EDIT: So it turns out that arc metaphor I use in the first paragraph there? Should probably be an object orbiting a massive black hole or something. We’re not moving on yet. Instead we’re circling, circling, circling.

When an object

reaches the peak of its thrown arc, it possesses a velocity of zero. Gravity and the force with which it was thrown balance for a splinter of time and it is motionless; it anticipates the pull it will feel when next frame slides into place. It is a kind of weightlessness, one that Louise and I have been experiencing for quite some time now. While there are only two forces acting on the classical object, we have been subjected to many more than that, buffeted from every direction yet remaining, to all intents and purposes, stationary. Unwillingly balanced.

The problem with being stationary for too long is that eventually you want to move about. Stretch the legs and give yourself over to the rush of acceleration that tugs you along to whatsoever final destination it is you were aimed at in the initial push. It seems that we are finally free to do that; a semi-promising job was not gotten, babies have been born, boxes have been packed, scenarios have been simulated to double-precision and the numbers check out*. Lou and I are ready to begin moving again, and that is taking shape in the form of a bombing run to Melbourne: we’ll be taking our resumes and portfolios along with us to drop on the unsuspecting recruitment offices. We’ll also be checking out what kind of rental agencies might let us lease their properties if we were to not have jobs while moving.

This new-found velocity brings with it another balancing act: positive versus negative charge on the surface of our enthusiasm. I’m trying to stay optimistic about our chances at making it all work, despite the history of rejection and frustration that has led to our current situation. But there’s always the lingering feeling that things will go badly. Still, the cliche that it’s better to have tried and failed than never tried at all is a cliche for a reason: truth. To be honest, if it’s failure that’s waiting for us over the next month or so, I can’t wait to fail.

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*No NaNs here, no siree Bob.