"Time to start using the good china..."

When my uncle turned 65, he said it was time to start using the good china. By that, he meant there was no point in saving things "for good." He'd realized that life was meant to be enjoyed NOW.

In that spirit, my DH and I are embarking on a wonderful adventure this spring. We're celebrating 40 years of marriage with a month long cruise to the South Pacific! We'll be visiting Hawaii, Fanning Island, Rarotonga, Society Island, Bora Bora, Tahiti, Moorea & Nuku Kiva--lovely little dots of green in the wide blue sea. It'll be the trip of a lifetime.

When we told a few people about our plans, someone said to me, "Oh, good thing you're going now while you still can."

The words stung, but it was the truth. Having a chronic, progressive health issue is something I try to sweep under the psychological rug, but every now and then it smacks me in the face. Even though I must have supplemental oxygen to get through my day and a bi-pap to help me through the night, these may indeed be my "good, old days." I'm still able to walk a couple of miles a day on the treadmill, still feeling up to travel, still ready for a new adventure.

I may not always be.

Years ago, a dear friend of mine was diagnosed with liver cancer. His doctor told him to do everything he wanted to do that summer. At the time, I thought it was good advice for everyone. None of us know how many trips around the sun we're going to get. If there's something you've been putting off, maybe it's time to dust off that dream and see if you can make it happen.

Now.

While you can still enjoy it.

If you'd like to armchair travel with me, I invite you to sign up to follow my author blog where I'll be posting news from the high seas in a few months.  You'll receive my posts via email so you'll never miss a moment of our adventure.

What "good china" experience would you like to give yourself?