Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Final Countdown

After a long weekend spent with my backpacks and some ziplock baggies, I am completely packed! I have spent so long pondering what I would take with me, it’s crazy that packing is done. I’ve debated for hours, considering how many pairs of shoes to bring (only 3? How will I survive!?!), whether I really need both a poncho and a rain jacket, how many changes of clothes you really need to survive, and finally the day has come. I now own every divider and small bag known to man, but it will help with the organization. I didn’t even need to sit on the backpack to get it closed – one quick zip and packing was done. My whole world can now fit in 100L (a 70L big backpack and a 30L daypack). Everything has multiple uses, from the travel towel that can double as a blanket to the dental floss/laundry line. I’m sure I’ve forgotten something important but as I’ve said before – as long as I have myself, the rest can be replaced – yes, even the passport!
All the hours spent pouring over tour options, flights, hotel and prep work, and it's finally all coming together. Years of saving money, putting together budgets, in the hopes that I would have the ability to fulfill this dream. I have been so lucky that my friends and family have listed to me for so long, giving me advice or opinions on where I should go and how long I should stay - I know it can't be easy to listen to the same thing over and over again! When I tell people I am going on this trip, I get one of two reactions. They either tell me that they are jealous and wish they could go, or they tell me that I am crazy and that I'm throwing my money away. I suppose everyone is entitled to their opinions, but I guess it is no surprise that I see this as one of the most amazing opportunities in my life. When I am an old and wrinkly, at least I can tell my grandkids I used to be cool!

I have four short days now until my world changes completely. I will complete my last few days of work, turn in my laptop and fly off into the sunset. Thinking about not working is such an impossible dream – I’ve had a job since I was 15 working at the veterinary hospital with Alex, I’ve spent 7 ½ years working at my current job, and now I’m going to be in spending mode instead of savings mode. I know I am so incredibly lucky to have this opportunity, thinking about it just boggles my mind. Life is an adventure and you never know where it’s going to take you. Where will I see, what will I experience, who will I meet? I don’t know – but I’m excited to find out.

Saturday, May 7, 2011

Great Friends, Great Family

Today we had my going away party and I had such a wonderful time! The party was hosted by my amazing friend Jessica and her husband Shawn. It was one last chance to see my friends before I leave, a chance to say goodbye to those people who ground me. Today I realized again how lucky I am to have such great friends. My friends for years have been willing to see me only on weekends, to listen to my stories of travel across the country and the world, and who supported me through some really tough times. Hopefully they don't get too jealous hearing stories from around the world!

Of course, my family was also there. My mom, my sisters & brother and my nephew where all in attendance. This comes as no shock, since I have been blessed with a very close-knit family. They are always there when I need them, telling me funny stories when I am sad, giving me advice whether I ask for it or not, and just enjoying spending time together. I'm so grateful to have all of them. It is always so much fun to celebrate with my family, my high school friends and my college friends in one place!

While my wonderful friends hosted the party, I took the opportunity to experiment and made a cake. I love making cakes, so I take every opportunity I get to make one. In the spirit of the day, I thought it was only fitting to create the whole world!


Having the party has also made everything so much more real. I have been talking about taking this trip for years now, and only recently have I started to belive that it will actually happen. Realizing there are people who I won't see for months, some who I won't see for more than a year, is such a humbling thought. I've been thinking about how much my life might change over the course of the trip, the thoughts and experiences I will have, and what my life will be like when I return. I'm also sad about the things that I will miss while I'm gone - babies being born, the first day of kindergarten, birthdays & holidays, and normal things like having lunch together or watching a movie. So much life happens in one year, and I have started to realize that I will miss many of those moments.

But today? Today I simply spent time with the people I love.