As I prepare to cross the Atlantic and then shoot down half a continent on Sunday, I can't help but think about expectation.

People have been asking, "are you nervous? are you excited?", and the only answer that feels true is "I just Am." I've never been to where I'm going, and while I'm reading and researching and daydreaming, the plain truth is that I don't know what to expect. How it will feel. How things will change.

And so, I'm simply packing. I'm saying goodbye. I'm thinking a bit about all the moments that have led me to this one. And I feel ready for what's next.