Day One Hundred Forty-Four: Polar Bear Dip

At noon, with the outside temperature hovering around 42 and a "feels like" temperature of 32 and almost-sleet falling from the sky, the six of us and my mother-in-law took to the sea for the 20th annual South Padre Polar Bear Dip. The water, at 60 something degrees, was definitely the warmest part of the whole encounter.

If you know anything about me at all, you know I consider any temperature below 70 to be freezing, and I always try to avoid being in cold places when I can. You may also know that I NEVER put my head under water unless I'm standing in a hot shower. So, today's First was very much a stretch for me. But I'm really glad I did it, and this one may be the one with the most life lessons packed into it (aside from lessons I'm still learning from the Ripstik incident).

Here are the top five life lessons I took from today's First:

1. You can't overthink a difficult situation. Sometimes you just have to jump head first into the next wave and go with it.

2. Pain is temporary. Even though you feel like you might die or never be able to feel your toes again in the moment, you eventually get over it.

3. It is easier to work up your courage when you are surrounded by an awesome support network that you can share both the bad and good with.

4. It feels really great to do something you didn't think you could do.

5. The best memories, stories, and lessons are just on the other side of your comfort zone.

Baby, it's cold outside!

Before

After

Day Fifteen: Flight to Abilene

I have been to or through Abilene, Texas hundreds of times in my life, but today was the first time I ever flew there.

Ready for take off

What a view!

Windmills and a rainbow aren't a bad welcome

Coming in for landing

Day Two: Bikini

Ok, so I technically wore a bikini on my honeymoon. But that was almost 19 years ago, and I wore a cover-up pretty much the entire time, so I think I can still count it as a first. Plus, I definitely haven't worn a bikini since having kids, so there's that. For most of my 40 years, I have been anywhere from somewhat to very uncomfortable in my own skin. I've always seen the flaws (and probably exaggerated them in my mind), and I've always been embarrassed by them. I also spent entirely too much time worrying about what other people might think. But, as I've gotten older, I've learned to appreciate me for who I am, and I've trained myself to ignore the temptation to compare myself to people I know and people I see portrayed in the media. I've also learned that most people aren't thinking anything of me because they are much too busy thinking of themselves. That's why I decided it was time to don a bikini again. My body is not perfect, but it's not something I need to be embarrassed of.

Day One: Palafitos

Today, I am 40, so it's time to get this party started! And, I might as well start with something amazing. From the moment I heard that such a thing as overwater bungalows existed, I have wanted to stay in one. For one reason or another, it has never worked out. But way before I decided to celebrate this big birthday with a Year of Firsts, my incredible husband planned to surprise me with a trip to the new Palafitos (overwater bungalows) in Mexico. It was the perfect gift and a great way to start my Year of Firsts. Here's to being 40 and to having new experiences!

Home sweet palafito

Breakfast in Paradise

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