The Home Stretch

4 days left in Calgary before I go. Holy sheep shit. I have been on the phone with OHIP every day trying to finalize that I will be covered when I leave for the next year. Been faxing, and holding and talking to them non-stop---it's like a friggen relationship but the good news is it's almost completely finalized.

This past week I worked my last shift at Joey Tomatoes and had a good night for tips. Done work now officially and have been doing the last minute things like getting a beach towel, some new flip flops and making final arrangements. Going to start packing soon--bringing the suitcase up tonight. Scary! I think I know everything I want to bring, let's just hope I have enough room.

The past 2 days have been a blurr that's really all I can say. I want to say thank you to family and friends who've been keeping in touch and sending me love before I take off. I've really appreciated and felt so loved lately with all the kind words and wishes for my travels. It's a great thing to be surrounded by such amazing people who I will miss SO much.

Tonight I am going to Aussie Rules--the coolest dueling piano bar here in Calgary with dad and Steven and likely Tim! Tim drove in from Vancouver to visit me and family and we had a great day walking around Eau Claire and seeing the shops. Aussie Rules takes song requests and then plays them on their pianos in their version, it's really cool and they can play ANYTHING! Including the Biebs. Very excited. Sunday night we're doing Chinese take out with Nana to have a last visit before I go.

The next few days are likely going to fly by which is a bit scary but I think it's time to go. I cannot believe it's already here. Really looking forward to getting to Brisbane and having some time to discover the city, run, and meet amazing people. Hoping to meet some fellow Canadians who can join Stewy, Em and I at Oktoberfest in Bris. My close family friends Carol and Joe had a dinner for me last weekend and bought me a beautiful journal to write while I am away--my all time favourite thing obviously. Going to start writing a lot on my travels which I hope to turn into a book. Doesn't need to be a seller but I would love to have a memoir of this journey so fellow travelers can get inspired :)

I got to thinking this week that so many things happen for a reason. Yes, cliche but I think I'm starting to see that in effect. I am starting to feel that this trip has been awaiting me my whole life and I'm finally doing what I need to do. A very close person to me named Linda has been my inspiration for the past year and has inspired me and encouraged me to follow my dreams, take chances and see what the world has to offer. I cannot thank her enough for lighting that spark in me.

This may be the last blog before I go though I will try and write one the day before I leave with my final words. Lots to do in the next few days and not a lot of time to get it done! Crazy to think I'll be meeting up with a couple of my greatest friends on the other side of the world. Stew, I'll be at the airport in October buddy, ready to start this craziness. I applied to an Island called Pumpkin Island on the Great Barrier Reef where they said they are looking for 2 backpackers to stay on the island, do some gardening and they will allow them to stay for free and use all the islands facilities including snorkeling, scuba, surf and more equipment. I sent Stew's and my resumes and it looks like we'll have a job in November! Woooooo!

Anyways, enjoy the weekend. I know I will!