I'm starting to get a little antsy (thanks to the friend who caught my previous misspelling) to hit the road and drive. I'm not sure how far I will be able to go given the current state of gas prices, but I want to travel and explore.

 I can remember growing up in Des Moines, Iowa and having the desire to see others places and do different things than my upbringing had allowed. It is the desire we all share, I think, as youngsters. The deep seeded belief that live has to be better and more exciting somewhere other than where we are. I would often listen to distant radio stations at night while sitting on a porch swing in my backyard. Dialing in different voices from cities and states far away. Listening to the news from places foreign to what I had known.

 I have been fortunate in the fact that I have been able to satisfy that desire. To see most of our nation, to drive through big cities and small towns, to sample local cuisine and customs. But part of my reasoning has changed.

 Maybe it's age and experience, but the desire to seek out different things just doesn't appeal to me as it once did. The desire to look for bigger, bolder and better has been muted somewhat. Bigger isn't always better. A cliche but it is true. Bolder just means more in your face and after awhile chasing a thrill based on that leaves you feeling empty and wanting more. After awhile, you just find it to be elusive. It gets old and frankly, boring.

 So while I am ancy to hit the road and drive, I want to do so just to get away for a little bit. I want to take some solace in the rhythm of the road and the feeling that I do not have to be any specific place at any specific time. To be able to sit down with Mandy and talk without having to go somewhere and do something. To be able to play with the boys as long as they want me to play with them. To not feel bad when I leave for work and have to look at Austin's face. He doesn't like Daddy to leave and it makes me feel bad sometimes.

 I think this weekend, Mandy, the boys and I will hit the road. We'll look for letters on signs and in license plates, we'll yell "Pediddle" if we see a car with a headlight out. We'll stop somewhere and have some pizza and not look at the clock. It will be good.

 Quote Of The Day: "Freedom is a possession of inestimable value." Cicero

 This Day In History: The Beatles signed their first recording contract and hired George Martin to be their producer on this date, May 9th, 1962.

 Thanks for stopping by. I always enjoy hearing about how many of you read the blog daily. Make sure to stop by here this weekend for my "guest hosts". See you next week!