Just a small town girl, living in a crazy world.

Friday, September 5, 2014

For lack of a better title...

While brainstorming how I would present this post, I had planned on using the title "The Final Countdown" only to realize that I used that title for my last blog post... so that's awkward.

So we're down to the single digits!  I leave for Spain in 9 days and about 2 hours!  Leading up to this point I've been trying to pack in as many visits, favorites, and special moments as possible.  And I had intended to do some kind of correspondence each day for the final 10 days before I left.  Obviously all the other things got in the way of starting this correspondence yesterday, so today I'm taking a break from half-assed packing and making up for the loss! 

I'm going to compile 10 lists, each list comprised of the same number of items as the number of days I have before I leave.  Kinda dorky.. but whatever!  I want to show and share my appreciation and apprehension in a creative way.

10 things I will miss about my life in the USA. 
  1. My family and friends- thankfully some of whom will be making the trek across the pond to visit, and a few of whom are already there waiting for me!
  2. Driving- I'm beginning to remember the anxiety that can come from relying on and planning around public transportation
  3. Peanut butter- but don't worry, I've already got a jar packed.  That's no lie.
  4. Craft beer- fall seasonal craft beers are my absolute favorite, I've got to chug as many pumpkin/cinnamon/apple pie beers as I can in the next week and a half.
  5. Ice- I know it sounds weird, but if you've been to Europe you know that they are very stingy with their ice.  It doesn't help that I prefer a more-ice-than-drink ratio.  Thank goodness for the Ice Bucket Challenge.
  6. This is actually harder than I thought it'd be.. maybe moving to Spain won't be so difficult after all.....
  7. My bed time- the night lifestyle in Spain is infamous for lasting until the wee hours of the morning, and if you know me at all you know how much I value sleep.. all hail the siesta!
  8. My sewing machine- I'm trying to come up with as many travel-friendly crafts as I can, but sadly I just don't thing I'm going to be able to justify stuffing my Singer into my suitcase.
  9. The Branches- even though I plan to find a church to go to in Madrid, it is going to be so hard to be away from my church family in Hendricks County.  I can't wait to see the growth in our church when I return!
  10. My cat- while living at home all summer hasn't exactly been my dream come true, I am going to miss having my Stripey cat to snuggle every now and then.  Do they have cats in Spain?
9 things I promise to do while in Spain.
  1. Go back to Amsterdam- in the spring, to see the tulips, for Emily's birthday and Easter.
  2. Spend time exploring Spain- when I was living in the Netherlands I didn't do much traveling around the actual Netherlands.. not that there would have been a whole lot else to see besides windmills and Amsterdam, but I want to take time to really delve into the culture of Spain.
  3. Blog- people keep asking if I'm going to blog about my journey.. you betcha!  
  4. Go to the mountains- I'm not bringing a backpacking backpack for nothing!  Outdoors here I come!
  5. Focus on myself- not in a selfish way, but this experience is one for me to really figure myself out and what I want to do with the rest of my life and career.  This trip is about me being me and I won't forget that.
  6. Not cut my hair- not that you may care... but mark my words I will have long luscious locks when I return in July.
  7. Learn how to make paella- and sangria!  Tapas at my place!
  8. Not count down the days til I come home- even though it will be hard, I've got to look forward to each day I GET to spend in Madrid, not each day I have to.  This is one of my only regrets from my time in Amsterdam, I blame it on the rain.
  9. Get in shape- there will be no pants ripping incidents this time.  Period.

So what do you think?  Lame?  You know with all the world rocking that's been going on lately I just wanted to do something different for a change.  I haven't quite come up with what my next 8 lists will be, so if you have any suggestions I will welcome them!  Can't wait to see what tomorrow's list will be!  Adios!

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