Great Expectations, part 2

So I’m going camping this weekend, and I’m excited because it’s a fun group of people that I helped get together. The problem with being excited about a trip like this, though, is…what if it doesn’t live up to your expectations?

My hope is that people get along, have fun, and that we enjoy playing some games together. I’m pretty sure that will happen given the friends who are coming, but what if it’s just moderately fun versus being the best camping trip ever? I mean, I know it won’t be the best trip ever, but I’m definitely looking forward to it. I also wonder how much my expectation/hope/excitement plays a role in my experience of the weekend.

Maybe it’s better to have no expectations for the weekend so that I enjoy it more, but is that even possible? Isn’t it normal to look forward to something like a weekend trip with your friends?

Earlier this week I went on an early morning bike ride with a couple of friends (yes, I got to use my tow hitch!). It was dark when we started, but halfway through the ride we got to witness the sky light up with the most spectacular sunrise I have seen since my Hawaiian vacation. Part of the joy was because it was totally unexpected — the night prior I was more concerned about getting enough sleep and just not being late.

I’m not sure that my mindset for the bike ride is transferable to a weekend trip, but I suppose I can try and be less excited and have lower expectations for it. Either way I’ll have something to write about next week.