Inspiring words on a card that was at my dinner place at conference

When I first went back to school two years ago, if someone had told me that I’d leave my family for six days to go to a public relations conference for students, I wouldn’t have believed that person.  I am a homebody and I had only traveled by airplane twice before.  I like spending time with my family.  Why would I ever spend money to go to an optional conference when my family doesn’t take elaborate vacations because of the money pit of a house we are always doing work to?

Me with the infamous Rocky Balboa statue. Yo Adrian!

But you know what? I did just that a few weeks ago–and we all survived.  The house wasn’t a disaster when I returned, laundry got done, the Halloween candy was purchased (I returned two days prior) and my oldest son had his school picture taken.  I have no idea if my husband sent my son to school in a wrinkled shirt–in fact, I don’t even remember what shirt my husband said they picked out–but that’s ok.  I’ll get the picture back in a few weeks and even if it’s not what I would have wanted, I’ll get to look back on it as the year we all did something that was out of our comfort zones. And I won’t do a re-take.

Me in front of the LOVE statue in Philadelphia

I survived the flight to Philadelphia. Actually, let’s back up.  I survived the TSA line, something that is very different from the last time I flew.  I think I was most nervous about the darn liquid rule.  I really didn’t want my makeup or skincare to get confiscated–that would have been an expensive loss! I survived the long days of professional workshops and later nights than I am used to. I survived rooming with people I don’t know that well.

The infamous steps in front of the Philadelphia Museum of Art that Rocky climbed in the movie!

And my family managed without me. Another step in me becoming a new person–one who is independent, one who sets a good example for her kids and one who is still learning to spread her wings!

I climbed the steps!