Adventure #6 - High Speed Grand Prix Racing

I am shocked that it has taken me this long to quote one of my favorite writers. This man is such a poet and always has the right words to describe the human emotion. This adventure seems to be the perfect time to do so.....




"Hey! Hey! I've finally found my way, say goodbye to yesterday, hit the gas there ain't no brakes on this lost highway....yeah I'm busting loose, I'm letting go, out on this open road. it's Independence Day on this Lost Highway...Hey! Hey!"

-Jon Bon Jovi

It seems that these lyrics capture the true essense of the day so I am forever naming Adventure #6, The Lost Highway.

Suzy planned this adventure and for the first time most of us had absolutely NO idea what she had planned. Her initial clues were: Wear sneakers and bring a packet of hot cocoa. But, the week leading up to the adventure she kept pushing the point that we HAD to bring our ID. There would be yummy cocktails, but they will card. Up until this point I had some irrational fears that were grounded in flashbacks from our Longwood days. I thought we would be meeting up somewhere and would be grabbed from behind, blindfolded and led to the forest by a pack of SPES. At that point we would be handed a shotgun and told to find our Thanksgiving dinner. You may think I am crazy, but have you met Suzy's husband? He has definately mellowed out through the years...he now prefers watching The Hills to kidnapping KD's and DZ's, but I still thought he had talked Suzy into going old school on us girls. There were other crazy scenarios running through my head...but I think it is time to talk about what actually happened on our Lost Highway...HEY! HEY!

side note: The hot cocoa packets we had to bring were for Suzy and I quote, "I just really love hot chocoloate and I was running out, so hand them over ladies." -Suzy

"I've Finally Found my Way"

Getting lost was a commom theme today, but Lisa and Tracy finally made their way to us with cryptic direction from me on the phone, "This may be hard because I do not know street names, but turn at the 1st, 2nd or 3rd light, I am not sure which one...and then turn into a shopping center that I think may be on your left or maybe your right." How you made it is still a mystery!



"Say Goodbye to Yesterday"

Upon arriving we were asked to go to the conference room to watch a quick video on the rules and regulations. After watching this I am sure we were all hoping to climb back in time and say HELLO to YESTERDAY! Please take a look at some of the rules and you will feel me.

I happened to be sitting next to Heather during this rundown. She is so funny and I honestly don't think she means to be. With every flag rule that was thrown at us she had something to say. "Black Flag=bad, Red Flag=time out, If you cannot pose=get off the track." I plan to sit next to Heather during all rule rundowns from this point forward. I was too busy laughing at her attempts to clarify each flag to me that I didn't have time to let my thoughts go to the irrational again.


"Hit the Gas, there ain't no brakes"

Well, there were brakes. The thing is they were only used by Patty and myself. There is a turn on the track where one of the moderators is standing with all of the above-mentioned flags. There wasn't a time that Patty and I drove past him that he didn't wave the blue flag. The blue flag basically means there are real racers behind you that need to pass so would you kindly move to the right so that they can. Patty and Kat, "why certainly, we apologize for the inconvenience...please feel free to lap us for the 4th time." I saw both MH's and Suzy's curly ponytails at each turn just flying past me. I couldn't stop laughing the whole time. The straightaway was always the time when Patty and I tried to show the others that we were in it to win it too....until we saw blue again....

side note 2: If you could see where the gas tank was positioned it would make you blush.



"Yeah, I'm busting loose, I'm letting go out on this open road"



So, for the "real" racers this was fo real. These girls really bring out the true meaning of Hypo-Phobic Bad Girls. They were whipping around the curves like Danika Patrick with perfect precision. I know this because I was in perfect position to witness their skill around each bend. :) After the initial qualifying round "Game On" (Heather) was in first position. Tracy was still mumbling that she knew her fastest time was not her last lap and I thought for a second she was going to ask if they had video to prove it. We lined up to begin the actual 25 lap race with Game On and Kelly Reyes leading the pack followed by the rest of the girls in the middle and of course Million Dollar Baby (Patty) and Granny Fernandez (me) as the caboose. The 25 laps sped by and we were finally on the last lap. This is where Tracy got a little "confused" about the blue flag. She thought it meant to stay as close to the edge as possible so that you block all the racers behind you. This error led to the demise of Kelly and the victorious win for Heather! If ever there was a time for the red square time-out or Naughty Nook this was it...

"It's Independence Day...on this Lost Highway"

Each adventure I learn something new about myself and my BG's. This time I learned that if you want to win, you might need to pull your foot off of the brakes. I also learned that my greatest joy is never in winning, but watching curly haired ponytails pass me and knowing that they still have my back even though I spent most of my time today looking at theirs....

Other funny moments:

-Whenever anyone is able to say "that's what Helens says" (adventure 2) it is always a guarenteed laugh. Maryhelen, Kelly and I had pumpkin ale with a yummy nut rimmed glass....to which Stacy replied, "That's what Helen says..." she cracks herself up. I love Stacy's laugh.

-Posing for our pre-race photos

-Watching the middle aged men, especially the one in the yellow suit, race before us and know that even I had a shot at beating their times. 

-Kelly talking about her trip to China and the mysterious massage she got...and Granny not really understanding what she meant by the word "everything."  It must just be the language barrier. 

-Maryhelen asking Kelly if she speaks Chinese after Kelly explained that you need to speak English to work for her company. 

side note #3:
When I arrived home last night I had two cards waiting for me from my kids.  Julia's read:

Bold
Risky
Awesome
Very Amazing
Either Good or Great

Mom you are all of those things!  You are a unique, bright and happy girl that likes to pass the limits.  You know who are! I love you for who you are. 

Kevin's read:

You are a brave mom.  You are brave for risking your fears when your white water rafting, trapezing and surfing.
love, Kevin

The gifts of this group keep growing.  I can now add the pride of my kids and the realization that we are teaching them that it is important to break down those walls, conquer fears and cherish and support your friends.  I am grateful.

Here is a video with pictures from our day!

Adventure #5 - Flying Trapeze

                                                         

                                 THE FLYING VON TRAPPS

We named ourselves The Von Trapps this weekend, but it wasn't because we were climbing mountains (literally) and singing about our favorite things.  It was because were climbing mountains (figuratively) and actually DOING one of our new favorite things: Trapping.  Yes, this is what the pros call the art of trapeze and now we clearly rank ourselves as such!  Keeping with our Sound of Music theme here is my best attempt of recalling OUR FAVORITE THINGS of this ridiculously fun day!

Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens....wait, let me start over!

                            CAN YOU FEEL THE HEAT?

We always seem to be thrown into the fire with little or no instruction.  I am not sure if we look like we are professionals or if it is just that our adventure instructors are looking for a good laugh that day.  This is what we were told before the climb of terror:  Push your hips forward, Get the Rhythm, and above all else remember that "I gotcha!"  Yes, Doctor Mike we know YOU have us, but why did you have to mess up our trapping mojo and switch places with Skinny Trapper midway through.  Two of him does not even weigh as much as one of us! 

                         DR. MIKE AND HIS WAYS

Clearly all of us may have been a little smitten with Dr. Mike.  But none as much as dear Maryhelen.  She has purchased more lessons so that she may be "caught" by him a few more times.  I think it would be a good idea to honor Sam by bringing him some camo tights next time.  Not that we didn't love the flower power tights he wore for us!  When Patty decided it would be a better idea to just stand on the bridge and not grab the bar with her other hand it was he that convinced her that "she had this..."  When he was teaching us the technique for catching I may have accidentally pulled him in instead of pushing him out.  He responded with a "hellllooo."  Yes, Mike, you had us at Hello.

                            THE LOOK OF TERROR

I think Kelly and I both win the prize of terror face. It may have been that we went 1st and 2nd after MH and we really had no idea what we were in for and quickly realized it is a lot more frightening climbing the ladder and sticking your toes off the edge to jump than we thought.  Patty said there was a point when she was standing on the bridge that she thought, "Patty you are so stupid.  Why did you plan this adventure?  This was the worst idea EVER."  Thank goodness the fear turned to addiction as we were warned and Patty was the hero of the day. 

            The Look of Terror

Patty and Dr. Mike pre-therapy session

                              THE TRAPEZE NAZI

There was a ying to Mike's yang with us that day.  The Trapeze Nazi enjoyed wearing sunglasses inside which Stacy felt the need to point out.  And I was thinking, Stacy, please do not wake this beast.  He is angry enough.  He stood at the base of the net calling out our instructions.  It completely went against our nature to not call out words of praise to each other, but we were loudly informed that someone could get seriously hurt if they didn't hear his calls so could we kindly SHUT UP!  Well, ok.  When I came down after my first run to get my pep talk from him this is what I was greeted with, "You know what, Kat?  You know what your problem is?  Your problem is that you just don't believe in yourself the way I believe in you.  And seriously, OPEN YOUR EYES when you are up there!"  Kelly's eyes when he would talk to her said it all.  I was waiting for a smack down.  The other girls got similar "pep talks" and I tried desperately on the way home to justify his poor attitude on a possible "good cop, bad cop" training method, but Suzy wasn't having it and honestly, I couldn't get behind my theory either.  Sadly, we did not take any pics of the Trapeze Nazi. 

                        THE CHICKEN LADDER

The funniest thing was watching each of us approach the ladder and take a sniff of our pits.  Geez, really I can't imagine that stank is coming from each of us. Stacy finally let us know that the ropes we used to climb the ladder smelled like sweaty chicken.  Thank goodness it wasn't us, right?  The ladder had us laughing more than once...MH was so excited she started trucking up the ladder full speed ahead without being strapped in.  One scream from the Trapeze Nazi and she made her way back down.  We also had the "tuggers".  Everyone was so excited to get back up that there were two occasions when Tracy and Suzy   didn't realize that  Stacy and Patty were still attached to the ladder ropes and they almost pulled them 100 feet to the ground.  I say 100 feet.  I have no idea how high we were...it felt like we were on top of the world. 

                       CHALK AND WATER

Tracy went a little overboard with the chalk.  Enough said. Evidence below.  

Stacy saw a lovely photo of a trapeze artist being sprayed with what looked like water (it was actually his own sweat) and in her own deadpan way asked the receptionist if they offered a water trapeze class.  The receptionist didn't get it.  It cracked me up.  She also was first to notice that once those corset belts were fastened and seriously folks, they were so tight you couldn't breathe, we all looked to be about 6 months pregnant.  Stacy has a gift for one liners. 

                                 Witty Stacy

        WE DON'T NEED NO STINKIN' NET

For the few hours we get to spend with each other each month a sense of calm always washes over all of us. 

I heard Suzy say that while we are together nothing else enters her mind.  I agree! The to-do lists are magically checked off, the stresses of everyday life disappear and all that is present is JOY.  I know all of us have our own insecurities, but when I am with these girls I really feel like anything is possible.  Our conversations are centered around breaking down walls, screaming with pride when one of us conquers a fear, and stories about our children and husbands (who by the way are saints for backing us up on this craziness).  There is never enough room for self-doubt or negativity. So maybe we need a stinkin' net when we are trapping, but with this group of girls you always know what you will get: Laughter, kindness, encouragment and when you think you can't let go they will always be there to catch you. 

One last thing:

If for some reason I do not receive my paycheck this week I will know that Tina has joined the circus. And I fear that if I called MH's house I would get Sam on the line and in his Sam voice he would say, "I don't know where Maryhelen is....Tina came over and told her to grab her TSNY tank top, which she happened to be wearing at the time, and they just took off. And it was so wierd, but Tina kept referring to her as HelenMary."

      May I introduce to you the 2010 Graduates of TSNY

           Kelly

              Kat

              Maryhelen

             Stacy

             Suzy

                        Tina

                                Tracy

                    Patty

        Thank you so much Patty.  What a day!!!

Adventure #4-Surfing

HANGING TEN IN DELAWARE

I think that this adventure had all of us more nervous than past adventures. Maybe, because none of us had a real idea of what it could possibly be!? Swimsuits in September? Seriously?
             Here are the Top Ten Reasons Why Going Surfing in September is a good idea!

Number 10: Extending the Summer

Realizing that we would all have to put on our bathing suits ONE more time was pretty much an adventure in itself.  Once we got over the shock of it and realized that we were going SURFING...we were all thrilled.  I think we made ourselves sick trying to think of what Tina had in store for us.  How many things can you do in a bathing suit?  Well, it was all too much for us, especially for Patty, who threw up in her mouth.

Number 9: Our Newest Recruit Maryhelen

We knew Maryhelen was going to be an absolute trip and would add even more laughter to our already ridiculously funny tribe.  If you have never heard MH do an impression of her husband Sam, I highly recommend you find her and beg for it.  When we asked, "Does Sam think you sound like him?" Her answer, in "his voice" was, "I don't sound like that Maryhelen."  So funny. She will also tell you about gray hair and why it is sad, she will insist she is not going to buy anything and then with crazy eyes try to convince you that if you don't buy this Harry and David coffee you may just die.  On top of it, she had the best run on the surfboard that day!  WELCOME MH!  We love you!

Number 8: Maternity wear without the morning sickness

I went into full panic mode when I realized I left my suits on vacation and needed to run to Target to get a cheapie one for our ADVENTURE.  When I arrived all that was left were maternity suits. Well, I bought it and I wore it.  I still wonder if our instructors wondered and were just to scared to ask knowing I had only one lung and all? 

Number 7: Chocolate covered nuts

Yum. Thanks, Tina!  You were an awesome Adventure guide! "I smell them and I have to eat them." That is what Helen says, anyway.

Number 6: The Checks and Public Nudity

There were a couple of us that had no need to check, but for the rest of my blessed adventurers, the mandatory "look-sees" after being thrashed about in the ocean were hilarious.  And the girls that could care less that they were in a public parking lot, they just wanted out of their stinkin' sandy suits.  I salute you.

Number 5: Men named Peter who live up to the hype
On the way down we were daydreaming about Peter, our surfing instructor.  Would he remind us of a young SPE or would he be 60 in a speedo?   He lived up to the hype, as did his even younger friend.  But, the illusion of perfection was lost when we realized they were strolling behind us on our mile walk while we carried all the gear, in our bare feet, without sunglasses.  I still feel like they were walking behind us with all of our money in their pockets laughing and mouthing the word "suckers." Whatev...they were adorable and didn't for a second give Tracy a break because she only has one kidney. 

Number 4: Sweet Spots
Our "training" consisted of a one minute surfside explanation that it is key to find your "sweet spot" on the board, followed by a quick rundown of "popping."  Then the boys let us know we were ready.  Say what?  The water will be cold, but just muscle through.  There was NO turning back.  We all jumped on our boards,
found our sweet spot and hit the shark infested waters. 

Number 3: Popping
Popping is hilarious.  It is supposed to be done in one fluid movement.  All of us decided to change that to a jagged like movement.  Push with our hands, onto our knees and then if there is time jump onto our feet....oops no time!  I am pretty sure all of us made it up at least once, though.

Number 2: Road Trips
The road trips, and I know I say this a lot, are my favorite times. I know that what is said in the car....stays in the car.  It is fantastic, cheap therapy!

Number 1: Different Strokes

The reason why our group works so well is not because of the ways we are the alike, but how in the many ways we are different.  We have the three "scaredy cats", who in my opinion are myself, Patty and Tina. We are scared of absolutely every adventure planned, but somehow with the help of the others do it anyway.  We have the "pro", Tracy, who by the way has already done EVERYTHING this world has to offer.  We have the "no fears", Maryhelen, Kelly and Suzy.  Those girls, I don't think, will ever walk away from anything that we plan. Lastly, we have Lisa, Stacy and Heather, the "tell it like it is gals"...and trust me when I say we need these brave girls and their ability to say "this ranch dressing sucks, can you bring us out something else?"

Every month I am so grateful that I have these girls and feel like my life is enriched because of our friendship and definately more EXCITING!  Here is to us!  We are awesome. 

Next month: Patty. Socks Optional.

Planning for the Fall

After a summer hiatus the Adventure Girls are back in action.  Dates were scheduled for the next 4 months!  Can't wait to see what everyone has planned. 

Adventure # 3 - Zipline Down Bryce Mountain

What a day! My hands were seriously trembling before Lisa let us know where we were going. I had an idea of what she had planned and I was correct! You would think I would be more prepared, but for some reason the words of "We are going on a zipline course!" sent me into full panic mode. Tracy G. was the only one of us that had done this before and she assured us when we were getting harnessed that there was nothing to be nervous about this time. Hmm....I turned to Kelly, showed her my SHAKING hands, and think I may have said, "rkmfdsnioa???" In non-panic language that should have sounded more like, "Really?"

It was a beautiful ride to Bryce. Suzy's family used to live on the mountain so she took us on a lovely journey of winding roads. I was a bit carsick, but was lucky to have Patty next to me asking me about every two minutes if I was ok. LOL. The trips to the adventures have been some of my most cherished times with the girls. I love to find out about their husbands, kids, work. Just when you think you may have nothing to else to learn about the women you have been friends with for over 18 years, someone will say, "did I ever tell you about?...."

The other car, I am sure, felt the same way. Some of the girls in Stacy's car have only just begun their friendships, but I am so sure they are at the beginning of life-long friendships. Something about conquering your fears, I think! Sooooo.....on to the fear.
SIDE note: Stacy drives like a bat out of hell. Seriously.

Our guides reminded me of a bunch of Longwood SPES. Easy going, longish hair and there for a good time. When the "SPE Boys" were telling us about the adventure that we were about to embark on I half expected Pat Mcgee to come around the corner with his guitar. Being married to one of those easy going, used to have longish hair, there for a good time SPE boys I felt we were in good hands.

Poor Tina was still getting suited up as they explained how to brake and the essentials of legs up and no spinning. That advice was the exact OPPOSITE of the advice that was given by Helen in Adventure Two. :) Anyway, Tina came around the corner just as they said, "Ok, everyone ready." She was so calm. I would have most likely said, "Umm...Back up boys."

So we were off! We were treated to a chairlift ride up the mountain. It looks so different riding up one of those things with grass under you instead of snow. When we got to the top we were told to JUMP and RUN! As we walked up to the first platform most of us backed away from the challenge of going first. If memory serves me correctly, Heather was the brave one. It was a short little line and we all went one by one. I think I may have asked one of the guides if the lines get any higher or longer. He may have laughed in my face. I blocked that.

About 4 more lines down we all met up and waited for everyone. We walked to a beautiful spot where the picture at the top of this post was taken of all of us. I think it was Stacy that said we should all do the same pose and that is what we came up with....thumbs up! We are so original!

I think it was also at this point that the guides told us to be weary of spiders and snakes. Pinky Guide decided it was a great time to tickle our Tina with a stick. Her face was hilarious. It was also the time when all of us decided to freak out a little bit about ticks. We are crazy. Hanging from a teeny tiny zipline and all we were worried about were ticks.

We were all having so much fun and I loved hearing the screams of everyone down every line. Ok, maybe just a couple of us screamed. Everyone was just so happy to be together that I think we all felt nothing could take us down....

Until I didn't make it to one of the platforms that just happened to be on the HIGHEST darn line and had to be rescued. As described in our training session I would have to get "intimate" with one of the guides during the rescue. I was embarassed, but let's be honest if we had to vote at the beginning who would get stranded and need to be rescued I fear it would be a landslide vote.

So, in conclusion, our dear Lisa could not have planned a more exciting adventure. I feel like walls are being knocked down every time we are together. So what wall will we be facing next? Only Heather knows and she's not telling! Stay tuned!

I will continue to upload everyone on the line as I receive the photos!

Adventure # 2-Helen Says

So the Adventures continue....

I was in South Carolina for this and am completely bummed I missed this night of "Self Confidence." The girls were treated to a guest speaker that shared many "tips" on how to improve your relationships. This one is a bit on the top secret side so I will just share a few quotes from the night. I think this one should be an annual event. :)

Kelly: I need my goggles!

Patty: I will need an antibiotic for that!

Tracy: I need to win him over somehow!

Stacy: You'll go blind!

Next up....

June Adventure planned by Lisa. Our only clue:

None of us will have ever done this....Say what? I am scared and extremely excited!

Adventure #1-White Water Rafting

Wild and Wonderful, West Virginia! I can't even begin to write this post without a smile on my face. The adventure was top secret until we met up at my folks house at noon on Saturday. I was extremely excited to finally let everyone know we would be white water rafting for our first adventure. The weather could not be perfect and the group that has agreed to these adventures could not be more fun! I decided to write a Top Ten list for this trip so we can remember the most memorable moments of the trip! Feel free to comment, girls, if you have more to add!





Number 1o: The Reveal. The look of happiness on everyone's faces when I let them know where we would be heading! The look of nervousness on others. I knew it was a good choice. Out of the box, out of the comfort zone!





Number 9: 60 mph in a 65. My car was only a couple minutes behind the other car when we arrived and returned. To me, this is a glorious moment considering I may be the slowest driver in NOVA. I take great pride in that, even though Heather was screaming at me from the back to SPEED UP!





Number 8: The Rusty Shovel. Realizing that no, Lisa, was not planning on murdering us with that rusty shovel hitched to the top of her ride. I guess it was just for show?!?!





Number 7: THE SAFETY VIDEO! That freaking video was the worst. All we were thinking was how the heck are we supposed to remember when to ball ourselves up, keep feet straight ahead, flip on our bellies or swim hard to shore if we were to fall out. And with a smile and a wink the safety video lady stated at the end, "We do not assume any responsibility should you injure yourself or perish on the ride." What?!?!





Number 6: The Art of Entering the Wetsuit. Those bad boys were no picnic sliding into...I use the word sliding in a purely joking manner. Here are serious quotes from my girls.


"Do we keep our pants on?"


"Keep em on, really, keep em on."


"I'm taking mine off. "


"Did you wash these before handing them to us?"


"Are these on inside out?"


"Why, yes they are."


"Oh well, not changing it."


"These are like full body spanx. Sweet."





Number 5: Stacy did not vomit.





Number 4: "I've been doing this since I was 16!" Our guides beneath the grizzly beard and the missing teeth were actually quite attractive. The stories of West Virginia and our imminent death on the river were fascinating and frightening. I think some of the time we knew they were joking and some of the time I could hear the nervous laughter.





Number 3: Lemonade Pit-Stop. Lisa said it was really so we could pee. I am wondering did they want us pee near "copperhead rock" or "spider lagoon"? Regardless, that was some delicious lemonade and a beautiful waterfall.





Number 2: Strange Ambrosia as Stacy calls it. What a wonderful way to end the day. Thank you so much Tina for choosing such a wonderful restaurant. The service was excellent. Heathers fries were piping hot when we went to pay the bill and the ranch dressing was delicious. Tracy letting us know that "these were all valid requests, ladies" cracked me up. Can I be you when I grow up, Tracy? Kelly and I would have let them cut our hair and poison us before we spoke up. I hope the two of us learn to get a backbone one day.





Number 1: Rolling down the River. Everything about it was ridiculously fun. From the moment we sat "one cheek on, one cheek off" on the side of the raft to the moment we hiked up the steep trail to find our sweet, scary ride back to the parking lot was pure bliss. The "Screaming" raft (me, Tina, Patty and Suzy) listening in anticipation to the "giggling" raft ahead of us while they crossed the rapids. Tina saying "I don't think we should do this!" right before we hit the first rapid. Patty's first fall into the raft followed by 5 more falls with me on top of her and hearing poor Tina screaming "ATTACK, ATTACK." Patty and I realizing that it is impossible to get yourself back up while laughing and getting pounded by waves. Suzy's face as she realizes that turning around to talk to us before we went "surfing" was not the smartest move. Our guide letting us know after the fact that he did have an Uh-Oh moment with us shortly after the first rapid. Since I was not on the other boat "The Gigglers"...I asked Stacy to send me some observations of their time on the river. Here is Stacy's take on their raft: "Our raft was what I like to refer to as the "experienced" raft as opposed to the "virgin" raft. Our raft (Stacy, Heather, Tracy, Kelly and Lisa) has "been around the block" with the expert skills of Tracy, Kelly and Lisa. Ed was fantastic with his stories and the beard left a little bit to the imagination. :) In all seriousness we had a great time traveling down the Shenendoah and Potomac Rivers. I think we laughed the entire way! Bonus: The wetsuits contained the jigglies however, I could have done without the perpetual squishiness of the booties!"
Thanks again to my Hypo-Phobic Bad Girls for the most fabulous First Adventure!

Initiation Night

Meet the BG's!

(Minus 4) who will be hazed for not attending inaugural dinner. :)

Our Mascot "Take the Bull by the Horns"

Patty Collins
As "Million Dollar Baby"


Kat Holroyd



As Lara Croft "LC"

Lisa Carter

As "Anastasia" DeCobray



Tracy Graebener

As Beatrix Kiddo "Trixie"



Tina Schultz


As GI Jane

Heather Silman

As "Scout" Finch




Suzy Houtz

As Erin Brokovitch "Brock"

Stacy Hopkins

As Sarah Connor "The Terminator"

Initiation Night

The word "Initiation" conjours up so many feelings. When I think back on my initiations into different groups I remember having felt both terrified and excited! I wanted that mix of emotions again. Sometimes when we "grow up" we lose a little bit of our adventurous spirit.

Some may argue that being married and having kids is more than enough adventure. Yes, I would say that raising a family is a WILD ride. But, I also know that challenging yourself, especially with a group of fabulous girlfriends, is something to be treasured.

There is something I call the "Longwood Phenomena." When you are a Longwood COLLEGE graduate you never truly grow up. The friendships that were formed in the midst of "common source" parties and crowded dining hall tables are both silly and serious. Tonight, I found myself listening to the conversations around the inaugural table and laughing at the sometimes ridiculous tone of our conversations. Are we really all in our mid to late thirties? If we were being watched by outsiders I think we would have received a straight up "21." Word! There is something to be said about nurturing your college friendships. They keep you young. That being said; at the same table I heard the same women speak about their husbands and children with a glow and happiness that no amount of "adventure" could emulate.

So...basically the idea behind this group was the desire to stretch ourselves beyond our comfort zone...to try new things with old friends... meet some new friends and bring out our inner

"hypo-phobic bad girl." Check, Check, Check...

March 21st marks the day of our first adventure!