T-9hrs

Well, my friends, this is it. According to the clock on my computer, it's exactly nine hours from my scheduled departure time from O'Hare Airport in Chicago.

No, I'm not done packing yet.

Mostly, but not quite. I've got a load of laundry going, I'm filling up my iPod with 4 months worth of music (including the obligatory Sweet Home Chicago), and I'm double-checking that I've got all the essentials for what feels like the millionth time. Passport? Check. Visa? Check. ID? Check. Delicious snacks? Check. Gameboy, charged, with Harvest Moon and Phantasy Star Collection? Check and double check. Half a dozen books (all given to me by you, my friends)? Check x6. I feel like I ought to be able to finish at least three of them by the end of my 15-hour flight from Newark to Delhi.

Also tonight, I counted the cash I've received from friends and family in the last couple of weeks and am looking at my fundraiser page and am pretty much floored at how generous you all have been to me.... I am truly and deeply touched by your philanthropy, and I sincerely hope that my trip lives up to all our expectations!

Much love to you all! <3

A blog is born

Hi everyone!

Assuming Blogger is as easy to use as I've been told, this is going to be my main platform for keeping in touch with all of you when I am overseas. I'm not sure yet what my internet access is going to be like, or phone service, or technological capabilities in general, so if nothing else I will try to keep this updated as much as possible!

In the meantime, my fundraiser page is located here if you'd like to donate to help offset my costs. Any and all contributions are graciously accepted. Thank you!

Here's to adventure!! <3