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

A Mother’s Day Reflection

With Mother’s Day here and the world bustling with cards, brunches, and busy schedules, I find myself reflecting on something a bit simpler: taking a moment to remember the person who helped shape my earliest sense of home. Mauricette Elaine (Bontemps) Ball. My Mom. We arrived in Cuba after leaving La Rochelle, France, in 1959—a transition whose enormity I only fully appreciate now. My mother, barely in her mid-twenties, stepped into Midwestern life with remarkable courage. Her smile could warm the coldest Illinois morning, and her hugs lingered long after she let go—quiet reminders that you were deeply loved. Born February 16, 1934, the third of four children, she grew up in Nazi-occupied La Rochelle. As kids, we listened wide-eyed to stories of soldiers patrolling her streets and fear shadowing everyday life. Yet she carried none of that darkness forward. What endured was resilience and an unwavering devotion to family—qualities she carried across the Atlantic and planted firmly in C...
1 comment
Read more

That Fateful Four-Letter Word

In this episode, A Masterclass in Efficiency. For nearly four months, the western border of our property has stood as a living monument to determination, dubious planning, and forensic-level lumber acquisition. Since February, our neighbor Steve has been conducting what can only be described as a masterclass in deliberate calculation. This was never going to be one of those slick home-improvement shows where a cheerful pair of men installs a fence between commercial breaks, sipping lemonade. No. This was real life in retirement. We scaled the vertical wilderness of our hillside. We mixed concrete with the precision of medieval alchemists. We bled, we sweated, and we fought hand-to-hand with a buried tree stump that had the structural integrity of a Cold War bunker. By this week—May 16th, for those keeping score—the glorious end was finally within reach. The fence stood proudly, the line was straight, and victory practically hummed in the air. Only one major task remained: installing t...
Post a Comment
Read more

Truth for Sale

This episode is inspired  by Elton John & Bernie Taupin On Memorial Day, I took my first bike ride  since the accident , seeking proof that my legs, lungs, and nerves still remembered the road. The morning air carried that familiar Southern California mix of ocean haze, exhaust, eucalyptus, and sun-baked asphalt. My tires hummed across pavement I’ve ridden for years. Somewhere between the steady click of the chain and the rhythm of my breathing, Elton John and Bernie Taupin’s The Captain and the Kid found its way into my ears. There’s a strange kind of magic when the cadence of a ride syncs perfectly with a song you know by heart. Suddenly, the music and lyrics stop being background noise and become a lens. And through that lens, the road started talking. I've been cycling on this road some, Can't help feeling I've been showing my friends around. I've seen it grow from next to nothing, To a giant eatin’ up our town. Called up the tealeaves and the tarots, Asked the...
Post a Comment
Read more

When Nature Comes to You

Sometimes the best way to experience the world isn’t to go searching for it, but to sit still and let it come to you. Lately, the view from my reading chair has become a vibrant little stage. Our backyard feeder has drawn a steady parade of wildlife—bold flashes of blue from the Western Scrub Jays, brilliant bursts of color from the Hooded Orioles, and Purple Finches—transforming quiet afternoons into a chorus of motion and song. But the most captivating performance unfolds just inches beyond my window. For the past couple of weeks, a young hummingbird mother has been perched on her tiny, beautifully woven nest. Hummingbirds usually seem made of pure nervous energy, yet here she is: perfectly still, patient, and devoted. Watching her quiet vigil - day after day - has felt almost magical. Life seems to be blooming in every direction right now, renewing itself in real time. It’s a gentle reminder to slow down, look outside, and notice the quiet miracles surrounding us. John Muir once wro...
Post a Comment
Read more