Only 5 Days
24.11.2009
The count-down is dwindling....
There are equal parts anticipation, fear, excitement and sadness.
I've spent the past few days packing and moving. I'm living with boxes and a mattress on the floor. Some days I feel like I am overwhelmed with things to do and other times I feel like I don't have enough to keep me busy.
Hotels and flights are booked. My 'to-do' list is almost complete. If there is something that I have forgotten, it's nearly too late. I'm taking the Amtrak to Chicago on Saturday and spending my last night in the States alone. I don't know how I feel about this...it's a little sad.
I have a trip to Louisville to drop off the household stuff to Corey for him to use, and two Thanksgiving dinners to attend. It's going to be a very busy 5 days (actually only 4 left here at home). It will be nice to have the family together before I leave.
My emotions have over-taken me on several occasions for no real reason. Having to leave not only the kids but also Aco is a little difficult to say the least. But I am managing.
I have learned a lot in the past month about the people in my life, both near and far. I have been lucky to have made some wonderful friends. I have also been afforded an opportunity to see people for who they really are, and learned who I can count on and who I can't. It's funny what you think and what is real....
A little bitter-sweet....
I arrive in Germany at 0920 (Germany time) and will immediatly begin the paperwork 'in-processing'. It's going to be a very long day for me as I will leave at 0900 EST the previous day. I will attempt to put a note up here or on FB to let everyone know that I have made it safely.
My US phone service will be disconnected on Nov 30th. I will be using skype initially for calls to the states and email or FB will be the best way to contact me until I can come up with something better. If you would like to be able to contact me via skype, shoot me an email and I'll give you the details.
I am looking forward to the experience and hope that you will all take time to write and hopefully visit when you can....
Its always a little scary at first when you are far from home, when I moved to Alaska for 8 months of work I freaked out when I was leaving the airport up there, but in the end it was an incredible experience. Landstuhl is such a nice area I'm sure you'll have a great time. Check out Heidelburg some time, the Christmas Market is incredible! Have great Thanksgiving and a safe trip!
by Dan