Goodbyes

Goodbyes are tough. I spent a long time working with a great group of people and we went through some really challenging (I hate that word - professionally, challenging means, crappy stuff is happening and you are going to have to work your ass off) times. So yeah, it had its rough moments but we made the best of it and laughed through a lot of it. There is no doubt that our laughter saved our sanity, at least it saved mine.

Anyway, I had a great send off, involving balloons, a "peace out homie" banner, NY pizza, a most amazing cake and best of all a photo album of us. They did get their tears from me but thankfully I was able to cry like a baby when I got home. I did have a few scary moments at the office, but nothing helps you pull it together like signing off billing adjustments!

So I have said goodbye (actually - see you later) to my company, my clients, my search & rescue crew, my friends of the WOL -Women of Logistics (I prefer the Witches of Logistics that we are also known as) and my surf crew the Paddle Rangers. I'm off to have a great brunch with a great friend, a few more goodbyes in NYC and then the final preparation and packing will begin.

Countdown

So I'm taking my life back, or so the title of my blog says. I feel a bit weird about writing about me and what I'm doing but here goes.

Tonight is my last night before leaving my job of the past 7 and a half years, it has truly been a labor of love - sometimes heart wrenching and sometimes incredibly gratifying. A bit sad but also exciting all at the same time. My office is insisting on lots of tears from me, but I am putting my armor plating on tonight - they can try but good luck getting me to cry like a baby (which is what I have been holding in for weeks).

So after many years of working really hard in the transportation industry I decided to throw caution to the wind and try something a little different and start living life more fully. Inspired by my friend Teba, I decided to take 3 months off before starting a new job. Check out her amazing blog at www.teba2.blogspot.com. After 2 long lunches in Miami in May, I decided to meet her in Thailand this fall. I had no idea how I was going to manage all of this, the leaving the job, the paying for it, the solo travel and everything else I tend to worry about.

Now it is 5 months later and I have resigned, have a new job lined up, 3 months off and a ticket to Bali. Next week I am driving to Miami at a leisurely pace, where I will see family and friends before I leave on a trip of a lifetime.

Who knows what will happen along the way but I thought this would be a great way to share my experiences with friends and family.....many many thanks to everyone who inspired and encouraged this adventure!