Anticipation

When I was in the sixth grade I was given a box of flashcards of the Wonders of the World. When I saw the picture of the Taj Mahal, I promised myself I would go there one day. Almost a half-century later, I will be standing in front of the Taj Mahal! This upcoming trip is both exciting and frightening. 26 hours on an airplane, and I anticipate that to be pretty much hell. But the countryside of India, the beaches, the national parks with their fabulous tigers and elephants, the bazaars and the food -- all of that will make for an exciting adventure! The crowds, the poverty, the dirt, the traffic -- not so much.

Anticipation. In my recent weight-loss attempt, I anticipated that in 12 weeks I would lose at least 20 pounds, but it didn't work out that way. I did lose 10, however, through Thanksgiving, a cruise, a Florida vacation, my birthday, Christmas and New Years. I can't complain, since I did so little exercise throughout that time that to lose any weight at all is practically a miracle. Another 12 week program starts this week, with new participants and several from the previous group. Maybe I will get psyched to actually exercise! I have been hiking with a 20 pound pack, in anticipation of the India trip; I do NOT want to be the fat old lady who slows everyone down!!