Tomorrow I'm heading out for a work meeting in Virginia. I decided to drive because the airfares are crazy. Somehow I don't feel that I can justify having the organization pay $750 for a flight to DC. Besides I haven't had the pleasure of bumping along up I-95 for a few months. It will be an adventure to see whether the old construction sites that backed up traffic for hours have finished up and new parts of the decaying highway are getting reconstructed. I might as well look on the positive side and see what the drive has to offer.
I am sure that this is the last road trip for work before I leave my position on May 31. Somehow I've decided that I don't like the word "retirement". It sounds really old and cranky, and like I will have one foot in the grave. I don't feel like any of those things. Nonetheless, there will be more goodbyes to be said at the meeting. That's okay. They will know how to find me if they need me.
I'm sure that one of the things that we will discuss is the disaster taking place along the Gulf Coast. The oil spill that is heading towards the marshes, estuaries and bayous of the Gulf Coast is something that makes me sick. I think that it is another example of how man's activities are destroying habitat. This is indeed the nightmare scenario that many have feared. And yet the safety mechanisms that were supposed to work to stop the flow of oil have failed. I truly feel powerless but without much serenity around this.
you of all people syd, must appreciate the full horror of the repercussions as few can. You are least able to bury your head in the sand because of how much you know. I struggle to comprehend the extent of the damage due to my lack of knowledge. It cant be easy being closer to the scene and possessing as much knowledge as you do about the area. It is normal for these events to wound the heart. So may the last road trip go well and bring you closer to the next chapter..
ReplyDeletehope you have a great road trip...honk as you go by. actually i guess i am more toward 81 than 95, but...enjoy it, it can be beautiful. and enjoy the next chapter of your life, cal it whatever, smiles.
ReplyDeletethe oil spill is...yeah, i think you summed it up well...i dunno...
any way, happy monday...travel light...
I hope you have a wonderful road trip Syd.
ReplyDeleteI feel sick to my stomach to think of the devastation to come. And sicker still to think of my culpability as I get into my vehicle this morning.
I've been thinking of you since this mess began... I cannot imagine the distrubance you're feeling right now. I hope you're able to find some peace with it all and enjoy your final month at work before stepping into a new, exciting phase of life :-) (notice I didn't use the cranky old "R" word)
ReplyDeleteYes, that well spewing all that crude into the Gulf is something that is going to continue for some time yet, from what I have read about it.
ReplyDeleteLike Mary Christine, I will think of it as I get in my car to go to the City today.
Be safe.
ReplyDeleteHave a safe trip, Syd. The oil spill sickens me, as well.
ReplyDeleteLove,
SB
Amen to your comments about the destruction of habitat. Hope you have a good road trip, anyway :)
ReplyDeleteRetirement will have a nicer sound I think, when you are not going to a job each day and find things you want to do in your life. As you know there is a whole world out there beside blogging. Smile. Doors may open that you hadn't thought of.
ReplyDeleteThe oil spill is, indeed, terrible. If I'm not mistaken, President Obama authorized more off-shore drilling shortly before this happened. It's distressing.
ReplyDeletePersonally, I look forward to retirement as an opportunity to do unpaid work that fulfills me.
Have a great trip and enjoy the drive.
Syd,
ReplyDeleteGlad for your relaxing weekend. I have been keeping track of the oil spill and its devestation. It's heartbreaking. So not fair....have safe travels, and remember you are young, vibrant, and have much to give all who come in contact with you...change brings growth. Blessings!
Syd...You drive safe and enjoy the sound of the rubber rolling up the road. The whole retirement thing...well I had to go waaaaay to early and it took me quite awhile to adapt but adapt I did and now I have my writing and my breathing to sustain me.
ReplyDeleteBe Well and travel safely through all the journeys as they rise for you to meet them.
happy monday, your weekend sounds like a PERFECT relaxing way to spend your time!
ReplyDeletegood luck on your last road trip and saying goodbye to co-workers.
Have a good trip. Catch you on your return. Take care.
ReplyDeleteThe oil spill is so upsetting :(
ReplyDeleteJust got back from 4 hours on 95 myself, put it on cruise control and enjoy the sites, going up North, you'll surely have a lot more to see!
Be safe.
God bless.
My mom, who died in 1972, said that humans will poison themselves. I never gave it much thought back then. After all I was a teenager with other problems. Turns out she might have been right, unfortunately.
ReplyDeleteI agree, leaving your position sounds better than 'retirement'. One sounds like a period, one sounds like a comma.
ReplyDeleteChanges and transitions. I hope you had a good trip.
ReplyDeleteLike you and others who have commented, I feel heartsick and angry at the oil spill.
Hope you've found some beauty along the way, Syd, instead of the typical roadway construction and delays. Have a good trip.
ReplyDeleteGod be with you in your travels!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE road trips. I call it "scenery TV". Have a good time seeing your friends and working on saving the world (in a good way). Thank you and all your friends for your efforts.
ReplyDeleteSyd, I know about the utterly powerless feeling without any serenity. I don't think recovery promises us that when we accept our powerlessness we will feel serene. I think we just find humility.
ReplyDeleteThere are a few things in my life that I recognize I'm completely powerless to change, and I accept that. But that does not bring tranquility. And I don't think our Higher Power made us to be mellow in the face of tragedy. I think He understands our rage and sorrow. Our helplessness drives us to our knees. And that's the right place for us to be.