Say Goodbye...

It is just past midnight, my house is quiet as everyone sleeps and I'm here: writing. Today was my idea of a perfect day: Sunny, clear sky, with a gentle breeze and a thunderstorm at night. I got to spend time with almost my entire family and some of my closest friends. Only I had to say goodbye. My family, my friends, and my pets will all be here while I'll be out there. Don't you wish you could just take everyone with you so that they too could see the wonders of your world?

I cried as I hugged my grandmother goodbye and only can imagine how my departure from my mom will be tomorrow. (WOW! It is official. Tomorrow I will be setting "open course for the virgin sea!") Talking to everyone today and listening to them express their excitement and envy for this trip made me realize how truly blessed I am to be given such an incredible opportunity.

My Aunt MaryAnn asked me, "Are you excited?" Of course I'm excited but due to the attachment I have to my loved ones anxiety rises and excitement takes a back burner until I'm finally settled in. With the limited internet we have (125 minutes for 2 months...what a joke?) and the absence of a phone...communication is going to be stagnant. I'm going to miss them.

Have you watched the movie Taken? Well if you haven't, "DON'T!" and if you have keep it away from the eyes of parents who already worry about their children traveling. I'm not going to get into details of this intense film but understand this, things happen and of course we can prevent them from happening by staying in the security of our own home, but then the word "living" would have a very interesting definition. I'm not saying we shouldn't all live with caution and regard that human life is a precious and fragile thing, but we must also live with positivity and hopes for the best! (with extreme alertness and intelligence, of course)

Double checking sucks....I'm certain I'm forgetting something even though I've already been packed for 2 days now. You would think that a list, to check things off, would help. But as I go through the lsit, I stare at my suitcase wondering if I REALLY put that in there. I mean REALLY!? and then I have to DOUBLE check! ughh! Not to mention I am so paranoid of losing my luggage on my flight. A student has already had her luggage misplaced on the trip thus far. What would I do!?

Even though I'm going to be having the time of my life, I am still going to miss my TV shows. "So You Think You Can Dance"!? I'm hooked! Also I won't be here for my favorite holiday: The Fourth of July. But don't worry I have my mom on DVR duty! =) The season and the specials will be waiting when I return. Also awaiting my return will be, hopefully, the money that I didn't spend on this already expensive trip. I need to conserve my expenses so that I can secure my life in the city next semester.

Well I think it is time for bed. I'm waking up early to triple check that I have everything and that I am as prepared as possible. I have an 11:00am train to NYC and a 6:30 flight from Newark Airport to Halifax, Nova Scotia. The journey now begins with my dreams. Goodnight.

Explore. Dream. Discover.

-Michael-Anthony

P.S. Wish me luck on an emotional goodbye to my Mom, Brother and Sister. I love them.