I LEARNED I LOVE TO GIVE

Today, I learned I love to give. This seemingly simple plan we had to travel has become incredibly profound. Moreso than I would have ever imagined. The best way I can explain it is that a switch kind of goes off in your mind. I don't have any kids and don't dare compare traveling around the world to rearing children, but I have to imagine that they both have similar effects on one's psyche. You see, once a person knows that they are expecting, they begin to go through radical changes. Priorities shift, interests change and focus graduates.

Through the last few months, Idalis and I have worked to minimize and simplify. I find it amazing that everything that is the culmination of two people with 69 combined years of life on this planet will ultimately fit into one 5' x 10' warehouse here at home and two backpacks that will accompany us around the world. We have learned to consolidate and eliminate. In the process, quite unintentionally I might add, we have also learned to almost completely detach from all but the basic of material goods. With the exception of a few sentimental pieces, I have lost most of my lust and desire for things.

This simple lesson in life has brought me to the point that I reached today. In other words, I learned I love to give. The joy of passing on some of what were my most valued possessions to friends, families and even strangers has managed to bring me great pleasure, relief and satisfaction. When you cut it to the quick, you realize that one does not really need much in life to truly be happy. Food, shelter, clothing (optional) and love is enough to sustain a life.

For those of you out there who are actually following this blog, I assume that you may need to brace for what may become a burst of random thoughts, some unintelligible, that will probably be flowing as a result of our radically changing lives. This should also get me in the habit of posting consistently.

Please Enjoy!

FREAK OUT!

Well, it has been almost a month since our last post. To avoid the risk of disappointing our throngs of blog fans, I felt it was time for an update. As I typed this post, I glanced over at the calendar and realized that I have only eleven days of work left. Though, that is not entirely true. As a final hoorah, the City has decided to do everything it can to delay the hiring of my replacement. Originally, I had hoped to have Mario, my replacement, sitting in my chair and getting some formal training prior to my final physical day of work, originally scheduled as Thursday, July 3rd, or as you may remember from a previous post, the day before 'Independence Day'. However, in their infinite wisdom, the HR Department felt it was absolutely necessary to have Mario go through a new physical and background check, even though he is a current emplyee of the City and will simply be transferring from a different department. This snafoo has delayed his eminent arrival. Due to the fact that I have an incredible amount of respect for my boss and hand picked Mario as the most capable incumbent, I have decided to extend my self appointed termination until I feel Mario has had sufficient training.

Idalis and I have officially decided that it is time to start 'freaking out'! The days fly by like they are turbo charged. There is a staggering amount of work still to be done before we depart on August 12th, most of which really cannot be done until the end. We have definately manged to remove some of the bigger items, such as renting the apartment. Christine and Andres have been chosen as the benfactors of a small condo by the beach and will provide Idalis and I with a great deal of security as they are wonderful people and we trust them to take care of our home while we are away. Immunizations continue with Japanese Encephalitis shots on Thursday, June 26th. Our 'Mid-Life Retirement and Bon Voyage Party' is set for July 3rd at BBQ Beach and so far about 100 of our friends, family and co-workers have RSVP'd. A big shout out to our friend Katie for organizing and assisting with the festivities.

Idalis is scheduled to return from her National Board work in Phoenix on Thursday, June 26th, just in time for immunization shots. Idalis' Mom and brother, Ivan, are scheduled to arrive on Monday, June 30th for a week's visit. And we also received some shocking news. Idalis' Dad, who she has not seen in years, and another one of her eight brothers, Adrian, will also be joining us. Idalis then leaves for Charlotte, NC, on July 10th for another round of National Board training. I have warned her that the apartment will be devoid of all furniture when she returns home on or around July 29th. An empty apartment should serve as good practice for some living conditions we may encounter abroad. Now, if I could only install a squat toilet!!!