Prework:

Phase I - We sold our house and quite a bit of our furniture. Minus some antiques and pieces we simply could not part with… For the Puffers and Emma and Admundson (4 puffer fish and 2 cats), Patrick’s number one wifey became care giver and supervisor. We left early one Friday around the first of November with our usual Puffer Moving set up. A 44 gallon trash can filled with seasoned water, some of their aragonite, some soft plants from the tank and one fairly dirty pump. All this to preserve the all important bacteria. We should start a fish moving company. We have this down. Then, the tank with just enough water to slosh around and keep the majority of the aragonite alive. 90 gallon tank with some water is very heavy. Patrick and I lifted the tank and placed it next to the 44 gallon in a rental van. Then the cat apartment (a large pet cage filled with blankies and good stuff). Emma simply did not like the experience. She was quite vocal for the entire trip to West Palm Beach from Delaware. We arrived after a grueling 21 hours of driving. Unloaded the fish. Set up the tank and placed Puffy, Harry Spotter and crew in their new home. A non event. All were quite happy. Kitties also managed to come around after sloothing a  bit. Nothing like lizards and butterflies to chase to get you going in your new home. Patrick stayed for a week to ensure everyone was comfortable… Rosie is amazing and we would not be setting off without her help.

Phase II – I shared with bosses and co-workers our plans. Most were quite startled but quickly commented on how envious they were of our bold decision. I shared that we needed to get Gaia and crew safely to FL before I could begin to do any consulting work. But, I truly am grateful they all felt that whey would like to keep me involved to some extent. The departure from the everyday pace of the corporate world will help me regain my creativity, sharpen my skills and whit and begin to feel things again without the anxiety I had been feeling each week. Turning 50 this year really made me take a hard look at who I am, what I have been doing and where I get the most joy. It will come but will take a bit before I can calm down enough to get back to normal. Not that I am thinking the journey will be calm and relaxing but “different is good.”