The beginning of Good-bye's

Leaving Washington in exactly 3 weeks...just returned from my first "official" good-bye celebration. At university I lived with the same roommate for three years--in ONE room. How we made it through and how she is still one of my bestest friends no one knows...but tonight her lovely family took me out for a great Italian meal (she is half Sicilian)--her entire family including, sister, mother, dad, grandma, grandpa and husband all came along. It was so wonderful to have the opportunity to catch up (since I haven't seen them since her wedding in April) and say good-bye.

As wonderful as the evening was it got me thinking about how tough the next few weeks will be. I am so absolutely ready for my adventure, but saying good-bye to life in DC is simply bitter sweet. I've come to realize that this chapter of my life--the first few years out of college, "early 20s'--is about to close. A new exciting chapter of new opportunities, adventures and an entirely new continent to explore awaits...

D.C.... the next few weeks are for toasting this powerful city
and the incredibly people who have made it so special and memorable!

Recap from last month and ticket tips

The last month has been an absolute whirlwind...a brief recap: I've found a wonderful new replacement roommate for Lamont Hall, moved back to my parents house for the next 5 weeks to spend time with family and save extra cash and I just returned from a 10 day trip to Moscow to celebrate my best friend Dasha's wedding at which I was the maid of honor :-) Besides the horrible smog which blanketed the entire city, the trip was a success. Dasha and Stas's wedding was straight out of a fairy tale--complete with a fireworks show and a Rozenbaum performance (for non-russian's this is like Frank Sinatra performing at your wedding)...I danced to this song with the best man.

(Dasha and Stas dancing to Rozenbaum)

There are 5 weeks left until my big adventure kicks off. I am starting my trip with a 4 day visit to San Francisco--the ticket was purchased with United frequent flier miles--for those of you who are not yet signed up for their frequent flier program, do it NOW. You earn miles by flying with any StarAlliance member airline. My flight to Australia was purchased through STA travel. A one way ticket from SF is only costing me $522 (taxes included). STA travel has really great deals for students, teachers and anyone under the age of 26. I recommend checking their rates for those of you who are planning on visiting me in the next year...:-)))

My checklist for the next 5 weeks is rather substantial but here are some of the top items:
(If you have tips on anything below please let me know)
1. Transferring to a bank with good international rates or branches/affiliates in AUS
2. Purchasing new mobile which can function internationally
3. Sorting out health insurance--I am hoping Obama's new health care plan will play in my favor since I am still under 26 and may be eligible for my parent's health insurance
4. Looking into buying a e-reader--any preferrence over Kindle, Nook or Sony?!
(I am thinking it might come in handy since I plan on a good deal of travelling while I'm away)

Phew...now to start checking those items off...