34 days left (and counting)

I'm getting laid off July 2nd. So to turn that lemon into lemonade, I've been busy planning "activities"for myself after that day.

First, I have a 2.5 week photography road trip planned for the Great Lakes/Great Plains states (which I've coined the "Great" Road Trip -- so clever, I know). Then in October, I'm off to the Washington/Notre Dame football game in South Bend. Since we're flying into Chicago, we decided to get tix to a Cubs' game too. And to top it off, my crowning jewel will be heading south in December to Antarctica with a short stop in Buenos Aires.

I know what you're thinking (or at least what my parents are thinking)-- "What about getting a new job?" The short answer is that I'll start looking for a job in August. The honest answer is that I think I need some time off before I jump back into the grind. Besides, who wouldn't want to travel rather than attend meetings?

So as you can see, I've got plenty of reasons to be looking forward to my upcoming "sabbatical". The excitement grows more and more each day. And the countdown clock is continues to tick away.