Leaving tonight

The last few days leading up to this trip have been some of the most amazing days I have had in a while. I have been really busy at work, and then doing things after work that I had planned or needed to do for this trip. Last night I had to run to the mall and pick up a hat for Aaron, per his request. He said he needed an SF Giants hat for the ride. I have everything ready to go now, and just need to pack it all up, which is already almost complete. I have been getting more excited about this trip as it approaches. I have been working my ass off in the gym this week, and feel like I am about as ready as I can expect. I know Panama is going to be humid, really really humid, so I have been doing all of my training and cycling in a full jump suit, with a hoodie on, a beanie, and the hood pulled up over my head. I figured this way, my body will get used to the heat, and sweating, and re hydrating. I'll have to remember to mention whether or not that worked. I have also receive so much support from friends through emails and text messages, and in person that I just feel so lucky and grateful. My friend Matt let me borrow a couple sleeping pads, which were two of the last items on my list of things to buy or pick up before the trip. that was much appreciated. I also got an email from a friend named Josh, who said that the trip sounded inspiring, and got him thinking about what he is doing with his time and his life. I know exactly how he feels, because that is the type of inspiration that I got when I first heard about Aaron making this trip around the world that he has been on. It planted a seed in me last year, and it has grown ever since. Especially in times like these, when the economy is bad, and people seem to have additional stresses about life and money, and things like that, something inspiring helps you to feel like you can and will make it through. It helps you to think of things that you can do to change your situation, and perhaps change someone elses also. So when Aaron told me about the fundraiser I jumped at the chance. I mean, I am having just as tough of a time as anyone when it comes to money, and how the economy is effecting me and my life. I didn't want that to stop me. I figured that this was a chance of a lifetime, and to be a part of something like this was not something I wanted to pass up on. In making the decision to do this ride I placed a lot of faith into the world that I will some how, some way be able to make it all work out. So when I see things happening in my life, and around me, that are beginning to tell me that life is working in my favor, I cannot help but feel so grateful, and get even more excited. That Alchemist moment was only one of many that have come my way over the last week. Not just with the trip, but with life in general, and it has brought inspiration to me. I am not sure where I am going with all of this. It is still early, and I haven't had my coffee. i think more than anything I just wanted to send out a quick note to say thank you to everyone who has shown support for this cause, to me for making this trip, and let you know that I am just about ready to roll.