Groundhog Day

I wonder if most people can relate to Bill Murray’s character in the movie “Groundhog Day”? If you haven’t watched it, do yourself a favor and check it out. In the movie, Murray’s character Phil Connors finds himself waking up to the same day over and over again. As the movie goes on he starts to realize that no matter what he says or does he will wake up the next day and it will all be the exact same; same news story to report, same interactions with coworkers and strangers, same song on the radio, etc. All that is different is how he acts and responds to the same situations. As the movie continues Murray approaches each day differently; sometimes angry, sometimes recklessly, and sometimes drunk. I don’t want to ruin it if you haven’t yet watched it so I won’t go into great detail.

Groundhog Day

As I lay here in my hotel room away from my family again I can’t help but think of how much life really is like Groundhog Day. Tomorrow I will wake up, get showered and dressed, go to training and try to learn all that I can, go back to the hotel and study a bit, talk to the family for as long as the kids can stand my voice, and than get ready for the next day of class before I go to bed. Wash, rinse, repeat. For the past month I have been out of town during the week for training and will be for the next month or so. On days that I am at home, it’s pretty much the same routine, just that I am at home and am able to help with the kids and running the household. I know most people settle into a regimented routine and are uncomfortable when that routine changes or is altered. I have to admit that I too love my routines, but too much of anything is never good.

One thing Kileigh and I have both noticed is that our kids thrive when they have a consistent and predictable schedule and if we mess up their schedule too much, we are potentially in for a rough time. It’s funny how such a seemingly small thing like dinner out or a shower in the morning instead of before bed time can throw Henry and Claire’s little lives out of whack.

While routines and schedules keep their little lives feeling safe and secure, they leave Kileigh and I itching for adventure and a break from the monotony. We try hard to get out and see and do new things in the area and to not get stuck in a routine. It’s hard to break away from the norm with the shorter days, long work hours, and the precious schedules of the kids so learning to balance routines and adventure has a steep learning curve.

When we started this adventure we didn’t know where we would end up but I do remember many nights laying in bed talking about how when we did find our new home we didn’t want to fall into the same old traps of getting comfortable just going to work and coming home day after day. I remember one specific instance when Kileigh and I were talking and I told her this adventure is great but that at the end of the adventure we will both get jobs and the adventure will pretty much come to a grinding halt. As amazing, and crazy, as it was to travel north from Texas with no specific end in mind I always was anxious to know where we would end up so we could start planning life again. Now that we are here, I miss the adventure that came with the unknown that was just around the next bend or over the next mountain.

I am not really a socialite but I do enjoy talking to people and making new friends in small groups. I am thinking that a good way to stay out of a rut is to get involved in the community through volunteering or joining an organization that I am passionate about, like the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Mule Deer Foundation, etc. I feel that Port Angeles is a small enough community that I could join a group and meet new people and have more things to keep my body and mind active and avoid falling into my old ways. I also plan on joining a gym or trying out the new CrossFit craze in the near future. I know dad bods are hot and all but I want to get into shape for myself, Kileigh, and my kids.

If anyone has any suggestions for how they like to add a little spice and excitement to their routine, let me know. I’m all about variety and am willing to give it a shot. And better yet, if you have any secret hunting and/or fishing spots you want to share with me let me know. I am a great secret keeper and will provide lunch.