Today, I told my boss back in the States that when I return in May I will be leaving the industry.

I gave my 76 days notice, I guess. It's annual review time, and I couldn't see any way around it- when he asked me about my plans for the future, I told him the truth. I plan on leaving the industry, I told him. I want to work for myself. I want to be with my family. I want to live smaller, and closer to home. I want to focus. 

I am somewhere between feeling terrified (oh my God oh my God what am I doing this is insane there is a recession going on) and feeling elated (oh my God oh my God I'm really doing this I am free I am free I am free). I'm swinging between the two pretty dramatically tonight, but I'm going to run it out in about 20 minutes, so at least it's useful stress. Tonight is probably the night for some serious speedwork, I think- see if I can beat my best mile so far. Lucky red hair tie, it's your night; don't let me down.

(Oh, hush. YOU try photographing the back of your own head some time.)