The End of the Road Trip
Whether by fate or by design, there was no T.V in our accommodations in Napa Valley. Secretly I thought this was great- we were surrounded by books and games – I was looking forward to some good ‘quality time’ with the kids.
On one particular day we decided to venture to the coveted Culinary Institute of Amercia.
The day started so beautiful, so peaceful. I woke up early and watched the dew burn off the vineyards.
There was a feeling of peace and gratitude that almost humbles me to tears.
Slowly, the kids wake up, start banging around. I remind them we are at someone’s house- not a hotel and there will be no maid coming in to clean up their sloppy mess. Brandon drops his cereal, Chelsea places her hot iron on hard wood floors and I snap.
What happens next is something that resembles a scene in The Exorcist.
The bad eating, no exercise, low tolerance for stress built up and unleashed it’s fury. Not even 5 minutes pass and I wish I could claim a ‘do over’ but my kids aren’t buying it this time. They’re pissed.
Where is my husband? All of us start to deeply miss him in a way that feels like nothing will be fun anymore until we see him again. We eat, we play cards, we do some painting, but nothing is right until we pick him up at the airport.
The thought of driving back to the airport causes slight post traumatic syndrome of the days before when we were horribly lost. But this time we get our act together and start working as a team. Chelsea becomes the co pilot I needed all along and we make it to the airport no problem.
From the minute we see out Knight in Shining Armor ( aka my husband ), the whole energy of the trip changes. Life is good.
I found my own little oasis when we arrive at The Sonoma Mission Inn. Ironically, Matt and I had stayed at this property over a decade ago on our fist trip to Napa and it was just as beautiful now. I was in desperate need of some real exercise.I head to the spa, soaked in the mineral baths, did some Pilates. Ahhh yes, this was exactly what I needed. Something ‘woke up’ inside me – I was ready to head back to Phoenix although I had no clue what was to unfold when I got there.
As life has a way of doing, when a particular venture, relationship, career is not meant to be, it starts to crumble away and this is how I felt about teaching Pilates and training clients.
Somewhere between chemo and surgery of last year I decided I didn’t want to work with people who were just working out to ‘look hot’. I wanted to make a difference. When the time came for me to return to work however, I was so hungry for something resembling my old life, I settled for my stagnant routine. But just like my jeans that had grown too tight over my Summer travels – something about this didn’t feel good anymore. I had grown out of my job AND my jeans. . .now what?
Posted by Angellah at 8/7/2009 10:58 AM 
Categories: Summer Road Trip,Life After Cancer
Tags: Summer Road Trip Life After Cancer
Categories: Summer Road Trip,Life After Cancer
Tags: Summer Road Trip Life After Cancer
Wow, what a great place to be! You're in touch with your purpose, and vision, faith, gratitude, clear beliefs and ACTION can't be far behind. Rock on!
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It's not a very good feeling when something doesn't fit anymore, whether
it be clothing or career/job. Usually life is telling me to make change...
physically or mentally. Guess it's that time and I can't wait to see what is next for you!!!!!
You've made wonderful memories on this road trip. How great is that!!
love mom
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God is in charge and all is in divine order. What is going on sounds a lot to me like what I call Divine Discontent. It takes you out of a place of comfort, and helps you on the next phase of your journey. Know that my prayers continue you with you on this journey, my dear friend. Love, Sandy (& Wes)
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Guys... you have NO idea - this is amazing! I can't wait to share!
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