Ready... Set...

We are Panama bound February 11th and, as dad would say, "
I'm busier than a one-armed base player." Talk about a To Do list... Somebody, quick, get me an eraser! Obviously, we aren't exactly Ready. And there's no way we are Set. But GO we will.

Of course, we'll arrive with nothing but our suitcases. Yes, I am taking one suitcase with clothing and another with school items and such. I have always been a cheap date. The house has nary a cup for the coffee so don't even ask about fridges or beds. On the upside, days 1 - 3 will be spent shopping! But the most important element will be hooking up the computers so our Vonage phone (and I) can work, since I will continue with my part-time job.

Staying in touch: In Panama there are no mailboxes at the end of the driveway. No street signs, either, come to think of it. Our regular mail will be forwarded to us via a service, but email is the way to go and we can all be reached at: mailto:ebslagle@hotmail.com

When Vonage is up, just call as usual ... on our Sarasota phone! If you live in Sarasota you won't even need to dial 941! OH yeah. The girl who lives happily without a cell phone is fully appreciating the miracles of technology! James Joyce referred to the telephone as "the umbilical telephone chord." And that's just the kind of love I'm feeling when I think about a working cable line.

School: William is enrolled the Laurel Springs (California) "distance learning" school so he can finish up 3rd grade. We tossed over the cash and bought the curriculum because he is now actually enrolled, and if he returns to the States, his reentry will be treated as a transfer! Easy Breezy Baby! Plus, we'll have a teacher and support from the school.

(Ok. My knuckles are turning white just thinking about Larry as the primary teacher, 3+ hours a day, while I work! Larry is a wonderful dad...and... For the past nine years, his role has been primarily as Happy Basktball Soccer Daddy ... not as Mr. Disciplinarian! So... this will be, well, speaking euphemistally, different. And I will need to let (ouch) go... which I tend to do with clenched fists!)

Also, we hope to enroll William part time in a local school for the assimilation, language and social aspects. Emphasis on the social!

Finally: Our adventure is just around the corner and you can follow us as it unfolds. Put this blog on your "favorites" menu and watch for updates on the Slagle Panama Adventure in late February! I'll try to keep it entertaining, and I'm sure we will provide plenty of fodder.

Hasta Luego Amigos!
Elizabeth