One Week Outta E-Town

This week David and I went to Jasper; David had a conference all week at Jasper Park Lodge (very beautiful!) and I had reading week so I decided to tag along. It was one darned relaxing week…and also kind of interesting. David was in sessions from 8:00 AM until 10:30 each day (except Thursday night…we went swimming…outside…in the heated pool…mmmmmmm…) Anyway, needless to say, I had a ton of time by myself. It was the first time I’d ever walked into a sit-down restaurant, asking for a “table for one.” Just me and my book…I felt awkward…I even felt that bit of that fear that comes up from your stomach into your throat, and then sinks back down inside. I don’t know what I was scared of.

There was a point in my life when I would have been fearful of what people would think of me…of me by myself. But that wasn’t it this time…I think I’ve come to the point where I don’t care what strangers think of me…the people that I want to love me, love me…and that’s good. So it was this other type of fear that I can’t really pin down. Maybe part of it was…what am I supposed to be doing…alone? It was strange to be away from everyday living. I didn’t have any tasks to complete…no homework, no dishes, no phone, no email, no grocery shopping, no job, no music...it was just me and an entire day.

I heard an interview on CBC the other day…this guy had spent three years in silence! Now maybe this is a bit much…personally I think it’s quite stupid, but it’s probably good to be all alone and away from life sometimes…or to just to be quiet for a while.

Ryan – he’s given up music/stereo/radio for lent…wow! Because there are hardly any moments when it’s just us and our own thoughts…and when there are these times, I get so scared I try to find some kind of outside stimulation…

I gave up chocolate for lent…I’ll save this for another blog.