lima to Machu Picchu
MY JOURNAL, PERU - LIMA TO MACHU PICCHU.
4/6 Approximately one year ago, my husband came home from worked and asked me if I wanted to go to Peru and climb Machu Picchu. My jaw dropped. My reaction was one that you would get from any busy mom if you would have asked her if she would like chocolate, new shoes, a massage, and a housekeeper for the rest of her life. All at the same moment. I picked my chin off the floor and said, "Well, of course!"
We did a lot of research on Peru, the mountain, tour companies, etc. and decided on G Adventures. I called and spoke for at least an hour with a representative, whom they call 'CEO's. Booked the trip and began training for what we knew would be a difficult 4-day hike along the Incan Trail.
A month before the trip, we got the flu. I got a mild version and recovered quickly. My husband ended up in the hospital.
4/11 Today I officially cancelled Mark on the trip. So difficult to do. No turning back now. Go alone or not at all. I have started putting things in a suitcase - deciding what goes in my backpack and what gets checked. I will only be alone on the first plane ride. Joining the group at the hotel. Will miss Mark for 10 days.
4/17 Arrived in Lima. Got through customs quickly and found my driver, Walter, without too much difficulty. City is bigger than I expected. Very noisy and lots of traffic. Typical for this part of the world. Hotel La Castellana is quite charming. On the 4th floor. No elevator and no AC but nice and clean. I lost my glasses on the plane.
4/18 Got a map from the desk clerk and went exploring. We are in the Miraflores district. I walked to Kennedy Park, which was filled with hundreds of cats. I learned to cross the street with locals. Your life depends on it! Cars don't obey traffic lights or stop signs - when there are lights and stop signs. Traveling solo is a bit lonely, but I like the solitude, seeing a new city, experiencing a different culture, observing the people who live and work here all at my own pace. There is a low haze over the ocean and a cool breeze.
I met a young lady from Canada. (Bumped into her several times over the course of my stay. She's in one of the photos on video #2). I had to change rooms from a double to a two person with a roommate since Mark didn't come. I didn't mind even though I had already paid for the private room. Her name is Nicole.
Group meeting was very informative. I did not need to bring my backpack. The tour group will give us a duffle bag, limited to 6 kilo. Will carry my camera bag as my day bag.
4/19 On the plane to Cusco. Our group is comprised of Canadians, Irish, English, and Australians. It's nice to be traveling with other world travelers and be able to talk of my journeys without sounding like I'm bragging. Everyone is talking about the altitude, fretting, worrying. I'm not worried. Should I be? Our guide, David, met us at baggage claim. I immediately feel the difference in the air. It feels 'clean'. My heart started beating faster so I did deep breathing exercises to acclimate. In through the nose, out through the mouth. 30-minute bus ride to hotel. It's very quaint, Spanish architecture. Called Prisma Hotel del Cusco. I'm rooming with Nicole again. We put our luggage in our rooms then took a group walk. Sunny for ten minutes then a sudden downpour on our way to lunch. I need rain pants! The one thing I didn't think of. I had Alpaca for lunch. Yum! Then found rain pants. The store we were recommended to go to had one pair of rain pants in stock. Thank you, Jesus, they were just my size! At 4:30 we had a meeting at the G Adventures office where they gave us an itinerary for the hike with very detailed information about the trail and what to expect. The duffel bag they gave us could only weigh 6 kilo or less including sleeping bag and air mattress. I packed and repacked many times.
4/20 We left the hotel at 7:30 am and went to the Sacred Valley to the Planetarra Project. Click the link to learn more about it. The women's weaving co-op is in the Sacred Valley and not at all "touristy".
The land here is so beautiful it brings me to tears. I stood and stared at the mountain, singing to myself, "Lord oh Lord How Majestic is Your Name." Mark would have loved this. Next was lunch at Parwa, another G Adventures project. Delicious!!! We then drove 1.5 hours to Ollantaytambo and our next hotel - Inka Paradise. The weather has been perfect all day. Slight chill with a breeze and mostly sunny. There is a lot of red clay soil in the mountains. We pass farm after farm after farm following the Urubamba river. The school children all wear uniforms with wide-brim hats. David tells us that Ollantaytambo is a living museum. It is the center between Cusco and Machu Picchu, a 'hotel' for the upper class Incans. We walked to an historical, archeological site. David gives us a history lesson and even though he is thorough and very knowledgable, the photographer in me wants to leave the group to explore and take pictures. However, it is best that I don't wear myself out. Trail in the morning!
INCA TRAIL DAY 1
We left the hotel around 8 am and drove 35-40 minutes to "82 km", the starting point. We met our new guides, Joel and Elias plus 18 men who serve as our porters and cooks. Only nine of us are hiking. One of the women from Australia got sick and backed out. The trail ran alongside the river and at times the railroad track. It was rock, gravel, with sometimes slow grade and sometimes steep incline going up and down. We stopped every 15 to 30 minutes for a break and twice for archeological sites. We are told, whenever you hear "Porters!" to move to the mountain side of the trail to let the porters pass. Every day they will leave after us and arrive before us. Thus, they are running!!
Lunch - We arrived to our lunch site already set up. One large tent with a table and chairs. There is a bathroom "Bano" that costs one Soles, the currency of Peru. I don't like to pay to pee, etc. but we are all so well taken care of in every other aspect I can't complain. The alternative is nature. After a three-course meal, we are on the trail again. Every time we start up and especially after a meal I'm out of breath and heart pounding the first five minutes or so. The coca leaves and tea really don't seem to make a difference so I stop. Two hours later, we arrive to our overnight campsite - again already completely set up. We get to choose our own spot on the three-tiered site. I chose the tent closest to the bathroom. Beautiful view of the mountain and moonrise. The guides introduced each worker - porters and cooks who ranged from 18 to 63. We then did the same and took a group photo.
Dinner - First, a snack of tea, crackers and popcorn followed by a game of cards. Another excellent three-course meal. It has been an amazing day. The beauty of this land gets more spectacular as the hours pass. No rain even though at sunset we saw rain clouds and heard thunder. G Adventures takes such good care of their staff and the people in the community. They give back and help them to succeed in life. I'm very impressed thus far. I'm in bed and they are still working. I hear sounds of people in other camps, dogs, frogs, and occasionally the bray of a donkey.
INCA TRAIL DAY 2
How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time. How do you hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu? One step at a time. How in the rain? One SLOW step at a time. Before bed I prayed if it were going to rain, then all night would be fine. I forgot about needing to go to the bathroom. I woke needing to go but didn't want to come back and get the tent went. Held out until 4:15 am. Took me half an hour to pack my stuff and put on my clothes and contacts. Exited the tent at 5 am, went to the bathroom then hung out in the misting rain while the breakfast tent was readied. Contacts fell out several times. Weird. We hiked straight up for four hours then down 1.5. The rain stopped right after I bought a new poncho at the second rest area. I ripped my old one in several places. (Note to self - invest in a good quality poncho!! Bring duct tape!) The sun came out just before Dead Woman's Pass, our highest point for the day. Downhill after that to our camp.
Late lunch, where it started to rain again (light). It's 3 pm. We are here for the night. The day was hard, not horrible, but difficult with all the rock steps and the mud. Lunch was great as usual.
Toilets are squatties - you know, a hole in the ground. Not the end of the world but difficult when your thighs are burning and shaking. Rain started again after I got back to the tent for a siesta.
At tea time we played cards. The guides are hysterical trying to teach us new games. Clouds rolled in. Lots of mist. Made for good photos.
On the trail today, it was remarkably quiet. Sounds of the rushing river and a few birds that flew overhead. Parakeets traveling in pairs. When people did talk, it was at a whisper. Now, snug in my sleeping bag, there is a chorus of frogs mixing in with the sounds of the rushing river. Tomorrow is the longest hike day. Praying for favorable weather.
INCA TRAIL DAY 3
It sprinkled a little bit overnight but we awoke to cold and clear skies at 5 am. It was a cold night! After a carb-loading breakfast we left at 6:30 am. Plan is to arrive at the next campsite by 5 pm. The trail was beautiful. We walked a while then stopped at several archeological sites along the way. It was a long hike, but not nonstop. We kept to our own pace and often there was no one in front or behind me. Lunch was at a peak and we could see our campsite from the high mountain. Well, sort of. We could see the archeological site step terrace and the camp was 25 or so minutes beyond. SIDE NOTE: Every time we entered camp for lunch or for the night all the porters clapped us in. It was very encouraging!! We returned the favor by clapping and saying Go G! as they passed us on the trail.
The weather was perfect all day. A tiny brief sprinkle after lunch when the clouds rolled in - we are at cloud level. So cool. The trail was the same as before with two little tunnels. Slightly muddier than previous days. Saw several waterfalls.
At dinner we organized to get a Facebook page. We have been named team "Sexy Purple Warriors" (in Spanish). Elias added the Sexy because we are seven girls and only two men. At dinner we gave the porters a generous tip and said our formal goodbye to them. Tomorrow the wakeup call is 3 am.
It was a long amazing day!! So glad I'm keeping a journal. I'd never remember everything that happened.
INCA TRAIL DAY 4
It rained hard overnight. Thought we might be washed away. But, the tent stayed high and dry! Thanks porters!! Rain slowed to a slight drizzle by the time Christine's alarm went off. I was actually in a deep sleep for once. We had to be out of the tents by 3:30 am because the porters had to have camp completely packed up early in order to catch a 5 am train. I didn't eat breakfast until later. 3 is way too early. We hiked about 5 minutes to the checkpoint where there were already nearly 50 people there. The gate opens at 5 am and we have to check in as a group, via our guides, one group at a time, with a limited number allowed in. (All the groups had to pre-pay.) There was one small shelter and one bench so we stood until 5. My left contact kept falling out. Again. Did it the first morning as well. I was really irritated but finally got it back on after multiple tries. Elias led us through the checkpoint and we walked, in line, down the much narrower trail for two hours. I burst into tears, full of emotion. Partly because my journey was coming to fruition and partly because I missed my husband, sad that he was missing this amazing journey. Half way we stopped to remove layers - rain gear, warm jackets, etc. Several minutes later, I saw a guide running back to the checkpoint. Uh oh. Not good. Sure enough we came upon a narrow curve with people standing around. There was a large puddle blocking the path with a 3-4 inch diameter stick denoting the edge of the trail. Someone in a big hurry decided to ignore the 'stay to mountainside' rule and tried to pass someone on the wrong side and fell down the mountain. Slid actually, there was a lot of wet vegetation. Not sure how far down he went but I later learned he was ok. This person was with the rowdy group who were always running and goofing off, singing Justin Bieber songs at camp.
At the Sun Gate, Machu Picchu was in full sight and the sun was just beginning to shine on it. Elias gave us a guided tour of part of the site then allowed us to explore on our own. I wandered around on my own for another hour or so. So many steps!! I really, really...i mean really despise selfie sticks!!!!
After I got my thousand or so photographs (see videos below) I took a bus ride down to the small village for lunch and then a train ride back to Ollantaytambo, then back to Prism Hotel in Cusco. After a nice hot shower we had a farewell dinner at La Feria.
This trip was just about perfect. The only thing missing was my husband. It was the journey of a lifetime and I pray that We will be able to come back. Even though the hike was difficult - I expected it to be - and the weather was not what I was used to, I was well-prepared for both. G Adventures was amazing. We were pampered, as much as possible, and the chefs even made a cake for the two newlywed couples at the top of a mountain! I still look at my photographs, a week later, and cannot believe I was actually there - on Machu Picchu mountain! I'm so appreciative of my life, the things and people God has blessed me with. I hear people complain about the most ridiculous things and think, they need to go to South America, Central America, any other country than this one and see how people live. In general, we Americans see 'those poor people' and think they are pitiful and unhappy and unfortunate. I don't see that at all. The people I've met are content, happy, joyful. They work hard to make the best of their life with very little complaint. The main thing they are concerned about is providing for their families. Food, shelter, water, family, love, God. What else do you need?
4/6 Approximately one year ago, my husband came home from worked and asked me if I wanted to go to Peru and climb Machu Picchu. My jaw dropped. My reaction was one that you would get from any busy mom if you would have asked her if she would like chocolate, new shoes, a massage, and a housekeeper for the rest of her life. All at the same moment. I picked my chin off the floor and said, "Well, of course!"
We did a lot of research on Peru, the mountain, tour companies, etc. and decided on G Adventures. I called and spoke for at least an hour with a representative, whom they call 'CEO's. Booked the trip and began training for what we knew would be a difficult 4-day hike along the Incan Trail.
A month before the trip, we got the flu. I got a mild version and recovered quickly. My husband ended up in the hospital.
4/11 Today I officially cancelled Mark on the trip. So difficult to do. No turning back now. Go alone or not at all. I have started putting things in a suitcase - deciding what goes in my backpack and what gets checked. I will only be alone on the first plane ride. Joining the group at the hotel. Will miss Mark for 10 days.
4/17 Arrived in Lima. Got through customs quickly and found my driver, Walter, without too much difficulty. City is bigger than I expected. Very noisy and lots of traffic. Typical for this part of the world. Hotel La Castellana is quite charming. On the 4th floor. No elevator and no AC but nice and clean. I lost my glasses on the plane.
4/18 Got a map from the desk clerk and went exploring. We are in the Miraflores district. I walked to Kennedy Park, which was filled with hundreds of cats. I learned to cross the street with locals. Your life depends on it! Cars don't obey traffic lights or stop signs - when there are lights and stop signs. Traveling solo is a bit lonely, but I like the solitude, seeing a new city, experiencing a different culture, observing the people who live and work here all at my own pace. There is a low haze over the ocean and a cool breeze.
I met a young lady from Canada. (Bumped into her several times over the course of my stay. She's in one of the photos on video #2). I had to change rooms from a double to a two person with a roommate since Mark didn't come. I didn't mind even though I had already paid for the private room. Her name is Nicole.
Group meeting was very informative. I did not need to bring my backpack. The tour group will give us a duffle bag, limited to 6 kilo. Will carry my camera bag as my day bag.
4/19 On the plane to Cusco. Our group is comprised of Canadians, Irish, English, and Australians. It's nice to be traveling with other world travelers and be able to talk of my journeys without sounding like I'm bragging. Everyone is talking about the altitude, fretting, worrying. I'm not worried. Should I be? Our guide, David, met us at baggage claim. I immediately feel the difference in the air. It feels 'clean'. My heart started beating faster so I did deep breathing exercises to acclimate. In through the nose, out through the mouth. 30-minute bus ride to hotel. It's very quaint, Spanish architecture. Called Prisma Hotel del Cusco. I'm rooming with Nicole again. We put our luggage in our rooms then took a group walk. Sunny for ten minutes then a sudden downpour on our way to lunch. I need rain pants! The one thing I didn't think of. I had Alpaca for lunch. Yum! Then found rain pants. The store we were recommended to go to had one pair of rain pants in stock. Thank you, Jesus, they were just my size! At 4:30 we had a meeting at the G Adventures office where they gave us an itinerary for the hike with very detailed information about the trail and what to expect. The duffel bag they gave us could only weigh 6 kilo or less including sleeping bag and air mattress. I packed and repacked many times.
4/20 We left the hotel at 7:30 am and went to the Sacred Valley to the Planetarra Project. Click the link to learn more about it. The women's weaving co-op is in the Sacred Valley and not at all "touristy".
The land here is so beautiful it brings me to tears. I stood and stared at the mountain, singing to myself, "Lord oh Lord How Majestic is Your Name." Mark would have loved this. Next was lunch at Parwa, another G Adventures project. Delicious!!! We then drove 1.5 hours to Ollantaytambo and our next hotel - Inka Paradise. The weather has been perfect all day. Slight chill with a breeze and mostly sunny. There is a lot of red clay soil in the mountains. We pass farm after farm after farm following the Urubamba river. The school children all wear uniforms with wide-brim hats. David tells us that Ollantaytambo is a living museum. It is the center between Cusco and Machu Picchu, a 'hotel' for the upper class Incans. We walked to an historical, archeological site. David gives us a history lesson and even though he is thorough and very knowledgable, the photographer in me wants to leave the group to explore and take pictures. However, it is best that I don't wear myself out. Trail in the morning!
INCA TRAIL DAY 1
We left the hotel around 8 am and drove 35-40 minutes to "82 km", the starting point. We met our new guides, Joel and Elias plus 18 men who serve as our porters and cooks. Only nine of us are hiking. One of the women from Australia got sick and backed out. The trail ran alongside the river and at times the railroad track. It was rock, gravel, with sometimes slow grade and sometimes steep incline going up and down. We stopped every 15 to 30 minutes for a break and twice for archeological sites. We are told, whenever you hear "Porters!" to move to the mountain side of the trail to let the porters pass. Every day they will leave after us and arrive before us. Thus, they are running!!
Lunch - We arrived to our lunch site already set up. One large tent with a table and chairs. There is a bathroom "Bano" that costs one Soles, the currency of Peru. I don't like to pay to pee, etc. but we are all so well taken care of in every other aspect I can't complain. The alternative is nature. After a three-course meal, we are on the trail again. Every time we start up and especially after a meal I'm out of breath and heart pounding the first five minutes or so. The coca leaves and tea really don't seem to make a difference so I stop. Two hours later, we arrive to our overnight campsite - again already completely set up. We get to choose our own spot on the three-tiered site. I chose the tent closest to the bathroom. Beautiful view of the mountain and moonrise. The guides introduced each worker - porters and cooks who ranged from 18 to 63. We then did the same and took a group photo.
Dinner - First, a snack of tea, crackers and popcorn followed by a game of cards. Another excellent three-course meal. It has been an amazing day. The beauty of this land gets more spectacular as the hours pass. No rain even though at sunset we saw rain clouds and heard thunder. G Adventures takes such good care of their staff and the people in the community. They give back and help them to succeed in life. I'm very impressed thus far. I'm in bed and they are still working. I hear sounds of people in other camps, dogs, frogs, and occasionally the bray of a donkey.
INCA TRAIL DAY 2
How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time. How do you hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu? One step at a time. How in the rain? One SLOW step at a time. Before bed I prayed if it were going to rain, then all night would be fine. I forgot about needing to go to the bathroom. I woke needing to go but didn't want to come back and get the tent went. Held out until 4:15 am. Took me half an hour to pack my stuff and put on my clothes and contacts. Exited the tent at 5 am, went to the bathroom then hung out in the misting rain while the breakfast tent was readied. Contacts fell out several times. Weird. We hiked straight up for four hours then down 1.5. The rain stopped right after I bought a new poncho at the second rest area. I ripped my old one in several places. (Note to self - invest in a good quality poncho!! Bring duct tape!) The sun came out just before Dead Woman's Pass, our highest point for the day. Downhill after that to our camp.
Late lunch, where it started to rain again (light). It's 3 pm. We are here for the night. The day was hard, not horrible, but difficult with all the rock steps and the mud. Lunch was great as usual.
Toilets are squatties - you know, a hole in the ground. Not the end of the world but difficult when your thighs are burning and shaking. Rain started again after I got back to the tent for a siesta.
At tea time we played cards. The guides are hysterical trying to teach us new games. Clouds rolled in. Lots of mist. Made for good photos.
On the trail today, it was remarkably quiet. Sounds of the rushing river and a few birds that flew overhead. Parakeets traveling in pairs. When people did talk, it was at a whisper. Now, snug in my sleeping bag, there is a chorus of frogs mixing in with the sounds of the rushing river. Tomorrow is the longest hike day. Praying for favorable weather.
INCA TRAIL DAY 3
It sprinkled a little bit overnight but we awoke to cold and clear skies at 5 am. It was a cold night! After a carb-loading breakfast we left at 6:30 am. Plan is to arrive at the next campsite by 5 pm. The trail was beautiful. We walked a while then stopped at several archeological sites along the way. It was a long hike, but not nonstop. We kept to our own pace and often there was no one in front or behind me. Lunch was at a peak and we could see our campsite from the high mountain. Well, sort of. We could see the archeological site step terrace and the camp was 25 or so minutes beyond. SIDE NOTE: Every time we entered camp for lunch or for the night all the porters clapped us in. It was very encouraging!! We returned the favor by clapping and saying Go G! as they passed us on the trail.
The weather was perfect all day. A tiny brief sprinkle after lunch when the clouds rolled in - we are at cloud level. So cool. The trail was the same as before with two little tunnels. Slightly muddier than previous days. Saw several waterfalls.
At dinner we organized to get a Facebook page. We have been named team "Sexy Purple Warriors" (in Spanish). Elias added the Sexy because we are seven girls and only two men. At dinner we gave the porters a generous tip and said our formal goodbye to them. Tomorrow the wakeup call is 3 am.
It was a long amazing day!! So glad I'm keeping a journal. I'd never remember everything that happened.
INCA TRAIL DAY 4
It rained hard overnight. Thought we might be washed away. But, the tent stayed high and dry! Thanks porters!! Rain slowed to a slight drizzle by the time Christine's alarm went off. I was actually in a deep sleep for once. We had to be out of the tents by 3:30 am because the porters had to have camp completely packed up early in order to catch a 5 am train. I didn't eat breakfast until later. 3 is way too early. We hiked about 5 minutes to the checkpoint where there were already nearly 50 people there. The gate opens at 5 am and we have to check in as a group, via our guides, one group at a time, with a limited number allowed in. (All the groups had to pre-pay.) There was one small shelter and one bench so we stood until 5. My left contact kept falling out. Again. Did it the first morning as well. I was really irritated but finally got it back on after multiple tries. Elias led us through the checkpoint and we walked, in line, down the much narrower trail for two hours. I burst into tears, full of emotion. Partly because my journey was coming to fruition and partly because I missed my husband, sad that he was missing this amazing journey. Half way we stopped to remove layers - rain gear, warm jackets, etc. Several minutes later, I saw a guide running back to the checkpoint. Uh oh. Not good. Sure enough we came upon a narrow curve with people standing around. There was a large puddle blocking the path with a 3-4 inch diameter stick denoting the edge of the trail. Someone in a big hurry decided to ignore the 'stay to mountainside' rule and tried to pass someone on the wrong side and fell down the mountain. Slid actually, there was a lot of wet vegetation. Not sure how far down he went but I later learned he was ok. This person was with the rowdy group who were always running and goofing off, singing Justin Bieber songs at camp.
At the Sun Gate, Machu Picchu was in full sight and the sun was just beginning to shine on it. Elias gave us a guided tour of part of the site then allowed us to explore on our own. I wandered around on my own for another hour or so. So many steps!! I really, really...i mean really despise selfie sticks!!!!
After I got my thousand or so photographs (see videos below) I took a bus ride down to the small village for lunch and then a train ride back to Ollantaytambo, then back to Prism Hotel in Cusco. After a nice hot shower we had a farewell dinner at La Feria.
This trip was just about perfect. The only thing missing was my husband. It was the journey of a lifetime and I pray that We will be able to come back. Even though the hike was difficult - I expected it to be - and the weather was not what I was used to, I was well-prepared for both. G Adventures was amazing. We were pampered, as much as possible, and the chefs even made a cake for the two newlywed couples at the top of a mountain! I still look at my photographs, a week later, and cannot believe I was actually there - on Machu Picchu mountain! I'm so appreciative of my life, the things and people God has blessed me with. I hear people complain about the most ridiculous things and think, they need to go to South America, Central America, any other country than this one and see how people live. In general, we Americans see 'those poor people' and think they are pitiful and unhappy and unfortunate. I don't see that at all. The people I've met are content, happy, joyful. They work hard to make the best of their life with very little complaint. The main thing they are concerned about is providing for their families. Food, shelter, water, family, love, God. What else do you need?
e
Monday, September 14, 2015
Another excellent adventure - Japan
Have you ever been walking down the street, minding your own business, when all of a sudden it hits you, "Wow, I cannot believe I'm here!" In the past 8 years or so I have had several of these "aha" moments. Looking back on my 50 years on this planet I can see God's hand in every aspect of my life. The good, the bad, the mundane. God was there orchestrating everything. Sometimes I took a left turn or a U-turn, but He always got me back on His path.
Someone once said, and I paraphrase quite a bit here, "You know, it's a good thing that I did what I did to you or you wouldn't be where you are today." This statement to make the speaker feel good about their actions. The response is priceless, "Yes, I suppose so. I've never been happier in all my life than I am right now."
It is true. Sometimes other people's actions are the catalyst though it is God's response, and how we respond with the love of God that leads us to the point of the "aha" moments.
Take late August, for example. I'm doing laundry or something and I receive a text from my husband:
"Wanna go to Japan?"
"Yes"
"Looks like I have to go. Would love for you to come with me."
"Did you see any hesitation??? Of course I'll go!!!"
My poor husband has to go to Japan. It's my wifely duty to accompany him, don't you think?
Fast forward to Thursday, September 3rd. I am walking around Tokyo enjoying the sites, alone, and I stop and simply worship the Almighty. I'm in Japan!! How did this happen? Thank you Lord, for all your blessings!
I agree with everyone who says divorce is bad. Very bad. Don't ever get a divorce. Sometimes, however, sometimes God has a way of working this to his advantage. I take that back. God always has a plan. He always is working his plan. Was my divorce part of his plan? Maybe the question should be - was my first marriage part of his plan? I don't have the answers and I'm not here to start a debate. I'm simply stating the fact that had my life continued as it was going ten years ago my life and the life of my children would be so different - and not in a good way.
I'm well aware of the fact that my husband, through God's mercy and grace, changed my life. I thank him as often as I can. I've been able to retire from my 'day job' to focus on my writing. I've been able to train and run six marathons in three states. I've been able to help my children move from student to adult in ways I would not have been. I've gone to South Korea twice.
Now, I've been to Japan.
I'm just so eternally grateful that it brings me to tears thinking about all of the 'what ifs', if I had not gotten divorced and remarried such a remarkable man. Sure, sure I would have survived, maybe. Seriously - maybe. I'm the first person who will tell you that the here and now, this life on earth, is fleeting and the most important thing is being obedient to God's will and knowing the promise of eternity in heaven. I do not dwell on the chaos of this world, worry about this war or that war or the hurricanes or other disasters. All I know, know for a fact, is that my life is so much better now than I could have ever imagined and I will shout it from the roof tops - THANK YOU JESUS!! (Read my book "Lessons Learned from Summer Camp" and you'll understand a little better)
This blog is about my trip to Japan, however, I had to preface it with my gratitude for being able to go and see God's people and his creation half way around the world. Japan is a beautiful country with friendly people and good food (if you like seafood). We only visited Tokyo and Mt. Fuji since our time was limited. God willing, I'll go again.
Now - sit back, grab some popcorn and view my YouTube videos: A tour of Tokyo and Hike up Mt. Fuji
Someone once said, and I paraphrase quite a bit here, "You know, it's a good thing that I did what I did to you or you wouldn't be where you are today." This statement to make the speaker feel good about their actions. The response is priceless, "Yes, I suppose so. I've never been happier in all my life than I am right now."
It is true. Sometimes other people's actions are the catalyst though it is God's response, and how we respond with the love of God that leads us to the point of the "aha" moments.
Take late August, for example. I'm doing laundry or something and I receive a text from my husband:
"Wanna go to Japan?"
"Yes"
"Looks like I have to go. Would love for you to come with me."
"Did you see any hesitation??? Of course I'll go!!!"
My poor husband has to go to Japan. It's my wifely duty to accompany him, don't you think?
Fast forward to Thursday, September 3rd. I am walking around Tokyo enjoying the sites, alone, and I stop and simply worship the Almighty. I'm in Japan!! How did this happen? Thank you Lord, for all your blessings!
I agree with everyone who says divorce is bad. Very bad. Don't ever get a divorce. Sometimes, however, sometimes God has a way of working this to his advantage. I take that back. God always has a plan. He always is working his plan. Was my divorce part of his plan? Maybe the question should be - was my first marriage part of his plan? I don't have the answers and I'm not here to start a debate. I'm simply stating the fact that had my life continued as it was going ten years ago my life and the life of my children would be so different - and not in a good way.
I'm well aware of the fact that my husband, through God's mercy and grace, changed my life. I thank him as often as I can. I've been able to retire from my 'day job' to focus on my writing. I've been able to train and run six marathons in three states. I've been able to help my children move from student to adult in ways I would not have been. I've gone to South Korea twice.
Now, I've been to Japan.
I'm just so eternally grateful that it brings me to tears thinking about all of the 'what ifs', if I had not gotten divorced and remarried such a remarkable man. Sure, sure I would have survived, maybe. Seriously - maybe. I'm the first person who will tell you that the here and now, this life on earth, is fleeting and the most important thing is being obedient to God's will and knowing the promise of eternity in heaven. I do not dwell on the chaos of this world, worry about this war or that war or the hurricanes or other disasters. All I know, know for a fact, is that my life is so much better now than I could have ever imagined and I will shout it from the roof tops - THANK YOU JESUS!! (Read my book "Lessons Learned from Summer Camp" and you'll understand a little better)
This blog is about my trip to Japan, however, I had to preface it with my gratitude for being able to go and see God's people and his creation half way around the world. Japan is a beautiful country with friendly people and good food (if you like seafood). We only visited Tokyo and Mt. Fuji since our time was limited. God willing, I'll go again.
Now - sit back, grab some popcorn and view my YouTube videos: A tour of Tokyo and Hike up Mt. Fuji
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| Praising the sunrise on Mt. Fuji |
 |
| Standing on the summit of Mt. Fuji |
If you are thinking about taking this hike, I highly recommend Willer Tours. The entire process from booking to the end of the hike was highly orchestrated and went off without any problems whatsoever.
Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Psalm 139
Wednesday, August 5, 2015
The Road to Deseret doesn't end at the Finish Line
It is hard for me to fathom that it has been ten days since my 6th marathon. Six! I still remember my first and the vow to NEVER ever run a marathon again. Today, after six I cannot wait until the next and am daily searching for where and when. Who's the lucky city? State? Country? Lucky for me, that is. On the calendar now is the Disney Glass Slipper, a 10k on Saturday followed by the half marathon on Sunday. I will have to be satisfied with that and focus on getting faster in the half...for now....
We left off on my last post, The Road to Deseret, on workout day June 3rd. I kept a loose log after that as follows:
6/5 8.5 mile run. Had some ankle pain. Walked 6.5 miles.
6/6 stadium circuit x8, total 4752 steps (stair steps)
6/8 run, didn't log the distance
6/9 to 6/15 trip to Panama. I went on two mountain hikes. No run. Lots of walking.
6/17 Core, treadmill with the back end hiked up on cement blocks
6/18 20 miles on the West Orange trail. It was hot!
6/19 walked to the high school track for stadiums. It was locked up. Walked home and did treadmill, strength for hip and core.
6/20 treadmill walk with negative incline (because my race is downhill)
6/21 9 miles. Sprint intervals then 1.5 miles on treadmill.
6/22 9 miles then 2.5 miles on treadmill
6/23 core and strength
6/26 24.3 miles HOT! Can you tell I'm preparing for a heat wave?
6/27 ITB routine from StrengthRunning.com
6/28 - Guess what I did? Kicked a plastic stool in the kitchen and broke right 4th toe. Gimme a break!!
6/29 6 mile sprints, squats. I'm so used to broken toes, it doesn't slow me down.
6/30 Core workout. Treadmill neg and positive inclines
7/1 Sprints to prepare for 4-mile race
7/2 walk
7/3 2-mile job with my husband
7/4 Race! 4-miler 32:43. 2nd in age group.
Okay, there's a story here that goes like this. During the race I see a lady whom I've seen run in my neighborhood many times. She's frail-looking and has an awkward gait. Around mile 3 she catches up to me and we run together until the last turn to the finish line. I think to myself, "she's not in my age group, there's no one else around and I'm well below my goal time. I'll coast." Joke is on me. She IS in my age group, younger than me by 4 years. So I'm at the top of the category and she's at the bottom. I could kick myself!!!
After the race, I noticed a vendor, looked like a sports therapist, trainer, or masseuse. The race director had never allowed vendors before (I know him personally) so, curious, I talked to the guy. His name is David Petersen. See the link for full info. He tested my core strength, which I think is good. I was wrong. I made an appointment to see him because I had been having left foot and ankle pain along with right hip pain. I had been thinking about seeing a sports physician. Knowing Jerry Pegram and gut instinct, I made an appointment. David is unconventional and his methods work! He uses acupressure and posture training. (See his link for further information). Long story short, after five sessions I had no more stiffness, much, much less pain, and I was taller (yes taller) and running faster.
My training continued with runs 3-4 days a week with the long runs generally on Friday. The Florida heat and humidity kept me from running as far or as fast as I would have liked, However, after my sessions with David I was feeling much healthier. That gave me confidence.
The hubby and I left for Salt Lake City in the wee hours of July 18. Arrival was hours earlier than hotel check in time so we decided to head over to Antelope Island. My mother told me about it a while back. I like islands, animals, and hiking. Perfect place to stretch my legs after our flight. See my YouTube videos #1 and #2 for video and stills of the island and stills of the rest of my trip, except the race. I video the course from the car, however, I didn't like they way it turned out. Too much car in the video. I should have placed the GoPro on the dash instead of holding it out the window.
Tuesday and Wednesday I ran on and near the race course to get accustomed to the altitude. So pretty! And so difficult! Going uphill at altitude gets you winded quick! Thursday was my 50th birthday. We spent it doing as little as possible gearing up for the big day.
The race itself was awesome!! We took a bus from the university stadium to the start line at the top of the mountain. At 3:30 am. AM! I planned ahead and kept my clock set to Florida time. My body felt like it was 5:30 am. My meals and sleep were also kept to Florida time. Bed at 7 pm (Utah time), awake at 3 am, breakfast at 3:30, lunch at 9 am, etc. This kept my internal and externals right where I needed them to be. (Runners know what I mean).
I joined the 4-hour pace group hoping to qualify for Boston. Realistically, I knew it was not likely since my prior fastest time was 4:36. I stayed right with them until just past mile five when we hit the uphill. I had never run uphill at over 6,000 feet. I slowed and never caught back up.
My pace group was within site until we got into the city. They were my rabbits and I was chasing them down! It worked, too, because I finished with a time of 4:10:35! Blasted 26 minutes off my time. Hu Ya!!! as they say in the Marines. Great race. I expected heat, only got up to about 80 and almost no humidity. The lack of humidity was a hindrance for the last half hour. Made it difficult to swallow.
The event itself was well organized. The route was clearly marked with plenty of volunteers and police to keep us on course. I didn't see many port-o-potties but then again, I didn't need them so I wasn't really looking. Water stops were stocked with volunteers and with water and sports drink. At on point, near mile 20 or 22 a mom and her little boy handed out ice water! Ice water! I grabbed a glass and stuffed my mouth with ice. The crowd at the finish line was loud, cheering me on. The last corner I was out of breath and walking until a woman yelled, "only 800 yards to go!" I yelled back, "seriously?" She confirmed and I ran to the finish. My husband said the DJ announced my name and wished me a belated birthday. That was cool. I didn't hear it, but it was cool just the same. I was handed a water bottle, a finisher medal and grabbed a banana after crossing the finish line. Then, here's a really neat aspect that I didn't expect. At the results tent, a monitor listed the top three in every age category. I saw my name and nearly fainted. Inside the tent I went to a computer and typed in my bib number. A little machine printed up my time and placement immediately. I then showed that paper to a woman at the next tent and she gave me my 3rd place award. Super high tech! Buses shuttled us back to our car at the stadium. Overall, I was impressed with the race. My strength training and downhill running paid off.
What to do after accomplishing a huge goal? Why go to a ropes course in Park City, Utah at the Olympic training facility of course!
It's been a trip, a journey, an adventure, and a birthday celebration that I will never forget. My husband has been my support team and my cheerleader the entire time. Oh, I have to give him props, too, for signing up for the 5K. He said he needed something to do while I ran. Go Mark! I love that man.
What should I do next? I'm up for suggestions.
I also have to give all the glory to my God without whom I would not be breathing much less running down mountains.
Hebrews 12:Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
1 Corinthians 9: 24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. 25 Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. 26 Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. 27 No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.
We left off on my last post, The Road to Deseret, on workout day June 3rd. I kept a loose log after that as follows:
6/5 8.5 mile run. Had some ankle pain. Walked 6.5 miles.
6/6 stadium circuit x8, total 4752 steps (stair steps)
6/8 run, didn't log the distance
6/9 to 6/15 trip to Panama. I went on two mountain hikes. No run. Lots of walking.
6/17 Core, treadmill with the back end hiked up on cement blocks
6/18 20 miles on the West Orange trail. It was hot!
6/19 walked to the high school track for stadiums. It was locked up. Walked home and did treadmill, strength for hip and core.
6/20 treadmill walk with negative incline (because my race is downhill)
6/21 9 miles. Sprint intervals then 1.5 miles on treadmill.
6/22 9 miles then 2.5 miles on treadmill
6/23 core and strength
6/26 24.3 miles HOT! Can you tell I'm preparing for a heat wave?
6/27 ITB routine from StrengthRunning.com
6/28 - Guess what I did? Kicked a plastic stool in the kitchen and broke right 4th toe. Gimme a break!!
6/29 6 mile sprints, squats. I'm so used to broken toes, it doesn't slow me down.
6/30 Core workout. Treadmill neg and positive inclines
7/1 Sprints to prepare for 4-mile race
7/2 walk
7/3 2-mile job with my husband
7/4 Race! 4-miler 32:43. 2nd in age group.
Okay, there's a story here that goes like this. During the race I see a lady whom I've seen run in my neighborhood many times. She's frail-looking and has an awkward gait. Around mile 3 she catches up to me and we run together until the last turn to the finish line. I think to myself, "she's not in my age group, there's no one else around and I'm well below my goal time. I'll coast." Joke is on me. She IS in my age group, younger than me by 4 years. So I'm at the top of the category and she's at the bottom. I could kick myself!!!
After the race, I noticed a vendor, looked like a sports therapist, trainer, or masseuse. The race director had never allowed vendors before (I know him personally) so, curious, I talked to the guy. His name is David Petersen. See the link for full info. He tested my core strength, which I think is good. I was wrong. I made an appointment to see him because I had been having left foot and ankle pain along with right hip pain. I had been thinking about seeing a sports physician. Knowing Jerry Pegram and gut instinct, I made an appointment. David is unconventional and his methods work! He uses acupressure and posture training. (See his link for further information). Long story short, after five sessions I had no more stiffness, much, much less pain, and I was taller (yes taller) and running faster.
My training continued with runs 3-4 days a week with the long runs generally on Friday. The Florida heat and humidity kept me from running as far or as fast as I would have liked, However, after my sessions with David I was feeling much healthier. That gave me confidence.
The hubby and I left for Salt Lake City in the wee hours of July 18. Arrival was hours earlier than hotel check in time so we decided to head over to Antelope Island. My mother told me about it a while back. I like islands, animals, and hiking. Perfect place to stretch my legs after our flight. See my YouTube videos #1 and #2 for video and stills of the island and stills of the rest of my trip, except the race. I video the course from the car, however, I didn't like they way it turned out. Too much car in the video. I should have placed the GoPro on the dash instead of holding it out the window.
Tuesday and Wednesday I ran on and near the race course to get accustomed to the altitude. So pretty! And so difficult! Going uphill at altitude gets you winded quick! Thursday was my 50th birthday. We spent it doing as little as possible gearing up for the big day.
The race itself was awesome!! We took a bus from the university stadium to the start line at the top of the mountain. At 3:30 am. AM! I planned ahead and kept my clock set to Florida time. My body felt like it was 5:30 am. My meals and sleep were also kept to Florida time. Bed at 7 pm (Utah time), awake at 3 am, breakfast at 3:30, lunch at 9 am, etc. This kept my internal and externals right where I needed them to be. (Runners know what I mean).
I joined the 4-hour pace group hoping to qualify for Boston. Realistically, I knew it was not likely since my prior fastest time was 4:36. I stayed right with them until just past mile five when we hit the uphill. I had never run uphill at over 6,000 feet. I slowed and never caught back up.
My pace group was within site until we got into the city. They were my rabbits and I was chasing them down! It worked, too, because I finished with a time of 4:10:35! Blasted 26 minutes off my time. Hu Ya!!! as they say in the Marines. Great race. I expected heat, only got up to about 80 and almost no humidity. The lack of humidity was a hindrance for the last half hour. Made it difficult to swallow.
The event itself was well organized. The route was clearly marked with plenty of volunteers and police to keep us on course. I didn't see many port-o-potties but then again, I didn't need them so I wasn't really looking. Water stops were stocked with volunteers and with water and sports drink. At on point, near mile 20 or 22 a mom and her little boy handed out ice water! Ice water! I grabbed a glass and stuffed my mouth with ice. The crowd at the finish line was loud, cheering me on. The last corner I was out of breath and walking until a woman yelled, "only 800 yards to go!" I yelled back, "seriously?" She confirmed and I ran to the finish. My husband said the DJ announced my name and wished me a belated birthday. That was cool. I didn't hear it, but it was cool just the same. I was handed a water bottle, a finisher medal and grabbed a banana after crossing the finish line. Then, here's a really neat aspect that I didn't expect. At the results tent, a monitor listed the top three in every age category. I saw my name and nearly fainted. Inside the tent I went to a computer and typed in my bib number. A little machine printed up my time and placement immediately. I then showed that paper to a woman at the next tent and she gave me my 3rd place award. Super high tech! Buses shuttled us back to our car at the stadium. Overall, I was impressed with the race. My strength training and downhill running paid off.
 |
| Finisher award and Garmin time |
 |
| I was in shock when I saw this! |
 |
| I'M A HAPPY RUNNER GIRL! |
What to do after accomplishing a huge goal? Why go to a ropes course in Park City, Utah at the Olympic training facility of course!
It's been a trip, a journey, an adventure, and a birthday celebration that I will never forget. My husband has been my support team and my cheerleader the entire time. Oh, I have to give him props, too, for signing up for the 5K. He said he needed something to do while I ran. Go Mark! I love that man.
What should I do next? I'm up for suggestions.
I also have to give all the glory to my God without whom I would not be breathing much less running down mountains.
Hebrews 12:Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
1 Corinthians 9: 24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. 25 Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. 26 Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. 27 No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.
 |
| Crossing the finish line, see video below |
Tuesday, July 29, 2014
Phobias and fun? in Phoenix
If you read my last post, this is a followup to the "thing" looming over my head that I didn't want to do. If you haven't, go back and read it and then make the recipe and relax while reading this post.
This is actually the journal I kept in the days leading up to and during the convention/conference spanning over a month's time.
The first thing that popped in my head when I heard about the Origami Owl convention was, "No thanks!" I'm not comfortable in crowds, especially crows of women, hyped up on caffeine, all excited hootin' and a hollering . I've had bad experiences in crowds (specifically in New Orleans and Manhattan). When an outdoor vendor event became available during the time of the convention, I signed up. I thought it would be great, no competition because everyone would be at convention and I'd be cozy in my little box. Well, the post I put on our FB group site set off a firestorm. Two of the people on my team jumped on and posted, 'you've got to go to convention!" They gave me every reason in the book why I should go. They were valid reasons, but I wasn't so sure. Would I have to fly alone? I don't like to fly. Period. Alone was out of the question. How much would it cost? Where would I stay? How would I get to the hotel? Where and what could I eat? Could I bring food? "Don't worry about it," they said. "We will get you the details later, just go sign up." Right, me not worry - Hah!. So, I prayed about it. Gave it to God, took it back, gave it back to Him, found something else to stress over and took it back again.
I signed up, then traveled to S. Korea with my husband and youngest daughter. After six airplanes and two different hotels, I'm a little more relaxed. I can do this, I thought. Upon our return to the US I booked the shuttle to and from the airport then a few weeks later realized I had booked it for the wrong month! Ugh!. Called the shuttle and got it fixed, at least I hoped.
I didn't buy the team t-shirt. My apologies, I thought it looked like something my mother wore bedazzled in the 1980s. I'm sure the designer worked very hard on it, just not my taste.
I wanted to keep my food issues private, however with two pre-paid dinners, I had to let those in charge know. I did check the hotel restaurant menu and figured out what to bring with me, so I was pretty sure I wouldn't starve - or get sick.
Someone posted a YouTube video about how to pack a carry-on that was helpful. It worked quite well. Clothes didn't wrinkle much and I had plenty of room for my purchases and freebies.
A week away from conference and my nerves began to get to me. I went to my first American Christian Fiction Writers meeting and was underwhelmed. I was nervous to be in a group of "peers" and strangers who might tell me my writing stinks and I should go back to my day job. At the meeting, there were nine of us. Still, I was nervous. I could just imagine how I would feel in a group of thousands.
Fear paralyzes you and keeps you from doing things you want to do and things God wants you to do. That is so true. On Monday I wanted to crawl under a rock and hide. I thought, "If my husband was going with me and my son wasn't waiting on test results, I'd feel a whole lot better."
Wednesday, the 23rd was my birthday. I had a great time hanging out with my husband and our oldest daughter. Lunch at downtown Disney, House of blues. It was a great distraction. While there, my friend who encouraged me to sign up called to check on me and give me encouragement. It was much appreciated. She then gave my info to the two women I'm to room with (whom I had only met once). They, in turn, contacted me and encouraged me. It soothed my nerves even more. It was nice to know people are looking out for me.
I tried to go to sleep early the night before my trip, but not even two melatonin could put me in sleepy land. I got up at 5 am, stretched, exercised for a few minutes, showered, hung out with my husband until he had to leave for work. Nicest thing - when we hugged goodbye, he didn't want to let go! Usually, he stops hugging first. My flight was scheduled to leave at 10:30, board at 9:50. Of course, even though the airport is only 45 minutes away, I left at 6:30. I made a smoothie, made sure I had everything, started praying, and got in the car. Traffic was light, thank God. I missed the blue lot where I was supposed to park and ended up in the garage by the terminal. It cost more, but I wasn't going to circle the airport until I found it.
My boarding pass was on my phone, but since I hadn't used the app before, I printed out a pass at the kiosk. Went to the wrong airline kiosk the first time. Then, I almost forgot to empty my water bottle before going through security. A guard said I could dump it in a nearby planter, so I did. The passbook barcode worked! Woo hop! I was then shuttled down the security line to a man swiping hands. I didn't know what that was all about, but wasn't about to argue. Apparently, if your hands are clean, you get to be expedited, meaning you don't have to take off your shoes or empty your bags. My necklace did set off the metal detector, though. Not surprised since it did last trip. Overall, I made it from car to gate in about 30 minutes. Then, I sat and waited to board. Facebook was all lit up from other Origami Owl designers posting about traveling and their excitement. I wasn't excited, but I hoped to meet up with at least one person before arrival at the hotel.
The flight from Orlando to Atlanta went smoothly. No bumps, no air sickness, no familiar t-shirts to identify comrades in convention. On the walk to the next flight, I met up with a woman from Clemson, and then several more from all parts of the country when we reached the gate. The young woman who ended up sitting next to me was a younger version of me. She hadn't flow in over ten years. She has motion sickness. She was separated with a 2-year-old son. I felt bad for her, I was in her shoes not long ago. She got nervous at take-off. I tried to keep her (and me) distracted by talking, but she threw up anyway. Luckily, she hadn't eat all day. On the descent, the ride became very bumpy, apparently due to hot air pockets, and we both got sick to our stomachs. Neither of us threw up. Whew! Most of the passengers were green by the time we landed.
I got off the plane and found the Super Shuttle with no problems. The ride was only about 10-15 minutes to the hotel. The star greeted me with a bottle of water and were friendly and helpful. When I reached my room, the key didn't work. Fortunately, hotel cleaning staff and a supervisor were on the floor and they quickly brought me two keys, which was good because my roommates were delayed. I let them know I had an extra key so they wouldn't have to go to the registration desk. I ate my packed lunch/dinner then met up with several ladies from my team who had arrived earlier in the day. We went over to the convention center to check in and do a little shopping at the O2 store. We got some great freebies and I bought an IPad cover and a t-shirt. After standing in line for several hours both to get in to the very crowded store and for check-out, I quickly excused myself and went back to the hotel and tried to go to sleep. My roommates finally arrived at 2:30 am.
The day had been long and exhausting and a bit overwhelming. I hoped to be able to relax the next day and enjoy myself. At this point, I was still a bit nervous and anxious and not at all having fun. The people I was with were familiar, but not "friends" or family. I think had I been totally alone to wander as I pleased I would have felt better, but being thrust into a throng of strangers all hustling and bustling and trying to be "first" in everything was just a little....the word escapes me but angst comes to mind. I can only take crowds in bits and pieces, small chunks at a time, then let me out - I need to escape.
...more next time
Thursday, March 8, 2012
New Release
Young and beautiful, Gretchen Deen was beginning to live the life she always dreamed of. She was successful in her budding career, nice apartment, decent car, and well-liked by everyone she met. As head personal trainer, she was accustomed to the flirtatious male customers at the gym where she worked. Rarely did she date any of them, however, one very persistent young man swept her off her feet into a whirlwind nightmare. Objections were disregarded violently. Gretchen desperately needed to take a bad situation and turn it into something good.
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