a little more than anticipated...

afoot & light-hearted i take to the open road

healthy, free

the world before me.

the long brown path leading me

wherever i choose.

on sunday i leave on a little trip around the world.

the plane will take us alll around - literally.

but the places i am visiting are chennai & bangalore india, kuala lumpur malaysia & hong kong.

i decided that since i have this (very rough & kinda personal, not previously meant to be read) blog that it would be easier for my family & friends to just visit this site so they can see what i am up to.

i started journaling a little early -- trying to get into the hang of it :)

so here goes --

it's amazing how when you plan a trip,

and i simply mean the purchasing of the tickets...

you seem to dismiss the fact that there is a lot more to it than just that.

although i can be practical at times, when it comes to traveling and preparing for this trip i have come to realize that i don't know the half of what it entails -- which is why i am blessed to embark upon this journey along with 3 amazing women, bonnie kathy & liz.

and how blessed i am to be taking part on this trip?

it was all kind of fate.

the cards really worked out for me in this sense.

and i am so so so grateful.

the older, more mature women of the group (bonnie & kathy) really know how to take care of the business...

organizing, preparing, planning - etc.

and for that i am thankful -- & taking notes!

i think that liz & i just can't wait to get there..

and enjoy the ride.

at least i know that is the way that i feel.

i should also mention that none of this would be possible without the help of my amazing family for putting up with the emotional roller coaster that i have been on. or for supporting me on this journey.

who knew that preparing for a trip could bring back "high-school like battles" between my mom and i?

not quite sure if it is due to the extended stay in AV,

the pressure of getting everything ready in time,

or simply that she is going to miss me :)

she has been patient and so very helpful.

thanks to my dad for always being the rock -- the sensible one.

to natalie for organizing my life & taking a load off of my back.

to lexie for pushing me to explore the world.

i love you all.

[&jacksonchadjeffmarleybelleolly] - OF COURSE.

(and lets not forget to note the extensive list of gifts that lexie & my mom would like for me to purchase for them while i am abroad) -- no i did not forget the little rendezvous past the coach store to point out your favorites in hopes that i will find a knock-off. :)

i hope i can deliver.

and so these last days before i leave i am trying to fit in every

doctors

dentist

hair appointment.

time with friends and family.

packing

cleaning

preparing

organizing

checking off lists.

but WAIT.

i am only gone for 18 days!

it is going to fly by...

i gotta relax!