Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: Shopping (03/01/07)
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TITLE: Brains, Body, and Spirit | Previous Challenge Entry
By Mo
03/07/07 -
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ADD TO MY FAVORITES
White water rafting? No, my arms are my weakest body part. It was easy in Europe; the only time we got wet was when we jumped into the river. -- This would be much harder.
Kayaking? But I’d totally freak out if I tipped upside-down in the water and had to right myself.
Mountain climbing? No way.
Dog sledding? Achoo!
Rock climbing? Intriguing, but too scary. Not for a week, but maybe for a half day, if I have to?
Biking would be cool, but not if the trails are too narrow, or steep, or…
I figure I can maybe handle backpacking. I can walk, right? Never done it with a 50 pound pack on my back, but I’d have some time to train before I left... That’s probably my best bet -- as long as I don’t sprain my ankle, again, and have to be evacuated...
*****
September 1995
I actually jogged three miles today. -- But I didn’t do my hilly route, the one I’ve been walking with 22 pounds in a small pack. I don’t think I’ve ever been in such good shape.
But I’m such a klutz. Is this good enough? They said you just have to be in “average” physical condition. But I’ve always been below average athletically. What have I gotten myself into?
*****
October 1995
Day 2
Rock-climbing this morning, eek! Better to get it over with, right?
I cried yesterday. What a way to start my trip. But everything is so new to me -– the people, the place, I’m not even an experienced camper. Talk about being out of my element! Everyone seems nice though.
Day 4
I’m paying for this?
Backpacking through the desert in 100-plus degree heat isn’t exactly fun -- adventurous, yes, but not for me.
Some birthday present! Why didn’t I peruse a jewelry catalogue instead? But no, I worked on my brains in my twenties, and now it’s time to put my body to the test. What if I flunk?
Day 5
I was so looking forward to my solo time. I was feeling teary again, so I passed on an extra hike. -- Course I also didn’t feel like taking even one more step than I had to.
Lots of “circle” times. It’s like kindergarten -- on steroids. I cried the first day of kindergarten. Why do I always have to be so shy?
The food is gross and my water has floating things in it. But I actually feel pretty skinny right now. My tummy feels almost flat. -- That’s a first! I wonder what I look like. It’s weird having no mirror -- or any of the other comforts of home.
Day 6
I’m getting stronger. Today I actually put my pack on all by myself. Course, I tipped over when I crouched down to take a photo of a little flower. Haven’t taken many pictures; trekking without my camera is hard enough.
Funny, I was actually glad to be back with the group after solo. I guess it’s true -- people need people -- even me.
Day 7
I did it! I survived the whole week. I’ll never feel the need to do this again, right? Well… a couple’s course would be wicked cool. -– But I don’t see Brent ever being in good enough shape to do one with me.
Annie wants to take her future kids on a parent-kid course. (She’s so cool.) Imagine doing something like that together, right when they’re starting their rebellious teen years? I’ll probably be too old and out of shape by then… It was hard enough doing it now. But who knows, maybe I’ll do another course for my fortieth?
*****
August 2005
Brent and I just took the kids to the beach for my fortieth.
Who needs more jewelry? And we haven’t gone away since before the kids were born. Travel used to be so important to me. But I don’t even miss it.
Nowadays I shop the sales for clothes and toys and stuff -- not for last minute vacation deals.
Strange, I don’t recall praying a lot on all those trips. And yet I was so lucky. I know He was with me. -- If my thirties were about working my body, I guess my forties are for working on my spiritual side.
But I’ve wanted to give it another go for ten years now… so maybe we’ll try indoor rock-climbing for my next birthday?
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