Intermission
I am appalled. I just returned to my seat on the floor of the Denver airport. I didn’t like what I saw when I looked in the mirror while washing my hands.
We’ve just made the long drive to Denver from Seattle. We were helping a friend get all of her belongings to her new home, so this was no ordinary road trip. We were in a (violently shaking) 26-foot moving truck for three long days. It was tiring.
So, looking in that mirror, I realized I need sleep, Visine and a haircut (Caanan would agree). Help with the bags under my eyes – the size of marshmallows, by the way – would also be appreciated. Does Preparation H really work?
Anyhow, we’re waiting patiently on standby (currently into hour 10) for a flight that will haul us back to Seattle. Sitting here we realized that the ride from Seattle to Denver was unexpectedly productive and actually worth the heavy eyes and tired bodies. The truck was so loud that we couldn’t really talk or work or do much of anything. That being the case, we just sat quietly much of the time and – at one point – contemplated:
What we are each happiest to have tackled during the first part of 2012.
What we are each most looking forward to tackling during that last part of 2012.
Turns out, that the long distance ride turned out to be the perfect intermission; an ideal chance to reflect on the first part of the year and to dream about the months to come. Now that we’re hanging at the airport, we’re alternating between working and (finally) sharing our thoughts from the road.
We want you to join in our intermission. In the comments, let us know:
#1) What you are proudest to have taken on so far this year (a goal you made movement on, a trip you took, etc.).
#2) What you are most eager to take on at some point during the remainder of the year.
We’ll go first:
#1
Caanan: Being more vocal/active regarding issues of importance.
Kent: Two things – actively trying to be a better local citizen and doing our “show up at the airport and go” experiment.
#2
Caanan: Cementing the next phase of our business goals (long overdue!).
Kent: Getting back into learning Spanish. No excuses.
What about you? Let us know in comments!
#1 I am writing fiction.
#2 Business goals – photography.
Very self-oriented I realise, but I have some work to do in that dept…
Self-oriented is good. You gotta take care of yourself first, right?
Sometimes my favorite part of a long drive is the time you time you spend quietly reflecting on things in your life, because you have nothing else to do.
#1 Not giving up on India! Many times I wanted to change my flight out, but in the end stuck with the 3 months I had planned there. I now find it as one of my most rewarding experiences so far.
#2 I really want to teach myself how to use a DSLR, but I need to buy one first and well that cost a lot of $$$. We’ll see what happens. If not I wanna continue tackling the amazing life I am living.
Totally feel you on #1 – WE thought you were going to leave india 100 times
Glad you now view it as one of your best experiences.
Also, still can’t belief you get all those fantastic shots with a P&S. I’d like to see what you can do with a DSLR in your hands.
I think everyone thought that…lol!!!
Thanks for the kind words about the DSLR… ahh I so wanna get one so damn bad, but don’t even know where to start and think I should wait till I get home or am in Asia to buy it.
1) Started a new site and started looking for a new job after being unhappy in my current one for over a year.
2) Finish my book of web basics for bloggers. Every page seems to be such an effort, but the stuff that is done looks good. Just have to find time amongst work and blogging.
#1 Making Alaska happen was so amazing, even though I’m broke now. But I’m rich with memories and life experience
#2 Much like you guys have been inspired to further explore Seattle, I’m going to dive into Chicago and go places I don’t normally go. When other travel bloggers come to town and write about cool spots that I haven’t even seen yet, that’s a kick in the ass to get moving.
Oh, and I need to work on my Spanish too. The Spanish hangman app on my phone isn’t going to make me fluent.
I know… you had to buy all that equipment, and Alaska isn’t a cheap place. But, yes, the memories. Next time we’re face to face, we want to hear all the stories.
The same thing still happens with us. You know we STILL haven’t been to the top of the Space Needle. Oh well… we’ve done some cool things here that are far better.
Let’s hold each other to learning Spanish. Deal?
Nice post guys. Now you’ve got me contemplating, too!
#1 – Booking my first flight for my RTW trip. Although I’ve got to alter dates now as my best friend is getting married in April!
#2 – Learning some Spanish (seems to be a popular one!), and also the Russian alphabet. I’ll need it on my trip. Booking more flights. Getting my blog re-design done (well….my partner getting my blog redesign done!) Getting my ass back in the gym as I can’t work out in this ridiculous heat (outdoor hot air + ice cold AC inside gym + hairy body = confused, sick hairy body).
Do I get brownie points if I write, “avidly following what Kent and Caanan are doing this year” on to the end of number 2, or does that sound kinda stalker-ish
Ah… glad it got you thinking as well. We were touching base on what we had each come up with for those two questions and then thought “Let’s put the questions out to everyone.” I’m glad we did.
Totally get your #1. I bet you’re so excited. Yes! Join our group of people committed to learn Spanish. We’ll keep each other ON TASK.
And, finally, you get major brownie points for stalking us (in a non violent way) for the rest of the year. Hmmm… make that always.
1) Taking motorcycle lessons even though I was scared out of my ever-lovin’ mind! In keeping with the Spanish theme – speaking to locals on a 7 week drive around Baja and being understood.
2)Doing one thing every day that gets me closer to my goal of NVR!
Wow, Tricia – you know just what to say to two tired guys who need a boost. Selfishly, we think an NVR life is a great goal for anyone. *Grin*
Very inspired by your having (successfully!) spoken Spanish for 7 weeks.
#1- proudest that I quit my super boring, non passion job and fulfilling a life dream
#2- Continue building my portfolio for freelance and take on a much anticipated project that I’ve wanted to do for a really long time.
yay- great exercise!
And we did not talk nearly long enough about that last job of yours. Next time!
Excited to hear about this project you allude to. Make it happen! We’re rooting for you
Long road trips are great for reflection! Here are my answers:
#1 – Starting my own travel agency and helping others see the world.
#2 – Continuing my mid-life transition to doing what I love full-time (traveling, natch.)
Natch, Michael. Natch
I love this (and you two)!
#1. Being able to make travel blogging and videography our full times jobs. It’s nice (and scary) to be our own bosses!
#2. Get in touch with a production company to finally launch the Maverick Expedition. We’re getting closer!
Cool! It’s getting closer, huh. Details over brunch.
#1: Proudest of relocating to Thailand
#2: Looking forward to learning Thai!!!
You have had so much going on. I bet it was tough to decide. We’ll test you on your Thai next year at TBEX.
Great way to contemplate and make sure we’re still on track for accomplishing out goals this year.
Here are mine at the moment:
#1: Creating and uploading at least 1 video to Youtube each week
#2: Setting up a Thai food forum on my Thai food blog
Thanks for contributing, Mark.
We, too, should get into video. Wait. Scratch that. We SHOULD HAVE gotten into video, oh, 2 years ago.
You guys are awesome.
This is a tough one. I’m proud of myself for finishing my RTW trip. I’m proud of myself for making more progress adjusting to Germany. I’m proud of myself for doubling some of my blog stats since the beginning of the year (even if they were small numbers to start with).
I’m hoping to improve my German language skills. 15 hours a week of class time should help with that. I’m also about to launch a new site that I have high hopes for. And this is the first time I’m saying anything about it publicly, even if I’m not giving out the URL yet
Awesome, Ali! Just reading this is motivating. Can’t believe you’ve been tackling a new site. We’re cheering for you
(And I bet your German will be great by the end of the year!)
Thanks guys!
That trip mustn’t have been comfortable, your friend should be really proud of his friends for this kind of support!
It wasn’t very comfortable, but it was actually a great experience overall.
1. I never thought I would travel abroad and I am so happy that I got a chance to visit Japan after winning a contest held by Expedia. It was such a fabulous experience to visit the Land of the Rising Sun. Do drop by my blog sometime, would love to hear from you both!!
Japan
2. I brought a new Nikkon Camera and am trying to learn how to go about using it in an optimal way.
By the way you guys are just Awesome, always love visiting your blog.
I want to learn more about that Expedia win! Are details on your site?
We got a new DSLR last year and have enjoyed leaning into photography and getting better shots.
This was my contest entry that won the prize!
The Village Woman by the Riverside
It was a contest held on IndiBlogger, an Indian blogger directory. Here is the contest page, Expedia Contest Page on Indiblogger
In fact, I won one more prize also related to traveling on IndiBlogger,
Here, you can check this post for more
1. I just got admitted to university, made a language exam from german
2. I’d like to buy a camera, and learn russian and it would be nice make lots of new friends at the university.:)
All of this language learning going on!
#1: It’s a tie…backpacking the West Coast Trail in May and buying my return ticket to walk the Camino de Santiago AGAIN…this time, from Porto to Santiago de Compostela and onto Finisterre and Muxia.
#2: I hate to copy, but I REALLY need to work on my Spanish too…the realization of knowing I will be back there in just under 2 1/2 months has me freaking out!
Thanks for the motivation!
Intriguing. I’ve gotta learn more about your backpacking.
Yes! Please do join all of us who want to learn a language. It has emerged as a top topic here.
#1 – Writing a Buenos Aires City Guide (to be published in a few months by Indie Travel Media). Tons of work and really stretched both my Spanish and my writing skills.
#2 – Picking up my previous career with a new full-time consulting job back home in Columbus. It will be an adjustment after 22 months of setting my own schedule and working in my pajamas, but I think it is the right thing for me now.
Very cool, Stephanie! Can’t wait to see the guide.
I am so happy you guys are studying Spanish! I would love to pick that back up again. My goal is not to have goals. For once in my life, I am trying to just be. If you knew me in my 20s, you would understand!
Next time.. we lear more about the 20-something version of you.
Finishing up our road trip and finding a place to live in Pittsburgh.
Looking forward to focusing a little more on business at the end of the year.
You’ve had quite a year so far. We’ll be following along for the remaining months.
#1 traveling through China for 3 months–not easy
#2 finishing my book of travel tips/advice
Impressive – two biggies! If you can do that, I can learn Spanish, right?