Skip to main content

Wait a minute...We leave in two weeks? But I'm not ready!!

Whew...D and I leave for Ecuador in 14 days. We have only two more weeks before we are immersed in a totally different culture, living a completely different life. Actually less than two weeks because we fly out at the crack of dawn...give me a moment, I just need to breathe into this paper bag for a few minutes.

I have been alternating between massive excitement and hyperventilation for the past couple of days. Oh, who am I kidding? It's been the past couple of months. Mostly experiencing the fear and exhilaration within moments of each other. I'm pretty sure that I have my husband convinced that I have multiple personalities with all the back and forth of emotions. Not to mention, the odd little tick I have picked up of resting my head on the table anytime Ecuador, or anything relating to Ecuador, is mentioned.

"Would you like a banana Danielle?"
No response because my head has hit the table.


My indecisive nature is also kicking into full gear. Dave and I have packed up a good majority of the house and have started to fill up the storage shed. The problem is when I decide that I absolutely need something that is already packed away and at home in storage. I don't know how many times I have packed, unpacked, and repacked those boxes. To add to the packing dilemma, Dave and I were told that we are only able to bring two suitcases and two carry-ons each. Hmmmmm....I'm pretty sure my shoes will fill one suitcase and my clothes will fill my other one plus Dave's two. I might need to do some rethinking, Dave it getting pretty territorial over his bags.


I just have to accept the fact that no matter what I do, I will never be as prepared as I would like to be for the move to Ecuador. From my complete inability to speak Spanish, though I do know all of the words to La Bamba (thank you Ms. Rollins), to my unreasonable attachment to footwear, there are going to be things to overcome. I've decided that I just have to be open to the challenge, fear, and experience we are diving into. I have to let go of my expectations, preconceptions, and basically all my habits of living that have been cultivated by living in small communities in the US. (What? You mean I can't just leave my purse on the table at the coffee shop while I order at the counter?) I'm not ready, but I'm willing to dive in with both feet. Wish us luck!

Popular posts from this blog

We're Moving...

To celebrate the big transition to Vietnam, we at the Richert Ranch have decided to relocate webwise as well. It seems time for fresh starts all around. We hope you join us .

Beach Shmeach

After an almost two year experiement in living, Dave and I have come to the conclusion that we are not beach people.   Sand?  Not a fan.   Being in a sea of people who, let's be honest, are a lot more confident in what they are wearing then they should be?  I can live without it, my eyes will forever thank me. (Seriously?  Speedos?  Why are people letting their friends leave the house in those?)   Yes, the ocean is beautiful.  And big.  And just a little frightening with all those crashing waves that pull you under water and provide that "I've just been tossed into a washing machine during the speed cycle" feeling. Besides that, I tend to burn.  And then freckle.  Not good. I can't help it...I wasn't born to be enchanted by the swaying palm trees and shimmering sunsets.  I mean, I'm from Idaho .  Give me the mountains anyday. And this is why Dave and I headed to Vilcabamba, Ecuador for Semana Santa, instead of following the rest of Ecuador to the coast.  T...

Tag O' Rama

Confession:  I love those getting to know you questionnaire, tag games, roving emails.  I just can't help myself.  I love reading what other people say, and I love filling them out myself.  First off, I love discovering that new piece of quirky information that just wouldn't come up in typical conversation.  "Oh, you once ate a live goldfish while dancing the mamba?"  Interesting.   Second, I love having to figure out my own answers.  There are moments in our lives that are natural to share, and therefore always at the front of our minds.   And there are those moments that don't fit in any socially natural box, they just are too obscure or bizarre to have an open forum.  These tend to turn into the moments we cherish in someway, that we only share in those magical moments of unexpected confessions.  They often define us, or show an aspect of our character that hasn't really gotten a chance to shine.  After confessing these, and hearing them confessed, you usu...