 |
|
My travels are basically over now - heading out on a Northwest (not Continental) plan into Memphis in about 40 minutes. Today I had brunch with Melissa and friends, tossing brainteasers around, and talking of medicine, art, music, and physics.
Last night I visited with Laurel, having spent some of the day sleeping, and the rest waiting with Tracy at Logan airport. I discovered, though not immediately, that Laurel was engaged - she wasn't sure she wanted to tell me, and she had even considered temporarily removing her ring for the time we'd be together that evening. I discovered this all at an Italian Restaurant, Vinny Testa's, and can safely say there was no immediate affect, save happiness for her, and that I don't feel too affected now. I'm not really surprised with what I do or do not feel; I have come a long way from 3? years ago. In fact, I was able to offer a sincere and natural Congratulations.
In a way, this event reminded me of something Jeff had written and read aloud at the Con, though our responses and emotions were different; he too discovered his first 'love' was engaged to someone else.
I have faith in Laurel and in who she has chosen to marry, and I wholeheartedly offer her my blessing; my days of possessive love have long since past.
I parted with Tracy on Friday afternoon - we conversed philosophically the night before, though we reached no great depth. I am left to wonder if she and I will ever obtain emotional closeness, in addition to our friendship; either she doesn't think about her feelings, or she keeps them well-buried. Perhaps through her I will learn that it is possible to be close with someone, without being close. Paradoxes like these bring great growth.
Tonight we bring you an update from somewhere over the continental U.S. I was a bit worried this evening to be flying Northwest; however, this has turned out to be one of my most enjoyable and delicious flights - for one thing, the service at check-in and here in first class has been extraordinary. The meal was wonderful, specifically noting the mind-liberating mushroom pasta, zesty cheesecake, and gourmet coffee. We are supposedly en route to Memphis, though I can't fathom why it would take so long to get there from Boston - very strange, but perhaps it has something to do with North America's prevailing westerlies.
I find my vacationing to have taken so much energy and at the same time renewed much of my spirit, solidifying some grandeous dreams I've been maintaining. I return to Austin feeling just plain wonderful about what I've done, who I've met, and how I feel. I could not have hoped for a better time than I had.
I'm thinking now that life is what happens when you're planning what to do next.
|
|
|
|