I think that for the most part, I’m a pretty good sport about making adventure out of things. But this week, I’ll admit it — I’ve met my ultimate match. This opponent can be neither bribed nor beaten into submission. Even the most optimistic individual, the most tedious planner, the most resolved of character: all will grow faint and wobbly-kneed at the sight of the Terrible Task. It is time for me to go car shopping.
Some of you may have heard me explain at some point why I have such an aversion to shopping at WalMart. Aside from all of the common socioeconomic arguments, which I feel do have credibility, my primary reason is simple and much more personal — whenever I am in WalMart, the place slowly drains all optimism, energy, and happiness out of me. Weird, yes, but very true. If But if WalMart is a mood-zapper, car shopping is like WalMart Headquarters. The WalMart other WalMarts shop at. I’m usually fighting back the tears by the time I set foot on the car lot. It doesn’t matter how much I try to prep myself for the excursion, throwing a few punches and roundhouse kicks into the air and telling myself such encouraging things as I imagine a boxing trainer would shout at his best fighter while prepping him for the ring. But the second I see the rows of shiny new sales pitches, every bit of motivation drains from my body, leaving only fright and insecurity. As I see the salesman approaching, I know that this is finally it: this is the end. This is how I will die — heart attack in a used car lot. I guess that means this may be my last blog ever.
Things have been good. Maybe a little predictable some days, but not so much others. I’ve had the travel bug lately (when do I not), which has led to a) a trip to Chicago and Ohio with Abby next week, and b) a work-in-progress planned trip to hike the Grand Canyon in December. I’ve never been to Chicago or Ohio, which is where Abby’s family lives, so we’re taking a trip to visit them. I have always really enjoyed visiting other families. I love seeing how people interact with one another, and being around people when they are most like themselves and comfortable. I can’t wait to meet the family of Abby’s oldest sister, and their new baby. I’m also excited about Chicago — it’s Mandy and Brian’s favorite vacation city, and I’ve never seen it. We’re driving up and staying with friends and family of Abby’s the whole time, which is my kind of trip. Only until now, I haven’t actually thought of it — at least not in the context of “I’m leaving for Ohio in four days.” I guess I have more productive things I could be doing rather than blogging. As for the Grand Canyon, this is absolutely, positively something I really want to do. I’m not the most physically fit person in the world, but I think I can hold my own well enough. And I fully intend to hike to the bottom of the Grand Canyon and back up. Right now, Troy and my old England travel buddy Cameron are planning on going, too. If you’re interested, please let me know — I’m going to do this and want to take as many people as possible, but in order to get the campground passes we need in time, we have to apply really soon. It’s a hike to the bottom, setting up camp for a night, and hiking back up the next day. A road trip there and back, and we’re planning it for the second full week in December, so that school shouldn’t get in the way. So let me know if it sounds like something you’ve always dreamed of doing. Ok?
I’m in a bit of a reminiscent mood these past few nights — I’ve been listening to old songs, reading through old blog archives, and digging through boxes of old photographs. It’s a bittersweet mood, and sometimes I feel as though I’m looking at the past of somebody else. It’s funny the tricks time can play on us. I guess what I’m trying to say is, I’m realizing more every day what God means when he says in Luke 12 “Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. [...] Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” Being more of the obsessive-compulsive type A personality, I tend to worry out when I don’t know or understand where things are headed, and admittedly my tendency is, well, to freak out a bit; to want a timeline and control over the situation. God has been working on that in my life, and has been blessing me with patience and trust in Him. I used to think that looking back on the past was pretty depressing and counter-productive, but it has its benefits — I never saw at the time how God was working in things, but now I have glimpses of what might have been a bigger plan. God has numbered every hair on my head, and has already shown me how He intends never to abandon me. I am so much more blessed and loved than I deserve.
On a less spiritual note, if you’re the traveler type, you should start paying attention right about here: I found an incredible blog/resource today, and learned something I had never heard of before: the round-trip travel ticket. This is apparently something that airlines sell, which allows you to build itineraries containing several, sometimes dozens, of destinations, and book them in one place. If you set it up carefully, you can save tons of money, since you’re paying based on either the total miles traveled or the number of stops on your itinerary. You can also change dates or destinations without as many fees as standard round-trip airline tickets. You can read more about it here. The blog belongs to Chris Guillebeau, and he has some other interesting ideas and topics on his site, if you want to browse around a bit. I haven’t played around with these travel resources much yet, but I really want to — a dynamic Asian travel itinerary is probably something I need to be making right now.
Ah — concerts. Dylan was fantastic (beautiful, heartbreaking) last night, and even though he didn’t play anything from Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan, he played a lot of great songs, and a very impressive show. Willie Nelson’s voice is amazing, especially considering his age, and even John Mellencamp and his very-talented band impressed me. Bele Chere in Asheville last weekend was a ton of fun, and the Old 97’s played an energetic live show, with a good setlist. And as for last last weekend, Pete Yorn is a great entertainer. Speaking of great backing bands, his group is very tight and had some just-different-enough arrangements to provide variety without losing the crowd. The venue (Center Stage Theatre) wasn’t quite what I expected, and was refreshingly comfortable for a mid-sized venue (my preference is for smaller club shows). But then after two great outdoor shows in a row, I sort of think i could see myself becoming one of those summer music festival addicts. There’s something there, I’ll admit.
A few other favorite finds of late: The Blue Magnolia in Augusta, Georgia — this is the most addictive strange-finds boutique type store I’ve seen in a while, if not ever. If you’re in the area, stop by; I know you’ll find something entertaining (including Tokyo Milk fragrances. Trendy, yes. But they smell so nice.) Also, my new all-time favorite card printing company: Fomato. Just so funny, and I love original prints. And finally, well, I wish more of you used Twitter.
listening to: The Spinanes – Kid in Candy