Happy to be in Tennessee!

Well instead of the usual we paddle this and that I thought I would let everyone know what Julie and I are feeling about living in Tennessee. That is of course, assuming that someone reads our blog. By the amount of comments we receive I think that number might be very very small. No worries, I write to keep a journal, of sorts and it feels good to publish your thoughts and adventures. So here goes…

Since we have moved to Tennessee Julie and I have been forced to find new circles to run in, places to eat, places to live, jobs, festivals, and with each new item brings with it more and more change. Which is what we set out to do. To explore something different, to find a different way to do the same things. The change in scenery, to me, has reinforced who we are, what we believe in and why we strive to do the things that we do. Julie and I are at heart adventurers. Kayaking is only one way in which we express this need to seek the challenges of nature and of life. It just seems crazy that somehow in the mess of life we found each other and have shared in the kindred spirit that we can always try something new. To keep seeking adventures.

Trying something new does not mean that we had to pack up and leave town, join a cult, or become swingers, but instead it has shown us that life can get into a rut. We are now seeking new challenges not just physically but also mentally. At work I am trying to push myself past my comfort zone in an effort to improve my knowledge and contribution to life. It would have been the simplest of realities to continue what it was that I was doing but the desire to be better and seek change has allowed me to explore other options. Thankfully, Julie has been behind me and has reinforced this changed. Julie has also begun to take on additional courses offered at school, joined committees, and partnered up with colleagues to write grants and plan workshops. She stays very busy and continues to grow as a professional and I love her for it.

Obviously, the scenery, adventures, and jobs have been a whole new world for us out here. However, I think the grandest thing we’ve experienced on this journey would be the people. It is true most often of any new place you visit, that aside from the new sights, sounds, and activities, it’s the people you meet that truly make the adventure. Many of the people we have met, paddlers or non-paddlers, have able to relate with us on a level that has been very reassuring. Both before we moved and since we have arrived we have received the same question of why? Why try to uproot? Why leave everything that made you feel warm inside behind? While we have answered this a multitude of ways the theme is the same, passion and desire. Sounds like a corny love story but it’s true.

Life is the passion that we seek and the desire that pumps through our veins. Much like the adrenaline that pumps while we run a technical rapid... We are alive and we love exploring that with each new day. As we explain this to the question seekers they too can relate. Everyone has reinforced our reasons both here and in Oklahoma with comments like “we did that in our 30’s” or “I always wanted to do that, good for you.” Only a few have let slip tears with the understanding that they too can relate. Go out and seek what it is that you love. That which makes you smile, dance, and sing in your heart.

Now of course I am not a writer or much of a communicator and this blog is just a way to vent. If you read this, thank you. And if you don’t read this, thank you too! You all have made Julie and I who we are. You have each touched us in a way that allows us to explore and seek challenges. Keep up the good work and again thank you all for making this an adventure to remember.

rt & jc