Luxuries

As the Ready, Set, Go Day moves closer, preparation takes on a more intense role in our day-to-day lives. We have done many trips, ridden many miles, gone through the trials of trial runs, done over 550-mile riding days back-to-back, worked farms, packed and repacked our bikes, cut back our wardrobes, packed and repacked some more—the list goes on.

In other posts, I have talked some about Chick and me crying over our robes together. 😂 Both Chick and I have robes in our daily routines, but they are simply too big to pack.

Over this quick summer, I have come to appreciate the time I spend with the people I care about so much more, knowing I am leaving for two years. Running around trying to get as much done as I possibly can, there are a few things I know I will miss. Things that, in the game of adaptation, would be hard to give up if I were just thrown into it. So, I do my best to enjoy and savor every moment I can.

Simple luxuries I am having to walk away from in order to live on the road:

Stability. Routine. Daily showers. My robe. Planning my own meals. Wearing clean and accessible clothes every day. My eyeliner and mascara. My own bed. My selection of oils and body sprays. All my shower soaps waiting for me right where I left them instead of unpacking and repacking them Shaving as frequently. The ability to do laundry any day of the week. A fridge full of whatever I bought to eat. Shoes to match what I want. Not having to do work just to go to bed—setting up the tent, blowing up the mattress, etc.

You see my point.

Now, of course, the hardest part is my family, who I will be leaving for two years to accomplish this venture. Even with my boys’ support and them saying, “Don’t give up.” It’s nice to have their support, but I am gunna miss them so much it already hurts, leaving me with many moments of tearing up with joy and pride while appreciating every moment I have with them.

It seems my life has prepared me for this, and it’s almost like it’s destiny. The majority of the time, I believe it is.

Making your dreams a reality isn’t an easy task. It comes with sacrifices, but boy, does it make you appreciate every lil moment that most would pass by without even acknowledging its precious existence. I am grateful for everything that has led me here. Trials and tribulations as well.

I am looking forward to the road ahead, understanding what comes with such journeys. I wasn’t born yesterday. But I know I will have days of reminiscing when I just want my bed. I just want to see my boys, my dog, my friends, and, well, everything listed above plus some.

I hope and pray that no matter how many micro fits I throw or how many sissy-la-la-bed-wetter days I have, my support team reminds me why I am doing this and motivates me to keep going. That this, too, shall pass, and the journey will be worth it.

Much Love and Gratitude, Alice (aka: Lalenya)