August 12: New Experiences Don't Scare Me Anymore

Today's post is dedicated to my future. I'm feeling vulnerable, but optimistic. I've been to so many different places in the U.S. that I feel pretty comfortable saying that I could live pretty much anywhere. It's just a matter of becoming comfortable in a new place. Once you know where everything is that you need, you've made some friends, life just goes on. The key is how close is family because you can't replace family with friends.

"The best way to predict the future is to create it." - Abraham Lincoln

"A reminder to be present today. You aren't where you were last year and you're not where you're going to be next year. Trust yourself in this moment to take yourself where you need to be." - Unknown

"And then she realized that a fresh start was hers for the taking, that she could be the woman she's always seen on the distant horizon - her future self. One step at a time. Starting today." - Life on Purpose

This is the Makai. I chose it because it was one of the only hotels on the peninsula that wasn't a high rise.

My room is directly under that first balcony. When I look out the window, I can see the ocean, but if I step outside I can see the whole panoramic view. Lovely.

My room is just off to the left.

Look how well Ben is doing.

On our way into Florida.

The dog run off our room.

Enjoying the view.

The view

The dog park where we met Lucy and Izzy.

I got packed up and on the road by 10:00. On our way to Florida, which is not far, only about 40 miles. I'm going to Ormand Beach. My childhood friend, Lucy lives there. I plan to stay at a hotel on the beach, Daytona Beach, the birthplace of speed is what they say there. Check in time is 4:00 at the Makai HOtel. I dropped by Lucy's house, but she wasn't home. I noticed that school is starting here next week, so she's probably working. I'll stop by again on Saturday. I decided to stop at a dog park for a little while. I found one where I could actually park with the camper, Riviera Oaks Dog Park. We met Lucy, the beagle and Izzy, the golden doodle, who, ironically, was jet black from nose to tail. The boys were so well behaved. Everyone kept asking if I could teach their dogs to mind as well. At 4:00 I pulled my camper into the lot across the street from the hotel. I took the dogs and check in, put the dogs in the room and went back to unhitch the trailer. My room has a back door that opens onto a patio with table and chairs and the dog run is right there, as well. Just beyond is the pool and the beach. Amazing views. I haven't been to Florida since I was a very little girl. I remember three things about our family trip to Busch Gardens. The first was that my brother was stung by a jelly fish. The second was that I ordered a Shirley Temple, on the rocks. I think I was maybe five. The third was that my brother and I got souvenir coconut monkeys from Busch Gardens.