Skip to main content

Steppin' Out

In this episode - Steppin' Out . . .

Welcome back to On the Fly, where we explore life’s adventures, big and small. This week's episode is all about stepping out of your comfort zone. And I'm not just talking about trying a new restaurant or taking a dance class. I'm talking about a real leap of faith.

Recently, Lori and I decided to do something for her milestone birthday we haven't done in over 30 years: visit Mexico. Now, for those of you who know us, you know we're creatures of habit. We love our routine, our comfort zone. But sometimes, life calls for a bit of adventure, a little "steppin' out," if you will.

Side note for my listeners from Cuba, Illinois. I know what you're thinking: "Mexico? Isn't that dangerous?" Well, let's say there was a bit of apprehension—fear of the unknown, language barriers, and the whole 'foreign country' thing. But then we remembered our friend and colleague John, who lives in Tijuana, Mexico, with his beautiful family. He invited us to visit them, promising to be our tour guides. So, with a little push and excitement, we decided to take the plunge.

And let me tell you, it was one of the best decisions we've made in a long time. The people were amazing, the food was incredible, the sights were fascinating, and the culture was rich. We were stepping into a whole new world.

We visited Tecate, a charming border town with a rich history. Did you know that Tecate was once a hub for the Kumeyaay Indians? Its name comes from the Kumeyaay language, meaning "place of the coyote." The town is also known for its brewing industry, producing the famous Tecate beer locally.

Now, let's talk about food! Mexican cuisine is world-renowned, and Tecate offers a delicious taste. From fresh tacos and enchiladas to mouthwatering carne asada, there's something to satisfy every palate. And don't forget to try the local specialties like barbacoa and menudo. Barbacoa is a traditional Mexican dish with slow-cooking meat, usually beef, in an underground pit. This method of cooking results in tender, flavorful meat that falls apart in your mouth. It's often served in tacos with corn tortillas, onions, cilantro, and lime.

As for social activities, Tecate has a lot to offer. You can explore the historic downtown area, visit the local bakery filled with delicious treats, or relax in one of the many parks (it was a little hot this trip for that). There's also a vibrant nightlife scene with live music and dancing. And, of course, only a trip to Tecate is complete with enjoying a refreshing Tecate beer at one of the local bars. I’ll admit it: we enjoyed a special drink called Agua Citrón or Lemon Verbena. It’s a refreshing herbal infusion made from the leaves of the lemon verbena plant.

However, I did taste Mezcal, a distilled alcoholic beverage made from the agave plant, a broader category than tequila, specifically made from blue agave. Its smoky flavor is distinctive due to the traditional cooking method of agave hearts (piñas) in underground pits.

As I was thinking about how to present this episode, the song "Steppin' Out" by Joe Jackson kept going through my mind. It's about the excitement and anticipation of a night out, but it perfectly captures the feeling of stepping out of your comfort zone. It’s about embracing the unknown and taking that leap of faith.

So, what's stopping you from stepping out? Is it fear, uncertainty, or just plain laziness? Whatever it is, I challenge you to overcome it. Trust me, the rewards are worth it.

Special thank you to John Prock and his family. Remember, life is an adventure. So, step out, explore, and make some new memories.

I’m Patrick Ball. Thanks for listening. See you in the next episode.

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Most Popular of All Time

Back to School (Without the Triple Lindy)

I hadn’t set foot inside a public library in over thirty years. Last Saturday, when I walked through the sliding doors of the modern County of San Diego branch on Eucalyptus Avenue in Vista, my eyes instinctively scanned the floor for the familiar, comforting sight of varnished oak cabinets and brass pull-handles. Nothing . No card catalog. No little wooden drawers. No rows of index cards typed by someone who presumably had beautiful penmanship and a pension. I walked up to the front desk, looked the librarian dead in the eye, and asked with complete earnestness: "Where’s the card catalog?" She didn’t laugh, though she had every right to. Instead, she offered a warm, dry smile: "We magically had the computer digest it." And just like that, I was enrolled. Not the Rodney Dangerfield kind of back-to-school. No diving board, no loud blazer, no campus party, and thankfully, no need to convince anyone I belonged there. Just an overdue reminder that while I was busy with ...
Post a Comment
Read more

From Mailbox to Microphone

In this episode, catching up with Sierra . What happens when you combine a little imagination, modern digital tools, and the willingness to make a glorious, muddy mess? You get our guest’s latest project. I’m Patrick Ball. Welcome back to On the Fly . Today, we are diving into the world of native plants and guerrilla gardening with twelve-year-old creator Sierra. After watching her impressive, self-produced tutorial on how to make ‘Seed Balls,’ I had to know how she did it. It’s incredibly inspiring to watch Sierra evolve from a young artist wielding crayons and stationery into a savvy digital creator. She’s writing scripts, mastering voiceovers, and editing—all to make a positive, green impact on her local community. “She shoots, she scores, and she’s here to tell us all about it.” Please welcome Sierra to On the Fly ! Let’s get into it. Audio interview . . . For more blog posts showcasing Sierra’s talents, see: The Mailbox Surprise . . . and The Summer Surprise I’m Patrick Ball. Sta...
Post a Comment
Read more

The Rhythm of the Woodpecker

The morning in Vista often begins under a heavy, gray marine layer that rolls in from the coast, pressing a damp, muffled stillness over the neighborhood. At 4:30 a.m., the driveways are still full. The local commuters are either blissfully unconscious or stumbling blindly toward their showers, clinging desperately to their last shred of peace before the nine-to-five grind claims them for the day. I, on the other hand, am voluntarily wide awake in the dark. When your agenda consists of absolutely nothing, it is critical to get an early start. Inside the house, the quiet is profound, broken only by the sharp, mechanical click of the kettle as it reaches a rolling boil. I stand at the counter, watching the dark ground coffee bloom as hot water hits the French press's stainless steel. The smell is sudden and heavy—a deep, roasted-earth aroma that cuts through the morning fog. I push against the plunger’s gritty resistance, pouring a cup that radiates dark, stinging heat against my pal...
Post a Comment
Read more

Vintage Vinyl

In this episode - Vintage Vinyl . . . Turntables are making a big comeback; why? Listening to music should be a multi-sensory experience. Harmony, rhythm, and the deep expression of emotion. Like a warm, gentle rain in the springtime cascading around you the room is filled with a resonant, rich, melodic sound. My emotions welled up, and tears come to my eyes. Ok, I get it, we need to step back to get some perspective here. Recently a visit to Lou's Records in Encinitas, California, inspired me to dig out my Vintage vinyl LP record collection. I selected the Carpenters Singles 1969- 1973 . This musical duo reigned from 1969-to 1982 with the rich, full melodic voice of Karen Carpenter. They were one of the biggest-selling groups of the 1970s. "No fewer than ten of their singles went on to become million-sellers, and by 2005 combined worldwide sales of albums and singles well exceeded 100 million units." The tactile sensory experience of music begins with the album cover it...
4 comments
Read more