The storm before the calm

I hit the halfway point between leaving my job and leaving my life today. The past 2 weeks have been, have been...it's difficult to describe, kinda like catharsis meets "Holy Shit! I'm backpacking around the world!"

Did you ever have a moment in your life when you feel everything at the same time? There's the sadness of saying good-bye, the fear of what lies ahead. You've got the release and forgiveness thing going on coupled with reflection and introspection.

Then there's the thrill of pending adventure, the guilt of leaving friends and family, especially nephews who, aren't old enough to realize that you're leaving and won't recognize or remember you when you return.

Add to it the anxiety of getting every last thing buttoned up to sustain you out in the world as the clock ticks louder and louder while time runs out and everyone wants a few moments. Lastly, there's the overwhelming joy accompanied by dancing through your mother's house when you realize that you've broken orbit and you're free!!!!

So, here's a quick update. I...finally bought a camera, booked my trip to Hermanus to go shark diving on my birthday (July 3rd), figured out Skype, have all of the medical supplies I need, registered with the State Department so they know where I am, and set up communications and contingency plans just in case poop happens. I've got my absentee ballot, and I think I am almost ready to roll.

Thanks to all of you who've wished me well and shared kind words. I never would have anticipated the response I received. In closing, I want to share an interesting observation. Over the past 2-3 weeks I asked a bunch of people, "If you can wake up tomorrow and do anything you want, N...E....thing, what would it be?" Most responded by giving me a constraint that's preventing them from doing whatever "it" is, rather than answering the question I asked them. I found it interesting. I think it's an important question to ask yourself, people should ask it of themselves regularly. And they should answer it honestly, regardless of how long it takes to answer.
Next up Geronimo!