Is it really Friday? Friday night, no less? I went to Washington, DC for the second time in as many weeks. I get to do it again on Monday. The day job has its perks on occassion. Like... a really good excuse to leave my kids at the house and spend the evenings in a hotel with peace and quiet. I've discovered though, that after the first night I miss the little rats. Even if they don't talk to me when they are home, I at least know what they are doing and could walk into the next room if I wanted and yell at them for kicks. Not really, but you get my drift. Travel gets old.
Normally, an introvert like me doesn't have a problem with isolation, but it is isolation by choice. It's another when it is pretty much forced upon you. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy my job and the people I meet and see on a regular basis when I'm there. But, they have lives and can't wait to get home at night. Much like me when I'm at work in Dallas. After the first night, I don't enjoy not knowing a loving, if not always friendly, face can be found in the next room.
I hate going to restaurants alone. I feel pathetic. No friends, etc. I guess I would feel differently if it were by choice, but, alas, it is not. Any wonder I lose myself in books? They keep me company. I find friends and conversation there. I find good times and sad times, but they are no longer lonely hours spent by myself. I still read when I am at home, surrounded by my kids and their antics, but I find my escape the most rewarding when I am fending off the feeling of isolation I get when I am essentially alone in a city of a million people, most of which head to Virginia, Maryland, or other areas around DC at night. It also works when the kids are at friends for the night, too.
People tell me I need to get a life. I have one, its just not always the one I envisioned. In many ways it is better, but in others it leaves a lot to be desired.
Next week though will be a change of pace. My sister, craving an escape, is joining me in Washington. She'll fly in around 3 and meet me at the hotel. Now, the truly obnoxious part of this is that she is basically getting a free trip. Credit card points got her a free airline ticket. There's no additional charge for a second person in my room, which was already expensed. She'll just have to play tourist by herself on Tuesday while I work. Yes, I do actually work when I'm there. I only ever rarely have the opportunity to play tourist in a city rich in history and sites to behold. I'll head to the office after I land and meet her Monday afternoon at the hotel to start our adventure. And, again after work on Tuesday to play tourist and show her many of the places I enjoy seeing in what has become my second work home.
My sister and I enjoying each other and not discussing our mother, brother, father... However, the kids will probably come up. Her oldest is at Officer Candidate School in Quantico, VA. Just 30 miles away, but he can't come off base during the week. His only leave will be on Sunday, before she gets there. That will be hard on her since she hasn't seen him in more than a month and he was hurt a couple of weeks ago. She's worried about her chick, but proud of him.
My dad is coming to watch my chicks for a couple of days, so I know they will be watched and I can have fun.
Thanks, Paige, for saving me from ordering room service and eating alone. Unless, you want to order it too, then we can chat!
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