See you on the flip-side

Adieu, adios, bye-bye, cheerio, ciao, farewell, godspeed, so long, and toodle-ooe! 

I've got a feeling but I'm not sure what it is...

Upon reflection, I realize this week was definitely filled with the primary emotions--fear, surprise, anger, joy, sadness and love.

Fear created nervousness from the thought that unemployment with no source of regular income is really here. However, I step out in faith knowing there is a reason other than self-infliction.

Surprise came upon me on the kindness bestowed by people I have never met; and astonishment of the genuine conversations and hugs shared with many friends and acquaintances brought delight.

Anger spurred a slight irritation with a few delays only to realize it didn't really matter that it took several hours to download a book to my iPod through the new laptop; that the loose change needed to be sent off to Brinks or rolled in packages or taken to another bank; or that my CLA credentials expired at 4:45pm before synching my last binder.

Joy produced relief, contentment and optimism. Relief at the thought that there will be no pressing schedule, content with the decision to take this journey, and optimistic that this journey will bring pleasure while meeting new people, seeing new places, enjoying new experiences and catching up with those from my past.

Sadness generated a feeling of disappointment knowing I won't have my regular chats with friends and co-workers coupled with the reality that I won't see my boys either. Then again, technology is amid us--cell phone, Facebook, Blogger, e-mail, Skype here I come.

Love brought the realization that I am forever grateful for the tender, compassionate, caring and wonderful people who continually touch my life. Thank you to all of you!

These emotions bring a feeling of exhaustion; however, excitement exudes me and I'm ready for Venzaliner50 to begin! Oh where is that checklist, I better get busy…

Don't be dismayed at goodbyes.

A farewell is necessary before you can meet again.

And meeting again, after moments or lifetime,

is certain for those who are friends. ~Richard Bach

Inquiring minds want to know....

Where are you going? Around the perimeter of the U.S. beginning in Florida traveling north to Maine, west to Washington, south to california and back to Florida. Other than a definite stop in Pennsylvania for a wedding, Minnesota for a family gathering, Calgary for a stampede and California for wine tasting, that is he plan!

How long will you be gone? As long as it takes...

Where will you stay? In State and National Parks

Will you live off the land? No; but will be driving across a lot of it!

What will you eat? Apples and bananas...

What's inside that thing? That thing is an Aliner Classic and it has all the essentials, sofa/queen size bed, table w/bench seat that turns into a bed, a refrigerator/freezer, stove top, microwave, sink, water heater, 11 gallon water tank, air conditioning, exterior shower but no toilet (my choosing as I didn't want to deal with septic...yuck!). However, I do have a portable toilet for emergencies and no, its not a bumper dumper.

Does it have lights? Yes, two inside and two outside; and they light the inside like daylight. An extra tidbit....it runs on electricity or battery and propane.

Who is going with you? Just myself with an occasional visitor.

Are you meeting friends along the way? Sure am...and hope to make some new ones too!

Let the countdown begin...

Nine work days; 12 preparation days; 2 Sundays; and then let the journey begin.

Excitement exudes me and I am ready to "take the fork in the road."

The final preparation is underway--oil change for the car, tune-up for the bicycle, pack up the Aliner with the necessities and head em up and move em on...Rawhide

Hanging out!

Welcome to my new digs! Here it is, the picture you have all been waiting for...after much thought and deliberation, this is the perfect set-up for me...an Aliner Classic (thank you Skip Eppers!)

As you can see, not much to it; however, it has everything I need, a place to lay my head, sit my butt and store my stuff. The best part--it has wheels and sets up in minutes.

It's time to pack!