It's so hard to say goodbye

Sign contract... check.
Book flight... check.
Seriously think about packing... check.
Say a million goodbyes... half check.

I got a little nauseous today thinking about everything. It's REAL. I feel like before it was something I was talking about that might happen should all of the stars align on the right day, at the right time. And don't get me wrong, I'm really excited about the whole experience, new country, new languages, new job, new friends, everything I've been waiting for, for over a year now. But I can't help but think about all of the things that I'm going to miss. In the grand scheme of things, looking back over this past year, I don't think I would have missed much, so I'm sure I'm letting my deepest thoughts get the best of me. It happens to the best of us.

I will not miss:
Snow
Bad drivers (apparently there's plenty of them in Ho Chi Minh)
Running into people I don't really feel like seeing (at the market, bank, bar, etc)
Watching the same episodes of the same shows day after day
Not being able to sleep because I can't wait to get there

I will miss:
My family and friends (duh)
Texting whoever, whenever
Dates with my mom
Good American television (yes, I'm referring to American Idol, what of it?)
Driving Rufus (my car that I pretend I hate, but I secretly can't live without)
Blaring my favorite tunes in my car driving up the Parkway to visit my friends
Having a reason to wear sweats (apparently it's stifling in HCMC)
Running into people I do feel like seeing at random
My favorite American brands and restaurants, and Tangles (who will cut my hair?!)
Good times on Jones, Belmar, and Herbert
Scarves, boots, hot chocolate.. all things winter
Not working (hahaha, jk)
Ag Field Day, HH Thanksgiving, the Scarlet Knights, all things Rutgers

I'm sure there's more for both lists...

Goooooood morning, Vietnam!

Shit just got real. Well, kinda real, I haven't bought the plane tickets yet and my passport expires in April, so I need to get it renewed. But as real as it can be without those minor details; I GOT THE JOB!

Courtney and I went out tonight and I saw Billy H... I haven't seen him since I was like 12. He said, "Go. Don't let anything change your mind." Then he started talking about being sold into prostitution. Freaking history teachers.

I am painfully excited <3 I don't know how I'll sleep between now and getting to Vietnam. I'll be exhausted when I finally land. How does one pack for a year in another country?

Throw dirt on me, grow a wildflower

It's official: Interview Wednesday, January 12, 2011. I'm so excited! And nervous.

"The cure for anything is salt water - sweat, tears, or the sea." isak dineson

Ready? Set... GO!

I'm applying for a one year position in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam and I'm painfully excited and anxious about it. I need to do something drastic and crazy, I think, to get out of this rut. I've been jobless since Aug and off of my career path since... forever. This would be a wonderful opportunity to learn and travel and do all the things I've ever wanted to do.

Cross your fingers, say a prayer, do what ever you do that you think makes amazing things happen, that I get to spend a year on the other side of the world.