T minus 10 days

The countdown has begun.

Well, who am I trying to kid - I've been counting down for weeks and months now. Perhaps now the reality of leaving is starting to set in. My shots have been shot, my pills have been bought, and my teeth are cavity free. What more could one hope for.

Yet, it is a surreal world I am living in. I have to tell myself over and over that before I know it I will open my eyes and find myself underneath a mosquito net. Perhaps the countdown is an attempt to wrap my head around this all. Never before have I gone so far, leaving so much behind.

JM is all set to move into my place; what a great turn of events that has been. Not only did we have the chance to reconnect this year, but we have become great friends! I am so glad to see things going so well for him with a new job and a new relationship.

Christina leaves soon too - poor mom and dad. I predict phoenix will be even more spoiled by the time we make it back. She might even be allowed for a cuddle on the couch (gasp, I know). It boggles my mind the changes this family has undergone over the last eight months. I survived living on my own, found a passion in school and am on my way to Africa. JM has a wonderfully positive attitude and the greatest sense of humour ever - a dinner with the family doesnt go by where I'm not holding my stomach from laughing so hard! And it makes me so excited to see Christina going on the same Quebec trip that I went on 5 years ago; she is going to have the time of her life. Mom has a new job, and she and dad are all smiles whenever I see them. After years of teenage angst and frustrations, it seems as though we are all in great places in our lives. Leaving them will be so hard.

We are having a going away party next week - I dont like to say its for me, as I'm not the only one on my way out. There are so many of us off for the summer, some without return. I dread saying goodbye. The friendships I have made over the past year have been among the greatest I've ever had. It will be hard to leave knowing I may not see some of them again. Such is life, I suppose.

But, there is stull much to be done. For now, it is back to the book sort. Until next time, take care.

Linds