Water Adventures

I recently celebrated reaching the age of 64!  As a matter of fact, my birthday was on the 5th of September, and I actually started celebrating about 2 weeks prior and continue to celebrate.  I feel I am entitled to celebrate at least one day for each year, if  I so choose…and I so choose.  That means I will be celebrating at least until November 9th!

Life is so good, I just can’t stop celebrating and being grateful for every day!  Here is what I have been doing so far…beginning about 2-weeks prior to the 5th….Bicycle Riding; Tree Climbing, Hiking Tallulah Gorge, Finishing the Treetop Quest Obstacle Course where I Zip Lined, swung on Tarzan style ropes and crossed on various suspended ‘monkey’ bridges.

While bike riding, we got caught in the rain, it was fun!  It was warm so no big deal.  Right after bike riding, we went over for the tree climbing adventure.  When I was challenged to hang upside down while pretty high in the tree, I thought for sure as I did it, ‘I have lost my mind!’  I have to admit, although I did hang upside down, I held on with one hand, as opposed to no hands.

Leading my Hartfield’s Hikers group at Tallulah Gorge where we crossed the suspension bridge and took the stairs, a total of 1,120, down into the gorge, and back up.  Tallulah Gorge is where, in 1970 Karl Wallenda walked a tightrope 750 feet up, across the gorge.  Well, as I walked tightropes and swinging cable bridges and the like from tree to tree, I thought about the Wallenda’s and could not even begin to imagine how they were able to walk those tightropes, with no support!  It was fun envisioning myself as a Wallenda…hahaha…as I crossed through the treetops.

I am proud to say, I received my certificate of accomplishment from Treetop Quest for completing Level 5…the most difficult obstacle course there.

In the meantime, I continue to work out regularly, and eat fairly healthy.  I am getting back into my 90% organic food choices, and at least 50% raw fruits and vegetables.  I continue to take my all natural, dietary supplements.  Since my birthday, I have stepped up my regular workouts.  Now I am completing 45 minutes as opposed to 30 minutes on the treadmill at 4.5/13:20 minute mile, at a 10.0 incline.  I fluctuate my strength weight routine between 35lbs. and 45lbs.  And, of course my stretches.

I plan to treat myself to a BIG birthday gift…it will obviously be late, but within my 64 day window. Won’t say what it is until I actually have it! Also, been in touch with childhood friends, reconnecting with them is really good.  I plan to travel more in 2013 and visit some of them.

Well, getting back to my birthday celebrations, I vowed that I would meet my challenges head-on and stretch myself to go for feats that I felt were a stimulating test of my abilities.  I would also try many things that I previously knew nothing about…like all this tree climbing I have been doing.  There is absolutely no way i would have ever thought I would be climbing and swinging, high up in trees!

Something else I did as a first for me…I went kayaking and felt comfortable on my first time out, after being shown what to do.  It was one of the most relaxing times ever, being out on the river, which was very calm.   And, I am already getting excited about my 65th celebration, as I plan to take a group to experience the Grand Canyon.  We will hike the Canyon, ride the Canyon railroad train, and explore other adventures while there.  I am sill planing, so more on that later.

Let me not forget to mention my professional speaking engagements.  I have been receiving invitations to speak about health and wellness from a different perspective, they way I do things…having fun, while getting healthier.  My activities are well rounded.  I was at the theatre yesterday to see ‘The King and I’ remembering the late great Yul Brynner as I enjoyed it.

Well, I think I need to come to a close for now.  I hope I have inspired you to try something new and different that may be a stimulating test of your abilities. I am not suggesting you climb trees as I did, but simply try something that will help you get over any fears you may have, or something that challenges your physical abilities.  And, it can even be eating some of those foods that you know are healthier for you but may not taste as ‘good’ as you are accustomed.  Believe me, your taste buds will  change, especially as you start feeling better and becoming more healthy!

Enjoy life and celebrate it everyday…live your life to the fullest!!!

P.S.:  This is September 11th, let us remember those who lost their lives on 9/11/01.  Pray for their families, as I pray for you and your family for lives fulfilled, on purpose. Today reminds me of one of the reasons why I celebrate everyday, because tomorrow is not guaranteed!  Peace…