As the start of my internship is getting closer, I can’t help but feel a bit anxious. I also just had the thought “what am I doing, I am using my sabbatical from my regular job to work 60 hours a day as an unpaid intern, am I crazy???” going through my head… It’s probably perfectly fine and not unexpected to feel that way, and it’s all part of the experience.

To give my thoughts a bit more structure (and because I am the queen of lists), I am writing them down. It will be interesting to re-visit this post in a few weeks and see how it feels.

I am going to miss:

• Michael and the kitties
• My very comfortable bed
• Volunteering at the shelter
• The nice foggy weather in the Bay Area
• My morning Starbucks (I never thought I would say that)
• Our garden
• My Sunday morning phone calls with mom
• Friday night dates and Indian food with Michael
• Wine
• Wearing nice clothes and heels
• Taking a bath
• Being able to drink tap water

I am looking forward to:

• Seeing Sabre again
• Being outside and working in nature
• Getting out of my comfort zone and (hopefully) grow as a person
• Making a difference for the magnificent creatures at Big Cat Rescue
• Learning as much as I can about running a sanctuary
• Connecting with people who deeply care about animals
• Thunderstorms
• Working and focusing on one project only instead of doing too many things
• Not having to use MUNI for my commute
• Visits from friends
• Hanging out with the other interns, and make connections despite the age gap
• Going on tours and giving tours
• Physical activity instead of sitting at the computer all day