Well, I think the Pacific Northwest powers that be are revving the engines to get us out of here ASAP.   Sitting in the local Starbucks working, I looked out the window and it wasn’t June sprinkling and grey – it was POURING!  I honestly thought that we had won the good graces of the weather gods after all these years that June wouldn’t be so awful, but thinking that way is just too self-centered. So, I count the days – 21 – until we kick off the UGGS and don flip flops for a few months.

It is hard to believe that the cadence of my life will so drastically change in a few short weeks.  The rhythm in Spain is just – well – later.  Morning is not 5.30am to the gym…morning might be 10am for a cafe con leche at the corner, then maybe the gym…then some productivity.  And to connect with collegues and US friends will really start in the mid-afternoon and bleed into early evening. Dinner at, oh, 10pm anyone?  Adds new meaning to the “night owl” concept.

I am really excited that we will have a stream of visitors during the summer – Ruthie and her two besties Renee and Lauren – nearly the day after we arrive. Ruthie hanging out for July and part of August. Her friend Ben from Charlotte in July.  And others have already put in reservations for the Fall and early next summer.  Most of all, thank heaven for Skype and VOIP – these will help close the distance gap with loved ones to some extent – while only the NEXT best thing to being there, it will help.

Our next big challenge will be what to actually put in our suitcases, and what to ship to meet us in BCN.  We have committed to go minimalist and not be those folks who have 18 suitcases a piece…how about one (maybe two – honey?).  Feel free to stop by and witness the valise stuffing ceremony in the coming two weeks.