My time here in Juneau is coming to a close and my stomach will be glad to see me on the road.

My stomach keeps doing somersaults between excitement to get this adventure started, to nausea "do I have enough money?" "I need another vaccination!" "I don't want to go!" "What if....", and finally direct fear of the unknown.

I am beginning to realize that my time in Juneau was well spent and the friends I have made here will, hopefully, last a lifetime. I will miss the hikes, the ladies at work, and one someone special. *blush* He is yet to be named but missed terribly all the same.

My family in Pensacola, Florida, is facing the terrible Ivan hurricane right now. They baked a ham and a blueberry pie to ensure they had proper nutritional supplies for the storms duration. They discussed squirrels in trees, high winds in trees, and departing fishing docks. My family is crazy with this hurricane soiree of theirs. *sigh*

I have everything lined up for my language school in Xela and am prepping for that adventure and all it entails. Kind of freaking out about living on a fixed budget - but who doesn't fret about limited cash? Found out I need another vaccination - Hepatitis A - and it is freaking expensive. $180 in Juneau!

Making plans to catch up with all kinds of crazy friends in Colorado, Georgia, Florida, and Central America! YEAH

"The leaves are changing all around and it is time to be gone" I guess it is time to Ramble On.

I will put my best energies forward and step into the future with a smile. But all the while I will be missing you... all of you and yet looking very forward to meeting all the friends that I will miss when I leave Central America to return home.

These are my ramblings for now.

Pat - I had a wonderful time with you in Haines and I look forward to seeing you in Alaska again next spring. :)

I look forward to every step of this great adventure!!