See Dan Run: Go time

I haven't felt much inspiration to write the past few weeks. My strengths have never lied in patience. Making the decision to relocate this fall has made the weeks when it was too early to start packing or look for a new job just feel like anticipating your birthday and realizing it is still 6 months away when you're a kid.

But now! Now we are deep into "go time"! Not only are we moving, but we are also traveling for two weeks to Italy! It's the last big item on our "pre-baby bucket list". We've been talking about going to Italy basically our entire relationship of 10 years. I think we've been subconsciously delaying it as we knew that it was something we had to do before we have kids. We are finally ready to go and are so looking forward to the time together, exploring a country with a rich history, amazing art, and fabulous food and wine. Then when we come home, we move within 10 days back to Colorado.

So many emotions have been taking place since "go time" officially started. It feels good to purge things we don't use. Give away things we know others can use, and donate to people in need. It's also stressful. Are we thinking of everything we need to do? Are we missing any key pieces? It's been waking me up early this entire week with my brain moving like a ferris wheel. Around and around, stopping every now and then to load or unload a thought. Bittersweet is exactly what I'm feeling about leaving Chicago and moving to Denver. Leaving people who have become family isn't easy. It wasn't easy when we moved three years ago and it's not easy now. I will miss so many and so much about this city. But... I AM excited to check out in Italy and just enjoy the moment and make some lovely memories with my partner in crime.

When we return we'll be in full swing moving mode, saying "see ya later" to family and friends, and making the most of our final days as Chicago residents. (sniff, sniff)

In the spirit of my blogging idol, Kelle Hampton, www.kellehampton.com, here are a few things I've been enjoying...