Day 5 - Freedom Day

Sorry folks, but today's post is going to be wicked short... I'm up late because I can't sleep...  But it's all good.

Freedom Day was awesome!  It's a day of new beginning and fresh starts.  It's a day that I will probably not forget for a while!

Today's hike was Solstice.  It was completely vertical for the first hour and 15 minutes.  Talk about wanting to die... holy crap.  But the cool part was, it was beautiful.  Today we only had 5 people in our van - we lost some to sunburn and blisters.  The other group that joined us, group 4 had the same.  The best part was, there were 5 guides with us - so 2 people to a guide.  It was great.  You had a chance to get to know them.  Randy is a truly cool dude.  He's an architect and just knows a ton about the land and everything surrounding it.  Then there's George.  I spent the first almost 2 hours with him.  He's just so cool.  He coached girls soccer and was originally studying to become a teacher.  We shared alot of the same outlooks on things.  Sometimes, you can just connect so well with another person.  He was great!  I took my time up the incline.  It was hard as hell, but I have to say, my knee felt great!  I can't believe I didn't have it taped or with a brace.  Props once again to Dr. Ray!  This was a hike that you went in one way and out another.  The decline was great, I was able to catch back up to the group quickly.  We were able to see a great waterfall and the ruins of a home that was burned down in the fires a while back.  From there, we had a bonus hike, because there still was time before we needed to leave.  Another steep incline, but it wasn't bad.  It lead us to an amazing lookout... but then... all of the sudden, I thought I was going to pass out.  I guess my walking started shifting from left to right and George looked at me, stopped and asked if I was ok... He gave me a whats called a shot block - It's basically electrolytes in a chewable tablet.  Talk about a miracle.  After about 5 mins - I was totally fine!  That stuff if amazing.  I rocked out on the rest of the hike!

When we got back it was time for the pool!  I love pool class!  We had John who kicked our butts!  It was great - water circuits - so we just went around the pool to the different stations giving it all you've got!  The end was pretty fun!  We had relay races.  The best part for me was that our team, the girls team kicked some butt!  Oh yeah baby!  We rocked it out.  Now I totally admit I suck at swimming!  It's not my best!  I hate the feeling of water in your ears, which of course happens multiple times daily.  But I still gave it all I had!  Also once we got close, we were able to chuck the weight up onto the pool deck.  I made it from what I would say is a pretty good distance.  It was just like throwing a football!  Thanks Dad for your help with that one!  I still say I can throw the best spiral in the neighborhood!

Rob and I chilled a bit before we headed to lunch.  I have to say, he truly is an amazing guy who is just so great to talk to.  We went back to our rooms to change.  This is one of three amazing things that happened on Freedom Day!  I get back and my roommate Kim is crying.  I got nervous at first and then shared in the cry.  SHE IS STAYING THROUGH NEXT WEEK.  Now this might sound just like a little thing, but it's not.  Her husband is going to take care of everything so she can complete her journey here.  I feel so blessed that her and I can stay together.  I've had such a great time getting to know her and just love her to death.  We laughed, we cried, it was better than Cats!

We shared the news with everyone at lunch and just cheered!  UGH!  Talk about a great feeling!  We then headed to the lecture entitled "Next Week."  It's really cool to think that most of the people we hang out with are going to be staying another week.  We were even able to make it so that the six of us are in the same group!  Orange baby!  The sad part is that Rob will be leaving us... for as much as we begged and pleaded... he needs to head back to FL to get things ready for Hockey tryouts and just get back to life after being gone for a month!

The second amazing thing of the day happened next.  Jenn - you're going to love this!  We had a Cardio Disco Class!  I'll use the same quote that I used in New Orleans... I danced like it was my job!  Oh my god!  First of all, John, our instructor came dressed up in full 70's gear - I'll load the pics later!  He looked adorable!  The dance combinations rocked... and I just had fun with it... I kept being told that I had "plenty of attitude" while I danced... hmm Jenn... I wonder where I get that from - my partner in crime!  We danced our asses off for not just one class... but we stayed for all three it was that good!  Kim, Rob and I showed them how it was done! Yeah baby!  We all had turns to strut our stuff.  I LOVED EVERY MINUTE!

At the end of class we decided to get dressed up for Graduation.  We ran back to the rooms showered and primped like crazy.  I still can't believe that I didn't wear make up at all this entire week, nor did my hair!  You didn't have it... no one cared... it wasn't a fashion show... but tonight... we all brought it!  Hair, makeup, and "the dress" as Judy calls it!  Yes I wore my pink and white flowered dress.  I have to say, I looked damn good!  I got many compliments from all!  :)

Graduation was great.  They make a video of each week here at BL Fitness Ridge, so you get to see yourself in different classes... half of the time you don't know you're being filmed or pictures are even being taken so it was really cool to see!  Then the graduates share advice for all of us and then the fun begins... the funny stories that we all shared... Of course I had to share the Gun show performed daily by Rob and Josh!  It was a really fun time!

Then we went to hang out, in our favorite spot by the pool.  The funny part is, I totally forgot about my pedicure.  The girl came and found me outside!  Thank god!  I love the new look for my toes!  Purple and sparkles... matches my sparkling personality!

When I got back, I just jumped right in with the group... they gave a quick recap of the events... since whenever we're all together... there is always a ton of laughs.  Most people stayed out until 9 ish, but then went back to call loved ones... or just goto sleep.  And now comes my third favorite part of Freedom Day.  I got to spend time with a guy who I still don't think realizes how great he truly is.  He has a heart of gold and a smile that can light up a room.  He can motivate anyone to give their best all the time.  And he's someone I truly look up to for his experience.  He's not afraid to dance... and to be loud... and just get the crowd going.  Rob is amazing.  We talked about everything from movies... and music... and just life... It was awesome.  We were finally freezing... so decided to call it a night, so he walked me back to my room like a true gentleman.  He really is quite amazing.

You know it's funny... after my talk with Ezera, we made a list of things I would not compromise on.  And for me happiness is not one of them.  I want someone who I can go dancing with or isn't afraid to sing Karaoke and look like ass - Lord knows I did that in New Oreleans.  I want someone who can talk to anyone... who can make a good time no matter where they are.  I want a person who is going to ask me how my day is and actually listen.  I want someone who is not going to get upset when I do things for my students because I care... and since they are important to me... they're important to them. I want someone with a good heart that wants to be a partner and share the journey in life... and I want a family.  These are things I'm not going to compromise on.  Who knows what is going to happen... but I'm on the right path!

Night all!