It's almost here!!!

I have been working feverishly on preparing to leave. My days have been jam-packed with packing boxes, lunch and dinner dates with family and friends, my last yoga classes, and, if there's a second, attempting to wrap my brain around this whole adventure!

I have had the best times with my close friends, family, and families I babysit for during these last few weeks in Omaha. Everyone has been wonderfully supportive and excited for my upcoming journey. As I reflect on the recent times spent with these people, I feel energized and encouraged by their outpouring of support. I realize my 'family' in Omaha is a lot bigger than I thought. Although I am saying good-bye, for now, I know that the same people will always be here when I come back (and I promise I will).

Today is Friday and we leave on Tuesday. It looks like a tornado has swept through my apartment; the walls are bare, boxes packed, and clothes scattered everywhere. My voice echoes off of the empty walls of what I have called home for the last four years. My mind is reeling with questions and thoughts: What am I going to pack? How do I decide? Can I take an entire suitcase of shoes?! :) Am I really going to be ready on Tuesday? How much does it cost for additional luggage items? Do I need red or purple high heels in New Zealand? And what is going to match my yellow dress?! Okay, so they're not the most important of questions, but in my quest to simplify my life in this move, the clothes and shoes packing is quite the conundrum! I just feel bad abandoning my outfits like that...

As I attempt to pack, and say my last minute good-byes, it's hard not to think about how much I really will miss Omaha. I am going on a date with my city on Sunday night, one last time (for now). I have so many memories of all the girls night outs, week-long birthday extravaganzas, celebratory dinners, dates, and random fun times at the bars, restaurants, parks, and hotspots across town. I will miss Pacific street the most, especially as fall rapidly approaches. Driving west near sunset during fall is one of my most favorite memories, as there is a brilliant array of colors of changing leaves. So, if you get a chance to drive there, enjoy it...for me! That's all for now...