Again, I’m writing from the airport. This time I’m coming home from training instead of going. Where to this time? As I’m sure you won’t guess, I’ll tell you. Well, currently I’m heading home from California but I’ve been to Boise, Houston, and California. I’ve been away from my house three out of the four weeks this month. For me that’s quite an adventure as I’m not a big traveler. Not that I don’t love to travel, it just doesn’t happen often.

Which place was my favorite? Well, surprise to me too, but Boise was the winner. I know, I know! I thought the same thing. Idaho in the winter? Not the most exciting place to go, especially in the winter, but as I didn’t have much choice in the matter, I went. And shockingly, I really enjoyed it! As I was in training most of each day, I didn’t spend much time exploring and only had a little free time. But what time I had, I loved!

So, what did I learn about Boise? Even thought I’ve been to Boise before, I’ve never stayed more than a few hours and this time felt like new. So first, Boise is beautiful! Second, the people are extremely friendly. And third, I found some great food. But, what I loved the most was being pleasantly surprised by the experience. What I mean by this is that I had to go by myself, stay by myself, hang out by myself (after training) and found I truly enjoyed being by myself. I even got to try out my first Uber ride, haha, I’ve lived a sheltered life and I survived. I’m not usually very brave but I discovered that I can be!

This doesn’t really sound that weird as I am a natural introvert and don’t mind being alone except that I am not usually alone. I am a mom, have four children, a husband, a job where I can’t be an introvert and rarely have alone time. When I do, it’s spent at home doing dishes and laundry and cleaning or more recently spent in the car or airport. These aren’t really the most exciting past times ever and which don’t really feel like alone time at all but more like work. I guess because they are! But this was different. I got to choose where I ate, I got to choose what I did, I got to just be me. Kind of fun! Anyway, what I realized, is that even though I went for training and not a vacation, I was brave, just went with it and enjoyed myself. I think I may look differently at trainings from now on, at least the kind where I’m not tested every morning!

So, here are my favorites about Boise. First, running on the Boise River Greenbelt trail. I loved it: ducks, geese, bridges, sound of water, trees, grass, just gorgeous. My next favorite was staying across the street from Cafe Zupas. As you may know if you’ve read one of my blog posts, I knew I already loved Zupas but living by one was beautiful! My new favorite finds from Zupas are the protein bowls and a little Salted Carmel creme brûlée. I may or may not have eaten there three times. Another favorite place to eat was called Fork Restaurant. The food was great but the atmosphere was even better. It reminded me of this great breakfast place in Seattle called The Hi-Life that’s located in a restored firehouse. I felt like I was on vacation while eating at Fork! Fun fun! Again, I was surprised that the weather was amazing and comfortable. It was February and I went for a run in a light shirt sleeve. Going out for dinner at night, surprisingly, only required a light jacket. In the future, I won’t automatically think Idaho, cold, and snow.

As I wrap this up, I hope you’ll take a minute to enjoy what you are involved in. If it’s work or play or school, find something to smile about while you’re doing it! And then be brave, try something new, and don’t be afraid to stand out! Oh yeah, also go to Boise! And then be so so happy when you get to come home!