Irrational Attachment

I think I have the hoarder gene.  I wouldn't necessarily call myself a materialistic person but I have a severe problem of giving up trinkets from the past.  Do you have a box or bag of worthless crap from elementary school and beyond?  Stuff that should have been thrown away the second you got out of college and moved into your own place?  Is your junk drawer overflowing to the point where a second junk drawer is considered?  What about a hall closet that keeps collecting more and more mess?  Well, this person is me.

I came to the realization that this might be a problem the other day when I lost my water bottle.  Yes, the very water bottle that inspired me to name our adventure blog.  I laid in bed, mentally retracing my steps, and a tear came out... I kid you not.  As pathetic as it sounds, I just couldn't bear to think of this water bottle, a companion of mine for the past 5 years, sitting alone... getting trashed by some stranger on the streets.  My water bottle has been with me through thick and thin and has always pulled me out of any obstacle... its the best adventure comrade a person could find.

I knew I was being ridiculous but I couldn't help it.  Regardless of the ungodly time (1am) I jumped in the truck, returned to the site where I remembered having it last, and scoured the field.  Seeing the blue plastic glow in the moonlight was a breath of fresh air.  I had found my water bottle!!

You see, its not the actual container that triggers such strong emotions (although, camelbak does make pretty incredible water bottles).  It's the memories attached to the water bottle that keeps me loyal.  When I see it, my mind is flooded with thoughts of overcoming obstacles, laughing and crying, kissing and hugging, climbing mountains, diving deep oceans, soaring above tree tops... These are my happiest moments in life and my water bottle was by my side each step of the way.

Suffice to say, it's is a relief to have my trusty bottle buddy back.  Now I understand the despair that John went through when his bottle was run over by the neighbor (we'll save that story for another day).  Just stay hydrated and happiness will follow.

Love,
John-Kristen-Reef-Caya