Life Outside a Tent

Although Roxy and I are no longer waking up inside a tent, we are striving to find happiness in every day adventures. Life post-AT hasn't transitioned as smoothly as I anticipated, but I remain hopeful for the future. Despite a valiant and continuous effort to find gainful employment, I remain underemployed as a sales associate at Pier 1 Imports. Although it is slightly depressing to think I have a Master's degree and am working in retail with high school students, I honestly couldn't ask for a better place to work. The pay is enough to survive on for now and the management is outstanding.

The one major complaint I have with working retail is the lack of a consistent schedule. Roxy and I are both creatures of habit. Especially after 4 months of predictability (wake up, hike, sleep), it is difficult to adjust to the chaotic schedule of retail work. Some days I work 4 hours, sometimes 8 and I bounce back forth between working nights vs. days. Without a routine, I feel like the hours that I am not working are unfortunately lost and wasted. I haven't been able to get back into a regular exercise schedule, because after work it is always either too cold, too dark, or I'm too exhausted. The excuses are lame, and for Roxy's sake I really need to get outside more. But mentally I am not in as good of a place as I was while hiking the Appalachian Trail. While on the AT every day had clear goals and purpose, and now life just seems bland. Despite the weariness of life in suburbia, I'm trying to get out more with Roxy. We have gone on a few short day/weekend hikes, but not nearly as much as I wish we could.

 Roxy is strong and magnificent as ever, but sitting at home all day is definitely wearing on her. She unfortunately got loose once and attacked a dog who happened to be walking down the street with its owner. It was a horrific accident, but luckily the other dog will recover. Roxy is not allowed off leash anywhere anymore and has to wear a muzzle every time she goes outside now. Seeing her so restricted makes my heart hurt because I know she is a good dog, but at the same time I know it is in everyone's best interest to avoid dangerous situations.

 The longer we spend living in Indiana, the more appealing the idea of hiking the Pacific Crest Trail becomes. The unfortunate reality is that I will most likely not be able to earn enough money working at Pier 1 to finance another adventure. So the endless job search continues. Financially, accepting a position with good pay is the responsible thing to do. However I've spent enough of my life working just to have money to pay bills and I know that it doesn't end with happiness. I didn't realize how difficult it would be to get hired in a position I love. I'm not giving up on finding my dream job quite yet, but for the time being my main priority is making enough money as quickly as possible so that I can afford another thru-hike.