Taking the Leap (Again)

I gave two boxes of clothes to Goodwill.  I sold my TV.  I dragged the free couch and sofa we got off of Craigslist to the curb and re-gifted it to the world (it was gone within the hour).  Room by room, I’ve been clearing away the belongings you collect when you settle somewhere long enough.  I like Oregon.  I’ll miss this little town and it’s outstanding parks and backyard hiking.  I had my baby here.  It’s different packing up and leaving this time.  Two years ago, I had no idea what awaited for me… I had just quit my job and was headed to Europe.  I was sick with panic and hope and excitement.  Now, it’s different.  Maybe I’m letting myself miss this place a little more, because I already know what happens next.  We’ll travel.  It’ll be amazing.  There’s no way to predict who we’ll meet or what will happen.  But it won’t be Oregon, and it won’t be the same.

I completely understand why more people don’t sell their house, put their car in storage and strap on a backpack in order to see the world.  It’s tough… and not just the mawkish sentiments about leaving home… but the physical will to take things you own and get rid of them.  It’s exhausting to drag every piece of furniture, every knickknack, every potted plant out of your home and onto the street.  It destroys my negotiation skills.  I let my $800 skis go for $50 in a moment of desperation (dear lord, I will not schlep those back into the house).

So the second time around, what did I learn?

I’ll probably never use a storage facility again. For me, it’s just delaying the inevitable.  It was emotionally too tough to sell my stuff for pennies on the dollar, so the nicest things I stored away, hoping I would use them again.  Next time, I’ll just give them to friends and family.  It’ll feel better and cost less.

I went a little crazy with the nesting. Granted, I kept myself to a $500 budget to furnish a two bedroom apartment, watching the free section of Craigslist like a hawk, but did I really need a 1970′s sewing machine?  (It was my three favorite things: free, vintage and well-loved.  I had to have it).  I think for a moment (maybe a month or two) my pregnancy-addled brain forgot that while I was building the perfect home, in June I’d have to dismantle it perfectly too.

I might jump ship on the whole backpack part of backpacking. I’m not sure I need one.  I mean, I’m not actually climbing mountains with all my gear in tow… maybe it’s time to switch to some real luggage.  Just seems more practical.

I purchase new clothes very carefully. You know Columbia makes some very nice technical shirts.  So does REI.  I always avoided buying that stuff, but it actually makes sense.  If it wicks sweat, dries quickly, has built in sun protection, and is super thin, how can you beat that?  And after my clothes became threadbare last year (and I had to continuously replace items on the road) I’m less concerned with aesthetics and more with functionality.

Keeping my car was a mistake. I should have sold it in 2008, when it was worth more.  The value dropped so much it wasn’t really worth keeping it while I traveled.  I would have been better off saving that money and buying something newer when I returned.

I’ll never buy a Dell again. Sorry Dell, but your batteries break.  In six years, I’ve never had a Dell computer, whether personal or for work, not eventually lose the ability to be charged.  Do you know how it feels to have your cord wiggle free and have your computer shut down instantly?  Like being punched in the face.

I have more technical gear than ever… but that’s just me. I think it’s a hazard of my trade, but I think the balance has officially shifted this year in favor of the cameras, mics, cords, computers, sound equipment, wacom tablet, and spare parts.  Our family luggage is officially more production company than personal effects, whether you measure by weight or space.

I’m even more excited than last time. This is it!  Before felt like playing at travel.  Now a few months of rest with a newborn and I’m so ready to get out there.  Oh the street food… late lunches at an outdoor cafe… meeting up with new friends for drinks… studying a new language… falling in love with someone based on their accent… seeing things that strike wonder in your heart… getting lost… finding something beautiful…  just being quiet for a moment in a strange place.  Writing.  Taking pictures.  Making videos.  Capturing it.  There’s a whole world out there and I just want to devour it.  It’s a good feeling.

pic: jphilipson