43 List # 34- Michigan to see Nephews Graduate.

My Journey on a Break from Ironman.  Sometimes, life just tells you, you need a break. So this year. After a long year of training in 2016. I’ve given myself permission to not do an Ironman for 2017.  It was a tough decision. Because I think I have been using Ironman training as a way to cope and avoid a lot of other things in my life. I used it as a way to not fully engage in life, and the things that I’ve not allowed myself to think about because I’ve been to scared to admit them to myself.  So this year, is my  “Year of Taking Control of the Basics”. My Health, My Wealth, and my Happiness.

  #34   Make it home to Michigan for my twin nephews high school graduation. (and my honoray niece).  I also had another niece and nephew with birthday's. I almost got to see everyone, but time was just too short. 


It was so good to see the family again. It's the first time I took and Uber (to and from)  the airport.  Was actually not bad at all. I do like the benefit of being 15 minutes away from the airport... I thank my amazing current roommate for watching my boys so I could head home for a week to visit family.  I haven't flown in over 3 years, since being a traveling therapist, I just drive everywhere I need to go, and I have everything I need with me.  Was nice to just have a backpack and a small suitcase for the week.   And I got a nice dose of May rain all week. 

It was a good trip home. I have to admit it was pretty sureal to sit up in the stands as I watched my nephews graduate from high school where I graduated from. Such a huge amount of mixed emotions.  I was feeling my age and a bit sad, knowing that I will never probably get this opportunity to watch my own child graduate. I'm so grateful that I have loving brothers and sister in laws that blessed me at least with nephews and nieces to spoil and love.  Listening to the graduation speeches, I also sit and wonder, what have I really accomplished in my last 25 years since graduating from high school?  Was I so full of those moments thinking I would change the world?  I just knew I wanted to help people in some form of health care background.   Man, has it really been that long? 25 years?   I ponder what I have done to help change the world and make the world a better place.  I ponder where life and the good and bad experiences has taken me.   I thought I would be married with my own kids now, and yet, here I sit, alone and single with my family. Feeling slightly out of place, yet feeling it's where I belong and where I don't belong.  And seeing my parents getting older, and starting to need more help, I start to wonder where my life will be in the next 5-10 years. 

I'm in a melancholy mood tonight..... So, I think I'll stop my pity party ramblings, and just post my photos from my trip home. 

Hinkleys Donuts deserve a photo. 

My brothers newest "puppy" at 55 lbs

Part of the crew

Mom and I, being protected by my fathers concern for UV Index, hats, gloves and long sleeve shirts

Pretty new flowers that I like 

Reminiscing of the older days, found my old cap and gown. 

My "youngest" nephew. 

Mom wanted some bird houses painted

Fairy garden for mom.  Yes, it rained ALOT when I was home. 

My honorary Niece, Ashley, my brothers exchange student from Mexico

The twins

Or know as Thing 1, and Thing 2

Ashley getting her diploma

Boys heading up

Proud parents and grand parents. 

They did it!

Grandkids with the Grand parents. 

My brothers family 

Ashley, Me, and Brianna

The graduates

Me with the nieces and nephews.  

Seriously? How can they be graduating, they still look like this to me. 

Mom and I with Sparkle time. 

My girl is enjoying life on the farm. 

43 List---#8 Hiking/Camping/Waterfalls #25 -???

A few more fun things to add to the 43 List this weekend.

# 8.  Hiking/Camping/Waterfalls.

Went on a beautiful hike this weekend to a local waterfall just by where I live.  Several creek crossing, getting my shoes wet, etc.  Felt so good to get back to nature, and hike.  It's been a few years since I have done a real hike.  Delicate Arch back in 2014 I think was my last "official hike".  Mystic Lake in 2013.   And we hiked up into snow pack to.  Reminding me of the good old days from Jacktown Packers.

#25.  Top Secret Thing.  Yep. Sorry, that is all I can divulge, after all, it's top secret :)  But it was fun, it was empowering, and totally out of my comfort zone.  And yes, I'd probably do it again if the opportunity ever arose.

                               

                                         

43 List ---- # 33 Salsa Dancing and Random Race Signups!

Salsa Dancing

Yes, I really took salsa lessons. It was so much fun. Apparently it's every Friday night at the Peppermill.  Now those that know me, know I'm not a dancer, I've never been comfortable dancing and I try my best to be a wall flower.  Not tonight, lessons required you to walk around in a circle and every female danced with every male, while learning a dance. Tonight it was the "bachata".  I had so much fun. But while I was half way through, I had to stop looking down at the man's feet. Because it started to feel I was staring at everyone's crotch!!  So...I had to make some eye contact, that was awkward and eventually fun.  I will be doing it again.  I also learned on the floor, the salsa, from a nice guy who showed me the steps while we danced.  I had fun. And I'm looking forward to making it a weekly ritual while here in Reno.  Whose coming with us next week? 

Add to my fun day.....

While at packet pickup for a spontaneous 10K race tomorrow, a handsome guy convinced me to sign up for a 1/2 marathon in Tahoe in June. We had a very nice conversation that I really didn't want to stop.  Now I'll be starting some 1/2 Marathon training, after I run/walk my fun run 10 K tomorrow, starting under the Reno Arch. My birthday Month has been pretty awesome so far.  

43 List # 15

When Skiing in Tahoe, getting the epic picture of Lake Tahoe is the goal. Even if it means taking a short trip down a Black Diamond.  Even if it means falling down, and sliding in 10 seconds or less down the Black Diamond and being stopped (luckily) by a huge pile of snow and a pole.  Totally worth it....

                    Amazing Day on the Mtn with two great new friends. Lisa and Lauren.

                                                So much fun hanging with this girl today.

         First time skiing in 20 years. I definitely like it better than snowboarding, I didn't injure myself.

                   I was proud that I was able to weave in/out of the poles.  Green run.  Warm-up

                                        Epic Tahoe photo, right before the Black Diamond.

                                                    Epic Tahoe Photo

                                                Drop off of the Black Diamond.

 I knew the second I dropped off the top and was trying to make my first turn, I wasn't going to make it.  I froze, then just tried to figure out how I was going to fall. Luckily, I landed on my butt. And my idea that I'd stop and get back up, backfired as I gained momentum and went sailing down the mtn.

                Where I landed... my butt and boot slide trail from top to bottom in 10 seconds or less.

                                              Cool Snow walls.

                                              Awesome views.

 

                              Two beautiful Ladies who I had a great day with!!! Lauren and Lisa.