Unemployed!

Things are really coming to a head now. Today is my last day of work at FOX 9, and Heidi’s last day with Bob Reidell and Re/MAX. Heidi’s co-workers got her a cute little cake for her sendoff, and plan to cap the night off this evening with a little booze and camaraderie, as is the norm with professional going away gatherings these days.



Meanwhile, I completed my exit interview with Human Resources earlier today, and had a little gathering with colleagues last night. (I typically don’t work Friday nights, and since we only run a skeleton crew then I figured more people would show on a Thursday.) About a dozen folks from the newsroom showed up and we exchanged stories, watched some NCAA hoops and enjoyed a few libations. It is always heartening to realize how much you are valued and how much people appreciate you, but also a little discouraging that this isn’t a more prevalent part of our culture. I received plenty of kind words last night, however, and left with a warm feeling inside…and not as a result of alcohol!

It’s been a stressful couple of weeks, to say the least. Heidi & I are making a number of MAJOR life changes, all in a very short period of time. That, coupled with some family issues and the day-to-day drama that goes with being in a relationship, have led to lots of frustration and hurt feelings recently. That being said, we continue to move ahead, in our relationship and plans for this incredible adventure. My amazing niece recently said that it’s not about waiting out the storm, but rather learning to dance in the rain. (She is one heckuva wise young lady.) So, Heidi and I are hiking up our proverbial trousers and cutting a rug.

After today, we have nine days before hitting the road. It doesn’t seem like long ago that we were sending one another texts, such as: “135 Days to go!” It’s wild to fathom that the day is, finally, almost here. We have plenty of things yet to do (more storage, travel insurance, buying an air mattress for the van, etc.) but it will all get done in time, and I think it’s a safe assumption that there will be a collective sigh of relief when we finally pull out of the driveway and hop on 169 towards Pocahontas, Iowa. Attached is a VERY rough estimation of our route around these United States…



We leave April 5th. There will be a going away shindig on April 2nd from 8pm-midnight @ Legend’s Bar in Minneapolis. Please come if you can.