Pre-Departure

So I am counting down the hours now. It seems like just yesterday that this was just a dream. It's a really crazy feeling to be leaving the country for four months. London isn't going to know what hit it once I get there.

But preparing to leave I have thought about a couple things. First, packing... How on earth am I supposed to pack my life away in two suitcases weighing less than 50lbs! I need clothes to travel in, and clothes to go out in, and clothes to just have in case, and so much more! And then shoes. I need different ones for different outfits! And what am I supposed to do without jewlery??? But who could forget the essentials... underwear, socks, bras... and then there is books, money, purses, computer, food, school supplies, toiletries, and pictures and so much more... This is just becoming overwhelming.... oh goodness.

Besides packing comes the emotional baggage. Leaving home for four months. FOUR months. Ok now that I say that on here, it really doesn't seem so bad... but really that is a long time. The next time I will be home, it will already be summer! So crazy to think about. And not seeing anyone in that time from home.... Crazy stuff. I will miss so many people... One of my best friends is going to Australia, and then there are my roommates and all my friends up at school, all my friends from home, Badgerland, coworkers, and of course my family.

That will be the hardest part I think. I love meeting new people and making new friends but it has never been easy for me to say goodbye... or see you later in this sense. I have never been apart from those that I love for so long. Before it was just a short drive if I ever needed a little lovin' from home, but now it's only a hop, skip, and a plane ride across the great big blue.

It really is a bittersweet feeling right now. Everyone is asking me questions about how I feel about leaving and it is such a difficult question to answer. I mean I am excited, but I am venturing unknown territory. I am leaving everything that I know and starting a new life in a new country with new people. The unknown is a scary thought. It doesn't really help when everyone is coming up to you telling you, "look out for pick pockets. Look out for people who hate americans. watch where you are going. Never travel alone. Have you heard about the girl who died. careful of terrorists. Don't talk to strangers. have you seen the movie taken..." the list goes on. I appreciate the help and tips, but right now comments like this are just scaring me. I understand that I need to be careful and watch out for myself, but don't you have to be like that anywhere?! Let's be real... I wouldn't go home with strangers whether it be here in Wisconsin or in London... I am not that stupid.

On the opposing hand, I have had people tell me that I am going to have the time of my life. I am going to live the dream... sure I will have a little bit of school, but live it up. This is a once in a lifetime experience. People would kill to be in my shoes and I will never have a chance to do this again. At the end of it, you probably won't even want to come home! This is so relieving to hear.

So I am not sure what to really think right now... Excited and nervous. Scared but happy. Intrigued, but reserved. There is no turning back now... Sunday is doomsday. Bring it on. I can do this and I will love every minute. Lookout London....