Come play in my world for awhile!

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

I'll shut up about it after this

The most common reaction I get when people hear about the kayaking trip is a groan of horror/sympathy. But you wanna know something funny?


I LOVED it.

The day of the trip I must have asked myself a thousand times what the heckity-heck I was thinking when I signed up for this. I'm certain I was surly to anyone who came within 5 feet of me, and I may have crossed into bitchy territory, but I'd never admit it. I'm still trying to convince hubs and the kids I'm perfect.

The trip was everything I feared it would be: hot, sticky, humid and hard.

But a funny thing happened. I worked my tail off. Once or twice I was literally trembling from exertion. I should have been miserable, but instead? I was energized. I can't honestly remember the last time I attacked something that physically, intellectually and emotionally intimidated me. I won, and it was invigorating. I felt as though parts of me were awakened that I didn't even realize were sleeping. Suddenly I was strong... capable... invincible. And definitely not bitchy.


I'm soaked to the skin, riddled with bug bites, and exhausted. And EXHILIRATED.

But I don't know how to do it. How do I keep this part of me alive?

Without battling imaginary snakes, of course.

That part wasn't fun at all.

51 comments:

mommakin said...

When you figure that out, you let us all know, 'k?

I know exactly what you mean - I'm glad it was such an awesome trip! And you gave that feeling of power - of invincibility - to your girls, too! How awesome is THAT?

Anonymous said...

That is great that this trip forced you outside of your comfort zone and that you actually enjoyed it! It sounds like despite all the awfulness it was one heck of an experience for you and your daughter.

Good luck trying to keep that up.

Becca said...

Hi CathyB... I disappeared for the summer but I am back and hoping to be in full swing. I love that you tackled something and left feeling wonderful that you did. I was never a huge tackler as a child but have found that as an adult I usually come to see that the things I was so afraid of as a child are actually fun as an adult.

As far as how to sustain it... I have no answer other then a rowing machine...

Becca

www.askbecca.com

Anonymous said...

All I can say is you are a daring person!

Meg said...

How about marathon or triathalon training? There are tons of groups in the area who could get you started.

I think it's awesome you enjoyed that so much.

TheKitchenWitch said...

It IS a good feeling when you surprise yourself with what you can do!

That's a BIG smile, there!

Kathy B! said...

Meg: I could try marathons but then I'd have to find somebody to put on a scary mask and chase me with a knife. That would get complicated.

ymK said...

This is the picture I was waiting for!
Glad you had a great time. You are a great Mom.

Crazee Juls said...

I'm w/ Tammy...when you figure it out, let the rest of us know.
Honestly, I feel that you've probably already figured it out...you're so adventurous Kathy B! Just keep on keepin' on!!

Really, it does sound like a lot of fun, but I'm not sure I could have pulled it off..

beth said...

how great that you enjoyed it so much! i hope the girls came away from it as inspired as you are!

Grant said...

It's simple - give up your ordinary life and live that way full time. Or you can just engage in that kind of activity periodically and cherish the memories. Or try crack.

I wouldn't mind if you feel the desire to post more about your trip.

forever folding laundry said...

That's fantastic! I hope there are many more trips like that in your future.

And...hello?! Hot mama in the bathing suit! Way to go! :)

~Keri

confused homemaker said...

How empowering. I don't know how to keep it going, maybe just carve out time to challenge yourself & know you CAN do it.

Sturgmom said...

So glad you enjoyed it!! Sounds like it was an awesome experience!

Zip n Tizzy said...

I vote that you just sign up for more trips like it.
It's good for you and great for the girls. If you can get them excited about this kind of thing while they're young, they really will be set for life.

Susie said...

You are one hot mama! Maybe, you should join a kayaking club to keep yourself. Alive. You really seemed to like it:-)

Stephanie Faris said...

It's not my thing but I could see how it would be extremely rewarding to someone who does love it. You could just go kayaking more often. Or engage in more competitive sports?

theUngourmet said...

Maybe this is just what I need right now. I've been feeling like a bit of a weenie!

Grand Pooba said...

Um, maybe you could go to haunted houses and be chased around by the chainsaw guy.

Just a suggestion.

Cheffie-Mom said...

Very inspirational! So glad you enJOYed your trip! Love the photo!

Sassy Chica said...

Bravo Chica,
So glad you enojoyed your trip!

Smooches,
Sassy Chica

visiting from sits, will be back for more:)

Kristina P. said...

I think you're just going to have to go kayaking in your backyard everyday.

mCat said...

That feeling can be addicting! I think that is why I run, bike, swim and try to find something hard to compete in every single weekend. It has become a sickness. But I know how you feel, and it.is.wonderful!

~Thought's By Dena~/ JDs Gift Shack said...

I'm glad it was such an awesome trip! And you gave that feeling of power ,of invincibility,to your girls too!! Thanks for sharing it with us!!

Jen said...

It is good to do things like this. Its good for the soul. As for how to keep that feeling? I have no idea.

JoeinVegas said...

Sorry you didn't find any real sixty foot sea snakes.

Michelle said...

Oh how so very fun! I live in Maine so I do my share of such things. And as always you look adorable!

The Blonde Duck said...

Adrenaline. You were pumped full of it.

ck said...

Maybe you should be the troop leader.

And wait...what is a BOY doing there?

Lindy said...

Look how cute and fit you are!!

Your girls are so lucky to have you! You are awesome!

(I have used entirely too many exclamation points in this comment.)

~Laura said...

If you figure that out, please share it with the rest of us! Three cheers or you and your accomplishment! Enjoy the feeling while it lasts!

peewee said...

ummm, well, you could have founf that "side" of you in yoga. WAY WAY less 'buggy' and yet you get the same results.

That, or go on Survivor!

Gibby said...

I know I teased you about this trip, but in actuality, I thought it sounded awesome. I love how you gave the girls something challenging, yet something they could conquer. A lot of moms sell their kids short and shy away from trips like this. What an experience!

Maybe you should become a sea kayaking guide! Or open your own kayaking shop. Surfing?? You'll figure it out.

Anonymous said...

I'm so glad you loved it. You could challenege yourself with something new every month. But don't you have a middle schooler? Isn't that enough to vigor the blood?

Liz Wilkey (a.k.a. A Mom on Spin) said...

Sometimes I guess we even surprise ourselves. . .

Isn't life grand???

AiringMyLaundry said...

That is cool that you had so much fun. I don't think I would have. I'm not fond of outdoors.

Maybe to get the same feeling work out? I should probably work out but ugh...

ScoMan said...

You could always battle real snakes to keep that feeling alive.

I thought my email address was here somewhere. Maybe I was wrong. I've just ticked some box, we'll see how that goes.

Liz Mays said...

I'd help you out with some suggestions but I see you standing there in all of your hotness and I'm too mad at you.

Helene said...

I'm so happy you enjoyed it so much. It must feel great to have a part of you feel so alive again!!!

Maybe you could join a kayaking club or something?

Unknown said...

Imaginary snakes?! Thank goodness you survived them!

passions and soapboxes said...

I am so glad you had a good time. I wish I knew how to keep that endorphin charged adrenalin rush alive. If I knew I would bottle it and sell it and we could all get rich.

Anonymous said...

You are hard-core, Kathy B! Cool blog.

A big warm welcome from Moxie Land.


Glad to have you!


Mox

Unknown said...

Run a marathon. I hear they have the same effect on people.

Lisa @ Boondock Ramblings said...

There are moments from this summer I wish I could capture too. I just hold on to the photos, look back and try to remember those moments. It's all we can do, right?

Stacy Uncorked said...

Holy cow, woman! I just got done reading your other posts to catch up before reading this one...You are my hero. When I grow up, I wanna be just like you! ;)

Seriously - you ROCK! I hope I have the energy to do something so wickedly wildly fun when Princess Nagger is old enough to participate in something like that. I doubt, though, that I'll look half as hot as you do, darn it! :)

Pam said...

You could audition to be on Survivor! You'd be perfect for it!

countryfriedmama said...

I'll second the comment about running. My husband went out for a little run for the first time about a year ago, and he just registered for his first marathon. It seems to be an addictive high. I hope I won't have to stage an intervention any time soon.

Sky diving?
Mountain climbing?

bernthis said...

I would have LOVED a trip like this. Wow, what a ton of fun

Sara @ Domestically Challenged said...

Good for you! I love that feeling of pushing yourself super hard! Now? YOu need a cape. Cuz you are a Invincible Woman!!

Ryan Ashley Scott said...

It sounds awful, but sometimes it's really awesome to just get out alive. How to keep it... well, you'll be entering the teen years with all the girls soon. I'm sure there's some exhiliration in surviving those... somewhere. ;)

Hit 40 said...

When folks say... I don't know how you can teach. I don't understand. I enjoy my job. There is something that everyone enjoys. Good for you taking the kids on the kayaking trip!! Especially because you enjoy it.