Jan 27: Big news--and good, for a change!

Posting has been on my list of things to do for over a week now--I even have notes made on everything to tell you about! And it's annoying when you keep checking and there isn't anything new.

Passed the year and a half anniversary of heart surgery #3 a couple weeks ago. Had another birthday this past Saturday. February 16 will be the five year anniversary of the initial diagnosis. Yes, I'm way too obsessed with dates. Anyway, with all of these things converging together, I decided it was time to feel like I was really making some progress. Taking my life back. Being reminded that I fought through everything for there to be something enjoyable on the other side. Having something to be excited about and look forward to doing. So, despite some financial concerns, I made the decision to do something big. Something that really means a lot to me on several different levels. One of my major goals--besides being able to work and take care of myself. And so....

I'm going to England and Italy for two weeks.

Travel has always been my greatest love as far as a hobby. And my cousin Susan made me promise that when I was able to travel again that I would come to see her in Italy as the first international travel. Not like that's much of a sacrifice when you're talking about somewhere to go, of course. And I've been there before, although not as frequently as either she or I would have liked over the years. So, a few months ago we started talking about it, decided that going over for her spring break would be good timing--she's a librarian at John Hopkins University in Bologna. Not doing the grand tour of Italy, spending time just hanging out. But let's face it, folks: a boring day in Italy is still way better than an exciting day in Phoenixville.

Her break begins the Thursday before Good Friday, and it's always extra stressful on her before holidays, because the students are always rushing in to get materials to work on projects over the break. And with getting adjusted to the time difference I think the best amount of time is about two weeks. Getting there early didn't make sense with Susan and the kids tied up. That lead to my decision to stop somewhere for a few days on my way over. Choice of airlines are narrowed down by those that fly into Bologna airport, which would determine what city and country I would fly to from Phila International. So, England because it will be my first time traveling "since sick" and I figure that not having to deal with a language barrier would be easier on me. I'm incredibly excited and having to remind myself that I get tired pretty easily so shouldn't plan on doing too much. Details still being worked out.

AND my two-car garage finally has room for both cars--yeah!! Managed that right before it got really cold, and a real sense of accomplishment.

So that's it for now. Time to pack my lunch and get ready for bed. Thanks for checking, Laurie