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Published: August 30th 2014
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I've put a lot of thought into what I should write for my first entry as I get ready to venture off to Kilimanjaro with my dad. In just hours I will be hopping on a plane, climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro with my father, going on a safari, and taking in the culture of Tanzania. Sipping my morning coffee, I can't help but smile, and even laugh a little at my previous entries documenting my adventures in Europe. I was young, nervous, and ready to take on the world while I lived in Rome for three months. Tied down to someone I loved, finishing my degree in Communication, and applying frantically to my top graduate schools. When I got back I would be graduating, engaged, and perhaps working for a non profit in the future. My have things changed--all for the better.
The relationship didn't work out--there were two failed relationships since then, lots of dating, and more lessons that I learned. In Italy, I thought everything at home was solid, and I traveled Europe feeling secure and happy. Six years later, I have grown, am 28 and single, and in the career of a lifetime. I earned my MA, made
Steph and Bridgett!
Ok, so maybe we're putting off training in this pic, and having some fun! a whole new group of friends at WSU, battled my feelings of being both a Husky and Coug (gasp!), transformed my physical fitness and diet habits, and started a new life in Capitol Hill-Seattle.
In this life path that was unplanned (it usually is), I have made incredible friends. I know I'm a bit biased, but I truly feel I have won the "friend lottery." (Thanks for that term Suz!) With these friends there have been extreme ups and downs. Divorces, marriages, pregnancies, engagements, graduate degrees earned, new jobs, travel around the world, births, breakups, new relationships, careers of a lifetime, death, new friends, rekindling of old friends, and the solid fact that we would get through every event together.
I experienced the death of two of my students this past year, and another one of my students was in a serious car accident. I have had more friends lose someone special in the past few years than ever before (through the loss of a relationship, death, or life circumstances). I have also had a special friend, Amy, who is battling a lifelong disease--in the most courageous of ways.
So what does this all have to do
Mailbox Peak with Melissa!
Probably one of the hardest hikes I've done. with Kilimanjaro? Through these events that we call "life" I have undoubtedly struggled with the question of "what does this all mean?" With the lows, the highs, and the in-betweens, what are we supposed to do with this life? In Europe I made it my mission to explore history in front of my eyes, experience art, and savor cultural traditions, food, and appreciate new customs. With Kilimanjaro, I believe my calling is to be one with nature, and I hope to find even just a sliver of the answer to my question above--what does it all mean? Experiencing premature deaths, seeing a friend struggle with a life altering disease, and realizing I have a healthy body (thanks to a newfound appreciation of physical fitness, and a remarkable gym community), I need to make it my mission to use my body and the opportunities I have to my advantage. I think sometimes we all need a nudge in the right direction to push us and realize: LIFE IS SHORT. The unexpected can happen. Everything can change. I have been humbled by what my friends have gone through, and this is my time to use this journey for myself. I sometimes question how lucky I even got to be able to do this trip.
This has been a lot of analysis and self-reflection, so I will wrap it up. I feel incredibly blessed to have the support of all of you. This trip has pushed me to train my body harder than before, and transform my diet. I went on a total of 12 hikes in the spring and summer (Mailbox Peak with Melissa C. being the hardest--we are bonded for life), got to know many of you on a more personal level in the process, and got my ass completely kicked by my incredible trainer and friend Steph, and inspiring friend Bridgett. They pushed me--they showed me I can do things I didn't think were capable. I lost weight, gained muscle, made personal records, and realized how incredible the human body is. It was humbling to have those days when I didn't feel so good, and it was amazing when I had those days where I could REALLY feel the results. Additionally, the mental support has been astronomical. I have tried to keep a sense of humility when discussing this trip, as I do not know if I will make it to the top. 19,341 feet is a long ways to go....altitude sickness does not discriminate, and weather conditions can do whatever they want...while trying to maintain my humility, and express my excitement, I have had nothing but reassurances from friends--that no matter what happens, it will be something I will always remember.
So thank you everyone. I don't know how I got to deserve your love, support, and friendships, but please know I cherish every single one of you. It is all of you carrying me up this mountain.
If you want to follow the journey of my dad and I, we are going through Rainier Mountaineering Incorporated. Seth Waterfall, our guide, is blogging our journey. The website is:
http://www.rmiguides.com/blog/location/11/kilimanjaro I will also be keeping a journal on paper in which I plan to transfer over to this website digitally. I will post as often as I can.
As I get ready to pack my bags in the car and say goodbye to my sweet Popple, I hope to come back changed. I hope to be inspired. I will use my body to its fullest advantage. I think this quote says it best:
"Everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the growth and happiness occurs while you're climbing it.
And here we go....
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Smeeta
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You goooo girl!!
I am SOO excited to be a witness on this incredible journey you've been on Megan. You were the first person I spoke to at Hugo House last year and my life is enriched having you in it. I LOVED this blog and I cannot wait to hear from you throughout this journey. You have trained beyond the physical gyms my friend! Sending you much love and very much looking forward to reading more!