practice

Here is another piece of art that Lysa and I constructed from beach detritus. Mostly I am posting for practice. I finally got the visa papers into the post. The Thai consulate makes you jump through the hoops to stay longer than 30 days. We showed our house to a number of interested people on Mon. and Tues. We submitted an ad to craigs list and this time we received plenty of real interest. Knowing that task is near completion is a relief. Next task, buy tickets to South America tomorrow

conflicted

heart traveler

OK,can I start by saying how much I am looking forward to spending a year travaling with my family around the world? Now I must admit I also have my reservations, anxious moments, and outright terror at the prospects of traveling with my family for a year. My life in Santa Cruz by practically any measure is ideal. I LOVE my life here. I have fantastic friends,meaningful work as the ex spa owner, plenty of stimulating interests etc. Santa Cruz is a beautiful Ca. beach town that people from all over visit. So why the hell am I saying good by for a year? There is something calling me(and her name is Lysa). Yes Lysa is the prime motivating factor in making this trip a reality. It has been her dream for many years. Before I met Lysa I wasnt much of a traveler at all. I would take the occasional trip but not nearly to the extent we do as a family. Lysa has opened my eyes to the world and I can not look away. I tend to trust my instincts when making decisions.Generally it has worked out(a few setbacks along the way). Lysa was one of the best choices of my life and I have learned over time to listen to her suggestions, including this one. There you have it. Am I excited? yes. Will I miss Santa Cruz? yes. Will I MISS BURNINGMAN? YES!(have fun without me). Will we have our own fantastic adventures? YES.   Plenty to do this week to prepare. Showing the house, visa apps, pak shopping, insurance buying,tickets,work stuff. Thank you to anyone reading this entry. In peace,hotwater   PS the photo is an art project Lysa and I did from found objects while on Spring break in the Baja

so much to do

OK, here is today's list of to dos...1. finalize what kind of trip insurance we want to have. I am not a insurance fan but acknowledge that a certain amount is prudent. We will probably get some bundle that includes emergency medical and trip cancellation. Also we will keep in place our coverage at home(i think). 2. Send passports to the Thai embassy for tourist visa extensions as we will be there longer than 30 days. 3.Check in with our ticketing guy re. S America tickets. Is machu Pichu in Jan. a bad idea? Lots of rain we hear. 4. Check messages re. renting our home for the year,very critical. 5. Make appt. with bank to set up online banking etc. Whew, just writing this list is making me tired. I think I will take a nap. When I get my next lesson in computers from Anika I will attempt to post some photos from our trip to baja for Spring break. Until then, keep the peace flowing, hotwater

FIRST POST

With the help of my daughter, Anika I am now posting for the first time! We have about 6 weeks till our departure and a shitload of work to do.(does anyone want to rent our home?) Our first stop is Kauii,leaving July 17. Then on to Thailand, Bali,Japan, New Zealand. Whew, I'm already tired. If you all out there in the bloggosphere have any must sees please let me know. I am still contemplating an overarching theme for this year away. I am thinking about "everyday acts of compassion". I am looking forward to being moved,opening my heart and spending time with my family. As I progress I hope to make this site visual and hopefully entertaining. In Peace, hotwater