I hope you know who you are.

I owe a HUGE thank you to my wonderful family and friends. I don't want to be dramatic or anything, but I really couldn't do this without your support. It probably shouldn't matter at this point in my life, after all I am ALMOST 30 now. But having the approval of of my parents helps me feel good about taking this trip. I respect their opinion. And even though I'm making them sick with worry, they still manage to encourage me. Thank you. Oh and thanks in advance for taking me in when I'm broke and homeless come December.

I've been completely overwhelmed with encouraging words from friends as well. Not one person has ever suggested that I am out of my mind and crazy. Even though that's how I feel most days. So thanks for making me feel normal and conning me into believing that I can do this.

Okay. Enough sap. I've got hostels to book.

Done deal.

Well, the tickets are booked. There's really no turning back now. The ever changing itinerary rounded out into a very nice trip if I do say so myself. It started out a little wild, hitting every city and country west of San Francisco. But then my very intelligent friends and family talked some sense into me. I ended up with an itinerary that will hopefully allow me time to relax and get to know the cities and people I visit.

Anyway, here are the major stops: Auckland, Melbourne, Cairns, Singapore, Bangkok, and Hong Kong. At least those are the cities I'll be flying in and out of. There will be a bunch of stuff in between. Especially around Bangkok. That'll be home base for six weeks or so. All in all it'll be three months of something new everyday. I can't wait.

More details to follow soon. Well, they'll follow when I get around to figuring them out.

Getting closer.

It's true. I can't even believe it. I'm merely hours away from finally nailing down an itinerary. Which means, this trip is going to happen. Wow. I'm feeling more excited than nervous right now, but I'm sure that'll change. So far it's a solo expedition. Which is wonderful. But I'm also brave enough to admit that the thought of solo travel triggers deep breathes. Traveling alone will be a challenge, however it's nothing I can't handle. I know this. [deep breath] It'll be great. Several friends and family members have expressed interest in joining me at some point along the way. So there is a chance I won't be talking to myself for the full three months. And for the record, I welcome the company.

What could go wrong?

So I absolutely love traveling. I know this for sure. And generally when I take trips, I do a fair amount of research and planning. However, with this big trip of mine, I'm finding myself a bit overwhelmed. There's so much to think about I don't really want to think about anything. Which, on some level the thought of completely winging it sounds exciting, romantic, and extra brave of me. But the reality of just showing up in a random country with no place to sleep, sounds not so fun and a little bit stupid. I need to find a happy medium here. Some planning will be required. At least for the basic food and shelter aspects of the trip. As much as I'd like to call myself a free spirited, hippie, go-with-the-flow kind of girl, I think when it really comes down to it, I want a bed. A clean one at that.

So I guess I'll just start one country at a time. First stop is New Zealand. I need to line up the first few nights, then I'll wing it from there. Everything always works out.

Just start writing.

That's the advice I always give myself when I don't know what to write. Just start, and something will happen. It works in theory. Something always happens. However, it's not always good.

In any case, I'm starting. This is my first blog. I've thoroughly enjoyed reading other blogs for quite some time. But it has never occurred to me to write my own until now. I've never had anything interesting to write about really. And I may be jumping the gun just a little even now. I plan on using this blog to keep in touch while I'm away on my upcoming travels. Post thoughts about things I learn, see, eat, etc. Normal blogging material. Hopefully some interesting stuff. Hopefully. We'll see. Until then. I'm taking my own advice and I'm writing. Hey, it's a start.