Brian L Brink

Introduction

Here I am. Sitting on a bus heading to Newark, NJ. From there, I’ll fly out to… somewhere. I don’t know yet where I’m going. If I did, then the title wouldn’t make sense. Duh!

But this isn’t about the adventure ahead, but the one now finished. How did I get to this point?

The Journey So Far

I guess it all started months ago. After a year at my current job, I was finally able to bid for vacation time. I’m new, so I could only choose from the leftovers. Middle of January? Sure, why not?

I had the ability to go someplace warm. Or at least, warmer than January in Buffalo. But where to go? When you want to see everything, it doesn’t truly matter where you go.

That’s when I heard about Journee!. It’s a travel agency with a twist. You go to their website and fill out a questionnaire, and give them a budget. They then come up with a trip specifically for you. But here’s the twist, you don’t know where you’re going until you get to the airport.

Yes, you are given an idea. Between the initial proposal, they send you and the eight fun clues you can make an educated guess. But, in the end, all you have are guesses.

Obstacles Along the Way

There I was, getting hints from Journee! and working a lot. It’s the beginning of November, so the holidays are just around the corner. Life is good.

Then, out of nowhere, I get falsely accused of something at work, by someone who I thought was my friend. Just like that, I’m put on admin leave, and my life is turned upside down.

Luckily, I still get a paycheck while on admin leave, and my vacation is still intact. But no overtime and NO guarantee I’ll even have a job when everything is said and done.

Rolling With the Punches

After taking a week to process what had just happened, I decided to do something with this time. And that’s just what I did. I wrote a book!!

ABC Philosophy: Big Ideas for Little Thinkers

It’s not much. Just a children’s alphabet book to help teach them about philosophy. But it’s mine! I did that, and it’s currently in the process of being published.

Getting Through the Holidays

Thanksgiving came and went without incident nor a single word about work. Through this time, I focus on my book and my family.

Finally, in mid-December, I hear from work. I have an interrogation. It goes well… ish, and I go back to the waiting game.

Then, my dad’s house catches on fire, and him and my stepmom are forced out just I time for Christmas. Then, my 3-month-old niece contracts RSV. I help as much as I can, where I can.

My family and I make it through. We may be a little banged up and bruised, but we’re still fighting.

New Year, Same Me

I go into the new year without knowing anything about work. And with my vacation coming up, it was getting less and less likely I would hear anything.

Then, TWO DAYS before my vacation work finally let’s me know something. I go in for retraining, and I’m told I still have a job.

No matter what, I would have enjoyed this trip. But having that peace of mind that I’ll have a job when I get home is amazing.

Back to the Beginning

Here I am. Sitting on a bus heading to Newark, NJ. Pondering.

There’s no way I could have told you any of what was about to happen to me when I first bid for my vacation. I guess that’s all life really is, a journey into the unknown.

As I sit here, just hours away from learning where I’m going, I know the destination doesn’t matter. All that matters is enjoying the ride.

And as always… GO BILLS!!