Wild Minds Wander

Hey everyone, Kyli here. And if I’m being honest, right now, “Wild Minds Wander” feels a lot more like “Wild Mind is Weary.” The last few weeks have been… a lot. Like, a lot a lot. Life has been coming at me full force, and I’m feeling pretty battered and bruised. But through it all, the thought of hitting the open road with my boys remains a flickering light, a promise of something to pull me back up.

It feels like one thing after another. Almost three weeks ago, I had to have my front tooth pulled out and get a bone graft. Then, just two weekends ago, I ended up in the ER with a sudden, searing gallbladder attack. Just when I thought I might catch a breath, last weekend, we were rushing our beloved dog to the animal ER. On Wednesday, my sweet girl, my best friend, my first dog I got on my own 14 years ago – my baby, my princess, my angel – we had to say goodbye to her.

The grief is just shattering. I never imagined she wouldn’t be doing this trip with us. She was such a part of our family, and honestly, a part of my entire adult life. She seemed fine, and then she wasn’t. There’s just an empty space in my heart where she used to be, and I’m still trying to wrap my head around her not being here for the adventure we planned.

Beyond the heartache, May in education is always a whirlwind, and this year is no exception. Between work demands and my boys having a big race an hour and a half away two days in a row this weekend, I’m just running on fumes. I’m tired. I’m stressed. My brain feels full to bursting.

Yet, amidst all this chaos, we did manage to squeeze in a practice night with the tent a couple of nights ago. The weather forecast was perfect, calm and clear. Of course, the moment I pulled out the tent, the wind started blowing like crazy! I actually found myself laughing, thinking, “Well, Kyli, at least you know you won’t always have ideal conditions to set up!” It was a good, albeit hilarious, reminder of the reality of tent life.

But then came the actual sleeping part. Despite investing in a good sleeping pad (because if I’m going to be on the ground for thirty-plus days, I need to be comfortable!), I just didn’t sleep well. I stayed super warm, which was great, but I woke up exhausted and sore. My mattress topper in the camper is looking mighty tempting right now, and I’m seriously considering finding room for it if I possibly can.

Life, huh? It just keeps throwing curveballs, doesn’t it? It feels like I’ve been knocked down time and time again these past few weeks. This trip, the “Wild Minds Wander” adventure we’ve been planning, it’s not just a vacation anymore. It’s a lifeline. It’s a hope. It’s the belief that the fresh air, the changing scenery, and the simple joy of being present with my boys in nature will help pick me back up, heal some of these raw spots, and remind me of the beauty and resilience that still exists.

Honestly, as excited as I am, I’m also super nervous. Every day we get closer, I still can’t quite believe we are actually going to do this. But I’m ready to find that solace on the road. Wish us luck, and send all your positive vibes for smooth travels and finding some peace amidst the journey.