Sunset, Kailua-Kona, The Big Island, Hawaii, March 11, 2024

Sunset, Kailua-Kona, The Big Island, Hawaii, March 11, 2024
Sunset, Kailua-Kona, The Big Island, Hawaii, March 11, 2024

Sunday, May 27, 2012

Withdrawal -- Sun., May 27

Got to thinking today that I am having withdrawal from my addictions: movies, TV reality shows, Entertainment Weekly magazine, traveling, chocolate (though I'm not having withdrawal from chocolate because I have Hershey's kisses on hand).

Out here in the scrubby desert plain, miles from town, and even more miles from a movie theater, I find I miss going out to see a first run movie. I miss Amazing Race, Bachelorette, Survivor, Shark Tank, Nikita, Storage Wars, Dancing with the Stars, American Idol, Too Cute Kittens, and My Cat from Hell.

Yes, I admit, I'm an addict. I ask myself, "Self, how did you ever have time to watch all those TV shows, go to all those movies, read all your magazines, work out, get on the internet, AND work full time?"

And, you know, I really don't know. Being out here gate guarding, I've had more time to bird watch, cook, read, watch DVDs and think. Thinking, now there's a concept.

The thing I think about most is: How do we get back on the road traveling? I think about what my life is like. I think about how happy we are living in our 5th wheel trailer and about the adventures that we've had so far. I think about what our next move is, like some big chess game. The moves along the way make all the difference.

Or is our life like a 1,000 piece jigsaw puzzle. What do life's pieces have in store for us? How will it turn out? Are any pieces missing? Will everything turn out okay? Will all the pieces fit together? Will the big picture be as beautiful as we foresaw?

Being at the gate, gives me time to contemplate, relax, enjoy life and look at the bigger picture. When it's time to do something different, the universe will support us in a new plan.

For now, I talk to Bob, play with and love on the kitties, stop to look at the flowers, write my blog, take a nap, eat some chocolate, go for a short bike ride or a walk, take care of chores, cook, watch the wildlife, and take pictures. 

The big picture will sort itself out and come into focus when we're ready.

Will I go back to my addictions when we're back in civilization? Probably. I do enjoy those activities too. But I also know we'll travel, visit friends and family, hike, explore, bike ride, go out to dinner, swim, spend time reminiscing and talk on the phone more. But I bet I'll still read, nap, have long conversations with Bob, love on the kitties, watch wildlife, explore caves, walk through gardens, visit museums and national parks. 

Life has so much to offer, don't you think?

Gate guarding update: Our gate had absolutely no activity from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., so we went for a short bike ride TOGETHER to Pad A. Wouldn't you know it? As we were riding back to our 5er (fifth wheel trailer), a semi pulled up to the gate. We were almost back to the gate. Bob rode his bike as fast as he could and opened the gate for the driver. Today our one log sheet was only 2/3 full. VERY quiet day. I'm guessing tomorrow (Memorial Day) will be very quiet as well.

Wildlife sighting: While we were out on a short bike ride, we saw Axis deer on the exotic ranch across the road. Axis deer (Axis axis): Introduced [to Texas] in the early 1930s from India. Dark tan with white spots and large three-tined, lyre-shaped antlers. Female: 120 lb. Male: 175 lb.

Today's photos:
Pad B -- practically empty
Pad B -- Bob next to big equipment
Lots of big equipment!
Pad B -- Our 5er on the right. Very close to Pad B!


A nice little bike ride to Pad A...Pad B in distance.
And a pretty sunset to top off the day.
Pics of Bowie:

Where is it? I know there's a mouse here somewhere.
Aha! There it is.
"Travel" Bug out.

7 comments:

  1. Looks like Bowie is poking around. So typical of cats at play.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Bowie is a character, always busy. Yesterday it was hiding behind my computer screen and darting his paws around to the front. Another day, he'll play with and hide in boxes (we pick them out special from Costco). He loves to get in the shower when it's dry and knock everything off the shelves. Sometimes he bolts out the door of the 5er (he's an indoor-only cat). Busy, busy cat.

      I was most scared the morning he bolted out the door when Bob was going out to check in four large semis towing huge pieces of oil equipment. I was terrified he would freak out and run right under the trucks. Fortunately he's also a smart cat and he stayed, mortified, under our 5er behind the tires. After the trucks passed, he ran to the other side of the 5er and I was able to coax him close enough to me to nab him by the scruff of his neck and haul him back into the 5er!

      Delete
  2. Sometimes when we quiet the external noise, we can hear ourselves think. :) I know what you mean, sometimes wondering what will be next after we finish here. We are comfortable that when that comes along, another opportunity will present itself. I sort of miss traveling, but am very content with and grateful for this work gig. We are going to a Montana rally soon, so we'll get a week's break and roll the rig down the highway a bit. I'll get windshield time. :) LOVE the kitty photos! Yep, I bet we're kindred spirits; those look like photos I'd take! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. What rally are you going to in Montana? When will you be there? Are you going over to Yellowstone on your trip?

      We leave for Yellowstone on July 23, have reservations at Fishing Bridge for two weeks in early August. We are so excited for the trip! Last time we were in Yellowstone we hiked 80 miles in eight days. Think how much we can do in two weeks?! I need it after sitting here gate guarding. Miss my exercise.

      Susan

      Delete
  3. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Hello! And a belated welcome to the weird world of gate guarding!
    I've added you to the blog roll at Fork. I look forward to following your adventures! :D
    Debbie

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Debbie,
      Thanks. We all have our adventures, don't we?
      Susan

      Delete

Please let me know what you think, your experiences, and constructive criticism to make this blog stronger.