change.

Week 2 of the training was a bit harder than the first week. I think it was because I worked the day before at the winery, and my little pedometer indicated nearly 7,000 steps in 7 hours- we were busy so between the hustling and all that talking, I was beat by the end of the day. We hiked Little Si, yet another local favorite I had never tackled. Little Si is actually a little shorter than Wallace Falls, and I would say about equal on elevation gain and stretches of flat walking. Despite this, I was moving slower than I had the week before and it took a good 20 minutes longer to summit than the week before. And, I must have unintentionally come down hard on my left knee because it was throbbing pretty badly on the descent. My takeaway from this hike will be to 'pre-load' with advil prior to setting out in the morning. The views of the valley and neighboring Big Si and Cascade ranges were pretty spectacular though. And, while the hike seemed harder for me, the recovery was a bit easier. A little sore, but definitely not consciously hurting like the week before.


While managing all this work to actively get moving more, I made another big change this week. With a somewhat heavy heart, I gave my notice at the winery. I've been contemplating doing this for months, and had originally planned to do it earlier this year, but I just couldn't get there. I've been racked with guilt for leaving; I know I have no reason to feel this way, but I do. It's been 5 years, and I've made some great friends that I otherwise wouldn't have had the opportunity to meet. I've had the opportunity to take part in fun events, taste wine for free up and down the west coast, and take advantage of stellar discounts on wine. So, after my shift on Saturday, I loaded up 2 more cases of wine at deep discount, knowing this week I was giving my news. They were gracious and offered me to come back someday, and assured me I'd always be part of the family. One more shift in June and then I will have every.single.weekend. free- for whatever and however I wish to spend it.. It will be nice to have that time unencumbered again. Once I get over paying full price for tastings and wine, that is..