#7: Zip Line Park

Maya and Luca at the Park in March

A couple of months ago I was introduced to Trinity Forest Adventure Park by my sister-in-law and friend, Allyson, when we met there with our kids over Spring Break. I had never even heard of the concept but trusted Allyson as she always seems to be in the know about fun things to do.

Billed as a combination of a canopy tour, challenge course and zip line adventure, Trinity Forest consists of cargo nets, bridges, climbing features, balance beams and other features that allow guests to travel from one part of the course to another always attached through a lock-in harness system.

When we visited in March, I had lower back pain that left me as a spectator/ photographer, but it looked like so much fun that I’ve been wanting to go back ever since. So, a family trip on Mother’s Day sounded like the perfect mini-adventure!

My First Zip Line

The park features aerial courses at four levels ranging from the beginner yellow to challenging black. I opted to start with yellow as an orientation with hopes to try all four levels during the three hours we purchased. Since Maya, our eleven year old, had been through the park before, I paired up with her to learn the ropes. My husband, Rick, paired up with our seven year old, Luca, as everyone under eight must be accompanied by an adult.

The park was almost empty so we made it through the yellow course quickly with only a brief hesitation the first time I went on a zip line element. The zip lines were easy and fun, but it took a little getting used to hanging and pushing off with enough momentum to make it to the next platform. The other obstacles were fairly easy, just requiring a little balance and a conscious effort not to look down.

After yellow, one of the park workers suggested we skip green and blue and move straight to the black course. It was tempting and Maya was eager to take him up on it, but I decided baby steps might be better and convinced her we would just skip green and try the blue course. That was probably a good decision since she started feeling sick after the first element and had to be escorted off the course (not an easy feat when you’re attached to a wire about 30 feet up). Hot and maybe a little dehydrated, she eventually made it down and headed to a picnic table to rest and have some water.

Luca and Rick

Confident Maya was OK, I caught up with Luca and Rick who had just finished a green course. I was excited to advance to blue with Luca…but she decided green was too challenging and begged to move back to yellow. I was a little disappointed, but couldn’t say no. So, I got to do the beginner course AGAIN.  I was faster and more confident that time and so ready to move on afterward, but Luca was tired and ready to stop. Oh well, at least I tried and learned a little about the zip line and harness system. I’m eager to return (without kids) and tackle the black course. I won’t count that as a new 40x40 experience, but I do hope it will give me the challenge I was looking for. Plus, I hear it’s a great workout.

Experience #7 was not quite as expected, but how can I complain about an afternoon adventure with my awesome husband and kids? 33 new experiences to go…

#6: Fitness Boot Camp

While I have always been conscious of health and fitness, about four years ago I became much more serious about diet and exercise. In 2010 I started working with a personal trainer who, together with a low calorie diet, helped me get into the best shape of my life. I stuck with that regimen for a couple of years and then the business of life (and maybe my love for wine?) slowly moved me out of that healthy pattern.

I am making a commitment with 40x40 to get back to that place. And since I already have the self-discipline to make it to the gym on a regular basis, I decided the missing ingredient was something to take me out of my fitness comfort zone. So when Camp Gladiator (CG), a program several of my friends participate in, recently offered a Groupon, I gave it a try.

This was a BIG DEAL for me for a number of reasons:

1. I prefer to workout alone.

2. I typically associate workouts with the gym.

3. I’m a night owl. (5 AM workouts? Seriously??)

But 40x40, and the Groupon offer for a discounted 4-week camp, encouraged me to give it a try. And to accommodate my kids’ crazy evening activity schedules, I did opt for the 5 AM MWF camp.

Clean-up After "O-Course" Day

The first two weeks were better than expected. Somehow my internal clock woke me up before the 4:30 AM alarm went off most mornings. Once I made it to the parking lot where the outdoor camps are held, I actually enjoyed the workouts, found the camaraderie motivating and loved that the variety in workouts actually made me sore.  My body had grown accustomed to my regular gym routine, so that was something I hadn’t experienced in a long time. 

Unfortunately, the second half of the four weeks was wasted due to work travel and time commitments, but I decided the experience was positive enough to sign-up for a full year of camps. I’m only two months into it now, but I’ve committed to being there three days a week (before the break of dawn).

I love how CG mixes up the routines so you are constantly surprised and challenged. My favorite workout so far was obstacle course (O-Course) day, complete with tire pulls, firehose drills and jump roping. Yes, I could do without the burpees and impromptu “fit tests” with timed miles, but even those provide an opportunity to see progress. And I get so excited when my Fitbit show that I’m 50% to my steps and miles goals at 6 AM…6 AM!!…when I’m normally just waking up.

Experience #6 is still a work in progress, but I’m feeling great about it. 34 new experiences to go…

#5: Holy Name Cathedral

The 40x40 project is intended to inspire me out of my comfort zone to try new things. Last week I spent time in Chicago for my organization’s annual conference and between preparation and participants arriving, I had a few free hours on Sunday morning. Typically I would use that rare free time to either sleep in or head to the hotel fitness center.

Instead, and inspired by 40x40, I forced myself to wake up early and walk deeper into the city to attend a church service.  I go to church almost every Sunday so that in itself does not constitute material for 40x40, yet there were several new experiences embedded in the morning. I took a 25+ minute walk, each way, alone into Chicago – and it wasn’t related to shopping on Michigan Avenue. And I visited a stunning, world-renowned cathedral – again, alone (not sure I’ve ever been to a church service without the company of family or friends). Achieving those things were my original justification for the post. However, I quickly realized that what I was experiencing was so much more.

You see, although I was born, raised and will always be a Christian, I had never attended a Catholic Mass. I have many Catholic friends and have been to several Catholic weddings, but I realize now that I have never truly understood the core differences between Catholic and Protestant worship.

I love – and feel very comfortable in – my church. We have a band and we sing the same songs I hear each day on the radio in my car. Our pastor often wears jeans and almost always tells jokes to emphasize his points. We laugh and we cry. We pass a tray for communion and a plate for offering and celebrate baptisms with applause. I guess you’d consider us contemporary with a few traditions sprinkled in.

What I experienced last Sunday – while no better or worse – was different.  The kneeling and standing, presence and authority of the church leaders, traditional hymns, formal communion and overall serious tone caused me to think about the ceremony of religion. I admit I felt a little uncomfortable – not because of the rituals, but simply because I felt like an outsider, unsure of what to do or say.  

I must acknowledge and thank the stranger beside me who seemed to sense I was new and silently made attempts to help me through – gesturing towards the program in the pew, motioning me in the right direction for the walk forward for communion and prompting me when it was time to turn down the kneeling bench. I followed the cues of those around me and awkwardly wobbled thru the service, most at ease when scripture was read and slightly intimidated by the unfamiliar Holy water, making of the cross sign and genuflection. Are those traditions reserved for Catholics – or should I participate as a visitor? Was it disrespectful if I didn’t join in? I had so many questions, but then it occurred to me that Catholics might feel the same uneasiness if they visited my place of worship, Compass Christian Church. Maybe someday I’ll have the chance to be that stranger helping a visitor find their way.

While I acknowledge we have some fundamental differences in beliefs, we all worship the same God and believe in the same Word.  And although I had never before said ‘Peace be with you,” to those worshiping around me, I’ve certainly felt that sentiment.

I appreciate Holy Name Cathedral opening their beautiful doors to all worshipers. I enjoyed and was enlightened by the experience.

#4: Family Trail Ride

Me & Maya

Sundays typically follow the same pattern each week for my family: Sunday School, church, lunch, grocery shopping, gym and maybe a visit to the park if the weather is nice. I’m not complaining – I love our Sunday rituals, but one goal of this project is to help me step out of routine. So, inspired by my 40x40 project (and a great deal from Groupon) we mixed things up today and drove to Alvarado, TX after church for a guided trail ride at Rancho la Rosa.

I’m not sure if the Groupon was for a private trail ride or if the cold, windy weather played a factor in us getting one, but either way, my husband, kids and I enjoyed a great afternoon on the ranch with our guide, Eusebio. 

My horseback riding experience is very limited. In fact, I only remember two times I’ve been on a horse in my 39 years – one was in middle school when I joined a friend’s family for a week-long adventure at a YMCA camp in Estes Park, Colorado. And the second was in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico when my husband and I took a three-hour excursion while on a sales incentive trip.

But the joy in today’s adventure was less about horseback riding and more about breaking out of the norm. It was great to be less than an hour from home, yet feel like we were someplace completely different – with only farmhouses and nature in sight. 

My kids loved it, and Eusebio said both did great. In fact, he refused to believe it was Luca’s first time on a horse saying she was ‘Amazing.’ I see an expensive horseback-riding interest in our family’s future.

Experience #4 was definitely worth the crazy cold and wet weather we braved. And what a great reminder that fun diversions from the everyday can be right at your back door. I'm so happy we took time to find this one. Only 36 new experiences to go!

#3: One Day Family Mission Trip

My personal commitment with the 40x40 project is to make it as much (or more) about giving back as it is about self-fulfillment. So, when our church announced its first ever one day family mission trip, I was excited to sign up. What a fun way for our family to serve together!

Then I realized my oldest daughter had a soccer game that conflicted and since my husband is her coach that meant it would just be me and Luca, my seven year old. I considered backing out to go to the game and have a more relaxing Saturday. I was further tempted to cancel when I received an email warning to expect bees and bring poison ivy block! But Luca and I went on the mission trip, and I’m so glad we did.

The trip was just down the road to Grand Prairie, Texas to help Pioneer Bible Translators, an organization committed to sharing God’s word with Bible-less people around the world.

Prior to heading to Grand Prairie we met at the church for breakfast and a short worship service. The highlight of my day was when I closed my eyes and bowed my head for the group prayer. I felt Luca’s arms wrap tightly around my waist and peeked down to see her eyes shut tightly in prayer. What a magical moment to stand, embraced with my little girl, praying about the day of service we were about to experience.

The church provided a great tool to help families talk about the one-day mission trip. It was a two-sided card with questions and scripture. One side was called “Car Time…here we go” with questions about what you’re expecting.  It featured a prayer that Luca read/prayed for us while I drove. I asked her to record it on my phone, so click here to listen to her actual prayer. Awesomeness.

When we arrived at the site, we enjoyed talking with church friends and leaders, making bracelets and birthday cards for missionaries’ kids and learning more about the Pioneer Bible Translators organization. But our most memorable time was spent raking leaves in a small section on the grounds. For over an hour Luca and I talked and laughed as we gathered and bagged leaves. With her vivid imagination, she pretended she was having a birthday party and all the leaves were the friends she invited. She got so excited as the piles got higher. We’d move them into a bag and then she would start gathering more ‘friends’ and planning her next party. At one point, she smiled brightly and said “Mommy, I’m glad we came here. This is so fun, and I get to be with you all day.”

Luca

The flip side of the card provided by the church was titled “Car Time…headed home” and featured conversation starters to help recap the experience. As we drove away, we talked about how God worked in us throughout the day. I explained how the time and money saved through the volunteers helping allowed the missionaries and staff more time and money to spread God’s Word.

I’m so grateful to Compass Christian Church for coordinating this activity and to God for getting us there. And one of my biggest reflections from the day…anything (even raking leaves) is more fun when Luca is part of it. I adore my little ray of sunshine!

Experience #3 was a success…only 37 more to go!

#2: Detoxifying Body Wrap

Pic From the Spa's Online 

Brochure …Not me J

This was not on my original list of 40x40 experiences, but I stumbled upon a body wrap as part of a spa package I recently purchased. Honestly, I was OK with just the massage and facial included and almost simply passed on the body wrap, but then I remembered my commitment to try new things and decided to give it a chance. 

So first I drifted in and out of consciousness as I enjoyed an amazing hot stone massage. Then I was escorted to a separate treatment room where I was told to drop my comfy spa robe, hold my arms out like an airplane and stand with feet shoulder width apart. The therapist left the room so I could get ready and in position, right in front of the door of this itty-bitty room. Um…no. 

My modesty was apparent when she reentered and I was shyly waiting in the corner draped with a towel. Once she closed the door I reluctantly got into position and she smothered my skin in some mystery cream she said would rid me of all the nasty toxins in my body. Then she took what looked like a simple roll of Saran Wrap and transformed me into a stiff, clear-coated mummy.  

She then put her arms around my neck and waist, slid me onto a table, covered me in a sheet (THANK YOU) and proceeded with my facial.  Normally I enjoy the soothing, relaxing feeling of a good facial…but all I could think about was What if there’s a fire? How will I get off this table? How will I put on a robe? Even if I make it to the end of this treatment, how embarrassing will the process of removing this 'wrap' be?

I ultimately survived the treatment with no fire truck interruptions, but bottom line…incredibly awkward and didn’t see anywhere near the permanent inch loss of 14 inches promised in the brochure. I’m sure my skin reaped some moisturizing benefits, but in the future I’ll happily save the Saran Wrap for leftovers.

38 (hopefully more enjoyable) experiences to go!