Melanie and I were talking about if we were enjoying this trip (a resounding “yes” all things considered), and the conversation took a bit of a turn wherein I realized that, maybe, when I was younger and thought I wanted to be a freelance writer I was on to something. I absolutely could do this (I’m not really talking about the golf here, although if I was a traveling golf writer that would be even better) every day; I really enjoy this.
It is tiring, for sure, especially the really long drives; but I actually enjoy the transient nature of it. Packing up each morning, and moving on is exciting to me and I’ve yet to really miss the permanence of “home.” That is not to say that I don’t take comfort in it (home) being there, because I do. Nor is it safe to say that I don’t miss my family (or friends), because I do (very much). But life on the road does have a special appeal to me.
First of all, there are no “resets.” You get up, you do what you do (however well you do or do not do it) and then you move on. “The hits just keep coming” as they say. When I’m done with one state, the next one is waiting and must be attended to (if I were writing for a living you could substitute “story” for “state” in that sentence).
I’ve always done better under a little pressure, my worst performing days are when things are running smoothly and nothing but routine maintenance is required. While there really isn’t a ton of actual pressure on this trip, there is a little bit of urgency to get to the next state, get some writing done, and get ready for the next day. It’s just enough, I think, to keep me on that edge that keeps me engaged and at my best. Honestly, it might even be a bit of a “false urgency” really, but the no do-overs part takes care of any complacency that might try to slip into our days.
In short, this trip has been great; and, as we scoot down the New Jersey Turnpike at about 70 MPH on our way to Connecticut and day number twenty-six, I’m suffering from a little bit of let-down or remorse that the trip is “almost over.” Which is really saying something, given that there are actually a full 4 weeks left. Ironically, at the moment, the part of this trip I am least looking forward to are the “decompression” or “off days” in Hawaii before we return to Boise… although, I’m sure a little sand and surf will take care of that is pretty short order.