Note to Self, No. 10156

In an attempt to counterbalance the effects of homebuying on our fresh, youthful perspectives, Sarah and I recently decided to go sea kayaking. According to Carolina Adventure’s web site, our team would navigate the intra-coastal waterway and eventually make camp at Bear Island, a wind-swept barrier island near Hammocks Beach State Park.

I was totally down for spontaneity, adventure, and bears. Sign me up. However, it wasn’t until the pre-trip meeting that I realized the kayaking adventure would be sort of a “leave no trace,” outdoor education-oriented excursion. You know, NOLS , Outward Bound–that scene. I should have been clued-in when reading the packing list recommendation to not bring any bright clothing as they (totally serious) would have a negative “social impact.” Earth tones, please.

The trip turned out to be awesome despite a severe thunderstorm removing the “camping at Bear Island” part. Good peoples, good food, and even some good learning. I was thinking this evening about something one of the instructors said as we pulled the van out of Chapel Hill:

This is the kind of trip where it is easy to think, “As soon as I get in the kayak, the fun begins.” Or maybe more like, “Once we set up camp on the barrier island it’s on.”

I think what followed was something along the lines of it being about the journey. Sure, pretty stock zen stuff. But lately it seems like life is sort of on hold until we get into the new house. But then it will be something else. At work, it’s the same way. Once this big project gets finished, we can really move on. And then there is the big one: someday we might have a baby, and then serious fulfillment will be within reach. It’s worth remembering, it really is about the journey. One love, brah.

May 4th, 2006