One drunken evening.

A nudge, maybe a push.

Luckily the man in question was too kind to deliver it while we descended on the escalator. The people in front of us might have been disappointed. The idea was planted somewhere in between the white ginger martini and the white chocolate martini. Then I got online and did some research. Then Pal walked downstairs, and I said, "Hey, I think I'm gonna go to nursing school."

She said, "All right, let's do it."

Please note that in the past, planning too carefully has backfired on me in all too many ways. I talk a good game, maybe the best game, but fruition has never been my strong point (see above, re: that whole PhD thing).

I will tell you this: I have enrolled in school once again. I have a concrete plan including a timetable which I intend to follow. Should this become difficult, I will readjust accordingly. I have already committed to going out of my way (uh, Muncie) to make it happen. I have my Pal along for the ride, so we can help one another stay focused and be as successful as possible.

If all goes well, I think I will find myself in Africa, or South America, or Eastern Europe, or the South Pacific, or whatever by...2013. Maybe 2014. Whatever.

Everyone I've spoken too has said precisely the same thing:

That's such a great idea! I can't believe you never thought of it before!

I have to agree. Now excuse me while I go to bed in the warm glow of having a future once again.