Things are not how they used to be...

If you grew up with me, then you'll probably identify with this.... remember 30 mile bike rides "just for fun" or skiing out in the back fields without a clear view of the way home, sometimes for many hours into the night? Or runs that went on for miles just because we could? Or, later in life.... training for marathons, joining the swim team, going on 18 day backpacking trips or 5 weeks hiking and canoeing "excursions?" What about swimming across the lake or exploring unchartered terrain in the wilds of northern Asia...

I'm remembering all those things fondly, today as nurse my very sore feet, tailbone and lower back, remembering for some reason that though I felt tired (yes, very tired at times) I was never close to tears because I couldn't sit down before. Times have changed! Yesterday we went for a long but doable walk/hike aroud the island with a beach picnic destination (my idea), and I thought many times I wouldn't be able to make it. Two days ago we walked through Hong Kong Island (city) for the afternoon and I almost cried when we finally sat down in a starbucks and a kindly man offered me a seat at his table in a no-seat coffee shop. It seems that overnight I have gone from "able to be active" to "very sore, hormonal and emotional every time I'm uncomfortable". What happened? Is being 51/2 pregnant really an excuse?

So, I've been thinking about the times when I told my old friends "lets go for a walk/run/ski/swim/hike" and became very impatient if they weren't so excited for long outings with lots of excursion. I TOTALLY understand now what it's like to be on the other end. I'm glad Dave has had a place to run a beautiful 10k every day around the island, hike up and down to town for meals and excurions, swim and explore... I'm so glad because I know what it's like to do and ENJOY those things, but right now, it's hard to get out of a chair. And I'm only 22 weeks!! What is it going to be like in say, 3 months??? Oh my... I hope I don't get too much bigger!!

But, no complaining anymore, I really am enjoying this time away from the fridgid northern city... and it's completely quiet here save the crashing of the ocean or the call of a couple birds (or the cry of babies in this wonderful family friendly retreat center!) Did I mention that I'm we're getting very accustomed to family vacations with young children? :) fun stuff up ahead! This is how I'm spending my day today:)