Comfort zone

I have lived in Arizona for three months and finally took in the night life.  Well, not exactly my kind of nightlife, but a new experience.   Every weekend there is something going on downtown--last weekend was a brew fest (much more my entertainment) but too crowded and too hot for me.  Last evening a friend and I went down to the Blue Grass festival.   Neither of us are bluegrass fans; but we ventured outside our comfort zone--it really was enjoyable in spite of the music!   Then we had dinner at a little brewery downtown--my first experience even close to Whiskey Row!   When I got home I just felt bubbly.    In the spirit of challenging myself, I decided to take a road trip today to a National Park about 90 miles away.  It was a beautiful display of history--the former cliff dwellers of Arizona.   Now, keep in mind,  I am scared to death of heights but I took the steps and winding paths to actually investigate for myself.   Getting down was bad enough, but coming back up left me breathless---mostly because I am so out of shape.   Starting to feel like I can tackle almost anything.  How is that for comfort?

Aging a Valuable lesson

I have been trying to unpack and get settled, now that my belongings are finally here.  Everyday I find myself saying aloud "I am too old for this".   When I get tired walking the trails, I remind myself it's because I am old.  When I crawl into bed before 10 pm I think to myself, get your rest - you're old.   Today, I met a college campus Veteran Program manager who is 82 yrs old.   He recently had back surgery but still walks to work everyday.   Not only that he hikes regularly--going to the bottom of the Grand Canyon several times per year.   Last weekend, he married a "younger woman", 81 who shares all these activities with him.   Absolutely amazing--I am counting the days until I can retire and he is living every day to the fullest.....apparently it is not the number but the attitude--hopefully I can learn this lesson!!!