Today is the day

I guess technically I'm leaving today...since it is already 2am...but really I'm leaving tomorrow. Still, it's incredibly soon.

On Thursday I had a last winey dinner with the bestie (a somewhat weekly tradition) and said goodbye to one of my best friends, who gave me a wonderfully thoughtful birthday/easter/thanks-for-watching-the-cat present.

On Friday I said goodbye to the cutest 7 month old on the planet who I have been babysitting several days a week for the past few months as well as his parents, who have come to consider me a friend.
Then I got a twisty cone at Dairy Queen to console myself. It worked quite nicely. Driving around, cone in hand, music playing, windows open (a crack) and sandals on, I said goodbye to winter and smiled at the arrival of spring. I'm glad it peeked it's head out before I left, spring is my favorite season. But I'm not sad to be missing it. I have grander adventures ahead of me and I'll be back for late summer, another beautiful time in Michigan.

Today I said goodbye to my Aunt, little cousin, and grandparents over coffee and pastries at Herman's Boy. Later I gave a last hug to Sarah.

My cat, Smudge, definitely knows that I'm leaving. He has hardly left my side for the past couple of days - he's sleeping next to me right now. Poor buddy. There will be so many less belly rubs in his life for the next 3 months.

I have packed two bulky suitcases to the brink of the 50lb limit with clothes, toiletries, scuba gear, identification guides, and other random necessities (including a jar each of extra crunchy peanut butter and nutella - more like essentials in my book).

I have even (mostly) packed a carryon bag.

Tomorrow I will skype with my lovely sister in Portland, OR. Then around 6pm I'll kiss Smudgely goodbye and we'll drive out to Detroit where I'll have to say goodbye to my parents and start the long voyage halfway across the world.

I think I'm ready. I guess I have to be. Regardless, I'm excited.