Last week, we went camping. One of my favorite activities of all time is camping. I love everything about it – except perhaps when the weather is just a little too chilly and rainy—all the more reason to get inside our little camper and curl up under a cozy blanket. Our camper is tiny. Big enough for sleeping and for changing clothes. And that is just fine by me.
Without a bathroom in our camper, I walk to the campground shower house every night to get ready for bed. One night, a fellow camper was bent over the sink brushing her teeth. She remarked, "I sure do miss my electric toothbrush!" to which I agreed, not because I shared her sentiment – I don't feel particularly attached to my electric toothbrush – but because I just wanted to keep the conversation going. She said, "How about you? What do you miss when you are camping?" I was stumped. I could not think of a single thing except my grandsons, whom I miss even when we are in town. I told her I would have to think about that. And I did. I thought, and I thought. I even discussed it with my husband to see if he had any suggestions.
Finally, I came up with an answer. I miss listening to the news. I typically stream my favorite news programs on my phone, especially when I'm cooking. However, this campground had “no bars," meaning there was no cell service. No news.
But then I got to thinking about that. Do I miss listening to the steady stream of awful news? No, I do not.
The next morning, the woman was back at her sink. I told her I thought about her question – what I miss when I go camping. I told her I miss nothing.
So, there you have it. Camping gives me great JOY. Sleeping "outdoors", the campfire, cooking and eating outside, sitting around reading a good book, or playing games. Hiking. Being together, being outside.
And no bad news.