ABOUT THAT TIME

I can't avoid it any longer. What started small, like an ember on wet kindling, has transformed into a full blown fire. One that can't be ignored or pushed away any longer.

I need a vacation.

It doesn't have to be a trip across an ocean or to some lavish all-inclusive in Mexico. In fact, that's not what I want, or what my soul needs.
Nope. I need an adventure. I need it to be cheap. I need it to be exhilarating.

Don't get me wrong, I completely understand this is a first world problem at it's finest. I'm sure some of you are thinking, "You need a break from going to a job that utilizes your degrees, a job that has some great co-workers and let's you do what you love?" Well, yeah. Everyone needs a vacation. Research has proved it. And even if it didn't, I still want one.

It won't happen before June, but just knowing that it's only a month away gives enough of a reprieve to the daily grind to make it bearable.

You may be wondering, or you may not be (but I'm going to tell you anyway), what does this vacation look like?  Well, I'm glad you asked, let me tell you...via one of my world famous lists.

1.   Cheapish. I don't want it to break the bank
2.   Serious time spent outdoors is a must
3.   Camping should be the main type of accommodation  (hence #2)
4.   Fires should be had
5.   Cool and awe inspiring things should be seen
6.   Fishing should be done
7.   Hanging with others who love the great outdoors and don't whine will be the company of choice
8.   I want it to extend beyond my comfort zone. And I want to leave feeling that exhausted and proud
      feeling you get when you overcome something tough
9.   Is having it include biking, of some sort, too much to ask?
10. Lastly, I want it to be so badass that I forget about the daily grind...the emails, the meetings, the
      traffic, the long line at the grocery store, the stupid commercials that interrupt my TV watching...
      Basically, I want to remove myself as far from these things as possible so that my batteries can be
      recharged.

I don't think this list is too much to ask. After all, I live in Colorado. The majority of this list could be checked off by driving only a few hours. But I want more. Without doing too much (meaning, any) research, I think I want to head to the Black Hills.

And, if I play my cards right, I can take off Wed through Fri and tack those days onto a weekend...giving me 5 days but only costing me 3. I'm not great at math, but that seems like a good deal.

Well, there you have it. That's what's rattling around in this head of mine...at least for today. Also, I "borrowed" the photo from my friends on the Googler (thank you Brooke for the term).

As you were.