Twas the Night Before Departure

It is time to go.  My pack is packed, bubble-wrapped sufficiently (I think) and leaning up against the bed.  My Madrid back is packed, open for last-minute items in the morning, and looking like it will not want to zip shut.  I've done the laundry, emptied the trash, put the cars to bed, left a note for my renters, and think things are in decent shape for departure at home.

My office, which is moving the week I get back, is mostly packed, my email inbox is down to nine items.  Board meetings are done, tax returns are filed, I've handed off most of the projects, and hopefully I'll be missed at work.

My students have submitted their initial assignments, except for a few who are learning the hard way that you have to pay attention to the time of day the system cuts you off from submitting assignments, and not just the day itself.

I think I am as ready as I can be.  I will need to be up at 5am to leave for the airport at 5:30 to be there four hours before departure.  Turns out that traveling with a group requires more time than just swooping through the airport by yourself.  Go figure.

How do I feel?  Tired.  It's been a long year getting ready for this, and especially the last few months at work.  But at the same time, that's gratifying.  I have an awesome group of colleagues, and we've accomplished a lot this year, and so I feel good about stepping away to take part in this journey.  I'm grateful to my coworkers for allowing me this experience.

Yes, I'm anxious.  I probably won't sleep well tonight, and when I do, it's likely to involve unpleasant Camino dreams.  I'm an overthinker, so I'm worried about logistics, I'm worried about the kids, I'm worried about the luggage.  Oh, yes, and the walking 15 miles a day for 38 days.  I know I can do it, but it's still a task not to be taken lightly.

I think this is why I "need" the Camino.  All in one fell swoop, it's a respite, a physical challenge, a thrilling adventure, and it pushes me mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.

Finally, and I think most importantly, I'm excited.  Excited to go back to Spain, even though this will be my 45th time in that country.  Excited to see my friends in Madrid.  Excited to walk familiar paths, but to see them differently.  Excited to watch the students as they experience the Camino.  Excited, because I want to be excited.  I hope that through my writing, some of you will be equally excited and maybe someday get to experience the Camino firsthand, if you haven't already.

So, it's off to shower, fold the last of the laundry so I don't come home to dirty clothes (the house is a disaster, though.  Oh well), and then to read a bit before trying to sleep. Then the big hurry up and wait that is modern air travel.  See you on the flipside!