What the Heck, 2006?

I entered a cynic and walked away a believer. Which is to say I was not pumped about Shipwreck Days this year. In fact, I almost didn’t go. Mike and Steve had to seriously pump me up for it, which is weird because some of my very happiest memories are from there. But you know, the first year was complete magic, the second year I fell in love, the third year I missed (and was devastated) because I was abroad, and last year… well, it was bittersweet. I did all the fun stuff but it wasn’t transformative like in years past. Connecting with Rebecca in a deep way was the best part of the trip, but otherwise it bordered on painful. Of course I was in a pretty deep post break-up brooding zone, so that certainly affected my ability to have a great time, but still. I sort of felt like the glow had faded for me, and that going back this year without it would just spoil all the good memories.
Luckily I have good friends who insisted (again and again and again) that if I didn’t go I would be all alone for the weekend regretting that I hadn’t taken the chance that it would be awesome again. I don’t know that it would have been as bad as all of that, but I am glad I went. I sort of released my expectations of what it would be like- good and bad- and focussed on being open and flexible. I didn’t get uptight about my Shipwreck traditions, I just went with the vibe and had a nice time. I made some new friends- Juliet the Montessori teacher from New England and I got on like a house on fire- and I went deeper with tight Portland homies. I wouldn’t say that it felt magical this year, but I had a solidly good time. And my warm feelings for the festival are totally strengthened.
On a different note, sorry for the gap between posts. I taught summer school last week which totally swamped me and then went away for the weekend. I feel sheepish that my last post was borderline-emo and then I never followed up with nicer stuff. Yikes. I will do better!