Our Story (85 Percent): San Antonio

(First- a quick and obvious sidenote: I am not very clever when it comes to titles for posts....)

Unlike many people, my roots are scattered and not firmly planted in one particular place. I grew up an Army brat. Part of me has always been envious of people who grew up in one place and had roots; a hometown. Nonetheless, though not born and raised in California, I do consider California my home. I love this state and all the beauty it possesses; I am a California girl. Lance, however, is 50 percent Texan. He may disagree with that statement as he is quick to disown California, but whether he likes it or not; he has California in him. He appreciates the beauty of California, but he has a distaste for California politics and regulations. The only cities I have ever visited in Texas were El Paso and San Marcos of which neither left a lasting impression on me. However, this past weekend, I saw a part of Texas that gave me a better understanding of Lance’s passion for the Lone Star State. Lance and I decided to not exchange birthday gifts this year. Instead, we arranged a trip to San Antonio as birthday presents to each other. Initially, the trip was intended to be a romantic getaway for us, but a few months after I began planning it, I wanted the boys to accompany us on the trip. When I suggested it to Lance, he loved the idea. I feel so blessed to be married to him, because he loves his stepchildren. You can tell the difference between someone who just tolerates stepchildren and someone who makes a concerted effort to be involved and inclusive. I know many men would have not welcomed the idea of bringing stepchildren on what was suppose to be a romantic trip, but not my Lance.

Our hotel in San Antonio was perfectly situated in the city. It was within 5-10 mins walking distance from every major site. We explored the typical tourist attractions: The Tower of Americas, the Alamo, Buckhorn Museum (Lance’s high school friend, Mike Tedford and his wife, met us for drinks and a tour) , and the Riverwalk. We also did some fun activities like Ripley’s Believe it or Not (we got to see locks of George Washington’s and JFK’s hair and a part of the Berlin Wall), the wax museum, The Guinness Book of Worlds Records museum, the mirror and laser mazes, and a frightening haunted house!

Before we entered the house of doom. Little did I know, Dylan would suffer no guilt in leaving me behind to save his own self.

An elevator shaft brought brave or stupid visitors to the top floor of the haunted house where you were chased through a dark maze complete with ghostly animatronics and live actors. Dylan desperately clung to Lance while I made a simultaneous though futile effort to seek my husband’s protection. During this trip, I learned something new about my eldest son. Dylan is a coward and would, without hesitation, sacrifice me to save himself. He selfishly pushed me away as he grabbed Lance for his sole protection. We were both frantically and fearfully fighting over Lance, pulling violently at his clothes and literally almost pulling his pants off in the process. It is true. Fear brings out the worst in man.

Outside the Tower of Americas

View of the Alamodome on top of the Tower of Americas

The Tower of Americas is the second tallest tower in the United States (second to the Stratosphere in Vegas). We had dinner at the elegant Chart House restaurant and were able to watch an amazing sunset with a spectacular view of San Antonio.

We also took a riverboat tour and had several meals at the multitude of restaurants along the Riverwalk. It was simply beautiful.

Visiting the Alamo was a very somber yet thought-provoking experience.

Prior to our visit, we went to see an IMAX film about the Alamo so that Dylan and Brandon could understand the significance of what they were about to tour. I felt myself getting teary-eyed as we entered the Alamo. I think we often take for granted all the sacrifices that have been made for our country. It was inspiring to learn the story of these very brave and patriotic men who sacrificed their lives for liberty; they knew their dismal fate, and yet they met it with such courage, strength, and conviction. True American heroes.

Why did we visit San Antonio? I learned that it is the most visited city in Texas and the 7th biggest city in the nation. However, the main reason we travelled to San Antonio was to run the Rock and Roll Half Marathon.

Showing off our medals

Showing off my race bib

One of the things I love about running is that it encourages us to see and do things we wouldn’t normally do. On Sunday, November 11, Lance and I ran the San Antonio half marathon. When I first met Lance, I was running a half marathon at 1:54 but my time has recently plummetted to an average of 2:25. I am very eager to recondition myself back into shape. It is a gradual and continual climb, but I was proudly able to complete the course at 2:15:17. Lance had not run more than 6 miles consecutively so he was not adequately trained for the half marathon. However, he finished at 2:42. I am proud of him.

Meeting Meb!!

What was an exceptional treat for me though was that I got to meet Meb Keflezighi at the expo on Saturday. Anyone who has glanced through the pages of any running magazine will be very familiar with Meb.

He is the 2009 New York Marathon winner, 2004 Olympic silver medalist, and he placed 4^th in the marathon at the 2012 Olympics. He runs a full marathon at an impressive 2:09.

On Monday, it was with sadness that we left San Antonio. I truly think San Antonio is one of the prettiest cities in the United States. If Lance ever insisted on us relocating to Texas, he actually would have a chance of being successful in his argument if San Antonio was in the equation. I can totally see myself living there.

On a side note, I turned 41 on Wednesday. My birthday celebration was simple. Lance took the kids and I to eat my favorite food, Vietnamese. I only wanted one thing from him: a love letter that would make me gush. Lance tries to conceal his romantic and emotional nature, which I can't quite comprehend as it is the reason I fell so hopelessly in love with him. He did deliver and write me a beautiful letter which induced me to tears. As much as he is romantic and emotional, he is also quite private too so I wont share the precise words in his letter, but instead…. a quote that he cited at the end of his letter, which, to me, sums it up.

If I had to choose between loving you, and breathing. I would use my last breath to say I LOVE YOU.

I feel so blessed. Happiness is the absence of desire. For the first time in my life, I no longer want anything. I have no desire or need. I feel so complete. I feel so satisfied. There is an indescribable peace that comes with that. I am at peace…happy….grateful. Even if it took me 41 years to arrive at this point in my life, I'm there. I finally can understand what happiness truly is and what peace it brings.