My Final Week in the U.S.

In less than a week, I'll be in Barcelona for good.  It's hard to believe and sometimes I have to pinch myself to be sure that I am not dreaming.  I am filled with mixed emotions, not because I have doubts about going.  That question had been settled many years ago.  No, I have no regrets.  But in my life there are many people here in the DC area that I will greatly miss.  These last few weeks of visiting with them have reminded me of these friendships and the importance that they have in my life.  Thank goodness for Facebook! (LOL!).  Seriously, although not all my friends and family are on Facebook, and although there are some serious short-comings and frustrations with that particular social media app, it does create a sense of uninterrupted connection with friends, especially those who are not geographically close to me.  I know that I will be using much more of Facebook, Skype, WhatsApp, Google Voice with Talkatone, Viber (another VOIP phone app), Vonage and email to stay connected with friends and family here.

Dave, Carol, Chris & I in the Northern Neck (Virginia)

It seems that I timed it just right, giving myself five weeks after I retired to move to Barcelona.  I've been able to get all my packing for shipping done, I got my ID from the federal government (OPM) as a retiree, received my first interim payment (although I received an estimate of my pension from my agency, OPM does the final calculation after a person retires - it takes about 4-6 months - and in the meantime they send a lower-than-expected amount each month until they complete the process and then send the retiree the remainder that was owed him during that period of time), and was able to see friends one last time before I go.  Last weekend Chris and I spent time with Dave and Carol, former OCC colleagues, in their lovely home in Reedville, VA in the Northern Neck.  I came back early on Sunday for Shambhala Day at the Shambhala Meditation Center.  It was wonderful to see all the people I have gotten to know and love at the center.  I'll have one final opportunity to say goodbye to friends this Saturday at my friends' house, Bill and David, who have been so gracious to host a Farewell Party for me in their home.

Also, it has also been such a delight to spend so much time with Chris over these last 5 weeks (see my earlier post about Chris below).  The weather has cooperated too in that regard!  Since Chris is a teacher for the Alexandria school system, he's had a number of days when school was closed or delayed because of the snow.  We've certainly taken advantage of that!  This time together has allowed us to get to know each other better and deepen the love that we have for each other.  I know that my heart will ache tremendously when we part on March 10.  At the same time, I am so excited that Chris will be visiting me for two weeks in July.

I still have lots of details to complete between now and March 10, but it's all very doable and I know I'll be ready for the trip of a lifetime.