preparing for take off...

"That's all you need in life, a little place for your stuff. That's all your house is: a place to keep your stuff. If you didn't have so much stuff, you wouldn't need a house. You could just walk around all the time!" -- George Carlin's skit on "stuff"

I never in my life thought packing could be so hard! Most likely because I've never sat down and thought...what do I need to survive for a whole year? Probably don't "truly need" as much as I packed...but I'm pretty proud of myself for fitting it all in 4 bags :)

So today is my last day in America for a year...eeekk! I can almost confidently say I'm completely ready and prepared to get on the plane. Although I took a risk and waited until the week before I left to apply for my work visa (not completely my fault because their website was misleading and the operator at the consulate could barely speak English), I managed to get lucky enough to receive it in the mail yesterday. I think that was one of the most stressful parts of preparing for my trip.

My going away party this past Saturday was awesome :) I got to see my family and hang out with some old friends. My friends and family are lifesavers because thanks to them I have enough money to survive off of for the first month until I get my first paycheck! Yay! That helped relieve even a little more stress from my life. My parents have also helped out a ton! Without everyone's help I'm not sure if I would have been able to afford this adventure, so it is greatly appreciated! :) And my two best friends bought me an amazing ring as a going away gift...so I guess that means I still have to be their friend for awhile lol j/k! Love them!

Today is about spending time with my parents and wrapping up a few things on my final "to-do" list before heading to the airport Wednesday morning. Even though I know it's going to be emotional at the airport tomorrow, I just want to relax and enjoy today. :)  Hopefully I will have internet access at orientation, if not I should definately be posting more blog updates in March. Wish me luck!

XOXO,
Amanda