I haven’t accomplished anything memorable in the last decade. I’ve seen relationships with grand potential come and go, I’ve had and lost jobs, and I’ve moved back and forth all over Austin.

Life seems to change a lot just to stay the same.

Some of my friends know why I’ve been stuck in Austin for the last 9 years, but one year from now the shackles will be cut free and I’ll be able to explore the world.

I’ve daydreamed for years about what I would do once I had the freedom to go. I’ve had elaborate fantasies about buying a sailboat and pretending that I live in Waterworld, riding a motorcycle across continents, or becoming a super villain with a secret lair in the desert.

The most realistic daydream is the one that I’ll probably work on making a reality.

In the fall of 2009, I will move to New Hampshire and start a new life. Why New Hampshire? Why not. It’s a great state, it has weather that I’ll enjoy more, and it’s rural but within driving distance to some of the biggest cities on the East Coast. Most of all, it’s different.

By then I’ll have my NABCEP certification (North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners). This will make me one of less than 500 people in the nation that is a certified expert in the renewable energy industry. I figure with such a niche specialty I can start my own company without much competition.

I’m going to do my best to convince a friend to go with me. Lisa probably wouldn’t since she would still be in school. Kym might. Megan probably would if I asked. Genipher would go, but I don’t know if I would want to start a new life with someone so overbearing. I think Jenny would love New Hampshire and a new start, but she probably wouldn’t go. She’s more scared of change than I am.

In one year, the only thing keeping me in Austin will be the love of my friends and family and the comfort of familiarity with my surroundings. Those are wonderful things, but I don’t think it’s enough anymore. A new start forces you to redefine yourself and I am in desperate need of definition.