Going down under

14 June 2011 

All packed, all ready. Ish.

It never hits me until I’m actually there that I’m leaving for… (what to call this?) an experience… an adventure… a trip. The idea that I’m trading in flip flops and jean shorts for my fall jacket and internship clothing- that I haven’t processed. The idea that, wait not the idea… the actual plan, that I’ll be interning five days a week, regular work hours. Nope, that also doesn’t seem real. Now the concept that I’ll be legal to order myself a cocktail in a few days. Funny enough… that notion doesn’t seem too difficult to grasp.

I leave tomorrow… midday from South Florida and late evening from LA. To no surprise, I’m stressed. But not stressed about the trip. Not stressed that my luggage may be overweight… that I have no idea if I’m bringing the right amount of clothing or if I’ll have room to lug souvenirs (ehem a new wardrobe) back with me. Or how the people are going to be... if I’m going to make new friends or if I’m going to be horrified with my living situation.

Nope, not stressed about the above.

(Rule 1: My blog is a judge- free zone; don’t judge my source of stress.) I’m stressed because my converter is too large and my hair dryer is too heavy and my toiletries are also too heavy… so I’m not bring them with me. They’re staying here, I’m going abroad and it looks like I’m paying the Australian form of CVS a quick visit… the minute I land. (I do recognize it’s not really a reason to stress. But it’s me… different rules apply.) I just like having everything prepared. It makes me cringe knowing I'm leaving some essentials behind.

I have no doubt this summer will prove remarkable in my continuation of my self- discovery process. It’s my first step into the working world and my first opportunity living a life abroad. I’ve laid out a few goals for the summer: I will put my all into my internship, truly squeezing all the experience and knowledge I can get from my time at the company. I want to discover my strengths and work on improving my talents. I want to learn to travel in a foreign country and to master the art of light packing (HA, as if) while I backpack across the country. I want to meet new individuals, form close and comfortable relationships with them and continue the friendships long after our program ends.

It’s my first summer not going to sleepaway camp. I’m telling you, it’s a massive step. But it’s the right step in the absolutely right direction.

Goodbye for now, USA.

I’ll greet you all with a G’day once I’m down under.