Retirement approaches

With the end of 2014 just hours away, I realized that 2015 will see many changes for me. Another year has come and gone with Gerald and moving forward is my only options. I retire at the end of January. In February, I will head off on a 3 month adventure to New Zealand, Australia, Fiji, and Cook Islands.

I've been asked if I'm running away.... running away from life? Maybe.... maybe I'm trying to find my new normal. To learn to be comfortable alone, make new memories alone, and to conquer some of my fears (and I have many).

I leave for Auckland, NZ on February 8 with plans to stay with my nephew, Patrick (Daphne, his wife) for a few days before I load up my camperized mini-van and head out on my adventure. I have a rough itinerary in mind as I would like to be free to explore. I am planning to run a half marathon in Wellington on February 22. Let's see if I make it there in time.

With only weeks left before my trip, I have so much to do..... Yikes!!! How does one pack for 3 months? Hana (my dog) will be staying with my son, Bradley for the next 3 months (good luck to the both of them, they'll need it). The next 20 working days (I'm not counting at all) will be very busy tying up loose ends and training my replacement.

I hope through this blog to stay in touch with my family and friends.