With the days to departure slipping away like sands through the hourglass, I want to thank the following people for their support and encouragement:
Family -
Mom and Dad - I have not forgotten you would like grandchildren some day. I'll pencil that into my next 5-year plan. If nothing else, take heart that when I put my mind to something - I can accomplish it. Thanks for all the food, shelter, and movies the past few weeks as it has allowed me the time and energy needed to finish my preparations.
Jon (brother) - for courageously joining the Marines and serving in Iraq. If you can go to war, I can surely spend a year trotting the globe. Come home safely.
Aunt Barbara and Amy - for your immediate and constant support.
Friends -
Kai - for keeping me focused and on-track, and urging me to work on my website again.
Bob - for saluting my cajones to take this kind of a trip. I'm thankful we got to hang out so much when you took time off from your career. I'll look for you on Skype.
Phil - for all the free drinks on your bar tabs, and letting me store my couch and table set in your basement. Good luck with your wedding plans!
Jason, Mady, Sean, John, Sam, Natasha, Sommer (and Jackie in spirit) - I'm glad we could all hang out at the 18th St Lounge before I left town. The 24-hour Korean BBQ was quite a trip (just like old times).
Chris J, Courtland, Andrew - what can I say? You guys knew me before I got bit by the travel bug, and I'm glad we've been able to stay in touch!
Coworkers -
Joe and Anne (bosses) - I appreciate all the advice you've given me over the years - it's made me a better person.
Stephen, Leo, Tina A., Adrienne, Julie, and too many more - you made working fun, which helped the days fly by!
Online Buddies -
Stu, Mike (Vagabondish.com), Stacy (RamblingTraveler.com), Dan (TheLostGlobe.com), Patrick (crambox), Kirsty (NerdyNomad.com) - for being the top commentators on my blog and offering constructive and positive feedback throughout the year.
Everyone in the BootsnAll Forums - you've helped me every step of the way, from developing a budget to calming my anxieties as my departure approaches! You'll be among the first I go to for help on the road.
Justin (Corporatewhorenomore.com) - I just copied your approach to adding Flickr notes as a way to create my inventory list! I'll post the link soon.
Megan (Me-go.net: Around the World) - I copied the format you used for displaying your RTW trip's cost per day (My version). And, I'm especially thankful you recently contacted me to discuss the topic of COBRA/medical insurance coverage.
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To those reading: Check out my favorite blogs in the right sidebar sometime - I intend to remain subscribed to just about all of them. They've kept me motivated and entertained all year. I hope my blog can do the same for you.
