Mouse in the Corner

2 years ago, on the Red Jacket trail in Mankato

18 weeks and counting... If you were a mouse in the corner, the conversation goes like this: Christie: “Nothing in our lives makes sense. Nothing!....Do you realize that 0.00001% of wives would even consider doing this?!” Eric: “Yep. That’s their loss.” Christie: “Augh.” Eric: “Why would you want to know where you’re going all the time? The only time I want to know where I’m going is when I die.” Christie: (wondering) How can I want to strangle him and kiss him at the same time?...and where are the mouse traps? Most people’s response to us leaving is a sincere yet stern “Be careful and be safe,” usually followed by a shaking of their head in disbelief. We interpret that as an offering of care and love. I do wonder though, how our cities, neighborhoods, and families would be different if the words of advice were rather, “Be more adventurous. Do something extra-ordinary. Step out of your comfort zone,” followed by a swat on the butt. Hhhmmmm…. We are surprised and anxious about our pending house sale thanks to our friend Craig (Craig’s list) no less! We are at the lawyer stage now, if all goes as planned we will be moving in with Eric’s parents May 1. Isn’t there a show about married 30 some-things moving in with their parents on Dr. Phil? They are so gracious to us. We are also very excited about partnering with the MN Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Society as a part of our trip. MS has touched loved ones in our lives and we hope to use our trip as a way to educate others about MS and provide the opportunity to raise some funds for research. We will soon have a link to their site. We have been inspired by a few of our friends who do the MN MS bike ride from Duluth to the Twin Cities every year. I have also completed my first official interview about our trip with my alma mater Concordia College, complements of one of my Cobber friends. I anticipate our appearance on Oprah soon. We got in a good ride last weekend with our 65-degree peek at spring. Despite 2 flat tires, we were giddy with anticipation as we imagined the day we pedal out of Mankato for 1-½ years.