Today, it feels as though I've been bound by invisible rope or stuffed in a mummy sleeping bag a size too small. The funny thing is the more I struggle to free myself from it, the more anxious and constricted I feel. It's awful.

I blame the restlessness on the beautiful weather outside. It's perfect get-out-there-and-explore weather, but I'm unable to take advantage of it because I'm stuck inside the office (just like everybody else).

The dark clouds of yesterday sailed off in a storm of giggles overnight and the sun has been defiantly shining down on me all day. Every time I walk by the windows, I shake my fist at the sky and shout, "Where were you this weekend?!" The sun replies by glowing brighter and smirking.

For the most part, the rain kept me from venturing outside this weekend. I did manage to squeeze in a nice nine-mile bike ride on Saturday, during a short break in the precipitation, but it wasn't enough.

I long for a good hike. It has been nearly four weeks since my last trek. I'm to the point where I don't care if the trails are flooded or rain soaks me to the bone. I just want to be out somewhere in the woods or the mountains, far away from everything, just for a little while.

I'm resolved to hike someplace this weekend, come rain or shine (preferably shine, but I'm not going to nitpick). I hope the promise of adventure (with some much-needed patience thrown in) will be enough to calm this restless feeling and slacken these invisible ropes so I can survive the week.