ARE YOU READY FOR THIS?

Here we are, on the eve of a huge transition in our lives and in the lives of those around us. All Idalis can keep saying is, "Are you ready for this?" Up until about five minutes ago, the answer was consistently, "No!" However, once this post is complete, I will lie down on my parent's long couch, and Idalis on the love seat, and I will hopefully fall asleep finally feeling ready. These last couple of months have been quite insane. I thought being retired meant you just sat around all day trying to invent things to do. However, I can't even remember the last time we just sat around.

Today went by very fast, but has felt long. We pretty much spent all day doing last minute errands. Aphrodite got her teeth cleaned, Nate got a key to the bike lock, Mario got the phone I borrowed back, I got one last visit with Mike, Josue and Laura (thanks for breakfast, Mike!), Goodwill got a healthy donation and most importantly, our bags got packed. Idalis did a stellar job of packing her 55 liter bag with room to spare. I, however, went over my target weight of 35 pounds by five pounds. It was amazing how much we started off with, how much we had to sacrifice and how little we actually wound up with. I can see us shedding even more as we move along. It really is impossible to be prepared for every ocassion, though that did not stop me from trying. I think we pretty much got it all. If we have forgotten something, I will be very surprised. However, if we had to leave something behind that we need, I would not be. Either way, it is far too late and we are far too tired to put any more effort into it. Doesn't really matter, cause we will just be asking Katie to bring anything we forget to India with her when she comes for her visit. I already gave my sister, ReAnne, a bag with three things to give her. We love you, Katie!!!

Over the course of this blog many of you have chimed in and it has brought us an immense amount of pleasure. It is always such a great surprise to see multiple comments in the comments section. However, now it is time to get serious, people! We played with our new mini-computer this afternoon and we think we are ready to go. Thanks to my sister for the crash course in computer technology! We have also heard many people say, "Enough is enough, would you guys please leave already?!" Oh, and, "Bring back an Indian baby," but that one is not as relevant. Anyways, your wishes and ours have come true. We leave tomorrow, for real this time! To the dismay of Idalis and I, there is not enough time for one last happy hour get together! Thanks to all of you who have continuously supported us, who have shown up to each of our functions and who have posted on this blog. We love and will miss you all! Grandma, don't be sad, we will be sure to write!

We will wake up tomorrow to a freshly made breakfast of pancakes (thanks, Mom!). After that, it is a caravan to the ariport for what is sure to be one big hot emotional mess! If we forgot to call you, could not make it to dinner (sorry Nicky D!), or didn't get to hang out with you one last time, we apologize. Please be assured that though you will not fit in our packs, as many of you have suggested, you will most definitely fit in our hearts! Please stay in touch, be vigilant in your blog entries and know that we will think of you often as we wander the globe. We cannot express enough how important each of you are to us and how much we love and are inspired by you ALL! Bonnnnn Voyaaaaaage!!!!