Here... finally!

Hi all!

This one will be quite short since I have a meeting in a few minutes.

Just wanted to let you know that I am here after:
5 flights
an 8 hour layover in Frankfurt
a broken laptop
$500 in luggage fees!
a plethora of espresso beverages in the staff room (thats right! we have an auto-espresso machine... and its half decent!)

Given the broken laptop, it may be some time before I can write a decent post and get some pictures, but just wanted to let you know that I arrived safely.

Thanks for your prayers and well wishes-- everything is gorgeous, and I'm thrilled to be here.

Will you read me?

I've reached the point in my packing where I am looking for excuses to NOT pack.... so I'm creating unnecessary projects for myself so that I can still feel busy, but not actually pack.

I had every intention of starting a blog or at least a photo site when I moved to Honduras- but we all know that didn't ever happen. I had doubts that anyone would ever read it, and didn't want to devote a lot of time to a site that was really only read by one person: me!

Let me know if you are checking this... that will give me motivation to keep it updated in a timely manner! I'll try to post more pictures than words.... I hate writing to an unknown audience- but pictures speak for themselves.

Heres a brief synopsis of my preparations as of now...

Italian chapters studied: 26
Actual phrases capable of being used: about 5
Hours spent watching olympic gymnastics: countless
Most useful going away present: travel yoga mat! thanks Em!
Months I am overdue for renewing my teaching license: 4
Dollars spent on curriculum in one trip to the music store: $300
Item I would star in a commercial for: Vaccuum suck bags- they decreased the size of my sweaters by at least a half!

Well thats all for now. There is mowing to be done and actual packing that needs to happen so I can be done with it and enjoy a few days of just hanging out.

I'll try to post pictures within a few days or so of arriving-- "weather permitting."

Hope everyone's summer has come to a fabulous and beautiful end. Its GORGEOUS in Iowa right now-- not a sign of nasty August humidity. It makes me a little excited for my first fall in several years.

okay- bye!