Countdown - 3 hours Before Leaving for Airport

Wow, okay if I'm this bad about keeping up my blog while traveling I'm sorry. I was scolded by a friend for not posting regularly. Forgive me my friends, believe me I have not been idle. So, I've been trying to see everyone before I leave, completing some paperwork so my brother can track me down easier, and taking care of every other little detail that adds up to more time then you think. I've had some great conversations with friends over food and drinks, fire pit ambiance & life discussions (won't forget the smell - it sure says FALL to me), celebrating my birthday (yes, you guessed it I'm 29), and seeing little Sydney all dressed up for Halloween! Seriously, there hasn't been a cuter Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz EVER!

I feel anxious and excited all at the same time and although a few people have said that I'm brave I don't really feel that right now. I hope to gain some new insight into the world, people, other cultures, and ultimately myself. Don't worry, I'll return somewhat different I'm sure but still the same foundation! This will truly be a journey with ups and downs but isn't that real life anyway. And, to be able to experience those in some incredible places around the world isn't half bad I think!

I hope to get updates from everyone through this blog but also in more detail by email. I think you all know me well enough to know that friends and family are so important to me. That makes it hard to go on this trip, but at the same time easy because I know I have such great support in all of you. My friend Pedro told me to have fun on my belated post college backpack trip. So, I just figured out I was supposed to do this a long time ago evidently. Thanks Pedro!

And for those of you who have shared your concern over my safety, I'll keep your thoughts close. As another friend told me, do as Magnum P.I. said, "Trust your instincts." Okay, that might have had more to it but my memory isn't as good now that I've had another birthday. Oh, it's also good to know that I have someone ready to send a ransom for me - Just in Case! :) I do have some travel insurance that includes medical coverage so that should help with other stuff that might happen.

So my flight leaves at 6:15 a.m. - UGH yes that means I should be there by 4:30 a.m. Luckily, I'm about 10 minutes away from National Airport - and even more lucky for me my dear friends Dana & Doug agreed to get up at an ungodly hour to take me. Love you guys, now get some sleep!

I think I will finish packing and maybe try to sleep for three hours or so if I'm not too excited. Oh, darn - I forgot the Tylenol PM to help me out. I miss everyone already but look forward to continuing to update you and eventually share my stories with you in person next year.