One more week...

So my backpack is weighted at about 20lbs. That is more than some people say is good, but less than what I have heard others have carried. Yesterday I did a 14 mile trek with my backpack, and other than being tired, today I actually feel great! I'm getting nervous now, and starting to have trip nightmares. Normal though. Things are wrapping up here though. Everything getting settled before I leave. Stay tuned for more to come!

Spiritually Moving

So this past week has been very good, in a completely non-physical way. I've been reading "Walk In A Relaxed Manner" by Joyce Rupp, and it has opened my eyes to so many challenges I may encounter while walking the Camino. Here is an excerpt that really spoke to me...

My Camino disappointments also taught me a better approach to life. If I expect every day to be harmonious and trouble free, I will be disheartened and discouraged. If I think I can plan and arrange my day so well that nothing will enter in except what I want to have there, i will be frustrated and full of irritation. When I recognize disappointments and accept them for what they are--experiences where my expectations are not met--then I can approach them in a much calmer and more growthful manner. Disappointments along the way of life do not need to side-track me from a life of joy and gratitude.

This has always applied to me. In that way I am definitely a Charlotte (Sex and the City)! Over the past 5 years or so, I would say that this part of me has definitely calmed down, but when I read this passage I realized that there are still moments in my life today when I set myself up for disappointment. So here I am, preparing myself for this 500 mile trek...along with that comes many expectations, though I may not be fully aware of them. I only hope that I can just let myself experience things day by day on my walk, instead of hoping for some great spiritual movement inside of me.

Week 2...

Ok...been walking home from work about 3 times a week, and doing a major trek at least once a week. Have now acquired: emergency medical kit, hiking pants, socks, underwear, waterproofing for my boots, rain poncho and hat. Rail tickets arrived in the mail, and things are rolling along.

On my walks home from work, I am reminded of all of the small things and life that are beautiful...you know when the color of the sky and the color of the water just have this brilliant chemistry and you can't help but notice? Or witnessing generations of men playing chess by the waterside. Beautiful flowers that were always there, but they just seemed to pop out at me today! Or even just the image of a single scene that takes place distant in the future that makes you smile from ear to ear...these are just a few...but oh so wonderful!

Just less than four weeks to go!