Wow, here we go. Today marks a pretty pivotal day for me in regards to this trip. If I hadn’t said it before, or if you hadn’t heard it, today was my last full day at IBM. Tomorrow I begin my leave of absence, and I have a chance to start piecing together the rest of the preparations for this amazing journey. There is still far more to be done than there is time in the day and weeks ahead and already both G and I have spent many late nights planning and preparing, with intricate detail, the web pages, the itineraries, the gear selection, the vaccinations, and documenting our experiences so that we may share them with the world.

So, for now, I can take a quick look at the ‘wow’ factor: How does it feel? Well, I have to say the whole idea hasn’t quite hit me yet, but I did note a funny feeling/experience tonight. I think it was the resounding impact of my choice (to take the leave of absence) that rang in my ear as I stood in the grocery store at 11:30pm contemplating the purchase of a small package of cheddar (for the burgers I was going to start cooking at midnight!). It was funny because I knew that not working meant my paycheck will cease, and that the 3 dollars I could spend now on 8 slices of cheese would buy almost 1 night’s stay in Cambodia, Laos, or Vietnam. It was a new and interesting feeling because the impact of this choice left me with a great appreciation for what I have, what I need, and a decent understanding of how these simple consequences are a direct result of choice. Had it been 2 years ago it wouldn’t have even been a thought in my mind. So, as I stood there contemplating the next 2.5 years of my life in the ‘cheese’ aisle at Safeway, I laughed. I put the cheese back on the rack, and walked to the cashier with what I intended to purchase: 2 kaiser rolls at 55 cents each.

The next couple of weeks are going to be a roller coaster of emotion as we pack and then depart, but we’ll take it one step at a time. Right now I’m just getting used to the idea that my leave of absence begins tomorrow. For now, farewell IBM. I’ll see you when I get back.