26 days left! I almost can't believe it! Time has flown by, yet it seems like forever ago that this whole idea to go to South America came about. But man am I happy that I decided to go because now I'm just so BEYOND excited for this trip in so many ways. I get to not work for 3 months, meet new people and make new friends, test my "awesome" beginner Spanish skills, and just experience all the sights, sounds & tastes of 6 different countries. But I think this quote says it best - "One's destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things." - Henry Miller. I am really looking forward to learning more about myself, what I'm capable of, figuring out what interests me the most in life, what inspires me and keeps me wanting more. I'd like to see the world in a different way, a better way. I think that living the norm at home doesn't expand the horizons of the mind enough when you are following a routine. Step out of the box and experience something new.

Well where am I at now with the planning? I'm pretty much done. Some minor loose ends to tie but nothing that's screaming with priority. All my supplies are bought, I've slowly started the "to pack" pile. It's rather large and has fallen over a couple times. There's no way I'm fitting it in my bag, so I'm gonna need to make a "put back in the closet" pile, try to stuff what's left into my bag, take it all back out again and make a second "put back in the closet" pile. These crazy climate changes and all my camping gear is a real pain to pack! What else... oh my flight home has been extended by another 4 hours. Joy. And it will all be spent in my most favourite (not) airport of all time. Houston. Just what I needed after a week of crazy Carnival. But other than that and the packing issue, things are running smooth. Lets hope it stays that way! Oh, the CDN dollar has been losing strength. I should probably get my money changed asap before it gets worse, but what if it gets better?! Ugh I hate the markets!

In the great news section, my leave of absence from work has been approved! And not only that, I have been offerered a promotion upon my return from my trip! Pretty awesome considering I thought I was going to have to lose my job to go away for three months. But now I get to keep both! Yippee!! Thank you BCUC!

Now just to work on my tan for the next few weeks, finish up the last few to do's. And hopefully get some rest! I won't be getting any while away. I may be off work for three months, but I don't think I'll be getting any sleep in's! Wouldn't want to waste it!

Alrighty, time for bed for me! I think I'll check back in one more time before I go and then I'll be writing in this from South America! Whoohoo!

Love and hugs

Kim