Adventure

On the heels of making (and breaking) my 2013 new year’s resolutions comes examining the life I lived in 2012. The mean taskmaster side of me is horrified by the lack of accomplishment. The nice-fun-loving-hippie-earth-mother side of me says, “Chill out dude, don’t worry about last year.” (Yes, she says “dude.”) My husband reminds me of the progress I did make during 2012. Of the three opinions, I’m going with his.

As much as I want to believe my husband and the earth-mother it is hard to make the taskmaster bitch shut up. All I seem to think about are the missed opportunities and the time wasted. I began 2013 with a sense of urgency to do something to atone for slacking in 2012. But what?

A phone call from a dear friend set in motion my 2013 adventure. We are going to Machu Picchu. We are going to hike and camp for seven days. We are on the downward slope towards sixty, slightly overweight, more than slightly out of shape, and desperate to do something BIG this year.

We have spent our lives raising children, volunteering, working, taking care of others. Now what? That is the question we find ourselves asking. We are used to working in rewarding careers and have found ourselves without jobs to give us our identities. Who are we? Apparently we are women who hike Machu Picchu.

The day after I agreed to the trip I saw the movie The Hobbit. Bilbo Baggins confirmed my decision to venture out of my comfort zone and go on an adventure. Like Bilbo, I must leave the safety and comfort of my living room and go out into the world.

2013 is going to be awesome!