I’m on a lake, in Alabama, surrounded by rednecks, on a sailboat, traveling at about 4-5 miles an hour.  The rednecks are in pontoon boats flying by us.  This is how I was raised.  Patient on the water, listening to the quiet, cursing at the pleasure-boaters. 

It’s several hours later now and I’m enjoying the WIFI connection that I magically found at the dock where we are camping out for the evening.  Yes, I’m on the lake, online, it’s freaking nifty.  I’m looking at all these people moving so fast and wondering why the hurry?  In a quiet sailboat, I see the blue heron, in a speed boat, you scare it off as go flying by. 

My dad asked me about my “Bucket List” on the way down to Scottsboro today.  How far along was I?  I had to think, oh yeah, I had a list of things to do this summer.  So far I’ve only managed to complete two of my items.  Sail in a regatta, (I’d like to remind the world that I took first place in that race) and kayak.  Dad really wants to see me finish my list.  Which is why I’m writing tonight. 

My time with my parents today has made me realize just how incredible my parents are.  They are supportive of whatever endeavor I choose (and I’ve chosen my fair share).  Dad offered to be the rally guy for my bike trip on the Natchez Trace.  Awesome!!  I need to find a hike/camping trip and he offered up several places that would easily fit the bill.  It seems that while I lost focus on my goals this summer he hadn’t. 

Tonight while I was on the front of the boat watching the fireworks I had time think.  Despite my wishes I was alone on this trip down to Scottsboro.  It was one of those romantic moments that are completely ruined when you are single.  As much as I like the freedom of being single, those moments suck. 

But alas I had my parents both sitting in the back of the boat making obnoxious “OOO’s” and “AAAAH’s” while the fireworks lit up both the sky and the lake.  Despite it all, I have to slow down and know that my family loves me, supports me in whatever I do, and will always be obnoxious to the point of annoying.  I love them.