Tee Minus

At the time of this writing, I have less than 12 hours before I embark on my life-altering journey.  I have no clear sense of what I’m feeling.  There is excitement with a side of exhilaration, sprinkled with just a bit of fear, and a basket of warm pleasant anxiety served alongside a supersized glass of thank you Jesus.  I’m ready for this.  I promise you that I’m ready for this.  There is something amazing awaiting me overseas that I could never have found here (and it ain’t a man, in case you’re wondering).  It’s a genuine opportunity to have a different life; to actually live in a city where I don’t have to drive everywhere.  I hate driving.   Atlanta traffic is some straight-up bullshit and I’m not here for it.  It’s one of many, many reasons why I’ve been a veritable recluse for the past 15 years. The last thing I want to do when I get home from work is to put a bra back on to go drive somewhere interesting.  Chile, I’d rather stay at home and swing low.

Where I’m going, that won’t be the case.  I won’t need a car and the neighborhood I’m moving to is smack-dab in the middle of an enormous expatriate community.  Everything is in walking distance, and the metro system is extremely efficient (so I’ve been told).  This I’m here for.  I’d much rather walk a couple of blocks to go to a bookstore or a movie theater than get in my car and drive 15+ minutes to do the same.  Everything is going to be different.  How different, I can’t say, but I’m prepared to expect the unexpected and culture shock.  But I’m confident that I’ve made the right choice in which direction my life is going to take.  I’ve always believed that I would live abroad, but it always seemed like it would never happen.  I’ve come to understand that all of my previous experiences were nothing but preparation for what’s to come.

I’m ready. 

Next time I talk to you guys, it’ll be from the other side of the world.  See you on the flip.