Tuesday, April 27, 2010

So...... (April 27: Day 55--High Springs, FL)

'Some days you are ahead, some days you are behind. The race is long, and in the end, it is only with yourself"  ~~ Mary Schmich


So.....as this journey draws to an end, I have stopped to reflect upon where I've been, what I've seen and what I have experienced.  To be honest, I had to flip back through some of my pictures to remember the earliest days; it seems like yesterday that we were all strangers at Dog Beach in San Diego and yet it seems like an eternity.  So......I ask myself,  "What have I learned??"


I have learned:
  • I can stay in a really nasty no-star motel and survive.
  • I can now blow snot rockets like a pro.
  • I learned that the only failure is in not trying
  • I learned there are many ways to look at a situation.  How I chose to see it determines if it becomes an opportunity or obstacle.
  • I have learned that the middle class seems to be disappearing, and there is a marked discrepancy between the 'haves' and the 'have nots'
  • I learned that I can change a flat tire.
  • I learned that tofu isn't as bad as I thought it was, especially when I am hungry.
  • I learned not to bring any snacks into the hotel room at night....I will eat them even if I am not hungry.
  • I learned, that for me, 'smelling the roses' is doing what I enjoy doing and might be different for someone else.
  • I learned to let go of the need to control.
  • I learned not to have expectations.
  • I learned to embrace and live in the moment.
  • I learned not to ignore my body when it sends me signals, or I will suffer later.
  • I learned AZO is great for killing the pain of a UTI infection.
  • I learned I can get away with not washing my jersey every night, but two days is the limit before people complain.
  • I have learned to believe in myself and trust my abilities; they won't let me down, but self doubt will surely sabotage me. 
  • I learned that it was a really good idea to bring my own pillow.
  • I learned to let go of judgment and embrace the unique gifts of each person; I learned that others may not be able to do this, and that is ok--there are lessons to be learned from that, too. 
  • I learned there are many ways to do something,and everyone has an opinion.
  • I learned to use the bathroom when one was available or do it in nature.
  • Sunscreen is my friend; margaritas are not.
  • I learned that you get what you spend when it comes to bike shorts.
  • I learned nothing is insurmountable if broken into smaller pieces.
  • I learned how to drink from a water bottle without breaking the rhythm of my cadence.
  • I learned how to climb ascents.
  • I learned that what may appear to be a shack to me is someone's dream house.
  • I learned the importance of a courtesy flush.
I am sure there are other things that I will remember that I learned....   Thank you for sharing this journey with me!

76 miles

5 comments:

  1. Hang in there--only a couple more days. I'm proud of you. And who knows, maybe there's another lesson along the way?

    And here's one more thing you forgot to add to the list:
    YOU LEARNED THE IDENTITY OF YOUR SECRET FRIEND!!!
    Love you, Mom.
    Your (not so) secret (anymore) friend

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  2. I love you, Jenny! Thanks for all your supportive comments and for making this so much fun. You really had me fooled! Love you~~Mom

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  3. Jenny~~~really??? I thought it was Bob

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  4. LOL--SURPRISE!!! Mom actually figured it out awhile ago (when she blogged about the lady who collected all things albino and I asked if the woman tried to add Mom to the collection). But she was a good sport and played along with my anonymity the rest of the time! It was fun!

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  5. like billy crystal said in the movie you'll know IT when you find IT>>>>GOOD JOB

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