Jim and Jasmine at IAD |
We are staying at a Airbnb. Cute little place, right near a bus line and a tram. We have been taking the public transit.
Which while riding the Metro here, got me to thinking, WHY do we always put off things we would like to do? Ok, maybe a trip like this needs to be saved for but in the mean time, why not go exploring at home? In your city or in your state? Do something that you wouldn't normally do. Why wait for the simple little things?
Hallway going into the Sistine Chapel
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For the record, this hallway to me is more impressive than the Chapel. Don't get me wrong the Chapel is beautiful, but could you imagine being the only one in this hallway walking down it? Pictures do not do it justice.
Gianni and Ceasare - amazing chef and sous. |
It was so much fun, and the food turned out amazing. So simple - we made sauce from TOMATOS, and two types of pasta, egg noodles and Cavatelli.
So do you get where I am going with this? GET OUT THERE AND DO SOMETHING. DON'T WAIT FOR SOMEDAY!! Find little things and do them, they will build an incredible number of memories.
One heck of a first day!! I don't count Tuesday because we got in so late and were exhausted but we found a great neighborhood restaurant thanks to our host! We were EXHAUSTED.
Our second day? We visited Equiazione. Basically it is a sanctuary for horses. Every horse there has a story, some sadder than others. We spent the day with Butteros (Italian Cowboys in essence). We took the train to Castel Gandolfo Train Station, where Matteo picked us up. We ventured on to a local family run organic farm and picked tomatoes for the sauce Matteo made up for lunch. We stopped a small cheese maker and got some sheep's milk cheese, first salted, and some fabulous ricotta. Another stop for coffee and a pastry made with wild strawberries.
The on to Equiazione, to learn about the way they care for horses and the philosophy behind it. It isn't your standard show up the horse comes out of the stable saddled and you go for a ride. Nope, they talk to you find out your level explain their way of doing things, homeopathic and organic. You meet the horses. It was very educational.
Again, where am I going with this? DO THE SMALL LITTLE THINGS WHERE YOU LIVE!! Build that book of memories. To be honest I would have never thought of going horseback riding at home. I read the description and thought Jasmine would enjoy the experience, as much as I would, I think she enjoyed it more.
Seriously. Please do not wait until you are in my position. I spent too much time worrying about things that really didn't matter. Learn from my mistakes. I made so many of them worrying and trying to do things that didn't matter. I wasted so much of my life, so much of the time I could have been spending building memories with my children. I am not saying go be irresponsible. But do something, if funds are tight, go to a park you have never visited and picnic. Walk through it. Visit a local beach, visit and volunteer somewhere. There are so many amazing experiences! Don't waste precious time!
Take your family and go do simple little things. Do things by yourself.
Give yourself time to enjoy life. Only you can give yourself permission to do that. You need someone to give you permission, ok, I give it to you.
Just another ranch hand |
TOMATOS! |
Jasmine really enjoyed herself |
Jim took a nap |
Hot peppers on the farm |