Friday, December 18, 2015

Beginnings


The best part of anything is the beginning.  There are a few exceptions but it's pretty well a basic truth.

Starting that new job that you were praying to get...woohoo!  That "woohoo" dies down quickly to a "is it 5 oclock yet?".  Commitment to lose that weight by a certain date pumps you up...til you start.  Marriage at first is so happy and sweet then it's all business (typically). 

Excitement at hitting the road again and knowing the reality of situations on that road are truly nothing to be excited about.  Yet still, the anticipation makes the heart beat faster.  Beginning a new adventure, even knowing the down sides but only concentrating on the fun of it all, the feeling it gives, the encompassing freedom & the knowledge that you'll learn...something!  That you'll experience life, new friendships, survive things you had never imagined, and find your best self through it all.

People comment often on how brave they think I am and how much they admire me for my lifestyle and how I inspire them to try to do the same.  I'm asked how I can do what I'm doing.  I have no tangible answer.  I thank them as it's truly an honor to inspire!  All I can offer is that I have no fear...I know God has my back...I trust people!  I'm doing what I feel I should be doing.  It's a happiness, a "call", a search, and hopefully a destination.

Yes, the best part of anything is the beginning.  How you come through the finale is a miracle, I'd say, and a signature strength that only you can earn.  I can't wait to begin again!

P.S.  The Exceptions are family, friends and pets!!

Friday, December 11, 2015

Changes


I've been very emotional today for some reason!  Tired...yes..it definitely is playing a part but the people in my life are the catalyst.  I have amazingly good friends, caring, giving, sharing friends.  After another long week of night labor, I crashed while a friend took my Jeep to the shop then woke me up (after a good 6.5 hrs sleep) to go pick it up.  We then went out to the local small town bar for a couple of beers and to shoot some pool before I left; and I just soaked it all in!!  The people, the dive bar atmosphere, the patrons, the music on the jukebox, and the friends I was with.

I love my country!  It's beautiful in so many ways...the culture, the scenery, the people.  I'll be finished working the seasonal job I got at Amazon (Amazon Camperforce) very soon so will hit the road camping to visit friends and family for about a month before I branch off on the next leg of my adventurous journey through this life!

I'm leaving for a while...indefinitely.  Australia is my first destination.  I need to arrive down under before winter hits as I want to visit and explore then ferry down to New Zealand to hike a few glacier areas (Tongariro Alpine Crossing being one of them) before winter!  Then back to northern Oz and Asia and India...you see the trend? :)

I guess, since time seems to be flying, it hit me that I'm leaving my good friends and family and this wonderful place we call America (that I've spent the past 2 years traversing) very soon.  Deciding to go was no decision. No Lillie...time to travel overseas.  That was it.  While I still have meager savings to help me out, I'm healthy enough, in good enough shape, and can think of nothing better than seeing the world....I'm embracing my need!!

That doesn't mean I won't miss my friends, my family or my Shantilly life!!  My backpack..hmm..guess I should name it now as it will house my world!! 

The following are SOME pics of me with friends!  Too many others so if you're not included, I'm sorry.  It's late, I'm tired, but I love you all!!!