Everything ready to go

Well, I leave in 2 days (on Halloween at 2:30) and everything is pretty much in order. It's amazing how different it can be when changing things like bank accounts and utilities when you are moving out of the country. There are things you wouldn't normally do for a regular move like cancelling your car insurance, cell phone, all utilities, etc. I also had to tell all my bank accounts that I was moving for a year to a foreign country so there was no question of fraud. As you can imagine, all this is a lot of work, not to mention moving out of your place and packing for a trip. It was diffucult to pack for a year-long vacation and all four seasons. Imagine it--what would you take? There are so many clothes that you are attached to, or things you use often that you just can't fit. Additionally, I can't imagine doing this 20 years ago without internet. I'm relying on interenet for communication, paying all my credit cards, doing my 2006 taxes, etc. At any rate, I just wanted to bring up a few of the differences in making this sort of move.

I'm excited for the trip, but also very sad. This is a very hard thing for anyone to do, which is why I guess not many people do it. I am going to miss my girlfriend, friends, and family a lot, and all of these things hurt. However, I'm following a dream I've had for a while and I just try to remember that. I know this whole adventure will be a test of my independence and ability to adjust to situations. I think its good for someone to test their 'survival' skills. It will be a humbling but enriching experience.

P.S. If anyone uses Skype, let me know. I'm conversing overseas with this nifty little internet phone service and its really cool!