However, I can't shake the sense of division that is instead occupying my thoughts today. I stay as far away from politics as I can, but I have watched the political divide ruin friendships and start verbal wars this week. And I am walking the line. I think it's the line that a lot of us want to walk right now. It's most clearly defined as, "You have a right to your opinion." And then I continue walking. What happens next is often that someone on one side and then the other tries to pull me off the line. And it's becoming pretty thin.
There's a lot of sentiment about uniting and working together. After all, we do all have to live together. But in practice, I'm seeing a very different reality. When two of my closer friends are on opposite ends of the spectrum, neither of them can be wholly happy with me. It's an incredibly uncomfortable place to be. I'm expected to choose a side. Alright then. Here I go. I choose freedom. I choose the right to freely express your views, whatever they may be. I choose to go forward with love and kindness for all.
Also, I voted for Johnson. :D
Okay, so on to the journey. Are we done yet? Well, mostly, I think so. I think we are done with having to be somewhere at a certain time. I keep thinking we're done with it, but then something else happens to create an obligation. The latest was a happy circumstance, but it did mean traversing half the country in a pretty short period of time. My college kiddo marched in the Holiday Bowl, which was so fun to watch. And then he stayed with us for 12 days, 12 fun-filled, busy and expensive days. It was worth it, but I suspect a long recovery. If I'm not mistaken, we don't have plans to meet anyone else or have tickets to anything else. At least, not until July. Could this finally be the freedom we've been seeking?
The days were indeed fun-filled. We have been seriously indulging here, in more ways than one. We were on such a good run with eating healthier, but this area offers nothing if not great places to eat. And because we had a guest who was basically on vacation, we went on all sorts of expensive outings. Part of me is grateful that it's going to rain for our last few days here so that we can stop spending!
On Monday, we leave San Diego behind and head into Northern California once again. We'll spend a couple of weeks in Solvang, near Santa Barbara before going on to see our family and friends in Napa County. And then begins our long trek back to the familiarity of Wisconsin and Minnesota. I completely underestimated how much I would miss our people. Everyone on the road really has been welcoming and kind, but there is something to be said for those who know you well, whatever their politics.
