The Green Mountain Diaries – Day #7
Hey guys!
My final day at Green Mountain at Fox Run wasn’t too exciting: I had breakfast with my pals, packed, said my goodbyes and then awaited my driver to take me to New Hampshire where the Dartmouth Coach would then take me to the Boston Airport. It was extremely saddening for me to say goodbye to GMAFR, which is telling because, while I have loved trips in the past, I have always been super anxious to return home after a couple days. This time was different and I know why — I felt like I was home. And I don’t mean that to sound corny, really – I am very introverted and need my space to recharge and find my zen. GMAFR provided me with the best mix of “me time” and introspection coupled with the perfect outlet to build relationships with empathetic and compassionate women. Oh and the opportunity to learn a shit ton and you guys know what a nerd I am (so, I clearly loved reliving the class atmosphere). Can you tell I already miss it much? 
But then there was another plane incident. I guess we all saw it coming, didn’t we? I mean what luck that on the day I’m heading back home, the East coast gets a nice little snow storm. Of course the entire day I was already thinking “hmm. plane. snow storm. Imminent death.” We’ve already established I’m melodramatic and prone to panic attacks, right? Right!
I recognized my emotions, ate some amazeball vegan dumplings, and became distracted by a foursome of toddlers who decided that they wanted to play tag and dance party in my lap (I exaggerate, but just a tad. It’s as if all the kids in the airport knew that at my ripe age of 28, I was becoming hyper conscious of my biological clock and maternal instinct, so they decided to surround me for the two hours I was stranded at my gate. At least I wasn’t thinking about my flight) 
Once it was time to board the plane, I figured I’d just sleep through the ride. The plane was rather empty, so I had three seats to myself and sprawled out as if I were on a bed. Because the TV didn’t work, the flight attendant gave us the movie channels for free and I watched Puss & Boots (don’t judge). I then slept for an hour. Phew, three hours gone! And then that’s when the turbulence began. And that’s when my last straw of sanity dissipated. I sat straight up in alarm and held on to my seat for dear life. The girl across from me, also with three seats to herself, did the same. For the next three hours, I panicked. It was like Cape Air all over again except I didn’t have some stranger dude’s hand to hold. I tried to occupy my mind by rummaging through my purse, tying and then untying my shoes, but I was unable to relax. I swear I felt an ulcer developing in my stomach. By the end of the flight, I ended up next to the chick who seemed to share my fear of flying. We managed to share our life stories until the plane landed at LAX and we both did a happy dance. I don’t want to board another plane for at least a good five years.
Touching down in LA and knowing I would soon see my boyfriend and pups reinvigorated me and I still haven’t stopped smooching my fur children…
Hm. It looks like I’m choking Kahlua, doesn’t it?! Lmao. I swear I’m just trying to direct her head to the camera!
It’s been a bit tough to be back to the grind so quickly. And, it’s very easy to come home to my life & responsibilities and allow the same routine to take precedence over some of the new & and wonderful habits I was starting to build at GMAFR. For instance, having three set meals at GMAFR was a great change for me, yet I have not implemented this yet at home. I’m going to spend 20 minutes or so tomorrow deciding three of the most important things I’d like to add from GMAFR to my life and making a conscious effort to implement them.
Tomorrow marks my third anniversary of blogging! I started blogging so that I could share my experiences and see if there were others out there who could share theirs with me. I had no idea that this would become as integral to my life and personal development as it has. Or that it would help set the tone for my academic interests and future career! I have a spectacular give-away to celebrate, so you’ll definitely want to check back in!
Alright, sleepy time! I leave you with this link to my little interview with my local business association. I am too embarrassed to watch it, so am hoping someone will transcribe so I can remember what I said. I’m serious.
<3,
The Cranky One
3 People have left comments on this post
You rock Annabel! (and yes…it does appear that you are choking poor little Kahlua.)
“GMAFR provided me with the best mix of “me time” and introspection coupled with the perfect outlet to build relationships with empathetic and compassionate women.”
Plus the learning!
YES!! I am in the midst of it right now and am dreading having to say goodbye…I now know why some people spend weeks here (although that would be hard…I’d miss my hubby). I could definitely see coming back for a yearly recharge.
Hehe, that was super cute. You did amazingly well. I’d be freaking out
Also, just wanted to let you know that I caught up on all of your recaps of the trip and it sounds like such an incredible and life changing experience. Some of the activities definitely made me anxious (partially because I’ve tried many of them and have resisted them anyway, despite knowing it’s a worthy cause) and others definitely peaked my interest. I would have loved to partake in such an experience and am hoping that some of the things you’ve learned you’ll be able to incorporate into your life at home. Good luck!!