It’s extremely odd being back in civilization. It feels a bit like a cloak that I have to put on, and I’m not sure it’s fitting entirely well. I mean, I like people, and I like the trappings of society, but having to “be cool” again and “fit in” is almost immediately exhausting. I find myself a bit more irritable than I was out on the road. I think part of that is a drive to work out and physically move. It’s also an energetic drive to take on challenges and be moving forward. But also I think I may be discovering that I’m more introverted than I thought. I still love people - that’s a common misconception about introverts - but too much interaction is draining me. Or that just happens to be the way I'm feeling lately.
Bend is kind of amazing! I’ve never seen a city so focused on athletic activity. Snowboarding, skiing, stand up paddle boarding, running, cycling, hiking, you name it, they’re doing it. They even have an event - the Pull Pedal Paddle - where you have to downhill ski, then cross country ski, then ride a bike, then paddle a kayak, and finally run to the finish. I want to do it. I could definitely see myself hanging out here for a while and really bearing down on my own fitness and my own love of the outdoors. I don’t know if I could be here permanently, but I thin kit would be a really fun ride. Speaking of which, I got to stand up paddle board (SUP) for the first time! I really enjoyed it, and I didn’t fall in at all, not even getting on or off. I definitely credit the yoga with vastly improving my balance.
I'm super excited about the Oregon Country Fair coming up Friday!
