The countdown continues....

I'm 25 days away from being on sabbatical. I find myself very antsy. Work has been quiet since I returned from my vacation time, and I think its adding to my anticipation.

I managed to finish going through my things and have begun my pile of things to take. Thus far it includes, my yoga mat and other yoga props, my laptop bag, and a large tub of art supplies. I still have to add my large portfolio packed with paper too large to fit in the tub, all of my fiber arts supplies, my printmaking supplies, and all my clothes, shoes, and accessories. It seems like a lot, but it'll be far less than what I packed in my car to move from Urbana, IL to Rapid City 3 years ago.

I still feel weird about leaving my cat here. I know she'll be fine and that in reality it'll be far less stressful for her than if I moved her to someone's home closer to where I'll be. Its just that she's been my companion for 11 years now, and I'll miss her dearly. Plus, there is the fact that she isn't exactly fond of others and I'm afraid she'll freak out with me gone for five months. I'm so grateful to have Carl and Cori to look after her while I'm away. Here's hoping she doesn't beat up the dog too much while I'm gone.

I found out the other day that my folks are planning to drive down with me from their place to Brasstown. The three of us are going to camp for a couple of days, explore the area, and get me settled in to my new home at JCCFS. I'm really excited they're coming with me, it'll make the final leg of the trip less nerve wracking.

25 days from the end of my job, 39 days until I leave Rapid City, 61 days until I start at JCCFS

One month...

Today marks one month until my last day of conventional employment. I've been having panic attacks in my sleep the last couple nights about money. This isn't anything new as I have them even when I'm not about to quit my job and take a road trip, but they seem more intense right now. I think there is a part of my subconscious that wants me to be a typical 32 year old, who is settling down and planning for retirement. To bad for them, it isn't going to happen anytime soon. This is a life experience that I wouldn't miss out on for anything in the world.

I have to admit that I haven't done any of the prepping I'd planned to during this vacation. Most of my time has been spent reading and visiting with friends and enjoying Rapid City. I spent yesterday printmaking and needle felting with Emma. It was wonderful. I'm really going to miss her while I'm away.

I'll also miss the beautiful view of downtown from my front yard.

Vacation...

It feels a little strange to be taking an 8 day vacation just before I leave my job next month. However, I have a good chunk of PTO that my bosses wanted me to use up prior to leaving. I kicked off my staycation with a batch of banana pancakes for breakfast. Had a fabulous lunch with my dear friend, Mary, at Prairie Berry Winery. Carl and I took our dog, Milo, to the dog park for the afternoon. I love taking Milo there, but I hate being out in this heat. I long for Fall weather. Now Carl and I are waiting to take our roomie, Cori, out for a birthday dinner.

Most of the next few days is going to be spent going through my belongings and prepping for my trip. I found someone to stay with in Omaha, NE via CouchSurfing. That puts me more at ease. I'm trying to make this trip on as little money as possible, since my stipend at the JCCFS is tiny. So, I was getting worried about hotel costs for my weekend in Nebraska. No worries now! I'm excited for my first couch surfing experience. I'll get to visit their Farmer's Market, and some galleries and vegan eateries that I missed last time I was there. Plus, I'll hopefully make a great new friend.

42, 56, 78

As of today I have 42 days left at my job, 56 days before my journey across the US begins, and 78 days before I start as the Student Host at JCCFS. I've been a little on edge about it over the past couple of weeks. Everyone keeps asking if I'm excited. Of course I am, but what most don't realize is, for me, along with excitement often comes worry. All who are brave, hold a healthy dose of fear within their bellies. I know that part of this worry could be eliminated by preparing more. I need to be sifting through my belongs, cementing my travel plans, looking at what life will be after JCCFS. The problem isn't that I don't have the time, its that I recently haven't had the will. I can't decide if its the heat or the worry, or depression, but I can't seem to focus long enough to make any progress. I feel like I'm allowing my time here to slip past. Its not just the tasks that come with my move that I'm not focusing on, its everything in my life. Part of the reason for this journey is to regain the balance I feel I've lost over the past year.