I am broken. I went to my dictionary just to make sure there was no misunderstanding. What a capable word – 14 different meanings. Broken. And I can reasonably check off ten of them. But it is a waste of the word to say, “take you pick of meanings”. Let’s go with (1), “Forcibly fractured into two or more pieces.” That is how I feel. Leading to (5), “Intermittently stopping and starting: discontinuous”, with occasional (14), “Not functioning.” I take this as confirmation that I can not worry about, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” Besides, by nature, I’m a fixer. So shouldn’t I get on it?

Maybe not quite yet. My Toyota brain says that “broke” needs a target and a plan. A target might need some data, and a plan surely does. I have none. Which makes for an easy place to start. Let’s collect some data, crank into a PDCA cycle, and repeat. Because, while I have no plan, I do know that this is surely a continuous improvement project. Let’s manage our expectations.

What data to collect to repair, rebuild, or restructure the brokeness? I don’t know. But I’ve chosen to travel and figure something out. Perhaps a change of scenery will bring a new point of view. And with time, new views may bring a new perspective? TBD. But spending the winter alone in the condo we share is not an option. The assumption is that collecting travel data will also create metadata on my life purpose. For while I do not yet understand the repair process, I do understand that I have lost my purpose, having been completely dedicated to my wife, and she to me.

Because my approach is nebulous, I’ve installed a conceit on top of my travels. I am targeting all of the cities mentioned in the song, “I’ve been everywhere” as recorded by Asleep at the Wheel. And adding in additional places along the way.

And getting this sorted on paper provides an answer to the oft asked question, “Why are you heading out with little plan, little in supplies, and sleeping in your car? Really?”. I am born and bred data and continuous improvement. Ask anyone that brought home an excellent report card and heard, “Pretty good”. I know my condition needs improvement. I have no data. With no data – no plan. I need to move. And not slow travel. No time to brood. I need to keep ahead. At least until a plan starts to form. Then I can adjust resources, adjust timing, adjust itinerary. Until then, we’re off!