Sometimes the universe sends you a sign. Sometimes, but not often, the sign is in the form of a TV show. Tends to be much easier that way. Last night I watched an episode of that old show "Around the World in 80 Days" by Michael Palin of Monty Python fame. The show was, on one level, unwittingly comical. Palin seemed to have an underlying sun-never-sets-on the-empire British attitude. There was an element in his presentation of bemusement with all of the "savages" he encountered. Then again, the message that resonated with me, He seemed to be trying to immerse himself in the indigenous culture. He seemed to be genuinely trying to be a traveller not a tourist. This is the lead that I would like to follow.

I mark this show as appropriate as yesterday was my last day at work and Wednesday was Joanne's last day at work. We are now unemployed, as we had planned to be. For me this will be the first time since I was about twelve that I don't have a job.

It was easier than I thought it would be to finally walk out for the last time. I will miss all of the people that I work with. Everyone was supportive and gracious, as I expected. But getting home and sitting down I didn’t feel that there was any change, any emptiness, anything missing. It is at this moment, some hours after the end, not as troubling as I thought it might be. There is more looking forward than looking back.

So now the packing begins in earnest. The house closes on the 15th. Before we can begin in England, Canada has to be closed up. But first, we’re taking a taxi to the Bingo as soon as the pogey comes.