Officially moved out of my apartment today! Wow, that has been an adventure in of its self. It really isn't easy giving away, storing or throwing away all of your things. I have managed to get almost everything into three suitcases (one of which is supposed to be a carry on), however the carryon is currently too heavy and the other suitcases are just at their capacity. This leaves me with two options; first either go through and get rid of more stuff, or pay a little extra bring three suitcases and then bring my backpack as a carry on… choices.

So here I am sitting in my sister's basement, completely filthy as I had some serious dust bunnies living in my apartment. To those people out there who don't already know this (which I'm sure everyone but me did) move your furniture I say about every three to six months and clean under it. I could not believe the amount of dust, and fur, and… and… Although I am incredibly happy the packing is done with, I would estimate that the number of times I have moved in my life since infancy would be around 24 times (not including this one)… I'm positive the number is actually higher, but that's all I remember at the moment.

I got confirmation today regarding my flight. I will be leaving from Toronto International Airport at around 10:45pm on Saturday the 25th, and will be arriving in Abu Dhabi at 7:45pm (their time) on Saturday the 26th. It will take around twelve to thirteen hours to fly there directly, with an eight hour time difference. My first day of work will be Tuesday the 28th, and I really hope that I'm not jetlagged so I can jump right into work.

What can I say? I'm really excited, and I have been meeting people from there or from around there like crazy lately. It's really nice when you can hear what people have to say in regards to these matters, especially if they are from there. I'm actually really excited to meet new people! A lot of the time I have a difficultly connecting with people, but I think the situation warrants that I overcome that difficulty quickly. I must admit meeting new people really isn't my first priority, at the present moment I am most concerned about work and starting my new job.

It's hard to believe that in less than a week, I will be a real and employed Art Teacher; in a lot of ways I am still finding that difficult to believe. It really means that I am a professional, with a professional job, with professional responsibilities and living in another country. I don't know what I did to deserve this, but it's really one of the most amazing opportunities I've ever had. I intend on making the most of this experience by exploring the country and its history, but also exploring the world from there; for example, I want to go to Japan, New Zealand, Australia and Europe. I most definitely think I'm being too ambitious, but find I generally am.

Well I'm exhausted; I'll see what I can write tomorrow. Maybe I'll make a small list of things to not forget (a few of which I have already *sigh*) before making the big move overseas. I'll also have to make a list later of things I brought that I really didn't need, and things I desperately wished I had. Night everyone.