Gone West

 

I had the privilege of being out West the past 2 weeks in the beautiful state of California.  The Katy Perry song "California Gurls" continually looped in my head as I pictured myself living along the coast. I mean, they're undeniable, right?


We began in San Francisco, stayed in Walnut Creek (with family), caught a Giants game (beautiful stadium!), explored the city on bicycles (rented from Mission Bicycle Company), got annoyed at traffic (of course), got lost in Chinatown, checked out Pier 39, rode to the top of Twin Peaks, and even drove to Napa - all within the first few days!


From there we traveled to Manteca where we stayed with friends who were gracious enough to let us crash there for a few days. We got to check out their church, hear about a new church plant, and even assist with questions. We ate (and drank) at a sweet brewery, got everyone to download the "Untappd" app, and checked out an Oakland A's game (nothing compared to the Giants stadium), then drove on down to Santa Cruz.  This was the best way to end our trip. Drinking coffee by the ocean and chatting with a new friend made me feel right at home. I could definitely live here. I could be a California Girl... too bad it's so freakin' expensive!

From there we took our time making our way back to the city by driving up Highway 1 along the coast.
PERFECTION!
I am a sucker for good road trips and this was by far the best one I've ever had.  We took our time and pulled off the road, checking out a plethora of sea lions and dolphins playing in the water. So cool! We found a cool lighthouse, neat picture-perfect views, and enjoyed one another's company as we drove up the coast.  I felt like I was in a movie!

Like I said, the last day was the best day. We spent an entire day (losing time going back East) traveling home just to get immersed in work and the craziness of life right away.  So worth it.

I've heard that you can tell what you really value by what you spend most of your time and money on. I'm guessing it must be evident that I live for these travel experiences! Can't wait for our next adventure.


The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore. - Psalm 121:8

Life is Like a Bicycle

CS Lewis & his older brother Warnie on bikes

Lately I have been contemplating some life choices. I look around at my peers and see their drive for worldly success, yet I also see how quickly this focus can become the demise of their emotional life.  What is it about our society that pushes us to work long hours?  Why do we feel the pressure to own nice things?  

Leaving the dollar bills behind, I've been focusing more on days off work for adventure rather than loading up my bank account.  Having a day off with Dustin means a happier Jamie (typically).  I've slowly come to the realization that when we can spend the day - not worrying about church or work or school - together, it makes all the difference.  Clearing the mind, usually by riding our bicycles, is the best medicine for emotional distress.

Focusing on the experiences - not the things.

Isn't it more rewarding to enjoy the relationships and adventures that life throws our way?  
Think back on the past 5 years of your life... what sticks out most in your memory?  Is it the closet full of clothes and new car or do you recall family vacations or picnics or bike rides or baseball games?  I know my thoughts track along the latter.

When I think on the "good times" in life, it's the parties, the people I've met along the way, the bike rides I've taken, and the good food with good people.  It's amazing how I can't even remember the things I've bought.

While riding our bikes this weekend through Cleveland Metroparks trails (which are amazing, by the way), I was able to chill out for the first time in a while.  Freedom swept over me with light breeze and I felt able to live life.  I didn't care about the work that was waiting for me when I got back. I didn't care about the house that needed cleaned, but rather focused on the here and now.  The crisp air, the breeze, the burn in my thighs as I pedaled up hills, and the company of my husband.  It was amazing.

Maybe there truly is something to the way of gypsy life.  Nothing to hold them down, just free to travel and live amongst one another.  I envy that.

For now, however, I will continue my slight bits of freedom via 2 wheels down the open trail.

 "Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance you must keep moving." - Albert Einstein
(More Bicycle Quotes available here)