Getting Ready

So, clearly I'm picking and choosing which of the prompts I'm using. Its fine, this is my blog, I can do what I want. Right? Of course.

It always feels like I'm getting ready for something; work, vacation, training. Always preparing for an event or experience.  Right now I'm getting ready in the short term for our fantastic vacation, more long term for my second half marathon. Preparation is an uphill battle. When it comes to vacation planning I am all over that, the planning of our days, what we're going to do, who we're going to see. That is all so much fun!

Getting ready for a half marathon on the other hand is a very daunting and laborious task. Days, weeks, and months of preparation all boil down to the success of one 3 hour period. That is a terrifying thought. It is also incredibly rewarding. This January I can't wait to cross that finish line for a second time. I can't wait for a new PR and to have another great medal put around my neck! For that I get up and get ready every day.

4. Alone

A beautiful early morning, alone in the Jambo House at Animal Kingdom Lodge

There are very few moments in life where I truly appreciate being alone. Of all places I found this appreciation at Disney World on our trip last year. If you have never had a chance to stay at or even visit the Animal Kingdom Lodge, I strongly suggest you do. This resort is so large, sprawling and beautiful you can't help but realize you are entirely alone from time to time.

On vacation I am a morning person, at home in my day-to-day grind I am not. Every morning of our trip last May I woke up around 0530. I would pull my cardigan on over tank top and yoga pants and meander the vast landscape of this resort to get the blessed nectar of life, coffee. Every morning was like my own personal safari adventure.

Along with the serenity and peace it provided me, in contrast to the hustle and bustle of the day crowds, it allowed me to see things and details I think I would overlook during the busier times of the day. I also gave me an overwhelming appreciation of all of the custodial, horticulture, and animal care Cast Members.

As I was the only guest up and about in the resort, or so it seemed, I became a familiar face to a few CM's. They would smile and wave, wish me a good morning, and even joke with me about my alone time in the morning. It was pleasant and peaceful. These alone moments also made me feel special. I was the crazy lady who wandered the grounds with her coffee and camera in hand at the crack of dawn.

3. Lines

I'm using an old picture for today's prompt. It is definitely not my best photographic work, but it serves its purpose. My mom and I are gearing up for a fun weeklong adventure back to the Happiest Place on Earth.

I love Disneyland, it is my "home", I feel so much joy and comfort just walking through the esplanade. Someone asked me recently what it is that I find so enjoyable about visiting the park as often as I do. How could I possibly find joy in the throngs of people and long lines? I tend to be fairly awkward in social situations, my mom would disagree, however I have found the older I get the weirder I get about social conventions. However, at Disney it is easy to find a common bond with many visitors. I find this particularly true at Disneyland because it is a "local's park". I feel like the lines and the waiting is a chance to meet new and interesting people who share my love, affection, and appreciation for Walt's park. I tour solo a lot, which opens me up to a lot of time with complete strangers.

Waiting in line for attractions is a fun way to pass time, meet people, or just watch them. Honestly, the lines are as fun as the attractions sometimes. Everything at Disney is about the experience, and the lines are no exception. Take the time to enjoy the 45 minute wait for Star Tours, not only is the queue immaculately themed, but you get to observe and interact with so many wonderful people; Star Wars nuts, Disney Geeks, weekend warriors, harried parents.

Waiting in line is a fact of life, but it can be an enjoyable and shared experience. I made a young French girl's day while waiting in line for an attraction during our visit last May. She asked about a pin I had tacked to my purse. I told her she could have it, it was something I had made and if she wanted it it was hers. Seeing her happy made my visit just that more enjoyable. Its little things like that, I feel, that make Disney Parks a special place.

1. Together

The first prompt for the September Photo a Day is the word together. Although I did not get a picture, I did have a wonderful time of "Together" today. I got a message from the husband of a good friend yesterday asking if we wanted to get together this weekend. We were able to do that today.

Together is a very special word. It means so much to so many people. Though I do not get to be together with my dear husband as much as we'd like, I do have many terrific friends to which I am thankful call, text, message and write to me to come together. Today I got to spend time with an old friend and her family. We had a wonderful time and I appreciate our friendships, and the laughter and joy we share. It is always good to spend time together with people you love. Whether you see them once in a while or all the time, I appreciate being able to have a sense of community and family whether the family is the one to which you are born or the one you create yourself. It helps to hold me together.

Since writing and blogging is something I want to be better at, and I really want to be better at my Photo-A-Day challenge (one of these months I'm going to finish more than a week!), I thought maybe I could try to combine the two. So for the month of Sept I am going to try combining the photo prompt with a post. I really love the photo challenges over on the blog, Fat Mum Slim. Chantelle does a bang up job every month. There are instructions and everything over at her blog if you want to play along too! I usually share my photos to Instagram, as that is my preferred social media platform.

So as with most things in my life I'm starting this a day late, but at least I'm starting! Here's to a happy September.