While still in Ireland I had made the decision to go back to The States in August 1985, so that left the question of where to land. I thought briefly about going back to New Jersey to save some money, but my ultimate goal was still New Hampshire.

I would be nearly broke in either place, but only happy in one — that tipped the scales toward New Hampshire.

The goal of finishing my degree was still topping my list, but after Ireland there was also a vague idea that I had some work to do on myself. I didn't know what it was, but I had come face-to-face with a great opportunity to travel like I'd always dreamed of and I found that I was not ready to dive in. Something was missing within myself and I felt like I needed to figure out what it was. Only I had no clue how to go about that.

While the long-term remained unclear the short term was crystal: I returned from Ireland in early August and after two weeks left Haddonfield for the last time, arriving at UNH at the end of August.