Well, I'm off....

So, the last few days have been a little overwhelming. I spent most of yesterday procrastinating (rather than packing) probably because it hadn't hit me yet that I was leaving!!! I went to bed around 2:45 this morning and got up around 8:15 to finish straightening up my room and doing all of the other last minute things.

My drive to Miami was pretty good! I feel jipped living in North Florida; there are like NO palm trees up there! I was surrounded by palm trees, especially as I reached the airport. I was surprised that there was little to no traffic on my way south. I figured since it was a holiday that everyone from up north would be racing to the beach. Guess not. *shrugs*

It took me a minute to actually remember what airline I was flying (Aerolinas Galapagos or Aerogal for short). lol No one knew what I was talking about when I said the whole name. After a nice man directed me to where I belong, I got checked in relatively quickly, but only to find out that my flight is going to be delayed an HOUR AND A HALF! I was already supposed to arrive in Quito in the wee hours of the morning, but now.... Dang. I'm going to be like DEAD tomorrow.

I've been sitting here at the gate (which was moved) and emailing people, Facebooking, Tweeting and doing whatever else necessary to get my mind of the weight of this situation. I brought my favorite AKA throw with me. I'm so glad I did because I am FREEZING right now! I should have grabbed my Rosetta Stone disks, but I didn't. It doesn't seem like my flight will be very full, there are only about 20 people waiting with me, and since I'm flying internationally, we all had to check in 3 hrs before the planned departure time.

July 4, 2009 has approached SO fast. The longer I sit here, the more I realize what an amazing opportunity that I have been afforded. Even though this is the first time that I've been to another country alone, I know deep inside that this is going to drastically change my life. Of course, I had my breakdown moments last night with my boyfriend and this morning with my mom. LOL! I wouldn't be me if I didn't cry at least once. But now, after some tears, prayers and a 5 hour drive, I'm ready to experience Ecuador in 30 days.

LET'S GO! :)