Absence makes the heart grow fonder....

10:56pm and I'm done packing. Not so bad. Darsh is almost there too. That is surprisingly good as he's usually a last second packer.

It just feels so weird that we're actually going on this trip. I mean we're almost gone for half a year (4 1/2 months to be exact but Darsh seems to think we'll extend it). Weird!! I'm so excited but of course I'm also kind of sad to be leaving. I'm a total creature of habit so it's going to take me a bit to get out of my need for "home" and all that is comfortable. That said, I am soooo going to take advantage of this amazing opportunity and see/feel things from a different perspective.

There a million things I'm going to miss but if I had to name the top 5 they would be:

1. Above all, my friends and family
2. My workouts - specifically those with Brad Newman and Natalie Yco. And of course I'll miss all my Equinox peeps. I'll still work out but well it doesn't even compare....
3. Santa Monica/Venice Beach - we'll be visiting a ton of beaches but it's just not the same
4. Taco Bell - I think it's funny that workouts and Taco Bell are in my top 5 but this will always be my favorite "bad" food
5. My iPhone - this includes immediate access to Facebook and Twitter. I've been told that I need to do a technology cleanse....

Just for kicks here are Darsh's top 5:

1. Friends and family
2. Day drinking and/or biking at the beach
3. Practicing DJ skillz
4. Taco Bell - it's really funny that he said that also because I really don't know any other person that would
5. Not having to be on a budget

We leave tomorrow at 12:30pm. One long flight later we'll land in Tokyo. We've got our rail passes and our phrasebook so hopefully we'll be good to go. :) Japan is going to be a whirlwind since we only have 7 days and there is a ton to see.

There are so many things I'm excited to see but most of all I just want to experience different people and cultures. I'm really hoping the planner inside of me will chill a bit so I can really just get the "local" experience. Darsh will keep me grounded I'm sure. :)

Missing everyone already. Have a wonderful summer and try to visit if you can!

xoxo

peace and love