In the old days before I had a 40+ hour per week job and I had my afternoons free, on days like today, I would grab my wallet and a water bottle, make sure my tires were properly inflated, and ride until I couldn't pedal anymore. It was my time to be. To hash out my thoughts and feelings and sort things accordingly. I have a bike and a motorcycle, but I'm locked into the rat race of work-sleep-work with little quality time to myself.

I used to be a lot more brash and ballsy. I used to write, draw, and sing freely. And then I became integrated into Corporate America. My energy became redirected.

This weighs heavily on my mind today. The easy answer is that I need a vacation. In a few short weeks, I'll be on a plane to Portland, Oregon for a few days. It's going to be a hectic weekend between meeting long-time online friends in person, going to a concert for a band I've been a fan of for several years, and calling my element, Fire, in my best friend/sister's handfasting. But I'm flying. And going back out West. Not to California, where I'm originally from, but out West nonetheless. And I get to drive through the mountains. <3

I'm also jonesing for travel to the South. I miss lots of people from Huntsville and Atlanta. I do get to see many of them during Labor Day weekend at MFM, but still.

I've been in a lull since Sunday/Monday and it's irritating me. My normal coping mechanisms aren't working as well and, well, I just wanna go and explore. My wanderlust is kicking in hardcore.

And the large gaggle of geese crossing my lanes right now is making me smile, at least a little bit. Last night, it was the mother duck and her ducklings that made me smile as they waddled across the lanes.