So much to do

We leave for Italy in less than a month. I am so excited about this trip (our plan is to visit Rome and the Amalfi Coast) — and I have so much to do before we go!

As I've previously mentioned, the new issue of There is soon to launch. I just have to have the latest issue live before we leave. I'm also planning to do a launch party, and I'm casting about for ideas on where to hold it. (Can I host it at home? Is that crazy? The place is actually pretty nice for entertaining.)

I'm also working on a cover story on sovereign wealth funds for The Institutional Real Estate Letter – North America (is that a mouthful, or what?), and the story is due Friday. As I've already told the editor, there is just no way it will be done by then. But the publication ships in a couple weeks — and my cover is going to have to be in it.

And then there's all the little things that have to be readied before we leave town — like getting travel-size bottles and photocopies of our passports.

Also, I just have to hope that no major volcanic activity happens between now and mid-June.