The high dive.

“Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it!”
― Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
It took me all summer to jump off the high dive at Gladstone Community pool the summer of '93. I finally worked up the courage to climb the steps, hold my noise and jump but I only did it once. After the atomic wedgie I decided I did not need to do that again, EVER. I am not hasty at when it comes to adventurous activities. I need to witness someone else do it, then I have to think about it, after all of this I will commit. Cautious by nature but the need for experiences has always driven my decisions. I have been wanting to make this journey for almost two years. I have been dreaming about this, now it is "go time", be bold, do it.

Pictures of my last Christmas in California. (2009)

"I'm so excited...I'm so excited....I'm so...."

Two Life Lessons: 1. Never drink an espresso on an empty stomach while going through a life change ie. moving, relationship end, death, new job, etc. 2. Target is better than therapy.

On Sunday, I went to yoga and meditation. Next stop: Baby Shower, detour to Latte Land. I decided to bypass any (soy) cream or sugar and go straight for the money maker. I sipped espresso often on my European adventures, so I thought "why not" do as the Europeans do and go for the diesel. Also I am ditching this caffeine habit before my trip to India, so I thought it was a good idea to take the espresso train to crazy town while I am still on the wagon. As well as the espresso buzz I was being cheap by skipping the froth, I saved about $2.50. Three sips later, I was off to the baby party! While sitting at the well organized, cozy, classy and adorable shower I began to have a slight panic attack on the amount of stuff one mini human needs. The gadgets, the towels, the devices, the entertainment trinkets...which then lead me to remember all the items I have to fit in a Taurus. After the baby shower I knew there was only one place I could go to get rid of this anxious feeling, Target! I needed to walk off the caffeine and self reflect. Target is really the best place to do both of these things. Target can make you feel at home, no matter what part of the nation you are in or what is going on in your life. Target is a sanctuary for all. The smell of popcorn, the bright lights, holiday music and the red carts. You know, you will find what you need and something that you don't need and you will spend at least $50 on a half full bag. After leaving Target, I knew I would be OK. The caffeine was leaving my system and I realized that just like Target, Missouri and my friends will always be here and if I can't fit my clothes, two lamps and plants in the Taurus I know there are Targets in California.

(Picture was taken in Paris B.L.I. before lactose intolerance)

Link to Target Finder: http://sites.target.com/site/en/spot/page.jsp?title=store_locator_new