Life/Goals Update

Family issues and medical problems continue, but I'm slowly building a social network here in Texas. I am still decompressing from Flipside. It is very hot and humid in New Braunfels, but I have a very simple and inexpensive life. I spent today attempting to get 'Ol Number 3 the 150 feet into her RV space, but to no avail. There's a problem with her air brakes that I haven't found yet, and she won't move without air. I have trained this week, and taken care of a lot of bills and paperwork, but everything else will have to wait until I return. I'll figure out a way to move 'Ol Number 3 tomorrow, even if I have to get her towed into the spot.

I'm going to Washington, DC this weekend with my mother for almost two weeks to allow her to console her maid-of-honor after a friend's death. I'll be driving a rented Dodge Charger, and getting the chance to see a lot of monuments and sites (and score multiple geocaches). I'm adding the trip as #108 on my list. Yes, I'm adding it early, as I've only completed 34 items on my 101/1001 list, but I'd have added something soon anyway, as I've almost met #35. I'll be doing some reading on my trip (#28, #62), and perhaps I'll see a concert (#105). On my return, I'll be beginning my more thoughtful practice of mindful eating (#26).

Because more than one person I know can benefit from this.

Of course you can sit here, and be protected while you feel small and discouraged. *hugs* No one will hurt you on my watch. Not even yourself. You deserve this, because you showed up and fought. That's more than most. There are those who understand this.

Of course, while you're there, you might hear stories of a certain person you know, training with people half his age or less, being pushed hard, in brutal tournaments and promotion tests. You'd certainly hear tales about the times he failed over and over again, and fell asleep with tears in his eyes no one else got to see. The bruises, the blood, the loneliness, the stiffness the next day, the fear, the disappointment ... this is why not many people choose this road, Warrior.

What makes it worth it, several times down this road, is that you realize it's getting easier, and you fail less, and you start to push back. You fear less. You realize you're stronger, and faster, and harder. When you fail, it's a challenge, and your eyes narrow and you figure out a way to do it more effectively next time, maybe just by a little bit.

After many times down this road, you realize that your eyes aren't narrowing anymore, and you've learned to overcome that particular challenge, and you're actually looking forward to the next challenge.

And, perhaps, one day, you may have the honor of telling your story to another who may need to hear it, while you protect and encourage them.