Mental Mountains
We've been kicking around vacation ideas for 2013. I have a budget, a few destinations in mind, music cities, and the idea we should include an event. I checked the websites of all my favorite musicians to see if they're touring, looked at theater schedules in music cities and researched the local comedy scene. After weeks of doing this I'm no closer to booking than when I started.
I found some potentials dates to travel and events to see but I mentally defeat each plan before it reaches the point of actual booking. This is a common problem I have in life. It's not that I'm a 'can't do' guy, I just have the over-thinking gene which includes what could go wrong or the difficulties we might encounter. The genesis of an idea is usually postive. I've always wanted to visit the cities of Memphis, New Orleans and Austin. I get excited at the thought of finally going ... until the obstacles in my mind block the enthusiasm. Air travel is a big one, I hate airports.
I'm okay flyng direct to a destination, but the moment you add a connection, especially if I'm changing planes, my desire to fly plummets. I've had too many bad experiences, including an eight hour delay at LAX just a few weeks ago, to trust my travel will go off without a hitch. I have ZERO faith in airlines.
I think most people can relate to air travel angst and the reservations I have when making travel plans, but my mental baggage extends to simple things, every day decisions.
I'll have the desire to stop at the pub after work, then convice myself that rush hour traffic will totally suck, even though it's only a 2 mile detour from my route home. I really needed to get my oil changed, but I know the express lube joint will be crowded and I'll have to wait an hour for a 20 minute service, fuck that shit. This is why my hair often gets long and unruly, because I know the wait will be three times longer than the cut. That's bad math in my book.
I really wanted to see a spring training ball game in Surprise, AZ, the only Cactus League baseball facility I've yet to visit ... but it's 44 miles away, I'll drive past five other ballparks on the way. That's the only reason I haven't seen a Rangers or Royals game there.
I eventually get over the barriers in my brain. Last weekend I got that haircut, yesterday morning I had my oil changed ... because I had an 88 mile round trip for a baseball game in Surprise that afternoon. I'm glad we went, It was a nice park and a good game. I've now visited every spring training ball park, but next year the new Cubs facility will open ... very close to home.
Despite the fact they suck, the Cubs are one of the hottest tickets in the Cactus League. You must buy tix far in advance, their prices are higher than any other team and that new stadium will be a crush of Cubs fans eager to see the new facility, Wrigley West. It's being modeled after the neighborhood on the north side of Chicago with pubs, shops and restaurants around the stadium. I'm already creating psychological hurdles, damn Cubs fans!
I usually overcome the hindrances my mind conjures. I'll ultimately make vacation plans for this year, but not until there's harmony in my mental balance sheet.