Last Friday, in my “quick takes” blog post, I posted a mystery photo of a place I might be visiting soon.
Here’s another clue:
Plans are solidified enough now for me to feel comfortable mentioning that, come September, I will be San Antonio bound. I feel a little self-indulgent sharing the news, but certainly, that’s not my intention. I simply feel blessed by the opportunity and, as much as mentioning the trip itself, wanted to explain why it means so much to me to be going. So, in order to hold your attention through this, I’ll do a summation:
TOP TEN REASONS I’M THRILLED TO BE GOING TO SAN ANTONIO:
10) I’ve always wondered what tarantulas and scorpions look like in their natural environment, not only in zoos and the occasional pet store.
9) The Riverwalk, in photos at least, reminds me of one of my favorite cities in the world: Venice.
8) I’ve heard they have really great chili there. I love chili, especially in September.
7) I’m a mother of five in the midst of summer. An escape sounds nice right about now. Any place will do, really, but Texas sounds as fine a choice as any.
6) The trip will happen not too long after my 41st birthday. What better opportunity to celebrate stepping into the next decade of my life? (40 was just the knocking-on-the-door part, or so I’ve heard. 41 is the real deal.)
5) I’ll have the chance to collect my National Federation of Press Women first-place national award in person at the convention I’ll be attending. Woot Woot!
4) If everything goes as planned, I’ll have the chance to meet one of my blogging heroines, Jennifer at Conversion Diary, who, as it turns out, lived in North Dakota for a portion of her life.
3) I’ve been hearing about Texas and how wonderful it is from my earliest years. My father grew up in a family of nine children, and two of his sisters “emigrated” to Texas in their young adulthood. Besides my father, these two Texan sisters are the only remaining siblings, and they’re both great people. It will be a small family reunion of sorts! I love hearing about the old days when my father used to outwit the nuns at St. James Academy in New Rockford, ND.
2) I’ve heard everything is bigger down in Texas, including the mosquitoes. I’m not sure I believe it, so I think it’s time I investigated for myself.
1) Did I already mention I’m a mother of five and…(Texas, take me away!)
You will love the River walk, I have been there. If you have time visit some of the Old Missions out side of San Antonio.
I don’t know what will be possible, but that certainly would be a treat. My aunts probably have some hot spots in mind. I’ll look forward to whatever adventure is in store!
Congrats on the award! You are an amazing woman and deserve every bit of the time off.
Congratulations! How awesome for you. You have definately worked for it! I love that you will get a repreive – we all need it once in a while. I am looking forward to hearing more details in person. We’ll talk soon!
Oh and the Alamo…you must go…visit the big oak that’s all wired together for me. I love dat big ‘ol tree.
Thanks all. This trip wouldn’t be possible without a grant so I am truly thankful. Tami, sounds like a great photo opp! I trust my aunts will show me the very best sights — maybe even a few out of the way spots, which are sometimes the best (less touristy). I look forward to sharing the adventure here.