With 14 days left

I realized that I had to get emotionally strong, in order to get physically ready to be mentally prepared for this leap...

In retrospect, it was never a question of "if" I go to Asia but a matter of "when". When has come and of course I feel completely unprepared and scared. I've decided it will be fine. I really do acclimate well to various situations.

I have my TEFL certificate, 7 work days, and 2 mind sets PACK & GO.

I really want to be ready for any and everything. I'm slowly understanding that that is impossible. Mistakes and mishaps are inevitable, expect the worst hope for the best type thing.

My decision to take the cheesy cliche "the world is your oyster..." and live my life like so makes me think I've gone crazy. Turns out I'm ok with crazy. I welcome it with open arms (^.^) *Note: must learn more absurd emoticons to become more hip in Asia

I've decided on WWAoGGDIC as the new title for various reasons:
A. Anne of Green Gables is amazing
B. please refer to A
C. Although she never went to China, I think I can speak on her behalf
as to what might have transpired and/or decisions she would've made.
D. Although Gilbert probably would have never allowed Anne to go on an adventure w/o him, he'd be supportive of "that crazy Anne" had she wanted to go to China.
The list goes on.

I've packed and unpacked several times. I think I will be more decisive about what I'm taking after my "planning to get rid of as much shit of mine as possible" party this weekend. (which has turned into a going away sort of shindig) Folks have started calling dibs on things, but little do they know I'm going swap meet style. FIRST COME FIRST SERVE FOLKS!!!!

Harsh Realities I've come to terms with 1. I don't need to take my rice cooker, 2. I don't need to take my WOK, 3. I can buy stuff there and I won't be living in a damn third world country for crying out loud!!!

I can't tell you how excited I am for my mom and sister to come see me off. Yes, yes, I know that you're all thinking "She's going to make them do all the work". Of course I'm going to TRY and do that, but I know better. But I'm seriously just looking forward to seeing them. (like teary stuff kind of excited)

I can't thank all the people that are supporting me enough for their help and encouragement. I now have more contacts in China than I had when I move to Chicago from Dallas. It would be a lie if I said I wasn't nervous, but this feels so right and I'm not too worried (which is insane)

I will try to make more annoying post to track my final days in Chicago.

cheeeeers!!!!!!!!!!



“The World is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page.”
-St Augustine