So that 5am start time? Well, it's been delayed since I didn't wake until 7:30. That's with 2 alarms set! What did I say? Story of my life....
Once again, the day is unplanned and spontaneous! I decided to meet a fellow Skouter that I had never spoken to previous to my journey. I shared the story of my journey with him, and made another new friend! He and I met for coffee at a Starbucks, and once I had determined he was harmless, he showed me around Chattanooga. He was a band manager in Chattanooga. It seems like everyone I meet from Tennessee is trying to make it somehow in the music industry.
We checked out some bike trails at a local state park, then we drove out to North Chattanooga (the artsy district), and shopped at the Winder Binder. It's an eccentric local shop that features work by local artists. Without much time left to hang out, he showed me how to get to McKay's, a huge used media store.
After he dropped me back at my car, I headed out to McKay's on my own. You would think I could have found it just fine, as I had just been by there. I kept seeing the store on a hill, across the road. However I found myself driving in a loop repeatedly before I finally figured out how to get over there. I purchased a CD and a stack of books to add to my collection of "books I want to read."
I ended the night on the phone talking to another fellow Skout that I've chatted with previously before this trip began.. I'll have coffee with him in the morning; hopefully after a bike ride...but I haven't been too good at getting up early for those.
We checked out some bike trails at a local state park, then we drove out to North Chattanooga (the artsy district), and shopped at the Winder Binder. It's an eccentric local shop that features work by local artists. Without much time left to hang out, he showed me how to get to McKay's, a huge used media store.
After he dropped me back at my car, I headed out to McKay's on my own. You would think I could have found it just fine, as I had just been by there. I kept seeing the store on a hill, across the road. However I found myself driving in a loop repeatedly before I finally figured out how to get over there. I purchased a CD and a stack of books to add to my collection of "books I want to read."
I ended the night on the phone talking to another fellow Skout that I've chatted with previously before this trip began.. I'll have coffee with him in the morning; hopefully after a bike ride...but I haven't been too good at getting up early for those.
I realized tonight that this trip for me has been about something more. It has been about reminding myself that taking risks is worth the reward. We can plan all we want. In the end, life happens. When the things of life shake us up it can be easy to fall back and stop risking in order to feel safe. I've pushed myself out of my comfort zone, into a world of uncertainty, and been reminded of my own strength, ability, wisdom, and courage to face the unknown. When I leap, I often leap far and wide. Such a large jump can lend to a rough landing. I'm getting the hang of it though. You've got to risk the unknown, but guard your heart. Put yourself out there, but don't forget who you are. Plan for the worst, but hope for the best. Recognize your fears, and weigh the outcomes. I remember feeling a bit nervous before leaving home, just thinking about how the trails I would ride would be so different than the ones I am used to at home. Out on my bike the other day it was unfamiliar territory at first. Then it became a thrilling ride where I felt like a pro by the finish. We all feel like amateurs at times, but if we don't start there, we'll never make it to pro.
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