Today was the big day...my car was packed to the gills and I left my home of 24 years at 5:15 A.M. The first hour of the trip was terrible, not because of the drive, I just felt an uneasiness in my gut leaving. It was like my house had a magnet on it and it was pulling me back in. I felt like I was taking off my security blanket for the first time. It took a few hours until I got out of familiar territory when I felt a sense of calm over me. It's so strange that being in a different area calmed me down but it did for some reason. Maybe I am secretly a junkie for an adventure. During the whole trip I had one common thought; this blog is going to suck. The ride was so uninteresting. If you are looking for adventure from Philly to Indianapolis, forget it. It is run down farm land on either side for 650 miles. So instead of the sites I will talk about the feelings of leaving home
So many people were worried about this trip, including me at some point. It is for good reason I admit. So many things could go wrong. Car breaks down, dangerous trip, find no job out there and stuck with no money. What really keeps me calm, as corny as it sounds, is my passion for history. The reality is I'm driving 2800 miles in an air conditioned car with leather seats, satellite radio, and a navigation system. At the end of the trip I will be embraced by friends of 24 years, giving me shelter and support.
Here are some things I am not doing: Storming the beaches of Normandy, building the transcontinental railroad, walking in support of civil rights through the South in the 1950s, or supporting 5 kids with no job during the Great Depression....the list could go on for several pages. The idea I am getting at is while this trip is a risk and can be stressful, people have gone through so much more then I ever will no matter how far I drive. So I take some deep breaths, and close my eyes, and just go...
Tomorrow I have a short drive to Springfield, MO (7 hours) and I will be stopping in St. Louis half way for a few hours. I hope I have more interesting things to write about and I will be taking many more pictures for facebook....stay tuned.
Wow, I know we never got to know each other too well. But, like you, I am a huge adventurist. I doubt you know this, but I basically jumped on a plane last year and moved to Rome, Italy without much preparation or thought. It was the riskiest thing I've ever done. But, it ended up being the most amazing experience of my life. I know you'll have doubts along your drive- just like I did when I arrived in Rome with no one greeting me at arrivals- but you'll have your moment shortly after you arrive where it all makes sense and it'll be reassuring that you made the right decision- and maybe the best decision of your life.
ReplyDeleteWell, all I really intended to say was best of luck, and most of all, just have fun because life is just a big journey anyways! - Katie Stuart
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rant
ReplyDeleteThis does not qualify as a rant... in fact most of your posts don't.
I hate you Kevin
ReplyDelete