...Do more, Dream Less! It's all well and fine to make big plans (like taking flying lessons), it's something else altogther to actually do the thing you've been dreaming about! I'm proud of myself in this new year because I've done a few things already. The first thing: on New Year's Day I joined the Cabrillo Beach Polar Bears for their annual "First Swim". Every year I hear about Polar Bear clubs around the country and the crazy people who take a dip on New Year's, and it has always caught my attention. This year, on the day before New Year's, R directed me to a Daily Breeze article about the event. The next morning, after the Rose Parade (Go Tillman! Go KP!), he started watching the 3rd annual "Winter Classic" hockey game (a regular season hockey game played outdoors on a Major League Baseball field converted just for the occasion). There was no way he was going anywhere, but I really wanted to be a Polar Bear, if only for the day. I did my research-- the event started at 11:30 am. So I started to collect my things- swimsuit, towel- hopped in the shower (yes, I needed to shower before taking a swim in the ocean- call it a girl thing!), did a quick mapquest review of how to get there, and was out of the house by 11:20 am. It is always a bit of a bummer taking on adventures alone, but I was extremely glad I went. When I got to Cabrillo Beach, I just followed the throngs of people, found myself a spot on the sand, waited until it was time, reluctantly pulled off my workout pants and t-shirt, and made my way into the water... In a two-piece bathing suit, I might add! Despite my body anxieties of late! Bravo to me. Yes, it was cold! I went out quite a ways, dove under a few waves, got good and soaked, then made my way back in, resisted the tableful of cupcakes, claimed my certificate, and headed home. I hope to make it an annual tradition and perhaps even join the club for other events.
Now, as for this flying thing... When I saw my Uncle Steve on Christmas night, he suggested I follow in his footsteps by taking ground school at Long Beach City College. He took it a few years ago. The entire thing was a 5 unit class-- very do-able! I left Christmas festivities pretty excited at the possiblilty, but from what I can tell the course is no longer offered. I'll have to do some further research.
Other things I'd like to "DO" rather than just think about in this new year: Firstly, it would be nice to do some kind of volunteer work. I often think about seeking out and participating in meaningful communtiy service, but it's so easy to put off! I can come up with a mllion-and-one excuses, such as, "I'm too busy with wedding planning", "It wouldn't be fair to Robert- we don't get enough time together as it is"or "I don't know what kind of activity would suit me"... Excuses, excuses! Regarding that last excuse-- there are so many activities that would be a good match! An obvious choice would be Habitat for Humanity, but they are all over the place geographically, and I want to stay as close to home as possible. I think some type of literacy project would be the most meaningful, but that's a scary one to think about undertaking-- it requires a level of committment that may be unrealistic. I don't want to set myself up to fail, afterall! We have a very nice nearly brand new animal shelter in San Pedro- that might be a good one. It wouldn't be too depressing either- the shelter has a 'no kill' policy in effect. San Pedro is a very diverse, very old community with a lot of well-established community organizations (Like the Elk's club) so I'm sure I could easily find an activity that would be a good fit. Maybe I'll spend some time on Volunteer Match to get a better sense of what's out there. I won't beat myself up if I don't get to it right away, though. Wedding stuff is a priority right now. Fortunately, it will be over and done with in a few months. Thank goodness! I'm ready to focus on other things.
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