The Art of Doing Nothing

It’s funny how we thought we’d have all this time in Texas, particularly the Houston area, to finalize bus projects, shop for Christmas, see family and friends. We’ve been here a month and the only thing we finished was the Christmas shopping. The bus list is half done, and we still haven’t had a chance to visit some of our friends.

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Our gift criteria was basically ‘upgrade, disposable, edible or very very small’ presents only. Despite this, and despite getting 2 wrapped gifts containing underwear, Bode declared this The Best Christmas Ever. I agree.

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We (especially I) have been pretty lax about writing. We kept busy with a lot of nothing this last month. Bode has three sets of grandparents in the greater Houston area, so we got to spend lots of time with all of them.

Being around family has been great, and something we always missed living in California. But, we’re starting to get anxious about getting back on the road. The fact that we are so close to Mexico (we could be there tomorrow) makes us question our current plan to drive through the southwest. But, if you’re going to drive around the country you might as well drive all the way around it. Some day we’ll get to the middle.

And so tomorrow we will unload the van, give it a good cleaning, then pack it all back up again with our new things. We’re heading off to Marfa, Texas in a few days to see an old friend.

6 thoughts on “The Art of Doing Nothing

  • December 29, 2009 at 2:07 PM
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    You`ll have to excuse me if I type the same thing! I lost my entire message. I~m still not so hot with computers. Perhaps I need to have some lessons with Bode (smile). I no longer work at Kinder Huis. Anita was very unhappy with me. We had a heated discussion and I felt it best I leave. Sarah works at a Daycare Center while I`m a Nanny to a 4 month old named Harper. It`s fun,but very different!! Bode you`ve grown so tall since I last saw you. It sounds like your enjoying your trip. I have to agree with Bode. your van decorations were the best I`ve seen through out the Holidays. Keep i n. Love Ms. Lynn touch

  • December 30, 2009 at 11:02 AM
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    Hey Angela – happy holidays & happy new year to you! Remember, “doing nothing” is in fact doing something — it’s not easy to adjust to a different pace and routine in life, but it’s often the times we’re “doing nothing” that we remember most (e.g. family time, relaxing time).
    We, too, had our most simple– and special — Christmas ever. I’ve found that long-term travel has made me intensely anti-materialistic; I shudder at the thought of going back home and facing all those boxes in storage, full of stuff I don’t really want.
    I’ve really enjoyed your blog this year and hope your travels through Mexico go well.
    Cuidate y buen viaje,
    Sarah
    away-together.com

  • December 30, 2009 at 11:50 AM
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    OK, links don’t come through.

    Search YouTube for
    “Nathaniel Drives the Hippie Bus”

  • December 30, 2009 at 12:51 PM
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    wow. the poker table is a little classier these days. Not quite the way it was when we were 15.

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