Ever since I can remember, I have carried with me this urge to explore. A kind of unfulfilled wanderlust. When I was younger, the thought of following a traintrack to wherever it ends, or exploring the woods until I got lost was SO incredibly beautiful to me, a perfect way to spend the day…or two. As I got older, I would get a sudden nudge…or punch…from within, to hop behind the wheel of my car, head in a random direction and drive off. This desire to see how far the road goes is strong. The curiosity to find where it leads or where it dead ends.
I’ve always been able to keep it at bay. Sort of ignore it. For all practical purposes, I had to. Honestly, if I listened to its luring me, I probably would have gotten into a lot of trouble.
On occassion, once upon a time, a long, long time ago…my husband had fed my semi-tamed beast (probably because he has a beast of his own) and we took little day trips into Canada. Back when we didn’t need a passport…sigh. The good old days. Sometimes we even took our kids along with us. Lucky them.
It’s been a long time since that feeling has wound itself tightly around me and tried to drag me along with it. I can’t decide if I’ve missed it.
Today, as I was driving to work down Northwestern Highway, I could see the outline of the RenCen and some other tall buildings that are MILES away in Downtown Detroit. I had to stop myself from driving towards it. I had to talk myself out of driving away from *here*.
I stared ahead and clenched the wheel, fighting, quite loudly, with my inner self. I had such a strong need to ignore my responsiblities for the day and to just escape. To follow a silhoutte , a road, a bird…anything. To see where it would take me. Where I would end up. To see how long it would take me to reach a dead end. Or for a sick kid to call me from school to come get him. Only then would I come to my senses and realize it was time to turn around and head back to my reality.
Yeah. I really had to fight it this morning. That internal argument was loud and there tons of excuses as to why it would be best to head to work. To snub that beast.
Anyways, gas is way too expensive these days and I have way too much laundry to fold.
Sigh.
*Sigh* I have the same feelings all the time.
.-= MomZombie´s last blog ..Another view =-.
I’ve got the wanderlust but BAD! I spent my entire adult life from the age of 17 traveling around having adventures. So finding myself as the Dad and Mom for six full time has been an adjustment. My kids can sense my anxiety at times and my 13 year old daughter will tell me, “maybe you should go ride your motorcycle for a little while.” … It helps! But, as you continually point out, the sacrifice of time for the pygmies is worth it! I still have another 40 years (at least) to live in Chile and Belize and surf the coast of Bali.
.-= Spuds´s last blog ..Sometimes… Yeah, Sometimes I Just Need to Sit Down =-.
I’ve never had the wanderlust that strong, but I have looked at the road before and wondered what would happen if I just kept going. Maybe when the kids are all grown up and gone and you can do that. Just drive. Maybe you will find your way to TX. 🙂
.-= Jennifer´s last blog ..Tips for a great Sunday afternoon with your kids… or not =-.
My son and I have been taking a lot of road trips lately. We don’t have to be headed anywhere in particular, the drive alone has often been the best part.
You know I have to keep reminding you that a road trip down here would be awesome.
.-= Tara R.´s last blog ..Collateral damage =-.
Whenever I get that feeling, I tend tofollow a random car. Then I get scared because I have no clue who the person is, or where they are going. And I usually get lost. So I have finally invested in a TomTom, and now when I want to get lost I don’t have to follow anyone. Wow that sounds a little Group therapy stalker-ish.
Freakin’ laundry. 🙂
Next time you need to get away, just come to my house. I’ll make sure you go back to fold that laundry.
.-= Melisa with one S (PH)´s last blog ..What Kind of Gift Should I Buy For A Bar or Bat Mitzvah?? (I’ll Tell You!) =-.
I want to hit the road so badly. I’ve been trying to talk my husband into taking a quick road trip to Austin but he has been reluctant to agree to anything. I almost want to put the baby in the car and just GO for the day. It’s only three hours away. I am so tempted.
It must be the time of year. I am CRAVING a get away. Anyplace. With different people to meet and cultures to explore and a hotel room without a kitchen or a laundry room. Someone else to make my bed. A girl can dream.
.-= Stefanie´s last blog ..who would you rather =-.
Jeez, I know that feeling well… I think it’s now been curbed slightly with my photography because it’ll allowing me to experience things I would ordinarily not have been able to do or see
.-= Jeanette´s last blog ..116/365 – Pups at play =-.
DUDE. You and I are the SAME PERSON. It’s unreal because I’m pretty sure I’ll pick you up when I run away. Okay?
.-= Aunt Becky´s last blog ..Aunt Becky, The Lost Years =-.