Now that my living situation is sorted, my mind has moved on to other things. Namely, the road trip I'm taking with my married friends, Amy and Keith, in a couple of weeks.

This is new territory. Road trips and camping are not usually my idea of vacation at all. I've been on no more than one or two overnight camping trips in my life, and I was always glad to get back home as quickly as possible. My family had a simple and rustic cabin on a lake in Minnesota when I was young, but it had a regular old bathroom, full kitchen and TV. I don't think it counts. Normally, I'm about hotels and cable and beaches and fruity drinks and massages and restaurants with delicious food. But, this summer I'm choosing something different.

When I was in fourth grade, I became fascinated with a picture of Mesa Verde in one of my school books. I loved flipping to the page to read the description and examine the photo. Civilizations living in buildings hidden and protected by the cliffs appealed to me, and I'd imagine visiting the park someday. I think I even fantasized about it as a dream honeymoon destination. I was 10.

Then, I got older and forgot. Something (can't remember what) reminded me a few months ago, and I put up a picture of Mesa Verde as the background on my desktop at work. Looking at it day after day, I began to feel a strong pull to go. The strong pull turned into determination to make it happen. In a strange and unexpected way, I'm feeling called to traipse around in national parks, breathe in new air, try a whitewater rafting trip, sit in the middle of nature to look up at the stars, step back from my everyday life, write in my journal, and, as silly as it may sound, strengthen my connection with all that is through the energy of this place. It's just what I need to do.

So, I started talking with people. One of my friends was interested in taking the trip with me, but she decided the timing isn't right for her to get away and asked if I could wait until next year. I may want to go again next summer, but waiting didn't sound good. I tossed around the idea of going on my own. Then, I mentioned what I was thinking to Amy and found out that she and Keith were considering a road trip to the southwest this summer too. They've traveled around there before and wanted to return. We agreed it would be fun to go together and started making plans. Luckily, the timing worked out perfectly for all of us. They are experienced campers and have lots of the necessary gear (yessssssss!). And, they don't mind incorporating Mesa Verde into the trip, in addition to Zion, the Grand Canyon, and Sedona. Also, my cousin from Minnesota is going to be at the Grand Canyon at the same time, so I'll get to see him while I'm there. I'm looking forward to sharing this experience with them. I can't wait to leave!

My Mom is such a good sport. She's in town this weekend and allowed me to drag her out to see Nada Surf at Sonic Boom with my friends this afternoon. She wanted to experience a little bit of "my world." I thought that was sweet.