Tulsa Time

Living on Tulsa Time

Being an Oklahoma girl I love Don Williams song "Living On Tulsa Time". 

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=O6MbPWzIFUk

 I have traveled lots yet I still feel that draw, that connection to Central Standard Time. The only reason I point this out is that since we are in California for just a few days I decided we should stay on cst. Well, sort of...a bit closer to it. 

Which is why we rose a good bit earlier than we might've otherwise. We set out around 6:30 am in search of a Starbucks. It was less than half a mile from the hotel. But on our way we saw a man step out of a little shop with an espresso. He sat at a table on the sidewalk. 

It was an Italian bakery (but of course it was, we were in little Italy). When we went inside we were greeted by the delicious smells of coffee and pastries and delightful young woman named Vickie. She was from Russia. We felt like we had stepped into a little cafe in Europe.  Thank you Pappalecco!

Afterwards I took a walk. Fast paced from the hotel towards the San Diego Bay. Two things on my walk that caught my attention. One was the lone bride dressed in her wedding gown scurrying up the steps of the county courthouse before 8 am. 

I wondered was she late? Was the rest of the wedding party waiting for her inside? Did she drive herself to her own wedding? Was there a groom or perhaps a bride? I kept walking as I pondered. 

The other site was of an old man near the water. I could see the Star of India and other boats to my right 

but on my left on the grounds of County Courthouse was this older gentleman looking up in the sky and then he started clapping. So, I too looked up. And there  were seagulls flying, no more like dancing in the air--soaring high and then diving low. And the price of admission? Well, I must say--it was priceless. 

And the day just got better from there. A visit to Old Town San Diego where the family walked around and then had lunch. Interesting and insightful look at one of the  oldest European settlements in California. And then a most fun and lively visit with my nephew David and his girlfriend Katie. We enjoyed a few pints and good conversation at the Taproom. 

And we ended the day with a lovely dinner at Sorrento's in Little Italy. The food and the company were the best. We laughed and told stories until it seemed we were out of stories and laughter...which of course we aren't but simply all just tired and needing to make room for others who needed our table for the same sort of joy. 

And that's how we spent the 4th Day of Christmas in San Diego 

Traveling Again

Traveling Again

It's been awhile since I posted, but I I feel the urge to write again...to be truthful I feel the urge to travel again. Maybe it's because my daughter Lindsay is getting ready to do a study abroad program in Spain and I miss traveling. I want to travel too. And truth be told I want to write about traveling. As we sit in the airport in Las Vegas on our way to San Diego to see our son William and his girlfriend Lauren I find myself itching to travel...travel anywhere and everywhere...well almost anywhere. And I find myself noticing the most mundane but beautiful things. The scenery flying into Las Vegas is spectacular. 

The mountains are beautiful but I must admit the airport at first, not so much. It's full of slot machines, weary travelers. And then I took a longer look... at first I heard and saw a mother yelling at her children but then finally sitting down on the floor playing games with them. There were lots of neon lights on the slot machines but some of them were on some tennis shoes that were just fun. The airport food  was expectedly overpriced but our server brought us joy as she told a customer how she reminded her son that Christmas was more than just one day. And then we heard "All I Want for Christmas is You" and "I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas" over the sound system and it made me smile this 3rd day of Christmas in the Las Vegas airport amidst slot machines, weary travelers, and overpriced food. And now we are on our way to San Diego and I will be able to be able to be with Jim and Lindsay on their first visit to California...wishing everyone a Merry Christmas! :)

Remembering To always be grateful

It is with gratitude and love that I write this. I have been home just two weeks but it doesn’t seem possible. I am still on a journey of grace and certainly still learning. ;) And in some ways it all seems surreal. And yet it was all so beautiful and real and yes, difficult also. And my feelings today are of gratitude for so many so I want to simply say thank you!

         Well, maybe not simply…you know me…

Thank you. I felt your prayers and support and presence every day and in every step of my journey, even since I have been home. While I was gone I felt you peering over my shoulders as I saw beautiful vistas. I felt you humming and singing along as I sang songs to get up high mountains or through the heat of the day. I felt you with me during times of loneliness giving me comfort and aid. I even felt you with me as I sat gathering my strength after I had fallen for the first, second, third and fourth times. I felt you with me when I walked into Santiago the first time but even more so the second time. I felt you with me as I sat on the rocks in Muxia watching the sun sink into the ocean. For this I am grateful to you and to God.

Thank you. While I was gone I never worried about things at home. Oh certainly I was concerned about loved ones, family and friends and prayed daily for each of you. But the day-to-day workings of the church I serve and the house I was not worried I knew they were in good care—and I trusted the people left to deal with matters at home and I trusted God. You have no idea how comforting that is. And for this I am grateful to those who helped and to God.

Thank you. I am so grateful for the love and support from all of you for those who helped me to get ready, for the opportunity to get to take this journey, for the reflections that I have shared and the times that I have said I can’t talk about it yet. I look forward to sharing with you my experience. I will continue to post more pictures as well as more thoughts from the way because there is more to share I just haven’t put it all into words yet nor gone through all of my pictures. But I will. But for today I just wanted to say…

I am grateful to be back among you and with you. For this I am grateful to you and to God. 

         Thank you!

Re-post

Yesterday was my last walking day. It was a difficult day. I wanted to walk alone but the night before the hospitalero had pointed out that a man who was very quiet at the table was also going to Santiago, as if to say, you have a walking buddy. What was even funnier was there was only one other person sharing my room and I had assumed it was a woman but lo and behold when bedtime rolled around it was the quiet man. 

The quiet man spoke a little English. More English than I speak Spanish. Though I have improved by default. We figured out when the lights were going out. When he was getting up. Whether the windows were going to be opened or closed. And whether the door was going to be opened or closed. Whew!! Sleep come on!! Like sweetness!! I had walked 30 miles and taken a hard fall! I was exhausted and now trying to communicate in a language I wasn't fluent, barely capable of the basics. I can only imagine how he felt. 

I forgot to set my alarm and overslept. I heard rattling in the other room, people fixing their self-serve breakfast? And my roommate started moving so I put on my glasses and it was 6:30. Oh no. I had meant to be on road by now. Oh well, I guess I needed the sleep and besides I only had 13 miles to walk. And my albergue was on the Santiago side of Negeira. Relax, it will be fine, I told myself. 

I packed my bags. Went to the bathroom. Ate breakfast. Brushed my teeth. And started out the door wishing those left eating breakfast at the albergue a "buen camino". 

It was was a beautiful morning. And I had a song in my heart and on my lips. 

O Lord, with your eyes you have searched me,

And while smiling have called out my name;

My boat's left on the shoreline behind me

Now with you I will seek other seas...

I remember some of the verses but the chorus just kept coming back to me. I sang it quietly, I sang it out loud, I whistled it, I hummed it. I was listening deeply this last day of walking. 

As I got to the top of a hill there were two different and conflicting sets of arrows. One pointed straight which is what I thought but the other pointed left. But the shell marking was left. Dang it here we go again.  So I took the left just a ways just to make sure. I went about a block and figured it was wrong. So I turned around. I saw a guy working and said, "Santiago?" And pointed the way I thought I ought to be going. He just slowly smiled a devilish smile and finally shook his head and said, "si!"  Ugh! I thought. This last day of the Camino IS going to be my most difficult day. Of course it is. So I turned around. And as I reached the corner there was the quiet man. I shrugged my shoulders as if to say, "oops I took the wrong road!" He smiled and followed me on the right one. 

We walked along me in front the quiet man behind. I would stop at a fork in the road get my bearings and then see the correct marking look back at him as if for confirmation and a simple nod from him and on we would go. At one point though we both stopped. It was not obvious. We went up on the road. Down another path. Back and forth. Looked for pilgrim footprints going to Finisterra. And then took a chance. We walked along and introduced ourselves. Me asking in Spanish, "what is you name?" Jose. I am Debora. And we walked together. Often me walking ahead. We stopped several times at coffee bars for water and just to rest. We even stopped for what the Hobbits would call a second breakfast. And then we walked. Sometimes Jose  pointing out that I needed to come back to the way. Occasionally he would do this and I was on the right way and he was mistaken. 

This is how it is in life. We help each other. Strangers become friends. Community is formed as a common purpose is realized. And language is worked through because of that common purpose and community and food are shared. 

As we got to the top of the hill before Santiago we saw this view:

Jose asked for a photo of himself with Santiago.  He had asked for several pictures of himself. I had hoped that there had been others to take pictures of him along the way. Always when he asked for me to take a picture he would ask me, "Debora, do you prefer I take a photo of you with your camera with this scenery?" It was very nice. 

I had reached the hill with the view of Santiago  before he did. And my feet were tired. I was hot. And I was ready to get a shower and rest. I had come so close and could not stop now. Jose declared, "I'm tired!" I think that meant I'm going to rest a bit.

I said, "I must keep going." I showed him we had more than the 1 kilometro he thought to go and wished him a buen Camino. Thanked him. Hugged him. And headed out. 

As I reached the park in Santiago that I recognized tears just poured from my eyes. I had no control. I can't really express the joy, exhaustion, humility, beauty, gratitude, love for so many, community, the memories, and so many other things that I don't have words for. 

I cried all the way to the cathedral. Just stood there for a bit and listened to the bagpipes and other pilgrims; the many languages and watched people. The whole walk in from the park is a climb up and I noticed a lot of people staring at me. But I just smiled through my tears and said hello/hola interchangeably I was so happy, so overwhelmed. 

And then I made my video and headed to the albergue. 

The last three days of walking truly were the most difficult. I am thankful for that. It is in the difficult days of the Camino that I am reminded of what so many people deal with in life. And so much of what I will be faced with when I return home. The peace of life on the Camino will be interrupted by the distractions and temptations of normal life. Just like it was when the signs were not clear and I wandered  a bit seeing more than some pilgrims and perhaps logging more miles and learning lessons. It will be easy to miss the signs and get off of the path if one is not careful. It is easy to lose a sense of community if you choose not to listen and hear or work on language and have a common purpose and goal or just shut yourself off. 

Of course there is more but that is probably enough for now of how I found grace in few difficult days. 

Crap...you are telling me something!

A year ago I was so close to reaching Santiago. These were two of my favorite days. With all the noise in our world...noise of fear, noise of hate, noise of anger...it is difficult to listen for the whispers of nature, of the divine voice in the midst of the day to day...

It is there, though, in the subtlety of a bird's song,  a frog's croak, a leaf turning, a friend's voice...and more. Watch and listen for the divine and act appropriately!!

So yesterday I was walking alone all day. 

It was fine...I quite enjoyed the solitude and the time to reflect. 

At lunch I stopped at a little coffee bar and got some bread and cheese which was enough for three so I packed part of it up and took it for later. 

While I sat I decided to call ahead to see about getting a bed. Since there are so many more people walking the Camino since Sarria (the 100 km boundary spot) so they can receive their "Certificate of Compostela"  it's much more difficult to get a bed. I called seven places. Finally deciding that I obviously was not going to walk as far as I wanted. I tried the town before Ribadiso which was really just a hamlet. And apparently the albergue only had 6 beds. I was sure I was going to be calling another place in another town. 

They answered the phone and I asked, "Hable Englis?" He said, "un pequeyno." Or something like that. So I said, "camas por hoy?" Hoping that I had asked for a bed for today. He asked, "today?" "Si!" And he did. One.  I reserved it. 

When something like that happens you walk with a little joy in your step. Plus you don't feel like you have to hurry quite as much. I was disappointed that I wasn't going to be farther along but relieved I had a bed. It is miserable to walk up to albergue after albergue and have them say completo/full/no room. 

As I made my way along the path and the day got hotter and hotter and I was happier and happier that I was not going farther than Castaneda.

However, I was about 2 kms from my destination when I came around a bend on a wooded path. There on one of the familiar marked stones with the shell and a yellow arrow was a little tiny bird with a bright orange chest. I wish I had a good camera but I thought I could still get a good picture. I stood very still and and got my phone out of my pocket but she jumped down from her perch to the ground and hopped several steps and then flew high in the air. Disappointed I said out loud. Are you trying to tell me something? And with that turned another corner and sure enough there was a small hill to go up. I looked in the air and said "thanks for letting me know that I had this small hill to climb!" And I started climbing. As I reached another bend there was another marker...

...only this time there was a much larger blackbird sitting on it. My first thought was "crap, this can only mean one thing!" And with that the large blackbird jumped down from his perch and hopped on the ground for a few steps then flew high in the air. I thought "you are telling me something!"

And with that I turned the corner and laughed. And said, "crap this hill is five times as big but then that blackbird was at least five times as big as the orange-breasted bird. At least they warned you and you were paying attention!" And I kept laughing as I climbed. 

Looking up about two thirds the way...

Looking down about two thirds the way as it curves on down!!!

I got to the albergue and was met by the most delightful people. The woman fixed me the most amazing dinner. I stayed with three other guests Daryl and Mary from Australia (I'll tell you more about) and Estelle from Madrid, Spain. 

And saw this sunset...a good day

Listening for Grace--"...in a relaxed manner"

Joyce Rupp in her  book Walk in a Relaxed Manner talks of how the pilgrimage of Santiago pulls you to it and energizes you as you walk it and walk beyond. At the beginning of chapter one of her book she quotes Linda Hogan:

Walking, I am listening to a deeper way.
Suddenly all my ancestors are behind me.
Be still, they say. Watch and listen.

Yesterday while visiting with my medical doctor we agreed that there is so much noise, so many opinions, --people talking and shouting; so many people telling you what "they know" but so few people asking questions, spending time in dialogue, listening--or listening well.

As I sit here at my desk working, busy-ing myself, meeting deadlines I am reminded of the path of a pilgrim--listening to nature, listening to one's body, listening for the voices of those from the past who echo God's word...be still and know...

For a moment I got quiet and remembered the path to Santiago---and then with gratitude I realized I'm still on that journey--be still and know...listen...watch...get quiet and still so that you can
listen and watch with your heart.

Buen Camino today as you move through this day. May you and I journey with joy and wonder as we listen and watch...this day.

Reflections on the Camino--Even missing out there is JOY

Reflections on the Camino

So today was a very full day. I was in charge of a rest stop for the Tour de Rock--a bicycling ride to fight cancer.  It's a ride I thoroughly enjoy riding but haven't been able to ride for the last several years because of family obligations, work obligations, or being out of the country. It's ride that is near and dear to my heart because of its beginnings--fighting cancer and because of my beginnings into cycling.

I wasn't in charge of the rest stop not by a long shot but I knew who to ask and others volunteered and they are amazing--Michael Manley, Marcus and Tamara McNeice, Mendy Rice, and Robert Carr--THANK YOU!!!!

Then I headed off to our regional meeting where I was on a "panel" discussion about 'What does the bible mean to me..."

And then other work obligations. It's been a very full day. But my reflection is this:

Today was a busy day and yet a joy-filled day. I missed out on some things today much like a year ago when I didn't get to ride with Mellos in the TDR and when I had to say good-bye to friends because my feet were so weary and apparently infected. But in the missing out, because of the busy-ness of today and even in the pain of a year ago-- I found joy because of serving and reflecting on what it means to be a part of a larger community--for this I am grateful.

Today--like this day a year ago is filled with JOY!

Here are my thoughts a year ago...


Second full day in Burgos. I have declared this a day of Color. From the streets of brick to the painted buildings to the people's clothes. It's a day of color. 

I woke in the night drenched in sweat. Not sure if it was from keeping the COPPER metal blinds closed to keep the noise out or because I had a fever and it broke. But whatever I felt great this morning. And when I removed the WHITE bandages from my feet they were so much better just like the nurse said they would be. 

So I took my shower and decided on my SALMON shirt for the day. 

Of course had to wear something over it at first because it was only 50 degrees this morning. So I cleaned my wounds per my nurse, finished packing my backpack and headed out for the day's adventure. 

Already I knew it was going to be better I got my sandals on over the bandage. And only have them on one foot!! AND I could simply walk down the steps. Backpack on and I was not gingerly stepping. Awesome. 

I stopped for breakfast. Figured out where I wanted to stay tonight. It fills up quickly so needed to be there early and just sit and wait but I had time. And then planned my next steps. Also went by the tourist office to get info about where to get new shoes....taking pictures all the way. 

I got back to the Albergue at 10:30 and there were already 7 people ahead of me. I had been there at 9 but knew since it didn't open until noon I had plenty of time. I waited. Some people invited me to join them for coffee as we waited. The time passed quickly. Finally our host greeted us. 

Those who were sick or had medical papers were the first received. People encouraged me to the front. And tried to get my bag for me. I was in tears. There were others. I believe 6-8 in all. It was quite moving. 

As we made our way up the stairs I saw the shells.

She explained to us that we are in a place of opposites. The last come first...those who are ill get first attention...and then she said welcome to a place where you are close to heaven...

After getting settled I went out searching for shoes. In this city of color. 

I stopped for lunch, took a few more photos:

and then headed across the river. Where I found the store but they were closed until 5 pm. So I went and  sat awhile again to watch people. Sylvia, who I met yesterday came by and sat with me. She is riding the Camino. She started in Frankfurt and has already put in more than 3000 kms. 

At 4:45 we headed back across the river. The man In the store directed me to a pair of shoes. And they were okay. But I asked to try something else. He said they would be to wide and too large because they only come in men's. We finally convinced him to let me try. And they seem to fit great with all the swelling. I also bought another pair of sandals, Tevas. :)  I'm not going to throw the other hiking shoes away just yet, just in case. But I feel a little better about my prospects. And they follow the theme of the day. COLOR!!!

I'm going to try to walk just 13 kms (about 10 miles) tomorrow. I walked 5 miles Wednesday and 6 today. And my feet are okay. I will wear sandals. And take many breaks. 

Thanks for all your good thoughts and prayers. 

Reflections on the Camino...thankful for even adversity

Reflections on this post...reflections on the Camino...

I re-read this post...out loud to my grown children tonight. It made me so grateful for the mountains that I climbed, the adversity that was overcome. And made me remember that it was because of others that I did so. Thank you all! 


Yesterday as we made our way out of San Juan de Ortega I was thinking about my father and his birthday. He turned 92. It helped me to concentrate on something other than the fact that I hadn't been able to get my shoes on and I was going to walk 9-10 miles in Chakas (over rocks and gravel and asphalt). And yes even in my Chakas I couldn't wear the same sockwear 

(William be proud of the colorful statement!) because my right foot was so swollen. 

As we headed out of San Juan we entered the forest again. And the music started. Joelle sang a bit. But when she stopped the birds started. And we were headed up, up, up again. 

Then it got quiet. 

You could hear the click, click of the walkers sticks. The crunch, crunch of our shoes but otherwise we were silent...walking along...walking...

And then in the distance, "cuckoo, cuckoo". And a response. "cuckoo, cuckoo". Again. "cuckoo, cuckoo...cuckoo, cuckoo". 

I suddenly felt as if the birds were calling to us pilgrims. " Hey you!! You are...cuckoo, cuckoo". They wouldn't stop. It wasn't just one but several. You are crazy pilgrims. Especially you, with your mismatched socks and your sandals. You are climbing mountains. You are doing the impossible. You are cuckoo. Little do you know you are going to walk 15 miles not 9...Turn back now. 

And I thought of all those who have been told they are crazy as they struggled for peace or justice; freedom or equal rights. I thought of those who stand against oppression, against the bully; who do what is right when another path is easier. "Cuckoo, cuckoo". I thought about how someone tries to say they are wrong or crazy or discounts what they are doing. 

"Cuckoo, cuckoo" they sang to us all the way up the mountain. 

Yesterday was a tough day. It was 15 miles instead of 9. I said goodbye to my friends. I was going to be in the city alone. Maybe I was cuckoo. 

Yes, I had to say goodbye to my Camino companions for a time, go seek some medical attention, let my feet heal and get some rest. But I am still on the way, perhaps still hearing the voices of those who criticize, but only in the distance, for they cannot overwhelm the joy...of tripping into grace and bringing others with you. ;)

Refelections on the Camino-Happy 93rd Birthday

June 2, 2015

Happy Birthday daddy. 92 years old. You have seen a lot of changes in this world. As a child of the depression you know how to conserve. As a man of faith you know how to pray. As a man who learned early how to work and how to work well you know never to waste a moment. You have gifted your children through your example and your life.

Thank you. 

But what I want today to comment on is my walk...the Camino de Compostella (which you were all in favor of me coming on until you found out I was coming alone). As I walked today my 12th day of walking, pushing 200 miles in 12 days and celebrating in my mind your birthday I thought of your time during World War 2. 

Here are my thoughts: On the Camino. My pack is half the size of yours 20 lbs compared to 40 lbs) and my walking sticks don't weigh any where near your 12 pound rifle. I can stop for coffee when I want to, or at the pharmacy when I have a blister, or even 

decide to take a rest day. You didn't have that luxury fighting during the Battle of the Bulge or any other time. 

You, and other soldiers, or for that matter refugees, or prisoners of war, can't stop but must keep going against the weather, the enemy, the threats that come. 

I walked today in honor of you. But it just doesn't seem enough for all you've done. 

As a soldier who fought for others..as a servant of God who has worked faithfully ...as person who has pursued  justice and taught others to do the same. 

So I will simply say I love you, daddy. Happy Birthday!!

Reflections of Camino-Bring healing, bring peace---

This was written about day 8 of my Camino 2015

Today's mantra was Lord, give healing, give hope. 

We started out from Logrono this morning very slowly because I was limping so badly. Between the blisters and the question of whether I injured my toe when I slipped on the path the second day I hobbled out of Logrono. After we got out town our group split up with the understanding that we would try to meet up again later but we had our phones. 

I traveled slowly today. And with each click of my walking sticks on the ground the mantra came 

Left click: "bring healing"

Right click: "bring hope"

Then prayers. I thought of people and places, names and faces came to mind. And as each did I prayed. 

Left click: "bring healing"

Right click: "bring hope"

All day long as I limped along I prayed...

Left click: "bring healing"

Right click: "bring hope"   

Sometimes specifically, sometimes just generally for healing and hope...it seemed to me that I was walking along  all of us need some sort of healing in some part of our life. And I know we are all desperate for hope...

Left click: "bring healing"

Right click: "bring hope"

So for 20 miles between Logrono and Najera I prayed for healing and hope as I limped into grace. 

Walking sticks as a prayer mantra---"bring healing, bring peace

Sabbath on the Camino

I have a good friend who told me years ago that most humans are human DOINGS rather than human BEINGS. 

I think one of the reasons this is true is that we are always rushing to our next project, next thing instead of enjoying the journey. Many end up tired and frazzled rather than restored. 

When I walked to Camino stopping to take pictures of flowers, vistas, friends was a time to slow down and appreciate the journey. When I sat down in cafes or just on a rock along the Way gave me a time to enjoy and but even more to simply take a rest--a mini Sabbath--if you will

Taking off your shoes and wiggling your toes along the Camino was a common sight--it was so refreshing. 

As I reflect back on my Camino journey I am reminded of the need for Sabbath--a need to stop and look around, slow down, even take a load off--but mostly I am reminded to always enjoy the journey not as a destination in itself but rather as a gift...

Camino Company--Never alone

When I talk about my walk across Spain and people find out that I left from here and was not going with a group or anyone I knew––I am almost always met with amazement. I have had several people tell me I was brave to do the Camino, alone. I have had several people say that they wish they could do something like that but they would never set out on a journey alone.

I have said this before but it bears repeating. When I left last year on my journey I didn't walk alone. I walked with so many people. Sure I left the US and traveled to Spain without a traveling companion. But I never felt alone. So many of you walked with me by sending me notes, praying for me, responding to my posts. I felt a great company walking with me, not in an oppressive way but in a supportive way. Almost every day I saw reminders of love which told me that so many people were walking with me.

But I also met so many pilgrims on the way. And many became friends that I have contact with a year later. Others I walked with for a time and enjoyed their company too. Here I stopped for a picnic lunch with Camilla and Marie.

The great cloud of witnesses that the writer of Hebrews talked about was present--I saw them in the people I was walking with, in the people back home and around the world who were staying in touch, and in the remembrances of loved ones who have gone before and are in heaven. I never walked alone!

At supper time there was always a meal and you rarely ate alone--peregrinos from all over the world would feel comfortable joining with other peregrinos to share a meal in community.

Perhaps the greatest sense of not being alone came in the spiritual for me--sensing the divine presence through nature, others, and a hope for the journey (my Camino journey and the journey called life)--Even today I sense the companionship that was the Camino.

"There's an App for that" maybe...

It was a struggle for me to consider getting  a Fitbit. It's not something that I was very concerned with and everyone else was doing it. But my new friend Roy Howard had said how many steps he had taken to prepare for the Camino and another friend asked if I was preparing? How many steps had I taken? A few. Oh wait you want an actual number I can't give that to you. 

So for my birthday, two months before I left for Spain I got my new Fitbit. I started being fascinated by the numbers...steps, miles (translate to kms), floors. How far can I get? Can I stay ahead or along side the other Fitbit steppers? It became a game. 

My French friends I walked with were always fascinated by the calories burned...it made us feel like we could eat anything!

A year later I'm on my second Fitbit (about to wear it out). And I t's still fascinating to count steps, miles, floors and calories. 

But honestly I think I'd like an app that showed me some fun and meaningful things: Would it read smiles given, encouraging words spoken? Time taken to sit with someone face to face? Could it show a friend in need? 

Or maybe that just takes being aware: of self, those around you, and the world.