Somehow things never seem to go quite the way we plan. I drive a semi. I haul cars for a living. My wife used to ask what time I would be home when I left each morning. My answers have become more and more noncommittal over the years. Now, if she asks, I tell her, “From what I know at this point…” Because that’s just it. I know (know being a relative term) what I have to do for the day, but I have no idea what actually lies ahead. I could have any number of delays between now and when I should be home. I said all that to say this…

You know how Randi promised you last week that I would tell you all how to roast the perfect marshmallow. Remember that? Better than that, she said I would show you how to accomplish this most basic of the vital culinary skills. Long story short, it didn’t happen. Unfortunately, it was not because of circumstances beyond our control. It was not because I was overworked and exhausted. It was not even because of inclement weather plaguing the entire week that prevented me getting the video footage necessary to enlighten even the most novice of want-to-be-campfire-connoisseurs. Actually, it was quite the contrary.

Truth be told, I blew it off to go kayaking. There you have it. Confession is good for the soul. Randi has been dying to kayak out to an island in the middle of the Salamonie Reservoir and explore. A month or so back when we were boating she watched a kayaker make his way out to this island in the middle of the lake. After beaching his kayak, he climbed to the highest point and set up his hammock between two trees on the point of the island about twenty feet above the water. Seriously, it looked like something out of Kayaker Monthly or some other fictitious kayaking magazine. Needless to say, she’s been fantasizing (obsessing) about this trip ever since.

With the onset of fall and the inevitability of winter, we decided Saturday was the perfect opportunity. Who needs to make a video when there’s an island to explore. So, Gavin, Randi, and I borrowed some kayaks, loaded them in the truck and headed for the Salamonie. It was an awesome trip. Just a few hours spent relaxing as a family on a beautiful autumn Saturday afternoon. No schedule, no deadlines, no blog video needing made. It was fantastic.

Sometimes it’s arguably the right thing to do to throw off the cares of the madness that surrounds us and live in the moment. At least, be aware of the moments, and seize them when the opportunity arises. We’ve all got schedules and responsibilities that need our attention. I’m not saying we shirk them… Just postpone them till next week. Like that blog post you were supposed to be writing. Be diligent, but don’t miss your life in the process.

Good news is I did get the video footage. So that means I’m ahead of schedule, right? Fabulous!!!

Go find an adventure,

Mike