Undergarments

Want to go to REI? my husband asked. Yes, of course. I can drop some serious cash at that place. All that stuff! It appeals to my inner active person, almost everything in there save the dog toys. Today I was looking at biker gear and kayaking gear with desire and longing, even though I detest biking. But it’s all comfortable-looking and sporty. There are exciting bright colors and lots of black. The clothes in there seem to say, “If you buy me, your life will be one big adventure.” I don’t know. I just like it.

I was on a mission to find undergarments for my dry suit. I had formerly fallen in love with a kayaking top that I promptly lost. No idea where it went. Lucky for me, the same top was on the clearance rack with some matching pants to boot. I tried them on and felt like a stuffed animal - in a good way. I was soft and cuddly from head to toe. The hot pink thread stitching me up and the fleece inside keeping me warm made it a must have. At $100 on sale, it wasn’t cheap, but I am pretty sure I’ll wear it for the next 10 years, if I don’t lose it, and if I don’t have kids. I must add this to the pro list for adopting.

Anyway, as I stood in the dressing room, while someone’s child screamed bloody murder (it was next to the sporty stroller section), I could see myself in this super cool thermal underwear (made for kayakers) swimming along whale sharks in donsol or tonga or anywhere. It seems like a good snorkeling get up for me. My super sensitive skin cried out for me to buy it. Instead of gritting my teeth and feeling surges of anger at the stinging pain of all things irritating in the water, I’ll have a layer of goodness to protect me and keep me a little bit warmer. Since it's black, when I get back on the boat, all I'll have to do to warm up all is go sun myself on the bow of the boat. Or I can take it off, wring it out, and put it back on almost dry. Oh, the joy of synthetic fabrics. I have, once again, spent money on scuba gear, and I think I’ll be pleased.

What Would Brian Boitano Dive?

Our next trip. Canada! On Sunday, we are heading north to dive again. Ahh. . .It feels like it has been a long time since we were in the water, and I am ready. I live in perhaps the coolest neighborhood in Seattle, eat out every meal, get to see my friends whom I have missed, and still I want to go diving. It feels almost essential to my well-being, and it surprises me. I am part diver. When did that happen?

So Lucas is getting a new regulator while mine is being serviced, and this week we will pack up once again and head for the border. After 2 weeks in a perfect place to call home, I feel bored, restless, and hungry for excitement and adventure. I am thankful for the down time, but I am also ready to go. Luckily, we have the time, money, and flexibility to do just that.

Where should we dive? Browning Wall has been on our must-see list, and it is supposed to be the best time of the year to go. We have wanted to return to Vancouver Island since our weekend trip to Nanaimo. That trip included snow and seals on the same day. Two things I love but not together. A longer summer road trip sounds divine. We can drink in the beauty of the Northwest - towering evergreens, majestic mountains, and driftwood beaches. We can inhale salty breezes and the heavenly smell of cedar. Then we can plunge beneath the surface of the ocean together to contemplate new creatures and capture colorful life on camera. It makes me want to leave today, but we aren’t packed and I want to go to church which I enjoy almost as much as diving.