let one of my readers pick a goal for me to complete

I was reviewing my existing goals to see how I could prune and revise for the new year, and I saw it had been seven months since I made an entry on this one.

Since that time, I have had several health problems, but more significantly developed an inertia that has kept me grounded. To complicate matters, my flying “buddy” has not even mentioned a whiff of this goal in ages!

Nevertheless, a promise is a promise … although I don’t think I should be entertaining balloon rides in 30 +/- degree weather. Spring will come, and I will spring forward with renewed interest in this goal or close it then as incomplete.

Because of my double ear infection, which PTL is on the mend, I never did make that call to the hot air balloon pilot.

Does anyone know if I have to wait a while to actually fly in one because of my ears?

I know, I could still ride on the ground in the chase vehicle—Flirt, I could practically SEE your wagging finger! giggle

It rained most of last week, especially in the evenings. I don’t know if hot air balloons are launched in rainy stormy weather, but I wouldn’t think it would be a wise idea.

I will call or email the pilot on Monday to see about plans for this week, to at least ride with the chase vehicle.

the plot thickens…

I think that maybe following a balloon launch with the chase vehicle once or maybe twice will alleviate some of my fears. It will also give me a chance to meet the crew and the pilot who will, in essence, have my life in their hands.

I will call the pilot early next week to see what I can setup.

:-)

I have a chance with this balloon company to go on some practice rides with the chase van. Also, if I do a weekday flight either on the first or second Tuesday in June, I can be in the sky amid lots of other hot air balloons. Apparently, this is an annual event of some kind.

Thoughts anyone?

OK, first of all I want to thank everyone who gave input, ideas and just plain good humor to this goal. I have decided to take everyone’s input and as best I can, combine them into a single, quantifiable, achievable goal that I feel I can accomplish in the near future. Considering all this input and my own physical, financial, and socio-emotional limitations while still trying to stretch, this is what I propose:

• I will embark on a hot air balloon ride.

This may sound like a lark more than completing a goal, but let me tell you why I think it combines all my replies into a single carthartic occurrence. It considers the spiritual aspects inescapably inherent in ascending through the heavens (thanks, Jeff!). You can also be quite sure that I will have various and sundry chocolates up in the sky with me for sharing and consuming (thanks Flirt and Rose!).

Most of all though, David has inspired me to label and face a fear of mine that has long since dominated my activites, a phobic reaction to heights. I was reminded of this fear when I so blithely commented here. However, I also reminded myself that lately I have been doing a lot of significant things that scare me and frankly, that I did not think were possible. The start of this change was my whole pilgrimage to Kentucky, so I figure, why shouldn’t I see more of my new hometown from within the clouds?

I have selected a place, Aero Force Balloons, and I had a very nice talk with the pilot, Bill Smith. He is so certain that I am going to be able to deal with my fear and enjoy the ride, that he said he would give me a full refund if I was too scared to enjoy myself up in the air.

So I have now found the goal and the means by which to implement the goal. What remains is to set aside a date and time. I feel certain that I want to complete this goal in the near future, maybe within the next 30 days.

So readers, what do you think?

Ground rules:

The first reader to propose a safe, achievable goal that fits in with my core values (i.e., no drugs, anti-Christ, kind of stuff) I will attempt to do.

You do not have to be a subscriber, but you do have to have my best interests at heart.

Post your ideas here, and I will let you know which goal I select and why.