>I have finally decided to drop the corporate wheelstone and go independant. Although, the initial jump is scary, I'm sure the water is fine after the initial plunge!

Dive! :)

First thing - change your title to Independent Consultant, otherwise some clients may think that you dont know who you are. :)

I am sure you will get a lot of work around New York area. I was independent for 3 years and liked it, but then I jumped into corporate pond. :) Just because the Halifax is a small place and it is harder to find contracts and I wanted to buy a house (which you already have :).
Sure now I have to deal with corporate sharks and BS :) but since I work from 9 to 5, I have even more time for fun with VFP at home (i.e. GridHighlighter, FoxSpeaker, GridDragDropper, FPA articles, etc... :)

Good luck!