Parental Haiku

Her mind is fleeting

His body has betrayed him

I miss my parents

23/365 - PATRIOT

I had always been one to stay within my comfort zone - afraid to step into unchartered territories, for fear of failure. That all changed a few years ago when I ran for (and won) an elected office. It is unlike anything I ever thought I'd do, and has paid off massive dividends for my school division and for my personal growth.

The single most intimidating thing for me was engaging with my elected officials to advocate for public education. After settling into my new role, I realized "Well, they're just regular folk like me" (for the most part).

I put myself out there and advocated hard at both the state and federal levels, and have gained great insight into the legislative process. Generally, it's a "banging your head against a brick wall" process, but there are also pockets of true reverence and positive intent. Now, I actually enjoy my time at the Capitol. I'm educated on the issues. I advocate passionately. And I engage in meaningful conversations. Today was top-notch!

You know you're doing something right when THEY ask YOU for a favor...

22/365 - REDEYE

On the surface, a redeye flight sounds like a great idea. It's the ultimate, frugal-loving, multi-tasking opportunity. You get to extend your trip, you don't have to pay for a hotel, you get to sleep as you travel, etc.

The problem is this...I can't sleep on a plane. I have to be horizontal to sleep well. The two inch reclining chair is bullshit. I can do a little neck-bobbing nappy, but don't get any substantial sleep.

Perhaps I was over ambitious in planning to squeeze out extra time on my adventure weekend. I knew that the redeye would put me in RVA just in time to attend an important education conference.

It's all good - change clothes in the bathroom, put on a little face powder, and poof - I'm a public education advocate.

This is my "don't mess with me" face. Redeye or not...

21/365 - INSPIRATION

As my weekend draws to a close, I look back on all that I've done and learned. A highlight of the trip was the Inspiration Trail hike in the rain with a group of pretty special people. The hike in was very chatty. The hike out was completely silent. Loved that. Quiet. With my thoughts.

I continue to be amazed at the different topography. Soaring red rocks. Deep canyons. It pleased me to no end that I was able to experience it, even if I had to do so in this attractive blue poncho.

Besides the obvious camaraderie and fun I have on these adventures, the biggest payoff is taking on new challenges and completely blowing them away.

The smile on my face says it all...

20/365 - LABYRINTH

A labyrinth is defined as "a complicated irregular network of passages or paths in which it is difficult to find one's way; a maze." I take that to mean the word, and not the structure.

An actual labyrinth has one entrance - one way in and one way out. It could be construed as a metaphor for life - that you have only one path to follow.  Except I don't believe that to be true. There are many paths one can take in life, but perhaps finding success on that one path means you need to stay the course.

The act of walking through the labyrinth is peaceful. I did so silently, alone with my thoughts. A walking meditation. As the circles shortened and grew tighter, I was more and more excited to reach the center. Once I did, I enjoyed this view, took it all in, and then began my retreat. By the time I exited the labyrinth, I had answers and energy.

Who would've guessed walking in a circle could be so productive...

19/365 - VIEWS

The drive from the airport to my destination is stunning in a way that I find hard to articulate. The soaring rocks and gorge are fascinating to me. We simply don't have mountains like this in Virginia.

Thankfully, my friend is driving because my face is glued to the window and my mouth agape, like a little kid. The shock of this view is overshadowed only by seeing two people hanging off the face of a rock sheer, ostensibly for fun.

Our resort is surrounded by vivid red rock cliffs and canyons, the likes of which I've never seen. As I relax in the hammock on a sunny day, I'm simply in awe.

 

18/365 - SHINY

Las Vegas doesn't waste any time...slots and bells and lights, all right there in the airport. This is a town that takes its fun very seriously.

The spectacle of the strip is outshined only by its patrons, including the lovely lady in front of me with a black thong that peeks through her too thin, painted on, red leggings. To her credit, she has a nice figure and her leggings match the red hoodie and coordinating KI$$ ME blingy tank top that fails to cover her assets. Somehow, it works for her.

I already "did Vegas" last year, in fine style, including a J Lo concert and falling out of a plane. So I will just continue on my trip to Utah and know I'm not missing a bit of Vegas' shiny goodness.