Going and Leaving

Today is my last full day in Wisconsin before I hop onboard a plane to a destination that could (and very well will) change my life for awhile. I have been pacing myself this past month to keep getting things checked off my to-do list. So, as of last night, I'm packed. I'm all ready to go. I'm relaxed. I made sure I had time everyday to just relax at home, to forget about any stress. So far, it's been working and I would really like to take a nap.

It was strange packing for this trip. I packed shorts, sandals, mittens and a winter coat. It is going to be such a range of seasons there. I think Florence is much like Wisconsin fall with a milder winter (i.e. no snow, sad). But, I think I've managed to get everything I need. I actually have empty space in my suitcase....wow.

Hmm...I tried to make a list of everything I am going to miss while I'm gone; this is what I've come up with: sushi, Tessa Bisek, my dogs, the Chazen museum, Morie Chol-low, my mother and my Tasha, Elora Koepcke, my green metal bed, autumn leaves, my Frida Kahlo picture, Kara Sprangers, my down coat, Jim Prey Jr., downtown Madison and it's greatness, and my life before Italy.

After I thought about all the things I'll be missing, I tried to think of all the things I'll see and do in Italy: drink (a lot of) beautiful wine, eat gelato, live in a villa(!), learn Italian, start painting, travel wherever I want, dance the night away and walk down cobblestone streets, go shopping (and obvi bring back presents), eat more spaghetti than I ever have and see Italy through my own eyes. I'm so ready to go.