Mark Maynard posted on his website today about our blog. His feelings seem to reflect everyone else's. People wish they could go with us, or wish they did when they had the chance. Yesterday I thought to myself "Hey, I can always join the army if it doesn't work."

My parents are a lot better now about me going. I'm pretty sure they still disapprove, but the talks we have are all typical parent stuff now. "Where are you trying to get a place?" and "Where are you going to try and work?". My dad was actually supportive. I was driving him to the airport and confiding to him my apprehension about the trip. I almost just wanted someone to agree with me and tell me not to go, but he said something like "Wouldn't you regret not trying?" Suddenly I realized, yes. I would regret it.

Quitting my job won't be fun. I'm not looking forward to telling my bosses I'm leaving them. They've promoted me and placed such trust in me. This always happens. I work hard, get a little bit ahead, and regret doing it because of all the extra effort I have to put forward when they finally up the ante. However, it's a small matter. I'll be gone soon and they'll have forgotten within a couple months.

I bought myself a home budget book in order to keep tabs on my spending. I'm going to try and save all of my receipts so that I can see clearly how much I spend on everything. I want to be as responsible as possible in such a chaotic (if not hair-brained) scheme. I'm hoping to put money aside as the months go by to eventually start an IRA for my retirement. I don't mind being a starving artist for a couple decades, but I don't want to die one.

I'll miss springs, summers, and falls in Michigan. I love the leaves and the smell of the seasons. The landscape can be quite beautiful here when it's determined enough. I'm going to miss my family, the tight-knit bunch that we are. I hope I can improve on my ability to write letters and e-mails to let them know how I'm doing. I'll especially miss my sister. I hope she comes to visit me soon.

Well, I'm tired and prone to making typing errors, so I'll quit while I'm ahead. If you're in California and reading this, make sure to keep it warm for me. I'll be there to take my place shortly. Making Michigan yet another erstwhile home.