a few of my favorite things...

• late night bike rides
• ice cream runs
• early morning hikes
• camping in the sand dunes
• going barefoot in the sand dunes
• running in the sand dunes
• rolling down the sand dunes (so fun!)
• camping in Telluride
• sitting in the hot springs in Telluride
  
• camping in Kremmling
• racing in Kremmling
  
• racing in Breckenridge
  
• four-wheeling in the San Juans
• all day training sessions
• all day bike rides
• watching evening softball games
• late night talks in the park
• hiking among the wild flowers
• gazing at the stars
• afternoon thunderstorms
• spontaneous weekend trips
• homemade ice cream
• farmer's market

I miss summer.

a huge leap...

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” ~ Mark Twain

If you've been reading my blog the last couple of months, you have probably noticed me hinting at some possible changes in my life. At the time I couldn't say anything because honestly, I really didn't know what or how they would happen.

As of Tuesday, those changes are much more concrete. I officially resigned from my job. My secure, full-time, have insurance, get-a-pay-check-every-week job. But here's the real kicker... I don't have a job waiting for me.

Sound insane? I'm sure some of you are reading this thinking that very thing. And that thought has crossed my mind as well. "What the hell am I doing?" has been another persistent thought. Or "you'll end up in bankruptcy court!" I have a running dialogue in my brain that has sorted out the very worse possible scenarios.

Yes, I have fears and doubts. Who wouldn't? But above all of that is an unbelievable peace and calm that proceeds any of those fears. This is not something I did lightly. I have had some amazing opportunities at my job; I rediscovered my love of writing and editing and met some amazing people. But I have always felt there was something else I should be doing, something else that I was SUPPOSE to be doing. Now I get to find out what exactly that is.

I already have many possibilities, some that are extremely exciting and fit with my love of the outdoors. Some that are more sensible and offer stability. Some that are just downright crazy and make me smile at what they could mean. Above all these possibilities is a feeling of freedom; a freedom to go where I want and do what I want and be what I want. I've always yearned for that, but never attained it. Now is my chance.

I guess you could say this is my mid-life crisis. But I don't think that's it. I've wanted to do something like this for a long time, just never had enough guts to follow through. I've learned enough in the past few years that if you don't take risks, you won't get anywhere. And this is a HUGE risk. I may not know where I'm going, but I'm excited to find out!

i took this little test at Oprah.com...

and this is what it said about me.

YOU ARE STRIVING TO BE SPONTANEOUS
You are an adventurer: Action-oriented, curious, outgoing, and often technically gifted, you live for new experiences. You are drawn to risk-taking and aren't afraid to fail. (yup, that's me) Generally restless, you tend to job-hop or choose a field that offers constant novelty. (so not me - I've had 3 jobs in the past 20 years - I stay put) If you had to name your favorite place, it might be the center of attention—you're a born entertainer, (uhm, no!) and can easily adapt to any audience. While you collect many acquaintances, you're less likely to develop deep, committed relationships. (this use to be true, but no longer. I work hard at my relationships)

What to watch out for: When you can't satisfy your thirst for variety and excitement, you may see yourself as trapped, which can lead to impulsive and self-destructive behavior—drinking, drugs, breaking off relationships, ditching financial responsibilities. (true sometimes and something I am working on. Not the drugs or alcohol aspect, but food has always been my drug.) Try to find value in some traditions; if you learn to appreciate repetitive experiences, you won't always feel the urge to bust free. And when a new opportunity thrills you, keep in mind that just because it sounds exciting, that doesn't mean it's good for you. (this last sentence should probably be on my refrigerator).

Looking ahead: Life will have meaning for you as long as you feel stimulated. That might mean chasing twisters, (done that) exploring the polar ice caps,(not quite, but want to) getting a degree in dance therapy (I'm a horrible dancer), or becoming an astronaut. (ohh, I hadn't thought of that one!) It might also mean reading new books (I haven't finished a book in over 4 years - I start them, get close to the end, and forget about them - can you say ADD), attending workshops (love learning!), or letting yourself get swept up in an intoxicating romance (I do love that). As a risk-lover with a lot of energy, you're a natural entrepreneur.(oh, that is so NOT me, except for the energy part) You'll be happiest if you change jobs every so often and travel extensively. Movement is what keeps you going. (not really, yes, and yes)

Oprah knows me much better than I thought she did - very impressive since I thought she would still be mad at me for my Aha Moment. I see a reconciliation in the future. But first, I need to go find the stack of books I haven't finished and read them to the very end. Of course, I would have to start them all over again since I won't remember much, which means I have to sit down and read for longer than a few hours...

Where's my bike?

I heart San Diego

I got off the plane and immediately striped off my coat, threw on some flip flops and from then on, I was in love.

I've never been a summer person, my weight made any temperature above 70 a fairly miserable experience. But since I've lost the weight I have gained a great appreciation for the sun and warm temperatures that, unfortunately, are not happening in Colorado at this time. I wore flip flops in February!! How could you not love that?!

I spent the week working at a conference so my time outside was limited. But there was so much more to the week than just work and being in the warm sun:

- Spending time with my old and dear friend Kathy, who came as a volunteer - I can't remember the last time we got to spend this much time along together (it was probably way back in college!) but it was so nice to sit and chat about everyday stuff. I am one lucky gal to have such an amazing friend.

- Spending a glorious hour at the beach, where I got to walk barefoot in the sand, get soaking wet and flirt with a cute Italian.

- Meeting some kindred spirits in Joel and Kristen, a lovely couple that made me laugh and think, all at the same time. Those are the best kind of friends!

- Eating fresh fruit that actually tasted good! (that just isn't possible here in Colorado in the winter).

- Meeting and interviewing Phil Vischer (my creative hero)

The downside to this week? Having to come back to cold and snowy Colorado. Anyone know of a cheap, beach side property in San Diego that I could rent for a few months?

An Inspired Idea

I found this blog a while back and just loved what this guy was doing. He has a somewhat similar story as me - he was out of shape and at a transitional place in his life, thus he decided to do something drastic to change things up. And so he did this...

"The 2008 resolution was this; Have at least one solo 24 hour adventure every month of the year."

He's done 24 hours on a bike, 24 hours on a mountain, and my favorite... 24 hours in a tree, and so on. AWESOME idea! Check out his blog for more on his adventures - 24 Hours of Kip

My mind is working overtime - what can I do for 24 hours??

Quote of the Month

"You man eating son of a … There was seven democrats in Hinsdale County and you ate 5 of them!"

Quote attributed to saloon keeper Larry Dolan after Alfred Packers first trial.

This quote was the highlight of the trip to Lake City last weekend - the infamous cannibal from the 1800's, Alfred Packer, is quite well known here in Colorado and when I read this quote on the placard near where his "meals" took place, I just had to share it. Seemed appropriate given the political climate!