Laughter

Just starting to sink in that this isn't a vacation. When traveling away from home any other time, there's always been that lingering feeling that the adventure's end was within sight, for good or bad. But not this time. The indefinite time frame has an odd sense about it. But it is indeed an adventure. And how could I not want an adventure?

Making a few stops to relax and regroup has been fun. Daily team meetings are a blast of course when we really get down to business. Surrounded by a group of friends - what more could a guy ask for?

Alice is still right behind us. Though I've sneaked over to her vehicle a few times just to get behind the wheel and get some different company, chunks at a time. I make everyone on the bus laugh. Alice makes me laugh. And she seems to run on her own energy to create her own laughter that bubbles over. I love Break Out, no doubt - but having one of my best friends along certainly makes things sweeter.

Another bump in the road - another jolt to the system. It's amazing we don't all need chiropractors after Jordan's driving. I'm going to stop typing now before my precious laptop goes flying off my lap.

McDonald's

A morning program was scheduled for today. Second time around and we're already getting good. The kids were receptive, as were the adult leaders. Jordan has some new ideas to incorporate my humor - we'll see what he comes up with. The kids love seeing our karate routines though, which is a nice hook to get their attention.

Fast food lunch and back on the road. We'll be driving through tomorrow again. Tomorrow nothing is scheduled. Hunter wants to stop and sightsee. Jordan said he might stop the bus long enough for Hunter to take a picture. I think we'll wind up stopping for longer than that.

Our shadow is still behind us, keeping right up. The gang loves her, and is dying to know what she'll write about me, so they can see when Break Out is mentioned. Funny people.

Talked with Jen earlier. Sounds like things are okay at home. JetStream has a gig coming up - guess they're just gonna try it without the keyboard and see how that goes. More power to 'em.

Oh look, I see a McDonald's sign. Jordan!!!

Flawless

Today's program was an absolute blast. Our karate routine was flawless, and we had those highschooler's attentions from the word go. It was awesome. I get to be the goofball to draw out the laughter - not too hard for me to do. I even had Chloe in stitches at one point.

Far from home, but we're just getting started. We're all hyped, and they even want us back again. Lots of kids took interest in their local youth programs we promoted. Hopefully they'll keep on making the right kinds of choices.

Tonight we're at a hotel. A rare occasion, but the bed feels good. I hear the girls giggling in the next room over. Heath and I are thinking about going and raiding their party. We're so nice.

On the road at last

The white and yellow lines whiz by as the bus continues to roll down the road. We'll be stopping for the night soon. I can imagine that Jordan is tired of driving, and Alice must be too. Nice to see her jeep every time I look out the back window though. Even in the sunshine, this is one shadow that doesn't go away.

(Potholes are a bummer when you're trying to type.)

It feels strange, being here now. We're sure this routine will last for the next several months at least, but after that, the future is unknown. It's an excitement we all feel though. It's odd being this far away from home without Phil or Jen nearby. But I think being without the bands is an adjustment I can take.

There's the lights of the rest area. Bed time.