T-minus 3 1/2 days

I never thought I could be so daunted by shopping. Ok, so it isn't the shopping that has caused my angst so much as the cash being liberated from my savings account. There is an endless list of things that I 'need' before I go to Spain...maybe I just won't remember I NEED them until it is too late! I have managed to procure two new pairs of shoes that I am quite excited about! A new pair of running shoes, which for at least a week may make running more appealing.

As well as a pair of FLYLondon shoes which are terribly stylish and remarkably comfortable! Look at them! I have never had a pair of wedges that wear like Chacos--sheer genius.

Other than binging on shoes, I have been making full use of the CorollsRoyce driving around Brevard, visiting friends in Atlanta, and of course venturing back to Boone for the GRE, Doctors, and farewells!

But...the real highlight was making two dozen of these delicious strawberry cupcakes with my adorable cousin (and they tasted just as good as they look)!

I like to think of myself as a cupcake artist. Happy Sunday!
Stay tuned for 'Miles meets the fam.' and 'Ella crosses the pond'

Southeast Alaska

Juneau, Alaska

View from the tram that climbs to the top of Mount Roberts

Frasier, British Columbia

This is where I ended up after taking a train from Skagway that followed a gold mining trail.

Haines, Alaska

This is a view of the Chilkat river where I took an awesome float trip through the Chilkat bald eagle preserve. Definitely worthwhile!

Glacier Bay, Alaska

The place adored by John Muir (read up!)---I woke up at 6 am one morning to be standing in front of the Marjorie Glacier. I was also lucky enough to watch it calve off several times. Incredible!

Johns Hopkins Glacier

This was my favorite!!! What an absolutely gorgeous mountain scene made more incredible by a huge Z shaped glacier??? Nothing. The views in this cover were incredible, not to mention the seals and eagles.

Views from around Johns Hopkins Glacier

Juneau, Alaska

After Glacier Bay we went back to Juneau and took a helicopter to the top of the Mendenhall Glacier. I must say they are much more interesting from this angle.

Loose Ends

Ok, ok, ok...I am a slacker. I have been too busy ticking off the days until I am thrown into the most uncomfortable situation of my life. I have been trying to fain enthusiasm for everyone else that is excited for me but ultimately, in my mind, Spain is synonymous with anxiety and an uncontrollable fear of the unknown. Clearly, I am not cool enough to be one of those people that are truly adaptable and capable of throwing themselves headlong into a situation and landing on their feet. Don't get me wrong, moving to Spain is going to be an incredible experience however, the idea of adjusting to speaking Spanish, leaving with an old widow, and being judged by the quality of my shoes is daunting. I'm pale, blonde, and American...what a target!!! Give me a month in Seville and I am sure I'll be singing its praises but I've recently learned some things about myself...

1. As much as I love to travel, doing so is awkward, intimidating, and exhausting
2. I love a well structured routine--really, I thrive in it!
3. I am a homebody with the mindset of a world traveler (problem.)
4. I have at last concluded that I am lucky to be from the best place in the world and ultimately would not mind moving back to good 'ol Brevard.

Too many contradictions--at least I have no choice and am going to be forced the overcome these problems, at least for four months!

In the meantime I will get around to posting pictures from Alaska, as soon as my iphoto library can rebuild itself. Oh yeah, and being a better travel blogger!