A Prelude to a Trip
Our flight is delayed by almost three hours; these "found hours" feel like cement blocks - I have spent too much time preparing to leave already - trying to make sure that everything anyone might need is packed (while keeping each bag light enough for its owner to transport), that the house is in order, that we have touched base with all the great folks helping with the house while we are gone (do our cat foster parents have the right cat food in the shipping queue?, etc.) - I do not need three more hours to fret about consider other tasks I should undertake! Miraculously, my mental toughness kicks in and while I am aimlessly wandering the house, I take a few minutes to think about the actual trip instead of just the logistics leading up to departing. I ponder the values and purpose of the adventure. Why are we going on this trip? What do we wish/anticipate/fear will happen? What do we hope we will be like and feel like when we return?...