What Are You Doing Today and How Does it Make You Feel?
Today is one-of-a-kind. What will you choose to do with that?
I have just completed an annual vacation that was interrupted by the pandemic for two years.
Every summer since 1996, I have spent 1–2 weeks at a massive medieval reenactment event called the Pennsic War. It tends to draw 10,000+ people to it for numerous medieval classes, combats, glamping, and socializing from all over the world.
Due to COVID-19, the event was cancelled in 2020 and 2021. This year, however, it returned. Attendance was lower than normal — around 7500 people total.
On the one hand, it was nice to return to this annual gathering and see so many friends. On the other hand, it was odd. Half my usual campmates didn’t attend, and the even had a feeling to it that was nearly — but not quite — the usual.
Despite the oddities that came with attending this year, I’m glad I went. I had a good 9-day adventure with my chosen family. And each day was one-of-a-kind in its own way.
Today, I return to elements of the rote and routine. Back to work, back to writing, back to fulfilling certain duties and obligations.
But it needn’t be a bummer, or a let-down from the time I had away. Every single…
