They say the hardest part is taking that first step. I agree. Today was hard.
I began to sweat just thinking about the trip, the process of zipping up my suitcase, putting away my laptop and unplugging my phone seemed to go by in slow motion.
I began to stall. I had to pee every thirty seconds, I was thirsty, I had to stretch, I needed to double check my new tires.
It was 11:30 am, and I knew it was time to go. So, I took a giant, enormous, hugeola breath – and went.
My palms sweated and I could feel my heart in my ears. All the songs on my iPod were annoying and the radio was even worse. All I had to do was breathe and blink, but some part of me was afraid to do both.
But I did. I know that must sound weird, but this is all new for me, and my imagination can get the best of me. Plus, I’m all by myself – something I’m not used to while travelling.
Next thing I knew I was past the Philadelphia airport, I was past Newark and going through the long, spooky tunnel in Baltimore (which I didn’t know about previously, thankfully.) I think I held my breath the entire way.
But I saw the light at the end, I came out on the other side just fine. I made it and I kept going.
I had moments of peace and even happy euphoria, but they didn’t last very long. I’d catch myself being casual and I kept thinking, “Dumbass! You’re moving to GEORGIA! PAY ATTENTION!” Sweaty palms and white knuckles tended to be the theme of the day.
I had spent the morning at Theresa’s, checking out the path on Yahoo Maps – I picked a Holiday Inn that looked like a goodly distance. Over 200 miles away from Levittown, it was a giant leap, in theory.
But yet, here I am. Sitting at the cheap wood table at the Holiday Inn Express. I made good time, except for the horrific traffic jam through DC.
I went out and got soup from the Panera Bread across the street. I have an ice pack on my back, I have a giant, plush King size beg and 5 pillows. I have a huge flat-screen tv and wi-fi access – free breakfast in the morning. AND I got a discount, just by being cute.
I’m glad I got off the road when I did, my eyes were fuzzy, my leg couldn’t press the gas pedal anymore and my back was throbbing. I’m happy to be in, stationary, and safe.
It was a hard day, just making the decision. Maybe tomorrow those feelings of happy euphoria will last longer and come more often.
