To do lists

I've recently become a major fan of to-do lists, especially after watching Alex actually accomplish everything he had on his list before he left. So in my pledge to stay organized and not forget anything before I leave, I've started writing things down as they pop into my head. Its a really great feeling to cross off things that you've been avoiding to do, such as my visit to the travel health clinic today to get my vaccines. Not only did the visit hurt my arm, but it also hurt my pocket book, as per usual (apparently I'm made of money). The only concellation was that I could now cross that off of my list! However this leads me to another task which requires that I get my shots, but thats a whole other story.

Speaking of lists, I've been known to talk about general things I'd like to do before I die, you know things I can cross off my list. Apart from going to work abroad, there's a lot of things I'd like to experience in the future. There's the general; be happy, get married, have babies kind of stuff (don't worry, not any time soon) but the real exciting things include learning to ski, visiting as many countries as possible, going to the next world cup in South Africa, scuba diving, volunteering for a charity with children, stomping on grapes at a winery, cooking with the Iron chef (highly unlikely) and the list goes on and on.

Interestingly enough, I read an article in the latest Cosmo titled "The Life List you Must Write" by Molly Triffin. It talks about how writing a list of goals you'd like to accomplish can keep you motivated and remind you to live by those goals. The list in the article was created by the mother of a woman who passed away on September 11th. Her daughter had started the list before her death. I liked that her list include simple things like be a good friend, kee secrets, never be ashamed of who I am, and take time for family and friends. I will certainly be adding these to my list and I encourage everyone to make a list, as short or as long as possible of the goals you'd like to accomplish, and include even the things that seems totally impossible, or absurd. Check back on it periodically and add more. Who know's, you might surprise yourself!

Alex leaves for Prague

Today was the day that Alex and I have know to be coming for a while now, him leaving for his internship, nonetheless it was still hard to see him leave. I felt like I was going through all of the emotions with him, and then I get to go through the same thing in a little while on my own. I guess we've both seen each other through this whole process, so it only makes sence that we understand how it feels. I am so excited for him and I know that he will do well in his new role. We'll meet up again in a month in Prague to start planning new adventures together. Can't wait!

It's Official

I just got off of the phone with Travelcuts, after booking my flight for my trip. I will be leaving on September 25th flying from Calgary to Franfurt and then to Prague. I'm kind of on a high right now and can't focus much on anything productive, other than telling everyone and their dog that its official!

The first of many

I've been convinced that I need to start my own blog just so I will now have written proof of my emotional outbursts. Has anybody caught the TLC commercial that says Merlot and email don't mix? Its a great life lesson. This could be trouble but here it goes!

Anybody that has had any contact with me in the last couple months has been privy to my rants and raves about my pending internship, and some more so than others :). After an extensive battle for my work Visa, I am starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Mind you, I don't have the visa in my hands as we speak, nor will I have it before I leave the country, but I'm optimistic it will be ready for pick up in Zilina. The waiting game has begun. (As an aside, my trainership is in Zilina, Slovakia working for a ski resort, Velka Raca)

Here's a couple tips that I've learned along the way; make sure you speak with several different sources before going forth with anything, paperwork is KEY, and yes you will pay for it so start saving, bite your tongue even when your better judgement thinks you should spit out a few choice words, and finally as difficult as it may seem, keep your spirits high and know that what doesn't kill ya only makes you stronger. I know the cheeze factor on the last one is pretty high but it's what helps me sleep at night!!

Test

My first post.