By 
There comes a time in a girl’s life when she just has to put on her big girl panties and do something she would never think of doing. You know, one of those things that you don’t even think of trying because of your size, your age or both!
Well, this weekend was the time. The family reunion was the place. The task at hand? Ride the tube with my crazy ass cousin Dayna down the Colorado River behind a speed boat filled with more cousins just chomping at the bit to see a crazy WIPE OUT!
My biggest fear was that I wouldn’t be able to get my ass back in the boat after I got in the water. But you know what – I figured we could deal with that when the time came. But at THAT moment I was going to seize the day, dive in and RIDE THE RIDE! ……AND I DID IT!!!!!!!
Make it back in the boat? YEP! Had to have some help but so did everyone else. I did it. I didn’t let my size intimidate me. I didn’t let my lack of physical conditioning stop me. No offense Neil Armstrong but your “one small step for man” – doesn’t hold a candle to the step I took on Saturday, June 11, 2011. The cheers from the boat were loud and rowdy. And my friend Kim couldn’t have beamed any brighter at my accomplishment.
I strutted back to the main house like a prized chicken at the county fair. Jaws dropped right and left as Kim retold the story of my championship ride, how I fell in and got right back on. My poor mother nearly fainted. You see, it is a Johnson trait to freak out and worry about what COULD have happened even though I was standing right in front of her with all my bits and pieces intact! Bless her heart,sweet Wanda, I had to calm her down with hugs and kisses and reassurances that I was just fine. I was more than fine. I was a River Riding ROCK STAR!
If you are not living on the edge, you’re taking up to much room. I took up way to much room for too long sitting on the sidelines. I will be a bench warmer no longer! This is my summer, this is my year, THIS is my life! I’m claiming back my “Sparkle”.
I love each and every one of you
Juliana
Diary of a MAD * FAT * WOMAN..... 
We did great, didn’t we, cuz!? How much fun was THAT?!!!!
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Hmmmmm What ever will we do to top that next year? Wake boarding perhaps??
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You are priceless, and you can fly across water.
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Thanks Swanette. And I DID fly across the water. What a ride. Already planning on doing it again next year and asked my cousin today “What shall we do next?”…..Life is good and getting better everyday! breaking new ground is a great motivator!
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