Life can always be an adventure.

[bluepea]

My father in law took off to New Orleans this morning. He's going to drive slowly down the Mississippi, stop in Texas to see his son/daughter in law/grandson, and then head east to NOLA to begin his search for a job. Yes, my in laws are packing up and moving south.

They moved to Wisconsin from Chicago 20 years ago, with 3 older kids and a toddler. Mark came up first with only a bike and the promise of a job. The job fell through so he took what he could find and the family was moved away from the impending crime that is always almost guaranteed in poorer parts of big cities.

They discovered NOLA in the 80's, and began visiting there regularly. Then one day got it in their head years ago they'd move there, but they never took that leap. There was always this reason, or that reason. They were this . close to leaving a few years ago when Mark landed a decent job and that led them to procrastinate more and more.

The hurricanes came at the end of August and everyone said "Well, you probably don't want to move down there now," and they scoffed and said they wanted to move even more.

Four days before Christmas, Mark found out his contract would not be renewed. He was going to be jobless. They were crushed. Jake was the first one to see the silver lining. He said "Now you guys can finally go."

They had some financial stuff to take care of so Mark utilized his six months of unemployment as they prepped emotionally. Today was the day he left after years of wanting this and months after Katrina of needing this. He'll live in the car or possibly a shelter as he searches for employment and housing. Then, Jake's mom will follow him down to the city that won their heart years ago.

We'll miss them. It's been a pretty emotional time. But those crazy bastards in their 50's will never stop enjoying the adventure that is life.