Preparations

When I studied abroad in college, life was simpler. I didn't have to worry about bills, health care, or any real responsibility. I was truly free of all constraints, or blissfully ignorant; I think these go hand-in-hand. I caught the travel bug at an age when others were excited for keggers and walks-o-shame. My job in college as a bartender helped feed my addiction to traveling and I was fortunate to travel back to Europe two more times. After a rocky start to post-grad life, (enter boyfriends, various jobs, the addition of a chocolate lab) I am ready to take on the world again; smarter, wiser (maybe) and certainly older (as my crows feet show). March 3rd will mark an epic, yes epic, start to my life. I will be moving to Buenos Aires, Argentina to add yet another job title to my belt, teacher!

The preparations to move have been keeping me up at night; a mixture of excitement and nervousness. The list of friends and family to visit has been growing everyday. Sometimes I feel like I'm being pulled a thousand different ways. Spending time with Moose, my chocolate lab, has been a top priority. Little Moose-Knuckle will be staying at "Casa Gilbert" for the year with Nana and Grandpa. He's the closest they'll see to grand kids for a bit and while they may not always like him, they always love him.

While I've never been the type to run away from my life (picture a bull in a china shop), I can't help but think a year abroad will help me rid my life of all the junk. I was thinking today, "For every two people that want you to succeed, there is one who wants you to fail." After discussing this epiphany with Papa G we decided that my original hypothesis is incorrect. Post script: "For every one person that wants you to succeed, one wants you to fail; oftentimes they are the one smiling in your face." It doesn't matter who you are, there will always be someone who wants to bring you down. Eh, what do you do?

And to that, I bid you adieu. Life awaits; so what are you waiting for?