Tuesday, February 21, 2012

On The Water

When we were younger, my dad had my sister, brother, and I try every sport and extra curricular activity available to us so we would be well rounded. As a result, I tried everything from ballet and piano to swim team, tennis, and soccer. In between I dabbled in softball and karate and some other stuff that I've either forgotten or blocked out due to traumatic experience. While I definitely enjoyed some more than others, I never really found my passion. Nothing really grabbed me and inhabited my every waking hour and crept into my dreams...until now.

After becoming a mom, I found myself losing my identity. Everything I did was for my three precious little peanuts...just as it should be. But because I wasn't working, I had very little "me" time. Even potty breaks were often in the company of at least one little peanut. So I did something very un-Toni-ish. I ventured WAY outside my comfort zone and joined an outrigger canoe club, a totally unfamiliar sport in a completely unfamiliar place which was...gasp...outside of my driving range!

And so, a little late in life, I have found my passion. I think it has something to do about being on the water, being challenged by one of Mother Nature's most diverse elements, seeing all of the wonderful creatures, and the comraderie you feel with your crew amidst the isolation of the ocean. I have also found a new ohana and the rest of the family has too, as we are now known affectionately as "Team Pink" (although Dave is not so enthused with that nickname).

Paddling season starts again this week, and I can't wait!

http://vimeo.com/36875618