I leave for Spain in 30 days.

I've always wanted to move to a different country.  The first time I left the country was in 2006.  I studied abroad in Sevilla, Spain...so Spain is special to me. (And Spain is the only country I've been to twice!) In January, I finally made the plunge and started applying for jobs there...and after many months of waiting and hoping I finally got a job in Spain...and now I'm moving there.  MOVING THERE!  Holy crap.  I am moving to Spain. :)

The first question anyone who really knows me asks is, "What about your cats?" Well, my cats will be safe here in the US (because bringing them to a shelter is NEVER an option for me).  They will be staying with their grandparents.  I wanted to bring one of them with me but it will just be too expensive and too difficult.  I mostly worry that someone will say, no, you can't bring that cat on this train/subway/plane or in this hotel/hostel/whatever and then I'm stuck because I would never in a million years abandon my cat.  I also worry about my ability to find a place to live if I have a cat.  It's hard enough in America!  If I had a friend or relative in Spain that I knew I could stay with, I would definitely bring my cat...but I still don't have a place to live!  I will stay in a hostel the first week or so until I can find a place to live.  Of course, I am looking and have been looking but I will not agree to anything until I get to Madrid.  So, very, very sadly, I cannot bring my cat with me.  I'm trying to find a place to live that has a cat already.  My soul needs a cat.  I need a cat in my life to be happy.

So...it's July 26.  August 26 I will be on my way to Spain.

Am I nervous? Yes.
Am I excited? Yes.
Do I think this will change my life? ABSOLUTELY.

And that's why I'm doing this.  I teach Spanish.  Living in Spain for a year will only add to my knowledge of grammar and culture and that's what I want.  I also plan on taking French classes while I am in Madrid.  This will enable me to finish my Master's in French on time rather than missing out on a year of classes.

In 31 days, I will wake up in Spain...or at least on the plane in Spain. :)