CHAPTER 4 Camden
Camden
We make our way around the campground and explore what all there is.
The main center appears to be pretty big for all the festivities that are taking place in there.
We look at the class list located inside the main center, and we both agree we’re going to at least go to the intimacy workshop.
We want to have fun and not make it a chore around here, so we don’t want to commit to every single one of them.
After we take note of the day of the class, we continue our search around the campground.
I’m in awe as we walk around and see how many campsites seem occupied.
I guess this really is a big thing for people to do.
It appears there are a lot of adults and dogs at different sites.
This makes me want to get a puppy for our house to keep Jessica company while working from home.
"Babe, look at that fire," she says, pointing over to one that's a few inches high.
"Shoot, maybe we can get ours to look like that, too. That seems to take some skill, but we can probably figure it out.”
I’ve never really been one for the outdoors, so this is going to look a little bit different for me.
Hopefully, we have a neighbor who knows how to make a fire if I’m not successful at it.
Over the past couple of days, I was learning everything I needed to know to have a successful camping trip.
Hopefully, I can put what I’ve learned into practice this week.
As we continue to walk, we pass by the area where the campground bonfire takes place.
It gives me some eerie vibes, and I don’t know why.
I really hope there’s not going to be some weird shit going on around here because I don’t have time for that.
I just want a relaxing and peaceful week.
Who am I kidding, though? Anytime that’s wished for, it never goes the way it’s planned.
Finally, we make it back to our campsite and decide to make the fire.
“Can you help me grab some little sticks so we can start the fire?” I ask as I make my way to the tree line.
We both go and grab a variety of different sticks before throwing them into the fire pit. I take a piece of paper, kindling, and some logs and position them into a teepee to get it ready. Once it’s in the right shape, I take a match and light the fire, causing the flame to catch.
“This is perfect,” she says happily.
“I hope it lasts. Let me go grab some hot dogs so we can roast them over the campfire.”
Some people probably wonder why we don’t just cook our own food inside the camper because it’s easier.
Tonight, I want us to actually experience all aspects of camping by creating a simple meal and roasting some s’mores.
I’m glad we have the skewer sticks because we’re able to easily place the hot dogs on them and get them nice and warm to eat.
Once we’re done eating, we decide to hang out and talk about our goals for being here this week.
“I’m really glad we’re doing this together. Is there anything in particular you’re hoping to get out of this trip?” I ask, curious what she’ll say.
She seems to hesitate a little before finding the right thing to say.
“Well, I want to get closer to you. I feel like recently we haven’t taken the time to enjoy each other’s company.
I’ve felt a little neglected and want to stop feeling that way.
I don’t know what’s going on, but you seem different around me now.
I hope we can change this and share the love for each other that we had when we first fell in love, and be able to communicate openly. ”
What she’s saying is so real. I haven’t put all the time and commitment into our relationship as I did before. Becoming complacent in a relationship after a few years is really true. It’s just until now that I’m starting to notice I shouldn’t have gotten to the point.
“I will do better with my words and communicate more. One of the goals I hope to achieve this week is to come closer and be open about the way we’re feeling for one another. Sometimes we might get busy and not have these opportunities, so I hope we can be more intentional moving forward.”
We continue to talk about what this week has in store for us, causing me to reflect on what our relationship has looked like over the past five years.
It’s crazy that I’ve never really thought about everything before.
Hopefully, the next couple of days can be filled with fun, smiles, and laughter.
I know tomorrow might be a little wild with the holiday, but as long as I’m with her, I’ll be good.