A view from the school's outdoor classroom

Who? Me, Karen, Klam, Mama, Miss K, PK, Squeak, Princess K, Special K, BBQ, Ren, Titi, Sissa, Karenlee, Pudge, Bubba, Karene, Mamacita, KL, Kiki, Thunderfoot, Itchy foot (that's my Indian name), Elbows, DK (don't ask what it stands for)...

What? Extended vacation, sabbatical, holiday, study abroad program, traveler verses tourist trip, excursion from the social norm, experimental getaway, self-exploration tour, eco-adventure, joy-seeking journey, decompression tour, transformation trip, yadda, yadda, yadda...

When? July 6th, 2008 till I get homesick or the cash money runs out. (last day at Staples is 7/3)

Where? Manuel Antonio/Quepos, Costa Rica, Central Pacific

Why? Why not (see below). And, I'll be studying Spanish 5 days a week.

How? Suitcase, sunscreen and a leap of faith.

A good friend of mine recently said to me, "All I can tell you is that this is as young and carefree as you will ever get to be again!" Thanks, and you call yourself a friend? Hm. Well yes, she is a friend and she's right. At this time I have no "attachments" - no boyfriend, no husband, no kids, no dog, no mortgage, no debt. I also have a relatively healthy family and a small "fun" fund that is reserved for travel anyhow (and a Harley).

The final decision to take this chance on change did not come easily. While I don't have the "attachments" I mentioned above, I am very attached to things. So, I deliberated, I cried, I pondered, flip flopped, didn't sleep, felt guilty and selfish, I annoyed a few people, including myself, to no end with endless questions and what-ifs. But, back to the obvious, I'm not getting any younger. This is not something I would choose to do in my late 30s. OK, the truth is out, I'm not really 29, and unfortunately, time and money have some control here, too. I do want that someone special to show himself soon so we can begin a new chapter together, but I have total freedom with my money and my time right now. I will never have that again once I start on a new personal or professional path. I don't want to miss taking advantage of it.

People make changes all the time. They change jobs and places to live. It's a risk, for sure, and I'm scared that I will hate it, not get a handle on the language, be lonely, run out of money, or, the ultimate fear...that I might see a snake in my apartment! But, I feel like I'm doing it as responsibly as I can. I'll have an open ticket so I can come home when it suits me, I'm keeping my apartment, since for the time being, I'll only be gone a few months, my car is paid off and I'm debt free! Naturally, it's a perfect time to wrack up some new debt.

I'm tired of feeling trapped by the notion that we need to save for a future that may not come. I hope it does and I'll be responsible with some continued planning (and some help from my personal financial guru, Mr. Jeffrey "Jactor" Factor, VP Morgan Stanley - I had to put that in there), but I want to live now. Right now. While I'll never fully let go of my practical, project manager side, I want to see if I can live life in smaller chunks for a while - maybe quarter by quarter. Yeah, that sounds good. I'd like to relieve myself of the burden of the "timeline" that is prescribed to us somewhere along the line in this society and challenge myself to learn how to live in a new place, a different culture. Who knows? Maybe I'll even put myself to task to throw away my to-do lists while I'm away. Ah, not a chance.

I'm feeling a bit like a caged animal that is supposed to follow this timeline...that I'll be ready for in due time. In the meantime I want to learn to need and want less, live a little more simply and not be defined by my job, field, company or salary. I want to make a comfortable living so I can live life and have a few special things, but I also want to be OK with less consumption and abundance. I've learned in the last several years that I am truly rich already for the relationships I have with friends and family - no paycheck or title compares.

Yes, I've heard all the reminders about the recession. When I return it's very likely that I will make less money or have to take a job that isn't perfect, but that will be the consequence I have to face and just another challenge to overcome. I guess it will be like fasting - going without to see what I can handle. Hey, with an appetite like mine it's pretty amazing that I've made it through Ramadan, more than once, with no food till sundown. I can do this, too! I'm going with the glass half full on this one. Let's hope the naysayers are wrong and that I might even land a job making mo' money.

Plus, as I see it, other than losing one of you, I've already suffered the worst. Finding a new job is a pain in the butt and can be discouraging. But, I'll take pounding the pavement over a daily elevator ride at Beth Israel, the whole time wondering if she'll be alive when the door opens at 7 Feldberg.

I survived the last time I was out of work, granted I had generous people like you helping me then, but I have to believe that I can get back on my feet again in time. So, I'll lose out on some money that an employer would be putting into my retirement plan. I know some of you think that's just irresponsible at my age. Too bad. I think I can live with that for an experience that might enrich me in ways that I can't possibly know yet and to be able to accomplish a couple of goals that I've had on my to-do list for years - JUST BECAUSE I CAN AND JUST BECAUSE I WANT TO. I don't know if I'll ever be able to put Spanish on my resume, but it's worth a try.

Doing for others makes me happy, but it's time to do for me, too. After working for 11 years post-college and planning to work many, many, many more years to come I think taking the liberty to give myself some months to explore new things, people and places isn't too much to ask. If I don't create this transition period for myself it won't happen. Unfortunately, in this country we're groomed to be workaholics and we don't get August off, as many Europeans do. I feel like it's the decompression time I need to look objectively at this world and my role in it - and I'm going to have fun at the same time! Anyone want to take a surfing lesson with me?

Why Costa Rica

I'm following my gut on this one. I want a family and "things" in this life and I need money for that, but I can't let money rule my life anymore - part of the reason I chose Costa Rica. As many of you know my heart is in Espana and I hope to return there many times or live there in this lifetime, but Europe, while very different and rich in history, is on a similar path as the US in many ways - work, work, work, expensive, expensive, expensive. I will always work, I will always give more than 100% of myself to any job I take on, but I need change for a lot of reasons right now.

My first trip to Costa Rica revealed to me that they really do live by the motto "Pura Vida". They get up, work hard, make a few dollars, play hard and live for THAT day.

Here's a paraphrased description of Costa Rica by Erin Van Rheenan, "...everyday life ambles along at a decidedly human pace. It humbly invites you to enjoy the simple pleasures of life. One of the country's most potent charms is the ability to get up close and personal with nature. Many people breathe a sign of relief to be in a place where not everything is regulated. Human interaction is far and away the most important value, and people take time to say hello. In many countries these days, people live to work; in Costa Rica people work to live."

Considered a developing country I am attracted by its rustic charm, but feel comforted by it's progressiveness and modernity. It seems like the perfect choice on my soul quest for balance. In this war torn world I'm encouraged by its anti-war policy and commitment to literacy and universal healthcare.

If I go to Spain at this time I will be lured by Italy, Portugal and the Benelux, too. This trip needs to be about slowing down, conserving cash and choosing simplicity for a while.

Staples

That was easy. Not! It may sound corny, but Staples is part of who I am. It's a brand I believe in and is a company run by a leadership team that I admire. Recently having worked on GSM revitalized my feeling of pride to be part of an organization with such steady growth, talented resources and a commitment to Soul. A Staples exec recently said "I bleed red". After 9 years there's PMS 485 in my veins as well. But, with or without Costa Rica, it's time to see if there's anything else I can do. I want to challenge myself to be unafraid of life outside of Staples.

With that said, I need change. For whatever reason(s), I'm craving it. Yes, I could have applied for a new post within Staples. But, if I take a new job now, I'd have to shelf the idea of living abroad on my own and trying to learn Spanish immersion-style. I would want to commit a few years to any new job. It's only fair for my learning and to Staples.

I need to answer this call and accomplish a few things that are important to me and try my hand at something new to finally be sure if I'm in the right seat on the bus for the long haul. For many reasons Staples would be a great place to spend and finish my career. But, until my circumstances are different, I'm just not at the settling down point (with a husband OR a company for that matter!).

My allegiance to Staples won't change. I've been drinking the Koolaid® too long for that, but in the interest of full disclosure I do need time apart from my current environment. I believe that exposure to new talent, inspiration and work styles can only make me more well rounded. Inside or outside of Staples I'd like to see if I can jump outside the linear path of my current resume. However, I am well aware, almost expecting, that all roads may lead me right back to where I started at 9/90. If that happens, I hope that I've cultivated solid relationships, am leaving you gracefully, with high regard for the work I can offer you and the company and...that you PICK UP THE PHONE when I reach out in the upcoming months or years!*

I know I could be walking away from a lot and at some point I will likely say, "Man, I really need that promotion I may have been in the running for!" It will stink if that happens, but I'll have to forgive myself and then move on to new beginnings trusting that the easier path is not always necessarily the right path.

I was talking to a friend and colleague recently. I said "I have two choices" and before I could even explain the choices he replied, "Don't take the easy one." Well, alrighty then. It was done. I knew what I had to do. Trust me, going against "easy" is like blasphemy for me as I'm sure many of you can relate. Aren't we always supposed to make things easier for ourselves and others? In this instance I've decided on the more difficult and less traveled road.

"We must be willing to get rid of the life we've planned, so as to have the life that is waiting for us. The old skin has to be shed before the new one can come." Joseph Campbell

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