Down to the Wire

     It's the end of July and I leave for Australia on the 16th of August. Enough said...it's time to cram all those last details in while I am still sane enough to do so: printing out the itinerary (as most of you know, I am well aware of the consequences when not double-checking flight times), printing out the visa confirmation email explaining all the things I can and cannot do, checking that I have all the suggested vaccines (I have all but 2 out of 11 so that's pretty good), and even googling checklists for moving abroad. I feel as though I've been looking up these questions for so long that I could almost recite what their suggestions are and what their to-do lists say!
     Another big question mark that bounces around in the back of my head is what I'll be doing in exactly one year. This isn't an answer I'm determined to find any time soon but there is still a need for some thinking ahead here. If Jamie and I, as well as if I and Australia, really hit it off, I'm going to need another visa, but which one is the big question mark I'm referring to. This is probably my biggest concern over everything else. I don't want to spend an amazing year with Jamie and then be torn away from him again and begin the ever so stressful course of a long distance relationship once more. Saying goodbye after seeing each other for just a few weeks does enough emotional damage, let alone after bonding for one whole year. Don't get me wrong, I know it's silly to be worrying about this so far in advance but I always feel as though I'll miss a cut off or deadline if I don't get on the ball right now.

     Last preparations are being made. I just taught my Aunt Yvonne how to use Skype and am thinking about having a few little "goodbye gatherings" with family and friends. I was thinking about doing one event in which all my different networks of people would come together for last goodbyes but the more I'm thinking about it, the more awkward it sounds. I really just want it to be as laid back as possible, nothing party-like!
     Jamie comes in about seven days and I am literally counting down every second! I am so anxious to see him come out of the tunnel and throw my arms around him knowing that he isn't going to leave me in only few weeks like our previous visits.
     This may be the last time I have a chance to write before departure so, with that said....I'll see ya down under!!!