We all experience them, and we all probably get frustrated with how they interfere with our lives. Yes, it’s the infamous Three Ws:
- Work. Sometimes our work lives bleed into our personal lives, and sometimes very heavily. My line of work is essentially 24/7 when emergencies arise, and Kristi’s work as a schoolteacher is not bound by the normal 8-5. Working weekends and late evenings are common, and so is the mental and physical exhaustion they bring. So, when work is intruding on our free time, we often don’t have time and/or energy to go exploring.
- Weather. East Texas, as does most of the state, can experience some weather extremes. Heavy thunderstorms, tornados, hail, and high winds are not uncommon in the spring and fall. Add in the occasional summer/fall hurricane and (horrors!) winter ice storm, and that puts a damper on getting out to explore. Muddy dirt roads, flooding creeks, and washouts can be serious obstacles to exploration.
- Wellness. Being a teacher, Kristi brings home an occasional novel virus that her students graciously share with everyone they come in contact with. Sometimes I get to share in the fun, too! Add to that the things that naturally come with getting older and other things we deal with, and there are times when we just don’t feel up to getting out.