finding serenity

Several weeks ago, Christen, my sister-in-law and Bethany's sister, reached out to me to see if we could have some time together.  I welcomed that but then got nervous.  What if she was upset with me?  What if she wishes I never broached this subject?  What if, what if, what if...  This is how my mind works and it is really ridiculous.  Once I realized that she just wanted to chat and spend time together, my mind was put at ease.

Fast forward to today, Christen and I met downtown at part of the James River Park that I had never been to - the Pipeline Walkway.  I arrived about 45 minutes early because I was a little nervous about not being able to navigate the walkway and I also wanted to make sure I got some dedicated exercise in before we met.  Stepping down on that walkway on my own was so liberating.  I had no idea the sense of peace that would come with that 10 minute walk down the pipeline and back.  I made sure I was totally aware and mindful the entire time.  I took tons of pictures and just felt everything.  I listened to the rushing water; watched the sun glisten on the river.  It was absolutely breathtaking.  I couldn't believe I stumbled on a slice of heaven so close to home that I had never even heard about.

I walked back up awaiting Christen and trying to get some more exercise in.  When she got there, we went down on the walkway together.  She was as enamored as I was at the beauty there to experience.  We hopped off the walkway for a little bit and sat in the sand on the bank of the river for a little bit.  We talked, got a little teary, laughed, and were ourselves, together.  Beyond the environment that couldn't have been any more perfect, I am happy to have spent that time with Christen.  We eventually walked to lunch and chatted further.  I am so thankful to have had this time for me and for us.  I am going to make a point to spend more one on one time with Christen and also do some more local exploring.  Who knows what else is out there that I have yet to encounter?

"As I went down to the river to pray, studying about that good ol' way.  And who shall wear the starry crown, Good Lord, show me the way."  - Alison Krauss

next steps

I think I have said this before, but the logistics of it all are daunting.  I can't wait for all of the preparation to be over and just deal with the pregnancy!  B and I were able to speak at length this weekend and I wanted to share our next steps with you all. 

• My main focus will continue to be on my weight loss, getting to the 200 by mid-January to do the mock transfer, hoping we can get to the actual transfer once I hit 190.
• The blog is going to get more personal, as permitted by Bethany.  B = Bethany; P = Phillip
• I am going to try to find ways to ensure we get enough of the parameters covered to monetize the blog, in hopes to raise money for Bethany and Phillip for all of the expenses, that will likely surpass 40K.
• I was hoping I may be able to represent myself in the legal contract to try and save money, but I have found that this is a must have.  Bummer.  We need to schedule an initial meeting hopefully in November.
• I am going to do some research on possible grants that Bethany and Phillip can apply for to offset costs.
• Bethany and Phillip will meet with a financial planner soon to see how they can make the finances work.
• This blog can be socialized with friends and family, but cannot be shared on social media yet.
• I have reached out to my OBGYN (that just moved from VWC to VCU) to get more information on the diagnostic testing, called HSG, that I need as well as any other information I may need to proceed.

Bear with us - there is just so much to do!  The good thing is that we have time.  The bad thing is that I am so darned impatient!

"Trust the process.  Your time is coming.  Just do the work and the results will handle themselves." - Tony Gaskins