I'm so trying to write regularly, but man, leaving for 3 months is a lot of work. And, I had work today. I was in heels for two meetings thinking if I sprain my darn ankle two days before my cross country journey because of my heels, I'm not going to be happy.

I'm ready, but I'm not. I mentally ready. Physically ready. But tomorrow is going to be a whirlwind. I have to get to a bike shop to get a few more items, go to my last personal trainer appointment (Aaron... you rock!), write thank you notes to the people who have donated in the past few days (thank you!!), re-pack and remove some items, do my last load of laundry, clean my space here at a friends, charge all my devices, ship a box to my parents of clothes- for when I arrive in Rhode Island (don't really want to hang out for a week in bike shorts), drop a box of professional clothes off at friends in case I have a work engagement I need to fly to over the summer (they'll ship me my clothes to a hotel), store my car and go to book club to discuss Adrift, by Steven Callahan. I leave Wednesday after a group of friends meet for yummy Tin Shed breakfast at 7am. I leave directly from Alberta Street... how Portland is that?

How am I feeling? Tired. Busy. I wish I could be in the moment, but typing this is the most I've been in the moment for awhile. My birthday/send-off party was a blast (see photos below). I feel loved and supported. Everyone keeps asking if I'm nervous. No- I think I'll remember how to ride my bike. How am I feeling? EXCITED. I feel like this is what I'm supposed to be doing.

I'm getting into bed now- there's still light, but I want to savor every moment in my pajamas and bed before I leave.

(Click on the photo to see the next photo!)