Comfort Zone

I'm not really sure how it played out this way, but in the last week I did two things that were completely out of character for me, plus one thing that is completely reckless.

First, I held a scorpion:

My face says it all.

Yes, it's real. I asked if the scorpion was a 'stingless' variety. (It's not.) I asked if the sting hurt, you know...kind of like a bee sting? (The sting is similar to a bee's sting, except x50.) I was reassured to learn that the scorpion sting was unlike the bite of the brown recluse spider. (The flesh doesn't rot.) I still don't know what possessed me to hold this critter...but I have photographic proof of my momentary lapse of good judgement.

Second, I went stand-up paddle boarding for the first time:

The paddle board rental company is called 'Sup'.
I assume this is short for 'What's up?'

Success! The former headbanger in me often confuses
with 'metal' hands for 'aloha' hands. \m/ \m/ 

There was some concern about a large swell coming in, which made getting out and coming back in more challenging. The rental guy told us that he didn't really recommend it for newbies, but it was our call. I decided that since I had psyched myself to drive down there and give it a try, that I'd better just go for it.

There is a reason this girl doesn't do triathlons anymore; I am terrified of the open water. I enjoy the beach, but I'm much more comfortable playing in the surf than I am going out into deeper water. It was almost better to have a sense of urgency; we were instructed to get into the water and out past the waves as quickly as possible. I was in the water and on the board paddling on before I had a chance to even think. I was so hyper-focused on getting past the waves, I didn't even notice if the water was cold or not. 

My friend Jessani told me, 'You're so athletic, you'll catch on really fast!' Her vote of confidence was very sweet, but I was convinced I would fall right away. My legs were shaking from the adrenaline and trying to keep my balance. I was definitely out of my comfort zone, and it took me a good 20 minutes to settle into some sort of a rhythm. Paddle boarding was one of the hardest things I've done in a long time, but I can't wait to do it again!

And the last thing: Are you ready for the completely reckless and unexpected?

I'm going to Hello Kitty Con in November:

Amy Poehler font: Yeah, that's right. I'm 46-years old
and I'm going to Hello Kitty Con. Jealous??