Traveling the World

I've always looked at things from around the world, and assumed that I would see them some day. In fact, I think I've looked at them in a little bit of a haughty way, thinking about how many people can't see these things, or see pictures of them, and dream of seeing them someday, but ultimately assume they won't because they don't have the means to ever get there. Maybe that whole idea is something I made up, but I think that there are people who truly don't have the means. I never put myself in that group.

I've been very lucky to see a lot of things. I recall one of the times when I was working at 49th and 6th, and needed to catch the bus at the Port Authority, and so I had to walk through Times Square. Tourists everywhere taking pictures, looking at the lights, spinning around while looking up in the air. How many times had they watched the ball fall on New Years eve, and dreamed of seeing Times Square. But to me, it was just a crowd that I needed to get through on the way to the bus.

I guess I felt a little silly, ungrateful, jaded, and generally wondering how I got that way. My ex-wife lived here for 4 years, and had to leave because she saw a woman crying in the subway and passed her by without helping. She didn't like what was happening to her humanity . I always really respected that story.

When I saw the Where the Hell Is Matt video, I had a few tears come to my eye. I'm not sure why. Part of it was that he was out seeing the world. E and I decided not to have kids because we didn't want the responsibilty, and wanted to be able to do things. But we didn't . We took a few vacations, but we defaulted to Costa Rica. I love Costa Rica, but I want to see the world.

I think when I'm done with this job, when I get my options paid out, I'm going to work part time. Or work contracts. I want to take time off, to go do things, and see things. Getting out of the house will help.

I think it was in the movie Sicko where they talked about how we are so tied to our jobs, because we are so tied to are insurance, that we can't stop, and see the world, or protest, or revolt. I guess I can't fix everyone's job situation, but I'm lucky enough that I make enough money that I can take some control. And I'd like to give something when I do to. I'm really thinking about the Peace Corps. I know I could do it. Get me off the computer. Out of my shell. Working with people. Making a difference.