Dreams

So does it count as a reoccurring nightmare if the nightmare occurs three times in the same night? Well the other night I had a dream where I woke up on the morning of my flight and I wasn't packed. I hadn't even started. I think I was confused about the date or something. I was so freaked out. I rushed to the airport in a tizzy with a half-packed bag. But I missed my flight anyway. I woke up a bit frantic. This happened three times.

I guess I've been stressed about packing. I'm actually a little embarrassed about how much I've let the smallest stuff get to me. For instance, I got this new pair of sneakers. I ordered them online. They fit great and they're incredably comfortable. However, the color is a little lighter than I expected. It's really no big deal. But I got myself all worked up thinking I'll be the dorky American spotted a mile away in white shoes. I'm lame. I know. I scuffed them up a bit, and they're much better now.

All the new liquid travel rules have been a bit of a challenge, too. See, I'm trying not to check a bag. I'm just taking one backpack with a detachable day pack. And packing it is no problem. It's the one quart-sized bag with 3 oz or less that's giving me issues. I had no idea how many liquids, gels and lotions I use on a daily basis. Let alone three months. But after a bit of research and advice, I got some great travel products. Paper shampoo, paper laundry soap and paper hand soap. It's pretty cool. I'll be washing my hair with a piece of paper that looks a little bit like one of those Listerine breath strips. I haven't tried them yet. I'd better do that tomorrow. Check out flight001.com for the cool stuff.

Well anyway, I did a packing test run and it looks like everything will fit. Even the liquids. And I won't look like a dork. At least not any more than I do every day at home. I feel much better. No more nightmares. Last night Vinny Chase gave me a back massage. I should watch Entourage every night before bed.

Well, I moved.

Here's my new place. Cozy, don't you think? That's where all my stuff will live for the next few months. Can't wait to see where it'll be unloaded. Your guess is as good as mine.

So I left Atlanta for the second time. I was ready, but it still makes me sad. I love the city. And all the people in it. But I'll be back to visit. And who knows, maybe someday I'll move back for a third time. You never know. I certainly don't have a master plan. Maybe one of these days I'll map one out. But probably not.

The last couple weeks have been all about moving. I moved into a POD and then I drove down to Baton Rouge to help I my sister and her new fiancé, Alex move into their new home. So needless to say there's been a lot of lifting, cleaning, painting and sweating. But we did manage to squeeze in a bit of delicious fun at the New Orleans' landmark, Café Du Monde. Pretty yummy.


So now it's back to trip planning. I leave a week from Saturday. But really, I've given up on planning. I'm just going to show up. I'll figure it all out when I get there. I mean, what's the worst that could happen?
Please don't answer that.

Australia is a lot to tackle.

I mean, let's remember folks, Australia is not only a huge country, it's a continent. That's something I sort of forgot until I really started thinking about it. I knew I wanted to visit Australia. I always have. And what better time then on this big trip. But when I had to choose actual dates for when I wanted to be where, Australia threw me for a loop. I want to see as much as possible, but I'm trying to allow myself time to really see things. Spend enough time to get a true taste of the local culture. Or at least do something memorable so I'm not in a tail spin the entire time. SO. I decided to make it simple. Two weeks - two locations.

First is Melbourne. I've heard it's a wonderful city. Modern, young and lively. It's also an advertising city, so it'll be good to see what it's all about. After spending a few days in Melbourne, I'll fly way up north to Cairns. I chose Cairns because it's a great spot to explore the Great Barrier Reef. It's a tropical city lined with beautiful beaches and an amazing sea life. So that's where I'll be. I signed up for a 5 day class where three days will be on a boat. It looks amazing. Check it out if you like: http://www.prodivecairns.com/5daylearntodive.html

There you have it. I'll be exploring Australia's city life and sea life. I have a feeling both will be beautiful.

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.