It's Official

So I created this blog about three months ago knowing that soon I will try to capture the events of a much anticipated road trip, a trip that has been a long time in the making, at least in my head anyways.
The title of this post “It’s Official” refers to a new beginning in the making. A few weeks ago, I tendered my resignation to FMC. After 14 good years, I feel it is now time to move on. Tomorrow will be my last day.
I’ve always had dreams of living in the mountains, ever since my first ski trip to Aspen, CO back in 1994. I’ve tried to make it a habit each year to get to the mountains and each time only reaffirms that that is where I need to be. Until recently, my plans have only been words spoken about what I would someday like to do, but now I’ve finally taken the first step to set in motion what will soon be reality. In two short days I will pack up my Subaru Outback and see where it takes me.
I’ve put a lot of thought into where I might like to live, but looking at maps and physically being somewhere are two totally different things so I guess I won’t know….until I find it. I think I’ve narrowed down which states I would like to focus on. So far the list includes CO, UT, ID, WY, MT, WA, OR and CA. I may get lucky and find my spot within a few weeks but there is a lot of real estate to cover so this may be several months and possibly years before I decided to settle down for good.
I have to say that I am relieved to be following through with such a big commitment, but equally burdened by the realities that this decision brings. I have a great job and a steady paycheck. I have 4 weeks of vacation every year plus an additional two that I always carry over as a buffer, benefits are good along with a generous contribution to a 401k plan.
I will miss my family, that much is given. Mom and Dad are only 15 minutes away and a good home cooked meal can always be had without notice. My brother Kurt and his wife are easily reachable within a 30 minute car ride.
When I weigh the pros and cons, I have many more reasons to justify staying in NJ than to leave it. I have a great family and support structure and a secure job that I could be comfortable with for many years.
I ask myself, why am I about to step so far out of my comfort zone and give up all security to be without a job and steady paycheck, a roof over my head and leave family and friends……..by choice? At this time, I don’t think I know the answer to that question, but I hope to one day. My plan for now is to not have a plan and just see where life takes me.
So this ends my first blog entry. Let the journey begin!