Hello, again

Holy moly, it's been a long time since I've done any blogging. Just shy of two years. Wow, it flew by! But rather than boring you (and myself) with all the little details, I'm just going to say that life right now is pretty wonderful....and leave it at that.... because there's another reason for writing this post, and for picking up blogging again.

When I originally started this blog in 2010, it was because I was about to go out on an adventure - living on my own in Washington, DC for 3 months when I was a junior in college (can that really have been 6 years ago? Just typing that takes my breath away). I had wanted to document that time because I was sure it was be a challenge and a thrill and would stretch me in a lot of ways. It would require me to step out of my comfort zone, conquer some fears, and be a huge learning experience. And on the practical side of things it would enable me to keep family and friends up to date and informed about my experience.

So what, you may ask, does that have to do with me picking up blogging again? Well, I'm headed on another adventure. Not nearly as lengthy, intense, or intimidating, but an adventure nonetheless. On Saturday I leave for San Diego for a week. Like I said, not nearly as adventurous. But here's the thing-- I'm going by myself. This will be the first vacation I've ever taken on my own before. And while that isn't a big deal for a lot of people, it's a huge deal for me. Traveling for a person in a wheelchair is a lot different than traveling as an able-bodied person. I have to think about random things like making sure my rental car has hand controls, how I'm going to carry my luggage, if the place I'm staying and events I'll be attending are accessible, etc. So there's that. But there is also another reason this trip will be a step out of my comfort zone.

For the past 3 years I've lived with my sister. It's INCREDIBLE, and I wouldn't change that for anything. My sister and I are best friends, and genuinely enjoy doing things together. So living with her is an absolute joy. But I've also gotten extremely comfortable. I've gotten comfortable with having a "wing-man" most places I go, and I haven't had to do many things alone. I've never been great at doing things alone anyway. I like my alone time at home, but when it comes to doing any kind of activity outside of home I like the security of the "buddy system". I think it's partially the youngest child in me, and I think it's partially because I know that if someone else is with me they will help me navigate some of the potentially inconvenient situations that may arise, and will help fill any awkwardness. And let's be real - it keeps me from having to make all of the decisions myself!

I had asked a couple of different friends if they wanted to go on this trip with me, and it just didn't work out. Am I going to let that stop me from doing something I want to do? No way! That seems like a pretty silly way to go through life.

So if you want to follow along on my trip and read my random thoughts about life here and there, check back (or better yet, subscribe!).