Tuesday, February 23, 2010

New York

Tonight I leave for New York.
I'm spending 2 days in New York. Just me.
I need this.
There are no expectations on my part. Not really. Yes, it's being referred to as "Juliequest" by some of my friends. And that's appropriate. Because yes. I really want to meet her. And hear her speak.
Yes, my excitement is palpable. You may be feeling sorry for the people who have to work with me all day as I try to quell my excitement.
But, there's a line in Cleaving that explains how I'm feeling. There are many sections in that book where I can relate.
But, Julie Powell has one line in Cleaving that pretty much explains my whole life.
If there's one thing I've learned about myself, it's that passions don't tend to run out. Would that they did.
I get that.
She had Julia. She had her butchery.
I have this.
My expectations. They are of me. To absorb the moment. To appreciate what I'm doing. To come back with a better understanding of why I need to do these things.
Passions don't tend to run out.
True that, Julie. True that.

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

I don't feel sorry for the people you have to work with rather I feel sorry for your family. I have been following your blog for a while now and I am flabbergasted about how much you take for granted.

You have two healthy children, what seems to be a job you enjoy, a husband who lets you do whatever you want and you still seem to whine that you are not happy.

Grow up. Embrace your own life and not go chasing after ridiculous notions. There are MANY women who would gladly trade their supposed freedom for your family life.

SciFi Dad said...

Uhm wow. Who can top the gutless Anon?

Have fun on your quest. It seems like you tricked er, I mean convinced them you're sane.

Laural Dawn said...

Wow, anonymous.

A little harsh, no?

I don't agree that I'm whining. Quite the opposite. I feel that happiness is something that you actively pursue. Something that you don't take for granted.
And, I believe that I'm a pretty happy person because I know when I need to shake things up, when I need to step away from my life and pursue something I'm passionate about - be it a trip to New York or anything else I enjoy.

As far as feeling sorry for my family - really?

I have two children who are incredibly happy, well-cared for and loved.

I have a husband who has grown up with me (since age 19) who understands what makes me me, and accepts that being passionate and adventurous is what makes me a good mother and wife.

Do I take all that for granted. Sometimes, for sure. But usually not.

1StepCloser said...

I agree with anon...(hee hee, bet that got your attention!) there are many women who would trade what they have for your life. But you made it what it is, with passion and with a huge dedication to following those passions. Somehow anon missed that, along with the obvious exuberance and joy with which you wrote that posting . Maybe its just simple jealousy...maybe someone out there wishes they could make a trade.

Have a fantastic trip, see butchers, hear readings, meet Julie. Whatever happens I know you'll get the most you can out of it!

Blog said...

OH LD! You did not deserve that COMMENT! A mom is free to follow her passion - it's GREAT for the family as a whole. What a great role model you are in ENJOYING life, and following your dreams and passions. Wow. I'm sorry.

Good luck on your JulieQuest! Can't wait to hear all about it!

AndreAnna said...

Don't feed the trolls, L.

You're awesome. Have a great time!

www.skills4people.com said...

When I was teaching and got my first negative comment my principal-husband told me that "I must be doing something right"!!!!
That has helped me so much throughout my life as a workshop leader, as well as my personal life.
I feel sorry for ANON who needs to read "THe Happiness Project". My suggestion for ANON is to start with a little dream and then go achieve it; then see how you feel.
Go Laural. Grab your bags and don't walk, but RUN to the airport and we'll all follow your dream.

Unknown said...

Oh wow, I didn't realize it was happening already!! How exciting!!
Pursuing your dreams and passions and having fun while you're at it is the woman we all know and love and this is exactly why we love you. You know what you want and you go out and get it.
There will always be anonymous people out there who are too afraid to pursue passions and happiness and will call you out for living your life the way they dream of living theirs because they are jealous!
Go, eat, cleave, drink, meet and have fun!
Can't wait to get together to hear all about it when you are back!

Multi-tasking Mommy said...

I think that it takes a strong woman to follow her dreams and to know herself as well as you do!

Have a fabulous couple of days and can't wait to hear all about it!