The Deep Breath Before The Plunge.

It's about 12:20 a.m. and I'm sitting on my bed writing the first blog post of my life on the eve of one of the most important journeys of my life. I apologize if my writing initially comes off as clunky or self-aware, I'm sure I'll iron out the kinks once I get used to this. I've just finished packing for my journey to Wellington and am very much surprised that I've successfully gone under the weight limit. My entire life has been condensed to 2 50 pound checked bags and a 15 pound carry-on. It's been interesting to narrow down the essentials of my life to mostly clothing and a few electronics. I anticipate that owning so (relatively) few possessions will be a very liberating experience; a lot of my life has been centered around owning STUFF at this point. One of my main goals in the following months is to collect more experiences and less THINGS. 

The last few days have been quite a blur; I've been trying to squeeze in as much time and people as I can in the ever-increasingly limited time afforded to me before I leave. I suspect what I've been experiencing is a small slice of what a man who knows he's going to die soon feels like. I really feel that every minute is an opportunity to get something done or spend time with people important to me. 

I was happy to be able to see my relatives from Colorado before I left; their time for coming down around these parts didn't really work out with the dates I'd be here, so I was happy to be able to see them for a few hours

They were graced with permission to experiment with the sacred Rock Band instruments. Respect.

Attractive. This is my very intelligent and very special sister Melissa, by the way.

It's odd thinking that the next time I'll see them is when this whole thing is over. Time moves quickly indeed. 

Yesterday I took one last drive down to our local Newbury Comics in Warwick with Marble and Barth. I've been realizing that as the days grow less, I've begun to more and more mentally check off "last times" that I'll do things before my journey. For instance, the last weekend I'll spend in the States, the last time I'll eat at a restaurant, the last time I'll drive a car, the last time I'll go to Dunkin' Donuts, the last time I'll brush my teeth. Yes. It's gotten to be a bit absurd. I'm working on it.

Not to drive the point home more, but here's a (very few) pictures that I've snapped of doing some very familiar things one last time.

The last approach to Newbury.

A very art house shot of the last departure from Newbury.

I squeezed in one last Wilson Park Volleyball game today. Playing volleyball here has become my favorite pastime these last four summers. I will miss the familiar faces, great weather and fantastic games at Wilson. The last game (before and after):

Finally I'll leave you with a shot of my last moment with my faithful '93 Toyota Corolla. In a streak of Irish luck, I managed to finally sell it the day before I depart. It will be missed. I will be holding a requiem mass in memory of the Corolla in the coming weeks.

To readers unfamiliar with my strange humor: The comment regarding the requiem mass is untrue. 

I'm about to pack it up for tonight and get some rest for the 20+ hours of flying that I have tomorrow.  Getting there is going to be the hardest part. I'm packing two books, an Ipod, plenty of water, trail mix, and a large bundle of nerves and excitement for the flight. This blog is for everyone who showed so much interest and support in my plans to study abroad and an opportunity for me to give back as many detailed stories and pictures as I can as a form of thanks and appreciation. I've been imparted many words of wisdom and support from all of my family and friends, and I thank all of them very much. I'll be keeping this updated as much as possible. Next post will be in New Zealand. Take Care.