Tuesday afternoon, 12:45 p.m.
As I posted on Facebook earlier this morning, today is a big day.
I made two big goals for 2016--to fly on a plane (I have not flown since my stroke and it has been almost six years since my last flight from Phoenix to Denver when my youngest nephew was born.) I do not like to fly. My dad is an aerospace engineer and has explained many times how a plane flies. I could explain it too. My head understands it perfectly, but my heart freaks out.My other big goal is to get my driver's license, which will be a summer project, for sure.
Today is a big day because Mom, Dad and I are packed for eight days and leaving for the airport in about an hour to fly to San Diego this evening! We are staying in Leucadia, just minutes from where I used to live. in an area that feels very much like home.
Maddie is already settled in at my sister's house, ensconced with her cousins. She will be super spoiled and tired and sleep a bunch and will probably get a weekend in Winter Park, to boot. I hate leaving her behind and am already looking forward to an terrific night's snuggle when we get home next Thursday!
I am much more excited about being there and seeing friends and going to Sea World than I am about the actual flying part of the trip!
But I will remind myself of the ocean up the hill from where we are staying in Leucadia and Mexican food at Juanita's and Especial Norte and favorite places from when I lived there in 2003-2006 (coffee at Pannikin for sure!) and it will be fine! Plus, " underneath are the everlasting arms" that hold up the plane better than physics. It says so in Deuteronomy somewhere...
I decided just 17 minutes ago to take my laptop along, so I do hope to blog at least once and will, of course, post a bunch on Twitter and Facebook as always.
As for Colorado: Snow away and be as cold as you like. I don't care...I will be at the beach!And, yes, I will wave at the ocean for you--and at any dolphins I see... (fingers crossed!)
Much love to all,
Joanne
You are the BRAVEST girl I know!! Enjoy this time, my friend. It is SUCH a BIG WIN for you. And you know I am holding your hand in prayer, while you fly.
Posted by: Holly Smith | January 19, 2016 at 01:08 PM
I would love to connect. I totally understand if that isn't possible. Yay! 🎉😃
Posted by: Renee altson | January 19, 2016 at 01:11 PM
Eeeek!!! this is HUGE!! I'm so excited for you! relish every moment and don't forget your sunscreen lady!! ;-) Praying nothing but a smooth flight and plenty of sunshine!! (((hugs)))
Posted by: Tammy Allen-Schenke | January 19, 2016 at 01:14 PM
I'm so excited for you! Have a great trip and enjoy the sun...we will be in California in May and I can't wait. My husband is an aerospace engineer and after years in the AF he's teaching Airplane design and I love flying with him...he gets a lot of questions from me when we fly! Btw, I think Maggie's going to have as much fun as you!
Posted by: Bobbie Lutz | January 19, 2016 at 01:54 PM
How exciting...hope you have a blast!
Posted by: Susie T | January 19, 2016 at 01:55 PM
So excited !!! I'm here in Oceanside and would love to see you while you are here!!
Posted by: Pam lewko | January 19, 2016 at 03:16 PM
I hope you have a great vacation. I hate flying too so I am proud of you for facing your fears and trusting God. 🐬🐬🐬🐬🐚🐚🐚🐚🐚🌴🌴🌴🌴
Posted by: Lori Rathbun | January 19, 2016 at 03:45 PM
Have a terrific time! Hope you have a window seat to see His creation from that perspective again. San Diego is near and dear to our hearts and a beautiful piece of earth. Proud of all of the milestones you are facing with trust!
Posted by: beth | January 19, 2016 at 07:57 PM
It all sounds so exciting. I finally found you on facebook. I accidently hit the button to be a friend. Please excuse the request. I wanted to follow you on facebook. I've been following your blog since before the stroke. I love seeing how you are making your life so positive. I will continue to keep you in my prayers.
Posted by: Beverly Atkins | January 20, 2016 at 09:35 AM
How exciting for you. I have only flown one time and do not care to do it again. Have a wonderful trip!! BLESSINGS!!
Posted by: Charlotte Moore | January 20, 2016 at 03:55 PM
I share your trepidation about flying. My pastor - who also doesn't like to fly - always says God stated right in the Bible "Lo(w) I am with you always!" I love San Diego and am sure it will be worth the butterflies. Have a wonderful time!
Posted by: Carol | January 20, 2016 at 05:46 PM
Sea World is hell on earth for whales and if you cared about them at all you would boycott!
Posted by: Shamu | January 20, 2016 at 08:29 PM
Ooh! I've got somewhere you HAVE to eat while you're here! (Plus just trying to email you in general) But my email keeps bouncing to you...
Can you direct me to where your current email address is?
Or do you screen comments? Because I could just send it as a comment if you then wouldn't post it? LOL.
Posted by: Lisa | January 21, 2016 at 01:56 AM