My last day of work before my trip

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I am no longer counting down the days before I leave on my trip. It is no longer six, or five, or one month-it is three days! My last day of work was yesterday and I couldn't wait to get out of there (no offense to my co-workers). I requested this time off nearly a full year ago and I tried to pick a time that would make the smallest impact on staffing (and be the least intrusive) and-be located somewhere where the weather was agreeable-our winter would be their summer. I have already gathered any necessary VISAs, gathered some of the generic supplies I carry such as toiletries, first aid supplies, - if possible I have reserved my first nights stay. I have attempted to pre-pay some bills, I have done a little cleaning that I have been putting off-maybe rake some leaves, or clean out the gutters. My friends and family know I am going; occasionally they ask me if I am excited-not yet, is my response. There is a part of me that still doesn't believe it is going to happen. I recall from previous trips that I begin to soar inside (of me) when I am in the airport and going throught check-in. I feel as though I am doing some form of time travel as there is such a jolt from traveling over a long distance like that and then ending up in a place where every thing is different-

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Photos

Sunset Haleakala
Had to get up early, climb ten thousand feet, and freeze-It snowed the next day--in Hawaii?

All handmade
This is the entrance to a waterfall outside of Vientiane (2006)

Fall moon at home
Had to use a tripod for this one-I wasn't too stable

The cat
She really doesn't care that I will be gone for a month

Fall colors
Olympic National forest-and yes you do see someone's silouhette

My Honey
A hiking we will go

Johnny
Photogenic-and knows it

Brown Beauty
It's mostly silt that colors her; and some pollution, too.

Nam Song River
Water level is high due to rains

Green and Wet
View across valley Vang Vien

Comments

[Kathleen]

almost there!
Have an awesome time... I am excited to watch your travels and hear what you are doing! Love you, Patrick!

[angela]

So exciting!
I'm really happy for you!!

[Your Luv Bee]

I will miss you, Honey!
I read your first entry and I will miss you very much... I got to spend the last weekend with you before your trip and I am pooped! Okay....can't wait to hear more as you travel but like I said, FIRST: Concern for your safety; SECOND: Hope you have lots of fun! THIRD: Hope you experience some cool things and feelings that you will reflect on for a lifetime. I love you my Luv Pea who I LOVE!!!!

[Little Luv Bee]

I already miss you!
Hi Luv Pea! I am waiting for your next entry with excitement to see how your flight and check-in to the guest house went. I reallllly missed talking to you today. I thought it would take an entire week to really miss you but alas, it has taken less than 24 hours. I miss your sweet Luv Pea voice! I miss your amazing Luv Pea smile! I miss my Luv Pea who I love..... Love, love love you, Little Luv Bee