Iraq Happens
Current mood: pensive
Category: Life
Well, I have made it to at least as far as Manchester, TN. I took a different route than suggested by Expedia (If you know me then you know that this is my personal modus operendi). Personally, I think that it went rather well. I put a lot of miles on the road and taking 24 was a great idea. The route was utterly, splendously (word?), gorgeous. I love woods and mountains; plus, it gave me a sense of renewed energy. One forgets the beauty of our country when one is trapped within his own head and mentally in another country fighting.
I stopped for the night and despite my dedication to the pursuit of physical fitness, I went to bed. However, I did go running this morning. A nice neighborhood that has displaced more than a few deer. I ran into their white-tailed cuteness along the way. They seemed more curious of me than scared, which was slightly disturbing. I want wildlife to be wild not domesticated. Anyway, it was a nice run on a slightly muggy morning when Iraq happened. Yes, I was running along a part of the construction site when I passed a barren spot that looked like any roadside in any one of the many places that I have visited on behalf of Uncle Sugar (Sam for those not in the known). When I passed three -seemingly- strategically placed packs of cigarettes on the road...lined up nicely like soldiers in a row. If you ever have seen the movie Constantine then you know what I am about to describe. I felt ripped for a moment from my safety and deposited back along other less comfortable roads. It was a dramatic shift in perspective. The heart nearly lept from my chest and I only could think, "Why weren't you paying more attention? You've stumbled across a fucking IED. You're dead!" I looked for the overwatch in order to try and fall pointing in its direction to alert others...when I was back on the road, breathing heavily, and thinking to myself that I really need to relax.
Anyway, I am obviously safe in my hotel room sweating and preparing for the next phase of the journey...Cause I am going to California with an aching in my heart...sorry Led Zep fan.
Just goes to show you that Iraq Happens.
Have a Beautiful Day! May the road rise up to meet you and your contact with stupidity be limited.
