My Grand Illusions

I count my lucky stars VERY often

I leave in 10 days for another International vacation. Last time I went to Wales, England and Paris for three weeks and two days and this time I'll be going to Wales, England, Scotland and Spain for three weeks exactly. I haven't talked a lot about this vacation because I don't want to seem like I'm rubbing it in. I mean, who gets to go on a leisurely vacation to another part of the world twice in one year? I never, ever, ever thought I would get this chance.

There are so many things that just happened to fall into place to make it happen. First, I know people where I'm going to I have a free place to stay. I don't have to rent a car or worry about hotels, paying for transport to and from the airport, laundry services, etc... I can't tell you how much money that saves. Also, we don't eat out much, last time we went to the grocery store and we ate like kings on the cheap. My lovely Mr. is quite the tour guide and knows all the best free things to do and we didn't spend time or money shopping (with the exception of my luggage being lost for 4 days) for the most part.

The airfare to Spain from England cost us the equivalent of $130 round trip for both of us to go. With prices like that I just couldn't say no and I don't know many people that would pass up an opportunity like that. The bed and breakfast we're staying at is a bit of a splurge but we've planned to do free things like hiking and walking around to see all the amazing buildings. There's a grocery store nearby so we'll be eating on the cheap again for sure with a few tapas meals thrown in for sure.

It sounds crazy but we'll be camping in Scotland so all we have to worry about is fuel to get there, food and a few sights to pay for like castles if we choose. I'm HELLA nervous about camping in cold weather but the Mr. is very well trained and knows what he's doing when it comes to outdoor things. He's my hot, tattooed, rugged mountain main. Ha!

I'm SO SO fortunate to be able to have the job I have that allows me time off in such large chunks and even though I complain to no end about the long hours during tax season I know that my hard work is worth it. There's no chance I could pull all this traveling off with a "regular" job.

Also, I don't speak of Jackson's dad really, but he's very accommodating and willing to step in and be a full-time parent while I'm away without much complaining. I don't know that I'd want to travel such distances with a toddler. I might lose my mind!

I'm EXTREMELY lucky and I know this, boy do I know this. I used to barely scrape by making less than $10,000 a YEAR supporting myself and my now teenage son and now look at me. I know I have an excellent life full of great family, awesome kids, great friends, a man that makes me laugh and the ability to travel and be comfortable in this life. Honestly I can't ask for more and not sound greedy.

Perhaps the only thing I might ask for is to bring all of you with me! Especially after the sweet supportive comments on my last post! You guys are awesome!

I do have a question for you guys...have you been to London, Scotland or Barcelona? Do you have recommendations for things to do or see? Anything I absolutely shouldn't miss out on?

I've come a long way since gym class

One of my least favorite things I had to do in school was gym class. I had registered for athletics in 9th grade for some crazy reason but ended up being put in regular gym with most everyone else. I could have done something about it, I could have easily requested a schedule change. It was commonplace to get your schedule changed if you didn't get the elective classes you wanted, but I was too lazy to do it. In all honestly, I only chose athletics because the cool kids were doing it.

I was definitely not cool.

There's a picture of me in gym class, in 9th grade, outside on the track. Our class was supposed to be running around the track but I wasn't running that day (or any other day for that matter). I was wearing a plaid button up men's shirt, jeans and I was carrying my purse with me. Apparently that day I didn't "dress out" for the activity. I remember feeling smug about the fact that I was the smart one who "forgot" my gym clothes so I could avoid running laps. Ha! Boy, was I an evil genius! I can't tell you how many times I "forgot" my gym clothes or ran maybe an 1/8 of a mile just to finish walking the rest of the way. Running is for the birds,I thought, no thank you very much.

Things have changed A LOT since those days. On average I "dress out" in my workout gear 3-4 times a week now and have for a few years. I run and don't stop after an 1/8 of a mile ON PURPOSE. I keep going and going and going. The first mile I ran EVER was about 2 years ago and I was so shocked that I did it. I RAN AN ENTIRE MILE. Then I ran two and then I ran three! Three was a big deal for me. I was at the gym and when I finished that third mile I wanted to shout and jump around and celebrate this enormous accomplishment. I had just RUN THREE MILES.

I discovered I loved running so much that I just kept going and kept trying to beat my longest run and this past weekend I did it. I ran a 10K. Not only did I run the 10k, I didn't stop, not even once and I finished in my goal time. My time was 1:05:43.57, well under my goal of 1:10. I finished 7th out of 15 women in my age group. It was tough and I was so tired afterwards but my stumpy little legs carried me through the entire 6.2 miles and not once did they fail me. Mentally and physically I conquered that 10k and it felt AMAZING. I DID IT. ME. I RAN AND RAN AND RAN.

In my calendar, inching closer and closer is a date in February that represents a half marathon, 13.1 miles. If I can go 6.2 I can certainly try for 13.1. Perhaps a marathon is next after that? It's not out of the realm of possibilities, not anymore at least. My stumpy little legs are a little scared but I'm sure they can carry me farther than I ever thought possible. I'm sure my former gym teacher would approve.

 

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I have to say a HUGE thank you to my running partners...Jennie, Natalie and Rita. Knowing that we were going to celebrate with Mimosa's afterwards kept me going. I'd run anywhere with you ladies.

Thank you also to my momma who sent me the longest text ever with encouraging words and emoticons of trophy's, thumbs up and martini glasses.

Lastly, thank you to my Mr. who sent me MSN instant messages while I was running. He encouraged me to keep going from almost 5,000 miles away. He'll likely not see this but Thank you BIG D, you're one of the most encouraging people I know.