Well, well, well.  Day 3.  Today I learned that one should really get in some bicycle training before starting off on 2500 miles across country.  But it's cool.  My legs will adjust.  A ride like this you really have to just do your own thing.

Today felt good.  Three years ago, when I set out on these journeys, I was looking for something.  I didn't know what that was, but I felt like I would know it when I found it.  And today I had this sense, this feeling that whatever it was I was looking for, I found it.  And I guess the thing I was looking for most was self-reliance.  Not so much in the literal sense; I always knew that I was good at doing things and taking care of myself physically.  I think more in the emotional sense; that feeling that I was a good and valuable person, that I didn't have to rely on the opinions of others to feel like I was worthwhile.  That's been a long time coming, and of course it's a work in progress.  But I have a job I love, a hobby I enjoy, a relationship status I'm comfortable with, and some plans for the future that I'm genuinely looking forward to.  A lot is still to be determined, but I'm happy with where I'm at.

Though it would be nice if I could do something about these damn mosquitoes!