Jennifer Plesko

One thing I’ve learned in nearly five years of marriage is that it’s important to pick your battles. When your spouse is dead set on trying something outlandish, as long as it’s legal, let it go. You’ll both be happier because of it.

That being said, my husband is on his way to San Marcos for the Texas Water Safari - the world’s toughest canoe race. The preparations began Monday when he bought a menagerie of Clif bars and Gu gels to try so he could see which ones were the least nauseating. Wednesday, he finally got the canoe. Today, they finished buying supplies, including MREs in tempting flavors such as chicken and dumplings, chicken noodles, chicken tortellini, and chicken with salsa. Don’t ask me how it’s possible to eat lukewarm chicken from a bag and not end up dead or squirting from both ends. Friday morning, they are planning to finish outfitting the canoe. They still aren’t sure where they’re staying in San Marcos on Friday night. That small detail got lost in the mix. What can I say? They like to live on the edge.

Anyway, beginning at 9 AM on Saturday morning, hubby and his brother-in-law will have 100 hours to paddle 260 miles down the Guadalupe River to the Gulf of Mexico.

Hubby actually wants to finish by Tuesday because he has to catch a plane to D.C….on Wednesday afternoon…from Dallas…which is 355 miles away. So, naturally, he isn’t planning to stop to sleep for the duration of the race. Once in D.C., he will be giving a 45 minute presentation at a conference.

Do you see why I smile and nod?