For the most part, my job involves working in an office. But every once and a while, I get out. Today, I led a group of students up 230 stairs to the top of Duke Chapel.
Man, I was not expecting the climb to be so treacherous. Because the stairs are very narrow and dark, I climbed at a steady pace so I could to the fresh air as quickly as possible. Going round and round made me very dizzy.
Views of my teeny city in the distance. It looks so far, but it’s only about 3 miles to downtown from the chapel.
Once I came back down, I took a moment to relax on a bench so I could eat my bag of almonds. The weather was absolutely fabulous, so the whole campus was out and about – girls were chatting over coffee, fraternity members were grilling burgers, mothers were pushing strollers on walks, and friends were tossing a baseball. I couldn’t help but think: if I hadn’t taken those ten minutes to enjoy the outdoors, I’d be missing out. In fact, every moment I’m at my desk, I feel as if I’m missing out on my life. There’s not really an alternative though, unless of course I wanted to join a Utopian society somewhere.
After work, I enjoyed life to the fullest with beer, dinner, and dessert with my Dad. We went to the Federal and sat on the porch to enjoy more awesome weather. I had a half pint of Duck-Rabbit Marzen, a crisp fall beer that’s malty upfront and a bit bitter on the finish. I liked it a lot, especially this time of year.
Kori
October 5, 2011 at 9:46 pmYour dinner and dessert look really delicious! I’m sorry to hear that your job is bringing you down sometimes, but it’ll get better! 🙂 I hope you have a wonderful day tomorrow!!
Laura
October 6, 2011 at 8:40 amThank you!!!
Dee
October 5, 2011 at 11:22 pmWhat a gorgeous place! And look at those views!
Kelli H (Made in Sonoma)
October 6, 2011 at 12:01 amThe food and beer looks awesome! Also, the view aint too bad either! Wish I was there…it’s been raining where I am!
Sarah
October 6, 2011 at 7:00 amSo sorry that your job is getting you down. I have to tell you that I was stuck in a similar rut a few years ago, and always felt like I was missing out on my life. I realized that I wasn’t cut out for a desk job, and that I really missed being with kids. Long story short, I went back for my masters and am now a teacher. My days FLY by and I love going to work. Definitely not missing out on my life, and I know that I am doing what I am meant to be doing. So, not that teaching is right for you, but I do think it is a matter of finding the RIGHT job. You may have a random bad day, but you’ll never feel like you are missing out on life. So, not like I know anything, but maybe you need to broaden your idea of a career to include non office jobs?
Laura
October 6, 2011 at 8:38 amThanks for the note:) I kind of tried that by getting my degree in school psychology, which involved interaction with kids all day. Unfotunately, it wasn’t for me, so I’m back to square one…gotta bring in the money while I figure out what’s next. But I hope my story ends up like yours!
Joelle (On A Pink Typewriter)
October 6, 2011 at 10:09 amI 150% agree w the above commentor here! I have been in the same situation since finishing grad school, and it’s caused a LOT of reflecting on my end. I’m starting a new position soon, but am still not convinced that it won’t be more of the same (sitting in an office 90% of the time which I don’t feel I’m cut out for), so I’m actually considering going BACK to school for a degree in school counseling.. It’ll all come together eventually, for us both. 🙂
Elizabeth
October 6, 2011 at 3:14 pmI’ve been following along since you started your blog and don’t know why I haven’t commented more… or ever? Anyways, I feel the exact same way as you. I’m 26 years old, work a desk job and feel like the whole world is passing me by. I’m grumpy and depressed ever since I started working in my cubicle, but I just do not know what I want to do with my life. Starting my own business is key, but I just don’t know what kind of business it would be. I’m thinking about going back to school as well to at the very least expand my education while giving me a chance to breathe and think outside the confines of a cubicle.
Let me know if you find the answer!! I’m unraveling at the seams rather quickly. Just know you are not alone! 🙂
Mom
October 6, 2011 at 3:18 pmLove the chapel shots!
Chickie
October 6, 2011 at 6:13 pmHi. I really like your blog- it’s real and not sugar-coated, like most out there today. I think what resonates is that you’re vulnerable, which makes us all relate. I’ve been in the same situation as you. Trust me, you can make your own business, and never have to be a minion of 9-5 again. If that isn’t an option, maybe go into real estate, work at a craft beer company. Thank you for sharing everything.
Laura
October 8, 2011 at 9:18 amThanks! I like your ideas and appreciate the advice:)
Hilary
October 9, 2011 at 9:22 pmduke chapel is so beautiful! I had no idea!!!
The lentil sliders are my fave thing to get at the federal. I also got some kind of yummy soup the last time I was there. I can’t remember what!
Andrew Kayes
November 2, 2011 at 4:14 amHow did you get to go to the top of the chapel? I graduated from Duke in 1995, and I have always wanted to go to the top of the chapel, but I thought it was off limits. I now live in Hawaii and one of my main regrets from leaving Duke is never making it to the top of the chapel. I am visiting Durham in February 2012. Is there anyway to reserve a Chapel Climb? I would make a good donation to do so.
Laura
November 2, 2011 at 8:44 amHi!
I think they only allow private groups to climb the chapel. I believe someone in my office reached out to the chapel coordinator to arrange it, so you could try contacting her – her contact information is on the chapel website. Good luck!!