So Blessed

I just feel so blessed. Yesterday was my bon voyage party and it was an awesome show of love and encouragement. I am now 4 days from departure. The kindness of people I love showing their support for me to do this amazing thing, this journey of self-exploration and discovery. I received great advice from those I love and their simply being there for me was more than enough to fill my heart with joy, and a little sorrow for leaving.

I almost want a going away party EVERY WEEKEND! Great Seattle band, Exohxo played, my mother sang a song to me, my dad blessed me with voiding my IOU for my laptop and over 50 people came to wish me luck. The food was to die for (and I will be dreaming of the deep fried mac & cheese bites for many months to come) and as always, there was a plethora of good wine to drink. The generosity of my friends & family was astonishing and I am overwhelmed with love. And now I have a nice little starting fund to being my european adventures with.

But throughout the party I felt a drain, not knowing if my visa would in fact come in time and I would be able to go. After feeling rather frantic this morning not being able to reach the visa desk at the consulate in San Francisco, finally I received word that it is being mailed out today. (Let's just hope that it's approved!) Overnight FedEx should be dropping it tomorrow.

Crisis 1 diverted.

Crisis 2: packing! Despite reducing my life by 2/3 I still have too much stuff. Trying to determine what I can and cannot take with me is incredibly hard. I have so much to do. And it all has to fit into 2 checked bags less than 50lbs each and 2 carry-on bags (a duffle and my backpack). Not enough room for everything I think I'm taking. I have a feeling I'm being a little over zealous.

We will have to see what will actually go and what will be forced to stay. One thing for sure is that by Thursday I'm going to be an emotional wreck.

Crisis 3: Cat. Still looking for a home for my little one. It breaks my heart to even think about it.

For now I'm going to try and stay focused and write thank you's before I forget. :)