Leaving New York

Home is behind, the world ahead ...And there are many paths to tread. - J. R. R. Tolkien

It's official.  The journey has begun. 

I woke up this morning unemployed and leaving New York for the first time in my adult life.  

As the car passed from Manhattan into the Bronx, I acknowledged the moment to my mother.  (Yes, my Mommy came to pick me up.) 

Then, I almost ran a red light and hit some pedestrians.  The gods keeping me on my toes, I suppose.

Anyway, New York is now literally and figuratively in the rearview.  As an ode to my fair city I offer Woody's (Allen, not Woodpecker).  

So long New York, I'll see you again soon.

Big Apple Punch!

September 29th, 2012

I've had the pleasure of spending time in the company of many friends over the last couple of weeks.   We've talked about my trip and what my goals are.  What I'll miss and what I think I'll do when I get back.  We've eaten great food, seen shows, laughed, and caught up like usual.  

Then, inevitably, the parting of ways and the "until next time".  As you know, I'm not the most emotional guy.  But it has been harder than I expected to say "see ya later" and not know when that will be exactly.   

Saturday night a few friends organized a tasteful, little "Bon Voyage" (with pork!) party that made it hard to say "bye", but I couldn't think of a better way to do so. 

Friends from all stages of my life -- High School, College, Work, and Life -- stayed up way past their bed time eating a number of different Pig products (including my fave - Hill Country), drinking "Parker's Leaving the Big Apple Punch" (bourbon, apple cider, ginger ale) and finally Singing/Dancing along with a cover band to the point that I was hoarse (and still am). 

It's not often I get that many of the people I love in one room.  It was something special; a top 5 kinda night. 

So to my friends who could be there and those that could not, THANK YOU!  I wouldn't be who I am today without you and I couldn't do what I'm about to do without your support, encouragement, worrying, advice and love.

And thank you for my hog snout.  It's coming with me.

T-Minus 7 days....  (but, really, who's counting?)

Alma Mater

*photo credit: Sheila K

New York.

10 years. 

My first days here were in her midst and my last few here will be too.  It's been fitting to end this chapter in the place where so much of it started. 

But, it is time to move.  As Kerouac once wrote: "I saw that my life was a vast glowing empty page and I could do anything I wanted."

I've had this itch for as long as I can remember and I'm going.  

I've quit my job and have a one-way ticket from Boston to Athens.  I leave October 11th. 

It is all quite loose from there.  I have a list of places and things I've been dreaming about and, well, I'm going. 

Along the way, I'll share what I'm up to and where I am.  (I promise, Mom.) 

3 more weeks of work; then some family time and packing. 

T-minus 24 days. 

I'll miss New York.  But, man, am I excited for what comes next. 

(NB - I'm still working on how to use this thing, so bear with me)