I love a good road trip. This year, the road trip to Michigan was even better than previous years.
My parents called us and told me that it took them 8 hours to drive, what normally takes 2 through Chicago.
Say WHAT?
Not a chance in HELL do I want to sit in that type of traffic. I had been going back and forth on taking a car ferry across Lake Michigan. It’s a little spendy BUT once I heard about the traffic I knew there was no other option. I booked the car ferry that day.
For the first time in years, and I do mean years, it actually felt like a vacation. I bought a book on the ferry and laid on a beach lounge chair and read. I had a coffee date and a beer on the four hour voyage. The kids played in the game room, played bingo and watched movies. It was amazing.
One of the best parts (worst for most, I’m sure) is there was no wifi on the boat. You were made to be on adventure mode after loosing service about an hour and a half into the cruise.
More on Adventure Mode soon…
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Once in Michigan we spent time with my Grandparents. My Gramps is crabby like normal and my Grams is still sweet and caring. I really like spending time with them. Once a year really isn’t enough but at least it’s something.
Normally we get to see way more family than we did this year. But life gets in the way, we’re usually only there for a couple days and it’s usually during the week. Doesn’t really allow a ton of time for visiting.
We did get to see one of my cousins. For a young guy he’s really had quite the life. His dad died when he was young. He’s done some house hopping while he finished high school and now in his college years he’s done some country hopping.
He doesn’t have a car or a phone and he wants to KEEP it that way.
Say WHAT?
Most of us are so dependent on our phones and our vehicles, could you imagine NOT having one? The inconvenience of cars being in the shop can cause major stress, but never having one, that seems so crazy.
The more I talked to him about it the more I became on his side. He said that upon meeting someone he automatically assumes their phone is 98% more important than he is.
Think about that…
How often do you choose your phone over the conversation of the company you are with?
We all do it. Posting what you’re doing on Instagram and Facebook become more important than actually being present and experiencing the moment. Some of us are VERY addicted to our phones. Will this addiction become just as scary as an alcohol or drug addiction? In my opinion it definitely could.
Since that Michigan trip, I have been more mindful of how much time I’m spending on my devices.
My phone is NOT even close to more important than my kids and instead of telling them to hold on while I’m checking Facebook, I just turn my phone off. Facebook can use all the algorithms it wants but when it comes down to it, it has NO Idea what I feel is important.
We went to Michigan almost a month ago, and Adventure Mode has been a daily thing for me. I challenge you to sit down and REALLY chat with someone, no electronics. Who knows, you may become inspired by someone much younger than you like I was/am.
Adventure Mode for the win!
Much love,
Jes xoxo