08/24/2026
The weekend of "shoulda woulda"
We decided to finally take a summer camping trip this year something we normally love doing, even though it’s been a few years since we carved out the time. Naturally, a few unforeseen things popped up right at the start Ben had to work late, leaving me to handle all the packing and prep solo.
Since we wanted to take it a bit easier this time, we skipped the tent and opted for a small cabin, dreaming of a secluded, quiet evening listening to nature and finding some deep peace.
Well... reality had other plans!
First, we realized we couldn’t park next to the cabin like the pictures showed, meaning a miniature-hike luggage haul. Then we arrived to find our cabin is very close to two other cabins with a wonderful family of five kids right next door. So much for quiet solitude!
We decided to head out into the woods instead, but when we got back to make supper, the comedy of errors truly began....
-Our tiny lighter was nearly out of fluid.
-I forgot the butter, salt, and pepper.
-The lighter officially died, requiring an emergency gas station run which was 30 mins away.
-We went to take a shower and realized... no towels or soap.
-We poured our morning coffee into our camping cups, only to discover the bottoms had holes and leaked everywhere!
-We had no chairs.
At one point, I looked at Ben and honestly thought, Maybe we should just pack up and go home. But giving up would have been no fun, so we pushed on.
And you know what? Once we stopped resisting and just decided to flow, everything shifted.
We woke up early Sunday morning for a hike, and it was pure magic. There was absolutely no one around it felt like we had the entire state park to ourselves. We didn't see a single soul.
We went into the weekend with big expectations, and it completely fell apart in the best possible way. Life and nature rarely goes according to script, but sometimes letting go of planning and just riding the wave brings the best memories.
Here’s to letting go of expectations, rolling with the bumps, and finding the beauty in the chaos! 🌲☕️✨
Tell me I'm not alone and share your favorite "shoulda, woulda" story in the comments!
