This year has been a bit of a roller-coaster journey; but in many ways it has also been a year of opportunity.

In February, I will be taking the first and arguably bold next step in that journey; I am moving out to Toronto, Canada for time period as yet undefined to work, travel and meet new friends.

I have my visa, my flight is booked and I have somewhere to stay for the first few weeks all very rock and roll… but in some ways a little scary too, I mean it’s risky and I’m not really known for being a risk-taker but I’ve done my research, I have checked, double-checked and even triple-checked my information. I have emailed and called contacts in Canada and asked and re-asked all the seemingly “silly” questions. I sought advice on making my British CV suitable for the Canadian market and am now the proud owner of a Canadian-style resume which I hope will help me secure employment when I arrive. I am networking like crazy and have already met some wonderful people who have willingly given their time to answer my questions and help minimise my concerns.

A few weeks ago it became officially…well, official.

I.am.really.going.

After four wonderful years, this week will be my final week at work (both before christmas and before I leave for my new adventure); it’s a strange feeling to be both really excited and very apprehensive at the same time; and it’s going to be hard to say goodbye to all of the wonderful people that I’ve met along the way – not to mention packing my life up into a bunch of boxes and filling out a bunch of forms that could easily be likened to a telephone directory in size.

All that pales in comparison to saying goodbye-for-now to my family and my friends. I found a quote from Walt Disney which I think perfectly sums up my last year and in particular the feelings I have regarding my upcoming move.

“All the adversity I’ve had in my life, all my troubles and obstacles, have strengthened me. . . . You may not realize it when it happens, but a kick in the teeth may be the best thing in the world for you.”

Stay tuned….