The Fork:

I'd like to start out by saying, "Don't blame the messenger."  The Easter Bunny no longer exists.  Again, don't blame me.  Blame Ava.  "Ava, my innocent 3 year old daughter?" you ask.  Yes, Ava.


Yesterday, on our way to Dallas, TX, Ava broke the silence in the truck by beginning the following conversation:

AVA: I'm eating.MARIJO: (I look back & see she's not eating anything)  Oh yeah?  What are you eating?AVA: The Easter Bunny.BEN: The Easter Bunny?  How?AVA: With a fork.

Umm...Happy Easter, everyone?!

The Middle Way:

We've moved from Georgetown (North Austin) to San Antonio.  So far we have:
1.  Visited Our Lady of the Lake where my mom first *ahem* taught.
2.  Went to Sea World (twice).
3.  Went to the Parade of Flowers on the Riverwalk as part of Fiesta San Antonio festivities.
4.  Visited the Moye Retreat Center where mom went to high school.
5.  Went to the San Antonio Zoo.
6.  Spent a LOT of time around the pool at our RV resort.


We were initially going to stay in San Antonio for a week.  However, we've decided there's more we want to see here and have extended our stay for a month.  That's part of the beauty of not having a plan.  If we find somewhere we like, we can stay longer, if we're ready to move on, we can.  


Recently, I've had a discussion with a relative of mine who asked what my plans were for the weekend.  I answered, "I don't have a plan yet.  I figured we'd wander around, see who was available, and go from there."  I was greeted with the following response, "I have to have everything planned out.  I don't know how you don't know."  After further thought I've realized my relative's thought works well for him.  He has to balance work, family, extended family, church and community.  Having a set plan doesn't work for our lifestyle.  If the weather is particularly windy or rainy, why drive?  The only commitments we have are to each other.  We don't have family, work, church or communities around who are counting on us.




As Buddha said, "The middle way is the right way."  We don't just wander aimlessly, nor do we bound ourself by details.  We have a general idea of where we'd like to travel and approximate time frames, but why rush?  Instead, we're just going to bask in the sun by the pool a little longer...it's not like we have a yard that needs mowing.

On the move in 45 minutes:

We arrived at the camper repair shop within 1 hour of waking up.  

Okay, this doesn't sound  like a very impressive feat until you consider the following:

-We woke up, got dressed, brushed teeth, etc-Repeat the above with  a 3 year old-Packed up everything in our house so it would avoid shifting while driving.  Everything has to be in a closed compartment, wall mounted TVs have to be removed for extra caution, belongings have to be off the floor because slide outs come in.  (I encourage you to look around your house and think about what all could fall with movement...shampoo bottles, toothbrush holders, appliances on counters, soap dispenses on counters, trash cans, books, remote controls, movies, toys, tables, chairs, makeup on counters, dishes, the list goes on.  Now, you have a better idea about what I'm talking about.)

Sound impressive yet?  How about also:

-Drain and clean our tanks of waste and gray water-Remove/put away hoses-Moved vehicles so we could hitch up-Crank up anchors-Lower our antenna-Move slide outs in-Close awning-Fold up stairs-Lock doors-Close windows and vents-Hook up batteries-Pick up any belongings outside (lawnchairs, bicycles, toys, grills, etc).

I want to encourage caution before dreaming of being able to pack up and move wherever the road will take them...it doesn't just happen on a whim.