Home. Raven and I were in Peru for just over two weeks. It was amazing, challenging, refreshing, and so many words that only someone who has traveled can understand. My world view and perspective on life were altered. I’ve returned home with thoughts and ideas, as well as determination to see those new ideas through, that didn’t exist before I left. Which is good, because not must else changed in those mere two weeks away.

Raven fortunately scheduled our return to give me a weekend to re-adjust to life before returning to work. The fact that he got us home before a snow/ice storm here in Maine was just pure luck. I think. Hmmmm… I’ve spent the weekend writing down notes on ideas inspired not just by the trip, but by my new perspective on returning home. Right now, I can see the parts of my life that work, and the things that need to be worked on to live the lifestyle I want.

Returning has inspired me to pursue the life I want: one where I can travel and write. It means paying off the last of the bills. It means working on some of the great ideas we came up with while hanging out in Puno. I’m full of drive to not ignore the myriad little things that never got my time or attention before the trip. I want to finish the cabinets in the house (despite arctic temperatures outside!). I want to stay in shape so that the next time I’m hiking at 13,8000′ I’m not quite so out of breath (well I can wish!). And I still have that writing thing going on too…

The fact is, I’ve returned from enough trips that I know right now I’m full of ideas. The day to day wear and tear that comes with too many things to get done in too little time will hit… later this week. After a month, I won’t be nearly as clear headed. So I’m making notes and outlining small steps to keep working on the big plans along with reminders of what is important to reach goals. Hopefully they will help me keep my perspective as life relaunches into its routine that resembles a manic carousel running at warp speed.

But that is me. Full of organizing goals and breaking them down to achievable levels.

Raven wants to either leave again or crawl into bed. Post-trip depression is a real thing. Life views have been altered, but everyday life isn’t so easily changed. Unless you grab a bag and head out the door. I expect as he gets his feet under him and finds direction, I’ll be struggling with too many goals and need a reminder on what I should be working on. He is working through the humdrum though. You should see (well, you’ll see some soon!) the photos he’s been editing and sorting. Over 3500 images from 5 different cameras (heck, that is a post to talk about right there). And we have lots of new blog ideas and a direction for the site.

As I said, this was a very rewarding and inspirational trip. We just need to survive coming home.