Running away from home

[beetiger]

Some mornings, when I think of my upcoming layoff, I still really think I deserve an adventure. A crazy Orren hop in a skyboat and keep going until I run out of money or get eaten by a monster kind of adventure. Something different to do, while the universe is offering me some time, which it doesn’t always do for those of us who seem to have fallen into corporate careers. Something to remind me that there is much more out there. Something to prove to myself that although I’m pretty responsible, I’m not timid. Something insanely self-indulgent. Something alive. Unanticipated troubles and frustrations that in time will mellow into the kinds of stories you tell over and over again. Joy. Something to feed my starved and sleeping dreams.

This time, last year, when I thought my layoff would be in April, or at least June, I had started to envision a cross-country road trip. Julia, me, the open road, crashing on the floors of random acquaintances, taking unreasonable risks, writing travelogues, eating cheap food because the budget’s tight. Giving up all my responsibilities for a few weeks, before needing to go make money and live in suburbia and maybe start reproducing before my body shrivels. Never mind that I actually don’t like driving much, and that I’ve no sense of direction. I went so far as to ask AAA for tour books about, more or less everywhere in the country, and to figure out whom we knew where, and to start thinking about itineraries.

The wait’s been long though, the summer’s mostly gone, and my energy’s drained. The desire to just get on with a settled life is fighting with my heart’s call that finding a job and commuting and having a schedule isn’t really all there is. Now that I’m going to be free in October, rather than May, I don’t have the option of having Julia on the road with me, unfortunately. She’ll be in the midst of both a senior thesis and football season. I’m not sure she’s even going to have time to *talk* to me, around October. Also, there’s something right about taking a summer vacation road trip that just doesn’t feel as right in the fall.

But part of me still wants to see this opportunity through. I want to fall back in love with the world. I’m not the kind of person who likes traveling alone. Long rambling conversations in the car while traveling over long, rambling roads is definitely a big part of the appeal. I want to roll down the windows and sing harmonies to the stars, wind in my hair. If there’s someone out there with the right balance of time and money available, who is willing to strap on zir sword, pack a bag, and breathe deep with me for a while, come inspire me.

Comments

Well...

[oldewolfe.livejournal.com]

... if you're in the San Diego vicinity, you're welcome to crash at my place. We'll go see the Zoo, Wild Animal Park, Sea World, museums, etc. :)

[postrodent.livejournal.com]

What Christoff said, except in Boston. The accommodations will probably be a little rough, but we'd love to have you.

Running away (condensed form)

[(Anonymous)]

Well, if running away cross country doesn't feel right in the autumn, then run away across New England. Changing trees, cooler temps, communing with nature.... I can't think of anything else that would be more life affirming. OK, well, I can, but this is a family show... ;) Heck, hike some of "The Trail"... oh, that's right, you said you wanted to drive...

If you need a place to crash in Middletown NY (and didn't want to drive home, that is *g*) you're more than welcome.

--Mike